UK News: Osborne gives green light to bank firewalls

CHANCELLOR George Osborne was today expected to approve plans to force banks to erect a protective firewall between their retail and investment arms, in a bid to prevent a repeat of the financial crisis of 2008.

The proposals are to protect banks from exposure to risks taken by "casino" operations.

Libya gets games tickets

LIBYA has been allocated tickets to the London 2012 Olympic Games, organisers have confirmed.

The country's National Olympic Committee - headed by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's son Muhammad al-Gaddafi - has been given "a few hundred" passes to the event.

Warning over 'growing threat' of corruption

CORRUPTION in the UK is a "growing threat", according to a pressure group.

Transparency International UK said its report reveals corruption is a much greater problem than is recognised and that there has been an "inadequate response" to it.

The organisation highlighted parliament, the prison system, political parties and sport as areas of concern.

It said some MPs were still able to swindle taxpayers' money out of the expenses system.

Care residents protected

STRICKEN care homes provider Southern Cross was today expected to reach an agreement to ensure that its 31,000 residents will still be cared for, even if the company were to fall into administration.

The deal, set to be hammered out this afternoon, is designed to allay fears that frail and elderly residents may suffer disruption if the company collapses.

Shrek musical a monster hit

SHREK The Musical was a hit with the critics on the opening night of the West End show.

The stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning animated film stars Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden as fiery Princess Fiona and Nigel Lindsay as the green ogre Shrek.

Ben Nevis: Two soldiers have been seriously injured after falling in the Highlands. A rescue operation was launched at around 1.15pm yesterday after police received reports of shouts for help on Ben Nevis. One of the men suffered leg injuries while the other injured his head. They were then taken by ambulance to the Belford Hospital in Fort William.

London: Talks aimed at averting a series of Tube strikes over the sacking of a driver were being held today. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union are due to walk out in the next few weeks, starting on Sunday.