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Gay marriage campaigner: It's a new age of equality
Benjamin Cohen, the publisher of PinkNews and founder of the Out4Marriage campaign, said many gay couples have been "eagerly awaiting" today's announcement on when same-sex marriages can go ahead in England and Wales, but said there is more to be done before equal rights are fully in place.
– Benjamin Cohen, founder of the Out4Marriage campaignThere are many gay couples who have been eagerly awaiting this news and will now be able to plan their wedding. The first marriages will, I hope, herald a new age of equality in our country, where all couples, regardless of their sexuality will be treated equally under the law, and eventually in society.
We now await news on whether the Government will equalise private pension rights for same-sex couples and publish the process for gay couples to convert from civil partnerships to marriages.
Read: Maria Miller hails 'another step in evolution of marriage'
Obama's lengthy handshake with Cuban counterpart
Barack Obama shook the hands of his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro in a landmark moment for the two countries at Nelson Mandela's memorial service today.
President Obama and the Cuban leader smiled and exchanged a few words as they embraced at the ceremony.
More: Barack Obama leads tributes to Nelson Mandela at memorial service
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Inside Gareth Bale's mansion as it goes up for sale
Described as a 'luxury modern home' with five bedrooms, the footballer's former home in Woodford Green comes with a giant price tag.
Read the full storyTyson ban 'mandatory' under new UK immigration laws
The ban on former boxer Mike Tyson from entering the UK is "mandatory" because of the length of his jail sentence for rape.
Under tougher immigration rules introduced in December 2012, there is "a mandatory refusal where a person has been convicted of an offence and sentenced to at least four years' imprisonment, at any point in the past."
Although Tyson only served three years in prison for the crime, he was sentenced to six years.
Tyson ban 'sends message' of criminal cosequences
A campaign group that tackles disbelief around domestic and sexual violence has praised laws barring former boxer Mike Tyson from visiting the UK.
Ending Victimisation and Blame said the ban "sends a message" about the consequences of criminal actions.
– Spokesperson for Ending Victimisation and BlameWe are delighted that Mike Tyson is not being allowed into the UK due to his previous convictions, one of which was for rape.
We believe that this sends a message that his criminal actions have long-term consequences - sadly, the consequences for his victim seem to have been forgotten by both Mike Tyson and his supporters.
Miller hails 'another step in evolution of marriage'
After announcing that gay couples will no longer have to wait until July 2014 to tie the knot, equalities minister Maria Miller called the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act "another step in the evolution of marriage."
The date of the act was moved forward today from July to March 29 2014. Couples wishing to be among the first to marry will need formally to give notice of their intention to marry on March 13.
Read: First same-sex weddings to take place from March 29
Ms Miller said: "Marriage is one of our most important institutions, and from March 29, 2014 it will be open to everyone, irrespective of whether they fall in love with someone of the same sex or opposite sex.
"This is just another step in the evolution of marriage and I know that many couples up and down the country will be hugely excited that they can now plan for their big day and demonstrate their love and commitment to each other by getting married."
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Violent clashes and looting in Central African Republic
Hundreds of people were killed in the last week in Central African Republic.
The former French colony descended into chaos since mainly Muslim Saleka rebels siezed power in in March.
Read: What is behind the crisis in Central African Republic?
More reports of angry mobs looting houses and setting cars on fire are coming from the Central African Republic.
The capital city of Bangui saw a mosque set on fire, with civilians armed with wooden clubs and machetes attacking nearby houses.
Looting by angry mobs in Central African Republic
Reports of angry mobs looting houses and setting cars on fire are coming from the Central African Republic.
The capital city of Bangui saw a mosque set on fire, with civilians armed with wooden clubs and machetes attacking nearby houses.
Angry mob scene in Bangui this morning as tensions rise & people call for President Djotodia to step down #CARcrisis http://t.co/EnNLhekaPq
Latest report from UNOCHA for #CAR - 459 dead following clashes, 108,000 displaced in Bangui, 533,000 displaced across the country.
We met a 14 year old boy in the #Seleka military camp today. All his family was killed so he wants to be a soldier. Wrong. #CARcrisis @hrw
Former boxing champion Mike Tyson banned from UK
Former world heavyweight boxing champion and convicted rapist Mike Tyson has discovered he is banned from entering the UK.
The 47-year-old has cancelled a string of appearances in London as part of a promotional tour for his new book after finding out he was banned from Britain.
His publishers said recent changes to UK immigration rules, including any person sentenced to more than four years in prison being banned from Britain, meant he was unable to travel.
Tweets posted on Tyson's official Twitter account as recently as Friday suggest the boxer was unaware he would be hit by the changes. He wrote: "So, UK fans, who is brave enough to get in the ring and ask me a question?"
Tyson will now promote his autobiography Undisputed Truth in Paris.
Gordon Brown: South Africans saw Mandela as a friend
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who was at the memorial service, has said that South Africans see Nelson Mandela as "not just a president but as a friend".
He told ITV News that it was a "privilege" to work with Mandela, adding that he "teaches us that nothing is impossible, as long as you have hope".
