1. PLEBGATE MP TO STAND FOR RE-ELECTION
Andrew Mitchell plans to stand for re-election as a Tory MP and wants to resume his ministerial career, says the Daily Telegraph. The former chief whip, who was at the heart of the ‘plebgate’ scandal, will stand for re-election as MP for Sutton Coldfield in May’s general election in a bid to “wipe the slate clean”. He is thinking of selling one of his homes to pay his legal bills.
Plebgate: what does libel ruling mean for Andrew Mitchell?
2. MIGRANTS: MERKEL FORCES PM RETREAT
Angela Merkel has forced David Cameron to retreat from a cap on EU migrants. The German chancellor had warned the prime minister that she would not tolerate such an incursion into the principle of the free movement of workers. Although his decision will disappoint Eurosceptic backbenchers it will please business leaders.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Latest Videos FromThe Week
3. 120 DEAD IN NIGERIA MOSQUE ATTACK
Up to 120 people are feared dead and at least 270 injured after gunmen and suicide bombers attacked a mosque in northern Nigeria. Analysts say the attacks bore the hallmarks of the Islamist militant group Boko Haram. The mosque’s leader said last week that people in the north of Nigeria should take up arms against Boko Haram.
4. LEADING HEAD LASHES PARENTS
The head teacher of a leading private school has attacked parents’ fear of failure. Clarissa Farr, of St Paul’s Girls’ School, said many parents display a “frenetic anxiety” and refuse to accept their child coming second. This leaves their children unable to cope with failure, she said, adding that many parents “are on edge”.
5. GORDON BROWN WANTS SCOTS RESET
Gordon Brown wants Scottish politicians to stop obsessing over constitutional change and concentrate on improving people’s lives. "Scottish politics has got to reset and Labour is pressing the reset button,” he told the BBC. He is to urge the SNP to move on from the referendum and concentrate on five areas: youth employment, the NHS, the wider economy, pensioners and "fairness".
6. END OF ROAD FOR THREE-POINT TURN
Has the three-point turn reached the end of the road? The biggest shake-up to the driving test in 20 years could see the dreaded manoeuvre replaced with new parking exercises. In addition, learners may be asked to follow directions on a satnav as part of a significantly revised practical exam designed to reflect ‘real-world’ conditions.
7. BISHOP CALLS FOR KORAN AT CORONATION
The coronation of Prince Charles should open with a reading from the Koran, argues a senior Church of England bishop. The gesture would be a “creative act of accommodation” which would make Muslims feel “embraced” by the nation, Lord Harries of Pentregarth said. However, critics said his proposal shows the Church is “losing confidence” in its own institutions and traditions.
8. LENNY HENRY TO EDIT TODAY PROGRAMME
Comic Lenny Henry and singer Tracey Thorn are among the famous names chosen to guest edit BBC Radio 4's Today over Xmas. Also on the list are former governor of the Bank of England Mervyn King and the House of Commons speaker John Bercow. Festive guest editors in the past include Michael Palin, Prof Stephen Hawking, PD James, Melinda Gates and Lord Tebbit.
9. DARTH VADER: ‘I HAVE DEMENTIA’
Darth Vader actor David Prowse has revealed he is suffering from dementia. The 79-year-old said he would have loved a part in the new Star Wars movie but “would probably forget” his lines. “Sometimes I can’t remember things I did yesterday,” he added. “That worries me more than not remembering something 20 years ago.”
Star Wars: Carrie Fisher claims she had affair with Harrison Ford
10. CAN THIERRY HENRY SAVE GUNNERS?
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry hopes to return to the club in a coaching capacity and help them win the Champions League, says The Sun. The Gunners travel to West Brom for the lunchtime kick-off. Later, Manchester United host Hull. Boss Louis van Gaal says Robin van Persie's confidence is low after a "very bad game" against the Gunners last weekend.
Can Arsenal and Man City find European form in the league?
