What the papers say – March 5

Fury over a small pay rise for NHS staff, the prospect of summer holidays and the latest with the coronavirus vaccine feature on Friday’s front pages.

The i writes the 1% pay rise offered to “heroes of the pandemic” has led medics to accuse the Government of “failing the NHS staff who are getting the nation through (the) pandemic”.

The Daily Mirror says the increase could mean experienced nurses take home an extra £3.50 per week, with the paper calling it a “paltry pay award”.

And The Guardian writes the plans have seen Chancellor Rishi Sunak placed under fire, with a similar story leading The Independent.

The Times leads with the impact of the budget on people’s voting intention, saying the Tories have opened up a 13 point lead over Labour.

The Daily Telegraph writes European nations have begun to block the export of the AstraZeneca vaccine, adding Germany performed an “about-turn” and made the jab available for over 65s.

On coronavirus, and Health Secretary Matt Hancock saying the vaccine should mean “staycations” are possible leads the Daily Express.

The latest with Harry and Meghan leads Metro, with the paper reporting Boris Johnson has been drawn into the “growing row” over bullying claims as his cabinet secretary previously worked for the royal family, while the Daily Star carries a sideways take on the story.

The Daily Mail writes a “lavish makeover” of Mr Johnson and Carrie Symonds’ flat could cost £200,000.

And the Financial Times says British businessman Sanjeev Gupta’s GFG Alliance has ceased payments to Greensill Capital, the paper saying it marks a “stunning rupture” between two businesses which had close links.