http://www.independent.co.uk/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/number-of-prisoners-let-out-overnight-soars-1821363.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/number-of-prisoners-let-out-overnight-soars-1821363.html <p> The number of prisoners who are allowed out of prison overnight has trebled as the Government tries to ease overcrowding in jails, the Conservatives said today. </p> Home News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:27:54 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/new-kids-on-the-blog-1821228.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/new-kids-on-the-blog-1821228.html ]]> <p> It used to be a dream realised by only the privileged and ambitious few: going to fashion shows and writing them up for Harpers or Vogue, before swanning around the international style circuit with the rest of le beau monde. After all, the fashion industry is hardly known for its inclusive approach. </p> Features Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:54 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/newsflash-its-time-to-face-up-to-disfigurement-1821237.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/newsflash-its-time-to-face-up-to-disfigurement-1821237.html ]]> <p> Channel Five, the broadcaster which famously pays the glamorous Natasha Kaplinsky £1m a year to read the news, will today put before the autocue a man who, to use his own description, has a face made up of "a patchwork quilt of scars". </p> TV & Radio Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:54 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/frankel/ready-to-wear-celine-is-synonymous-with-a-rigorous-metropolitan-aesthetic-1821225.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/frankel/ready-to-wear-celine-is-synonymous-with-a-rigorous-metropolitan-aesthetic-1821225.html <p> When Tom Ford parted company with the Gucci Group back in 2004, fashion pundits predicted the end of an era for the "superstar designer". Henceforth, it was argued, anonymous teams would be the order of the day, the types who did most of the work anyway – at least so the story went at the time. </p> Frankel Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:49 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/the-monday-book-the-waters-edge-by-karin-fossum-1821233.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/the-monday-book-the-waters-edge-by-karin-fossum-1821233.html <p> Shortly before they come across the dead body of a half-naked small boy, Reinhardt and Kristine Ris, a couple in their thirties, see by the forest barrier a tall shifty man. Kristine does not like the look of him, but he reminds her of somebody. Later, in the police station, she realises: "Hans Christian Andersen." When the police inspector himself – Karin Fossum's grave, indomitable Sejer, accompanied by his dedicated sidekick, Skarre – catches up with this lone individual, he too is struck by the resemblance. </p> Reviews Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:46 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/starting-at-22-britons-have-talent-1821219.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/starting-at-22-britons-have-talent-1821219.html ]]> <p> Britons have got talent – it just doesn’t emerge until they are 22, says a report published today. </p> Education News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:45 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/advertising/on-advertising-morrisons-grows-into-seasoned-tv-campaigner-1821242.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/advertising/on-advertising-morrisons-grows-into-seasoned-tv-campaigner-1821242.html <p> Morrisons does not make great ads. Oh no. And I think we should be clear about that from the start. This supermarket chain makes cheesy ads with second-rate celebrities and third-rate scripts. I like their breezy cheeriness, but they won't win any gongs for creativity. </p> Advertising Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:44 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/renouncing-islamism-to-the-brink-and-back-again-1821215.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/renouncing-islamism-to-the-brink-and-back-again-1821215.html ]]> <p> Ever since I started meeting jihadis, I have been struck by one thing – their Britishness. I am from the East End of London, and at some point in the past decade I became used to hearing a hoarse and angry whisper of jihadism on the streets where I live. Bearded young men stand outside the library calling for "The Rule of God" and "Death to Democracy". </p> Johann Hari Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:35 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/for-the-record-rich-pickings-for-breakfast-1821238.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/for-the-record-rich-pickings-for-breakfast-1821238.html <p> Next year's radio industry Oscars, the Sonys, will have four new categories to give marketers and advertising bods their chance of picking up a bauble. </p> TV & Radio Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:33 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/features/national-gallery-put-on-the-red-light-1821231.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/features/national-gallery-put-on-the-red-light-1821231.html ]]> <p> How many of us have paid for sex? Have I, do I? These are personal questions. People don't much talk about them, except on the quiet. But in these circumstances they're hard to avoid. </p> Features Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:31 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/fashion-audit-161109-1821230.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/fashion-audit-161109-1821230.html <p> <b>We love... Clemency London</b> </p> <p></p> <p> This new super-luxe label launched for autumn/winter and has impressed with its range of chic and cool reworked classics. There are silky party dresses with appliqué chiffon detailing to die for, as well as some excellent modern and edgy tailoring. Available from Selfridges. Clemencylondon.com </p> Features Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:28 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/energy-firms-to-be-forced-to-help-the-poor-1821218.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/energy-firms-to-be-forced-to-help-the-poor-1821218.html <p> Energy suppliers will be forced to help poor people struggling to pay their fuel bills for the first time under new proposals to be announced this week, The Independent has learnt. </p> Home News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:25 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/opinion/stephen-glover/stephen-glover-murdochs-cheerleading-for-labour-is-being-forgotten-1821239.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/opinion/stephen-glover/stephen-glover-murdochs-cheerleading-for-labour-is-being-forgotten-1821239.html <p> During Rupert Murdoch's long affair with New Labour, there were a few people on the left who went on expressing their loathing for the old rogue. The Guardian's Polly Toynbee springs to mind. But, for more than a decade, the man who had once been a hate figure became really not a bad chap after all. </p> Stephen Glover Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:24 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/geoffrey-gurrumul-yunupingu-shepherds-bush-empire-london-1821232.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/geoffrey-gurrumul-yunupingu-shepherds-bush-empire-london-1821232.html <p> The Empire's normally heaving, sweaty mosh-pit was furnished with seats for this particular concert, lending the venue a more low-key atmosphere, but one that seemed appropriate for the unostentatious Aboriginal singer-songwriter Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. Supported by a string quartet, second acoustic guitarist Francis Diatschenko and double bass player Michael Hohnen, Gurrumul, who was born blind, was led to his seat carrying his right-handed guitar, which he plays upside down. </p> Reviews Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:23 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/advertising/an-ad-agency-goes-in-search-of-the-worlds-next-leaders-1821241.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/advertising/an-ad-agency-goes-in-search-of-the-worlds-next-leaders-1821241.html <p> In between overseeing the ad campaign which may propel David Cameron into No 10 next spring, the irrepressible David Jones, is working on a project which could have an even great bearing on the future. </p> Advertising Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:12 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/mixed-up-north-wiltons-music-hall-london-1821234.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/mixed-up-north-wiltons-music-hall-london-1821234.html <p> Lamda, arguably the most enlightened and inclusive of all London's drama schools, has a highly creative component in its third-year acting course. </p> Reviews Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:11 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/healthy-living/virginia-ironsides-dilemmas-my-boyfriend-refuses-to-move-in-with-me-1821223.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/healthy-living/virginia-ironsides-dilemmas-my-boyfriend-refuses-to-move-in-with-me-1821223.html Healthy Living Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:10 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/the-ten-best-mens-bags-1820318.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/the-ten-best-mens-bags-1820318.html ]]> Features Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:07 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/pay-cuts-hit-private-school-teachers-1821221.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/pay-cuts-hit-private-school-teachers-1821221.html <p> One in six teachers in independent schools have been forced to take a pay cut this year because of the recession, according to a report out today. </p> Education News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:04 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/opinion/matthew-norman/matthew-norman-online-can-be-a-bamboozling-term-1821240.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/opinion/matthew-norman/matthew-norman-online-can-be-a-bamboozling-term-1821240.html <p> Reflecting on a week of unrelenting excitement even by his standards, an indelicate question poses itself about Rupert Murdoch. Is the old boy finally losing it? </p> Matthew Norman Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:04 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/classical/reviews/bryn-terfel-bad-boys-royal-festival-hall-london-1821235.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/classical/reviews/bryn-terfel-bad-boys-royal-festival-hall-london-1821235.html <p> Bryn Terfel arrived in the capital armed with countless sneers and as many ways to make mischief. His latest album, Bad Boys – a comprehensive gallery of operatic rogues and villains – was now a tour, and there was a big, glossy, souvenir programme to prove it. </p> Reviews Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:02 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/dress-code-kelly-rowland-1821229.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/dress-code-kelly-rowland-1821229.html Features Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cancel-the-queens-speech-ndash-and-save-democracy-1821244.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cancel-the-queens-speech-ndash-and-save-democracy-1821244.html ]]> <p>Nick Clegg today issues a call for this week's Queen's Speech to be scrapped and replaced by an emergency programme of reform designed to "clean up politics once and for all".</p> UK Politics Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cosmetic-surgeons-demand-ban-on-advertising-their-own-trade-1821247.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cosmetic-surgeons-demand-ban-on-advertising-their-own-trade-1821247.html ]]> <p>It is a modern gold-rush founded on human vanity and the search for eternal youth. But today's prospectors are surgeons, not miners, and the lives they risk are not their own but those of their mostly female clients, lured with impossible promises of anatomical perfection.</p> Health News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/countdown-to-copenhagen-the-presidents-lonely-dilemma-1821266.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/countdown-to-copenhagen-the-presidents-lonely-dilemma-1821266.html ]]> <p>Can the world reach a new deal to combat climate change without the world's richest country, the world's sole superpower? Such is the question looming over the Copenhagen climate change summit, now only three weeks away, as the international community waits anxiously to see if President Barack Obama can publicly commit the United States to action on global warming.</p> Climate Change Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/education-officials-spent-16310m-on-firstclass-fares-1821245.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/education-officials-spent-16310m-on-firstclass-fares-1821245.html <p>Education officials have run up a £10m bill for the taxpayer from first-class rail travel over the last three years. Civil servants bought an estimated 60,000 first-class tickets between 2006 and 2009. The scale of the spending – equivalent to just over 300 teachers' salaries or four new primary schools – provoked anger among opposition MPs and parents' leaders.</p> UK Politics Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/alicia-douvall-the-knife-is-never-a-short-cut-to-beauty-1821246.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/alicia-douvall-the-knife-is-never-a-short-cut-to-beauty-1821246.html <p>No one is born hating their body. It is an attitude that develops over time. Cosmetic surgery, with its promise of an otherwise unobtainable beauty, can instead result in an endless battle with your self-image. </p> Commentators Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/helicopters-boost-troops-in-afghanistan-1821250.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/helicopters-boost-troops-in-afghanistan-1821250.html ]]> <p>The first RAF Merlin helicopters have arrived in Afghanistan to address the acute shortage of aircraft, which has been blamed for the rising toll of deaths and injuries to British soldiers. The aircraft,dispatched from RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, are being reassembled at Camp Bastion, Helmand. The first batch will be flying within weeks, with the full complement of six to be operational by the end of the year.</p> Asia Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/after-50-years-the-lost-innocents-shipped-from-home-win-apology-1821252.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/after-50-years-the-lost-innocents-shipped-from-home-win-apology-1821252.html ]]> <p>Thousands of British children sent to populate Australia in what was later described as "one of the most disgraceful periods in post-war politics" will be given an official apology from Kevin Rudd, the country's Prime Minister, in Canberra today. Gordon Brown will also try to make amends to the Britons who were shipped to several former colonies, including Canada.</p> Australasia Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/baha-mousas-killer--to-speak-at-inquiry-1821254.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/baha-mousas-killer--to-speak-at-inquiry-1821254.html <p>The only soldier to be convicted in relation to the death of the Iraqi hotel worker Baha Mousa is to give evidence at a public inquiry in London today.</p> Home News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/parliamentary-inquiry-misled-on-phone-hacks-1821256.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/parliamentary-inquiry-misled-on-phone-hacks-1821256.html ]]> <p>A parliamentary inquiry into phone hacking by tabloid journalists may have been seriously misled, it emerged yesterday when lawyers acting for a Scotland Yard detective denied that he had ever claimed that messages to 6,000 people had been intercepted.</p> UK Politics Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/a-field-day-for-the-tory-old-guard-1821258.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/a-field-day-for-the-tory-old-guard-1821258.html ]]> <p>David Cameron faces a major challenge to his authority today as local Conservative Party activists meet to decide whether to sack a woman candidate, whom he had favoured, because she once had an extra-marital affair.</p> UK Politics Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/charles-kennedy-you-ask-the-questions-1821283.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/charles-kennedy-you-ask-the-questions-1821283.html ]]> <p> <b>Do you regret the circumstances in which you left the party leadership? Were you betrayed by Vince Cable? </b>Alexander O'Donoghue, Glamorgan </p> Profiles Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/lars-lokke-rasmussen-a-hardheaded-pragmatism-must-dictate-talks-in-copenhagen-1821282.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/lars-lokke-rasmussen-a-hardheaded-pragmatism-must-dictate-talks-in-copenhagen-1821282.html <p>The Copenhagen Agreement should capture progress already achieved in the negotiations and at the same time provide for immediate action from next year. The Copenhagen Agreement should be political by nature, yet precise on specific commitments and binding on countries committing to reach certain targets and to undertake certain actions or provide agreed finance.</p> Commentators Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/philip-hensher/philip-hensher-computers-have-got-a-lot-to-learn-about-grammar-1821281.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/philip-hensher/philip-hensher-computers-have-got-a-lot-to-learn-about-grammar-1821281.html <p> We're all getting, I fear, a computerised reading device for Christmas, allowing us to read the complete works of dozens of novelists through the magic of a seven-by-four screen. What happens if the logical conclusion is reached, and the computer takes to reading what we write, and judging it, too?</p> Philip Hensher Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/john-lichfield/john-lichfield-what-a-relief-to-be-driving-in-disguise-1821280.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/john-lichfield/john-lichfield-what-a-relief-to-be-driving-in-disguise-1821280.html <p>By their cars shall you know them. Not any more, it appears. Parisian motorists, disliked all over France for being over-aggressive, under-friendly and simply for being Parisian, have found a way to camouflage their origins. </p> John Lichfield Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/jeremy-laurance-let-down-by-the-reality-of-swine-flu-1821279.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/jeremy-laurance-let-down-by-the-reality-of-swine-flu-1821279.html <p>Forgive me if this sounds callous, but I am finding it hard to conceal my disappointment about swine flu. For years I have been writing about the "next flu pandemic" and its potential to cause catastrophe, on the basis of what virologists told me. </p> Commentators Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/paul-collier-history-is-repeated-as-tragedy--in-the-new-scramble-for-africa-1821278.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/paul-collier-history-is-repeated-as-tragedy--in-the-new-scramble-for-africa-1821278.html <p>For the past few months Guinea has been ruled by a young army captain who led a successful coup. Not that you'd necessarily know about it: the regime has only hit the world news twice. The first time was for shooting 150 pro-democracy demonstrators: international protest at this abuse has now escalated into an arms embargo. The second time was when the regime signed a $7bn resource-extraction deal with the Chinese. This infusion of money has made a mockery of international pressure. </p> Commentators Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/letters/letters-electoral-reform-1821277.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/letters/letters-electoral-reform-1821277.html <p>There are 62,500 voters in Glasgow North East, of which one in three, 20,595 people, turned out to vote (report, 14 November). Almost 42,000 were not interested in seeking any of the representation on offer and stayed away. Only 12,230 actually have the representation they voted for; about one in five. Four in every five voters have no direct representation. </p> Letters Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-an-overdue-apology-1821276.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-an-overdue-apology-1821276.html <p>It's easy to be cynical about apologies made by politicians for scandals long past in which not even their worst enemies would find a shred of personal culpability. And you might well think that the Prime Minister, before he looked elsewhere, owed the country just a tiny bit of "sorry" for the banking crisis whose seeds were sown so liberally when he was Chancellor. </p> Leading Articles Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-face-the-facts-on-plastic-surgery-1821275.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-face-the-facts-on-plastic-surgery-1821275.html <p>It comes to something when the President of the association that brings together plastic surgeons in Britain suggests that all is not right with this area of medical practice and floats the need for tighter regulation. </p> Leading Articles Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-a-powerful-case-to-answer-on-the-restoration-of-power-1821274.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-a-powerful-case-to-answer-on-the-restoration-of-power-1821274.html <p>Questions have long been asked about the cost and pageantry associated with the State Opening of Parliament, and those questions have become more pointed as the Queen's Speech – as written for her by recent governments – has become ever thinner in content and more bureaucratic in tone. The occasion pits those who would abolish the whole ritual as outdated against those who see it as a key pillar of our constitutional order, signifying that the government of the day is indeed Her Majesty's Government.</p> Leading Articles Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/yasmin-alibhai-brown/yasmin--alibhaibrown-how-libel-laws-silence-our-democracy-1821273.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/yasmin-alibhai-brown/yasmin--alibhaibrown-how-libel-laws-silence-our-democracy-1821273.html <p>Never mind the fatwas, I say, and don't get hyper-agitated by the PC platoon, we who do not find rape jokes hilarious and who rebuff the fond nicknames "Paki" and "retard" and believe careless language can sanction cruelty and injustice. Though accused daily of impeding freedom of speech, we do not have the muscle or money to destabilise that fundamental entitlement. The real pressures that turn to actual curtailments of free expression lie in confidentiality contracts, unspoken loyalties between power and those it seduces or buys up, thought-control in the name of anti-terrorism and the monstrous English libel laws, more draconian than in any other Western nation. </p> Yasmin Alibhai-Brown Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/bruce-anderson/bruce-anderson-why-the-public-are-wrong-over-our-mission-in-afghanistan-1821272.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/bruce-anderson/bruce-anderson-why-the-public-are-wrong-over-our-mission-in-afghanistan-1821272.html <p> A majority of the public wants to withdraw from Afghanistan. A majority of the public is wrong. Two conclusions should be drawn from this. First, thank God that we are a representative democracy, not a plebiscitary one; second, we urgently need a government which can command public respect. But even with such a government, headed by a prime minister who could offer leadership, this would not be an easy war to fight. Britain's role in Afghanistan is beset by paradoxes and cultural complexities.</p> Bruce Anderson Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/the-hidden-beauty-parlour-of-helmand-1821271.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/the-hidden-beauty-parlour-of-helmand-1821271.html <p>Pamela Anderson and Afghanistan's most dangerous, conservative province might not at first glance seem to have much in common. But step into a busy, cramped room in Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province, and there she is: blonde locks, wide darkly made-up eyes, and petulant pink lips smiling down from a large mirror.</p> Asia Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/someone-wants-to-kill-me-claims-berlusconi-1821270.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/someone-wants-to-kill-me-claims-berlusconi-1821270.html <p>Silvio Berlusconi's personal, political and legal problems are mounting, leading the Italian Prime Minister's media and political allies to speak of a plot against him and a risk of an early election.</p> Europe Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/chavez-to-seed-clouds-with-rain-1821269.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/chavez-to-seed-clouds-with-rain-1821269.html <p>Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez says he will join a team of Cuban scientists on flights to "bomb clouds" to create rain amid a severe drought that has aroused public anger due to water and electricity rationing. </p> Americas Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/dutch-first-in-europe-to-adopt-green-tax-for-cars-1821268.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/dutch-first-in-europe-to-adopt-green-tax-for-cars-1821268.html <p>The Dutch government is to become the first country in Europe to introduce a green tax to replace annual road tax on cars. </p> Europe Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/larceny-she-wrote-patricia-cornwell-sues-1821267.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/larceny-she-wrote-patricia-cornwell-sues-1821267.html ]]> <p>A flashy Ferrari disappears. Then the aggrieved owner begins to suspect that her bank accounts have leaked tens of millions of dollars without explanation. If this was the plot of an airport suspense novel, you'd expect violence before 20,000 feet. If it was real-life America, you'd expect a fat lawsuit.</p> News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/leaders-plan-a-twostep-environment-deal-1821265.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/leaders-plan-a-twostep-environment-deal-1821265.html <p>President Barack Obama joined other leaders of the Asia-Pacific nations yesterday in accepting that a long-planned summit in Copenhagen next month on climate change will be unable to forge a new global treaty on cutting greenhouse emissions and will have to put off reaching a final deal until next year or even later.</p> Climate Change Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/chinese-taunt-obama-with-tibet-slavery-1821264.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/chinese-taunt-obama-with-tibet-slavery-1821264.html ]]> <p>As US President Barack Obama arrived in Shanghai last night, on his first visit to China, his celebrated eloquence is set to get a major work-out as he tries to balance the need to underline strong Sino-US ties with the need to emphasise Washington's global role in the face of growing Chinese economic muscle.</p> Asia Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/us-calls-on-burmese--junta-to-release-suu-kyi-1821263.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/us-calls-on-burmese--junta-to-release-suu-kyi-1821263.html <p>President Barack Obama yesterday took the opportunity of a highly unusual face-to-face encounter with a top leader of Burma's military junta to bluntly demand the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Mr Obama delivered the strong message during his summit meeting with leaders of 10 Southeast Asian nations, which included Burma Prime Minister General Thein Sein.</p> Asia Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/four-win-independents-mba-awards-1821262.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/four-win-independents-mba-awards-1821262.html ]]> <p> Two years ago, Cambridge graduate Lindsey Nefesh-Clarke, 38, was in the Philippines, working with families in the slums when a huge fire broke out in Cebu City. She was suddenly thrown into helping with emergency relief. </p> Education News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/palestinian-push-for-an-independent-state-causes-israeli-alarm-1821261.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/palestinian-push-for-an-independent-state-causes-israeli-alarm-1821261.html ]]> <p>Palestinian leaders from President Mahmoud Abbas down have alarmed Israeli ministers by swinging their weight behind a planned effort to secure UN backing for a unilaterally declared independent state in the West Bank and Gaza. </p> Middle East Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/childcare-relief-to-stay-1821260.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/childcare-relief-to-stay-1821260.html <p>Ministers were in retreat yesterday over plans to abolish tax relief on childcare vouchers paid to working families. </p> Education News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/bnp-leader-to-stand-against-minister-1821259.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/bnp-leader-to-stand-against-minister-1821259.html <p>Nick Griffin, the leader of the British National Party, is to challenge Margaret Hodge, the Culture minister, for the Barking constituency at the next General Election.</p> UK Politics Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sharewatch/small-talk-red24-takes-on-risk-1821362.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sharewatch/small-talk-red24-takes-on-risk-1821362.html <p>The Iraqi tourist board, yes, that's right, the Iraqi tourist board, were in London last week extolling the virtues of the country as a destination to spend your two weeks over the summer.</p> Sharewatch Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sharewatch/the-week-ahead-falling-inflation-to-dent-morrisons-sales-1821361.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sharewatch/the-week-ahead-falling-inflation-to-dent-morrisons-sales-1821361.html <p>Morrisons is set to become the latest big grocer to post a slowdown in underlying sales resulting from falling inflation on Thursday. Morrisons is expected to unveil consensus underlying sales, excluding fuel and VAT, up by 4.5 per cent for the 13 weeks to 2 November, down from 7.8 per cent in the first half. </p> Sharewatch Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/pension-funds-lost-16318bn--in-value-in-october-alone-1821360.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/pension-funds-lost-16318bn--in-value-in-october-alone-1821360.html <p>The total value of defined contribution pension funds fell by £18bn last month, figures published by a leading pension consultant reveal today. It is the biggest single monthly fall ever registered.</p> Business News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/few-firms-plan-to-give-pay-rises-above-inflation-next-year-1821359.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/few-firms-plan-to-give-pay-rises-above-inflation-next-year-1821359.html <p>Workers hoping that they might be in line for pay rises if the UK finally escapes recession at the end of the year, as economists expect, are likely to be disappointed, research published by the CBI today suggests.</p> Business News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/stephen-king-gold-prices-are-a-dead-giveaway-1821358.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/stephen-king-gold-prices-are-a-dead-giveaway-1821358.html <p> When can we be sure that economic recovery is in the bag? The world economy seems to be in a much better place today than it was at the beginning of the year. Policymakers haven't repeated the mistakes made during the Great Depression. The banking system seems to be in better shape, thanks in part to a large taxpayer bailout. Asset markets have recovered, suggesting that the earlier collapse in animal spirits may be over. And economists are revising upwards their forecasts for economic activity, concluding that the worst must now be behind us. </p> Business Comment Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/royal-mail-faces-threat-of-vat-charges-on-business-contracts-1821357.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/royal-mail-faces-threat-of-vat-charges-on-business-contracts-1821357.html <p>Royal Mail is facing another serious threat to its efforts to compete with private-sector rivals, just weeks after trades unions agreed to call a halt to a debilitating series of strikes during negotiations with the company.</p> Business News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/jp-morgan-on-the-verge-of-acquiring-cazenove-1821356.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/jp-morgan-on-the-verge-of-acquiring-cazenove-1821356.html <p>The US investment bank JP Morgan is poised to acquire the remaining 50 per cent of its partner Cazenove, the Queen's stockbroker, for close to £1bn, in a deal that will deliver huge payouts for shareholders. </p> Business News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/robinson-delighted-by-grove-at-debutants-ball-1821312.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/robinson-delighted-by-grove-at-debutants-ball-1821312.html ]]> <p>All things considered, it was a good first day at the Caledonian international match office for the English-born figure wearing the Scottish thistle. He made his presence felt at Murrayfield on Saturday, and got off to a winning start. </p> International Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/robin-scottelliot-national-monument-in-need-of-preservation-order-1821310.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/robin-scottelliot-national-monument-in-need-of-preservation-order-1821310.html <p>In this country we have football, cricket and horse racing, in Austria they have the Vienna Opera Ball. When it comes to television's "Crown Jewels", an opera ball, especially one where women are commanded to dress up in ball gowns, fits the bill more than an entire nation coming together to have a punt on the 3.45 at Aintree.</p> International Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-you-can-bet-everyone-else-is-a-winner-1821309.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-you-can-bet-everyone-else-is-a-winner-1821309.html ]]> <p>Living near Cheltenham as I do, there is never a shortage of invites to the races. I've been quite a few times and I'm only just starting to realise why it is not for me. It's not that I am an ignoramus of the sport – I even have a close relative who breeds racehorses. As a kid on expeditions deep into the Syrian Desert, we'd drive up the highest sand dune to try and get the BBC World Service coverage of the Grand National. </p> Dom Joly Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/racing/stars-fail--to-shine-on-both-sides-of-irish-sea-1821308.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/racing/stars-fail--to-shine-on-both-sides-of-irish-sea-1821308.html <p>The tempest had died away, but yesterday its legacy was strewn across the track both here, where a champion steeplechaser was humbled, and at Punchestown where there was a similar reverse for a champion hurdler in the making.</p> Racing Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/racing/tataniano-and-sizing-europe-stake-leading-arkle-claims-1821307.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/racing/tataniano-and-sizing-europe-stake-leading-arkle-claims-1821307.html ]]> <p>Racehorses seldom stick to the script as scrupulously as Tataniano did here at Cheltenham yesterday. Seconds after Sizing Europe had coasted over the line at Punchestown, in the process setting a merciless standard in this division, the tapes went up for the 10th running of the Independent Newspaper Novices' Chase – and Tataniano promptly produced a performance that already makes their projected showdown here in March something to warm the cockles during long evenings in the meantime.</p> Racing Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/djokovic-digs-deep-to-extend-hot-streak-1821306.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/djokovic-digs-deep-to-extend-hot-streak-1821306.html ]]> <p>As the tennis circus heads for its season-ending finale in London there can be no doubt as to the identity of its current ringmaster. Novak Djokovic will go to the O2 Arena, where the ATP World Tour Finals begin on Sunday, as the Paris Masters champion after continuing his remarkable recent run by beating Gaël Monfils 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 in the final here yesterday.</p> Tennis Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/smiths-exit-starts-hunt-for-coach-1821305.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/smiths-exit-starts-hunt-for-coach-1821305.html <p> The search has begun for the successor to Tony Smith as England coach, after his announcement that he will not seek a renewal of his contract when it expires at the end of this month. </p> Rugby League Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/lockyerrsquos-final-flourish-leaves-england-reeling-1821304.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/lockyerrsquos-final-flourish-leaves-england-reeling-1821304.html ]]> <p>The scoreboard does not lie, but it can be prone to exaggeration. Five years ago in the Tri-Nations final, Australia produced something close to perfection in the first half at Elland Road. On Saturday they won the Four Nations with an irresistible last half-hour.</p> Rugby League Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-pacquiao-savagery-paves-way-for-mayweather-superfight-1821303.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-pacquiao-savagery-paves-way-for-mayweather-superfight-1821303.html ]]> <p>It was gruesome to watch in the end as Manny Pacquiao's punches distorted Miguel Angel Cotto's bloody and bloated face for far too long on Saturday night in the MGM ring, Las Vegas.</p> Others Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/golf/woods-finds-an-extra-gear-to-beat-locals-in-melbourne-1821302.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/golf/woods-finds-an-extra-gear-to-beat-locals-in-melbourne-1821302.html ]]> <p>Tiger Woods celebrated his first visit Down Under in 11 years with a win at the Australian Masters yesterday, the world No 1 banishing his swing demons in time to hold off a dogged local field by two strokes.</p> Golf Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/odriscoll-marks-100th-cap-by-saving-ireland-again-1821301.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/odriscoll-marks-100th-cap-by-saving-ireland-again-1821301.html <p> With 10 minutes to go, Australia leading 20-13 and Ireland's increasingly desperate efforts being thwarted by Wallaby defenders, referee Jonathan Kaplan and the video official, the over-riding thought was: "We could do with a bit of O'Driscoll now." </p> International Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/englands-bowlers-wilt-in-the-face-of-bosman-blitz-1821300.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/englands-bowlers-wilt-in-the-face-of-bosman-blitz-1821300.html ]]> <p>What a deeply significant day it was for England. Alastair Cook was their captain for the first time, the inaugural stage in a grooming process for the future. Kevin Pietersen made his return to the team after the surgery on an Achilles tendon last July, a relief for all concerned.</p> Cricket Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/hartley-puts-the-snarl-back-into-frontrow-beasts-1821299.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/hartley-puts-the-snarl-back-into-frontrow-beasts-1821299.html ]]> <p>It was well nigh impossible to penetrate the gloom surrounding and enshrouding the England camp in the aftermath of a narrow victory that felt like a heavy defeat. Martin Johnson, for one, was in no mood to try, and if the man running the operation felt like digging a hole in which to bury himself, there was never much likelihood of his specialist coaches appearing in public view to "take the positives" from the occasion.</p> International Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-faces-up-to-englands-full-poverty-1821298.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-faces-up-to-englands-full-poverty-1821298.html ]]> <p>No one died of shock when England ran out of attacking ideas – or rather, ran on without attacking ideas – against an Argentine side featuring two new flankers plucked out of playschool, a pair of half-backs sharing the grand total of seven caps and a goal-kicking debutant in the centre. The way they are performing these days, the England team would struggle to put a try past Mothercare. But this latest in a long line of misfires was not without its surprises, the most notable of which was the expression of utter despair on the managerial features both during and after the proceedings.</p> International Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/burley-on-verge-of-the-sack-as-sfa-reacts-to-latest-rout-1821297.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/burley-on-verge-of-the-sack-as-sfa-reacts-to-latest-rout-1821297.html ]]> <p> George Burley, the Scotland manager, was last night on the brink of being dismissed after the Scottish Football Association board announced it will meet this week to review his position. </p> International Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-persies-ankle-injury--hits-arsenal-1821296.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-persies-ankle-injury--hits-arsenal-1821296.html ]]> <p> THe Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has been ruled out for up to six weeks after partially rupturing the ligaments in his right ankle. He was carried off in Saturday night's 0-0 friendly draw with Italy after a heavy challenge from Giorgio Chiellini. </p> Premier League Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/neville-back-on-offensive-over-standard-of-refereeing-1821295.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/neville-back-on-offensive-over-standard-of-refereeing-1821295.html <p>Manchester United captain Gary Neville has weighed in where his manager left off with the Football Association last week on the subject of Premier League refereeing standards, suggesting that games between the top sides should be reserved for a small elite of the top officials.</p> News & Comment Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/sam-wallace-spoiltforchoice-young-players-risk-losing-experience-money-cant-buy-1821294.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/sam-wallace-spoiltforchoice-young-players-risk-losing-experience-money-cant-buy-1821294.html <p>The new young must-have English footballer is Jack Rodwell at Everton. He is 18, an England Under-21 midfielder for whom Chelsea have offered £14m already. But don't worry: Manchester United and Manchester City are making their own discreet enquiries and before long the price and the add-ons and the wages will rise.</p> News & Comment Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/rest-of-the-world-all-whites-on-the-night-after-fallon-heads-for-glory-1821293.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/rest-of-the-world-all-whites-on-the-night-after-fallon-heads-for-glory-1821293.html ]]> International Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/irish-need-a-miracle-in-paris-1821292.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/irish-need-a-miracle-in-paris-1821292.html ]]> <p>Shortly before half-time on Saturday evening, the Croke Park crowd howled with delight as a dithering Nicolas Anelka, starved of options, laboured in possession for so long that he was pickpocketed by Robbie Keane. You could say that the moment summed up a first half where Ireland succeeded in rattling their visitors. The bigger picture, however, is that the vignette goes some way towards explaining the French victory secured by the boot of Anelka and an unfortunate deflection off Sean St Ledger.</p> International Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/bosnia-pledge-to-spring-surprise-on-portuguese-1821291.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/bosnia-pledge-to-spring-surprise-on-portuguese-1821291.html ]]> International Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/africa-egypts-dramatic-late-goal-sets-up-extra-playoff-1821290.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/africa-egypts-dramatic-late-goal-sets-up-extra-playoff-1821290.html ]]> International Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/gibbs-moves-into-cup-mix-as-under21s-pip-portugal-1821289.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/gibbs-moves-into-cup-mix-as-under21s-pip-portugal-1821289.html ]]> <p>The England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce believes there is more to come from Kieran Gibbs for both club and country this season.</p> International Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/james-lawton-brazil-reduce-lions-roar-to-a-lambs-lament-1821288.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/james-lawton-brazil-reduce-lions-roar-to-a-lambs-lament-1821288.html ]]> <p>Faith that the restorative power of Fabio Capello will make England serious World Cup contenders has always had its limits and we may have found one of them here in the desert.</p> News & Comment Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/england-outmuscled-by-dungas-power-rangers-1821287.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/england-outmuscled-by-dungas-power-rangers-1821287.html ]]> <p>Led up to the VIP seats at the final whistle, Wayne Rooney was presented with what looked like a large, highly decorative empty box: if ever there was a suitable metaphor for this weird friendly in a desert 3,200 miles from Wembley then here it was.</p> International Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/james-injury-increases-englands-keeper-crisis-1821286.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/james-injury-increases-englands-keeper-crisis-1821286.html ]]> <p>Fabio Capello has sounded the first warning that David James' injury problems are now so acute that he may not be able to take him to the World Cup finals next summer, leaving England with a goalkeeper crisis that could seriously undermine their hopes of success in South Africa.</p> International Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/a-john-poole-sculptor-lettercutter-and-restorer-whose-love-of-architecture-informed-his-monumental-works-1821285.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/a-john-poole-sculptor-lettercutter-and-restorer-whose-love-of-architecture-informed-his-monumental-works-1821285.html ]]> <p>Anthony John Poole was one of the most distinguished and versatile British architectural sculptors, letter-cutters and restorers during the last half-century. His base was the Midlands, which has many of his sculptures, but his fine and often monumental works are to be found much further afield. Britain produced many excellent figurative sculptors during the 20th century whose achievement is now slowly being evaluated. The work of such skilled practitioners as Bainbridge Copnall, Frank Dobson, George Fullard, Richard Garbe, A. H. Gerrard, Dora Gordine, Maurice Lambert and Leon Underwood has for too long been overshadowed by a national near-obsession with a few names such as Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore. </p> Obituaries Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/robert-enke-international-goalkeeper-who-committed-suicide-1821284.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/robert-enke-international-goalkeeper-who-committed-suicide-1821284.html ]]> <p>The goalkeeper Robert Enke, who was widely tipped for the No 1 position in Germany's team for the World Cup finals in South Africa next year, was killed by an express train on 10 November. Jörg Neblung, Enke's friend and adviser, confirmed that "Robert took his own life." The footballer had parked his Mercedes, left his wallet inside and climbed on to the line before walking in front of the oncoming train.</p> Obituaries Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/tim-montgomerie-key-test-for-camerons-belief-in-localism-1821257.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/tim-montgomerie-key-test-for-camerons-belief-in-localism-1821257.html <p>The most important thing that happens today is that Liz Truss is confirmed as the candidate for South West Norfolk. Liz is exactly the kind of MP who will enrich the Commons: intelligent, an independent thinker, she doesn't come from a conventional Tory background but is nonetheless a champion of grassroots Conservatives. I hate to think how many good people have been discouraged from political service because of the intrusive public examination she has put up with over recent weeks.</p> Commentators Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-target-newest-bbc-channels-for-spending-cuts-1821255.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tories-target-newest-bbc-channels-for-spending-cuts-1821255.html <p>The BBC could be forced by an incoming Conservative government to accept a cut in the licence fee and to justify subsidising digital channels such as BBC Three. </p> UK Politics Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iraqi-was-beaten-and-sexually-abused-1821253.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iraqi-was-beaten-and-sexually-abused-1821253.html <p>British soldiers forced an Iraqi detainee to wear an orange jump suit and told him that he was to be executed at Guantanamo Bay, according to new torture allegations being investigated by the Ministry of Defence.</p> Middle East Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/conservationists-do-deal-with-the-devil-to-save-orangutans-1821251.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/conservationists-do-deal-with-the-devil-to-save-orangutans-1821251.html ]]> <p>Wildlife campaigners have made "a deal with the devil" in a bid to save the orang-utan from being driven into extinction. They have teamed up with the palm-oil industry, widely condemned by conservationists for causing devastation to orang-utans.</p> Nature Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/exposed-the-most-intimate-secret-of-erotic-blogger-belle-de-jour-1821249.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/exposed-the-most-intimate-secret-of-erotic-blogger-belle-de-jour-1821249.html ]]> <p>As an anonymous blogger, Belle de Jour became an internet phenomenon with her Diary of a London Call Girl, and a publisher's dream with her bestselling memoirs explicitly detailing her many encounters.</p> News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/nick-clegg-dont-waste-our-time-bring-forward-real-reform-1821248.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/nick-clegg-dont-waste-our-time-bring-forward-real-reform-1821248.html <p>On Wednesday, all the pomp and ceremony that Parliament can muster will be rolled out for the Queen's Speech, setting out the Government's list of new laws for the coming year. But the glitz and glamour will be based on a complete fiction. Parliament will find it difficult to pass any of the bills promised in the Queen's Speech this year – there are just 70 sitting days left before it is dissolved for the general election, too little time to debate and approve the Government's latest legislative shopping list. The current average time taken for laws to make it from first reading to royal assent is 240 days.</p> Commentators Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000