Shareholders in Vodafone say they support chief executive Vittorio Colao’s plan to rebuild the company with pricey European broadband assets, even though it could complicate a lucrative bid from AT&T.

Speculation linking mobile phone giant Vodafone to a £60 billion takeover swoop from AT&T was shot down by the American firm today.

The US Scout movement is signalling its readiness to end a ban on gay members and leaders after a wave of protest.