1. Are Tories considering tax-cuts rebellion?
With at least 70 Conservative MPs fearing their seats are at risk as a result of public fury over the government's cuts to tax credits, as many as eight Tory backbenchers are considering backing Labour’s calls for a rethink, says The Sun. The Observer says Michelle Dorrell's emotional attack on the government on BBC Question Time could be George Osborne's "poll tax moment".
2. VIP sex abuse: row over ‘false memory’ therapy
Two crucial witnesses in the VIP sex abuse scandal are being supported by a charity that uses a controversial therapy experts fear could generate false memories. The technique, in which the victims are given the details of the effects of sex abuse suffered by their own counsellor, has been condemned by many experts.
3. Jihadi John ‘made former captive tango dance’
A former Isis captive has described how “Jihadi John” forced him to dance the tango as part of a regime of torture and humiliation. Daniel Rye Ottosen, a 26-year-old freelance photographer from Denmark, was held alongside the murdered Alan Henning and James Foley. He was freed in June last year after his family paid the militant group a large ransom for his life.
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4. Big Ben ‘desperately’ needs £40m repairs
The famous chimes of Big Ben, perhaps the world’s most famous bell, are set to fall silent for three years because of the desperate need for up to £40m of repairs and refurbishment to the clock tower. The landmark, which is the focal point of new year celebrations in Britain, is in such poor condition that it is “ready to fail”, according to a Westminster source.
5. Did Blair sign-up for Iraq a year ahead of war?
A leaked White House memo suggests that Tony Blair pledged to back war in Iraq a year before the invasion started. The prime minister claimed publicly at the time that he was seeking a diplomatic solution to the crisis, telling voters: “We’re not proposing military action.” In the memo, US secretary of state Colin Powell tells George Bush that Blair “will be with us” on military action.
6. Tycoon dials 999 after spanking session goes wrong
A tycoon has been left a “laughing stock” after his GP girlfriend's spanking session left him calling 999. James Austin says he "can't look friends in the eye" following the court case in which his lover, Elvira Blakemore, was cleared of assault over the colourful romp. “It’s very upsetting,” he said. “I assume I’m the laughing stock.”
7. ‘Taliban bomb makers’ suing British soldiers
Taxpayers are facing a bill of almost £150m to defend British soldiers who are being sued for “just doing their duty”, says the Sunday Telegraph. In the aftermath of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, more than 2,000 separate compensation claims and judicial review cases have been prepared by lawyers. Among those launching the legal action are suspected Taliban bomb-makers.
8. Parents face fines over unregistered nannies
Parents who employ a nanny face fines of £400, plus £50 a day, until they register on a new government workplace pensions, reports the Sunday Telegraph. The same ruling will apply to elderly people with carers, and those who pay a regular gardener or any other person who is deemed to act as an "employer" by the taxman.
9. Tycoon Koppu hits northern Philippines
The Philippines has been hit by a tycoon. Homes were destroyed, power lines ripped out, and thousands of people have fled as Typhoon Koppu swept into northern regions. Disaster officials said the storm was also causing coastal surges 4m (12ft) high. It is expected to bring three days of torrential rain, triggering major flooding and possibly landslides.
10. Injuries ‘no defence’ for Wales World Cup exit
Coach Warren Gatland said Wales' raft of injuries were no excuse for their 23-19 World Cup quarter-final defeat by South Africa. Wales led 13-12 at the interval but Fourie du Preez's try with five minutes remaining won it for the Springboks. Defending champions New Zealand demolished France 62-13 and set up a semi-final against South Africa.
