Latest Stories
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No gay unions here, says Church of England
In the UK, same-sex civil partnerships can now be held in places of worship for the first time – but the Church of England isn’t playing ball. What does the future hold for gay marriage?
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Outrage at suicide remarks from controversial star
Only days after getting in trouble for an ill-judged joke, Jeremy Clarkson is back in the news: this time for making ‘tasteless’ remarks about suicide. Are angry commentators overreacting?
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Shocking exhibition reveals racist past
The Quai Branly Museum in Paris has a new exhibition: ‘Human Zoos: The Invention of the Savage.’ It is a disturbing record of fear, prejudice, and scientific racism.
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‘Insane’ mass murderer may escape prison term
Anders Breivik killed 77 people, mostly teenagers, in a horrifying shooting spree in July this year – but psychological evaluators say he was insane, and needs treatment, not punishment.
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Britain walks the tightrope of economic misery
UK economic forecasts are getting grimmer and more urgent. In tomorrow’s autumn statement, the chancellor George Osborne will be forced to confirm a long period of rigid austerity.
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Elderly people abused by carers in their own homes
According to a newly published report, as many as half of all care workers are failing to provide proper care for the elderly. Shocked politicians say the system needs urgent reform.
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New call to take ‘big money’ out of politics
An independent committee has urged the UK government to change the rules over political funding. The aim is to prevent donors ‘buying’ influence – but the main parties are resisting change.
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Church of England launches attack on ‘unjust’ laws
Vulnerable children are at grave risk from planned changes to the benefits system, warn the UK’s top bishops. This reopens a profound debate about the merits of the welfare state.
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Youth unemployment hits one million in UK
Economists are warning of a ‘lost generation’ of young people who are long-term unemployed. As the global financial slump continues, the world of jobs is changing fast.
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Soul searching in Germany after neo-Nazi murders
Revelations that a neo-Nazi group carried out a string of murders and bombings have left Germany in shock. The country still wrestles with the legacy of the Third Reich.
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Occupy Wall Street camp torn down in night raid
New York was in chaos yesterday after riot police destroyed a long-running protest camp. The city mayor says it was a health hazard, but activists say the raid was an attack on free speech.
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Facebook to be sued over ‘Orwellian’ spy software
New computer programs that automatically recognise people in photos are worrying privacy campaigners, who say the technology could become a tool of oppression.
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Colombian president calls for drug policy rethink
No country has suffered more than Colombia because of drugs. Now, in a remarkable interview, Colombia's president has openly discussed the possibility of drug legalisation.
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Poppy debate blossoms on Remembrance Sunday
At 11am today, the UK will fall silent to remember those who have died serving their country. Poppies will appear on the lapels of people all over the world. But what does the flower mean?
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Notorious terrorist mastermind in the dock
For decades, Carlos the Jackal was the world’s most feared terrorist – he boasted of having killed thousands. Now, on trial for bomb attacks in France, he retains his deadly charisma.