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IMF tells UK to consider rate cut

The IMF says the UK's continuing economic weakness means authorities should consider more quantitative easing and even cutting rates.

Energy bill to boost clean power

The government's draft energy bill, designed to encourage investment in clean energy, could see higher consumer bills, critics fear.

Soldier 'sniper death' accidental

A soldier believed to have been killed by a British sniper in Afghanistan was accidentally shot while on active service, a coroner says.

May details Asbo replacement plan

Home Secretary Theresa May announces new plans to tackle anti-social behaviour in England and Wales, including orders to replace Asbos.

Launch success for SpaceX mission

The US firm SpaceX launches its rocket and capsule system on a pioneering mission to take cargo to the space station.

Social mobility 'snapshots' plan

The government will publish an annual "snapshot" of social mobility, measuring educational achievement, access to professions and birth weights.

IVF age limit 'should be raised'

Women in their early 40s should be given access to IVF on the NHS, draft guidelines for England and Wales recommend.

M&S posts fall in annual profits

Marks and Spencer reports a fall in annual profits in what the retailer describes as a tough economic environment.

Bogus PPI complaints 'hit 6,000'

Nearly 6,000 people made bogus compensation claims for payment protection insurance mis-selling to the Financial Ombudsman last year, as total complaints rose.

Trident £350m contracts unveiled

The Ministry of Defence awards £350m contracts for the next generation of nuclear-armed submarines to BAE Systems, Babcock and Rolls-Royce.

Life term for model's murderer

The boyfriend of an aspiring model from New Zealand is ordered to serve a minimum of 16 years for her murder.

BBC Jubilee strike threat lifted

The threat of industrial action by BBC journalists and technicians during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend in June is withdrawn.

Female rhinos in safari park swap

A two-tonne rhino was lowered into her new home with a crane after being swapped between two UK safari parks.

Topiary F1 car wins Chelsea gold

A Formula One-themed garden is one of three Essex displays to win gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower show.

UK inflation rate in fall to 3%

The UK inflation rate fell to 3% last month, its lowest since February 2010, owing to a slowdown in transport price rises.

Wonga misled debtors, says OFT

Money lending firm Wonga is criticised by the Office of Fair Trading for using aggressive and misleading debt collection methods.

Work report not doctored - No 10

Downing Street dismisses a suggestion it "doctored" an independent report on possible changes to employment law to avoid political embarrassment.

First chief coroner is appointed

Judge Peter Thornton QC, who conducted the inquest into the death of newspaper seller Ian Tomlinson at the G20 protests, will become the first chief coroner of England and Wales.

Patients 'suffer NHS rationing'

Creeping rationing of NHS care is making patients suffer unnecessarily, doctors are warning.

'Commit more cash' to Global Fund

MPs are urging the UK to give more money to the Global Fund which fights AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria.

Ofsted criticises maths teaching

An Ofsted report criticises maths teaching and warns over early entry to maths GCSE.

End 'can read won't read culture'

A top children's author is calling for young children to be given automatic library membership to tackle the can read won't read culture.

Google must answer trust concerns

The European Commission tells Google it has a "matter of weeks" to allay fears it is abusing its position as the world's dominant search engine.

Kodak faces patent ruling setback

A ruling that one of Kodak's digital imaging patents is too "obvious" to be enforced calls into doubt the value of its other innovations.

Backing for nuclear waste store

The search for a storage site for the UK's high-level nuclear waste is likely to go ahead in Cumbria after an opinion poll show residents are in favour.

Energy bill avoids carbon pledge

New electricity legislation will avoid a firm commitment to banish coal and gas by the 2030s.

Daltrey and Dion remember Gibb

Roger Daltrey and Celine Dion add their tributes to Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb as his family make plans for a private funeral.

Orange pulls out of fiction prize

Orange announces that it is ending its 17-year sponsorship of The Women's Prize for Fiction.

Why are locked room mysteries so popular?

Locked room mysteries still captivate modern detective fiction fans, writes Miles Jupp.

Is it OK to celebrate next to a losing fan?

David Cameron celebrated Chelsea's win over Bayern Munich with arms aloft next to Germany's Angela Merkel. Does this break etiquette rules?

Man City 'best value for money'

Manchester City have won the Premier League title and are also top of the league when it comes to value for fans, according to ING.

The model who charmed 'The Cobra'

As Carl Froch returns to fight in Nottingham, his partner and glamour model Rachael Cordingley discusses the man behind the boxer

Best replaces Gabriel for Windies

Injured West Indies seamer Shannon Gabriel will miss the rest of the Test series against England and be replaced by Tino Best.

Sister 'saw Shafilea suffocated'

The sister of schoolgirl Shafilea Ahmed saw her mother and father force a bag into her mouth and suffocate her, a court hears.

Olympic torch £150k bid 'a hoax'

An eBay auction bid of £150,000 for an Olympic torch carried in Cornwall was a hoax, the seller says.

Call to merge Scottish councils

The number of Scottish councils should be cut by almost half and their powers boosted to revitalise local government, a think tank says.

Murder accused 'usual jokey self'

A man accused of murdering his wife was his usual "joking" self on the day she disappeared, a court hears.

Michaela suspects deny murder

Two men charged with the murder of Michaela McAreavey in Mauritius last year plead not guilty at the start of their trial.

Arrest after bombs found in flat

Army bomb experts make safe a number of bombs in Londonderry.

£3.5bn big spend details awaited

Exactly where money will be spent on transport, schools, hospitals and other projects to boost economic growth and jobs, are due to be announced.

Muamba tweet student says 'sorry'

A student who was jailed after making racist remarks on Twitter about footballer Fabrice Muamba apologises.

'Obscene' Zuma painting attacked

A painting showing South Africa's President Jacob Zuma with his genitals hanging out, angering the ANC, is vandalised in a Johannesburg gallery.

Mali 'shame' at leader's beating

Mali's Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra says he is ashamed that Mali's interim president was beaten unconscious by protesters, as Ecowas threatens new sanctions.

Sri Lanka 'must face war probes'

Sri Lanka must co-operate with any international war crimes probe, ex-army chief Sarath Fonseka tells the BBC, a day after his release from jail.

Chinese fakes 'used in US planes'

Vast numbers of counterfeit Chinese electronic parts are being used in US military equipment, a key Senate committee investigation finds.

Euro 'threat' to global outlook

A weak eurozone is the single biggest threat to the global economy, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Spanish protest at education cuts

Schools and universities in Spain close in protest at government cuts, in the first ever strike across all levels of public education.

Brazil cuts tax amid growth doubt

The Brazilian government unveils a new stimulus package to boost manufacturing, particularly in the key car sector, to try to boost economic growth.

Farc kills 12 Colombian soldiers

Farc rebels have killed 12 Colombian soldiers in an ambush near the Venezuelan border, in one of the deadliest attacks this year, officials say.

UN condemns Yemen suicide bombing

The UN condemns as "heinous" a suicide attack in Yemen that killed more than 90 soldiers, which al-Qaeda said it carried out.

Nuclear watchdog eyes Iran deal

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog says it is close to signing a deal with Iran on an investigation into its atomic activity, after talks in Tehran.

Prince set to meet Canada chiefs

Prince Charles is to take part in a gathering of first nations chiefs as part of his four-day Diamond Jubilee tour of Canada.

Anger over 'Reagan blood' auction

The foundation of late US President Ronald Reagan expresses outrage after a vial said to have held a sample of his blood is offered for auction.

Day in pictures: 22 May 2012

24 hours of news photos 22 May 2012

In pictures: Chelsea Flower Show

Press day at the Chelsea Flower Show

Day in pictures: 21 May 2012

24 hours of news photos: 21 May

In pictures: Annular eclipse

Eastern Asia to the western US states

Robin Gibb's life in pictures

Bee Gees' singer Robin Gibb has died

In pictures: Chelsea bus parade

Chelsea celebrate their European Cup triumph

In pictures: Falklands War Memorial unveiled

Veterans and families attended service

Week in pictures: 12-18 May 2012

News photos from around the world

VIDEO: House of Commons

MPs have clashed over whether proposals in a recent report on employment law would "help more people get back into work" or have a "huge detrimental impact on consumer confidence".

VIDEO: The risks and appeal of drug trials

The number of people willing to participate in medical trials appears to be on the increase.

VIDEO: SpaceX Falcon rocket launches

California's SpaceX has launched on a mission to re-supply the space station - the first cargo delivery to the orbiting outpost by a private company.

VIDEO: Serving China's app-hungry billion

The BBC's John Sudworth meets the Chinese entrepreneurs targeting the world's biggest mobile phone market.

VIDEO: Tom Jones on his changing voice

Tom Jones has revealed he has lost some range in his vocal abilities since he began his singing career.

VIDEO: The original celebrity gossip mag

Historian Dr Lucy Worsley looks through writer Samuel Pepys' scrapbook from the 17th Century, an early example of popular print culture.

VIDEO: Team that keeps torch relay moving

What keeps the Olympic torch relay on the road?

VIDEO: Jordan treating victims of Mid-East violence

Six years ago a group of surgeons opened a temporary clinic in Jordan to operate on Iraqis with injuries untreatable in their home country, but recent violence in Libya, Yemen and Syria has led to the project being extended and expanded

VIDEO: Should it be easier to fire staff?

Business Secretary Vince Cable has attacked a plan being considered by fellow ministers to make it easier for companies to sack workers.

VIDEO: Leveson Inquiry

Live coverage from the Leveson Inquiry

Why are fountain pen sales rising?

Why are fountain pen sales rising so fast?

Sights and sounds from Chelsea 2012

A tour round the floral highlights of Chelsea

Are parents left out of maths teaching?

Have new methods left parents out in the cold?

Britain's first Diamond Jubilee

How Queen Victoria and the British Empire were celebrated

Why Cameron is backing Europe

How PM is champion of closer European integration

Robo-fish to 'police' the oceans

Could robotic fish soon be on patrol in our oceans?

How Barca is selling its brand to fans

Spain's football giants aim to dominate new media

The end of drug discovery?

Are we facing the end of new drug discovery?

Man City 'best value for money'

The model who charmed 'The Cobra'

Carl Froch's partner Rachael Cordingley discusses the man behind the boxer

Best replaces Gabriel for Windies

Injured West Indies seamer Shannon Gabriel will miss the rest of the Test series against England and be replaced by Tino Best.

Jonathan Agnew column

Haye fears Vitali fight - Boente

WBC heavyweight champion's manager makes claim.

Hewitt awarded Queen's wildcard

Four-time winner Lleyton Hewitt and Britain's James Ward are handed wildcards for the Aegon Championships at Queen's Club.

Williams ready after fire drama

Chief engineer says the team is ready for the Monaco GP despite having their preparations "hampered" by Spanish GP fire.

'Top four a must for Liverpool'

Playing in the Champions League is the minimum requirement for Liverpool's next manager, says Rick Parry.

Saints sign Australian Shepherd

Northampton Saints sign Australia and Western Force full-back Cameron Shepherd for the 2012/13 season.

England announce India tour plans

England's 2012-13 winter tour of India will include four Tests, five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 games.

Leeds 18-31 St Helens

Jonny Lomax scores 13 points as St Helens beat Leeds.

Nadal defeats Djokovic in Italy

Cahill wants new Drogba contract

Defender Gary Cahill says every member of the Chelsea squad wants striker Didier Drogba to stay at the club.

Adebayor discusses Tottenham deal

Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor is in talks with Tottenham Hotspur over making his loan deal permanent.

Frankel ranked best for 25 years

Frankel is rated as the best horse in the world for the last quarter of a century by the British Horseracing Authority.

Froch backs Frampton for stardom

Carl Froch says Belfast boxer Carl Frampton will be a future world champion ahead of this weekend's bill in Nottingham.

Donald eyes return to number one

Luke Donald will return to the top of the world rankings if he retains the BMW PGA Championship, which starts on Thursday.

Champions League final photos

All the best action from the Champions League final in Munich.

Scottish Cup final - Hibs v Hearts

Pictures from the Scottish Cup final between Hibernian and Hearts.

VIDEO: F1's greatest drivers - Lewis Hamilton

Formula 1 commentary legend Murray Walker looks at the highs and lows of the career of 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

VIDEO: Matthew wins third British Open

World champion Nick Matthew becomes the first Englishman to win the British Open three times in the professional era after beating Egypt's Ramy Ashour.

VIDEO: Countdown to Paralympic Games

Paralympic athletes gather to mark a 100 days to go before the London Games begin.

VIDEO: Broad proud of triple honour

England captain Andrew Strauss and man-of-the-match Stuart Broad reflect on England's five wicket victory over the West Indies in the first Test at Lord's.

VIDEO: Team that keeps torch relay moving

What keeps the Olympic torch relay on the road?

VIDEO: Will.i.am carries Olympic torch

Will.i.am, a judge on the programme The Voice, has carried the Olympic torch in Taunton.

VIDEO: Torch blows out during Devon relay

The Olympic torch had to be re-lit after it blew out while being carried by wheelchair user David Follett.

VIDEO: Daley wins gold with personal best

Tom Daley secures the second senior European Diving Championship victory of his career with a dominant performance in the men's 10m individual platform final in Eindhoven.

AUDIO: Money not Holt's motive - agent

Norwich City striker Grant Holt's agent Lee Payne tells BBC Radio Norfolk that his client's transfer request was not prompted by a desire for more money.

VIDEO: West Ham win thrilling final

West Ham beat Blackpool 2-1 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley to gain promotion to the Premier League.

AUDIO: Re-live Chelsea's dramatic victory

Listen to BBC Radio 5 live's coverage as Chelsea beat Bayern Munich on penalties to win the Champions League for the first time in their history.

AUDIO: England's 'new era' excites Phil Neville

Phil Neville is excited by the "new England era" ahead of Euro 2012, especially after his brother Gary's appointment as assistant coach.

VIDEO: No timescale for new boss - Gourlay

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay hails the club's "phenomenal" players following their Champions League victory over Bayern Munich in a penalty shoot-out.

AUDIO: Di Matteo a Chelsea legend - Zola

Gianfranco Zola says his former Chelsea team-mate Roberto Di Matteo "deserves" to be made permanent manager following the club's first Champions League trophy.

AUDIO: Di Matteo delights in 'incredible' win

Interim manager Roberto Di Matteo praises Chelsea's "incredible achievement" after they beat Bayern Munich to win the Champions League, but the Italian refuses to be drawn on his long-term future at the club.

AUDIO: Penalty my best-ever goal - Drogba

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba says his match-winning penalty against Bayern Munich to clinch the Champions League trophy was his "best-ever goal".

F1’s greatest drivers – Lewis Hamilton

Commentary legend Murray Walker and chief F1 writer Andrew Benson look back on Lewis Hamilton's career so far

Euro 1964: A Spanish triumph

Spain first triumphed on the international stage nearly half a century ago - a win hardly remembered even in their own country

Montpellier: The anti-Man City

How Montpellier overcame big-spending Paris Saint-Germain to win the French title on an annual budget of £29m

Alguersuari on Monaco Grand Prix

In the first of a regular column for BBC Sport, former Toro Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari previews the Monaco Grand Prix.

From CVs to the Championship

Bradley Pritchard goes from applying for jobs to playing in the Championship in just over a year

Paralympic 10 to watch

BBC Sport looks at some of those chasing 2012 gold this summer

More Olympic tickets go on sale

More tickets are to go on general sale on Wednesday for various events at the London 2012 Olympics.

Olympic sport this week

Canoe sprint gold medallist Tim Brabants battles for Olympic selection and the BMX Worlds come to the UK

London 'the biggest' Paralympics

With 100 days to go, organisers say the London 2012 Paralympics will be the "biggest ever", as tickets go back on sale.

Ennis accepts apology after error

GreatCity Games organisers apologise to Jessica Ennis for a mix-up that invalidated her 100m hurdles personal best.

Newcastle win to complete sweep

Newcastle Eagles complete a clean sweep of all four BBL titles by beating Leicester Riders 71-62 in the Play-Offs final

Fresh anger at Haye-Chisora bout

The German Boxing Board has joined the British Boxing Board of Control to oppose the David Haye v Dereck Chisora bout.

Windies were stern test - Strauss

Captain Andrew Strauss admits England were forced to "dig deep" before sealing a five-wicket victory over West Indies.

Last secures mountain bike place

British mountain-biker Annie Last seals a place at the Olympics with a top-10 finish at the World Cup event in France.

Taylor wins Premier League title

Phil Taylor wins his sixth Premier League Darts title, beating Simon Whitlock 10-7 in the final at London's O2 Arena.

Experience is vital - Pistorius

South African amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius hopes his past experiences can help him in the Paralympic 100m final.

Muamba tweet student says 'sorry'

A student who was jailed after making racist remarks on Twitter about footballer Fabrice Muamba apologises.

Ferrari can win title - team boss

Ferrari's president Luca Di Montezemolo has urged his team to make the most of their unexpected chance to win the world title.

McDowell loses Match Play final

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell is narrowly beaten by Nicolas Colsaerts in the final of the World Match Play in Andalucia.

Hannah Whelan lifts double bronze

Hannah Whelan wins two bronze medals at the 2012 European Championships, as Romania dominate the tournament.

Danson & Cullen named in GB squad

Injury worries Alex Danson and Crista Cullen have been named in the Great Britain women's hockey squad for the Olympics.

Super Frankel makes it 10 from 10

Frankel maintains his 100% record by storming to victory by five lengths in the JLT Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.

Lorenzo eases to win at Le Mans

Jorge Lorenzo beats Valentino Rossi in France on a wet Le Mans track to go top of the MotoGP standings ahead of Casey Stoner.

GB eight without Louloudis again

Constantine Louloudis will be absent from the men's eight at the World Cup in Lucerne as he recovers from a back injury.

Leuluai expects Rhinos reaction

Leeds Rhinos prop Kylie Leuluai wants his side to bounce back against Bradford Bulls at Magic Weekend on Sunday.

Redman makes return to Worcester

Ex-England lock forward Nigel Redman is to leave his role with the RFU to return to Worcester as forwards coach.

Snooker needs O'Sullivan - Hendry

Stephen Hendry warns snooker chief Barry Hearn that the sport without world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan would be far less attractive.

Payne fails to finish in Israel

World champion Keri-Anne Payne fails to finish her 10km race at the European Open Water Swimming Cup because of a shoulder injury.

Baltacha beaten in straight sets

Elena Baltacha is knocked out of the Strasbourg International in the first round, losing 6-4 6-0 to Stephanie Foretz Gacon.

Williams and Gardener take torch

Day four of the torch relay will see Winter Olympics gold medallist Amy Williams carry the flame, along with 91-year-old Doris Whiting.

Unsettled Davies set to exit Rams

Derby striker Steven Davies rejects the offer of an extended deal for "family reasons" and is made available for transfer.

Beattie excited by French switch

Johnnie Beattie believes a new start at Montpellier is the perfect stage from which to challenge for a Scotland place.

Hook targets Wales fly-half spot

James Hook believes his experiences in the French Top 14 with Perpignan can help his bid to be Wales fly-half.

McMahon secures London Games spot

Sycerika McMahon seals a place at the London Olympics after making the 100m breaststroke qualifying time at the European Championships.

Formula 1 gossip column

A selection of gossip and stories from around F1