http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-dies-after-nightclub-shooting-1825184.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-dies-after-nightclub-shooting-1825184.html <p> A man has died in hospital and another victim is being treated for gunshot wounds after a shooting at a nightclub early today. </p> Crime Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:51:12 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/british-troops-could-withdraw-from-germany-under-tories-1825136.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/british-troops-could-withdraw-from-germany-under-tories-1825136.html <p> British troops could be withdrawn from Germany for good, nearly 70 years after the end of the Second World War, if the Conservatives win the general election, it was revealed today. </p> UK Politics Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:29:08 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-biblical-deluge-that--broke-all-the-records-1824328.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-biblical-deluge-that--broke-all-the-records-1824328.html ]]> <p> Emergency services were today readying themselves for more heavy rain after England's wettest day on record claimed the life of a "heroic" policeman and left thousands of others counting the cost of flooded homes and businesses. </p> Home News Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:14 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/minor-british-institutions-fishermans-friends-1823677.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/minor-british-institutions-fishermans-friends-1823677.html ]]> <p> Almost a century and a half ago, a Fleetwood pharmacist named James Lofthouse developed a menthol and eucalyptus liquid for fishermen to take with them on their excursions into the cruelly cold waters of the North Atlantic. </p> This Britain Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/flood-chaos-for-some-people-everything-has-gone-1824926.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/flood-chaos-for-some-people-everything-has-gone-1824926.html <p>They knew the rain was coming in Cockermouth but nobody could have guessed how much and just how quickly it would fall. Yesterday, as the waters began to recede from the worst flood in memory, a thick layer of sludge coated the outsides of the pastel-coloured shops in the Georgian market square. Here, where a young William Wordsworth first mused on daffodils and the beauty of the Lakeland scenery around him, nature had shown a different more brutal face on Thursday night.</p> Home News Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-accuse-brown-of-selling-out-the-city-in-deal-with-france-1824924.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-accuse-brown-of-selling-out-the-city-in-deal-with-france-1824924.html ]]> <p>Gordon Brown was accused yesterday of failing to protect the British national interest by handing the French a powerful European post which could allow them to shackle the City of London.</p> UK Politics Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/authorities-powerless-to-prevent-this-disaster-1824928.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/authorities-powerless-to-prevent-this-disaster-1824928.html ]]> <p>The calamity which has befallen Cockermouth and Workington offers a grim lesson for flood defence planners: there is only so much you can do. </p> Home News Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/husband-was-killed-on-wifes-orders-to-settle-debts-1824934.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/husband-was-killed-on-wifes-orders-to-settle-debts-1824934.html ]]> <p> A debt-ridden woman and her son masterminded the contract killing of her husband in a calculated move motivated by a "combination of greed and loathing", a court heard yesterday. </p> Crime Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-office-christmas-party-is-cancelled-1824936.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-office-christmas-party-is-cancelled-1824936.html ]]> <p> Two years ago they would have been dancing until dawn, having sunk a three-course dinner and magnums of vintage champagne. Now workers in Britain's formerly booming banks are having to dip into their own pockets to fund their Christmas parties. </p> Home News Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-curry-im-yorkshires-secondcheapest-mp-1824941.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-curry-im-yorkshires-secondcheapest-mp-1824941.html ]]> <p>The Conservative MP who quit as chairman of Parliament's anti-sleaze committee after allegations that he misused expenses has described the claims against him as fiction "akin to Harry Potter".</p> UK Politics Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-who-killed-his-wife-while-sleeping-goes-free-1824945.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-who-killed-his-wife-while-sleeping-goes-free-1824945.html <p>A man who strangled his wife during a nightmare in the belief he was attacking an intruder walked free from court yesterday after the case against him was withdrawn.</p> Crime Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/village-people-21112009-1824947.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/village-people-21112009-1824947.html <p> <b>The plot thickens</b> </p> <p> *Yesterday, we learnt that the Tory MP David Curry has resigned the chairmanship of the Parliamentary Standards Committee because he has been claiming for a second home that he rarely uses because his wife allegedly would not let him because that was where she suspected he had conducted an affair. </p> UK Politics Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/politics-is-a-nice-little-earner-ndash-if-youre-a-tory-1824942.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/politics-is-a-nice-little-earner-ndash-if-youre-a-tory-1824942.html <p>After revelations about duck houses, moats and fake mortgages, many suspected it. Now a Harvard study claims to have proof that the life of a politician really is a nice little earner.</p> UK Politics Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bank-loses-appeal-over-wheelchair-access-case-1824937.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bank-loses-appeal-over-wheelchair-access-case-1824937.html <p>The Royal Bank of Scotland has lost its appeal over a ruling that it failed to cater for the wheelchair access needs of a disabled teenager who was awarded £6,500 damages. </p> Home News Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/eastenders-festive-scripts-stolen-from-writer-1824935.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/eastenders-festive-scripts-stolen-from-writer-1824935.html <p>Scripts for EastEnders Christmas specials were stolen during a burglary at a writer's home, the BBC said yesterday.</p> Crime Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/rain-clouds-usually-leave-as-quickly-as-they-arrive-but-not-this-time-1824929.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/rain-clouds-usually-leave-as-quickly-as-they-arrive-but-not-this-time-1824929.html <p>Weather experts talk about a moving "conveyor belt" of rain when describing Britain's continuous exposure to weather systems as they roll in from the North Atlantic. But the conveyor belt of rain over north-west England and southern Scotland over the past three days got stuck over the hills of Cumbria and southern Scotland.</p> Home News Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/carjacker-who-crippled-mother-told-he-faces-jail-1824927.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/carjacker-who-crippled-mother-told-he-faces-jail-1824927.html <p>A crack addict carjacker was convicted yesterday of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a mother-of-four by running her over in her own vehicle, leaving her with such severe injuries she is confined to a wheelchair.</p> Crime Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/john-may-prevention-is-better-than-cure-for-the-young-unemployed-1824776.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/john-may-prevention-is-better-than-cure-for-the-young-unemployed-1824776.html <p> Three months after official Government figures showed that one in five of 16 to 24-year-olds were out of work, latest figures show a worryingly high amount of young people are still searching for work. </p> Commentators Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:18:54 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/doctor-accused-of-sex-with-suicidal-patient-1824724.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/doctor-accused-of-sex-with-suicidal-patient-1824724.html <p> A French doctor accused of having sex with a suicidal patient during a night call to her home has been struck off, the General Medical Council (GMC) said today. </p> Home News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:26:02 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/shoplifter-fails-to-halt-deportation-to-us-1824716.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/shoplifter-fails-to-halt-deportation-to-us-1824716.html <p> The High Court has refused to halt the deportation of a US citizen who fears he could spend at least 17 years in jail - and possibly life - if found guilty of shoplifting electric toothbrushes. </p> Home News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:20:04 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/illegal-downloaders-face-broadband-limits-1824357.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/illegal-downloaders-face-broadband-limits-1824357.html ]]> <p> Internet users who illegally download films and music will run the risk of being cut off from the web under new laws published by the Government today. </p> News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:20:16 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/cumbria-deluge-breaks-historic-rainfall-record-1824353.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/cumbria-deluge-breaks-historic-rainfall-record-1824353.html <p> The unprecedented downpour over Cumbria was the highest level of rainfall measured in the country since records began, forecasters said today. </p> Home News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:05:37 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/teenager-stabbed-to-death-in-street-1824517.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/teenager-stabbed-to-death-in-street-1824517.html <p> Detectives launched a murder hunt today after a teenager was stabbed to death in the street. </p> Crime Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:10:28 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-walks-free-after-killing-wife-in-bad-dream-1824520.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-walks-free-after-killing-wife-in-bad-dream-1824520.html <p> A man who strangled his wife during a nightmare in the belief he was attacking an intruder walked free from court today after the case against him was withdrawn. </p> Crime Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:09:19 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/brief-respite-before-more-rain-sweeps-in-1824548.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/brief-respite-before-more-rain-sweeps-in-1824548.html <p> Parts of Cumbria worst hit by floods will get some respite from the rain tonight but more bad weather is expected over the weekend, a forecaster said. </p> Home News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:47:13 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/dizaei-cleared-of-misusing-police-credit-card-1824586.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/dizaei-cleared-of-misusing-police-credit-card-1824586.html <p> Suspended senior Scotland Yard officer Ali Dizaei was cleared today of misusing his corporate credit card. </p> Crime Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:19:28 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/expensesrow-mp-dismisses-house-ban-claim-1824513.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/expensesrow-mp-dismisses-house-ban-claim-1824513.html <p> The head of the Commons committee that deals with MPs' expenses abuse dismissed an allegation that his wife banned him from the constituency home he claimed for as "akin to Harry Potter" today. </p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:34 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-well-provide-whats-needed-in-flood-crisis-1824528.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-well-provide-whats-needed-in-flood-crisis-1824528.html <p> The Government will provide anything needed to help during the flooding which has seen hundreds of people evacuated from their homes, Gordon Brown said today. </p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:01:32 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/wicked-grandmother-jailed-over-dowry-dispute-1824519.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/wicked-grandmother-jailed-over-dowry-dispute-1824519.html <p> A "wicked" grandmother and the two sons she ordered to kidnap and beat her estranged son-in-law over a £25,000 dowry dispute, have each been jailed for seven years. </p> Crime Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:36:26 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-who-gouged-out-expartners-eye-jailed-for-12-years-1824514.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-who-gouged-out-expartners-eye-jailed-for-12-years-1824514.html <p> A man who gouged out his ex-girlfriend's eye and threw it away was jailed for 12 years today. </p> Crime Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:22:35 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/police-chiefs-issue-threat-over-tory-plans-1824349.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/police-chiefs-issue-threat-over-tory-plans-1824349.html <p> Chief constables could resign if a Tory government presses ahead with plans to put police forces under the control of directly-elected local commissioners, the senior officers' leader warned today. </p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:10 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/the-big-question-are-there-too-many-police-forces-and-does-the-system-need-an-overhaul-1823872.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/the-big-question-are-there-too-many-police-forces-and-does-the-system-need-an-overhaul-1823872.html ]]> Crime Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/bnp-signs-its-first-nonwhite-member-1824108.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/bnp-signs-its-first-nonwhite-member-1824108.html ]]> <p>An elderly Sikh who describes Islam as a "beast" and once provided a character reference for Nick Griffin during his racial hatred trial is set to become the British National Party's first non-white member. </p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ashcroft-asked-questions-in-lords-about-tropical-idylls-1824107.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ashcroft-asked-questions-in-lords-about-tropical-idylls-1824107.html ]]> <p>Michael Ashcroft has asked a significant number of questions in the House of Lords about British policy in a region of the Caribbean where he has extensive business interests. Half the questions he has put to ministers since late March have concerned Belize or the Turks and Caicos Islands.</p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/borrowing-to-exceed-darlings-worst-forecast-1824112.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/borrowing-to-exceed-darlings-worst-forecast-1824112.html <p>The Government is heading for borrowing more of than £200bn this year, on the basis of the latest figures on the Treasury's finances, which have been branded "dismal" by economists.</p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/britain-knew-cia-tortured-detainee-1824117.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/britain-knew-cia-tortured-detainee-1824117.html ]]> <p>Britain knew that American agents were using barbaric torture techniques on terror suspects, including British resident Binyam Mohamed, it emerged yesterday. Secret reports sent between MI5 and the CIA in 2002 reveal that the American security services were using torture practices which included waterboarding, facial slaps and stress positions.</p> Home News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-appeals-to-labour-mps-over-afghan-war-1824121.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-appeals-to-labour-mps-over-afghan-war-1824121.html ]]> <p>Gordon Brown and three cabinet ministers have moved to shore up wavering support among Labour backbenchers for the war in Afghanistan.</p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/harman-faces-driving-charges-1824126.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/harman-faces-driving-charges-1824126.html <p>Harriet Harman, the deputy Labour leader, is to be charged with driving without due care and attention and driving while using a mobile phone, the Crown Prosecution Service announced last night.</p> Crime Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/chaos-as-a-months-rain-falls-in-24-hours-1824119.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/chaos-as-a-months-rain-falls-in-24-hours-1824119.html ]]> <p> Fears were growing for the lives of hundreds of people trapped in the Cumbrian town of Cockermouth last night, as rampant floods tore through the town sparking a major overnight rescue operation. </p> Home News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cameron-keeps-mumsnet-waiting-1824113.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cameron-keeps-mumsnet-waiting-1824113.html ]]> <p>Gordon Brown got in trouble for dodging an unexpected question on his favourite biscuit during his live webchat with the popular parents' website, Mumsnet.</p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-expenses-still-a-mess-1824110.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-expenses-still-a-mess-1824110.html <p>Ministers faced accusations of presiding over a "shambles" last night as they insisted they remained committed to overhauling the MPs' expenses system. They were surprised by protests that the Queen's Speech contained no fresh proposals for reforming Commons expenses.</p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/benefits-could-be-axed-to-fund-care-for-the-elderly-1824109.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/benefits-could-be-axed-to-fund-care-for-the-elderly-1824109.html <p>Plans to reform social care for the elderly came under fierce attack yesterday when it emerged that key benefits received by millions of pensioners could be axed to pay for the overhaul. Downing Street confirmed it was possible that Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance, paid to disabled pensioners, may be reviewed to pay for a new system of free personal care, labelled by Gordon Brown as a National Care Service. However, ministers made clear that no decisions had been made and anyone who lost benefits would be compensated.</p> UK Politics Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mp-quits-sleaze-watchdog-role-amid-expenses-probe-1824047.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mp-quits-sleaze-watchdog-role-amid-expenses-probe-1824047.html <p>The MP in charge of the Commons sleaze watchdog stood down tonight pending an inquiry into his second home allowance claims.</p> UK Politics Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:08:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/harriet-harman-prosecuted-after-crash-while-using-phone-1823783.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/harriet-harman-prosecuted-after-crash-while-using-phone-1823783.html ]]> <p> Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman faces prosecution for her involvement in a car smash in which she was allegedly using her mobile phone, the Crown Prosecution Service said tonight. </p> UK Politics Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:05:03 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tube-workers-start-voting-on-strike-action-1823674.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tube-workers-start-voting-on-strike-action-1823674.html <p> The threat of disruption on London Underground came closer today when workers started voting on strikes in four separate disputes, while union leaders released the timetable for a Tube-wide industrial action ballot over pay. </p> Home News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:03:15 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/social-worker-filmed-up-womens-skirts-1823607.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/social-worker-filmed-up-womens-skirts-1823607.html <p> A social worker who filmed up women's skirts during shopping trips for his own "personal gratification" was removed from the register today. </p> Crime Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:58:32 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/cleaning-managers-held-over-blackmail-tipoff-1823664.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/cleaning-managers-held-over-blackmail-tipoff-1823664.html <p> Three managers at an NHS hospital cleaning company were arrested today on suspicion of blackmailing foreign colleagues. </p> Crime Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:55:38 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/pets/news/dog-breeder-jailed-over-dead-puppies-under-stairs-1823614.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/pets/news/dog-breeder-jailed-over-dead-puppies-under-stairs-1823614.html <p> A dog breeder was jailed for 20 weeks yesterday and banned from keeping animals for life after being found with 15 dead and dying puppies in suitcases in a locked cupboard under her stairs. </p> News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:38:50 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/police-appeal-over-savage-attack-on-guide-dog-1823587.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/police-appeal-over-savage-attack-on-guide-dog-1823587.html <p> This shocking video shows a blind woman's guide dog being savaged by a terrier-type dog at a railway station. </p> Crime Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:13:27 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/rain-batters-britain-with-more-forecast-1823570.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/rain-batters-britain-with-more-forecast-1823570.html ]]> <p> Heavy rain battered parts of Britain overnight as householders were warned of a high risk of flooding today. </p> Home News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:22:40 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/night-stalker-suspect-in-court-over-attacks-on-elderly-women-1823548.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/night-stalker-suspect-in-court-over-attacks-on-elderly-women-1823548.html <p> A man accused of a series of sex attacks on elderly women was remanded in custody today to appear in court again later this month. </p> Crime Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:45:18 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/third-woman-in-court-on-paedophile-charges-1823547.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/third-woman-in-court-on-paedophile-charges-1823547.html <p> A woman appeared in court today charged with child sex offences following the investigation into paedophiles Vanessa George and Colin Blanchard. </p> Crime Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:43:43 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/teenager-jailed-for-killing-man-with-one-punch-1823517.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/teenager-jailed-for-killing-man-with-one-punch-1823517.html <p> A teenager was jailed for 20 months today for killing a man with a single punch in an unprovoked attack. </p> Crime Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:15:32 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/woman-questioned-after-fatal-blaze-1823513.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/woman-questioned-after-fatal-blaze-1823513.html <p> Detectives were questioning a woman today after firefighters found a body after a suspicious fire engulfed a house. </p> Crime Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:11:39 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/photo-bid-to-catch-good-samaritans-attackers-1823511.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/photo-bid-to-catch-good-samaritans-attackers-1823511.html <p> Police released a picture of a "good Samaritan" who was beaten by a group of youths when he tried to stop them stealing a bike. </p> Crime Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:03:22 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/borrowing-higher-than-expected-at-pound114bn-1823431.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/borrowing-higher-than-expected-at-pound114bn-1823431.html <p> UK borrowing ballooned by a higher than expected £11.4 billion in October, official figures showed today. </p> UK Politics Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:34:46 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-plans-unravelling-over-expenses-says-cameron-1823427.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-plans-unravelling-over-expenses-says-cameron-1823427.html <p> Tory leader David Cameron today claimed the Government's legislative programme was "unravelling" after ministers were forced to concede they could introduce laws to complete the clean-up of MPs' expenses. </p> UK Politics Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:44:31 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/gambler-faces-extradition-over-wifes-death-1823417.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/gambler-faces-extradition-over-wifes-death-1823417.html <p> A professional gambler was facing extradition today after allegedly killing his wife then dumping her body in a US national park and spending her money during a "playboy" weekend in Las Vegas. </p> Crime Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:05:27 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-tries-to-put-policy-above-personality-1823210.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-tries-to-put-policy-above-personality-1823210.html ]]> <p>Gordon Brown and David Cameron offered two different directions for the country yesterday as the longest general election campaign in recent history got under way.</p> UK Politics Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/why-were-expenses-spared-pm-asked-1823211.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/why-were-expenses-spared-pm-asked-1823211.html <p>The anti-sleaze watchdog attacked Gordon Brown last night for failing to include new legislation to clean up MPs' expenses in the Queen's Speech.</p> UK Politics Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/woman-charged-with-child-sex-offences-1823335.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/woman-charged-with-child-sex-offences-1823335.html <p>A woman has been charged with child sex offences following the investigation into paedophiles Vanessa George and Colin Blanchard, police said last night. <p></p> Crime Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/secret-evidence-blow-hits-guantanamo-seven-1822987.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/secret-evidence-blow-hits-guantanamo-seven-1822987.html <p> Britain’s security services should be able to withold evidence from claimants in civil court cases, the High Court ruled today. </p> Home News Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:45:36 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/bar-victim-traces-attacker-on-facebook-1822968.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/bar-victim-traces-attacker-on-facebook-1822968.html <p> A woman who was glassed in a nightclub turned detective on social networking site Facebook, helping police to catch her attacker, it was revealed today. </p> Crime Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:12:56 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/vicar-forgives-bullies-who-drove-daughter-to-death-1822846.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/vicar-forgives-bullies-who-drove-daughter-to-death-1822846.html ]]> <p> Two teenage girls who bullied and beat up a vicar’s daughter shortly before she threw herself out of a third floor window were today found guilty of causing her death. </p> Crime Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:12 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/rabbi-offered-cocaine-for-sex-1822917.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/rabbi-offered-cocaine-for-sex-1822917.html <p> A wealthy rabbi financed a drug dealing business and offered cocaine to girls in exchange for sex, a court heard today. </p> Crime Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:32:29 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrew-grice-the-long-election-campaign-has-begun-1822914.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrew-grice-the-long-election-campaign-has-begun-1822914.html <p> Dress rehearsal for the general election this afternoon when Gordon Brown and David Cameron clashed in the Commons at the start of the debate on the Queen's Speech. </p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:30:41 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/south-african-president-to-make-state-visit-1822897.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/south-african-president-to-make-state-visit-1822897.html ]]> <p> South African President Jacob Zuma will make a state visit to Britain in March, the Queen announced today. </p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:09:40 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/215-trapped-by-online-child-sex-abuse-sting-1822884.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/215-trapped-by-online-child-sex-abuse-sting-1822884.html <p> Police have snared more than 200 online sexual predators in a major operation targeting social networking sites, it was revealed today. </p> Crime Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:53:19 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/laughing-thief-ran-woman-down-with-her-car-1822883.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/laughing-thief-ran-woman-down-with-her-car-1822883.html <p> A mother was run over and dragged up to 65ft (20m) by her own car after a laughing thief leapt behind the wheel and mowed her down, a court heard today. </p> Crime Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:51:11 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/floods-precede-more-severe-weather-1822867.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/floods-precede-more-severe-weather-1822867.html <p> Heavy rain caused flooding in parts of the country today as more severe weather was predicted for the days ahead. </p> Home News Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:11:19 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-lays-out-election-agenda-1822807.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-lays-out-election-agenda-1822807.html ]]> <p> Labour will seek to rush through measures to reform public services and regulation of the banks in the final session of Parliament before the general election. </p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:58:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/new-rules-could-see-bonus-contracts-torn-up-1822791.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/new-rules-could-see-bonus-contracts-torn-up-1822791.html <p> Bankers will see excessive pay and bonuses contracts torn up if they promote undue risk-taking under tough new rules outlined today in the proposed Financial Services Bill. </p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:00:15 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-lays-down-election-battle-lines-1822697.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-lays-down-election-battle-lines-1822697.html ]]> <p> The Government unveiled its final legislative package before the general election today, with pledges to help the neediest pensioners and crack down on excesses in the financial sector. </p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:40:15 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/careathome-plans-for-elderly-outlined-1822773.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/careathome-plans-for-elderly-outlined-1822773.html <p> Plans to extend care for the elderly are at the heart of the Government's final legislative programme before the general election. </p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:39:19 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/list-of-bills-in-final-legislative-programme-1822699.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/list-of-bills-in-final-legislative-programme-1822699.html <p> Here is a list of the bills in the Government's final legislative programme before the general election: </p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:28:23 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/temporary-workers-to-get-new-rights--in-2011-1822764.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/temporary-workers-to-get-new-rights--in-2011-1822764.html <p> The Government today confirmed plans to give temporary workers the same rights as permanent staff, but not until 2011, much later than unions had been expecting. </p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:28:20 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/pcso-to-be-sentenced-over-webcam-child-sex-1822768.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/pcso-to-be-sentenced-over-webcam-child-sex-1822768.html <p> A police community support officer (PCSO) who persuaded a 12-year-old girl to perform sex acts on a webcam will be sentenced today. </p> Crime Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:26:17 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/pound3m-lottery-jackpot-prize-unclaimed-1822736.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/pound3m-lottery-jackpot-prize-unclaimed-1822736.html <p> Players of the National Lottery were today being urged to check their tickets after a Halloween night jackpot prize of £3,204,588 still remained unclaimed. </p> Home News Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:37:12 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/final-flypast-raf-pulls-out-of-northern-ireland-1822707.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/final-flypast-raf-pulls-out-of-northern-ireland-1822707.html <p> Nine Puma helicopters disappear into the skies as the last RAF squadron based in Northern Ireland flies out of Aldergrove for the final time. </p> Home News Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:21:19 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/trust-faces-prosecution-over-mothers-death-1822701.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/trust-faces-prosecution-over-mothers-death-1822701.html <p> A Swindon hospital trust faces prosecution over health and safety breaches linked to the death of a mother who had just given birth. </p> Home News Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:34:31 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/prisoner-realeased-in-error-hands-himself-in-1822692.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/prisoner-realeased-in-error-hands-himself-in-1822692.html <p> A prisoner who was charged with murder and released from custody "in error" has handed himself in, police said. </p> Crime Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:48:31 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/police-budgets-to-be-cut-by-20-per-cent-says-senior-officer-1822397.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/police-budgets-to-be-cut-by-20-per-cent-says-senior-officer-1822397.html ]]> <p>One of Britain's most senior police officers has proposed widespread mergers of the country's police forces in what would be the biggest shake-up of policing in a generation.</p> Home News Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/osborne-will-break-up-the-treasury-empire-1822398.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/osborne-will-break-up-the-treasury-empire-1822398.html <p>George Osborne has vowed to slim down the Treasury should the Tories win power, breaking up the empire built by Gordon Brown during his time as chancellor.</p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/nickells-partner-in-legal-action-1822401.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/nickells-partner-in-legal-action-1822401.html <p>The partner of the sex-killing victim Rachel Nickell has complained to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) over police failures which might have prevented her death.</p> Crime Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/so-i-called-her-dumb-blonde-and-decorative-thats-not-an-insult-1822399.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/so-i-called-her-dumb-blonde-and-decorative-thats-not-an-insult-1822399.html ]]> <p>Joking about dumb blondes, topless women and sex is a perfectly reasonable way to behave at work, a wealthy financier has insisted. </p> Home News Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/murdered-womans-hand-was-cut-off-1822409.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/murdered-womans-hand-was-cut-off-1822409.html <p>The estranged husband of a woman who was left dying in the street with one of her hands cut off has been arrested. Geeta Aulakh, 28, was found in Greenford, north-west London.</p> Crime Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/meet-cyberwoman-the-battleground-for-the-next-election-1822412.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/meet-cyberwoman-the-battleground-for-the-next-election-1822412.html <p>We have had "Worcester Woman", "Mondeo Man", the "Pebbledash People" and others. Every election seems to throw up its special group of voters on whom politicians focus their attention.</p> UK Politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/inspectors-condemn-filthy-and-squalid-unit-1822410.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/inspectors-condemn-filthy-and-squalid-unit-1822410.html <p>Conditions at a youth prison were condemned in a report yesterday as "filthy and squalid".</p> Home News Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/husband-strangled-wife-during-a-nightmare-1822402.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/husband-strangled-wife-during-a-nightmare-1822402.html <p>A man suffering from a sleep disorder strangled his wife while dreaming he was attacking an intruder in their camper van, a court heard yesterday.</p> Crime Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/old-bailey-bomber-held-over-murder-of-soldiers-1822274.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/old-bailey-bomber-held-over-murder-of-soldiers-1822274.html ]]> <p> For decades she has stood as a symbol of hardline Irish republican militancy. </p> Crime Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:15:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/amol-rajan-a-british-politics-of-national-greatness-1822260.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/amol-rajan-a-british-politics-of-national-greatness-1822260.html <p> David Brooks argues that Americans have lost some of the optimism for which they were famed. He says the rise of China accentuates their sense that they have largely abandoned an enterprising spirit and energising culture that marked them out from competitors. </p> Commentators Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:32:10 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/rappers-sought-after-fan-is-raped-after-gig-1822170.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/rappers-sought-after-fan-is-raped-after-gig-1822170.html ]]> <p> Two members of the MOBO award-winning hip-hop band N-Dubz are being sought as witnesses by detectives investigating a rape allegation. </p> News Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:40:45 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/prisoner-on-muder-charge-freed-in-error-1822246.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/prisoner-on-muder-charge-freed-in-error-1822246.html ]]> <p> A prisoner who is charged with murder and considered to be a danger to the public was released from custody in error, police said today. </p> Crime Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:40:15 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/old-bailey-bomber-quizzed-over-soldier-murders-1821993.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/old-bailey-bomber-quizzed-over-soldier-murders-1821993.html <p> Old Bailey bomber Marian Price was arrested today by detectives investigating the murders of two soldiers outside a military barracks in Northern Ireland. </p> Crime Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:33:46 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/john-rentoul-do-the-polls-flatter-labour-1822222.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/john-rentoul-do-the-polls-flatter-labour-1822222.html <p> n ICM poll in The Guardian this morning gives the Conservatives a 13-point lead, roughly the same as the 14-point lead in our ComRes poll for The Independent on Sunday at the weekend, and another 14-point lead from YouGov in The Sunday Times. </p> Commentators Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:22:34 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/celebrity-chef-wrestled-with-breathtest-police-1822217.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/celebrity-chef-wrestled-with-breathtest-police-1822217.html <p> Celebrity chef John Burton Race has been banned from driving for refusing to give a breath test and resisting arrest in Dartmouth. </p> Crime Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:00:04 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/straw-had-no-rational-reason-not-to-free-biggs-1822193.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/straw-had-no-rational-reason-not-to-free-biggs-1822193.html <p> Justice Secretary Jack Straw was accused today of allowing politics to cloud his judgment over the release of Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs. </p> Home News Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:31:54 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/jobcuts-council-holds-conference-at-spa-resort-1822192.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/jobcuts-council-holds-conference-at-spa-resort-1822192.html <p> A local authority planning hundreds of job cuts organised a £28,000 conference for headteachers at a luxurious spa resort, it emerged today. </p> Home News Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:29:20 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/fears-for-households-as-inflation-rises-1821991.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/fears-for-households-as-inflation-rises-1821991.html <p> A first rise in inflation in seven months during October today prompted fears of more pain ahead for household finances hit by recession. </p> Home News Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:26:09 +0000