News from the BBC

UN 'agrees' Gaza ceasefire call

Arab and Western nations reach agreement on a UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, diplomats say.

Interest rates hit all-time low

The Bank of England cuts rates to 1.5%, the lowest level in its 315-year history, as it continues efforts to help the economy.

Nissan plant to shed 1,200 jobs

Wearside car plant Nissan is to axe around 1,200 jobs - about a quarter of its workforce - blaming the economic downturn.

Obama urges action on economy

US President-elect Barack Obama says that a huge stimulus package is urgently needed to revive the US economy.

Madoff 'had cheques ready to go'

Bernard Madoff had $173m in cheques in his office desk, ready to send out at the time of his arrest, US prosecutors say.