News from the BBC

Welfare plan 'may cause poverty'

Ministers should rethink plans to force lone parents, disabled people and long term jobless into work, a government advisor says.

Oil price goes below $50 a barrel

Oil prices fall below $50 a barrel amid growing fears over a global recession and lower demand for oil.

Madonna split 'not about money'

Guy Ritchie tells a newspaper that discussion over the terms of his divorce from Madonna "was never, ever about money".

RBS boss apologises over losses

Royal Bank of Scotland's chairman says he is 'profoundly sorry' for the financial and human cost that the bank's troubles have caused.

Asbestos compensation ruling due

A ruling is expected later that could have profound implications for asbestos-related cancer victims and their families.