According to the BBC, the relatively new investment company will bid for 632 Lloyds branches.

The European Commission has announced its proposal to impose a financial transaction tax on all EU member states.

Well-known faces from around the BBC including Andrew Marr and John Humphrys have criticised the broadcaster for suggesting that the terms "BC" or "AD" should not be used in order to avoid causing offence.

Figures show that Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation has risen from 4.4 per cent in July to 4.5 per cent in August.