Human rights activists criticise US pop singer Jennifer Lopez for singing Happy Birthday to the leader of Turkmenistan, who has been accused of leading a repressive regime.

The Church of England calls for an independent investigation into allegations the police tried to smear the family of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence.

David Cameron says the government will bring forward proposals for a transferable tax allowance for married couples and civil partners "shortly".

Croatia becomes the 28th member of the European Union after a decade of negotiations, with thousands joining celebrations across the country.

Mark Carney officially takes over as head of the UK's central bank, replacing Sir Mervyn King as governor of the Bank of England.

Payday lenders fail to live up to the "spirit or the letter" of codes they signed up to last year, consumer minister Jo Swinson says ahead of a summit.

Police officers should have to abide by a new code of ethics and those who commit serious misconduct should have their pensions docked, MPs say.

Fred scores twice either side of a Neymar strike as Brazil beat Spain to win their third straight Confederations Cup.