UK news: Fuel bill tariff system 'leading to deaths'

The system for calculating most domestic fuel bills in the UK is contributing to thousands of deaths every winter, public health experts have claimed.

The UK Public Health Association wants an end to the "iniquitous" system of two-tier tariffs which they say penalise the poor.

Where there's a Wills . .

CAMPAIGNERS are to take advantage of the timing of the royal wedding just days before the planned referendum on voting reform.

The pro-change campaign will capitalise on the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton by telling voters it is "a time to be optimistic and say yes".

Staff criminal vetting scheme to be scrapped

A VETTING scheme that would have targeted more than nine million adults will be scrapped as the government seeks to end a "13-year assault on hard-won British freedoms", Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said today.

Only those working most closely with children or vulnerable adults will need to undergo a criminal records check and the results will be able to move with individuals when they change jobs, cutting down on bureaucracy.

Hammers lead 2012 race

West Ham were favourites to be named today as the new tenants of the 2012 Olympic Stadium after the games are over. The Olympic Park Legacy Company has been considering bids for the 537 million venue from West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur.

West Ham want to convert the 80,000-seater stadium into a 60,000-capacity arena for football, athletics, concerts and community use.

Firth scoops awards crown

Oscar favourite Colin Firth has been acclaimed Actor of the Year at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards for his portrayal of stuttering monarch King George VI. The King's Speech lost out to The Social Network for Film of the Year at the event at the British Film Institute.

Moray: The Ministry of Defence has launched an investigation after a Tornado crew was forced to eject from an aircraft during landing at RAF Lossiemouth yesterday followed a routine outing of the jet plane. The two crew were taken to hospital but are thought to have escaped serious injury. It is the second incident involving a Tornado in recent weeks.

North Yorkshire: Ex-England football star Paul Gascoigne has had a drink-drive charge against him dropped. The 43-year-old had been accused of driving a Ford Transit van while more than four times the limit.