Bank ‘puzzled’ by productivity gap
The Bank of England says productivity is 16% below its pre-crisis trend – but says it is at a loss as to why this is. BBC News – Business
Craig Taylor
‘Islamists’ attack Kenyan coast town
Suspected Islamist militants attack hotels and a police station in the Kenyan coastal town of Mpeketoni, military officials say. BBC News – Africa
US deploys warship amid Iraq crisis
A US aircraft carrier is to take up position in the Gulf to provide President Obama with military options if the situation in Iraq deteriorates. BBC News – US & Canada
Forced marriage law ‘a huge step’
Campaigners hail a law coming into effect in England and Wales making it a criminal offence to force people into marriage as “a huge step forward”. BBC News – UK
Brazil’s Rousseff shrugs off abuse
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, targeted by obscene chants during the World Cup opening match, says “verbal aggression” will not bother her. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean
Iran ‘ready to help neighbour Iraq’
Iran’s President Rouhani says Tehran is ready to help Iraq in its battle against extremist Sunni Islamists, but sending troops is not on the cards. BBC News – Middle East