1. Stop acting like Henry VIII, Corbyn tells May
Jeremy Corbyn says Theresa May has behaved like Henry VIII because of her refusal to commit to putting a final Brexit deal to a vote in parliament. Speaking to The Guardian, the Labour leader said a final Brexit deal would have to come before MPs. "She cannot hide behind Henry VIII and the divine rights of the power of kings on this one," he added.
2. Freezing fog wreaks more havoc after deadly crash
Weather forecasters said disruption is likely to continue today as freezing fog grips parts of the country. Temperatures are expected to fall as low as minus 4C, with visibility less than 100 metres in places. A woman died when up to 30 cars were involved in a pile-up on the A40 in Oxfordshire. The accident involved at least four separate collisions over a half-mile stretch.
3. Child offenders may be given life-long anonymity
Child criminals will be given life-long anonymity under plans being considered by the government. A review of the youth justice system has found that a ban on revealing the identity of criminals aged under 18 would help to reduce reoffending rates. In response, the Ministry of Justice said that it would "engage with interested parties, including the Home Office, media and youth justice interest groups, on youth reporting restrictions".
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4. Israel's Netanyahu complains about John Kerry speech
Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu says outgoing US Secretary of State John Kerry's speech on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was "unbalanced" and "obsessively focused" on settlements. Kerry had said Israeli settlement building on occupied land was a major problem. Netanyahu added Kerry had "paid lip service to the unremitting Palestinian campaign of terrorism".
5. Carrie Fisher's actress mother Debbie Reynolds dies
Hollywood legend Debbie Reynolds has died, a day after the death of her daughter Carrie Fisher. According to reports in America, the 84-year-old had a stroke. She was taken to a Los Angeles hospital on Wednesday. The US actress is best known for her role in the 1952 musical Singin' in the Rain, opposite Gene Kelly. TMZ reports that Reynolds said of her deceased daughter: "I want to be with Carrie."
6. FTSE 100 closes at record high amid 'Santa rally'
The FTSE 100 index closed at a new high of 7,106.08 last night, up 37.91 points or 0.5%. It beat the record set in April last year. Commentators said that the boost was further evidence that investors remain unfazed by Brexit. Analyst Chris Beauchamp said: "London’s traders have evidently come back from Christmas with a festive bounce in their step."
7. Cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins announces retirement
Olympic champion Sir Bradley Wiggins has announced his retirement from cycling at the age of 36. Britain's first Tour de France winner, in 2012, said he had fulfilled a "childhood aspiration" with his successful career. "I've met my idols and ridden alongside the best for 20 years," he said. His use of therapeutic use exemptions has come under scrutiny after his confidential medical information was leaked last year.
8. Government's business rates plan 'could kill London chains'
The government’s promise to ease the burden of next year’s rise in business rates will provide a "paltry" £156m of relief in London over the next five years as the capital’s bill soars by £9.4bn, according to a new study. Analysts said London businesses face a "ticking tax time bomb" that has led to warnings by top restaurant chains that they will be forced out of business.
9. Top GP warns that health service is 'skating on thin ice'
Britain's leading GP says she is "profoundly concerned" about how doctors will cope with demand over the winter. Chair of the Royal College of GPs Council Helen Stokes-Lampard said general practice was "skating on thin ice". She warned: "Something has to give" in the months ahead. NHS England said GPs would be getting extra funding to extend services.
10. Sikh campaigners demand release of Golden Temple files
Secret government files containing details of British involvement in a bloody assault on Sikhism’s holiest shrine should be released to the public, campaigners have urged. The Sikh Foundation believes the documents will show there was significant cooperation between the British and Indian governments over the latter’s attempts to clear militants from the Golden Temple in the summer of 1984. At least 400 people died.
