An inquiry was ordered into an incident in March when London narrowly escaped being flooded. The Thames Barrier was nearly breached in a storm surge that led to 35 deaths along the East Anglian coast. The barrier was built in the 1980s to withstand the surges that occur once every 200 years, but a rise in sea levels caused by global warming means it can no longer offer this degree of protection. MH
Radical educational reforms are to take place in England and Wales. From next year, education will be free to everyone under 25, and the age limit is likely to be raised within a few years. Funding of education has increased dramatically following the success of the Education Reform Act of 2035, which has put Britain at the forefront of educational provision. PF
English is now the first language for 70% of the global population. But French officials at the world parliament are refusing to follow suit and have called for the proceedings to be conducted in a different language each month. 'We are tired of the assumption that English should be the only world language,' said one French member. PR
Forget your toothbrush! Snapper Clene, a new drink from pharmatech giant O2D2, counteracts the protein pellicle that feeds bacteria and causes decay. Jennifer Goulden, of Dentics clinics, said: 'Kids won't recognise a toothbrush soon.' RD
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