Gordon Brown has given his support for maintaining Britain as a nuclear power, angering some on the Labour left. Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Nick Harvey said "We are rushing headlong into a decision on nuclear weapons which should be considered over a much longer timescale."
Voting is under way in the by-elections triggered by the premature deaths of MPs Peter Law and Eric Forth. The South Wales seat of Blaenau Gwent is up for grabs after independent MP Mr Law died from a brain tumour in April. The Conservative MP for Bromley and Chislehurst died of cancer last month, prompting a by-election. Polling stations opened at 0700 BST and are due to close at 2200 BST with the results expected to be declared for both contests early on Friday morning.
A number of residents of the Grasmere Gardens area have contacted the Lib Dem team about serious issues arising from the construction of the new academy adjacent to the Channel School.
Pensioners on the Saffron Estate have won their campaign to get the City Council to install a back exit to their bungalows.
Charles Clarke has said the Labour Government is lacking leadership and direction because Tony Blair has lost his sense of purpose. The former Home Secretary has spoken of the Government becoming becalmed and in an attack on his successor John Reid said Mr Blair's decision to sack him has stalled Home Office reform.
Local Tories are down to a shortlist of 5 candidates from across the country as they choose their candidate to contest the Folkestone and Hythe seat at the next General Election. In a blow to the hopes of many local Conservatives, the shortlist contains NO local names.
