Papers praise army head Dannatt

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There is widespread praise for the head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, after he called for more equipment and troops in Afghanistan.

The Daily Mirror says our <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/opinion/2007/11/18/we-must-do-better-by-our-brave-troops-98487-20122811/">"brave troops deserve the best equipment available"</a> and Gordon Brown "needs to deliver".

The Times says Sir Richard has been <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6717961.ece">accused of playing politics</a> by voicing his concerns. But the paper says his voice is "too important to silence".

The Daily Telegraph reports an <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/defence/5848164/Labour-ministers-plan-reputation-trashing-of-Army-chief-General-Sir-Richard-Dannatt.html">alleged smear campaign</a> against the general.

BBC expenses scrutinised

Cashmere socks, cigars, and a port and pate set are some of the items given as gifts by senior BBC executives and claimed for on expenses.

The Sun is one of several papers to <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/2542514/BBC-lavishes-stars-with-gifts-from-the-taxpayers-purse.html">list the detailed claims</a> revealed after freedom of information requests.

The Daily Mirror says Creative Director Alan Yentob spent nearly <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/latest/2009/07/17/exec-dinner-yentob-claimed-1-600-115875-21527635/">£1,600 on an executive Christmas dinner.</a>

BBC chief operating officer Caroline Thomson told the paper that bosses would incur expenses as part of their role.

UK break pleasure

The Daily Express points out the number of people enjoying a "staycation" - holidaying in the UK rather than abroad - is on the rise, boosting business.

Travel writer Alastair Sawday says in the Guardian that some people have lost sight of the <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/jul/17/tourism-britain-cornwall-suffolk">"traditional pleasures"</a> available close to home.

He argues many holidaymakers wouldn't make a trip to the Costas without the guarantee of sunshine.

Yet, the pleasures of Britain are there regardless of weather, he says.

Flapjack ban call

Finally, the humble flapjack has come under attack from the outgoing chairman of the Food Standards Agency.

Dame <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6718574.ece">Deirdre Hutton gives an interview</a> in the Times to mark the end of her four-year tenure at the watchdog.

She says supermarkets should stop marketing small-sized foods that are high in calories, such as flapjacks.

"We should reverse the norm and stores should sell 90% healthy food and 10% unhealthy," Dame Deirdre told the paper on Saturday.