The UK government's launching a $2 billion fund for less prosperous towns after Brexit.
The cash is being aimed at towns in areas that voted for Britain to leave the European Union.
Critics say the government is trying to bribe some opposition Labour MPs to vote for its Brexit deal.
Prime Minister Theresa May says there will be a "meaningful vote" on her deal in the House of Commons by March 12.
UK Communities Secretary James Brokenshire says the funding is not a Brexit bribe:
UK government sparks confusion over 'pause' on Chagos Islands deal
Britain on Wednesday rowed back from saying it had paused ratification of a deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, which is home to a strategically important US-UK air base.
Swiss government to pay $56,000 to each victim of Crans-Montana bar fire
Switzerland said on Wednesday it would make a one-off payment of 50,000 Swiss francs ($56,000) to severely injured survivors and bereaved families of the New Year bar fire in the ski resort of Crans-Montana that killed 41 people and injured over 100 more.
Arab League condemns Israeli settlers' attack on West Bank mosque
The Arab League has strongly condemned the burning of the Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque in the West Bank by a group of Israeli settlers on Monday, stating that the crime constitutes a deliberate attack on places of worship.
Death toll from Brazil floods rises, dozens still missing
The death toll from the heavy rains in Brazil's southeastern state of Minas Gerais has risen to 40, according to figures released by the state fire department on Wednesday.
India's Modi to address Israel's Knesset during Israel visit
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Israel for a two-day visit that both countries have cast as a chance to deepen relations.
