The government outlines plans to give tax breaks to companies involved in the UK's shale gas industry, but faces criticism from environmentalists.

A pick-up in activity among first-time buyers has put the brakes on increases in the cost of renting a home in England and Wales, a survey suggests.

Around 500,000 people in the UK face poor health or disability after being treated for cancer, says a report from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Puffins in a habitat in Northumberland are making a comeback despite thousands having perished in severe winter storms, a census shows.

A prison officers' group denies "any wrongdoing" by guards after one of the two Woolwich murder suspects claims he was assaulted in prison.

The Foreign Office says it is investigating reports that a Briton has been kidnapped after leaving the terminal building at Lagos Airport in Nigeria.

A US judge has rejected BP's request to suspend all payments related to the Gulf Coast oil spill.

The heatwave warning is raised to "level three" by the Met Office for south-west England and the West Midlands.