Papers spread word of recession

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The R word features in many of the papers as official data is expected to confirm the UK is in a recession.

A warning from Conservative leader David Cameron is highlighted by the Guardian.

In a speech, he said Britain is "running the risk" of having to borrow billions from the International Monetary Fund to stay afloat.

The Financial Times says the suggestion of a repeat of events of the 1970s will infuriate Labour, which has already accused the Tories of talking down the economy.

Public tolerance

The human cost of the recession is becoming clearer, with a 92% rise in repossessions in the third quarter of last year, says the Daily Express.

In the paper's words, it is a monstrous injustice that the mortgage lenders who wrecked the economy are now victimising those suffering in the wreckage.

The Daily Mirror also has the bank bosses in its sights.

It warns their "pay and pension" jamborees are stretching public tolerance to breaking point.

Mobile friend

The Independent says a wind of change is sweeping through Washington with Barack Obama's arrival.

It warns one of those who may be swept away is Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

The Times reports the US president has been allowed to keep his BlackBerry for communications with senior staff and a small number of personal friends.

Security fears stopped his predecessors from carrying mobile phones but a defiant Mr Obama said the device would have "to be pried out of his hands".

Oscar pedigree

The Daily Telegraph says 97 years after Captain Scott was beaten to the South Pole, Norway has done it again.

History repeated itself when two Norwegians got to the Pole ahead of a UK team, which includes Olympic oarsman James Cracknell and TV star Ben Fogle.

Finally, there is plenty of excitement about the Oscar nominations and in particular, hopes of British success with Slumdog Millionaire.

The Sun sums it up in its own style: "Slumdog has the pedigree to winalot."