UK news, world news, latest national & international news

Ucas tariff system 'set to be axed' Jul 31 2012

The points-based system used by students applying to higher education is now likely to be scrapped after the move gained widespread support from universities and schools.Read

Coroner slams Army over IED killing Jul 31 2012

A coroner has criticised the Army for failing to take action to prevent the death of a soldier in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack on an insecure training range.Read

Two million attend first three days Jul 31 2012

More than two million spectators have turned out to watch the first three days of London 2012, organisers have said.Read

Swimmer's critics 'must get real' Jul 31 2012

Critics concerned over the world record-breaking performance of 16-year-old Chinese Olympic swimmer Ye Shiwen should "get real", the International Olympics Committee (IOC) has said.Read

Crowd roars on Zara in showjumping Jul 31 2012

Crowds have cheered Zara Phillips as she put in a confident performance in showjumping as Britain's eventing team reached for Team GB's first gold of the Olympics.Read

Chinese swimmer Ye Shiwen’s critics should 'get real' Olympic organiser says Jul 31 2012

CRITICS concerned over the world record-breaking performance of 16-year-old Chinese swimmer Ye Shiwen should “get real”, Olympic organisers said today.Read

UK boy dies in Malaysia hotel fall Jul 31 2012

A nine-year-old boy has died in a fall while on holiday in Malaysia.Read

Friend's grief for bike death boy Jul 31 2012

The best friend of a 14-year-old boy killed in a hit-and-run crash has spoken of his grief as police questioned two people.Read

Abu Qatada's detention is 'unlawful' lawyer argues Jul 31 2012

RADICAL preacher Abu Qatada’s detention should be ruled “unlawful”, the High Court heard today.Read

Hotel discount deals investigated Jul 31 2012

The operator of Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza hotels and two of the UK's biggest online travel agents are under investigation for signing a potentially unlawful deal to limit discounts on rooms.Read

Battle for Aleppo enters day 11 Jul 31 2012

Fighting in Syria's largest city of Aleppo has entered its 11th day amid growing international condemnation of the government's crackdown on rebels.Read

Tributes to author Maeve Binchy, who has died aged 72 Jul 31 2012

IRISH Taoiseach Enda Kenny has led tributes to popular writer Maeve Binchy, who has died at the age of 72.Read

New broadband policy focus urged Jul 31 2012

The Government's broadband policy has become "preoccupied" with delivering certain speeds to consumers and needs greater focus on access to the internet through a national broadband network, a report by peers has concluded.Read

Fire alert hits Olympic Tube line Jul 31 2012

Services on a key transport route to the Olympic Park have been suspended after a fire alert.Read

Tom Daley Twitter torment: Teenager arrested (VIDEO) Jul 31 2012

POLICE investigating malicious tweets sent to Olympic diver Tom Daley have arrested a 17-year-old at a guesthouse in Weymouth.Read

Renewed clashes reported in Aleppo Jul 31 2012

Activists have reported renewed bombardments and clashes in rebel-held areas of Syria's largest city, Aleppo, as fighting stretched into its 11th day.Read

Chinese swimmer 'judgment' warning Jul 31 2012

A senior figure in the London 2012 Games has warned against "irresponsible" and "destructive" judgment of the Chinese swimmer Ye Shiwen after a leading coach described her world-record breaking race as "disturbing".Read

Morning news headlines for July 31, 2012 Jul 31 2012

ZARA Phillips will jump for glory with fellow riders from Britain’s eventing team today as they reach for Team GB’s first gold of the Olympics; Abu Qatada launches a fresh bid for freedom at the High Court and wide variation exists across England in the numbers of patients referred to hospital specialists by GPs for suspected cancer, according to new figures.Read

BP still paying for spill disaster Jul 31 2012

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill continues to plague BP more than two years after the disaster as the energy giant has revealed another 847 million US dollar (£538 million) hit to cover rising legal costs.Read