British Soldier Killed In 'Insider Attack'

A British soldier has been killed in Afghanistan in an apparent "insider attack" at his base, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The soldier, from The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, was killed while in Patrol Base Shawqat, in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand province, a spokesman for Task Force Helmand said.

His next of kin have been informed.

Major Laurence Roche, a spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "I am very sorry to report the death of a soldier ... who was shot by an individual wearing an Afghan National Army uniform at his base in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand province.

"This is incredibly sad news for the battalion and everyone serving in Task Force Helmand.

"As we mark Remembrance this weekend, our thoughts now turn to the soldier's family and friends whose loss is so much greater than ours."

The insider attack takes to 438 the number of UK service members to have lost their lives in Afghanistan since operations started in October 2001.

The number of British servicemen killed by Afghan soldiers or police, which have become known as 'green on blue' attacks, is 12 this year, compared with one in 2011, three in 2010 and five in 2009.

At least 54 international troops have died as a result of such attacks - where Afghans turn their weapons on their coalition colleagues.

Responsibility for security in Afghanistan is due to be handed over to local military and police from 2014.

News of the killing came last night after the Queen led the nation in honouring the fallen, as the country fell silent to remember its war dead.

In scenes replicated at memorials across the UK and Commonwealth nations, the monarch laid the first wreath at the Cenotaph to commemorate members of the Armed Forces who died fighting in all conflicts since the First World War.

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Burning Poppy Photo: Man Faces Questioning

A man is to be questioned by police after an image of a burning poppy was posted on Facebook on Remembrance Sunday.

Kent Police said the 19-year-old, from Canterbury, was detained last night on suspicion of making malicious telecommunications and is in custody awaiting interview.

The force said in a statement: "A man is due to be interviewed by police this morning following reports that a picture of a burning poppy had been posted on a social media website.

"Officers were contacted at around 4pm yesterday and alerted to the picture, which was reportedly accompanied by an offensive comment."

The arrest was met with disbelief on Twitter, where people mounted a fierce discussion over civil liberties.

Tom Williams, tweeting as @tomwilliamsisme, wrote: "The scary thing is, the man wasn't arrested for burning a poppy - that's not illegal. He was arrested for putting it online."

Jamie's Pants, under @thisisrjg, tweeted: "We do not have a right to not be offended. We certainly don't have a right to lock up someone for offending some people", 

And Thom Lumley, tweeting as @Hotstepperrr, wrote: "Dear idiots at Kent Police, burning a poppy may be obnoxious, but it is not a criminal offence."

David Allen Green, a journalist and lawyer for the New Statesman, tweeting as Jack of Kent, wrote: "What was the point of winning either World War if, in 2012, someone can be casually arrested by Kent Police for burning a poppy?"

Australian musician and comedian Tim Minchin also tweeted his incredulity, saying: "You've a right to burn a (fake!) poppy. Whether I agree with the action is utterly irrelevant. Kent Police are out of line."

Meanwhile, a man who skateboarded alongside a Remembrance Sunday parade wearing a pink outfit and horned mask has been charged under the Public Order Act, police said.

Jose Paulo Da Silveria, 38, is alleged to have skateboarded beside marching troops as they made their way past the cenotaph towards College Green in Bristol city centre.

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Coach Fall: Woman Hurt On M42 Motorway

A woman has suffered a serious head injury after falling from a coach travelling on the M42 motorway in the West Midlands.

The victim, in her 20s, is believed to have fallen from the vehicle's emergency exit near the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

The West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to junction six of the motorway shortly after 11pm on Sunday night.

An ambulance service spokesman said the woman had suffered a serious head injury and was stabilised at the scene before being taken to Coventry's University Hospital.

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Fulham Murder: Pensioner Found Dead In Home

Police have launched a murder inquiry after finding the body of a pensioner during a call-out to a burglary.

Officers were called to Hazlebury Road in Fulham, southwest London, at 6.20am on Sunday after receiving reports of a break-in.

On entering the house they discovered the body of 73-year-old Joseph Lewis Griffiths, who had suffered a violent attack.

London Ambulance Service was called to the property and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said other people had been in the house at the time, but none of them was injured.

Police and forensic officers at the scene of the murder

He said: "Police have carried out initial house-to-house enquiries and are in the process of forensically examining the scene.

"There have been no arrests at this stage and enquiries continue.

"We are keeping an open mind as to the motive at this very early stage. Next of kin are aware."

Mr Griffiths was married with two grown-up sons, the spokesman said.

A post-mortem examination will take place in due course, he added.

An incident room has been set up at Belgravia Police Station and anyone with information is asked to call 020 7321 7228 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Abu Qatada Wins Appeal Against Extradition

Abu Qatada could be freed after winning his latest appeal against extradition, in a major blow to Home Secretary Theresa May.

The Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac) sided with the radical cleric's lawyers who had argued he would not get a fair trial in Jordan.

This is despite the Home Secretary seeking assurances from the country that no evidence gained through torture would be used against Qatada at trial.

Mr Justice Mitting, Siac's president, has now said he is "minded" to release Qatada on bail but will listen to Home Office lawyers before making a final decision.

The successful appeal is the latest twist in a battle that has now lasted more than a decade. The Government will appeal and Mrs May will address the Commons later.

A Home Office spokesman said: "The Government strongly disagrees with this ruling. We have obtained assurances not just in relation to the treatment of Qatada himself, but about the quality of the legal processes that would be followed throughout his trial.

"Indeed, today's ruling found that 'the Jordanian judiciary, like their executive counterparts, are determined to ensure that the appellant will receive, and be seen to receive, a fair retrial. We will therefore seek leave to appeal."

Qatada, once described by a judge as Osama bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe, was allowed to stay in Britain in 1994 but was convicted of terror charges in Jordan in his absence in 1999.

The cleric, who is said to have wide and high-level support among extremists, featured in hate sermons found on videos in the flat of one of the September 11 bombers.

In December 2001, he became one of Britain's most wanted men after going on the run from his home in west London. He was arrested almost a year later and detained in Belmarsh prison.

He has been in and out of jail in the intervening years but was re-arrested in April amid hopes in Government that he could finally be removed from the country.

His legal team lodged a fresh appeal at the European Court of Human Rights but lost, kicking the fight back to the British courts and Siac.

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Victoria Cross Charity Role For George, 12

Bereaved Mum's Journey Of Despair

Updated: 9:44am UK, Sunday 11 November 2012

By Lucy Cotter and Richard Suchet

For the families of those killed in war, Remembrance Sunday can be a day of profound grief.

While the nation - and the Commonwealth - expresses its gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, the bereaved are reminded of their own suffering and loss.

Some 53 British servicemen and women have been killed in Afghanistan in the past 12 months and 437 have died there since operations began in 2001.

Margaret Evison's son Mark died in Helmand Province in 2009.

A lieutenant in the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, he was considered one of the finest officers of his generation.

He died aged just 26 after being shot in the shoulder while leading a patrol in Helmand.

Margaret's book Death Of A Soldier describes the aftermath - from the time she was told her son had been injured, up until after his inquest.

It is an incredibly moving account which articulates the loss of a child, and is deeply thought-provoking.

But it also asks important questions about the circumstances surrounding Lt Evison's death, about the Army and the war in Afghanistan.

Ms Evison said: "It's a journey through despair, but also a tale of surprises, sometimes magical ... to pay my respects to a young man who commanded such love and respect in his short life."

Lt Evison was clearly a remarkable man, who achieved a great deal and inspired those who knew him.

Nicknamed 007, he was idolised by his men and was destined for a very bright future in the Army he loved so much.

Brigadier Tim Radford, heading the 19th Brigade in Afghanistan at the time, wrote: "He was charming, utterly focused, thoughtful and he left an indelible stamp.

"I know his soldiers adored him and he was held in such high esteem by them. Mark was described by his solders as having 'a face that was sculpted by angels'. In 25 years in the army, I have never heard soldiers speak with such affection about one of their officers."

The book brings Lt Evison to life through his mother's words, but also uses his own.

He wrote a diary in Afghanistan until a few days before he died which is included, along with extracts from the many letters written to the family from people who knew Lt Evison.

As well as being a very personal story about loss, the book illustrates the heroics of the people involved in trying to save Lt Evison, but also questions whether his death could have been avoided.

Ms Evison battled with the Ministry of Defence and found evidence that there was a lack of resources, poor radio equipment, and a delay in the helicopter sent to rescue Lt Evison which had an impact on his care.

She not only questions the Army's deficiencies, but the legitimacy of the campaign in Afghanistan.

However, the book ends on a very positive note, describing The Mark Evison Foundation, which was set up shortly after his death to inspire young people and help them develop their potential.

"We wanted the foundation to reflect Mark's unusual capacity to be a life-enhancer," she wrote. "That became its strap line 'Bring out the best in you'."

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Jimmy Savile Inquiry Police Arrest Man

A man in his 70s has been arrested in connection with the Jimmy Savile sex abuse investigation.

The suspect is being held as part of Operation Yewtree - an inquiry into alleged child sexual exploitation by Savile and others.

Police said the man was detained at 7.15am at an address in Cambridge on suspicion of sexual offences, and has been taken into custody locally.

The arrest is the third made in Operation Yewtree.

Former glam rock star Gary Glitter, whose real name is Paul Gadd, was arrested first and questioned at a central London police station after being detained at his home in the capital.

Comedian Freddie Starr was arrested next. He was detained twice and released on bail for a second time earlier this month as part of the Savile abuse inquiry.

The 69-year-old, from Warwickshire, was arrested on suspicion of sexual offences.

He has consistently denied any involvement in the alleged abuse.

Scotland Yard is leading a national investigation into former TV and radio presenter Savile, who died last year at the age of 84.

He is now believed to have been one of the UK's most prolific abusers, with about 300 possible victims.

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Remembrance Sunday: Tribute To Helmand Soldier

By Lucy Cotter and Richard Suchet

For the families of those killed in war, Remembrance Sunday can be a day of profound grief.

While the nation - and the Commonwealth - expresses its gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, the bereaved are reminded of their own suffering and loss.

Some 53 British servicemen and women have been killed in Afghanistan in the past 12 months and 437 have died there since operations began in 2001.

Margaret Evison's son Mark died in Helmand Province in 2009.

A lieutenant in the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, he was considered one of the finest officers of his generation.

Ms Evison's book describes the aftermath of her son's death

He died aged just 26 after being shot in the shoulder while leading a patrol in Helmand.

Margaret's book Death Of A Soldier describes the aftermath - from the time she was told her son had been injured, up until after his inquest.

It is an incredibly moving account which articulates the loss of a child, and is deeply thought-provoking.

But it also asks important questions about the circumstances surrounding Lt Evison's death, about the Army and the war in Afghanistan.

Ms Evison said: "It's a journey through despair, but also a tale of surprises, sometimes magical ... to pay my respects to a young man who commanded such love and respect in his short life."

Mark Evison was one of the army's brightest stars

Lt Evison was clearly a remarkable man, who achieved a great deal and inspired those who knew him.

Nicknamed 007, he was idolised by his men and was destined for a very bright future in the Army he loved so much.

Brigadier Tim Radford, heading the 19th Brigade in Afghanistan at the time, wrote: "He was charming, utterly focused, thoughtful and he left an indelible stamp.

"I know his soldiers adored him and he was held in such high esteem by them. Mark was described by his solders as having 'a face that was sculpted by angels'. In 25 years in the army, I have never heard soldiers speak with such affection about one of their officers."

The book brings Lt Evison to life through his mother's words, but also uses his own.

He wrote a diary in Afghanistan until a few days before he died which is included, along with extracts from the many letters written to the family from people who knew Lt Evison.

As well as being a very personal story about loss, the book illustrates the heroics of the people involved in trying to save Lt Evison, but also questions whether his death could have been avoided.

Ms Evison battled with the Ministry of Defence and found evidence that there was a lack of resources, poor radio equipment, and a delay in the helicopter sent to rescue Lt Evison which had an impact on his care.

She not only questions the Army's deficiencies, but the legitimacy of the campaign in Afghanistan.

However, the book ends on a very positive note, describing The Mark Evison Foundation, which was set up shortly after his death to inspire young people and help them develop their potential.

"We wanted the foundation to reflect Mark's unusual capacity to be a life-enhancer," she wrote. "That became its strap line 'Bring out the best in you'."

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Remembrance Sunday: Tributes To The Fallen

Two minutes' silence have been held to remember those who have fallen in battle.

Marked by the first stroke of Big Ben at 11am and the firing of a gun from Horse Guards Parade by The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery the silence was followed by The Last Post, sounded by the Buglers of the Royal Marines.

The Queen laid the first wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, followed by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of York, the Earl of Wessex, the Princess Royal, Prince Michael of Kent and Field Marshal Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank.

The Queen laid the first wreath following the silence

Wreaths were also laid by Prime Minister David Cameron, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, opposition leader Ed Miliband and Westminster Plaid Cymru group leader Elfyn Llwyd, as well as high commissioners from Commonwealth countries and leaders of the Armed Forces.

Thousands of veterans have also marched through Whitehall to pay their respects at the Cenotaph.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, currently on their Diamond Jubilee Tour in New Zealand, had already paid their respects, laying a wreath of poppies at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Prince Charles visited Auckland War Memorial with the Duchess of Cornwall

There are a number of services taking place, including at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, which was attended by around 3,000 people.

The arboretum's focal point, the national Armed Forces Memorial, is designed so that on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, a shaft of sunlight dissects its inner and outer walls, falling on a bronze wreath sculpture.

Services also took place at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh and Enniskillen in County Fermanagh.

For the first time, the two most senior members of the Irish government will attend Remembrance events in Northern Ireland.

Irish premier Enda Kenny was in Enniskillen, 25 years after the 'Poppy Day bombing' which killed 11 people and injured more than 60. Mr Kenny laid a laurel wreath at the war memorial, only yards from where the no-warning blast detonated a quarter of a century ago

Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg and Prime Minister David Cameron also laid wreaths

And deputy leader Eamon Gilmore laid a wreath with Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers in Belfast.

In Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan, around 150 servicemen and women attended a service at 11am Afghan time, marking the two minute silence before a bugler sounded the reveille.

Other ceremonies have been held across Helmand at patrol bases and checkpoints by the 9,500 British forces serving there.

Thousands of people also respected the two minute silence on Twitter, abstaining from posting messages during the period of reflection. The idea was spread using the hashtag #2minutesilence.

On Saturday night, Rod Stewart performed for the Queen at the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance in honour of Britain's war dead.

The show included the traditional two minute silence as poppy petals fell from the roof of the Royal Albert Hall, each representing a life lost in war.

Two minutes of silence begin at 11am every year on November 11 to commemorate the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany for a ceasefire on the Western Front, which took effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.

The England cricket team fall silent during their tour match in India

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Missing Girl: Man Hands Himself In To Police

A 22-year-old man wanted in connection with the suspected murder of a teenager has handed himself in to police.

Hertfordshire Police said Jack Wall had been arrested this morning by officers investigating the disappearance of Amelia Arnold, who was last seen on Wednesday.

Detectives fear that Miss Arnold, aged 19, has been murdered and are focussing their inquiries on her home in Hadrian's Walk, Stevenage.

More follows...

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