General news

• William helps honour 'unsung heroes' of conservation at Tusk awards

  24-11-2015 22:31
  
  The Duke of Cambridge has helped honour conservationists working in Africa to combat the illegal wildlife trade at a charity function, saying he was "in awe" of their achievements.
  
  Read more

• Spending Review: Welfare Cap Breach Likely

  24-11-2015 22:23
  
  Whitehall is making plans for a Commons vote on George Osborne's welfare cap within a month, Sky News understands, in the clearest sign that the Chancellor has missed his self-imposed welfare cap. The Treasury has struggled to alleviate the immediate £4.4bn cuts to tax credits this April, to provide a better transition to the Government's aim of a "low welfare, low tax, high wage economy". Any slowing down of this year's planned cut would have to be made up for by welfare cuts in other are
  
  Read more

• Funding boost to help Africa cope with climate change

  24-11-2015 22:22
  
  A £10.6 billion plan to help Africa cope with rising temperatures and be more resilient to climate "shocks" has been unveiled by the World Bank.
  
  Read more

• BBC programme to celebrate Sir David Attenborough's 90th birthday

  24-11-2015 22:00
  
  The BBC will mark Sir David Attenborough's 90th birthday with a one-off programme.
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Stay in reformed EU, British car industry body tells Cameron

  24-11-2015 21:21
  
  British car industry body the SMMT warned on Tuesday that the country should remain in a reformed European Union and said it would make its sure its views are heard ahead of an in/out referendum on membership. Prime Minister David Cameron, who has promised to renegotiate Britain's EU ties ahead of a vote by the end of 2017, favours staying in a reformed EU but has said he rules nothing out if he cannot get the changes he wants. All major British car brands, including Jaguar Land Rover, Mini and
  
  Read more

• Private space company Blue Origin claims rocket landing milestone

  24-11-2015 21:08
  
  A private space company said it has landed a rocket upright and gently enough to be used again, a milestone in commercial aeronautics.
  
  Read more

• No more Bushtucker Trials, please, says I'm A Celebrity's Lady C

  24-11-2015 20:44
  
  Lady Colin Campbell wants viewers to stop voting for her to do Bushtucker Trials on I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!
  
  Read more

• Missing Cash Inquiry: MP Withdraws From SNP Whip

  24-11-2015 19:58
  
  An SNP MP at the centre of a police investigation into missing funds has withdrawn from the party whip. Natalie McGarry maintains she is not guilty of any wrongdoing in connection with financial discrepancies in the accounts of Women For Independence (WFI), a group set up prior to Scotland's 2014 referendum.
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• VIDEO: Free cardboard beds for homeless

  24-11-2015 19:36 via bbc.co.uk
  
  A primary school teacher from Wolverhampton has designed flat-pack cardboard beds for homeless people which he's giving away for free.
  
  Read more

• David Cameron urges 'communication' after Turkish fighter downs Russian warplane

  24-11-2015 19:30
  
  David Cameron has urged his Turkish counterpart to ensure that Ankara maintains direct communications with Moscow to avoid an escalation in tensions after Turkish fighter jets shot down a Russian warplane.
  
  Read more

• Tesco distribution centre workers to ballot for strike action

  24-11-2015 19:25
  
  Britain's biggest supermarket Tesco could face disruption to its distribution network in the run-up to Christmas after a union representing workers at two of its hubs said it would ballot members on strike action over pay. The Unite trade union said over 700 drivers and warehouse staff at distribution centres in Belfast, Northern Ireland and Doncaster, northern England will be balloted for strike action next week after rejecting Tesco's latest pay offer. Tesco operates 24 distribution centres ac
  
  Read more

• Ex-Anglo Irish bank chief's extradition hearing set for March

  24-11-2015 19:22
  
  The former head of Anglo Irish Bank will get a chance to argue against being sent back to his native country to face criminal charges related to the bank's collapse on March 1, a U.S. federal judge said on Tuesday. David Drumm, the bank's former chief executive, was arrested at his Massachusetts home on Oct. 10 after Irish officials asked that he be extradited to face a 33-count criminal indictment related to the collapse of the bank, which was nationalized in early 2009 in a takeover that cost
  
  Read more

• British police cuts will hit counter-terrorism effort, says top officer

  24-11-2015 18:28
  
  By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's ability to counter militant attacks would be undermined if the government makes dramatic cuts to policing budgets as part of spending reductions to be unveiled this week, the most senior anti-terrorism officer said on Tuesday. Chancellor George Osborne is due on Wednesday to detail multi-billion pound spending cuts across government as part of his ambitious plan to turn Britain's deficit into a surplus by 2020. While Osborne has promised to boost th
  
  Read more

• 40-year US jail term for man who plotted to bomb Manchester's Arndale Centre

  24-11-2015 18:21
  
  A man who plotted to bomb Manchester's Arndale Centre on one of its busiest weekends has been jailed in America.
  
  Read more

• 20 Labour MPs defy Jeremy Corbyn over Trident debate

  24-11-2015 18:19
  
  Jeremy Corbyn has been defied by 20 of his MPs over Trident after they were ordered to stay away from an SNP-inspired debate on scrapping the nuclear deterrent.
  
  Read more

• Manchester And New York Bomb Plotter Sentenced

  24-11-2015 18:16
  
  A Pakistani man who was plotting to blow up the Arndale shopping centre in Manchester has been sentenced to 40 years in a US jail. Abid Naseer, 29, had faced up to life in prison after a federal jury in New York convicted him in March of providing material support to al Qaeda and other charges. As he handed down Naseer's sentence, US District Judge Raymond Dearie said: "I know you're not what I'd say for any lack of a better word a 'typical' criminal.
  
  Read more

• Appetite-affecting gut bacteria may dictate how much we eat

  24-11-2015 18:00
  
  Gut bacteria may be taking over our appetites and dictating how much we eat, research suggests.
  
  Read more

• Tesco delivery staff to vote on festive period strikes over pay

  24-11-2015 17:57
  
  Hundreds of drivers and warehouse workers at Tesco distribution sites are to be balloted for strike action in a row over pay.
  
  Read more

• William hails Tusk conservation award finalists

  24-11-2015 17:27
  
  The Duke of Cambridge has commended the winners and finalists of the Tusk conservation awards as part of his crusade against the illegal wildlife trade in Africa.
  
  Read more

• David Cameron: Turkey must maintain communication with Russia over downed plane

  24-11-2015 17:27
  
  David Cameron has urged his Turkish counterpart to ensure that Ankara maintains direct communications with Moscow to avoid an escalation in tensions after Turkish fighter jets shot down a Russian warplane.
  
  Read more

• Brother's tribute to 'lovely' teenager stabbed to death in Holloway

  24-11-2015 16:58
  
  The brother of a 17-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in a London street has paid tribute to a "lovely" and "generous" teenager.
  
  Read more

• National Grid Facing Winter Energy Crunch

  24-11-2015 16:36
  
  National Grid expects to activate special alerts to keep the lights on up to ten times this winter as the UK faces a tightening power supply, MPs have been told. The network already faced an energy crunch earlier this month when it had to enact exceptional measures, in order to shore up the electricity supply, for the first time in three years. National Grid sends out the alerts to ask power suppliers to increase generation when it faces a narrowing margin of supply and demand.
  
  Read more

• Hatton Garden 'Master' Quit After Failed Attempt

  24-11-2015 16:36
  
  One of the leaders of a gang accused of stealing £14m of goods in Hatton Garden pulled out after they failed to complete the raid in one night, a court has heard. Brian Reader, 76, withdrew from the conspiracy when the group struggled to get into the vault on the night of 2 April. Dubbed the "Master" by his co-conspirators, the pensioner had been instrumental in planning the burglary which saw precious stones and bullion looted from safety deposit boxes in London's jewellery quarter.
  
  Read more

• Government warned that police cuts would hamper terrorism fight

  24-11-2015 16:31
  
  The police's ability to tackle terrorists would be hampered if budget cuts of more than 10% are imposed on forces, the Government has been warned.
  
  Read more

• Pollster Survation Hits Back At The Sun’s Jihadi ‘Support’ Coverage

  24-11-2015 16:27
  
  Survation, the polling company who conducted a survey into Muslim attitudes to fighters in Syria, have distanced themselves from the controversial coverage in The Sun.
  
  Read more

• Kayleigh Died From Head And Facial Injuries

  24-11-2015 16:17
  
  A body found on land in Ibstock, Leicestershire, has now been formally identified as Kayleigh Haywood. Kayleigh had to be identified by dental records, an inquest at Rutland and North Leicestershire Coroner's Court heard. Two men have been charged as part of the investigation and are due to appear at Leicester Crown Court on 18 December.
  
  Read more

• Police comb river bank after body found in hunt for student Caroline Everest

  24-11-2015 15:53
  
  Police investigating the death of university student Caroline Everest have been searching the banks of a river where the 18-year-old's body was found.
  
  Read more

• Astronaut Tim Peake's milestone set to dominate UK space event

  24-11-2015 15:51
  
  British astronaut Major Tim Peake's launch into orbit next month will dominate a conference on UK involvement in human space exploration hosted by the British Aeronautical Society on December 1.
  
  Read more

• Street murder brings teenage fatal stabbing toll to 14 in London this year

  24-11-2015 15:18
  
  A 17-year-old boy murdered in a London street is the 14th teenager to be stabbed to death in the capital this year.
  
  Read more

• Belfast Google Innovation Lab urges firms to cut costs with better technology

  24-11-2015 15:15
  
  Large businesses could cut costs by 70% through better technology, a director at Google has said.
  
  Read more

• Campaigners hail Government pledge for new £150m dementia research institute

  24-11-2015 15:14
  
  Alzheimer's campaigners have welcomed Government plans for a new £150 million dementia research institute.
  
  Read more

• British Airways and easyJet suspend Sharm el-Sheikh flights until new year

  24-11-2015 15:14
  
  British Airways and easyJet have announced they will not use Sharm el-Sheikh airport until at least the new year, disrupting thousands of holidaymakers' Christmas plans.
  
  Read more

• Black Friday 2015: Britons expected to spend £3.49bn over four days

  24-11-2015 15:14
  
  Britons are expected to spend £3.49 billion on bargains over the four days starting with "Black Friday", with online sales alone predicted to be up 16% on last year.
  
  Read more

• Andy Murray understands Davis Cup travel security fears

  24-11-2015 15:14
  
  Andy Murray said he understands if British fans decide not to travel to the Davis Cup final in Belgium due to the ongoing security alert in Brussels.
  
  Read more

• Trident nuclear deterrent 'morally questionable and economic madness'

  24-11-2015 15:01
  
  The SNP has pressed its call for Trident nuclear weapons to be scrapped as Labour MPs prepared to defy Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn over the deterrent.
  
  Read more

• Sell-Out For Queen's 90th Birthday Bash

  24-11-2015 14:44
  
  Tickets for the Queen's 90th birthday celebration next year have sold out just hours after being offered to the public. Organisers had expected the 25,000 places on offer for the extravaganza being staged from 12-15 May in Home Park, Windsor Castle, to go quickly. The event itself will be a 90-minute spectacular celebrating the life of Her Majesty with members of the royal family in attendance on each day and the Queen herself going to the last performance on Sunday, 15 May.
  
  Read more

• Retail sales slow as shoppers hold out for Black Friday

  24-11-2015 14:40
  
  Shops have seen a surprise slowdown in sales this month as shoppers delay their spending spree for Black Friday, new figures suggest.
  
  Read more

• Human error blamed for Smiler rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers

  24-11-2015 14:38
  
  The crash on The Smiler rollercoaster at Alton Towers that seriously injured five people was caused by human error, an investigation has found.
  
  Read more

• Alton Towers Crash Caused By 'Human Error'

  24-11-2015 14:32
  
  The rollercoaster crash at Alton Towers that seriously injured five people was caused by human error, the theme park has said. Merlin group, which operates the theme park, said it had come to the conclusion after carrying out an investigation. One of those injured, 17-year-old Leah Washington, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, had her left leg amputated above the knee as a result of the crash.
  
  Read more

• Nine Out Of 22 Faith Schools 'Inadequate'

  24-11-2015 14:18
  
  Nine out of a group of 22 faith schools inspected by Ofsted have been found to be of an "inadequate" standard.
  
  Read more

• Merlin says human error caused Alton Towers crash

  24-11-2015 14:05
  
  LONDON (Reuters) - Merlin Entertainments said on Tuesday a roller coaster crash at Alton Towers theme park in June was caused by human error. Having concluded its investigation Merlin said the accident, which seriously injured four teenagers, was the result of human error culminating in the manual override of "The Smiler" ride's safety control system without the appropriate protocols being followed. Merlin said there were found to be no technical or mechanical problems with the ride itself. The
  
  Read more

• Nato holding emergency session after Turkey shoots down Russian warplane

  24-11-2015 13:34
  
  Nato will hold an emergency session today after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane it claimed had entered its air space.
  
  Read more

• Tickets On Sale For Queen's 90th Birthday Bash

  24-11-2015 13:24
  
  Tickets for the Queen's 90th birthday celebration next year have gone on sale. Organisers are expecting the 25,000 places on offer for the extravaganza being staged from 12-15 May in Home Park, Windsor Castle, to quickly sell out. The event will be a 90-minute spectacular celebrating the life of Her Majesty with members of the royal family in attendance on each day and the Queen herself going to the last performance on Sunday, 15 May.
  
  Read more

• Chiwetel Ejiofor To Be Honoured At Awards

  24-11-2015 13:16
  
  The star of 12 Years A Slave, Chiwetel Ejiofor, is to be honoured with the Richard Harris award at this year's Moet British Independent Film Awards. The actor is to receive the prize, created in 2002 when Harris died, in recognition of his "exceptional service" to the film industry, both in the UK and abroad. Harris' son Jared said: "I am so happy this award is going to Chiwetel.
  
  Read more

• Police chiefs 'have responsibility to highlight impact of budget cuts'

  24-11-2015 13:10
  
  Police leaders have a "responsibility" to highlight the impact of fresh budget cuts on the capacity to respond to a Paris-style terror attack, a senior officer has insisted.
  
  Read more

• Lord's Prayer cinema advert ban agency defends policy as 'correct and fair'

  24-11-2015 13:09
  
  An advertising agency at the centre of a row over the banning from cinema screens of an advert featuring the Lord's Prayer will not reverse the decision.
  
  Read more

• London helicopter crash pilot expressed concern over weather, inquest told

  24-11-2015 13:09
  
  The pilot of a helicopter which suffered a fatal crash in central London "wasn't looking forward" to the flight because of the weather conditions, his partner has said.
  
  Read more

• Hatton Garden jewel heist 'master', 76, quit raid after early difficulties

  24-11-2015 13:09
  
  A thief who helped mastermind the Hatton Garden raid pulled out of the "largest burglary in English history" after failing to complete it in one night, a court heard.
  
  Read more

• Suspect Burglar Claims His Dog Chewed Off His Electronic Ankle Tag, Judge Thinks Otherwise

  24-11-2015 12:43
  
  Jamie Toland told police that he woke up to find his pet eating at the device, which he had been wearing as part of his bail conditions
  
  Read more

• TV cameras enter Birmingham hospital to highlight assaults on NHS staff

  24-11-2015 12:40
  
  Television camera crews have been granted access to one of the country's busiest hospitals to highlight some of the tens of thousands of assaults committed against NHS staff each year.
  
  Read more

Follow @GeneralnewsUK on Twitter!