A by-election candidate suspended by UKIP after a row over compulsory abortion is beaten by the Tories.

Hugh Grant accepts a "substantial sum" after settling his legal damages claim with the News of the World over phone-hacking, his solicitor confirms.

Mario Monti resigns as Italian prime minister, officials say, keeping a promise to step down after the passing of his budget in parliament.

The majority of roads in Belfast which were blocked due to loyalist flag protests have now re-opened, and bus services are getting back to normal.

An Italian court overturns suspended jail sentences given to three Google executives after a video of a bullied teenager was posted on their site.

Former UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher is recovering in hospital after having a growth removed from her bladder.

Blackberry-maker Research in Motion sees its profits plunge, and the first fall in quarterly subscription numbers in its history.

British troops in Afghanistan have paid a "high price" but their efforts have been a success, Prime Minister David Cameron has said on a pre-Christmas visit to UK bases in the country.