Saddam verdict is widely reported

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The failure of Saddam Hussein's appeal against his death sentence has been reported widely in Wednesday's papers.

It is the lead story in the Daily Telegraph and features on the front pages of the Times and the Guardian.

The Daily Mail says the Iraqi Prime Minister has already called for him to be put to death by the end of the year.

The Guardian points out that the former leader is in the custody of American forces, so Washington could also have a say in the timing.

Sales stampede

Several papers report on the race for bargains in the post Christmas sales.

According to the Daily Express, high streets have witnessed a sales stampede, with shoppers elbowing rivals for the post-Christmas offers.

The Times declares that it is now time for some serious shopping, while the Daily Mail says: "The crowds are back".

And the Sun reports that shoppers queued outside Selfridges in London from midnight on Christmas Night in a bid to secure bargains.

UK slavery

The Independent's front page highlights slavery in the UK.

It says modern forms of servitude are on the rise, both among domestic workers and those hired by gangmasters.

The paper tells the story of a woman from Sri Lanka who was employed as a maid by a family for whom she had worked in Jordan.

It found she had to work 16 to 18 hours a day and, in the first two years, was not given one day off. Her employer let her visa expire so she could not flee.

Festive bird food

The Mail says increasing numbers of British pet owners are seeking exotic wildlife.

It says research shows 12 lions, 14 tigers and 50 leopards are being kept as pets, as well as nearly 500 monkeys and 2,000 ostriches.

And the Indie says the RSPB has issued a list of what should and what should not be put out for the birds.

It advises that Christmas cake and mince pies are beneficial, as the dried fruit and fat make high energy snacks.