UK News: Police set to question Pakistan cricket stars

The three Pakistan cricketers barred from the sport over match-fixing allegations were expected to be questioned by police today.

Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer were charged under the anti-corruption code of the International Cricket Council (ICC) yesterday.

Not here for the beer

The UK has seen its biggest fall in alcohol consumption in 60 years, according to new figures from an industry body.

The British Beer and Pub Association said the data showed a six per cent decline in 2009, the sharpest year-on-year decline across the board since 1948

Balls puts jobs at heart of leadership campaign

Ed Balls put employment at the centre of his campaign for the Labour leadership today by outlining a 250 million plan to create 200,000 jobs and work placements for the unemployed.

He insisted his policy went "to the heart" of the alternative he would be offering on the economy.

And he called for a new guarantee to ensure that anyone unemployed for more than 18 months would be entitled to a job or work placement.

Motorists' vision shock

Millions of motorists are driving around with poor eyesight, according to a survey today.

As many as 23 per cent of those not wearing glasses admit their vision is less than perfect, the poll by LV= car insurance found. And seven per cent of drivers who should wear glasses for driving do not always put them on when they get behind the wheel, the poll revealed.

Coles get 'quickie divorce'

Cheryl Cole's marriage to footballing husband Ashley was set to end today with a "quickie divorce" at the High Court's Family Division. The pair, who met in 2004, separated in February after public allegations about the England and Chelsea defender's infidelity.

Brighton: A controversial "lottery" designed to allocate school places fairly has failed to reduce segregation between rich and poor pupils.

A study found richer pupils still dominated places at top-performing schools and poorer pupils were missing out.

Ulster: Riots in north Belfast over July 12 cost police 1.1 million, it was revealed today.

Several police officers were injured during three nights of violence which began a loyal order parade through the nationalist estate. More than 40 people have been charged with the trouble across Belfast over the same period.