UK News: One in eight women breast cancer victims

The number of women with breast cancer is rising, with one in eight now developing the disease, figures show.

Cases increased by 3.5 per cent between 1999 and 2008. Experts have blamed lifestyle factors, including obesity and drinking alcohol, for fuelling the rise.

CBI calls for banks boost

Breaking up Britain's biggest banks would be a mistake, the CBI said today.

In a stark warning to the Independent Commission on Banking, which is considering an overhaul of UK banks, new CBI boss John Cridland said banks must be strengthened to play a part in financing a private sector-led recovery.

Oxfam hits out at fate of failed asylum seekers

Failed asylum seekers are being forced to choose between destitution in the UK or persecution at home, an Oxfam report claimed today.

Many who appeal over failed cases are reduced to living hand-to-mouth lives in social and legal limbo.

The report paints a bleak picture of the grim daily life of failed asylum seekers in the UK. It claims that some develop mental health problems as a result and others are pushed into the sex trade as a way to earn money.

BBC says sorry to Mexico

The BBC said today it had apologised to the Mexican ambassador over remarks made on Top Gear. But the corporation defended the show's presenters, who branded Mexicans "lazy", "feckless" and "flatulent", saying national stereotyping was part of British humour.

The ambassador wrote to the corporation to complain about the "outrageous, vulgar and inexcusable insults".

Miliband's fear for children

Labour leader Ed Miliband today warned of a "real and legitimate fear" that today's children will have fewer opportunities for prosperity and happiness than their parents. A poll found 71 per cent believe life will be harder for the children growing up today than it was for their parents.

Ulster: A man has been shot dead by an off-duty police officer after a suspected armed robbery.

Sources said the officer shot at a man who was armed with a knife at a petrol station in Belfast. It is thought the off-duty officer may have come upon the scene, but police said full details of what happened had yet to be established.

Hampshire: A 65-year-old man has been detained by police on suspicion of faking the signature of Winston Churchill in books and memorabilia he had put up for sale on eBay. The signatures could increase the value of the items by up to 1000 per cent.