Truss takes over as prime minister while pound plummets against dollar

As Truss takes over, there are sombre headlines about the state of the UK economy, with the country heading for recession, according to some reports.

Elsewhere, public transport costs to Heathrow from central London are also on the rise, while police in Majorca are investigating the death of a British holidaymaker who fell from the sixth floor of a hotel on the island.

Here are the key national press headlines the travel industry woke up to on Tuesday (6 September).

New PM Truss set to freeze energy bills

Liz Truss is expected to freeze energy bills at their current level for every household and business in the UK in one of her first acts as the new prime minister. Truss will officially take over as PM from Boris Johnson on Tuesday (6 September) before giving her maiden speech to the country in Downing Street. (Various)

Sterling falls in UK’s slide towards recession

An economic survey has suggested that the UK is heading towards recession as the pound’s value against the US dollar fell to its lowest level since 1985. Business activity in the UK dropped during August for the first time in 18 months as the economic recovery from the pandemic stalled amid surging inflation. (The Times)

Sudden hike in Heathrow train and Tube fares 

Off-peak fares on trains and the Tube linking central London with Heathrow airport have been scrapped. All journeys between the UK’s hub airport and the centre of the capital are now being charged at higher peak prices. (The Independent)

British woman dies after falling from sixth floor of hotel in Majorca

A British woman has died after plunging from the sixth floor of a hotel in Majorca. Police on the Spanish island are investigating the death of the 35-year-old, who had been staying in the capital Palma. (The Metro)

Lightning and floods to batter Britain 

Lightning and floods are expected to batter the UK in the next few days as heavy rain sweeps across the country. The Met Office has issued thunderstorm warnings for large parts of the western half of the UK. (The Sun)

Jetstar apologises to stranded passengers in Bali

Australian airline Jetstar has apologised to around 4,000 passengers who were left stranded in Bali over the past week because of flight cancellations. The budget airline, owned by Qantas, said it had cancelled eight return flights to Sydney and Melbourne from Denpasar since 1 September. (BBC News)