News
MoD admits loss of 747 laptops and secret data files
The Ministry of Defence said on Friday more than twice as many laptops had been lost or stolen in the last four years than previously thought, along with 121 computer memory sticks, some containing secret information.
Record borrowing ups heat on Brown
Fiscal rules may have to be relaxed after data on Friday showed public borrowing at record levels, threatening to breach the restrictions the government set itself on how much debt it can take on.
'Scrap school tests' call after results delay
The government faced calls on Friday to scrap national testing of 14 year-olds in England as it was announced that nearly three out of ten pupils would not receive results for English by the end of term.
Gang attacks policemen after complaint
A gang of up to 30 people attacked two policemen - biting one of them - in south London after the officers asked a teenage girl to pick up some litter she had dropped, Scotland Yard said on Friday.
Labour loyalists may save Brown in vote
Scottish pensioner Frances O'Grady will vote for Labour in an election next week to choose a new MP - although she is not sure why.
Revolution in store as online retail sales soar
Store groups have to adapt or die as online retail sales soar, and time is running out.
Murdered teen assaulted by 'up to eight' attackers
Police investigating the knife murder of an 18-year-old male youth in south London said on Friday he had been assaulted by up to eight hooded attackers.
EU executive endorses African farmer aid plan
The European Commission backed a plan on Friday to give 1 billion euros (795 billion pounds) to farmers in Africa next year to help tackle high food prices and boost output, despite opposition by many EU states.
Iran does not expect Israeli or U.S. attack
Iran said on Friday it did not expect an attack from Israel or the United States triggered by the long-running dispute over its nuclear programme.
South Africa lauds Mandela on 90th birthday
South Africa celebrated the 90th birthday on Friday of Nelson Mandela, a symbol of reconciliation in a nation now torn by doubts and nostalgia for his leadership.
Breast-feeding triggers pulses of feel-good hormone
When a baby breast-feeds, it triggers a flood of the hormone oxytocin that releases milk from the mammary gland and a feeling of love and trust in the mother that ensures the baby's needs are met.
Unnecessary flights killing the poor says Tutu
Businessmen who take flights rather than use video conferencing are adding to global warming that is condemning millions of the world's poorest people to death, according to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
Pope calls for unity against terrorism
Pope Benedict called for all religions to unite against terrorism and resolve conflicts peacefully on Friday and heard an Islamic leader urge Christians to overcome "misconceptions and prejudices" about Muslims.
Lambeth: Archbishop expresses 'grief' over absent bishops
The Archbishop of Canterbury has expressed his regret at the decision of a quarter of the Anglican Communion's bishops to stay away from the Lambeth Conference.
He ain't heavy... Italy's metal brother
Dressed in his traditional brown robe, sandals and twirling the rope around his waist, 62-year old Friar Cesare Bonizzi is no ordinary heavy metal rocker.
Christians do not need to fear Islamic take-over in UK, says Interserve head
The UK is not in danger of an Islamic takeover, according to Steve Bell, the National Director of Interserve, an expert on Muslim issues.