Gordon Brown has issued an unprecedented apology for the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) data fiasco as the Tories sought to hold him personally responsible for exposing millions of people to identity fraud.
Pressure mounted on the Prime Minister yesterday to abandon plans for a compulsory identity card scheme, which No 10 insisted would go ahead. Some ministers and Labour MPs believe the HMRC affair may force a rethink.
A startling new study by medical researchers in the United States has caused consternation among public health professionals by suggesting that, contrary to conventional wisdom, being overweight might actually be beneficial for health.
The study, published yesterday in the respected Journal of the American Medical Association, runs counter to almost all other advice to consumers by saying that carrying a little extra flab – though not too much – might help people to live longer.
http://news.independent.co.uk/health/article3138352.ece
Dear Colleague,
Imperial College London has today climbed from ninth position to fifth in the world as ranked by the Times Higher Education Supplement and I'd like to pass on my great thanks for your contributions to this success.
It caps a wonderful year for the College – in 2007 we have celebrated our Centenary, we have become an independent university awarding our own degrees, and we have recommitted ourselves, through our new Royal Charter, to the research and teaching that will improve quality of life worldwide. Throughout the year there have been numerous individual and team triumphs in every area of the College.
Today’s recognition reflects the commitment and brilliance that you demonstrate every day – it is that which makes the College a world-leading institution. I offer you my warm congratulations and look forward to many more opportunities to celebrate your achievements in the coming year.
With best wishes,
Richard Sykes
Sir Richard Sykes DSc FRS FMedSci
Rector
Imperial College London
