Weekend round-up August 31

In the papers

The Sunday Times

Labour in turmoil over Darling gaffe

Thegovernment was plunged into turmoil after chancellor Alistair Darlingsaid Britain was facing "arguably the worst" economic slump in 60 years.

Navy loses ships as Brown cuts budget

The government is planning further cuts to the Royal Navy after deciding that terrorism is the only serious threat to Britain.

Fees to rise in shake-up of childcare

Familieswill be hit by increased childcare costs under government plans toencourage nursery staff to study for a degree-style qualification.

The Sunday Telegraph

Dispatch Box vandal is caught in the act

The prime minister has been identified as the man responsible for covering the government dispatch box in black pen marks.

One prisoner in 11 is armed forces veteran

One in 11 prisoners is a former serviceman, according to prison staff union Napo.

The Observer

Russia will not hold us to ransom - Brown

Inan article for the paper, the prime minister warns that the West willnot be held for ransom by Russia using its vast supplies of oil and gas.

Cabinet split over homeowner help

Downing Street and the Treasury are locked in last-minute tussles over a rescue plan for the housing market.

The Independent on Sunday

Brown aide goes amid new turmoil in cabinet

Stephen Carter, the prime minister's strategist, is to leave after a bitter turf war inside Downing Street.

The Mail on Sunday

Darling fury at Brown's £40bn state loan plan

A row over a £40bn plan for state-backed mortgages has fuelled the bitter feud between Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling.

Gordon and I are both at the helm, claims Miliband

David Miliband appears to taunt Gordon Brown by suggesting they are now joint leaders of the government.

News of the World

PM minutes from death

Terrorists tried to kill Gordon Brown during his visit to Afghanistan last week.

On TV

The Andrew Marr Show

Brown and Darling united over economic outlook, says Straw

Labouris best placed to see Britain through the current economic downturn,and the chancellor and prime minister agree over the UK's outlook, JackStraw said.

PM 'should campaign in Glenrothes'

The prime minister should campaign in the Glenrothes by-election, said Sir Menzies Campbell.

On the blogs

Guidois cautious about the IoS story suggesting chief strategist StephenCarter is leaving Number 10, because it "smacks of wishful thinking bysome in the Brown bunker".

MP Tom Harris rounds up his recess.

Alistair Darling must now resign, says Cicero