UK News: Flu vaccine shortage hits parts of country

The government admitted some parts of the country were suffering shortages of flu vaccine as it prepared to reveal the latest death toll from the winter outbreak.

Ministers have urged flu vaccine manufacturers to check their European stocks, which could be brought in to help bolster UK supplies.

PM offers hope to drivers

The Prime Minister today revived the possibility of pegging tax on fuel to oil prices as part of a government effort to help motorists.

David Cameron said the recent rise in oil prices, compounded by this week's VAT rise, was very "painful" for drivers and the Treasury was now looking at a fuel stabiliser.

Ban on oil drilling ruled out over security fears

A COMMITTEE of MPs has opposed any moratorium on deep water drilling for oil in the UK's seas, warning such a move would undermine the country's energy security.

But the energy and climate change committee raised doubts about whether equipment to tackle oil spills could do its job in the harsh conditions west of Shetland.

And a lack of clarity over liability laws could leave the UK taxpayer picking up the bill for a major oil spill offshore, a report warned.

Water boss quits post

The chief executive of Northern Ireland Water has resigned after thousands of homes were left without water.

Laurence MacKenzie had been under increasing pressure since unprecedented cold temperatures before Christmas produced massive numbers of burst pipes.

Damning criticism by members of the Stormont Executive had fuelled calls for him to go.

Baby swap actress leaves

EastEnders actress Samantha Womack, whose character has been involved in the soap's controversial baby swap plot, is to leave the show.

Womack plays Ronnie Branning, who lost baby son James to cot death then swapped him for Kat Moon's (Jessie Wallace) live newborn.

Bristol: Murder victim Joanna Yeates may have been strangled with her own ski sock - which her killer might then have kept as a trophy.

The landscape architect's snow-covered body was found on Christmas Day, missing one of her grey, knee-length socks.

Essex: Jade Goody's widower Jack Tweed, 23, has been arrested following a nightclub brawl.

He was questioned yesterday on suspicion of affray following an altercation at a nightclub in Chigwell, earlier this week which reportedly left one man with a black eye and a swollen face.