UK News: President has praise for 'essential' links

Barack Obama arrived in Britain for a three-day state visit, declaring the UK-US partnership "an essential relationship for us and for the world". The US president flew into Stansted airport ahead of schedule last night to avoid the possibility of disruption to air travel from the ash cloud from an erupting Icelandic volcano.

Giggs naming turmoil

THE law on injunctions was thrown into further turmoil after Ryan Giggs was named as the married footballer at the centre of a controversial privacy case.

Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming used parliamentary privilege to name Giggs as the English Premier League player who took out an injunction.

Health and safety rules a 'burden' on business

HALF of companies believe health and safety regulations are a "burden" on business, according to a report today.

The British Chambers of Commerce described health and safety as "yellow tape" despite its importance in the workplace, warning that the cost to industry was now more than 4 billion.

A survey of 6000 employers found that half complained that regulation was a burden, while one in five sole traders said it was a barrier to taking on their first employee.

Boost for culture vultures

VISITING art galleries, museums and the theatre is good for your health, particularly if you are a man.

Researchers found that cultural activities - and being creative in music or art - is good for both genders, improving health, life satisfaction and lowering the risk of depression.

But men who enjoyed attending cultural events seemed to benefit the most.

Prescott wins hacking bid

FORMER deputy prime minister Lord Prescott has won his latest bid to mount a legal challenge over the Metropolitan Police's handling of the News of the World phone-hacking case. He had asked a High Court judge to give them the go-ahead for a judicial review.

Berkshire: A Dubai polo match in aid of Prince Harry's Sentebale charity, which was postponed because of the unrest in the Middle East, will now be staged in Berkshire in June, St James's Palace said. The Sentebale Polo Cup had been due to be held back in March.

Norfolk: A prisoner has been found hanged in his cell after attempting to escape from a court dock. Simon King, 30, wrestled with security guards in the dock of Norwich Crown Court during an appearance earlier this month. King, from Thetford, Norfolk, faced burglary charges.