A referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union cleared its first hurdle in the House of Lords today.

The Bill was given an unopposed second reading after a lengthy seven-hour debate in the Lords, in which more than 60 peers spoke.

Meanwhile, a police officer who falsely claimed to have witnessed the Plebgate row involving then-chief whip Andrew Mitchell has pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey.

And, the percentage of people seen within four hours of arriving at A&E is at its lowest level since April, according to new figures.

Data for England shows 94.3% of patients were seen within four hours in the week ending January 5 - against a national target of 95%.