The Independent

British troops in Afghanistan can hold captives for only 96 hours

Ban on UK troops handing over Taliban suspects

16 May 2012 12:00 AM

British troops have been banned from transferring suspected Taliban prisoners over to the Afghan authorities because of claims of torture by local forces, it was revealed yesterday.

Jobless total falls by 45,000

16 May 2012 09:38 AM

The Government was given some welcome good news on the jobs front today when unemployment fell by 45,000 and the number of dole claimants dipped for the second month in a row.

Scientist discovers opera singing skills after television experiment

16 May 2012 12:00 AM

Last year Jayson Khun-Dkar read an advert in a newspaper while sitting on the bus. At the time, he could not read a single musical note and his experience as a singer amounted to a few bravado karaoke performances, which, though highly commended by his friends, gave no clue to an extraordinary talent lying dormant within. Today, Jayson Khun-Dkar is an opera singer.

4,000 foreign criminals at large in community despite being earmarked for deportation

16 May 2012 12:00 AM

Nearly 4,000 foreign criminals are still at large in the community despite being earmarked for deportation, it emerged last night.

Bank of England set to cut growth forecast

15 May 2012 03:41 PM

The Bank of England will paint a gloomier view of the UK's recovery tomorrow in its first assessment on prospects since the return to recession.

Detective defends detention of fire service managers in investigation into firefighters' death

15 May 2012 02:52 PM

The detective in charge of an inquiry into the deaths of four firefighters in a warehouse blaze has defended a decision to hold three fire service managers in custody overnight during questioning.

North sea ditch helicopter operator to resume normal flying next week

15 May 2012 01:34 PM

The operator of a helicopter which ditched in the North Sea last week with 14 people on board is to resume normal flying in the next 24 hours.

Cold air brings snowfalls to parts of the UK

15 May 2012 01:14 PM

Chilly air brought snow to parts of the country today - days after the Premier League ended and weeks after the cricket season began.

Drivers near 'breaking point' over fuel prices

15 May 2012 12:17 PM

Continuing rises in the price of petrol could drive some motorists off the roads for good, according to a survey.

Two Britons die in separate Gran Canaria hiking incidents

15 May 2012 07:02 AM

Two Britons have died in separate incidents while holidaying in Gran Canaria - just days after parts of the Canary Islands were issued with heatwave warnings.

Racism, bullying, threats ... daily life of migrant workers

15 May 2012 12:00 AM

Study reveals inhuman conditions endured by those who are under the control of gangmasters

‘It is one of the most depressing reports I have read in terms of policy implementation’ Margaret Hodge, PAC chairman

Student visa 'chaos' led to rush of illegal immigrants

15 May 2012 12:00 AM

Immigration chiefs were accused yesterday of presiding over "complete chaos" when the bungled introduction of a new student visa regime led to an influx of migrants to Britain to work illegally.

Engaged signal? Nick Candy’s extravagant proposal to Holly Valance

Where some see romance, others see a way to make money

15 May 2012 12:00 AM

Aspiring husbands, if you thought that getting down on bended knee after a romantic meal was enough, think again. Today's generation of "bridezilla" need the perfect proposal if they are even going to consider matrimony.

Unions attack regional pay plans

14 May 2012 04:14 PM

Unions today stepped up demands for the Government to scrap controversial plans for regional pay in the public sector after the Deputy Prime Minister said no final decisions had been taken.