Criticism of school snow closures

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Schools are given a grilling in the papers after more than 6,000 closed their doors on Tuesday due to the snow.

"Teachers must show grit," writes the Daily Telegraph. It says parents and business leaders are right to be angry over what it terms many schools' "defeatist approach".

The Guardian agrees. Its front page speaks of "fury over school closures".

The Sun says "our public services are paralysed by health and safety paranoia". Its leader blames "tinpot tyrants" in Britain's councils.

Research funding

There is reaction in the papers to the government's new strategy aimed at improving dementia care in Britain.

Calling the condition a "hidden epidemic", the Daily Mirror welcomes the plan, but says "it must be only the start".

The Daily Mail says it is "excellent" news. Investment of £150m is "enough to make a real difference to some of the most neglected people in our society".

But the Independent is unhappy. "There is no commitment to increase funding for research," it says.

Migrants suffering

The Times says it has learned that President Obama plans to hold "radical" talks with Russia aimed at slashing each country's nuclear arms stockpile.

"There is scope for each side to further its interests by compromise," its leader says.

Elsewhere, the Guardian has a troubling story about 220 Burmese migrants left adrift in open seas after being refused entry to Thailand.

During the journey, 22 died of exposure or dehydration.

'Thought police'

Carol Thatcher's sacking by the BBC for referring to a tennis player as a "golliwog" prompts much discussion.

"Even though the remark was made off camera, BBC chiefs are taking it very seriously," says the Daily Express.

But the Daily Mail argues it was a "jocular remark" made in private and seized upon by "BBC thought police".

"She is no more a bigot than Christian nurse Caroline Petrie... suspended after being overheard offering to pray for a patient," the paper writes.