Hilary Mantel Hits Out Over Kate Controversy

By Richard Suchet, Arts and Entertainment Correspondent

Hilary Mantel has said the public outcry and media reaction to her comments about the Duchess of Cambridge last year are a sign that Britain is becoming a "narrow and intolerant" nation.

The author of Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies was widely criticised for describing Kate as a "machine-made" princess with no personality - comments which she said had been taken out of context.

"What the fuss last year made me think was how narrow and how intolerant as a nation we have become because even if I had said about Kate the things I was alleged to have said, that was my perfect right.

"There was no occasion to jump on me and revile me.

"I would say it all over again and I stand by what I said."

Mantel was speaking to Sky News ahead of the opening night of Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies at The Aldwych theatre in London's West End.

Her books - which made her the first woman to win the Man Booker Prize twice - have been adapted for stage by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Together the novels are made up of almost 1,000 pages.

The dramatisation of Mantel's books are opening at the Aldwych theatre

"I don't see the need to be protective of every line, every scene, as long as the spirit is right and it is," she says.

"You could hurl many insults at me but precious is not one of them."

Director Jeremy Herrin's productions of Mike Poulton's dramatisations have been critically acclaimed.

The novels about Thomas Cromwell's life in the Tudor court have sold almost two million copies in the UK and over one million in the US.

"I think the court of Henry, Anne Boleyn, Catherine of Aragon and Thomas Cromwell in the mix of that is one of our national stories and one we'll always be connected to and we'll always want to see reinterpreted," says Herrin.

"Hilary has had the amazing insight to find Cromwell as a central character and to uncover him and explore what was going on for such an amazing man who, until she came along, no one really had a strong idea about."

Mantel's third instalment of the Cromwell series is highly anticipated but is yet to be written.

The two plays, which will run back-to-back at least once a week, have been in repertoire since December.

The West End cast includes Ben Miles as Cromwell, Nathaniel Parker as Henry VIII, Lydia Leonard as Anne Boleyn, Paul Jesson as Cardinal Wolsey and Lucy Briers as Catherine of Aragon.

Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies open at The Aldwych Theatre tonight and are scheduled to run until September 6.

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Migrants 'Buying Language Test Passes For £500'

The Home Office has launched an investigation into claims migrants who speak no English are able to buy certificates showing they have passed a supposedly "secure" language test.

Secret filming at an exam centre showed the certificates - which are required by anyone wanting to remain in the UK permanently or to apply for British citizenship - were being sold for £500.

Immigration and Security Minister James Brokenshire said in a statement: "The Home Office takes any allegation of fraud extremely seriously and we have already begun a full investigation.

"We will take the strongest possible action against anyone who is found to have abused the rules - including the possibility of criminal prosecutions for fraud.

"This ESOL certificate is just one element of a wide range of evidence required by individuals applying for settlement and citizenship.

"Nobody can gain a UK visa on the strength of this qualification alone."

Following information from a whistleblower, the Daily Mail carried out the undercover investigation into the exam centre at Upton Park, east London, which is run by Learn Pass Succeed (LPS).

Uzwan Ghani, one of the directors of LPS, which has four branches in London, told the paper the problem was confined to the Upton Park branch and that it had suspended tests taken at the centre.

"I'm shocked that this has happened and am very concerned as to how it could have happened," he was quoted as saying.

"We are very thorough when it comes to checking IDs of candidates before they take the test, so I will have to investigate which of the centres the test was taken in and who the assessor was.

"I've been in the business for five years and I've never come across something like this and I would not allow it. It is wrong and ridiculous."

Ofqual, the examinations watchdog, was also said to be aware of the allegations and was seeking further information "as a matter of urgency".

A spokesman said the centre had been suspended by EMD Qualifications and "appropriate action" would be taken.

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Coastal Town Battles Rising Erosion Threat

By Emma Birchley, East of England Correspondent

The coastal town of Hemsby is desperately seeking to shore up its erosion defences, three months after a tidal surge washed a number of houses into the sea.

Five patches of golden sand now break up the marram grass on the sand dunes in Hemsby where the houses once stood.

Angela and Tony Lewis's house, once set far back from the beach, now has a clear view of the horizon.

"You look at the sea view we never had and you think that view, lovely as it is, that is the view that is going to take our house away," said Mrs Lewis.

"We go to bed at night dreading there might be another storm and we dread what this winter is going to bring ... After this winter we don't know if we are going to have any houses left."

Even before the tidal surge of December 5, 2013, the quiet Norfolk resort had been fundraising for defences.

Some are questioning whether residents are fighting a losing battle

They had already put in place gabions - metal cages full of rocks - and vast bags of concrete at the base of the dunes. They think they helped, even though it is thought the dunes retreated 30 metres in places that night.

Many more defences have been added since, after fundraising reached £35,000.

But now the campaign group Save Hemsby Coastline is applying for much bigger sums of money from various grants, including lottery cash from the Coastal Communities Fund, in the hope of being able to afford a more sturdy and permanent solution.

Lorna Bevan-Thompson, landlady of the local pub and founder of the campaign, said: "We are trying to raise a good few million pounds to put in a preservation and protection scheme here.

"We want to make sure we can protect the remaining sand dunes we've got. This is our only barrier to the seas. If we don't protect them now, homes will be lost, businesses will be lost and we desperately need to protect what we have got left."

It is estimated that defences can cost as much as £10,000 per metre.

A notice erected by the people of Hemsby

Dr Alastair Grant, professor of ecology at the University of East Anglia, says the costs have to be weighed up.

"The sea is incredibly powerful. If you have enough resources you can build sea defences that will stay where they are but that is incredibly expensive and the decision needs to be made about the relative costs and benefits of defending a piece of coastline."

Tourism in the village, just north of Great Yarmouth, is said to make £80m a year.

But there is more than just business at stake and for the people whose lives revolve around Hemsby, giving into the sea is not an option.

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Co-Op Vote On 'Slimmed-Down' Restructure

The future of the struggling Co-op group is to be decided today as radical reforms are voted on at its annual general meeting.

Former City minister Lord Myners has proposed a major shake-up of the 150-year-old business which reported losses of £2.5bn for 2013.

But Lord Myners fears that traditionalists within the organisation are "still stuck in denial" about its problems and will not support the plans.

These include sweeping away the existing 20-strong board of representatives from the co-operative movement, who currently include an engineer, a plasterer and a retired deputy head teacher.

He wants to replace this with a slimmed-down "plc and beyond" structure staffed by professionally-trained directors.

Lord Myners has said the Co-op is 'not fit for purpose'

The former Marks & Spencer chairman was appointed a director of the Co-operative Group in December but has announced he is to leave following this weekend's vote.

He has said it was apparent to him from the first time he attended a board meeting that not one of its members had the ability to address the complex issues faced by a group burdened with £1.4bn of debt.

Lord Myners believes that the Co-op will survive but faces the prospect of having to sell assets such as its £1bn funeral care business, in order to meet the demands of its lending banks, if it does not adopt reform.

Resistance to the changes saw chief executive Euan Sutherland leave the group earlier this year saying it was ungovernable.

This weekend's ballot will be decided by representatives of its independent societies and affiliated organisations - who hold 22% of the vote - and others voting on behalf of its regional membership boards making up the remaining 78%.

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Britain To Swelter On 'Hottest Day Of Year'

Britain is expected to enjoy the hottest day of the year so far today with temperatures set to beat those in Greece and Italy.

Forecasters predict the mercury will rise to as high as 24C (75.2F) in much of England, while in Rome and Athens it is anticipated to be in the low 20s.

London, the South East, East Anglia and the East Midlands will enjoy the highest temperatures of 23C (73.4F) to 24C (75.2F).

The rest of the UK will also be warm although rain is forecast for north west Scotland and northern parts of Northern Ireland.

Friday was already the warmest day of the year so far for England after the mercury hit 23.7C (74.7F) in Worcestershire, the Met Office said.

Sky News Forecaster Isobel Lang said temperatures will climb quickly, and warned the strong sunshine meant high UV levels.

And while for most the weekend will be warm with blue skies, parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland are likely to see rain.

Next week will become more unsettled with thundery showers expected all over the country although overnight temperatures are due to stay warm.

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Victoria's Secrets: Diaries Of Queen Go On Show

By Joe Tidy, Sky News Reporter

Cuttings from the teenage diaries of Queen Victoria describe her shock at the "blasted" and "desolate" Midlands which she visited on a royal tour when she was 13.

In her diary entry in 1832, the future Queen described Wolverhampton as "a large and dirty town" and wrote that the surroundings were "very desolate everywhere, there are coals about, and the grass is quite blasted and black".

The diary is being put on show alongside dozens of never-before-seen letters and papers from the Royal Archives.

A letter Bonnie Prince Charlie wrote to his father

The archives were established in 1904 in the Round Tower at Windsor Castle, Berkshire and this exhibition has been created to celebrate the centenary.

As well as Queen Victoria's diary, writings from her majesty Queen Elizabeth II are also on display.

Her diary entry for the day of her father's coronation in 1937 shows a mixed experience for the 11-year-old future monarch.

She writes: "The arches and beams at the top [of the abbey] were covered with a sort of haze of wonder as Papa was crowned, at least I thought so."

But later she explains: "At the end, the service got rather boring as it was all prayers.

"Grannie and I were looking to see how many more pages to the end, and we turned one more and then I pointed to the word at the bottom of the page and it said 'finis'.

"We both smiled at each other and turned back to the service."

A sketch of the Battle of Rorke's Drift drawn by a commander

Exhibition curator Lauren Porter hopes people will be intrigued to read the thoughts of Queen Victoria and others.

She said: "Many of these documents were only intended for her and there's lots of private correspondence on display here so they were never expected to be exhibited.

"I think it's really interesting to get these very personal, honest responses to moments in history."

Also on display for the first time is one of the many love letters exchanged between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Written in the Prince's native German during their engagement, a letter reveals the depth of Albert's devotion to his bride-to-be.

It begins "Dearest deeply loved Victoria" and continues "your image fills my whole soul. Even in my dreams I never imagined that I should find so much love on earth".

Treasures From The Royal Archives will be open to the public at Windsor Castle from May 17 until January 25.

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3D Printer Used To Make Woman's Hip Joint

By Thomas Moore, Health and Science Correspondent

British surgeons have for the first time implanted a hip joint made on a 3D printer - and held it in place with the patient's own stem cells.

The titanium metal implant was custom-made for Meryl Richards, 71, using precise measurements taken from detailed body scans.

Surgeons have hailed the procedure as a "game-changer" for complex orthopaedic procedures.

Mrs Richards had six previous hip replacements which left her pelvis so weak that her leg had punched a hole through the bone.

It meant one leg was two inches shorter than the other and she was increasingly disabled by the pain.

Speaking to Sky News she said that without the technique she would soon have been in a wheelchair.

Mrs Richards was facing life in a wheelchair before the operation

"For years now I've walked with crutches or stick," she said.

"Hopefully this will give me movement and mobility again. It's absolutely fantastic."

Mrs Richards had the pioneering operation at Southampton General Hospital.

Surgeons sent CT body scans of her pelvis to the Belgian company Mobelife.

Using computer-aided design and a 3D printer they created a tailor-made socket for the new hip joint.

The shape was built in thin layers from titanium powder that was spot-welded together with a high-temperature laser beam.

Mr Douglas Dunlop, the consultant surgeon who carried out the operation, said: "The benefits to the patient through this pioneering procedure are numerous.

"The titanium used to make the hip is more durable and has been printed to match the patient's exact measurements - this should improve the fit."

He said the custom-made implant also speeds up the operation and is likely to reduce the risk of a serious joint infection.

To increase the chances of success scientists at Southampton University developed a way of using Mrs Richards' bone marrow stem cells as a "glue" to hold the implant securely in place.

Professor Richard Oreffo said cells are growing new bone around the implant, adding: "That will allow the structure to be much stronger and for Meryl we hope it will be the last time she comes back to the operating room."

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Top Sun Creams 'Don't Live Up To SPF Claims'

Three leading sun cream brands have failed protection tests conducted by the consumer watchdog, Which?

Products manufactured by Piz Buin, Malibu and Hawaiian Tropic, which claimed a sun projection factor of 30, were all found to have an SPF of below 25.

Which? has now branded the creams "Don't buys".

The company's executive director, Richard Lloyd, told Sky News: "We found three products from three big brands that don't live up to the claims made by the manufacturer.

"Consumers will be rightly worried that products of this kind that are meant to protect you from sunburn, with thousands and thousands of cases of people now getting skin cancer … aren't living up to the very strict British standards that we tested them against.

"The manufacturers now need to reassure the public that their products are good to use and in the meantime we recommend to people that they don't buy these three products."

Which? said the results were identified in two separate British Standards tests looking into 15 products with SPF 30 -  a bestseller in the UK.

The tests found that price was not linked to the level of protection provided, with more expensive products often offering a lower SPF.

The consumer watchdog said Calypso Sun Lotion SPF30 250ml, the cheapest product tested, passed both British Standard tests. It is priced at just £1.20 per 100ml.

The more expensive products were not found to offer better protection

Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch Sun Fluid SPF30, which costs £11.30 per 100ml, was among those which failed.

Malibu Protective Lotion SPF30 200ml also failed tests looking into products' ability to protect consumers from a form of ultraviolet radiation called UVA, which has been liked to skin cancer and premature ageing of the skin.

EU recommendations say sun creams should over a UVA protection that is one third of their SPF value.

The Malibu cream was found to have a UVA protection factor below 10.

All three companies have rejected the tests' findings.

Malibu said: "We stand by our testing and are willing to have our formula tested again by any reputable UK testing house.

"We have nothing to hide. Our files are open for any legitimate person to come and examine."

A statement from Hawaiian Tropic said: "Hawaiian Tropic focuses fully on providing quality products and effective sun protection that meets all EU and Cosmetic Regulations.

"Consumers can fully rely on Hawaiian Tropic products, including Satin Protection SPF 30; safe in the knowledge they are protected against the sun to the level they want, need and expect."

Piz Buin said: "Our products are subject to rigorous safety and efficacy testing; in the case of sun care products, this includes SPF testing in line with the EU sun care recommendation.

"Consumers can be confident that PIZ BUIN® Ultra Light Dry Touch Sun Fluid SPF 30 provides effective sun protection at SPF 30, when used as directed."

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E.ON To Pay Customers £12m Over Mis-Selling

Energy Complaints Soar By Staggering 224%

Updated: 1:11pm UK, Friday 16 May 2014

Complaints about energy companies have trebled in the first quarter of this year, according to the energy sector's ombudsman who is calling for "increased transparency".

The record figures showing a 224% rise in the first three months of this year come after regulator Ofgem said it was referring the energy sector to the Competition and Markets Authority for a full-scale competition inquiry.

Between January and March, complaints trebled to 10,638, compared with 3,277 received during the same period last year.

More than 2,000 consumers complained about not receiving bills, 1,474 people made complaints about billing charges, and over 1,000 consumers criticised the quality of customer service.

The numbers suggest that 2014 will see more complaints overall, as there were 17,960 complaints made over a 12-month period last year.

Chief Energy Ombudsman Lewis Shand Smith said: "Consumer frustration and dissatisfaction is something that we hear about every day, and we welcome any attempts by Ofgem to make the energy market fairer.

"With energy complaints trebling in the first quarter of this year and problems relating to billing the greatest concern, increased transparency is something that should be addressed."

A spokeswoman for Energy UK, the trade body that represents the industry, said most customers had no problems with their energy company, but accepted that sometimes things go wrong.

She added: "If a customer has any concerns relating to their bills, they should contact their provider as soon as they can, and if possible have an up-to-date meter reading to hand which will ensure their bill is as accurate as possible.

"Energy companies work very hard to resolve problems and most complaints are fixed within a few working days with no more than a phone call."

The spokeswoman said there were new rules in force which made matters "more open and clear for customers including: explaining bills so people understand what they are paying; making it easy to switch; ensuring customers are on the right deals; and simplifying tariffs".

But Richard Lloyd, executive director of Which?, the consumer watchdog, said the rise in complaints was "further proof that the energy market is broken".

He added it was "right" that the energy sector had been referred for a full-scale investigation.

A Department of Energy and Climate Change spokeswoman said the figures were "worrying", and added: "We would advise consumers to shop around and switch to find a better deal, whether on cost or customer service."

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David Axelrod In Miliband Twitter Blunder

Labour's election campaign guru David Axelrod has been left red-faced after wrongly spelling the party leader's name.

The master tactician, who oversaw Barack Obama's US presidential victories, has shown himself to be just as fallible as the next person when it comes to social media.

In a tweet aimed at praising Labour, Mr Axelrod misspelled Ed Miliband's name - using two Ls instead of one.

Mr Axelrod was in London this week to met Labour's frontbench team

His Twitter post said: "Enjoyed my visit with @Ed_Milliband and his @UKLabour team."

The blunder was compounded by the fact the incorrect spelling linked to a spoof account in the name of the opposition leader.

The Tories were swift to seize on the slip-up, which came after Mr Axelrod met Labour's front bench team and other senior party figures during a visit to London.

The gaffe served to overshadow the rest of Mr Axelrod's tweet, in which he said: "I was inspired by the brilliant, tireless young women and men I met at HQ."

He was hired last month for what is reported to be a six-figure salary to help bolster the party's fortunes ahead of the 2015 general election.

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Stephen Sutton Tributes Push Up Donations

Stephen Sutton's cancer fundraising campaign has raised £400k in one day since the teenager's family announced his death.

Thousands of people inspired by the 19-year-old's story have pledged cash to his JustGiving page since he passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The total, which stood at just over £3.2m before Stephen's death, had rocketed to more than £3.66m by 2pm on Thursday as tributes continued to pour in from politicians, celebrities and members of the public.

Many of the most recent donations to the JustGiving campaign for the Teenage Cancer Trust have been accompanied by simple messages of tribute or thanks.

Rebecca G wrote: "Inspirational Young Man. Rest in Peace :)."

Stephen's JustGiving total had passed £3.5m on Thursday morning

An anonymous donor said: "In memory of a truly courageous and inspirational young man - Stephen, you will never be forgotten xx."

Stephen's mother Jane Sutton announced that he had passed away on his Facebook page, saying: "My heart is bursting with pride but breaking with pain for my courageous, selfless, inspirational son who passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 14th May.

"The ongoing support and outpouring of love for Stephen will help greatly at this difficult time, in the same way as it helped Stephen throughout his journey.

"We all know he will never be forgotten, his spirit will live on, in all that he achieved and shared with so many."

Stephen gave speeches about his positive approach to terminal illness

Prime Minister David Cameron, who met Stephen, told Sky News: "He was really inspiring. I feel deeply sorry for Stephen's family, for everyone that knew him.

"He was determined not to waste a minute, not to waste an hour, or a day. I can hardly think of anyone I have met with such a zest for life, with such a belief that you can get things done, and who wanted to live every minute.

"He did extraordinary things for charity and meeting him was a huge privilege. A very bright light has gone out."

The Teenage Cancer Trust, which Stephen raised money for, said in a statement: "We are humbled and hugely grateful for what Stephen achieved, and continues to achieve, for young people with cancer."

David Cameron congratulated Stephen in person for his charity efforts

News of Stephen's death came shortly after his family said the teenager from Burntwood, Staffordshire, had become too sick to communicate as his condition deteriorated.

He was readmitted to hospital on Sunday after having previously been discharged when it appeared he had made a "miraculous recovery" by coughing up a tumour.

At the time he revealed that he was suffering from breathlessness and said doctors thought there was something blocking his airway.

He wrote on Facebook: "The doctors think there may be something restricting my airway again, they're not sure exactly what yet though (tumour regrowth, infection, inflammation, are all potential reasons mentioned), but are currently discussing the possibilities and my scan results to decide what to do next."

Stephen, from Burntwood in Staffordshire, was diagnosed with bowel cancer when he was 15.

Despite treatment the tumours spread, with doctors telling him the disease was terminal in 2012.

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Exclusive: Sky's Man Goes Inside GCHQ

As I crossed the various levels of security required to get into GCHQ, signs went up around the building. Staff were warned that an outsider was inside, and to be aware of that if engaged in any sensitive conversations.

This rare access for a journalist appears to be part of a conscious but cautious effort to explain the workings of the intelligence agency, in the wake of the allegations by former US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden.

Most of the interior of Britain's signal intelligence agency looks similar to any large modern office building, but there are constant reminders of the extraordinary inside the ordinary.

This is true of the architecture. The building is referred to by both media and the intelligence community as "the doughnut".

From the outside it is somewhat foreboding, ringed by high fences topped with razor wire. But inside the colours are calming, the ceilings high, and the corridors surprisingly light.

The main internal circular corridor, known somewhat affectionately as "the street" is a busy thoroughfare and a reminder that thousands of people work here. GCHQ is Cheltenham's biggest employer.

On the ground floor, open plan offices look out on to a circular garden complete with water feature and smoking area.

Edward Snowden's revelations have left intelligence staff ruffled

From there you can see a variety of satellite dishes and myriad aerials perched on the roof of the second floor.

It is rumoured the design of the circular walls enclosing the garden were built in a way which limits how much sound from conversations will carry upwards in the direction of interested parties who might be listening high above the building.

Inside, the juxtaposition of the ordinary and extraordinary continues. Next to one of the coffee bars is a pop-up "help with your expenses" desk, which is near a small museum housing the first Enigma coding/decoding machine.

The contraption, which cracked the German codes in the Second World War was purchased in Berlin and brought to the UK in the 1930s,  a move described as "the best £30 Britain has ever spent".

You can also find notes on JRR Tolkien's application to join the Bletchley Park code breakers. His services "were not called upon".

It is a state-of-the-art building, but there may be a few dents in the doughnut.

Staff are stirred, if not shaken in the aftermath of the Snowden furore. For more than a year now there have been allegations that they spend their time engaged in possibly illegal mass surveillance and bulk-trawling through our emails and phone calls.

Time and again officials repeated to me: "Everything we do is lawful, necessary, and proportionate."

This view was recently upheld by Sir Anthony May, the Interception of Communications Commissioner.

However, it appears the agency does indeed engage in scooping up vast amounts of data.

What was lost in the headlines was that officers do not actually look at the text of emails or listen to phone conversations without a warrant signed by a Cabinet Minister and overseen by senior members of the judiciary.

"Don't you actually think your hands are tied?" I asked a senior official, who replied: "Our hands are tied appropriately."

Another added: "We are not struggling against our bonds."

Despite the Snowden affair, and the possibility the agency did not act in the spirit of the laws governing it, the damage to public trust in Britain's spooks appears limited.

Polls suggest that a majority of the public appears not to be concerned about the powers held by GCHQ, nor its methods.

Nevertheless, the presence of a journalist inside the headquarters of an agency (which did not officially exist until the 1980s) indicates that management understands it needs to explain GCHQ more fully.

Staff appear to be at best irritated, and at worst hurt, by suggestions they have acted illegally. They are keen that there should be a better understanding of not just what they do, but why they do it.

For example, if the 'opposition' is developing weapons of various types, including surveillance weapons, it is part of their work to find out and develop counter measures.

About a third of analysts' work is in counter-terrorism. The rest is in cyber security, support for military operations, operations against serious criminals, and a variety of other tasks.

In the public domain, but not widely known, is the fact that more than 200 staff have been awarded medals for service in a military theatre.

Many of these have been won during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The staff were remarkably normal. Some in suits, some in shorts, none of them looking like Daniel Craig.

I did ask to see the "big room with the map of the world on a screen and a guy stroking a white cat" but permission was refused. The room does exist but, alas, the cat does not.

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Prince Harry Slow To Type His First Tweet

Prince Harry has taken to Twitter for the first time, using an iPad to send a message about the military games he is backing.

The Prince tweeted from the BT Tower in central London, using a hashtag to encourage sports fans to support the Invictus Games - a Paralympic-style event for injured members of the armed forces.

He wrote: "Hope everyone will get behind #invictusgames. Great opportunity to support and thank the men and women who have given so much. Harry".

Harry sent his tweet from the Invictus Games Twitter account

The Prince at first seemed a little wary of using the social media site in front of sponsors and reporters and took his time, later joking: "That's why I joined the Army, I can't type fast."

The message notched up nearly 200 retweets within an hour.

He added that Mayor of London Boris Johnson, an enthusiastic Twitter user, would be "thrilled" to see him taking to the site.

Inspired by the US Warrior Games, the Invictus Games will take place from September 10 to 14 in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Some 40,000 tickets for the event, which will host more than 400 competitors from 14 nations, go on sale tomorrow.

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Rolf Harris 'Abused Girl At Two Little Boys Show'

By Nick Pisa, Sky News Reporter

A woman has told a court how she threw away a Rolf Harris autograph in disgust after he allegedly indecently assaulted her when she was a young girl.

Entertainer Harris, 84, is said to have touched the seven or eight-year-old girl's back, before running his "big, hairy" hand down her bottom and between her legs.

The woman, now 52, and who cannot be named for legal reasons, was among dozens of children who had queued excitedly to get his autograph on a Saturday morning after he performed his hit song Two Little Boys.

But she was left so shocked and scared after he touched her, she threw the piece of paper away after the incident at a community centre in Portsmouth, which she said happened in around 1969.

Speaking from behind a screen, the woman told jurors at Southwark Crown Court: "It was so quick, I thought 'what's just happened?' More or less instantly his hand was back again.

"Straight up between my legs, aggressively, forcefully, as if it didn't matter if it was going to hurt me, I knew then it wasn't an accident."

The woman went on: "I understood it was wrong. I wanted to get away. I wanted to scream out 'what are you doing?' but it wouldn't come out."

"He scared me. His eyes were fixed. He was carrying on as if nothing had happened," she said.

Prosecutor Ms Sasha Wass QC asked her what she did with the autograph and she replied: "I threw it on the floor".

She said that afterwards she felt she "wasn't the same child".

The woman said even now, years later, she still cried when she heard the song Two Little Boys.

She said she later told her husband and children that Harris was a ''dirty old man'' who had ''touched her up as a child".

Jurors heard that she eventually told police what had happened in May 2013 after seeing reports that another woman in Australia had come forward with similar claims following the Jimmy Savile scandal.

Under cross-examination from Ms Sonia Woodley QC, she denied suggestions that Harris had not been to the community centre and that she had not been indecently assaulted by him.

She insisted: ''Rolf Harris was there. I met Rolf Harris at that community centre when I was a little girl.''

Australian-born Harris, dressed in a grey suit and tie, listened via a hearing loop from the glass-fronted dock, occasionally making notes.

Relatives and friends were in the public gallery but for the second day his wife Alwen did not accompany him to court.

Harris, of Bray, Berkshire, is accused of indecently assaulting four girls and women between 1968 and 1986 and denies the 12 charges.

The case continues.

More follows...

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Walkie-Talkie Skyscraper To Get Sunshade

A City of London skyscraper which was blamed for small fires and melted cars and tiles in a nearby street is to be given a shade to act as a permanent sun block.

The unusual design of 20 Fenchurch Street - nicknamed the Walkie Talkie because of its distinctive shape - reflected the sun's rays into the street, causing damage to people's cars and businesses.

On one occasion when heat on the tiles of the building hit more than 92F, a journalist even managed to fry an egg.

Now, developer Land Securities says it has been given planning permission for a "brise soleil" sunshade to replace a temporary system put in place last summer - work on the shade will start this month.

One Jaguar owner saw his wing mirror and panels melt

The developer was bullish in brushing off concerns about the effects such a problem would have on rentals.

In its financial results for 2013, the company said: "A solar glare issue drew attention to the building for the wrong reasons, but did nothing to deter lettings, with 200,000 sq ft taken up in the months after the problem materialised.

"Our brise soleil solution ... will not interfere with the customer fit-out or occupation. The cost involved has not altered our original estimated total cost of the building."

Passers-by were astonished at the heat the building generated

The 37-storey building was still being erected in September when angry business owners in Eastcheap blamed the £200m project, deigned by Rafael Vinoly, for blistering paintwork, causing tiles to smash and singeing fabric.

A local barber said the position of the sun at a certain time of the day caused a searing bolt of sunlight to start a small fire and burn a hole in his company's doormat.

Developers Land Securities and Canary Wharf agreed to pay for repair work and built a large screen to cut the risk of further damage to businesses from reflected sunlight.

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East European Migrant Influx Fails To Emerge

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

The number of Romanians and Bulgarians working in the UK has fallen by 4,000 since transitional controls on immigration were lifted on January 1.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics show 140,000 people born in one of the two countries were employed between January and March this year.

That is down from 144,000 between October and December, suggesting concerns about mass immigration following the New Year have been unfounded.

East European migrant numbers fell after border restrictions were relaxed

However, the long-term trend has been marked by an increase, with the figures up 28,000 compared to the same period last year.

Employment Minister Esther McVey said: "People were predicting the influx, we can see that has not happened."

Instead there has been a gradual increase, she said.

The Prime Minister has previously said that the numbers coming in since January have been "acceptable".

Last Autumn, he laid out a raft of tough new measures to curb immigrants' access to benefits amid fears of the increasing numbers.

UKIP have been benefitting electorally from fears around the issue.

The Conservatives will be relieved about the latest figures just weeks before European and local elections in which UKIP is expected to do well.

UKIP have seized on the overall trend in immigration - arguing that there are 292,000 extra people not born in Britain working in the UK since January last year.

That is a 7% rise and includes 168,000 more from the EU.

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Stephen Sutton: Tributes Pour In For Teenager

Tributes to cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton have been pouring in after his death at the age of 19.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who met the youngster last week, said on Twitter: "I'm deeply saddened to hear that Stephen Sutton has died.

"His spirit, bravery and fundraising for cancer research were all an inspiration."

Opposition leader Ed Miliband added: "Tragic news that Stephen Sutton has passed away. His bravery & determination to live life to the full was an inspiration to us all."

His family said Stephen, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

David Cameron was among those paying tribute to Stephen

Within seconds of the news being announced, thousands of people had left their own tributes on his Facebook page Stephen's Story.

Many others took to Twitter to express their feelings about what he had achieved.

Ricky Gervais said on Twitter: "RIP Stephen Sutton. A true hero & inspiration to us all."

Cricketer Kevin Pieterson added: "So sad to hear the news about Stephen Sutton. What an amazing, selfless and immensely inspirational young man. #RIPStephen."

Pop star and pundit Carol Decker said: "RIP Stephen Sutton,a truly inspiring young man,I am in tears watching the news footage."

David Cameron and Ed Miliband's tributes to Stephen

Comedian Jason Manford, who help raise the profile of his fundraising efforts, said: "Stephen Sutton was the most inspiring person I've ever met and touched more lives than he will ever know.

"He was an incredibly positive young man and a credit to his family, to Burntwood and to humanity itself.

"The reason we took to him so passionately was because he was better than us, he did something that none of us could even imagine doing.

"In his darkest hour he selflessly dedicated his final moments to raising millions of pounds for teenagers with cancer.

"Some of Stephen's words will stay with me and others forever and they are words to live by - 'life isn't measured in time, it's measured in achievements'."

Siobhan Dunn, chief executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, for which he raised more than £3.2m, said: "Stephen was an exceptional young man and ambassador for Teenage Cancer Trust.

More than 130,000 people had left a comment after an hour

"Stephen has made an enormous difference to Teenage Cancer Trust and the seven young people diagnosed with cancer every day who need our help."

Deborah Alsina, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, which was the disease from which he suffered, said: "Stephen's story struck a chord with the nation, putting teenage cancer, and bowel cancer specifically, firmly in the public eye."

Hundreds of those who continued to add to the £3.2million he had raised for the Teenage Cancer Trust also left tributes.

One, Sylvia Brookes, said: "May you rest in eternal peace, knowing that your bravery and inspiration to others will always remain in our hearts.God bless you!"

More follows...

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Interest Rate To Remain Low For 'Some Time'

Affordability Gap: Figures In Detail

Updated: 11:45pm UK, Tuesday 13 May 2014

The 10 most affordable and least affordable areas to buy a property in England and Wales.

They are listed by their affordability gap - the ratio between average house prices and average earnings of locals in each area.

The first figure is the average house price in that area, the next is the average local earnings, and the third is the affordability gap - calculated by dividing the first figure by the second...

Top Ten    

Kensington and Chelsea £935,000 £42,957  21.8  

Westminster £748,500   £38,355  19.5  

Camden £595,000   £37,372  15.9  

Hammersmith and Fulham £550,000 £34,778  15.8

Islington £450,100 £34,876  12.9 

Elmbridge £444,500 £36,161  12.3 

Wandsworth £450,000   £36,618  12.3 

Richmond upon Thames £475,000   £38,860  12.2 

Hackney £378,500   £31,023  12.2 

Brent £340,000  £27,950  12.2 

Bottom Ten   

Wigan £105,000   £25,589  4.1

Neath Port Talbot £93,750   £23,462  4.0

Stoke-on-Trent £88,000   £22,620  3.9

Merthyr Tydfil £86,000   £22,396  3.8   

Rhondda, Cynon, Taff £93,000   £24,872  3.7

Pendle £85,000   £22,932  3.7

Barrow-in-Furness £92,500   £27,794  3.3

Blaenau Gwent £70,000   £21,034  3.3

Copeland £115,000   £35,105  3.3

Burnley £71,500   £24,612  2.9 

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Rolf Harris 'Was Described As Dirty Old Man'

By Nick Pisa, Sky News Reporter

A childhood friend of a woman allegedly sexually abused by Rolf Harris has told a court how the entertainer was described as a "dirty old man".

The witness, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she was "shocked and horrified" when the now 49-year-old alleged victim told her what he had done to her.

Southwark Crown Court has heard Harris first abused the woman during a holiday in Hawaii when she was 13 years old in 1978 and continued until she was 29.

At the time, the alleged victim was the best friend of the entertainer's daughter Bindi and he is said to have groped her in a hotel room and on a waterside jetty.

The alleged victim's friend told the court: "Rolf Harris was a well-known and well-loved celebrity, pretty much well known to all of us."

She added she was a classmate of the alleged victim and told the court she had had a conversation with her friend during which she described Harris as a "dirty old man".

Rolf Harris was accompanied to court by several friends and family members

The witness went on: "He asked her to sit on his lap and then touched her up. It was a shocking conversation.

"He was a well-known … he was one of those people I would never imagine ... I was shocked, horrified.

"I may have mentioned it to my parents. It wasn't an asking matter … I wasn't going to spread it to the world."

She added that in 1996, after she had moved to New Zealand, the alleged victim called and spoke to her again about the sexual abuse she had allegedly suffered.

The alleged victim's friend told the court: "He had been abusing her through her teens and beyond ... at the age of 13, 14.

"It went on for many years. I didn't want to go into details at the time because it wasn't the place. It was quite distressing.

"She told her parents, no one else I don't think knew. I told her to go to the police but she said she didn't want to. It wasn't the time or the place and she didn't want it to become a media circus."

Under cross examination from Sonia Woodley QC, the witness was asked about her friend's drinking.

She said that she never smelt alcohol on her breath at school but did "in a home environment".

When questioned again by prosecutor Ms Sasha Wass QC to explain further her friend's "anxiety" at school, she said: "She never seemed to have a lot of self-confidence. She was a lovely, lovely girl.

"She just sometime ... took to drink to give her confidence."

The court was also read a statement from the alleged victim's former tutor in 1980 which said she was "weeping about home/private matters" and had been comforted by friends.

Harris faces 12 charges of indecent assault between 1968 and 1986, which he denies.

He followed proceedings via a hearing loop from the dock. His niece and friends were also in court.

The trial continues.

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Charity Fund-Raiser Stephen Sutton Dies

Teenager Stephen Sutton, who raised more than £3m for charity after his bucket list went viral on the internet, has died after losing his cancer battle.

Writing on his Facebook page, his mother wrote: "My heart is bursting with pride but breaking with pain for my courageous, selfless, inspirational son who passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 14th May.

"The ongoing support and outpouring of love for Stephen will help greatly at this difficult time, in the same way as it helped Stephen throughout his journey.

"We all know he will never be forgotten, his spirit will live on, in all that he achieved and shared with so many."

Stephen raised more than £3m for charity and the total continues to rise

Within 30 minutes of the posting, more than 60,000 messages of condolence had been left on his Facebook page.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who met Stephen and hailed him "an inspiration", tweeted: "I'm deeply saddened to hear that Stephen Sutton has died. His spirit, bravery and fundraising for cancer research were all an inspiration."

The Teenage Cancer Trust, who Stephen raised money for, said in a statement: "We are humbled and hugely grateful for what Stephen achieved, and continues to achieve, for young people with cancer."

News of Stephen's death came shortly after his family said the 19-year-old had become too sick to communicate as his condition deteriorated.

He was readmitted to hospital on Sunday after having previously been discharged when it appeared he had made a "miraculous recovery" by coughing up a tumour.

At the time he revealed that he was suffering from breathlessness and said doctors thought there was something blocking his airway.

David Cameron visited the teenager and said he was "an inspiration"

He wrote on Facebook: "The doctors think there may be something restricting my airway again, they're not sure exactly what yet though (tumour regrowth, infection, inflammation, are all potential reasons mentioned), but are currently discussing the possibilities and my scan results to decide what to do next."

Stephen, from Burntwood in Staffordshire, was diagnosed with bowel cancer when he was 15.

Despite treatment the tumours spread, with doctors telling him the disease was terminal in 2012.

Hundreds of thousands of people have supported his fundraising efforts for the Teenage Cancer Trust since he posted a picture of himself in hospital in April with a goodbye message as he thought he was nearing death.

The amount he collected continues to rise by tens of thousands of pounds as donations poured in following news of his death.

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Legal Battle Over GCHQ's 'Smartphone Snooping'

By Tom Cheshire, Technology Correspondent

The first legal challenge against alleged GCHQ snooping on UK smartphones has been filed.

The challenge alleges that the Government Communications Headquarters listening post has infected "potentially millions" of computers and smartphones around the world with malicious software, which could be used to extract photos and text messages, switch on the phone's microphone or camera, track locations and listen in to calls.

Privacy International, a UK-based charity, brought the case to demand "an end to the unlawful hacking being carried out by GCHQ which, in partnership with the NSA".

The challenge says GCHQ infected smartphones

It argues these practices violate articles 8 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Article 8 outlines the right to respect for private and family life, home and correspondence, and the activists question whether GCHQ's data collection is in accordance with the law.

Deputy director Eric King said: "Unrestrained, unregulated Government spying of this kind is the antithesis of the rule of law and Government must be held accountable for their actions."

In March this year website The Intercept reported that the US National Security Agency (NSA) planned to secretly infect millions of devices with software that would extract information and send it back to the NSA, and that GCHQ collaborated to develop these tools.

The Guardian newspaper also said that by May 2010, GCHQ had developed software for iPhone and Android devices called Warrior Pride, which allowed the remote activation of microphones and cameras on phones, as well as the retrieval of data stored on the phone.

In January, legal advice given to MPs by public law barrister Jemima Stratford QC said spy agencies could use "gaps in the current statutory framework to commit serious crimes with impunity" and that GCHQ surveillance could be in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mr King added: "The hacking programmes being undertaken by GCHQ are the modern equivalent of the Government entering your house, rummaging through your filing cabinets, diaries, journals and correspondence, before planting bugs in every room you enter."

GCHQ told Sky News it had no comment on Privacy International's challenge.

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Heathrow And Gatwick Reveal New Runway Plans

Heathrow and Gatwick airports have revealed updated expansion plans as they vie for the right to build a new runway for London.

While Heathrow said it would boost compensation to £550m for those affected by its proposed third runway, Gatwick said its scheme would create more than 100,000 jobs and help keep fares low.

An alternative Heathrow option has also been submitted - by a former Concorde pilot - and known as Heathrow hub.

Heathrow Airport has submitted a plan for a third runway in west London

The Airports Commission had set a deadline of May 14 for the proposals to be submitted but a decision is not expected until next year, after the General Election.

Heathrow said it would pay 25% above market prices for 750 homes that would need to be demolished for a third runway, and improve noise insulation for others affected.

Its project is estimated at £15.6bn and would need £1.2bn of taxpayers' money, but would create 100,000 jobs.

A third runway would require a 2,000ft tunnel on the M25 orbital motorway, along with its widening to seven lanes in each direction between junctions 14 and 15.

Gatwick Airport said it would build a second runway south of London

The airport west of London saw its previous plan rejected in 2010, and has since suggested the imposition of a congestion charge for passenger drop-offs.

Gatwick gave a value of its expansion at £7.8bn and said it was more viable to build at its location, which is south of the capital.

It calculated that a new runway could be in service five years before a Heathrow alternative, would be cheaper, and see 120,000 jobs created.

Gatwick said the noise impact on the area would only affect 14,000 residents.

Meanwhile, Heathrow Hub said it had submitted its alternative scheme to the commission.

Heathrow Hub wants to extend one runway in a westerly direction

Its proposal is for no third runway to the north of Heathrow, but instead an extension west of the existing northernmost runway - taking it to 3.5 miles long.

It said the plan would possibly see an end to night quota flights and construction of a rail hub connected to the national network that would be able to handle 30 trains an hour.

It said the plan would provide up to £45bn to the UK economy, help create 19,000 jobs and see a new M25 junction built to ease traffic loads.

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Peaches Geldof's House Raided Twice By Burglars

Peaches Geldof: From Wild Child To Doting Mum

Updated: 12:33pm UK, Tuesday 08 April 2014

Peaches Honeyblossom Geldof was just 11 when she lost her 41-year-old mother Paula Yates in an accidental heroin overdose in 2000.

As the second daughter of Bob Geldof and Yates, much of her life was lived in the public eye as the family coped with the tragedy and she started to make a name for herself as a model and journalist.

She left home aged 16 and began a career which included writing for UK newspapers, Elle magazine and presenting TV shows including OMG!

Ms Geldof received constant attention from the paparazzi, and tabloids often compared her to other troubled young celebrities Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty.

She admitted to experimenting with drugs and was often labelled as a "wild child".

In August 2008 Ms Geldof married rock musician Max Drummey in Las Vegas but the pair separated in 2009.

But it was meeting second husband Tom Cohen and the birth of their first son, Astala Dylan Willow, which triggered her transformation from a partying socialite to doting mother.

The couple married in 2012 at St Mary Magdalene and St Lawrence Church in Kent, where Ms Geldof's parents got married and her mother's funeral was held.

She said she felt Yates was "watching over" her that day.

She told Hello magazine: "I feel her presence all the time but especially today.

"Mum loved family celebrations and she would adore Tom and the fact that we've married here.

"I know that she is watching over me and feeling so happy for us."

The couple's second son, Phaedra Bloom Forever, was born last year and will turn one on April 24.

Ms Geldof spent a lot of time discussing parenting techniques and was an avid believer in attachment parenting, appearing on This Morning in a head-to-head debate with Apprentice star Katie Hopkins.

Midge Ure, Scottish musician and co-organiser of Band Aid with Bob Geldof, told Sky News Ms Geldof had become an "earth mother" figure, like her own mother Paula Yates.

"They embraced this whole motherhood thing so incredibly well, after what had maybe been ropey beginnings. They had completely found their niche in life."

Mother & Baby magazine announced in February that Ms Geldof was to be their new columnist.

A spokesman said it was after she had completed what they called, a "mama metamorphosis" from party girl to working mother. The magazine was to feature her attempts to juggle parenting, work and family.

A tribute posted online by the magazine reads: "We are extremely saddened at the tragic news that Peaches Geldof has died. Our hearts and sympathies are with her family and two little boys."

Ms Geldof's Twitter and Instagram accounts were full of photos of her sons, dogs and husband.

Her last tweet, posted on Sunday at 10.17am, was a photograph of her and her late mother with the message "Me and my mum."

But her tweets also got her into some trouble.

Last year she apologised for breaking a court order and tweeting the names of the two women whose babies were abused by rock star Ian Watkins.

She tried to explain her actions by saying she had assumed the names were already "public knowledge".

The women's names were tweeted to her 160,000 followers after she reportedly read them on a US-based website. She later said: "I deleted my tweets, however, and apologise for any offence caused."

Ms Geldof's last public appearance was at a fashion show in London on April 3.

A statement from Ms Geldof's father and sisters - Fifi Trixibelle and Pixie and half-sister Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily - said they were "beyond pain" following her death on Monday.

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Caroline Aherne Recovering From Lung Cancer

Television star Caroline Aherne is recovering after undergoing treatment for lung cancer.

The Royle Family actress, who has previously battled bladder and eye cancer, is taking part in a campaign to improve cancer care in her home city of Manchester.

"I've had cancer and my brother's had cancer and we know how it affects people," the 50-year-old said.

"It's brilliant that all these big institutions want to make cancer care better for Manchester people, but even the best doctors, nurses and managers on earth aren't going to be able to understand what needs improving unless people affected by cancer in Manchester get involved and tell them what needs to change."

Personal problems have prompted the comedian to withdraw largely from the public eye, but she recently took part as one of the cast of an animated children's series for the BBC.

She also provides the voice for the hit Channel 4 show Gogglebox.

Following news of her latest health problems, she said: "I will be narrating this week's Gogglebox, and I will continue to narrate Gogglebox for as long as Gogglebox want me."

Aherne, a smoker, has struggled with her health for years.

She has fought depression and drink problems and spent time in the Priory clinic following a suicide attempt, before moving to Australia to avoid the glare of publicity.

Aherne will speak at the launch of the Macmillan Cancer Improvement Partnership (MCIP) in Manchester next month.

Nicola Cook from the charity said: "We're delighted that Caroline is supporting MCIP. We know that its success hinges on the involvement of people affected by cancer in Manchester.

"Caroline's one of Manchester's own - she's loved here and people identify with her. We hope that if people see that Caroline is sitting down and talking to us then maybe they'll know that they can too. Our MCIP partnership needs to listen to people."

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Stuart Hall Trial: 'Consent Not High On Agenda'

By Mike McCarthy, North of England Correspondent

Former broadcaster Stuart Hall has been described as an accomplished sexual predator who set out to groom his young rape victims.

Summing up in Hall's trial, prosecutor Peter Wright QC criticised the defendant's decision not to go into the witness box to give his own account in court.

Mr Wright said Hall was "a man who cares not what they (his alleged victims) feel or whether they are in a position to object or resist ... a man prepared to use any pretext to isolate and then abuse his victims. Little wonder he did not give evidence."

The barrister went on to say the former television presenter was "a man whose pre-occupation is with his own sexual fulfilment at whatever cost to his victims. The consent of his victims was not high up on his agenda in fact it did not even feature."

The defendant shook his head in the dock and mouthed the word "no" as the prosecutor addressed the Preston Crown Court jury.

Hall's barrister Crispin Alyett QC opened his closing speech by saying: "I am going to play my Joker" - a reference to the BBC television programme It's A Knockout, once presented by the defendant.

Mr Alyett told the jury: "Listening to Mr. Wright you might think (Stuart Hall) was on trial for not going into the witness box".

He said: "He was not creeping along corridors to their bedrooms. They either went with him or to him."

Stuart Hall denies 15 historical charges of rape and five of indecent assault relating to two girls. He admits one charge of indecent assault.

The trial continues.

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CBI Says Home Loans To Rise In Early 2015

Homeowners will come under more pressure early next year with the prediction that interest rates are to rise.

According to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the UK base rate will jump from the current historic low of 0.5% to 0.75% in the first quarter.

The CBI had earlier predicted a rate rise in the third quarter of 2015. It declined to say how many homeowners or businesses might be affected by rising interest rates next year.

The Office for National Statistics said that in 2010 more than 9 million UK households had property debt.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) said that in February 22,200 first-time buyers received loans, 26,200 home-movers and 14,300 buy-to-let applicants.

In December the CML said the recent period of falling loan arrears may be coming to an end, and forecast a 6.66% rise in defaults, to 160,000, next year.

CBI director-general John Cridland said property values were expected to rise by 8.2% in 2014 and 5.1% next year, prompting more fears of prices overheating.

"We have to remain alert to the risks posed by unsustainable house price inflation, and the (Bank of England) Financial Policy Committee is poised to act when necessary," he said.

"Housing has come back under the spotlight as annual house price inflation figures have reached double digits on some measures.

"While housing transactions are still running almost 30% below their last peak in 2006, they are picking up steadily."

London house prices have climbed a quarter above their pre-crash peak, partially prompted by foreign buyers in the prime property segment.

"Outside London, prices remain around 2% below peak figures with an even greater difference when you move outside the South East," Mr Cridland said.

The predictions come amid increased scrutiny of mortgage applications by lenders, in response to a market review by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Mortgage providers are seeking reassurance that applicants will have sufficient income to cover any potential rises in interest rates.

The FCA said new rules were "hardwiring common sense" into the market.

Mortgage broker firm John Charcol said families are the most likely to face scrutiny under the new regime, as their outgoings were potentially greater.

Spokesman Ray Boulger said: "The most common reason to knock people back is childcare costs.

"It's particularly bad if people have more than one child or if they are under school age."

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Peer Faces Suspension For Clocking-In Claim

Tory Peer Lord Hanningfield is facing suspension for a clocking-in allowances claim which saw him paid £300 a day for spending less than 40 minutes in Parliament.

The former Essex County Council leader was unable to prove he did any work on the 11 days in July 2013 he clocked in and out for in under an hour.

He told the Commissioner for Standards in an interview during the investigation into his claims that it was not "worth it" for him to attend for any less.

During the investigation into his claims, Lord Hanningfield said he claimed the full daily allowance because he needed to run his staff while he worked as a peer, including "Bruce" who looked after his Bernese mountain dog, Theodore, and his chickens.

He also said that too many children on the Tube had caused him to panic and want to return home as soon as possible.

The House of Lords Privileges and Conduct Committee recommended Lord Hanningfield should be suspended for the remainder of Parliament - the maximum punishment that can be imposed for breaching the code of conduct.

The watchdog has also suggested he should repay the £3,300 he claimed and said he had "failed to act on his personal honour".

It is the second time Lord Hanningfield has been suspended from the House of Lords and in 2011 he was suspended for nine months for falsely claiming over £30,000 for overnight stays.

Lord Hanningfield said he had to pay for staff to care for a dog and hens

He was also sentenced to nine months in prison but served just three.

The peer told the committee that his time in jail had led to a loss of confidence, which had meant he was unable to spend long in Parliament. He also blamed ill-health.

The peer said following his imprisonment he "felt a lot like when I first started in 1998 ... I did not feel able to begin addressing my fellow peers again until my confidence had been sufficiently restored.

Although he was unable to say why he had spent such a limited amount of time in Parliament on the 11 days in question, however, he suggested it could have been because of the number of children on the tube.

He said: "July was very difficult because—and I am pleased that there were—there were thousands of children visiting London and you could not get a seat on the tube. In fact, a couple of times I felt so awful I had to ask someone to give me a seat.

"It was particularly bad at those times and I can remember slightly panicking and wanting to get home again because of the amount of people around."

Lord Hanningfield was investigated after a complaint from the Labour MP John Mann following a report in the Daily Mirror, which gave the details of 11 of his July attendances, the shortest of which was 21 minutes and the longest 38.

When confronted by journalists he claimed 50 other peers were doing the same but was later unable to provide details.

The House of Lords will consider the committee's report and decide whether to suspend Lord Hanningfield on Tuesday.

Mr Mann said the Government should introduce legislation in next month's Queen's Speech to automatically expel anyone committing a criminal offence from the House of Lords.

He said: "A one-year ban is hopelessly inadequate. Lord Hanningfield should be banned for life."

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Rolf Harris 'Assaulted Teen On Family Holiday'

By Nick Pisa, Sky News Reporter

Rolf Harris indecently assaulted a 13-year-old girl "in eyeshot" of his wife and daughter, his alleged victim has told a court.

The 49-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was the first witness to give evidence in the entertainer's sex trial and is a childhood friend of his daughter Bindi.

Jurors heard how Harris, 84, began abusing her in 1978 while on an overseas family break - and the indecent assaults carried on back in Britain, at his home and hers.

Speaking from behind a screen, she told how he first targeted her as she came out of a hotel shower, groping her as he wrapped her in a towel.

The woman said he gave her ''one of his big hugs and tickles'' which she said she found ''creepy and cringey", before putting his hand through the towel to assault her.

She added she was ''shocked and horrified'' at what happened but didn't tell anyone "'because it was Bindi's father".

Harris is then said to have assaulted her again as the she emerged from the sea, again groping her under a towel he had wrapped her in, while his daughter and wife Alwen were close by.

At one stage during the five week holiday, she said she woke to the sound of a "clicking camera" as Harris stood over her taking pictures.

Years later, when she was 28, the woman said that Harris referred to her beachwear on the holiday, saying: "I was always turned on by that bikini."

Southwark Crown Court heard how the woman lived close to the Harris family home in the 1960s and she had grown up with Bindi.

In a faltering voice she added how the assaults continued throughout the holiday but she did not say anything because of who Harris was.

The victim described how back in Britain Harris would "tickle my back" and grope her after she spent the night at his home as a guest of his daughter.

She described further attacks in her own bedroom at her home and told the court that by this time she had started drinking gin as she "became panicky" at the thought of him coming to visit.

The woman also described how she did not reveal any of what happened because Bindi "was her friend" and she didn't ''want to cause chaos'' by mentioning it.

She added:''My parents knew him and he was a nice man but he never greeted the family dog.''

The woman also told the court her mother had told her ''never to trust a man with a beard''.

Harris listened from the dock dressed in a dark suit and tie, occasionally glancing over at the jury and prosecutor.

The TV presenter and artist is accused of 12 counts of sexual offences against four young girls, alleged to have taken place between 1968 and 1986. He denies all the charges.

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Two Bodies Found After Kayakers Go Missing

Two bodies have been found after three kayakers went missing on the River Tyne in Northumberland, police have said.

Emergency services, including the RAF, the Coastguard and the police Marine Unit, have been conducting a search and rescue operation since the alarm was raised at 11pm on Sunday night when the trio failed to return home.

The area of the Tyne still being searched is around Riding Mill, about 15 miles (23km) west of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Police said the first body was recovered from the river by an RAF helicopter just after 5am and a second body just over an hour later in the Corbridge area.

Two vehicles driven by the missing men were located by searchers overnight.

Riding Mill pumping station on the River Tyne

One was found at Tyne Green, near to Hexham Rowing Club just after 1am and the other, a few hours later, at Wylam railway station car park.

Two kayaks have also been recovered from the group, who were from the South Shields area of South Tyneside.

Another green kayak has been seen close to a weir at Riding Mill.

The RAF helicopter has been flying low over the river after landing nearby in a field.

A kayak was seen near the weir at Riding Mill, Northumberland

Chief Superintendent Gordon Milward said the conditions on the Tyne yesterday were "challenging" after heavy rain over the weekend.

He said: "The weather was unpredictable, in terms of some very heavy showers and the river was higher than usual and fast-flowing.

"They would be challenging conditions for anybody who decided to go into the water."

He added: "There is a considerable length of the river we need to search. We need to do so speedily, properly and thoroughly and make sure no nook and cranny is missed.

"It's about that balance between speed and thoroughness."

Police said if anyone saw anything they believe would help with their search, they should get in touch.

Formal identification of the two bodes is yet to take place and searches are continuing.

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Charger 'Caused Fatal Sheffield House Fire'

South Yorkshire Police have said the most probable cause of a deadly house fire in Sheffield was an electrical fault involving a faulty charging device.

Five members of the same family died in the blaze in Wake Road in the Nether Edge area of Sheffield two weeks ago.

The youngest victim was nine-week-old Minahil Parwaiz Kayani who died alongside her brothers Adyan, nine, and Amaan, seven.

The children's grandmother Shabina Begum, 53, and aunt, Anum Parwaiz, 20, were also killed.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue were involved in the joint investigation with South Yorkshire Police. 

Emergency services said the fire was 'very challenging'

They told Sky News the fire was found to have started in the living room. However, they were unable to confirm what type or brand of charger was involved. 

A spokesman said more would become clear at a full inquest into the fatalities at a later date.

More than 2,000 people turned out for the victims' funeral in Sheffield's Masjid Mosque last week.

Speaking ahead of the service Nazia Parwaiz Kayani, another daughter of Mrs Begum and aunt of the three children, praised the bravery of her mother who reportedly ran distraught from the blazing home, before going back inside to try to rescue the others.

Wake Road is about one mile from the centre of Sheffield

Nazai said: "Our thoughts would be incomplete without mentioning the selfless heroism of my beloved mother, Shabina Begum, who went back into the house to try and rescue the family she adored.

"She made the ultimate sacrifice."

She also praised one of her cousins who also attempted to get into the burning building. 

It is understood that the children's father, taxi driver Nazim Parvaiz Kayani, was out working when the fire broke on around midnight on April 28. Their mother, Razia Nazim, survived the blaze.

Ishfaq Hussain Kayani described the fire as a 'tragedy beyond imagination'

Ishfaq Hussain Kayani, a relative of the family, said at the time of the fire: "Words cannot describe how sad this is. It's a tragedy beyond description.

"They (the children) were full of life, quite bubbly, very energetic. They were looking forward to attending school."

Residents in the street said they were woken shortly by the sound of wailing and screaming.

They said neighbours banged on doors of the home and smashed a window to raise the alarm.

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Billionaire Britain: New Nation Of Super-Rich

Top 25 Billionaires In Britain

Updated: 12:54am UK, Sunday 11 May 2014

The top 25 names on the 2014 Sunday Times Rich List, including their total fortune and the change from last year.

1. Sri and Gopi Hinduja, £11.9bn, up £1.3bn

2. Alisher Usmanov, £10.65bn, down £2.65bn

3. Lakshmi Mittal and family, £10.25bn, up £250m

4. Len Blavatnik, £10bn, down £1bn

5. Ernesto and Kirsty Bertarelli, £9.75bn, up £2.35bn

6. John Fredriksen and family, £9.25bn, up £450m

7. David and Simon Reuben, £9bn, up £719m

8. Kirsten and Jorn Rausing, £8.8bn, up £3.691bn

9. Roman Abramovich, £8.52bn, down £780m

10. The Duke of Westminster, £8.5bn, up £700m

11. Galen, Hilary and George Weston and family, £7.3bn, up £650m

12. Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken and Michel de Carvalho, £6.365bn, down £635m

13. Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber and family, £6.16bn, up £1.645bn

14. Carrie and Francois Perrodo and family, £6.14bn, new

15. German Khan, £6.08bn, new

16. Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, £6bn, up £3.65bn

17. Hans Rausing and family, £5.9bn, up £1.18bn

18. Nicky Oppenheimer and family, £4.57bn, up £785m

19. Earl Cadogan and family, £4.2bn, up £525m

20. Joseph Lau and family, £4.03bn, down £570m

21. Sir Philip and Lady Green £3.88bn, no change

22. Denis O'Brien, £3.854bn, up £486m

23. Mike Ashley, £3.75bn, up £1.45bn

24. Sir Richard Branson and family, £3.6bn, up £86m

25. Idan Ofer, £3.43bn, new

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Man City On The Brink Of Premier League Glory

By Paul Kelso, Sports Correspondent

Manchester City will seal their second Premier League title in three seasons with a draw or better in their final game of the season against West Ham today.

After one of the closest seasons in decades only Liverpool can deny City.

But they will need to beat Newcastle and hope City lose to earn their first title in 24 years.

While City are expected to triumph, the Premier League is taking no chances.

A Premier League title would count as Pellegrini's greatest achievement

Two trophies and sets of winners' medals have been prepared and will be delivered to the Etihad and Anfield by separate presentation teams.

The winners will receive record prize money of £95m, a 60% increase on last year following a massive rise in the value of domestic and international broadcast deals.

The club finishing bottom, Cardiff or Fulham, will receive £63m, more than Manchester United got for winning the title last season.

Norwich will also be relegated.

City fans will be hoping there is no unexpected drama

In an unpredictable season five teams have exchanged the lead 25 times, but City are justifiably strong favourites to hang on to an advantage they have held for just 15 days.

Victory would underline City's elevation to the English and European elite, a rise funded by unprecedented spending by their owners, the Abu Dhabi ruling family.

They have spent more than £1bn on transfer fees and wages since they bought the club in 2008, and have built the foundations of what could become a period of dominance.

City appear to have timed their run perfectly, winning their last four games to capitalise on Liverpool's faltering form in the last fortnight.

A lot of the attention this season has been focussed on Jose Mourinho

They went top on Wednesday night, 48 hours after Liverpool threw away a 3-0 lead to draw at Crystal Palace.

It would also be a significant personal triumph for City manager Manuel Pellegrini, who could end his first season in charge at the Etihad with the title.

He would become the first Chilean manager to win the league, and only the third overseas coach to win it in their first season in charge, following Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, both of whom achieved the feat at Chelsea.

In a nomadic career Pellegrini has managed 11 clubs in five countries, including a year in Quito, Ecuador, the world's highest capital city.

Manchester United struggled this season under David Moyes, who was sacked

Guiding City to the summit of the Premier League will count as his greatest achievement.

His has been an understated but effective campaign.

While attention focussed on Jose Mourinho's return, Liverpool's renaissance and Manchester United's decline, Pellegrini and his players have remained in contention, and had the stamina, experience and poise to take the opportunity when it arose.

Brendan Rodgers has guided Liverpool back into the Champions League

A victory parade has been planned in Manchester for Monday, but it may be overshadowed by disciplinary action from Uefa.

City have been fined £50m for breaches of Financial Fair Play rules that limit clubs' spending, and will also face limits on their Champions League squad next season.

Negotiations between City and Uefa broke up on Friday with no resolution, and the club may yet challenge the verdict.

Confirmation of the outcome is expected on Monday.

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League Boss' Apology Over 'Inappropriate' Emails

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has apologised after a Sunday newspaper published emails which it claims show him making crude and sexist remarks about women.

Mr Scudamore said he accepted the contents of the messages, which were passed to the Sunday Mirror by a former PA, were "inappropriate".

The PA told the paper she was sent the messages automatically in order to arrange Mr Scudamore's diary.

In one of the emails, Mr Scudamore is claimed to have written: "You will learn over time that female irrationality increases exponentially depending on how many members join your family.

"That should keep you within the Chinese government's one child per family enforcement rules. Very clever those Chinese."

In a statement, Mr Scudamore, who has been head of the Premier League since 1999, said: "These were private emails exchanged between colleagues and friends of many years.

"They were received from and sent to my private and confidential email address, which a temporary employee who was with the organisation for only a matter of weeks should not have accessed and was under no instruction to do so.

"Nonetheless I accept the contents are inappropriate and apologise for any offence caused, particularly to the former employee.

"It was an error of judgement that I will not make again."

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'Overworked' Doctors Fear Missing Illnesses

More than eight out of 10 GPs have said they fear missing serious illnesses in patients because they are so overworked, according to a survey.

Nine out of 10 family doctors, meanwhile, feel their general practices do not have sufficient resources to provide high quality care.

The survey was carried out by the Royal College of General Practitioners, the professional membership body for family doctors.

The results were released the day after it was claimed patients in some NHS hospitals are at risk of unsafe care because of staff shortages.

Dr Peter Carter, the chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, told Sky News some nurses were having to look after 15 patients on a ward when draft guidelines for the NHS will recommend eight is a suitable number.

When asked whether they are worried about missing signs of a serious illness because of their workload, 29% of GPs said they worried "a great deal", while 55% said they worried "a fair amount".

The poll found 96% of GPs felt their job was stressful, while the same number said morale had decreased in the last five years.

Seven in 10 (70%) believed GP practices will not exist in 10 years' time because of a funding crisis.

The college said that despite accounting for 90% of all NHS contacts, GP practices are allocated just 8.4% of the NHS budget.

Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard, a spokeswoman for the college, said: "(This) is a damning indictment of the impact of the deepening funding crisis in general practice.

"Family doctors and practice nurses want to provide their patients with excellent patient care and this takes the right levels of funding.

"However, only 7% of GPs currently think sufficient investment is going into general practice.

"Our poll shows family doctors are severely demoralised and this can only be bad news for patients."

The Department of Health said the Government has committed to increase the number of GP trainees from 40% of all newly qualified doctors leaving medical school to 50% by 2020.

A spokesman said: "We've taken tough decisions to protect the NHS budget, which is allowing us to restore proper family doctoring, reform out of hospital care, and improve GP access for 7.5 million people across the country.

"But we know GPs are under pressure, so we're cutting GP targets by more than a third to free up more time with patients and increasing trainees so that GP numbers continue to grow faster than the population."

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Gove Accused Of 'Lunacy' In Free Schools Row

Michael Gove has been accused of stripping £400m from a fund for extra school places in order to plug a financial "black hole" in his free schools programme in a move described as "nothing short of lunacy".

A senior Government source also accused the Education Secretary of being willing to see children struggle for a classroom place so the department can "lavish" money on the free school "experiment".

The attack is the latest coalition spat with the Department for Education at the heart of it.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg was earlier this week accused of "lying" over how plans to provide free school meals for infant school pupils would be funded.

The senior Government source said: "Michael Gove is so ideologically obsessed with his free school experiment, he's willing to see children struggle to get suitable school places.

"Everybody knows there's real pressure on school places at the moment. It is nothing short of lunacy to slash the amount of money available for new school places to lavish on free schools.

"Michael Gove was warned by the schools minister David Laws that this was a bad idea but the zealot pressed on anyway.

"The Conservatives are putting the needs of a handful of their pet-projects ahead of the requirements of the other 24,000 schools in the country."

The source claims Mr Gove reduced the basic need allocation by £400m - enough to provide around 30,000 new school places - to £2.35bn between 2015 and 2017 to help fund an overspend in the free schools budget of around £800m between 2013 and 2016, the source said.

A spokesman for Mr Gove said: "The suggestion we are cutting money for new places in areas of need to pay for free schools where they are not needed is totally wrong.

"These claims pretend that money spent in free schools is not creating new places in areas of need. That is simply not true.

"From 2015, funding to councils for new school places will rise by more than £200m a year. On top of this, investment in free schools will provide tens of thousands of new places in areas of need.

"Indeed the vast majority of free schools - more than seven in 10 - are in areas with a shortage of places."

David Cameron responded to the allegations by telling Sky News: "What the government is doing is putting £5bn in this parliament into expanding the number of school places.

"Part of that is investing in free schools, most of which in the primary schools are in areas of high need, and they are providing good new school places for people inside the state sector.

"I think you should judge the government on its results in education. We are seeing real progress."

Former schools minister Nick Gibb told Sky News: "This is a legacy from the previous government not having put those plans in place to provide new schools."

Shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt said: "The free school programme had the Lib Dem stamp of approval from day one. They're as much to blame for the failings as the Tories."

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