Papers focus on banking measures

The government is set to become the biggest shareholder in two of Britain's banks, according to the Sunday Times.

The paper says RBS and HBOS are to ask for £15bn and £10bn respectively. Lloyds TSB requires £7bn and Barclays £3bn, it adds.

The Sunday Telegraph says the government is planning radical new proposals which could go as far as nationalising the whole banking system.

This should be a strictly temporary measure, stresses the paper.

Job losses

As the credit crunch continues to bite, the Sunday Telegraph highlights the number of jobs which have been lost.

The paper says the figure stands at least 1,000 each at ITV, HSBC and UBS, and thousands more in manufacturing and construction, and luxury goods.

The News of the World says 1,500 jobs are being lost every day.

The Observer and the People have a more dramatic figure, quoting economists as predicting that two million people could lose their jobs by Christmas.

Brown image

Some of the papers present Gordon Brown as the hero of the hour.

The Sunday Mirror suggests that while there are likely to be very tough times ahead, at least we have a prime minister who understands what must be done.

But is he guilty of cashing in on the markets crisis, wonders the Independent on Sunday - some say he is using the meltdown to boost his own image.

Andrew Rawnsley in the Observer says Mr Brown has been re-energised and given a second chance.

State ethics

"Palin shrugs off Troopergate censure" is the Independent on Sunday headline, picturing Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin shrugging.

The paper suggests she seems untroubled by a ruling that she violated state ethics by sacking an official.

There is nothing in the findings that is likely to sway partisans, believes the Sunday Telegraph.

But there is much that ought to give undecided voters pause, Tim Shipman in Washington writes.