News from the BBC

VAT 'to be cut in rescue package'

Gordon Brown refuses to rule out a VAT cut as part of a "substantial" economic stimulus package to be unveiled on Monday.

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.

Icy conditions after UK snowfalls

Snow has fallen 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.