UK today, Editoweb, 25 Mars 2008

PM in Embryo Bill vote compromise
Gordon Brown has bowed to pressure for a free vote on controversial embryology laws - but called on MPs to back the "vital" measures.
 
Amid objections from senior Cabinet members and church leaders, the Prime Minister announced that individuals would be allowed to follow their conscience on crucial elements of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.

Pound slightly up against dollar, euro
The pound gained marginally against the US dollar and the euro in the early afternoon trading Tuesday.

Sterling rose to 1.9967 dollars at 14:45 GMT from 1.9930 at 12:38, while it rose to 1.2812 euros from 1.2796 between the same times.
The dollar also touched new daily lows against other major currencies after a key consumer confidence indicator in the US fell sharply.

Teachers to oppose MoD 'propaganda'
Teachers have vowed to stop military recruitment campaigns in schools that promote pro-war "propaganda" to teenagers.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) voted to back staff who resist Armed Forces recruitment drives and called for "education for peace" to be embedded in the school curriculum.

Commons to get vote over war plans
The Prime Minister will in future normally be required to obtain the approval of the House of Commons before sending British forces to war, under plans set out by the Government.

Jack Straw, the Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, told MPs the premier would also be required to set out the objectives of the military action as well as any relevant legal matters in a report to the House.

Brown defends gun crime penalties
Gordon Brown has defended gun crime penalties after the sentences handed to some offenders were criticised by a top police officer.

The Prime Minister spoke out after Bernard Hogan-Howe, the Chief Constable of Merseyside, said judges were sending an "inconsistent" message to criminals.

Yahoo.uk