News
BoE voted 9-0 for December rate cut
All nine members of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee voted to cut interest rates by a quarter-point to 5.5 percent in December and even discussed whether slowing growth meant a bigger reduction might be needed.
Magna Carta fetches millions at auction
A rare 710-year-old copy of the Magna Carta, among the most important historical documents ever to hit the auction block, sold for $21.3 million (10.6 million pounds) on Tuesday at Sotheby's.
Lack of cots and staff risking babies' health
The safety of premature babies could be at risk because of staff shortages and lack of cots in specialist units, a report by an independent watchdog said on Wednesday.
Watchdog demands action on slow broadband
Thousands of Internet users are being short-changed by broadband connections that are far slower than advertised, a watchdog said on Wednesday.
Man held over rape claim after Man Utd party
Police said on Tuesday they had arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with an allegation that a woman was raped at a hotel where Manchester United players and staff were holding a Christmas party.
Honours report demands changes
A parliamentary report into the "cash for honours" scandal called on Wednesday for prime ministers to be stripped of the power to appoint peers to the House of Lords.
Slave trade victims need reparations, say church bodies
Victims of the slave trade need reparation, say church bodies, adding that the church of today suffers from "voluntary amnesia" regarding its complicity in the trade.
Resist aggression towards those who belittle our faith, says Joel Edwards
In his 2007 Christmas message, the Rev Joel Edwards has called on Christians and non-Christians alike to be tolerant of each other.
US pastors tell Wal-Mart to pay a 'decent wage' this Christmas
A national television ad campaign featuring two prominent Baptist ministers who call on Wal-Mart to give the gift of economic justice this Christmas was launched Monday.
Rick Warren counsels Jews on recruiting congregants
Megachurch pastor Rick Warren attended a large Reform Jewish gathering last week to share tips on how to build a community.
Faith is not part time in the South, says Kobia
African Christians regard their Christian faith as their whole life and not just a part-time activity, said the head of the World Council of Churches on Sunday.
Castro hints he will not cling to power
Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who has not been seen in public for 16 months, suggested on Monday he might give up his formal leadership posts -- the first time he has spoken of his possible retirement since he fell ill.
Divided ANC starts leadership vote
South Africa's ruling ANC on Tuesday began voting in an acrimonious leadership election expected to put Jacob Zuma on track to become the country's president in 2009.
Turkish troops cross into Iraq
A group of 300 Turkish troops crossed into Kurdish territory in northern Iraq overnight, Iraqi officials said.
Baby boy for Sophie and Prince Edward
The wife of Prince Edward, the Queen's youngest son, gave birth to a baby boy on Monday, Buckingham Palace announced.
Curbs expected on non-EU tourists to Britain
The government is expected to announce that it is looking at halving the time tourists from outside the European Union can stay in the UK from six to three months, a source at the Home Office said on Tuesday.