Britain

Political resignations

• The inevitable resignation of Andy Coulson
  

  David Cameron's chief spinner had risen to become one of his closest advisers. But his resignation, a consequence of his checkered past, will cast doubts on the Prime Minister's judgment - Blighty (8)

• • • Alan Johnson's departure is deeply wounding for Labour
    • Blighty
    • (5)
  • • Reshuffles and resignations: Now it is all about the economy
    • Bagehot's notebook
    • (5)
  • • Topic page: British politics

Education maintenance allowance

• 
  A hand-up, not a handset

  Plans to scrap a subsidy for school students have been controversial. But better prospects might keep youngsters in school more effectively than bribes (2)

• • • Topic page: Education

Business in Russia

• 
  Dancing with Mr Putin

  BP’s Russian venture offers big rewards and big risks (7)

• • • Leader: Russia is an unsavoury place; that does not make BP's deal wrong
    • (45)
  • • Debate: Should BP have gone into business with Rosneft?
  • • Ikea's Russian troubles continue
    • Economist Intelligence Unit
  • • Audio: A guide for business travellers heading to Moscow
    • (2)

Reforming public services

• 
  Where Thatcher feared to tread

  The coalition government is opening up the public services to competition and private providers to a much greater extent than any of its predecessors (12)

• • • The final frontier
    • (9)
  • • Audio: reforming the NHS
    • Multimedia
  • • Topic page: health care

Rising inflation

• 
  Another nasty surprise

  Inflation in December surged to 3.7%, a sickening figure even for those with strong stomachs. Nevertheless, there are still reasons to think the rate will begin to come down soon. - Blighty (17)

• • • Inflation and savings: A continuing disgrace
    • Buttonwood's notebook
    • (8)

Ed Miliband's defence of Labour

• 
  Sorry for everything, apart from spending too much

  Blighty: By refusing to own up to overspending in the boom years, Ed Miliband has manouvered the Labour party into an extremely unpromising position - Blighty (31)

• • • Topic page: British politics

• Also on this channel

• Rape and prostitution

  In from the cold

  Sex workers, the biggest victims of rape, are starting to report it more (2)

• Daily chart: Inflation

  Costs of living

  What is behind rising inflation? (11)

• The inflation scare

  The long blip

  Higher prices are squeezing consumers rather than sparking pay rises (4)

• School league tables

  Games lessons

  Depressingly few pupils get a proper academic education (7)