UK News: Coalition sees off bid to ditch VAT rate increase

A BID to scrap the 2.5 per cent hike in VAT was overwhelmingly defeated in the Commons in a major victory for the Coalition Government.

The Scottish and Welsh nationalist move was rejected by a 295 majority last night, after a lengthy debate on the Budget-enacting Finance Bill.

Rioters on streets again

POLICE came under renewed attack from rioters last night as Northern Ireland's First Minister and Deputy First Minister condemned the violence.

In Ardoyne, the scene of Monday night's major disturbances, a number of petrol bombs were again thrown at police.

Unemployment set to hover around 2.5 million

UNEMPLOYMENT was set to stay close to the 2.5 million mark when official figures for the three months to May were released today.

The latest data comes amid worries over the impact of the coalition Government's Budget slashing on employment amid leaked Treasury data predicting the loss of 600,000 jobs in the public sector over the next five years.

In the quarter to April, the jobless total rose 23,000 to 2.47 million.

Music is under threat

BRASS bands and folk music could become a thing of the past if pop, rock and rap continue to dominate the airwaves, academics warned today.

Over the past 20 years, British teenagers were increasingly exposed to restricted playlists on radio stations, TV channels and websites, according to researchers at the University of London.

Clarke claims crime credit

JUSTICE Secretary Kenneth Clarke has told Britain's judges there is no direct link between rising prison numbers and falling crime rates.

He said by laying the foundations of the 1990s economic recovery, he had done more to bring down crime than hardline home secretaries had.

BIRMINGHAM: A man was in a critical condition in hospital today after suffering a stab wound during an incident inside a shop.

The victim, who is aged in his 30s, was injured at about 4.45pm yesterday in the Acocks Green area of Birmingham.

SOUTHAMPTON: A memorial service was set to be held today for two firefighters who lost their lives as they fought a fire in a high rise block of flats.

Alan Bannon, 38, and James Shears, 35, were killed as they battled the blaze at Shirley Towers, Southampton, on April 6.