Server Kecil

Clacton Result Sparks Fears In Marginal Seats

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 11 Oktober 2014 | 20.14

By Nick Martin, North of England Correspondent

UKIP's success in the Clacton by-election has worried the traditional parties in one of the biggest battlegrounds of the next General Election.

The leafy Tory seat of Warrington South has a reputation for being a political bellwether, having voted for the winning party in every election with the exception of one.

But the rise of Nigel Farage has the candidates in the Cheshire seat fearing a result may be even closer.

The current Conservative MP, David Mowat, accepts that UKIP could pull vital votes away from him in May 2015.

"The electorate gave a message to the political classes that they need to be listened to and I agree with that," he said.

"But I don't think UKIP would regard this as one of their target seats - they could do damage here and that could have unintended consequences."

Video: 'We're After You': UKIP Claims

The "unintended consequences", say the Conservatives, are that a vote for UKIP could allow Labour to make gains.

The Labour candidate, Nick Bent, is hopeful: "The rise of UKIP does worry me," he told Sky News.

"I am worried that there are still an awful lot of people floating along with UKIP. I think they will take more votes away from the Conservatives than they will from Labour and that could help us."

Video: What Does UKIP's Win Mean For 2015?

In the Mulberry Arms, UKIP's James Ashington - a lifelong Conservative councillor until he defected some years ago - sips from a small brandy glass and smiles.

"The idea that we're taking votes only from Conservatives is nonsense. We're taking large number of votes from Labour, too, and I think the same will happen in May," he said.

"I am not sure whether we will win here but I think we will do some damage to the other parties.

Video: Carswell High Fives 'Earth Angel'

"People have very real concerns about jobs, immigration and the traditional parties."

Video: Nigel Farage: UKIP Is On A Roll

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

UKIP Rules Out Pre-Election Pact With Tories

UKIP leader Nigel Farage has told Sky News he will not consider a deal with the Tories to work against Labour during next year's General Election.

Mr Farage was speaking as he and UKIP's first elected MP arrived in Rochester and Strood in an attempt to capitalise on the party's by-election success on Thursday.

The defection of Mark Reckless from the Conservatives to UKIP gives the anti-Europe party another chance to secure a second Westminster seat before the election in May.

A survey last week gave Mr Reckless a nine-point lead over the Conservative challenger, putting David Cameron under pressure from some backbenchers to consider a deal with UKIP.

Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg had been among those who has been arguing the two parties should work together to defeat Labour.

Video: What Does UKIP's Win Mean For 2015?

He told The Times: "We should think about what that means in terms of the UKIP-Conservative relationship because the Conservative family could win a majority on that basis.

"Otherwise, the only thing we manage is mutually assured destruction."

But when asked if he would consider a pre-election pact, Mr Farage told Sky News: "This party is not a splinter of a Conservative party. This party is its own organic force.

"This party and these people, we want to win our own representation in Westminster and we believe that only by doing that can we fundamentally change British politics.

"To sell out so that one or two people can have a ministerial position is not what this party's about.

Video: 'UKIP Vote Risks Labour Government'

"I don't trust David Cameron. I don't believe a word David Cameron says. And for that reason it would be fruitless to even enter into any negotiation. It's not going to happen."

Mr Reckless, however, would not be drawn on the issue, saying: "I'm not discussing or supporting pacts."

"UKIP are the agents of change – we're going to shake-up that cosy cartel in Westminster," he added.

The UKIP candidate received a warm welcome on Saturday, a marked contrats to shortly after his defection when he was forced to cancel a walkabout due to the negative reception.

Party volunteers spoken to by Sky's Rachel Amatt had come from as far away as Staffordshire to support Mr Reckless.

Video: Questions Remain Over Ed Miliband

Volunteers were preparing to leaflet each one of the constituency's 40,000 homes during the day.

Earlier, Mr Carswell hit out at what he described as an "aggressive smear campaign" against Mr Reckless, who he described as "one of the most decent and honourable people I have ever met in politics".

"He didn't have to face this by-election. He didn't have to resign and seek permission from the voters. He did so because he believed it's the only honourable thing to do.

"In response to that, the big corporate party machines in Westminster have run a highly personal aggressive smear campaign. That's what's wrong with our politics."

The date of the by-election in the Kent constituency is still to be set.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Alice's Body Wrapped In Bag And Weighted Down

The inquest into murdered Alice Gross has heard the teenager's body was wrapped in a bag and weighted down in a river by logs.

Alice's mother Rosalind Hodgkiss attended the formal opening of the inquest, which also heard the 14-year-old was identified by dental records.

The inquiry at the West London Coroner's Court heard the cause of Alice's death remained unknown and further tests were ongoing.

Coroner's officer John Chadwick told the court: "On September 30, as a result of a search of the River Brent, the body of Alice Gross was found by London Fire Brigade divers.

"The deceased was found submerged, wrapped in a bag and had been weighted down. Alice was pronounced life extinct at 22.45pm."

Video: 'You Have To Be Incredibly Careful'

The coroner signed forms to allow Alice's body to be released to her family.

The hearing lasted only a few minutes and was adjourned until 29 January.

Alice went missing from her home in Hanwell, west London, on 28 August.

Video: Alice: Body Found In Suspect Hunt

Just over a month later, her body was found hidden on the bed of the River Brent.

The Metropolitan Police's Deputy Commissioner, Craig Mackey, has defended the amount of time it took to find her body, saying it was a "colossal" investigation.

The body of the prime suspect, Arnis Zalkalns, was found in Boston Manor Park - a mile from where Alice's body was recovered - on October 4.

1/23

Gallery: Parents 'Devastated' At Alice Death

A post-mortem into the death of Alice Gross has proved inconclusive
The schoolgirl's body was found in a river in west London on October 1
A cordon had been put in place after the discovery of human remains in the River Brent
Forensic officers at the scene
Alice's father has changed his Facebook profile picture from a campaign poster to a field of wild flowers
Alice's family had made a heartfelt plea for the safe return of the missing teenager
Scotland Yard released new images of Alice as police staged a reconstruction of her last-known movements
The teenager disappeared on 28 August
Police received more than 1,000 calls from the public in response to appeals
Alice pictured with sister Nina
The 14-year-old had been missing for five weeks
Police had carried out a fingertip search around Alice's home in Hanwell, west London. This image shows officers searching the area on September 22
The hunt for the 14-year-old had been the biggest search operation since the 7/7 bombings in 2005
A dinghy was brought in to help in the search
Here, on September 18, forensics officers are seen in the garden of builder Arnis Zalkalns
Zalkalns, a Latvian national, was named as the main suspect by police after he, too, went missing from his home in Boston Manor Road, which runs between Hanwell and Brentford
September 8: a police diver enters the Grand Union Canal to search for the missing schoolgirl
September 7: Police search the River Brent, near Hanwell
A missing persons flyer is attached to a lamppost in central London
Alice was seen on CCTV at Brentford Lock
Arnis Zalkalns was seen on CCTV in the same area

The Latvian vanished from his flat in Ealing a week after Alice is thought to have been abducted and murdered while walking home along a canal towpath.

Zalkalns was filmed cycling along the same route behind Alice on the day she went missing.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Johnson Warns Of 'Thousands Of Terror Suspects'

London Mayor Boris Johnson has revealed that thousands of terror suspects are being spied on every day by UK security services.

He said the number of suspects in London alone is said to be in the "low thousands", suggesting the threat from home-grown terrorism may be far more widespread than that from Syria or Iraq.

Mr Johnson told the Daily Telegraph: "In London we're very very vigilant and very very concerned. Every day - as you saw recently, we had to raise the threat level - every day the security services are involved in thousands of operations.

"There are probably in the low thousands of people that we are monitoring in London."

Until now the main threat was thought to come from about 500 suspected jihadists who went to Syria or Iraq from the UK to join Islamic State militants.

Video: Arrests May Have Foiled Terror Plot

Speaking about IS, Mr Johnson said: "London has a particular concern, because probably of the five or six hundred that are out there, we think a third, maybe more - maybe half - come from the London area.

"If and when they come back, we have a real job to deal with them."

It comes as police chiefs also issued a warning to officers to increase vigilance in the face of a heightened terror threat for officers and five men were being held by Scotland Yard suspected of plotting a potentially "significant" attack on the UK.

Video: Nick Clegg On Terror Threat

Meanwhile, in an interview with the same newspaper, Iain Lobban, director of intelligence agency GCHQ, hinted it now took three times longer to trace terrorists online in the wake of disclosures made by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden.

And he said sharing intelligence with a greater number of nations was necessary.

"It's nonsense not to share with the French. This is not Blitz Britain. We sure as hell can't lick terrorism on our own," Mr Lobban said.

Video: British Girl Heads To Islamic State

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ebola Exercise To Test Britain's Readiness

A national exercise is being held to test Britain's readiness for an ebola outbreak, with actors simulating symptoms of the deadly virus.

Government ministers will join dozens of medical professionals, some of whom will wear protective equipment, for the eight-hour drill in locations across the country.

Sky sources understand one of the locations for the exercise is the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

A simulated meeting of the Government's COBRA emergency committee will also be held, chaired by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Meanwhile, aid ship RFA Argus, which is to be sent to Sierra Leone next week to help fight the outbreak, has arrived in Falmouth, Cornwall, to be loaded with medical supplies before being deployed to West Africa.

It will carry three Merlin helicopters, aircrew and engineers to provide transport and support to medical teams and aid workers there.

Video: Hospital Staff Throw Gloves At PM

The exercise was ordered by David Cameron as part of the UK's contingency plan against ebola, which has killed more than 4,000 people in West Africa.

It comes after the Prime Minister was forced to defend the decision to introduce enhanced screening for the virus at major points of entry, saying it had been taken on "medical advice".

Questions have been raised about the checks, with a spokesman for Gatwick saying the airport had not been given any instructions about how the screening should be carried out.

The move was also criticised by health experts, with one describing it as a "complete waste of time", while Labour MP Keith Vaz said the lack of precise information was "shambolic".

Video: Ebola Screening Coming To The UK

Mr Cameron said: "What we do is listen to the medical advice and we act on that advice, and that's why we are introducing the screening processes at the appropriate ports and airports.

"What we are focusing on as a country is taking action right across the board to deal with this problem at source."

The Department of Health has said it will provide further details about ebola screenings at Heathrow and Gatwick airports and Eurostar terminals next week.

The department has not revealed the locations of the national exercise, although a spokeswoman said it has been planning its response to an ebola case in the UK "for many months now".

Video: Ebola Crisis: On The Front Line

"It is vital that we test these plans in as realistic a situation as possible - with real people," she said.

As well as ministers these will include hospital staff, the ambulance service and Public Health England.

The spokeswoman added: "It is important to remember that the overall risk to the public in the UK continues to be very low.

"The UK has some of the best public health protection systems in the world with well-developed and well-tested systems for managing infectious disease."

Video: How Doctors Should Deal With Ebola

:: Watch a special Sky News programme on the ebola crisis at 3.30pm today and 3.30pm on Sunday - available on skynews.com, Sky News for iPad and on Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202 and Freeview 132.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tornado Filmed Sweeping Across UK Motorway

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 09 Oktober 2014 | 20.14

The dramatic moment a tornado blew across a motorway in Merseyside has been caught on video.

The footage was taken by a passenger travelling on the M53 in Wirral on Wednesday evening.

The Met Office has confirmed the film shows a genuine tornado.

"Although it is unusual that we obtain footage of a tornado in the UK, it can occasionally occur, and this sighting is a tornado," a spokesman said.

Locals began posting on social media about the twister.

Natalie Clarke wrote on Facebook: "That was over my house! I knew it was a tornado as it was the wildest wind I've ever seen in my life - bins and garden furniture went flying and seconds later it was as calm as anything."

Another poster, Nathan Kennedy, added: "OMG!!!! Why is this happening? It is lucky no one was seriously injured or killed."

The footage was posted on YouTube by Matthew Hughes and Rob Halley.

Apparent tornadoes also struck in Cumbria and Derbyshire.

Firefighters in Alfreton, Derbyshire, responded to callouts including a house that lost a roof.

The Met Office confirmed that winds of up to 60mph would hit parts of the UK on Thursday - but the country was unlikely to see more tornadoes.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Max Clifford Appeal: Judges Need More Time

By Tom Parmenter, News Correspondent

Max Clifford has been told he must wait to hear the outcome of an appeal against his eight-year sentence for a string of sex attacks on teenage girls.

Three Court of Appeal judges deciding whether to reduce Clifford's sentence have said they need more time after hearing argument against the shamed publicist's prison term.

Clifford, 71, who appeared in court via video link from jail, was jailed in May after a seven-week trial.

One of the victims, who described her lewd encounter with Clifford to the jury, told Sky News: "I think his sentence is deserved, not only for his crimes but for his continued contempt towards women in general."

Many of the victims had been teenagers looking for work in the showbusiness world and went to Clifford because the PR man could make or break careers.

Video: Max Clifford: The Full Story

His office on New Bond Street in central London was described in court as his own "sexual fiefdom".

Giving evidence, he dismissed the women as "fantasists and liars" who were making the allegations in pursuit of compensation.

However, he was found guilty of eight sex attacks on four victims between 1977 and 1984, and the judge said he also believed other "supporting witnesses" who made further serious allegations.

The judge, Mr Justice Leonard QC, said in his sentencing remarks that he took into account Clifford's bizarre behaviour outside court and how his offences would have attracted far greater penalties if they had been committed more recently.

Video: Judge Slams PR Man's Sky Antics

The eight-year sentence surprised many people, including legal analyst Lyndon Harris, who said: "The judge here has put the Court of Appeal in a tricky position.

"The sentence is clearly manifestly excessive on the law as it was at the time, I don't think there's much doubt about that, but politically it will be difficult for them to reduce the sentence, less still halve it, in such a high-profile case."

Clifford is currently serving his sentence at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire.

No date has been set for the judges to return their decision.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Decision Day For Voters In Key By-Elections

Voters are set to go to the polls in key by-elections in Clacton and Heywood and Middleton.

The vote in Clacton, Essex, was triggered in August when Tory MP Douglas Carswell defected to UKIP and stood down from his Westminster seat.

Mr Carswell won the seat in 2010 with a majority of more than 12,000, having previously served as Conservative MP for Harwich until the constituency was abolished by boundary changes.

In Heywood and Middleton, Greater Manchester, voters are choosing a new MP following the death of Labour's Jim Dobbin last month.

Mr Dobbin held the seat from 1997 and was returned in 2010 with a significant majority.

Polls will be open today from 7am until 10pm.

:: The Candidates In Clacton

Douglas Carswell, UK Independence Party

Andy Graham, The Liberal Democrats

Howling Laud Hope, The Official Monster Raving Loony Party

Charlotte Rose, Independent

Bruce Francis Sizer, Independent

Chris Southall, Green Party

Giles Watling, The Conservative Party

Tim Young, Labour

:: The Candidates In Heywood And Middleton

John Bickley, UK Independence Party

Iain Gartside, The Conservative Party

Abi Jackson, Green Party

Liz McInnes, Labour

Anthony Smith, The Liberal Democrats

:: Watch our special by-election results coverage from 10pm live on television on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 132 and Freesat channel 202.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ebola: Pressure Grows For UK Airport Checks

Pressure is growing for ministers to order ebola testing of travellers arriving in the UK to stop the disease from spreading.

The Government is being urged to follow the US, which unveiled extra airport screening after the death of the first patient diagnosed with the deadly virus in America.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said it is "entirely possible" that ebola could come to Britain.

Keith Vaz, chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, called for screening at airports, ports and railway stations and for immigration officers to be trained to spot symptoms of the disease.

Handheld thermal scanners which check a person's body temperature are one way to help identify passengers who may have a fever, one of the ebola symptoms.

They are already being used in some African countries but there are questions over their reliability.

Patients can also carry the virus for several weeks before showing any signs of infection.

Video: How Effective Are Anti-Ebola Suits?

Public Health England has stated that any worthwhile screening programme would be impractical.

The health agency said it would involve "huge numbers of low risk people" and would be complicated because many travellers often do not fly direct from Africa but change planes on the way.

It said "robust, well-developed" plans were in place for any suspected cases.

Hospitals in London, Sheffield, Liverpool and Newcastle are on stand by to provide "surge capacity" if the virus spreads to Britain.

Video: How The Ebola Virus Has Spread

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon told Sky News the UK was following World Health Organisation advice that screening is "best done on exit from a country ... rather than on entry".

There are currently no direct flights to the UK from the worst hit countries, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

"It is now entirely possible that someone with ebola will come to the UK by one route or another, but we have very, very good plans in place," said Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

"The NHS has a proven track record of dealing with and helping people with ebola.

Video: Fight Against Ebola Is Our War

"Our ambulance services are equipped with the protective suits.

"But the most important thing we can do to protect the UK's population is to play our part in making sure that the disease is contained in west Africa."

The World Health Organisation has warned the spread of the disease to Europe is "unavoidable".

The Prime Minister decided on Wednesday to boost the UK's military involvement in West Africa to 750 troops after chairing a meeting of the COBRA committee.

Video: Hospital Ship To Help Ebola Victims

Medical ship RFA Argus will travel to Sierra Leone, along with three helicopters, aircrew and engineers to provide transport and support to doctors and aid workers.

Concern about the virus spreading across Europe has grown since Spain confirmed it was dealing with the first case transmitted outside West Africa.

Her condition is reported to have deteriorated and she is now on a ventilator, according to a hospital official.

Australia is also examining a possible case after an ebola nurse returned to Queensland from Sierra Leone.

Video: Australia Tests Nurse For Ebola

More than 3,800 people have died in the latest outbreak.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for the world to step up at a summit attended by the leaders of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

:: Watch Ebola Crisis: A Special Report tonight at 8.30pm on Sky News, featuring exclusive footage from Alex Crawford at the heart of the outbreak in Liberia.

Video: Protests As 'Ebola Dog' Euthanised

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rise In Child Abuse Linked To Witchcraft

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 08 Oktober 2014 | 20.14

Cases of ritual child abuse linked to beliefs in witchcraft are being reported to police in increasing numbers, it has been revealed.

A total of 27 allegations have been made to Scotland Yard in the past year, including two claims of rape, a child being swung around and smacked in the head "to drive out the devil" and others being dunked in water.

Child killings including the murder of 15-year-old Kristy Bamu, who was tortured and drowned by his sister and her boyfriend in 2010, and the death of Victoria Climbie have been linked to such beliefs.

And the number of cases of ritualistic or faith-based abuse of children reported to the Metropolitan Police has increased every year over the past decade.

A total of 24 were passed to the force in 2013; after 19 in 2012 and nine in 2011 - with 148 cases referred to the Met since 2004.

Police were due to meet a group including teachers, child care and health workers to discuss how to tackle an issue that officers say is rarely reported.

Detective Superintendent Terry Sharpe said: "Abuse linked to belief is a horrific crime which is condemned by people of all cultures, communities and faiths.

"A number of high-profile investigations brought the issue of ritual abuse and witchcraft into the headlines but it is important that professionals are clear about the signs to look for," he said.

"Families or carers genuinely believe that the victim has been completely taken over by the devil or an evil spirit, which is often supported by someone who within the community has portrayed themselves as an authority on faith and belief.

Video: March 2012: Witchcraft In The Congo

"Regardless of the beliefs of the abusers, child abuse is child abuse."

Simon Bass from the Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service said his group was "not remotely surprised" at the figures.

"We are pleased that the Metropolitan Police has undertaken such great work in this area, but we are convinced that this form of abuse is hidden, and that the statutory agencies across the UK are facing similar situations," he said.

Kristy Bamu's death was one of a handful of cases where an apparent belief in witchcraft has been linked to extreme violence against children.

He was tortured and beaten before he drowned in a bath at his sister's flat in east London on Christmas Day 2010.

Magalie Bamu and her boyfriend Eric Bikubi became convinced that he was possessed by kindoki, or witchcraft, and was trying to harm or control another child in the family.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

UKIP On Course To Bruise Labour And Tories

By Joey Jones, Deputy Political Editor

Getting a directly elected MP into Westminster for the first time, as UKIP surely will in the form of Douglas Carswell in Clacton-on-Sea, ranks as a sizeable tremor on the party's earthquake scale.

However, it lacks the one element that sows terror in the hearts of UKIP's political opponents - shock value.

The Carswell defection in the dog days of summer silly season really did have David Cameron reaching for the smelling salts, but the fact the former Tory MP will be returned on a UKIP ticket has been priced in from the moment the first opinion pollsters did the rounds of Clacton, if not before.

A Carswell triumph will be a moment of high symbolism nonetheless.

Having an MP in the Commons offers UKIP a valuable platform, and reinforces their confidence that the walls of the Palace of Westminster will eventually crumble under a relentless UKIP siege.

Before Nigel Farage and his troops get too far ahead of themselves, it should be remembered that the party's main achievement in a general election will be a negative one - putting a spanner in other politicians' hopes of comfortable re-election - while they can hope for only a handful of seats at best.

1/3

Gallery: Heywood and Clacton By-Elections

Watch a by-election special on Sky News from 10pm on Thursday
List of candidates for the Heywood and Middleton by-election
List of candidates for the Clacton by-election

Nevertheless, the extent to which the political dynamic has shifted can be measured by the fact that few Westminster politicians now have the temerity to describe a vote for UKIP as a "protest vote".

There is instead a recognition that the disenchantment with mainstream politics on which Mr Farage feeds has to be grappled with as (at the very least) a semi-permanent phenomenon.

In Thursday's other by-election in Heywood and Middleton, UKIP is set to put the frighteners on Labour without making a shattering breakthrough.

1/8

Gallery: Clacton By-Election Candidates

Douglas Carswell, UKIP. Was a Conservative until August when he crossed to Nigel Farage's party. A former businessman, fund manager and Conservative MP. First elected to Clacton in 2005 and returned with a majority of 12,000 in 2010. The 43-year-old first stood against Tony Blair in Sedgefield in 2001.
Andy Graham, Liberal Democrat. The 59-year-old actor and writer founded the Snap Theatre Company and is a former mayor of Bishop's Stortford. He has also set up the ai ai Ltd charity working in the developing world. He brought the stage version of Sense and Sensibility to Clacton's West Cliff Theatre 10 years ago.
Howling 'Laud' Hope, Official Monster Raving Loony Party. The 72-year-old leader of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party since the death of Screaming 'Lord' Sutch in 1999. He was actually jointly elected with his pet cat, Catmando, but Catmando died in 2002.
Charlotte Rose, independent. A 34-year-old former dominatrix now high-class escort and Sex Worker of The Year, who has slept with more than 1,000 men and charges £180 an hour for her services. She is university educated and says her "main policy is about sexual freedom". Her other focus is improving sex education in schools.
Dr Bruce Sizer, independent. The consultant oncologist only entered the contest to get publicity for cancer services in the area and himself admitted he has "no political ambitions". Dr Sizer's campaign headquarters is a beach hut in Walton-on-the-Naze.
Chris Southall, Green Party. Recently took part in a Stand Up To UKIP protest. He is a former potter, computer engineer and drummer who lives in an eco house which is open to the public.
Giles Watling, Conservatives. Best known as Oswald the vicar who married Avaline in the sitcom Bread back in the 1980s. The 61-year-old, an Essex Junior Champion Archer, is a Conservative councillor on Tendring District Council.
Tim Young, Labour. A leading north Essex councillor, he was born and brought up in Clacton. He is currently leader of the Labour group on Colchester Council and is portfolio holder for planning, community safety and culture. He has a dangerous driving conviction from 2001, when he hit a police officer with his car.

If the party polls close to 30%, that will be unsettling for Ed Miliband, who is coming under significant pressure following a lacklustre conference season.

The focus at these electoral set pieces will first and foremost be on the big winner - UKIP.

But as MPs return to Westminster after conference season the heat is likely to be on an opposition that seems able to do little more than tread water.

1/5

Gallery: Heywood By-Election Candidates

John Bickley, UKIP. Father of two who joined UKIP three years ago. He lived for a short while in Heywood and Middleton and began his career as a laboratory technician before joining EMI Records in the North West and then moving to London. He now runs his own software company. His interests aside from politics include walking.
Iain Gartside, Conservative. Married 39-year-old grew up in Manchester and lives in Bury. He works in financial services helping small businesses to succeed, and is the leader of the Conservative group on Bury Council. He is a Manchester City fan who plays cricket in his spare time.
Abi Jackson, Green Party. Abi was brought up in Middleton and has recently completed a Master's Degree in Psychology at Huddersfield University. She continues to live in the constituency.
Liz McInnes, Labour. A councillor in Rossendale, a few miles outside the constituency, where she lives with her partner Steve and son Sam. She works as a healthcare scientist in the NHS and is a Unite union rep. She beat former BBC presenter Miriam O'Reilly to become candidate.
Anthony Smith, Liberal Democrat. Has lived in Heywood and Middleton for most of his life. He is a father of four and local businessman who lives in Rochdale. He left school at 16, worked on a shop floor, faced redundancy, reskilled and ran his own business. When he was younger he played in a number of brass bands.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Farage Parks Tanks On All Party Lawns

By Michael Thrasher, Sky's Election Analyst

Barring an unexpected series of events the voters of Clacton will re-elect Douglas Carswell as a UKIP rather than Conservative MP.

Labour will retain Heywood and Middleton but UKIP will finish second in a seat where it was fifth in 2010. By any account these will represent spectacular performances.

Constituency polling undertaken in Clacton by Survation just after Carswell's defection and more recently by Lord Ashcroft suggest that UKIP will win handsomely, thereby overturning a Conservative majority of more than 12,000 votes.

But the Conservatives face a double whammy - Clacton's voters look set to repeat the act at the General Election in May.

The election of its first MP to the House of Commons (Bob Spink defected to UKIP although was elected a Conservative) will be a dramatic moment in UKIP's short history and will confirm the party's progress over the past two years.

1/5

Gallery: Heywood By-Election Candidates

John Bickley, UKIP. Father of two who joined UKIP three years ago. He lived for a short while in Heywood and Middleton and began his career as a laboratory technician before joining EMI Records in the North West and then moving to London. He now runs his own software company. His interests aside from politics include walking.
Iain Gartside, Conservative. Married 39-year-old grew up in Manchester and lives in Bury. He works in financial services helping small businesses to succeed, and is the leader of the Conservative group on Bury Council. He is a Manchester City fan who plays cricket in his spare time.
Abi Jackson, Green Party. Abi was brought up in Middleton and has recently completed a Master's Degree in Psychology at Huddersfield University. She continues to live in the constituency.
Liz McInnes, Labour. A councillor in Rossendale, a few miles outside the constituency, where she lives with her partner Steve and son Sam. She works as a healthcare scientist in the NHS and is a Unite union rep. She beat former BBC presenter Miriam O'Reilly to become candidate.
Anthony Smith, Liberal Democrat. Has lived in Heywood and Middleton for most of his life. He is a father of four and local businessman who lives in Rochdale. He left school at 16, worked on a shop floor, faced redundancy, reskilled and ran his own business. When he was younger he played in a number of brass bands.

In that time it has ceased to be a one-trick pony, specifically able to tap into voters' distrust of Europeanisation, and has taken a number of important steps.

First, it edged alongside, then overtook the Liberal Democrats in national surveys of voters. The latest polling sees the coalition Liberal Democrats in single figures whilst it watches UKIP march ahead after it successfully stole its brand as the party of choice for protest voters.

Second, UKIP in 2013 and again this May did the unthinkable - contest and win local council seats. This is a far cry from the European issue and reveals a broadening of the UKIP brand.

Labour permitted rapid inward migration of workers during the economic boom, the Conservatives pledged to reduce the numbers and have failed to do so. More disillusioned voters for UKIP to tap into, therefore.

1/8

Gallery: Clacton By-Election Candidates

Douglas Carswell, UKIP. Was a Conservative until August when he crossed to Nigel Farage's party. A former businessman, fund manager and Conservative MP. First elected to Clacton in 2005 and returned with a majority of 12,000 in 2010. The 43-year-old first stood against Tony Blair in Sedgefield in 2001.
Andy Graham, Liberal Democrat. The 59-year-old actor and writer founded the Snap Theatre Company and is a former mayor of Bishop's Stortford. He has also set up the ai ai Ltd charity working in the developing world. He brought the stage version of Sense and Sensibility to Clacton's West Cliff Theatre 10 years ago.
Howling 'Laud' Hope, Official Monster Raving Loony Party. The 72-year-old leader of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party since the death of Screaming 'Lord' Sutch in 1999. He was actually jointly elected with his pet cat, Catmando, but Catmando died in 2002.
Charlotte Rose, independent. A 34-year-old former dominatrix now high-class escort and Sex Worker of The Year, who has slept with more than 1,000 men and charges £180 an hour for her services. She is university educated and says her "main policy is about sexual freedom". Her other focus is improving sex education in schools.
Dr Bruce Sizer, independent. The consultant oncologist only entered the contest to get publicity for cancer services in the area and himself admitted he has "no political ambitions". Dr Sizer's campaign headquarters is a beach hut in Walton-on-the-Naze.
Chris Southall, Green Party. Recently took part in a Stand Up To UKIP protest. He is a former potter, computer engineer and drummer who lives in an eco house which is open to the public.
Giles Watling, Conservatives. Best known as Oswald the vicar who married Avaline in the sitcom Bread back in the 1980s. The 61-year-old, an Essex Junior Champion Archer, is a Conservative councillor on Tendring District Council.
Tim Young, Labour. A leading north Essex councillor, he was born and brought up in Clacton. He is currently leader of the Labour group on Colchester Council and is portfolio holder for planning, community safety and culture. He has a dangerous driving conviction from 2001, when he hit a police officer with his car.

UKIP made rapid progress in the shire county elections in 2013 and audaciously picked off seats in some Labour-dominated areas in 2014.

Third, by broadening its appeal UKIP has built itself a rather effective party machine. Its national organisation boasts people who know their way around campaigning.

Locally, it has thousands of new recruits, many of whom have been standing as local election candidates. These people have run campaigns that are every bit as effective as those run by the three established parties.

This level of organisation has been viewed at both parliamentary and local council by-elections. In November 2012 the party finished second in the parliamentary seats of Middlesbrough and Rotherham. Months later it chased the Liberal Democrats hard in Eastleigh and since then has finished second in every other by-election held.

Video: Clacton: The Word On The Street

The story is similar in council by-elections. Regularly, its candidates win a fifth or more of the votes having never contested before. Having read and digested the Liberal Democrat book on fighting council seats UKIP now cheekily out-performs it.

The results of the Clacton and Heywood and Middleton by-elections could be embarrassing for the main parties.

If the UKIP vote in Clacton is twice as large as that for the Conservatives then the outcome in Rochester and Strood might be a second defeat for Cameron.

If Labour fails to improve its position in Heywood then disaffection with the Miliband leadership will doubtless grow.

1/3

Gallery: Heywood and Clacton By-Elections

Watch a by-election special on Sky News from 10pm on Thursday
List of candidates for the Heywood and Middleton by-election
List of candidates for the Clacton by-election

The Liberal Democrat candidates could lose their deposits in both elections, further undermining the party's future credentials as a viable coalition partner after the next election.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Terror Arrests May Have Foiled Major Plot

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences in a series of raids, during which one suspect was Tasered.

Officers believe the raids disrupted what could have been a "significant plot", according to a Whitehall source quoted by the Press Association.

The 21-year-old who was Tasered during his arrest did not require medical treatment, Scotland Yard said.

"SO15 officers were assisted in the execution of warrants at one of the addresses by officers from the Specialist Firearms Command (SCO19). No shots were fired," police said in a statement.

"A number of residential addresses and vehicles are being searched by specialist officers in west and central London as part of the investigation. The searches are ongoing.

"These arrests and searches are part of an ongoing investigation into Islamist-related terrorism."

All four suspects have been taken to police stations in central London and remain in custody.

"There has been a change in recent months in the way that the authorities will approach these plots... the authorities no longer have the luxury of following a terror group that might be buying the ingredients for an explosive device and conspiring among themselves for many months.

"But that's the trade off - disrupting plots and safeguarding the public at the expense, perhaps, of a trial further down the line."

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

EDF Go Ahead for Hinkley Point Nuclear Reactor

French energy giant EDF has been given approval to build a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in north Somerset, it has been confirmed.

The new-build power station is part of a plan to replace 20% of Britain's ageing nuclear power infrastructure.

Approval for the construction has been confirmed by regulators at the European Commission, following prior approval by Competition Commissioner Vice-President Joaquin Almunia.

The EU examined the bid over concerns the UK Government was giving excess help to the plan.

Mr Almunia said: "After the commission's intervention, the UK measures in favour of Hinkley Point nuclear power station have been significantly modified, limiting any distortions of competition in the single market.

"These modifications will also achieve significant savings for UK taxpayers.

"On this basis and after a thorough investigation, the commission can now conclude that the support is compatible with EU state aid rules."

Britain has previously estimated the new build cost at £16bn but some forecasts have put the total price at up to £34bn.

The EU said that under treaty rules, member states are free to determine their energy mix.

It said that the UK has decided to promote nuclear energy and this decision is within its national competence.

However, it insists that when public money is spent to support companies, the commission has the duty to verify that this is done in line with the EU state aid rules, which aim to preserve competition among member states.

Known as Hinkley Point C, it will replace the A station, which is being decommissioned, and the operational B station.

Video: Nuclear Deal 'To Boost Industry'

It is the first in a new generation of UK nuclear power stations.

EDF had earlier said: "A new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point will not only provide a clean, secure and affordable source of electricity for around five million homes, but it will also provide around 900 jobs at the new power stations for more than 60 years."

The lengthy building programme is expected to create 25,000 jobs for almost a decade.

The industry's trade body head, Lord Hutton of Furness, welcomed the decision and said: "The Nuclear Industry Association is pleased the deal for Hinkley Point C has been approved.

"This is an important step in securing the UK's home-grown low-carbon electricity generation while adding jobs and prosperity to the economy."

:: EDF Energy CEO Vincent De Rivaz will be interviewed by Ian King Live tonight at 6.30pm.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Compassion 'Can Save' Self-Harming Youngsters

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 07 Oktober 2014 | 20.14

By Rhiannon Mills, Sky News Correspondent

Treating young people who self-harm with more compassion, dignity and respect could help to save lives, according to a leading group of psychiatrists.

In its new report, Managing Self-Harm In Young People, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has called for teenagers to be treated more sensitively, whether by professionals or their families.

The document is an updated version of the College's 1998 report on self-harm, and is backed by YoungMinds, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Royal College of Nursing.

It makes 14 recommendations, including a new section focusing on how important digital technology now is to all teenagers, saying it is critical that a young person's "digital life" and use of social media should be assessed as part of any clinical tests.

Dr Andrew Hill-Smith, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist and a member of the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: "Suicide remains the second most common cause of death among young people.

"Self-harm is an important signal of distress so it needs sensitive responses with careful handling.

"Our actions can make a difference for young people and turn lives around. Our actions can save lives."

Nikki Mattocks, a campaigner for the group YoungMinds, suffered a traumatic experience when she was 14 that meant she frequently self-harmed and has needed psychiatric care.

She told Sky News: "When I was trying to get help and being turned away from the places that are meant to help you that is really horrible, it takes a lot of courage to reach out and get help.

"A lot of healthcare professionals see it as a way of attention seeking rather than a genuine sign of distress.

"I think that needs to change because symptoms of mental illness should be treated with the same dignity and respect as symptoms of physical illness, so I think it's really good that this report has highlighted that there is an issue."

The report highlights that the UK has one of the highest rates of self-harm in Europe.

While a survey of young people aged 15-16 years estimated that more than 10% of girls and more than 3% of boys had self-harmed in the previous year.

John Carr, government adviser on online child safety, welcomed the report and the inclusion of advice on assessing internet use.

He said: "Young people's lives in the year 2014 to a large degree are lived out and through the online media, through social networking sites and so on.

"So it's very important that health professionals understand that."

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

#Wakeupcall Is Latest Selfie Charity Craze

It is just weeks since the puddles from the Ice Bucket Challenge dried up but yet another charity selfie campaign is sweeping across social media.

The Wakeupcall hashtag is being used on Twitter and Facebook to raise money for Syria through Unicef.

The charity is asking people to post photos of themselves looking bleary-eyed just after they have woken up.

The trend has similarities with the #nomakeupselfie which thousands of women took part in earlier this year, raising millions for Cancer Research UK.

A number of celebrities have already jumped on the bandwagon for #wakeupcall, donating their £5 and nominating three friends.

Thor star Tom Hiddleston and Stephen Fry posted photos to their Twitter followers, with Fry writing: "I warn you - look away."

Television actress Keeley Hawes was quick to follow up with her picture after being nominated by Hiddleston.

He also named Emma Watson and Josie Rourke, the artistic director of London's Donmar Warehouse Theatre.

Other people to have taken part already include Jemima Khan, Nigella Lawson, Hugh Grant and Claudia Winkleman.

Unicef UK ambassador Khan gave more information about the campaign on her Twitter feed: "Post a video of your #wakeupcall or a photo of yourself first thing.

"Then nominate three friends to show us their #wakeupcall and help wake people up to the crisis for Syrian children."

The money donated goes to the Syria Emergency Fund.

The Ice Bucket Challenge, which involved participants filming themselves pouring a bucket of ice cold water over their heads, raised over £7m for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Cruise, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and George W Bush were among the dozens of stars to support the campaign.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Deputy PM's Wife: 'I Just Want What Men Have'

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

High-flying lawyer Miriam Gonzalez Durantez has told Sky News that she does not want to "have it all" - she simply wants "what men have".

In an exclusive interview, she also admitted that the "most important decision" of her life was who she chose to have children with - which happens to be the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg.

"What I would take issue with is the have it all. I never understand what people mean when they say have it all. I personally have never wanted to have it all like a general aim. I just want to have what men have," she said.

"Lots of men have a successful professional life or what looks like success to them and they have put that together with a family.

"I think that it was Sheryl Sandberg (chief operating officer at Facebook) who said that the most important decision in your life is who you decide to have children with," she added.

Video: Full Interview: Deputy PM's Wife

She was making the comments at a career "speed-dating" event, run by the charity Inspiring the Future, in which schoolgirls were given the opportunity to meet a range of successful career women.

Ms Gonzalez Durantez spoke to dozens of girls as part of the session that she hosted at a college 10 miles from the Glasgow conference centre where her husband was leading his party's conference.

She denied that she had put her life on pause for her husband, but added: "I think having a family and life is all about compromises. There is always a certain equilibrium and in my case we found it."

More and more families shared the responsibilities in the home, she said."There are lots of men now fully involved with raising the children."

But she admitted that it wasn't that way for lots of families. "I think if you look across society and across different countries... women still get a very big proportion of the chores at home."

She spoke of women who "have done half a day" of work before they leave home, and then after their daily job return to the "other half".

Video: Clegg Backs 'Top-Down' Taxation

When asked if it was like that for her she said no, insisting that Mr Clegg still pulls his weight even when David Cameron is away and he is in charge of the country.

She said: "We tend to share it very naturally and we make the point of one of us being at home most evenings and I think on the whole we manage." She said there was no "given formula" for the perfect family.

She said that she gave her own three sons the same advice as the girls that they should always make the effort in education. But she has felt from meeting many girls through this charity that they lack some self confidence, which boys tend to have.

"We have made a lot of progress but there is still a little bit more progress to make," she said. Having successful women give over an hour of their time to inspire girls could make a big difference. She praised the Every day Sexism campaign, arguing that talking about discrimination was the way to tackle it."

She concluded: "I do think it is important to celebrate female achievement and aiming high that is part of the message that we want to give to the girls that aiming high is good. It is as good for girls as it is for boys."

:: Watch the rest of the interview on skynews.com and on the Sky News iPad app from 6am, and on Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 132.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

HSBC Directors Quit In Protest At Jail Threat

By Mark Kleinman, City Editor

Two directors of HSBC's UK arm are poised to quit in protest at new Bank of England rules that pave the way for lengthy jail sentences to be imposed on senior managers of failed lenders.

Sky News can exclusively reveal that Alan Thomson, a member of the audit and risk committees of HSBC Bank plc, has tendered his resignation and will leave the board at the end of October.

John Trueman, the deputy chairman of the legal entity that manages the UK high street and commercial bank, is also understood to be on the verge of resigning, despite having only taken on that role in December last year.

Sources close to the situation said that the likely departures of both men were a direct consequence of the Prudential Regulation Authority's (PRA) proposals to strengthen accountability for senior bankers.

A public filing about Mr Thomson's exit will be made by the end of the month, with a separate one about Mr Trueman following if his resignation becomes official.

The likely exits of the two HSBC directors over the proposed regulatory reforms has caused deep disquiet both there and among senior executives elsewhere in the sector, according to insiders.

They are the first bankers to have decided to relinquish their roles because of the impending regime.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg," said a lawyer close to another major UK bank.

Under proposals on which the PRA is consulting until the end of this month, bank directors and other top executives could face a new criminal liability if they were deemed to have taken reckless decisions which led to the collapse of their employer.

They would also be subject to disciplinary action from the City regulator for up to six years, twice the current time-limit, and be obliged to certify that all customer-facing staff and material risk-takers are competent to perform their duties.

Crucially, the new measures would be framed on a 'guilty until proven innocent' basis, according to lawyers, making it more difficult for bank bosses to clear their names if their organisation failed.

The PRA is also introducing new rules next year forcing bankers to defer bonuses for seven years from the point of award, creating the toughest pay framework of any global financial centre.

George Osborne, the Chancellor, pushed for the more stringent regime in the aftermath of the banking crisis and the conclusions last year of the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards, set up following the Libor rate-rigging scandal.

The resignations of the HSBC directors are, however, expected to throw the reforms into a sharper light at a time when bank boards are struggling to identify suitably qualified directors.

On Monday, the PRA set out further details of its plans to ring-fence high street lenders from the same groups' investment banking arms by 2019.

This structural overhaul will entail banks recruiting separate boards for the different entities within their businesses, further increasing the need for individuals willing to serve as directors.

Mr Thomson and Mr Trueman, along with boardroom colleagues, are understood to have been briefed on the implications of the new rulebook by HSBC compliance staff in the weeks after the PRA outlined its regulatory framework at the end of July.

That explanation of the Senior Managers Regime is said to have prompted them to reconsider their roles as directors.

Mr Trueman is an experienced banker, having been a director of HSBC Bank plc since 2004 and previously the deputy chairman of SG Warburg.

Mr Thomson has a portfolio of jobs: since stepping down as finance director of Smiths Group, the FTSE 100 engineering business, he has become chairman of Hays, the recruitment agency, as well as Bodycote and Polypipe, two industrial groups.

HSBC's UK arm is the country's fourth-biggest lender, reporting a pre-tax profit of £3.3bn last year, and also manages some of its international assets in overseas markets.

HSBC and the PRA declined to comment on Tuesday.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Malcolm Glazer Death Threats Probed By FBI

The FBI looked into death threats made against Malcolm Glazer, the late owner of Manchester United, around the time he was buying the club.

Glazer and his family were subjected to a number of threats from fans who were fiercely opposed to the owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' takeover bid in 2005.

He had already owned the Bucs for a decade when he bought the English football club for around $1.4bn (£872m) - raising the money through heavy borrowing.

On 12 May 2005, the day Glazer became the majority shareholder, a man with a British accent rang the Buccaneers headquarters, asking a lot of questions about the Bucs and ending the call by saying he wished Glazer were dead, according to an FBI report.

Several hours later, another man called, saying he was a member of the Manchester United Action Group and warned that the Glazer family would be in danger unless the takeover bid was abandoned.

According the the FBI, another call came the following day, with the man saying he was the same person who had called before and asking, "Do you remember me?"

The caller said he knew people who "were ready to take action against Glazer" and against another person whose name is redacted.

"I am giving you another warning," he added, before setting a deadline for Glazer to end his interest in the club.

The FBI issued subpoenas as part of the investigation but the records show that the case was closed without prosecution because the authorities could not conclusively identify the caller.

Fans opposed to the Glazers were furious at the sale, fearing he would sell off the stadium, raise prices and saddle the club with debt.

Some fans set fire to an effigy of Glazer's likeness during protests at Old Trafford. Others wore black and waved black flags, while calling for a boycott of the club's sponsors.

Within a year of the Manchester United purchase, Glazer had had two strokes and his children took over the running of the 20-time English champions.

The self-made billionaire died in May at the age of 85.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Police Appeal After Pensioner's Road Rage Death

Written By Unknown on Senin, 06 Oktober 2014 | 20.14

Detectives are calling for witnesses to come forward after a 73-year-old man died following a suspected road rage attack.

The driver hit his head on the road during a confrontation with a 67-year-old man in Northfield, south of Birmingham, on 15 September.

The 73-year-old suffered serious head injuries and died in hospital 12 days later.

The other man was arrested and is helping police with their inquiries.

Three weeks after the incident, police are appealing for more information from the public.

"We are investigating whether the two drivers had been driving in an erratic or aggressive manner further up Shenley Road, at the junction of Meadow Brook Road," said Detective Constable Emma Safe.

"I would urge anyone who saw either the confrontation on Loftus Road, or anything involving the two vehicles before that, to call us on 101."

The incident happened at around 11.45am.

The man who died was driving a blue Peugeot 307 estate, the other man a red Hyundai I20.

Anyone with information can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Clegg: Lib Dems Would Ask Rich To Pay More Tax

The Liberal Democrats would seek to increase taxes on the wealthy as part of efforts to reduce the deficit, Nick Clegg has said.

Speaking to Sky News from the party's conference in Glasgow, the Deputy Prime Minister accused Chancellor George Osborne of defying the prevailing economic wisdom by trying to cut the UK's national deficit without tax hikes on the rich and instead focusing on cuts in public spending and welfare.

He said his party would insist on around 20% of the £100bn deficit being paid off through higher taxes on the rich, such as their proposed £1.5bn "mansion tax" or a £1bn reduction in tax breaks for wealthy people's pensions.

But he refused to give more details of his "red lines" in any Coalition negotiations.

He said: "I know that George Osborne has decided - in a way that I don't think you'll find a single mainstream economist in the world agreeing with him - that you can balance the books by only asking the working-age poor to make additional sacrifices or only by gouging out more and more money from unprotected public services like the police, social services, social care and education.

Video: Lib Dems Step Up Attacks On Tories

"It's got to be a balance and we've broadly kept that balance during this coalition Government.

"I think, in taxation, you should start at the top and work down, not start at the bottom."

He said there was a "huge difference" between the priorities of the two parties that currently make up the Coalition.

Video: Lib Dems 'Wrote' Economic Recovery

"We can create a stronger economy and a fairer society because that's the only way you can have opportunity for everyone to do what they want with their lives," he said.

"You do that by borrowing less than Labour but cutting less than the Conservatives. That's the stall that we're setting out.

"One of the big questions in next year's election is not just going to be who promises this, that or the other. It's 'Who will pay?' Because there is a price-tag to everything.

Video: Lib Dems In 'Fight Of Their Lives'

"Our answer is very simple. We think if you ask society to make a sacrifice, the broadest shoulders should make a contribution. The Conservative answer is very clear. They say the poorest in work should make the greatest contribution."

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hurley's Anger Over Gran's Cancer Death

Elizabeth Hurley has spoken out about her anger at being unable to help her grandmother before she died from breast cancer.

The actress said she wished she had known more about the disease before her grandmother passed away in 1992.

Her grandmother had once showed her scars from a double mastectomy, but changed the subject, she said.

She told Sky News: "When she found her lump she was too scared to even tell her doctor. She didn't know anything about breast cancer. She assumed it was the death sentence and unfortunately it was for her."

Hurley said she learnt about breast cancer through Evelyn Lauder, Estee Lauder's daughter-in-law, who started a campaign 20 years ago.

The actress said the businesswoman organised for her to have her first mammogram for her 40th birthday and she has had one every year since.

Video: Jolie At Premiere After Mastectomy

"We know that if a cancer is found and treated early, there is a 95% chance of recovery. If only my grandmother and countless other scared women could have known this," she said.

Hurley, a global ambassador for the Estee Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, was speaking at the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

She spoke after television presenter Michaela Strachan revealed she had been diagnosed with the disease.

Video: Heaton: 'No Regrets' Over Surgery

The Springwatch host said she was forced to have both breasts removed after the cancer was discovered in a mammogram at the start of the year.

Angelina Jolie announced in 2013 that she had undergone a double mastectomy to prevent her getting breast cancer.

She took the decision after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation that greatly increases the risk of developing the disease.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Alice Murder: Tests On Body Found In Park

A post-mortem is taking place on a body believed to be that of the man wanted for the murder of 14-year-old Alice Gross.

It is understood that Arnis Zalkalns was found hanged on Saturday in woods at Boston Manor Park - a mile from where the schoolgirl's body was hidden.

The badly decomposed body was taken by private ambulance to a mortuary in west London, and the post-mortem examination was scheduled for this afternoon at Fulham Mortuary.

The convicted killer vanished from his flat in Ealing on September 4 - a week after Alice is thought to have been abducted and murdered while walking home along a canal towpath in Hanwell.

Alice was found dead in the River Brent on Tuesday after a five-week search.

Video: Alice's Movements Reconstructed

Zalkalns, 41, was filmed cycling along the same route behind Alice on the day she vanished on 28 August.

His sister, Jolanta Daksa, told Sky News: "British police have not contacted me, or my brothers and sisters.

"Arnis' girlfriend, who is living in London, told me that they had found the remains and I told the other family members. Other details about what the police found we learned from the media.

"Now we are waiting for the results from the examination of the body and the police investigation.

"We want to know from police if it really is Arnis."

Video: Alice: Body Found In Suspect Hunt

The Latvian labourer worked at a building site in Isleworth, west London, and is thought to have come to the UK in 2007.

Authorities are facing criticism for apparently holding no record of his conviction for bludgeoning and stabbing his wife Rudite to death in Latvia.

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

A post-mortem examination on Alice was inconclusive and further tests are to be carried out to find out how she died.

Police said "significant efforts" were taken to conceal her body in the water.

Video: CCTV Footage Shows Alice Suspect

Zalkalns had not accessed his bank account or used his mobile phone since 3 September, nor had he returned home to his partner and young child in Ealing. He also left behind his passport.

Scotland Yard has said that though Zalkalns had been identified as a suspect in the murder investigation, inquiries continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crime.

A spokesman said: "Officers are still searching for evidence, and once again appeal to the public for any information that could assist them. Anyone with any information is asked to contact us on 020 8358 0100."

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mass Killer Admits Making Explosive Device

A mass killer who shot dead five people in 1978 has admitted making an improvised explosive device after he was released from prison.

The former Broadmoor patient, who was released from indefinite detention in the 1990s, was caught with the home-made bomb last year.

More than 50 home-made bullets, two pistols and a revolver were also found at the 70-year-old's home in Birmingham.

Street, originally called Barry Williams, was detained under mental health laws in 1979 for the manslaughter of three of his neighbours in West Bromwich and a couple who ran a petrol station in Warwickshire.

He had been due to stand trial at Birmingham Crown Court accused of making the explosive and possessing three firearms with intent to endanger life.

But he changed his plea over possessing the home-made device. He had already pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to three charges of possessing a prohibited firearm and one count of putting a neighbour in fear of violence.

Prosecutor Michael Duck QC said the Crown accepted Street's not guilty plea to four other charges.

No further action will be taken on those charges after consultation with witnesses and Mr Duck added there was an "overwhelming likelihood" that Street will be detained indefinitely again in a secure hospital.

He told the court: "It is quite apparent and would have been the Crown's case, that this man commits offences of the utmost seriousness when he is mentally unwell.

"The overwhelming balance of medical opinion is that this is a significant problem that will take a very significant time to resolve, if it ever does."

Street is being treated at the high-security Ashworth Hospital on Merseyside. He earlier admitted throwing items at a neighbour's roof, banging and drilling walls late at night and making threats to a neighbour.

On 26 October 1978 he killed his George Burkitt, his wife Iris and their son Philip at their home on West Bromwich's Bustleholme Mill estate. The husband and wife were both shot in the head and their son was shot through the heart.

He then drove to Stockingford, near Nuneaton, where he killed Michel and Lisa Di Maria by firing shots through an office window.

He was caught following a high-speed car chase across the Peak District in Derbyshire and officers found more than 900 bullets and a 0.22-calibre pistol inside his car.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Father Of Rugby Death Teen Makes Safety Plea

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 05 Oktober 2014 | 20.14

By James Matthews, Scotland Correspondent

The father of a rugby player who died after suffering concussion is calling for greater safety in the sport.

Peter Robinson's 14-year-old son Benjamin died after a school rugby match in Northern Ireland in 2011.

An inquest found the cause of death was "second impact syndrome". Having been knocked out during the game, Benjamin was allowed to play on for his school, Carrickfergus Grammar, and sustained further injuries before collapsing on the field. He died later in hospital.

Mr Robinson now campaigns for players, coaches and referees to be educated in the symptoms and dangers of concussion on the rugby field.

He told Sky News: "Ben was knocked out and lay on the ground for a minute and a half. He was checked by the coach and allowed to play on and, within minutes, he was involved in another heavy tackle and again checked.

"In the coroner's court we heard that he forgot the last tackle, he forgot what the score was, he was looking dazed and confused ... he walks over to the coach and gets checked and allowed to play on and, with about a minute to go, he collapses.

"The moment for me was when I went into the hospital in Belfast and was met by the consultants. By the looks on their faces I could tell things weren't good. They said we expect to see these sort of injuries from a car accident.

"I went into see Ben and he was on the life support machine and I just knew ... I just knew we'd lost him."

Mr Robinson's personal tragedy has fed into initiatives around the country aimed at increasing knowledge of concussion and how to deal with it.

He was in Wales last week when the Welsh Rugby Union launched a Concussion Guidance Document which is being sent to all rugby clubs in Wales.

In January, the Scottish Government distributed a leaflet informing coaches, teachers and parents on how to spot the signs of concussion and what action to take.

Benjamin's death has also led to concussion awareness programmes being implemented by the Irish Rugby Football Union and by schools in Northern Ireland.

Mr Robinson believes rugby has begun to address the issue of concussion more than many other contact sports. The International Rugby Board now has a link to its concussion guidelines - "Recognise and Remove" - on the front page of its website with a downloadable poster that details the proper protocol.

At a training session of the Lasswade High School rugby team, near Edinburgh, Jack Sutherland, captain of the school's under 18s, told Sky News: "I'm not put off by injuries because I have faith in our coaches.

"Every coach goes through a 'Rugby Ready' course and that enables them to deal with all injuries, including concussion.

"The thing about rugby is that there is such a positive side to it weighing against the risks. It's fun, sociable and you learn transferable skills ... being captain, for example, that teaches me leadership and responsibility."

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

NHS Spending On Patient Meals Hard To Swallow

By Thomas Moore, Health Correspondent

Hospitals are spending as little as £3.68 a day providing food for patients in their care, official figures show.

A Sky News analysis of recent NHS statistics shows 18 hospitals spending £5 or less on daily patient meals.

And 177 institutions - almost half of those who supplied data - spend under £9 - the equivalent of less than £3 per meal.

On average, hospitals spend £9.66 per patient per day on food, the figures show. But there are huge variations between different NHS trusts.

The lowest amount spent was £3.68 at Livingstone Community Hospital in Dartford in Kent.

Tonbridge Cottage Hospital and Faversham Cottage Hospital, also both in Kent, spent £3.70 and £3.88 per patient per day respectively.

A spokesman for Livingstone said the costs were low because it bought food in without the need to maintain staff and kitchens to prepare it.

Video: Hospital Food Shake-Up Announced

The highest reported spending was £31 at Broadgreen Hospital in Liverpool.

However, a spokesman said average costs were higher than usual because it included staff costs and they had to cater for more patients than they ended up admitting.

The figures also show that 52 hospital do not provide fresh fruit to their patients and 16 have not had their menus checked by a dietician.

At Nottingham University Hospitals, 15% of the ingredients are organic, meat comes from local farms and every meal is cooked from scratch. Yet the food bill is still below average at £8.67 a day.

John Hughes, catering manager for Carillion which operates the kitchen, said voluntary nutritional standards on hospital meals should be mandatory.

He told Sky News: "You have somebody providing a soup and a sandwich and calling it a meal and somebody providing a four-course dinner and calling it a meal.

"I am disappointed and worried there is still no minimum standard.

"We have very high standards here. We operate to a very reasonable cost, so cost is not a barrier.

"It comes down to a political decision - do we care enough?"

In August, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced that for the first time hospitals will have to meet legally mandated standards and inspections will evaluate the quality of the food they serve.

Alex Jackson, from Sustain's Campaign for Better Hospital Food, said more than half of hospitals now buy in chilled ready meals.

"The data shows that where hospitals are freshly preparing and cooking food on site in their own kitchens they are able to make big savings. Those meals are also often the most popular with patients.

"So what we want the Government to do is support hospitals so they can keep cooking."

How much hospitals are spending on food was revealed as part of the publication of an enormous range of data for NHS institutions for the year 2012/13.

The figures show a wide variation in staffing, spending and procedures.

Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, medical director of NHS England, said the website "allows people to hold us to account."

"Overall, what this wealth of published data suggests is an encouraging picture," he added.

"Despite having received little increase in funding over recent years, the NHS continues to provide high quality care, often to the highest standards in the world."

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

British Teacher Held Hostage In Libya Freed

A British teacher who was being held hostage by militants in Libya has been released and reunited with his family.

David Bolam, who worked at the International School in Benghazi, was abducted earlier this year.

His kidnapping had not been reported at the request of his family and the Foreign Office.

Although it has not been officially confirmed who his captors were, a group calling itself the Army of Islam, a faction in Libya, released an online video of Mr Bolam dated 28 August pleading for his release.

The 53-second video showed him sitting in a room wearing a white T-shirt.

In it, he said: "My name is David Richard Bolam. I am a British citizen. I am a teacher.

"My health is good at the moment. I have been here a very long time."

He went on to plead for Britain to arrange a prisoner exchange or other diplomatic initiative to secure his release.

The Foreign Office said: "We are glad that David Bolam is safe and well after his ordeal, and that he has been reunited with his family.

"We have been supporting his family since he was taken.

"We do not comment on the detail of hostage cases. The family have asked for privacy."

There are unconfirmed reports a ransom was paid through "unofficial channels" in exchange for Mr Bolam's release.

The Foreign Office confirmed the Government had paid no money, saying: "HMG never pays ransoms. It is illegal to pay ransoms to a terrorist group."

While several Western governments have paid money to secure the release of hostages held by militants, the UK and US governments have a policy of refusing demands for ransoms.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Queen Will Pay Mansion Tax, Says Ed Balls

The Queen and Prince William would have to pay mansion tax under a Labour government, the shadow chancellor has said.

Ed Balls suggested the Queen would need to pay tax on her properties at Sandringham and Balmoral, although Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle would be exempt under special rules.

He told Sky's Murnaghan Programme: "There aren't different rules for anybody."

Under proposals announced by Mr Balls at the Labour conference, homes valued at more than £2m would be subject to an increased tax.

He suggested the rules would include the Queen and Prince William, who is due to move into a large home on the Sandringham estate, but added there would be exemptions for those living in homes open to the public, such as National Trust properties.

He said: "There has always been a cross-party consensus that we have fair and tough rules for the financing of the Royal Household but members of the Royal Household pay taxes just like everybody else and rightly so.

"There aren't different rules for anybody. That's the nature of our society."

The idea of a mansion tax was first proposed by the Liberal Democrats, who are currently holding their party conference in Glasgow.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander told the Murnaghan Programme: "Immitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

Mr Balls admitted Ed Miliband had missed out his passage on the deficit during his speech to the Labour Party conference but still gave it "ten out of ten".

He said he had seen the speech two weeks ahead of the conference and it had a "strong passage about the deficit" in it but Mr Miliband had left it out in what Mr Balls said the Labour leader had described as a "mistake".

Mr Balls also hit back at Lord Prescott's criticism of the party's conference, saying it had been flat and uninspiring but admitted the party should learn from the party's 1997 election campaign.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Liberal Democrats: Tories Have Gone Nasty

The Liberal Democrats have accused the Tories of pinching their 'tax cuts for millions' plan and claiming all the credit for the economic recovery.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander also told the Murnaghan Programme the Tories had lurched further and further to the right leaving an "ever-widening gap" between the two parties.

He said the Conservatives had lost all the compassion promised ahead of the 2010 General Election and it had been replaced with a "nastier" approach.

Mr Alexander said the Tory plan unveiled by David Cameron as the middle class centrepiece giveaway of the party's conference was a Liberal Democrat policy.

Mr Cameron said by 2020 he would increase to £12,500 the amount people could earn free from income tax – effectively delivering a tax cut for 30 million people.

However, Mr Alexander, who is giving his speech at the Liberal Democrat conference in Glasgow, said the policy was simply an extension of the personal allowance increase the Government had already introduced.

Video: Farron On Lib Dem Bedmates For 2015

He said that was "only happening because we Liberal Democrats fought for it every day in coalition".

The Liberal Democrats have made clear their red lines in the event of another coalition after the General Election in May.

Nick Clegg said there was no way his party would support George Osborne's plans for a two-year freeze on working age benefits or Mr Cameron's announcement he would scrap the Human Rights Act.

In a speech on Saturday he accused Mr Cameron would end up trapped between a "poor man's Margaret Thatcher and a rich man's Nigel Farage".

Mr Alexander said: "What we've seen on a lot of issues is the Conservatives move away from the sort of 'compassionate conservatism' they were talking about in 2010 to a much nastier, harder-edged approach. That's a change that's taken place within their party, so you hear more and more about bashing the EU and attacking the Human Rights Act and less and less about fairness.

"We hardly heard the phrase 'We're all in this together' at all at the Tory party conference. You hear nothing at all now about tackling climate change."

He denied the conference season marked the end of the coalition and said they would continue to work together until May.

He said it was the job of the party to keep the Government on the "straight and narrow" and when the General Election came that would be the role he was sure the public would want to see the party continue.

Tim Farron, the party's president, said the Tories had returned to the "nasty party" as set out by the Home Secretary Theresa May, who slammed the Liberal Democrats in her conference speech.

He said the Liberal Democrats would be prepared to go into coalition with the party the electorate gave the greatest number of votes to.

20.14 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mengenai Saya

Popular Posts Today

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 11 Oktober 2014 | 20.14

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 09 Oktober 2014 | 20.14

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 08 Oktober 2014 | 20.14

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 07 Oktober 2014 | 20.14

Written By Unknown on Senin, 06 Oktober 2014 | 20.14

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 05 Oktober 2014 | 20.14

Links

Arsip Blog