Scotland 'Should Determine Its Own Future'

By Niall Paterson, Scotland Correspondent

"Put Scotland's future in Scotland's hands." That is the message Alex Salmond will deliver to delegates today at the SNP's Spring Conference.

As the nationalist party committed to fulfilling an 80-year pledge to gain Scotland its independence from the United Kingdom continues to reduce the gap in the polls ahead of September's referendum, he is expected to maintain that the vote is not about him.

"This referendum is not about this party, or this First Minister, or even the wider Yes campaign," he will say in the speech, which will be shown live on Sky News at 3pm.

"It's about putting Scotland's future in Scotland's hands.

"Our party is hugely popular, and we are currently five, 10 and 15 points ahead in polls for Westminster, Europe and Holyrood respectively.

"But a Yes vote in September is not a vote for me, or for an SNP government in 2016.

"It's a vote for a government in Scotland that the people of Scotland choose, pursuing policies the people of Scotland support."

The speech, much like the campaign, will make much of the fact that Scots have voted in a way at significant variance with the overall result of recent general elections.

He will say: "I tell you what (the government of an independent Scotland) won't be. It won't be a government led by a party with just a single MP in Scotland.

"A government dismantling our welfare state. Determined to privatise public services.

"In an independent Scotland we can give this guarantee: The era of unelected Tory governments handing out punishment to the poor and the disabled will be gone and gone for good."

Results vary, but the Yes campaign is still significantly behind the No vote in all major polls, although the margin has narrowed in recent months.

And despite the fact the Yes campaign has yet even to come close to a majority in said polls, the SNP leader in Westminster remains upbeat, with five months of campaigning to go.

"When people are able to contrast the Yes case with the No case and understand the momentum is going in the direction of the Yes case, I'm confident we will get a Yes result," Angus Robertson MP told Sky News.

"It might surprise some people in the bunkers of Whitehall and Westminster when it does, but when they wake up they will realise this is about Scotland governing itself like so many other places have decided to do over recent decades.

"We will have excellent relations with our friends on these islands.

Mr Salmond says a Yes vote is a vote for the future of Scotland

"But we will always have a government that we actually elect making better decisions for people who life here - regardless of where they are from."

Given their lead in the polls it's unsurprising that the Better Together camp remains positive, despite considerable media and public opinion branding their campaign negative.

Asked whether it was easier for people to enthuse about independence rather than maintaining the status quo, Lewis Macdonald, a Labour member of the Scottish Parliament, told Sky News: "It's important to say there's a lot to be enthusiastic about.

"The union has worked very, very well for many generations and it's delivered us many benefits. But this isn't about change versus the status quo. This is about devolution, the kind of change that people in Scotland have wanted for a long time.

"It's a referendum that will be decided by the judgement people make at the end of the day. I think many people have made up their minds, some still have to choose.

"My expectation is that those people who still have to make up their mind will come to the same conclusion as those who have already made up their mind.

"At the moment, and for as long as I can remember the split has basically been two to one for remaining in the UK. I expect that the undecideds will come down in much the same kind of split.

"But only time will tell."

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Most Voters Want Farage In Leaders' Debate

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

A new poll suggests most of the public believe Nigel Farage should take part in any televised leaders' debates ahead of next year's general election.

A Comres poll has found 51% of people think UKIP should be represented alongside David Cameron, Labour leader Ed Miliband and Lib Dem Nick Clegg.

Even more - 53% - say the Prime Minister would look like a coward if he refused to take on Mr Farage.

It comes amid Conservative fears that the right-wing UKIP could top the polls in England in next month's European elections.

Mr Cameron said debates "sucked the life" out of the last campaign

The party is enjoying a popularity boost after Mr Farage easily won a television debate against Mr Clegg.

The party thinks its overall poll position - which at 15% is well ahead of the Lib Dems - means it ought to be included in any further debates.

And Mr Farage has warned that if the party is excluded he will provide "an alternative form of entertainment on the evening".

The poll was carried out for Grassroots Conservatives, a Tory pressure group that feels the liberal wing of the party has too much control over the leadership.

Mr Clegg, left, had challenged Mr Farage to a debate

James Joshua, executive director of the organisation, told Sky News that Mr Cameron would be most respected by party members if he took the UKIP threat on face to face.

But some senior Conservative strategists do not want their leader to take part in the clashes at all - because they believe three debates in quick succession before the 2010 election cost the party a majority.

Mr Cameron said the debates "sucked the life" out of the campaign.

Others argue that UKIP should not be included because they have not achieved any success in general elections with no seats, while other small parties excluded from the debates do have MPs in Parliament. 

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Schools 'Asking Parents To Pay For Textbooks'

Teachers are concerned poorer pupils are being put at a disadvantage by an increasing number of schools asking parents to pay for textbooks, computers and trips away.

More than two fifths (43%) of parents have contributed around £50 a year per pupil for things not linked to their child's school work, according to a poll by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL).

And 70% have donated up to £50 a year per pupil to help pay for items and trips that are related to the school curriculum.

In some cases, families have been asked for donations to help with the upkeep of school buildings.

Staff are worried children could be put at a disadvantage or made to feel left out if their parents are unable to afford the hand-outs.

The survey, which questioned around 500 people working in England's state schools, comes as ATL is due to debate the issue at its annual conference in Manchester next week.

Schools are increasingly turning to parents for help with pens and books

The resolution calls on the union to express concerns that schools increasingly need to ask parents for voluntary contributions and the effect it has, particularly on poorer families.

It says: "The burden of meeting this request falls disproportionately on poor families and increases the disadvantages for these children."

Jo Inglis, an ATL member from Wokingham who is proposing the motion, said just 7% of teachers felt that asking parents for donations had no impact on disadvantaged pupils.

Jo Fludder, a Reading teacher who is seconding the motion, said: "Parents who have difficulties putting their children into school uniform, providing them with transport to school and with food, find the added pressure of additional money demands from schools very stressful."

A Department for Education spokesman said there is "absolutely no obligation" for parents to donate.

"If a parent is unable or unwilling to pay, their child must be given an equal chance to take part in school life," he said.

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Osborne Jail Threat For Offshore Tax Evaders

Wealthy people who stash money in offshore accounts to evade paying tax could be sent to jail, the government has said.

Chancellor George Osborne said new proposals could mean that people who hide their cash overseas could face criminal charges even if they did not intend to evade tax.

Mr Osborne, who is consulting on the new powers, said there would be "no safe haven" for anyone who cheats the Exchequer.

It comes after concerns that some wealthy people are costing the government millions of pounds a year by keeping money away from the glare of UK authorities.

HM Revenue & Customs will have the power to prosecute people who do not declare their foreign income, regardless of whether they intend to avoid payment.

Previously, in order to earn a conviction with a jail sentence, prosecutors had to show that individuals intended to avoid paying tax on foreign income.

Mr Osborne, who has been at the International Monetary Fund meeting in Washington, told the Financial Times: "We are changing the balance of the law so the burden of proof falls on those who are hiding their money offshore and we don't have to prove that they intended to do so."

He added: "It is totally unacceptable for people not to pay the tax that is due and the message will be clear now with this new criminal offence that if you're evading tax offshore, there is no safe haven."

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has been criticised for not prosecuting enough tax evaders.

Sky News' Ecomonics Editor Ed Conway said there has been much international discussion about what can be done to clamp down on people who hide money overseas.

David Cameron has previously announced a crackdown on so-called shell companies to help combat tax evasion and corruption.

The new criminal offence and sanctions are expected to come into effect next year, but many are expected to contribute to the consultation before that can happen.

The announcement was greeted by dismay from some, with critics suggesting the law could result in people being jailed when they were genuinely ignorant of the law.

Bill Dowdell, head of tax at Deloitte, told The Times: "It's horrifying. People should not be put in prison unless you can prove intent.

"I'm shocked to find that an offence which could lead to a prison sentence could be decided on a strict-liability basis."

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Little Girl's Wish List Before Going Blind

By Nick Lester, Sky News Online

A little girl who is going blind has drawn up a wish list of things she would like to see before losing her sight completely.

Six-year-old Molly Bent has been diagnosed with the degenerative eye disease Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), for which there is no treatment or cure.

Despite her condition getting progressively worse, her mum, Eve, 26, says she takes it "in her stride".

Seeing the penguins at the zoo was on Molly's wish list

Among the "bucket list" of things the youngster said she would like to do before her eyes get "too poorly" include trips to the zoo, aquarium, museums, and Legoland.

But top of her list is Disneyland.

Following her diagnosis in December, Mrs Bent said: "We were obviously quite upset about it.

"We sort of said 'right we can't dwell on this. Let's turn it around. Let's do everything we can do, while we can do it'."

The trips have been organised before Molly's eyes become "too poorly"

What started out as a charity run by her husband Chris, 27, and a group of friends, has grown into a fund-raising drive to fulfill Molly's wish list, which has so far reached £3,500.

Mrs Bent said: "It's beyond belief. We are so overwhelmed with all the kindness of people."

The family, who live in Manchester, are currently on a holiday in Blackpool provided by Trewan Sands Children's Trust, where Molly has been enjoying horse-riding and swimming.

Tests every three months have shown that Molly's sight is deteriorating.

Playing in puddles on long walks is also fun

Mrs Bent said: "She has very little peripheral vision. She knows it's getting worse."

But she added: "She's so resilient. She knows what's happening. She know's she's struggling and she just takes it in her stride."

RP is a genetic condition, which Molly's uncle also suffers from, and her sister Charlotte, five, and brother Samuel, two, are regularly tested for the disease.

To contribute to Making Molly's Memories go to www.gofundme.com/makingmollysmemories

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Bank Worker Incinerated Murdered Wife's Body

A bank worker has been convicted of murdering his wife and burning her body just months after they tied the knot.

Jasvir Ginday attempted to dispose of the 24-year-old's remains by setting fire to them in a home incinerator on the patio of his back garden.

He carried out the crime to cover up his homosexuality which his bride Varkha Rani had been threatening to expose to friends and family.

A jury of seven women and five men has taken around 17 hours to find him guilty of murder after a three-week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Ginday initially told police that his Indian wife had packed her bags and walked out on him following a row at their home in Victory Lane, Walsall, West Midlands.

Jasvir Ginday and Varkha Rani on their wedding day

The 29-year-old claimed throughout his trial that he had accidentally killed Ms Rani while restraining her with a vacuum cleaner hose. 

But the jury believed the prosecution's case that the Royal Bank of Scotland employee had planned the killing of his wife, who had only been in the country for about a month.

In 2008, Ginday had confided in a friend that he was attracted to men but could not tell his family as his mother was very strict.

It later emerged that Ginday was frequenting gay bars and having relationships with men around the time of his engagement to Varkha in 2012.

The following year, after his new wife arrived from India, the pair moved into a house with his parents.

The court heard that on the morning of the crime, on September 12, he was caught on camera filling a two litre bottle with petrol at a service station.

Later that day, while the rest of the family were out, Ginday claimed that his wife had attacked him and run off with £500.

The family told police who the following day carried out a full search of the house and garden where they found the incinerator which was still emitting smoke.

A police officer lifted the lid off the metal bin to discover the gruesome remains of a human skull.

Ginday's back garden and the incinerator in which Varkha's body was burnt

An unburned black plastic bin liner was found partially covering her body. A ring was also found in the incinerator which bore the inscription "V and G 2013" − Varkha's wedding band.

Varkha's cousin Sunil Kumar said: "No words can truly express the sadness and hurt my family and I are experiencing at the loss of Varkha, she was loved dearly by all, she had a great passion for life and doted on her family.

"Varkha attained a masters degree and was driven to make her life a success, unfortunately she fell prey to Ginday who had ulterior motives which Varkha would not have appreciated."

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Sarbjit Johal said: "Ginday got married as a matter of convenience - he tricked a poor innocent girl into marriage but was living a lie.

"When she uncovered the truth he could not live with it and killed her quickly then tried to dispose of her body and her possessions by burning them.

"Had another day passed before police attended, Ginday may well have successfully removed all traces of Varkha.

"I hope that this verdict brings some comfort to Varkha's family who have travelled from India to see justice is brought for their daughter."

Sentencing will take place on Friday at 3.30pm.

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Anger As Paedophile Demands Victim Photos

A paedophile is allowed to have intimate photos of a young girl he abused because the police cannot erase them from his confiscated laptop before they return it to him.

The man was jailed for nine years in 2013 after admitting a number of sex offences including assaulting a child under the age of 13.

He has formally asked for a laptop and a mobile telephone to be handed back, according to human rights campaigner Liberty, which is representing the victim and her family.

Photos of the victim dressed in swimwear and leotards are on the computer, but Dorset Police say they cannot delete them because they are not legally classified as indecent or prohibited.

Consequently, the man, who is in his 50s and cannot be named for legal reasons, will still have access to a large number of personal photos of one girl when he is freed.

The victim's mother said: "I am appalled that the man who abused my child can ask the police to hand over our family photos for him to keep for the rest of his life.

"My daughters struggle every day with the devastating consequences of his abuse and this will only make them feel more humiliated and degraded. Why should we continue to be traumatised further?"

Liberty is arguing the return of the laptop and phone would breach articles three and eight of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protect against inhuman treatment and invasion of privacy respectively.

In a letter to Dorset Police, the human rights group said the prospect of having the photos returned to the abuser would cause "a significant amount of distress".

The group warns it would be a "an enormous violation" of dignity and personal integrity if the pictures were handed back.

The abuse of the young girl had caused the victim to suffer "enormous psychological harm" and she eats very little, self-harms frequently and is at risk of suicide.

Rosie Brighouse, legal officer at Liberty, said: "Not until the Human Rights Act could victims assert their rights in the British Courts - and Liberty is more than ready to do that on behalf of this family."

In response, Dorset Police said its "present options" were limited as the legislation used to seize the phone and computer required officers to give the owner back his property.

"Furthermore, it would be unlawful for police officers to alter the computer and phone's memories by removing the disputed photographs before returning them," the force added.

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New Hunt For UK's 'Most Wanted' In Cyprus

The List Of Wanted Fugitives

Updated: 11:18am UK, Friday 11 April 2014

The list of suspects police want to question as part of Operation Zygos:

NEW APPEALS

:: Jeffrey Bloor

Bloor, 41, from Brighton, is wanted by Sussex Police for allegedly conspiring to provide horse racing tipping services which failed to deliver what they advertised and also for fraud connected to the breeding of racehorses.

Sussex police allege that, between 30/4/03 and 13/2/08, a betting brochure was produced and distributed to known gamblers whose details had been obtained from mailing lists.

The brochure guaranteed large financial returns if a subscriber paid a membership fee. There was also an offer of large returns for blood stocks which never existed.

The money made by Bloor and his associates allegedly amounted to millions of pounds.

Bloor is described as white, of heavy build, with blue eyes and ginger hair, about 5ft 6ins tall and has a surgical scar on left side of his abdomen.

:: Richard Ardolino

Ardolino, 38, a Briton from Leeds, is wanted by West Midlands police for allegedly conspiring with others to fraudulently obtain mortgages in order to purchase houses across the UK.

The money laundering charge relates to the concealment and transfer of criminal property.

He is described as slim, with short brown hair and has a scar on his right leg.

:: Osman Aydeniz

Aydeniz, 35, a Cypriot who last lived in London, is wanted by the National Crime Agency in connection with conspiracy to supply 17.83kg of diamorphine.

Three others have already been convicted in connection with this offence. He is also wanted for conspiracy to commit theft and transferring criminal property. 

He is described as white.

:: Ozgur Demir

Demir, 39, a Turk who last lived in London, is wanted by the National Crime Agency on suspicion of conspiracy to supply 17.83kg of diamorphine. Three others have already been convicted in connection with this offence.

He is described as white.

:: Ersin Mustafa

Mustafa, 38, a Briton from London, is wanted by the City of London Police and the Financial Conduct Authority on suspicion of insider dealing with seven other individuals.

While employed at the London branch of investment bank JP Morgan Cazenove, he allegedly obtained information about future acquisitions and mergers, which were provided to others who then traded using this information.

Over a two-year period, the group made approximately £2.5m in criminal profits. In July 2008 Mustafa was arrested by the City of London Police and then released on bail. It is believed he fled the UK around December 2009.

He is described as being approximately 5ft 6ins tall, with dark hair of Mediterranean appearance and with a stocky/muscular build.

:: Christakis Philippou

Philippou, 70, was convicted of conspiring with co-defendants to acquire, or sometimes to set up from scratch, travel agency businesses which were used as vehicles for fraud. The travel agencies attracted customers by offering cut-price holidays.

The prices were so low that legitimate companies could not compete with them. In each case, the travel agency ceased to trade, leaving customers without a holiday. This scam defrauded an estimated 20,000 people.

The British citizen is described as 5ft 6ins tall, of proportionate build, with swept back receding dark/greying hair and with bushy eyebrows. He also goes by the name of Christakis Chrysostomou.

EXISTING APPEALS

:: Hasan Akarcay

Wanted by West Yorkshire Police in connection with the Supply of Class A drugs after an alleged associate was found transporting 12.5 kg of diamorphine with a street value of £600,000.

Akarcay is of Cypriot nationality, approximately 5ft 9ins tall, stocky build with a large stomach, balding with black hair at the sides and tanned skin.

He sometimes goes by the names of Hassan Etem or Ibrahim Etem.

:: Martin Evans

Between 1999 and 2001, Evans is believed to have run an organised crime group supplying Class A drugs, most notably cocaine, MDMA and Ecstasy in the UK.

It is thought he set up a system where drugs were imported to the UK and sold and the proceeds converted into foreign currency and sent to the Netherlands for drug purchases.

Evans is also wanted for questioning about fraudulent trading offences as director of an incorporated company, Ostrich Centre Limited, in 1995.

The firm received investments from the public of several hundred thousand pounds, which he is believed to have stolen.

Evans is 5ft 11in - 6ft tall, stocky build, with blue eyes and short brown and greying hair. He also has a welsh accent and a the word 'ME' tattooed on his right arm.

:: Timur Mehmet

Mehmet is wanted for his role in a conspiracy to cheat the public revenue by the operation of a Missing Trader Intra-Community (MTIC) fraud which cost the UK £25m.

He appeared in Court in June 2007 when he was warned he had to be at Court for his trial in October and that failure to attend could result in him being tried and sentenced in his absence.

He failed to attend the trial and subsequently he was found guilty in his absence and sentenced to eight years imprisonment.

:: Costas Sampson

Sampson is of Greek-Cypriot nationality and is accused of raping a girl he met at a Greek club.

The girl was taken unwell after accepting a drink from a stranger, when Sampson and a friend offered to take her home.

It was here that Sampson is alleged to have told a friend of the girl that he was a medical expert. He is accused of raping her while she was incapacitated.

He is also accused of stealing her mobile phone and flatmate's laptop and games console.

Sampson is 5ft 9in, of large build and with a Mediterranean complexion. He has brown eyes, black cropped or shaved hair and is right handed.

:: Mehmet Salih

Between December 2010 and November 2011, Salih is accused of being involved in a conspiracy to supply cocaine in the UK.

In May 2011 he allegedly visited Lincolnshire for the purposes of delivering cocaine and collecting payment.

The police apparently recovered large amounts of the drug and upon his arrest he was alleged to be in possession of £20,000.

Salih is 5ft 6in tall, of proportionate build with brown eyes and short dark brown hair. He also has a scar on his right eye.

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Former Nanny Praises 'Brave' Peaches Geldof

Peaches Geldof's childhood nanny has written a moving tribute to the mother of two, calling her a "brave, beautiful girl" who "almost made it".

Anita Debney was employed by the 25-year-old's parents Bob Geldof and Paula Yates when she was a toddler.

In a message posted on Instagram alongside a photo of Ms Geldof, Ms Debney said she had been the "greatest joy, the most tender part of my heart and soul".

The nanny became something of a surrogate mother following Yates' death in 2000 and Ms Geldof's nickname for her was "Nee Naw".

The pair were still in close contact right up until Ms Geldof's death.

Ms Geldof was found dead at her home in Wrotham

Police were called to the home she shared with her husband Tom Cohen and their two young sons in Wrotham, Kent, on Monday.

Her death is being treated as "non-suspicious but unexplained".

A post-mortem examination on Wednesday was inconclusive and toxicology tests are being carried out to establish a cause of death.

Ms Debney, who has photos of Ms Geldof's sons Astala, two, and 11-month-old Phaedra, on her Instagram page wrote: "I loved her through the good times and the bad. We struggled and survived the darkest of times.

"I never lost faith in her spirit and strength. Always held out my hand to help her when she struggled and fell.

"She overcame so much and my love and appreciation of her indomitable spirit never wavered.

"The joy we shared in her beautiful babies was so deep and meaningful and filled both of our hearts with love and devotion.

"She blossomed in motherhood and excelled at raising the sweetest, happiest babies in the world.

"She was passionate in her zeal to speak up for the needs of babies everywhere and lives have been changed because of that.

"What a wonderful legacy she has left to the world. My darling girl. You almost made it."

Ms Geldof's body was released to her family on Thursday and it is understood plans for a funeral are under way.

Her elder sister Fifi Honeyblossom Geldof also used Instagram to say goodbye, writing: "My beautiful baby sister ... Gone but never forgotten. I love you, Peaches x"

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Peter Bone: Tory MP Investigated Over Expenses

A Westminster standards watchdog has launched an investigation into expenses claims made by a Conservative MP relating to his second home.

Wellingborough MP Peter Bone has been asked to answer questions on claims he made under the "additional costs allowance", The Times reports.

He is said to have claimed £89,185 under the allowance between 2005 and 2009 to rent a flat in Westminster.

Mr Bone has said he has done nothing wrong and sought approval from authorities before making the claims.

He told the newspaper: "I have always just rented (a second property) and I know I have stuck by all the rules and always sought approval.

"It is not unusual for MPs to have their expenses challenged by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority or the Standards Commissioner.

"I have done nothing wrong."

On Wednesday, Maria Miller resigned as culture secretary following a row over claims made in relation to her second home.

Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Kathryn Hudson is behind the inquiry into Mr Bone's expenses.

Following an investigation into Mrs Miller's claims, Ms Hudson recommended that she should repay £45,000, but that sum was reduced to £5,800 by the Standards Committee.

Mrs Miller apologised in the House of Commons and later stood down because the expenses claim had become a "distraction" to the Government.

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Property Shortages Push Prices To Six-Year High

Property prices are at their highest level for six years, partly due to a shortage of homes for sale.

Surveyors sold an average of 23 homes during the three months to March - the highest number since February 2008, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).

All areas except Wales, where the level was unchanged, saw a rise in interest from buyers.

Outside of London and the South East, prices saw the most noticeable growth in the South West and the East Midlands.

But while buying activity is rising in more regions, the expected "spring bounce", which sees more people put homes up for sale, has not happened, Rics said.

The mismatch between the lack of supply from sellers and rising demand from buyers is a "major concern" and is continuing to put an upward pressure on prices, the surveyors' body said.

More homes are needed in areas where people want to buy

Simon Rubinsohn, Rics chief economist, said: "Now that the housing market recovery is well and truly under way and mortgage finance is more readily available, buyers seem to be looking to test the market right across the country, not just in the usual hotspots of the South East.

"That said, it is a major concern that we are not seeing enough houses coming on to the market.

"For the market to operate effectively, we desperately need more homes in areas where people want to buy and want to live.

"Until this happens we're likely to see prices continue to increase and it is going to be ever harder for many first-time buyers to conceive of ever owning their own home."

Government support schemes such as Help to Buy have made mortgages more widely available, particularly for people with only smaller deposits saved who may have previously been struggling to get a deal.

But critics of the scheme argue the impact it is having in pushing up demand, without a corresponding increase in the supply of homes, is also pushing up house prices and encouraging people to stretch their borrowing.

Toughened mortgage lending rules are coming into force later this month with the aim of preventing overlending to borrowers who may end up having trouble paying back, particularly when interest rates rise.

Housing Minister Kris Hopkins said: "Leading developers have pledged to build more as a direct result of this increased demand, and we've already delivered 420,000 new homes since 2010, including 170,000 new affordable homes."

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Peaches Geldof's Body Released To Family

Peaches Geldof's body has been released to her family allowing them to make arrangements for her funeral.

A coroner's spokesman made the disclosure as it emerged that toxicology test results could be released in two or three weeks.

The 25-year-old was found dead at her home in Wrotham, Kent, on Monday and police are treating it as a "non-suspicious, unexplained sudden death".

A post-mortem examination carried out at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford proved inconclusive, prompting further investigations to try to establish her cause of death.

A spokesman for North West Kent coroner Roger Hatch said: "We can confirm that the body has been released to the family for funeral arrangements to be made."

It is not known where the memorial will be held but a possible choice could be the church where Ms Geldof married her husband, Tom Cohen. 

Ms Geldof with her husband Tom Cohen

Her parents Bob Geldof and Paula Yates were also married at the St Mary Magdalene and St Lawrence Church in Kent, and Yates funeral was also held there.

Any inquest is not due to be held until after the toxicology test results are known.

Ms Geldof's body was found on Monday afternoon after officers were called "following a report of concern for the welfare of a woman".

In a touching tribute, her musician father, his partner Jeanne Marine, and Ms Geldof's sisters Fifi Trixibelle, Pixie and Tiger, said the family was "beyond pain", saying: "She was the wildest, funniest, cleverest, wittiest and the most bonkers of all of us."

Fifi Geldof also posted a picture on Instagram of the two of them together when they were children, writing: "My beautiful baby sister ... Gone but never forgotten. I love you Peaches x."

Cohen, with whom she had two young sons, said his wife was adored by him and their two sons Astala, 23 months, and 11-month-old Phaedra, whom he would bring up "with their mother in their hearts every day".

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Co-op 'Power Struggle' As Myners Quits Board

The troubled Co-operative Group's future has been thrown even further into doubt after the former City minister, Lord Myners, quit the board amid opposition to his planned reforms of the business.

News of his resignation emerged just hours after Midcounties Co-operative, which operates Co-operative Energy as well as Co-op-branded food stores, voted against the early conclusions of his review.

Euan Sutherland resigned one month ago

The report, which was not due to be completed until the end of the month, will still be led by the peer despite his decision to step down as an independent director.

No reason for his decision was given though the deeper uncertainty over the group's future structure risks splitting the co-operative movement.

In interim findings released last month, after chief executive Euan Sutherland quit citing the group's structure as 'ungovernable', Lord Myners warned the group would collapse unless drastic steps were taken to overhaul a "massive failure" of governance.

His shake-up plans include a move to abolish its 21-member board, splitting it into two with a plc-style panel responsible for commercial decisions and representatives from its traditional membership sitting on a separate body.

It is reported that Midcounties is not the only regional board set to oppose the reforms though the board did accept his interim report's findings.

Lord Myners was appointed to the board in December and tasked with the independent review after a disastrous year for the Co-op in which its banking arm needed to be rescued by hedge funds following the discovery of a £1.5bn hole in its finances.

It has twice delayed the release of its banking division's results - now due on Friday - while the bank faces a series of investigations into what went wrong including scrutiny of the appointment of former bank chairman, Paul Flowers, despite his lack of knowledge of the sector.

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Coal Pit Closures 'To Cost 2,000 Jobs'

Ministers have been accused of leaving Britain at the mercy of overseas energy suppliers by refusing to ensure UK Coal's long-term future.

A decision to support only the "managed closure" of the firm's remaining deep-pit mines at Kellingley in North Yorkshire and Thoresby in Nottinghamshire was slammed by the TUC.

The union organisation said while it recognised that £20m of support - shared between the Government and private sector - would save jobs in the short term, it claimed 2,000 roles would be lost by autumn 2015.

It was widely reported that the private sector investment will come from rival mining group Hargreaves Services and Harworth Estates, landlord of the two mines.

The Government insisted the money spared the company the prospect of immediate insolvency and 1,300 job losses.

Daw Mill was closed last year after a devastating underground fire

UK Coal was placed in administration last year after struggling with rising costs, hefty pension liabilities and strong competition from cheaper imports.

A fire at its most profitable mine - Daw Mill - forced its closure.

Energy minister Michael Fallon argued on Thursday that a failure to support UK Coal would have cost the Treasury "significant losses and liabilities" from the redundancies and unpaid taxes.

But in a written statement he said: "The taxpayer is better served by supporting a managed closure of the mines.

"There is no value-for-money case for a level of investment that would keep the deep mines open beyond this managed wind-down period to autumn 2015.

"Private sector investors who wish to put in the substantial investment that would be needed to maintain the mines beyond autumn 2015 without Government support remain free to do so."

The Government also confirmed its loan was conditional on the negotiation of final terms, including assurances that all parties, including the trade unions, backed the plan to close the mines.

The four unions involved - the NUM, BACM-TEAM, NACODS and GMB - expressed disappointment and accused ministers of refusing to apply to Europe for permission to use state aid to keep the mines open until at least 2018.

UK Coal started redundancy consultations with 600 staff at Thoresby and the 700 employees at Kellingley last week.

A total of 340 jobs will be lost immediately, according to the TUC.

The decision to effectively close the two collieries leaves Britain with just one deep pit mine - employee-owned Hatfield colliery in South Yorkshire.

UK Coal's six operational, but smaller, surface mines in the North East, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Shropshire, will be sold.

The company currently supplies 4% of the UK's electricity needs and officials dismissed the TUC's claims on foreign energy dependence suggesting that UK Coal's surface mines should enable production to continue at 40% of its current rate.

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Blakelock: Man Cleared Of Murder Is Freed

The man cleared of murdering PC Keith Blakelock during the 1985 Tottenham riots has been released from a high-security prison.

Nicky Jacobs, 45, was driven from Belmarsh prison in southeast London in a silver car after his release was delayed for administrative reasons on Wednesday.

Mr Jacobs' lawyer Tony Meisels said his client was "relieved" to be free after a four-year ordeal.

But he demanded an investigation into why the prosecution ever went ahead after a jury at the Old Bailey took just hours to acquit him after a two-week trial.

He said: "Our thoughts are with PC Blakelock's widow and her children. Obviously, they have not seen justice and have been dragged through the process as much as Mr Jacobs has.

PC Blakelock's widow wept after the acquittal

"Questions need to be asked at the very highest levels of the Crown Prosecution Service and the police as to why this prosecution was ever brought."

PC Blakelock was attacked by an armed mob after his unit was deployed to protect firefighters tackling a late-night blaze on the Broadwater Farm estate in north London on October 6, 1985.

Mr Jacobs, who was 16 at the time of the riots, was the seventh person to be charged with the officer's murder but no one has been convicted of the killing.

He was kept in custody last night as the administrative offices at Belmarsh jail had closed by the time the verdict was handed down, supporters claimed.

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Peaches Geldof Post-Mortem 'Inconclusive'

A post-mortem examination into the death of Peaches Geldof has proved inconclusive pending the results of toxicology tests.

The 25-year-old was found dead at her home in Wrotham, Kent, on Monday and police are treating the death as "non-suspicious" and "unexplained".

A statement said: "Officers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death in order to compile a report for the coroner.

"The result of a toxicology report can take several weeks."

Peaches (L) and her sister Fifi Trixibelle. Pic: fifigeldof Instagram

Ms Geldof, who had two young sons with her second husband, musician Tom Cohen, was a prolific tweeter and the final message she sent on Sunday was a picture of herself as a child with her mother, with the message "me and my mum".

In a column for Mother & Baby magazine, she wrote how she was now "happier than ever" after becoming a mother.

Mr Cohen said he would bring up Astala, 23 months, and 11-month-old Phaedra, "with their mother in their hearts every day".

Ms Geldof's body was found on Monday afternoon after officers were called "following a report of concern for the welfare of a woman", a Kent Police spokesman said.

Her father Bob released a touching tribute in which he said the family was suffering "beyond pain".

Her elder sister Fifi Trixibelle Geldof posted a picture on Instagram on Tuesday of the two of them together when they were children and wrote: "My beautiful baby sister .... Gone but never forgotten. I love you Peaches x."

Ms Geldof was just 11 when her mother, TV presenter Paula Yates, died from an accidental heroin overdose in 2000, aged 41.

She often spoke about her struggle to cope with her parents' break up when she was seven and admitted to experimenting with drugs during her teenage years.

A decision on whether to hold an inquest will be made depending on the final results of the post-mortem examination.

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Toyota In Global Recall Of 6 Million Vehicles

Toyota has issued a global recall of millions of vehicles because of safety issues.

The Japanese company said the announcement covers three issues affecting RAV4, Hilux, Yaris and Urban Cruiser models.

A total of 35,124 UK-registered vehicles are affected by the recall, of 6.4 million worldwide.

The total bill is forecast to cost the company more than £300m.

The carmaker said: "Worldwide, there have been no reports of any accidents or injuries relating to these issues.

"Toyota is conducting the recalls according to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) code of practice."

The firm said it would provide a "prompt inspection and repair programme" without charge to owners.

Customers can check if their vehicle is affected by using a registration number look-up function on its website.

It said a spiral cable assembly issue had been identified on airbag modules of some RAV4 and Hilux vehicles.

There is a risk that when the steering wheel is turned damage may occur to the circuitry.

"If connectivity is lost, the airbag warning light will illuminate on the instrument panel and the driver's airbag may be deactivated," Toyota said.

The RAV4 and Hilux vehicles were manufactured between June 2004 and December 2010.

Toyota's Prius Hybrids were recalled last February

The world's largest carmaker also found a fault in the seat adjustment rail for Yaris and Urban Cruisers could fail after repeated usage.

It said: "Should the spring break, the seat may not lock into its adjusted position, and could move in the event of a crash."

The affected Yaris and Urban Cruiser models were built between January 2005 and August 2010, covering 10,339 UK-registered cars.

Toyota said there was a potential fault in the tilt or telescopic steering column of some second generation Yaris and Urban Cruisers.

It said: "Toyota is aware that the weld which connects the steering column bracket to the instrument panel on some Yaris and Urban Cruiser models might break when the steering wheel is repeatedly turned with full force.

"The driver may hear an abnormal noise from the bracket area and if the vehicle continues to be driven, it is possible that the bracket will fail, causing the steering column to tilt out of position. However, the driver will not lose steering control."

The potential steering issue affected 1,293 UK cars built between September 2005 and February 2009.

The company said: "Vehicle owners will be contacted by Toyota within the coming weeks by post or telephone and asked to make an appointment to bring their car to their nearest Toyota Centre, in accordance with DVSA guidelines."

Tokyo-listed shares for the company were down more than 3% on the Nikkei after the news was announced on Wednesday, before easing to 2.1% down.

Some of the affected vehicles were made in France, with the majority built in Japan.

The recall of 6.4 million vehicles includes 297,000 in Australia - where it recently announced a decision to stop making vehicles.

Toyota was once renowned for impeccable build quality but that reputation has been hit in recent years.

In 2012, it recalled more than 3 million vehicles over safety issues and last February 1.9 million Prius Hybrids were recalled.

The Toyota announcement is the latest in a series of high-profile recalls to hit the sector.

General Motors (GM) recently recalled more than 2.4 million North American vehicles over ignition switch issues - with its CEO grilled by politicians in Washington DC - while the world's second biggest carmaker, Volkswagen, recalled 2.6m vehicles late last year.

GM has been fined $7,000 (£4,200) a day until they provide all sufficient information required by lawmakers.

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First Public Play Date For Prince George

By Paul Harrison, Royal Correspondent

Prince George was described as "advanced for his age" who "owned the place" by parents at his first play date in Wellington.

The little chap looked interested in fellow guests

During the 30-minute gathering of under-ones, mothers and fathers in New Zealand, the animated infant managed to make one little girl cry and snatched a toy from another.

Kate chatted informally with other parents

In what is described as the third in line to the throne's first public engagement, eight-month-old teething George chewed on toys and crawled around with 10 other little boys and girls at Government House.

It was the Duchess' first public engagement with her son

The Duchess of Cambridge told one parent it was the largest gathering of children George had so far experienced.

Kate revealed her son is sleeping well

Father Grant Colling also said the confident Royal tot, who was on the third day of a New Zealand and Australia tour with his parents, had a real command of the room.

George played with babies around his age

"He was his own little man and took control moving into the middle of circle of toys," he said.

"He hunted out the biggest toys and propped himself up. He completely owned the place basically."

The gathering was held at Wellington's Government House

Sheila Lemie was struck by the little Royal's strength: "He was very strong and much more advanced than our little boy."

George was boisterous and lively during the play date

The long-awaited first public introduction of Prince George comes 31 years after a young Prince William was paraded in front of the press for the first time on the lawn of Government House in Auckland.

A fidgety William crawled unfazed towards the camped-out media, stopping only to chew on the antennae of the now famous Buzzy Bee wooden toy.

William, Kate and their son are touring New Zealand and Australia

Kensington Palace had been keen to ensure George's play date was as authentic as possible, with nothing staged for the Royal visitors.

After reducing the little girl to tears, it was clear they had achieved just that.

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HIV Fears Over Increase In Steroid Injections

By Thomas Moore, Sky News Health and Science Correspondent

The number of people who inject themselves with steroids to "bulk up" is rising so fast that drug services risk being left behind, health experts warn.

Conservative estimates by the Home Office suggest around 60,000 people aged between 16 and 59 in England and Wales have injected anabolic steroids in the last year.

And one health worker told Sky News he was seeing "at least" seven new users every week - on top of his existing workload.

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (Nice) says in new NHS guidance that drug services should set up clinics in gyms to reach mainly young men who are injecting steroids.

Prof Mike Kelly, Director for Public Health at Nice, said they are at significant risk of HIV and other blood-borne viruses from sharing needles, yet they do not use existing needle exchange schemes that were set up in the 1980s for other drug users.

"They do not think of themselves as drug addicts," he said.

"They are fit and healthy. They are doing it to improve their appearance.

"We have to make sure they understand that the risks of injecting those substances are the same as injecting heroin or crack or anything like that.

Nice has recommended that clinics are set up in gyms

"When people share needles they pass on blood to blood and the infection is passed on quickly."

According to Nice 1.5% of people who inject image or performance enhancing drugs have HIV.

David Rourke, harm reduction lead for the Arundel Street Project in Sheffield, said he saw at least seven new steroid injectors every week.

"They lead very normal lives - the majority are working, they have families," he said.

"So it's not looked at like heroin or crack where it can affect your entire life."

He said some parts of the country have no services at all that are aimed at steroid users.

"Those who inject steroids are potentially using them without the correct education or the correct equipment and this can lead to more people injecting unsafely, which can put not just their own life, but the lives of those around them, at risk," he added.

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Maria Miller Resigns As Culture Secretary

Maria Miller has spoken to insist she was not pushed from her role of Culture Secretary but had to go because the scandal over her expenses was becoming a "distraction".

In an interview after her early morning resignation following a week of mounting pressure, a clearly upset Mrs Miller said she took "full responsibility" for her decision to step down.

She said: "This has been a really difficult 16 months. Because I was cleared of the central allegation made about me by a Labour Member of Parliament, I hoped that I could stay. But it has become clear to me in recent days that it has become an enormous distraction.

"It is not right that I am distracting from the incredible achievements of this Government."

She denied she thought there had been a "witch-hunt" against her because of her role overseeing the reforms on press freedom suggested in the Leveson report, as had been claimed by her aide on Tuesday.

Asked if she was sorry she replied: "I have made it clear and apologised unreservedly to the House of Commons and made sure that it was clear to everybody that I took full responsibility for those findings.

"I want to make that the situation is clear to everybody and make sure that I can move on."

In her resignation letter to David Cameron Mrs Miller, 48, told him she was "very grateful" for his personal support during the growing row over her expenses.

Mr Cameron, who consistently offered public support for his minister, said he was saddened by her departure but hoped the Basingstoke MP could make a return "in due course".

He robustly defending his handling of the situation at Prime Minister's Questions after criticism by the Labour leader Ed Miliband.

When Mr Miliband asked him what he had learned from the situation he said: : "I hope that one lesson that won't be learned is that the right thing to do as soon as someone has to answer allegations is just to instantly remove them, rather than give them a chance to clear their name and get on with their job.

Maria Miller's 32-second apology in the Commons was incendiary

"If people clear themselves of a serious offence, you let them get on with their job, you let them try to do their job. That is actually the right thing to do.

"Firing someone at the first sign of trouble... that is not actually leadership, that is weakness."

Mr Cameron has announced that Sajid Javid, MP for Bromsgrove, is to become the new Culture Secretary.

Mr Javid, the son of a bus driver, is a former managing director at Deutsche Bank, where he was reportedly on a salary of £3m a year, and a rising star in the Conservative party. He has been tipped as a future leader.

Mrs Miller finally stepped down six days after she was forced to apologise in the House of Commons for her attitude to an inquiry into the allowance claimed on her second home.

The Prime Minister had been under increasing pressure in recent days to sack her from Tory activists and MPs, and Mrs Miller's position had become untenable.

Mr Cameron was facing a difficult time at Prime Minister's Questions at lunchtime and had to tackle Tory back benchers at a meeting of the powerful Conservatives 1922 committee later.

The announcement of her resignation sparked criticism that it had taken so long for her to step down and raised questions over Mr Cameron's leadership.

Mr Cameron repeatedly backed his Culture Secretary

Labour MP John Mann, who made the original expenses complaint against Mrs Miller, said: "Why has it taken five days in what was a clear cut case she had to leave Government that she could be responsible for media freedom in this country after her behaviour?

"I mean where was the Prime Minister's leadership on this? He should have sacked her straight away when she refused to go."

Lord Tebbit told Sky News: "If the Prime Minister had taken my advice a week ago, if he had asked for it before I had to give it in public, the issue would have been done and dusted by now."

But Education Secretary Michael Gove defended the Prime Minister, telling the Radio 4 Today programme: "I don't think his judgement has been flawed; hindsight is a wonderful thing.

"The Prime Minister's attitude throughout has been governed by the basic human decency that is his hallmark."

The second home at the centre of the row

Mrs Miller's camp had on Tuesday night attempted a fight-back after days of newspaper headlines and the faltering support for her within Government.

Her aide Mary Macleod appeared on Sky News to claim she was a victim of a witch-hunt because she was dealing with press reforms recommended in the Leveson report. She had sent a text to MPs attempting to garner support for Mrs Miller.

She also claimed that Mrs Miller was unpopular because she was responsible for steering through the legislation on gay marriage.

In her resignation letter Mrs Miller said: "Of course, implementing the recommendations made by Lord Justice Leveson on the future of media regulation, following the phone hacking scandals, would always be controversial for the press.

"Working together with you, I believe we struck the right balance between protecting the freedom of the press and ensuring fairness, particularly for victims of press intrusion, to have a clear right of redress."

Her departure leaves four women in the Cabinet: Home Secretary Theresa May, Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers, and International Development Secretary Justine Greening. Baroness Warsi sits in the Cabinet as Minister Without Portfolio.

Conservatives in Mrs Miller's constituency voice disappointment at her departure. Stephen Marks, a Conservative councillor on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: "She did Leveson on press complaints and I feel the press were going to get their own back on her. I am saddened that she had to resign, but that is the way it is."

Mrs Miller issued a much-derided 32-second apology on Thursday after Parliament's sleaze watchdog upbraided her for her attitude to an expenses inquiry into her claims for a second home.

She was also ordered to pay back £5,800 of wrongly claimed allowances on the house in Wimbledon, southwest London, which she sold for a £1.2m profit in February.

However, it emerged that the Commissioner for Parliamentary Standards had found that Mrs Miller should have paid back £45,000 in expenses claimed on the home but this was over-ruled by the Standards Committee of 10 MPs and three independent members, who do not have a vote.

It led to calls for an end to a system where MPs are allowed to police their own expenses, with the head of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, Sir Ian Kennedy, saying they should not "mark their own homework".

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Dorset School Loses £1m In Phishing Scam

A Dorset school with academy status has fallen victim to an online scam, reportedly losing more than £1m.

St Aldhelm's Academy in Poole was contacted by people pretending to be bank workers and requesting details of the school's bank account.

Staff subsequently passed them on and the criminals withdrew the money, part of a multimillion-pound government loan for rebuilding. 

The Department for Education is demanding the money be paid back at the rate of £75,000 a month, the Bournemouth Daily Echo reported.

The fraud happened last summer but has just come to light. The theft is believed to be linked to organised crime in eastern Europe.

Headteacher Cheryl Heron said in a statement: "St Aldhelm's was subject to an external fraud in July last year.

"The academy acted swiftly, referred the matter immediately to the police and the case is still being investigated.

"The fraud has not impacted on the day-to-day running of the academy or our recent building work, which was completed on schedule.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further while police investigations are ongoing."

A Department for Education spokesperson: "St Aldhelm's has been the victim of a sophisticated serious fraud by a third party.

"The matter was immediately referred to the police and Action Fraud by the academy trust and to the EFA. The matter continues to be investigated by the police."

The school, one of the first to be given academy status from Education Secretary Michael Gove, has had its share of bad luck over the past 12 months, posting England's worst GCSE results for 2012.

Formerly called Rossmore Community College, it was relaunched as Poole's first academy in 2010.

It is sponsored by the Diocese of Salisbury which told Sky News in a statement: "The Diocese can confirm that an academy it sponsors, St Aldhelm's in Poole, was subject to a sophisticated fraud by a third party in July 2013.

"The Academy and both of its sponsors, the Diocese of Salisbury and Bournemouth University, have been working with the Department for Education to ensure that the education of children is unaffected.

"Both the Academy and its sponsors have been co-operating fully with the police investigation and cannot comment further while this continues."

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IMF Sees UK Growth Remaining Fastest In G7

By Ed Conway, Economics Editor, In Washington DC

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its forecast for Britain's economic growth more than any other major economy for the third time in a row, in a boost to the Chancellor's fortunes.

The Fund said it expected Britain's economy to expand by 2.9% this year – faster than any other G7 economy, and a significant upgrade from the 2.4% rate it predicted only three months ago.

The upgrade, which is likely to be seized on by the Chancellor as further evidence of British success, comes one year on from the IMF chief economist's warning that George Osborne was "playing with fire" with his austerity policies.

At that stage, Britain was facing the prospect of a possible triple-dip recession.

The IMF's chief economist has previously criticised UK austerity

Today, the Fund said that not only is growth strong in the UK, there is a significant chance of an "upside risk" – in other words even stronger growth than its central prediction.

However, the Fund added that the growth was being fuelled by the same imbalanced elements – consumer spending and credit – that contributed to the crisis.

"Growth has rebounded more strongly than anticipated in the United Kingdom on easier credit conditions and increased confidence," the report said.

"However, the recovery has been unbalanced, with business investment and exports still disappointing."

It pointed out that as a result, interest rates would be likely to rise sooner in the UK than in the US or Europe.

The Fund recommended that the Bank of England keep monetary policy "accommodative" – keeping rates low for the time being.

It added that "the Government's efforts to raise capital spending while staying within the medium-term fiscal envelope should help bolster recovery and long- term growth."

Labour's Ed Balls has accused the Government of complacency

The benign tone of the report, which forecast only slightly milder growth of 2.5% in 2015, is likely to be regarded within the Treasury as a victory over the Fund and Olivier Blanchard, who repeatedly urged the Chancellor to change course on austerity in recent years.

However, the Fund itself is likely to point towards the fact that the pace of Mr Osborne's spending cuts has been reduced in recent years – such that by some accounts he has already adopted a "plan B" on austerity.

A Treasury spokesperson responded: "The IMF forecast the UK to be the fastest growing major advanced economy this year.

"This is further evidence that the Government's long term economic plan is working, providing economic security for hardworking people.

"But the job is not done. Budget 2014 set out the next stage of the plan that is creating a more resilient economy through support to businesses, savers, and exporters.

"The biggest risk now to the recovery would be abandoning the plan that's delivering a brighter economic future."

Ed Balls, Labour's shadow chancellor, said: "These forecasts are welcome news after three damaging years when the economy flatlined and growth forecasts were repeatedly downgraded.

"Yet millions of working people, who are on average £1,600 a year worse off since 2010, are still not feeling any recovery at all.

"The IMF is right to warn about an unbalanced recovery and it is concerning that growth is expected to slow down next year.

"The Government should also heed the IMF's warnings about surging house prices by taking action to boost housing supply, as we have called for. 

"Instead of complacently trying to claim that everything is going well, we need a Government which understands that there is a deep-seated cost-of-living crisis and will act to tackle it."

The Fund said it expected the world economy to grow by 3.6% this year and 3.9% in 2015.

Among the countries facing a downgrade was Russia, whose growth prospects were cut by 0.6%, reflecting the economic impact of its involvement in Ukraine.

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Shrien Dewani Extradited To South Africa

A British man suspected of arranging the murder of his new wife on honeymoon has been remanded in custody after arriving in South Africa to face trial.

Shrien Dewani was taken from Fromeside Hospital to Bristol Airport accompanied by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Extradition Unit.

Officers were met at the airport by representatives from the South African authorities who have escorted him on the flight to Cape Town.

He arrived in Cape Town at about 8.15am UK time.

In a statement the country's justice department said: "Shrien Dewani has landed at Cape Town International Airport and was received by members of the SA Police Service.

Dewani was ferried around Cape Town in a black van

"He arrived in the company of a medical doctor, nurse and members of Saps (South African Police Service) and Interpol."

At a seven-minute court hearing, he was remanded in custody for treatment at Valkenberg hospital until May 12.

Dewani is accused of being behind a plot to kill his new bride Anni, 28, who was shot dead after being kidnapped during a taxi ride through a township on Cape Town's outskirts.

Three men have been convicted already and are serving jail terms. Prosecutors allege Dewani ordered the killing of his wife, who was a Swedish national.

The extradition of Dewani, 34, from Bristol, brings to an end a three-year battle to bring him to court after her death in November 2010.

Dewani was put on a flight from Bristol Airport bound for Cape Town

Dewani's lawyers argued he should not be forced from the UK to face trial until he had recovered from mental health problems, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mrs Dewani's uncle Ashok Hindocha told a news conference on Monday he was relieved his family would now have an opportunity to get justice.

He said: "(I am) relieved. Hopefully this case from now onwards will be about Anni.

"Until now, it hasn't really been about her. You cannot really blame anyone. It's the justice system and the way it is.

"Obviously, we were extremely surprised that it took so long."

Her brother Anish Hindocha added: "It's been very difficult. There is no life in our family any more, we struggle.

Hitman Xolile Mngeni is serving a life sentence for Anni Dewani's murder

"With the help of the South African people, with the help of the British people, we are at least trying to cope.

"We need justice for Anni. That's the only thing in our minds, and we will hopefully get it soon."

Dewani is due to appear in court later where he will be formally charged.

It is understood if he is found fit to do so, Dewani could stand trial in September.

The three men who have already been convicted and jailed over Mrs Dewani's death include taxi driver Zola Tongo, who was given 18 years after admitting his role in the killing.

Xolile Mngeni, who prosecutors claim was the hitman, and another accomplice, Mziwamadoda Qwabe, who pleaded guilty to murder and received a 25-year prison sentence.

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Irish President On Historic Visit To Britain

Rocking In The Castle With Michael D

Updated: 10:30am UK, Tuesday 08 April 2014

By David Blevins, Ireland Correspondent

"When will my time come?" is the title of one of his poems. Almost a century after Ireland secured its independence from Britain, the poetic president's time has come to pay a historic state visit to the next door neighbours.

Michael D Higgins is more than a poet. The 72-year-old head of state, who was born in Limerick and raised in County Clare, is a veteran champion of human rights, Irish arts and sport. He's affectionately known, the length and breadth of Ireland, as Michael D.

He was the first member of his family to attend university and lectured in politics in Galway and Illinois in the United States before running for office himself. He's arguably the most eclectic of the nine presidents in Ireland's history.

Don't be deceived by his grandfatherly appearance. The Irish President has fire in his bones. He's a recipient of the Sean MacBride International Peace Prize, has campaigned tirelessly for victims in Chile and Cambodia, and vigorously opposed the war in Iraq.

A former Labour government minister for arts, heritage and the Gaeltacht (Irish language), he helped to establish the country's first Irish language TV channel (TG4) and oversaw the removal of Section 31, which had censored Sinn Fein from Ireland's airwaves.

Anglo-Irish relations have changed beyond recognition since those days. Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness, now Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister, will attend a state banquet in Windsor Castle during the president's official visit and meet the Queen for a second time.

Long before his installation as Ireland's ninth president, Michael D Higgins had been elected President of Galway Football Club. The Hollywood actor Martin Sheen, who studied in Galway University, describes the Republic's current head of state as a "dear friend".

His fan base includes the former chart-topping Saw Doctors. The band once wrote a song in his honour, entitled 'Michael D Rocking in the Dail (Parliament) Bar'. The military bands around Windsor may not be familiar with that particular track.

President Higgins and his wife Sabine have four days of engagements in the UK, four days which, according to Ireland's Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore, "will not just write another chapter in Anglo-Irish relations but take us well into the book".

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'Serious Questions For PM Over Miller'

Ed Miliband said the Prime Minister had "serious questions to answer" over Maria Miller as pressure from Tory MPs for her to be removed from her job intensified.

In his first comments on the growing scandal, the Labour leader pointed out that "people in his own Government don't seem to be supporting her" and as a result he had to "answer those questions about her status in the Government".

Mr Miliband's remarks come after the prominent Tory MP, Zac Goldsmith, said he was "surprised that Mrs Miller had not stepped down" but agreed that it was a matter for Mr Cameron.

London Mayor Boris Johnson repeatedly sidestepped questions over whether the Culture Secretary should go.

Boris Johnson sidestepped questions over the Culture Secretary

Speaking on the Radio 4 Today programme he finally said: "I don't know the facts of the case in great detail but it seems to me she is being hounded quite a lot and I suppose my natural sympathies go out to people being in a hounded situation. How about that?"

The Employment Minister Esther McVey criticised Maria Miller's 32-second apology but said it was for the Prime Minister to decide on the Culture Secretary's future.

Ms McVey said: "I can honestly say it wouldn't be how I would have made an apology.

"But different people have different styles and do things in different ways."

Asked if Mrs Miller should keep her job, the Employment Minister told ITV's The Agenda: "David Cameron has the final say on this. He's standing by her."

Maria Miller apology: Gone in 32 seconds

The Tory MP Mark Field also said that Mrs Miller's apology had been "unacceptable".

One Tory MP told Sky's Political Correspondent Sophy Ridge: "It's what people want to talk about on doorstep  and in the pub,everyone has the same view except the Prime Minister."

Mr Miliband said Mr Cameron said: "He's (Cameron) got serious questions to answer about Maria Miller's failure to co-operate with the initial inquiry.

Independent Standards Authority chairman Sir Ian Kennedy

"He's got serious questions to answer about her failure to provide more than a perfunctory apology to the House of Commons.

"He's got serious questions now to answer about the fact that people in his own Government don't seem to be supporting her.

"So I think the ball is in his court - he's got to answer those questions about her status in the Government."

Parliament's sleaze watchdog ordered Mrs Miller to apologise and repay £5,800 following an expenses investigation six days ago.

The Culture Secretary, who on Tuesday morning attended the Cabinet meeting refusing to answer questions from the press, gave the briefest of statement's in the House of Commons to voice her regret over her attitude to the inquiry into allowances claims she had made for a second home.

The Prime Minister has continued to offer Mrs Miller his "full confidence", said she had "done the right thing" and urged the press to "leave it there".

A ComRes survey commissioned by Conservative Grassroots, an organisation founded by senior party activists, found that two in three Tory voters thought Mr Cameron should have sacked Mrs Miller.

An online petition calling for Mrs Miller to repay £45,000 or go has now amassed 145,000 names.

Mr Cameron is due to address the influential Conservative backbench 1922 committee on Wednesday, where he is likely to face a rough ride and spoke yesterday with its chairman Graham Brady.

Conservative Grassroots Chairman Robert Woollard, a former constituency party chairman, said: "Mr Cameron's support of the Culture Secretary is completely irrational.

"When David Cameron spoke about the need for the actions of those in Parliament to pass the smell test, it was exactly for such occasions as these.

"Well this whole issue stinks and as this poll finds, it is incredibly damaging to our party and the PM personally."

The Culture Secretary has agreed to pay back £5,800 wrongly claimed on a second home in Wimbledon, southwest London.

However, it emerged the Commissioner for Parliamentary Standards had found she should repay £45,000 but been over-ruled by the Standards Committee, made up of 10 MPs and three independent members who have not vote.

It has sparked calls for further changes to a system that allows MPs to police their own expenses, including from the chairman of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Sir Ian Kennedy.

Mrs Miller has also been forced to deny she will seek to dodge a capital gains tax bill on the £1.47m sale of her partly taxpayer-funded Wimbledon home.

A Number 10 source admitted some MPs had concerns over Mrs Miller, but added: "There are plenty of MPs who have got in touch to say they strongly back Maria as well."

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James Arthur Denies Fallout With Record Label

X Factor winner James Arthur has denied he has been dropped from Simon Cowell's record label for writing a song about terrorism.

Arthur's contract with Syco has reportedly ended after it emerged Follow The Leader includes the line: "I'm gonna blow up your family like I'm a terrorist".

But the 26-year-old wrote on Twitter: "As far as I know, I am still with Syco but I am exclusively signed to Sony. People look too deeply into the media circus. It's about music."

A spokeswoman for Syco declined to comment and Arthur took to Twitter to defend the song, which he insisted was "not promoting terrorism".

"The song 'follow the leader' from the mixtape is not promoting terrorism, it's a story, a reciting of a Stan Esc (Eminem song) letter from a demented fan." he wrote.

It is the latest controversy for the star after a series of online blunders, including criticising his own publicity team for the messages they post on Twitter and compared himself to an "exploited" SeaWorld killer whale.

In November Arthur temporarily left the social network after becoming embroiled in a homophobia row.

The singer, whose most recent single Get Down made it to just number 96 in the chart, said later of that incident that he was "disappointed in myself for being so naive".

Arthur's representatives would not provide Sky News with a comment.

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Brit Killed On Costas: Friend Tells Of Shock

A friend of millionaire businessman Andrew Bush, who was found shot dead at his home on Spain's Costa del Sol, has said he is "trying to comprehend" his death.

Mr Bush, 48, originally from Bristol, was found lying in a pool of blood with two gunshot wounds to his head at around 3am on Saturday.

Police are looking for Mr Bush's ex-girlfriend, named as Mayka Kukucova, who is thought to have left the property in the businessman's Hummer.

Friend Paul Orchard, who had also been Mr Bush's personal trainer, said he was "devastated".

"It will take me a long time to come to terms with this," he said.

"I've been his personal trainer since last September but I knew him for longer than that.

"We struck a good rapport and I only spoke to him on Friday evening, we were going to meet next week.

Estepona is on the Costa del Sol

"When I was first told, I questioned whether it was true and I kept on saying it can't be. Now I feel just a little bit empty, almost like I'm trying to put pieces together.

"I'm trying to comprehend that it's happened.

"My thoughts go to him and his family. He'll be greatly missed."

Firefighters and police discovered Mr Bush's body after forcing their way into the beachside villa in Estepona where he lived.

The company director's girlfriend alerted police with an emergency call after the attack.

The pair are said to have been ambushed by Kukucova.

The house is a village between the resorts of Estepona and Marbella

She is thought to have been lying in wait for them inside the five-bedroom house.

Mr Bush and his current girlfriend, who is reported to be British, had just returned to their home from a trip abroad.

The suspected killer is still on the run after escaping from the scene in the dead man's Hummer vehicle.

A source close to the investigation said: "It is being treated as murder and police are hunting the dead man's ex on suspicion of committing this crime.

"They are probing the possibility she may have let herself into the property while the occupant was away and waited for several days for him to return."

The businessman's body has been taken to Malaga for a post-mortem examination.

Mr Bush owned a number of businesses in Bristol including a jewellery shop, according to reports.

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Max Clifford Trial: Pauline Quirke Evidence

By Nick Pisa, Sky News Reporter, Southwark Crown Court

Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke has described publicist Max Clifford as an "honest and decent man" as the trial enters its closing stages.

Clifford, who turned 71 at the weekend, is accused of indecently assaulting a string of women in his car and his office, some after saying he could get them roles in the entertainment world.

However, Ms Quirke told Southwark Crown Court that the PR guru was nothing like the description that jurors have heard and she told how they worked together to raise funds for charity.

The actress who has also starred in Emmerdale and Broadchurch said that her friendship with him "grew from their connection" to the Rhys Daniels Trust which was set up in the 1990s to help a boy of the same name with Batten's Disease.

Ms Quirke said: "We went to each other's houses and we went out for dinner to restaurants. He came when I was on tour for two years with Birds of a Feather.

"The word integrity comes to mind when I think of Max - he's very down to Earth and normal considering the business that we are both involved in.

"He's a decent, decent man, honest and decent."

When asked by his defence barrister Richard Horwell QC if she had ever seen him "acting inappropriately with women" she replied: "We've been to balls with lots of women, people drinking and I've never seen him doing anything like that.

"I've never seen him behave in any way, shape or form like that."

Ms Quirke added that Clifford had helped raise money for the Trust by bringing stars to a celebrity screening of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and as a result they became "good friends".

As she left court, Clifford, who was dressed in a white open shirt and blue suit, winked and smiled at her.

Earlier, Sky Sports anchor Clare Thomlinson, who worked for Clifford in the early 1990s for six months said she had "no reason to doubt his integrity and honesty", adding that she had left his office on "amicable terms".

She said: "Max had an old school charm, he would open the door for you and ask how you would get home from a late function."

Ms Thomlinson, who was at the centre of sexual harassment claims from disgraced former commentators Richard Keys and Andy Gray, told the court the experience had made her want to testify in the case.

She said: "I have been the victim of sexual harassment at work and I would not be giving evidence in front of a court if I had believed Max was capable of that sort of behaviour."

Clifford, of Hersham, Surrey, denies 11 counts of indecent assault against seven women between 1966 and 1984. His defence is expected to finish on Tuesday when the case continues.

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Brickies Earning £100k As 'Brawn Drain' Hits

A shortage of skilled labourers has helped push pay packets for the country's top bricklayers past the £100,000 mark, according to industry experts.

Recruitment firm Deverell Smith and building consultants EC Harris told The Times the recruitment problem was so acute it was threatening to damage efforts to boost housebuilding.

The firms warned that an exodus of labourers in the wake of the financial crisis meant that the construction industry was struggling to recruit enough bricklayers, joiners, stone-fixers and plasterers now the recovery was gathering momentum.

Australia and New Zealand were thought to have been the main beneficiaries of the emigration and EC Harris said that a decline in apprenticeships meant that the void would have to be filled by migrant workers from Eastern Europe.

New developments are springing up as the market recovers

Demand for construction workers had risen 125% since 2008, the newspaper said, when industry output was largely stopped in its tracks by the credit crunch and resulting recession.

Economic recovery and Government schemes such as Help to Buy, which was launched a year ago, have aided the mortgage market and prompted builders to begin work on their huge land banks to help meet needs for new homes.

But the firms believe problems in the supply chain could undo the boom in property building, with costs rising by up to 7% this year alone.

While the most experienced contract bricklayers are now earning up to £100,000 annually, EC Harris said, material prices were also on the up as manufacturers struggled to recover production.

Mark Farmer, its head of residential, added: "The construction industry is grappling with a real capacity constraint issue at the moment.

"The cyclical 'boom and bust' nature of the sector has led to a gradual attrition of long-term skilled workforce, whether bricklayers or plasterers or experienced project managers.

Rising costs threaten to demolish major projects

"The recession of the last 5-6 years has seen many leave the industry through choice or natural ageing of the workforce and the level of new recruits is just not keeping up.

"What is needed is not casual labour but a trained and experienced workforce which takes many years to generate, so we are now facing a structural capacity issue that cannot be immediately remedied."

He cited volatility in day rates for skilled craftsmen as evidence of the supply and demand imbalance for labour.

Mr Farmer said "During the recession, bricklayer day rates fell by up to 50% as work dried up.

"We are now experiencing a massive rebound as demand outstrips availability of the very best tradesmen.

"Day rates in London are up to £150-£200 day and those that are particularly experienced and industrious, laying up to 1,000 bricks a day, can earn the equivalent of £100,000 a year on an output bonus basis."

He called for the construction industry to work harder to attract the best young talent and invest in off-site manufacture and pre-fabrication of housing to reduce the need for on-site labour.

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Teen Jailed For Westfield Mass Brawl Stabbing

A teenager footballer has been jailed for at least 18 years after murdering a man during scenes of "bedlam" at a London shopping centre.

Liam Woodards, who had been out celebrating his 24th birthday, was stabbed after the throwing of a yoghurt pot sparked a mass brawl between two gangs at Westfield Stratford just weeks before the 2012 Olympic Games.

Budding Arsenal coach Nii-Azu Kojo-Smith lunged forward and stabbed him in the chest in front of horrified shoppers, the Old Bailey heard.

As the victim lay dying, the fight moved on to Stratford Tube Station where one of Mr Woodards' friends stabbed one of the opposing group.

Victim Liam Woodards: Birthday celebration

Following a three-month retrial, Kojo-Smith, 19, of Hackney, east London, was found guilty of Mr Woodards' murder by a majority of 11 to 1.

Detaining Kojo-Smith for a minimum of 18 years, judge Richard Marks QC said: "The shopping centre at that time was full of men, women and children going about their business.

"It was a horrific scene of complete bedlam as many members of the public ran for safety into shops which swiftly closed their doors.

"It was readily apparent that those caught up in those appalling events must have been and were absolutely terrified."

The court heard much of the fight was captured on CCTV which was shown during the trial.

Kojo-Smith had a previous conviction for battery and threatening behaviour in 2010 after he was involved in a group attack on a passenger at Finsbury Park Tube station.

Tony Caton (L) and Anselm Legemah were also jailed

In mitigation, the court heard he was a talented young footballer who was involved in coaching at Arsenal.

His lawyer Philippa McAtasney QC said: "He was a talented footballer. He had obtained an FA1 coaching certificate and his future was set - all of that thrown away in a second of his behaviour."

She said he knew what he did was "very wrong" and saying sorry to the victim's family was not enough.

Co-defendant Tony Caton, 22, of Stratford, was convicted of two counts of violent disorder and Anselm Legemah, 19, of east London, was convicted of one count of violent disorder.

Caton was handed three years in jail while Legemah, whose girlfriend was heavily pregnant at the time, was sentenced to two years in a young offenders' institution.

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Food Waste 'Is Morally Repugnant', Say Lords

The scale of food waste, which sees 15 million tonnes of food dumped each year in the UK and at least 90 million tonnes across the EU, has been branded "morally repugnant" by a House of Lords committee.

The Lords EU Committee said supermarkets should abolish "buy one get one free" offers and not cancel orders of food from farmers after the produce has been grown, a practice which leads to edible food being ploughed back into the fields. 

They also suggested that more unused food sold by retailers should be donated to food banks, rather than sent for composting or landfill as is often the case at present.

In a report, the committee said EU efforts to reduce food waste were "fragmented and untargeted" and called for the new European Commission to publish a five-year strategy within six months of taking office later this year.

Committee chairwoman Baroness Scott said: "Food waste in the EU and the UK is clearly a huge issue. Not only is it morally repugnant, but it has serious economic and environmental implications.

The committee says taking action against food waste cannot be delayed

"The fact that 90 million tonnes of food is wasted across the EU each year shows the extent of the problem and explains why we are calling for urgent action.

"Globally, consumers in industrialised nations waste up to 222 million tons of food a year, which is equivalent to nearly the entire level of net food production of Sub-Saharan Africa.

"We cannot allow the complexity of the issues around defining and monitoring food waste to delay action any further.

"We are calling on the new European Commission, which will be appointed in November this year, to publish a five-year strategy for reducing food waste across the EU, and to do so within six months of taking office."

The report found that the carbon footprint of worldwide food waste is equivalent to twice the global greenhouse gas emissions of all road transportation in the US.

Lady Scott added: "We were shocked at the extent of food waste in the EU. Especially given the current economic challenges the EU faces, it is an absolutely shocking waste of resources.

"Some efforts are already being made, which is very positive, but much more can be done, and so we are calling on the EU, the Government, businesses and consumers to make sure it is."

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Women May Get Right To Fight On Front Line

The British Army is "seriously considering" lifting its ban on women serving in combat roles in line with other countries such as the US, the Chief of the General Staff has said.

General Sir Peter Wall told The Sunday Times he wanted to show women that the army was "open to" women and an equal opportunities employer.

The Ministry of Defence, which under European Law must review the policy every eight years, said there would another review "before 2018".

The last statutory review in 2010 raised concerns that putting women and men together in small units for months at a time could undermine "team cohesion", but said women would be able to meet physical and psychological demands.

Women currently are allowed to serve on the frontline with the artillery and as medics, engineers, intelligence officers and fighters pilots but not in close combat roles.

UK Army women are currently not allowed to serve in close combat roles

Last year, the US lifted its own ban on women fighting on the frontline, joining other countries including Germany, Canada, France and Israel.

Sir Peter told the newspaper: "We've got to take a view on that fairly soon.

"We're in a minority of armies now in that respect. It's definitely something that we need to be considering seriously but we need to go about this with great care, especially with all the other changes going on."

He said: "We have always said that we will look at the evidence and base our decision on what impact it will have on operational capability.

"This isn't just about getting more females into the 30% of roles that are combat trades but getting more of them into the Army per se.

"Women need to see they have equal opportunities right throughout the organisation.

"Allowing them to be combat troops would make us look more normal to society but there will always be people who say the close battle is no place for female soldiers."

Women could soon be fighting alongside men

In 2011, the Government announced that women would be allowed to go to sea with their male counterparts on the Royal Navy's Submarine Service for the first time in its 110-year history.

An MoD spokesman said: "The vast majority of roles in the Armed Forces are open to women and hundreds are currently serving their country with distinction in Afghanistan.

"They are fundamental to the operational effectiveness of the UK's Armed Forces, bringing talent and skills across the board.

"A 2010 review into women serving in combat roles concluded there should be no change to the existing policy and another review will take place before 2018."

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