Miliband: More Important Things Than Devo Max

Ed Miliband has side-stepped the issue of constitutional change, saying the issue matters - but is not the priority for most voters.

Prime Minister David Cameron says all parts of the UK should have more powers after the independence referendum in Scotland, but Mr Miliband says the process is being rushed.

His comments come after former premier Gordon Brown said he was  "utterly convinced" powers for Scotland would be delivered following the No vote.

But speaking ahead of the Labour Party conference in Manchester, Mr Miliband said: "The last few months have been about keeping our country together. The next eight months will be about how we can change our country together.

"Right across Britain, people are yearning for change. Constitutional change matters.

Scots voted to remain part of the UK by 55% to 45%

"But we all know something else matters even more. Our country doesn't work for everyday working people and only works for a privileged few at the top. And we've got to change it."

It followed the earlier speech by Mr Brown, whose intervention in the campaign has been credited with helping to secure a No vote, and who insisted the timetable for devolution he set out two weeks ago was on track.

A resolution on more powers will be signed by him and the three main party leaders in the House of Commons on Monday, he told a news conference in Dunfermline, Scotland.

The civil service is already working on the plans, which will be published "by the end of October," he added.

He said the timetable was a "way of bringing people together" and "this is time for Scotland to unite".

David Cameron is to sign the new powers proposals on Monday

"These are men who have been promise makers and they will not be promise breakers. I will ensure that as a promise keeper that these promises that have been made will be upheld.

"We will lock in today the promises that have been made and why the timetable we set out will be delivered."

He said the laws that will form the Scotland Bill, and eventually the Scotland Act, will be ready by Burns Day (January 25).

Mr Brown also praised Scotland First Minister Alex Salmond, who dramatically quit on Friday night after the country turned out in record numbers to reject a break from the UK by 55% to 45%.

The 59-year-old was a "fierce and formidable opponent" but people owed him a "debt of gratitude" for what he had done for Scotland, he said.

The outcome of the referendum vote saw 2,001,926 opting for the No camp, with 1,617,989 voting Yes to independence.

The Yes campaign won majorities in four areas, including Dundee and Glasgow.

Six people were arrested in Glasgow city centre on Friday night as police separated rival union and independence supporters.

Hundreds of people crowded into George Square, with a chorus of Rule Britannia countered by the Scottish anthem, Flower of Scotland.

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Devolution Wranglings Could End In Stalemate

Devo Max: What New Powers Can Scotland Have?

Updated: 4:18pm UK, Friday 19 September 2014

David Cameron has pledged new powers for Scotland that some have said amount to Devo Max. However, it's not quite as clear cut as that.

What is Devo Max?

Scottish Parliament basically gets power over everything - apart from defence and foreign affairs. Maximum devolution.

Is that on offer?

No it's not, although some say David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband have come close to that.

What powers does Scotland already have?

It makes its own laws on health, education, law and order, environment, social services, housing, local government, tourism, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and some areas of transport. It can also raise or lower its income tax by 3p, but has not used this power.

What does Westminster have control of?

Defence, social security, immigration, benefits, foreign policy, employment, broadcasting, trade and industry, nuclear energy, oil, gas and electricity, consumer affairs and the constitution.

What powers will be given away in this quasi Devo Max deal?

It is not entirely clear. More power over setting income tax is definitely on the agenda, and control of housing benefits too. Holyrood is unlikely to get control over the oil take or corporation tax.

Under Gordon Brown's 12-point plan, giveaways include power over borrowing, job creation, social care and employment rights. The Scottish Parliament will also be confirmed as permanent, binding future governments to ensure its continued existence.

But what about England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Well, Mr Cameron has also promised more powers for Wales and Northern Ireland and to listen to the "millions of voices of England". He has promised to address the problem of "English votes for English laws" or the West Lothian question as it is also called. 

At the moment Scotland's 59 MPs can vote on matters that affect all of the UK but English MPs cannot vote on Scottish matters where powers have been devolved to Holyrood. 

With the promise of new powers for Scotland's Parliament, it has led to calls of "unfair" and for England to get more powers and the Prime Minister has said he will deliver. A sort of devolution revolution, if you will. 

Leader of the House of Commons William Hague is in charge of drawing up these plans but do expect that the Lib Dems and Labour will have rival versions. No cross-party consensus has been reached as with devolved powers for Scotland.

Make no mistake, it's a major shake-up - and yes, it will be an election issue.

So when is all this going to happen?

Gordon Brown has tabled a House of Commons debate over his planned 12-point power giveaway and the timetable for its delivery in mid-October.

There intention is that a new draft law to be drawn up by January 25 (Burns Night). Alex Salmond has agreed to talks to thrash out the details of these new powers but he will clearly be trying to get as close to delivering Devo Max as he can - having lost the battle for independence. It will not be passed until after the General Election in May but as there is a cross-party agreement theoretically, this should not provide a problem.

But the plans for England, Wales and Scotland do not have to work to the same timetable. They could be far more contentious as the parties are unlikely to agree on plans. Any English votes for English laws will put Labour at a distinct disadvantage as it effectively loses 40 MPs if its Scottish politicians are not included.

In addition, English MPs may be reluctant to allow new powers for Scotland to go through when they don't know "what's in it for them". 

In short, this could get messy and take a very long time.

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Alice Gross Police Search Is Largest Since 7/7

By Tom Parmenter, Sky Correspondent

The search for missing teenager Alice Gross is now the biggest deployment of Metropolitan Police search assets since the 7/7 terror attacks in London.

The 14-year-old from Hanwell, west London, has been missing for 24 days and police continue to make new appeals for information.

Detectives revealed this week they are also searching for Latvian national Arnis Zalkans, 41, who disappeared from his home in nearby Ealing on September 3 - a week after Alice disappeared.

The 41-year-old was jailed in his native country in the late 1990s for murdering his wife and burying her in a forest following a dispute about her sexuality.

Police are also hunting for Arnis Zalkalns who disappeared at the same time

It has also emerged Zalkalns was arrested in London on suspicion of indecent assault on a 14-year-old girl in 2009, but was never charged.

Search teams, including dogs and divers, have been deployed across west London looking for Alice, and police say the search area is being widened.

Detective Superintendent Carl Mehta, said: "I would like to thank the local community who have shown great support to the search effort and police investigation so far.

"Our officers are working through the weekend - carrying on those searches. We will not stop our hunt for Alice. Whilst we have already seized many hundreds of hours of CCTV we still need the public's help.

"If you are a shop owner, have CCTV at your home, or were out filming in the areas of Ealing and Hanwell and have footage from the afternoon of Thursday 28 August when Alice was last seen, and right up to the 3 September when Arnis Zalkalns was last seen, then please get in touch with us.

"Save the footage, call into our incident room on 020 8358 0100, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Zalkalns was seen on CCTV cycling along a path by the Grand Union Canal

Some 630 officers from eight police forces have been involved in the hunt. They have searched 25sq km of open land and 5.5km of canals and rivers.

On Friday night, police searched a former home of Zalkalns in Hanwell.

The owner of the house, Radoslav Andric, said he last saw Zalkalns at the rental property two days before Alice went missing on August 28.

Mr Andric said the Latvian builder moved out more than a year ago, but had returned to see friends.

Police have recovered the suspect's red Trek bicycle from the property.

Forensic officers have also searched Zalkalns' semi-detached house in Ealing, where armed officers have been seen standing guard.

Zalkalns has not accessed his bank account or used his mobile phone since September 3, nor has he returned home to his partner and young child.

He was seen on CCTV footage cycling along a path by the Grand Union Canal 15 minutes after the last sighting of Alice.

Detectives believe he is likely to have seen Alice as they were both going north along the canal towpath.

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Two Britons Missing After Hurricane In Mexico

Two Britons have disappeared off the coast of Mexico following a hurricane.

The pair, believed to be Paul Whitehouse and Simone Wood, were reported missing on Friday after their yacht overturned in the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez.

They are reportedly a couple from Wolverhampton and London.

Mexican marines and sailors are taking part in a search operation.

Mr Whitehouse is believed to be a scuba instructor living in the city of La Paz.

The pair were believed to be living on their yacht in La Paz for around a year.

A spokeswoman for the UK Foreign Office said: "We are in touch with the local authorities and are providing consular assistance to the families at this difficult time."

The hurricane left a trail of destruction

The British Embassy in Mexico has advised UK nationals in Baja California and Baja California Sur, the areas affected by the hurricane, to leave through Los Cabos International Airport.

Hurricane Odile left a trail of destruction when it hit last Sunday, causing the evacuation of around 18,000 tourists.

The hurricane affected power and water supplies, as well as phone services, triggering widespread looting.

Power has been restored to around one-fifth of people in the resort cities of Los Cabos, with 200 electricity workers dispatched to the area.

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Thai Murders: Victim's DNA Matches Asian Men

DNA taken from the body of murdered British tourist Hannah Witheridge matches that of two Asian men, Thai police say.

Officers also said they do not know if the killer is still on the island of Koh Tao, where she and David Miller, 24, were found murdered.

Sky News has obtained video of Ms Witheridge filmed in the hours before she was killed.

In the exclusive footage, she is seen on CCTV walking between bars with a group of friends.

Ms Witheridge, 23, from Great Yarmouth, suffered severe head wounds and Mr Miller died from blows to the head and drowning, post-mortem examinations showed.

Their bodies were found in a rocky area of Sairee beach on Monday.

A garden hoe with Ms Witheridge's blood on it was discovered nearby, and investigators are searching for a blunt metal object used on Mr Miller.

Sky's Jonathan Samuels, on Koh Tao (Turtle Island), said: "Today the head of Thailand's police flew to the island by helicopter - really a sense of how seriously now the Thai authorities are taking this investigation.

"He confirmed that two men's DNA that was found on Hannah's body have been analysed and he has confirmed those two samples are from two Asian men.

"Of course they have no idea at the moment, as far as we understand, who these two men may be.

"They have questioned many people on the island, but so far they tell us they have no firm suspects."

Ms Witheridge is seen leaving a bar with friends

DNA on a cigarette butt has been matched to semen found on Ms Witheridge, and officers say the cigarette was smoked by more than one person.

Meanwhile, two British brothers who were questioned by police have been told they are free to return home to Jersey.

Christopher and James Ware, childhood friends of Mr Miller, were spoken to by officers but were never detained or named as suspects.

A group of Burmese migrants who were interviewed by police after bloodstains were found on their clothes have also been eliminated from police inquiries.

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Police Probe Glasgow Voter Fraud Allegations

Alienation Sparked Historic Scotland Poll

Updated: 12:54am UK, Friday 19 September 2014

By Adam Boulton, Sky News Presenter

The genesis of Scotland's independence vote really lies in the outcome of the 2010 General Election.

The Labour governments under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown broadly reflected how Scots had voted and they restored the Scottish Parliament after a 300-year adjournment.

But in 2010 Scots ended up with a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition Government, although Labour MPs had been elected in 41 out of Scotland's 59 Constituencies.

The Conservatives have just one MP north of the border.

There was a mood of alienation from Westminster politics which was ripe for exploitation.

The Scottish National Party capitalised and in the 2011 elections for the Holyrood parliament they won a remarkable overall majority in spite of a proportional representation voting system - 69 out of 129 seats.

This gave Alex Salmond, the SNP leader and Scotland's First Minister, a clear mandate to hold a referendum on Scotland's future and he began negotiations with the UK Prime Minister with whom authority to hold binding plebiscites ultimately lay.

On October 15, 2012 David Cameron and Mr Salmond signed the Edinburgh Agreement announcing a decisive referendum on Scotland's future.

The agreement gave Mr Salmond most of what he was asking for.

The question would be "Should Scotland be an independent country?" rather than "Should Scotland remain part of the UK?" - giving independence the traditional advantage of being a Yes campaign.

Mr Cameron insisted it should be an all-or-nothing vote by ruling out a second question offering the softer option of further devolution.

Since so-called "devo-max" is now a last-minute offer from the No side anyway, Mr Cameron will face potentially politically fatal recriminations for the way he handled these negotiations should Yes win the day.

But for most of the two years leading up to the referendum, there was a complacent assumption in London that No would prevail.

Even after Mr Salmond published his blueprint, Scotland's Future, last November the opinion polls remained static at around 60% for No and 40% for Yes.

The UK Government decided to frame the referendum as an argument for Scottish voters alone, ignoring the consequences for the rest of the UK.

Mr Cameron refused to engage in TV debates with Mr Salmond, leaving that job to Alistair Darling, the former Labour chancellor and a Scottish MP.

The Better Together No campaign focused on the possible pitfalls of independence rather than highlighting the advantages of union with England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

This strategy was greatly aided by a speech from the Governor of the Bank of England this spring, pointing out the difficulties an independent Scotland would have continuing to use the pound sterling as its currency.

The currency question has been the Achilles heel of Mr Salmond's campaign.

Originally, he saw Scotland as a member of the Eurozone but abandoned that after the 2008 financial crisis.

Under his revised plans an independent Scotland would keep the Queen, the pound and most other aspects of the Union as well as membership of Nato and the EU.

Mr Salmond failed to produce compelling evidence that his putative partners would agree to his deals.

But he dismissed the doubters as "scaremongers" in a UK Government-run "Project Fear".

With just 11 days to go until polling, the mood changed dramatically for both sides.

A single opinion poll by YouGov for the Sunday Times put independence in the lead by 51% to 49%.

A shocked Mr Cameron cancelled parliamentary business to lead an emergency delegation to Scotland.

He, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg all hit the campaign trail for No.

In an emotional speech in Glasgow the Prime Minister appealed "head, heart and soul" for Scots to stick with the Union.

A stream of big businesses including Standard Life insurance, RBS and major phone companies warned of dire economic consequences if Scotland went independent.

Backed by a "vow" from the three UK party leaders, Mr Brown swung into action, promising "Scottish Home Rule" if it rejected full independence.

But by now the Yes campaign felt it had momentum behind it and brushed off negative predictions, which seemed to have little impact on the polls.

A record 97% of those eligible to vote, 4.3m people, registered for the referendum.

If Yes could turn them out, victory appeared to be in its grasp.

Yes supporters tended to be younger, poorer and more outspoken than those on the No side.

There were allegations of intimidating behaviour and a "sour atmosphere" according to Mr Darling.

But both he and Mr Salmond promised to accept the outcome even if it meant defeat for their side - and to work to re-unite the divided Scots.

:: Watch live: Scottish referendum coverage on Sky News Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 132.

:: Live coverage is also available on sky.com/news and Sky News for iPad and on your mobile phone.

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Devo Max: What New Powers Can Scotland Have?

David Cameron has pledged new powers for Scotland that some have said amount to Devo Max. However, it's not quite as clear cut as that.

What is Devo Max?

Scottish Parliament basically gets power over everything - apart from defence and foreign affairs. Maximum devolution.

Is that on offer?

No it's not, although some say David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband have come close to that.

What powers does Scotland already have?

It makes its own laws on health, education, law and order, environment, social services, housing, local government, tourism, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and some areas of transport. It can also raise or lower its income tax by 3p, but has not used this power.

New powers have been promised to Scotland

What does Westminster have control of?

Defence, social security, immigration, benefits, foreign policy, employment, broadcasting, trade and industry, nuclear energy, oil, gas and electricity, consumer affairs and the constitution.

What powers will be given away in this quasi Devo Max deal?

It is not entirely clear. More power over setting income tax is definitely on the agenda, and control of housing benefits too. Holyrood is unlikely to get control over the oil take or corporation tax.

Under Gordon Brown's 12-point plan, giveaways include power over borrowing, job creation, social care and employment rights. The Scottish Parliament will also be confirmed as permanent, binding future governments to ensure its continued existence.

Gordon Brown: the man with the plan

But what about England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Well, Mr Cameron has also promised more powers for Wales and Northern Ireland and to listen to the "millions of voices of England". He has promised to address the problem of "English votes for English laws" or the West Lothian question as it is also called. 

At the moment Scotland's 59 MPs can vote on matters that affect all of the UK but English MPs cannot vote on Scottish matters where powers have been devolved to Holyrood. 

With the promise of new powers for Scotland's Parliament, it has led to calls of "unfair" and for England to get more powers and the Prime Minister has said he will deliver. A sort of devolution revolution, if you will. 

Leader of the House of Commons William Hague is in charge of drawing up these plans but do expect that the Lib Dems and Labour will have rival versions. No cross-party consensus has been reached as with devolved powers for Scotland.

Make no mistake, it's a major shake-up - and yes, it will be an election issue.

The Scottish Parliament will be confirmed as permanent in Brown's plan

So when is all this going to happen?

Gordon Brown has tabled a House of Commons debate over his planned 12-point power giveaway and the timetable for its delivery in mid-October.

There intention is that a new draft law to be drawn up by January 25 (Burns Night). Alex Salmond has agreed to talks to thrash out the details of these new powers but he will clearly be trying to get as close to delivering Devo Max as he can - having lost the battle for independence. It will not be passed until after the General Election in May but as there is a cross-party agreement theoretically, this should not provide a problem.

But the plans for England, Wales and Scotland do not have to work to the same timetable. They could be far more contentious as the parties are unlikely to agree on plans. Any English votes for English laws will put Labour at a distinct disadvantage as it effectively loses 40 MPs if its Scottish politicians are not included.

In addition, English MPs may be reluctant to allow new powers for Scotland to go through when they don't know "what's in it for them". 

In short, this could get messy and take a very long time.

:: Watch live: Scottish referendum coverage now on Sky News Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 132.

:: Live coverage is also available on sky.com/news and Sky News for iPad and on your mobile phone.

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Leaders Face Pressure Over Power Pledges

Creation Of UK Was 'Union Of Convenience'

Updated: 11:36pm UK, Thursday 18 September 2014

By Adam Boulton, Sky News Presenter

"There's ane end of ane auld sang", Scotland's chancellor famously remarked when his nation's parliament voted for political and economic union with England in 1707.

It was a union of convenience. Scotland was facing bankruptcy thanks to a failed colonial experiment in the Caribbean.

At the very top of the power structure, the Union of Thrones had already taken place a century earlier when James VI of Scotland became James I of England.

The notion of "Britishness" was born and held together for most of the next three centuries.

According to the historian Professor Linda Colley, Britishness was "forged" by four factors which the people of the UK held in common: war, Protestantism, liberty and empire.

Scots have played an essential part in the British armed forces. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the British military was united in adversity against a common foe - the French, a role taken over in the 20th century by Germany.

The established religion of Protestantism defined Britain in its heyday. Roman Catholics were un-emancipated and even suppressed.

Key figures from the Scottish Enlightenment, such as the economist Adam Smith and the philosopher David Hume, provided much of the intellectual firepower for the rapid evolution of British democracy and the scientific advances of the agricultural and industrial revolutions.

Scots, some now regarding themselves simply as "North British", were quick to take advantage of the opportunities of the British Empire and could be found as soldiers, administrators, farmers and businessmen at every corner of its expanding boundaries.

But by the middle of the last century all these bonds were fraying. The British Empire broke up and with it the economic opportunities it offered.

Sectarian Christianity declined across the UK, and new cultural identities migrated inward from the old Empire. There was no longer a direct threat of war from Europe, in part because of common membership of the European Union.

Meanwhile the discovery of North Sea oil convinced some Scots that their country might have a viable alternative economic future.

The strains of the old song of Scottish nationalism began to be heard more loudly.

The SNP was formed in 1934 but it got its first Westminster MP in 1967, when Winnie Ewing pulled off a sensational by-election victory.

The UK parliament backed holding a referendum on Scottish devolution in 1979.

A narrow majority voted in favour of establishing a Scottish assembly but this was never implemented because of a threshold clause insisting that 40% of all those eligible to vote must back it.

Scotland with its traditional heavy industries and mining sector was particularly hard hit by the deindustrialisation policies of the 1980s.

Lasting resentment resulted from the Thatcher government's decision to pioneer the unpopular poll tax there.

New Labour was elected in 1997 with the promise of another Scottish Devolution referendum. Some 74% voted for the Scottish Parliament which was re-established at Holyrood in 1999.

Labour's Donald Dewar, the first Scottish first minister, died suddenly a year later. The SNP leader Alex Salmond quickly became the dominant personality in Scottish politics.

He led his party into government in Holyrood in 2007, and in the 2011 the SNP won an overall majority of MSPs.

This was a mandate for the Scottish Government to pose once and for all the question which has faced voters resident in Scotland: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

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Scotland Votes No: PM Promises New Powers

Devo Max: What New Powers Can Scotland Have?

Updated: 12:01pm UK, Friday 19 September 2014

David Cameron has pledged new powers for Scotland that some have said amount to Devo Max. However, it's not quite as clear cut as that.

What is Devo Max?

Scottish Parliament basically gets power over everything - apart from defence and foreign affairs. Maximum devolution.

Is that on offer?

No it's not, although some say David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband have come close to that.

What powers does Scotland already have?

It makes its own laws on health, education, law and order, environment, social services, housing, local government, tourism, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and some areas of transport. It can also raise or lower its income tax by 3p, but has not used this power.

What does Westminster have control of?

Defence, social security, immigration, benefits, foreign policy, employment, broadcasting, trade and industry, nuclear energy, oil, gas and electricity, consumer affairs and the constitution.

What powers will be given away in this quasi Devo Max deal?

It is not entirely clear. More power over setting income tax is definitely on the agenda, and control of housing benefits too. Holyrood is unlikely to get control over the oil take or corporation tax.

Under Gordon Brown's 12-point plan, giveaways include power over borrowing, job creation, social care and employment rights. The Scottish Parliament will also be confirmed as permanent, binding future governments to ensure its continued existence.

But what about England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Well, Mr Cameron has also promised more powers for Wales and Northern Ireland and to listen to the "millions of voices of England". He has promised to address the problem of "English votes for English laws" or the West Lothian question as it is also called. 

At the moment Scotland's 59 MPs can vote on matters that affect all of the UK but English MPs cannot vote on Scottish matters where powers have been devolved to Holyrood. 

With the promise of new powers for Scotland's Parliament, it has led to calls of "unfair" and for England to get more powers and the Prime Minister has said he will deliver. A sort of devolution revolution, if you will. 

Leader of the House of Commons William Hague is in charge of drawing up these plans but do expect that the Lib Dems and Labour will have rival versions. No cross-party consensus has been reached as with devolved powers for Scotland.

Make no mistake, it's a major shake-up - and yes, it will be an election issue.

So when is all this going to happen?

Gordon Brown has tabled a House of Commons debate over his planned 12-point power giveaway and the timetable for its delivery in mid-October.

There intention is that a new draft law to be drawn up by January 25 (Burns Night). Alex Salmond has agreed to talks to thrash out the details of these new powers but he will clearly be trying to get as close to delivering Devo Max as he can - having lost the battle for independence. It will not be passed until after the General Election in May but as there is a cross-party agreement theoretically, this should not provide a problem.

But the plans for England, Wales and Scotland do not have to work to the same timetable. They could be far more contentious as the parties are unlikely to agree on plans. Any English votes for English laws will put Labour at a distinct disadvantage as it effectively loses 40 MPs if its Scottish politicians are not included.

In addition, English MPs may be reluctant to allow new powers for Scotland to go through when they don't know "what's in it for them". 

In short, this could get messy and take a very long time.

:: Watch live: Scottish referendum coverage now on Sky News Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 132.

:: Live coverage is also available on sky.com/news and Sky News for iPad and on your mobile phone.

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Shares Rise But Pound Flat As Scots Vote No

Scottish Referendum: What They're Saying

Updated: 10:01am UK, Friday 19 September 2014

Supporters of both the Yes and No campaigns have been giving their reactions to Scotland's decision to reject independence.

Prime Minister David Cameron: "The people of Scotland have spoken and it is a clear result. They've kept our country of four nations together and like millions of other people, I am delighted.

"As I said during the campaign, it would have broken my heart to see our United Kingdom come to an end and I know that this sentiment was shared not just by people across our country but also around the world.

"Now the debate has been settled for a generation, or as Alex Salmond has said, perhaps for a lifetime. So there can be no disputes, no reruns - we have heard the settled will of the Scottish people.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond: "Scotland has by majority decided not at this stage to become an independent country and I accept that verdict of the people, and I call on all Scots to follow suit in accepting the democratic verdict of the people of Scotland.

"The process by which we have made our decision as a nation reflects enormous credit upon Scotland.

"A turnout of 86% is one of the highest in the democratic world for any election or any referendum in history - this has been a triumph for the democratic process and for participation in politics."

Better Together campaign chair Alistair Darling: "The people of Scotland have spoken. We have chosen unity over division and positive change rather than needless separation."

Author and Better Together supporter J K Rowling: "Been up all night watching Scotland make history. A huge turnout, a peaceful democratic process: we should be proud."

Scottish Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon: "This campaign has been a joy to be part of, it's quite unlike anything I've ever been part of in my life before.

"As have thousands and thousands of others, I have given my heart and soul to this campaign but what has been amazing are the number of people who have never been involved in politics before, who have never campaigned as part of a political movement before, who have got involved."

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg: "I'm absolutely delighted the Scottish people have taken this momentous decision to safeguard our family of nations for future generations.

"In a dangerous and uncertain world I have no doubt we are stronger, safer, and more prosperous together than we ever could be apart.

"But a vote against independence was clearly not a vote against change and we must now deliver on time and in full the radical package of newly devolved powers to Scotland.

Better Together's Jim Murphy: "We are going to have to make a success of the decision Scotland has made.

"While I'm delighted, there is no time or space for triumph and we have got to get on and offer that devolution package we offered and unite the country around that.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby: "Over the past few weeks the campaign has touched on such raw issues of identity and been so closely fought that it has generated profound questioning and unsettlement far beyond Scotland.

"The decision by the Scottish people to remain within the United Kingdom, while deeply disappointing to many, will be welcomed by all those who believe that this country can continue to be an example of how different nations can work together for the common good within one state.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage: "The way that Westminster handled this was abysmal from the start.

"A series of promises were made on behalf of the English. The English are 86% by population of this union, they've been left out of all of this ( The Barnett formula) for the past 18 years ... what most English people want is a fair settlement."

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson: "Scotland had the biggest, broadest conversation about our future. We have to come together again & move forward together. It's all our home."

Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson: "Delighted Scotland has voted to remain in the Union.  We are better together."

Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones: "Pleased the people of Scotland have voted to remain in the Union – together we will shape a new constitutional future for the UK."

Conservative MP Mark Reckless on Twitter: "I am so pleased to be able to tell the children this morning that Mummy won't be becoming a foreigner."

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Decision Day For Scotland: Voters Go To Polls

People in Scotland are voting on whether the country should stay in the UK or become an independent nation.

Polling stations opened at 7am and people have until 10pm to cast their ballot, with the result expected to be known by breakfast time tomorrow.

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond voted at Ritchie Hall polling station in Strichen, Aberdeenshire, two hours after polls opened.

Mr Salmond, leading the Yes campaign, was joined by two first-time voters, 18-year-old Natasha McDonald and Lea Pirie, 28.

He gave both women a soft Yes toy as a mascot for their vote and the trio stopped for pictures on their way in.

Alex Salmond outside a polling station in Aberdeenshire

Despite long days of campaigning, the First Minister said he managed to get a good rest on the eve of the vote.

Former Chancellor and leader of the Better Together campaign Alistair Darling was photographed with his wife Maggie and No campaigners in Edinburgh.

He was booed by some, but cheered by others, as he arrived at the polling station at the Church Hill Theatre in Edinburgh.

Voters queue in Glasgow

He told reporters: "It's been a long, hard two-and-a-half year campaign, passions have been aroused on both sides, and understandably so because we are talking about the biggest single decision that any of us will ever take in our lifetime."

Former PM Gordon Brown arrived at the polling station at North Queensferry Community Centre, Fife, to cast his vote.

He shook hands with No campaign supporters, as well as one Yes voter, who were waiting for him in the mist.

Better Together campaigner Alistair Darling with wife Maggie in Edinburgh

After casting her vote, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "I've just voted #Yes to Scotland becoming an independent country. What a wonderful feeling."

Elsewhere, queues formed outside polling stations across the country from early morning as turnout was expected to be as high as 90%.

There was an alleged assault at a polling station in Clydebank, a few miles northwest of Glasgow. Police arrested a 44-year-old man over the incident in Faifley Road at 8.30am.

Gordon Brown outside a polling station in Fife

More than 2,600 schools, sports centres and local halls have opened their doors to voters.

Four million voters are being asked a simple question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

A Yes vote at the end of a hard-fought campaign will bring an end to the Union of the United Kingdom that has stood for 307 years.

After the polls close tonight, counting of the votes takes place at 32 regional centres all over Scotland.

Then, once each result is in, the numbers will be sent to the main counting centre in Edinburgh.

The earliest declarations, at around 2am on Friday, will include North Lanarkshire, Orkney, East Lothian and Perth and Kinross.

The latest, at 6am, is expected to be Aberdeen. Dundee is expected at 3am and Edinburgh and Glasgow at 5am.

:: Watch live: Scottish referendum coverage from 9pm on Sky News Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 132.

:: Live coverage is also available on sky.com/news and Sky News for iPad and on your mobile phone.

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Scotland: Keep Up With Events As They Unfold

Decision Day For Scotland: Voters Go To Polls

Updated: 1:46pm UK, Thursday 18 September 2014

People in Scotland are voting on whether the country should stay in the UK or become an independent nation.

Polling stations opened at 7am and people have until 10pm to cast their ballot, with the result expected to be known by breakfast time tomorrow.

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond voted at Ritchie Hall polling station in Strichen, Aberdeenshire, two hours after polls opened.

Mr Salmond, leading the Yes campaign, was joined by two first-time voters, 18-year-old Natasha McDonald and Lea Pirie, 28.

He gave both women a soft Yes toy as a mascot for their vote and the trio stopped for pictures on their way in.

Despite long days of campaigning, the First Minister said he managed to get a good rest on the eve of the vote.

Former Chancellor and leader of the Better Together campaign Alistair Darling was photographed with his wife Maggie and No campaigners in Edinburgh.

He was booed by some, but cheered by others, as he arrived at the polling station at the Church Hill Theatre in Edinburgh.

He told reporters: "It's been a long, hard two-and-a-half year campaign, passions have been aroused on both sides, and understandably so because we are talking about the biggest single decision that any of us will ever take in our lifetime."

Former PM Gordon Brown arrived at the polling station at North Queensferry Community Centre, Fife, to cast his vote.

He shook hands with No campaign supporters, as well as one Yes voter, who were waiting for him in the mist.

After casting her vote, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "I've just voted #Yes to Scotland becoming an independent country. What a wonderful feeling."

Elsewhere, queues formed outside polling stations across the country from early morning as turnout was expected to be as high as 90%.

There was an alleged assault at a polling station in Clydebank, a few miles northwest of Glasgow. Police arrested a 44-year-old man over the incident in Faifley Road at 8.30am.

More than 2,600 schools, sports centres and local halls have opened their doors to voters.

Four million voters are being asked a simple question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

A Yes vote at the end of a hard-fought campaign will bring an end to the Union of the United Kingdom that has stood for 307 years.

After the polls close tonight, counting of the votes takes place at 32 regional centres all over Scotland.

Then, once each result is in, the numbers will be sent to the main counting centre in Edinburgh.

The earliest declarations, at around 2am on Friday, will include North Lanarkshire, Orkney, East Lothian and Perth and Kinross.

The latest, at 6am, is expected to be Aberdeen. Dundee is expected at 3am and Edinburgh and Glasgow at 5am.

:: Watch live: Scottish referendum coverage from 9pm on Sky News Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 132.

:: Live coverage is also available on sky.com/news and Sky News for iPad and on your mobile phone.

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British Muslims Plea For 'Mercy' For UK Hostage

British Muslim leaders have united to call for the Islamic State extremist group to release the UK hostage Alan Henning.

They have urged the militants to show mercy to the 47-year-old from Salford, and to let him go unharmed.

The father of two travelled to Syria with charity workers in December, but was kidnapped and now faces beheading at the hands of the terrorist dubbed Jihadi John.

The intervention came as a friend of Mr Henning, who was on the same aid convoy, made a direct appeal to IS leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, to show "compassion and mercy".

New footage shows Mr Henning saying his aid trip is 'all worthwhile'

In the video the man describes travelling "several times" to Syria with Mr Henning.

"On all occasions, we - your Muslim brothers - brought him with us under our care and protection," he says.

"Alan was so moved by the suffering of the Syrian people, in particular the children, that he devoted all his free time in raising money and awareness about their suffering.

"He washed cars to raise money, he collected aid, he talked to everybody he met about crimes committed against the Muslims in Syria."

The unnamed man says Mr Henning is a selfless man, a 'good man'

More than 100 Muslim leaders have signed a statement to IS pleading for Mr Henning's release, and branding them "monsters" for the brutal murder of fellow hostage David Haines.

In a letter published in the Independent newspaper, they said: "We, the undersigned British Muslim Imams, organisations and individuals, wish to express our horror and revulsion at the senseless murder of David Haines and the threat to the life of our fellow British citizen, Alan Henning."

They said those holding Mr Henning hostage must accept that what they are doing is against the Koran and "constitutes the worst condemnable sin".

The Muslim Council of Britain was among the signatories.

Dr Shuja Shafi, the council's Secretary General, said: "Such a man should be celebrated, not incarcerated. Taking such people hostage, and murdering them, are against the principles laid out in the Qur'an and our Prophetic traditions."

It comes as new footage shows Mr Henning en route to Syria, saying it is "all worthwhile" to make sure aid gets to where it is needed.

The taxi driver drove an ambulance to deliver aid to Syria's refugees

Mr Henning, a taxi driver, was kidnapped within 30 minutes of crossing from Turkey into Syria.

He had volunteered to drive an ambulance full of medical aid as part of a community-funded charity trip organised by volunteers from Bolton and the UK Arab Society.

It is believed he was abducted by IS in Al Dana, a town 38km (24 miles) from Aleppo.

Reports suggest he was separated from Muslim counterparts by masked men.

Friends who travelled with him said they made desperate attempt to get him freed before returning to the UK.

The man in the video appeal describes Mr Henning's commitment to raise as much money as he could for refugees of Syria's civil war.

The video was addressed to IS leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi

The YouTube appeal was partly co-ordinated by Cage - a group campaigning against the so-called "war on terror".

Emotionally overwhelmed at the end of the video, the man urges IS leader al Baghdadi to "please, please, please, release Alan."

"He has no affiliation with any political agenda," he says.

"Show him compassion and mercy as he showed compassion and mercy to Muslims of Syria."

Mr Henning appeared at the end of the video released on Saturday in which Mr Haines was beheaded by IS - with a threat that he would be next.

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Pregnant Kate Too Ill For Official Malta Trip

The Duchess of Cambridge will not travel to Malta for her first official solo overseas visit because of acute morning sickness.

Kate is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum - just like when she carried Prince George.

The family decided to cancel the Malta visit in consultation with the Duchess's doctors.

Her husband, the Duke of Cambridge, will take her place.

The Duke of Cambridge will take Kate's place on the trip to Malta

In a statement Kensington Palace said: "The Duchess of Cambridge will no longer visit Malta this weekend. The Duke of Cambridge will undertake the visit instead.

"Her Royal Highness continues to suffer from the effects of Hyperemesis Gravidarum. The decision not to travel was taken by the Duke and Duchess on the advice of the Duchess's doctors.

"The Duke is honoured to represent Her Majesty The Queen on the visit, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of Malta's independence.

"The visit itinerary remains unchanged."

Kate and William were forced to announce the pregnancy earlier this month before the 12-week period because of the Duchess' illness.

The illness causes severe vomiting and can lead to dehydration, weight loss and a build-up of toxins in the blood or urine.

It affects 3.5 out of each 1,000 pregnancies.

The Duchess had been due to visit Malta's national library to see letters from British monarchs Henry VIII and George II.

She would have also taken part in Independence Day celebrations and a number of walkabouts.

The timing of the pregnancy announcement led to speculation the second royal baby would be delivered in April.

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Thai Murders: Grieving Family Meets Police

Relatives of Hannah Witheridge have arrived in Bangkok to meet with the police force investigating her murder, along with the death of David Miller.

The 23-year-old's family hugged each other outside the headquarters of the Royal Thai Police, as they awaited an update on the probe.

Hannah Witheridge's family hug each other as they prepare to meet police

Earlier today, preliminary tests had indicated that the unidentified DNA found on Miss Witheridge's body, as well as on a cigarette butt at the crime scene, could not be matched with the force's 13 suspects.

They included brothers Christopher and James Ware, childhood friends of Mr Miller questioned as part of the investigation.

The two men, from Jersey, have not been detained by police, nor declared as suspects in the killings. They are now free to fly back to the Channel Islands.

Chris Ware, and his brother Jonathan, have been asked to stay in Thailand

Some 11 Burmese migrants on the island of Koh Tao had also been arrested after bloodstains were found on some of their clothes by police.

But investigators are under renewed pressure after DNA tests on the group also failed to bring any matches.

Additionally, the results indicated that semen discovered on Miss Witheridge's semi-naked body does not belong to David Miller.

This could undermine a previous theory that the two victims had been having sex on a beach shortly before their deaths, considered a taboo in the deeply religious country.

On Wednesday night, police had confirmed there was forensic evidence to suggest that the 23-year-old woman, from Great Yarmouth, might have been raped.

David Miller died from drowning and a blow to the head, police have claimed

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Thailand, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, has caused controversy by apparently suggesting that good-looking women put themselves in danger by assuming his country is safe.

He was quoted as saying: "Can they be safe in bikinis... unless they are not beautiful?"

The military ruler later issued an apology for causing alarm amongst tourists. It read: "I am sorry that my statement caused uneasiness. I affirm that I did not look down on or criticise anyone. I simply wanted to warn them to be careful at certain places and certain times."

General Prayuth Chan-ocha later apologised for this remarks

Officers have said that full DNA results will be released later today. 

Miss Witheridge and Mr Miller were found in the early hours of Monday morning. Both had sustained head wounds, and a bloodstained garden hoe - believed to be the murder weapon - was found nearby.

It has been revealed that Mr Miller, 24, died from drowning in conjunction with a blow to the head, while wounds on his hands indicate a struggle had taken place.

Police are looking for a man seen running past a CCTV camera near the beach

Both of their families have paid emotional tributes, with Miss Witheridge's relatives describing her as "a beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman who poured joy into the lives of all who knew her".

Mr Miller was described as "hardworking, bright and conscientious, with everything to look forward to".

Police say they are keen to trace an Asian man captured on CCTV footage near the scene of the murders.

He was seen running past a security camera at 3.44am on Monday, and walked down the same street an hour later.

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Experimental Ebola Vaccine Tested On Humans

Staying Safe Inside Liberia's Ebola Zone

Updated: 1:04pm UK, Wednesday 02 July 2014

By Alex Crawford, Special Correspondent, in Liberia

Priority number one: Do not spread the Ebola disease. Priority number two: Do not catch it.

With these twin priorities in mind, cameraman Dave Rees and I set off for the north of Liberia.

We were going to the epicentre of the world's most serious outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus to try to find out more about it and the efforts being done to combat its spread.

We took a case-load of protective gear provided by Sky News. It was mostly waterproof all-in-one outfits with goggles and plastic gloves - all easily disposable once used.

Ebola is spread by infected people or animals - through close contact with infected blood and other bodily fluids such as sweat and tears.

There's also a possibility of contracting the virus through indirect contact - by touching infected clothes or furniture for instance, or even eating infected food.

It was imperative that we remained on high alert for the entire time we were in the infected zone - a period of about four days.

Dave also took a plastic covering for the camera so he can still film. But we were prepared to destroy the camera too if needs be.

We also had the usual anti-mosquito sprays, anti-malaria tablets, dehydration tablets as well as some of our own food provisions plus sleeping bags and camping equipment.

The north of Liberia is under-developed with poor infrastructure and few resources in a country which is one of the poorest in the world.

The road journey to the north from the Liberian capital Monrovia took nine hours on mostly unmarked, unpaved roads. It was a bone-jangling experience travelling to Foya, right on the northern tip of Liberia and very close to the border with Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Our first sight of the infection wards was a large blue tented area. The medics have tried to rename it as a treatment centre but few seem to have bought into the new name.

Once anyone is diagnosed or even suspected of having Ebola, they are immediately segregated and taken there, where few others want to enter.

Those who do, underwent a series of stringent disinfecting procedures to ensure they did not catch the virus or leave with it to spread it further among the outside population.

The soles of our shoes were sprayed with disinfectant and we were ordered to wash our hands with chlorine. I inadvertently touched the wooden post marking the entrance and am told to re-wash my hands.

Once inside, nurse Adeyemi Babatunde took care of us, leading us first into the low-risk area where we were kitted up. Dave had already encased the camera in a sealed plastic container.

The first thing we were asked to do is put on gloves, then we slipped on scrubs before we all start putting on the PPE (personal protection equipment).

The medical team provided us with their equipment so our Sky-provided gear was untouched.

We put on rubber boots, then climbed into all-in-one waterproof outfits. The temperature was 37C inside the tent and with the all-in-one plastic outfit on I could feel my body temperature climbing fast.

Next was the mouth guard followed by a huge hood which had panels covering my neck and front. We put visors on top, a second pair of thicker gloves and by this time, I could barely breathe.

"Breathe through your mouth," I was told. "Don't touch anything when you are inside," Nurse Adeyemi said.

"If you feel uncomfortable then leave quickly without touching anything."

The final piece of clothing was a huge plastic apron which reaches from just below my neck and hangs right down my body to just above my ankles. The whole process has taken a good three-quarters of an hour.

Nurse Adeyemi guided us through a series of marked lanes inside the body of the tent.

"The infection ward is separated into two areas," he explained.

"Those who are suspected of having Ebola, and those who are confirmed. We only ever pass from the suspected area to the confirmed - never back the other way. After the confirmed area, the only route is out."

With all the plastic and rubber on us, we were crinkling with every step and sweating profusely by this time. The nurses have to kit themselves out in this gear every time they enter the infected area.

On leaving there was a laborious series of disinfecting steps to take to ensure outside remains virus-free - including the burning of all the kit, gloves and all-in-one outfits.

They kept the rubber boots and plastic aprons only after dunking them in several buckets of disinfectant. The work is both dangerous and difficult and the workers risk their lives every time they enter the infected zone.

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Missing Alice Gross' Mum In 'Come Home' Plea

The mother of Alice Gross has said there is "not a moment" she does not wonder where her missing daughter is as she made an appeal for help finding her.

Rosalind Hodgkiss encouraged anyone with information about the 14-year-old's whereabouts to "come forward to the police and get her home because that's where she belongs and she needs to be here with us".

There have been no sightings of the schoolgirl since August 28, despite public appeals and a massive search.

Police say Arnis Zalkalns may have information that could help find Alice

Her mobile phone has not been used since she sent a text to her father that day 

Her rucksack was found on a footpath running beside the River Brent between Hanwell Bridge and the Grand Union Canal.

Ms Hodgkiss told Crimewatch: "There's not a moment of the day that you don't think about Alice and where she is, what might have happened or why she might have gone missing.

"It's almost impossible to describe what that pain feels like but we just want her to know: please Alice, if you're out there, come home."

Her appeal came as police released the photo of a Latvian builder they would like to speak to in connection with the investigation.

Arnis Zalkalns, 41, is known to travel on the same stretch of the Grand Union Canal as where the schoolgirl was last seen on the evening of August 28, and has not been seen himself for almost two weeks.

Alice Gross, 14, went missing from Hanwell

Scotland Yard said he left his home in Ealing, west London, on September 4 and would normally have met a friend to cycle to work, but he did not show up.

They said the disappearance of Mr Zalkalns, who has a partner and child, is "completely out of character".

Detective Superintendent Carl Mehta, of the Met's homicide and major crime unit, said: "At this stage we simply want to speak to him, as he may well have important information that can help our search for Alice."

"I would stress that based on what we know now there is no evidence to suggest that Arnis and Alice knew each other. This continues to be a fast moving investigation, and this is one of a number of lines of enquiry that we are urgently looking into."

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Circle Line Speed Challenge: Man Races Train

Bored by his usual morning commute, a train passenger came up with a novel way of spicing things up - racing London's Circle Line.

James Heptonstall dived off a Tube train at one station, sprinted 380 metres to the next station - and arrived in time to catch the same train.

He and his friend Noel Carroll took the Circle Line train to London's Mansion House station. At this point, 30-year-old Mr Heptonstall made a dash for it, sprinting off the train, up the steps, and along the roads to Cannon Street station.

As the train pulled into Cannon Street, Mr Heptonstall came down the stairs onto the platform and dashed into the same carriage he had left just seconds before.

Completing his challenge with just moments to spare, he crashed to the floor of the train, exhausted, as fellow passengers applauded.

Cannon Street station - the finish line for Mr Heptonstall's challenge

The two stations were chosen because of the short distance between them and footage of the challenge, which included climbing 75 steps and going through two ticket barriers, was uploaded to YouTube by the pair last month.

Mr Heptonstall, an environmental consultant from Hampstead, told the Evening Standard: "We had seen some people had done endurance challenges on European transport networks and put them online but we had not seen anything done in London.

"I usually get the Northern Line to work in the morning - it's not an enjoyable experience so I sometimes run or cycle if I can."

The dash between stations took just 80 seconds for Mr Heptonstall, who plays touch rugby for England.

He said: "While I was running someone asked Noel what I was doing. They said they did not think I would make it.

"(The other passengers) were all waiting on tenterhooks. But then I dived into the Tube and they were applauding."

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Thai Police Question Brothers Over Beach Murders

Two British brothers are being questioned over the murders of two backpackers in Thailand as tests revealed more about how the victims died.

Chris Ware and his brother James, from Jersey, have been asked to stay in Thailand as experts wait for the results of DNA tests.

Chris Ware being interviewed by Thai police

The brothers - who have not been arrested - were questioned as forensic experts revealed that David Miller died from drowning and a blow to the head.

Hannah Witheridge died from a blow to the head. 

Pornchai Sutheerakune, head of the Thai Institute of Forensic Medicine, said Mr Miller also had wounds on his hand, indicating a struggle had taken place.

Sky's Jonathan Samuels, on Koh Tao, where the murders happened, said Chris Ware has been spoken to by police after he booked into a hotel at Bangkok airport.

Police want to trace a man of Asian appearance caught on CCTV

It is the second time he has been questioned by officers.

He was initially questioned in the hours after the murders after officers were concerned about an injury to his arm.

Police were satisfied with Mr Ware's explanation and he was told he was free to go, but officers later caught up with him in Bangkok to speak to him again. 

"Once we receive the physical examination report, including a DNA test, we will be able to determine if he was involved in the incident," a police officer said.

Koh Tao is one of Thailand's most popular backpacker islands

Samuels said James Ware had also spoken to police.

The semi-naked bodies of Mr Miller, 24, and 23-year-old Miss Witheridge were discovered on a beach early on Monday.

Police said the pair sustained horrific injuries, with both suffering deep wounds to the head and face.

A bloodstained garden hoe, believed to be the murder weapon, was found near to the bodies.

Samuels said it was understood Chris Ware was a friend of Mr Miller's.

Police say there had been a beach party in the hours before the murders

"The focus of the investigation now appears to be another British backpacker," Samuels said.

"The current thinking is that this was a crime of passion rather than a robbery that went wrong." 

Dozens of police officers have been focusing their attention on the accommodation used by the victims, examining rooms and items found there for evidence.

Police are also focused on tracing a suspect - an Asian man - captured on grainy CCTV footage, shortly after the murders.

Tributes to Hannah have been posted online

It shows what appears to be a topless man who officers say was acting suspiciously as he left a beach party near the murder scene.

He is captured running past the security camera at 3.44am and is seen again an hour later walking down the same street.

In another image, Mr Miller, from Jersey, and Ms Witheridge, from Great Yarmouth, are seen walking hand-in-hand after leaving a bar at around 1am.

It was taken hours before their bodies were discovered semi-naked on Sairee beach.

Police investigate the killings on the beach

More than 70 Thai police have been questioning migrant workers and tourists on the island, visiting hotels, bars, homes and businesses.

The families of both victims have paid tribute to them.

Ms Witheridge was described by her family as "a beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman who poured joy into the lives of all who knew her".

Mr Miller was a "hard-working, bright and conscientious" young man who would be "sorely, sorely missed", his family said.

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Brown Urges Scottish 'Patriots' To Vote 'No'

What Happens If Scotland Leaves The Union?

Updated: 2:00pm UK, Tuesday 09 September 2014

Supporters of both sides of the Scotland referendum debate are mounting a final push for votes before the ballot on September 18. Sky News looks at what will happen if Scotland votes Yes to exit the UK:

:: 1.  When would Scotland become independent?

The Scottish Government has set a date 18 months from now, March 24, 2016, for Scotland's independence day.

:: 2. What would happen immediately after a Yes vote?

The first step on the morning after the result comes in would involve the forming of teams from both the Yes and No camps to take part in behind-the-scenes negotiations. SNP leader Alex Salmond has already indicated his deputy Nicola Sturgeon would lead the talks for the Scottish nationalists. It is not yet known who would spearhead the Westminster team.

:: 3. What amendments would there be to the constitution?

The negotiating teams would devise a new constitution for Scotland and dissolve the 1707 Act Of Union.

:: 4. What would happen to the Queen?

The Yes campaign has said Her Majesty would stay as monarch so it would not be surprising if Mr Salmond seeks an audience with the Queen in the days and weeks after the vote.

:: 5. Would Scotland take part in the May 2015 General Election?

Scottish voters would still be able to take part, but their representatives would only potentially serve a 10-month term in office.

:: 6. What currency would Scotland use?

That is still being thrashed out and yet to be decided. The three main Westminster parties - the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats - have ruled out a currency union, although Mr Salmond insists an independent Scotland would keep the pound.

:: 7. How much of the UK national debt would be transferred to Scotland?

This is not yet known, but it is likely to be worked out on a per capita share - based on population.

:: 8. What would happen to Scotland's standing in global affairs?

Scotland would have to negotiate its own entry into the European Union and Nato, and the population would have to decide whether they want to have the euro.

:: 9. What effect would independence have on Scotland's defence force?

The issue of defence is probably one of the most emotive - and uncertain. Scotland is likely to have its own independent defence force, in time, depending on practicalities and finances, for it has its North Sea oil and fishing industries to protect. Scottish nationalists are opposed to having the Trident nuclear deterrent and would want to see it removed from Faslane, on the west coast of Scotland, as soon as possible. However, Nato is fundamentally a nuclear alliance, and if Scotland struggles to become a member of Nato, it is likely to struggle to join the EU too, which would have a big impact on the Scottish economy. There is also the matter of service personnel - some of which will be currently serving in historic English regiments. Any division of troops north and south of the border would take years.

:: 10. What would independence mean in terms of travelling across the Scotland-England border?

An independent Scotland would control its own borders. The SNP would like to see an open border, but Home Secretary Theresa May has already warned she will not allow Scotland to be used as a back door for immigrants getting into England if Scotland adopts a looser immigration policy. So, we could see passport controls on the border between the two countries.

:: 11. Would Scottish citizens need new passports?

A lot depends on whether Scotland joins the EU. Scottish citizens would be entitled to a Scottish passport, but a UK passport would still be valid until it expires. British citizens who were habitual residents in Scotland would be automatically considered Scottish citizens.

:: 12. What would happen to benefits and taxes?

Benefits and taxes will become the responsibility of the new Scottish government. In its white paper on Scotland's independence it says the Scottish Parliament will ensure that the personal tax allowance and tax credits increase in line with inflation.

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Rotherham Abuse Scandal: Shaun Wright Resigns

South Yorkshire Police Commissioner Shaun Wright has resigned after coming under mounting pressure over the Rotherham child abuse scandal.

Mr Wright had resisted calls to step down from the Prime Minister and Home Secretary after a report found 1,400 children in the South Yorkshire town had been victims of child sexual exploitation since 1997.

He also endured a grilling from MPs and was confronted by relatives of abuse victims at an angry public meeting in Rotherham earlier this month, when he again refused to quit.

Mr Wright was councillor with responsibility for children's services in the borough from 2005 to 2010, when Professor Alexis Jay's report found officials failed to act to stop gangs of abusers.

Sarah Wilson confronted Mr Wright last week over her abused sister's death

In a statement released by his office, he said: "My role as South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner has clearly become prominent in terms of public opinion and media coverage following the publication of Professor Alexis Jay's report.

"This is detracting from the important issue, which should be everybody's focus - the 1,400 victims outlined in the report - and in providing support to victims and bringing to justice the criminals responsible for the atrocious crimes committed against them.

"With this in mind, I feel that it is now right to step down from the position of police and crime commissioner for South Yorkshire, for the sake of those victims, for the sake of the public of South Yorkshire and to ensure that the important issues outlined in the report about tackling child sexual exploitation can be discussed and considered in full and without distraction."

Joyce Thacker has resisted calls to resign from her children's services job

Mr Wright is the first of 41 elected police and crime commissioners to resign and his departure will trigger a by-election in South Yorkshire to find a replacement.

Keith Vaz, chair of parliament's Home Affairs Select Committee, said: "This is something that we asked Shaun Wright to do 10 days ago when he appeared before the committee.

"At that stage, he said he needed to stay on because of the victims. Today, he says he has to resign because of the victims.

"I welcome this, I think this is the right thing to do. To let it go on any longer would put him in direct conflict with some of the issues we were discussing in parliament.

"The committee is actively drafting a bill based on ensuring police and crime commissioners can't stay on when they've lost the confidence of local people."

Roger Stone, leader of Rotherham Council, announced he was stepping down when the damning abuse report was published in August and the council's chief executive Martin Kimber said last week that he would leave his post in December.

The current head of children's services in Rotherham, Joyce Thacker, has refused to quit despite being told by Mr Vaz that she should resign "as a matter of conscience".

Rotherham Council also faces an independent inspection that will look at whether years of abuse in the town were covered up.

The probe will be led by Louise Casey, head of the Government's troubled families programme and a former victims' commissioner.

Bassetlaw MP John Mann called for former Labour home secretary David Blunkett, who is leaving the Commons next year, to put himself forward to replace Mr Wright.

He said: "He is a credible and dedicated public servant who has served in a variety of roles locally and nationally. He knows and understands South Yorkshire and is widely respected throughout the area.

"I believe he will get to the bottom of what went wrong in South Yorkshire."

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Inflation Slips But House Price Growth Surges

Official figures have charted an easing in the annual rate of inflation but house price growth accelerating to a seven-year high - with six UK regions achieving new price peaks.

Separate releases by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed CPI inflation at 1.5% - falling back from 1.6% the previous month - with the biggest contributions coming from the supermarket price war and falling petrol costs.

This means that while wage growth remains much weaker that the rate of inflation - maintaining the squeeze on earnings - the gap was slightly reduced.

London house price growth slowed in July

However, the ONS statistics on house prices showed that purchasers would need to dig deeper for a deposit.

The average cost of a home rose 11.7% to a new record high of £272,000 in the year to July, though annual growth in London slipped slightly to a rate of 19.1% from 19.3% the previous month.

The study - by nation - showed prices rose 12% in England, 7.4% in Wales, 7.6% in Scotland and 4.5% in Northern Ireland.

It also measured property prices reaching fresh all-time highs in six UK regions.

The East Midlands, West Midlands and South West joined London, the East and the South East in having price levels higher than their pre-financial crisis peaks of 2007/08, the ONS said.

The recovery in building has been too slow to help temper price growth

Estate agents have reported seeing signs of disruption to the housing market in Scotland in recent weeks, with potential buyers putting their plans on hold while they wait to see what the outcome of the referendum on independence will be.

The report also showed that first-time buyers face having to pay 13.5% more to get on the property ladder than they did a year ago - and the ONS said this was the highest annual increase recorded for the sector since March 2005.

The average price paid by a first-time buyer in July this year was £209,000.

The Bank of England, which is mulling the timing of the UK's first interest rate rise since March 2009, is likely to see the inflation and house prices figures as further evidence of little immediate pressure for action.

Bank governor Mark Carney has cited concerns on consumer debt and wage growth.

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Thai Murders Suspect Captured On Camera

Police have released a CCTV image of the man they want to speak to in connection with the "gruesome" murder of two British tourists in Thailand.

The image shows what appears to be an Asian man who police say was acting suspiciously as he left a beach party in Koh Tao.

A suspect in the murder investigation

In another photograph, the victims - 24-year-old David Miller, from Jersey, and 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge, from Great Yarmouth - are seen walking hand-in-hand.

It was taken in the hours before their bodies were discovered semi-naked on a beach.

A bloodstained hoe, believed to be the murder weapon, was found nearby.

David Miller and Hannah Witheridge pictured in the hours before their death

The manhunt that followed Monday's discovery originally centred on an apparently British backpacker, but Thai police now believe someone from the migrant worker community could be involved.

Officers have questioned foreign workers and Sky News understands they are examining one man's clothing after he was found with a handgun.

"We are focusing on migrant workers because of the surrounding witnesses and evidence, including the video footage," Major General Kiattipong Khawsamang said.

"We are sweeping hotels, bars, businesses and residences of migrant workers on the beach to find the suspect."

The victims were removed in blue body bags

Some 70 officers are now on the island and defence minister Prawit Wongsuwan said police hoped "to make an arrest as soon as possible".

British consular officials were due in Koh Tao today to aid the investigation.

Ms Witheridge's father Tony said his family was "distraught" at receiving "the most devastating news".

Meanwhile, Mr Miller's former headmaster at Victoria College in Jersey, Alun Watkins, described him as a "bright young man and a talented artist" and said his death was "hard to comprehend".

Friends have paid tribute to the victims on social media.

Friends have paid tribute to the victims on social media

Mr Miller's girlfriend, Jessy Howorth, said: "My best friend and the love of my life. We were meant to have so much more time together but I'll continue loving you everyday forever."

Friend Ellie Griffiths said: "So shocked and upset to hear about the death of such an incredibly warm, charismatic, smiley and insightful person.

"Your absence on this planet will be missed and often thought about, I'm so pleased and honoured to have known you Dave."

A Facebook tribute page was set up in memory of Miss Witheridge.

The island of Koh Tao is a popular holiday destination

Kal Sylvan Holmes, a friend, said: "Just found out a friend from school was murdered in Thailand. I feel sick and upset."

The victims' bodies, found roughly 100 yards from the scene of a beach party, were taken away in blue body bags.

Police Colonel Prachum Ruangthong said: "The man was chopped in the back and on the side of his head, while the woman was chopped in her face.

"It's very gruesome."

Local people gathered for a candlelit vigil

Local people gathered on the beach last night for a candlelit vigil in memory of the pair.

Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha said: "This should not have happened in Thailand. It will affect our image in the eyes of international countries."

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DLT 'Victim' Recalled Over Smoking Claim

By Ian Woods, Senior Correspondent

A TV personality who claims Dave Lee Travis grabbed her breasts has been recalled to his trial to give more evidence.

The woman, who worked on the Mrs Merton show in 1995, described in her earlier testimony how she was smoking in a corridor in the BBC Manchester studios where the programme was recorded.

She said Travis, who was a guest on the spoof chat show, approached her and said: "You mustn't smoke. Think of your poor little lungs." 

The witness said the DJ then grabbed her breasts for between 10 and 15 seconds.

Travis is accused of two indecent assaults and one sexual assault - all of which he denies. He was acquitted of a number of similar charges at a trial earlier in the year.

Defence barrister Steven Vullo QC asked the woman to return to court to answer questions after establishing that the BBC had a non-smoking policy in place during the 1990s.

The witness said that people did smoke near the studios because both Caroline Ahern, the star and writer of the show, as well as many of her celebrity guests were smokers.

"It just wasn't the culture then that people were expected to go outside to smoke," she told the court.

"The idea of asking celebrity guests to go to the designated smoking room just wasn't done."

Dave Lee Travis arrives in court with his wife Marianne

She recalled how one guest, the racing pundit John McCririck, smoked strong cigars, and said that nobody ever told them not to smoke in the corridors.

The trial also heard from a producer of the pantomime at which Travis is alleged to have groped an assistant stage manager.

Nicholas Thomas described how the DJ was an "exemplary" employee who had appeared in five of his shows over the years.

He had contacted Travis' solicitor of his own volition when he read about the accusation in the newspapers.

"I am aware of the allegation. It is complete nonsense," he told the jury.

Mr Thomas denied there was an unofficial policy of chaperoning female members of staff who came into contact with Travis at the Aladdin pantomime in Crawley in 1990.

"The ratio of female to male employees was such that there was nobody to do such a task," he added. 

Mr Thomas also insisted he would have been told if there had been complaints, and would have taken the accusations seriously.

"Dave didn't mix with the cast," he said.

"He spent his time in his dressing room. I saw him puffing on a pipe and reading a newspaper. At the end of the production he would climb into his car with his make-up still on and drive home. He was quite reserved and un-theatrical."

The Crown barrister Miranda Moore QC is now making her closing speech to the jury, who are expected to be sent out to consider their verdicts on Thursday.

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Salmond: Leaders' Vow A 'Desperate Offer'

How Facebook Shaped The Referendum

Updated: 8:27am UK, Tuesday 16 September 2014

By James Matthews, Scotland Correspondent

It's Facebook 'wot might win it.

Sure, the August poll surge in support for independence was down, in part, to traditional campaigning. Meetings and megaphones have thrust the Yes campaign "in yer face" over years leading up to Thursday.

But why, according to the opinion polls, did it all seem to come together in the space of a few weeks? Why, suddenly, the knife-edge?

In the word of a senior Yes strategist: Facebook.

I chatted to him as the Alex Salmond Labour Heartland tour rolled up at its latest venue, playing to the target market through the TV cameras. It was a big, well-attended, photo-call - the staple diet of the political campaign.

As the strategist stood back from the madding crowd, he told me that the magic formula didn't lie in the blood and snotters of a mass media scrum, but in the quiet exploitation of social media. Facebook, in particular.

The challenge for supporters of Scottish independence, historically, has been in turning it from a fringe notion into something people allow themselves to contemplate. Check their election success at the Scottish Parliament to see the considerable style with which that's been accomplished.

Scots have taken the hop and a step. Why, now, might they be shaping to take the jump? 

The Yes strategist pinned it on Facebook.

"Ask yourself," he said, to paraphrase him, "if a parent wants to check on their youngster who's on a night out, what do they do?  They don't phone them, because they probably won't answer.

"They might text ... but, invariably, they'll Facebook them. And when they do, dozens or hundreds of their friends will see it. It's a chat network that plugs people into the other people they value. There are no better opinion-formers for someone than the friends and family they like and trust.

"So, as a campaigning tool, it's been very effective. We encourage Yes supporters to spread the word to their Facebook friends and, over time, you build a network around people that builds a political case.

"Facebook is more effective than Twitter. You put something on Twitter and you reach people within the political bubble. With Facebook, you tap into a far bigger community."

So why the spike in support for Yes after polls that had No with a consistent and strong lead over the course of a two and a half year campaign?

"People just didn't turn their mind to the referendum until it actually came round. It's been in the far distance for most of the campaign but, now that people realise they're getting to decision time, large numbers are now weighing up the arguments ... and they're deciding having had their views on independence softened by Facebook friends."

There were more than 10 million referendum-related interactions on Facebook in the five weeks to September 8 - 85% of which was from Scotland.

He said he reckoned the Yes campaign had been four or five times more active than their opponents on Facebook and pointed out a Facebook chat with Scotland's pro-independence First Minister Alex Salmond attracted around 5,000 questions.

Data suggests the Yes campaign is slightly in the lead with 2.05 interactions in Scotland compared to 1.96 million for the no campaign.

The strategist said the campaigning beauty of social media was that it eliminated the need to rely on mainstream media coverage, that the likes of Facebook cut out the middle man and enabled them to reach out to the voter directly.

Just how many the campaign has touched and what effect it has had, we'll find out soon enough.

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Eight 'Slaves' Freed In Caravan Site Raid

Four people have been arrested after eight "slaves" were freed during a raid on a caravan site in Bedfordshire.

Some 65 officers took part in a dawn raid at the Greenacres caravan site near Leighton Buzzard following reports that a number of individuals were being held as "modern slaves".

Eight suspected victims - seven men aged between 20 and 46, and a 17-year-old boy - were found at the plots.

Police say some had been kept there for "many years".

They are said to be in a "poor state of physical health" and are receiving medical and psychological treatment at an undisclosed location.

Four residents of the plots, two men and two women, were arrested under the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.

Chief Inspector Tania Coulson said: "The men we found at the plot were in a poor state of physical health and the conditions they were living in were cramped and filthy.

"We believe that some of the victims had been living and working there in a state of virtual slavery, some for just a few day/weeks and others for many years.

"The offences being investigated are extremely serious.

"We understand that some people may have information about what has been happening, but have been too scared to come forward and report it.

"People who do want to talk to us about this matter should contact us on 101, or Crimestoppers, which is both anonymous and independent from the police. You do not have to give your name, but if you do we will keep it secret."

Officers involved in the raid were supported by a dog section and police helicopters.

More follows...

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Twitter Q&A: British Muslim Radicalisation

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1:59pm UK, Monday 15 September 2014

Three British men featured in an IS recruitment video

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