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Peace demo appeal rejected
Peace protestors have lost a landmark appeal over police actions in stopping an anti-war demonstration days after the start of the Iraq war.
They had appealed against a High Court decision that it was not unlawful for police to forcibly turn protestors away near RAF Fairford, Glos, in 2003.... | They had appealed against a High Court decision that it was not unlawful for police to forcibly turn protestors away near RAF Fairford, Glos, in 2003.Fairford Coach Action, representing more than 80 people who appealed against the police actions, say they are prepared to take their case to the European Court of Human R... |
Brown shrugs off economy fears
Gordon Brown is to freeze petrol duty increases, fund a £1bn package to avoid big council tax rises and boost childcare and maternity leave.
In an upbeat pre-Budget report, he slightly increased borrowing but insisted economic targets would be met. The chancellor also hailed the longest... | The shadow chancellor said Mr Brown's "golden rule" had "turned to dross in his hands" and said he was borrowing to spend, not invest, with predicted debt over the coming years totalling £170bn.Mr Brown said he was set to meet his two fiscal rules - to borrow only to invest and keep debt "low and sustainable" - both in... |
UK troops on Ivory Coast standby
Downing Street has confirmed British troops are on standby in case they need to help evacuate several hundred UK citizens from Ivory Coast.
The news came as it emerged France had begun evacuating its hostages after days of anti-French demonstrations. Trouble flared after nine French p... | Downing Street has confirmed British troops are on standby in case they need to help evacuate several hundred UK citizens from Ivory Coast.The Spanish have already put their forces on standby to evacuate their nationals if necessary.Trouble flared after nine French peacekeepers were killed and President Jacques Chirac ... |
CSA 'could close', says minister
Ministers would not rule out scrapping the Child Support Agency if it failed to improve, Work and Pensions Secretary Alan Johnson has warned.
But he said replacing the controversial CSA would be "the nuclear option". A report by the Commons work and pensions committee called for the a... | But he said replacing the controversial CSA would be "the nuclear option".Ministers would not rule out scrapping the Child Support Agency if it failed to improve, Work and Pensions Secretary Alan Johnson has warned.The committee said the National Audit Office should investigate why the EDS system had gone so badly wron... |
Tories plan migrant health checks
Non-European Union citizens wanting to work in the UK will have to undergo tests for Tuberculosis and HIV, under plans unveiled by the Conservatives.
A positive test for TB would mean visa applications being turned down, while HIV would be dealt with case by case. Leader Michael Howa... | "Nearly two thirds of people with TB are born abroad," said Mr Howard.Leader Michael Howard said the checks on new arrivals would help protect public health and the NHS."In fact, it would be more likely to drive people with health conditions to falsify tests while others gain entry by simple dint of their EU status," s... |
Brown to outline presidency goals
Next year will be "make or break" for development in poorer countries Gordon Brown will say as he sets out UK goals for its EU and G8 presidencies.
The chancellor is due to outline a series of key targets the government will be judged on in 2005. They will include doubling aid from d... | Mr Brown also wants other G8 nations to match his target for overseas aid - spending 0.7% of national income."That is why next year is a test," he said.Mr Brown said much had been achieved on issues such as debt relief in the last seven years.The report said the G8 of top industrialised nations had agreed in 1970 to sp... |
Jowell rejects 'Las Vegas' jibe
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell, has hit out at critics of the Gambling Bill.
She told the Guardian newspaper there would be no "Las Vegas-style" super-casinos, as rumoured in the press. Meanwhile Labour backbencher Stephen Pound labelled casino-relate... | Ms Jowell complained of the "scale of misrepresentation" in the media over the bill in her interview with the newspaper, her first since the bill was launched.The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell, has hit out at critics of the Gambling Bill.Ms Jowell will set out her position when the Bill ... |
Green fear for transport ballot
The Green Party is concerned thousands of residents may not be able to vote in Edinburgh's transport referendum.
Edinburgh City Council is to ballot constituents on proposals to introduce congestion charging in the capital. But Green MSP Mark Ballard fears people not on the council's e... | The ballot will ask residents to vote for or against the council's proposed congestion charge scheme and a host of transport improvements to be funded by it."It is therefore vital that as many residents as possible in Edinburgh City and the surrounding areas, are registered to vote in the ballot.The Green Party is conc... |
Blair 'damaged' by Blunkett row
A majority of voters (68%) believe the prime minister has been damaged by the row over David Blunkett's involvement in a visa application, a poll suggests.
But nearly half those surveyed said Mr Blunkett should return to Cabinet if Labour won the next election. Some 63% of respondents ... | A total of 53% of those polled said they had sympathy for Mr Blunkett, with 40% saying they did not.But nearly half those surveyed said Mr Blunkett should return to Cabinet if Labour won the next election.Meantime, 32% said Mr Blair was a good prime minister and 38% disagreed.Thirty per cent said the affair showed Mr B... |
MPs issued with Blackberry threat
MPs will be thrown out of the Commons if they use Blackberries in the chamber Speaker Michael Martin has ruled.
The £200 handheld computers can be used as a phone, pager or to send e-mails. The devices gained new prominence this week after Alastair Campbell used his to accidentally s... | MPs will be thrown out of the Commons if they use Blackberries in the chamber Speaker Michael Martin has ruled.The use of electronic devices in the Commons chamber has long been frowned on.The Speaker chairs debates in the Commons and is charged with ensuring order in the chamber and enforcing rules and conventions of ... |
Straw attacked on China arms
Moves to lift the European Union's ban on arms exports to China have been condemned by human rights groups and the Conservatives.
The 15 year embargo was imposed in the aftermath of China's crackdown on protesters in Tiananmen Square in 1989. UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, who will hold... | Mr Straw said it was wrong to put China under the same embargo as countries such as Zimbabwe and Burma.The level of human rights was a key criteria under the EU arms exports code, he said.Human rights groups say the code of conduct is not legally binding - but Mr Straw said it would be given legal force by the laws of ... |
Blair says UK tsunami aid to soar
Tony Blair has predicted the British Government will eventually give "hundreds of millions" of pounds in aid to countries hit by the tsunami.
The prime minister was speaking publicly for the first time since returning from his holiday in Egypt. Mr Blair insisted he had been "intimate... | Asked whether he had not returned to work immediately because he was under doctors orders to rest, Mr Blair said there was also a story he had been away for plastic surgery.Asked about criticism that he did not cut short his holiday, Mr Blair told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I don't think this is a situation in whi... |
Retirement age could be scrapped
The "myth that ageing is a barrier" to contributing to society needs to be "exploded", the work and pensions minister has said.
This was why the government was considering scrapping the retirement age entirely, Alan Johnson said. It was also committed to "stamping out" age discriminat... | Mr Johnson told Age Concern's Age Agenda in London the government was "seriously considering" introducing pensions based on residency rather than national insurance contributions.This was why the government was considering scrapping the retirement age entirely, Alan Johnson said.Speaking at the London conference he sai... |
Wales 'must learn health lessons'
The new health minister for Wales says there are lessons to learn from England in tackling waiting lists.
Dr Brian Gibbons, on his first full day in the job after Jane Hutt was sacked, admitted "big challenges" but insisted the "essentials" were in place. But both Plaid Cymru and the... | Mr Morgan said he had only told Ms Hutt of the reshuffle on Monday morning, and said the NHS in Wales was Dr Gibbons' "baby" now.Meanwhile Ms Hutt said she hoped "that the people of Wales would benefit from my investment of the past five years and eight months" Asked about waiting lists, she said that waiting times and... |
Boothroyd calls for Lords speaker
Betty Boothroyd has said the House of Lords needs its own Speaker and that peers should lead the way on reforming the upper chamber.
Baroness Boothroyd, who was the first woman to be Commons Speaker, said she believed Tony Blair initiated reforms without a clear outcome in mind. "Now... | The lord chancellor currently has the role of House of Lords speaker."I don't go for the idea of somebody - a lord chancellor - who is head of the judiciary, a senior Cabinet minister and Speaker of the Lords.Lady Boothroyd said she believed it was unacceptable for the lord chancellor to have the role of Speaker."I thi... |
Blair stresses prosperity goals
Tony Blair says his party's next manifesto will be "unremittingly New Labour" and aimed at producing "personal prosperity for all".
The prime minister is trying to draw a line under speculation over the state of his relationship with Gordon Brown with the speech in Chatham, Kent. He is... | Mr Peston's book claimed that Mr Brown told Mr Blair: "There is nothing you could ever say to me now that I could ever believe."In it he alleges that Mr Blair told Mr Brown in 2003 he would step down as prime minister before the coming general election.With the election widely predicted for May, angry Labour MPs this w... |
Howard attacks cost of asylum
Michael Howard has launched an attack on the cost of Britain's "chaotic" asylum system under Tony Blair.
The Tory leader said English local authorities have spent more than £3bn - or £140 per household - on asylum since Labour won power in 1997. Mr Howard is expected to tell activists in... | Earlier this week, Mr Howard said his party's plans to cut immigration were not racist, arguing they would make the asylum system fairer for genuine refugees.Liberal Democrat chairman Matthew Taylor said there needed to be a quick, fair and firm asylum system.But he said it was "absolutely disgusting" to propose a syst... |
New drink limit 'would cut toll'
More lives than previously thought could be saved by cutting drink-drive limits by a third, a report says.
University College London research claims cutting the limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg would save 65 lives a year. The findings are being published by the Pa... | The findings are based on the assumption that drivers who currently keep below the legal limit would continue to do so were it to be lowered and that those who tend to exceed the limit slightly would also lower their drinking.University College London research claims cutting the limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of ... |
NHS waiting time target is cut
Hospital waiting times for patients in Wales are to be cut, but not to the same extent as those in England.
Welsh Health Minister Jane Hutt said no patient would wait more than 12 months for an outpatient appointment by March 2006, against a current target of 18 months. But she said the... | "But let us not forget two thirds of those waiting for treatment now are waiting less than six months, and these targets affect the small minority of patients in Wales that are waiting far too long."Welsh Health Minister Jane Hutt said no patient would wait more than 12 months for an outpatient appointment by March 200... |
UK heading wrong way - Howard
Tony Blair has had the chance to tackle the problems facing Britain and has failed, Michael Howard has said.
"Britain is heading in the wrong direction", the Conservative leader said in his New Year message. Mr Blair's government was a "bossy, interfering government that takes decisions ... | Tony Blair has had the chance to tackle the problems facing Britain and has failed, Michael Howard has said.The election will give Britain the chance to change."Mr Blair has failed to tackle these problems, he claimed, saying he has the "wrong solution" to them."Let us never forget that when Michael Howard was in gover... |
Blunkett row should end - Blair
Prime Minister Tony Blair said it was time to draw a line under the controversy surrounding David Blunkett.
The Tories and the Lib Dems have called for a second inquiry into the fast-tracking of a visa application for Mr Blunkett's ex-lover's nanny. Sir Alan Budd found a "chain of even... | At the end of his Middle East trip, Mr Blair said he still admired Mr Blunkett and thought his integrity was intact.He said Mr Blunkett's integrity remained intact: "He was the person first of all who asked for this inquiry to be set up.Prime Minister Tony Blair said it was time to draw a line under the controversy sur... |
Blair told to double overseas aid
Tony Blair is being urged to use all his negotiating powers to end poor countries' debt and double aid.
Some 45 million children will die needlessly before 2015 and aid budgets are half their 1960 levels, Oxfam says in a report, Paying the Price. The call comes as the prime minister ... | The report said: "For rich countries, providing aid to help to end global poverty is an obligation and a matter of justice, not an act of charity.""The world's poorest children are paying for rich countries' policies in aid and debt with their lives.The report said: "Global poverty threatens our shared prosperity and s... |
Guantanamo man 'suing government'
A British terror suspect held in Guantanamo Bay for 33 months plans to sue the government, it is reported.
Martin Mubanga claimed in the Observer that an MI6 officer played a key role in consigning him to the US camp in Cuba, following his arrest in Zambia. Mr Mubanga, 32, from Wembl... | He said he was sent there after being interrogated by a British man who said he was from MI6, shortly after his arrest in Zambia in March 2002.Mr Mubanga, 32, from Wembley, London, said he was brutally interrogated and daubed with urine at the camp.Mr Mubanga said the man, and an American female defence official, tried... |
Royal couple watch nation's mood
Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles are awaiting the nation's reaction after announcing they are to be married on 8 April.
Mrs Parker Bowles will take the title HRH Duchess of Cornwall after a civil ceremony to be held at Windsor Castle. A Daily Telegraph poll of 1,313 people sug... | The Archbishop of Canterbury said: "I am pleased that Prince Charles and Mrs Camilla Parker Bowles have decided to take this important step."But only 40% think Mrs Parker Bowles should become Princess Consort as planned after Charles becomes king.On Thursday night, Prince Charles, 56, and Mrs Parker Bowles, 57, hosted ... |
Ban on hunting comes into force
Fox hunting with dogs is now illegal in England and Wales after a ban on the activity came into force overnight.
The law faces a stiff test this weekend, with the Countryside Alliance saying many hunts will be out in force. Chief police officers spokesman Nigel Yeo said he expected mos... | We will keep these hounds going, we will keep this community going and in the end we will come back and hunt when hunting is legal again," hunt master, Captain Ian Farquhar, said.Chief police officers spokesman Nigel Yeo said he expected most people would obey the law - by drag hunting or chasing foxes then shooting th... |
Ministers deny care sums 'wrong'
Ministers have insisted they are committed to free personal care for the elderly despite research suggesting the cost of the policy was under-estimated.
A report by the Fraser of Allander Institute says the decision to push ahead with the flagship policy was based on flawed research. ... | Ministers have insisted they are committed to free personal care for the elderly despite research suggesting the cost of the policy was under-estimated.But the Scottish National Party called on ministers to reassure people that enough funding is in place to support the free personal care policy."We will look in great d... |
Lord Scarman, 93, dies peacefully
Distinguished lawyer Lord Scarman, who conducted the inquiry into the 1981 Brixton riots, has died aged 93.
The peer enjoyed a celebrated judicial career, serving as Law Commission chairman in its first seven years. He also chaired the 1969 tribunal set up to investigate civil distur... | Paying tribute, the Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer said Lord Scarman was one of the "great advocates of our generation".He said: "When Lord Scarman toured the streets of Brixton his presence was electrifying.The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Woolf, who is the most senior judge in England and Wales, said it was Lord Scarman's... |
Muslim police stops 'more likely'
UK Muslims should accept that people of Islamic appearance are more likely to be stopped and searched by police, a Home Office minister has said.
Hazel Blears said innocent Muslims would be targeted because of the search for Islamic extremists. Qualifications for religious leaders to... | UK Muslims should accept that people of Islamic appearance are more likely to be stopped and searched by police, a Home Office minister has said.Statistics showed that of the 17 people found guilty of terrorist acts in the UK since the 11 September attacks, only four of the 12 whose ethnic backgrounds were known were M... |
Kilroy launches 'Veritas' party
Ex-BBC chat show host and East Midlands MEP Robert Kilroy-Silk has said he wants to "change the face of British politics" as he launched his new party.
Mr Kilroy-Silk, who recently quit the UK Independence Party,said "our country" was being "stolen from us" by mass immigration. He told... | UKIP officials also argue Mr Kilroy-Silk has not been "straightforward" in attacking the party he once wanted to lead.Mr Hockney also left UKIP saying Mr Kilroy-Silk would "deliver better" as the leader of a Eurosceptic party."He has remarkable ability to influence people but, sadly, after the [European] election it be... |
UKIP candidate suspended
Eurosceptic party UKIP have suspended a candidate for allegedly suggesting the criminally insane should be killed.
John Houston, 54, was due to stand in the East Kilbride seat in Lanarkshire at the next election. But he was suspended after his reported views, including the return of the Briti... | Peter Nielson, who is UKIP Scotland chairman, said he had suspended Mr Houston on Friday night.UKIP spokesman Mark Croucher said those who selected Mr Houston knew nothing of his views.He said they might have been submissions to a committee working on the party's manifesto, but would not have been matched to Mr Houston... |
Brown outlines third term vision
Gordon Brown has outlined what he thinks should be the key themes of New Labour's next general election bid.
He said ensuring every child in Britain had the best start in life could be a legacy to match the NHS's creation. The chancellor has previously planned the party's election str... | BBC political editor Andrew Marr said that Mr Brown's article was "a warning shot" to Mr Blair not to try and cut him out of the manifesto writing process.Mr Blair argued that under New Labour the country had changed for the better and that was "in part" because of Mr Brown's management of the economy.Mr Blair said a d... |
MP's shock at long lost daughter
Labour MP Stephen Pound has told of his shock and his joy on learning he fathered a daughter when he was "out of control" during the "wild" 1960s.
Lucy, 36, tracked down Mr Pound after her birth mother told her he was known as "Precious" at school. Despite being told he was a "nutter ... | Mr Pound, who is now married with two other teenage children, said: "I was a nutter and I was a sailor but I wasn't dead."I was 18 when she was conceived.It was a different time - it was pretty wild."Lucy, 36, tracked down Mr Pound after her birth mother told her he was known as "Precious" at school.He said his first r... |
Council tax rise 'reasonable'
Welsh councils should set their taxes at "reasonable levels" after being given an average funding increase of 6%, says the assembly government.
Finance Minister Sue Essex said it was a "good deal" for local government. The £3.2bn settlement includes the "full" £7.4m from the UK Treasury ... | Ms Essex said: "This is a good deal for local government, which will allow the well-managed councils of Wales to develop their services and charge reasonable levels of council tax.Ms Essex said: "I have listened to the views of local government and council tax payers and recognise the funding pressures and the concerns... |
UK firms 'embracing e-commerce'
UK firms are embracing internet trading opportunities as never before, e-commerce minister Mike O'Brien says.
A government-commissioned study ranked the UK third in its world index of use of information and communication technology (ICT). The report suggests 69% of UK firms are now usi... | Mr O'Brien said UK businesses were sprinting forward in ICT use, but that there were more challenges ahead.Mr O'Brien said: "The increase in the proportion of business connected by broadband shows that UK companies are embracing the opportunities that ICT can bring.A government-commissioned study ranked the UK third in... |
End Bush 'denial' Blair tells EU
Tony Blair is urging European leaders to wake up from their "state of denial" over President Bush's re-election.
"America has spoken. The rest of the world should listen," the prime minister said in an interview with The Times newspaper, published on Friday. Mr Blair is at a summit in... | Mr Blair has probably been closer to President Bush than any other European leader.Mr Chirac denied there was any snub - he is going to a memorial service for the United Arab Emirates' late leader and says he would be happy to meet Mr Allawi.Mr Blair is at a summit in Brussels, where Iraq and European justice and immig... |
'Super union' merger plan touted
Two of Britain's big trade unions could merge to form a "super union" of two million members.
The move by Amicus and the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) would be a seen as a bid to carry more weight with ministers and employers. Amicus has 1.2 million members and the TGWU h... | Both unions are remaining tight-lipped about the merger rumours, but one insider pointed out to the BBC News website that "nobody is denying suggestions a merger could be on the agenda" when the two unions' executives hold their meetings on Wednesday.The move by Amicus and the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU)... |
UK plan to deport terror suspects
Deals are being sought to allow the UK to deport terror suspects to their home countries without risk of them being tortured or sentenced to death.
Home Secretary Charles Clarke told the Times he hoped agreement with several countries could be reached. The move follows a Law Lords ju... | Home Secretary Charles Clarke told the Times he hoped agreement with several countries could be reached.But he said reaching an understanding with some of the detainees' home countries could be difficult.The BBC's home affairs correspondent, Daniel Sandford, said it appeared Mr Clarke was putting more emphasis on the p... |
'Nuclear dumpsite' plan attacked
Plans to allow foreign nuclear waste to be permanently stored in the UK have been branded "deeply irresponsible" by the Liberal Democrats.
The government has confirmed intermediate level waste (ILW) that was to have been shipped back to its home countries will now be stored in the UK.... | The government has confirmed intermediate level waste (ILW) that was to have been shipped back to its home countries will now be stored in the UK.Plans to allow foreign nuclear waste to be permanently stored in the UK have been branded "deeply irresponsible" by the Liberal Democrats.Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt said... |
Turkey deal 'to help world peace'
A deal bringing Turkey a step closer to EU membership is of "fundamental importance" to the peace and security of the world, Tony Blair has said.
The deal, struck at the European Council last week, also proved claims of a clash between Muslims and Christians were "wrong", Mr Blair sa... | A deal bringing Turkey a step closer to EU membership is of "fundamental importance" to the peace and security of the world, Tony Blair has said.The deal to open formal talks with Ankara came despite an EU demand for Turkey to recognise Cyprus.But the Tory leader argued that the EU constitution was not designed to take... |
EU referendum question unveiled
The question to be asked in the referendum on the EU Constitution has been unveiled by the government.
It will be: "Should the United Kingdom approve the treaty establishing a constitution for the European Union?" The constitution will be incorporated into UK law if there is a yes vote... | The question to be asked in the referendum on the EU Constitution has been unveiled by the government.The constitution will be incorporated into UK law if there is a yes vote in the referendum, expected in 2006.Jack Straw, who argues the constitution reflected a "British vision for Europe" and gives "national governmen... |
Kinnock to urge reform in Lords
Neil Kinnock has said his acceptance of a seat in the House of Lords will allow him to help "achieve further progress with substantial democratic reform."
On the BBC's Breakfast with Frost it was put to Mr Kinnock that he had once referred to Lords members as "brigands, muggers, briber... | He said advocates for reform needed to be inside the Lords to vote for it.Neil Kinnock has said his acceptance of a seat in the House of Lords will allow him to help "achieve further progress with substantial democratic reform."Mr Kinnock added that the second factor behind his acceptance of the peerage was his appoint... |
UK helps raped Rwandan women
Britain is to give a £4m grant to help women survivors of the Rwandan genocide who were raped and often deliberately infected with HIV/Aids.
An estimated 25,000 girls and women were raped during the 1994 genocide. About 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by Hutu militias after ... | The plight of the infected women was overshadowed for a long time.Until recently, very few of the women have had access to anti-retroviral treatment.Britain is to give a £4m grant to help women survivors of the Rwandan genocide who were raped and often deliberately infected with HIV/Aids.An estimated 25,000 girls and w... |
Clarke to unveil immigration plan
New controls on economic migrants and tighter border patrols will be part of government plans unveiled on Monday.
Home Secretary Charles Clarke wants to introduce a points system for economic migrants and increase deportations of failed asylum seekers. Tony Blair has said people are ... | But he said it was yet to be seen if Mr Clarke could deliver "a fair and efficient asylum system".Conservative shadow home secretary David Davis said the government had failed to remove 250,000 failed asylum seekers from the UK and limits on economic migrants had been a "shambles".Home Secretary Charles Clarke wants to... |
Minister defends hunting ban law
The law banning hunting with dogs in England and Wales is enforceable and "very clear", Alun Michael has said.
The rural affairs minister said it would become obvious if people flouted the law, which came into force on Friday, and pretended they were not. Some 270 hunts met legally on... | People had turned out "to show en masse that the Hunting Act was a bad law", he said adding that foxes and other animals had been killed "legally" as far as he was aware.The law banning hunting with dogs in England and Wales is enforceable and "very clear", Alun Michael has said.If people tried to "run circles around t... |
Straw praises Kashmir moves
The UK has welcomed the decision by India and Pakistan to open a bus link across the ceasefire line dividing the disputed region of Kashmir.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, touring South East Asian countries, praised the "spirit of cooperation" in achieving the breakthrough. Media reports in... | The UK has welcomed the decision by India and Pakistan to open a bus link across the ceasefire line dividing the disputed region of Kashmir."This will make a real difference to the lives of Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control," he said.Mr Straw said he hoped the agreement would make a difference to Kashmiris... |
'No-one can define new hunt ban'
The new law banning hunting with dogs is "so poorly drafted" no-one can define the offence, pro-hunt MPs say.
The accusation came after it emerged a Devon man had been told he could use his four dogs to "chase away unwanted animals" from his farm. Because he did not intend to kill dee... | Mr Opik said: "Hunting with dogs and flushing are not defined in the Hunting Act.In a later conversation Mr Bradshaw was told that according to Defra's lawyers chasing away unwanted animals was "not in fact hunting as described in the Hunting Act 2004 therefore you would not be committing an offence"."If Mr Bradshaw is... |
Guantanamo four questioned
The four Britons freed from US custody in Guantanamo Bay are expected to be allowed a visit by one relative.
Moazzam Begg, Martin Mubanga, Feroz Abbasi and Richard Belmar were held for three years, accused of al-Qaeda links. Mr Begg's father, Azmat, said he had been told he could see his so... | Police have said they have a duty to investigate the men, who were arrested on their return to the UK.But Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens said evidence obtained by MI5 while the four were in Cuba was "absolutely" inadmissible in UK courts.But Louise Christian, the lawyer representing Mr Abbasi and Mr ... |
McConnell details Scots wave toll
At least three people from Scotland died in the tsunami disaster and a further three are on the missing list, the first minister has told MSPs.
The figures came out during a statement by Jack McConnell to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday. He formally expressed Scotland's sympathy... | At least three people from Scotland died in the tsunami disaster and a further three are on the missing list, the first minister has told MSPs.He said he was proud of the generous response of people in Scotland to the disaster appeal, which is expected soon to top £20m.But he said Scotland was "in it for the long term"... |
Galloway plea for hostage release
Ex-Labour MP George Galloway has appealed for the release of aid worker Margaret Hassan, kidnapped in Iraq.
Mrs Hassan, 59, who led Care International operations in Iraq, was abducted in Baghdad on 19 October. Mr Galloway was expelled from the Labour party because of his staunch oppo... | Mrs Hassan, 59, who led Care International operations in Iraq, was abducted in Baghdad on 19 October.A spokesman later said Mr Galloway had friends in common with Ms Hassan, who he described as a prominent anti-war activist, and that he was "willing to do anything - go to Iraq or be an intermediary or anything that's n... |
Kilroy-Silk attacked with slurry
Euro MP Robert Kilroy-Silk has had a bucket of farm slurry thrown over him by a protester in Manchester.
The UK Independence Party member was arriving for a BBC radio show when the attacker emerged from behind a bush. Fellow guest Ruth Kelly MP was also hit by the slurry. Mr Kilroy-Si... | Mr Kilroy-Silk said the man, who later disappeared, claimed he was "doing it in the name of Islam".Greater Manchester Police said people near Mr Kilroy-Silk had also been hit by the waste.A BBC spokesman said: "He took his seat as Jonathan Dimbleby was introducing the show.Mr Kilroy-Silk was still able appear to appear... |
MPs' murder sentence concern
Murder sentences should not be reduced automatically simply because of a guilty plea, says a new MPs' report.
The influential Commons home affairs committee was responding to sentencing guidelines issued this summer. The MPs also call for tougher sentences for crimes committed under the i... | Murder sentences should not be reduced automatically simply because of a guilty plea, says a new MPs' report.MPs criticised Home Secretary David Blunkett last year for introducing last-minute rules allowing reduced sentences for murderers who pleaded guilty.He said: "We want to see sentencers advised that in the case o... |
Candidate resigns over BNP link
A prospective candidate for the UK Independence Party (UKIP) has resigned after admitting a "brief attachment" to the British National Party(BNP).
Nicholas Betts-Green, who had been selected to fight the Suffolk Coastal seat, quit after reports in a newspaper that he attended a BNP mee... | Nicholas Betts-Green, who had been selected to fight the Suffolk Coastal seat, quit after reports in a newspaper that he attended a BNP meeting.A UKIP spokesman said Mr Betts-Green's resignation followed disclosures in the East Anglian Daily Times last month about his attendance at a BNP meeting."He did once attend a B... |
Protect whistleblowers, TUC says
The government should change the law to give more protection to employees who raise health and safety concerns about their workplaces, the TUC has said.
It said data from employment tribunals suggested 1,500 "safety whistleblowers" had lost their jobs since 1999. Some firms found it c... | The Health and Safety Executive said it was trying to get workers more involved in helping to make workplaces safer.The TUC has called on the government to appoint "roving" safety reps and to increase spending on health and safety work inspections.The Health and Safety Executive had said that it had launched an initiat... |
Labour accused of broken pledge
Labour has already broken its pre-election promise on immigration before the ink has dried on its new pledge card, the Tories have claimed.
Home Secretary Charles Clarke has been quoted as telling Labour members he wants more migrants to come to the UK. Tory co-chairman Liam Fox said t... | Home Secretary Charles Clarke has been quoted as telling Labour members he wants more migrants to come to the UK.The latest pre-election spats come after Mr Blair told Labour members the Tories offered a "hard right agenda" which would take Britain backwards.But Mr Clarke accused him of trying to score "cheap political... |
MP attacked by muggers in Kenya
An MP has had more than £600 and his passport stolen after being mugged by six men in a park in Kenya.
Quentin Davies, the MP for Grantham and Stamford, was attacked in a notoriously dangerous park in the capital, Nairobi. He was not hurt in the mugging on Saturday evening. Several peo... | He said in a statement: "It was a frightening experience.Local police were said to be "surprised" he was in the area.An MP has had more than £600 and his passport stolen after being mugged by six men in a park in Kenya.He was not hurt in the mugging on Saturday evening.He was in Kenya before travelling to Sudan with th... |
Police urge pub closure power
New powers are needed to close disorderly pubs, bars and clubs for up to a week or even permanently, police chiefs have told MPs.
Association of Chief Police Officers president Chris Fox said the current 24-hour closure power did not have enough impact on bad landlords. Mr Fox's comments... | The new licensing laws will give police greater powers to close pubs and clubs - but only for 24-hour periods.After the meeting, Mr Fox said being able to close premises for only 24 hours did not necessarily make an impact.Association of Chief Police Officers president Chris Fox said the current 24-hour closure power d... |
Mayor will not retract Nazi jibe
London mayor Ken Livingstone has again refused to retract a Nazi insult made to a Jewish reporter.
Labour's Mr Livingstone, who says he is "standing by" his remarks, had accused an Evening Standard journalist of being like a "concentration camp guard". At his weekly press conference o... | London mayor Ken Livingstone has again refused to retract a Nazi insult made to a Jewish reporter.It has the power to suspended or bar him from office but Mr Livingstone said: "There must have been 20 instances like this over the last 24 years.On Tuesday, the mayor said he would be making a full written response to the... |
Pakistani women 'must not hide'
Hiding women away in the home hidden behind veils is a backward view of Islam, President Musharraf of Pakistan has said during a visit to Britain.
He was speaking to the BBC's Newsnight programme a few hours before visiting the Pakistani community in Manchester. "My wife is travelling ... | Speaking in London on Monday, Gen Musharraf said al-Qaeda was "on the run" in Pakistan.Hiding women away in the home hidden behind veils is a backward view of Islam, President Musharraf of Pakistan has said during a visit to Britain."We agreed that in Afghanistan there is some cause for optimism about the progress that... |
Labour trio 'had vote-rig factory'
Three Labour councillors in Birmingham were caught operating a "vote-rigging factory", an Election Court has heard.
Police found the trio handling unsealed postal ballots in a deserted warehouse in the city during a late-night raid in June 2004, the hearing was told. The votes were ... | "When the officers left, all the envelopes and papers were scattered," Mr Sukul said.Interrupting Mr Sukul in his opening, Mr Mawrey said: "What you are saying is, these men were operating a vote-forging factory on an industrial estate."The case against the men follows a hearing into postal fraud allegations made again... |
EU fraud clampdown urged
EU member states are failing to report fraud and irregularities in EU funds on a consistent basis, the UK's public spending watchdog has said.
The National Audit Office said although the latest figures showed reported fraud was falling, the EU still had no common definition of fraud. It also ... | EU member states are failing to report fraud and irregularities in EU funds on a consistent basis, the UK's public spending watchdog has said.The report said: "Member states still do not report fraud and other irregularities to the European Anti-Fraud Office on a consistent basis.It said there were 922 cases of reporte... |
Malik rejects all-black MP lists
A call for ethnic minority shortlists to boost the number of black and Asian MPs has been rejected by one of Labour's most senior Asians.
Shahid Malik, who is on Labour's ruling NEC, accepted people's frustration but said there should be targets not lists to boost representation of mi... | Labour MP Diane Abbot, who backs Mr Phillips' proposal of shortlists, said she had been elected along with three other ethnic minority MPs - Keith Vaz, Paul Boateng and Bernie Grant - in 1987 but it took another 10 years before another black woman was able to win a seat.A call for ethnic minority shortlists to boost th... |
Howard unveils election platform
The Conservatives would stand up for the "forgotten majority", Michael Howard pledged as he unveiled the first part of the Tory election manifesto.
The Tory leader argued there was a mass of people whom he says feel let down by Tony Blair and who share Tory values. In the foreword to ... | The Conservatives would stand up for the "forgotten majority", Michael Howard pledged as he unveiled the first part of the Tory election manifesto.Mr Howard published the introduction to the Tory manifesto.The Tory leader argued there was a mass of people whom he says feel let down by Tony Blair and who share Tory valu... |
Housing plans criticised by MPs
"Irreversible environmental damage" will be caused by government plans to build more than one million homes in south-east England, MPs have warned.
"Sustainable communities" were being promoted without a real understanding of what "sustainable" means, the Environmental Audit Committee ... | The report was a stinging rebuke for the government and especially John Prescott's department, BBC environment correspondent Richard Black said.Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said the report was completed before new initiatives were announced.- The government should recognise shortcomings of the Treasury's Barker ... |
Howard denies split over ID cards
Michael Howard has denied his shadow cabinet was split over its decision to back controversial Labour plans to introduce ID cards.
The Tory leader said his front bench team had reached a "collective view" after holding a "good discussion", but admitted it was "not an easy issue". He ... | Michael Howard has denied his shadow cabinet was split over its decision to back controversial Labour plans to introduce ID cards.Mr Howard said the police had said ID cards could "help them foil a terror bomb plot in which people could lose their lives".He said: "This has all the signs of Michael Howard overruling col... |
Lawyer attacks anti-terror laws
A senior barrister who has resigned in protest over the government's anti-terror laws says the current system is giving Britain a bad name.
Ian MacDonald QC quit when the government failed to recognise a House of Lords ruling that detaining terror suspects indefinitely is unlawful. He ... | But Mr MacDonald believes that detainees currently being held should be entitled to a trial by jury.Mr MacDonald said he had "no idea" whether further resignations would follow.A senior barrister who has resigned in protest over the government's anti-terror laws says the current system is giving Britain a bad name.Mr M... |
Blair returns from peace mission
Prime Minister Tony Blair has arrived back from his diplomatic mission to the Middle East to try to resurrect the peace process.
Mr Blair held talks with his Israeli counterpart, Ariel Sharon, and the Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas. He confirmed that a renewed drive to reform the P... | At a news conference following talks with Mr Blair, Mr Abbas said the British prime minister was "in a unique position to help us progress in our peaceful pursuit".Mr Blair also made a surprise trip to Iraq this week.Mr Blair acknowledged some people believed he was too close to the Israelis, but said the Israelis were... |
Visa row mandarin made Sir John
The top civil servant at the centre of the David Blunkett visa affair has been knighted in the New Year Honours.
Sir John Gieve was Home Office permanent secretary during the saga which ended with Mr Blunkett quitting. He and other civil servants were criticised for failing to recall h... | A Department for Work and Pensions spokeswoman said of Mr Smith's honour: "The award reflects all that he has achieved in a Civil Service career, principally in the Inland Revenue, spanning over 40 years - not just his role as chief executive of the Child Support Agency.Sir John Gieve was Home Office permanent secretar... |
Petrol duties frozen, Brown says
Chancellor Gordon Brown has announced a freeze on fuel duty in his pre-budget speech to the Commons on Thursday.
Mr Brown told the House that government policy is to raise fuel duty at least in line with inflation each year to fulfil environmental commitments. But this financial year,... | Mr Brown told the House that government policy is to raise fuel duty at least in line with inflation each year to fulfil environmental commitments."But this financial year because of the sustained volatility in the oil market I propose to match the freeze in car vehicle licence duty with a continuation on the freeze on... |
Blunkett tells of love and pain
David Blunkett has spoken of his love for married publisher Kimberly Quinn for the first time.
The home secretary described how it affected his friends and personal life, but said he was a great believer in personal responsibility. Mr Blunkett is taking legal action to gain access to M... | Home Office minister Fiona Mactaggart said she hoped Mr Blunkett would survive in his job.Shadow home secretary David Davis says Mr Blunkett should quit if he is found to have influenced the visa process even indirectly.The Home Office has said it would be up to Sir Alan's inquiry to decide if any such meeting was rele... |
Anti-terror plan faces first test
Plans to allow Home Secretary Charles Clarke to place terror suspects under house arrest without trial are set for their first real test in Parliament.
Tories, Lib Dems and some Labour MPs are poised to vote against the plans. Mr Clarke says the powers are needed to counter terror th... | Mr Clarke says he does not intend to use the house arrest powers now - even for the 11 current terror detainees.Plans to allow Home Secretary Charles Clarke to place terror suspects under house arrest without trial are set for their first real test in Parliament.Mr Clarke says the powers are needed to counter terror th... |
Faith schools citizenship warning
Schools must improve the quality of citizenship lessons - or social cohesion and democracy will suffer, says the education watchdog.
Independent faith schools were singled out by Ofsted chief, David Bell, for not doing enough to promote the "wider tenets of British society". Mr Bell ... | Mr Bell said Muslim, Jewish and Evangelical Christian schools must be "intolerant of intolerance"."I worry that many young people are being educated in faith-based schools, with little appreciation of their wider responsibilities and obligations to British society," said Mr Bell.He highlighted his particular concern fo... |
Chancellor rallies Labour voters
Gordon Brown has issued a rallying cry, telling supporters the "stakes are too high" to stay at home or protest vote in the forthcoming general election.
The chancellor said the vote - expected to fall on 5 May - will give a "clear and fundamental" choice between Labour investment and... | He said Tory plans to cut £35bn tax would "cut deep into public service"."This will be the central dividing line at the election, between a Conservative Party taking Britain back and planning deep cuts of £35bn in our services, and a Labour government taking Britain forward, which on a platform of stability will reform... |
Councils 'must find Gypsy sites'
Ministers are telling councils to find more sites for travellers, amid continuing rows concerning a string of unauthorised encampments.
Councils are also to be given stronger powers to move on illegal settlements by Gypsy communities on rural land. More money is to be given to council... | In November, MPs urged ministers to make councils create sites because 3,500 travellers have no place to stop.Ms Cooper said an annual scheme to refurbish existing traveller sites would now be extended to consider council bids for new stopping places."There are two major problems in the planning system at the moment co... |
Tories attack EU asylum moves
David Blunkett has been accused of using the "politics of confusion" to disguise new EU immigration measures.
Tory spokesman David Davis told MPs the UK was losing its power of veto over who was allowed to come to Britain. The EU has opted to adopt qualified majority voting in this area ... | And he asked why the government was agreeing to the measure on asylum and immigration now when the whole issue was part of the EU constitution, which voters in the UK had been promised a referendum over."If we don't like what other EU countries do on immigration and nationality we have the right to opt-in or out to sui... |
Game warnings 'must be clearer'
Violent video games should carry larger warnings so parents can understand what their children are playing, the trade and industry secretary has said.
Patricia Hewitt is expected to call for the law banning the sale of 18-rated games to children to be enforced better at a games industr... | Ahead of Sunday's meeting in London, Ms Hewitt said she was proud of the UK's "vibrant games industry" but was concerned too many children were playing games which should only be sold to adults.Violent video games should carry larger warnings so parents can understand what their children are playing, the trade and indu... |
Escaped prisoner report ordered
First Minister Jack McConnell has ordered a report on the decision to allow a paranoid schizophrenic knife attacker to go on a visit unguarded.
Michael Ferguson, 36, escaped after being allowed out of the high-security Carstairs unit. The SNP's Nicola Sturgeon has demanded to know who ... | The Scottish Executive said ministers would be notified but it would "not be common practice" to sign approval.She said: "The Scottish Executive seemed to indicate yesterday that the escape of Mr Ferguson was a matter for Carstairs.He said: "We understand from the executive that in this case no individual minister sign... |
Plaid MP's cottage arson claim
A Plaid Cymru MP believes UK security services were involved in some arson attacks blamed on Welsh extremists.
It is 25 years since the start of 12 years of fire-bombings, attributed to a shadowy group known as Meibion Glyndwr. Plaid Cymru's Elfyn Llwyd has suggested the security servic... | But now, as MP for Merionnydd Nant Conwy and Plaid Cymru's Parliamentary Leader, Mr Llwyd has argued that some of the terror attacks may have had the involvement of the security services and not Meibion Glyndwr.Plaid Cymru's Elfyn Llwyd has suggested the security services could have been involved, with the intention of... |
Abbas 'will not tolerate' attacks
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has said he will not tolerate attacks such as last Friday's suicide bombing in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.
In an interview ahead of a meeting in London to discuss Palestinian reforms, Mr Abbas said such attacks were against Palestinian interests. Th... | In an interview ahead of a meeting in London to discuss Palestinian reforms, Mr Abbas said such attacks were against Palestinian interests.The Palestinian Authority (PA) was exerting "a 100% effort" to end the violence, Mr Abbas added.A spokesman for Mr Blair said the Prime Minister expected the conference to discuss "... |
Blair rejects Iraq advice calls
Tony Blair has rejected calls for the publication of advice on the legality of the Iraq war amid growing calls for an investigation.
The prime minister told his monthly press conference the matter had been dealt with by the Attorney General. Earlier, Conservative MP Michael Mates joine... | Mr Blair said the statement was a "fair summary" of Lord Goldsmith's opinion.On Thursday, Lord Goldsmith said his statement had not been "written by or at Number 10".Former minister Clare Short, who resigned from the government over the Iraq war, said it was the same statement that was earlier shown to the cabinet as i... |
Tories pledge free sports lessons
Children would be offered two hours' free sports training a week by a future Tory government, the party has said.
The Club2School policy would provide up to £250m yearly for local sports clubs in the UK to deliver after-school sport. The extra coaching would be funded by the National... | The extra coaching would be funded by the National Lottery and would come on top of the two hours of sport a week children are supposed to get in school.The Club2School policy would provide up to £250m yearly for local sports clubs in the UK to deliver after-school sport.Shadow sports minister Lord Moynihan said the po... |
Hospital suspends 'no Welsh' plan
An English hospital has suspended plans to stop treating Welsh patients who have waited more than three months.
Hereford County Hospital had earlier said that from the new year patients waiting longer than this would be taken off waiting lists for hip and knee operations. GPs in Wale... | "But Powys Local Health Board is committed to ensuring our patients receive the care that is appropriate," said the assembly government.The contract with the Powys health board was worth £7m a year for the hospital and accounts for 12% of its patients.Mr Williams had said he did not think it was a Welsh-English issue, ... |
Police chief backs drinking move
A chief constable has backed the introduction of 24-drinking, saying police had a responsibility to ensure people could benefit from a law change.
However, Norfolk police chief Andy Hayman also warned that a great deal of preparatory work was still needed. "I don't subscribe to the vi... | The Metropolitan police chief said last week that the plans for 24-hour drinking should be re-examined because of a binge drinking "epidemic".A chief constable has backed the introduction of 24-drinking, saying police had a responsibility to ensure people could benefit from a law change.He said that police should make ... |
Gurkhas to help tsunami victims
Britain has offered to send a company of 120 Gurkhas to assist with the tsunami relief effort in Indonesia, Downing Street said.
The deployment would involve troops from the 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles, based in Brunei. Discussions have begun with Indonesia on the exact timing an... | Britain has offered to send a company of 120 Gurkhas to assist with the tsunami relief effort in Indonesia, Downing Street said.Discussions have begun with Indonesia on the exact timing and location of the deployment, but the government said the offer was aimed at the Aceh province.The spokesman said: "Following this m... |
Tutu's Guantanamo release call
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has called for the release of the remaining inmates at Guantanamo Bay and terror suspects detained without trial in the UK.
His comments follow news that all four Britons held by the US in the Cuban camp will be freed within weeks. The South African archbishop sa... | The South African archbishop said detentions without trial were "unacceptable" and "distressing".Archbishop Desmond Tutu has called for the release of the remaining inmates at Guantanamo Bay and terror suspects detained without trial in the UK.Twelve foreign nationals are being held indefinitely without trial in the UK... |
Blair's hope for Blunkett return
The events leading to David Blunkett's resignation must not "swept under the carpet", the Tories have warned.
On Wednesday Tony Blair said he hoped the former home secretary would serve again in government in the future. Mr Blunkett quit in December after a probe linked him to the vis... | Mr Blair said he left "without a stain on his character" but Tory Dominic Grieve branded the way Mr Blunkett's office operated as "scandalous".But shadow attorney general Mr Grieve said: "While I don't rule out the possibility that Mr Blunkett may return as a minister, I don't think it's something that can simply be br... |
School sport 'is back', says PM
Tony Blair has promised that "sport is back" as a priority for schools.
The prime minister launched a £500m initiative to allow school sports clubs in England to provide up to three hours of extra activity a week by 2010. "It's an important part of education and it's an important part ... | He said: "You've got to bring back school sport.The prime minister launched a £500m initiative to allow school sports clubs in England to provide up to three hours of extra activity a week by 2010.Shadow spokesman for sport Hugh Robertson said: "I suspect the correct way to tackle it is to look at the other end of the ... |
Howard rejects BNP's claim
Tory leader Michael Howard has dismissed claims that his immigration policy was "moving onto the turf" of the British National Party (BNP).
BNP leader Nick Griffin told the Independent he expected some BNP voters to switch to the Tories over the issue. But Mr Howard said he rejected the ide... | But Mr Howard said he rejected the idea that the Tories and BNP appealed to the same voting instincts.BNP leader Nick Griffin told the Independent he expected some BNP voters to switch to the Tories over the issue.Tory leader Michael Howard has dismissed claims that his immigration policy was "moving onto the turf" of ... |
Blair congratulates Bush on win
Tony Blair has said he looks forward to continuing his strong relationship with George Bush and working with him during his second term as president.
Mr Bush's re-election came at a crucial time for a world that was "fractured, divided and uncertain", Mr Blair said. It had to be brough... | Mr Bush's re-election came at a crucial time for a world that was "fractured, divided and uncertain", Mr Blair said.Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Menzies Campbell said a win by Mr Kerry would have given Mr Blair the chance of a fresh start, adding it was almost as if there was an "umbilical cord" between Mr Bush an... |
Howard 'truanted to play snooker'
Conservative leader Michael Howard has admitted he used to play truant to spend time with his school friends at a snooker hall.
Mr Howard said his time at Jack's Snooker Hall in Llanelli in the 1950s had not done him "any lasting damage". But he told the Times Educational Supplement ... | Mr Howard said his time at Jack's Snooker Hall in Llanelli in the 1950s had not done him "any lasting damage".Mr Howard eventually left Llanelli Grammar School - and the snooker hall - to go to Cambridge University.Conservative leader Michael Howard has admitted he used to play truant to spend time with his school frie... |
Tories opposing 24-hour drinking
The Tories say plans to extend pub opening times should be put on hold until binge drinking is under control, despite backing a law change last year.
Spokesman David Davis said ministers had failed to make his party aware of concern among senior police that plans would cause more anti... | The government would go ahead with the changes which would give police more power to tackle excessive drinking, she added.He warned that if drinking establishments were allowed to open until three or four in the morning the police would have to take officers off day shifts in order to do their job effectively at night.... |
Short attacks US over tsunami aid
Former Cabinet minister Clare Short has criticised the US-led tsunami aid coalition, saying the UN should be leading efforts.
President Bush has announced that an alliance of the US, India, Australia and Japan will co-ordinate a humanitarian drive. But Ms Short said the effect of the... | But Ms Short said the effect of the parallel coalition would be to undermine the UN.She said only the UN had the "moral authority" to lead the relief work.The US was "very bad at coordinating with anyone" and India had its own problems, Ms Short said.Ms Short said the countries involved could not boast good records on ... |
Jowell confirms casino climbdown
Tessa Jowell has announced plans to limit the number of new casinos in the UK to 24, in a move branded a "humiliating retreat" by the Tories.
It puts an end to plans for up to 40 super casinos, originally outlined in the government's Gambling Bill. Instead there will be a cap of eight... | "Limiting the number of regional casinos to eight in the first phase is a cautious move that will allow us to test the impact of a new kind of casino on the levels of problem gambling," he said.Tessa Jowell has announced plans to limit the number of new casinos in the UK to 24, in a move branded a "humiliating retreat"... |
New foot and mouth action urged
A senior Tory MP has criticised agriculture department Defra's "lackadaisical" approach to planning for a future foot and mouth outbreak.
Public accounts committee chairman Edward Leigh was giving his reaction to a report by a government watchdog on lessons to be learnt from the crisis... | But Mr Leigh said the department was "dragging its heels"."Four years after the outbreak, Defra is yet to begin its planned review of some of its contractors' costs, and £40m of invoices remain unpaid," Mr Leigh said.The National Audit Office said Defra had improved its capacity to deal with future livestock disease ou... |
Hatfield executives go on trial
Engineering firm Balfour Beatty and five railway managers are to go on trial for manslaughter over the Hatfield rail crash in 2000.
Four people died when a section of rail broke and a high speed train derailed. Balfour Beatty's railway maintenance arm was in charge of the upkeep of the... | Engineering firm Balfour Beatty and five railway managers are to go on trial for manslaughter over the Hatfield rail crash in 2000.Balfour Beatty Rail Maintenance faces a corporate manslaughter charge.Balfour Beatty's railway maintenance arm was in charge of the upkeep of the line at Hatfield, Hertfordshire.The acciden... |
Security papers 'found in street'
An inquiry is under way after files containing security details about the Pakistani president's visit to London were found by a member of the public.
The files are believed to contain detailed security arrangements for Gen Pervez Musharraf's visit this week, including police codes. S... | The police spokesman said the newspaper handed the report over on Monday."We cannot discuss who was responsible for the documents, only that they contained the policing arrangements for the official visit," said the spokesman.A spokesman said President Musharraf's safety had not been compromised, as the papers had been... |
Blair says mayor should apologise
Tony Blair has urged London mayor Ken Livingstone to apologise for his "Nazi" comment to a Jewish reporter.
Labour's Mr Livingstone, who says he is "standing by" his remarks, had accused an Evening Standard journalist of being like a "concentration camp guard". Mr Blair told Five's W... | Mr Livingstone has said the remarks may have been offensive but were not racist, and said he would not apologise even if the prime minister asked.At his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Mr Livingstone said his comments were not racist and refused to apologise.Mr Blair, who was instrumental in returning Mr Livingston... |
Cherie accused of attacking Bush
Cherie Blair has been accused of criticising George W Bush's policies in a private address she gave during a United States lecture tour.
The prime minister's wife is said to have praised the Supreme Court for overruling the White House on the legal rights of Guantanamo Bay detainees. ... | She said the decision by the US Supreme Court to give legal protection to two Britons held at Guantanamo Bay was a significant victory for human rights and the international rule of law.It said she was not expressing political opinions.But Downing Street said she was speaking in her capacity as a lawyer.Mrs Blair's rem... |
Mallon wades into NE vote battle
Middlesbrough mayor Ray Mallon has been drafted in to boost the Yes campaign as the North East assembly referendum enters its final week.
The former police chief, dubbed Robocop for his zero tolerance style, clashed on Thursday with Sunderland No campaigner Neil Herron. Mr Mallon said... | But Mr Herron said North East people did not want or need an assembly.But Mr Herron - who gained fame as one of Sunderland's "metric martyrs" and is running his own No campaign alongside the official North East Says No campaign - said he was not convinced by Mr Mallon's arguments.Mr Mallon said an assembly would give l... |
Correction agency plans dropped
Plans to create a single correctional agency for Scotland have been scrapped.
The Scottish Executive will not now merge the Scottish Prison Service with local authority social work criminal justice departments. The National Correctional Agency would have provided a 'one-stop' justice s... | The Scottish Executive will not now merge the Scottish Prison Service with local authority social work criminal justice departments.Instead, Scottish councils and the prison service will be compelled to work more closely to cut reoffending.Ministers thought merging the prison service with the council-controlled crimina... |
Blair 'pressing US on climate'
Tony Blair is pressing the US to cut greenhouse gases despite its unwillingness to sign the Kyoto Protocol, Downing Street has indicated.
Officials have confirmed climate change was discussed when influential senator John McCain recently visited Mr Blair. Climate change was an issue the... | Officials have confirmed climate change was discussed when influential senator John McCain recently visited Mr Blair.Mr Blair was left blushing on Wednesday when it emerged his manifesto target of a 20% cut to the 1990 greenhouse gas level by 2010 was set to be missed.Tony Blair is pressing the US to cut greenhouse gas... |
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