Society
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No neat solutions to the youth ‘neet’ trap
There are now nearly one million 16 – 24 year olds Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) and the number is rising. Does anyone have an answer?
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Horrific cruelty to elderly patients revealed
Appalling treatment of senior citizens in NHS is exposed by Health Ombudsman. Patients are left thirsty, hungry and unwashed. Are we an ageist society?
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Modern sport: 'a freak show with accidents'
A footballer retires after battling with injury. New figures show the dangers of playing rugby. And London gears up for the Olympics. How healthy are top athletes really?
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Be my Valentine! Maybe, but what do you mean?
It's the day for cupid cards, red roses and wild expressions of love. But though it's a single word, love has many forms. What's yours called?
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Voting villains and sovereignty stand off
A divided House of Commons has debated giving prisoners the vote. The European court has forced their hand. Fears for national sovereignty expressed.
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Banks get a sharp slap on the wrist
The UK government has announced a new, higher, levy on banks. The Chancellor says this is a 'fair contribution.' Is he right?
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A new start: can Egypt handle democracy?
Protesters in Egypt want immediate democratic rule, but some in the West say the country's not ready, and real change must come more gradually.
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Sumo combat seeks to wrestle back its honour
It's Japan's national sport with religious roots. But match-fixing scandals have left Sumo stunned. Can the sport pick itself up off the mat?
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World’s worst autocracies named and explained
Authoritarian regimes in the Middle East are under threat, as a people's revolt in Tunisia spreads. But who are the world's worst autocrats?
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Old Masters go high-tech for virtual viewing
A new project means the world's art treasures are now online and users can see more detail than ever before. It's top technology but is it the real deal?
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The world quakes as oil goes through $100
The price of oil is going up. World events are conspiring to make this basic commodity ever more expensive. And this will affect us all.
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Marathon Lords’ debate: the end of the peer show?
Delaying tactics in the House of Lords, designed to wreck voting reform, could signal an end to the 'gentlemanly' way the upper house conducts business.
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UK economy stalls: what will get the engine running?
Freezing weather in December brought economic growth to a standstill. But even in normal conditions, there are doubts about a private sector 'kickstart' to the recovery.
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Boy killer, aged 13, faces life imprisonment
Alleged murderer Jordan Brown may be tried as an adult. If found guilty, a life sentence with no parole awaits him. Is 70 years in prison fair?
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Airport coffee shop at 16:37 — terror strikes
A suicide bomber walks into Moscow airport and says ‘I will kill you all’. The explosion kills 35 and injures over 100. What now for Putin?