Exclusive report: Soldiers need loans to eat

A highly sensitive internal report into the state of the British Army has revealed that many soldiers are living in poverty. Some are so poor that they are unable to eat and are forced to rely on emergency food voucher schemes set up by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Read the full report

White House vs white bear: Judge says Bush must decide whether to save the polar bear

It's a classic stand-off between one of the world's best loved animals and one of its most unpopular leaders, between the planet's largest bear and its most powerful man. And it comes to a head this week.

Burma death toll 'could reach 1.5 million'

Oxfam warned yesterday that 1.5 million people could die needlessly in Burma as the first outbreaks of disease were reported in the wake of Cyclone Nargis, and many of the worst-hit areas went an eighth day without aid.

Wigan 0 Man Utd 2: Manchester United retain Premier title

Record-holder Ryan Giggs marked a lifetime's loyalty with the best present possible as he delivered another Premier League title to Manchester United.

Levy accuses Brown over Labour funding

Tony Blair's former chief fund raiser, Lord Levy, said today it was "inconceivable" Gordon Brown did not know about the secret loans which led to the "cash for honours" inquiry.

Tsvangirai: I'm ready to fight Mugabe in election run-off

Zimbabwe's opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, announced yesterday that he would take part in a presidential election run-off against Robert Mugabe – but it may be next year before the vote is held.

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The Premier League quiz
Are you a Cristiano Ronaldo or a Tom Hicks when it comes to Premier League knowledge? Take The Independent Premier League quiz and find out

Elect one Johnson, and you might get more than you bargained for

Ken had his cronies; Boris has his family. And foremost among them is sister Rachel, his biggest, bestest fan

Burma cyclone special report: 'I can hear the cries of their spirits'

After the disaster that caused more than 100,000 deaths, the generals care more about holding on to power than easing the population's suffering. Andrew Buncombe reports from Bago

Berlusconi's babes ruffle a few feathers

Despite the newly acquired statesman's scowl, Italy's colourful president just can't resist a spot of mischief

The boy from the Rockies ready to scale twin peaks

When Manchester United paid Bayern Munich £17 million for Owen Hargreaves last summer, after winning the Premier League but being taken apart by Milan's midfield in the Champions' League semi-finals, the intention seemed clear.

Prolific dealmaker Silver joins Merrill Lynch

One of the City's most prolific dealmakers, Caroline Silver, has quit her role as vice chair of investment banking at Morgan Stanley to join rival American house, Merrill Lynch.

Benn gives go-ahead for new GM potato trial

Ministers have given permission for thousands of GM potatoes to be grown in Britain, a decision that is bound to provoke a new confrontation with environmentalists.