Newspaper headlines: 'King's Christmas message' and Cameron on Iran

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Image source, Reuters

The Mail on Sunday, external reports that the King will use his Christmas broadcast tomorrow to "deliver a powerful message about the environment". The paper says while the precise contents of the address are a "closely guarded secret", the eco-friendly theme is apparent in the way it has been filmed. The Sunday Times, external has a picture of the King next to a Christmas tree at Buckingham Palace, which for the first time, has retained its roots and will be replanted. The decorations are sustainable too and include dried oranges and pine cones.

"Malign Iran is threat to the world", is the message from the Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, in the The Sunday Telegraph., external He calls Hamas, the Houthis and Hezbollah "proxies" for Tehran who are contributing to an extremely high level of "danger and insecurity" around the world. In what the Telegraph calls a "significant toughening" of the UK's approach, Lord Cameron says Iran must be sent "an incredibly clear message" that its aggression will not be tolerated.

The new chairman of NHS England has told the Sunday Times, external that he fears for patients during the next round of strikes by junior doctors. The six day walk-out is due to begin on Wednesday, 3 January. "It just can't continue like this", Richard Meddings tells the paper. He adds the timing of the industrial action is "really unfortunate". The Sunday Times suggests the strike could push waiting lists above eight million.

The Observer, external reports that two former health secretaries, Stephen Dorrell and Alan Milburn, have joined calls to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. A Labour government would also reportedly make time for an assisted dying bill in the House of Commons. Experts have told the Sunday Telegraph, external that a model used in the US state of Oregon - where a doctor prescribes a drug for use at home - would be the best option here. But according to the state's records, of the 2,895 people prescribed assisted dying pills just 1,905 took them.

"Make the most of your Christmas dinner", declares the Daily Express, external - because Britain is facing shortages of cauliflowers, carrots, cabbage and broccoli in the new year. The British Growers Association says recent wet conditions have damaged winter crops - while planting was delayed by the washout summer. Jack Ward from the BGA says producers have retailers "breathing down their necks" for orders - and that any shortage is likely to be at the end of February or the start of March.

The Observer's front page features an image of the Premier League's first female referee, Rebecca Welch. The Mail on Sunday reports she entered the pitch to warm up to "rapturous applause". The Daily Star Sunday says she "impressed" during the game between Fulham and Burnley - getting all the key decisions "spot on". The Sun on Sunday, external is equally glowing, saying Ms Welch "cruised" through her Premier League debut - describing her as a "role model, inspiration and trailblazer".

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