Chancellor George Osborne says there would be "financial turmoil" if he were forced to abandon his deficit reduction plans.

A crucial finance bill - a condition of an 85bn euro (£72bn) bailout package - is passed by the Republic of Ireland's upper house, the senate.

Shadow chancellor Ed Balls doubts Bank of England governor Mervyn King believes "in his heart of hearts" that "crushing spending" is the way to get the UK's economy growing.

The global economy is set for growth, say leaders at the World Economic Forum, but huge risks remain

Alpha Natural Resources buys Massey Energy in $8.5bn deal that marks further consolidation of the industry