News round-up

Phone hacking: Brooks charged

Police have formally charged ex-News International boss Rebekah Brooks with a series of offences related to phone hacking. Six others journalists from the News of the World, including David Cameron’s former aide Andy Coulson, have also been charged.

Shaker Aamer torture probe

Detectives are to investigate an accusation that British intelligence officers were complicit in torture. Shaker Aamer is the last remaining British citizen in Guantanamo Bay. Shaker has been held without charge since 2001.

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MPs get their expense refund

Some MPs who repaid their expenses claims following the expenses scandal have had their money refunded. This includes former Tory MP for Bournemouth West Sir John Butterfill. He got £15,114.30 back—for servants’ quarters.

Workfare ruling could be costly

tens of thousands of people who have had their benefits cut on the government’s workfare scheme may be able to claim the money back. A High Court judge ruled this week that imposing benefit sanctions without giving clear information to claimants was unlawful.