Other News In Brief

The Rolling Stones Celebrate 50th Anniversary

The Rolling Stones returned to the stage in London on Sunday night to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood were joined by their original bass player Bill Wyman at the 02 Arena.

This was the first of five concerts.

Guest stars included Mick Taylor who played lead guitar on Midnight Rambler.

Funding Announced To Boost Empty Homes

Don Foster has announced the opening of bidding for a share of £300 million.

The funding will bring thousands of additional empty homes back into use across England.

The communities minister pledged to “stop the rot” that empty homes can bring to blighted neighbourhoods and said that he “wants to go much further” in tackling the problem.

Under the scheme 5,000 empty, and in many cases derelict, properties will be refurbished and put back onto the market over the next 3 years.

Govt Fails To Deliver Infrastucture Investment We Need - Reeves

Rachel Reeves MP, Labour's shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, has responded to a report from the British Chambers of Commerce showing that just 3 out of 13 transport projects identified by the government as crucial to economic growth have been given the go ahead.

She said: "This report is further evidence of the government's failure to deliver the infrastructure investment we need to create jobs and growth and strengthen our economy for the future. This dithering, delay and lack of leadership in the Treasury has led to widespread uncertainty for investors.

"Alongside this, steep cuts to public investment and a collapse in private sector confidence has led to a sharp contraction in the construction sector. As part of our growth plan Labour would bring forward infrastructure projects now to kick-start our flatlining economy. The government should listen and end its complacent attitude now."

(CD)