Best of BBC news

Robert Peston on biggest firms in UK feeling cross

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague accuses China and Russia of "betraying the Syrian people" by vetoing a UN resolution condemning violence there.

Criticism of a charity facing allegations of financial irregularity is racially motivated, its chair suggests.

Network Rail bosses, including chief executive Sir David Higgins, say they will not accept bonuses this year amid growing political pressure.

The former first minister and leader of the DUP, Ian Paisley, has been admitted to hospital.

The 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens's birth has prompted Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt to get his cabinet colleagues in the mood to celebrate one of Britain's greatest writers.

Parents seem to want boys in co-educational schools but reckon girls do better in single-sex establishments.

Rail expert Christian Wolmar says Network Rail is "a very strange beast" as he is asked to explain the conflicting claims over the transport secretary's influence over the body.

The shadow transport secretary says Justine Greening can veto bonuses for bosses at Network Rail, and "has more of an influence than she is letting on - and she should use it".

Simon Thomas pulls out of the Plaid Cymru leadership election and throws his support behind Ceredigion Assembly Member Elin Jones.

Prime Minister David Cameron praises the "magnificent service" given by the Queen, as she celebrates 60 years on the throne.

Scottish firms are being "locked out" of public procurement contracts worth hundreds of millions of pounds, a think-tank claims.

Campaigners for a referendum on the UK's membership of the EU say they will stage the first of a series of public polls on the issue in Essex.

Council leaders in the East Midlands warn of 'unsustainable' costs of residential care for the elderly.

The Transport Secretary is to vote against bonuses for top Network Rail executives at the firm's annual meeting on Friday.

The Church of England's General Synod will debate gay marriages after 100 priests have signed a letter demanding the right to conduct them in their churches.

MP John Mann suggests eight government departments should move out of Whitehall and relocate to the North, Midlands and South West of England.

BBC Parliament: How the Queen can influence policy

David Miliband says his brother Ed will lead Labour into the next election and is the "best man" to do so.

David Miliband has defended his political activity against accusations that it undermines his brother, Labour leader Ed Miliband.