UK News: US offers condolences over Scots aid worker

BARACK Obama offered his condolences for the death of Scottish aid worker Linda Norgrove who died during a rescue attempt by US special forces in Afghanistan.

The President spoke last night by phone with David Cameron after the disclosure that she may not have been killed by her Afghan kidnappers.

Top post at BBC is axed

THe deputy director general of the BBC is to leave his post next year as a cost-cutting mission gets under way, the Corporation is expected to announce.

Mark Byford will leave next year and the post of deputy director general will be axed, sources have said. Further cuts are expected.

Report shows economy slowing 'considerably'

THE UK economy slowed "considerably" in the past few months, with job prospects and investment declining and a "dismal" performance by firms in the service sector, a report showed today.

The British Chambers of Commerce said the results of a survey of 5000 firms showed "worrying" falls in exports as companies faced "serious" challenges in the coming year.

The business group called for measures to sustain the economic recovery and support companies.

Students 'must pay more'

STUDENTS should be forced to pay thousands more for their university education under proposals to lift the tuition fee cap, the long-awaited Browne review said today.

The independent report into student funding calls for universities to be left to decide what to charge - but those setting fees at more than 6000 a year will be hit by charges.

Parky slams talk shows

TV veteran Michael Parkinson has criticised the "foolish ambition" of celebrities who try their hand at fronting talk shows.

The broadcaster, 75, lamented the demise of the traditional chat show saying: "Sadly, I think the conversational talk show has had it."

East Sussex: A murder investigation was under way today after a farmer was reportedly run over as he confronted burglars at his home. Julian Gardner, 52, is believed to have been trying to stop the thieves at the farm in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, when he was struck by their getaway vehicle.

London: A vast floor within Tate Modern has been carpeted with more than 100 million "sunflower seeds". Visitors to the London gallery's Turbine Hall will be able to walk on and touch the seeds - the brainchild of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei - which are made of porcelain.