UK news: Sixty-nine prisoners released by mistake

SIXTY-NINE prisoners were released from British jails by mistake last year, figures released today reveal.

Sex offenders, burglars and inmates convicted of violence and robbery in England, Wales and Scotland were among those wrongly freed.

Five are understood to be still at large.

Assange 'expects smears'

FREED WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said he expected further "smears" and a potential indictment from the US on his first day under house arrest.

A judge ruled the 39-year-old whistleblower should be released ahead of Swedish extradition proceedings in the new year.

Fall in NHS productivity a threat to savings plan

PRODUCTIVITY is falling across the NHS, posing risks to the Government's savings plan for the health service, a report said today.

Overall productivity has fallen by an average of 0.2 per cent each year since 2000, and by 1.4 per cent a year in hospitals, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Experts said the health service would need to increase productivity by between four per cent and six per cent per year if it is to meet the Government's target on "efficiency savings".

Economic confidence falls

CONSUMER confidence fell to a 20-month low during November as people became increasingly pessimistic about the future of the economy, research showed today.

Nationwide said its expectations index, which measures people's optimism towards the economic situation in six months' time, dived by nine points during the month to 61, its lowest level since March 2009.

Banks told to cut bonuses

DEPUTY Prime Minister Nick Clegg has warned the banks that the Government would not "stand idly by" if they failed to rein in bonuses.

He called for "visible restraint" in the forthcoming bonus round and indicated he was determined the coalition would step in if necessary.

Manchester: Coronation Street is to be completely rebuilt as ITV plans to create a huge new production complex. The broadcaster will move its Manchester base to a new home, cobbles and all, at Salford Quays in 2012.

West Midlands: More than 600 police officers are being made to retire over the next three years because their force needs to save 78 million. West Midlands Police Authority said up to 630 officers would be affected by its decision to implement regulation A19, which allows officers to be forced into retirement after 30 years' service.