UK News: Five-year parliaments 'bad for democracy'

THE Government's plan for five-year fixed-term parliaments would reduce democratic accountability by giving the electorate fewer opportunities to vote, the House of Lords Constitution Committee warned today.

It said the proposal was driven by the short-term interests of the coalition parties.

Petrol prices hit new high

THE price of petrol at the pumps has reached a new high, the AA said today.

The average price has risen from last week's record figure of 121.76p a litre to 122.14p.

Average prices have gone up 3.06p a litre between mid-November and mid-December.

Diesel has risen 3.12p a litre to an average 126.19p.

Former minister calls for legalisation of drugs

FORMER defence secretary Bob Ainsworth today called for the Government to consider legalising drugs, saying prohibition has failed.

The war on drugs has been "nothing short of a disaster" and it is time to study other options, including decriminalising possession of drugs and regulating their production and supply, he said. Referring to the legalisation of alcohol in the US after prohibition, he said: "It is time for governments to repeat this shift with currently illegal drugs."

Man held over farm death

A MAN was facing questioning today after surrendering to police following a televised appeal by detectives investigating the murder of a man at his farm. CCTV was screened on Tuesday night's Crimewatch of a man officers were keen to speak to in connection with Julian Gardner's killing during a botched robbery. Police arrested the man yesterday after he handed himself in.

Sugar gives Baggs the sack

COCKY Stuart Baggs has been given his marching orders from The Apprentice as Lord Sugar admitted he should have been fired long ago.

Stella English and Chris Bates will battle it out in Sunday's final for a job with the Amstrad boss.

London: Detectives were today questioning a man in connection with a knife attack on two police officers who were stabbed by a bus passenger as they made routine ticket checks.

A police constable and a community support officer were attacked after they discovered a commuter in his 30s was wanted for a recall to prison.

Oldham: The date for the by-election to replace expelled MP Phil Woolas is set to be confirmed as January 13 today. The Liberal Democrats will move a writ in the Commons for an early vote in Oldham East and Saddleworth.