Britain today: 'Crash for cash' scams spreading to London

THE number of "crash for cash" scams, where drivers stage accidents to claim on insurance, is increasing around the country, figures showed today.

Typically the racket has been carried out in the north west of England. But parts of London are in the top ten hot spots for the first time.

Kennedy mulls defection

SPECULATION about the extent of Liberal Democrat unease over the coalition grew today amid reports that ex-leader Charles Kennedy was considering defecting.

The long-serving MP is said to have held talks with Labour officials about joining their ranks, in what would be a major coup for the party.

Far-right extremists vow to go ahead with demo

FEARS of a potential race riot remained today after extremists vowed to exercise their right to stage an anti-Muslim demonstration.

Police in Bradford are planning for clashes between supporters of the English Defence League (EDL) and their opponents - despite Home Secretary Theresa May authorising a blanket ban on marches in the city.

The group planned a march on August 28 and Unite Against Fascism planned a protest on the same day.

1 in 10 support parents

NEARLY one in 10 Britons are supporting their parents financially, a survey has indicated.

Around 8 per cent of adult children said they had given or lent money to their parents or grandparents, handing over an average of 8,250 each, according to life insurer Scottish Widows. The figure is considerably higher than the 6,500 people said they had lent to their parents in 2008.

Faulkner wins MasterChef

LISA Faulkner has been crowned Celebrity MasterChef 2010 and said winning had "turned my life around".

The 38-year-old actress beat television presenter Dick Strawbridge and Christine Hamilton in the final episode.

London: Firefighters have threatened industrial action because of a row over new contracts. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said its members in London will be asked if they want to launch a campaign of action short of a strike in protest at changes to shift patterns. London Fire Brigade branded the FBU's action "completely unnecessary".

Essex: Music fans were gathering today for a weekend of festival fun. A 155,000-strong crowd is expected across the V Festival's two sites - 75,000 at Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Essex, and 80,000 at Weston Park in Staffordshire.