News from the BBC

VAT 'to be cut in rescue package'

The government is expected to cut VAT by 2.5% as part of an emergency package aimed at kick-starting the economy.

Four police officers die in crash

Four police officers are killed when their vehicle leaves the road in an early morning road accident in County Down.

Arctic winds bring snow across UK

Snow is falling across much of the country, with drivers warned to beware of black ice on the roads.

Banks 'must stick to code' on lending

Banks will have to meet an agreed code of behaviour that would affect how they treat small businesses, says Business Secretary Lord Mandelson.

Dalai Lama urges Chinese contacts

The Dalai Lama asks Tibetan exiles to improve contacts with ordinary Chinese, but warns that their leaders remain a threat.