Students in England will be able to take a new qualification known as V-levels from 2027, under major reforms designed to give teenagers more flexibility in how they study after GCSEs.

More than 3,200 lawyers have written to the prime minister urging him to "rethink" plans to restrict jury trials for all but the most serious cases.

Taxpayers could pay towards the costs of Ian Huntley's cremation or funeral, unless his family makes alternative arrangements.

The government has announced a new definition of anti-Muslim hate that includes violence, harassment and prejudicial stereotyping - as it insisted the move will not curtail free speech.