The Queensland parliament has voted to recognise civil unions for same-sex couples. The legislation narrowly passed during a late night sitting of parliament. It follows similar moves in Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT. The issue will be debated at the ALP's national conference that begins tomorrow, and we'll have more on that story shortly.

 

Britain is expelling all Iranian diplomats in retaliation for yesterday's attack on its embassy in Tehran. The Foreign Secretary William Hague is demanding the immediate closure of Iran's embassy in London, and he's also ordered its staff to leave the country within 48 hours. Britain has also evacuated its diplomatic staff from Iran and closed its embassy there. Iranian protesters stormed the British embassy yesterday following a decision to impose further sanctions on Tehran.

 

Up to two million public servants have gone on strike in Britain. Tens of thousands of people joined rallies around the country, protesting against planned cuts to pensions. Most schools were closed and hospitals have delayed thousands of operations.