What the papers say – January 1

The front pages on Saturday focus on the “real heroes” of the pandemic, an award for the man who was James Bond, and Brexit woes.

Two boys who raised more than £800,000 for the NHS during the pandemic have become the youngest recipients of honours from the Queen, reports the Daily Mirror.

The youngsters’ achievements are also noted by i weekend, which says accolades have been given to “our heroes of the pandemic (and celebrities did well too)”.

The Daily Express focuses on honours being given to “real heroes” and notes the achievements of England’s chief medical officer (CMO), Professor Chris Whitty, UK Health Security Agency chief Dr Jenny Harries, and deputy CMO Jonathan Van-Tam.

Dr Harries has been made a dame “despite the testing chaos that is threatening the new year return to work and schools”, according to The Daily Telegraph.

The Daily Star, meanwhile, reports that James Bond star Daniel Craig has been made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, the same honour given to 007.

Restrictions on freedom “must be an absolute last resort” and the UK must look to “live alongside” coronavirus in 2022, Health Secretary Sajid Javid writes in the Daily Mail.

A survey by The Guardian has shown the “tidal wave” of threats and abuse directed at the Government’s scientific and medical advisers.

The Independent has carried out a poll which found most voters believe Brexit has done the country more harm than good.

And The Times reports that ministers are considering relaxing immigration rules to make it easier for thousands of Indians to live and work in the UK.