Differing views on Human Rights Act

Depending on where you look, the Human Rights Act appears as either "ludicrous" - in the Sun - or "precious" - in the Independent.

The Sun says the act is a "disgraceful piece of legislation" because it lets judges make rulings that put the rights of criminals above their victims.

The Daily Mirror says the act is tied up with EU membership - meaning Tony Blair will not remedy any problems.

"We mustn't dream of upsetting Brussels," says the Daily Mail.

The Independent says ministers, who say legislation may be brought in to stop the Human Rights Act putting the public in danger, "to their shame...chose the low road of harsh words to please the crowd".

The Guardian says the act is "a piece of legislation of which the government ought to be proud".

It believes there is "no real merit whatsoever" in the campaign to attack or change the law.

It says it is frightening that the government is so ready to undermine confidence in a system of law "that has worked so well for so long".

Public services

The Times and Telegraph both think Mr Blair will try to forestall more criticism when he speaks later on the public services.

The Telegraph says Mr Blair will "admit that the criminal justice system is still in chaos nine years after Labour came to power".

Meanwhile, the Times reminds its reader that he was elected promising to make crime one of his top priorities.

The Daily Express fears "an exodus of doctors" from the health service.

It predicts that more than 7,000 family doctors will retire within the next 18 months or so - attracted by the higher pensions now on offer under the new GP contract.

Football hotels

The World Cup may still be three weeks away, but the hotel bookings are a done deal.

The Mail takes a tour round the Black Forest schloss where England will be staying, and christens the fortress, "Stalag Sven".

The Mirror thinks "the best hotel" has been snapped up by Argentina - its headline says: "One-nil to the Argies".

And the Times reports that John Cleese - of "Don't mention the war" fame - has appeared in a German television show about the humour of football.