U.K. News - AFP

LONDON (AFP) - European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet said banks should avoid paying "unwarranted bonuses" to staff, urging them instead to build up their capital reserves, in a speech here on Friday. Full Story »

LISBON (AFP) - A libel trial against a policeman in Portugal who claimed missing British girl Madeleine McCann was dead and that her parents could have hidden the corpse opened on Friday but was immediately postponed. Full Story »

LONDON (AFP) - More drivers are using hand-held mobile phones than before tougher penalties were brought in two years ago, a survey suggested on Friday. Full Story »

LONDON (AFP) - Britain would have backed the invasion of Iraq even if it had been known that Saddam Hussein had no weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), former premier Tony Blair said Saturday. Full Story »

LONDON (AFP) - The benchmark FTSE 100 index crept up for the second successive day on Friday as investors shrugged off Greece's debt woes, traders said. Full Story »

EAST LONDON (AFP) - England captain Andrew Strauss cruised to a century and Kevin Pietersen played himself into form on the first day of the touring team's two-day match against a South African Invitation XI at Buffalo Park on Friday. Full Story »

LONDON (AFP) - Liverpool started this season with hopes of winning their first English title since 1990; they face Arsenal on Sunday desperate to maintain their bid for a top four finish. Full Story »

GLASGOW (AFP) - Italian coach Nevio Scala revealed on Friday that he has applied for the vacant Scotland job. Full Story »

TELFORD, England (AFP) - China's Ding Junhui reached the UK Championship final after ousting world number two Stephen Maguire 9-5 in their semi-final meeting on Friday. Full Story »

LONDON (AFP) - Pop legend Elton John is to sell off thousands articles of his clothing, including outrageous outfits from his concerts, in a London shop beginning on Saturday as part of a charity fundraiser. Full Story »