London 2012 Olympics tickets set to be a sell-out

The London 2012 Olympics looks set to be a sell-out, chief executive Paul Deighton has suggested. More than 3.5 million tickets have been sold so far across all sports, of 6.6 million available in total.

IT rip-offs

The British government’s over-reliance on large contractors for information technology needs combined with a lack of in-house skills is a “recipe for rip-offs” according to a study by the Public Administration Select Committee.

Hundreds suspended

Almost 900 children are suspended from school every day for attacking or verbally abusing their teachers and classmates, new figures show. Thirteen pupils are permanently expelled every day for these reasons.

Sensitive information

Burglars have stolen a memory stick containing sensitive information about police operations during a break-in at the home of a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer. The force dedicated a team to recovering it.

Movie giants

A lawsuit initiated by all members of the Motion Picture Association of America has forced BT to impede customer access to the Newzbin2 website, accused of “flagrant” copyright infringement.

Not neighbourly

One in 20 householders has been forced to move because of a feud with a neighbour, according to new research by life assistance company CPP. Home and garden maintenance issues topped the list of arguments.

Ridiculous rules

The UK Government is to scrap a raft of “ridiculous” business regulations including alcohol licences to sell chocolate liqueurs and age limits on buying Christmas crackers. Rules around the safety of pencils and prams will also be abolished.

Abuse allegations

Allegations of abuse of children and young people received by the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales rose last year, according to a report from the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission.