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Inquiry into NHS deaths after scandals

Health Secretary announces investigation to uncover the true extent of death rates across the NHS after scandals at two trusts

President Zardari faces new legal threat

Pakistan thrown into political turmoil with expiry of amnesty protecting the President and his allies from wave of lawsuits

Merkel colleague resigns over Afghan deaths

Franz Josef Jung, who was defence minister last September, 'took responsibility' for cover-up of civilian deaths

Sport News  

England hammered by South Africa

Paul Collingwood's gallant 86 proves in vain with home side always looking likely to level the series after posting 354-6

• Outspoken Arthur forced on to the back foot

• Strauss unworried by reputation of Newlands

Brown steps in to salvage 2018 World Cup bid

Prime Minister holds meeting with Jack Warner, the Fifa vice-president and an outspoken critic of England's campaign

• Host candidates pitch in for 2018 World Cup

• Premier League chief quits World Cup bid

Nadal exits with food for thought

Spaniard's visit to London ends with his third straight defeat, this time at the hands of an energised Novak Djokovic

Business news  

Judge asks for phone records after Tullett death call

Key witness in dispute between City brokers says that he received death threats the night before giving evidence

Broadband and iPhone boost Carphone's profits

Britain's second-biggest broadband provider has increased its earnings forecast after unexpectedly strong first half

• Tempus: Carphone Warehouse plays its jolly ringtone

• Carphone Warehouse renegotiates Tiscali deal

National Express sees off investor revolt

Train and bus operator secures backing for £360 million rescue rights issue, despite opposition from main shareholder

Comment  

Jordan and Dubai: parallel universes

If Dubai was a person it would be Katie Price. Both have tumbled from extravagant success built on virtually nothing

• Janice Turner

Going to war wasn’t heroic: it was a no-brainer

Tony Blair saw only victory when he sided with the biggest boy in the playground, not an ugly wound to his reputation

• Matthew Parris

My final dispatch after 38 years. Copy ends

Life as a correspondent for The Times has involved wars, summits, the Hitler diaries – and late-night calls from butlers

• Michael Binyon

Life and Style  

How to throw a Christmas party

Our experts explain what to wear, who to kiss and what music will get the revellers dancing

Ten great canapés: what chefs serve at their parties

Bite-sized morsels are just minutes away — with a little help from our celebrity line-up and your friends

How to solve the big style questions

A season where one finds little to tempt provides an opportunity to ponder the important style issues

Arts & Entertainment  

Yippee! The Eighties bitches are back

With a new TV channel showing only America’s hottest Eighties soaps, it’s time to celebrate Dynasty and Alexis Colby

Orson Welles — a theatrical giant

Orson Welles knew how to make an entrance. Whatever the frustrations of later years, his directorial debut was a triumph

Canned laughter is not canned!

Canned laughter, on a sitcom? Don’t make me laugh. It's all a myth, that laughter is the real thing, says David Baddiel