The News Matrix: Tuesday 14 January 2014

UK yet to harness full female potential

Women’s talents continue to be underused in the workplace to the detriment of the UK economy, according to a new study. Discrimination, caring responsibilities and lack of self-confidence mean that many well-qualified women are under-promoted and underpaid, said a visiting professor at London University’s Institute of Education.

Taxi firm reverses wheelchair policy

A taxi company has reversed its decision to stop picking up people in wheelchairs. Boro Taxis, Teesside’s biggest cab company, said it could no longer afford to transport disabled passengers, but changed its policy after an outcry and calls to boycott the firm.

Pope Francis calls abortion ‘horrific’

The Pope has gone against his liberal reputation by calling abortion “horrific” and part of a “throwaway culture” in many parts of the world. The Pope was addressing diplomats accredited to the Vatican, a speech known as his “State of the World” address.

DJ Travis in court over sex charges

The trial of Dave Lee Travis, who is accused of 13 counts of indecent assault and one of sexual assault, is due to start today. The 68-year-old DJ will appear at Southwark Crown Court to face the allegations of indecent assault, and one of sexual assault in 2003. He denies all charges.

Nine women get womb transplants

Nine women have successfully received transplanted wombs donated from relatives in an experimental procedure to allow them to give birth to their own children. The women will soon try to become pregnant, the doctor in charge of the pioneering project said.

This law shall not pass, says McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen has helped organise an open letter from 27 Nobel laureates calling on Vladimir Putin to repeal homophobic legislation. Signatories include author JM Coetzee and chemist Sir Harry Kroto. MORE

Troops ordered on to streets of capital

Central African Republic’s new interim leader has ordered the deployment of hundreds more troops in the capital Bangui, with instructions to shoot troublemakers in a bid to end months of religious violence. Fighting has persisted since the resignation of president Michel Djotodia last Friday.

April Jones killer abandons appeal

The man convicted of the murder of five-year-old April Jones has abandoned his application for permission to appeal against his whole-life tariff. Mark Bridger was sentenced in May last year for April’s abduction and murder, but the little girl’s body has never been found.