Daily Briefing

Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 10 Dec 2012

The Week’s super-quick catch-up on the main news talking points, available from 8am daily

1. PM REJECTS CALL FOR DRUG LAWS OVERHAUL

David Cameron today rejected a call from MPs for an overhaul of drug laws. Members of the Commons Home Affairs committee want a Royal Commission to consider lifting criminal sanctions for those caught with only a small amount of drugs. The PM said: "I don't support decriminalisation. We have a policy which actually is working in Britain."

UK News

2. AUSTRALIAN DJS 'HEARTBROKEN'

The two Australian DJs who made a prank call to the King Edward VII hospital broke their silence today saying they are "gutted and heartbroken" by the news of nurse Jacintha Saldanha's suicide. Rhys Holleran, head of the 2Day FM station, said that at least five attempts had made to contact the hospital for permission to run the recording.

Australian DJs 'heartbroken' over Kate nurse suicide - video

3. MARKETS SPOOKED BY BERLUSCONI COMEBACK

Shares on the Milan stock market plunged today following the news that Italy's technocrat prime minister, Mario Monti, is quitting and that a general election in Febuary could see the return of Silvio Berlusconi. Despite the fact he still faces a charge of using an underage prostitute, Berlusconi has said he will try for a comeback.

People

4. JAMES ARTHUR WINS X-FACTOR FINAL

James Arthur, 24, won The X Factor final last night, beating Jahmene Douglas to win a recording contract. He sang a version of Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On and said after winning: "I don't believe it." On the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, Westlife singer Nicky Byrne was voted off the show after losing a dance-off to Denise Van Outen.

James Arthur wins X-Factor but only Cowell can save the show

UK News

5. PATERSON GIVES GM FOOD THUMBS UP

Concerns about genetically modified foods are "complete nonsense", says Environment Secretary Owen Paterson. The technology offers "real environmental benefits" and must be encouraged if Britain is to cut its dependency on food imports. Paterson gave GM food production a firm tick today in an interview with The Daily Telegraph.

Owen Paterson backs GM food, saying fears are 'humbug'

Afghan war

6. SHOOTING: FEARS FOR AFGHAN WOMEN

A senior female government worker has been shot dead in Afghanistan just five months after her predecessor was killed by a bomb. Nadia Sediqqi, acting head of women's affairs in Laghman province, was shot as she was getting into a rickshaw to go to work. Her death raises further doubts about Afghan women’s hopes of holding on to newly-won rights.

Nadia Sediqqi killing highlights threat to Afghan women

Politics

7. MAJOR BACKS PM ON GAY MARRIAGE

Former Tory Prime Minister Sir John Major yesterday backed David Cameron's "courageous and genuine" campaign to give same sex couples equal rights regarding marriage. Major said those Tory MPs strongly opposed to gay marriage should accept that "we live in the 21st century".

Why Major backs moderniser Cameron on gay marriage

Premier League

8. RIO FERDINAND HURT BY THROWN COIN

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand was left bleeding from a head wound after being struck by a coin thrown by a fan at the end of the Manchester derby on Sunday. The coin hit him above the left eye as he celebrated Robin van Persie's late goal which secured a 3-2 win for United and put them six points clear at the top of the league.

Man United win overshadowed by Rio Ferdinand's cut eye

9. NELSON MANDELA FACES MORE TESTS

Nelson Mandela, 94, had a good rest in hospital in Pretoria last night, but faces more tests after being airlifted from his rural home in the Eastern Cape. The 94-year-old has been in hospital in Pretoria for three days - and has been receiving military medical care since 2011. The exact nature of his illness has not been revealed.

Theatre

10. HOT TICKET: WHITNEY HOUSTON CLASSICS

A musical of 'The Bodyguard', based on the hit Whitney Houston film, has opened at the Adelphi Theatre, West End. Heather Headley stars as a pop diva who falls for her bodyguard. Musical numbers include 'I Will Always Love You' and 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody'. "Spectacular," says the Financial Times.

Heather Headley 'thrilling' in The Bodyguard stage musical