Image copyright Northumbria Police Image caption A picture of the armed officers posted on social media attracted thousands of comments As two policemen with machine-guns were photographed smiling for the camera at a Christmas market in Newcastle, BBC News questions whether armed officers on the streets reassure people, or make …

Image copyright Sunday Times/News Syndication Newspaper headlines about rows within political parties are nothing new – but this one seems to have been sparked by a pair of leather trousers. Here’s how it all unfolded. It’s just over a fortnight since Theresa May gave an “at home” interview to the …

The critically acclaimed Planet Earth II came to its stunning conclusion on Sunday night on BBC One. The David Attenborough series ventured around the world, from Jungles and Islands to Mountains and Cities, giving an unprecedented view of how animals survive the challenges of these habitats on earth. The documentary …

Far-right radicalisation is regarded as a growing problem by the authorities. Indeed, in some areas, it is now number one on the list of ideologies for those fighting extremism. National Action, formed in 2013, will be the first extreme right-wing group to be banned in the UK. It will join …

Image caption The Times reported that the prime minister will back plans to increase council tax to cover social care This is, the Times declares, “no country for the old… the state of social care in Britain is a disgrace”. Backing up an investigation into the problems facing care homes …

Image copyright BNPS Image caption Dickie Borthwick started playing football in 1947 when he was 12 An 81-year-old footballer – believed to be the UK’s oldest – is looking for a new club to sign him up. Dickie Borthwick, from Weymouth, Dorset, started playing football in 1947 when he was …

Image copyright Antony Wren Image caption The sender of the card only knew the intended recipients lived “somewhere near the sea in Suffolk” A couple say they were “amazed” to receive a Christmas card where the only address details on the envelope were “somewhere near the sea in Suffolk”. Antony …

Britain’s most-watched news channel, delivering breaking news and analysis all day, every day. The BBC News Channel is available in the UK only. Don’t forget, if you watch TV online as it’s being broadcast, you need a TV Licence. You can send comments and pictures to the BBC News Channel …

The official edited transcript of what goes on in Parliament is published daily and details both the momentous occasions and the quieter moments in the Commons. Daily Politics reporter Ellie Price met some of the Hansard team – Vivien Wilson, Helen Lowe and Jack Homer – who hear, and publish, …

With concern about the decline of bees in the UK, the University of London has created an oasis for the insects on a rooftop.