Papers focus on Blair departure

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A number of papers focus on Tony Blair's insistence that he will be at the European Union summit in late June.

The Guardian says it is the first time since he announced his intention to stand down this year that the PM said he will stay on so long.

The Times notes it was timed as Gordon Brown - his likely successor - left for a tour of India.

Under the headline "Staying Power", The Sun says the PM "defied pressure to quit early".

Inflation 'gloom'

The inflation figures prompt discussion with the Daily Mail carrying the headline "Homeowners' Triple Whammy".

It predicts fresh interest rate rises, the Retail Prices Index at a 15-year high, and a "debt trap" for new buyers.

The Financial Times notes private and public sector unions are pledging to defend their members' living standards.

For the Daily Telegraph, this all spells "gloom" for Gordon Brown, now facing the highest inflation since Labour took office.

Big Brother

The Independent says the home secretary faces "intense embarrassment" after a third terror suspect has gone on the run after breaking a control order.

Human rights group Liberty tells the Guardian control orders themselves are under the spotlight.

Claims of racist bullying on Celebrity Big Brother shows no sign of abating.

The Sun speaks of a "House Of Hate", while the Daily Mirror reports that politicians, celebrities and fans have expressed their disgust.

Ali tributes

The Independent reports the Doomsday Clock - which depicts how close the world is to nuclear disaster - is to have its hands moved forward.

The Daily Express says that British scientists are close to finding a cure for MRSA and other hospital superbugs.

As Muhammad Ali turns 65, the Daily Mail describes how the man himself is not well enough to attend celebrations in his home town of Louisville.

An editorial in the Daily Telegraph recalls how Ali was an "artist".