UK News: At-risk quangos to learn their fate today

HUNDREDS of quangos were set to learn their fate today as the Government announces which are to be abolished.

As the Government seeks to save money and improve accountability, more than a quarter of the 700-plus unelected public bodies are expected to be axed.

Urine prostate test hope

A PROTEIN found in urine could lead to a "powerful" new test for prostate cancer, it has been revealed.

The protein, called MSMB, is present at reduced levels in men diagnosed with the disease.

The discovery could pave the way to the first useful urine test for prostate cancer.

10m in new consultant deals despite pledge

THE coalition Government took out 50 new contracts with consultants in less than three months, despite promising to cut the cost of using outside experts, it was disclosed today.

The National Audit Office said that in the 12 weeks after Chancellor George Osborne's clampdown on consultants as part of his cuts plan, almost 10 million of new deals were approved.

Despite this, the NAO acknowledged that the coalition had taken steps to curb the cost of consultants.

10m in new consultant deals despite pledge

Home Wi-Fi hack alert

NEARLY half of all home Wi-Fi networks in the UK can be hacked in less than five seconds, according to a new research published today.

Of the 40,000 networks identified, just under 20,000 either had no password at all to prevent access, or had only the most basic form of security encryption.

The 'ethical hack' was carried out for a card protection and insurance firm.

Cliff takes 70th birthday off

VETERAN pop star Sir Cliff Richard is celebrating his 70th birthday today with a private party and a day off from performing.

The singer is currently in the middle of a series of birthday gigs at London's Royal Albert Hall but will not appear tonight.

Cumbria: The home of mass killer Derrick Bird was to go on sale at auction today. His mid-terrace property in the village of Rowrah, Cumbria, goes under the hammer at Carlisle Racecourse this afternoon. Similar houses in the village are on sale at around 70,000, but Bird's household is advertised at a guide price of between 35,000 and 45,000.

Sussex: Proud parents Jennifer and Driss Allali of Eastbourne spoke of their joy after their son Sami was born on October 7 - ten days overdue, and on the same birth date as his two older siblings Adam, 3, and Najla, 5.