There is a sense of economic crisis in Britain as the recession looms. Such crisis moments tend to re-mold "common sense" ideas, with many orthodox economic assumptions proving highly vulnerable to revision in the wake of last autumn's financial meltdown. So could Britain's determination to remain outside the eurozone be the next orthodoxy to fail? It was an idea floated in the midst of the financial crisis by Jean-Claude Juncker, the Luxembourg premier and head of the Eurogroup of finance ministers, who was reported as saying that circumstances might prompt Britain to rethink its policy. Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has since repeated the idea. Looked at in political terms, how likely does this prospect seem?

Britain's official reasons for staying out of the eurozone were set down after "New Labour" took office in 1997. When Chancellor of the Exchequer, or finance ministe ... Read more »

China — China Daily, (Apr. 4): [Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi] also highlighted China's proposed measures to reform the international financial system. In addition to enhancing regulatory cooperation, he urged international financial institutions to increase aid to developing countries. In his speech, [President Hu Jintao] stressed that the I.M.F. should strengthen supervision of currency policies. The I.M.F. and the World Bank should improve their governance by increasing representation to the developing countries, he said. China promised that it would actively contribute to increasing I.M.F. resources but stressed that the multilateral lending institution should make the expanded resources available first for developing countries. Yang said that Hu also expressed China's concern over rising trade protectionism during a time of crisis, and called upon all countries to re ... Read more »

Scotland Yard has warned that there may be further violence in London as world leaders meet for the G20 summit.

Anti-capitalist protesters play a giant game of Monopoly near the Stock Exchange

The talks between world leaders are taking place at the Excel Centre in London's Docklands, which is set to be the focus of demonstrations.

Further protests are also expected at the London Stock Exchange and other locations in the City.

Protesters' timetable of disruption on Thursday April 2:

:: Early hours: G20 Meltdown said it was planning to bang on hotel doors ... Read more »

The Government has dismissed a report in a German magazine that suggests it plans to push for G20 nations to back a $2tr (£1.4tr) global stimulus package.

The Excel Conference Centre in East London, which will host the summit

The report in Der Spiegel quoted a draft G20 communique where the $2tr figure appeared in brackets.

It claims the document is a Government proposal to push for the mammoth stimulus package at the global economic summit in London next week.

But it adds the plans are not approved by the broader ... Read more »

Brazil's President, while meeting Gordon Brown, has said the global financial crisis was caused by "white people with blue eyes".

Gordon Brown with Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula Da Silva

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made the comments after talks with the Prime Minister to try to forge a global consensus on how to save the worldwide economy.

Sky News' Joey Jones said it was an "uncomfortable" moment for Mr Brown.

"The President does not mind using fairly flamboyant language. He likes to give extensive answers to journalists.

"But some of it was rather awkward for the ... Read more »

The Home Secretary is embroiled in a new expenses row after reports that a claim was put through for two adult films ordered at her home.

Ms Smith is said to be 'furious with her husband'

Jacqui Smith has apologised, saying in a statement that the claim had been a mistake and the money would be repaid.

According to Sky sources, Mrs Smith is said to be furious that it was ever submitted.

The row centres on a £67 bill for television services claimed under her Commons expenses last June.

Insurance giant Legal & General is to cut around 10% of its life and pensions workforce this year.

Legal & General has reported a £1.5bn annual loss

The move came after the company reported a £1.5bn annual loss.

L&G said the UK job cuts - out of a 6,500-strong division - would mirror similar levels last year, when it cut its headcount by 10%.

It said the figure included 450 job losses announced last month.

L&G is cutting costs as it battles against the recession and stock market turmoil, wh ... Read more »

The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose unexpectedly from 3% in January.

It was driven largely by a rise in food and drink prices which are soaring as retailers look to offset higher import costs from the weak pound, according to the Office for National Statistics.

It had been predicted that Britain would plunge into deflation for the first time in 50 years - a move that would damage the economy in the long-term.

Troubled vanmaker LDV "needs Government money to survive" before any takeover deal can be agreed, Sky sources have said.

Jobs at the LDV factory are under threat

Two overseas companies have approached Lord Mandelson's business department (Berr) about investing in the Birmingham-based firm.

The potential investors are being contacted by the Government to confirm their level of interest, a Berr spokesman said.

"We understand that the management buyout is no longer an option. It has not been approved by parent company, Gaz," he said.

"LDV has also now told us it has been approached by tw ... Read more »

HARARE, Zimbabwe (CNN) -- Zimbabwe's prime minister believes the truck driver that struck his car and killed his wife deliberately drove toward him, his party told CNN Saturday.