Why the refutenik MPs are wrong

Our Pedant column on a topical example of how mixing up the verbs to deny, rebut and refute can be misleading

Alastair Campbell: just another sob story

Alastair Campbell is only the latest politico to be caught blinking back tears on TV. But can we really pity a lachrymose leader?

1,000-strong force to help in trouble spots

Gordon Brown says experts from the Civilian Stabilisation Group will respond to crises in countries such as Afghanistan and Haiti

Sikhs can wear kirpan in school, says judge

Sir Mota Singh, QC, says that young Sikhs should not be barred from wearing a small blade as a religious token

Three more Ulster terror groups disarm

Hours before a Government amnesty expired, three Ulster terror groups claim that their weapons have been put beyond use

Straw grilled on 'secret calls' to Powell

Former Foreign Secretary asked by Iraq inquiry whether US told him it would go to war regardless of Saddam's compliance

IN DEPTH: lonely life without the party whip

The Labour MPs who were "administratively suspended" from their party will feel like lepers until the general election

ANALYSIS: blame him, not me

The Conservative leader wants to throw the spotlight back on Labour after an uncomfortable fortnight for the Tories

Labour axes three MPs facing expenses trial

David Chaytor, Elliot Morley and Jim Devine cast out amid row over claiming parliamentary privilege to avoid charges

Brown calls in Obama team for TV debate help

All parties are studying US presidential contests as they prepare for series of confrontations new to British politics

MP claims he was told he could move cash

Labour has started an internal investigation after claims from one of the three MPs charged with theft over his expenses

Plan for £200 levy on convicted defendants

Minor motoring offences and fixed penalties would be exempt, but the charge would still apply to those on benefits

Budget set for late March suggests May 6 poll

Labour give their clearest signs yet of date for a general election that will be dominated by the economy

Jack Straw returns to Iraq Inquiry

As Alastair Campbell clashes with Andrew Marr over the Iraq war, former foreign secretary will be pressed over advice

Cameron in personal attack on Brown

Tory leader calls the Prime Minister ‘shameless defender of the old elite’ as Conservative poster campaign fails

Gordon Brown admits the Granita Pact existed

PM confirms for first time that Tony Blair promised to hand over power, and pair fought bitterly when he broke his word

Home Secretary's fury as expenses MPs claim privilege

Alan Johnson lambasts prospect of three MPs evading trial for fiddling expenses while receiving golden handshakes

The shape of wars to come

The next government faces the crucial task of reshaping our defence forces with limited funds. What are the options?