More public services must be privatised in the North in order to boost the competitiveness of the local economy, a top UK Government adviser recommended today.

The British government’s record on human rights came under fierce attack from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission at a major international conference today.

The decision by the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) managing director, Horst Koehler, to quit has sparked speculation that UK Chancellor Gordon Brown may replace him.

The British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has vowed that the UK Government will take all necessary steps to combat the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.