The news comes as the cut-off date for free mainstream support for Windows XP ends.

BBC: Downgrade plan for Windows 7 PCs

In 1942, in Singapore, a British-led allied force of some 85, 000 troops, bombarded and cut off from support and supplies after a week-long battle, surrendered to a Japanese invading force less than half its size.

CNN: Saturday,

Foreign-aid donors have already cut off support for Zimbabwe and are complaining that Rwanda and Uganda are spending too much.

ECONOMIST: Congo

It will also withdraw support from extremist groups - even non-violent ones - and cut off funding to those opposed to what the government calls "fundamental and universal" British values.

BBC: Updated anti-extremism strategy published

However, Stormont is now seeking the public's views on plans to cut support grants for some teenagers in order to help those from less well-off backgrounds to stay in education.

BBC: Teenagers