The FTSE 100 ( ^FTSE) and European stocks were muted on Thursday as consumer confidence in the British economy tumbled to a new low amid recession fears.

Wishbone Gold said it agreed to buy Evrensel Global Natural Resources, a private company owned by Chairman Anthony Moore, in a deal classified as a reverse takeover under London Stock Exchange rules.

Ed Miliband threatened to resign from Gordon Brown's cabinet over plans for a new Heathrow runway and he has repeatedly opposed it.