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News headlines at 04:56

Alcohol prices 'could rise by 10%'
Alcohol prices could rise by 10% next year because of tax increases, the head of a major brewer has said.

Bank outlines plans to rein in risk
The Bank of England has outlined plans for "top-up" charges to boost bank balance sheets, as it sought to add the "missing ingredient" to financial regulation.

Supermarket deals worse than 2008's
Supermarkets are giving customers more money-off deals in the run-up to Christmas but they offer smaller savings than last year, research has suggested.

More rain due in floods chaos area
The emergency services are braced for more heavy rain after England's wettest day on record claimed the life of a "heroic" policeman and left thousands of others counting the cost of flooded homes and businesses.

Children in Need total hits £20.3m
The BBC Children in Need appeal total has passed the £20 million mark after a galaxy of stars turned out for the television extravaganza.

Fearful pirate-held pair in TV plea
The British couple kidnapped by Somali pirates have spoken on camera for the first time to warn that their captors are "losing patience" and could kill them within a week.

Over 300,000 homes standing empty
The number of empty homes in England reached its highest level for five years during 2008.

Police 'should visit crime victims'
Every victim of crime should be visited by the police, irrespective of how serious the offence, Home Secretary Alan Johnson has indicated.

TV show Jordan must eat jungle bugs
Katie Price is gearing up for yet another Bushtucker Trial on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! - but this time she will be partnered by a fellow contestant.

'No need' to keep troops in Germany
British troops could be withdrawn from Germany for good, nearly 70 years after the end of the Second World War, if the Conservatives win the general election.