Blur To Release First Album In 12 Years

PM Pledges Â£300m In Fight To Defeat Dementia

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 21 Februari 2015 | 22.11

More than £300m is to be spent over the next five years on research, medical trials and training to tackle dementia, the Prime Minister has announced.

David Cameron plans to set up an international dementia institute in England in a bid to make the UK a world leader for research and medical trials.

A separate multimillion-pound fund will be launched to help establish an international investment scheme to discover new drugs and treatments that could slow down the onset of dementia or even deliver a cure.

Some 1.3 million NHS workers, from surgeons to hospital porters, will be given training in how to give those with dementia the best possible standards of care.

Businesses and public services will be encouraged to offer greater understanding and support for people with the condition.

And a further three million volunteers are to be recruited to train as "dementia friends" to help care for sufferers.

Mr Cameron said: "Dementia is one of the greatest challenges of our lifetime, and I am proud that we are leading the world in fighting it.

"Because of the growing strength of our economy, we can invest in research and drug development, as well as public understanding, so we defeat this terrible condition and offer more hope and dignity for those who suffer.

"That way, we can help make Britain a country that offers security in retirement for all."

Other pledges include having the majority of people in England living in "dementia friendly communities" by making shops, transport and other public places more accessible to people with the condition.

And initial dementia assessments by GPs will take place in an average of six weeks and will be followed by better onward support.

There are around 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, with the number expected to hit a million within the next 10 years.

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said: "Dementia Friends is truly changing attitudes and capturing the public's attention.

"Together we are transforming lives today and reaching out for preventative treatments and a cure tomorrow.

"This Government has rightly prioritised dementia.

"We would all acknowledge the work that remains to be done, but the PM deserves credit for the phenomenal achievement in getting dementia on the national and global agenda and this has resulted in significant progress."

Mr Cameron visited High Wycombe on Saturday to meet people with dementia, and dementia friends.

He said: "What today's announcement is about is a very simple but bold ambition, and that is to make the United Kingdom the best place on the planet in terms of researching into dementia, in terms of diagnosing people with dementia and then in terms of treating, helping and caring for them.

"Not just hospitals and care homes, but the whole of our country making dementia friendly communities."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Super Tide And Strong Winds Brew Up Flood Risk

"Super tides", 50mph winds and large waves are threatening to combine to bring flooding misery for coastal communities in England this weekend.

The warning comes as many in the South East woke up to a covering of snow on Saturday, with forecasters predicting further blizzards for northern areas.

The biggest flood risk is in the southwest, with six "immediate action required" warnings issued by the Environment Agency (EA), mainly for the Somerset coast, and five for the northwest.

Two warnings are also in place around the Wye Estuary in the Midlands. There are also dozens of lower-level amber flood alerts - meaning flooding is possible.

"It's possible we could see some large waves and spray and urge people to take care near coastal paths and promenades and not to drive through flood water," said the EA's flood risk manager, Jonathan Day.

The spring "super tides" occur regularly when the gravitational pull of the sun and moon combine.

But the pull of the planets is also at an 18-year peak, making the tides slightly bigger this year, according to the EA.

Surfers on the River Severn made the best of the tidal boost, riding the incoming bore wave on Saturday morning.

Crowds gathered on the banks to watch the phenomenon, which at its peak can reach 13mph and three metres in height.

Saturday's wave is one of several large surges expected in February and March.

Meanwhile, heavy snow is also set to add to a turbulent mix of weekend weather, causing travel problems in Pennine areas and the Highlands.

Parts of southeast England have already had snow this weekend, with rural areas of East Sussex, Surrey and Kent seeing some picture postcard scenes.

The Met Office said freezing temperatures on Saturday night would see more wintry showers sweeping in in the morning.

"The whole of the country will experience strong winds and severe gales over the course of tomorrow, meaning it will be a wet and windy day for many - and a snowy and windy day for northern parts," said Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge.

"Winter is not over just yet."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Police Hunt Fans Over Racist Station Chants

A gang of men, believed to be Chelsea fans, are being hunted by police after being heard shouting racist chants at St Pancras station.

The men were returning from Paris by train on Wednesday, the day after the club played Paris St Germain in the French capital.

The incident happened at the central London station at around 8pm, and was reported by a member of the public who was "disgusted" by their behaviour, the British Transport Police (BTP) said.

It comes after police released images of three men - believed to be Chelsea fans - who they want to speak to in connection with a separate incident on the Paris Metro on Tuesday.

A group of fans were captured on video stopping a black man boarding a train and chanting: "We're racist, we're racist, and that's the way we like it."

Speaking about the incident at St Pancras station, Superintendent Gill Murray of the BTP said: "The men shouted as they walked through the station having alighted from the train a short time earlier.

"If you travelled on the train from Paris or were at the station and have information which can assist our investigation I would urge you to get in touch as a matter of urgency."

The club has suspended five people from Stamford Bridge, the club's stadium, while it investigates the incident on the Paris Metro.

Chelsea said it has received "substantial information" following an appeal for witnesses and an investigation was ongoing.

The club has reiterated its vow to ban for life anyone proved to have been involved, and is helping police in the UK and France.

Manager Jose Mourinho has said the club is "ashamed" of the supporters, and said he would welcome the victim - Sylla Souleymane - to a future home game.

Paris-born Mr Souleymane, 33, has said he thinks the fans who abused him should be jailed.

In a coincidence, Chelsea's home match against Burnley on Saturday is the club's designated annual "Game for Equality".

The matchday programme denounced the Paris abuse over several pages, including in a column by captain John Terry.

Terry was banned for four matches in 2012 after being found guilty of racially abusing then Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.

He wrote: "This club stands against all forms of discrimination.

"Football is a sport for everyone, that is one of the main reasons why we love it."

Club chairman Bruce Buck wrote: "We are all appalled at what we saw and the club would like to apologise unreservedly to Mr Souleymane S for the behaviour of a group of individuals and their unforgivable actions towards him.

He added: "The people involved in that incident in Paris do not represent Chelsea Football Club, they do not stand for the values of this club and they have no place at this club.

"This has been echoed loud and clear by the vast majority of Chelsea supporters."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Firefighters Battle Industrial Blaze In Erith

Almost 100 firefighters have battled to get a blaze inside a block of industrial units under control.

The smoke and fire from the blaze in Erith, South East London, could be seen from miles away.

More than 50 people called emergency services to report the fire, which happened at around 2am in Yarnton Way.

A storage warehouse was completely destroyed, and the blaze also affected two adjacent units.

While no homes were affected, the London Fire Brigade advised people living near the scene to close their doors and windows due to large volumes of smoke.

Station Manager Norman Perry said: "Fire crews worked hard to bring this under control.

"The blaze was in an industrial area and we managed to stop it spreading to any residential homes.

"We are likely to be at the scene throughout the morning damping down pockets of fire."

The fire was under control by 5.40am.

The cause has yet to be determined.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

PM: Schools Must Fight 'Appalling' Teen IS Trend

David Cameron has told schools, colleges and universities they must play a role in stopping teenagers travelling to Syria to fight alongside Islamic State terrorists.

The Prime Minister's comments were made amid questions over how three schoolgirls from East London were able to leave their homes and travel to Turkey without being stopped.

Shamima Begum, 15, Kadiza Sultana, 16 and a third 15-year-old girl, who has not been named, were last seen on Tuesday morning as they left their homes in East London, telling their families they would be out for the day.

It has emerged they were questioned just two months ago after one of their classmates, also 15, travelled to Syria and yet they were still able to board a Turkish Airlines flight at Gatwick which landed at Istanbul on Tuesday evening.

The Prime Minister said their disappearance was "deeply concerning," stressing that authorities would do "everything we can to help these girls."

However he said their case proves the fight against Islamist extremist terror is "not just one that we can wage by the police and border control."

"It needs every school, every university, every college, every community to recognise they have a role to play," he said.

"We all have a role to play in stopping people from having their minds poisoned by this appalling death cult."

The Metropolitan Police disclosed the three girls were questioned by officers in December as part of a "routine inquiry". According to The Times none of the three was subsequently monitored by counterterrorism police.

It was only when their families raised the alarm that authorities discovered the girls had fled the country.

Sky News has also uncovered a tweet sent from Shamima Begum's Twitter account two days earlier, asking a friend already in Syria to follow her so they can start messaging privately.

The friend is understood to be a former private school pupil from Glasgow who travelled to Syria to marry a fighter.

In a statement the Metropolitan Police said they found "nothing" in December to indicate the girls were likely to flee.

IT said: "There was nothing to suggest at the time that the girls themselves were at risk and indeed their disappearance has come as a great surprise, not least to their own families."

Turkish Airlines reportedly did not notify authorities that the girls had boarded the flight to Turkey - a known stop for would-be jihadists travelling to Syria.

Questions have now been raised over how the girls - who attended the Bethnal Green Academy school and were described as "straight-A students" - were able to leave the UK so easily.

Former Metropolitan Police border control officer Chris Hobbs told Sky News that checks for people departing from UK airports made it a "walk in the park for jihadis and girls like this" to leave.

"At the moment you go through security, you get on the plane, you might be checked by a private security guard," he said.

"Unless you're very unlucky you won't pass under the eyes of anyone from UK law enforcement.

"If you're on a watch list then you will ping the system. If you're not on the radar then the odds are you will get on the plane without too many problems."

The number of Westerners who have travelled to Iraq and Syria to join IS is thought to be about 3,000, including as many as 550 women, according to the London-based Institute for Strategic Dialogue.

Police have issued the following descriptions of the girls.

:: Shamima Begum, 15

Shamima is around 5ft 7in tall and was wearing black, thick-rimmed glasses, a black hijab, a light brown and black leopard-print scarf, a dark red jumper, black trousers and jacket.

She was carrying a dark blue cylindrical holdall with white straps. She is a British national of Bangladeshi heritage and speaks English with a London accent. She also speaks Bengali.

:: Kadiza Sultana, 16

1/7

Gallery: Schoolgirls May Have Gone To Syria

Scotland Yard are trying to trace three teenage girls from the same East London school who are believed to have run off to Syria

CCTV captured images of the girls at Gatwick Airport

]]>

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Schoolgirls Feared To Have Travelled To Syria

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 20 Februari 2015 | 22.11

Police are trying to trace three schoolgirls feared to have run away from east London with plans to travel Syria.

The girls were last seen on Tuesday morning as they left their respective homes telling their families they would be out for the day.

Instead they met and travelled to Gatwick airport and boarded a Turkish Airlines flight which landed at Istanbul that evening.

The three are pupils at Bethnal Green Acadamy in east London and are close friends but none of them left messages for their families who reported them missing when they failed to return home.

Police revealed their names as Shamima Begum, 15, Kadiza Sultana, 16, and a third female aged 15 who is not being named at the request of her family.

Metropolitan Police Commander Richard Walton said: "We are extremely concerned for the safety of these young girls and would urge anyone with information to come forward and speak to police. Our priority is the safe return of these girls to their families.

"We are reaching out to the girls using the Turkish media and social media in the hope that Shamima, Kadiza and their friend hear our messages, hear our concerns for their safety and have the courage to return to their families who are so worried about them.

"We are concerned about the numbers of girls and young women who have or are intending to travel to the part of Syria that is controlled by the terrorist group calling themselves Islamic State.

"It is an extremely dangerous place and we have seen reports of what life is like for them and how restricted their lives become.

"It is not uncommon for girls or women to be prevented from being allowed out of their houses or if allowed out, only when accompanied by a guardian."

:: Shamina Begum, 15

Shamima is around 5ft 7in tall and was wearing black, thick-rimmed glasses, a black hijab, a light brown and black leopard-print scarf, a dark red jumper, black trousers and jacket.

She was carrying a dark blue cylindrical holdall with white straps. She is a British national and speaks English with a London accent. She also speaks Bengali.

:: Kadiza Sultana, 16

Kadiza is 5ft 6in tall, of slim build and was wearing black-rimmed glasses, a long black jacket with a hood, grey striped scarf, grey jumper, dark red trousers and was carrying a black holdall.

She is a British national and speaks English with a London accent. She also speaks Bengali.

:: Third Missing Girl, 15

The third girl, who is not being named, is 5ft 6in tall, of slim build, was wearing black, thick-rimmed glasses, a black head scarf, a long dark green jacket with a fur-lined hood, a light yellow long-sleeved top, black trousers and white trainers.

She was carrying a black Nike holdall. She speaks English and Amharic.

Police have been working with their families and overseas authorities since they went missing in an attempt to locate them.

Officers have released CCTV pictures of the girls and have urged anyone who has seen them to contact police.

More follows...

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

NHS Misses A&E Target For 20th Week In A Row

Accident and emergency departments across England have failed to see 95% of their patients within four hours for 20 weeks running.

The crucial target was not met in the second week of February - with just 91.6% of patients being admitted, transferred or discharged in the four hours after they arrive at a ward.

In comparison, 92.9% of casualty patients were treated in line with NHS England's expectations in the seven days to 8 February.

"Last week saw a sharp increase in A&E attendance and emergency admissions - up by nearly 15,000 on the week before. These are the highest levels since Christmas and are also up on the same week last year," said Dr Barbara Hakin of NHS England.

An estimated 420,700 patients went to an accident and emergency department last week.

This admissions figure is the highest seen since the week before Christmas, when 446,473 attendances were recorded.

Dr Hakin added: "This has resulted in a slight impact on waiting times, but we continue to admit, treat and discharge more than nine out of ten patients within four hours."

In recent weeks, the Royal College of Nursing has said the system is in crisis - with chronic underfunding and staffing shortages to blame.

A growing number of NHS hospitals have had to declare "major incidents" as they struggle to cope with the rising number of admissions.

"Bed blocking" also continues to be a serious issue - and last week, 4,000 hospital beds were unavailable because of delays in transferring patients who could be discharged to other care facilities.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

More 24-Hour Rail Part Of Â£10bn London Plan

Chancellor George Osborne and London Mayor Boris Johnson have launched a government plan to put £10bn into London's transport infrastructure.

Mr Johnson promised more 24-hour rail services in the capital where the first round of overnight Tube services are due to get under way soon.

The proposals are part of a package of measures designed to help London stay ahead of New York and other cities in the coming years.

The Government is confident that the plans will create half a million jobs by 2020 and add £6.4bn to the capital's economy by 2030.

Chancellor George Osborne and mayor Boris Johnson said 24-hour services would be expanded on the Tube and extended to London Overground and the Docklands Light Railway.

During an early-morning visit to view maintenance work, they outlined a six-point plan that also extended wi-fi on the Tube.

Night-time Tube services will be expanded to the Metropolitan, Circle, District, and Hammersmith and City lines once Transport for London's modernisation programmes are completed.

Currently 24-hour services will begin on the Northern, Victoria, Piccadilly, Jubilee and Central lines from September.

Rail unions described the announcement as a "blatant pre-election stunt" and questioned how the figure of £6.4 billion had been worked out.

The £10bn of funding covers investment in new TfL infrastructure over the next parliament, including the Tube improvements, better roads, more buses and cycle lanes.

It is designed to cope with growth that will mean London's population is expected to top 10 million by the early 2030s.

Appearing at the Tate Modern art gallery on Friday morning for the official launch, Mr Osborne said: "This is our long-term economic plan for London. To grow our city and outpace New York.

"To create over half a million new jobs, build over 400,000 new homes, provide £10bn on new transport, back business and science and culture here, give a voice to people here and make London the greatest capital city on earth for the next generation of Londoners."

Mick Cash, leader of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, said: "This announcement has been dropped on London by the mayor as a blatant pre-election stunt without a shred of consultation with the union.

"RMT is not opposed to extended running but there are massive issues on staffing, safety and maintenance which have not been addressed and which would need to be signed off by our reps.

"Night running would mean increased drunkenness and risks to both passengers and staff alike and could only work with substantial increases in staffing right across the board."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Music Teacher Jailed for Sex Attacks On Girls

By Martin Brunt, Crime Correspondent

A top musician and conductor has been jailed for 11 years for sex assaults on his teenage students.

Philip Pickett used soundproofed music practice rooms to rape and indecently assault pupils who idolised him.

When one victim's parents complained to the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, its principal took months to reply, took no action and suggested the girl take lessons elsewhere.

Pickett was allowed to continue his celebrated career as a leading authority on baroque music, touring abroad and playing concerts with some of the world's top performers.

He became a musical director at London's Globe theatre on the South Bank and founded the New London Consort ensemble.

The 64-year-old was finally arrested when one victim reported him to police two years ago in the wake of publicity around the Jimmy Savile scandal.

He denied a string of charges from the 1970s and '80s involving sex attacks against young female students.

Pickett, one of the world's leading woodwind instrumentalists, was convicted of two rapes and two indecent assaults on three pupils. He was cleared of six alleged attacks on four others.

Judge Charles Wide described his crimes as "terrible".

"You were their teacher," he said.

"To a degree they were in awe of you, especially the schoolgirls.

"There is the location of the offences, the practice rooms of the Guildhall School of Music, soundproofed and dark. Even if they had shouted they could not have been heard."

One victim, who was 16 at the time, told the Old Bailey jury that during a music lesson in 1978 he demanded she take off her top "to work on your breathing" and then molested her. At her next lesson he raped her.

She did not report him at the time, but told her mother she did not want any more lessons.

In 1984, another victim told her parents of an assault and they wrote to the school asking for an explanation.

But the then principal John Hosier took months to reply and eventually told them he had received no other complaints, advising their daughter to find lessons at another school.

Mr Hosier, who is now dead, wrote to Pickett saying he was frustrated that the tutor had not contacted him to discuss the allegation, according to documents discovered by the City of London police.

Det Supt Maria Woodall said: "Philip Pickett used his position of authority as an accomplished professor to abuse young talented women who were vulnerable due to their age and the fact they were pupils of his.

"He knew how difficult it would be for them to report his crimes to the school or to the police.

"His access to young women over such a period of time means there could be more victims who have yet to come forward.

"I would urge these people to contact the City of London Police."

Among former students of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama are Beatles producer Sir George Martin, the flautist Sir James Galway and the opera singer Bryn Terfel.

The school said in a statement: "Although these events took place several decades ago, this does not diminish our utter shock that a professional music teacher could abuse the trust placed in him by the school and its students.

"The Guildhall School wholeheartedly welcomes the verdicts. Justice has been done and our thoughts are with the victims of these dreadful crimes.

"The Guildhall School takes the duty of care of its students extremely seriously. Robust safeguarding procedures are in place at the school to ensure safe learning environments for all students and these measures are regularly reviewed."

Pickett lived with his wife in the pretty Cotswold village of Lyneham near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

He tried to delay his sentence so he could attend music festivals abroad.

He was jailed last week, but a reporting ban was imposed until today when the Crown Prosecution Service decided to drop more charges against him.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mourinho 'Ashamed' Of Chelsea Fans' Racist Abuse

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says the club is ashamed of the supporters who racially abused a black man on the Paris Metro.

At a news conference on Friday, he apologised and said he would welcome the victim - Sylla Souleymane - to a future home game.

He said: "I'd like to make clear, on behalf of everyone at the club, our disgust at the incident. We were appalled by what we saw.

"The club would also like to apologise unreservedly to Souleymane for the behaviour of a small number of individuals and their unforgivable action towards him.

"We feel ashamed, but maybe we shouldn't because I refuse to be connected with these people.

"I'm connected with Chelsea, I'm connected with so many good things this club defends and represents.

"I left Chelsea in 2007 and I couldn't wait for the moment to be back, and it's not because of people like this."

Paris-born Mr Souleymane, 33, has said he thinks the fans who abused him should be jailed.

He told Le Parisien newspaper: "These people, these English fans, must be found, punished and must be locked up. What happened should not go unpunished."

The club said three people had been suspended from its Stamford Bridge ground and that they would be banned for life if there was "sufficient evidence of their involvement in the incident".

Chelsea said it had received "substantial information" following an appeal for witnesses and an investigation was ongoing.

Meanwhile, one of the Chelsea fans on board the train, Josh Parsons, appears to have been suspended by his employers.

The 21-year-old finance worker is not seen chanting and it is not clear whether he was involved.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Thousands Risk Health Over Cosmetic Surgery

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 19 Februari 2015 | 22.11

By Richard Suchet, Sky News Correspondent

Thousands of people are putting themselves at serious risk by "recklessly" rushing into having plastic surgery procedures.

The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) has launched a new campaign, Think Over Before You Make Over, urging people to think carefully before going under the knife.

Their research suggests nearly a quarter of all people having cosmetic surgery in the UK do not check their surgeon's credentials and over a fifth are not aware of the risks associated with their chosen procedure.

BAPRAS President and Consultant Plastic Surgeon Nigel Mercer told Sky News: "You would check your electrician's credentials. You would check your plumber's credentials. Why on Earth wouldn't you check your surgeon's credentials?

"Deals have an enormous impact on this market. We've seen Groupon deals for cosmetic surgery and it's mind-boggling when you think about that.

"You wouldn't go for cut price brain surgery or cut price gall bladder surgery - you would want the best that you can get.

"Cosmetic surgery is not something to be taken lightly and yet thousands of people are putting themselves at serious risk by rushing in to major procedures recklessly, without consideration for their own safety."

According to BAPRAS, those who rush into surgery usually regret it. 59% of patients who have an op less than two weeks after their first consultation find they are less confident in their appearance afterwards.

Anyone considering cosmetic surgery is advised to ensure a surgeon is properly qualified and has substantial experience, as well as checking that they are on the General Medical Council's Specialist Register for the discipline in which they have trained.

Suzie Adams, 40, from Bridgwater in Somerset had her life destroyed by cosmetic surgery.

After three caesareans, she flew to Prague for what she calls "a tidy-up and a tummy tuck".

She thought she was getting a good deal but she was left disfigured and developed septicaemia from her infected wound.

She then had to endure months of follow-up treatment, forcing her out of her job.

"The long term effect it had on me? It devastated me," she said.

"I hated my body - it was worse than when I started. I didn't like anybody seeing me, even my children or my partner. I felt like a freak.

"I forced myself to look in the mirror every day to remind myself of the mistake I made because I shouldn't have gone abroad. I should have stayed in this country.

"My advice to other people is - if you can afford to have it done in the UK, have it done in the UK because the after care is never there. They like to take your money and then that's it.

"I risked my life going over there and if could turn the clocks back I wouldn't have done it."

On the issue of people seeking cheaper surgery abroad, Mr Mercer added: "British people think if they go to Thailand the hospital will be the same as the hospital here.

"In fact, if you go to Belgium there are no regulations about what should be in an operating room, including oxygen and defibrillators. There are no regulations. So people need to be very careful."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Victim Says 'Lock Up' Racist Chelsea Fans

The man caught on video being abused by Chelsea fans on the Paris Metro says he thinks they should be jailed for their actions.

The 33-year-old, who is only identified as Souleymane S, told Le Parisien newspaper it was not the first time he had been a victim of racism.

The French-Mauritanian was filmed being pushed back as he tried to board a train on the French capital's underground system by a group of Chelsea fans.

Having prevented him from boarding, the men began singing: "We're racist, we're racist, and that's the way we like it."

Chelsea Football Club, whose fans were in France to watch their team play Paris St Germain, condemned the behaviour and said it will support criminal action against them.

Le Parisien said Souleymane did not know he was at the centre of an international scandal until it alerted him to the video.

He told the paper: "I did not know I had been filmed. The fact that I am now talking about it will give me the courage to complain to the police.

"These people, these English fans, must be found, punished and must be locked up. What happened should not go unpunished."

The married father-of-three, who was born in Paris but grew up in the town of Val d'Oise, told the newspaper the whole incident lasted about six or seven minutes.

He said: "I wanted to get into the carriage but a group of English fans blocked me and pushed me away.

"I understood that it was Chelsea fans and I made the connection with the PSG match. I understand also that they were attacking me because of the colour of my skin.

"You know, I live with racism. I was not really surprised by what happened to me even though it was the first time it had happened on the subway."

At one point, staff from the train company tried to intervene to prevent any fighting, but he said they were more concerned with making sure the trains ran on time.

"I took the next metro and went back home without telling anyone, not even my wife or kids," he added. "What would I have told my kids? That daddy was pushed in the Metro because he's black?"

One of the men on the train in the video has now been identified as finance worker Josh Parsons, 21.

He is seen as the camera pans round and shows him standing among other fans on the train. However, he is not seen chanting and it is not clear whether he was involved.

His employer, Miranda Khadr, of Business and Commercial Finance Club in Mayfair, said: "At this stage we are in a situation where this is very much Josh and his personal matters.

"Should he be charged we will be looking at taking action."

Ms Khadr told reporters that he was "very scared" and his aunt, Louise, told the Evening Standard: "He is a lovely boy and has never been in any trouble. He is a lifelong Chelsea fan and that has never been a problem."

The person who shot the video has warned against leaping to conclusions about some of those seen in it.

Paris-based Briton Paul Nolan said: "Like anyone else, I was shocked, embarrassed and felt outraged at how the man was treated.

"Souleymane S ... says he feels more confident about filing a police complaint as a result of the video. Of that, I'm happy.

"On the other hand, I'm concerned about this becoming a witch hunt for those Chelsea fans seen in the video. A couple are very young and most probably very impressionable. For the older ones, they'll clearly never learn."

Police in France said no arrests were made in relation to the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Since the video appeared on websites on Wednesday, the behaviour of the fans has been widely condemned across the French and English media, and by FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man Arrested Over Becky Godden Murder

A 51-year-old man has been arrested over the murder of Becky Godden, who went missing in 2002.

Miss Godden, 21, was killed and buried in a shallow grave on farmland at a Cotswold beauty spot, but her remains were not found until almost a decade after she disappeared.

Superintendent Sean Memory, of Wiltshire Police, said: "We can confirm that a 51-year-old man from Swindon was arrested today on suspicion of the murder of Becky Godden (also known as Rebecca Godden Edwards).

"He has been interviewed and inquiries continue."

The last sighting of Miss Godden was by a police officer on 27 December, 2002, in the Manchester Road area of Swindon.

In 2011, her remains were found buried in a field in East Leach, Gloucestershire.

In April 2014, a further bone was discovered at the crime scene.

Police have been continuing their investigation into her death in a bid to bring her killer to justice.

Officers have been handing out renewed appeal posters in the local area.

They have urged anyone who saw Miss Godden over Christmas 2002 and into the New Year to contact them.

Mr Memory has said: "We know that Becky was last seen on December 27 2002 and we need people to come forward with any information about where she was in early 2003. Did you see Becky over the New Year period?"

Miss Godden, who had turned to prostitution after becoming addicted to heroin, was not in contact with her family.

Her relatives had previously paid for private rehabilitation treatment in an effort to help her get off drugs.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blur To Release First Album In 12 Years

We use cookies to give you the best experience. If you do nothing we'll assume that it's ok.

Blur are to release their first studio album in 12 years.

The band, whose hits include Parklife and Song 2, announced on Facebook they would return with their eighth album, called The Magic Whip, on 27 April.

It was borne out of a five-day recording session in Hong Kong in 2013.

Lead singer Damon Albarn said: "I really thought that was it, that was the end - it had run its course.

"The record was accidental, spontaneous."

1/17

Gallery: Blur Through The Years

The band receive their trophies at the Brit Awards ceremony February 20, 1995

Damon Albarn on stage during a concert in Vienna, Austria, March 11, 1996

]]>

Lead singer Damon Albarn with bass player Alex James (top) during an interview in London December 3, 1996

]]>

A gig at the Stockholm Water Festival, August 15, 1997

]]>

Damon Albarn joins anti-war demonstrators outside Parliament in central London, January 21, 2003

]]>

The album was announced in a live video chat with Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe.

Lowe described the album as "amazing".

One of the tracks, Pyongyang, was inspired by Albarn's trip to North Korea.

The band went mainstream with their third album, Parklife, in 1994, before a much-publicised spat with Oasis the following year.

The Britpop rivals released singles on the same day, with Blur's Country House beating Oasis' Roll With It to number one.

Their last studio album, Think Tank, came in 2003 before the band parted ways to pursue solo projects.

In 2012, Blur received a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music.

The band has also announced they would return to the stage for the first time since 2013 by playing Hyde Park on 20 June.

Recommended by Outbrain Recommended by Outbrain

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 18 Februari 2015 | 22.11

A container ship on its way to Norway has run aground off the Scottish coast and is leaking fuel.

An operation is under way to contain any risk of pollution and free Lysblink Seaways, which has nine people on board.

The alarm was raised at around 1.50am on Wednesday when the vessel became stuck off Kilchoan, north of the Isle of Mull, in the West Highlands.

The ship, thought to be carrying paper, did not refloat at high tide at 4.35am.

Tugs are expected to try to free the vessel and the Tobermory lifeboat is at the scene. So far, no-one has been reported injured.

A spokesman for the RNLI said: "Tobermory RNLI's volunteer crew launched the Severn class lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey, shortly after 3am to go to the aid of the vessel which was hard aground on rocks close to the ferry slipway.

"On arriving at the scene, the lifeboat crew established that whilst the vessel had sustained damage and was taking on some water, it was not in imminent danger of sinking. There are no reports of any injuries to the crew."

The ship was travelling from Belfast to Skogn in Norway when it ran aground.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has sent emergency towing vessel Heracles to the scene.

It is expected to arrive at around 2am on Thursday.

The vessel's owners have appointed a salvage company and a commercial tug, which is thought to be heading to the area from Greenock, Inverclyde.

A MCA spokesperson told Sky News: "Counter pollution measures are in place as there is a small amount of fuel leaking from the vessel.

"Currently, there is a light sheen on the water's surface [measuring] two by two metres.

"An assessment will be made early this evening with regard to what course of action should be taken with regard to moving the vessel."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teenager Re-Arrested Over Schoolboy Death

Police investigating the death of Oisin McGrath have re-arrested a 17-year-old on suspicion of manslaughter.

The teenager, a pupil at the same Enniskillen school as Oisin, was questioned by officers before being released on bail pending further enquiries.

The 13-year-old from Belcoo, County Fermanagh, died in hospital three days after an altercation at St Michael's College.

On medical advice, his parents decided to withdraw their teenage son's life support and donate his organs for transplant.

Father Seamus Quinn paid tribute to Oisin, a budding musician and sportsman, at his funeral on Sunday.

"He was forever smiling, a big wide happy grin etched on his face," he said.

"He was a natural, unaffected young lad, quiet and easy to be with, the kind of smile that drew the best out of you, whether you were young or old.

"Because of his parents' incredibly selfless and faith-based decision, Oisin's falling on the ground and dying like a grain of wheat has brought life to five other human beings."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Energy: Big Six Profit From Switching Failure

A competition inquiry into the energy market has found suppliers routinely charging loyal customers up to £234 more per year.

The Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) update on its continuing probe into the sector also contained criticism of the energy regulator's powers - as reported by Sky News on Tuesday evening - saying excessive regulation at Ofgem may be creating barriers to new market entrants.

The key finding in the CMA's updated Issues Statement for consumers concerned the power of switching supplier, with the regulator declaring that long-term customers - many deemed vulnerable - were paying a higher price for failing to move between energy companies.

It said 95% of dual fuel customers of the so-called big six suppliers could have saved an average of between £158 and £234 a year by switching.

It found British Gas, SSE, Scottish Power, E.ON, npower and EDF, earned 12% more from a customer on a standard - instead of fixed - dual fuel tariff.

The report stated: "The evidence that we have seen to date also suggests that the gross margins that the six large energy firms earn are higher for customers on the SVT (Standard Variable Tariff) than for those on non-standard tariffs over the last three years."

While the Issues Statement does not contain any formal conclusions by the CMA, the ongoing designation of industry regulation as a key focus will embarrass Ofgem at a time when its leadership is under intense political pressure.

Labour has vowed to freeze prices for 20 months if it wins the General Election in May, a pledge which sparked fury among big six suppliers.

They recently cut standard gas tariffs by up to 5.1% in response to a 30% dip in wholesale prices but argue raw energy makes up less than 50% of a bill and they have to pay up to three years up front for their supplies.

They point to the growing cost of green levies and network costs.

Crucially for the big six suppliers, the CMA found that their average profit margin across gas and electricity was 3.3%, with gas being the more profitable of the two.

But the report questions whether the market is working for consumers as almost half of households have been with the same supplier for more than 10 years.

This week, the Government launched a campaign with the slogan "Power To Switch", which is designed to encourage consumers to shop around to find cheaper energy deals.

Provisional findings of the CMA's inquiry will be published in May.

It is expected to stop short of recommending that the big six firms split their generation and supply arms - as some critics have demanded - to give greater clarity on profits.

Energy UK, the industry body which speaks for suppliers, said: "The energy industry continues to support the work of the Competition and Markets Authority and has already introduced a range of voluntary measures, moving towards greater openness and transparency.

"Today is the next stage in the process with conclusions expected later this year.

The industry will review today's releases over the coming weeks with a view to engaging further with the investigation. Individual members will be able to contribute to the debate as the rest of the investigation progresses."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

River Search Continues For Missing Boy, 11

A major search for an 11-year-old boy who is believed to have fallen into a river in Wales is continuing "in hope".

Emergency services were alerted just before 4pm on Tuesday after the boy, who has not been identified, fell into the River Towy in the Tanerdy area of Carmarthen.

Police, firefighters, a coastguard rescue team, the Ferryside inshore lifeboat crew and an RAF Sea King rescue helicopter are all at the scene.

Inspector Eric Evans of Dyfed-Powys Police said around 50 people were involved.

He said officers were "fairly confident" the boy had gone into the water.

"We are conducting a thorough search of the area and following every lead in order to find him," he said.

"Our plan for today is to work more closely with other services who bring specialist skills and equipment in order to search the river.

"Searching a river is difficult with fast flowing water, tidal waters and dark pools."

The boy's family is being supported by officers.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokeswoman said the search resumed at first light.

She said: "We have coastguard rescue teams from Llansteffan, Tenby and Burry Port and the RAF rescue helicopter has been part of the search and rescue," she said.

Boats from the Mid Wales Fire and Rescue Service are also taking part, alongside an independent rescue crew from Ferryside.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Race Row Chelsea Fans May Face Match Ban

Police are investigating whether any of the Chelsea fans who were filmed stopping a black man getting on a train in Paris can be banned from football.

The club has condemned the behaviour of the supporters as "abhorrent".

They are believed to have been travelling to the city's Parc des Princes stadium for a game against Paris Saint Germain.

The Metropolitan Police said it was aware of the incident and was working with the French authorities.

The force said: "We will examine the footage with a view to seeing if we can apply for football banning orders, preventing people from travelling from future matches."

Footage uploaded to The Guardian's website shows the commuter trying to board a metro train at Richelieu-Drouot station in the French capital.

A group of supporters are seen shouting and gesturing at the man and chanting "Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea", before pushing him onto the platform as he tries to step into the carriage.

When he tries again to board the train, the man points to a space where he could stand but is pushed back as he steps forward.

The fans then chant: "We're racist, we're racist, and that's the way we like it."

The supporters are also heard chanting: "Where were you in World War Two?"

British expatriate Paul Nolan, who filmed the incident, said: "He was obviously completely shocked when they pushed him off.

"I don't think he realised who they were. He then tried to get on again and got pushed off a second time."

The club said it would take action if members are found to have been involved.

It said: "We will support any criminal action against those involved, and should evidence point to involvement of Chelsea season-ticket holders or members the club will take the strongest possible action against them, including banning orders."

A Chelsea fan who was there defended the actions of the group, insisting they were chanting about club captain John Terry and that other passengers were blocked from getting on.

Mitchell McCoy said: "I'm not in the video but I'm on the carriage. We got on the train and at the station where the man was trying to get on we stopped for a couple of minutes.

"He tried to get on and a few people were pushing him off because there wasn't much space on the carriage. You couldn't move.

"People were saying it was because he was black. It's not true at all."

Mr McCoy, 17, who said he was not singing the song, said it was about Terry, who was banned for four matches and fined £220,000 by the Football Association for racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand in 2011.

The regulatory commission which ruled on the case stated that the Chelsea captain was "not a racist".

Kick It Out chairman Lord Ouseley condemned the fans' behaviour and said the anti-discrimination body would support any prosecutions.

UEFA, European football's governing body, also condemned the incident, but said it was out of its remit because it happened away from the stadium.

A French police spokesman said it had received no complaints.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Boy And Girl, Both 16, Held In Terror Arrests

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 17 Februari 2015 | 22.11

Anti-terror police have arrested a boy and a girl, both aged 16, in raids in Mossley, Greater Manchester.

Police said searches were continuing at addresses in Hanover Street and Spring Mill Drive, Mossley.

The teenagers were arrested on Monday on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism.

They are being held in police custody.

Chief Superintendent Caroline Ball said: "I know news of an arrest made under terrorism legislation in this community will cause a certain amount of anxiety and people will understandably have questions.

"What I want to stress very clearly is that this investigation is in no way linked to any sort of international terrorist plot nor have we recovered any evidence to suggest the community of Mossley is at risk.

"This investigation has arisen as a result of information from law enforcement agencies so it is prudent we act on that information and carry out a thorough, professional investigation to determine the circumstances and details of the activity reported."

She said the searches would last several days but said people should interpret the ongoing police activity as reason to be reassured rather than concerned.

Chief Supt Ball added: "Again I would stress there is no current threat to either the Mossley community or wider and there is no reason to be unduly worried.

"If anyone is concerned, please approach one of local officers who will be happy to speak to you."

Anyone with concerns about suspicious activity can contact police or the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321.

:: Meanwhile, a Stoke-on-Trent man has been arrested on suspicion of encouraging terrorism and supporting a proscribed organisation. The 29-year-old's arrest relates to suspected online postings which reference the Islamic State.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Britons Shortlisted For One-Way Trip To Mars

Five Britons have been shortlisted for a controversial space project to establish a permanent settlement on Mars.

The candidates have been chosen from more than 200,000 applicants for the privately-funded one-way mission due to blast off in 2024.

The project is being organised by Dutch entrepreneur Bars Lansdorp who claims the citizen astronauts will grow their own food and be protected from radiation by a "hollow water tank".

A rover will first be deployed on the planet in 2020 to chose a location where the soil contains enough water and there is enough sunlight to power the settlement.

Mr Lansdorp said: "The brightest young minds of our planet are being invited to participate in Mars One's first Mars lander. We do this to inspire students to believe that anything is possible."

But suspicious critics believe the mission is a publicity stunt to raise revenue for a reality television series produced by Big Brother producer Endemol.

Australian journalist Elmo Keep told Sky News: "200,000 people did not apply; 2,071 paid the registration fee.

"According to the dozens of people I interviewed over the course of a year for the story, there is scant-to-no proof Mars One has any capability to make it real."

A Mars One statement released earlier said: "Endemol-owned Darlow Smithson Productions (DSP) will exclusively follow the selection and training of the world's first one day astronauts to Mars."

But a DSP spokesperson told Sky News they had pulled out of the project after failing to reach agreement on the details of the contract.

Research carried out at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology suggests a manned mission to Mars would see the crew die within 68 days.

But Hannah Earnshaw, a 23-year-old astronomy student at Durham University, is among the Britons on the shortlist and said the trip was "really appealing".

"My family is pretty thrilled. They're really happy for me," she said. "Obviously it's going to be challenging, leaving Earth and not coming back.

"I've had support from my friends and family and we can still communicate via the internet."

Ms Earnshaw said she was "not surprised" there was scepticism about the project which she said was "definitely feasible".

But International Space Station Commander Chris Hadfield said candidates would be disappointed.

Speaking to US magazine Matter he said: "There's a great self-defeating optimism in the way this project has been set up.

"I fear it's going to be a little disillusioning for people because it's presented as if it's going to happen and so all those people are excited."

Challenged over the likelihood of the project getting off the ground, in 2012 Mr Lansdorp rejected claims the mission was a stunt.

"If you look at the team involved in Mars One, none of us would do this as a hoax," he said.

Mars One were unavailable for comment when contacted by Sky News.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Two Men Held Over Fatal Tipper Truck Crash

The driver of a tipper truck which struck and killed four people has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Philip Potter, 19, from Brinkworth in Wiltshire, was moving sand and gravel in Bath on 9 February when the truck hit and killed Mitzi Rosanna Steady, 4.

Her grandmother was also hit and remains in critical condition in hospital.

The 32-tonne truck allegedly went on to hit a number of other vehicles before overturning on to a Volvo at the bottom of a hill, killing the three men inside.

They were Robert Parker, 59, from Cwmbran, electricity company director and father of two Philip Allen, 52, and recently-married taxi driver Stephen Vaughan, 34, both from Swansea.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they had arrested Mr Potter, who is also being held on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence for the same incident, and a 28-year-old man.

The 28-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing manslaughter by gross negligence.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Inflation At Record Low Of 0.3% In January

The annual rate of inflation has eased to a record low of 0.3% and is on course to fall further, boosting consumer spending power after years of weak wage growth.

The Office for National Statistics estimated the CPI measure of inflation was at its lowest since 1960 as plunging oil prices and a supermarket price war dominated overall price growth last month.

Its figures meant a basket of goods and services that cost £100 in January 2014 would have been just 30p more last month, though the ONS said the fall in inflation would have been sharper but for a softer slowdown in the fall of clothing prices.

The supermarket price war saw food and non-alcoholic beverage prices fall by 2.5% year on year, the steepest rate on records going back to 1997.

It was driven by a 3.5% fall in the cost of milk as two-pint carton costs plunged.

Transport costs fell by 2.8% year on year, the steepest rate on record, as fuel costs dived by 16.2%.

Separate figures from the ONS, due to be released tomorrow, are expected to show annual wage rises remaining above 1.5% - easily outpacing inflation - leaving households with more cash as salaries rise and living costs ease.

The Bank of England last week forecast that the UK could even see negative inflation in the coming months, as energy bill reductions start to be fully realised in the figures, with inflation rebounding later this year.

Governor Mark Carney said that should it become clear that a more entrenched period of falling prices - deflation - was looming, then the Bank would take action to prevent the possibility of economic activity dropping off.

Deflation is seen as bad news because consumers and businesses put off purchases in the hope goods and services will be cheaper in future.

Chancellor George Osborne said: "Today we see the lowest CPI inflation ever - a milestone for the British economy.

"It's great news for families, whose budgets will stretch even further. It shows that those who went around predicting a cost of living crisis were plain wrong.

"And it demonstrates the clear choice between a long-term economic plan that's delivering stability and rising living standards, and the chaos of the alternatives.

"Although the low inflation is, as the Bank of England confirmed last week, driven by lower food and energy prices rather than damaging deflation, we will remain vigilant to all risks, particularly when the global economic situation is so uncertain."

Labour sought to distance the Government from taking any credit for falling prices.

Shadow treasury minister Cathy Jamieson MP said: "Inflation is falling around the world because global oil prices have plummeted.

"But in Britain wages continue to be sluggish and working people are £1,600 a year worse off under this government.

"A few months of falling world oil prices won't solve the deep-seated problems in our economy."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man Accused Of Trying To Buy Ricin Online

A man accused of attempting to buy the chemical weapon ricin has been remanded in custody after appearing in court.

Mohammed Ammer Ali, from Liverpool, allegedly tried to buy 500mg of the deadly substance on the internet between 10 January and 12 February.

The 31-year-old was charged after the North West Counter Terrorism Unit and Merseyside Police launched an investigation.

He spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the three-minute hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, and will next appear at the Old Bailey on 13 March.

Ali's arrest came after officers searched five addresses in the Merseyside area on 11 February and seized a number of items.

A police spokesman stressed no information was uncovered to suggest a terrorist attack at home or abroad was imminent.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Police Issue Appeal Over Businessman's Murder

Written By Unknown on Senin, 16 Februari 2015 | 22.11

Police keen to solve the murder of a diabetic businessman are making a renewed push to trace his killers.

John Luper, 57, was attacked by four or five masked men as he returned from a midnight walk with his dog in the Alwoodley suburb of Leeds in 2004 and dragged back inside his family home.

His wife and daughter were tied up with masking tape while the gang stole jewellery - including a platinum and diamond watch, clothes and cash, totalling £100,000.

The inquest into his death heard the robbers became concerned about his health during the raid and fed him marmalade; possibly in an attempt to boost his sugar levels.

When his family freed themselves they found him unconscious on the kitchen floor and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination revealed he died from asphyxia.

The stolen Cartier watch was one of only four sold in the UK at that time and police have asked anyone who may have been offered such an item to get in touch.

Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson said he remained committed to bringing Mr Luper's killers to justice.

"The fact that 11 years have passed since John Luper's death has not lessened how determined we still are to get justice for his family," he said.

"The scientific techniques available to us are developing all the time and we remain hopeful that they will yet provide us with the evidence we need.

"We are convinced that there are people out there who have the information we need to know about who was responsible.

"It is likely that those answers lie within the criminal fraternity who will have been aware of the murder at the time and will have discussed it over the years.

"Allegiances often change over the years and it may be that people are in a better position now to come forward and tell us what they know."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

CBI Upgrades Economic Growth Forecast For 2015

The Confederation of British Industry has upgraded its economic growth forecast for 2015, after inflation fell to a record-equalling low in December.

According to the group, Britain's economy will expand by 2.7% this year - up from its previous prediction of 2.5%.

It said living standards were improving, with strong levels of job creation and wage growth beginning to gain momentum.

The CBI also believes the future looks rosier for businesses, as lower energy prices cut operating costs and free up more cash for investment.

However, it warned political uncertainty ahead of May's General Election - when coupled with Greece's economic turmoil and the Ukrainian conflict - could make it difficult for exporters to secure new orders.

And, as the price of oil has fallen by around 50% since last summer, North Sea oil companies have taken a hit - stymying jobs and investment in the industry.

Katja Hall, the CBI's deputy director-general, said: "UK growth continues to outshine its counterparts in Europe and progress is 'steady as she goes'.

"Now is not the time for complacency, but falling unemployment coupled with improving wage growth and rock-bottom inflation should mean that people see more money in their pockets."

Although the CBI's forecast is now in line with the International Monetary Fund, the Bank of England is predicting economic growth of 2.9% this year.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rail Passengers Frustrated By Poor Service

By Katie Spencer, Sky News Reporter

Rail travellers on busy commuter routes say they are frustrated by delays and bad service, with less than half of passengers on some lines saying they are satisfied with their journeys.

A survey carried out by the consumer group Which? found services from England's South East into London are the most likely to be delayed.

Travellers on the Southern train company reported experiencing the most delays, while those least satisfied with their service were customers with the Thameslink and Great Northern / First Capital Connect routes.

Only 44% of customers with Southeastern said they were satisfied with their journeys, and Southern and Abellio Greater Anglia scored only 46%.

The results were based on responses from 7,309 travellers who were asked about journeys they had taken in the 12 months ending in November 2014.

Areas covered included availability of seating, cleanliness of toilets and carriages, as well as punctuality and value for money.

Travellers were also asked if they had experienced a delay on the last journey they had taken with their train company.

It comes as official figures show rail passengers are paying more for services, while Government funding is falling.

A report by the Office of Rail Regulation shows commuters are contributing an increasing amount to the cost of running the railways.

Official figures show the amount passengers are contributing to the funding of the railways stood at £8.2bn in 2013/14 - an increase of more than 6% on the previous year.

In the same period, the level of Government funding was just £3.8 billion, a fall of 8%.

Funding per passenger journey works out to be far less in England than it is in Scotland and Wales.

In England it works out to be £1.88 per passenger journey, whereas in Scotland it's £7.77, and £9.18 in Wales.

Alex Neill, director of campaigns for Which?, told Sky News: "We found commuters are really unhappy with the service they're getting.

"Seven of the 21 providers that we looked at scored less than 50%, which is a pretty poor result.

"People are fed up with overcrowded trains that are dirty, generally late and that are not good value for money."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Son Arrested Days Before Parents Found Dead

A convicted rapist who was recently released from prison is believed to have killed his parents before being found dead.

Ashraf Amrani, 30, was found unresponsive then pronounced dead on the roof of a flat in west London on Friday afternoon.

Police say he had been arrested for affray on 10 February and was due to answer bail on Wednesday.

The next day officers went to a flat in the same street to inform his next of kin, but discovered the bodies of a man and woman - believed to be Amrani's parents Hassan and Zara.

Police are treating Ashraf Amrani's death as unexplained but the couple are believed to have died in suspicious circumstances and police have launched a murder investigation.

A court official confirmed that in June 2010 the 30-year-old had been jailed for seven years and two months after being found guilty of rape at Southwark Crown Court.

A neighbour who lives in the same street - Westbourne Park Road near the Portobello Road Market - said police had been called to the couple's flat on Thursday but a man, believed to be the couple's son, had tried to block them from going inside.

She said: "My brother told me that police had been round and they were looking for the son and opened the door.

"He got the impression he was in there and not letting them in.

She added: "The last time I saw the wife was on Thursday and she didn't look happy. She looked a bit fed up and sad.

"We were walking into the estate together and she said she wanted to go back to Morocco. She was a bit fed up.

"She said her husband had called her and said there was some trouble in the house."

The neighbour, who asked not to be named, said the couple doted on their grandson, who is believed to be around seven or eight years old.

"They were just a really nice couple. I'm just so shocked. They were always so nice," she said.

"She would always go and see her daughter and grandson. The husband was a very quiet man. They had an extremely beautiful house. She kept everything immaculate."

Forensics officers wearing light blue protective clothing and white masks are continuing to search the flat.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Miliband: Apprenticeships For School Leavers

Ed Miliband has announced plans to make sure every school leaver who makes the grade is given an apprenticeship.

Setting out Labour's economic vision, the Labour leader promised to create 80,000 new apprenticeships for 18-year-olds who achieve two A-Levels or a similar vocational qualification.

He said the public sector would provide thousands of places, while firms awarded major government contracts or those who recruit from outside the EU would be required to deliver apprenticeships.

Mr Miliband pointed out that the number of apprenticeships in the UK was falling with only one in 10 firms offering places - six times fewer than in Germany.

He said: "Nothing more symbolises the current Government's failing plan than seeing the tax gap - between what should be paid and the revenue received - widening, while the number of apprenticeships available for young people is falling."

The announcement was the centrepiece of a speech in Birmingham in which Mr Miliband set out a "better plan" for an economy that would succeed for "working families of Britain as a whole".

He said: "We need a better plan to replace an economy where tens of billions are lost in tax avoidance with an economy where tens of thousands more of our young people are doing apprenticeships and we help more businesses grow, succeed and create wealth."

Mr Miliband unveiled a 79-page document outlining proposals to generate investment and cut taxes for small businesses in a bid to restore his relationship with firms.

He guaranteed that corporation tax would be the "most competitive in the G7" and promised increased competition in energy and banking to bring down bills.

Mr Miliband also said he would introduce a ban on zero-hours contracts and promised to stay in a reformed European Union.

The proposals were welcomed by John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce.

He said: "It is encouraging to see Mr Miliband set out some positive policies for business, notably around access to finance, infrastructure and encouraging long-term investment.

"Mr Miliband is right to focus on the importance of high quality apprenticeships, and collectively we can work harder to deliver more of them. We also favour giving employers more control over funding, so that companies can train apprentices with the skills to suit their needs."

Conservative chairman Grant Shapps said Mr Miliband had "never run a business in his life" and was the "last person in the world we should be listening to on this".

Mr Miliband's speech came as the shadow business secretary dismissed the row over Ed Balls' suggestion people should collect receipts from gardeners and cleaners as a "storm in a teacup".

Speaking to Sky News, Chuka Umunna said the shadow chancellor was not demanding everyone must collect written notes in respect of all minor cash-in-hand jobs.

Mr Balls made his comments at the weekend in the middle of the row between the Tories and Labour over tax avoidance and the handling of HSBC's Swiss dealings.

He said he always asked for a receipt, even if it was for £10 to trim a hedge, because it was the "right thing to do".

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith branded the comments as "absurd".

Speaking in Birmingham Mr Miliband said: "We're all clear the Hedge Funds are more important than the hedge cutters."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

NHS Patients 'Feel Ignored And Sidelined'

The NHS is failing some the country's most vulnerable patients by ignoring complaints and failing to show compassion, according to a new report.

The Patients Association says many are left "uninformed" about their treatment, but are scared to complain because they fear recriminations.

Called 'Why our NHS should listen and be human', the report warns says most patients who raise grievances are driven by a desire to improve the system for others rather than punish staff.

The charity also says patients and their families understand doctors and nurses are not always able to answer their questions, but should be kept informed about their care.

Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association, said: "Today's themes report demonstrates that too often patients and their families are treated without compassion, are uninformed about treatment and next steps, feel ignored and sidelined when they raise concerns or complaints.

"In our report, Why our NHS should listen and be human, we have identified that patients are still being shown a lack of care, compassion and dignity.

"We have also reported that openness and transparency are key themes that patients and the public are concerned about.

"The NHS is failing many of the most vulnerable members of society and patients and the public have told us about inconsistencies in the provision of care, poor standards of care and compassion, and a lack of openness and transparency in communication between healthcare staff, patients and their families.

"These themes can be summed up as a desire to be treated in a humane and caring way with compassion, dignity, openness and honesty."

The association said the NHS must improve its complaints procedures and the support it gives patients.

Ms Murphy added: "It is now time to stop the rhetoric; be honest with your patients and place them central to everything you do, patients and the public deserve nothing less."

00.35 | 0 komentar | Read More

Al Fayed Rape Allegation To Be 'Reassessed'

A rape allegation made against Mohamed al Fayed is being reassessed after "new information" about the case emerged.

The claims were first reported to the Metropolitan Police in October 2013.

Following an investigation by officers at the time, no further action was taken against the businessman, who is the former owner of Harrods.

However, the case against the 86-year-old will now be reviewed.

Mr al Fayed, who strongly denies the allegation, has expressed his "dismay" at the decision.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "We can confirm the MPS investigated an allegation reported to us in October 2013. The matter was not proceeded with at the time.

"However, we are reassessing the original investigation as a result of new information."

00.34 | 0 komentar | Read More

Catch Me If You Can: Fugitive's Facebook Taunt

A criminal on the run has used Facebook to taunt police officers trying to track him down.

Logan Rhys James, of Caerphilly, South Wales, was in prison for a street knife attack but was released early.

Gwent Police, who are hunting him because he breached the terms of his release, issued the 19-year-old's mugshot on Facebook as officers tried to track him down.

But a comment appeared, apparently sent from James' profile, which said: "Haha catch me if you can wont (sic) see me slipping."

Officers said they remain confident of catching the teenager, who is known to have contacts in Caerphilly and Barry.

A spokesman said: "Logan received an eight-month sentence for affray after being convicted on 31 July 2014.

"Due to the fact that Logan, who was released on licence, breached his licence conditions he has been recalled to prison."

:: Anyone with information should contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111, quoting log 294 11/02/15 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

00.34 | 0 komentar | Read More

Abuse Inquiry May Probe Crimes Back To 1945

The offical inquiry into alleged child sex abuse may be extended to investigate crimes committed as long ago as 1945, according to Justice Lowell Goddard.

The New Zealand judge took over the inquiry after two other senior figures were forced to step down over establishment links.

The investigation is expected to focus on allegations of alleged wrongdoing dating back to 1970, but Justice Goddard says this could be extended.

The 66-year-old told The Mail On Sunday that fixed cut-off points for inquiries are "artificial".

"The terms of reference talk about going back to 1970, but there is a push from certain quarters to take it back to about 1945," she said.

"A cut-off point is always a bit artificial - someone who falls on the wrong side of it is aggrieved."

The newspaper said Home Secretary Theresa May supports Justice Goddard's position on the possibility of extending the terms of reference.

Justice Goddard said she "wouldn't shrink" from summoning prominent people to give evidence at the inquiry.

"I don't feel intimidated. Nobody should be beyond the reach of the law," she said.

"Sexual abuse of little children has never been anything short of a serious crime and that does not alter through religious or cultural mores or a different era or time.

"If criminal offending is evident it will be handed to police. There are people who need to be given a voice about what has happened to them."

00.34 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mengenai Saya

Popular Posts Today

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 21 Februari 2015 | 22.11

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 20 Februari 2015 | 22.11

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 19 Februari 2015 | 22.11

Top Stories

Top Stories

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 18 Februari 2015 | 22.11

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 17 Februari 2015 | 22.11

Written By Unknown on Senin, 16 Februari 2015 | 22.11

Links

Arsip Blog