Schools given freedom to 'ban' veils

The government today confirmed schools can 'ban' pupils from wearing a full Islamic veil.

At risk families 'need personalised help'

Families at risk of social exclusion need personalised support from health and social services, ministers have urged.

MPs reject faith-based 'opt out' for gay adoption

MPs last night approved the sexual orientation regulations, voting to outlaw discrimination against gay people by business and service providers.

Home Office accused of spinning own passport 'failings'

The Home Office has been accused both of fresh incompetence and cynically using the revelations to justify heightened security measures.

Stormont deadline 'set in stone'

The DUP and Sinn Fein must agree on a power sharing agreement by the March 26th deadline or reach their own deal on devolution, Northern Ireland secretary Peter Hain has warned.

Brown to be 'appointed' Labour leader