P.M. has also pledged support to fund to protect schools.

Four day conference a rare opportunity to grab attention of electorate.

Assad said that his country "will defend itself against any aggression," signaling defiance to mounting Western warnings.

A statement from P.M. David Cameron's office said Britain would seek a measure "authorizing necessary measures to protect civilians." Military force is one of the options that can be authorized.
- U.N. envoy to Syria says chemical 'substance' used (AP)

P.M.'s office said nation mulling "proportionate" to deter Assad from future chemical weapons use.

960 billion euro budget overcomes a dispute between Britain and France.

The British government's emergency committee is set to meet Thursday after two attackers butchered a man in a brutal daylight attack in London that raised fears terrorism had returned to the capital.

Denounces targeting of conservative political groups by federal tax collectors, denies a cover-up of last year's attack on the U.S. mission in Benghazi.

Queen to announce measures at State Opening of Parliament.