The British High Court has refused to block legal action brought by former Formula One boss Max Mosley over the continuing availability on Google of images of him at a sex party.

Legislation that would force every company with more than 500 workers to declare how much it earns in each country, and how much tax it pays, could have a major effect on Ireland.

Google’s executive chairman Eric Schmidt has defended the internet giant’s tax affairs in Britain, saying the firm was playing a key role in the UK’s high-tech growth.

Starbucks chief Troy Alstead was yesterday told his claims that the coffee chain continually made a loss in Britain “just doesn’t ring true”.

A crush of fans circled a flower-graced mosaic in Central Park's 'Strawberry Fields' and sang lyrics from Imagine to honour Beatles legend John Lennon on his 70th birthday.