Review of biofuels

The Transport Secretary has promised to review the Government’s commitment to increasing the use of biofuels in vehicles. Responding to the publication of the Gallagher Review, Ruth Kelly accepted that the production of biofuels could worsen greenhouse gas emissions instead of easing them. She added: “We need to proceed cautiously until we can be certain that their expanded growth and use maximises the benefits and minimises the risks.”

Safer road design

Deaths and serious injuries on busy roads outside towns could be cut by a third if money were spent on simple improvements, the Campaign for Safe Road Design, a new consortium of Britain’s motoring organisations, road safety and design groups, will say today. The group believes that better road design could save 30 lives and casualties a day and £6 billion a year.

Falconer to join US firm

The former Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer of Thoroton, is to join one of the top American law firms (Frances Gibb writes). Tony Blair’s former flatmate is to become senior counsel with the global firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher with a portfolio of jobs combining the law and charitable or public sector work.

Gang get life for stabbing

Four members of a Sri Lankan gang aged between 18 and 22 who fatally stabbed Prabaskaran Kannan, 28, in South London in June last year were jailed for life by the Old Bailey.

Tindall admits drink-driving

Mike Tindall, 29, the England rugby player and partner of Zara Phillips, pleaded guilty at magistrates’ court in Reading to driving with excess drink. A full hearing will be held on October 24.

Goalkeeper threat charge

Ashley Timms, 22, a goalkeeper, has pleaded not guilty at Manchester Crown Court to demanding £15,000 with menaces from an unnamed Premier League player.

Teacher in RE row suspended

A teacher who allegedly gave a detention to two non-Muslim children who refused to kneel and “pray” to Allah as part of a religious education lesson has been suspended (Alexandra Frean writes).

Alison Phillips, head of RE at Alsager High School in Cheshire, claimed that the two year-seven boys had been disrespectful. The incident led to several complaints from parents.

Apology over test marks fiasco

Jim Knight, the Schools Minister, said he “deeply regrets” an administration fiasco that has delayed the results of school tests for 11 and 14-year-olds. The results, due today, will now not be delivered until next week, with some not expected before the start of the holidays.

Nursery guide to incipient racism

Children who reject foreign food may be showing signs of latent racism, a childcare guide suggests. Nurseries are told to watch children’s reaction to “a culinary tradition other than their own”. The guide is produced by the National Children’s Bureau.

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