Charges have been dropped against 109 protesters accused of storming the luxury store Fortnum and Mason during anti government cuts demonstrations, prosecutors said today.

Anti-cuts campaigners are calling for an end to "political policing" as they launch a new movement backed by MPs, artists and activists to defend the rights of peaceful demonstrators across Britain.

A coalition of campaign groups says the right to hold demonstrations in Britain is being fatally undermined by hardened police tactics, mass criminal trials and pre-emptive arrests.

London's deputy mayor has condemned those involved in yesterday's violence in central London as "fascist agitators" as he defended the actions of the Metropolitan Police.

Why not pig-out with one of these scrumptious pork pies?

A Song lines

How much is Daphne du Maurier's writing table worth? John Windsor looks at the market in writers' memorabilia

THE TORIES are struggling to win back corporate donors, despite a drive to cut their reliance on wealthy individuals such as the party treasurer, Michael Ashcroft, according to figures soon to be published.

Sir: In his admirable obituary of Stanley Kubrick (9 March), James Kirkup refers to "Terry Southern's Dr Strangelove". It is true that Terry is credited with writing the script, but to my knowledge, both Kubrick himself and Peter George, author of Red Alert, the novel that was the original source of the film, made significant contributions.

A MINISTER appointed last year holds shares in a telecommunications consultancy, the new Register of Members' Interests revealed last night.

Stores claim that their charge cards offer shoppers numerous benefits - but at what cost?

QUESTION TIME

THE AGREEABLE WORLD OF WALLACE ARNOLD

IF BLACK pudding and rhubarb are your thing, then Fortnum and Mason is your place. For Lancastrian and Michelin-starred chef, Paul Heathcote, will shortly be there to promote such Northern "delicacies" and sign his new, aptly-named book Paul Heathcote's Rhubarb & Black Pudding.