News
Live news stream
Migrant quiz will 'protect integrity of benefits system'
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith explained "more robust" questioning for migrant benefit claimants would protect the integrity of the benefits system.
He said: "It is vitally important that we have strict rules in place to protect the integrity of our benefits system.
"The British public are rightly concerned that migrants should contribute to this country and not be drawn here by the attractiveness of our benefits system. And we are taking action to ensure that that is the case.
"The roll-out of the new habitual residence test is the first in a series of measures to ensure that we have a fair system - one which provides support for genuine workers and jobseekers, but does not allow people to come to our country and take advantage.
"It is a crucial part of our long-term plan to secure Britain's economy."
Migrant benefit claimants to face 'more robust test'
Migrants are to be questioned about their English language skills and what efforts they have made to find work before they are able to claim income-related benefits, the Government has announced.
It said a "more robust" test is being rolled out at jobcentres across Wales, England and Scotland this week.
In order to pass a habitual residence test, migrants will have to answer more individually tailored questions, provide more detailed answers, and submit more evidence before they will be allowed to make a claim.
For the first time migrants will be quizzed about what efforts they have made to find work before coming to the UK and whether their English language skills will be a barrier to them finding employment.
Advertisement
No change in US gun laws after Sandy Hook massacre
A year after the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School shocked the world, little has changed in how America thinks about guns.
Read the full storyEmergency helicopters grounded after fuel safety alert
A fleet of helicopters were grounded in the UK today due to fears over the safety of their fuel indication systems.
Read the full storyWhite House: 'Execution' example of brutal regime
The White House has said if the execution of Jang Song-thaek, the uncle of the North Korean leader, is confirmed it is another example of the "extreme brutality" of the country's regime.
Officials said there was no reason to doubt KCNA's reports of the execution, but they were following developments in the country and consulting allies in the region.
Weather: More rain across the country
Temperatures to stay milder, frost and fog free for most of the country.
More rain through the night and tomorrow morning.
Advertisement
Ed Miliband joins Lily Allen in 'Lilliband selfie'
Lily Allen has posted a "selfie" with Labour leader Ed Miliband on her Instagram account, writing, "#lilliband lol".
Political "selfies" seem to have become increasingly popular since David Cameron's infamous shot with US President Barack Obama and Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt at Nelson Mandela's memorial service.
Americans hold vigil for victims of gun violence
Hundreds of Americans held a vigil for the victims of gun violence on the cusp of one-year anniversary of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, which left 20 children and 6 teachers dead.
The multi-faith service in National Cathedral in Washington DC brought together religious leaders and families of the victims of gun violence.
Many guests took to the stage, talking about their experience of losing a loved one in a gun attack.
Anthony Hardmon spoke about the pain after his 19 year-old sister Ashley was killed after being shot in the back of her head few blocks away from her home in Chicago.
Tom Sullivan showed the audience a picture of his son Alex, who died as he celebrated his 27th birthday with the midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado.
Winnie 'would do it all over again' for South Africa
Nelson Mandela's former wife Winnie has exclusively told ITV News she would make the same sacrifices and "do it all over again".
Read the full storyBoy left with 'significant injuries' after dog attack
A nine-year-old boy has been left with significant injuries after being attacked by a dog in Preston.
The incident occurred at 9.10am this morning.
