Papers call Sharon mould-breaking

Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon's decision to leave the Likud Party is termed "mould-breaking" by the papers.

The Guardian and Daily Telegraph agree the move will see him trying to occupy the centre ground of Israeli politics.

The Daily Mail sees events in Israel as a "seismic" political upheaval, as if Tony Blair had set up a Labour rival.

Meanwhile, the Times thinks Mr Sharon is taking a calculated risk and the Independent says his "bold gamble" deserves to pay off.

Iraq oil

Claims that Iraqis could lose some £1bn if US and UK firms take over oil reserve development dominate the Independent.

US and UK pressure groups say Iraq will be caught in "the old colonial trap" if it allows foreign firms in, it says.

The paper says the findings reawaken fears the war's purpose was to ensure Iraq's oil came under western control.

The Daily Mirror claims Tony Blair dissuaded President Bush from bombing TV station al-Jazeera, which it says Mr Bush blamed for attacks in Iraq.

Nuclear power

The Sun welcomes proposals to build a new generation of nuclear power stations around the UK.

It says it is vital that Britain secures its power supply for the next 50 years, rather than being at the mercy of unpredictable overseas states.

The Daily Mail reports the prime minister has endorsed the plans and now faces a rebellion from backbenchers.

Many of them - as well as a number of Cabinet members - are said to be uneasy about nuclear power.

Bird flu

The Daily Telegraph and the Guardian are in no doubt the threat of bird flu has led to a NHS flu vaccine shortage.

The Telegraph says demand has been so great that Department of Health stocks will be exhausted in several days time.

The Times reports intensive publicity has driven more people than usual to seek jabs for seasonal flu, even though it does not protect against bird flu.

The Daily Star blames the "worried well" rushing to their doctors to demand a vaccination.