The latest stories from the UK section of the BBC News web site.

Taxpayer lost £2bn on Rock rescue (18.05.2012 01:00:31)

The taxpayer could lose about £2bn once the assets of collapsed bank Northern Rock are wound down, the National Audit Office estimates.

Search for missing fishing boat (18.05.2012 04:31:26)

A major search has been under way to find a fishing boat missing with a crew of three off the Dorset coast.

Plaque to dead children stolen (18.05.2012 01:34:46)

Thieves steal a metal plaque erected in memory of two young boys killed by IRA bombs in the Cheshire town of Warrington.

Man charged with making explosive (17.05.2012 23:03:05)

A man is charged with making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose after police found items in a garage in Cheltenham.

Court quashes murder conviction (17.05.2012 20:25:39)

A 24-year-old London man who has served more than seven years in jail for the murder of a trainee chef has his conviction quashed.

Private rents 'increasing again' (18.05.2012 01:00:49)

Private rents in England and Wales went up by 0.5% in April, according to letting agency group LSL Property Services.

Moody's downgrades Spanish banks (18.05.2012 00:12:10)

Ratings agency Moody's cuts the credit ratings of 16 Spanish banks, as shares in struggling lender Bankia fell another 14%.

HMRC defends child benefit plan (18.05.2012 01:00:43)

Asking taxpayers and child benefit recipients to reveal information to their partners is legal, HM Revenue & Customs says, despite claims it breaks confidentiality rules.

Private police roles put on hold (17.05.2012 21:33:54)

Plans to use private firms in police roles in Surrey are put on hold, as West Midlands Police says it will ask the police authority for "a revision to the process".

UK in £50m pork deal with China (18.05.2012 03:31:46)

The UK agrees a £50m trade deal to sell British pork to China, the world's biggest market for pig meat.

Dieting 'safe for pregnant women' (18.05.2012 03:36:38)

Dieting in pregnancy is safe and does not carry risks for the baby, a review of research has suggested.

Alan Johnson has mayor ambition (18.05.2012 03:53:46)

Alan Johnson says he considered running for London mayor and hints that he could seek the job in 2016.

Trawler catches 'biggest oyster' (17.05.2012 16:41:32)

A Shetland trawler catches what experts believe could be the largest oyster ever found in the UK.

Diamond Jubilee song is unveiled (18.05.2012 03:16:07)

The song Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber have created for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations - featuring Prince Harry on tambourine - is to get its first airing on Radio 2 later.

Hain case end 'free speech win' (17.05.2012 18:07:38)

Peter Hain says the dropping of contempt of court proceedings against him for criticising a judge are a "victory for free speech".

Doctor revelation in McKeown case (17.05.2012 17:41:51)

Rebecca McKeown's manslaughter trial is told the doctor who examined the disabled teenager may have withheld details of a medical examination to protect her professional reputation.

Case against Hain not proceeding (17.05.2012 13:23:26)

Controversial comments in Labour MP Peter Hain's autobiography were never intended to undermine the administration of justice in Northern Ireland, the High Court in Belfast hears.

Vauxhall boost for Welsh workers (17.05.2012 17:45:00)

A deal to secure the future of Ellesmere Port's Vauxhall car plant will give a welcome boost to the estimated 400 workers from north-east Wales.

Trauma care 'needs major rethink' (18.05.2012 02:37:28)

Scotland is falling behind other parts of the world in its provision of care for victims of major trauma, according to a new report.

Man admits rape and sex assault (17.05.2012 17:22:06)

A man admits raping one woman and seriously sexually assaulting another in Glasgow city centre on a Christmas night out.

Father's organ donor lesson call (18.05.2012 04:00:05)

A father whose son died from leukaemia has called for a new law requiring school and college students to be taught about donating blood, organs and stem cells.

Olympic flame handed over to UK (17.05.2012 18:57:31)

The Olympic flame is officially handed over to organisers of the London 2012 Games at a ceremony in Athens.

Martinez on Liverpool shortlist (17.05.2012 19:24:17)

Roberto Martinez is given permission to speak to Liverpool and is one of several candidates shortlisted to succeed Kenny Dalglish.

Broad's six give England control (17.05.2012 19:20:03)

Stuart Broad takes six wickets as England seize the upper hand against West Indies on day one of the first Test at Lord's.

Murray beaten by Gasquet in Rome (17.05.2012 23:49:53)

Britain's Andy Murray is beaten 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 6-2 by 16th seed Richard Gasquet of France in the Italian Open third round.

The baby time-lapse trend (17.05.2012 12:12:58)

Baby time-lapses are becoming increasingly common. So are they the ultimate way of documenting a child's development?

How to grow a four-metre moustache (17.05.2012 11:36:27)

Ram Singh Chauhan's moustache measures 4.29m (14ft) and it is his pride and joy. How did he grow it so long?

Viewpoint: Is it time to get rid of traffic lights? (16.05.2012 11:36:38)

We rely on traffic lights to tell us when to go. And when to stop. We should replace that with common sense, argues traffic campaigner Martin Cassini.

Cameron defends his euro warning (17.05.2012 21:05:49)

David Cameron says it was "more dangerous to stay silent than to speak out" - and insists there will be no retreat on deficit reduction.

Lobbying 'to be reformed by 2015' (17.05.2012 13:32:10)

The government is "determined" to introduce a register of lobbyists before 2015, constitutional reform minister Mark Harper tells a Commons committee.

Probe urged into MP's consultancy (17.05.2012 17:56:36)

Conservative MP Patrick Mercer says he will co-operate fully with any investigation by a Commons watchdog into his relationship with a security firm.

VIDEO: House of Commons (17.05.2012 13:18:07)

MPs have put questions to Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey and his ministerial team.

VIDEO: Police trial fog cannons in shops (17.05.2012 11:56:10)

Fog machines have been installed in a number of shops in Nottinghamshire in a bid to deter thieves.

VIDEO: Why do the Brits love the monarchy? (17.05.2012 18:13:12)

Thousands of street parties will be held all over the UK to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee with millions expected to line the Mall in London and cheer Her Majesty.

VIDEO: Lancashire crowds welcome Queen (18.05.2012 00:22:36)

As part of her Diamond Jubilee celebration tour, the Queen paid a visit to the North-West of England.

VIDEO: Princess on pressure of Olympics (17.05.2012 14:43:27)

The Princess Royal has expressed her sympathy for athletes preparing for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

VIDEO: A history of the Olympic torch relay (17.05.2012 13:37:02)

With the Olympic flame due to arrive in the UK on Friday, Tim Muffett looks at the history behind the torch relay.

VIDEO: When live TV goes wrong - it's Odd Box (17.05.2012 23:55:56)

The perils of being a reporter on live TV, the cafe just for cats and the $1,500 hot dog.

VIDEO: PM: 'Make up or break up' (17.05.2012 13:25:52)

David Cameron has said he will do whatever is necessary to protect the country and secure the economy and financial system whatever the fate of the eurozone.

AUDIO: Should workers be tested for drugs? (17.05.2012 14:19:33)

BBC Radio 5 live's Victoria Derbyshire got reaction to the Metropolitan Police chief's suggestion that all workers should be screened.

What does 're-moding' actually mean? (17.05.2012 14:06:43)

What does the word 're-mode' actually mean?

Wild spring weather baffles bugs (18.05.2012 04:09:53)

Butterflies and bees affected by our damp, cold spring

Father wants 'donation' lessons (18.05.2012 03:37:16)

A bereaved father's call for increased donor awareness

Swimming: Why I took the plunge (17.05.2012 18:08:54)

Why swimming can be a life-shaping - and a life-saving - skill

Q&A: The debate over statins (17.05.2012 13:19:48)

Could the proposal to protect all over-50s from heart attacks work?

Papers discuss eurozone warnings (17.05.2012 06:29:46)

Papers discuss eurozone warnings

The latest stories from the Sport section of the BBC Sport web site.

Martinez on Liverpool shortlist (17.05.2012 19:24:17)

Roberto Martinez is given permission to speak to Liverpool and is one of several candidates shortlisted to succeed Kenny Dalglish.

Stoner announces shock retirement (17.05.2012 18:28:22)

Make drug tests compulsory - Khan (18.05.2012 00:44:33)

British fighter Amir Khan wants attempts to clean up boxing

Broad's six give England control (17.05.2012 19:20:03)

No decision on Van Persie future (17.05.2012 23:56:13)

Striker Robin van Persie joins up with the Dutch squad having yet to make a final decision on his Arsenal future.

Couch & Barrow win historic gold (18.05.2012 00:57:57)

Tonia Couch and Sarah Barrow end GB's 74-year wait for a female European Diving Championships title by winning gold in Eindhoven.

Olympic flame handed over to UK (17.05.2012 18:57:31)

The Olympic flame is officially handed over to organisers of the London 2012 Games at a ceremony in Athens.

Murray beaten by Gasquet in Rome (17.05.2012 23:49:53)

Andy Murray loses in three sets to Richard Gasquet in Rome.

Snedeker wins with borrowed clubs (17.05.2012 23:32:30)

Rodriguez retains pink from Casar (17.05.2012 18:27:17)

Joaquim Rodriguez retains the pink jersey in the Giro d'Italia despite Sandy Casar's best efforts in a 12th stage won by Dane Lars Bak.

Ainslie closes in on Finn record (17.05.2012 18:57:08)

Three-time Olympic champion Ben Ainslie is on the verge of a record-breaking sixth Finn world title in Cornwall.

Owen wants to extend his career (17.05.2012 15:08:39)

Striker wants to stay in Premier League after Man Utd release.

2012 will be hard - Princess Anne (17.05.2012 14:00:01)

Former Olympian Princess Anne admits she would have hated to compete amid the media focus that will accompany London 2012.

British pair are cleared for 2012 (17.05.2012 18:49:41)

Former drugs cheats Dwain Chambers and David Millar are formally cleared to take part in the London 2012 Olympics.

Maldonado aiming for Monaco win (17.05.2012 16:26:53)

Williams's Pastor Maldonado sees no reason why he can't take his race-winning form into next weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

English exiles target Euro glory (17.05.2012 15:37:30)

Iain Balshaw aims to deny fellow England World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson a European trophy as Biarritz tackle Toulon in the Amlin Challenge Cup final.

Wilshere to undergo knee surgery (17.05.2012 15:31:35)

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is to undergo minor knee surgery in Sweden over the next few days.

Allardyce awaits 'biggest' game (17.05.2012 19:59:02)

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce says the Championship play-off final is bigger than the Uefa Champions League final.

Torquay 1-2 Cheltenham (1-4 agg) (17.05.2012 23:02:32)

Cheltenham reach the League Two play-off final against Crewe after beating Torquay 2-1 at Plainmoor for a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Bonfire enhances Derby prospects (17.05.2012 16:52:27)

Andrew Balding-trained colt Bonfire wins the Dante Stakes at York on his seasonal debut, enhancing his prospects for the Derby.

Rangers fans could call boycott (17.05.2012 18:14:43)

Angry Rangers fans could ask the Glasgow club to boycott the Scottish Cup and Scotland squads next season.

In pictures: Olympic flame handover (17.05.2012 20:09:32)

Pictures from Greece as the Olympic flame is passed to London at a ceremony attended by David Beckham, Boris Johnson and Princess Anne.

Kenny Dalglish photo gallery (16.05.2012 19:21:35)

All the best pictures from Kenny Dalglish's time as Liverpool manager.

VIDEO: Gary Lineker's guide to the digital Olympics (17.05.2012 11:05:00)

Gary Lineker explains how to use the new-look BBC Sport internet video player specifically designed for the London 2012 Olympics.

VIDEO: Watch Casey Stoner win 2011 MotoGP (17.05.2012 21:12:32)

Watch Casey Stoner winning the 2011 MotoGP championship.

VIDEO: Olympic flame handed to UK in Athens (17.05.2012 19:30:06)

The Olympic flame has been handed over to organisers of the London Games at a ceremony beneath a rainbow in Athens.

VIDEO: Stoner's lost passion for MotoGP (17.05.2012 20:46:46)

Current MotoGP champion Casey Stoner announces he will be retiring at the end of this season.

VIDEO: O'Driscoll calls for Leinster discipline (17.05.2012 19:32:46)

Brian O'Driscoll says Leinster must not hand penalty chances to Ulster kicker Ruan Pienaar in Saturday's Heineken Cup final.

VIDEO: Princess on pressure of Olympics (17.05.2012 15:07:34)

The Princess Royal says she has sympathy for athletes who are having to prepare for London 2012 under the media spotlight.

VIDEO: Strauss wary of Windies pace attack (17.05.2012 08:22:14)

England captain Andrew Strauss admits the West Indies pace attack will challenge his side during the forthcoming series.

VIDEO: Daley Thompson wins LA gold in 1984 (09.05.2012 20:41:56)

Britain's Daley Thompson wins decathlon gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

VIDEO: Jet pack man gets LA off to a flyer (16.05.2012 20:27:01)

The opening ceremony for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 1984 makes a memorable start as a man with a jet pack flies into the stadium to help light the flame.

VIDEO: Archer lights up Barcelona in 1992 (16.05.2012 20:16:08)

Paralympic archer Antonio Rebollo shoots an arrow to light up the Olympic flame for the Barcelona Games in 1992.

VIDEO: Muhammad Ali lights Atlanta flame (16.05.2012 20:11:50)

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali lights the flame at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

AUDIO: John Carlos: Why I raised my fist (17.05.2012 10:54:52)

At the Olympic Games in Mexico in 1968, two black athletes made a significant political statement by bowing their heads and raising their fists on the podium in a symbol of black power. One of the men, John Carlos, met the BBC's sports correspondent Tim Franks.

VIDEO: West Indies legends - Michael Holding (22.01.2009 13:25:52)

Tests 60, Wkts 249

VIDEO: West Indies legends - Sir Garfield Sobers (29.01.2009 16:10:52)

Tests 93, Runs 8032, Avg 57.78, Wkts 235

VIDEO: West Indies legends - Brian Lara (22.01.2009 13:16:22)

Tests 131, Runs 11953, Avg 52.88

VIDEO: West Indies legends - Sir Viv Richards (22.01.2009 13:07:31)

Tests 121, Runs 8540, Avg 50.23

VIDEO: Has Martinez earned the right? (17.05.2012 19:37:25)

Robbie Savage answers the best of your tweets in Savage Says, including who should replace Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool.

VIDEO: Chelsea's Champions League journey (17.05.2012 21:44:09)

Pundits Alan Hansen, Mark Layperson, Pat Nevin, Robbie Savage, Chris Waddle and Jan Molby look at Chelsea's Champions League journey and assess their chances of beating Bayen Munich at their home ground in the final.

VIDEO: Michael Owen's 1998 wonder goal (30.03.2009 20:54:07)

Michael Owen announces himself on the world stage at the age of 18 with a wonder goal against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup in France.

VIDEO: Late drama as Wembley beckons Crewe (17.05.2012 19:51:53)

Crewe book their place in the League Two play-off final after a 2-2 draw with Southend sees them through 3-2 on aggregate to the Wembley final.

VIDEO: 'Lots of interest in Liverpool job' (17.05.2012 15:39:26)

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre says the club had "plenty of contact" for the vacant managerial position following Kenny Dalglish's departure on Wednesday.

VIDEO: Liverpool need stability - Aldridge (17.05.2012 19:29:02)

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge says the Anfield club need to choose a long term option to replace Kenny Dalglish, who left his job as manager on Wednesday.

VIDEO: England forwards concern Shearer (17.05.2012 08:22:18)

Former England captain Alan Shearer says the inclusion of Liverpool striker Andy Carroll and Tottenham forward Jermain Defoe in England's Euro 2012 squad is a surprise but believes their selection signals a lack of options for manager Roy Hodgson.

VIDEO: Hodgson selects Terry on form (16.05.2012 16:53:25)

England manager Roy Hodgson says that he has selected Chelsea defender John Terry for Euro 2012 because of his recent good form.

Martinez on management (17.05.2012 20:31:03)

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez explains the pressures of managing in the Premier League in a BBC Sport interview before Liverpool's approach

The mindgames of a European Cup final (17.05.2012 16:46:58)

BBC's Mark Lawrenson and Alan Hansen on how singing helped them conquer Europe, ahead of Chelsea going to Bayern Munich

Jeremy Guscott Q&A (17.05.2012 13:07:19)

Former England centre on Stuart Lancaster's tour squad, the Heineken Cup and Aviva Premiership finals

Topping England's priorities (17.05.2012 08:00:58)

Five years after making his Test debut, BBC Sport assesses the importance of England's wicketkeeper to the national side

Dalglish sacking unfair - Hansen (17.05.2012 14:42:31)

Kenny Dalglish did not get the chance he deserved at Liverpool, says former Anfield team-mate and close friend Alan Hansen

Ulster the perfect fit for Pienaar (17.05.2012 11:03:55)

Ulster scrum-half Ruan Pienaar is happy with life and rugby as the Springbok targets victory over Leinster in the Heineken Cup final.

How Chelsea can win Champions League final (17.05.2012 09:49:48)

'Keep Mario Gomez quiet and the Blues will have a good chance as Bayern Munich have little by way of alternatives'

Foreman's Olympic salvation (17.05.2012 08:47:24)

"I was a mugger and a thief on the street. The police were chasing me down. But I said to myself: 'I'm going to do something in my life'."

Armitstead & Cooke battle for superiority (17.05.2012 08:34:20)

Nicole Cooke and Lizzie Armitstead bring BBC Sport inside their fight - against each other - for Olympic road cycling gold.

Time to end medal wait - Elliott (17.05.2012 08:54:42)

Peter Elliott challenges Great Britain's male middle-distance runners to end the 24-year wait for a global championship medal at London 2012.

BBC extends Great Run coverage (17.05.2012 20:07:21)

BBC Sport extends its current deal for live broadcasting rights covering key events in the Bupa Great Run series until 2018.

Newcastle win to complete sweep (12.05.2012 19:56:44)

Newcastle Eagles complete a clean sweep of all four BBL titles by beating Leicester Riders 71-62 in the Play-Offs final

Price dreaming of Lonsdale Belt (17.05.2012 16:31:50)

David Price says beating Sam Sexton for the vacant British heavyweight crown on Saturday would be "the start of something big".

Broad is happy with performance (17.05.2012 22:27:12)

Stuart Broad is happy with England's position after day one of the first Test at Lord's as West Indies close on 243-9.

Cavendish takes Giro points lead (16.05.2012 19:13:29)

Roberto Ferrari wins the 11th stage of the Giro d'Italia as Britain's Mark Cavendish takes the lead in the points race.

Quartet battle for Premier League (17.05.2012 12:53:27)

Phil Taylor is the strong favourite to claim a sixth Premier League title at the play-offs in London on Thursday.

Wheelchair rugby team announced (15.05.2012 19:13:49)

The British Paralympic Association names six Games debutants, including one woman, in its 11-strong ParalympicGB wheelchair rugby team.

McLeish responds to Villa sacking (17.05.2012 17:41:29)

Sacked Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish offers a response to his departure as owner Randy Lerner starts seeking his replacement.

Webber column: Williams win 'unreal' (16.05.2012 10:37:41)

Red Bull's Aussie charger on his former boss Frank Williams's birthday win in Barcelona, and the "incredible" Premier League season.

US golf fans 'less knowledgeable' (17.05.2012 13:12:21)

Colin Montgomerie says golf fans in the United States are "not as knowledgeable" as their British counterparts.

Hannah Whelan lifts double bronze (13.05.2012 17:27:13)

Hannah Whelan wins two bronze medals at the 2012 European Championships, as Romania dominate the tournament.

VIDEO: Player's guide to 2012 hockey arena (10.05.2012 08:22:06)

Great Britain's Richard Alexander takes you on a tour of the London 2012 Olympic hockey arena.

Frankel ready for Lockinge Stakes (17.05.2012 13:23:01)

Frankel is poised to make his season debut in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury, having been declared ready after an injury concern.

Seeley and Farquhar earn NW wins (17.05.2012 21:16:15)

Alastair Seeley and Ryan Farquhar clinch popular home wins as Thursday night racing takes place at the North West 200.

No pressure to pick Beckham - Coe (17.05.2012 10:35:47)

London 2012 chairman dismisses suggestions that Team GB football coach Stuart Pearce is being asked to pick David Beckham.

Dates set for Challenge Cup semis (17.05.2012 18:56:39)

Wigan Warriors will meet Leeds Rhinos in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup - a repeat of last year's final at Wembley.

Pressure on for Oz - Priestland (17.05.2012 08:35:17)

Fly-half Rhys Priestland says there is "added pressure" on Wales to take a southern hemisphere scalp by beating Australia.

Snooker needs O'Sullivan - Hendry (08.05.2012 08:06:57)

Stephen Hendry warns snooker chief Barry Hearn that the sport without world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan would be far less attractive.

Norwegian swimming champion dies (01.05.2012 17:57:28)

Norway's world swimming champion Alexander Dale Oen dies suddenly in the US, aged 26, the country's swimming federation says.

Federer and Nadal through in Rome (17.05.2012 08:15:47)

Roger Federer beats Carlos Berlocq to reach the third round of the Italian Open, where he is joined by Rafael Nadal.

GB Bobsleigh recruits new coach (15.05.2012 17:37:03)

British Bobsleigh appoints former Swiss national coach Dominik Scherrer for 2014 Winter Olympic campaign.

Mallinder signs new Saints deal (17.05.2012 14:24:02)

Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder signs a new contract to extend his stay at Franklin's Gardens until 2015.

Green positive on Hampden talks (17.05.2012 18:28:10)

Charles Green says his meeting with Scotland's football authorities over Rangers' future was "productive".

Liverpool too 'early' for Rodgers (17.05.2012 17:25:16)

World Cup winner Marcel Desailly says Brendan Rodgers should stay with Swansea City rather than be tempted to join Liverpool.

'Jealous' Trimble wants cup glory (17.05.2012 23:05:05)

Andrew Trimble wants Ulster's "third-choice" Irish province status to end with victory over Leinster in the Heineken Cup final.

Formula 1 gossip column (17.05.2012 12:07:47)

A selection of gossip and stories from around F1