High-speed rail plans announced
Plans for a new high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham are announced by Transport Secretary Lord Adonis.

'No giveaway Budget' says Darling
The Chancellor Alistair Darling warns not to expect a "giveaway" when the Budget is announced later this month.

OTHER TOP STORIES

Crackdown call over school cheats
A report into parents who cheat to get their child into a school calls for whistleblowing hotlines to be set up.

James Bulger's mother meets Straw
Justice Secretary Jack Straw meets the mother of murdered toddler James Bulger to discuss the return to prison of one of her son's killers.

UK giving US control of Musa Qala
UK forces are to hand security powers in the Afghan district of Musa Qala to US troops, the defence secretary says.

Pakistan kidnap boy not released
The Foreign Office says a five-year-old boy from Oldham kidnapped in Pakistan has not been released.

Man jailed for organic egg scam
A businessman is jailed for masterminding a scam which saw tens of millions of battery hen eggs sold as free-range or organic.

Man, 64, dies after 'youth abuse'
A man with learning difficulties dies outside his Greater Manchester home after suffering years of abuse from youths.

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Blue Peter dog retires after '98 dog years' of service
Blue Peter dog Mabel, one of the show's longest-serving pets, is to retire after 14 years, it is announced.