Hi °C | Lo °C 
Fresh blow for David Cameron as senior minister backs EU exit
Prime Minister David Cameron has been dealt another hammer blow on Europe with a senior minister saying he would vote on an EU exit if given the chance.
Tories' euro rebellion grows
Two Tory ministers edged the Conservative Party closer to calling for an end to Britain's membership of the EU – saying that if relations did not change, they would vote for an immediate exit.
Shared future plan 'a political fig-leaf' to cover up lack of will
A pressure group which forced a Stormont rethink on shared future proposals has blasted the latest initiative to tackle sectarianism as a "political fig-leaf".
DUP six repay £144k profits from second homes funded by taxpayer
The DUP's Gregory Campbell has agreed to hand back more than £60,000 worth of profits from a taxpayer-funded home, Westminster's expenses watchdog has revealed.
Liberal Democrat grandee Shirley Williams defends peer Lord Rennard over sexual harrassment allegations
Baroness Shirley Williams said fellow Liberal Democrat peer Lord Rennard, who is currently being investigated for allegations of sexual harrassment, is "absolutely selfless" and at worst guilty of "misbehaving".
Free speech: as Sammy Wilson speaks out, questions still remain
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has denied personally killing off important free speech protections by withdrawing them from the Executive agenda.
The Queen's Speech ... what's in it for Northern Ireland?
A proposed ban on Assembly members double-jobbing as Westminster MPs is among the measures set out in the Queen's Speech.
Key decisions left in limbo as Stormont ministers pull meeting
Stormont ministers have cancelled today's Executive meeting, ducking a number of key anticipated decisions.
Queen's Speech 2013: Stricter immigration regime ahead
The Government's plans for stricter immigration controls have been outlined by the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament.
David Ford pays tribute to Alliance councillor Jim McBriar
Alliance leader David Ford MLA has paid tribute to one of Northern Ireland’s longest serving public representatives, former Alliance councillor Jim McBriar.
Nigel Evans: Coronation Street star is helping me cope with gay rape claims
Nigel Evans spoke yesterday of his "trauma" of facing allegations of rape and disclosed a former ITV Coronation Street star had helped him escape the "media circus" that followed his arrest.
Neil Hamilton lined up as Ukip MEP
The controversial former Tory MP Neil Hamilton is being lined up to head Ukip’s list of candidates for the June 2014 European elections, party sources have claimed.
Northern Ireland peace agreement flawed and elitist, says historian
The Good Friday Agreement is "flawed and elitist" but will not be derailed by the forthcoming 1916 commemorations or the threat from dissidents, according to historian Professor Paul Bew.
I’ll step aside to fight rape claims, says leading Tory Nigel Evans
House of Commons Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans will give up chairing MPs' debates temporarily as he fights allegations of rape and sexual assault relating to two men.
PM David Cameron urged to take on Ukip with Euro poll
David Cameron is under growing pressure to defy his Liberal Democrat coalition partners and stage a referendum on Europe before the next General Election.
Labour enjoy comfortable victory over Ukip in South Shields by-election
Labour coasted to a comfortable victory in the South Shields by-election, with the UK Independence Party finishing in a strong second place.
New count centre will avoid results delay: electoral chief
An extra count centre is to be introduced in Northern Ireland to avoid a repeat of the chaos which followed a marathon wait for results in 2011.
New-look council boundaries for Northern Ireland: how 26 will go into 11 in carve-up
Changes to Belfast City Council boundaries are likely to make the City Hall nationalist-controlled, unionists say.
DUP abandons proposal for Union flag at Belfast City Hall Cenotaph
The DUP has quit its campaign to have the Union flag flown at the Cenotaph in the grounds of Belfast City Hall.
Ditched: Stormont's long-delayed plan to create a shared future
Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness are preparing to ditch their long-delayed strategy for tackling sectarianism in the near future, according to senior Stormont sources.
Good guy Zach Galifianakis
Hangover star takes 87-year-old to premiere
In pictures: UK Soap Awards
In Pictures: North West 200
In Pictures: Balmoral Show
Nice-but-dull Kate's annoying baby bump pose
FHM's sexiest women - Kunis knocks Tulisa off her perch
Latest News
Dog attack boy, two, has surgery new
A two-year-old boy has undergone surgery on his face after he was savaged by a family dog.
Woolwich: Eyewitness Ingrid Loyau-Kennett gives extraordinary account of her confrontation with two alleged killers in a London street new
Cub scout leader Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, 48, from Cornwall, confronted the Woolwich attack suspects and asked them to hand over their weapons, telling them: "right now it is only you versus many people, you are going to lose."
'Lord of the Dance' Michael Flatley puts foot down over false report he wants a UK passport
Michael Flatley insisted he is "proud to be Irish" as he rubbished claims he has applied for a UK passport.
Latest Sport
Wade scoops unique award double
Christian Wade was "shocked and humbled" to learn he had gone one better than Jonny Wilkinson by scooping a unique double at the Rugby Players' Association awards.
Former Manchester United defender Brian Greenhoff dies, aged 60
Former Manchester United and England defender Brian Greenhoff has died, aged 60.
Tindall ready to use experience
Mike Tindall is relishing the chance to test his experience against Gloucester's youth when he lines up for the Barbarians against England on Sunday.
Latest Showbiz
Yakoob: Girls tougher than boys
Apprentice reject Uzma Yakoob has said it was far more stressful being on the women's team than working with the men.
Stones' Micks reunited in the park
The Rolling Stones' return to Hyde Park will see them team up with former guitarist Mick Taylor, but there will be no reappearance of the white dress Mick Jagger wore at the original 1969 gig because he has lost it.
Graham: I'll miss playing stripper
The Hangover III star Heather Graham says she will miss playing sexy stripper Jade because the excitement makes up for her "boring" real life.
