Iraq debate occupies papers

The Commons debate on Iraq provides a theme for many of the papers, with the Daily Mirror saying Tony Blair was wrong to skip the discussion.

It also takes David Cameron to task for citing a convention that opposition leaders do not attend in the situation.

The Independent says that Mr Blair has been accused of treating the Commons with contempt.

He will talk about John Peel or the Ashes but when it comes to a debate on Iraq, Tony Blair goes missing, it says.

'Missing brain'

The home secretary comes in for plenty of stick from the Sun in the wake of the furore over jail overcrowding and the sentencing of offenders.

The paper says John Reid stands accused of breaking a series of promises.

The Times reports on an MI5 warning that Islamic terrorists are training in germ warfare using biological agents including polio, rabies and avian flu.

Britain's laboratories have been told to strengthen security on stocks of over 100 viruses and bacteria, it says.

Germ warfare

The row between Church and State over adoption laws involving gay couples is played out on many of the front pages.

The Daily Mail says Tony Blair's hopes of a compromise have been shattered by fierce cabinet opposition.

The Daily Telegraph rubs salt into the perceived wound by saying that the row is a stark illustration of the prime minister's diminishing authority.

The Guardian says the Catholic Church is almost certain to lose its battle for special treatment.

Milk message

In a front page story, the Daily Express says that many houses were put in the wrong council tax band when they were valued in 1991.

It says homes were valued by estate agents who drove past and estimated their worth with a cursory glance.

Finally, the Times reports on isolated young farmers "with bottle" in Wales who are putting their photographs on milk cartons to attract partners.

The campaign reveals a sad truth about the modern countryside, the paper says.