Scores of nations began signing a treaty banning cluster bombs today in a move that supporters hope will shame the US, Russia and China and others into abandoning the weapons.

Department store chain Debenhams has approached a number of continental retailers about the possibility of a merger, it was reported today.

Department store group Debenhams issued a profits warning today after its sales woes continued into the spring season.

The UN humanitarian chief has accused Israel of “shocking” and “completely immoral” behaviour for dropping large numbers of cluster bombs on Lebanon when a ceasefire in its war with Hezbollah was in sight.