http://www.independent.co.uk/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/two-arrested-over-mido-race-chants-1052073.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/two-arrested-over-mido-race-chants-1052073.html ]]> <p> The Football Association have vowed to &quot;take the strongest possible action&quot; against anyone found guilty of Islamophobic or racist chanting against Middlesbrough striker Mido. </p> News & Comment Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:29:07 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bruce-wants-heskey-to-stay-1052019.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bruce-wants-heskey-to-stay-1052019.html ]]> <p> Wigan will play hardball if necessary in a bid to keep Emile Heskey on their books until the end of the season at least. </p> Premier League Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:10:56 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/controversyhit-christmas-lapland-closes-1051874.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/controversyhit-christmas-lapland-closes-1051874.html <p> A Christmas Lapland-style attraction dubbed a &quot;glorified car boot sale&quot; by disgruntled visitors has closed, police said today. </p> Home News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:00:53 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/brown-rules-himself-out-of-sunderland-running-1052002.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/brown-rules-himself-out-of-sunderland-running-1052002.html ]]> <p> Hull boss Phil Brown has ruled himself out of the running for the Sunderland manager's job and reiterated his commitment to the Tigers. </p> Premier League Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:49:37 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/john-rentoul/a-hrefhttpjrentoullivejournalcom4986htmljohn-rentoul-end-of-the-third-runwaya-1051997.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/john-rentoul/a-hrefhttpjrentoullivejournalcom4986htmljohn-rentoul-end-of-the-third-runwaya-1051997.html <p> Geoff Hoon, the Transport Secretary, has just announced a &quot;delay&quot; in the Government's decision on plans for a third runway at Heathrow. This is a great big, bright green story. </p> John Rentoul Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:47:33 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/giovinco-cool-on-west-ham-link-1051991.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/giovinco-cool-on-west-ham-link-1051991.html ]]> <p> Sebastian Giovinco has ruled himself out of a move to West Ham by insisting he is happy to stay at Juventus, even if only to sit on the bench. </p> Premier League Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:45:24 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/antitrafficking-unit-saved-from-axe-1051945.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/antitrafficking-unit-saved-from-axe-1051945.html <p> The UK's only specialist police unit to combat human trafficking has been saved from the axe, Justice Secretary Jack Straw said today. </p> UK Politics Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:24:12 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bruce-laments-keane-exit-1051937.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bruce-laments-keane-exit-1051937.html ]]> <p> Wigan manager Steve Bruce believes Roy Keane's departure from Sunderland is a sad day for the game in general. </p> Premier League Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:16:26 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/lenders-slow-to-pass-on-interest-rate-cut-1051935.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/lenders-slow-to-pass-on-interest-rate-cut-1051935.html ]]> <p> Mortgage lenders were slow to respond to today's 1 per cent interest rate cut with just four groups saying they would be reducing rates for their borrowers. </p> Mortgages Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:15:24 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fabregas-my-futures-at-arsenal-1051932.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fabregas-my-futures-at-arsenal-1051932.html ]]> <p> Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has once again re-affirmed his commitment to the Gunners. </p> Premier League Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:12:10 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/broadband-real-speed-information-promised-1051929.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/broadband-real-speed-information-promised-1051929.html <p> Consumers will be better informed about the actual speed of broadband they have bought under new rules announced today. </p> News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:11:17 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/a-hrefhttpcatgordonlivejournalcom1512htmlcat-gordon-christmas-number-one-does-anyone-carea-1051928.html http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/a-hrefhttpcatgordonlivejournalcom1512htmlcat-gordon-christmas-number-one-does-anyone-carea-1051928.html New Articles Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:08:13 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/shannons-mother-condemned-as-pure-evil-1051602.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/shannons-mother-condemned-as-pure-evil-1051602.html <p> The mother of Shannon Matthews was condemned today as &quot;pure evil&quot; and told she faces a substantial jail sentence after being found guilty of kidnapping her own daughter. </p> Crime Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:00:58 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/fa-vow-to-take-action-over-chanting-1051879.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/fa-vow-to-take-action-over-chanting-1051879.html ]]> <p> The Football Association have vowed to &quot;take the strongest possible action&quot; against anyone found guilty of Islamophobic or racist chanting against Middlesbrough striker Mido. </p> News & Comment Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:48:11 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-want-to-be-winners-says-gerrard-1051871.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-want-to-be-winners-says-gerrard-1051871.html ]]> <p> Skipper Steven Gerrard has brushed off the club's recent poor form by insisting the current Liverpool side is the best he has played in. </p> Premier League Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:43:55 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/kinnear-keen-to-extend-newcastle-stay-1051861.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/kinnear-keen-to-extend-newcastle-stay-1051861.html ]]> <p> Joe Kinnear is determined to make his critics eat their words as he attempts to prove he is the long-term solution to Newcastle's problems. </p> Premier League Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:39:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-city-warn-transfer-middle-men-1051853.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-city-warn-transfer-middle-men-1051853.html ]]> <p> Manchester City have issued a red card to agents and intermediaries aiming to cash in on their vast new wealth in the January transfer window. </p> Premier League Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:34:49 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/menezes-family-stages-courtroom-protest-1051852.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/menezes-family-stages-courtroom-protest-1051852.html ]]> <p> Relatives of Jean Charles de Menezes staged a courtroom protest today - just minutes before jurors were sent out to consider verdicts. </p> Crime Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:33:54 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/nasri-refutes-relentless-criticism-at-arsenal-1051847.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/nasri-refutes-relentless-criticism-at-arsenal-1051847.html ]]> <p> Samir Nasri maintains it is now up to Arsenal to prove criticism of their Barclays Premier League title aspirations were nothing more than &quot;nonsense&quot;. </p> Premier League Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:29:40 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/new-population-of-endangered-monkey-found-in-northern-vietnam-1051794.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/new-population-of-endangered-monkey-found-in-northern-vietnam-1051794.html ]]> <p> A new population of the extremely rare Tonkin snub-nosed monkey, so-called because of its unusual and distinctive up-turned nose, has recently been discovered in a remote forested area of northern Vietnam. </p> Nature Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:24:02 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/paras-deny-sex-attack-in-afghanistan-1051750.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/paras-deny-sex-attack-in-afghanistan-1051750.html <p> Nine paratroopers have denied indecently assaulting a fellow soldier in Afghanistan, a court spokesman said today. </p> Asia Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:46:57 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/innocent-people-could-have-dna-records-removed-1051744.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/innocent-people-could-have-dna-records-removed-1051744.html <p> Nearly a million innocent people could have their records removed from the national DNA database after a court ruled that holding them breached their human rights. </p> Business News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:38:39 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/woolworths-talks-continue-as-theo-pulls-out-1051739.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/woolworths-talks-continue-as-theo-pulls-out-1051739.html <p> Administrators today said they remained in talks with a number of parties interested in buying Woolworths as a going concern. </p> Business News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:33:44 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/child-murderers-sentence-excessive-1051735.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/child-murderers-sentence-excessive-1051735.html <p> The first person in the world to be convicted of murder on the basis of DNA evidence was given the go-ahead to challenge his sentence today. </p> Crime Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:30:45 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/a-hrefhttprmarsdenlivejournalcom4423htmlrhodri-marsden-i-drive-better-when-im-on-the-phonea-1051730.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/a-hrefhttprmarsdenlivejournalcom4423htmlrhodri-marsden-i-drive-better-when-im-on-the-phonea-1051730.html <p> You don't often hear people claiming that downing a bottle of gin has no effect on their driving skills. Unless they've already had the gin, they're motoring ferociously down the A24 and you're sitting in the passenger seat, in which case it would be advisable to get them pull over and take the wheel yourself. </p> Features Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:27:19 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/jealous-detective-attacked-policewoman-partner-1051729.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/jealous-detective-attacked-policewoman-partner-1051729.html <p> A police inspector told a jury today that the married detective sergeant she lived with assaulted her after becoming jealous about an affair. </p> Crime Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:25:09 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/keane-had-reached-the-end-of-the-road-says-quinn-1051724.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/keane-had-reached-the-end-of-the-road-says-quinn-1051724.html ]]> <p> Roy Keane resigned as Sunderland boss after deciding he had taken the club as far as he could. </p> Premier League Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:21:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/zimbabwe-calls-for-help-as-cholera-overwhelms-doctors-1051230.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/zimbabwe-calls-for-help-as-cholera-overwhelms-doctors-1051230.html ]]> <p> Cholera-hit Zimbabwe today declared a national emergency over the collapse of its health care system. </p> Africa Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:20:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/row-over-claims-of-revenue-and-customs-job-losses-1051427.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/row-over-claims-of-revenue-and-customs-job-losses-1051427.html <p> A row blew up today between the country's biggest civil service union and HM Revenue and Customs over claims that more than 90 offices across the UK are to close, with the loss of 3,400 jobs. </p> Business News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:04:11 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/press/shock-as-scottish-newspaper-company-lays-off-all-of-its-staff-1051698.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/press/shock-as-scottish-newspaper-company-lays-off-all-of-its-staff-1051698.html <p> One of Scotland's national institutions was reeling last night after the entire staff of the Glasgow-based Herald newspaper group was made redundant and told to re-apply for a severely reduced number of jobs. </p> Press Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:49:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sharewatch/market-update--4-december-1051686.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sharewatch/market-update--4-december-1051686.html <p> The FTSE 100 was up 15.58 per cent or 4185.54 and the FTSE 250 gained 24.36 points at 5873.3 at 12:16 pm after the Bank of England bowed to calls from the market and reduced the UK&rsquo;s benchmark interest rate to 2 per cent from 3 per cent. </p> Sharewatch Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:43:22 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/mother-of-seven-portrayed-as-sink-estate-slob-1051685.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/mother-of-seven-portrayed-as-sink-estate-slob-1051685.html <p> Mother-of-seven Karen Matthews has been regularly portrayed as the epitome of a benefit-dependent, sink estate slob. </p> Crime Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:41:39 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/shannon-totally-betrayed-by-mothers-financial-motives-1051675.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/shannon-totally-betrayed-by-mothers-financial-motives-1051675.html <p> Shannon Matthews was &quot;totally betrayed&quot; by her mother whose motivation for kidnapping her was purely financial, the senior investigating officer said today. </p> Crime Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:34:17 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/is-technology-rewiring-our-brains-1051654.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/is-technology-rewiring-our-brains-1051654.html <p> What does a teenage brain on Google look like? Do all those hours spent online rewire the circuitry? Could these kids even relate better to emoticons than to real people? </p> News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:22:48 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/detectives-cried-after-finding-shannon-1051653.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/detectives-cried-after-finding-shannon-1051653.html ]]> <p> Two burly detectives with nearly 60 years' experience between them broke down in tears on finding Shannon Matthews. </p> Crime Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:22:31 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/a-hrefhttpsbrenkleylivejournalcom486htmlstephen-brenkley-expediency-not-virtue-the-key-for-englanda-1051651.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/a-hrefhttpsbrenkleylivejournalcom486htmlstephen-brenkley-expediency-not-virtue-the-key-for-englanda-1051651.html <p> England embarked for India today to resume their abandoned cricket tour. Or rather, they departed for Abu Dhabi with the intention of flying to India sometime over the weekend. </p> Cricket Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:22:14 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/detective-felt-doubts-about-matthews-story-1051647.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/detective-felt-doubts-about-matthews-story-1051647.html <p> Detective Constable Christine Freeman suspected from early on in the investigation that certain aspects of Karen Matthews' account &quot;didn't seem to fit&quot;. </p> Crime Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:20:07 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/key-dates-in-search-for-shannon-1051644.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/key-dates-in-search-for-shannon-1051644.html <p> Here are the key dates and times in the story of the disappearance of Shannon Matthews. </p> Crime Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:16:12 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/uk-clubs/saintandre-to-leave-sale-post-1051623.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/uk-clubs/saintandre-to-leave-sale-post-1051623.html ]]> <p> Philippe Saint-Andre is to step down as Sale Sharks rugby director at the end of this season. </p> UK Clubs Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:06:22 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/home-secretary-warns-on-systematic-leaking-threat-1051620.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/home-secretary-warns-on-systematic-leaking-threat-1051620.html <p> Home Secretary Jacqui Smith insisted today that it would have been &quot;wholly inappropriate&quot; for her to have intervened in police operational decisions over the Damian Green affair. </p> UK Politics Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:04:03 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/striker-denis-rejected-real-madrid-offer-1051609.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/striker-denis-rejected-real-madrid-offer-1051609.html <p> The agent of Napoli striker German Denis has claimed that Real Madrid enquired about his client before making their move for Ajax&rsquo;s Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. </p> European Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:55:56 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/bayern-rule-out-podolski-sale-1051605.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/bayern-rule-out-podolski-sale-1051605.html ]]> <p> Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has categorically ruled out the possibility of striker Lukas Podolski being allowed to leave the club in the January transfer window. </p> European Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:54:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/valencia-deny-bankruptcy-fears-1051596.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/valencia-deny-bankruptcy-fears-1051596.html ]]> <p> Valencia have dismissed reports that the club is on the verge of bankruptcy following a worsening of their financial situation. </p> European Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:47:12 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/mortgage-lenders-pass-on-rate-cut-1051500.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/mortgages/mortgage-lenders-pass-on-rate-cut-1051500.html <p> Lloyds TSB and HSBC today said they would be passing on the 1 per cent interest rate cut to their variable rate customers in full. </p> Mortgages Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:43:49 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/ian-paisley-jr-turned-down-im-a-celebrity-1051572.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/ian-paisley-jr-turned-down-im-a-celebrity-1051572.html <p> Ian Paisley Junior last night revealed that he had turned down the chance to take part in Bushtucker Trials in the jungle on the other side of the world. </p> News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:40:34 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/roy-keane-the-highs-and-lows-1051563.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/roy-keane-the-highs-and-lows-1051563.html ]]> Premier League Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:34:47 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/roy-keane-factfile-1051542.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/roy-keane-factfile-1051542.html Premier League Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:21:08 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/comedy/features/a-hrefhttpjulianhalllivejournalcom1773htmljulian-hall-in-praise-of-the-female-foursomea-1051541.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/comedy/features/a-hrefhttpjulianhalllivejournalcom1773htmljulian-hall-in-praise-of-the-female-foursomea-1051541.html <p> While I am wary of damning anything after just one episode, I don't think that too many people were holding their breath that E4's Beehive, aired last night would deliver us an all-girl comedy band of the quality of Smack The Pony - and they were right not to. </p> Features Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:20:42 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/a-hrefhttpjleachlivejournalcom2923htmljimmy-leach-roy-keane-walks--and-so-does-triggsa-1051516.html http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/a-hrefhttpjleachlivejournalcom2923htmljimmy-leach-roy-keane-walks--and-so-does-triggsa-1051516.html New Articles Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:06:03 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/snow-sweeps-into-the-north-1051190.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/snow-sweeps-into-the-north-1051190.html <p> Wintry conditions caused treacherous conditions on the roads in Northern England and Scotland as up to six inches of snow fell today. </p> Home News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:04:42 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/another-1-slashed-from-interest-rates-1051509.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/another-1-slashed-from-interest-rates-1051509.html ]]> <p> The Bank of England slashed interest rates by another 1 per cent today as policymakers stepped up their battle to stave off a deep recession. </p> Business News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:04:14 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/baby-girl-seriously-ill-after-twins-death-1051475.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/baby-girl-seriously-ill-after-twins-death-1051475.html <p> A baby girl remained seriously ill in hospital today after her conjoined twin died following emergency surgery to separate them. </p> Health News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:39:33 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/napoli-angered-by-lavezzi-chelsea-link-1051474.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/napoli-angered-by-lavezzi-chelsea-link-1051474.html ]]> <p> Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has warned Ezequiel Lavezzi's agent to stop with his contract demands amid reports linking him with Chelsea. </p> Premier League Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:39:29 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/pietersen-very-confident-of-playing-tests-1051467.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/pietersen-very-confident-of-playing-tests-1051467.html ]]> <p> England captain Kevin Pietersen believes it is important England return to India for their rescheduled two-Test series as a show of support following the terror attacks in Mumbai. </p> Cricket Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:35:34 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/a-hrefhttpmartinkinglivejournalcom1859htmlmarathon-man-my-charity-choicea-1051402.html http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/a-hrefhttpmartinkinglivejournalcom1859htmlmarathon-man-my-charity-choicea-1051402.html New Articles Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:03:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/online/a-hrefhttpandrewkeenlivejournalcom3240htmlandrew-keen-in-defense-of-sleazy-lobbyistsa-1051398.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/online/a-hrefhttpandrewkeenlivejournalcom3240htmlandrew-keen-in-defense-of-sleazy-lobbyistsa-1051398.html <p> I really like what Tina Brown is doing at The Daily Beast. There's no hint of the crowd at the Beast - it's all Tina's sensibility, her wit and judgment. So I'm thrilled to now be contributing to the new website. My first piece, published today, is a defense of (sleazy) lobbyists - surely the loneliest and most misunderstood people in America today. </p> Online Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:00:38 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/roy-keane-in-quotes-1049865.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/roy-keane-in-quotes-1049865.html ]]> <p> Roy Keane has become renowned for speaking his mind. Whether the focus of his words is his team-mate, manager or opponent, the Irishman refuses to pull any punches, regardless of the consequences. </p> Premier League Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:58:33 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/john-rentoul/a-hrefhttpjrentoullivejournalcom4619htmljohn-rentoul-feather-calls-butterfly-lightweighta-1052007.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/john-rentoul/a-hrefhttpjrentoullivejournalcom4619htmljohn-rentoul-feather-calls-butterfly-lightweighta-1052007.html <p> James Macintyre, formerly of The Independent's parish, has a scoop in today's New Statesman. According to &quot;diplomatic sources&quot;, Barack Obama exclaimed, &quot;&quot;What a lightweight!&quot; after meeting David Cameron in July this year. </p> John Rentoul Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:54:16 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/a-hrefhttpamcsmithlivejournalcom1059htmlandy-mcsmith-medalling-with-englisha-1051384.html http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/a-hrefhttpamcsmithlivejournalcom1059htmlandy-mcsmith-medalling-with-englisha-1051384.html New Articles Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:50:30 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/the-pier-announces-400-jobs-at-risk-1051382.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/the-pier-announces-400-jobs-at-risk-1051382.html <p> Around 400 jobs are at risk after homewares retail chain The Pier today became the latest victim of the economic turmoil. </p> Business News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:48:55 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/heathrow-expansion-decision-delayed-1051377.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/heathrow-expansion-decision-delayed-1051377.html <p> A Government decision on expanding the UK's biggest airport has been been postponed, it was announced today. </p> UK Politics Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:46:09 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/investment-in-science-vital-for-the-future-says-brown-1051368.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/investment-in-science-vital-for-the-future-says-brown-1051368.html <p> The UK must continue to invest in research to secure its economic future, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said today. </p> UK Politics Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:41:48 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/sunderland-and-keane-part-company-1049867.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/sunderland-and-keane-part-company-1049867.html ]]> <p> Sunderland have confirmed they have parted company with Roy Keane with the players understood to have been informed of their manager's departure at a morning meeting. </p> Premier League Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:40:25 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/south-africas-gibbs-to-enter-rehab-programme-1051350.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/south-africas-gibbs-to-enter-rehab-programme-1051350.html ]]> <p> South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs will enter a month-long alcohol rehabilitation programme starting on Monday. </p> Cricket Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:29:50 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/features/britain-to-host-major-indian-arts-event-1051347.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/features/britain-to-host-major-indian-arts-event-1051347.html <p> The British Museum today unveiled a wide-ranging six-month programme of events next year exploring India, from its art and culture to environmental threats. </p> Features Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:29:11 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/pearce-upbeat-after-daunting-under21-draw-1051343.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/pearce-upbeat-after-daunting-under21-draw-1051343.html ]]> <p> England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce remains optimistic about his side's chances at next summer's European Championships after being given a tough draw for the finals in Sweden. </p> International Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:27:44 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/beckham-reiterates-england-hopes-1051338.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/beckham-reiterates-england-hopes-1051338.html ]]> <p> David Beckham reiterated his desire to continue playing for England prompted his forthcoming loan switch to AC Milan after arriving in New Zealand for the Los Angeles Galaxy's exhibition clash with an Oceania All-Stars side. </p> International Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:24:32 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/mido-blames-fa-for-islamophobic-abuse-1051330.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/mido-blames-fa-for-islamophobic-abuse-1051330.html ]]> <p> Middlesbrough striker Mido has blamed the Football Association for the Islamophobic chanting he suffered against Newcastle last weekend. </p> Premier League Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:21:59 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/classical/news/a-hrefhttpedseckersonlivejournalcom2114htmledward-seckerson-top-billing-for-nettie-fowlera-1051320.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/classical/news/a-hrefhttpedseckersonlivejournalcom2114htmledward-seckerson-top-billing-for-nettie-fowlera-1051320.html <p> It must be the first time in the history of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel that the actress playing Nettie Fowler has top, above-the-title, billing </p> News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:17:28 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/a-hrefhttpcommunitylivejournalcomtithelifebrows3557htmlthe-life-browser-still-lost-after-all-these-yearsa-1051317.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/a-hrefhttpcommunitylivejournalcomtithelifebrows3557htmlthe-life-browser-still-lost-after-all-these-yearsa-1051317.html <p> On the web today... </p> Features Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:15:07 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/credit-suisse-to-cut-5300-jobs-1051252.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/credit-suisse-to-cut-5300-jobs-1051252.html <p> Swiss bank Credit Suisse said today it was cutting another 5,300 jobs, as it revealed it made a net loss of about 3 billion Swiss francs ($2.5 billion) in October and November. </p> Business News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:37:05 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/house-and-home/property/house-prices-falling-faster-1051248.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/house-and-home/property/house-prices-falling-faster-1051248.html <p> House prices fell faster last month, Britain's biggest mortgage lender said today. </p> Property Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:33:30 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/morrisons-value-range-brings-sales-boost-1051165.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/morrisons-value-range-brings-sales-boost-1051165.html <p> Supermarket Morrisons today reported an 8.1 per cent leap in its third-quarter sales thanks to the chain's value ranges and cut-price deals. </p> Business News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:44:40 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/british-acts-dominate-grammy-nominations-1051138.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/british-acts-dominate-grammy-nominations-1051138.html ]]> <p> British talent dominated the nominations for record of the year at the US Grammy Awards today. </p> News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:18:22 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/nomura-to-cut-up-to-1000-staff-in-london-1051110.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/nomura-to-cut-up-to-1000-staff-in-london-1051110.html <p> Japanese brokerage house Nomura Holdings Inc said it would axe up to 1,000 staff in London in its first big job cuts since it bought parts of failed Lehman Brothers, adding to a wave of lay-offs in the global financial industry. </p> Business News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 07:38:29 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/billbybill-from-pay-to-poverty-1050969.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/billbybill-from-pay-to-poverty-1050969.html <p> <b>Banks</b> </p> <p> <i>By Ben Russell</i> </p> <p> Opposition MPs have warned that banking reforms will do little to break the logjam preventing lending reaching consumers and small businesses. Gordon Brown had announced that banks&rsquo; voluntary code of practice would be legally binding, giving financial services watchdogs new powers to impose fines or freeze banks&rsquo; assets if they did not comply with the code, which forces lenders to be fair when they change interest rates or conditions of loans or overdrafts. </p> UK Politics Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:20:06 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/bleak-cips-survey-fuels-hope-of-large-rate-cut-today-1050964.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/bleak-cips-survey-fuels-hope-of-large-rate-cut-today-1050964.html <p> A string of weak economic data released this week has pushed City analysts to near-universal expectation that the Bank of England will cut interest rates by at least 1 percentage point today. Some believe the Bank will surprise the markets with a larger move. </p> Business News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:06:42 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/mamps-fights-for-custom-amid-slump-in-sales-1050961.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/mamps-fights-for-custom-amid-slump-in-sales-1050961.html <p> Marks &amp; Spencer has suffered a number of calamitous weeks of sales over the past month, putting down an ominous marker for Christmas and hammering home the dire trading conditions on the high street. </p> Business News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:05:43 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/marsh-wall-diary-04122008-1050953.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/marsh-wall-diary-04122008-1050953.html <p> <b>Sky rockets in flight, credit crunch delight</b> </p> <p> In these times of economic hardship, as travel agencies find they aren&rsquo;t quite as recession-proof as they thought, it is good to see companies discounting to help consumers looking for a low-cost fare. The latest is XCOR Aerospace which is offering tickets to, um, space for a mere $95,000 (&pound;64,000). For those punters who can&rsquo;t afford Virgin Galactic&rsquo;s $200,000 tickets in these hard times, the consumer space race must be a welcome development. </p> Business Analysis & Features Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:03:23 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/jeremy-warner/jeremy-warner-sterling-was-far-too-high-now-it-may-be-going-the-other-way-1050950.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/jeremy-warner/jeremy-warner-sterling-was-far-too-high-now-it-may-be-going-the-other-way-1050950.html <p> <b>Outlook:</b> Jose Manuel Barroso, head of the European Commission, thinks Britain is &ldquo;closer than ever before&rdquo; to joining the euro and even claims to have had conversations with senior members of the UK Government to that effect. Meanwhile, Christine Lagarde, the French finance minister, would be more than happy to welcome us in. </p> Jeremy Warner Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:01:52 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/jeremy-warner/jeremy-warner-sibir-energyrsquos-lesson-in-caveat-emptor-1050947.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/jeremy-warner/jeremy-warner-sibir-energyrsquos-lesson-in-caveat-emptor-1050947.html <p> <b>Outlook:</b> Ah, the perils of investing in Russia. M&amp;G, Black Rock and other top-drawer London-based investors might have thought when they bought shares in Sibir Energy they were investing in a Siberian oil and gas play, but in fact it turns out they were buying into a Moscow property company with a portfolio of largely uncompleted development projects. </p> Jeremy Warner Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:00:46 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/jeremy-warner/jeremy-warner-mortgage-plan-may-be-smarter-than-it-looks-1050930.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/jeremy-warner/jeremy-warner-mortgage-plan-may-be-smarter-than-it-looks-1050930.html <p> <b>Outlook:</b> Brown&rsquo;s mortgage relief plan is smarter than it looks. On the face of it, underwriting lenders who allow those who lose their jobs to defer their mortgage payments for up to two years is an outrageous use of taxpayers&rsquo; money as well as amounting to unwarranted interference in a necessary housing market adjustment. </p> Jeremy Warner Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:59:42 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/competition-fears-hit-kangaroo-1050925.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/competition-fears-hit-kangaroo-1050925.html <p> Britain&rsquo;s competition watchdog has delivered a potentially fatal blow to &ldquo;Project Kangaroo,&rdquo; the video-on-demand venture from the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, indicating the platform would be bad for competition. </p> Business News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:53:27 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/where-has-the-money-gone-1050922.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/where-has-the-money-gone-1050922.html <p> If Britain&rsquo;s banks are to be believed, then they have never done better by their small business customers &ndash; rate cuts are passed on in full, lending is up, advice seminars are planned. Yet small and medium enterprises (SMEs) complain of draconian actions by their lenders while the Government blames the banks and piles on the pressure to make them support small companies. How can this be? </p> Business Analysis & Features Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:51:59 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sharewatch/investment-column-numis-set-to-suffer-as-ipo-market-dries-up-1050918.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sharewatch/investment-column-numis-set-to-suffer-as-ipo-market-dries-up-1050918.html <p> <b>Our view:</b> Sell </p> <p> <b>Share price:</b> 110p (-1p) </p> <p> An update for those that have been on Mars for the past 18 months: the financial services industry is having it tough. Further evidence, if any were needed, was seen in the investment and brokerage group Numis Corporation&rsquo;s preliminary results yesterday, which showed that pre-tax profits, of &pound;16.1m, were down by more than 50 per cent on last year&rsquo;s &pound;38.8m. </p> Sharewatch Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:50:03 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sharewatch/market-report-rio-tinto-slides-further-amid-debt-fears-1050914.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sharewatch/market-report-rio-tinto-slides-further-amid-debt-fears-1050914.html <p> A number of leading miners fell back following fresh falls in commodities prices last night. </p> Sharewatch Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:46:39 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/australia-summon-spirit-of-1908-to-quell-barbarians-1050911.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/australia-summon-spirit-of-1908-to-quell-barbarians-1050911.html ]]> <p> The first rugby union match to take place here at the new Wembley Stadium was staged last night to celebrate the Olympic final of 1908 at London&rsquo;s White City. The gold medal went to Australia and the silver to Great Britain who were represented by the county champions Cornwall. There was no bronze for there were no other competitors. </p> International Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:43:51 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/city-still-trying-to-find-way-1050900.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/city-still-trying-to-find-way-1050900.html ]]> <p> THE Uefa Cup group stage is, as Harry Redknapp acknowledged, both tedious and, since three teams from five go through, relatively hard not to qualify from. However, it comes with a neat twist &ndash; the team that finishes second draws a dropout from the Champions League. </p> European Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:38:28 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/tevez-hattrick-puts-heat-on-ince-1050895.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/tevez-hattrick-puts-heat-on-ince-1050895.html ]]> <p> A sobering night for another of the Ferguson alumni. If Roy Keane thinks he has it bad at Sunderland, he might care to call Paul Ince, who left their old stomping ground with the shouts of &ldquo;We want our Rovers back&rdquo; ringing in his ears. It was an evening more wretched than any he will have experienced here as a player. </p> FA & League Cups Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:33:47 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/bent-strike-stops-watford-joining-upstarts-1050892.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/bent-strike-stops-watford-joining-upstarts-1050892.html ]]> <p> To the undoubted relief of the Football League&rsquo;s top brass Watford last night failed to join fellow Championship clubs Derby and Burnley in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup. Much as the League likes its clubs to prosper in its own competition, it needs high-profile finals to maintain the cup&rsquo;s attraction to sponsors and television companies. Tottenham v Manchester United would fit the bill nicely. </p> FA & League Cups Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:31:08 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/teenager-laps-up-bottle-from-lsquowhisky-galorersquo-ship-1050875.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/teenager-laps-up-bottle-from-lsquowhisky-galorersquo-ship-1050875.html <p> A bottle of whisky recovered from the wreck of a cargo ship which inspired the film Whisky Galore! sold at auction yesterday for &pound;2,200 to a teenager captivated by its remarkable story. </p> Home News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:18:21 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/a-little-night-music-menier-chocolate-factory-1050860.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/a-little-night-music-menier-chocolate-factory-1050860.html <p> Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler&rsquo;s 1973 waltz musical is based on Ingmar Bergman&rsquo;s Smiles of a Summer Night and as Trevor Nunn has already directed Bergman&rsquo;s Scenes from a Marriage on the stage this year, he&rsquo;s in the mood for a piece the composer described as whipped cream with knives. His intimate revival comes out of the mirrored mists of a country house estate where memories are rife and the moon smiles three times: for the young, the foolish and the old. </p> Reviews Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:14:37 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/news-comment/brian-ashton-there-are-a-few-people-i-wouldnt-bother-crossing-the-road-to-talk-to-1036463.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/news-comment/brian-ashton-there-are-a-few-people-i-wouldnt-bother-crossing-the-road-to-talk-to-1036463.html ]]> <p> The storm has passed. The grey, grim days filled with worry and anguish are already blurring into the memory. </p> News & Comment Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:01:10 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/house-garden/the-ten-best-fridges-1050273.html http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/house-garden/the-ten-best-fridges-1050273.html ]]> <p> If you want the <i>coolest </i>kitchen on the block, why not buy a fridge? </p> House & Garden Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:47 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/student/career-planning/getting-job/passedfailed-an-education-in-the-life-of-sarah-beeny-the-presenter-of-property-ladder-1049789.html http://www.independent.co.uk/student/career-planning/getting-job/passedfailed-an-education-in-the-life-of-sarah-beeny-the-presenter-of-property-ladder-1049789.html ]]> <p><b>Sarah Beeny, 36, presents 'Property Ladder' on Channel 4 and her books include 'Price the Job'. In 2005, she set up the online dating website mysinglefriend.com.</b></p> Getting a Job Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:01 +0000