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Tackling deficit and driving growth 'is working'
We have always advocated the dual approach of tackling the deficit and driving growth – the OBR forecasts confirm it is working. Let’s stick with what works.
– John Cridland, Confederation of British Industry Director-GeneralThe pressure on the high street has been recognised; the 2% cap on business rates and discount for very small businesses are positive, as is the reoccupation relief.
Abolishing a jobs tax on employing young people under 21 will make a real difference and help tackle the scourge of youth unemployment.
But it was a missed opportunity not to support our hard-pressed energy intensive businesses which are also struggling with rising costs, and the package on housing supply could have been more ambitious.
High winds batter North Antrim coast
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Man killed by falling tree in Nottinghamshire
A man has died in Nottinghamshire after a tree fell on him.
Police were called to King's Park in Retford at around 2pm. A tree had fallen on the man as he rode his mobility through the park.
An ambulance went to the scene but the man was pronounced dead. The park has been closed until further notice.
Newcastle Utd footballer banned from driving
Premier League footballer Hatem Ben Arfa has been banned from driving after he twice failed to pass on information about someone caught speeding in his car.
The Newcastle United player appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court dressed in a black T-shirt and jeans to plead guilty to both offences.
The court heard that, on November 5 and November 20 last year, a car owned by the French international was caught speeding in Gosforth, Newcastle.
As a result he was notified by police but the magistrates were told that he failed to respond at all to one of the incidents and waited two months before responding to the other allegation.
Sentencing Ben Arfa to a six-month driving ban, 12 points on his licence and a total fine of £2,680, chairman of the bench Margaret Sewell said if he was to break the ban he could face imprisonment.
Police clear scene after HGV crash kill lorry driver
Read more: Four people injured when lorry was blown over
Woolwich trial hears prosecution's closing statement
Court hears closing statement from prosecution about Lee Rigby. Brigadier calls him extremely popular, always with smile on face.
Click here for the latest updates from the Lee Rigby murder trial
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US chemistry teacher 'shot dead' in Benghazi
An American chemistry teacher who worked at an international school in the Libyan city of Benghazi was shot dead, medical and security sources said.
It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the killing.
Adel al Mansouri, director at the school in Benghazi, said: "He was doing his morning exercise when gunmen just shot him. I don't know why. He was so sweet with everyone.
Extremist material 'found at home of suspect's father'
Jurors in the Lee Rigby murder trial have been told extremist material, which the prosecution claims belongs to defendant Michael Adebolajo, was found when they searched his father's house.
This included one book called Extreme Islam, in which the passages "Allah does not like any drop more than the drop of blood shed in his way" and "Martyrdom means transfusion of blood into society" had been highlighted.
Al Qaeda's Inspire magasine found in Michael Adebolajo's books and documents.
Police found laptop in defendants' car & material in garage at Adebolajos father's house about Jihad & martyrdom incl by Anwar al-Awlaki.
The memory card in his BlackBerry phone also contained documents and lectures on the same topics, the court heard.
Click here for the latest updates from the Lee Rigby murder trial
Near miss as driver narrowly escapes as tree falls on car
A care worker described how his car was crushed in a split second by a falling tree just moments after parking.
Muhammad Sial - a devout Muslim who prays everyday - said his prayers must have been answered following his near-miss in Birmingham.
The 66-year-old said: "I didn't hear a noise, I just got to the front door and turned to look back and the tree had smashed my car.
"The trunk of the tree was lying right across my car - it had happened just in an instant.
"I think my prayers and the prayers of my clients must have been answered."
Elsewhere, in Solihull, another driver had a lucky escape suffering only minor injuries as a tree fell on her car, smashing the driver's side windscreen.
In Birmingham's city centre, a pedestrian was taken to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by falling window glass according to West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service.
Two people were also hurt when the roof blew off one of the huts which make up the city's highly popular Christmas German market, forcing its closure on safety grounds.
Midsomer Murders actor Barry Jackson dies
Actor Barry Jackson, who played pathologist Dr George Bullard in Midsomer Murders for more than a decade, has died aged 75.
His agent said the Birmingham-born actor died at home in north London surrounded by his family.
He appeared in the first episode of the long-running ITV detective drama, starring John Nettles, and continued in the show until 2011.
His career included roles in films including Ryan's Daughter and Barry Lyndon and countless television appearances including Silent Witness, Peak Practice, A Touch Of Frost and pioneering 1960s drama Cathy Come Home.
