MPs to vote on hybrid embryos
MPs are preparing for two days of contentious votes on embryos and on abortion, with the House of Commons voting later today on whether to allow scientists to continue to carry out controversial stem
cell research using human-animal hybrid embryos. Gordon Brown has urged MPs to back the work, calling... [continued]
The Mole: Labour Catholics can vote with their conscience today 
For many, abortion is a 'no-brainer'
China begins mourning period as aftershock hits
China has begun three days of mourning with a nationwide silence at 1428 (0628 GMT), exactly one week since the 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck, killing up to 50,000 people. The mourning comes as it
emerged that on Sunday a deadly tremor with a magnitude of 6.0 jolted the Sichuan city... [continued]
In pictures: after the quake
SA mobs kill 22 in attacks
More people have been killed in a wave of attacks on foreigners in South Africa that left at least 22 people dead and more than 50 injured since violence escalated last week. As the anti-immigrant
violence spread through Johannesburg's poorest suburbs, mobs killed two people today in nearby Tembisa township... [continued]
Pic of the day: Johannesburg violence
Burma agrees to ASEAN aid
Burma has agreed to allow neighbouring countries to distribute aid to its cyclone-stricken regions, more than two weeks after the devastating storm killed an estimated 128,000 people. Following an
emergency meeting among the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Singapore, the junta has agreed to give aid teams... [continued]
The Burma file:
In pictures: the cyclone's aftermath
Obama prepares for victory rally
Barack Obama is preparing to declare himself the winner of his long-fought contest with rival Hillary Clinton over who should become the Democratic presidential nominee. Although Obama is likely to
be defeated in the Kentucky primary tomorrow, he is set to comfortably win Oregon, securing him an insurmountable lead among... [continued]
US election: latest news, gossip and analysis
Bush calls for freedom
US President George W Bush has ended his visit to the Middle East with a call for Arab states to resist Iran's nuclear ambitions and to "treat their people with the dignity and respect they deserve". Speaking in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Bush insisted that he is committed... [continued]
Bank head warns crisis not over
The president of the European Central Bank Jean Claude Trichet has heightened fears of a sustained worldwide economic downturn, warning of a "very significant market correction". Trichet told the BBC that restraining rampant inflationary growth was the best way to ensure stability and job security.
BAE bosses held in US
Two BAE Systems executives have been detained by the US Department of Justice as part of an investigation into bribery allegations against the the arms manufacturer. Sir Nigel Rudd, a non-executive director, and the chief executive Mike Turner were detained last week in Houston.
Microsoft and Yahoo resume talks
Software giant Microsoft has revived talks with Yahoo, raising the idea of a tie-up with the embattled internet company which would stop short of a complete buyout. The New York Times is reporting that the two companies are exploring a joint venture in search-related advertising to rival that of industry... [continued]
