UK cultural landmarks may lose world heritage status, says Unesco chief

Exclusive: UN body warns ministers they must do more to protect Britain's historic landmarks

UK cultural landmarks such as Stonehenge could be stripped of their coveted World Heritage status unless the government curbs ill-advised development" and protects historic sites for future generations, a Unesco chief has warned.

Dr Mechtild Rossler, the director of Unesco's World Heritage Centre, urged ministers to do everything" they can to conserve the UK's treasures after Liverpool became only the third place in nearly 50 years to lose its revered title.