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Prince Charles accused of meddling in politics

Documents released under Freedom of Information laws show that the Prince has written to ministers on various subjects

Iran sparks fears of nuclear arms race

The failure to reach a deal with Tehran is increasing concerns about nuclear ambitions among volatile nations in the region

Big freeze warning as 8in of snow forecast

The Met Office issues a severe weather warning as the cold continues over the weekend, but the festive outlook is uncertain

Business news  

More travel misery as Scots airline collapses

Globespan goes into administration, stranding thousands abroad, as BA passengers wait to see if a 12-day strike will go ahead

JJB warns of 'difficult' trading as sales plunge 52%

Embattled retailer does not expect to have enough stock until the first quarter of next year after suppliers held back goods

Revenue prepares to close North Sea loophole

Treasury loses up to £70m a year as oil industry exploits legality to avoid paying national insurance contributions

Sport News  

Wenger joins in attack on Wolves

Frenchman accuses Mick McCarthy of undermining "international credibility" of the Premier League by fielding weakened XI

• Draw adds insult to injury for Fabregas

• Let-off likely despite McCarthy's weak excuse

City slackers badly exposed by Spurs

Tottenham 3 Man City 0: two goals from the excellent Niko Kranjcar and one by Jermain Defoe set up impressive win

Kallis ensures England’s gamble fails

South Africa v England: decision to bowl first and to select extra batsman instead of fifth bowler backfires on Strauss

Comment  

Hardliners realise Britain is a soft touch

The Tzipi Livni fiasco illustrates how slavishly this country follows hypocritical UN edicts

• George Walden

Can I be complimentary, my dear Watson?

We celebrate flashy, insensitive Holmes, but it’s his sidekick’s common sense, bravery and friendship that we should admire

• Ben Macintyre

Quiet diplomacy will get our voice heard

In her first article since taking the post, the EU’s new ‘foreign secretary’ outlines her plans for Europe on the world stage

• Catherine Ashton

Life and Style  

50 of the world's best design blogs

Source a late Christmas gift or ideas for a New Year makeover from the coolest interiors blogs on the planet

10 tips for surviving Christmas as a divorced parent

How to handle the holidays and all that good cheer when your child is spending it elsewhere and you're on own

5 Christmas romance confessions

We asked readers to send us Christmas confessions. The stories were revealing and heartfelt. Here are five of the best

Arts & Entertainment  

Pamela Anderson pops out of the lamp

Her debut as the Genie in Aladdin granted three wishes — to her bank manager, the marketing department and watching dads

British actresses sweep Golden Globe nods

Helen Mirren, Emily Blunt and Carey Mulligan are all shortlisted for the coveted best actress in a drama prize

Guy Ritchie reveals new Sherlock Holmes

The new Hollywood film offers a fresh interpretation with Jude Law playing Watson next to Robert Downey Jr’s Holmes