http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/warders-sacked-after-female-beefeater-bullying-proble-1827368.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/warders-sacked-after-female-beefeater-bullying-proble-1827368.html <p> Two Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London have been dismissed following an investigation into allegations of harassment of the first female Beefeater, it was announced today. </p> Home News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:04:37 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/new-look-fined-pound400000-for-fire-safety-breaches-1827367.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/new-look-fined-pound400000-for-fire-safety-breaches-1827367.html <p> A top High Street chain was fined a record £400,000 for fire safety breaches today after a devastating blaze turned one of their Oxford Street branches into a potential death trap. </p> Crime Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:02:03 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/protesters-win-judicial-review-of-g20-police-tactics-1827265.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/protesters-win-judicial-review-of-g20-police-tactics-1827265.html <p> Protestors who complained that they were beaten and unlawfully restrained by the police during the G20 demonstrations have won a judicial review of the tactics used by the officers during the event. </p> Crime Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:52:09 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/runaway-killer-found-with-members-of-family-1827088.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/runaway-killer-found-with-members-of-family-1827088.html <p> Former royal aide Jane Andrews was found in a hotel with her family early today after spending two days on the run from an open prison, reports said. </p> Crime Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:01:04 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/hunt-for-man-who-kidnapped-and-sexually-assaulted-teenager-1827291.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/hunt-for-man-who-kidnapped-and-sexually-assaulted-teenager-1827291.html <p> A teenage girl was kidnapped and subjected to a "horrific" sexual attack, police said today. </p> Crime Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:26:05 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iraq-was-not-top-of-weapons-concerns-list-1827169.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iraq-was-not-top-of-weapons-concerns-list-1827169.html <p> Iraq was not "top of the list" of the countries causing concern about weapons of mass destruction prior to the invasion of 2003, the official inquiry into the war was told today. </p> Middle East Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:03:18 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrew-grice-brown-ambushed-twice-1827279.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrew-grice-brown-ambushed-twice-1827279.html <p> Gordon Brown expected David Cameron to raise the economy, the floods in Cumbria and possibly Afghanistan in Prime Minister's Questions today. He was right about the floods, but surprised when the Tory leader ambushed him by alleging that an extremist Islamic front organisation was receiving public money for two schools. </p> UK Politics Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:49:37 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/storms-strand-wildlife-experts-on-island-1827276.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/storms-strand-wildlife-experts-on-island-1827276.html <p> A team of wildlife experts has been stranded on a remote island for more than two weeks because of extreme weather conditions, it was revealed today </p> Home News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:39:53 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/jesus-may-have-visited-uk-1827263.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/jesus-may-have-visited-uk-1827263.html <p> A new film suggests that Jesus may have come to Britain, as described in the hymn Jerusalem, its director said today. </p> Home News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:59:05 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/homeowners-on-alert-as-flood-waters-rise-1827170.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/homeowners-on-alert-as-flood-waters-rise-1827170.html <p> Homeowner across south Galway were on high alert today after flooding worsened overnight. </p> Home News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:52:10 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/father-drank-vodka-before-causing-baby-sons-death-1827259.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/father-drank-vodka-before-causing-baby-sons-death-1827259.html <p> A 34-year-old man drank a bottle of vodka before causing the death of his 10-week-old son by inflicting severe injuries to his head, a court heard today. </p> Crime Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:49:36 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/hung-parliament-back-on-the-agenda-1827258.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/hung-parliament-back-on-the-agenda-1827258.html <p> Hung parliaments are back on the political agenda. </p> UK Politics Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:47:38 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/no-anthrax-threat-from-tube-station-work-1827257.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/no-anthrax-threat-from-tube-station-work-1827257.html <p> Building materials sent for testing after work at a Tube station did not contain any trace of anthrax, it was announced today. </p> Home News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:46:24 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/hopes-raised-for-extra-afghanistan-troops-1827253.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/hopes-raised-for-extra-afghanistan-troops-1827253.html <p> The deployment of 500 extra British troops to Afghanistan came a step closer today when Gordon Brown declared himself "optimistic" of securing 5,000 reinforcements from other allies. </p> Asia Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:43:58 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-receiving-more-donations-than-labour-1827252.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-receiving-more-donations-than-labour-1827252.html <p> Donations to the Conservative Party are continuing to outstrip those to Labour ahead of the next general election, according to the latest update from the Electoral Commission today. </p> UK Politics Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:39:58 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/policeman-to-face-trial-on-grope-charge-1827251.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/policeman-to-face-trial-on-grope-charge-1827251.html <p> A police officer was ordered to stand trial today accused of groping a woman in the street. </p> Crime Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:38:40 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/rail-punctuality-reaches-autumn-record-1827171.html http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/rail-punctuality-reaches-autumn-record-1827171.html <p> Rail punctuality, badly hit by the recent floods, reached record autumn levels in the weeks before the storms, it was revealed today. </p> News & Advice Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:36:02 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/parties-to-be-forced-to-declare-minority-applicants-1827227.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/parties-to-be-forced-to-declare-minority-applicants-1827227.html <p> Political parties are to be forced to declare how many women, ethnic minority and disabled applicants they reject as potential parliamentary candidates under cross-party plans backed by Commons Speaker John Bercow. </p> UK Politics Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:22:23 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/immigrants-jump-from-ferry-in-bid-to-enter-uk-1827108.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/immigrants-jump-from-ferry-in-bid-to-enter-uk-1827108.html <p> Illegal immigrants were feared to have jumped off a ferry today in stormy weather in a "desperate" bid to enter the UK. </p> Home News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:24:44 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/death-crash-pair-lose-cyprus-extradition-plea-1827176.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/death-crash-pair-lose-cyprus-extradition-plea-1827176.html <p> Two British men who were passengers in a car involved in a fatal accident in Cyprus and jailed for manslaughter lost their High Court bid to avoid extradition to the holiday island to serve their sentences today. </p> Crime Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:20:35 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/madeleine-businessman-arrested-at-hotel-1827134.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/madeleine-businessman-arrested-at-hotel-1827134.html <p> A businessman whose firm helped to look for Madeleine McCann was arrested after a hotel manager recognised him as an alleged fraudster wanted by US authorities. </p> Crime Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:29:56 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/union-calls-for-contaminated-station-to-be-closed-1827133.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/union-calls-for-contaminated-station-to-be-closed-1827133.html <p> A leading union today called for a busy Tube station to be closed after claiming it had possibly been contaminated with anthrax and asbestos. </p> Home News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:57:22 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/re-teacher-sentenced-for-sex-with-teenager-1827128.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/re-teacher-sentenced-for-sex-with-teenager-1827128.html <p> A religious education teacher will be sentenced today for having sex with a teenage boy. </p> Crime Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:42:23 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-believe-brown-will-go-to-the-country-in-march-1826926.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-believe-brown-will-go-to-the-country-in-march-1826926.html ]]> <p>Senior conservatives believe that Gordon Brown may call a general election next March to head off the prospect of bad economic statistics scuppering his claim that he had guided Britain safely out of recession.</p> UK Politics Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/fuel-bills-blamed-for-50-rise-in-winter-deaths-1826917.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/fuel-bills-blamed-for-50-rise-in-winter-deaths-1826917.html <p>The number of deaths during the coldest three months of the year were up almost 50 per cent on the previous year to 36,700, sending an extra 10,000 pensioners to early graves, new figures showed yesterday.</p> Home News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/iraq-invasion-discussed-in-2001-ndash-but-was-dismissed-as-illegal-1826918.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/iraq-invasion-discussed-in-2001-ndash-but-was-dismissed-as-illegal-1826918.html ]]> <p>Toppling Saddam Hussein from power was being discussed by British and US officials two years before the invasion of Iraq, senior Whitehall figures admitted yesterday.</p> UK Politics Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/army-account-of-iraqi-deaths-questioned-1826924.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/army-account-of-iraqi-deaths-questioned-1826924.html <p>The British Army's account of the deaths of 20 Iraqis and the alleged mistreatment of nine others after a battle in southern Iraq has been questioned by a secret report.</p> Home News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/the-rise-and-rise-of-camerons-philosopherking-1826927.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/the-rise-and-rise-of-camerons-philosopherking-1826927.html <p>A former secondary modern schoolboy whose politics were coloured by what Thatcherism did to his native city of Liverpool is to have his surprising status as one of David Cameron's court philosophers confirmed tomorrow.</p> News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/war-widows-tribute-to-her-warrior-husband-1826925.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/war-widows-tribute-to-her-warrior-husband-1826925.html ]]> <p>The widow of an army bomb disposal expert killed in Afghanistan urged Britain and its leaders to recognise the sacrifice of soldiers as she buried husband yesterday. </p> Home News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/threeyearold-stabbed-to-death-at-home-1826928.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/threeyearold-stabbed-to-death-at-home-1826928.html <p>A father of two is alleged to have killed his three-year-old son and then tried to kill his wife and himself after she said she wanted a divorce.</p> Crime Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/scottish-parliament-may-win-greater-tax-powers-1826930.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/scottish-parliament-may-win-greater-tax-powers-1826930.html <p>The Scottish Parliament may be given the power to vary income tax by up to 10p in the pound, the Government will announce today.</p> UK Politics Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/men-charged-after-attack-on-police-1827030.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/men-charged-after-attack-on-police-1827030.html <p>Two men have been charged with the attempt to murder a police officer in Northern Ireland last Saturday. </p> Crime Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/fossil-theft-one-of-our-dinosaurs-is-missing-1826931.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/fossil-theft-one-of-our-dinosaurs-is-missing-1826931.html ]]> <p>Armed with rock chisels, it took the thief only a few minutes to wipe out 135 million years of history. The fossilised iguanodon footprint was hacked out of the limestone slab where it had lain in a Dorset quarry and spirited away by an illicit collector. </p> Science Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/baby-p-killer-in-appeal-against-rape-conviction-1826929.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/baby-p-killer-in-appeal-against-rape-conviction-1826929.html <p>One of the three people jailed over the death of Baby Peter claimed yesterday that he did not have a fair trial for the rape of a two-year-old girl. </p> Home News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/river-death-woman-named-1826669.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/river-death-woman-named-1826669.html <p> A young woman believed to have been swept away by a storm-swollen river was named by police today. </p> Home News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:48:40 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/police-should-have-discussed-antiterror-raids-1826747.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/police-should-have-discussed-antiterror-raids-1826747.html <p> A solitary email referring to a wedding led police to believe a terror attack was imminent and prompted the arrests of 11 suspects, it was revealed today. </p> Crime Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:06:27 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/saddam-options-discussed-a-year-before-iraq-war-1826635.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/saddam-options-discussed-a-year-before-iraq-war-1826635.html ]]> <p> British officials privately discussed the prospect of "regime change" in Iraq in late 2001 - more than a year before the invasion - the Iraq War inquiry was told today. </p> UK Politics Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:51:42 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/woman-in-court-after-paedophile-ring-investigation-1826726.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/woman-in-court-after-paedophile-ring-investigation-1826726.html <p> A woman accused of child sex offences following the police investigation into paedophiles Vanessa George and Colin Blanchard appeared in court by video link today. </p> Crime Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:44:40 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/paedophile-jailed-indefinitely-for-sexually-assaulting-girl-14-1826725.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/paedophile-jailed-indefinitely-for-sexually-assaulting-girl-14-1826725.html <p> A paedophile sexually assaulted a teenager after grooming her on the internet just five months after being released from serving a 14 year prison sentence for raping another young girl, a court heard today. </p> Crime Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:42:15 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/hamann-drinkdrive-trial-postponed-1826724.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/hamann-drinkdrive-trial-postponed-1826724.html <p> A new trial date was fixed today for former Liverpool footballer Dietmar Hamann who is accused of drink driving. </p> News & Comment Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:33:53 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/hospital-guard-for-father-after-boy-four-stabbed-to-death-1826683.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/hospital-guard-for-father-after-boy-four-stabbed-to-death-1826683.html <p> Detectives were today waiting to question a father of two suspected of stabbing his four-year-old son to death before turning the knife on himself. </p> Crime Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:56:31 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/i-was-out-jogging-says-murder-accused-1826706.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/i-was-out-jogging-says-murder-accused-1826706.html <p></p> <p> A man accused of murdering a sub-postmaster's son during an armed raid told a jury today that he was out jogging on the morning of the killing. </p> Crime Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:55:40 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/uk-intelligence-knew-of-terror-suspects-torture-1826634.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/uk-intelligence-knew-of-terror-suspects-torture-1826634.html <p> Pressure for a public inquiry into alleged British collusion in the torture of terror suspects was raised today with the publication of a fresh report on the treatment of five UK nationals. </p> Home News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:35:47 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/tell-us-where-you-dumped-lovers-body-plea-1826699.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/tell-us-where-you-dumped-lovers-body-plea-1826699.html <p> Police joined a coroner today in appealing for a convicted murderer to reveal where he has dumped the remains of his teenage lover. </p> Crime Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:31:51 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/winter-deaths-rise-a-national-scandal-1826664.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/winter-deaths-rise-a-national-scandal-1826664.html <p> The highest winter deaths figures in almost 10 years should act as a "deafening wake-up call" for the Government, charities said today </p> Health News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:19:12 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bridge-collapse-fears-as-rain-returns-to-cumbria-1826671.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bridge-collapse-fears-as-rain-returns-to-cumbria-1826671.html <p> Heavy rain returned to flood-ravaged Cumbria today as fears grew over the future of a key bridge. </p> Home News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:18:14 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/governmentrun-rail-route-to-go-private-again-1826685.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/governmentrun-rail-route-to-go-private-again-1826685.html <p> A key London to Scotland rail route, now effectively under state control, will pass back into private hands in November 2011 under Government plans announced today. </p> Business News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:11:11 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/police-officer-had-unhealthy-interest-in-prostitutes-1826693.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/police-officer-had-unhealthy-interest-in-prostitutes-1826693.html <p> A police officer who neglected his duties while he indulged in an "unhealthy interest" in prostitutes escaped punishment today. </p> Crime Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:54:20 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-stabbed-to-death-by-intruders-1826692.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-stabbed-to-death-by-intruders-1826692.html <p> A man was stabbed and beaten to death by intruders after being the victim of two burglaries in a week, the Old Bailey heard today. </p> Crime Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:53:19 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/murdersuicide-theory-over-couples-deaths-1826668.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/murdersuicide-theory-over-couples-deaths-1826668.html <p> Police have identified a Lithuanian couple who were found dead two weeks ago. </p> Crime Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:04:04 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/insecure-royal-aide-craved-marriage-1826656.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/insecure-royal-aide-craved-marriage-1826656.html <p> Insecure and possessive, Jane Andrews murdered her boyfriend when he refused to marry her. </p> Crime Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:46:56 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/pete-dohertys-manager-on-hit-and-run-charge-1826645.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/pete-dohertys-manager-on-hit-and-run-charge-1826645.html <p> The manager of rock star Pete Doherty appeared in court today charged over a hit-and-run crash in which a man was critically injured. </p> Crime Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:33:19 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/union-warns-over-tube-overtime-in-pay-row-1826592.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/union-warns-over-tube-overtime-in-pay-row-1826592.html <p> Union leaders will today consider calling an overtime ban among engineering and electrical workers on London Underground in a row over pay, which they warned would disrupt services. </p> Home News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:03:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/councils-still-missing-signs-of-child-abuse-1826628.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/councils-still-missing-signs-of-child-abuse-1826628.html <p> Children's workers are still failing to identify and report signs that a youngster is the victim of abuse, inspectors warned today. </p> Crime Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:53:41 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/arrest-halts-uda-factions-handover-of-weapons-1826622.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/arrest-halts-uda-factions-handover-of-weapons-1826622.html <p> The decommissioning of weapons by a UDA element in north Belfast has been halted following the arrest of leading loyalist Andre Shoukri on Sunday. </p> Home News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:43:13 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/dream-killer-husband-told-sleep-alone-1826591.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/dream-killer-husband-told-sleep-alone-1826591.html <p> A husband who walked free after strangling his wife during a nightmare revealed today he has been told by psychiatrists never to sleep with anyone again. </p> Crime Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:42:35 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/temporary-railway-station-for-floodhit-town-1826590.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/temporary-railway-station-for-floodhit-town-1826590.html <p> Network Rail (NR) is to build a temporary station to help ease the problem of people affected by the Cumbrian floods, it was announced today. </p> Home News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:27:07 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-jailed-over-baby-p-challenging-rape-conviction-1826589.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-jailed-over-baby-p-challenging-rape-conviction-1826589.html <p> One of the trio jailed over the death of Baby Peter is challenging his conviction for the rape of a two-year-old girl at the Court of Appeal today. </p> Crime Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:02:48 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/thatcher-back-at-no-10-for-portrait-unveiling-1826532.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/thatcher-back-at-no-10-for-portrait-unveiling-1826532.html ]]> <p> Former prime minister Margaret Thatcher returned to 10 Downing Street yesterday to attend the unveiling of her portrait. </p> UK Politics Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:14:51 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/police-pass-files-on-mps-and-peers-to-the-cps-1826431.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/police-pass-files-on-mps-and-peers-to-the-cps-1826431.html <p>The prospect of politicians being prosecuted over the scandal of Parliamentary expenses moved a significant step closer yesterday when police files on four MPs and peers were passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).</p> UK Politics Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/chilcot-inquiry-must-investigate-abuse-claims-say-lawyers-1826434.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/chilcot-inquiry-must-investigate-abuse-claims-say-lawyers-1826434.html <p>The man heading the inquiry examining events surrounding the Iraq war faces growing pressure to ensure that the most serious allegations facing the British Army are not brushed under the carpet.</p> UK Politics Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/police-targeting-people-for-their-dna-1826437.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/police-targeting-people-for-their-dna-1826437.html ]]> <p>Police forces have been arresting people simply to add them to the controversial DNA database as a result of lax rules that have developed with almost no public scrutiny, the Government's independent DNA watchdog warns today.</p> Crime Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/osborne-we-will-pay-people-to-recycle-1826438.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/osborne-we-will-pay-people-to-recycle-1826438.html ]]> <p>The Treasury would implement radical measures to ensure a "green recovery" if the Conservatives win the general election, George Osborne will pledge today.</p> Green Living Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-faces-challenge-over-afghan-plans-1826436.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-faces-challenge-over-afghan-plans-1826436.html <p>Gordon Brown is facing a backbench rebellion by Labour MPs who are demanding that an exit strategy for British troops in Afghanistan is announced by January.</p> UK Politics Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/flood-victims-return-home-as-more-rain-is-forecast-1826443.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/flood-victims-return-home-as-more-rain-is-forecast-1826443.html <p> Residents of flood-ravaged Cumbrian towns were warned yesterday to expect further heavy rainfall of up to 4ins and possible flooding as they returned to their homes for the first time since the heaviest rain Britain has ever seen engulfed the region. </p> Home News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/big-question/the-big-question-how-do-hung-parliaments-operate-and-are-we-heading-for-one-now-1826465.html http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/big-question/the-big-question-how-do-hung-parliaments-operate-and-are-we-heading-for-one-now-1826465.html Big Question Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/search-for-former-royal-aide-after-she-absconds-from-jail-1826444.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/search-for-former-royal-aide-after-she-absconds-from-jail-1826444.html ]]> <p>Jane Andrews, a former aide to the Duchess of York, was on the run last night after absconding from jail while serving a life sentence for murder.</p> Crime Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/policeman-murdered-fiancee-just-before-wedding-1826281.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/policeman-murdered-fiancee-just-before-wedding-1826281.html ]]> <p> A policeman who killed his police constable fiancee and then staged a car crash to make her death appear an accident was jailed for a minimum of 18 years today after he admitted her murder. </p> Crime Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:50:58 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/prosecutors-see-westminster-fraud-files-1826372.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/prosecutors-see-westminster-fraud-files-1826372.html <p> Scotland Yard detectives referred four cases of potential fraud by parliamentarians to prosecutors today. </p> UK Politics Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:14:59 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tornado-gales-and-more-storms-batter-britain-1826367.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tornado-gales-and-more-storms-batter-britain-1826367.html <p> Extreme weather conditions battered England today. More heavy rain is forecast for flood-hit Cumbria, a driver was killed when a tree was blown on to his van in Sussex and a tornado hit Derby </p> Home News Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:03:18 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/six-years-for-hells-angel-in-airport-brawl-1826359.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/six-years-for-hells-angel-in-airport-brawl-1826359.html <p> A Hells Angel who fled to South Africa after being convicted of taking part in a terrifying airport brawl was beginning a six-year jail sentence today. </p> Crime Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:33:46 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/cumbria-residents-return-to-devastated-homes-1826177.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/cumbria-residents-return-to-devastated-homes-1826177.html ]]> <p> Residents of a flood-ravaged town were allowed back into their homes and businesses today to begin the long process of cleaning up the damage. </p> Home News Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:00:48 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/menezes-family-agree-deal-with-met-1826324.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/menezes-family-agree-deal-with-met-1826324.html ]]> <p> The family of Jean Charles de Menezes revealed today they have agreed a compensation deal with the Metropolitan Police. </p> Crime Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:30:13 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/expc-jailed-for-pedestrians-crash-death-1826323.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/expc-jailed-for-pedestrians-crash-death-1826323.html <p> A former police officer who killed a man and left his wife confined to a wheelchair after ploughing into them as they walked home on New Year's Day was jailed for four years today. </p> Crime Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:27:37 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/leeds-bin-workers-end-11week-strike-1826311.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/leeds-bin-workers-end-11week-strike-1826311.html <p> A long-running strike by hundreds of council refuse collectors ended today after a deal to resolve a row over pay. </p> Home News Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:18:37 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrew-grice-pitching-for-the-business-vote-1826310.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrew-grice-pitching-for-the-business-vote-1826310.html <p> Unusual event today, as all leaders of the three main parties pitched for the support of businessmen at the annual conference of the Confederation of British Industry in London. </p> UK Politics Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:17:48 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/ben-chu-camerons-crowding-out-of-reason-1826309.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/ben-chu-camerons-crowding-out-of-reason-1826309.html <p> Just where is David Cameron getting his economic advice from? </p> Commentators Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:11:31 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-charged-over-taxi-driver-murder-1826296.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-charged-over-taxi-driver-murder-1826296.html <p> A man has been charged in connection with the murder of a taxi driver shot and dumped in his own car, police said today. </p> Crime Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:35:35 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-britain-must-be-at-heart-of-europe-1826290.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brown-britain-must-be-at-heart-of-europe-1826290.html <p> Britain must put itself at the heart of Europe to protect jobs and support economic growth, Gordon Brown insisted today. </p> UK Politics Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:55:53 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/teenager-charged-with-boys-knife-murder-1826284.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/teenager-charged-with-boys-knife-murder-1826284.html <p> A teenager has been charged with murder after a 15-year-old boy was knifed to death, police said today. </p> Crime Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:46:02 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/birmingham-six-35-years-on-from-injustice-1826180.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/birmingham-six-35-years-on-from-injustice-1826180.html <p> As blows rained down on Johnny Walker's stomach during a brutal beating at the hands of the police, he realised that in saying almost nothing, he had still said too much. "They were beating me up and my shirt came open and I told them I had stomach ulcers, so all the punches went down there... I should have shut my big mouth," he says, his voice quavering. </p> Crime Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:50:58 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/assembly-to-condemn-bid-to-derail-peace-process-1826179.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/assembly-to-condemn-bid-to-derail-peace-process-1826179.html <p> The Northern Ireland Assembly is today expected to condemn the latest attempts to derail the peace process after a car bomb attack and gun battle involving suspected dissident republicans. </p> Crime Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:47:11 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/pound20000-reward-in-hunt-for-driveby-killers-1826167.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/pound20000-reward-in-hunt-for-driveby-killers-1826167.html <p> Police offered a £20,000 reward for information today ahead of the first anniversary of the drive-by shooting of a 20-year-old man. </p> Crime Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:36:59 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/police-search-river-for-missing-woman-1826149.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/police-search-river-for-missing-woman-1826149.html <p> A search for a 21-year-old woman believed to have been swept away by a river swollen by recent storms will begin again today, police said. </p> Home News Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:36:27 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/pound149m-on-tanks-that-cant-go-to-war-1826148.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/pound149m-on-tanks-that-cant-go-to-war-1826148.html <p> The Ministry of Defence spent £149 million on an "urgent" upgrade to 900 tanks that are now only being used in training exercises, it was revealed. </p> UK Politics Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:34:04 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/standards-mp-under-scrutiny-over-claims-1826147.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/standards-mp-under-scrutiny-over-claims-1826147.html <p> Another member of the committee that regulates MPs' conduct was facing questions over his expenses. </p> UK Politics Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:31:27 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/four-charged-with-terrorism-offences-1826065.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/four-charged-with-terrorism-offences-1826065.html <p> Four men were charged with terrorism offences following counter-terror raids, police said last night. </p> Crime Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:32:29 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/university-accused--of-16336m-student-scam-1825909.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/university-accused--of-16336m-student-scam-1825909.html ]]> <p>The body which funds English universities has taken the unprecedented step of calling for the mass resignation of governors at a university accused of misusing public money.</p> Education News Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-to-promise-highspeed-rail-link-in-election-manifesto-1825913.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-to-promise-highspeed-rail-link-in-election-manifesto-1825913.html ]]> <p>A multi-billion pound pledge to build a high-speed rail link is set to be included as a key measure in Labour's manifesto for the next election, The Independent has been told.</p> UK Politics Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/now-the-expenses-spotlight-falls-on-britains-judiciary-1825915.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/now-the-expenses-spotlight-falls-on-britains-judiciary-1825915.html ]]> <p>Expenses claims by judges and magistrates have risen by £3m in the last two years, according to figures obtained by The Independent under the Freedom of Information Act.</p> Home News Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/iraq-war-probe-ready-to-name-and-blame--says-chairman-1825919.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/iraq-war-probe-ready-to-name-and-blame--says-chairman-1825919.html ]]> <p>The former Whitehall mandarin heading the long-awaited inquiry into the Iraq war has said his team will not shrink from criticising Tony Blair and other senior government figures if they are found to be at fault.</p> UK Politics Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/clegg-reveals-lib-dems-are-prepared-to-back-cameron-1825917.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/clegg-reveals-lib-dems-are-prepared-to-back-cameron-1825917.html <p>The Liberal Democrats would support whichever party wins the most seats if both the Tories and Labour fail to secure an overall majority after the next election, its leader said yesterday.</p> UK Politics Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/after-the-floods-the-cleanup-operation-1825916.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/after-the-floods-the-cleanup-operation-1825916.html <p>It is an irony not lost on the residents of Cockermouth. Yesterday at seven o'clock should have been the moment when the BBC weather presenter Paul Mooney flicked the switch on the town's Christmas illuminations. Instead the centre remained cordoned off by police as further harsh weather hampered the clear-up effort and estimates of the financial cost of the floods rose to hundreds of millions of pounds.</p> Home News Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/fbi-hunts-for-investigator-paid-163500000-by-mccanns-1825920.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/fbi-hunts-for-investigator-paid-163500000-by-mccanns-1825920.html ]]> <p>A PRIVATE investigator whose company was paid more than £500,000 by the McCann family to look for their missing daughter has gone on the run after being implicated in a string of high-profile frauds. </p> Crime Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/customers-in-line-for-bank-charge-windfall-worth-billions-1825924.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/customers-in-line-for-bank-charge-windfall-worth-billions-1825924.html <p>A landmark court ruling against high street banks this week could hand eight million bank customers windfalls worth billions of pounds.</p> Spend & Save Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/two-arrested-after-15yearold-boy-is-killed-1825927.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/two-arrested-after-15yearold-boy-is-killed-1825927.html <p>Two people are under arrest on suspicion of murder after a 15-year-old boy was stabbed to death, police said yesterday. </p> Crime Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/tackling-antisocial-behaviour-in-playground-could-halve-crime-1825933.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/tackling-antisocial-behaviour-in-playground-could-halve-crime-1825933.html ]]> <p>Crime in Britain could be halved if deviant behaviour in early childhood were tackled more effectively, a radical report suggests today.</p> Crime Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/stab-wounds-shown-to-young-knife-criminals-1825932.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/stab-wounds-shown-to-young-knife-criminals-1825932.html <p>Hundreds of teenagers who have been caught carrying knifes are to be shown graphic images of stab wounds in an effort to discourage them from reoffending, it emerged yesterday.</p> Crime Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/straw-says-reform-of-libel-laws-is-needed-1825929.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/straw-says-reform-of-libel-laws-is-needed-1825929.html <p> The Government is preparing proposals for reforming the UK's "unbalanced" libel laws, Jack Straw has confirmed. The Justice Secretary said the current system was attracting "libel tourists" and restricting "fair comment". </p> UK Politics Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000