Venables was 'trivial' risk: report

A psychiatric assessment of James Bulger killer Jon Venables compiled prior to his release said he posed only a "trivial" risk to the public, it has been reported.

The account, seen by the Times, formed part of the legal case for Venables' release under a new identity. Prepared in 2000, it states "the risks to the public are so trivial that, strictly in relation to that perspective, immediate release would be justified".

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Afghan troop training 'inadequate'

Training of troops involved in an operation which led to the death of the first female British soldier in Afghanistan was inadequate, a coroner said.

Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner David Masters also highlighted equipment shortages and pledged to raise his concerns with the Ministry of Defence.

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Darling set to reveal Budget date

Alistair Darling is to announce the date of the budget on Wednesday morning, the Treasury has disclosed.

There is intense speculation that it will be held on March 24.

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Ex-MI5 head: US concealed torture

A former head of MI5 has claimed that US intelligence agencies had deliberately concealed their mistreatment of terror suspects.

Baroness Manningham-Buller said she had only learnt that 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed had been waterboarded after retiring from the Security Service in 2007.

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BNP constitution 'discriminates'

The British National Party has been accused of "indirectly" discriminating against black and Asian people even though the party no longer bars them from joining.

A new constitution allowing people of any ethnic origin to join the party obliged prospective members to support its principles, which meant the door was, in reality, only "pretty narrowly open" for "non-indigenous Britons", London's Central County Court heard.

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FA probes bugging of England team

The Football Association has launched an inquiry after England football boss Fabio Capello and his players were bugged during a pre-match meeting.

Discussions involving the manager and his squad are understood to have been secretly taped ahead of last week's friendly against Egypt.

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Assembly passes justice devolution

The decision of the Northern Ireland Assembly to agree to the devolution of policing and justice powers will build on the gains of the peace process, the British and Irish governments have said.

Police Chief Matt Baggott also welcomed the vote on the transfer of the powers from Westminster, which was secured despite opposition from the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP).

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BA cabin crew deal 'touch and go'

Hopes of a deal to avert a strike by thousands of British Airways cabin crew are hanging in the balance after a deadline to reach an agreement was extended.

Talks were continuing between the Unite union and the airline in a bid to break a long-running row over jobs, pay and working practices.

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Daly: marriage worth fighting for

Tess Daly has said her marriage to fellow TV presenter husband Vernon Kay was "worth fighting for" after he admitted sending explicit messages to a string of women.

Speaking for the first time on television about the revelations that surfaced last month, the Strictly Come Dancing host said she would stay with Kay as the couple had enjoyed "10 great years" together.

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Tributes to Afghan death soldiers

Tributes have been paid to two British soldiers killed on the same day in Afghanistan.

Corporal Stephen Thompson, 31, from 1st Battalion The Rifles, died as a result of an explosion near Sangin district centre, Helmand province.

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