Climate change could increase the likelihood of civil war in sub-Saharan Africa by over 50 per cent, researchers have warned. A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) claims over the next two decades the changes in temperature could have a devastating affect on the southern parts of the continent. The authors of the study, from a series of leading US universities, claim their results provide the first quantitative evidence linking climate change and the risk of civil conflict.

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:30:00

The family of Jean Charles de Menezes, the Brazilian electrician shot dead by police at Stockwell London Underground station, have agreed a compensation deal with the Metropolitan police. A joint statement from the police and the family said all litigation between both parties arising from the shooting had been resolved. The statement reads: "The members of the family are pleased that a compensation package has been agreed which enables them to put these events behind them and move forward with their lives.

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:30:00

In the week the independent inquiry into Britain's involvement in the Iraq war is due to start, the apparent rift between the UK military commanders and their American counterparts during the campaign has been revealed. Documents leaked to the Daily Telegraph reveal the British chief of staff in Iraq as describing the US commanders in the country as a "group of Martians". Colonel JK Turner is quoted as saying: "Despite our so-called 'special relationship', I reckon we were treated no differently to the Portuguese."

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:30:00

Lloyds Banking Group is set to cut another 800 jobs, bringing their job losses for the year to 15,000. Reports claim posts at Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, where Lloyds is the largest private sector employer, are set to go by the end of 2009. After rescuing troubled HBOS earlier this year, Lloyds has made more than 15,000 cuts to its staff.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:09:46

As the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) gathers for its annual conference, a report from the organisation has claimed the recession has become the catalyst for new business. The report highlights four area of UK business where new ways of working could develop because of the downturn, as business leaders and politicians meet to search for a way out of the recession at the CBI conference. Speaking at the conference today, prime minister Gordon Brown said, "Britain must be competitive in the global economy," while Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg used to micro-blogging site Twitter to say he would be outlining how his party would "fix the British economy".

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:15:00

The Ministry of Defence has come in for severe criticism after spending £149 million on "urgent" upgrades to 900 tanks which can only be used for training. The military vehicles in question are used in Britain and Canada for training exercises but still provide insufficient protection against mines to be used in Afghanistan. The upgrade programme was ordered three years ago and saw the FV430-variant armoured units fitted with new engines, drive trains and driver controls.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:00:00

Floods which severely affected parts of Cumbria have left the area cut off with roads and bridges remaining closed. A clean-up operation has begun in Cockermouth, one of the worst hit areas, but schools will remain shut and 25 roads closed as homes and businesses struggle following the severe weather. This morning the Environment Agency had one area in the north-east on severe flood warning, 17 on flood warning and 57 on flood watch.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:28:14

The inquiry into Britain's role in the Iraq war starting this week is in danger of being overshadowed by continued scepticism it will be a whitewash. Senior-ranking officials including military chiefs and ministers will appear before the five-member committee from tomorrow to give evidence on the reasons fro going to war and the effectiveness of the military campaign once the invasion began. The inquiry is expected to culminate in the appearance of former prime minister Tony Blair, who many still criticise for dragging Britain into an "illegal war" and succumbing to the demands of US president George Bush.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:00:00

A group of 21 politicians and journalists abducted in the southern Philippines has been found dead, local reports claim. Major General Alfredo Cayton from the Philippines military said in an interview on Monday the victims' bodies had been found but it was still unclear who had carried out the killings. "Our army troopers have reached the area where the vehicles and those held were taken... they were shot by the armed men," he said.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:00:00

Police have arrested two men after officers exchanged gunfire with suspected dissident Republicans in County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland. Nobody was hurt during the incident on Saturday evening, which occurred close to the border with the Irish Republic in Garrison. The arrests come after the partial explosion of a 400lb car bomb outside the Policing Board headquarters in Belfast.

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:21:02