Prime Minister Gordon Brown has put reform of public services and welfare at the heart of his legislative programme for the coming year, promising to give ordinary people more control over healthcare, schools and policing.

Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe has instructed a top legal team to use human rights legislation to establish the minimum time he must serve behind bars.

The economic slowdown hit the jobs market when the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance rose at the highest rate for two years, fuelling a big rise in unemployment.

Lawyers for the family of an Iraqi civilian who died in the custody of British troops claimed a victory after the Government announced a public inquiry into his death.

Police clashed with Rangers supporters in Manchester city centre after thousands of fans were left angry when a big screen showing the Uefa Cup final failed to work.

Bank of England Governor Mervyn King braced households for a further budget squeeze as policymakers struggle to get a grip on runaway inflation.

Two drug addict brothers have been found guilty of mowing down and killing a hard-working father after trying to steal his van radio.

The police investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann will reportedly stay shrouded in secrecy for at least another three months.

Ministry of Defence staff recorded sightings of alien craft over Wallasey Town Hall and a saucer-shaped Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) hovering over Waterloo Bridge, it has been revealed.

Police think it is unlikely that serial killer Steve Wright murdered missing estate agent Suzy Lamplugh, it has emerged.

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