Russia halts London art display

Russian authorities have halted a major London exhibition of French and Russian art over claims Britain has failed to guarantee the paintings' return.
Russia's culture agency said the show could not go ahead unless the British government took further steps to ensure legal protection for the paintings.

British Culture Secretary James Purnell told BBC Radio 4 he would push through legislation offering better guarantees.

The exhibition had been due to open at the Royal Academy of Arts in January.