Newspaper headlines: Travel 'hope' and health risk over quarantine end

"Britain's back in business," declares the Daily Mail, as it welcomes the scrapping of quarantine for vaccinated travellers from the US and much of Europe.

The Daily Express calculates that the decision will give the tourism industry a £31bn boost.

The i newspaper says it raises hopes that UK holidaymakers will soon be able to travel to France and Italy, while sources tell the Daily Telegraph about lobbying efforts to persuade the US to reciprocate and lift its ban on British travellers.

The Times focuses on reports that officials were told the move posed a "clear public health risk". The Guardian says that ministers were warned it could help import new Covid variants.

The relaxation of the rules receives less coverage in the American papers. The Washington Post mentions the change in a single line in an article about Europe opening up, adding that the US government has advised travellers to avoid the UK.

The New York Times notes that there are few clues as to when the British will be allowed into the States, despite calls from within the US travel industry and from some public health experts.

The Financial Times pictures city workers jumping over puddles in Wednesday's downpours - extreme weather that COP26 Coalition, a group formed ahead of the climate conference, says shows the vulnerability of the UK's infrastructure.

The Times says the head of the Royal Meteorological Society suggests even if the world meets UN global warming targets, Britain will continue to experience such rainfall and regular 40C heatwaves.

The Daily Telegraph says the housing secretary is to be given more powers to block "inappropriate development" on land threatened by flooding.

Online, the Independent reports on what it calls a "growing cabinet split" over China's role in the UK electric car industry. Senior Conservatives have raised concerns that some areas are too sensitive to allow for investment.

The papers celebrate some of the British Olympic successes, with many picturing a smiling Charlotte Dujardin on their front pages.

"Charli rides into history," says the Daily Mirror, noting the "equestrian star's record medal haul".

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The Guardian focuses on what it says is the near parity between the number of female and male competitors in the games.

But it suggests much more needs to be done, saying the withdrawal of the gymnast, Simone Biles, from two events highlights the pressure and double standards female athletes face.

The Sun's front page reports that after 17 years, Simon Cowell is axing the X-Factor. Sources suggest he plans to focus on a big-money gameshow.

The paper lists some of the acts the ITV show has launched, from One Direction, to Olly Murs and Little Mix.

And several papers pick up on a study suggesting that northern accents may start dying out within the next 45 years.

The Daily Star registers its alarm, with the headline: "Chuffing 'eck!" Or, as the Daily Telegraph puts it: "Why northern children of the future will talk like reet southern softies".