Boris Johnson finds himself on the front page of several Saturday newspapers after the Foreign Secretary came under criticism for comments on a British mother jailed in Iran and bullfighting.
Brexit, the Budget and “begging” charities also feature, as does the BBC’s decision to cancel a Christmas special following allegations of sexual assault made against one of its stars.
Mr Johnson is highlighted on the front page of The Times, which has a special report on Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 38, who is accused of plotting to topple the regime in Tehran. Mr Johnson was scorned after his comments on her case were said to have given Iranian officials an excuse to extend her five-year jail sentence.
Meanwhile Daily Mirror takes aim at Mr Johnson for describing a ban on bullfighting as “political correctness gone mad” at an Anglo-Spanish event.
However the embattled Cabinet minister may draw some comfort from the front page of the Daily Telegraph, which says his allies have spoken in support of his position on the so-called Brexit ‘divorce bill’.
The newspaper also reports that charities are circumventing new rules on sending “begging” letters to elderly people.
The Guardian has a Brexit-inspired illustration by Gruffalo artist Axel Schleffer on its front page, alongside its lead story on warnings by a senior officer that budget cuts “threaten disaster” for policing terror.
Speculation over Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Budget plans feature on the front page of the FT Weekend, with a report that he is considering a shake-up of VAT rules.
The Sun thanks readers for donating their old ’round pounds’ to the Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal, while it also trails coverage of the BBC’s decision to pull a Christmas drama starring Ed Westwick after he was accused of serious sexual assault.
The Daily Mail says Christmas sales are already under way in some high street chains after takings slumped.
And the Daily Express reports on a discovery by scientists that eating mushrooms could help ward off diseases including cancer and dementia.