An Italian court on Wednesday upheld a tax fraud conviction for former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, confirming his sentence of one year in prison and a five-year ban from public office. "The court confirms the sentence against Silvio Berlusconi," judge Alessandra Galli said in the Milan courtroom, according to a live audio feed broadcast by news channel Sky TG 24. Berlusconi is now expected to appeal the ruling in Italy's highest court, which would suspend the punishment pending a final ruling in the case which revolves around his Mediaset business empire.

British Prime Minister David Cameron pledged a fresh clampdown on immigration in the Queen's Speech on Wednesday, seeking to bolster his right-wing credentials against the rise of the UK Independence Party (UKIP). Measures to restrict migrants' rights to healthcare and make it easier to deport foreigners were at the heart of the solidly Conservative proposals in the speech, which sets out the government's legislative plans for the year ahead.

Silvio Berlusconi's appeal trial against a tax fraud conviction is due to conclude with a verdict later on Wednesday in the latest in a 20-year legal saga for the former prime minister. A Milan court said it would issue its ruling "after 1500 GMT", without giving further details. Berlusconi is appealing a one-year prison sentence and a five-year ban from holding public office, both of which have been suspended pending an appeal. They will not be implemented immediately even if the conviction is upheld, as the case will go to Italy's top court for a second appeal.

By Catherine Hornby ROME (Reuters) - Italy's first black minister has responded to a barrage of sexist and racial insults by saying she is proud to be black, not colored, and that Italy is not really a racist country. Cecile Kyenge, an eye doctor and Italian citizen originally from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was named integration minister by Prime Minister Enrico Letta last Saturday, one of seven women in the new government.