Dec 24 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on

the business pages of British newspapers. Reuters has not

verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

The Times

- British insurer Aviva has reached an agreement to

buy smaller rival Direct Line in a 3.7 billion pound

($4.64 billion) cash-and-stock deal that is expected to result

in about 2,000 job cuts as the group moves to capture 125

million pounds of cost savings.

- Frasers Group ( SDIPF ) intends to put forward a new

candidate for Boohoo's board after shareholders

rejected the appointment of founder Mike Ashley.

The Guardian

- Supermarket chain Morrisons is giving loyalty card holders

a 10% discount on an entire shop after a glitch hit the

promotional scheme and discounted prices on some items for all

shoppers.

The Telegraph

- Royal Mail managers have been accused of faking deliveries

in order to preserve their annual bonuses.

- The new government of Mauritius is refusing to sign off on

the Chagos deal unless it receives more money, its deputy prime

minister Paul Berenger has hinted, telling constituents that

negotiations with the UK were being held up over the amount of

money involved.

Sky News

- Chocolate maker Cadbury is among the brands that have had

their warrants withdrawn under King Charles and says it is

"disappointed" after losing its royal warrant after 170 years.

- The British economy is "headed for the worst of all

worlds" as businesses expect activity to fall at the start of

next year, according to the Confederation of British Industry

(CBI).

The Independent

- Peter Mandelson is said to be ready to work with Reform UK

leader Nigel Farage to help him win over President-elect Donald

Trump in his new role as UK ambassador to the U.S. and persuade

him not to target Britain with tariffs.

($1 = 0.7982 pounds)

(Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom)