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PM to visit Israel for peace talks on Wednesday
David Cameron will visit Israel and the Palestinian territories on Wednesday, in what will be the prime minister's first visit to Israel since entering Downing Street.
He was due to travel to the area last month, but the trip was put off as winter storms battered Britain.
There had been speculation he may be forced to postpone again due to a strike by workers at the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
Kerry 'may meet' Russia's Foreign Minister this week
The US State Department said it is possible US Secretary of State John Kerry will hold talks with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov this week.
In talks on Saturday, Kerry said that the US wants to see a halt in the Russian drive to annex Ukraine's Crimea, the department said.
Pictures: The Awacs planes Nato is sending to monitor Ukraine
It added that it is possible Kerry could meet Lavrov this week, but said that America wants Russia to engage with seriousness and needs to see "concrete evidence" Russia is prepared to engage on diplomatic proposals regarding Ukraine.
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Landmark prosecution sees bong seller convicted
A shop owner has been convicted of selling items he knew would be used for drug taking in a landmark prosecution.
Hassan Abbas, 33, ran the Fantasia shop in Leeds which sold bongs, plastic bags and grinders all decorated with cannabis leaf designs.
While the items themselves are not illegal, a prosecutor argued that staff knew the products would be used for taking marijuana.
Abbas was found guilty of supplying articles used to administer or prepare controlled drugs. He was fined £800.
Family flees after finding spiders nest in bananas
A terrified family had to leave their home for three days after finding the spiders - which are feared to have been the world's most toxic.
Read the full storyThe Awacs planes Nato is sending to monitor Ukraine
Nato is sending Awacs surveillance aircraft on reconnaissance flights over Poland and Romania to help monitor the crisis in Ukraine.
Nato ambassadors, acting on a recommendation from the alliance's top military commander US Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove, gave the go-ahead to the flights today, a Nato spokesman said.
Court told MP 'raped sleeping student'
The court was told that, in 2011, Nigel Evans MP offered a work placement to a university student. After the placement, in March 2013, Mr Evans met with the student at his home in Pendleton for dinner to "catch up".
Jurors heard that, after drinking champagne, wine and port, the young man suggested it was time for bed. Mr Evans allegedly followed him and guided him into his own bedroom.
The man got into bed, expecting to go to sleep, but the prosecution say the politician had more on his mind. They told the court that he touched the man all over. The man says he did not want to "engage in or encourage sexual activity."
Later in the night, the jury heard the man awoke to find Mr Evans raping him. The next day, the complainant says Nigel Evans texted him to apologise for being drunk.
The MP says all sexual contact between them was consensual. He denies all the charges.
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Pro-Russian self defence unit take oath to Crimea
Members of a pro-Russian self defence unit took an oath to Crimea government in Simferopol today.
The oath came on the same day Russian forces took over a military hospital and a missile base in Ukraine's Crimea peninsula.
Read: Troops take over munitions base in Crimea
David Cameron said in a speech to the House of Commons this afternoon that plans to hold a referendum in Crimea on Sunday to formalise Russia's control over the province "will be illegal, illegitimate and will not be recognised by the international community."
Read: Prime Minister: Key Russians face assets being frozen
Rescued rottweiler wins Ruffs alternative dog show
A rescued rottweiler has won Ruffs - the RSPCA's alternative to the Crufts dog show.
Read the full storyNato to deploy Awacs aicraft to monitor Ukraine
Nato has said that it will fly Airborne Warning And Control System (Awacs) aircraft over Poland and Romania to monitor the crisis in Ukraine.
Soldier served country with 'highest degree of honour'
One of Corporal McNeil's three brothers, Jason, has paid tribute to his brother on behalf of his family.
In a statement released by West Mercia Police, he said: "Geoff was born in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland and dedicated his life to the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment. He served his country with the highest degree of honour and dedication.
“He was a much loved son, brother, uncle and friend and touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of meeting him.
“The family would like to give thanks for the continued support of the army, police and all who knew and loved Geoff. Our love for him remains as strong as ever. Rest in peace soldier. Faugh-a-Ballagh.”
