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Leaders clash over 'VAT bombshell'

Tory leader David Cameron claims the Government is planning a VAT "bombshell" that would hit every family in the country. Read

Shannon accused denies car claim

The man accused of kidnapping Shannon Matthews has denied pushing the young girl into his car. Read

Sharp drop in consumer spending

Consumer spending saw its sharpest decline for 13 years between July and September, official figures have shown. Read

Inquiry into daughters' rape ordeal

An independent review is under way into the case of a rapist who fathered seven children with his two daughters. Read

100 jobs axed as ferry firm sinks

More than 100 jobs are to be lost after administrators were unable to find a buyer for cross-Channel ferry company SpeedFerries, it has been announced. Read

MFI battling for survival - report

Furniture chain MFI is battling for survival amid a row over unpaid rents, it has been reported. Read

Mandelson warns credit card firms

The Government has warned credit card companies that they could face an Office of Fair Trading investigation if they fail to stamp out bad practice within their ranks. Read

UK tourists in airport bombs terror

British tourists in Thailand were facing terror and turmoil after protesters forced Bangkok airport to cancel all flights. Read

Woolies shares suspended amid talks

Shares in high street retailer Woolworths have been suspended as talks continued over plans to rescue the business. Read

BAA in pledge on Heathrow noise

The owner of Heathrow Airport said it would ask the Government to appoint an independent assessor to check noise and air quality limits if it received the go-ahead for a third runway at the site. Read

MFI 'could go into administration'

Furniture company MFI is in danger of going into administration, it has been reported. Read

Britons stranded in airport protest

British holidaymakers are stranded in "no-man's land" at Thailand's main airport after it was occupied by anti-government protesters. Read

New bluetongue strain found in UK

A new strain of the animal disease bluetongue has appeared in the UK after infected cattle were brought into the country, the Government has said. Read

Tory lead cut in post-PBR poll

Labour has narrowed the Conservative lead to just four points in the first opinion poll taken since Monday's Pre-Budget Report. Read

MoD condemned over 'cost-saving'

The Ministry of Defence was accused of putting cost-savings on equipment projects ahead of ensuring troops fighting on the frontline have the kit they need. Read

Fury at 'secret VAT increase'

David Cameron has accused Gordon Brown of planning a secret "tax bombshell" after it emerged that the Treasury had considered raising VAT by 1% to 18.5% following the General Election. Read

Small-scale power generation urged

More small-scale and local power generation from renewables is needed as part of moves to make homes and businesses greener, a report for the Government said. Read

Warning over Baby P reaction

A knee-jerk reaction to the Baby P tragedy risks derailing the work of those trying to protect vulnerable children, a local authority leader is due to warn. Read

Inquiry into daughters' ordeal

An independent review is under way into the case of a rapist who fathered seven children with his two daughters. Read

'A third see street crime increase'

A third of the UK population have seen an increase in street crime in their neighbourhood over the past five years. Read

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