A central London branch of Barclay's Bank was closed early after Christians concerned about economic injustice planned to hold an act of worship there.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has sparked sharp criticism with his defence of his government's role in selling arms to the Middle East.

Methodists and Quakers have criticised government plans for minimum pricing of alcoholic drinks, insisting they will do little to tackle alcohol-related problems.

In a new year message, Green Party Leader Caroline Lucas has said that “politics does not have to be a straight choice between power and principles”.