Prison releases and diesel threat lead UK newspaper front pages

The Metro reports that the first 700 of an expected 4,500 prisoners eligible for early release in England and Wales were freed on Thursday. The Daily Mail describes it as the first of 10 scheduled releases running through to June 2027, and suggests that up to 50,000 offenders a year could eventually be released early. Both accounts feature in the BBC’s review of Friday’s front pages. [1]

On welfare, the Guardian reports that ministers are considering a proposal to remove a key disability benefit for under-25s and replace it with a multibillion-pound package of support to help people into work. [1]

The Times says the UK has held emergency talks over President Donald Trump’s threat to ban US diesel exports. It reports concern that releasing European diesel reserves, as Trump has demanded, could leave Europe exposed if the Middle East crisis worsens this winter. The Telegraph estimates that the UK imports about 55% of its diesel, but says it is unclear whether any US export ban would cover the UK. [1]

Elsewhere, the Financial Times leads on a global bond sell-off. The i Paper cites sources suggesting Prime Minister Andy Burnham is leaving open the possibility of an election in May 2027, while noting that he has publicly said the next election will be in 2029. [1]