UK News: Unions claim spending cuts betray the young

THE Government was set to be accused today of "betraying" an entire generation of young people through its "swingeing cuts" to education, jobs and the public services.

The charge was to be made by union leaders at a rally in Manchester called to protest against cuts in public spending.

Probe into fatwa posters

POSTERS declaring a "fatwa" on the home secretary are being investigated by police.

Several posters have been displayed around South London, criticising Theresa May "for the abduction, kidnapping and false imprisonment" of radical clerics.

Blunt's mum in snob row

THE mother of chart star James Blunt has grumbled about the inverse snobbery her famous son faces because of his privileged educational background.

Jane Blunt said her son was the subject of "harsh criticism" in the UK simply because of his upbringing.

The singer was educated at two independent schools, including Harrow, and served as a captain in the Life Guards.

Firth not a royal supporter

THE King's Speech star Colin Firth has admitted that he does not support the monarchy.

Firth, who won a Golden Globe and has been nominated for an Oscar for his role as stammering King George VI, said he has "a problem" with unelected authorities.

Third of Britons expect a fall in standard of living

A THIRD of Britons are bracing themselves for a fall in their standard of living during the coming three years, a survey suggested today.

Around 63 per cent of people think the general standard of living has fallen since 2007, when the credit crunch first struck, while a further 36 per cent think it will continue to get worse, according to life insurer Scottish Provident.

Only 15 per cent of people questioned said the standard of living had improved since 2007.

West Wales: Council chiefs have hailed a big cat sighting as the best proof yet the so-called mythical beasts really exist. A former policeman based in west Wales spotted a "puma or panther-like animal" near Haverfordwest.

London: A vast carpet of more than 100 million porcelain "seeds" in the Tate Modern contains traces of lead, an investigation discovered. The installation was declared out of bounds to art lovers only two days after it opened because it poses a health threat due to dust. But further analysis has shown traces of the poisonous metal.