The resignation of an advisor who accused the Ministry of Defence of “ignoring its own advisory group” has called into question the future of a project aimed at dismantling nuclear submarines in central Plymouth.

The arms trade is undermining democracy in countries around the globe, according to Andrew Feinstein, a former MP in South Africa, who was nicknamed “Mr Clean” by the media for his determination to investigate corruption.

Nine Methodist Church leaders appeared in court in Fiji yesterday, pleading not guilty to charges of breaching Public Emergency Regulations. They have been released on bail but are forbidden to preach, speak in public or meet with each other.

Look out for a major convention on ‘Real Change’ in the near future, with input from civic groups (including churches) and a manifesto for wide-ranging reform, says Simon Barrow.

“Reform so as to preserve” is still the mantra of the political elite in Britain. But civil society organisations, faith groups, politicians and ordinary people can help change the agenda, says Simon Barrow.

A statement about electoral reforms made by Gordon Brown yesterday, which could include the end to the first-past-the post voting system in general elections, has been given a cautious welcome by democracy campaigners who also expressed concern.

Unlock Democracy, the bi-partisan campaign for political and constitutional reform, says that Gordon Brown's gestures towards changes in the voting system are "a textbook example of how not to do electoral reform."

Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-Kiun has urged China to change its stance on the crackdown 20 years ago against peaceful protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Today is the 20th anniversary of the crackdown.