Thatcher Funeral 'Not Over The Top' Says Maude

The Government has defended the lavish plans for Baroness Thatcher's funeral after a poll showed major opposition to using taxpayers' money to pay for it.

A ComRes survey found that only 25% of people think the event should be funded form the public purse and that 60% are against the idea.

But Tory Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude, who is one of the organisers of Wednesday's ceremonial service, insisted it had to be a "fitting event for a very great lady".

He told Sky News that the ceremony would be a "fitting send-off" and argued that the involvement of the armed forces was "not over the top in any way".

Speaking on the Murnaghan show, he said: "Of course, with any funeral of any former prime minister the state inevitably plays a big role.

Lady Thatcher at a Royal Hospital Chelsea event in 2008

"Normally there would be a funeral followed by a memorial service. She was very adamant that she didn't want that, she wanted a single service. So this needs to be a fitting event for a very great lady."

Amid fears protests could mar the funeral next week, Mr Maude also urged critics of Lady Thatcher to be respectful.

"It is a free country. People must be free to express their views," he said, but added: "I would simply ask that they respect the wishes of the mourners for this event to take place in a dignified way."

Lady Thatcher said she did not want a state funeral, but she has been given the next highest honour: a ceremonial funeral with full military honours tailored to her.

With all the the pageantry of a state funeral, it is set to be the largest in Britain since the Queen Mother's, bringing to the fore the issue of who will pay.

The former prime minister's estate will contribute with the taxpayer picking up the rest of the tab.

Downing Street has refused to give details about the cost until after the ceremony but it is expected to run into several million.

Labour's former deputy prime minister John Prescott angrily denounced the cost in his column for the Sunday Mirror.

David Cameron will do a Bible reading at the funeral

"Thatcher split this country, North and South, the haves and have nots, 'one of us' or 'the enemy within'. This country paid enough thanks to that woman. So why the hell should we continue to pay now she's dead?," he wrote.

"Privatise her funeral. It would be a fitting tribute," he added.

David Cameron and William Hague both already defended using taxpayers' money last week, insisting it would be wrong not to mark Lady Thatcher's huge contribution to the nation.

The Foreign Secretary said: "The rebate she negotiated for this country from the EU has brought us so far £75 billion - which is twice the size of our annual defence budget.

"I think that puts money in perspective ... so I think we can afford to contribute to a funeral."

The poll for the Independent on Sunday and Sunday Mirror came as the Government released the Order of Service for the funeral at St Paul's Cathedral on Wednesday.

Lady Thatcher's coffin will be carried through the streets of London on a gun carriage, allowing the public to pay their respects as the funeral cortege passes by. 

It is the same honour bestowed on Diana, Princess of Wales, the Queen Mother and Winston Churchill.

Then there will be a single bell will toll as the funeral cortege draws up to St Paul's, and 14 Chelsea pensioners will line the steps as the coffin is taken into the cathedral.

The presence of the pensioners - the oldest aged 90 - is aimed at reflecting the strong connection Lady Thatcher built up with the Royal Hospital Chelsea over the last 10 years.

In front of the coffin, Michael and Amanda Thatcher, grandchildren of the former prime minister, will carry cushions bearing the insignia of the Order of the Garter and the Order of Merit and lay them on the Dome Altar.

The service, attended by the Queen, will be "framed" by British music, with traditional pieces by great British composers played at the beginning and at the end.

Lady Thatcher's love of poetry will be reflected in her choice of TS Eliot's Little Gidding, which will be printed on the opening page of the Order of Service and William Wordsworth's Ode: Intimations of Immortality on the final page.

Prime Minister David Cameron and Amanda Thatcher will deliver the readings from the King James Bible - of which she was particularly fond.

It was confirmed that the hymns will be He Who Would Valiant Be, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, Psalm 84 set to the music of Johannes Brahms, and the patriotic verse I Vow To Thee My Country.

The funeral address will be delivered by the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres.

The military procession leading to the service will feature more than 700 serving Armed Forces personnel from units particularly associated with the Falklands War, including some from the Welsh Guards, the regiment that suffered some of the heaviest losses.

Plans are also developing for Lady Thatcher's legacy to be enshrined in the creation of a major new institution to promote her political philosophy and shape future Tory politics.

Supporters of the former leader are working on a Margaret Thatcher library for London as a lasting memorial.

Backers also aim to raise £15m in private funds to establish the combined library, museum and training centre.

It is planned that visitors will be able to view key artefacts from her time in office, such as her trademark blue Aquascutum suits and handbags.

:: ComRes interviewed 2,012 Great Britain adults online on April 10 and 11.

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Man Dies After Being Shot In Head At Party

A man has died after being shot in the head at a party in Camberwell, south-east London.

Police were called just before 5am on Sunday to reports of a man with gunshot wounds at a flat in Camberwell's Southwell Road.

The 23-year-old man was taken to hospital suffering from a gunshot wound to the head but he died later.

Officers believe they know the identity of the deceased but are awaiting formal identification.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Service said another man presented himself at hospital suffering from a gunshot wound to the ankle.

Officers believe he was shot in the street near to the flat where the party was taking place.

His injuries are not believed to be serious.

Detectives from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command are investigating.

The spokesperson said: "There was a party at the first floor flat in Southwell Road at the time of the shooting, and officers need to speak with anyone who was at that party or who has information about the shootings.

"Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

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Newcastle - Sunderland Derby Violence Arrests

A total of 27 football fans have been arrested and three police officers hurt after violence following a derby game in Newcastle.

Missiles were thrown at police as a group of Newcastle fans tried to confront Sunderland supporters in Central Station after the home side's 0-3 defeat at St James' Park.

One officer was taken to hospital for treatment, police said.

The violence erupted after crowd trouble marred Saturday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

A total of 14 men were arrested after Millwall fans began fighting with each other during the second half of their 2-0 defeat by Wigan, in disturbing scenes which left youngsters in tears and were witnessed by millions on television.

Scotland Yard said 12 of those held were Millwall supporters and two Wigan fans.

Northumbria Police said they were pelted with missiles during the trouble in Newcastle.

A force spokeswoman said: "The most serious incident involved a group of Newcastle fans in Central Station attempting to confront Sunderland supporters, but they were intercepted by officers from British Transport Police.

"During this incident missiles were thrown at the officers, which resulted in three injuries to officers - one of them requiring assessment at hospital."

Officers said they received reports of minor incidents, including the release of smoke canisters, before and during the match.

It is believed that Newcastle fans were also involved in a series of sporadic incidents of disorder in the city centre following the match, a force spokeswoman said.

Chief Superintendent Steve Neill, of Northumbria Police, said: "The vast majority of fans were well behaved today and enjoyed the Tyne-Wear derby for the great occasion that it is.

"Disappointingly, there was some disorder involving what appear to be Newcastle United supporters following the match in the city centre, including an incident at Central Station.

"Disruptive behaviour of any kind is not tolerated. Inquiries will take place into these incidents and action will be taken against all those involved."

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Zoo Fire: Meerkats and Otter Among Victims

At least two meerkats and an otter are among the animals that were killed when fire ripped through an enclosure at a zoo in near Edinburgh.

Nine meerkats are missing, feared dead, after the blaze spread through the reptile house of the Five Sisters Zoo in Polbeath, West Lothian in the early hours.

The male otter was in a neighbouring enclosure and was overcome by the effects of the fire nearby. Fire fighters managed to save a female otter in the same enclosure.

The two meerkats had to be put down because of their injuries.

Fire crews also managed to rescue two dwarf west African crocodiles. No people were injured.

The owners, staff and volunteers at the zoo were said to be distraught.

The olive green steel-clad building was scorched and buckled by the heat

Lesley Coupar, of marketing and visitor services at the zoo, said: "We are devastated. It's the worst nightmare.

"We're in the business of rescuing animals, giving a safe haven to animals.

"Although the animals are wild, we know them intimately and it's just such a tragedy. The owners are distraught, as are the staff and volunteers."

Described as "fierce", the blaze took 11 fire engines and around 50 firefighters several hours to bring it under control.

The alarm was raised at just before 4am by which time the tropical house was described as "well alight".

The blaze appeared to destroy sections 3, 4 and 6 at the zoo

Crews were hampered by high winds and had to use lines of hose to stop the fire spreading to neighbouring buildings.

On Saturday, Ms Coupar had posted a message on the zoo's website saying: "Hey! If you are not busy today, why not come and 'hang' out at the zoo, suns out and so are the animals:)"

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it had been able to rescue some animals during the blaze.

"Firefighters were able to help them rescue two dwarf crocodiles and an otter but sadly some animals have perished in the fierce fire," it said.

"Full details of the animals affected will not be available for some time until it is safe for zoo staff to access affected areas."

Officers described it as a "fierce fire" and a large metal-clad building appeared to have been gutted by the intense heat.

Police said road closures were in place in the immediate vicinity.

The privately-owned zoo was established in 2005 and is some 30 minutes' drive from Edinburgh.

According to the zoo's website, it is "probably one of the few places in the world where you can see at close hand a West African dwarf crocodile".

The non-profit zoo is home to some 130 species of animals, including meerkats, monkeys and assorted reptiles.

The fire service added: "An investigation into the cause of the blaze will now take place."

The attraction is around 30 minutes' drive from Edinburgh

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Brighton Marathon Runner Dies After Collapse

A 23-year-old man has died after becoming ill and collapsing while taking part in the Brighton marathon.

Emergency services were called to Grand Avenue in Hove at around 11.45am after it is believed the London man suffered a cardiac arrest.

Sussex police say he was treated at the scene by medical staff including doctors, paramedics and an off-duty police officer, before being taken by ambulance to hospital.

He underwent surgery but could not be saved and died a short time later

A spokesman for the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton confirmed its staff had treated the man.

The hospital said he died at around 2.30pm.

One runner, who asked not to be named, is reported to have said medical staff were attempting to resuscitate the runner at the side of the course.

She told the Brighton Argus newspaper it was "extremely upsetting".

A spokesman for organisers of the marathon said: "It is with regret that we can confirm that a competitor collapsed and later died competing in the Brighton Marathon this morning.

"Our emergency plans were put in place and he was treated at the scene by senior doctors, nurses and paramedics before being taken by ambulance to hospital.

"Despite receiving immediate attention, the runner was later declared dead at the Royal Sussex County Hospital."

"We at Grounded Events, the organisers of the Brighton Marathon, would like to express our sincere condolences to family and friends of the deceased."

The runner is yet to be named but the deceased's next of kin have been informed.

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LSE: BBC N Korea Report Put Students At Risk

Visiting Secretive North Korea

Updated: 2:46pm UK, Friday 12 April 2013

Despite the current tensions on the Korean Peninsula, tourists have been able to travel to North Korea.

A Sky News employee has just returned from a four-day trip. Journalists are strictly banned from the county without visas, which are rarely issued, so we are not revealing her name, but here is her story:

I flew from Beijing to Pyongyang. On the flight with me were lots of North Koreans with plenty of excess baggage: TVs, vegetables and meat.

Nothing felt abnormal. There was no feeling of tension.

Only when I arrived at the Demilitarised Zone were we prevented access to some of the buildings because of the current situation.

Throughout the four-day trip, which was organised by a Chinese travel company, we were assigned two North Korean minders.

One of them was more senior than the other. She watched us and watched her colleague too.

They did not want the war but were also determined to fight if the country decided to start a war. They emphasised to us that they believed in the country from their hearts.

We were not allowed to move freely. We could only do tourist things according to the guidance of the tour "guards".

We were not allowed to take photographs in the car or anywhere without the minder's permission. We were told not to photograph anything that looked bad or makes North Korea look bad.

"Don't bring bad impressions out of Pyongyang," they said.

People were very friendly. There was little traffic, so people would stare at our bus wherever we drove.

People there are very aware of the potential war.

Every time we arrived at the places of interest, the tour guides would always ask us in Korean (the minders would translate into Chinese) about the latest situation and our opinions about the situation, particularly our opinions about the US, as they all believe the tensions are the fault of America.

When we asked the minders what would happen if the war breaks out tomorrow, they said: "If the war breaks tomorrow, until midnight tonight, we are still building the socialist constructions."

We also asked them whether they know where Kim Jong-Un lives and works, as we explained to them that in Beijing, all the top leaders work and live in a place called Zhongnanhai. They all said they had no idea.

The two minders liked to sing. One of the songs they sang was apparently written by a South Korean musician to express his admiration toward Kim Jong-Il.

On one of the days we went to Myohyang San, a North Korean mountain. The six of us on the tour were locked in the restaurant because the North Koreans were so afraid that we would wander around.

There is a museum near the mountain, where gifts from foreign countries are displayed. A lot of them came from Japan.

We asked them how could they receive so many gifts from Japan given that North Korea considers the Japanese as enemies. They told us that the Japanese really admire the leaders, so they gave us many gifts.

We stayed in the Yanggakdo International Hotel, where we could watch international TV channels including the BBC, NHK, (Japanese TV), Phoenix (Hong Kong TV) and CCTV (Chinese TV).

The minders live on a specific floor where they only have three North Korean channels to watch. They never ate with us and when we asked what they had eaten, they always refused to tell us.

We were not allowed to use the local currency, and they never showed us their money. We could use Chinese RMB, US dollars or euros.

There were not many opportunities to see any ordinary North Korean people apart from the shopkeepers, tour guides or waitresses in the hotel.

There is a casino on the underground floor of the Yanggakdo International Hotel, where most of the staff members come from Liaoning Province over the northern border in China, and North Koreans are not allowed to enter.

The casino is managed by people from Macau. The staff there told us it was empty because the tensions mean far fewer people are travelling to North Korea.

Staff at the casino are all Chinese. When we asked to go to the casino, one of the minders said to us: "You must be non-communists, because communist members don't go to casinos."

Wherever we go to visit, they always asked us if we think their places or things are pretty. They only wanted to show us the good side of the country.

As soon as we travelled outside the capital city, it felt very like the real North Korea: rural, no tall buildings, only farmland.

We never felt the tension of war on our trip. On the streets, on our tour, in the hotel and even at a school we visited, the students were studying as normal.

The people we spoke to asked us if it was true that living in Beijing is hard. They think living in North Korea is the happiest thing in the world.

It feels as though those North Koreans who have travelled outside the country have never mentioned what the outside world really looks like.

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Thatcher Funeral 'Not Over The Top' Says Maude

The Government has defended the lavish plans for Baroness Thatcher's funeral after a poll showed major opposition to using taxpayers' money to pay for it.

A ComRes survey found that only 25% of people think the event should be funded form the public purse and that 60% are against the idea.

But Tory Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude, who is one of the organisers of Wednesday's ceremonial service, insisted it had to be a "fitting event for a very great lady".

He told Sky News that the ceremony would be a "fitting send-off" and argued that the involvement of the armed forces was "not over the top in any way".

Speaking on the Murnaghan show, he said: "Of course, with any funeral of any former prime minister the state inevitably plays a big role.

Lady Thatcher at a Royal Hospital Chelsea event in 2008

"Normally there would be a funeral followed by a memorial service. She was very adamant that she didn't want that, she wanted a single service. So this needs to be a fitting event for a very great lady."

Amid fears protests could mar the funeral next week, Mr Maude also urged critics of Lady Thatcher to be respectful.

"It is a free country. People must be free to express their views," he said, but added: "I would simply ask that they respect the wishes of the mourners for this event to take place in a dignified way."

Lady Thatcher said she did not want a state funeral, but she has been given the next highest honour: a ceremonial funeral with full military honours tailored to her.

With all the the pageantry of a state funeral, it is set to be the largest in Britain since the Queen Mother's, bringing to the fore the issue of who will pay.

The former prime minister's estate will contribute with the taxpayer picking up the rest of the tab.

Downing Street has refused to give details about the cost until after the ceremony but it is expected to run into several million.

Labour's former deputy prime minister John Prescott angrily denounced the cost in his column for the Sunday Mirror.

David Cameron will do a Bible reading at the funeral

"Thatcher split this country, North and South, the haves and have nots, 'one of us' or 'the enemy within'. This country paid enough thanks to that woman. So why the hell should we continue to pay now she's dead?," he wrote.

"Privatise her funeral. It would be a fitting tribute," he added.

David Cameron and William Hague both already defended using taxpayers' money last week, insisting it would be wrong not to mark Lady Thatcher's huge contribution to the nation.

The Foreign Secretary said: "The rebate she negotiated for this country from the EU has brought us so far £75 billion - which is twice the size of our annual defence budget.

"I think that puts money in perspective ... so I think we can afford to contribute to a funeral."

The poll for the Independent on Sunday and Sunday Mirror came as the Government released the Order of Service for the funeral at St Paul's Cathedral on Wednesday.

Lady Thatcher's coffin will be carried through the streets of London on a gun carriage, allowing the public to pay their respects as the funeral cortege passes by. 

It is the same honour bestowed on Diana, Princess of Wales, the Queen Mother and Winston Churchill.

Then there will be a single bell will toll as the funeral cortege draws up to St Paul's, and 14 Chelsea pensioners will line the steps as the coffin is taken into the cathedral.

The presence of the pensioners - the oldest aged 90 - is aimed at reflecting the strong connection Lady Thatcher built up with the Royal Hospital Chelsea over the last 10 years.

In front of the coffin, Michael and Amanda Thatcher, grandchildren of the former prime minister, will carry cushions bearing the insignia of the Order of the Garter and the Order of Merit and lay them on the Dome Altar.

The service, attended by the Queen, will be "framed" by British music, with traditional pieces by great British composers played at the beginning and at the end.

Lady Thatcher's love of poetry will be reflected in her choice of TS Eliot's Little Gidding, which will be printed on the opening page of the Order of Service and William Wordsworth's Ode: Intimations of Immortality on the final page.

Prime Minister David Cameron and Amanda Thatcher will deliver the readings from the King James Bible - of which she was particularly fond.

It was confirmed that the hymns will be He Who Would Valiant Be, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, Psalm 84 set to the music of Johannes Brahms, and the patriotic verse I Vow To Thee My Country.

The funeral address will be delivered by the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres.

The military procession leading to the service will feature more than 700 serving Armed Forces personnel from units particularly associated with the Falklands War, including some from the Welsh Guards, the regiment that suffered some of the heaviest losses.

Plans are also developing for Lady Thatcher's legacy to be enshrined in the creation of a major new institution to promote her political philosophy and shape future Tory politics.

Supporters of the former leader are working on a Margaret Thatcher library for London as a lasting memorial.

Backers also aim to raise £15m in private funds to establish the combined library, museum and training centre.

It is planned that visitors will be able to view key artefacts from her time in office, such as her trademark blue Aquascutum suits and handbags.

:: ComRes interviewed 2,012 Great Britain adults online on April 10 and 11.

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TV's Andrew Marr: 'I'm Lucky To Be Alive'

BBC presenter Andrew Marr has told how he feels "lucky to be alive" three months after suffering a stroke.

Marr, 53, made his first television appearance on his own show on Sunday morning and spoke of his battle to regain his health.

Despite still struggling to walk properly, he insists he will return to his previous job as one of the BBC's top presenters and interviewers.

He said: "I had a major stroke, I'm frankly lucky to be alive. I had been heavily overworking - mostly my own fault - in the year before that.

"I'd torn the carotid artery, which takes blood into the brain, and had a stroke overnight - which basically wipes out a bit of your brain.

"In my case, luckily not my voice or memory or anything like that, but the whole left hand side of my body, which is why I'm still not able to walk fluently. A kind of elegant hobble is the best I can manage.

"My left arm isn't much good yet. I've got a lot of physio still to do."

Andrew Marr in December 2012 weeks before his stroke

The presenter explained that the stroke in January came after he had been working very hard and also exercising intensively.

He said: "I'd had two minor strokes, it turned out, in that year - which I hadn't noticed - and then I did the terrible thing of believing what I read in the newspapers.

"The newspapers were saying what we must all do is take very intensive exercise, in short bursts, and that's the way to health.

"Well I went on to a rowing machine and gave it everything I had, and had a strange feeling afterwards - a blinding headache, and flashes of light - served out the family meal, went to bed, woke up the next morning lying on the floor unable to move."

Mr Marr pre-recorded interviews with the Conservative former Cabinet minister Lord Parkinson and the Labour peer Baroness Kennedy on Saturday at Broadcasting House.

The live section of his programme is still being hosted by guest presenters, with newsreader Sophie Raworth standing in on Sunday.

Mr Marr assured her that he remained determined to return to full-time duties in time.

"The only way through is intensive physio and doing a lot of it. And I'm now in the period where if I really concentrate on the physio, I will get better, and if I don't, I won't. Which is why I'm not back trying to do the job full-time, I have to say," he said.

"I'm going to be taking your chair I'm absolutely sure, when I'm ready. I'm certainly coming back. I've got a lot more to say about it all, but I'm going to wait until I've gone through the physio to do so."

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Firefighters Tackle Blaze At Scottish Zoo

A fire has ripped through part of a Scottish zoo, killing a sustantial number of reptiles and insects.

The blaze began in the early hours at the reptile house of the Five Sisters Zoo at Polbeth in West Lothian and quickly took hold.

Described as "fierce", it took 11 fire engines and around 50 firefighters several hours to bring it under control.

The alarm was raised at just before 4am by which time the tropical house was described as "well alight".

Crews were hampered by high winds and had to use lines of hose to stop the fire spreading to neighbouring buildings.

No-one was injured in the fire - which has now been extinguished - but many animals in the single-storey building perished.

The olive green steel-clad building was scorched and buckled by the heat

As well as the reptiles and insects, an otter is also believed to have died.

Lesley Coupar, head of marketing and visitor services at the zoo said: "We are devastated. It's the worst nightmare."

"We're in the business of rescuing animals, giving a safe haven to animals - to look now at the shell of the reptile house and everything gone from there.

"The owners are obviously distraught, as are we all. We're all animal lovers."

On Saturday, Ms Coupar had posted a message on the zoo's website saying: "Hey! If you are not busy today, why not come and 'hang' out at the zoo, suns out and so are the animals:)"

The blaze appeared to destroy sections 3, 4 and 6 at the zoo

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it had been able to rescue some animals during the blaze.

"Firefighters were able to help them rescue two dwarf crocodiles and an otter but sadly some animals have perished in the fierce fire," it said.

"Full details of the animals affected will not be available for some time until it is safe for zoo staff to access affected areas."

Officers described it as a "fierce fire" and a large metal-clad building appeared to have been gutted by the intense heat.

Police said road closures were in place in the immediate vicinity.

The privately-owned zoo was established in 2005 and is some 30 minutes' drive from Edinburgh.

According to the zoo's website, it is "probably one of the few places in the world where you can see at close hand a West African dwarf crocodile".

The non-profit zoo is home to some 130 species of animals, including meerkats, monkeys and assorted reptiles.

The fire service added: "An investigation into the cause of the blaze will now take place."

The attraction is around 30 minutes' drive from Edinburgh

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Man Found Shot In Flat Dies In Hospital

A man has died after being found at a flat with gunshot wounds in Camberwell, south London early on Sunday.

Police were called at 4.48am on Sunday to reports of a man with gunshot wounds at a flat in Camberwell's Southwell Road.

The 23-year-old man was taken to hospital suffering from a gunshot wound to the head but he died later on Sunday morning.

Officers believe they know the identity of the deceased but are awaiting formal identification.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Service said another man presented himself at hospital suffering from a gunshot wound to the ankle.

Officers believe he was shot in the street near to the flat. His injuries are not believed to be serious.

Detectives from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command are investigating.

The spokesperson said: "There was a party at the first floor flat in Southwell Road at the time of the shooting, and officers need to speak with anyone who was at that party or who has information about the shootings.

"Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

More follows...

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