News round-up

Royals meddle in making laws

The Queen and Prince Charles have directly interfered in at least 39 bills to parliament.

They can consent to, or block, laws. The queen directly vetoed a change to the rules on declaring war.

The government had tried to keep her meddling secret.

Ambulances stuck in queue

Patients had to wait in ambulances outside stretched A&Es last week.

James Cook University hospital in South Tees was built for 60,000 cases per year. It now has 105,000.

London ambulance staff who take 999 calls are now to get £250 if they can send people to GPs or NHS Direct.

Factory lathe kills apprentice

A teenage apprentice was killed at work in Bury on Tuesday of last week.

Cameron Minshull, 16, died from head injuries after being dragged into an industrial metal lathe.

The Health and Safety Executive is investigating.

More than 1,000 people attended a vigil for Cameron on Friday of last week.

Azelle hearing set for spring

The initial hearing of the conclusions of the Azelle Rodney inquiry is due to be held this spring.

There will then be a window for legal arguments.

Azelle was shot dead by armed police in 2005.