From October next year the default retirement age in the UK – of 65-years-old – could be scrapped under government plans. The plans would mean employers would not be allowed to force employees who have reached 65 to retire. A consultation process has been set up by the government ahead of plans to scrap the rule.

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:00:00

The Facebook details of more than 100 million users of the social networking site have been published on the internet by security consultant Ron Bowes. He said he collected and published the 'private' data – which was not hidden by the users' privacy settings – to criticise the way in which Facebook has dealt with user' privacy. Mr Bowes shared the details on a downloadable file, which has become readily available on the internet.

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:00:00

David Cameron has refused to back down after Pakistan reacted with his anger to a speech in India in which he accused the country of promoting and exporting terrorism. The remarks by the UK prime minister, made to business leaders in Bangalore, have threatened to overshadow a three-day visit of India. Despite Pakistani criticism of his speech, in which Mr Cameron accused the country of 'looking both ways', the prime minister has refused to retract it, saying he would always "speak frankly" on the world stage.

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:00:00

In the first half of 2010 British Gas made operating profits of £585 million, up 98 per cent; in part due to a particularly cold winter. British Gas's parent company Centrica said the firm added 223,000 residential customers; taking it to 15.79 million. Sam Laidlaw, chief executive of Centrica said: "Centrica has performed well in the year to date, with strong results underpinned by improved operational performance in each area of our business.

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:00:00

A plane has crashed in the hills north of Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, with more than 150 people on board. It is reported that the plane was an Airblue flight flying into the capital, which came down in the Margalla hills. Some 20 bodies are thought to have been recovered.

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:00:00

US Senate hearings on the potential role played by BP in the release of the Lockerbie bomber have been postponed after several witnesses, including the oil giant's outgoing chief executive officer, refused to give evidence. Tony Hayward, whose departure from BP was announced yesterday after criticism of his handling of the Gulf oil spill disaster, said he was too busy to take part in the hearings. The oil giant has admitted lobbying the previous Labour government in 2007 over a prisoner transfer agreement with Libya, but denied specifically discussing the case of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi.

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:00:00

David Cameron has made his case for Turkish membership of the EU in a passionate speech in Ankara during his first visit to Turkey as prime minister. Mr Cameron challenged Germany and France, the main obstacles to Turkish accession, by claiming Turkey to be "vital for our economy... security... politics and diplomacy". Turkey, a founding member of the European Council in 1949 and a key Nato ally of the west, began formal negotiations to join the EU in 2005. But opposition to its membership means the talks, even if ultimately successful, will last at least until 2015.

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:00

A British soldier has been killed in an explosion whilst serving in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed. The soldier - from 36 Engineer Regiment, serving with the Counter-IED Task Force - was killed on Monday in an explosion in the Sangin area of Helmand province. He became the 325th member of the British military to have been killed while serving in Afghanistan since 2001.

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:11:59

Speculation is rife that following his personal response to BP's Gulf of Mexico oil spill, chief executive Tony Hayward could be standing down. A statement from the oil giant has said "no final decision has been made" but it looks increasingly likely that Mr Hayward will be leaving BP amid widespread criticism of his handling of the spill. The oil giant said today: "BP notes the press speculation over the weekend regarding potential changes to management and the charge for the costs of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:47:54

The controversial proposal to grant anonymity to men accused of rape has been dropped, the Ministry of Justice announced today. The coalition government had been looking to change the law in England and Wales, despite criticism it would prevent women from coming forward. The coalition agreement pledged to "extend anonymity in rape cases to defendants".

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:45:12