Voters snub Berlusconi's law proposals

Italians have dealt Premier Silvio Berlusconi a serious political blow, overturning laws passed by his government to revive nuclear energy, privatise the water supply and help him avoid prosecution.

Partial results in three referendums today showed clear majorities to throw out the water privatisation law, kill a law reviving nuclear energy and undo legislation offering the Italian leader a partial legal shield in criminal prosecutions.