Blair's 'tolerance' talk debated

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Tony Blair's comments that people entering the UK must be prepared to be tolerant are analysed by the papers.

The Mirror headline interprets "Blair's blunt message" as: "If you don't like it, don't come here". 

But for the Daily Telegraph his speech marked the formal end of Britain's "failed" multicultural experiment.  

In an interview with the Sun, Mr Blair says he can imagine a day when Britain has a Muslim prime minister. He also called Britain a haven for all.

Post office worries

There is speculation in the papers about how many post offices the government plans to close as part of a reorganisation aimed at saving money.

The Daily Telegraph says that as many as 7,000 branches will go, dealing what it calls a "devastating blow to rural communities."  

But the Times puts the figure between 2,500 and 3,000 outlets.  

The Department of Trade and Industry has said that such large-scale closures are "not on the table."

Carbon footprints

The Independent has calculated the"carbon footprint" of every British citizen and says we each produce nearly 11 tons of carbon every year.  

The Guardian is disheartened by the fact that Mr Brown's pre-budget speech failed to take more vigorous steps towards green taxation.  

It asks the government to "focus now" on reducing emissions and not leave tough decisions for the next decade.  

The Times says the transport secretary wants a global treaty to make airlines pay for the damage they cause.

Christmas upsets

Many papers bemoan the loss ofChristmas traditions. 

The Daily Mail has looked through 5,000 Christmas cards and found that only 67 contain scenes from the Nativity.  

Instead of baby Jesus this year, it finds pictures including Brussels sprouts, a moonlit bridge and a family of meerkats wearing party hats.  

And the Telegraph says it has been inundated with letters condemning attempts to turn Christmas into a "winter festival."