Reuters British troops to depart Helmand town Financial Times British troops will hand control of the largest town in northern Helmand to US forces next month, a move that will allow soldiers to be redeployed to the centre of the province. … British troops hand over control of key Afghan town to US The Guardian British troops to hand over Musa Qala to Americans Times Online UK forces to hand control of Musa Qala to US troops BBC News The Press Association

Reuters British troops hand over control of key Afghan town to US The Guardian British soldiers on a joint foot patrol with US Marines in Musa Qala, in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Photograph: Omar Sobhani/Reuters Control of a key town in southern Afghanistan, twice captured by British troops and where 23 were killed, … British troops to hand over Musa Qala to Americans Times Online UK forces to hand control of Musa Qala to US troops BBC News Part of Helmand to be handed to US The Press Association This is London

This is London Northumbria and Cleveland Police top HMIC review BBC News Two of the North East's police forces are among the top performers in England and Wales, according to a new review. Northumbria and Cleveland Police were both rated “good” in the three categories set by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC). … Police failing to visit 1 in 4 anti-social behaviour victims Daily Mail Police “failing” victims of antisocial behaviour Reuters UK One in four reports of anti social behaviour ignored Telegraph.co.uk Yorkshire Post

BBC News High speed rail plans to be unveiled by Government Telegraph.co.uk Plans to build a high speed line carrying 250mph trains, making it possible to get from London to Birmingham in 47 minutes, will be unveiled by the Government today. By David Millward, Transport Editor The blueprint to be set out by Lord Adonis, … Adonis: wartime thinking needed to build high-speed rail Public Sector Travel High-speed rail plans to be published by government BBC News New station railway station in Birmingham set for Eastside The Birmingham Post The Press Association

BBC News High-speed rail plan to be unveiled The Press Association Plans for a high-speed rail (HSR) network featuring 250mph trains will be announced by the Government. But it is likely to be 2025 at the earliest before the first section of new track – from London to Birmingham – is completed. … High-speed rail plans to be published by government BBC News Fast railway to link London, Birmingham Reuters UK High-speed rail network plans to be unveiled The Guardian Independent

BBC News High-speed rail plans to be published by government BBC News Plans for a new high-speed rail network, featuring 250mph trains, will be published by the government later. A White Paper will recommend a route for a new line between London and Birmingham with a future extension to northern England and Scotland. … High-speed rail plan to be unveiled The Press Association High-speed rail network plans to be unveiled The Guardian Fast railway to link London, Birmingham Reuters UK Independent

Times Online Pay freeze for doctors, judges and senior managers but MPs get a pay rise Times Online Hospital consultants, GPs and senior civil servants were furious last night after being told that their pay would be frozen this year while MPs enjoy a 1.5 per cent rise. Gordon Brown announced pay freezes for senior public sector workers including NHS … Pay freeze for mandarins 'won't influence wider salaries' Telegraph.co.uk Civil service pay freeze is insult to hardworking staff, says union The Guardian Pay freeze for senior public sector staff 'insulting' Independent BBC News

BBC News Poisoning of ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko sparked claims BBC News Businessman Boris Berezovsky has won damages over claims by RTR, Russian state television, that he was behind the murder of former Moscow agent Alexander Litvinenko. Mr Litvinenko died in London in November 2006, having fallen violently ill after … Boris Berezovsky wins libel case over Litvinenko murder The Guardian Russian magnate wins libel case over poisoning report CNN Berezovsky wins 150000 for TV claim he was Litvinenko murderer This is London The Associated Press

Times Online Motorbike gang strike Queen's silversmith Mappin & Webb in jewellery heist Daily Mail And passers-by who witnessed this robbery in London yesterday certainly treated it like one. While self-preservation may have stopped them from intervening, they weren't too scared to stand there and enjoy the show. … Witness appeal in Queen's silversmith raid BBC News Motorbike raiders' jewellery smash and grab from the inside This is London Dramatic pictures as motorbike gang raid The Queen's jewellers Mirror.co.uk Metro

The Guardian (blog) David Cameron seeks apology over Labour 'slurs' BBC News A furious David Cameron demanded an apology from Prime Minister Gordon Brown over alleged “slurs” by Labour MPs against defence chiefs. The Labour MPs shouted “because they are Tories” as the Tory leader said the ex-military leaders had questioned Mr … BBC turned down Gordon Brown for Match of the Day 2 appearance Telegraph.co.uk Darling to deliver Budget on March 24 Reuters UK Gordon Brown stands firm in defence spending row Independent This is London