Teen Held After 15-Year-Old Killed In Car Crash

A teenage driver has been arrested after a 15-year-old boy died in a car crash in Bradford.

The boy was a passenger in a red Volkswagen Golf GTI that collided with a wall and telegraph pole in the city on Friday morning.

He was taken to hospital after the accident but later died of his injuries, according to West Yorkshire police.

Another 15-year-old boy who was involved in the crash was seriously hurt but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

The driver of the vehicle was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is currently in custody.

Police have made an appeal for the occupants of a purple or maroon Peugeot, who were likely to have seen the Golf shortly before it crashed, to contact them.

Pc Andrew McManus, of the Major Collision Inquiry Team, said: "A young boy has tragically lost his life as a result of this collision."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Boris Johnson Selected As Candidate For MP

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has been selected to represent the Conservatives at the next election in Uxbridge and South Ruislip.

He won outright in the first ballot of the local Conservative association, where three other candidates also ran to represent the seat.

Speaking on the steps of the building where the meeting was held, Mr Johnson addressed the media.

He said: "Uxbridge and South Ruislip Conservative Association have done me the honour of picking me to fight the election and in 236 days, as their candidate, that is what I'm going to do.

"I'm obviously thrilled. It will be a tough fight and a long fight. I've no doubt whatever that we are going to be able to return David Cameron and the Conservatives with an absolute majority in 2015.

"That's what I'm going to be working for. Not just here in Uxbridge but in the rest of London as well."

Asked by Sky's Chief Political Correspondent Jon Craig if he intended to use it as a step towards running for prime minister, he said: "No, this is the first stage in a campaign to retain the seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip for the Conservatives which is what I propose to do.

Dozens of members of the media were awaiting the result in Uxbridge

"And to get across the message about what the Conservatives have achieved, not just in London but across the country as whole in turning the economy round as we have in the last few years and urging people not to throw it away by allowing Ed Miliband and the Labour Party to get in."

Asked whether he intended to do the job of Mayor of London and MP at the same time, he said: "It's been done before and I see no reason why it cannot be done again.

"I would also point out that it's possible to be both an MP and have a very big job such as foreign secretary or prime minister."

He said it was too early to say whether he would be moving to Uxbridge or south Ruislip, but he said, as Mayor of London, he was familiar with the area.

"What I've got to do is have a lot of talks with people here in Uxbridge and South Ruislip. Get to know people and get to know the association - obviously I know it quite well already because I've spent six years representing the area.

"There's a lot of digging in to be done."

Before the ballot, Mr Johnson and his three rivals made a behind-closed doors pitch to members of the association in a school hall.

Sadiq Khan said Mr Johnson will be 'a lame duck mayor'

Mr Johnson previously served as an MP for Henley for seven years before quitting Westminster to take up the City Hall reins in 2008.

He will defend a majority of 11,216 in the constituency in northwest London which was previously held by former deputy chief whip Sir John Randall, who is stepping down.

Shadow minister for London Sadiq Khan said: "The fact that Boris Johnson is so openly campaigning to replace David Cameron shows just how weak the Prime Minister has become.

"Rather than tackling the rising cost of living the Tories are turning in on themselves, jockeying for position in a future leadership contest.

"When Boris Johnson should be fixing London's desperate housing crisis, he will instead be spending the next two years campaigning to be an MP and Tory leader.

"He will be a lame duck mayor who has put his personal ambitions above the needs of the hard-working Londoners he was elected to serve until 2016."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Major Blaze Hits Nottingham University Campus

Around 60 firefighters have brought a major blaze under control at Nottingham University.

The "significant incident" began at approximately 8.30pm on Friday at the GlaxoSmithKline building on the Jubilee Campus.

Witnesses said they have heard loud explosions from the building, which is under construction and unoccupied.

No one was injured and no other buildings were affected as fire crews fought to gain control of the fire while it tore through the timber-framed building, sending burning debris into the sky above.

Nottingham Fire and Rescue group manager Joanne Wooler-Ward said: "No other buildings have been affected, fortunately no people were involved in this fire and we've had 12 crews here, that's over 60 firefighters.

Smoke was seen billowing from the university campus. Pic: Sam Bradley

"Credit to those firefighters who pulled out all the stops to prevent this fire spreading.

"When we arrived, the fire was a significant size - it could be seen from quite a distance - and there was a smoke plume spreading towards the campus area so we sent out a message for people to keep doors and windows closed.

"The firefighters have worked hard to contain that fire and stop it from spreading to any other buildings."

The building is under construction and is unoccupied. Pic: Sarah Armes

In a statement, university registrar Dr Paul Greatrix said: "Thankfully, there have been no casualties as this is a building that was still under construction."

The carbon-neutral building, which was due to be opened early next year, cost £15.8m and would have had enough laboratory space for more than 100 researchers.

Some eyewitnesses on Twitter have claimed that the complex has been "completely destroyed".

Dr Greatrix added: "(Saturday) we are due to welcome prospective students and their families to Nottingham for our Open Day and we would like to stress that this is still going ahead as planned."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scotland's Gender Divide Over Independence

How Yes Vote Would Change Scotland

Updated: 4:05am UK, Wednesday 29 January 2014

By Niall Paterson, Sky News Correspondent

Anyone who tells you they know with certainty what will happen in the advent of a 'Yes' vote is at best being disingenuous, at worst lying through their teeth.

Plenty of questions simply cannot be answered until the voters decide to make Scotland an independent nation.

Of course, a degree of informed speculation is taking place across the UK - so with the above in mind, here's what Scotland might gain or lose after the referendum on Thursday, September 18:

:: SCOTLAND GAINS: A NATIONAL ANTHEM

Officially, Scotland doesn't have one. Then again, neither does England. God Save The Queen is the British anthem, although it was long ago purloined by those south of Gretna Green, and sung with lusty glee at Twickenham and Wembley. Flower Of Scotland, by beardy Scottish folk heroes The Corries, was adopted by the Scottish rugby team back when they won things and is a strong contender, although references to sending the English home again might be considered a bit thirteenth century. A new anthem might well be commissioned, but having watched Eurovision over the past few years, few would bet on it being any good.

:: SCOTLAND LOSES: THE BBC

Nope, this isn't just a chance for me to lay into Auntie. Again. Obviously the BBC would retain a presence north of the border and Eastenders isn't going anywhere (unfortunately) but Alex Salmond has proposed a Scottish Broadcasting Service, a joint venture with the Beeb. It would initially be set up using BBC Scotland's facilities and staff, although one wonders what they would think of that. The SNP says it would have an annual budget of £345m, which would mean doubling the amount spend on public service broadcasting in Scotland. River City (Google it, Englanders) will continue ... to annoy me.

:: SCOTLAND GAINS: A PASSPORT AND BORDERS

Well, there will certainly be a Scottish passport after a 'Yes' vote, and borders seem increasingly likely. Theresa May has said there would need to be improved checks as the SNP intends to pursue a more liberal immigration policy. Any government would be able to do that, in fact, so some form of control would appear a necessity. Goodbye to the "Welcome to England" sign, hello annoying spot checks and cavity searches.

:: SCOTLAND LOSES: MEMBERSHIP OF THE EU

For now at least. No one really expects an independent Scotland wouldn't ultimately gain EU membership, but it might be a rather time-consuming process given the other member states would have to agree - and there are a few with their own issues around self-determination (see Spain and Catalonia) that might wish to make it rather difficult.

:: SCOTLAND GAINS: ITS OWN ARMED FORCES

As with the BBC, Alex Salmond seems intent on a bit of a land grab (don't worry, people of Durham, not literally), and there has been the suggestion that forces based in Scotland could switch allegiances. Defence secretary Philip Hammond says that is "laughable". In any event, the plan is to have a Scottish Defence Force, with a standing army of as many as 12,500 troops, close working relations with Scandinavian countries and between 20 and 25 ships. No word yet on whether any of those will be called Dignity.

:: SCOTLAND LOSES: TRIDENT

A biggie, this. Growing up not terribly far from the nuclear submarine base at Faslane, I was blissfully unaware of the Russian warheads targeting the UK's deterrent. And, whether true or not, the view lingers that it whilst it makes strategic sense to put the subs as far away from Westminster as possible, it's rather unfair, particularly given a strong historic opposition in Scotland to nuclear weapons. The problem is the SNP have only latterly recognised that Nato membership is important to Scotland's international standing - and it is, of course, a nuclear alliance.

:: SCOTLAND (POSSIBLY) GAINS: NORTH SEA OIL

Bit tricky, this one. At stake, there's as much as 24 billion barrels of oil and gas worth £1.5 trillion waiting to be extracted - and HM Treasury's coffers aren't exactly overflowing at the moment. Geographically, Scotland could claim up to 90% of this and one could argue the UK's position on the Falklands strengthens the SNP case. But the Government in Westminster could also argue it should be recompensed for decades of infrastructure investment. Frankly, I don't know. Sorry. Told you this was going to be difficult.

:: SCOTLAND (POSSIBLY) LOSES: THE POUND

Undoubtedly there will be a currency used in Scotland called the pound. The question is, whether or not it continues to be backed by the Bank of England. It would essentially mean a currency union between an independent Scotland and the remainder of the UK - and whilst the First Minister thinks it's an absolutely smashing idea, funnily enough that's not a view shared by, for example, the Chancellor nor the Governor of the Bank of England. True, a separate currency would make trading between the nations that bit more difficult, and that's got to be a factor when the recovery is so fragile. But the Governor, Mark Carney, is fond of pointing to the Eurozone crisis. One thing's certain - those funny-coloured banknotes so loved by London taxi drivers aren't going anywhere anytime soon. Which is a good thing. No trip to London is complete without a wizened driver turning up his nose at your purple twenty quid note.

So, in short, we don't really know. And we will only get to know in the passage of time after a 'Yes' majority in the referendum.

Some will vote with their heart, some with their head.

Some won't vote at all - and with so many unanswerables, who can blame them?

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scotland: 'No' Camp Eight Points Clear In Poll

A new opinion poll has given the "No" campaign in the Scottish referendum campaign an eight point lead, after a leading bank warned a "Yes" vote could be a mistake akin to those that sparked the Great Depression.

The telephone poll, which was commissioned by the Better Together campaign and carried out by Survation, has the "No" vote on 54% and the "Yes" camp on 46% when undecided voters are factored out.

As the campaign enters its final weekend, Deutsche Bank has claimed that the economic arguments against independence are "overwhelming".

Chief economist David Folkerts-Landau said a Yes vote could be a "mistake as large as Winston Churchill's decision in 1925 to return the pound to the Gold Standard or the failure of the Federal Reserve to provide sufficient liquidity to the US banking system, which we now know brought on the Great Depression in the US".

Coverage starts at 9pm

Mr Folkerts-Landau said he found it "incomprehensible" that Scots were even contemplating withdrawal from the UK.

Scotland's SNP Government accused him of failing to take into account the country's "strong fiscal position", and two senior bankers also hit out at the claim, calling it "preposterous" and "disingenuous".

Ian Blackford, who used to run Deutsche Bank's operations in Scotland and the Netherlands, and Edward McDowell, a former risk manager for Lloyds Banking Group, played down the warnings.

At least 2.6 million leaflets will be delivered to households in 48 hours with less than a week to go until polling day.

Alex Salmond's cause will be backed by 35,000 volunteers this weekend

An estimated 10,000 people attended a rally by the Orange Order in support of the Union in Edinburgh on Saturday.

The Yes side has planned to have more than 35,000 volunteers on the streets of Scotland over the weekend, manning 473 registered street stalls.

Former prime minister Gordon Brown is trying to persuade the public to vote No in the country's east.

Meanwhile, three more retailers have said customers would be hit by higher prices under independence.

An estimated 10,000 people attended a rally by the Orange Order

Marks and Spencer, B&Q and Timpson made the claim in a joint letter published in the Daily Record.

Asda and John Lewis made similar assertions this week, but Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the Yes campaign's "momentum is still growing and will soon become unstoppable, as people reject the Downing Street-orchestrated campaign to talk Scotland down".

Many of Britain's newspapers reported on comments by a former SNP deputy leader which appeared to threaten recriminations against businesses that backed a No vote.

A sign of support for the Union during the Orange Order march

Jim Sillars said there would be "a day of reckoning with BP and the banks" if Scotland votes Yes, adding that BP would "need to learn the meaning of nationalisation".

In a fiery interview with Sky News, Mr Sillars said he was simply using "robust" language to draw attention to the "orchestrated fear campaign coming from Downing Street".

First Minister Alex Salmond praised Mr Sillars's dedication to the campaign but said rather than a "day of reckoning", a Yes vote would be followed by a "day of celebration".

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Royal Hoax 'Pressing' On Suicide Nurse's Mind

A nurse who committed suicide blamed herself after putting through a hoax call to the Duchess of Cambridge's hospital ward, an inquest has heard.

Jacintha Saldanha's body was found hanging in nursing accommodation three days after staff at London's King Edward VII Hospital were tricked into revealing details of the Duchess' stay.

The mother of two, 46, was the first nurse to answer the on-air call by Australian DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian, who pretended to be the Queen and Prince Philip.

She passed them on to a second nurse on Kate Middleton's ward, who unwittingly gave out information about her morning sickness.

Mel Greig leaves the inquest at the High Court

"The hoax call was clearly pressing on her mind, as were difficulties she had experienced with a colleague," said coroner Fiona Wilcox.

She said the cause of death was hanging and it was "inconceivable" that Mrs Saldanha would have given her permission for the call to be broadcast on radio.

Dr Wilcox did not criticise the DJs or radio station, but referred to four calls made to the hospital by production staff to gain Mrs Saldanha's consent before the recording aired.

Mrs Saldanha's family with Leicester MP Keith Vaz outside the High Court

"If she did take these calls I find it inconceivable she would have consented, as a participant in the call, to its broadcast," she said.

Ms Greig, who posed as the Queen during the prank call on Sydney's 2Day FM, apologised to Mrs Saldanha's family at the inquest at London's High Court.

"I really just wanted to say I am truly sorry, I've wanted to say that for so long," she told them.

"This tragedy will always stay with me and serve as a constant reminder."

Speaking on behalf of Mrs Saldanha's family, Leicester MP Keith Vaz said after the hearing: "Over the last two days, the family and the world have heard about her nobility, her dedication to her patients, her love of her job and her fantastic professionalism.

"The family of course accept the verdict of the coroner's court today.

Australian DJs Michael Christian and Mel Greig

"It is an irony that four calls made in 115 seconds, which were the cause of so much mirth in Australia, could have deprived Benedict (Barboza, her widower) of his wife and Lisha and Junal of their beloved mother.

"These despicable and cruel actions, this hoax, has changed their lives forever."

Andrew Robertson, chief executive at King Edward VII's Hospital, said: "The loss of Jacintha was a tragedy. A family lost a loving mother. We lost a friend and a first-class nurse."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sabrina Moss Killers Jailed For 37 Years Each

Three men have each been jailed for 37 years for murdering Sabrina Moss, who was shot dead while celebrating her 24th birthday.

The nursery school teacher was caught in crossfire near a fast food restaurant in Kilburn, north London, in an attack by two hooded men armed with a machine gun and a shotgun.

She and her friend, Sabrina Gachette, were victims of a "deep-seated" bloody drugs turf war as they sheltered from the rain with a group of 15 others near the Woody Grill, in the early hours of August 24, last year.

Convicted: (L-R) Yasin James, Martell Warren and Hassan Hussain

The mother-of-one was shot in the heart and died in hospital from her injuries.

The victims' families cheered in court as the judge sentenced Hassan Hussain, 29, Martell Warren, 24, and Yasin James, 20.

Police at the scene of the shooting in north London

Jurors at the Old Bailey heard Hussain had discharged the Mac 10 "spray and pray" machine gun six times and James fired both barrels of the shotgun at near point blank range, before fleeing the scene in a car driven by Warren.

The women were not the intended targets and were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Miss Gachette, who was hit in the back by more than 50 gunshot pellets, survived to give evidence during the 10-week trial.

Sabrina Gachette was hit in the back but survived and testifed at the trial

The 25-year-old, who almost a year on, still has a few pellets lodged in her body, told the court: "There was no warning. I thought someone had thrown a brick at me. Then because of the explosion I thought it was a firework.

"Sabrina was in front of me and that was when I heard her say she had been shot in her heart. That is the last thing I remember hearing her say."

The killers' intended targets were members of the South Kilburn Gang - and Miss Moss, who was dressed in a bright red dress and high heels - would have stood out from the crowd like a beacon in the night, jurors were told.

More follows ...

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ex-Democratic Unionist Leader Ian Paisley Dies

The former Democratic Unionist Party leader Dr Ian Paisley has died, aged 88.

His family said they are 'heartbroken', while his successor as DUP leader and Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson said he was a "towering figure".

Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness also expressed his deep regret and said he had lost a friend.

The firebrand Protestant preacher and politician who led opposition to compromise with the IRA for decades, later became a peacemaker when he entered government with Sinn Fein at Stormont following a landmark deal.

The ex-First Minister of Northern Ireland had been ill for some time

He had been ill for some time, and was hospitalised in 2012 with a heart problem.

In a statement announcing his death, his wife Eileen said: "My beloved husband, Ian, entered his eternal rest this morning.

"Although ours is the grand hope of reunion, naturally as a family we are heartbroken.

"We loved him and he adored us, and our earthly lives are forever changed."

The funeral will be private but a memorial service is planned later in the year.

Mr Robinson told Sky News: "Ian Paisley was a towering figure, not just within unionism, but Northern Ireland politics as a whole.

"He was in many ways Mr Northern Ireland."

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said he had lost a friend

Mr McGuinness, NI's Deputy First Minister, said: "In the brief period that we worked together in the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister I developed a close working relationship with him which developed into a friendship, which despite our many differences lasted beyond his term in office."

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Ian Paisley was one of the most forceful and instantly recognisable characters in British politics for nearly half a century.

"Of course, Ian Paisley was a controversial figure for large parts of his career.

"Yet the contribution he made in his later years to political stability in Northern Ireland was huge.

"In particular, his decision to take his party into government with Sinn Fein in 2007 required great courage and leadership, for which everyone in these islands should be grateful.

"Ian Paisley will be remembered by many as the 'Big Man' of Northern Ireland politics.  He will be greatly missed."

Former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "Ian was a man of deep convictions. The convictions never changed. But his appreciation of the possibilities of peace, gradually and with much soul searching, did. He began as the militant. He ended as the peacemaker."

The Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said: "Dr Paisley was by any measure a major figure in the history of these islands.

"His devotion to his faith and to the Unionist people of Northern Ireland was deep and unshakeable.

"In time, history will come to a fuller judgement of his long career.

"And, while he was of course a divisive figure, his greatest legacy will be one of peace."

Former Northern Ireland secretary Peter Hain said: "Ian Paisley was the Big Man of Northern Ireland politics. The historic 2007 peace settlement bringing bitter lifetime enemies to govern jointly could never have happened without him."

Dr Paisley led opposition to any accommodation with republicans for decades and his fiery rhetoric was legendary.

He opposed successive political deals including the Anglo Irish and Good Friday Agreements but agreed to powersharing with Sinn Fein in 2007 following that party's acceptance of the new police force.

The former North Antrim MP stepped down as leader of the DUP and as first minister in 2008.

He retired from the European Parliament in 2009, Parliament in 2010, and the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2011.

Dr Paisley was elevated to the House of Lords in 2010 taking the title Lord Bannside, to reflect the starting point of his parliamentary career in the now defunct constituency.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Preacher Turned Politician Was Rarely Silent

By David Blevins, Ireland Correspondent

The Reverend Ian Paisley didn't utter his first words until the age of two. He spent the next 85 years making up for it. The preacher turned politician was rarely silent.

"Never, never, never" - his most famous phrase - thundered through the streets of Belfast in 1985. Hundreds of thousands had gathered to protest when Margaret Thatcher sought closer ties with Dublin.

He may have been loyal to the Queen but was twice detained "at Her Majesty's pleasure". Political protest earned Rev Paisley prison sentences, a reputation and a legion of supporters.

He founded the Democratic Unionist Party and the Free Presbyterian Church. When Pope John Paul II visited the European Parliament, Rev Paisley was expelled for calling him the "anti-Christ".

The gay community incurred his wrath too. With a high-profile campaign entitled "Save Ulster from Sodomy", Ian Paisley resisted the decriminalising of homosexuality in Northern Ireland during the 1970s.

When journalists came knocking, he sometimes asked to smell their breath before answering questions to ensure they had not drunk "the devil's buttermilk". He never gave interviews on "the Sabbath".

By 2007, Northern Ireland had changed and so had the outspoken cleric. He shared power with his enemy, Martin McGuinness. Often pictured laughing together, they were branded, "the Chuckle Brothers".

Rev Paisley protested when Mrs Thatcher sought closer ties with Dublin

On the day they took office together, Ian Paisley said: "If anybody had told me a few years ago that I would be doing this, I would have been unbelieving".

Clandestine protests in the darkness were forgotten but he never lost his sense of humour. During a meeting with the Irish Taoiseach, he requested boiled eggs "because they'd be hard to poison".

Married to Eileen for 57 years, he described Baroness Paisley as his "chief of staff". Criticism of "the big man" always bothered her much more than it did him.

In an interview with Sky News, to mark his 80th birthday in 2006, he said: "I have a hide like a rhinoceros. It doesn't affect me at all. I have tried to be absolutely honest and I believe that's been the secret of my success."

He stepped down as Northern Ireland's First Minister in 2008 and became Lord Bannside. He only retired from preaching ministry in January 2012 and began writing his memoirs.

From protester to peacemaker, Ian Paisley adapted to Northern Ireland's new political landscape.

For the firebrand preacher who eventually shared power, there can only be one epitaph: never say never.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Chancellor Cancels Trip Due to Yes Vote 'Risks'

The Chancellor has cancelled an official trip to Australia because of the potential economic risks of a Scottish Yes vote.

George Osborne and the Bank of England Governor Mark Carney are pulling out of a meeting of the G20 on September 20 and 21.

The decision comes as polls show the Yes and No camps neck and neck ahead of the crucial independence referendum on September 18.

Thee are also growing warnings from businesses over the impact of a Yes vote.

The Bank has confirmed Mr Carney - who is due to chair a meeting of the financial stability board of bank regulators in Cairns on Wednesday - will now return early to be back in time for the result.

And the Treasury said that Mr Osborne will not now be going to the weekend summit so will be the UK for the outcome of the vote.

"I can confirm that he is not attending," a Treasury spokesman said.

The Bank said that Mr Carney will be represented at the G20 by the deputy governor for financial stability, Sir Jon Cunliffe.

More follows...

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sex Abuse Victims Jeer Rotherham Police Chief

Rotherham Victim 'Verbally Abused By Police'

Updated: 8:43pm UK, Wednesday 27 August 2014

A victim of the Rotherham child sex abuse scandal has told Sky News she was verbally abused when she sought help from police.

She said the violence she suffered was ignored by authorities because her attacker was Asian and they were worried about causing racial unrest in the South Yorkshire town.

The woman gave a disturbing account of how she was treated by some police officers - claiming they called her a string of derogatory names.

One even said her attacker had every right to abuse her, she said.

Her grooming began when she turned 14 and was introduced to the man through friends in Rotherham.

She said he treated her well to start with and she fell in love with him, but after a few months he became violent.

"The more time we spent together the more he started to change," she said. "He became controlling, violent ... a relationship that was domestic violence."

She said she felt so scared at times she thought about killing herself.

"I had a fear of heights and he did a lot of things to try to scare me through that," she said.

"He once drove us to the edge of a cliff and said he was going to kill us both. He then dragged me out of the car and said he was going to throw me off."

She added: "He once tried to throw me over a balcony, luckily two people kind of stopped him from doing that.

"I had a child with me at the time, that were only a few months, in a pushchair, and he even kicked the pushchair over."

She said during her two years of abuse, the attacks went from once a week to two or three times a week.

His brothers were grooming other young girls, she said, but unlike many child victims in Rotherham she was sexually exploited by one man.

She was 16 when she went to police, but said her complaint was ignored.

Her abuser was even granted immunity from prosecution, she claimed.

"I explained to him (the police officer) what relationship we had and he said: 'Well, what do you expect? I think he's got every right to.'

"My Dad went absolutely mental and told him to get out of the house. The police officer then apologised, and we put a formal complaint into the police about him.

"But just his manner of how he dealt with it - he didn't seem to care about it, he was so unprofessional."

When asked why her abuse was ignored by social workers, police and council bosses, she said: "I think it was because of the fact he was Asian.

"I don't think they wanted to start communities colliding together, and starting confrontation between communities."

She said Rotherham Council chiefs should face action for ignoring the plight of the 1,400 child victims targeted in the town.

"The people that were involved back then ... I think they need hanging," she said.

"I don't know what legal stuff can be done, but I think they all need to be in a courtroom and tell people exactly what they knew.

"I think it should be some kind of criminal offence that 1,400 girls have been allowed to be abused by professionals."

South Yorkshire Police say they have no knowledge of allegations concerning derogatory remarks made against the victim.

A spokesman said the suggestion a deal was struck with her abuser has been fully investigated and no evidence was found to support the claim.

"This case forms a part of Operation Clover looking into a series of child sexual exploitation investigations in Rotherham," he added.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

RBS Hands Rare Gift To Westminster Politicians

Bail-outs, mis-selling scandals, lavish bonuses: for most of the six years that RBS has been majority-owned by British taxpayers, it has caused the UK Government a succession of headaches.

Now, with a week to go before Scotland votes on independence, it could prove to be an unlikely ally of those same politicians who are campaigning to preserve the Union.

The bank's announcement that it will move its legal headquarters to England in the event of a Yes vote arguably provides a significant boost to those who oppose Scottish secession.

The announcement, cobbled together after a hastily convened board meeting on Wednesday, was no surprise: RBS had flagged the likelihood of such a move in previous statements.

"There are a number of material uncertainties arising from the Scottish referendum vote which could have a bearing on the bank's credit ratings, and the fiscal, monetary, legal and regulatory landscape to which it is subject," RBS said.

Mr Salmond has demanded a 'Treasury leak' of the RBS plan is investigated

But its timing, alongside similar statements by Lloyds Banking Group, TSB and Clydesdale - owned by National Australia Bank - threatens to deflate the argument of Alex Salmond that an independent Scotland need be no less heavyweight an economy.

RBS employs 11,500 people in Scotland - many of them at the Edinburgh headquarters which became a symbol of the bank's reckless expansion under Fred Goodwin, its former chief executive.

Some of those jobs would inevitably move south, though how many, RBS declined to say on Thursday.

For Lloyds, its even larger Scottish workforce would predominantly stay put, since its operational headquarters have been in London for more than a century.

Nonetheless, for Mr Salmond, whose campaigning successes in recent days have left the prize of independence tantalisingly close, the departure of Lloyds and RBS represent an undeniable blow.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scotland: Bank Jobs And Higher Prices Warning

Orkney Fishermen Divided On Referendum

Updated: 3:53am UK, Thursday 11 September 2014

By Ian King, Business Presenter

The Orkney Islands are one of Scotland's most prosperous regions. Unemployment here is much lower than in the rest of Scotland and the quality of life - with house prices lower than mainland Scotland - is good.

Orkney has more young people, per head of population, than Scotland as a whole. Its children do better in school, on average, than most Scots and its people are also healthier, on average, than most Scots.

Yet, in common with the rest of Scotland, Orkney's people are divided over whether it should become an independent country - nowhere more so than among the ranks of its fishermen, a sector less important to the Orkadian economy than was once the case, but still one that defines the islands and their rugged character.

Neil Mathheson, a scallop fisherman and a strong supporter of the Yes campaign, has no doubt fishing will do better in an independent Scotland.

He said: "With independence, everything will be closer to the people. These would be our issues.

"The last UK fisheries minister couldn't tell you the difference between a haddock and a whiting, or a haddock and anything. I do believe an independent Scotland should have a dedicated fisheries minister that deals with the fisheries.

"If there is a mess, it will be our mess, not one we can blame on somebody else. We are not much better off than Greece at the moment."

His colleague Sean Dennison, a crab fisherman, agreed. He said: "We all have to make decisions every day of our lives.

"If you are closer to the people that are putting forward [legislation] then I think we are as well-placed... through Holyrood as Westminster.

"You're closer to everything you do on the sea, entitlements for catching fish, whatever."

But that is not everyone's opinion.

Robert Smith, a lobster fisherman, is firmly in the No camp.

He said: "Scottish politicians are anti the fishing industry."

He warned that a Yes vote for independence will not leave it there, suggesting that it would be quickly followed by demands for independence from the neighbouring Shetland Islands, where an "Our Islands, Our Future" movement is already gaining ground.

Between them all sits John Welles, a prawn fisherman, who has yet to make up his mind.

He said: "We haven't been given enough information. If we say yes and it all goes wrong, where do we go from there?

"We are ok at the moment, I'm not saying it's great, but we are ok. If we vote yes and it goes bad, where do we stand then?"

And this is very much the point that appears to be on the minds of the "Don't Knows" - this is a decision, once made, that cannot be reversed.

How will the quartet explain the way they have voted to their children and grandchildren and especially if an independent Scotland struggles?

Mr Mathheson said: "How do I explain to my grandchildren if Boris Johnson or Nigel Farage was Prime Minister?

"That would really worry me, far more than Alex Salmond or Nicola Sturgeon, or any Liberal Democrat [the Orkneys are a traditional Liberal stronghold].

"Even that nice Tory lady [Annabel Goldie] that used to be there, she'd be better than them, at least she was what it said on the packet. I'd be more embarrassed about Boris or Nigel."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scotland: Yes Vote Gaining Ground On Islands

Higher Prices And Job Threats If Scots Quit UK

Updated: 3:33pm UK, Thursday 11 September 2014

Scottish shoppers have been warned by major retailers they face higher prices if they vote for independence next week.

Asda and John Lewis said the increased costs of operating in an independent Scotland would inevitably be passed on to the consumer.

Their warnings come after banks and insurers said they would head for the exit door were Scotland to break away from the rest of the UK.

Andy Clarke, the CEO for Asda, which has 61 stores and depots and serves two million customers each week, said: "If we were no longer to operate in one state with one market and – broadly – one set of rules, our business model would inevitably become more complex. We would have to reflect our cost to operate here.

"This is not an argument for or against independence, it is simply an honest recognition of the costs that change could bring. For us the customer is always right and this important decision is in their hands."

His comments came shortly after those made by John Lewis chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield who warned a vote for independence would come with "consequences".

He told Radio 4's Today Programme: "From a business perspective there will be economic consequences to a Yes vote, not just in uncertainty but some of the turmoil we are hearing about.

"And it is also the case that it does cost more money to trade in parts of Scotland and therefore those hard costs, in the event of a Yes vote, are more likely to be passed on."

Former prime minister Gordon Brown said Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, could not continue to ignore the warnings of retailers, oil companies and the financial services sector.

He said: "John Lewis has warned about prices and many other supermarkets are going to say the same. The oil companies have warned about cuts in investment, which will affect jobs in Scotland."

It was a day of bad news for the Yes campaign which started when RBS, which has been based in Scotland since 1727 and employs 11,500 people there, confirmed it would be moving its headquarters to London if Scotland voted for independence.

In a statement, RBS said it had made the decision because there were a "number of material uncertainties arising from the Scottish referendum vote which could have a bearing on the bank's credit ratings".

Mr Salmond has said the move would not affect jobs, however, it is widely expected it would mean some redundancies.

He demanded the Government investigated a "Treasury leak" of the RBS plans to the press on Wednesday night, before the official announcement was made on Thursday morning.

Clydesdale Bank has also confirmed it would be re-registering in England if voters opted for independence and Standard Life, which employs 5,000 in Scotland, said it would move some operations south of the border.

The developments follow David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg's last-minute campaign visit on Wednesday. Mr Cameron warned voters they should not use the referendum just to give the "effing Tories" a kick.

A Survation survey poll found 53% of Scottish people were expected to vote no to independence, while 47% would vote yes - this was unchanged from August 28.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Syria Airstrikes 'Not Ruled Out', Says No 10

The Foreign Secretary has said the UK will not be taking part in airstrikes in Syria after the US said it would take action.

It comes after Barack Obama authorised military attacks on Islamic State fighters in Syria, as well as Iraq, for the first time saying the terrorists had a free passage across the countries' borders.

Mr Obama said the move did not amount to support for the Assad regime in Syria, which has always claimed the terrorists were behind the uprising in the country, which is now in its third year.

Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, Philip Hammond said the UK would not take part in the military action in Syria and said the decision would not be "revisited". 

His comments appeared to be at odds with earlier comments from Downing Street. A spokesman said the Prime Minister agreed with the President's position on both Iraq and Syria. He added the UK was not at the stage of making a decision on military intervention.

Barack Obama makes his speech in the White House

A number of MPs had voiced concerns about taking action in Syria, where years of civil war have allowed IS fighters to gain a stronghold and to exploit unrest in Iraq against the former Nouri al Maliki administration.  

They feared it would be seen as tacit backing of the Syrian president Bashar al Assad.

Last year the UK was on the brink of launching military action against Mr Assad's regime for using chemical weapons against his own people.

David Cameron suffered a humiliating Commons vote defeat after the Labour leader Ed Miliband refused to lend his backing to missile strikes in the country. President Obama also shied away from strikes.

Announcing the airstrikes in Syria during a 13-minute White House speech - during which he committed the US to a potentially lengthy military campaign - Mr Obama said he would seek out the terrorists wherever they were.

He said: "That means I will not hesitate to take action against ISIL in Syria, as well as Iraq. This is a core principle of my presidency: if you threaten America, you will find no safe haven."

The UK has delivered £1.6m of military equipment, including machine guns and ammunition, to Iraqi and Kurdish fighters in Iraq to help them battle the insurgents.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scotland: Can Party Leaders Turn The Tide?

By Faisal Islam, Political Editor, In Edinburgh

The visit of the Westminster party leaders to a rebellious Scotland could turn out to be the biggest gamble in British political history.

The United Kingdom's territorial integrity is up for grabs, and in the last eight days of a long campaign the leaders have turned upside down a central tenet of the No campaign's two-year strategy.

Yet with the poor personal ratings of Mr Cameron, Mr Clegg and Mr Miliband in Scotland, it is far from certain that the gambit will come off.

Since its inception, the No campaign in Scotland has been adamant about one thing: to allow the referendum to turn into Scotland vs England, or Scot versus Tory would be completely disastrous.

The campaign avoided TV showcases that framed the debate as a battle between nations. David Cameron was advised, told really, not to even contemplate a debate with Alex Salmond.

The arrival of Cameron and co. is a change in tactics

It was a conviction shared for many years by Alex Salmond. In his first months as First Minister, launching a National Conversation on independence in 2007, he acknowledged that turning the less than a third of the population backing independence into the majority required one necessary but not sufficient condition: a Conservative government.

In his dreams, the First Minister could not have imagined then or even last year, or even last month, that he would be neck and neck, facing a visiting Tory Prime Minister fighting for the preservation of the Union.

As we head to the last week of this campaign, will flags, flights and flattering words really ensure the survival of the union?

Polls seems to give Alex Salmond the upper hand now

The Saltire is flying above Downing Street and Whitehall departments and will do so until the end of the referendum campaign.

The party leaders will be stressing their commitment to an enhanced timetable for new powers for Scotland.

And above all, expect a lot more fine words about the relationship between Scotland and the rest of the UK. "Stay with us" and "let us stay together to change Britain together" are among the gentle invocations from leaders. It sounds a little like an Al Green back catalogue.

Voters go the polls on September 18

The Scottish nationalists are struggling to contain their glee. Alex Salmond offered to pay for a bus for the leaders to come to Scotland and again challenged Mr Cameron to a debate.

Leading pro-independence politicians claimed to be staggered that the No campaign were "wrapping themselves in the flag" at the last minute when their campaign had not.

The key to this gamble is establishing what has caused the surge in the Yes vote's polling over August.

Can Gordon Brown make a difference?

Clearly the TV debates have played their part, especially the second one.

Labour voters have come over to Yes, attracted to Mr Salmond's vision of a progressive centre-left Scotland, free of Conservative influence from Westminster. The Yes campaign have moved to an emotional argument based on vision, confidence and hope.

That is how ex-prime minister Gordon brown has managed to seemingly take charge of the No campaign. He incredibly bounced Downing Street into backing his Burns Night timetable for what he calls "Home Rule" for Scotland. The leaders are expected to offer a new constitutional convention.

And that is why the Westminster leaders are attempting today's love-bombing blitz. The United Kingdom has seen nothing like it before.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

PM: Referendum Not About Kicking 'Effing Tories'

What Happens If Scotland Leaves The Union?

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

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

:: 1.  When would Scotland become independent?

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

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

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

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

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

:: 4. What would happen to the Queen?

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

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

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

:: 6. What currency would Scotland use?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

:: 11. Would Scottish citizens need new passports?

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

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

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

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man Arrested Over Mum-Of-Five's Fatal Stabbing

A man has been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a mother-of-five from the New Forest.

Police say the 36-year-old man is in custody, where he is being held on suspicion of Pennie Davis' murder. He was arrested in Southampton shortly before 8pm.

The 47-year-old was tending her two horses in a paddock off Hatchet Lane, near Beaulieu, when she was killed.

She suffered multiple stab wounds and her husband Pete later found her body in the field.

Mrs Davis, from Blackfield, worked in a supermarket and married just four months ago.

Police believe it is possible she may have been followed from her workplace to the field.

A 22-year-old man previously arrested on suspicion of murder and a 37-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have both been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pregnant Kate Too Sick To Make Harry's Games

The Duchess of Cambridge's acute morning sickness will prevent her attending the opening ceremony and start of the Invictus Games.

Kate, who is expecting her second child following the birth of Prince George, was also forced to cancel an engagement in Oxford earlier this week.

Kensington Palace said in a short statement: "The Duchess of Cambridge will not attend the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games this evening or the athletics event tomorrow.

"The Duchess's attendance on the forthcoming visit to Malta will be kept under review and a decision taken closer to the time."

Kate is suffering from another bout of the illness hyperemesis gravidarum, which she experienced during the early stages of her first pregnancy.

Prince Harry at a pre-games drivng challenge in Warwickshire

Her current pregnancy has not passed the 12-week stage and there is speculation her second child could be due in April next year.

Hyperemesis gravidarum, which affects 3.5 per 1,000 pregnancies, causes severe vomiting and can lead to dehydration, weight loss and a build-up of toxins in the blood or urine, called ketosis.

It is thought Kate became unwell sometime last week.

When her husband Prince William visited Oxford University on Monday without her to open the new China Centre, he said she had experienced a "tricky few days".

The royal couple have meanwhile been offered some advice from former England football captain David Beckham - get more sleep before the next baby arrives.

Kate at a WW1 memorial ceremony in Belgium on August 4

The father of four, who was a guest at their wedding, told ITV's Lorraine show: "Get some sleep because jumping from one child to two is a big step even though I thought jumping from two to three was bigger."

The Invictus Games, for injured servicemen and women, have been organised by Kate's brother-in-law Prince Harry.

She had been due to attend the opening ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London later, along with Harry and William.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will also be present at the event, which will feature an exclusive performance of the official anthem penned by Coldplay's Chris Martin and a flypast by the Red Arrows.

More than 400 competitors - both serving military personnel and veterans - from 13 nations will go head to head in nine adaptive sports over four days, starting on Thursday.

The Duchess is due to make her first official solo overseas visit from September 20-21, touring Malta to mark the 50th anniversary of its independence.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scottish Vote: BP Says No To Independence

BP has weighed into the Scottish independence debate by declaring its support for the "integrity of the United Kingdom".

The oil firm's public statement was its first to directly support the Better Together campaign after similar comments earlier this year, in a personal capacity, by chief executive Bob Dudley.

Mr Dudley spoke out on Wednesday in the wake of criticism of Yes campaign estimates for future North Sea oil production and revenues by Sir Ian Wood.

The North Sea oil tycoon - acknowledged by both Prime Minister David Cameron and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond as the industry's foremost expert - urged Scots not to gamble their economic future on misleading information and promises that could not be delivered.

He cited a report, which he said was sponsored by Yes campaigners and welcomed by Mr Salmond, which claimed there could be another 21 billion barrels of oil from unconventional shale reserves in the North Sea.

Sir Ian sad: "Quite frankly the N-56 report is an insult to the Scottish people.

"As passions rise and hearts risk overtaking minds in the debate, it is vital that Scots are able to make their decision based on fact and not fantasy.

Bob Dudley sees Scotland's future best served within the UK

"The N-56 report gives the impression that 21 billion barrels are in reserves. Nothing could be further from the truth."

Sir Ian has previously stated his belief that there are just 15 years of reserves left before major damage is inflected on the Scottish economy from declining production.

His comments on Wednesday gave rise to BP coming out in favour of the Union.

Mr Dudley said: "BP has been in the UK North Sea for 50 years and we hope to operate here for many years to come.

"However, the province is now mature and I believe Sir Ian Wood correctly assesses its future potential.

"The opportunities today are smaller and more challenging to develop than in the past.

"We also face the challenges of extending the productive life of existing assets and managing the future costs of decommissioning.

"Much of this activity requires fiscal support to be economic, and future long-term investments require fiscal stability and certainty.

"Our business invests for decades into the future. It is important our plans are based on a realistic view of the North Sea's future potential and the challenges the industry faces in continuing to operate here.

"As a major investor in Scotland - now and into the future - BP believes that the future prospects for the North Sea are best served by maintaining the existing capacity and integrity of the United Kingdom".

Leader in Aberdeen of pro-independence group Business for Scotland, Kenny Anderson, rounded on Sir Ian's comments.

He said: "We have stated that 24 billion barrels of oil is a reasonable target to extract if the North Sea is managed professionally and revenues maximised.

"Our sources for these estimates have included Oil and Gas UK, Professor Alex Kemp, Sir Donald McKay and many other leading forecasters and now it seems Sir Ian Wood himself once predicted the higher figure of 25 billion barrels left to produce.

"One thing is clear, all of the forecasts of the real experts - including Sir Ian's pessimistic one - are far, far higher than those published by the Westminster Government and claimed by Better Together.

"The North Sea represents a huge opportunity to Scotland as an independent country if we move from Westminster's cash cow approach to one of intelligent stewardship in an independent Scotland."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

PM To Miss PMQs In Scotland Campaign 'Panic'

David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg will travel to Scotland to campaign for the Union as the fight to keep the UK together was lambasted as "falling apart".

The unprecedented move, which will see all three leaders miss Prime Minister's questions on Wednesday, follows indications in polls that Scottish voters could vote to leave the UK in the September 18 referendum.

Speaking after the joint trip was announced, the Prime Minister denied that it was a desperate move.

He said: "I'll do everything that I can. Let's be frank, there's a lot that the political leaders disagree about but there's one thing that we all agree about passionately and that is that our United Kingdom is better off if we stay together.

"So tomorrow the right place to be isn't Westminster at Prime Minister's Questions, it is being in Scotland, listening to people, talking to people.

"We will all have our own ways, separately, of talking about why we are better together.

The announcement was made on Twitter and Facebook

"But one thing I'm sure we will all say is that it's a matter for people in Scotland to decide, but we want you to stay."

While the leaders will all be in the country, they will not campaign together and will have separate schedules.

But Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said that it had been the day that the Better Together No campaign "fell apart".

The surprise trip follows a pledge made by the former prime minister, Gordon Brown, on Monday that if Scotland were to agree to stay in the Union Holyrood would be given significantly greater powers.

Polls indicate the Better Together No campaign could be in trouble

His promise for a "home-rule bill" was backed by the leaders of Scotland's Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties on Tuesday morning.

They agreed that work towards the transfer of the new powers from Westminster would begin the day after the referendum. Although they were unable to detail what these powers would be they agreed that the Scottish parliament would get greater tax-raising powers.

The Better Together Campaign, headed by former Chancellor Alistair Darling, has been accused of panic measures.

Sky's Deputy Political Editor Joey Jones said the extraordinary move from the three leaders made it "absolutely clear" there was panic in Westminster and the Better Together No campaign and he added that it appeared responses were being "made up on-the-hoof".

Gordon Brown has been out campaigning

A spokesman for Downing Street said the joint trip had been planned on Monday during a meeting between Mr Miliband and the Prime Minister. Mr Clegg was consulted about joining he campaign later in the day.

He added that the Saltire would be flying above No 10 and other Whitehall buildings until after the referendum.

Mr Miliband said he would be taking a simple message to the Scottish people to "stay with us" but dismissed suggestions that if Scotland voted for independence he and Mr Cameron should resign.

Appearing before MPs on the Political and Constitutional Reform select committee  on Tuesday, Mr Clegg dismissed the suggestion that the devolution of powers disclosed by Mr Brown on Monday was a "last minute" decision.

A TNS poll on Tuesday morning put the Yes and No campaigns equal on 41% - backing for the Yes campaign was up from 38% last month, while support for maintaining the union had dropped from 46%.

A YouGov poll commissioned by The Sunday Times suggested the Yes camp was leading the race by 51% to 49%.

As the vote draws closer, Better Together supporters have called on the Queen to intervene, following reports the monarch is growing increasingly concerned over the prospect of a split.

Later on Tuesday, the Bank of England governor, Mark Carney, ruled out the possibility of an independent Scotland keeping the pound saying currency union was "incompatible with sovereignty".

The struggle over the pound has been a significant part of the campaigns, with Mr Salmond insisting the country would keep the currency.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Reports: Shark Attack Victim Was British

The Foreign Office has said it is investigating reports that a man killed in a shark attack in Australia was British.

The attack took place at the popular tourist destination of Byron Bay on the country's east coast.

Sky's Harriet Hadfield said the victim, named locally as 50-year-old Paul Wilcox, was reportedly originally from Warwickshire but moved to Australia with his wife some years ago.

This has yet to be confirmed by the Foreign Office, which said in a statement: "We are aware of reports of the death of a British national in Australia and are looking into them."

Mr Wilcox was reportedly from England originally. Pic: Refocused Learning

Hadfield said: "The most horrifying thing that we do know about this is that his wife was actually on the beach when it happened and so we understand she may have witnessed the attack.

"There are some really dramatic accounts coming out of Australia now from people who saw it happening, including one man who was paddle-boarding at the time and said it was an incredibly violent scene."

Police confirmed in a statement that the victim was "bitten on the right leg by what is believed to be a shark".

"He was seen floating in shallow water, close to the shore line, and dragged on to the beach," the statement said.

Police have yet to formally identify the man or establish what he had been doing in the water.

Byron Bay is a renowned surfing location near Cape Byron, the most easterly point of the Australian mainland 500 miles (800km) north of Sydney.

Paramedics declared the man dead at the scene

The death is the first blamed on a shark in Australia since April 3 when a 63-year-old woman was killed near the village of Tathra, 210 miles (340km) south of Sydney.

Although sharks are common off Australia's coast, the country has averaged fewer than two fatal attacks per year in recent decades.

Two men were killed in shark attacks off the east and west coasts in the space of a week in November last year. They were the only fatalities in 2013.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

What Happens If Scotland Leaves The Union?

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

:: 1.  When would Scotland become independent?

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

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

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

The Queen is said to be privately concerned about the referendum

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

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

:: 4. What would happen to the Queen?

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

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

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

Scottish voters would still be able to vote in next year's General Election

:: 6. What currency would Scotland use?

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

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

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

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

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

Some Scottish troops service in historic English regiments

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

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

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

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

Scotland would introduce its own passport

:: 11. Would Scottish citizens need new passports?

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

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

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

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

UK To Send Machine Guns And Ammo To Iraq

Britain is sending £1.6m of military kit, including heavy machine guns, to Iraq to help fight Islamic State militants.

Announcing the decision in a written statement, Michael Fallon, the Secretary of State for Defence, said the equipment would be used for "alleviating the humanitarian suffering of those Iraqis" targeted by IS terrorists, also known as ISIL and ISIS.

Mr Fallon said the move followed a request from the Iraq government and would include the Kurdish regional government.

"The Kurdish forces remain significantly less well equipped than ISIL and we are responding to help them defend themselves, protect citizens and push back ISIL advances," he said.

PKK fighters in Turkey last year

However, there have been concerns that the weaponry could end up in the hands of the paramilitary group the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has fought a 30-year insurgency in neighbouring Turkey in an attempt to establish a separate Kurdish state.

The PKK is on the UK Government's proscribed list and is also considered a terrorist organisation by the US, the European Union and Nato.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cvusolglu said: "The weapons sent (to Iraq) should not end up in the hands of terrorist organisations.

"They should not end up in the hands of the PKK."

He added that Turkey had voiced its concerns during the Nato summit in Wales last week and said: "It may not be possible to control where these weapons will go."

Iraq's new Prime Minister Haider al Abadi

The decades-long insurgency in the southeast of Turkey has cost 40,000 lives. 

There had been speculation Britain could join US-led airstrikes against IS fighters in Iraq, however, David Cameron has promised a House of Commons vote before direct military intervention.

On Monday Barack Obama held talks with Iraq's new Prime Minister Haider al Abadi to discuss the fight against Islamic State militants.

Iraq's parliament has now officially named Mr al Abadi as the country's Prime Minister and approved most of his proposed candidates for cabinet roles, including members of the country's minority Sunni and Kurdish communities.

The West has been pushing Iraq for a more representative government that will ease anger among Sunnis who felt marginalised by former prime minister Nouri al Maliki and his administration.

The anger among Sunnis has helped to fuel the seizure of territory by the IS across much of north and western Iraq since June.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rotherham Scandal: MPs Quiz Police Chiefs

South Yorkshire Chief Constable David Crompton admits "things should have been done differently" over the Rotherham abuse scandal.

And his predecessor John Hughes faced some tough questioning from MPs, who said child exploitation "on an industrial scale" had taken place on his watch.

Keith Vaz, the chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, took the unusual step of requiring the witnesses to swear an oath before the hearing got under way.

There were heated exchanges with Mr Hughes, who told MPs: "I had no idea of the scale and scope of this type of organised crime.

"I frankly felt sick.

"I would not turn a blind eye or cover up."

After a 32-year career with the police, he admitted he had "singularly failed the victims of these victims".

Giving evidence to MPs, Mr Crompton said: "I accept things should have been done differently in the past."

But he also told the committee: "Things are better now than they used to be."

They were appearing before the committee following a devastating report which outlined how at least 1,400 children had been subjected to trafficking, rape and other sexual exploitation between 1997 and 2013, and how their plight had been ignored by range of agencies, including police, councillors and council officials.

More follows...

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

School Knife Attack: Pupil, 13, Hunted In Malvern

A teenager is being hunted by police after attacking a teacher and another student with a knife at a school in Worcestershire.

West Mercia Police warned the 13-year-old boy, who fled the scene after the attack at The Chase Technology College in Malvern, should not be approached.

"Officers in Malvern are investigating an assault on a teacher and student at The Chase Technology College in Malvern," a police spokesman said.

"A male teacher and a 13-year-old female student from the school were attacked with a bladed instrument at approximately 8.45am.

"The boy should not be approached. Please call 999 if you see him. Police are concerned about the boy's welfare and would like to find him as soon as possible."

The suspect is described as white, 5ft 3in tall, with short, spiked hair and wearing glasses.

He was last seen wearing dark grey trousers, a grey hooded jumper and may have a dark-coloured scarf covering his face. He was also carrying a dark rucksack.

The teacher and the other victim, a 13-year-old girl, suffered minor injuries in the attack.

The Chase Technology College said on its website that all staff and pupils were "safe".

"Parents should not be alarmed by the presence of police at the site. This is a precaution and the situation is fully under control," it said.

Police are staying on the site "as a safety measure" but the school days is continuing as normal.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Luton Airport Evacuated: Flights Diverted

Luton Airport has been evacuated after a security alert, disrupting flights for thousands of passengers.

Pictures on Twitter show hundreds of travellers crowded outside the terminal, and a bomb disposal van at the scene.

All incoming flights have been suspended and the approach road to the Bedfordshire airport has been closed.

Sky News sources say the alert is thought to have been sparked by a checked-in suitcase that was picked up by a security scanner.

A spokeswoman for the airport said: "London Luton Airport has evacuated the terminal building after a suspicious item was found in the security search area.

A bomb disposal vehicle at the airport. Pic: Gavin Harper

"The decision has been taken with the police to ensure the safety and security of passengers and staff.

"Further updates regarding the security and operations at the airport will be provided as soon as possible."

She added: "Passengers are advised to contact their airlines to establish the status of their flights.

"We understand passengers will be frustrated by the delays they are experiencing.

"We are working closely with the police to ensure passengers are not inconvenienced unnecessarily but we must ensure that the safety and security of all our passengers and staff remains our top priority."

The approach road to the airport has been closed. Pic: Dean O'Brien

A spokesman for easyJet said: "Currently passengers are unable to board or disembark flights.

"easyJet will work with the airport to ensure that our passengers can return to the terminal as soon as possible.

"Whilst this is out of our control we apologise for the inconvenience caused and would like to thank passengers for their patience and co-operation."

Britain recently raised its terrorism alert to its second-highest level, saying Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq posed the UK's greatest-ever security threat.

More follows...

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Garden Excavated In Hunt For Missing Landlady

Police investigating the disappearance of a woman 17 years ago are continuing to excavate a garden in Cambridgeshire.

Deborah Steel was last seen in the early hours of the morning of December 28, 1997.

The former landlady of the Royal Standard Public House in Ely was 37-years-old at the time she vanished.

A 70-year-old man arrested last week on suspicion of her murder has been released on bail and police are searching a property in the Longfields area of the city.

The Royal Standard pub in Ely, Cambridgeshire

Speaking after the man's arrest, Detective Chief Inspector Martin Brunning said: "I am convinced the answer to Deborah Steel's disappearance lies in Ely and that there are people in the city who can provide key information.

"I am appealing to anyone who may be able provide fresh information on this case to contact us. Deborah has not been seen for 17 years and her family deserve to know what happened to her.

"All information will be treated in confidence, and can be left anonymously."

Officers began preliminary digging at the garden on Friday but have now brought in a mechanical digger to continue their search.

A police spokesman said: "Following searches throughout the week and initial excavations on Friday, a digger was brought in on Saturday to carry out a deeper excavation.

"The work is continuing today and officers are keen to complete the work as soon as possible because they are aware of the inconvenience to the individual concerned."

:: Anyone with any information should call 01480 425880 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Family's Delight As Ashya Begins Treatment

Ashya King Timeline

Updated: 1:29pm UK, Monday 08 September 2014

Here is a timeline of events in the Ashya King case:

Wednesday July 23

Ashya's brother Naveed, 20, posts a video to YouTube saying his little brother has been diagnosed with a brain tumour and is due to undergo emergency surgery.

Sunday August 24

Ashya undergoes extensive surgery and the tumour is successfully removed.

The family says later that Ashya subsequently suffered from 'posterior fossa syndrome' which usually results in a loss of speech and mobility.

According to a family YouTube video, Ashya's father Brett went to see his cancer specialists and asked them whether Ashya could be given proton beam therapy, which is not available on the NHS but is available elsewhere. Mr King says in the video that the doctors told him that it would not be suitable for his child.

Mr King carries out research which appears to contradict what his doctors said. He contacts a centre in the Czech Republic that performs proton beam therapy which says it is able to carry out treatment on Ashya.

Ashya's doctors say they are going to perform more chemo and radiotherapy on Ashya. Mr King claims they tell him that if he questions their medical opinion, they will get an emergency protection order to take Ashya away from him.

He later explains in the YouTube video that he felt put in an impossible position where, because of the threat of the protection order, he felt unable to discuss Ashya's treatment. As a result, he was compelled to take him out of hospital so they could seek the treatment for themselves. His plan, he says, was to sell his holiday home in Spain to pay for treatment.

Thursday August 28

2pm: Ashya is removed from the hospital by his parents at around, apparently against the medical advice of the doctors who were treating him. CCTV images captured the boy being wheeled from hospital by his father.

4pm: He is taken to Cherbourg, France by cross-Channel ferry and docks around 8pm.

8.35pm: The hospital alerts police that Ashya has been taken.

Friday August 29

Hampshire Constabulary says its concern about Ashya is growing with "each hour that passes".

Interpol issues a global Yellow Notice missing persons alert, informing 190 countries that he is being sought.

French police alert the media who urge motorists to be on the lookout for a right-hand drive English car.

Ashya is made a ward of court after an application by Portsmouth City Council.

Saturday August 30

After discovering that their son is being sought by police, the family record a video explaining why they took him out of hospital. His father Brett says he is being well looked after and the family have all the medical equipment they need to keep him in the same condition as he was in hospital.

Soon after, following a tip off, Spanish police pull over the family car near a hostel in Benajarafe, southern Spain, where they were staying.

8.30pm: He is removed from his family and taken to a hospital in Malaga. His parents are arrested and held at a police station.

Sunday August 31

British police arrive in Spain to question Ashya's parents Brett and Naghmeh.

Hampshire's chief constable is forced to justify why an international arrest warrant was necessary as it emerges police have not explained what charges his parents face.

Parents whose children had gone through similar experiences after suffering brain tumours come forward to support the Kings' decision.

Doctors defend the hospital by saying that proton beam therapy has not gone through all the necessary medical trials.

Ashya's parents are transferred to Madrid from Velez-Malaga in handcuffs.

Monday September 1

Ashya's parents arrive in court in Madrid for an extradition hearing. According to Sky sources, they tell the court they do not wish to return to the UK.

His brother Naveed puts another video on YouTube saying that the family had stocked up on the food and syringes that the boy needed ahead of their journey and bought him a brand new wheelchair costing up to £1,600.

His grandmother Patricia King tells Sky News that her son Brett is not a criminal. She says the Kings took Ashya because the NHS said there was nothing more it could do for him.

Portsmouth City Council explains that it asked for Ashya to be made a ward of court after a request by Southampton General Hospital.

Tuesday September 2

It emerges the extradition hearing is adjourned for three days. Ashya's parents are returned to police cells. None of his family are allowed to visit him in hospital.

Janice Atkinson, UKIP South East MEP, calls on the Home Secretary to contact the Spanish authorities so that Ashya's parents are released immediately.

Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg join mounting calls for Ashya King to be reunited with his jailed parents

Portsmouth City Council calls for a halt to extradition proceedings against them.

It emerges that Ashya's parents are planning legal action against Southampton General Hospital.

The parents are told to appear at court in Madrid to the next day.

Online petitions calling for the Kings' release gain 200,000 signatures.

Britain's Crown Prosecution Service reviews the case and decides not to prosecute Brett and Naghmeh King.

Hampshire Constabulary says it will make no apology for "being proactive" in the search for Ashya.

A hearing at the High Court in London to discuss Ashya's 'ward status' is adjourned until the following week

Wednesday September 3

Ashya's parents are released from custody and head for Seville for a meeting with their lawyer.

Southampton General Hospital releases a statement saying it had been willing to support the family's wish to go to Prague for treatment, but "did not recommend it".

The statement says that after Ashya's tumour was "successfully" removed on July 24, Mr and Mrs King were told there was "likely to be no difference in survival between standard radiotherapy and proton radiotherapy and overall no proven significant benefit".

With the correct treatment, doctors believed Ashya's chances of survival were "very good" - between 70% and 80%.

Mr and Mrs King are reunited with their son, who is described as being "so pleased" to be back with them.

Mr King emerges from custody to say that he and his wife have been treated like "terrorists".

Chief paediatrician at the Southampton General Dr Peter Wilson said staff were "very, very worried" when they realised Ashya was missing, which is why they called police.

The Proton Therapy Centre in Prague says doctors in Southampton have agreed to refer Ashya to the clinic after two cycles of chemotherapy in the UK, which was likely to take several weeks.

A fundraising page set up to help pay for the therapy raises £21,000 and charity Kids'n'CancerUK says they have agreed to provide £100,000.

Thursday September 4

Ashya's parents are told they cannot remove him from the Spanish hospital until a treatment plan is presented to a court in the UK. It is because, legally, he is regarded as the responsibility of the UK courts.

Mr King says his son deteriorated in hospital after he was separated from his parents.

Friday September 5

The Proton Therapy Centre in the Czech Republic offers to fly Ashya and his parents to Prague for treatment.

Public donations reach £41,000.

Saturday September 6

Mr Justice Baker at the High Court in London approves Ashya's parents' request to take him to Prague for treatment following telephone discussions between their lawyers and lawyers representing the hospital in Southampton.

He remains a ward of court.

Monday September 8

Ashya is flown to Prague for treatment at a proton therapy centre with his parents.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Duchess Of Cambridge To Have Second Baby

The Duchess of Cambridge is pregnant with her second baby, Kensington Palace has announced.

Prince William and Kate said they were "very pleased to announce" that they are expecting their second child.

It comes a year and two months after she gave birth to Prince George at St Mary's Hospital in London.

The Duchess pictured during one of her most recent engagements in August

Sky's Royal Correspondent Paul Harrison says he has been told by Kensington Palace that the Duchess is not yet 12 weeks into her pregnancy.

The Duke of Cambridge said they were "immensely thrilled", but added it had been "a tricky few days".

Kate is suffering from severe morning sickness, as she did with her first pregnancy.

Speaking at a planned engagement in Oxford which Kate was unable to attend, William said: "She's feeling okay.

"It's great news - early days, but I'm hoping things will settle down and she feels a bit better... I've got to get back and look after her now."

Doctors are understood to be treating her at Kensington Palace, where she has an apartment with Prince William.

William said the Duchess may be over the worst of her morning sickness in a "few weeks' time".

The palace said the Queen and members of both William and Kate's families are "delighted" with the news.

A statement from the palace said: "Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their second child.

Kate attends a WWI event in Belgium in August with the country's Royals

"The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news.

When Kate suffered from the condition, called Hyperemesis Gravidarum, during her last pregnancy, she had to be admitted to the King Edward VII Hospital in central London.

Her admission to hospital at the time brought forward the announcement that she was pregnant.

Although she had not reached the 12-week mark - when it is most typical to make a pregnancy public - palace officials are understood to have realised they would be unable to conceal her condition.

The couple's second child will become fourth in line to the throne, moving Prince Harry to fifth in the line of succession.

Prince Harry was the last 'second heir' born to Charles and Diana in 1984

Prime Minister David Cameron released a statement moments after the announcement, saying: "Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

"I'm delighted by the happy news that they're expecting another baby."

Labour leader Ed Miliband said on Twitter: "Fantastic to hear that Prince George will soon be a big brother! Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their happy news."

Scottish Nationalist Party leader Alex Salmond also tweeted his congratulations, referring to the royal couple by their Scottish titles.

He said: "Congratulations & best wishes to the Earl & Countess of Strathearn. Wonderful to hear they're expecting their second baby - very happy news!"

The names that are the betting companies' favourites so far are Arthur, Diana and Victoria (10-1), according to Sky Bet. 

Kensington Palace said the attendance by the Duchess at future engagements, including a forthcoming solo trip to Malta, would be decided on a "case by case" basis.

She had been due to appear on Monday night at the Invictus Games, which are supported by her brother-in-law Prince Harry.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More