| Q&A: The Lisbon Treaty Key questions answered on the EU's reform treaty, which is in trouble after Irish voters rejected it last June.  Growing optimism among small firms The BBC News website is tracking 10 small businesses from across the UK to see how they are being affected by the economic downturn. Here are their thoughts for May. Glass firms' row in appeal courts One of the largest glass factories in Europe takes a major rival to the Court of Appeal over a planning row. PSNI cutbacks 'must be examined' The size of the police service in Northern Ireland is no longer sustainable, says the chairman of the Policing Board. Sweden gears up for EU challenges Tackling the economic crisis and climate change are Sweden's top priorities as it assumes the EU presidency. Tories on fringes of EU - Brown Gordon Brown accuses the Conservatives of being "on the fringes" of Europe as he and David Cameron clash over EU policy. Teens charged over racist attacks Two boys aged 15 and 16 have been charged in connection with the intimidation of Romanian families in south Belfast. EU agrees Irish treaty compromise EU leaders agree to guarantees to enable the Lisbon Treaty to win a "Yes" vote in a second Irish referendum. Key details: MP expenses claims A summary of expenses claims made by MPs over the past few years, as published by the Daily Telegraph. EU summit: Main issues The Lisbon Treaty and beefing up financial regulation top the agenda at the EU summit in Brussels. News Wizard |