PM to pledge 2017 EU referendum
CONSERVATIVES will stage a referendum on whether Britain should remain a member of the European Union by the end of 2017 if they win the next election, David Cameron will promise today.
The Prime Minister will for the first time declare himself in favour of an in/out referendum, but will say it should not happen until the future shape of the 27-nation bloc is clear.
And he will make clear that he will campaign for continued membership of a “more flexible, adaptable and open” EU.
No respite as snowy spell continues
FRESH snow has fallen across many parts of the UK overnight, continuing a week of disruption to schools, airports and traffic networks.
Up to 9cm (3.5in) has already fallen in some of the worst affected areas, including southern England, south-west England, the West Midlands and Wales.
Northern Scotland and northern England also had a further dumping of around 2cm (0.8in).
Broadcaster Hall charged with rape
VETERAN BBC broadcaster Stuart Hall has been charged with rape and 14 counts of indecent assault for a string of alleged historic sex attacks, Lancashire Police said.
Hall, of Prestbury Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, was arrested yesterday morning after he attended an appointment at a police station.
The 83-year-old was last night charged with one count of rape allegedly committed in 1976 against a 22-year-old woman and 14 offences of indecent assault against 10 girls aged between nine and 16 which allegedly took place between 1967 and 1986.
Experts work to identify victims
WORK was continuing today to identify British victims of the Algerian siege and repatriate their bodies.
Three of the six UK nationals thought to have died at the In Amenas plant have been formally named so far.
David Cameron yesterday chaired a meeting of the National Security Council as the Government considers upping logistical support for the French-led military campaign against rebels in neighbouring Mali.
Minister links obesity to poverty
YOU can pick out children from poor families because they tend to be fat, the public health minister has suggested.
Anna Soubry said when she was at school pupils from deprived backgrounds tended to be “skinny runts”.
But cheap and easily available junk food meant the situation had reversed.
