Tories bid to smooth 'loons' furore 

The Conservative leadership has moved to head off a damaging rift with grassroots activists after an ally of David Cameron reportedly described them as "mad, swivel-eyed loons".

'Bedroom tax' prompts payment surge 

The number of people claiming extra handouts from councils to meet housing costs has soared following the introduction of the so-called "bedroom tax", figures have revealed.

'Dismay' over Litvinenko ruling 

The widow of poisoned spy Alexander Litvinenko has accused a coroner of abandoning his search for the truth about Russian state responsibility for her husband's death.

Unhealthy packed lunch 'is abuse' 

Jamie Oliver has compared unhealthy packed lunches with child abuse and said the Government should do more to improve school meals.

McCanns 'very pleased' with review 

Madeleine McCann's parents are said to be "very, very pleased" with Scotland Yard's review of their daughter's disappearance, as it emerged detectives have identified "more than a handful of people of interest" in the case.

Cocaine found in cakes at airport 

Two people have been charged with drug trafficking offences after cocaine worth up to £1 million was found hidden inside cakes at Gatwick Airport.

Singer 'fine' after new car drama 

Chart star George Michael has been airlifted to hospital for treatment to head injuries after a motorway accident - the latest car drama for the troubled singer.

Le Vell denies child sex charges 

Coronation Street actor Michael Le Vell denied a series of child sex offences when he appeared in court.

Pair convicted of abusing patients 

Two care assistants who abused severely disabled patients are guilty of "an appalling abuse of trust and a violation of what society should be able to expect from people in the care profession", prosecutors have said.

Madeleine McCann: Scotland Yard have new list of suspects in Portugal child snatch probe 

Tribute to 'beautiful' daughter 

The father of a 20-month-old toddler who was found dead at a house has spoken of the loss of his "uniquely beautiful" daughter who meant the world to him.

Dead children name usage 'common' 

It was "common practice" for undercover police officers within Scotland Yard to use dead children's identities, an investigation has found.

Family praises rescue bid soldiers 

The family of a British construction worker murdered by his Islamist kidnappers just minutes after a joint UK and Nigerian rescue operation stormed their compound has praised the soldiers who tried to save him and said the Government had been right to send them.

Bridger's 'mental block' over body 

The man accused of murdering April Jones told police he had a "mental block" about what happened to her body, a jury has heard.

Sir Bruce signs up for Strictly 

Sir Bruce Forsyth has ended speculation by signing up for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Red Arrows cleared for new displays 

The RAF's Red Arrows air display team has been cleared by the Chief of the Air Staff to fly in displays this year, the RAF said.

TV baker Hollywood splits from wife 

Culinary TV star Paul Hollywood has split from his wife after 15 years of marriage.

Fire services 'could save £200m' 

Fire and rescue services in England could save up to £200 million a year if they were operated more efficiently, according to a report.

UK man jailed for Cyprus killing 

A UK tourist has been jailed for eight years for the manslaughter of a British soldier in Cyprus, the Ministry of Defence said.

Protesters reject Farage accusation 

Independence campaigners have hit out at Ukip leader Nigel Farage's attack on "anti-English" demonstrators whose protests led to him being barricaded in a pub during a campaign trip.