What checks and balances are there on our ultimate nuclear deterrent, and who has the right to order a nuclear attack? BBC Radio 4's "The Human Button" was given access to our nuclear infrastructure to answer these questions.

The BBC's Paul Reynolds looks at the prospects for President-elect Obama's foreign policy team under Hillary Clinton.

The UK's Climate Change Bill could cost each family in the UK up to £10,000, warns Conservative MP Peter Lilley.

Standard Chartered announces plans to raise £1.78bn through a share issue, as it tries to strengthen its balance sheet.

New rural building rules balance the needs of rural dwellers and protecting the countryside, the environment minister says.

The European Space Agency must balance ambition against limited funds as it plans its programme for the years ahead.

Nottingham City Council is aiming to balance it budget despite a projected overspend of £6.6m.

"The whole balance of the England team needs to be reviewed"

How Man City's array of attackers can leave them exposed at the back

World powers hope to come up with new action to tackle the global financial crisis when they meet for a summit in Washington at the weekend.

BBC News Home editor Mark Easton looks at the balance to be struck for social services between protecting a child and keeping the family together.

The father of a fireman killed on duty calls for a re-think on community training which uses firefighters on active duty.

Three races in the US Senate are still hanging in the balance, after the Democrats made big gains in both houses of Congress.

The colourful world of coral reefs is under threat as oceans absorb greater quantities of carbon, but not all hope is lost.

Ireland batsman Alex Cusack hit 95 to leave the the Intercontinental Cup final against Namibia finely balanced after day two in in Port Elizabeth.

MPs accuse police of using aggressive tactics against protestors at a climate change camp in Kent.

The BBC's Paul Reynolds looks at how civil liberties in Western democracies have been under pressure since the 2001 terror attacks on the United States

Will the financial crisis hasten the end of the dollar as the world's reserve currency?

The International Monetary Fund says Pakistan has asked for help in dealing with a looming balance of payments crisis.

Talks get under way between the International Monetary Fund and Pakistan, which faces a serious balance of payments crisis.