UK defence company BAE Systems defended its decision to sell its 20% stake in aircraft builder Airbus in the face of shareholder anger today.

BAE Systems is reportedly planning a board shake-up that puts former British Conservative Defence Secretary Michael Portillo (pictured) and Tory peer Lord Hesketh in the line of fire.

BAE is believed to have selected BP executive Dick Olver as its new chairman.

BAE Systems has turned to oil giant BP to fill one of the most important jobs in the UK defence industry, it was reported today.

A comedian took the good luck phrase “break a leg” too literally when he collapsed and broke his ankle on stage.

Munster v Harlequins