Bank keeps interest rates at 5%
The Bank of England has decided against cutting interest rates for the fifth consecutive month, leaving the official rate of interest at five per cent despite the growing threat of recession. Although some economists had advocated a rate cut to head off a downturn, the freeze was widely expected by... [continued]
Palin speech wows Republicans
After several days of intense scrutiny and scorn from press and rivals over her political experience and family background, Sarah Palin last night came out fighting as she took the stage in front of
20,000 at the Republican convention. The 44-year-old Governor of Alaska, who was little known beyond her... [continued]
Alexander Cockburn: Sarah Palin, Boadicea of the backwoods 
Media dilemma over National Enquirer's 'Palin affair' allegation
Video: Palin's speech
In pictures: the Republican convention
Bristol Palin's 'redneck' boyfriend
Clarke: Brown ‘destroying’ Labour
Labour's fragile and short-lived leadership truce came to an end yesterday when Charles Clarke warned that Labour is heading for "utter destruction" under Gordon Brown. The former Home Secretary and
long-time critic of Brown said in a magazine article that there was "deep and widely shared concern" within the party... [continued]
The Mole: Why does Charles Clarke keep putting the boot in?
Pakistan fury over ‘US attack’
The war in Afghanistan spilled over into Pakistan yesterday after a suprise attack by heavily armed commandos, believed to be US Special Forces, killed up to 20 people. Three houses were attacked in
the village of Jala Khel, which is near a known Taliban and al-Qaeda stronghold. Pakistan swiftly condemned... [continued]
Musharraf's resignation leaves West a bleak option
Top women hit ‘concrete ceiling’
Iraq and Afghanistan have more female politicians than Britain does, a new report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission has found. The number of women in senior roles in Britain dropped for the first time in recent years with fewer female MPs, police chiefs and senior judges than there... [continued]
Police plot to oust Sir Ian Blair
Leading police chiefs and government ministers have secretly discussed arrangements to oust Sir Ian Blair from his role as head of Scotland Yard in an attempt to restore morale in
the Metropolitan Police. According to the Times, Sir Ian will be formally told this week that his contract will not... [continued]
Peregrine Worsthorne on Ian Blair: leadership is a dirty word
House prices in record fall
UK house prices have fallen almost 13 per cent in the past year, making it the steepest decline in 25 years. According to the latest monthly report by Halifax, average prices dropped 1.8 per cent in August, forcing the annual rate of decline down to 12.7 per cent. Britain's... [continued]
