Germany approves second Greek bailout

The German parliament approved the second bailout of Greece last night, backing Chancellor Angela Merkel's call to support the €130bn (£110bn) measure by 496 to 90 despite her admittance that there was "no 100 per cent guarantee" it would be a success.

The vote was also passed despite widespread scepticism among the German electorate, who know their country will have to contribute more than any other in the eurozone to the rescue. One opinion poll showed 62 per cent of voters were against it.