What's happened
UK Parliament shuts down as MPs attend party conferences
Why it matters
The closure of Parliament for party conferences is significant as it marks a critical period for political parties to rally their supporters and present their agendas. The challenges faced by Rishi Sunak's government and the release of a large amount of documents before the break also add to the significance of this event.
What the papers say
The Mirror highlights the challenges faced by Rishi Sunak's government, including crumbling schools and allegations of a Chinese spy in Parliament. The article also mentions the flurry of documents released before the break. The Guardian focuses on the former top civil servant at the Foreign Office, Lord Simon McDonald, revealing that he voted to remain in the EU during the 2016 referendum. The Independent and The Times also cover Lord McDonald's admission, with The Independent mentioning conversations within the government about a potential second referendum on leaving the EU. BBC News features an interview with the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, discussing allegations of a Chinese spy operating in Westminster and the importance of maintaining security in Parliament. The Telegraph provides a satirical take on civil servants' reactions to the EU referendum result.
How we got here
The closure of Parliament for party conferences is a regular occurrence, but this round of conferences is seen as particularly important as it could be the last before the next election. Rishi Sunak's government has faced various challenges, including criticism over the state of schools and allegations of a Chinese spy in Parliament. The release of a large number of documents and statements before the break, known as "take out the trash" day, has raised concerns about burying bad news.
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