The chancellor unveils his pre-budget report today – but Alistair Darling and the government are also preparing to increase the pressure for a tax on financial transactions.
The Observer's economics editor, Heather Stewart, says a growing number of politicians around the world would also like to see such a levy.
Foreign affairs specialist Simon Tisdall has just returned from Afghanistan, where he says there's little sign of peace despite hopes that Barack Obama's strategy will bring change.
The British Museum says it will consider a request from Egypt to borrow the treasured Rosetta Stone on loan. Maev Kennedy reports.
Education correspondent Jessica Shepherd explains how schools are bending the rules to get the brightest pupils, according to research by the London School of Economics.
The mayor of Swindon, David Wren, gives his reaction to the news that his town is to be the first in the world to be twinned with Disney World in Florida.
