Papers revel in spy saga's twists

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The latest twists and turns of the Alexander Litvinenko affair occupy most of the papers.

The Daily Telegraph says the net is closing on what it calls the "poisoners" of the former Russian spy.

It says the alleged perpetrators failed to realise the trail the use of polonium-210 would leave, revealing bungling assassins rather than James Bond-style killers.

The Daily Mail says the "finger of suspicion" continues to point firmly at the Kremlin, threatening to trigger a diplomatic row with Russia.

The Sun highlights the story that Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell and London Olympics chief Lord Coe were caught up in the radiation alert involving British Airways planes.

Under the front page headline Seb Glow, the paper says the pair travelled to Barcelona for an Olympic fact-finding visit on one of the aircraft that has been grounded.

Conspiracy theorists

The Daily Express focuses on the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

"What have they got to hide?" asks the paper, condemning the news that the retired senior judge who has taken charge of the inquest wants to hold preliminary hearings in private next month.

In the paper's opinion, there are growing concerns that the British establishment has embarked on a concerted cover-up.

The Daily Mirror warns that conspiracy theorists will have a field day. Justice, it says, must be seen to be done.

Much of the Independent is devoted to World Aids Day.

It says there is a moral imperative to act, pointing out that Aids is set to surpass the Black Death as the deadliest outbreak of disease in human history.

The Financial Times speaks of a need to harness a greater contribution from business in funding Aids prevention, treatment and support.

Mistletoe woe

Several papers comment on the unseasonably mild weather.

The Times reports that this autumn has been the warmest since 173, that lawns are still being mown and pavement cafes are as busy as in summer.

But the Express says there is a downside for growers of mistletoe.

The warm weather has resulted in a bumper harvest and prices have plummeted ahead of Christmas.