Prime Minister Gordon Brown has put reform of public services and welfare at the heart of his legislative programme for the coming year, promising to give ordinary people more control over healthcare, schools and policing.

The postal regulator has called for a "radical transformation" of the Royal Mail and warned that its letters business would decline speedily unless action is taken.

Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe has instructed a top legal team to use human rights legislation to establish the minimum time he must serve behind bars.

The economic slowdown hit the jobs market when the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance rose at the highest rate for two years, fuelling a big rise in unemployment.

Lawyers for the family of an Iraqi civilian who died in the custody of British troops claimed a victory after the Government announced a public inquiry into his death.

Thousands of Rangers fans have suffered Uefa Cup final heartache after their side were beaten 2-0 by Zenit St Petersburg.

Bank of England Governor Mervyn King braced households for a further budget squeeze as policymakers struggle to get a grip on runaway inflation.

Two drug addict brothers have been found guilty of mowing down and killing a hard-working father after trying to steal his van radio.

The police investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann will reportedly stay shrouded in secrecy for at least another three months.

Police think it is unlikely that serial killer Steve Wright murdered missing estate agent Suzy Lamplugh, it has emerged.

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