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Lib Dems Promise Six Weeks' Paternity Leave

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 30 Agustus 2014 | 20.15

The Liberal Democrats will promise fathers an extra four weeks' paternity leave under new manifesto plans due to be announced.

The policy would extend the total parental leave to 58 weeks by extending fathers' current entitlement of two weeks to six.

Under the plans, the law would be amended to provide parental rights to cover six weeks reserved for working fathers and six weeks for working mothers.

The remaining time would be available to share between partners.

For same-sex couples, each partner would be entitled to six weeks' reserved leave, with the rest available to share.

The policy goes further than the Coalition's introduction of shared parental leave from next April.

Business and Equalities Minister Jo Swinson said shared paternal leave plays an essential part in building a stronger economy and a fairer society.

"It allows couples to choose how to split time off work to look after their new baby," she said.

"Extending paternity leave is an important next step to encouraging new dads to spend more time with their child in those vital early weeks and months after birth.

"When parents share caring responsibilities, more equality in the workplace will follow.

"It is a nonsense to think it is only the mother's job to look after children. Parenting is a shared responsibility."

A Lib Dem spokeswoman said the policy would also encourage fathers to spend more time with their children.

"It's very important to us. We have done lots in government so far to make sure fathers get more rights," she said.

"This is just the extra step in encouraging them to spend more time with their children."


20.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

Raised Terror Threat Prompts Government Talks

Caution No Excuse For Chaotic Response To IS

Updated: 6:52pm UK, Friday 29 August 2014

By Sam Kiley, Foreign Affairs Editor

This is a Corporal Jones moment: "Don't Panic!"

But it is one that, so far, has revealed that the British approach to the rapid emergence of Islamic State from almost nil to "a deeper and greater threat than we have ever seen before" has been as chaotic as the Dad's Army character.

David Cameron has now elevated IS above al Qaeda in terms of the danger it poses to the safety of British citizens.

And the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has raised the immediate threat level for the UK from substantial to severe – which means it's likely.

The Prime Minister will announce new measures to restrict the ability of would-be terrorists to leave the UK to get training and to return to commit atrocities.

For now, though, he has continued to rule out the use of force to battle IS in its home territory.

Instead the UK will continue to offer logistical and intelligence support to the US which has been conducting very limited air strikes against the 'Caliphate'.

If, as the PM suggested, this is to be a conflict that could last years or decades, then there is clearly no rush.

But caution can no longer be an excuse for chaos in the response.

The world isn't the way that anyone would wish it. Not now and not for the foreseeable future.

The next generation of Britons will be facing a Malthusian struggle over resources with a hungry China, a Russia brimming with ambitious consumers, Africa's exploding population, India's intellectual empire, and global warming.

The mess that is the Middle East may have its roots in the collapse of the Ottoman Empire at the end of World War I and sectarian rivalry – but it will be further fuelled by the competition that is going to drive conflicts for years to come.

These may involve a long-term campaign against political Islamist terror.

But that won't be the only problem the UK and her allies will face.

For proof one only has to look at eastern Ukraine.

Nato's leaders are going to meet in Wales next week to thrash out priorities and strategy for the next few years.

Cameron's recent short speech and his appearance on Monday in the Commons, is a clear sign that he's steeling himself to grasp a handful of nettles.

He's bracing the British for a long haul conflict with the IS. He's fortifying the debate over what it is to be British by insisting that adopting "British values" are not an option or a choice but "a duty".

He will soon have to help drag more money for Nato out of its members.

And he'll be ordering his security services to come up with tactics and long-term strategies to deal with the uncomfortable realities of the modern world that politicians have been refusing to confront.

These are that it's going to get more dangerous, more expensive, harder work and just tougher all around. Few politicians will want to sell that less than 12 months from an election.


20.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

British Police On Alert For Nato Summit Demos

By Rhiannon Mills, Sky Reporter

Anti-war protestors are set to demonstrate in Newport, as South Wales prepares to host the Nato summit.

A march was due to take place this afternoon and was expected to be peaceful, but police are expecting more demonstrations this week.

Nato protest Anti-war protesters are gathering in calls for 'world peace and justice'

They include one on Thursday that may be "something a little more challenging" as protestors try to get to Celtic Manor Resort, which is the focus of the summit.

Adam Johannes, from the Stop the War Coalition, said: "Some 60 world leaders will be meeting. They'll be making their voices heard and it's really important that another voice is heard, the voice of millions of people around the world who want peace and justice, who reject the policies put forward by our leaders.

Adam Johannes Adam Johannes: 'It's really important another voice is heard'

"We think these protests are really important, not only in terms of showing world leaders but also in shaping public debate."

Some 150 dignitaries, including 67 heads of state, are due to meet next Thursday and Friday at the Celtic Manor Resort near Newport, with dinners and events also planned in Cardiff.

The summit will focus on the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the situation in Afghanistan, and security challenges across the Middle East and North Africa. Representatives from all 28 Nato countries are attending.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Armitt, the police officer in charge, has described it as one of the largest security operations in British history, and "completely uncharted territory".

He told Sky News: "There is huge confidence in the UK's ability to deliver a quality security operation around major events, if you look at the Commonwealth Games, the Olympics, that sort of thing.

"We know we can do it and people recognise that. All the visiting countries have concerns, which we have to give them assurance about. We work very closely to make sure we do that."

Some 9,500 police officers from across the UK have been drafted in to protect the world leaders and police any demonstrations. 

Nearly 11 miles of steel fencing has been erected around the Celtic Manor Resort, in Cardiff City centre and at Cardiff Bay, where seven Nato warships will be stationed.


20.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

Missing British Boy Ashya Could Be In Spain

Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed there is positive information to suggest the family of Ashya King may now be in Spain.

The police force said it now has information which suggests the family has strong links to the Marbella area and that they may be travelling there.

The family's car was spotted on Friday, according to police, which has shifted the focus of the search to Spain.

Officers are now working with Spanish authorities in a continued effort to locate the missing five-year-old, who has a brain tumour.

Pics: Naveed King Five-year-old Ashya needs treatment for a brain tumour

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Shead said: "The need to find Ashya is now desperate. It is really important that we find him and ensure he receives medical attention at the earliest opportunity.

"We still don't know whether the King family has any spare batteries for the machine which administers food, the knowledge, or any way of recharging the battery. Without properly administered food Ashya's situation is very serious.

"We have information to suggest that the family may well be on the way to Spain and our search is concentrating on the Marbella area.

"I do have to stress although that's what we're focusing our attention at this point in time, they could equally be anywhere and we would urge anybody on the continent to stay vigilant, keep your eyes open, and if they see the vehicle they're travelling, if you see the family or indeed if you see Ashya please contact police."

Police fear for the life of a sick five-year-old boy taken without consent by his parents, if he is not found within 24 hours Ashya was taken from the hospital by his parents Brett and Naghemeh

Mr Shead added officers would be contacting hospitals across Europe, looking for someone matching the little boy's description or symptoms to see if he has been admitted.

Ashya's family took him from Southampton General Hospital, where he was receiving treatment, at around 2pm on Thursday and travelled on a ferry to Cherbourg, France, two hours later.

The little boy is in a wheelchair and is being fed through a tube. He has undergone "extensive surgery" - with his last operation seven days ago.

Police were told by the hospital that the little boy was missing at 8.35pm that day - more than six hours after he was taken by his parents - Jehovah's Witnesses Brett King, 51, and Naghemeh King, 45.

The family, from Southsea, is travelling in a grey Hyundai I800 Style CRDI registration KP60 HWK.

Interpol yellow notice alert for missing boy Ashya King Interpol has issued a yellow alert in 190 countries

Interpol has sent out a missing persons alert to its 190 member countries as concerns for the boy's welfare have grown.

Ashya is likely to be in a wheelchair or buggy, cannot communicate verbally and is immobile, a police spokesman said.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust said Ashya was allowed to leave the ward under his parents' supervision and hospital staff raised the alarm when his absence "became a cause of concern".

Legal experts have said that it is "unlikely" that the Kings had committed an offence by taking Ashya out of hospital.

A post on Hampshire Constabulary's Facebook page said: "This is my mother's friend, she has run away in desperation because they cannot accept that there is nothing that can be done for their son and want to look for help abroad.

"Please don't judge, they are a very sweet loving family and I can only believe they are doing this because they want to help their son."


20.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

James Argent Apologises For Sparking Manhunt

The Only Way Is Essex star James Argent has said he "can't apologise enough" for the worry he caused after his family reported him missing and a police manhunt was launched.

There were concerns for the reality TV star's well-being earlier because he had not been seen since 3am on Friday at his home in Woodford Green, Essex.

Argent's father later said his son had been in touch to explain his "phone was broken and he's now on his way to Blackpool".

His agent Neil Dobias also confirmed the news: "I'm not sure of any of the details but he's called home and spoken to his mum. I just know that he's safe and well."

James Argent (R) with Tom Pearce (L) at the National Television Awards in London Argent with Towie's Tom Pearce at the National Television Awards in January

Argent tweeted afterwards: "Hi I'm so sorry to have worried everyone. I'm fine and safe but again can't apologise enough x."

He was meant to be flying out of Gatwick on Friday morning, but he did not make his flight and did not contact his family, friends or agent, who he was supposed to be meeting.

They said it was was "unusual" and very out of character.

His agent told Sky News earlier: "James was meant to meet me at the airport yesterday morning for a work trip to Majorca but he never turned up and now we are all very concerned."

James Argent completes the London Marathon in 2012 Argent completing the London Marathon in 2012

The 26-year-old, who joined the Towie cast along with his best friend Mark Wright when the series first aired in 2010, is known to frequent the Brentwood area and nightclubs in Redbridge.

Argent, who has more than 1.4 million followers on Twitter, mentioned missing his ex-girlfriend and Towie co-star Lydia Bright in a tweet on Thursday.

He wrote: "I really miss my old pal @LydiaRoseBright will you hurry up and get back from Italy ASAP! #Needy x."

Their will they/won't they relationship was the focus of the Essex-based show's last series.

Lydia Bright and James Argent Argent with Lydia Bright

The response on Twitter to concerns about Argent's whereabouts was huge this morning.

Former Towie star Sam Faiers tweeted: "We're all worried come home @RealJamesArgent."

Fans also expressed their concerns on social media, with one tweeting: "I hope @RealJamesArgent is found unharmed and well!! Xx."

Another wrote: "Omg can't believe it, hope @RealJamesArgent is okay."

Later, Towie star Gemma Collins tweeted: "Arg is ok."

Argent collected Towie's Bafta Audience Award in 2011 and completed the London Marathon in just over six hours in aid of Cancer Research in 2012.


20.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sidelined UKIP Candidate Won't 'Roll Over'

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 29 Agustus 2014 | 20.14

A UKIP candidate has said he will not "roll over" and accept losing the nomination in Clacton after Douglas Carswell's defection.

Roger Lord told Sky News Mr Carswell should "join the queue" and accused UKIP leader Nigel Farage of making a mistake in allowing him to stand in the seat.

He said: "If they think I'm going to roll over like a puppy, they've got the wrong guy.

"For somebody to come along, just as we're on the cusp of winning, knowing they might well lose their seat and join the unemployment line in May, to take all our hard work... and take all our glory.

"Come on, join the queue Douglas, get back there and put some effort in!

Douglas Carswell and Nigel Farage visit Clacton constituency after defection Mr Carswell visited his former consitutency with Nigel Farage on Friday

"He knew he was going to lose come next May if I stood against him. I can debate him in public and beat him down. Simple as that.

"He knew his boat was sinking. The water's up to his knees, he's jumped ship and he's looking after himself."

Mr Lord was the UKIP candidate for Clacton and was set to contest the seat against Mr Carswell, before his defection from the Conservative Party on Thursday.

He was selected to the role three weeks ago after joining UKIP in 1997, but said he could now listen to other offers.

He added: "Douglas Carswell has been a bit stupid on this. He's created a vacancy for a parliamentary candidate. If offers come in from elsewhere and a deal can be done..."

On Friday, UKIP donor Stuart Wheeler told Sky News two Tory MPs were "seriously considering" defecting to the party.

Mr Lord said on Thursday he had spoken to Mr Farage. He said: "It was a very civilised conversation... other people have rung me up like hysterical teenagers."

The Clacton seat has a Conservative majority of more than 12,000.

On Wednesday, Mr Farage was confirmed as the UKIP candidate to contest the seat of South Thanet in Kent.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hospital Food Shake-Up Announced By NHS Chiefs

By Siobhan Robbins, Sky News Reporter

The days of lumpy mash and watery gravy should become a thing of the past for hospital patients and staff as new mandatory food standards are introduced.

The rules will be legally binding and are aimed at putting an end to unhealthy and inedible meals on the NHS.

Under the changes, all patients will be checked for malnutrition, given an individual food plan and get help eating and drinking.

Canteen food must also be healthy, meet guidelines on salt, sugar and fat and be sustainably sourced.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said most people enjoyed the meals they currently received.

But he added: "Patients say the quality of food at their hospital is one of the most important things in their stay, on top of which we know that if you give people healthy, nutritious food it means they recover more quickly, they stay in hospital for a shorter amount of time and it costs the NHS less, so there are lots of reasons why this is very important."

The plans come from a report by the Hospital Food Standards Panel, which also recommended hospitals develop food and drink policies that encourage healthy eating, high-quality food production, sustainability and excellent nutritional care.

NHS The changes will be included in NHS contracts

Hospitals will also be scored on the standard of their food, with results to be posted online.

It is a move being welcomed by 22-year-old Craig Benwell, who said the meals he received during a recent stay in hospital were often inedible or served in tiny portions.

The hospital says thin, plain food was appropriate for his condition because he was being treated for Crohn's Disease.

But Mr Benwell told Sky News: "I can understand why I was on the special diet because I can only eat certain foods.

"But the amount of food that was coming out and the look of it just wasn't very appetising at all.

"The main problem was portion size ... I had to really gain weight and the portions they were giving me just really weren't enough."

The new changes will be included in NHS contracts but will not be written into law, leading to criticism from campaigners that they could be easily ignored.

Alex Jackson, coordinator of the Campaign for Better Hospital Food, added: "We're also alarmed that the Government's food standards are weak and only reflect basic catering and care standards, which are already commonly implemented in the NHS, including that 'tap water is available' to patients.

"Good things in themselves, but nowhere near ambitious enough to have a transformative effect on patient meals."


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Gold Diggers Flock To Beach For Treasure Hunt

An artist has caused a gold rush on a beach after apparently burying thousands of pounds worth of the precious metal there as part of an arts festival.

Michael Sailstorfer says he has hidden 30 bars of 24-carat gold, worth £10,000, under the sand of Outer Harbour beach in Folkestone, Kent.

People are being encouraged to search the beach after low tide - and can keep any gold that they find.

Folkestone Triennial 2014: Lookout People have travelled from as far as London to take part, the curators say

The bars are around the size of a dog tag, and worth up to £500 each.

Rachel Kinchin, communications director at arts producers Situations UK, which is curating the project, said around 500 people had turned up so far, and described the response as "amazing".

She said: "There's so many stories of what people would do with it (a piece of gold).

Folkestone Triennial 2014: Lookout There have been four reports of people finding gold so far

"One guy who's redundant said he would start up his own business. Others want to keep it as a piece of art."

Ms Kinchin said they had received reports of four treasure hunters striking it lucky, although no one has officially come forward to them.

One of those who went down on Thursday, the first day of searching, was Vicky Webb, who told Kent Online: "I heard about this on the radio and I thought we should go down and join in.

Folkestone Triennial 2014: Lookout Each piece is around the size of a dog tag

"Some people are getting a bit frustrated at not finding anything but it's a lot of fun."

Ms Kinchin said there is no time frame for when the hunt will end, and added it was possible some of the gold might never be found.

The project by Berlin-based Mr Sailstorfer is called Folkestone Digs and is part of the town's triennial, which runs from August 30 to November 2.

Folkestone Triennial 2014: Lookout People are being encouraged to sift through sand so as not to miss any gold

A common theme of his work is said to be the "disruption of the everyday".

Situations UK said the project "is a continuation of his aim to make art that comes less from the head and more from the stomach".

Folkestone Triennial 2014: Lookout Some are using metal detectors to help them, others are relying on spades

Ms Kinchin said part of the work was about a "shared experience and sense of community".

Folkestone's triennial, which happens every three years, has previously included works by artists including Tracey Emin, Jeremy Deller and Martin Creed.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Two Tory MPs 'Seriously Considering' Defecting

Five Big Wins For UKIP As Carswell Defects

Updated: 2:50pm UK, Thursday 28 August 2014

By Faisal Islam, Political Editor

For days, Nigel Farage has been impishly promising a "big announcement" about "a new donor".

Impressive spin, maximising the bombshell announcement of a defection to UKIP (and I'd not be surprised if Douglas Carswell had handed over a tenner to make the claim true, technically).

The first win for UKIP, is obviously getting a Conservative MP to defect.

Second, in Carswell UKIP have gained a respected, independent, radical mind, an ex-Spectator parliamentarian of the year.

He is not a time-serving, bitter backbencher overlooked for promotion in the Coalition Government.

He is a man of interesting views - from direct democracy, to the system of money and debt, to immigration, and of course Europe.

He has a strong following within the Conservative grassroots.

Third, he will resign as an MP, triggering a by-election, at the worst possible time for the Conservatives.

Some political analysts felt the European and local elections in May were just a form of the typical mid-term protest vote, that UKIP was running out of steam.

This changes that completely.

Fourth, was the manner of Carswell's resignation. Calm praise of the prime minister, who he voted for as Conservative party leader.

But then he assailed Mr Cameron's entire strategy to heal the Conservative party's open wounds on Europe.

The policy of renegotiation of EU membership followed by a 2017 referendum was "not sincere", the leadership wanting to secure "just enough" to pretend change was happening.

The Conservative leadership was not "serious about real change". There will a few other Conservative MPs pondering that one.

Fifth, he also singled out the key moments that pushed him to the exit door.

There was Mr Cameron's recent talk to the 1922 committee when Carswell claims he said he would not consider the UK going for a trade-only "associate" status with the EU.

He also criticised the effective dropping of "open primaries", and the treatment of one MP chosen by them, Dr Sarah Wollaston.

And he expressed his regret over the failure to get tough MP recall powers.

More than anything, this could blow open the Conservatives decades-long internal fight over Europe.

At a time when David Cameron and George Osborne were finalising their conference offer to the electorate, a plan to turn the as yet voteless recovery into a vote-heavy one, this is the last thing the PM needed.

On the day the PM flies to Glasgow to try to help keep the Union together, he faces the old nightmare, of keeping his own party together.

Ed Miliband and Alex Salmond will be sharing in Nigel Farage's delight today.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

UK Terror Threat Level Raised To 'Severe'

The terror threat level has been raised from substantial to severe, Home Secretary Theresa May has said.

This means an attack is deemed to be "highly likely", but there is no intelligence to suggest one is is imminent.

Ms May said: "The increase in the threat level is related to developments in Syria and Iraq where terrorist groups are planning attacks against the West.

"Some of those plots are likely to involve foreign fighters who have travelled there from the UK and Europe to take part in those conflicts."

She went on to add: "We face a real and serious threat in the UK from international terrorism.

"I would urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police."

The decision comes amid growing concern about hundreds of aspiring British jihadis travelling to Iraq and Syria, where Islamic State militants have seized large swathes of territory, and the murder of American journalist James Foley.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, the UK's most senior police officer, said Scotland Yard is ready for an influx in case large numbers of homegrown extremists return at the same time.

More follows...


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New Abuse Watchdog Needed, Says Campaigner

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 28 Agustus 2014 | 20.14

A leading child abuse campaigner has called for the creation of an independent body to coordinate efforts to tackle what she believes is a widespread problem in the UK.

Christine Tuck issued the call after an investigation revealed 1,400 children in Rotherham had been sexually abused over a period of 16 years.

Ms Tuck, 42, the founder of Survivors of Abuse, told Sky News that sexual abuse of children occurs throughout British society.

"Abuse knows no bounds," she said. "It crosses cultures, genders, backgrounds and socio-economic groups.

"It is a societal problem and we need to deal with it accordingly and with a zero-tolerance policy."

Ms Tuck said the present system of child protection was bureaucratic and riddled with prejudice and fear, and badly in need of reform.

Child abuse survivor and campaigner Christine Tuck Christine Tuck said whistleblowers also needed more protection

"People have been shocked by all the different abuse stories in the media but don't realise the extent of the problem.

"We speak about the different services in isolation. Let's put them altogether and look at the bigger picture."

Ms Tuck would like to see a national body formed to oversee the reporting of child abuse, prosecutions, and aftercare for victims and families.

To work, she said it would need to be "properly funded and have clear policies, procedures and governance".

She also called for greater protection for whistleblowers, to encourage more to come forward.

"As things stand people are unlikely to report any concerns they might have for fear of losing their jobs and their homes.

"That is not good enough and it is not in the best interest of victims. Abusers have to know they will be found out and brought to justice."

Even more important, Ms Tuck told Sky News, is that victims are heard and get the help and support they need.

"Children of any age do not want sexual contact," she said. "They just want to be loved and nurtured in the right way and be listened to."

:: The first ever conference in the UK for abuse survivors, Life After Abuse, is being held in central London on September 13.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Immigration: 'Significant' Rise In Last Year

The Government has suffered a setback in its bid to cut net migration to the tens of thousands after official figures showed arrivals to the UK have soared.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show a "significant increase" in net migration in the year to March, with 243,000 long-term migrants - up from 175,000 the previous year.

The ONS described the net figure of 243,000 - the difference between people arriving in the UK and leaving - as being "statistically significant".

Immigration from within the EU was behind the increase, with 214,000 of a total 560,000 immigrants coming from the European community.

There are now 1.7 million EU nationals employed in the UK - up 17% on the same period last year, the figures revealed. A total of 2.9 million non-UK nationals are currently in employment.

The statistics also showed the number of Romanians and Bulgarians arriving in the UK more than doubled to 28,000 in the year up until March, compared to 12,000 in the previous year.

Immigration Figures showed a net migration increase of 243,000 in the year until March

Restrictions to the labour market were lifted for Romanians and Bulgarians on January 1.

But the number of people leaving the UK - 316,000 - remained stable within the same period.

Immigration Minister James Brokenshire said the Government remained focused on reducing net migration to sustainable levels.

He told Sky News: "Where the Government has introduced visa reforms, changes to the immigration system to control those from outside the EU, we've seen significant changes - they're down about 25% under this Government to levels not seen since the late 1990s.

"Clearly these statistics show significant increases in migration from within the EU, across the EU, that's why the Government has introduced changes to the welfare system on reducing the pull factors, reducing the attractiveness of coming to this country for welfare, but also why we do think that further change around free movement is required.

"Our focus does remain - because it is about pressures on public services, it is about those issues on wages and at the lower end the impact that we do see on the lowest wages, the lowest earners, and those least advantaged in our society which is why the Government does remain focused on reducing net migration to sustainable levels."

Prime Minister David Cameron and Home Secretary Theresa May had announced a goal to cut net migration to below 100,000 by the next general election on May 7.

Mark Hilton, head of immigration policy at non-profit organisation London First, said: "With the general election fast approaching, the Government is running out of time to hits its 'tens of thousands' target.

"The danger is ministers will take the only real steps open to them and clamp down on skilled non-EU migrants - who bring much-needed skills into the country - and students, who are not only a £10bn market for us, but a key plank in Britain's global influence in terms of 'soft power'."

The figures also revealed that 136,000 EU citizens arrived for work in the UK in the year up until March 2014, with 60% having a definite job to go to when they arrived.


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MP Douglas Carswell Quits Tories For UKIP

Conservative MP Douglas Carswell has announced he is defecting from the Tories and joining UKIP.

The MP For Clacton in Essex said he made the decision because he believes UKIP is the only party that can break up the "cosy Westminster elite".

Flanked by his new party leader Nigel Farage, Mr Carswell was cheered by supporters as he said he would take the unusual step of resigning from Parliament and fight to win back his seat for UKIP in a by-election.

Mr Farage told his latest recruit: "I think what you've just done is without doubt the bravest, most honourable and noblest thing I've seen in British politics in my lifetime."

The Prime Minister responds to the killing of James Foley David Cameron, who is in Scotland, was not told about his MP's decision

Mr Carswell was scathing in his criticism of David Cameron and his Government - accusing the Prime Minister of being insincere in his vow to reform Britain's relationship with Europe.

He said he had not told the PM of his decision to vacate the seat - which has a Conservative majority of more than 12,000 - in advance.  

Speaking to Sky News moments after the announcement, he said: "I don't think they're serious about the change this country needs. This country needs serious political reform.

"They're not serious about making government accountable to Parliament and Parliament accountable to the people."

He added: "I know David Cameron is not serious because I've heard him say it."

He admitted that he could lose the by-election but said he would trust the voters to make their own decision.

Nigel Farage insisted Mr Carswell was not the only sitting MP who backed his policies.

He told Sky News: "I've spoken to people in the Conservative Party and the Labour Party who do not want Britain to be borderless, who think this is doing great damage to the working opportunities of people in Britain.

"I don't think Douglas Carswell is going to be considered an isolated eccentric - there are other MPs out there considering their options."

A Conservative Party spokesman said: "This is a regrettable and frankly counterproductive decision.

"As he's said, the only way to get a referendum on the EU is to return a majority Conservative government.

"The Conservative Party will contest the forthcoming by-election vigorously to make the people in Clacton have a strong conservative voice in this parliament and the next."

William Hague, the Conservative Leader of the Commons, said Mr Carswell's decision would be " totally counter-productive".

Tory MP Bill Cash - a standard-bearer for the eurosceptic cause - told Sky Mr Carswell's move was a "monumental misjudgement".

Sky News Political Editor Faisal Islam said: "This is precisely the sort of move that turns what might have been called a protest vote in May into something more substantial.

"Douglas Carswell is known for his views on Europe but he's also popular for a variety of reasons.

"The Prime Minister's up in Glasgow trying to keep the Union together and now he's trying to stitch his party together.

"And the old Conservative problem of Europe raises its head again, at the worst possible time."


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Rotherham: MP Calls For Criminal Investigation

Police Commissioner Shaun Wright should face a criminal investigation over the Rotherham child abuse scandal, a Labour MP has said.

John Mann told Sky News he is writing to Home Secretary Theresa May asking for police to investigate Mr Wright with a view to bringing a case of misconduct in public office against him and others responsible for childcare while hundreds of children were abused.

The Bassetlaw MP said an independent force, rather than Mr Wright's South Yorkshire Police, should take charge of the inquiry.

Speaking on Sky News Sunrise, he said: "I'm writing to the Home Secretary and to South Yorkshire Police asking for an investigation into misconduct into public office, which is a criminal offence, for wilful neglect of duty.

uploaded from ROTHERHAM WRIGHT.jpg Shaun Wright is facing fresh calls to resign over the Rotherham scandal

"Having looked at the law, it seems to me that there is a case to be heard, potentially by him - also potentially by others involved in this scandal for wilfully failing to act."

Mr Wright has insisted he will stay in the £85,000 a year post, despite facing fresh calls to resign.

On Wednesday night he quit the Labour Party after he was threatened with being suspended from the party over his perceived failings in the key child protection role from 2005-2010.

Mr Wright was a Rotherham councillor, charged with heading up the local authority's child protection services at the height of the scandal, where an estimated 1,400 children are believed to have been groomed and abused by gangs of Asian men.

Rotherham abuse scandal Sonia Sharp has apologised to victims of abuse in Rotherham

On Tuesday, a highly critical report highlighted widespread failings at both Rotherham Council and South Yorkshire Police for allowing that abuse to continue unchecked for more than 16 years.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg - speaking on his LBC radio phone-in - became the latest senior politician to call for Mr Wright to go.

He said: "As Theresa May said, she can't tell the police and crime commissioner, who clearly should do the decent thing and stand aside, to do so.

"All we can do, which is what I'm doing now, which is what everybody's doing, across parties, is to say 'please, do the decent thing and stand aside because you have to take responsibility and then let's try ... to go after the perpetrators."

Meanwhile, a former director of Rotherham's children's services has said sorry to children abused in the town and said she wished more could have been done to help them.

Sonia Sharp, who was in the key role from 2005-2008, said it was known "that there were many children in the community at risk and feared that this was the tip of an iceberg".

Dr Sharp, now working for the Australian state of Victoria's department of education and early childhood development, said: "You can't be a director of children's services and not take responsibility for what happens to children. 

"I am sorry that these children and young people suffered terrible abuse and I wish we could have done more to prevent the abuse of children and young people in Rotherham."


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teenager Convicted Of CCTV Knife Murder

A 17-year-old youth has been convicted of the murder of a young man with learning difficulties in a knife-point mugging caught on CCTV.

Dean Mayley was stabbed in the heart by Jamal Jones after he refused to hand over his mobile phone in Greenford, west London, on February 7.

The 24-year-old, who had a mental age of nine due to a brain disorder called Microcephaly, probably did not fully understand what the robbers wanted, the Old Bailey heard.

CCTV footage showed three hooded figures approach Mr Mayley and confront him, before one of them lashed out with a knife.

The victim then staggered and collapsed into the road as members of the public rushed to help. He died later in hospital.

The prosecution said Miguel Leiba, 17, from Hanwell, and Ryan Beresford, 19, blocked Mr Mayley's path and Michael Mensah, 18, drove them to and from the scene.

Dean Mayley and nephew Dean Mayley, 24, died in hospital after he was stabbed in the heart

Beresford, of Acton, west London; Mensah, of Greenford, and Leiba denied murder, but were convicted of manslaughter.

They were also found guilty of the attempted robbery of Mr Mayley.

Donna Mayley, Dean's mother, wept as the verdicts were delivered and the defendants wailed in the dock.

Judge Martyn Zeidman QC said: "For somebody to lose their life in these circumstances is a disaster. There are no sufficient words to demonstrate the sadness.

"Yet another example of a kind and innocent person losing their life because of somebody else using a knife."

Prosecutor Simon Denison QC said all four youths had lied about what happened on the day of the murder.

He said: "These four were a team of knife-point robbers driving up and down the Ruislip Road looking for a victim or victims.

CCTV of Dean Mayley's final movements before he was fatally stabbed CCTV of Mr Mayley minutes before he was fatally stabbed in Greenford

"That is why Dean Mayley was targeted, not just by Jamal Jones but by all of them."

In his defence, Jones admitted he had tried to rob Mr Mayley, but denied he had meant to harm him.

He told the court: "He was getting fidgety. His hands were in his pockets. He was looking straight into my eyes.

"I asked him again 'just give me your phone'. He shrugged and said 'what are you going to do about it?'.

"And then I just literally panicked. I did not know what to do and I'm thinking 'is this guy going to hit me?' because of his body language.

"I thrust out first. I hit him first - I did not intend to hurt him. I just meant to do a slice and that's it."

He said he had been made to look after the knife earlier in the day by another boy who approached him in college.

The court heard that Mensah wrote a menacing letter to Jones to persuade him not to implicate him in the murder.

A search of Jones' bedroom revealed a kitchen knife stashed under his mattress and a meat cleaver on top of his wardrobe.

All four will be sentenced on October 2.


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tax Fugitives Brought To Justice By HMRC

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 27 Agustus 2014 | 20.16

Five of the UK's top tax fugitives have been brought back to the UK to face justice following a global HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) initiative, the organisation has said.

HMRC said it is "excellent news for all honest taxpayers" and released images of a further five people it wants to track down.

These are: Ahmed Salim Khezri, Norbert Dombo, Mohammed Kasim Farook (aka Mohammed Kasim), Paul Edwards and Murugasan Natarajan (aka Murucasan Natarajan and Raj Natarajan).

Mohammed Kasim Farook, Paul Edwards, Ahmed Salim Khezri, Murugasan Natarajan, Norbert Dombo. The five fugitives HMRC wants to apprehend

Those who have been apprehended in the last year are:

:: John Sabin, who fled to Spain after being convicted for his role in smuggling more than 150 million illicit cigarettes into the UK

:: Malcolm McGowan, who also fled to Spain before he could be sentenced for smuggling more than 28 million cigarettes

:: Magdalena Ferkova, returned from the Czech Republic after being found guilty of tax credit and child benefit fraud

:: Michael Voudouri, who fled to northern Cyprus prior to sentencing after being found guilty of an £11.6m money laundering scam

:: Michael Fearon, who fled to the Republic of Ireland while on trial for his part in smuggling more than 8 million cigarettes

Malcolm McGowan was involved in illegally importing 56,600 cigarettes Malcolm McGowan, one of those who has been caught in the last year

Jennie Granger, HMRC's Director General of Enforcement and Compliance, said: "This is down to the determination of our people with the help and support of the general public.

"We would like to thank the public for that help, and ask them to look at the 2014 list and help us to bring back the rest.

"These fugitives were involved in frauds that have collectively cost the UK more than  £844 million but the success of our campaign means those on the run should know that HMRC will relentlessly pursue them."

HMRC said it had also received "important information" on the location of five other people on its "most wanted" list.

It is two years since HMRC first published images of its top tax fraud absconders, and since then the pictures have been viewed three million times, leading to the capture of some of the fugitives.

There is also a map showing where HMRC believes the remaining people on the list to be.

HMRC says that, where legally possible, it will seek extraditions with the help of the Crown Prosecution Service and other partners in the UK and abroad to ensure they are brought back to the UK. 

:: Anyone with information should contact the Tax Evasion Hotline on 0800 788 887 or email via the HMRC website. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


20.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Abuse Scandal 'Happening All Over Country'

The child exploitation scandal in which 1,400 youngsters were abused over 16 years is not "peculiar" to Rotherham, according to a leading children's charity.

A damning report on abuse in the South Yorkshire town detailed examples of 11-year-olds being gang raped and children forced to watch violent sex abuse.

Barnardo's was called to the town by police last year to tackle the problem - but the charity says it is also working with other councils to "learn lessons from the past".

Chief executive Javed Khan told Sky News: "Barnardo's is working very closely with that council and many other councils across the country.

"We're trying to help those professionals learn lessons from the past.

A neglected lonely child Some 1,400 children were abused in Rotherham over 16 years

"This is happening all over the country - it isn't just peculiar to Rotherham.

"It's important that they learn the lessons from the past, work with agencies like ours that have experience.

"We work with more than 2,000 children who've been sexually exploited every year. We know how to spot the signs and put it right."

The report on abuse in Rotherham, between 1997 and 2013, said authorities in the town "could and should" have done more to stop the abuse.

But officials did not listen to children trying to report it, the report said.

Roger Stone Council leader Roger Stone resigned after the report was published

Council leader Roger Stone resigned after the report was published - and there have been calls for South Yorkshire's Police Commissioner to follow.

Shaun Wright was elected in 2012 - but his previous role as a councillor put him in charge of children's services between 2005 and 2010.

However, Mr Khan insists it is important the victims are not forgotten amid the "recriminations".

"I'm sure Shaun Wright is doing some deep thinking about what he did and what he could have done differently - many other people will be doing as well," he said.

"Apart from the recriminations, the important thing is that we learn the lessons about how to protect children.

"Whatever actions need to be taken, let's focus on the victims and make sure this never, ever happens again to children who need our support.

"I'm not sitting on the fence. Children were failed. But the report says children's services in Rotherham are fit for purpose now - that's what interests me.

"What we're trying to do is work with the schools, work with the police, work with the social services, so they're more aware and more able to spot the signs of children who need our support."


20.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bercow Row Nominee 'To Be Questioned'

An influential committee of MPs appears set to call in the Speaker's controversial choice of Commons clerk for questioning.

John Bercow has nominated Australian Carol Mills for the role following an open recruitment process - but senior figures have raised concerns about her lack of knowledge about Westminster procedures.

Bernard Jenkin, chairman of the public administration select committee, says a meeting will be held on Monday to decide if a hearing is required to assess her suitability.

The Tory MP for Harwich and North Essex said: "The committee has decided nothing formally until we meet.

"(But) I have spoken to a majority of the committee and those I have spoken to are in favour of holding such a hearing."

Ms Mills is currently head of the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) in Canberra.

The row took a sinister twist when it was revealed that officials in Ms Mills' department used CCTV cameras to spy on the office of an Australian senator as part of an investigation into a parliamentary official.

Jack Straw Jack Straw is backing calls for a pre-appointment hearing

The Speaker is believed to want to bring in an outsider to press ahead with modernisation of the House, rather than promoting deputy clerk David Natzler.

It is thought 50 MPs, including former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, are backing a motion tabled by Tory backbencher Jesse Norman calling for a pre-appointment hearing.

Downing Street upped the pressure on Mr Bercow by insisting the new clerk needs to have the backing of MPs.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister also confirmed he had yet to pass on the nomination to the Queen for approval.

The clerk earns £200,000 a year and combines the roles of constitutional adviser and Commons chief executive.

In an effort to defuse the row, Mr Bercow has indicated he wants to split the functions into two jobs as soon as possible.

However, his former deputy, Nigel Evans, says there will be "a lot of unhappy people" when the Commons returns unless there is a delay in the process.


20.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Met Chief Wants New Powers To Stop UK Jihadists

The country's most senior police officer wants jihadists who fight abroad to be stripped of their British passports and placed under revived control orders if they return to the UK.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe spoke after Boris Johnson called for anyone travelling to Syria or Iraq "without good reason" to be arrested - and for returning fighters to lose their UK citizenship.

Deputy Prime Minister has argued that no new laws are required - and insisted he would listen to "police, the authorities and security services" rather than Mr Johnson.

But Sir Bernard, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, has also called for new powers.

He said: "It seems to me it's a privilege to have a passport and be a citizen of this country, and if you're going to start fighting in another country on behalf of another state, or against another state, it seems to me that you've made a choice about where you what to be."

Sir Bernard wants a return to "something like" control orders, which were used to restrict the movement and behaviour of terror suspects who could not face charges in court or be deported.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe wants fresh powers to stop suspected terrorists

"Certainly for us, anything that either stops them from going or preferably stops them from coming back is a good idea," he said.

"They were stopped because the threat was reduced and quite properly they were seen as too intrusive.

"But I think these things have got to be considered when the drum beat changes, and it's clear that the drum beat has changed."

An estimated 500 or 600 Britons are thought to have travelled to Syria to fight jihad there.

Last week a video emerged of an ISIS fighter with an English accent, dubbed 'Jihadi John', apparently beheading US journalist James Foley.

Scotland Yard has confirmed "significant progress" is being made to find the killer.

Sir Bernard said the force is working with American counterparts to firmly establish whether he is British.

James Foley James Foley was beheaded by a suspected British jihadi

"We are making progress in that investigation, of course we are working with our partners in America because this was an American citizen who was murdered by a British citizen, it appears.

"First of all we have to tie down who we think did it, where it happened, and then we can start talking about jurisdiction.

"Obviously there is a voiceover, which everybody's heard, which sounds like a Brit. It sounds like somebody from London, that's all the experts tell us. So we're investigating whether that's true.

"Our investigation is making progress but it's not straightforward, it's not got a name plate stuck on it. We are going to have to do quite a lot of work with various people to try to get to the bottom of it."


20.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rotherham Abuse: Police Chief Refuses To Quit

South Yorkshire's Police Commissioner has refused to resign over the Rotherham child sex abuse scandal.

Shaun Wright is facing calls to stand down, including by his own Labour Party, in the wake of a damning report which revealed more than 1,400 children were victims of abuse between 1997 and 2013.

The inquiry by Professor Alexis Jay detailed examples of 11-year-olds being gang raped and children being forced to watch violent sex abuse while being threatened that they would be next.

Despite the catalogue of abuse and ignored warnings, Rotherham council and South Yorkshire police say none of their staff have been disciplined.

Roger Stone Rotherham Council leader Roger Stone stood down in the wake of the report

Prof Jay told Sky News believes nearly everyone in positions of authority should have done more, and cast doubt on claims people were unaware of the problem.

Mr Wright was a Labour councillor for Rotherham until he was elected Police Commissioner in 2012, and was in charge of children's services from 2005 to 2010.

But Mr Wright told Sky News he was "completely astonished" at the abuse, and said he had been unaware of the scale of the problem.

He said: "I take my share of the responsibility. There was systemic failure. I only wish that I knew more at the time.

"If I knew then what I know now then clearly more could have been done.

"I do have regrets I wasn't more aware of the issue at the time."

He claimed information was not "escalated up" to the political level or senior managers.

Mr Wright said: "I am completely astonished by the scale of the issue that's been identified."

Alexis Jay Alexis Jay's highly critical report detailed "appalling" abuse

But Colin Ross, the leader of the Lib Dem group on Sheffield City Council, said it is "difficult to see how local people can have confidence in him to continue as our Police and Crime Commissioner".

A Labour spokesperson said: "The report into child abuse in Rotherham was devastating in its findings. Vulnerable children were repeatedly abused and then let down.

"In the light of this report, it is appropriate that South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Shaun Wright should step down."

The leader of Rotherham Council, Roger Stone, stepped down with immediate effect following the publication of the report.

Chief Superintendent Jason Harwin, police district commander for Rotherham, said no officers had faced disciplinary action but added: "A number of individuals that were in the service then are no longer in the service.

"Clearly we have failed on this occasion. We know that but we need to understand understand what we need to do next."

"If people have done things they shouldn't have done they should be held to account."

A lawyer who represents some of the victims has told Sky News they intend to take legal action against the authorities.

Solicitor David Greenwood said he was "appalled" by what he called a "systematic failure".

He added that some of the girls involved have displayed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and will need "a lot of input to get their lives back on track".


20.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Met Chief Wants New Powers To Stop UK Jihadists

The country's most senior police officer wants jihadists who fight abroad to be stripped of their British passports and placed under revived control orders if they return to the UK.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe spoke after Boris Johnson called for anyone travelling to Syria or Iraq "without good reason" to be arrested - and for returning fighters to lose their UK citizenship.

Deputy Prime Minister has argued that no new laws are required - and insisted he would listen to "police, the authorities and security services" rather than Mr Johnson.

But Sir Bernard, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, has also called for new powers.

He said: "It seems to me it's a privilege to have a passport and be a citizen of this country, and if you're going to start fighting in another country on behalf of another state, or against another state, it seems to me that you've made a choice about where you what to be."

Sir Bernard wants a return to "something like" control orders, which were used to restrict the movement and behaviour of terror suspects who could not face charges in court or be deported.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe wants fresh powers to stop suspected terrorists

"Certainly for us, anything that either stops them from going or preferably stops them from coming back is a good idea," he said.

"They were stopped because the threat was reduced and quite properly they were seen as too intrusive.

"But I think these things have got to be considered when the drum beat changes, and it's clear that the drum beat has changed."

An estimated 500 or 600 Britons are thought to have travelled to Syria to fight jihad there.

Last week a video emerged of an ISIS fighter with an English accent, dubbed 'Jihadi John', apparently beheading US journalist James Foley.

Scotland Yard has confirmed "significant progress" is being made to find the killer.

Sir Bernard said the force is working with American counterparts to firmly establish whether he is British.

James Foley James Foley was beheaded by a suspected British jihadi

"We are making progress in that investigation, of course we are working with our partners in America because this was an American citizen who was murdered by a British citizen, it appears.

"First of all we have to tie down who we think did it, where it happened, and then we can start talking about jurisdiction.

"Obviously there is a voiceover, which everybody's heard, which sounds like a Brit. It sounds like somebody from London, that's all the experts tell us. So we're investigating whether that's true.

"Our investigation is making progress but it's not straightforward, it's not got a name plate stuck on it. We are going to have to do quite a lot of work with various people to try to get to the bottom of it."


20.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tax Fugitives Brought To Justice By HMRC

Five of the UK's top tax fugitives have been brought back to the UK to face justice following a global HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) initiative, the organisation has said.

HMRC said it is "excellent news for all honest taxpayers" and released images of a further five people it wants to track down.

These are: Ahmed Salim Khezri, Norbert Dombo, Mohammed Kasim Farook (aka Mohammed Kasim), Paul Edwards and Murugasan Natarajan (aka Murucasan Natarajan and Raj Natarajan).

Mohammed Kasim Farook, Paul Edwards, Ahmed Salim Khezri, Murugasan Natarajan, Norbert Dombo. The five fugitives HMRC wants to apprehend

Those who have been apprehended in the last year are:

:: John Sabin, who fled to Spain after being convicted for his role in smuggling more than 150 million illicit cigarettes into the UK

:: Malcolm McGowan, who also fled to Spain before he could be sentenced for smuggling more than 28 million cigarettes

:: Magdalena Ferkova, returned from the Czech Republic after being found guilty of tax credit and child benefit fraud

:: Michael Voudouri, who fled to northern Cyprus prior to sentencing after being found guilty of an £11.6m money laundering scam

:: Michael Fearon, who fled to the Republic of Ireland while on trial for his part in smuggling more than 8 million cigarettes

Malcolm McGowan was involved in illegally importing 56,600 cigarettes Malcolm McGowan, one of those who has been caught in the last year

Jennie Granger, HMRC's Director General of Enforcement and Compliance, said: "This is down to the determination of our people with the help and support of the general public.

"We would like to thank the public for that help, and ask them to look at the 2014 list and help us to bring back the rest.

"These fugitives were involved in frauds that have collectively cost the UK more than  £844 million but the success of our campaign means those on the run should know that HMRC will relentlessly pursue them."

HMRC said it had also received "important information" on the location of five other people on its "most wanted" list.

It is two years since HMRC first published images of its top tax fraud absconders, and since then the pictures have been viewed three million times, leading to the capture of some of the fugitives.

There is also a map showing where HMRC believes the remaining people on the list to be.

HMRC says that, where legally possible, it will seek extraditions with the help of the Crown Prosecution Service and other partners in the UK and abroad to ensure they are brought back to the UK. 

:: Anyone with information should contact the Tax Evasion Hotline on 0800 788 887 or email via the HMRC website. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


20.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

Abuse Scandal 'Happening All Over Country'

The child exploitation scandal in which 1,400 youngsters were abused over 16 years is not "peculiar" to Rotherham, according to a leading children's charity.

A damning report on abuse in the South Yorkshire town detailed examples of 11-year-olds being gang raped and children forced to watch violent sex abuse.

Barnardo's was called to the town by police last year to tackle the problem - but the charity says it is also working with other councils to "learn lessons from the past".

Chief executive Javed Khan told Sky News: "Barnardo's is working very closely with that council and many other councils across the country.

"We're trying to help those professionals learn lessons from the past.

A neglected lonely child Some 1,400 children were abused in Rotherham over 16 years

"This is happening all over the country - it isn't just peculiar to Rotherham.

"It's important that they learn the lessons from the past, work with agencies like ours that have experience.

"We work with more than 2,000 children who've been sexually exploited every year. We know how to spot the signs and put it right."

The report on abuse in Rotherham, between 1997 and 2013, said authorities in the town "could and should" have done more to stop the abuse.

But officials did not listen to children trying to report it, the report said.

Roger Stone Council leader Roger Stone resigned after the report was published

Council leader Roger Stone resigned after the report was published - and there have been calls for South Yorkshire's Police Commissioner to follow.

Shaun Wright was elected in 2012 - but his previous role as a councillor put him in charge of children's services between 2005 and 2010.

However, Mr Khan insists it is important the victims are not forgotten amid the "recriminations".

"I'm sure Shaun Wright is doing some deep thinking about what he did and what he could have done differently - many other people will be doing as well," he said.

"Apart from the recriminations, the important thing is that we learn the lessons about how to protect children.

"Whatever actions need to be taken, let's focus on the victims and make sure this never, ever happens again to children who need our support.

"I'm not sitting on the fence. Children were failed. But the report says children's services in Rotherham are fit for purpose now - that's what interests me.

"What we're trying to do is work with the schools, work with the police, work with the social services, so they're more aware and more able to spot the signs of children who need our support."


20.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bercow Row Nominee 'To Be Questioned'

An influential committee of MPs appears set to call in the Speaker's controversial choice of Commons clerk for questioning.

John Bercow has nominated Australian Carol Mills for the role following an open recruitment process - but senior figures have raised concerns about her lack of knowledge about Westminster procedures.

Bernard Jenkin, chairman of the public administration select committee, says a meeting will be held on Monday to decide if a hearing is required to assess her suitability.

The Tory MP for Harwich and North Essex said: "The committee has decided nothing formally until we meet.

"(But) I have spoken to a majority of the committee and those I have spoken to are in favour of holding such a hearing."

Ms Mills is currently head of the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) in Canberra.

The row took a sinister twist when it was revealed that officials in Ms Mills' department used CCTV cameras to spy on the office of an Australian senator as part of an investigation into a parliamentary official.

Jack Straw Jack Straw is backing calls for a pre-appointment hearing

The Speaker is believed to want to bring in an outsider to press ahead with modernisation of the House, rather than promoting deputy clerk David Natzler.

It is thought 50 MPs, including former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, are backing a motion tabled by Tory backbencher Jesse Norman calling for a pre-appointment hearing.

Downing Street upped the pressure on Mr Bercow by insisting the new clerk needs to have the backing of MPs.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister also confirmed he had yet to pass on the nomination to the Queen for approval.

The clerk earns £200,000 a year and combines the roles of constitutional adviser and Commons chief executive.

In an effort to defuse the row, Mr Bercow has indicated he wants to split the functions into two jobs as soon as possible.

However, his former deputy, Nigel Evans, says there will be "a lot of unhappy people" when the Commons returns unless there is a delay in the process.


20.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rotherham Abuse: Police Chief Refuses To Quit

South Yorkshire's Police Commissioner has refused to resign over the Rotherham child sex abuse scandal.

Shaun Wright is facing calls to stand down, including by his own Labour Party, in the wake of a damning report which revealed more than 1,400 children were victims of abuse between 1997 and 2013.

The inquiry by Professor Alexis Jay detailed examples of 11-year-olds being gang raped and children being forced to watch violent sex abuse while being threatened that they would be next.

Despite the catalogue of abuse and ignored warnings, Rotherham council and South Yorkshire police say none of their staff have been disciplined.

Roger Stone Rotherham Council leader Roger Stone stood down in the wake of the report

Prof Jay told Sky News believes nearly everyone in positions of authority should have done more, and cast doubt on claims people were unaware of the problem.

Mr Wright was a Labour councillor for Rotherham until he was elected Police Commissioner in 2012, and was in charge of children's services from 2005 to 2010.

But Mr Wright told Sky News he was "completely astonished" at the abuse, and said he had been unaware of the scale of the problem.

He said: "I take my share of the responsibility. There was systemic failure. I only wish that I knew more at the time.

"If I knew then what I know now then clearly more could have been done.

"I do have regrets I wasn't more aware of the issue at the time."

He claimed information was not "escalated up" to the political level or senior managers.

Mr Wright said: "I am completely astonished by the scale of the issue that's been identified."

Alexis Jay Alexis Jay's highly critical report detailed "appalling" abuse

But Colin Ross, the leader of the Lib Dem group on Sheffield City Council, said it is "difficult to see how local people can have confidence in him to continue as our Police and Crime Commissioner".

A Labour spokesperson said: "The report into child abuse in Rotherham was devastating in its findings. Vulnerable children were repeatedly abused and then let down.

"In the light of this report, it is appropriate that South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Shaun Wright should step down."

The leader of Rotherham Council, Roger Stone, stepped down with immediate effect following the publication of the report.

Chief Superintendent Jason Harwin, police district commander for Rotherham, said no officers had faced disciplinary action but added: "A number of individuals that were in the service then are no longer in the service.

"Clearly we have failed on this occasion. We know that but we need to understand understand what we need to do next."

"If people have done things they shouldn't have done they should be held to account."

A lawyer who represents some of the victims has told Sky News they intend to take legal action against the authorities.

Solicitor David Greenwood said he was "appalled" by what he called a "systematic failure".

He added that some of the girls involved have displayed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and will need "a lot of input to get their lives back on track".


20.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

Boris Johnson To Stand As MP In West London

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 26 Agustus 2014 | 20.14

Boris Johnson is to stand in the West London seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip at next year's General Election.

Mr Johnson announced earlier this month that he would "in all probability… try to find somewhere to stand in 2015".

The constituency is available because Conservative MP John Randall is standing down.

The local party will pick its candidate on September 12.

Mr Johnson said he hoped to "make his case" that he was the best person to represent the constituency.

"I'm sure there will be plenty of excellent candidates and I hope very much to make my case to the association," he told the Evening Standard.

Prime Minister David Cameron was among the first to welcome news of Mr Johnson's candidacy when it emerged on August 6.

David Cameron on UK aid to Iraq David Cameron has welcomed Boris Johnson's candidacy

He tweeted: "Great news that Boris plans to stand at next year's general election - I've always said I want my star players on the pitch."

There has been speculation Mr Johnson will eventually challenge for the Tory leadership.

Sky's Political Correspondent Anushka Asthana said: "David Cameron has welcomed him and thinks he could help the Conservatives win the 2015 General Election, but he might be a little worried about what happens after that."

Uxbridge and South Ruislip had a Conservative majority of more than 11,000 at the last election.

More follows...


20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

UK Ebola Case: Family Praise 'Excellent Care'

The family of a British nurse airlifted from Africa to London to be treated for ebola has thanked the medical team looking after him.

Volunteer nurse William Pooley is in the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead after contracting the virus in Sierra Leone.

He is the first confirmed British ebola case. There is no cure and outbreaks have a fatality rate as high as 90%.

A statement from his family said: "We would like to express our thanks to all involved in bringing our son back to the UK.

Police escort a RAF ambulance carrying a British man infected with ebola virus after he was flown home on a C17 plane from Sierra Leone, at Northolt air base outside London. Mr Pooley is brought to the Royal Free with a police escort

"We have been astounded by the speed and way which the various international and UK government agencies have worked together to get Will home.

"Will is receiving excellent care at the Royal Free Hospital and we could not ask for him to be in a better place.

"We ... ask everyone to remember those in other parts of the world suffering with ebola who do not have access to the same healthcare facilities as Will."

Mr Pooley, 29, was flown back to the UK on Sunday night for emergency treatment.

Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead, London The victim is being treated at the Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead, London

Days before he contracted the disease, he spoke about the joy of seeing ebola victims make a full recovery.

He told The Guardian: "It's great seeing them walk away after some of them have been in a terrible state. Seeing them on the wards and then seeing them recover and walk out the door is great."

Mr Pooley is being treated in Hampstead because it has the only isolation ward in the country.

His bed will be surrounded by a tent with its own controlled ventilation system and the only people allowed inside are specially-trained medical staff.

Liberia receives a USAid a shipment as it battles the spreadof ebola Liberia has been receiving shipments of USAid as it struggles to cope

A Liberian doctor who was one of three Africans to receive the experimental Ebola drug ZMapp is among the latest to have died, the country's information minister said on Monday.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday that protective equipment had been sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where two cases of ebola have been confirmed.

Japan said it had developed an anti-influenza drug which may be able to treat the virus.

It is not known if favipiravir, which trades under the name Avigan, can treat the disease, but it was designed to treat new and re-emerging influenza viruses, which have similarities to ebola.

Residents in an ebola quarantine area in West Point, Monrovia Residents have been quarantined in several parts of Liberia

Mr Pooley was working at a hospice in Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown, but moved to a government hospital in Kenema when he found out workers at the hospital had died.

In an interview with a blogger for freetownfashpack.com published earlier this month, he is reported to have said: "It's the easiest situation in the world to make a difference."

His friend Dr Oliver Johnson, who has been working in Freetown, said Mr Pooley was an "extraordinary guy" who knew the risks involved but was prepared to take them in order to help.

The Department of Health said he was not "seriously unwell", and health chiefs have insisted that the risk to the public from ebola is "very low".

There have so far been 2,615 confirmed cases and 1,427 deaths in the outbreak in Africa.

Ebola is contracted through contact with an infected person's bodily fluids and there is currently no cure or vaccine.

Symptoms of the virus appear as a sudden onset of fever, headache, sore throat, intense weakness and muscle pain.


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Masked Gunmen Raid Boutique Hotel In Soho

Police are searching for two masked gunmen who raided a hotel in London's West End in the early hours.

They tied up a member of staff at the Dean Street Townhouse in Soho before making off with cash and mobile phones.

Police were called to the four-storey boutique hotel at 3.05am after the two men burst in and demanded money.

Dean Street Townhouse hotel The hotel is a converted Georgian townhouse

No shots were fired and no one was injured, although staff were threatened and one man was treated for shock.

The two robbers were said to have eastern European accents and were wearing white hoodies.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to call the Metropolitan Police on 101.


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Stop And Search Code Of Conduct Lauched

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

Police forces across the country will today sign up to a crackdown on the misuse of stop and search powers that have caused tension between officers and the black community.

A new voluntary code will mean the outcome of each stop will be recorded to measure how many lead to an arrest.

There will also be tougher rules around the controversial "section 60" stops where there are no grounds for suspicion.

Under the plans these powers will require higher authorisation - from a chief police officer - and will be limited to 15-hour periods, down from 24.

They will also have to believe that violence "will" occur without the measure, while before it was only if more junior officers thought it might occur.

Notting Hill Carnival. Police used 'section 60' at the Notting Hill Carnival

Some 24 police forces across England and Wales will start implementing the code, which has been brought in by Home Secretary Theresa May, immediately. By November all 43 forces will have signed up.

"Nobody wins when stop and search is misused," said Mrs May. "It can be an enormous waste of police time and damage the relationship between the public and police.

"I am delighted that all 43 police forces have signed up to the Best Use of Stop and Search scheme. It will increase transparency, give us a better understanding of how stop and search is actually being used and help local communities hold the police to account for their use of the powers.

"I hope it will also go a long way to building public confidence and forging an important link between communities and the police."

Mrs May believes the way the powers have been used is unfair to young, black men in particular. They are six times more likely to be stopped overall, but this rises to 29 times in some areas.

Stop and Search powers reviewed All 43 forces will abide by the code by the end of the year

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has called the figure "stubbornly" high.

The Met police, one of the first to sign up to the code, admitted they used Section 60 powers this weekend at the Notting Hill Carnival.

They also brought in Section 60AA powers - through which people can be asked to remove disguises. The force said it was in "response to incidents of violence and intelligence received".

The country-wide reforms are being led by black police inspector Nick Glynn, of Leicestershire force, who said he has been stopped and searched about 30 times when off duty.

Chief Executive of the College of Policing, Chief Constable Alex Marshall, added: "Stop and search powers are necessary to help us tackle crime and keep people safe but it is clear they are being misused too often. This can leave resentment in our communities and hinder our ability to prevent crime."


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'Horrific' Cases Of Child Abuse in Rotherham

By Becky Johnson, North of England Correspondent

More than 1,400 children were sexually exploited in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013, a report has concluded.

The abuse of children, some just 11 years old, has been described as "horrific".

The report also found it is "not confined to the past but continues to this day".

In the summary of her findings, independent reviewer Alexis Jay OBE writes: "It is hard to describe the appalling nature of the abuse that the victims suffered.

"They were raped by multiple perpetrators, trafficked to other towns and cities in the north of England, abducted, beaten, and intimidated.

Alexis Jay Alexis Jay presents her report

"There were examples of children who had been doused in petrol and threatened with being set alight, threatened with guns, made witness to brutally violent rapes and threatened they would be next if they told anyone.

"Girls as young as 11 were raped by large numbers of male perpetrators."

The independent review of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham highlights a variety of historical and serious child protection failings.

It concludes the council and other agencies should have done more to protect children at risk.

In just over a third of cases victims were previously known to services in the town because of child protection and neglect.

More follows...


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Rain Threatens Bank Holiday Travel Disruption

Written By Unknown on Senin, 25 Agustus 2014 | 20.14

Tips For Driving In Severe Weather

Updated: 1:35pm UK, Friday 14 February 2014

The Highways Agency has issued the following guidance on how to prepare for driving in severe weather conditions.

Driving In General Bad Conditions

:: Always adjust your dri­ving accord­ing to the con­di­tions and plan your jour­ney by check­ing the lat­est weather forecast.

:: Make sure that you can see clearly and that you can be seen.

:: Use at least dipped head­lights in poor vis­i­bil­ity - and don't just rely on day­time run­ning lights if you have them.

Driving In Rain And Floods

:: When the road is wet it can take twice as long to stop. Slow down and main­tain a safe dis­tance from the vehi­cle in front.

:: If your vehi­cle loses grip, or "aqua­planes", on sur­face water take your foot off the accel­er­a­tor to slow down.

:: Do not brake or steer sud­denly because you have less con­trol of the steer­ing and brakes.Try to avoid dri­ving through sur­face water as you might flood your engine.

:: If you have to drive through floods, drive slowly, use a low gear and try to keep the engine revving at a high rate.

:: Move for­ward con­tin­u­ously to avoid stalling the engine.

:: When dri­ving an auto­matic vehi­cle, engage and hold in a low gear.

:: Test your brakes after dri­ving through water; they may be ineffective.

Driving In Windy Weather

:: Take extra care on the roads and plan your jour­ney by check­ing the lat­est weather conditions.

:: Although high-sided vehi­cles are par­tic­u­larly affected by windy weather, strong winds can also blow other vehi­cles off course.

:: This can hap­pen on open stretches of road exposed to strong cross­winds, or when pass­ing bridges, high-sided vehi­cles or gaps in trees.


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Richard Attenborough: Director Dies Aged 90

Tributes are being paid to Oscar-winning director Richard Attenborough, who dominated the British film business for more than half a century.

Lord Attenborough, who won two Academy Awards for directing and producing Gandhi in 1983, died at lunchtime on Sunday.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) described its former president as a "titan of British cinema" who set an example of "industry, skill and compassion" that business would do well to live up to. 

Sir Richard Attenborough and his wife Sh 2005: Lord Attenborough with his wife Sheila whom he married when he was 21

He was president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada) and championed the British film business for more than 60 years as an actor, director and prolific movie-maker.

Gandhi was the highlight of his career, winning eight Oscars, including best film. He also directed Young Winston, A Bridge Too Far, Chaplin and Cry Freedom.

As an actor he won acclaim for starring roles in films such as Brighton Rock, The Great Escape and 10 Rillington Place. 

Lord 'Dickie' Attenborough was born in Cambridgeshire in 1923 and educated at Wyggeston Grammar School and Emmanuel College Cambridge.

Richard Attenborough Richard Attenborough was a 'titan' of cinema for decades, says BAFTA

He was the older brother of naturalist Sir David Attenborough.

He married the actress Sheila Sim when he was 21. His son Michael was born in 1949, followed by two daughters, Jane and Charlotte.

Tragedy struck on Boxing Day 2004 when his elder daughter Jane Holland, her daughter Lucy, and her mother-in-law, also Jane, died in the south-Asian tsunami.

Director Steven Spielberg said: "Dickie Attenborough was passionate about everything in his life -  family, friends, country and career. 

Attenborough Brothers Awarded Honorary Degree At Leicester University With his brother, naturalist David

"He made a gift to the world with his emotional epic Ghandi and he was the perfect ringmaster to bring the dinosaurs back to life as John Hammond in Jurassic Park.

"He was a dear friend and I am standing in an endless line of those who completely adored him."

David Cameron said: "His acting in Brighton Rock was brilliant, his directing of Gandhi was stunning - Richard Attenborough was one of the greats of cinema."

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon, Labour's leader in the House of Lords, said she was "proud" that the actor was a Labour peer.

Former Cabinet minister Peter Hain also paid tribute to the "brilliant actor and film director" who he also hailed as an "anti-Apartheid, Labour and Chelsea Football Club stalwart".

In a statement on their website, Chelsea said: "Chelsea Football Club is tonight deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our Life President Lord Attenborough.

"His personality was woven into the tapestry of the club over seven decades. He will be greatly missed."


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