In a shock development, a deal between BAE Systems and the Serious Fraud Office has been challenged by the very judge who was expected to rubber-stamp it.

A crucial court hearing involving multinational arms firm BAE Systems will be held just before Christmas, raising fears it will allow BAE to “bury bad news”.

A Catholic bishop in Romania has deplored the mass expulsion of Roma from France, and he has urged European governments to act.

Human rights workers are concerned at the number of Romany families across Romania being evicted from their homes against their will as a result of hostility, prejudice and the failure of the authorities to recognise their plight.