Papers focus on rail firm failure

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The collapse of the East Coast Mainline franchise held by National Express lead inevitably to talk of "derailments" and "red signals ahead" in the newspapers.

The Independent says there are <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/philip-haigh-debacle-raises-questions-for-franchise-system-1728014.html">hard questions</a> over rail franchising.

It says that we have the worst of both worlds as private companies reap profits in the good times but costs fall on taxpayers in the bad.

The Guardian says the failure exposes the <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jul/02/editorial-rail-network">fragile relations </a> between the private sector and taxpayer.

The decision not to grant <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1196817/BREAKING-NEWS-Shock-Train-Robber-Ronnie-Biggs-refused-parole-wholly-unrepentant.html">the train robber, Ronnie Biggs,</a> parole is the Daily Mail's main story, under the headline: "Biggs will die in jail".

Meanwhile, the Daily Express thinks the <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/111229">decision is "bang on". </a> Liberal lawyers will squeal on his behalf, it says, but Biggs has only himself to blame.

Swine flu

The Independent <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/uk-student-sparks-kenya-swine-flu-alert-1727989.html">says a UK medical student </a> in Kenya is the country's first confirmed case of swine flu.

It says the man, 20, was unaware that he was carrying the virus.

The Mirror, the Sun and the Daily Star lead on the aftermath of Michael Jackson's death.

They say his will stated he wanted Diana Ross to look after his three children if his mother was not able to.

The Express leads with details of a <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/111310/Ultra-sound-cancer-cure-">pioneering treatment for prostate cancer</a> which may be more successful than surgery or radiotherapy.

According to the Independent, scientists have discovered links between the <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/unlocked-the-secrets-of-schizophrenia-1727987.html">genetic faults </a> behind both schizophrenia and manic depression.

Confusing signs

A campaign group has published an album of what it deems unnecessary and patronising safety signs and several papers gleefully publish a selection.

Josie Appleton, from the group, writes in the Express, saying signs are getting bigger and brighter.

The Daily Telegraph says a student was turned away from the stewards' enclosure at the Henley Royal Regatta because her dress was deemed too short.

Lucy Mogford, 22, had to buy a dress which satisfied entry requirements.