What the papers say: Thursday's front pages

Thu, 13 Mar, 2025 - 07:50

Micheál Martin's meeting with Donald Trump dominates the front page headlines on Thursday.

The Irish Times has analysis of how the Taoiseach used his diplomatic skills to "say nothing" in the Oval Office.

The Irish Examiner and Irish Independent focus on the potential impact on the Irish pharmaceutical sector after Mr Trump claimed Ireland "stole" the industry from the US.

The Irish Daily Mail says "job done" as Mr Martin avoided a public spat with the US president despite their differences.

The Irish Daily Mirror and Irish Daily Star quote Mr Trump as saying he does "not want to hurt Ireland" alongside photos of the bowl of shamrock and JD Vance's shamrock socks.

The Belfast Telegraph carries a photo of Mr Trump alongside the North's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. The paper says the region could become collateral damage in any potential trade war with the European Union.

The impact of Mr Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminium imports features among a range of stories leading the British papers.

The Metro reports UK prime minister Keir Starmer refused to join worldwide reprisals on the decision, while the Daily Mirror leads with fears over job losses for the British steel industry.

Thursday's METRO: Deal or no steel?#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/P89y71j8So

— Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) March 12, 2025

Thursday's DAILY MIRROR: Trade war hammer blow#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/RnGs6sOyQU

— Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) March 12, 2025

Elsewhere, the i Paper and The Guardian say planned cuts to sickness and disability benefits in Britain could be watered down due to opposition from Labour MPs.

Thursday's i: Benefits turmoil in No 10 as Labour MPs fight Reeves plan to cut welfare#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/dHtAS4IIe2

— Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) March 12, 2025

Thursday's GUARDIAN: Starmer faces MPs' anger over major cuts to welfare#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/KcXa6HvXsl

— Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) March 12, 2025

The Daily Telegraph carries comment from Mr Starmer, who warns the British state has become “overcautious and flabby”.

Thursday's DAILY TELEGRAPH: I'll tackle 'flabby' state, vows Starmer#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/WXNEv2Wstd

— Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) March 12, 2025

The US president has warned Russia to sign the ceasefire deal with Ukraine or face economic devastation, according to The Times.

Thursday's TIMES: Back peace or I'll ruin you, Trump tells Putin#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/g5bk51cydK

— Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) March 12, 2025

Back at home, the Daily Mail reports a record number of Britons are part of the 40 per cent tax bracket.

Thursday's DAILY MAIL: Record 5 million forced to pay higher rate tax#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/u13Bo3TEHz

— Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) March 12, 2025

The Daily Express says Britain's Queen Camilla has sent a message of support to French rape survivor Gisele Pelicot.

Thursday's DAILY EXPRESS: Caring Queen's support for rape survivor Gisele#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/HlpMzIHd8Y

— Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) March 12, 2025

The Financial Times reports Britain’s top financial regulators have axed plans to impose stricter rules for diversity and inclusion following criticism from politicians and businesses.

Thursday's FINANCIAL TIMES UK EDITION: City watchdogs scrap diversity and inclusion drive after firms' backlash#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/WyqfSKqGxK

— Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) March 12, 2025

The Sun says celebrity couple Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright have welcomed a baby girl.