St George's Anglican Church, Venice

The EU's foreign policy chief, Lady Ashton, tells MEPs Europe has a "once in a generation opportunity" to build a powerful diplomatic service.

Gordon Brown warns of economic storms ahead but vows not to "let you down" as the date of the Budget is announced.

England bowler Graham Onions is ruled out of the first Test against Bangladesh starting on Friday with a back injury.

Key facts, figures and dates

Actor Charlie Sheen is expected to return to the set of Two and a Half Men after a spell in rehab, his publicist says.

A court case brought by the family of Rachel Corrie, a US protester killed by an Israeli army bulldozer in 2003, opens in Israel.

Indonesia's president confirms security forces have killed the last main main suspect in the 2002 Bali bombings, Dulmatin.

A Nigerian governor accuses the army of ignoring warnings of attacks, as communal tension remains high near Jos.

Doctors' leaders urge ministers to halt the development of a medical records database for patients in England.

Reoffending by thousands of criminals serving short sentences in England and Wales costs up to £10bn a year, says a report.

Northern Rock says that it made "good progress" in 2009, after reporting a sharp fall in its annual losses.

China's exports surged 46% in February, figures show, raising hopes of a strong recovery in global trade.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrives in the Afghan capital Kabul for talks with President Hamid Karzai.

A new election law formally bars pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from taking part in elections planned in Burma.

The driving test should have compulsory questions on level crossings to teach good habits in learner drivers, says Network Rail.

The earthquake in Chile may cost the global insurance industry as much as $7bn (£4.7bn), Swiss Re estimates.

A Pakistan Cricket Board committee has issued indefinite bans to former captains Mohammad Yousuf and Younus Khan for "infighting".

A former UK spy chief says she did not know US intelligence services were mistreating terror suspects until after she retired.

Unidentified gunmen attack the office of a Western aid agency, killing up to five people, police say.

The US vice-president condemns Israel's approval of 1,600 new homes in East Jerusalem, as he prepares to visit the West Bank.