Automatic planning permission would be granted on many brownfield sites in England in an attempt to boost economic productivity, under government plans.

Smoking may play a direct role in the development of schizophrenia, researchers suggest.

Saudi Arabia's Prince Saud al-Faisal, until recently the world's longest-serving foreign minister, dies aged 75.

Tens of thousands of commuters are again facing severe disruption on First Great Western (FGW) trains, as a 48-hour strike enters its second day.

Greek MPs are to vote on tough new proposals that PM Alexis Tsipras hopes will secure a vital third bailout and stave off exit from the eurozone.

Comedian Freddie Starr loses his defamation claim at the High Court against Karin Ward, who said he groped her when she was 15.

German police arrest an 18-year-old man suspected of shooting dead two people and firing at two others in Bavaria.

Travellers needing to hire a car while abroad will now have three weeks to share extra driving licence details with hire companies instead of three days.