The National:

NOWHERE in Europe has there been more coronavirus deaths than in the UK.

That’s despite the fact that the Tory government had the chance to learn from other countries hit by the virus earlier.

More than 32,000 people are confirmed to have died across the UK, with analysts agreeing that the true figure is far higher.

One statistician today estimated that there have been more than 40,000 deaths linked to Covid-19 in England alone.

READ MORE: Statistician says England's real coronavirus death toll is 44,000

Such statistics are sobering, and most would assume that it would be sensible for restrictions to remain in place until the death rate drops significantly.

Yet the grim reality of the situation does not seem to be apparent to English newspaper editors, who this morning outraged onlookers by striking a pointedly upbeat tone on their front pages.

“HURRAH!” read the Daily Mail front page, reacting to suggestions that Boris Johnson’s government is considering lifting lockdown restrictions.

The Sun, went with: “HAPPY MONDAY … Go out to exercise all you like.”

“First steps to freedom from Monday,” read the Daily Express front page.

SNP councilor for Musselburgh and Cosla health and social care spokesperson Stuart Currie was less than impressed.

NHS oncologist Clive Peedell commented: “As a cancer doctor who has witnessed both the direct and indirect medical consequences of #COVID19, I can confidently state that these headlines from the UK tabloid press, are going to cost more lives and prolong the problem.”

Professor Tim Bale added: “I see the very same people who are worried we'll all become 'addicted' to furlough are still addicted to giving off-the-record briefings to their favourite newspapers, regardless of the consequences.”

Blogger Jessica Davies tweeted: “A woman losing weight is front page news, but the highest death toll in Europe isn’t.”

READ MORE: The UK has Europe's highest death toll – but you wouldn't know from the papers

Another Twitter user, referencing the Daily Mail front page, posted: “Surely this is an irresponsible front page? Nothing has been officially announced yet, and you’d be forgiven for thinking reading this you are allowed to do all of these things from today!

“Only two days ago we had the 2nd highest death count in the world!”

However, ITV’s Robert Peston said there was “huge anxiety” on Downing Street about the front pages amid fears the public are expecting a huge shift away from lockdown restrictions.

Perhaps if the Prime Minister showed some proper leadership, the public would know where they stand.