Brown rules out cash handouts
Gordon Brown has ruled out the possibility of a one-off cash handout to households who are struggling with the cost of rising energy bills. In a speech to the Scottish CBI in Glasgow on Thursday
night, the Prime Minister said ministers were focusing on long-term proposals such as working with... [continued]
Why does Charles Clarke keep putting the boot in? 
‘Maverick’ McCain promises change
John McCain accepted the Republican presidential nomination last night, using his sometimes turgid 50-minute speech to promise to shake up Washington - an attempt to convince those voters
disillusioned with George Bush's presidency. McCain tried to steal the theme of change from his rival Barack Obama but the Arizona senator,... [continued]
US election: McCain bids to steal the mantle of change from Obama
In pictures: the Republican convention
Alexander Cockburn: Sarah Palin, Boadicea of the backwoods
Media dilemma over National Enquirer's 'Palin affair' allegation
Cheney: Georgia to join Nato
US Vice-President Dick Cheney has pledged support for Georgia to join Nato, condemning Russia's "illegitimate" invasion. During his one-day visit to Georgia, Cheney held talks with President Mikheil
Saakashvili and promised that the US would stand by Georgia. "As you work to overcome an invasion of your sovereign territory and... [continued]
Georgia's troubled history
In pictures: the Russian-Georgian conflict
A symphony for Tskhinvali
Haiti faces catastrophe, says UN
The United Nations has warned that Haiti is facing a catastrophe, after three storms killed more than 200 people and left thousands homeless in less than three weeks. Haiti was first hit by tropical
storm Fay three weeks ago before Hurricane Gustav killed dozens after wreaking havoc with floods and... [continued]
In pictures: Thousands flee Louisiana as Hurricane Gustav nears
Ian Blair denies job rumours
The Metropolitan police commissioner Sir Ian Blair has denied that there is a plot to oust him from his role before his contract runs out in February 2010. Outside Scotland Yard yesterday he
dismissed reports that ministers, officials and senior police chiefs have met to discuss how to remove him.... [continued]
Peregrine Worsthorne on Ian Blair: leadership is a dirty word
