An independent enquiry into the United Kingdom’s asylum system has launched 'Citizens Speak', described by campaigners as the the biggest ever consultation with ordinary citizens on how asylum seekers should be treated.

Following protests from civic, human rights and church groups, Israel has said that it will allow some fuel and medicine into the Gaza Strip - but only for one day. Its blockade has contributed to a large humanitarian crisis.

Lambeth Palace, HQ of the Archbishop of Canterbury, has issued a strongly worded statement in response to media reports that a number of Anglican church services in Harare have been disrupted by Zimbabwean state officials.

Supporters of Brian Haw, the Christian peace protestor whose long-running Westminster vigil against the Iraq war led to the government banning demonstrations in the vicinity, have expressed outrage at his arrest yesterday.