1. Victory for Trump as tax cuts bill passes Senate
US senators have passed a major tax cuts bill, scoring a huge victory for Donald Trump. The President wants to add $1.4tn to the $20tn national debt over the next 10 years by slashing taxes for big businesses. However, the Senate Democratic leader said "under the cover of darkness and with the aid of haste" the bill has "stuffed even more money into the pockets of the wealthy and the biggest corporations."
2. EU 'punishment clause' would 'torpedo' Brexiteers' plan
The EU may include a "punishment clause" in any future trade deal with the UK to allow it to impose tariffs on British exports if Whitehall seeks to lower regulatory standards. The proposal, which The Guardian says would "torpedo the post-Brexit plans of the British cabinet’s key Brexiters", would see attempts to lower regulatory costs to British businesses met by tariffs from Brussels.
3. 'Meghan mania' as she and Harry step out
Papers are reporting 'Meghan mania' after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle drew huge crowds as they visited a World Aids Day fair and youth project in Nottingham. Meanwhile, a Scottish family handbag firm has already felt the 'Meghan effect' as orders for its Strathberry bag, which the actress clutched during her first public engagement, have soared.
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4. Former adviser Flynn to testify against President Trump
Donald Trump's former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, will testify against the President and senior aides after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI over links to Moscow, according to reports. ABC News says Flynn will testify that Trump ordered him to reach out to Moscow during last year's election. The White House said: "Nothing about the guilty plea or the charge implicates anyone other than Mr Flynn."
5. Rush steps aside after 'inappropriate behaviour' claim
Actor Geoffrey Rush has stepped down as president of Australia’s screen industry academy, after a theatre company revealed it had received a complaint of "inappropriate behaviour" by the Oscar-winner. Although Rush has denied any inappropriate behaviour at the Sydney Theatre Company, he said he has "decided to step aside… until these issues have been resolved".
6. British government to warn again over Russian cyber risks
The UK government has warned again of the security risks of using Russian anti-virus software. The National Cyber Security Centre will write to all government departments, saying the software could be exploited by the Russian government. The warning comes amid growing concern about Russian activity against the UK. Theresa May has warned that Moscow is acting against the UK's national interest in cyberspace.
7. England 'couldn't' ask for better' World Cup draw
Pundits say England’s group for next year’s World Cup is an easy one, after Gareth Southgate’s men were drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Tunisia and Panama. Former Republic of Ireland and Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson says the group is "an absolute bye”, while 1990 semi-finalist Chris Waddle said "You can't ask for a better draw. Belgium are class on their day but the rest are very beatable.”
8. German Xmas market evacuated after device found
A Christmas market was evacuated in the German city of Potsdam yesterday after a nail-packed device was found. Karl-Heinz Schröter, Brandenburg’s interior minister, said the package left at a nearby shop contained nails and a powder. It is being analysed to determine whether it was an explosive. Last year an Islamist hijacked a truck, killed its driver and slammed the vehicle into a Christmas market in Berlin.
9. David Davis may quit if PM sacks Damian Green
David Davis has told Theresa not to sack Damian Green as a result of a "wrongful attempt by former officers to do him down", claims the BBC. One source suggested Davis might be willing to resign over the issue, although another insisted that no threat had been made. A retired detective said "thousands" of legal porn images had been found on Green's computer.
10. Jacob Rees-Mogg holds Mayfair meeting with Steve Bannon
Jacob Rees-Mogg held a private meeting with Donald Trump’s controversial former adviser Steve Bannon in London on Thursday, reveals The Guardian. The pair discussed how conservative movements can win in the US and UK. Rees-Mogg, backed by Tory members to be the next party leader, spent more than an hour at the meeting in a Mayfair hotel with Bannon, who describes himself as a populist and economic nationalist.
