The latest inquiry into the case of the serial killer GP Harold Shipman has criticised the General Medical Council for failing to protect patients from rogue doctors. SocietyGuardian.co.uk will follow the story.
The IRA has confirmed in a statement that it was never prepared to undergo the "humiliation" of having its process of disarmament photographed, as the elusive return to devolved government in Northern Ireland slips away again. Tom Happold is rounding up reaction from the Northern Ireland blogs.
In commiseration with celebrities who forked out £28,000 for a truffle only to see it rot before they had a chance to eat it, Jane Perrone sniffs out how to grow your own truffles. And in the Christmas spirit we solicit your seasonal snaps - be they festive, entertaining or putrescent with the stench of bah humbug. Please email jpegs to editor@guardianunlimited.co.uk as soon as possible.
