News Daily: Brexit set to move on, and Russian 'threat' to UK cables
Hello. Here's your morning briefing:
Brexit: EU leaders set to move talks on to next stage
Theresa May was applauded at a dinner for EU leaders last night after she made the case for moving on to the next stage of Brexit negotiations - including trade. So, what's likely to happen today? The prime minister won't be taking part in the rest of the Brussels summit, with the leaders of the other 27 EU states working out their position. It seems likely they will formally agree to start talks on what will happen in the transitional phase after Brexit. These could begin as early as next week.
The leaders are also likely to promise to work towards a "framework" for a trade deal, although more specific details probably won't be discussed until after the UK has left the EU.
Things are looking a little trickier at home for the prime minister. She suffered a defeat in the House of Commons earlier this week over Parliament getting a vote on a final deal with the EU. And she faces a further challenge next week, when MPs vote on a government amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill, enshrining 29 March 2019 as the date for Brexit.
Given all this, the BBC's Brian Wheeler asks whether Leavers and Remainers can call a Brexit truce for Christmas.
Russia 'threat' to UK's undersea communications cables
The UK's top military officer has warned of the risk of "information warfare" posed by Russia, including damage to communications and internet cables that run under the sea. Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, the chief of the defence staff, said the economy would suffer an "immediately and potentially catastrophic" hit if they were cut or disrupted. There was a "risk to our way of life", he told the Royal United Services Institute, arguing that protecting cables should be a priority for Nato.
Church apologises over bishop abuse inquiry
The Church of England has apologised to relatives of the former Bishop of Chichester for the way it investigated child abuse claims made against him after his death. George Bell, who died in 1958, was alleged to have repeatedly abused a young girl. She made a formal complaint and, 10 years later, won an apology and compensation from the Church. A report into the handling of the case is to be published at 10:30 GMT, and it is expected to be critical of the Church's actions. Here's a look at the long-running dispute over the bishop's reputation.
What drinking nationality are you?
Party season is in full swing and some of us have been overdoing the booze. If you've been enjoying a tipple or three, see how your alcohol intake compares with the averages for countries around the world - from Belarus to Kuwait.
Should Germany pay its migrants to leave?
By Rebecca Seales, BBC News
The country has long-offered migrants and asylum seekers financial incentives to leave its shores, and until 28 February 2018 it's prepared to pay out extra. Individuals will get 1,000 euros and families up to 3,000 (£2,650; $3,540) to cover rent or resettlement costs back in their home countries - things like basic kitchen or bathroom facilities. Critics say Angela Merkel's government is trying to bribe its way out of a tricky situation, but supporters say the scheme will help sad, exhausted migrants who just want to go home.
What the papers say
The Financial Times says the $66bn (£49bn) deal for Disney to buy Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox assets would "shake the global media landscape", if approved by regulators. The Guardian calls the agreement the "end of an era" for Mr Murdoch, saying it means the "break-up" of his empire - but he described it as a move towards "new business opportunities". Elsewhere, the Daily Telegraph leads on the Church of England's report into its handling of sexual abuse allegations against a former bishop, and the Daily Star says a "deadly" strain of winter flu is sweeping across the UK.
Sexual abuse inquiry Australian institutions "seriously failed" to protect children
Risks of loneliness UK must do more to prevent the problem, says Jo Cox Commission
Ashes cricket England had a good first day, but how are they doing now?
Seven days quiz Who did George Clooney give $14m to?
If you see one thing today
If you listen to one thing today
If you read one thing today
11:30 The official logo for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing is revealed.
15:00 The UN Security Council meets for a briefing on North Korea.
On this day
1982 Spain reopens its border with Gibraltar to pedestrians, 13 years after it was closed by General Franco's government.