One of Syria's leading businessmen says its economy is being crippled by foreign sanctions and that the government is slowly disintegrating.

Labour shadow chancellor Ed Balls calls for "decisive action ... to boost growth", urging George Osborne to cut taxes in next month's Budget.

Speaking ahead of a key eurozone summit in Brussels, Foreign Secretary William Hague warns of the difficulties involved in Greece leaving the euro.

Iran halts oil sales to British and French companies, the nation's oil ministry says, ahead of a 1 July ban on Iranian oil imports imposed by the EU.

Trade unions stage mass protests across Spain against the conservative government's labour market reforms.