Talks aimed at averting strike action by BA staff have collapsed, raising the possibility of crippling walkouts by thousands of employees.

A former chief of the defence staff has described Labour attempts to cast him as a Conservative as "cheap".

A fifth Labour MP faces a police investigation into his expenses, it is being claimed, as three of his colleagues prepare to appear in court charged with offences under the Theft Act.

David Beckham received a rapturous welcome on his long-awaited return to Old Trafford - and got an even bigger cheer when he left the pitch with a green and gold anti-Glazer scarf draped around his neck.