A British hostage is among those being held by Islamic State militants, Number 10 confirms.

The UK edges up the World Economic Forum's worldwide rankings, but the group warns that the health of the global economy is at risk.

The mayor of the French city of Calais threatens to block the port unless Britain does more to control the rising number of illegal migrants.

President Obama says "justice will be served" on militants who beheaded journalist Steven Sotloff and vows the US will not be intimidated.

Thousands of lives are put at risk each year by doctors prescribing drugs that patients are known to be allergic to, the medicines watchdog says.

The Liberal Democrats pledge 15 hours of free childcare for all two-year-olds in England, as they begin to set out pre-election policies.

Wormwood Scrubs prison in west London is described as "filthy" and unsafe in a report by inspectors.

Two US men who spent three decades in prison for rape and murder, one on death row, are released after new DNA evidence proves their innocence.