What the papers say – December 24

The latest on the investigation into drones which disrupted flights at Gatwick airport last week leads the Christmas Eve papers, along with Christmas messages from the Prime Minister and Queen.

The Times says the probe into the Gatwick drone attack has “descended into farce” after a couple arrested were released without charge and a senior police officer said it was possible the reported drone may not have existed.

The i also runs with Gatwick on the front, saying that ministers will hold a summit to discuss how security could be tightened following the “chaos”.

The Daily Mirror calls events in West Sussex a “farce”.

While the Daily Mail runs with the headline “Clueless”, reporting the innocent couple were held for 36 hours until being released on Sunday.

The Daily Telegraph runs with the Queen’s Christmas message, in which she will tell Britons to overcome “deeply held differences”.

The Guardian claims a provider of agency care workers has docked money from the pay packets of staff if they phone in sick.

The Financial Times runs with the shutdown in the United States, with the new chief of staff warning it could continue into 2019.

The Sun leads with a picture appearing to show the Duchess of Cambridge picking up “festive gifts” at The Range.

The Independent claims some mobile phone companies are potentially leaving their customers exposed to scams.

The Daily Express runs with words from Theresa May, with the Prime Minister urging people to back her EU deal so Parliament can focus on domestic issues.

And the Daily Star says “health killjoys” want to call time on a traditional Christmas dinner.