Tony Blair has been addressing MEPs for the last time in his capacity as EU president, telling them that the EU budget deal was "a fair settlement".
The government is about to announce the first comprehensive review of the law of murder for more than 50 years: it's thought the Law Commission report will recommend a fundamental change that would see many killings downgraded to manslaughter. Also on the news agenda this morning is a press conference from the Health and Safety Executive on the Buncefield fire. The HSE is taking charge of the investigation into the blaze: the news just in is that prohibition orders have been issued against two operators at the Hemel Hempstead oil depot site.
On the world news front, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has banned "indecent and western music" from state media, and Ariel Sharon has left hospital after being treated for a mild stroke.
Here on News blog we'll be looking at why polytunnels are getting gardening expert Monty Don's hackles up and in the wake of the Wenger/Mourinho spat we'll be examining the etiquette of the annual Christmas card list.
