1. David Cameron may have to push for Brexit
David Cameron may campaign for a Brexit, claims the Daily Telegraph. The prime minister has privately conceded he will have to campaign to leave the European Union if he continues to be "completely ignored" by Brussels, according to close allies. This week, he has abandoned his hopes for an early EU referendum.
2. Isis ‘is spreading into Afghanistan’
Isis has invaded Afghanistan, reports The Times this morning. Fighters from the group have claimed areas of eastern Afghanistan in a bid to establish a new province on territory straddling the border with Pakistan. Up to 1,600 fighters pledging allegiance to Isis are dominating four districts south of Jalalabad. Tens of thousands of villagers have fled.
3. Plastic bag charge ‘reduces use by nearly 80%’
The new 5p charge for plastic bags has cut usage by almost 80%, according to the first study since the measure was introduced. Britain’s biggest retailer, Tesco, has reported a 78% drop in number of single-use bags taken from its stores in England in the first month of the charge. Environment minister Rory Stewart tells the Daily Telegraph he is “delighted” by the figures.
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4. Ukip withdraws from polling conspiracy talk
Ukip has retreated from Nigel Farage’s contentious suggestion that “bent” postal votes handed Labour its unexpectedly healthy victory in the Oldham West and Royton by-election. Ukip’s deputy chairwoman Suzanne Evans urged members to “focus on what we can do to win next time, rather than risk just sounding like bad losers”.
5. San Bernardino lawyers: don’t jump to conclusions
Solicitors representing the family of the two San Bernardino attackers say relatives are "in complete shock" over the incident and warned against leaping to conclusions after the FBI said the attack was being investigated as an "act of terrorism". Reports claim that one of the suspects, Tashfeen Malik, used social media to pledge loyalty to Isis.
6. Santa Claus has died, says Norwegian newspaper
A leading national newspaper in Norway has apologised after publishing funeral details for Father Christmas. The death notice in Aftenposten read: “Our dear Father Christmas, born 12 December 1788 … died on 3 December in Nordkapp,” which is the country’s northernmost point. The announcement featured a picture of a cross and gave Santa’s age as 227.
7. Jeremy Corbyn speaks out against Islamophobia
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has spoken at an anti-Islamophobia rally outside Finsbury Park mosque. Corybn said racist attackers targeting Muslims will not succeed in dividing the community. He told a crowd: “Tonight in Finsbury Park we set an example, unity is our strength.” Last Friday, a man attempted to set fire to the Mosque during a failed arson event.
8. What do Brits find most annoying?
Waking up on dark, gloomy mornings is the thing British people find most annoying, according to a new study. In second place came nuisance PPI calls, just ahead of forgetting to take something important when you go out. Supermarket self-service machines also feature, along with the £1 charge for a trolley. Smartphone batteries running out came ninth in the poll.
9. Small Business Saturday to boost small retailers
British shoppers are being urged to buy from independent stores on Saturday as part of a campaign to boost high streets. Now in its third year, Small Business Saturday aims to encourage people to spend locally rather than with global chains. There are around five million small firms in the UK, employing half of the country's workforce.
10. Can Manchester City extend their lead?
Leaders Manchester City are at Stoke in the lunchtime kick-off, hoping to extend their lead before Leicester City and Manchester United take on Swansea and West Ham respectively. Arsenal host Sunderland, hoping to put a string of disappointing results behind them. Strugglers Aston Villa are at Southampton today.
