http://www.independent.co.uk/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/swiss-privacy-watchdog-to-sue-google-street-view-1821519.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/swiss-privacy-watchdog-to-sue-google-street-view-1821519.html <p> Google's unstoppable drive to map and photograph the world has run into an immovable object - Switzerland's strict tradition of personal privacy. </p> News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:08:29 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/space-shuttle-to-launch-with-tweep-deluge-1821517.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/space-shuttle-to-launch-with-tweep-deluge-1821517.html <p> Fingers will be flying when space shuttle Atlantis blasts off Monday local time: About 100 of Nasa's geekiest fans will be on hand, pecking away at iPhones, BlackBerrys, laptops and other Twittering gadgets. </p> Science Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:01:33 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/dell-debuts-smart-phone-in-china-and-brazil-1821516.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/dell-debuts-smart-phone-in-china-and-brazil-1821516.html <p> Dell is officially jumping into the "smart" phone market this month in a deal with China's biggest wireless carrier, China Mobile. </p> News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:58:14 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-remanded-on-night-stalker-sex-assault-charges-1821408.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-remanded-on-night-stalker-sex-assault-charges-1821408.html <p> A man appeared in court today accused of sexually assaulting elderly people during a series of burglaries over the past 17 years. </p> Crime Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:57:08 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/star-trek-online-beams-gamers-to-the-bridge-1821513.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/star-trek-online-beams-gamers-to-the-bridge-1821513.html <p> The most iconic setting in Star Trek almost didn't make it into the series' online video game. </p> Gaming Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:56:15 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/egypt-applies-for-first-arabic-domain-1821511.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/egypt-applies-for-first-arabic-domain-1821511.html <p> Egypt will apply for the first internet domain written in Arabic, its information technology minister said a conference grouping Yahoo's co-founder and others to discuss boosting online access in emerging nations. </p> News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:54:29 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/pirate-gets-towns-wifi-unplugged-1821509.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/pirate-gets-towns-wifi-unplugged-1821509.html <p> The battle for the internet rights of individuals versus those of big business have taken a turn for the worse with the latest battlefront opening up in the small US town of Coshocton, Ohio. </p> News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:52:32 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/doctor-jailed-for-poisoning-pregnant-lovers-drinks-1821506.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/doctor-jailed-for-poisoning-pregnant-lovers-drinks-1821506.html <p> Married hospital consultant Dr Edward Erin was jailed for six years today for spiking his pregnant lover's drinks to make her lose her baby. </p> Crime Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:50:24 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/lowest-annual-increase-in-rail-fares-1821505.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/lowest-annual-increase-in-rail-fares-1821505.html <p> Rail fares will rise by an average of 1.1 per cent in January, it was announced today. </p> Home News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:48:30 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/youtube-starts-highdef-1080p-support-1821504.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/youtube-starts-highdef-1080p-support-1821504.html <p> YouTube says starting this week it will support the same high-resolution video that can now be seen on flat screen TVs. </p> News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:46:18 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/cook-defends-england-batting-order-1821502.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/cook-defends-england-batting-order-1821502.html ]]> <p> Alastair Cook defended England's decision not to change their batting line-up in the face of a mammoth 242 target during yesterday's 84-run Twenty20 defeat against South Africa at Centurion. </p> Cricket Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:34:04 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-fined-for-slow-over-rate-1821500.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-fined-for-slow-over-rate-1821500.html ]]> <p> Alastair Cook's losing debut as England captain was today compounded by the loss of 20% of his match fee for a slow over rate. </p> Cricket Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:31:39 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/x-factor-twins-john-and-edward-in-final-six-1821499.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/x-factor-twins-john-and-edward-in-final-six-1821499.html ]]> <p> Jedward fans were in rhapsody last night as their idols breezed through another round of the X Factor thanks to the public vote. </p> News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:30:52 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-demands-huge-improvement-1821498.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/johnson-demands-huge-improvement-1821498.html ]]> <p> Martin Johnson gave the first indication that his patience is beginning to wear thin after admitting he is "fed up" of constantly having to say England must improve. </p> International Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:28:41 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/ugandan-official-cane-dead-bodies-as-example-to-the-living-1821497.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/ugandan-official-cane-dead-bodies-as-example-to-the-living-1821497.html <p> A Ugandan government official said the bodies of those who die because of drinking a local illicit gin should be caned six times before burial as an example to the living. </p> Africa Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:25:57 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/souness-not-in-running-for-scotland-job-1821495.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/souness-not-in-running-for-scotland-job-1821495.html ]]> <p> Graeme Souness has ruled himself out of the running to replace George Burley as Scotland manager. </p> International Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:24:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/upson-committed-to-west-ham-cause-1821492.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/upson-committed-to-west-ham-cause-1821492.html ]]> <p> Matthew Upson insists being involved in a relegation battle at West Ham is not affecting his own performances as he looks to nail down a place in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad. </p> Premier League Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:21:27 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/foster-wont-demand-manchester-united-exit-1821491.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/foster-wont-demand-manchester-united-exit-1821491.html ]]> <p> Ben Foster has no intention of banging on Sir Alex Ferguson's door and demanding to know why his World Cup dream is in jeopardy. </p> Premier League Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:20:09 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/capello-singles-out-milner-for-praise-1821490.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/capello-singles-out-milner-for-praise-1821490.html <p> England coach Fabio Capello feels James Milner is improving at every stage of his footballing development. </p> International Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:17:52 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/huntelaar-wants-to-stay-in-milan-1821489.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/huntelaar-wants-to-stay-in-milan-1821489.html <p> Klaas Jan Huntelaar has no intention of leaving AC Milan in the January transfer window. </p> European Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:15:28 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/jordan-back-in-celebrity-jungle-for-closure-1821447.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/jordan-back-in-celebrity-jungle-for-closure-1821447.html ]]> <p> Katie Price revealed that her return to I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! is to achieve closure on her "fairytale" romance with ex-husband Peter Andre. </p> News Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:31:21 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/five-held-in-terror-raids-1821428.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/five-held-in-terror-raids-1821428.html <p> Five men were arrested today as anti-terror police swooped on addresses across Greater Manchester. </p> Crime Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:15:56 +0000 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/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/news/uk/politics/nick-clegg-cancel-the-queens-speech-ndash-and-save-democracy-1821244.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nick-clegg-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/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/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/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/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