Brown's woes continue in papers

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Gordon Brown's woes rumble on as Labour MPs prepare for their first meeting since the party's recent by-election defeat.

The Sunday Times says backbenchers want to ditch some of the so-called "Scots mafia" in favour of ministers who would appeal to English voters.

An unnamed MP ponders if there should be quotas for English MPs.

The Sunday Express says the prime minister is being pulled in two directions - towards middle England but also towards the unions.

Dirty business

The Sunday Telegraph says ministers tried to cover up a study which linked fortnightly rubbish collections to an increase in rat and fly infestations.

It says the report only came to light because the Conservatives tabled a question about it.

There are more worries about cleanliness in the People, which focuses on Britain's hospital food.

The paper says inspection reports show nearly 70% of kitchens had recently breached at least one food hygiene law.

Topping-up

The Sunday Times front page carries what it describes as an "NHS scandal".

It says a woman dying of cancer was refused free treatment because she had paid privately for some of her medication, known as "topping-up".

Many of the papers continue to voice concern about youth crime, with the Observer detailing a key report which shows Labour's strategy has "failed".

The government study found reoffending rates are "very high and have not significantly changed" since 1997.

Grubby food

The Mail on Sunday reports that some supermarkets are limiting the amount of rice customers can buy because of soaring prices and supply problems.

It compares the situation to shortages of sugar and bread caused by strikes in the 70s.

Global food shortages have led to a campaign for real "grub", according to the Independent on Sunday.

It quotes one naturalist who says bugs are the most "underused and delicious" animals in the world.