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Edinburgh Car Crash Leaves Three Men Dead

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 25 Desember 2012 | 23.17

Three men have died and three other people were injured in a car crash near Edinburgh.

The accident happened on the A68 Witnesses to the crash are being asked to contact police

The accident happened about 1.5 miles south of Pathhead, Midlothian, at around 7.30am.

A gold-coloured Nissan Note carrying five people was in collision with a silver Skoda Octavia and ended up on its roof, Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue said.

The accident happened on the A68 The accident happened on the A68

The female driver of the Nissan managed to get out before emergency services arrived and fire crews cut one man free. Three male passengers sitting in the back of the Nissan died at the scene.

The man cut free from the overturned car was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary along with the female driver and the male driver of the Skoda.

Two car crash leaves three dead Three people with injuries were taken to hospital after the accident

Their injuries are not life-threatening. The A68 is closed while officers investigate the crash.

Inspector Simon Bradshaw said: "This is a tragic incident and we are currently in the process of carrying out inquiries in order to establish the full circumstances of the collision.

Two car crash leaves three dead Rescue workers cut one man free from the vehicle

"At this time I am appealing to anyone who noticed the gold-coloured Nissan Note or the silver Skoda Octavia on the A68 this morning to get in touch."

Anyone with information about the accident was asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0800 555111.


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Twitter Closes Down Child Porn Accounts

Several Twitter accounts have been disabled after complaints they contained indecent images of children.

It was unclear whether the images were uploaded from the UK.

Members of the public reported the accounts to Greater Manchester Police and North Yorkshire Police,

A statement from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) said: "We have received around 30 reports to the centre about these Twitter accounts.

"The accounts have now been disabled by Twitter.

"Twitter are obliged by law to send details of any accounts containing indecents images of children to NCMEC in the US.

"NCMEC will then forward information for investigation to law enforcement agencies in the relevant country where the user is believed to be based or children believed to be at risk."

The disabled accounts will be forwarded to the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) - the US equivalent of CEOP.

A statement from Twitter read: "We do not tolerate child pornography on Twitter.

"When we are made aware of such images they will be removed from the site without further notice."

The NSPCC said hacking groups were claiming to have unmasked the people behind the Twitter accounts.


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Samurai Sword Attack: Woman In Hospital

An unarmed police officer has tackled a man wielding a samurai sword who allegedly attacked a young woman at random in the street.

The sergeant, based in Islington, north London, went to the scene of the assault in Holloway Road early on Monday to find the woman bleeding heavily on the ground and a 25-year-old man brandishing the sword.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said the alleged attacker made several attempts to injure the officer while chasing him along the road.

"The officer then turned, placing himself inside the samurai sword's arc and forced him to the ground, before arresting him," he said.

The woman, 22, suffered a number of wounds to the legs, arms and face and is in a serious but not life-threatening condition in hospital.

Her parents have travelled from Italy to be with her.

A bag containing a crossbow, samurai-type swords, hunting knives and gas masks were also seized from the suspect.

Police confront man with Samurai Sword The sword used in the attack

Detective Superintendent Steve Wallace said: "This was a vicious, unprovoked stranger attack on a defenceless woman and if it had not been for the officer's bravery and quick-thinking the woman and other members of the public could have been killed.

"It takes a very brave officer to tackle a man who you know wants to inflict serious injuries to you with a samurai sword.

"The fact that the officer was unarmed and alone when he tackled the man only underlines his bravery."

Flats where the attack took place have been cordoned off with police tape.

Resident Steven Oltay, 19, said he heard the attack take place.

"I was woken up by a woman screaming. Horrific screams, like an animal," he said.

"I thought it was someone being murdered and almost ran out but decided against it."


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iPad And Tablet-Related Injuries On Rise

By Gemma Morris, Sky News reporter

Tablet computers look set to be one of this year's top Christmas presents, but while we get to grips with our new devices, health experts are warning we should learn to handle them properly or potentially face painful consequences.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy says it has seen an increase in the number of people with upper body pain, which could be related to the use of hand-held devices and tablets.

Businessman Jeremy Asher used to spend around six hours a day switching between his laptop, smartphone and tablet computer, until his body began to protest.

"I woke up one morning with an intensely sharp pain right around the shoulder blade. I thought … perhaps it would go away after a night or two. But it didn't. In fact it seemed to be even worse, and it was starting to even stop me sleeping."

Businessman Jeremy Asher Businessman Jeremy Asher was treated for a nerve problem

He was treated for a nerve problem and is now pain-free, but cases like his are becoming more common.

Chartered physiotherapist Amanda Stockton says she has seen more patients with symptoms including neck, shoulder and wrist pain, as well as headaches.

"When you're using a tablet, your neck is pointing sharply down, so your joints are getting stiff and your nerves are possibly overworking."

The unofficial term "iPad shoulder" emerged earlier this year after researchers at Harvard University looked into the risks of using tablets.

The study's leader Dr Jack Dennerlein suggests prevention is key.

"A lot of this can lead to chronic neck pain," he said. "And who knows - over the long term, these chronic issues can lead to other chronic health issues such as arthritis."

Apart from sitting upright in a chair, experts recommend keeping the tablet near eye level and taking regular breaks.

Dr Dennerlein added: "Find support in how to hold it up so that you can look at it properly. Don't use your arms if you don't have to. Go hands free. Find a good case."


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Coastal Erosion: Homeowner's Appeal For Help

By Gerard Tubb, Sky News Correspondent

A great-grandmother whose home could be lost to coastal erosion before next Christmas has told Sky News she feels neglected and wants more to be done to help her.

Janet Ellis, 67, has seen so much of her cliff-top garden in Skipsea, East Yorkshire, disappear into the sea, she can now feel the force of the waves from her sofa.

"It's getting nearer and nearer and it's getting frightening," she said.

"When the high tide's here it rattles the cliff and it also shakes the house sometimes underneath and you can feel it, so you know the sea is getting nearer."

Janet Ellis Janet Ellis fears she may have to flee her home in 2013

Her three bedroom bungalow, which she estimates should be worth more than £150,000, is worthless now that the waves are almost at her back door.

As the soft clay cliffs crumble away, Janet and a handful of neighbours will not only be forced out, but will have to pay around £15,000 each to have their homes demolished before they topple into the sea.

"I feel that we're neglected and we should have something done, even if they put boulders down to prevent the cliff [from eroding]," she said.

But Councillor Jane Evison from East Riding of Yorkshire Council told Sky News that holding back the sea from the isolated cliff top community is not an option.

"The Government says we can't protect the coastline, and we have to accept that argument and move on from that," she said.

The council has already spent most of a £1.2m 'Pathfinder' grant from Defra and is now calling for a national coastal erosion policy and specific funding to help people demolish their homes and move elsewhere.

"We're not asking for lots of money, we're not being unreasonable, but we would like a pot of money that we could bid for that would enable us to continue to manage the effects of erosion," said Cllr Evison.

"You can't turn your back on people that through no fault of their own are losing their homes - they are in a desperate situation."

Cllr Evison says they have already rehoused a number of people from cliff-top homes, and expect more will go to the top of the council house waiting list as houses are demolished and their occupants become homeless.

A spokeswoman from Defra said grants of up to £6,000 per property are available, but that no further funding was envisaged.

Janet Ellis says she is looking forward to Christmas at home with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, but doesn't like to think about the future.

"This is my home and I don't want to lose it," she said. "I just thought they'd do something [about the erosion] to keep my home so I can pass it onto my children, that's what I want. Someone should help us."


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Christmas Day Online Sales Surge Predicted

Bargain season begins in force today as online retailers slash prices ahead of an expected onslaught of consumers hitting the high street for the traditional Boxing Day sales.

Amazon's UK website said it had seen sales on Christmas Day increase by 263% over the last five years.

It expects this to be its busiest Christmas Day to date, partly due to the growth in home broadband and the popularity of tablets and smartphones.

The retailer is launching its Boxing Day deals a day early, which include clearance offers and "lightning deals" for a limited time and quantity of stock.

Shoppers taking advantage of seasonal sales Shopping frenzies are moving from the high street to the internet

Trends seen on past Christmas Days on Amazon include an 11am rush for last minute gift cards, the spending of gift cards at midday and sofa surfing at 8.15pm.

Amazon's vice president of EU retail, Xavier Garambois, said: "The digital revolution has certainly played a part in this growth and Christmas Day is our biggest day of the year for MP3 and Kindle book downloads, as many people are buying content from new devices that they have just received.

"It's not just digital items though, we are seeing purchases of everything from baby products to women's clothing rapidly growing on Christmas Day.

"Many customers are shopping on Christmas Day in a way that has previously only been seen in the retail industry on Boxing Day."

According to MoneySupermarket.com, shoppers in the UK are set to spend a total of £2.9bn in the Boxing Day sales.

Furniture Village said visits to its website on Christmas Day last year peaked at 25,000 at 4pm, with that figure increasing to 50,000 on Boxing Day, suggesting that the majority of customers researched products online before buying from high street stores.

Chris Webster, a spokesman for technology analyst Capgemini, said: "Online tills will be ringing all the way from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, including a massive £300m spent on Christmas morning itself.

"Christmas Day will see a surge in online sales as new tablets and smartphones are put through their paces and vouchers are cashed in for virtual goods such as movies and music.

"This year we're as likely to be downloading Queen's Greatest Hits as watching the Queen's speech."

Meanwhile, high street spending was "acceptable but not exceptional" this festive period, according to the British Retail Consortium.

Head of media and campaigns Richard Dodd said poor accessibility on high streets, a lack of parking and weak consumer demand were to blame rather than an increase in online shopping.


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Troops Send Christmas Cheer From Front Lines

British troops stationed at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan have sent Christmas messages back home to their loved ones.

Soldiers serving with the 21 Engineer Regiment wished family and friends a happy festive season, before celebrating with a traditional Christmas lunch and dinner.

Lance Corporal Kane Hollings said: "Big shout out to all my family, my friends, my little dog Bella. I'm sorry I can't be home for Christmas, but I hope you have a good time without me."

Corporal David Allan said: "I'd just like to say Merry Christmas to all my friends and family back home. My mum, my dad, and especially my beautiful wife Cheryl, I miss you and love you and I can't wait to see you in January."

Troops also celebrated the festive season with a Santa sleigh race at Camp Bastion, as some 9,000 troops serving in Afghanistan tried to make the most of a Christmas spent away from their families.

Troops in Afghanistan Senior officers serve mince pies and mulled wine to the troops

A major logistical effort saw two-and-a-half tons of turkey, 850kg of Brussels sprouts and 350kgs of Christmas pudding flown in for the troops.

Activities such as carol services, pantomime and sporting competitions were also being carried out at many bases.

At Lashkar Gah main operating base, soldiers are expected to take part in the Lash Dash, a Christmas Day fun run with prizes for the best costumes.

Senior-ranking officers are also keeping up with Army tradition by serving squaddies tea and coffee on Christmas morning.

Thousands of balloons, crackers, party poppers and hats have been ordered and around 130 tons of Christmas post has been delivered to Camp Bastion in the last week, to be dished out among bases.

Troops will also share the 23,500 mince pies and 40,000 After Eight mints flown in for the day.

Major Mark Yates, 40, from Manchester, who serves with The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, 1st Battalion, (1 Lancs), has a cameo role in the pantomime production of Aladdin in Lashkar Gah.

"We're all away from our families but we want to make sure we remember Christmas as it is a link with home," he said.

"Many of us have young children and would probably have gone to see a panto at this time of year.

"It's been a bit of fun between work, but not at the cost of any of our operations."


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Floods: UK To Remain On Alert For Another Week

Christmas has got off to a soggy start for many parts of the UK, as more rain falls on flood-threatened areas.

Hundreds of homes and businesses have been swamped with floodwaters as winter rain continues to fall on saturated land.

Staffordshire Police have closed the M6 northbound following an accident in which there were multiple deaths.

Police also closed the junction 10 exit of the M27 at Wickham and the A127 near its junction with the M25 due to flooding.

The Environment Agency (EA) said widespread showers meant many places remain on flood alert despite the persistent heavy rain being expected to ease off by the end of today.

An EA spokeswoman said: "While the worse of the weather is behind us, the risk of flooding continues with rain falling on already saturated ground.

"As a result, flood warnings and alerts will remain in place for much of the week ahead.

"This is because river levels remain high and sensitive to further rainfall."

The rivers Severn, Trent, Avon and Thames are most at risk of flooding, the EA said, and another band of rain is expected to swamp the country on Boxing Day.

Flooded golf course Golfers turning up at the fiirst tee of this course are in for a shock

Kempton clerk of the course Barney Clifford said he saw no need to call an inspection and that the William Hill King George VI Chase meeting on Boxing Day should go ahead as planned.

There are more than 150 flood warnings in place across the country, and 256 less serious flood alerts.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning - its second highest alert - for southwest England.

The Met Office said the wettest place in the UK since the heavy rain began last week was Tyndrum in Perthshire with 6.1in (155mm).

Cardinham, near Bodmin in Cornwall, is the wettest place in England with 5.1in (128.8 mm) of rain and the wettest place in Wales has been Mumbles Head in West Glamorgan with 4.2in (107mm) of rain.

Ballypatrick Forest in Antrim has been the wettest place in Northern Ireland, with 3.5in (89mm) of rain.

Flooded park Swans paddle in the pedestrian area of a flooded park

Some areas have exceeded their full-month December average since December 19 - such as Plymouth, which has seen 5.1in (128.8mm) of rain compared with a December average of 4.7in (118.8 mm).

Lower-level yellow weather warnings have also been issued for much of southern England and Wales.

Following a an extremely dry start, Britain is now set for one of its wettest years ever, the Met Office said.

The UK's average rainfall in 2012, excluding December, is 1,202mm -  placing it 13th in the list of wettest years since records began in 1910.

Forecasters said December's deluge of rain means this year is now likely to finish among the country's highest rainfall totals on record.

The year 2000 remains the UK's wettest year, with an average rainfall of 1,337.3mm.


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M6 Crash: Three Children Killed On Motorway

Three children have died in a major crash which closed the M6 northbound carriageway at Staffordshire.

Two boys and a girl died in the crash, which took place just over an hour after two people were killed in a separate road collision near Basingstoke.

The M6 crash happened in the northbound lanes between junction 14 and 15 at about 11.25am.

The West Midlands Ambulance Service said that the two boys and one girl were pronounced dead at the scene.

"Crews arrived to find a single vehicle that had crashed and overturned," an ambulance spokesperson said.

Map of M6 Crash at Staffordshire The accident occurred on the M6 between junctions 14 and 15

"Three children that were travelling in the vehicle suffered serious injuries.

"Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of ambulance crews, nothing could be done to save the two boys and one girl, and they were confirmed dead at the scene."

Two women were also taken to University Hospital North Staffordshire in a stable condition following the accident.

The Highways Agency has confirmed that the weather at the time of the crash was fine and dry.

M6 crash Motorists on the M6 northbound carriageway wait for the road to clear

The motorway will remain closed in both directions for at least three hours while a recovery operation is in place.

Earlier on Christmas Day, officers were called to a collision on the B3349 Odiham Road near Basingstoke, Hampshire.

Two people in the car were pronounced dead, while a man, believed to be the driver of the vehicle, received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Road closures on the B3011 and the B3349 are expected to remain in place until mid-to-late afternoon.

:: Police are appealing for witnesses to the two fatal crashes to contact them by phoning 101.


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Queen And Royals Attend Christmas Day Service

The Queen has used her annual Christmas broadcast to express gratitude for the outpouring of enthusiasm for her Diamond Jubilee celebrations this year.

Delivering the broadcast for the first time in 3D,  Her Majesty said she was struck by the "strength of fellowship and friendship" shown by well-wishers to mark her 60 years on the throne.

"People of all ages took the trouble to take part in various ways and in many nations," she said.

The Queen also paid tribute to the armed forces, "whose sense of duty takes them away from family and friends" over the holidays.

She also reflected on UK's hosting of the Olympics, praising the "skill, dedication, training and teamwork of our athletes" and singling out the volunteers who devoted themselves "to keeping others safe, supported and comforted."

Earlier on Christmas Day, the Queen was joined other members of the royal family for a church service in Sandringham after recovering from a cold.

But there were some notable absentees from the festivities this year. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent the day with Kate's family, while Prince Harry is serving as an Apache pilot in Afghanistan.

The Royal Family Attend Christmas Day Service At Sandringham The Queen was given gifts, including a teddy bear, by members of the crowd

Traditionally, the whole family would gather at the Queen's estate home over the festive period.

Wearing a turquoise coat dress and matching hat, the Queen was wished a merry Christmas by about 1,000 well-wishers at St Mary Magdalene.

She was given a variety of bouquets of flowers by around 50 young children who queued up meet her. She was also handed a bag of dog treats for her corgis by a girl in the crowd.

The Queen made the short journey from Sandringham House in a Bentley with princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

The Duke of Edinburgh, 91, who missed last year's service with a heart problem, walked the few hundred yards from the house to the church accompanied by the Duke of York and the Earl and the Countess of Wessex.

As the Queen was driven away, the crowd gave her three cheers.

Meanwhile, William and Kate attended a service at Englefield Church in Englefield, Berkshire.

Prince William and Kate Middleton leave King edward VII hospital William with Kate as she left hospital

The Duchess has had a testing few weeks, having been forced to announce her pregnancy earlier than planned when she was admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital in London following a bout of severe morning sickness.

The condition, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, leaves expectant mothers so ill they cannot keep food or liquids down.

Days later, she and Prince William found themselves offering their condolences to the family of nurse Jacintha Saldanha, 46, who was found hanged in her nurses' quarters after answering a prank call made to the hospital by two Australian DJs impersonating the Queen and Prince of Wales.

The Duke and Duchess are expected to follow their stay in Bucklebury with a visit to Sandringham at some point over the festive period.

In Afghanistan Prince Harry, like thousands of other servicemen, is celebrating Christmas with troops.


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Cystic Fibrosis Woman Dies After Transplant

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 18 Desember 2012 | 23.17

The father of a woman born with cystic fibrosis who died after being given a lung transplant from a smoker is calling for hospitals to tell patients about a donor's health history.

Jennifer Wederell, 27, died of cancer on August 24 at her home in Hawkwell, Essex, 16 months after being given the transplant at Harefield Hospital in London.

She was not told at the time of the transplant that the middle-aged donor had been a smoker.

Now Jennifer's father, Colin Grannell, says people facing organ transplants should be told of any adverse history from the donor that might affect a successful transplant.

He says he does not think his daughter would have agreed to the transplant if she had known the full facts.

The hospital says it is sorry she was not given the choice.

Jennifer, who  was on oxygen for 24 hours a day by her mid-20s, had been on the waiting list for a lung transplant for 18 months when she was told there was a match in April 2011.

She received the transplant and married her long-term boyfriend, David, that same year.

But by February of this year, less than a year after the operation, Mrs Wederell had been diagnosed with cancer, with the terrible news that it had spread.

"The shock immediately turned to anger in so far as all the risks were explained in the hour before her transplant and not once was the fact that a smoker's lungs would be used mentioned," Mr Grannell told the Daily Mail.

"She was dying a death that was meant for someone else."

Mr Grannell has set up a Facebook site, Jennifer's Choice, to encourage non-smokers to sign up to the organ donor register.

The Royal Brompton Hospital Trust told Sky News: "The Trust has reiterated its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Jennifer Wederell for their very sad loss.

"It is very rare for patients to specify that they do not wish to be considered for clinically healthy lungs from smokers.

"This is because the risks are much higher if patients decline donor lungs from a former smoker, and decide to wait for another set of organs which are both a match for them and from a non-smoker, to become available.

"However we recognise that Jennifer should have been given the opportunity to make this choice. We have apologised sincerely for this oversight.

"Regrettably, the number of lungs available for transplantation would fall by 40% if there was a policy of refusing those which have come from a smoker; waiting lists would increase and many more patients would die without a transplant."


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Jamie And Nigella Roasted In Nutrition Study

Recipes by TV chefs including Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson are often "less healthy" than ready meals and their programmes should be subjected to a 9pm watershed, a study says.

It found that meals randomly selected from their books contained "significantly more" fat and saturated fat and less fibre per portion than supermarket ready meals.

Neither the ready meals nor the recipes complied with all of the nutritional recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The research was carried out by a team from NHS Tees and Newcastle University, which based it on the top five TV chef recipe books on amazon.com in December 2010.

These were 30 Minute Meals and Ministry Of Food by Jamie Oliver, Baking Made Easy by Lorraine Pascale, Nigella Lawson's Kitchen and River Cottage Everyday by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

They compared the nutritional content of 100 recipes randomly selected from the books to 100 own-brand ready meals from Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's.

Nigella Lawson Nigella Lawson has a huge following

The study, published in the Christmas edition of the British Medical Journal on bmj.com, found that no recipe or ready meal met all of the WHO nutrient intake goals for preventing diet-related diseases.

The TV chef's recipes were also more likely to achieve red traffic light labels than the ready meals.

"Meals based on television chef recipes were less healthy than ready meals," the authors wrote.

"Significantly fewer were within the recommended ranges for fibre density and percentage of energy derived from carbohydrate and fat, and per portion they contained significantly more energy, protein, fat and saturated fat, and significantly less fibre.

"The recipes were also more likely to achieve red traffic light labels according to the criteria of the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA).

"Despite reported efforts from industry to reduce the salt content of meals, only 4% of the ready meals met the WHO recommendation."

Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is highly respected

The authors suggest that TV chefs who create unhealthy meals should be subjected to a 9pm watershed.

They also state that recipe books should contain more nutritional guidance, such as those portrayed on the front of many food products.

A spokesman for Jamie Oliver said: "We welcome any research which raises debate on these issues and in fact Jamie's most recent book, 15 Minute Meals, does contain calorie content and nutritional information per serving for every dish.

"We will soon also be re-launching the Jamie Oliver website with nutritional information on the recipes. However, we would regard the key issue to be food education so that people are aware of which foods are for every day and which are treats to be enjoyed occasionally."

A spokesman for Tesco said: "We have been cutting levels of salt, sugar and saturated fat across our ranges since 2005 and none of our own-brand products contain artificial trans fats or artificial colours or flavours."

A Sainsbury's spokeswoman added: "We continue to reduce salt, saturated fat, fat and sugar in our own-brand products and take the lead on providing clear nutritional information, enabling our customers to make informed choices."


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Trains Resume Service On East Coast Line

Trains have resumed some service on the East Coast Main Line after overhead wire problems caused chaos for travellers.

East Coast said a half-hourly service was now operating from London King's Cross and other services would "progressively resume throughout the day".

The company had initially hoped that a problem with overhead wiring between Stevenage and Hitchin would be sorted by 7am today.

But another incident on the line early this morning closed all four lines through Hitchin, causing mass cancellations and delays.

Services into and out of King's Cross were stopped after the damage on the line that links London with Edinburgh.

It meant that East Coast, Grand Central and First Hull Trains were forced to start and terminate at Peterborough.

First Capital Connect have been running shuttle train services between Letchworth Garden City and Cambridge, Biggleswade and Peterborough, and Welwyn Garden City and London Kings Cross.

Replacement buses have been running between Stevenage and Luton and Hertford North, and between Letchworth and Biggleswade and Welwyn Garden City.

"We apologise to passengers for the continued disruption to East Coast services this morning," East Coast said.

"Trains are now starting to move again through the affected area near Hitchin. A half-hourly East Coast service is now operating from London King's Cross and we expect services to progressively resume throughout the day.

"Earlier this morning, another train operator's service joining the main line at Hitchin was involved in an incident which led to reports of new overhead power line damage, following damage yesterday afternoon.

"Network Rail - which is responsible for track, signals and overhead lines - tell us that further damage to the overhead power lines was found at just before 07.00 this morning.

"In the meantime we have made arrangements for passengers to travel via alternative routes. Road replacement services are operating between Peterborough and Bedford; and we have been operating a shuttle service between Peterborough and Cambridge using a diesel train.

"All ticket restrictions have been lifted and East Coast tickets are being accepted by other operators on alternative routes."

East Coast advised passengers to turn to Twitter for more information about the disruption, using hashtag #Hitchin.

Passengers stuck on their way into London used Twitter to air their frustrations.

‏@phildoug wrote: "#hitchen all lines 4 lines into London closed on EC train stuck at St Neots, they may turn it round!"

@noelmc66 said: "Travelling on #eastcoast today? Forget it. Peterborough Stn resembling a (well dressed) refugee camp #chaos."

Another, @JRE111S, wrote: "Dear Santa - this year could I have some new overhead cables for the #Hitchin line? some boys on your naughty list seem to have stolen them!"


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Women Held Over £1m Security Van Robbery

Two women have been arrested in connection with a £1m raid on a security van almost 20 years ago.

One of the women is the partner of Eddie Maher, who is accused of carrying out the robbery in Felixstowe in 1993. The other is his sister.

Deborah Brett, 47, and Margaret Francis, 64, were detained by police in Eastbourne on suspicion of conspiracy to steal and assisting an offender.

Police photo of 1993 security van robbery suspect Eddie Maher File photo of Eddie Maher

Maher, known as 'Fast Eddie', denies being involved in the raid, which happened outside Lloyds Bank in Hamilton Road, Felixstowe.

A statement from Suffolk Police said: "Two women have been arrested this morning, Tuesday 18 December in connection with the investigation into a security van theft outside Lloyds Bank, Hamilton Road, Felixstowe in 1993.

"The 47-year-old and 64-year-old women, both from Eastbourne in East Sussex have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal and assisting an offender.

"The women were arrested by Suffolk Police officers in Eastbourne and are currently being held in custody at Eastbourne custody investigation suite."

Maher, 55, who vanished after the robbery, was extradited from the US in July after being arrested in Ozark, Missouri, in February.

Formerly of South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, he is due to go on trial at Ipswich Crown Court in March.


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Cancer Boy Neon Roberts' Mum Blocks Surgery

The mother of a seven-year-old boy who is at the centre of a legal battle over whether he should have radiation treatment for cancer is also opposed to any further surgery on his brain tumour, a court has heard.

A High Court judge had been due to rule on whether Neon Roberts should have the radiotherapy against the wishes of his mother, Sally, at a hearing on December 8, but proceedings were adjourned after the tumour was found.

Ms Roberts' lawyer told the court on Tuesday that the tumour was part of the original one left behind after the initial operation.

Although this means there is a better prognosis for its removal, the lawyer said the 37-year-old was against any further surgery being carried out.

Ms Roberts said: "I feel I need more expert opinion on it before proceeding."

A doctor treating Neon said a scan showed that the surgery needed to be carried out "urgently" on the "residual tumour".

He said the tumour could spread without surgery and it was "highly likely" that Neon would die within a "relatively short period" without further treatment.

The judge will now have to rule on whether the surgery should go ahead and the issue of the radiotherapy put aside.

Ms Roberts, 37, a New Zealander who lives in Brighton, East Sussex, had initially refused the radiotherapy saying that after research she feared radiotherapy would a "damaging effect" on Neon's future.

The boy's father Ben, who lives in London and is separated from Ms Roberts, agreed to the radiotherapy but was "apprehensive", the court heard.

Doctors said Neon might die within months without radiotherapy treatment.


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Lord McAlpine Settles Claims With BBC And ITV

Lord McAlpine, who was wrongly implicated in child sex abuse allegations, has settled his libel actions against the BBC and ITV for £310,000.

The former Tory Party treasurer was not at London's High Court to hear their solicitors apologise unreservedly for the damage and distress caused.

His lawyers confirmed the agreements involved the payment of £185,000 damages by the BBC and £125,000 from ITV, together with very substantial costs.

The peer's counsel, Edward Garnier QC, told Mr Justice Tugendhat the action followed a Newsnight broadcast in November.

The programme focused on the alleged sexual abuse of boys at the Bryn Estyn children's home in Wales in the 1970s and 1980s.

Two victims claimed they suffered abuse "at the hands of a leading Conservative politician from the Thatcher years".

The item did not name Lord McAlpine, but the programme-makers intended him to be the target of the allegations, he added.

"In short, Newsnight made the most serious of defamatory allegations about Lord McAlpine, tarring him as a paedophile who was guilty of sexually abusing vulnerable young boys living in care," he said.

Sir Edward said that six days after the Newsnight broadcast, ITV's This Morning included an interview with Prime Minister David Cameron.

During the interview presenter Phillip Schofield, referred to the Bryn Estyn scandal.

Schofield then passed Mr Cameron a card containing a list of names which were continually associated with the allegations that he said he had found on the internet.

Counsel said ITV and Schofield accepted that Lord McAlpine's name appeared on the list, which was briefly visible to viewers.

Solicitor David Attfield, for the BBC, said it withdrew the allegations unreservedly and apologised sincerely for the great damage and distress caused.

Mr Attfield said: "Following the broadcast of Newsnight on November 2, the BBC realised that it had committed a grave error in broadcasting the report complained of. The disgraceful allegations should never have been aired."

Ian Felstead, for ITV and Schofield, said they fully accepted and wanted publicly to state that there was no truth whatsoever in the allegations against Lord McAlpine.


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Norovirus: New Warning About Vomiting Bug

Almost 880,000 people could have been affected by an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug, according to health officials.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) says the number of confirmed cases of norovirus is 83% higher than the same time last year,

So far this season, there have been 3,046 cases in England and Wales, compared to just 1,669 cases last season.

But for every reported case there are likely to be a further 288 unreported sufferers, warns the HPA.

The bug has swept the country and has led to the closure of dozens of hospital wards.

It has also affected holidaymakers on two P&O cruise ships, the Oriana and the Azura.

Norovirus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces and objects.

It is known to spread rapidly in closed environments such as hospitals, schools and nursing homes.

Woman sneezing into hankerchief Anyone displaying norovirus symptoms is urged to stay indoors

Symptoms include sudden vomiting, diarrhoea, or both, a temperature, headache and stomach cramps. The bug usually goes away within a few days.

Although people can suffer from norovirus at any time of the year, activity increases in the winter months, with most cases seen between January and March.

John Harris, a norovirus expert at the HPA, said: "The number of laboratory confirmed cases has risen again, following the drop in the number we reported last week.

"Norovirus is very contagious so we would urge anyone who thinks they may be unwell with norovirus to stay at home and stay away from hospitals and care homes.

"The infection is short-lived although it is very unpleasant while you are unwell. Most people will not need to go to see their doctor and will recover in a couple of days. It is important to take plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration."

A Department of Health spokesperson said the NHS was "well prepared" for the increase in health problems which are typical at this time of year.

The spokesperson added: "Our weekly published figures show the number of beds closed across the NHS due to norovirus symptoms is around 2%. This compares to 2.9% of beds that were closed during the peak of norovirus cases last winter."


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Two Jailed Over Kwame Ofosu-Asare Murder

Two teenagers have been jailed for life for killing a 17-year-old schoolboy.

Kwame Ofosu-Asare was mistaken for a rival in a "poisonous and senseless" gang war and knifed to death in broad daylight while walking with a friend through Brixton, south London, in March.

Nelson Idiabeta, 18, of no fixed address, and Nathaniel Okusanya, 19, of Vibart Gardens, Lambeth, south London, were found guilty of murder.

Sentencing them at the Old Bailey, Judge Richard Marks ordered that Idiabeta serve a minimum term of 19 years and Okusanya, 20 years.

He told them: "It was Kwame's misfortune to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Neither of you has shown one iota of remorse for what you did."

Crispin Aylett QC, prosecuting, told jurors: "Kwame's death was but a part of a poisonous and senseless feud between two rival gangs of youths in south London."

Kwame was not a member of either gang, he added.

Nathaniel Okusanya court case Nathaniel Okusanya and Nelson Idiabeta

The teenager had been to a recording studio in the area with his friend - the pair tried to get away by going into a side road where the friend's aunt lived, but the aunt was not home and the boys were trapped in a cul de sac.

The court heard that the attack had its roots in a feud between the TN1 (Trust No-One) gang from the Tulse Hill area of south London and Brixton-based Gas (Guns and Shanks).

Idiabeta and Okusanya were members of the TN1 group out to avenge one of their number who had been stabbed in a bus garage attack carried out by the GAS gang earlier in the day.

Kwame's father Kwaku, a sports journalist, told the court in a statement that his son was full of potential.

He was in the sixth form of Forest Hill School and excelled in sport, music and acting and had great ambitions to make something of his life.

Mr Ofosu-Asare said: "Kwame was a very vibrant, energetic and enthusiastic boy. His brother and sister are struggling to cope with his death. All our lives have been ruined."


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Landslide: Charlotte Blackman Death 'Accidental'

A young man has relived the moment 400 tons of rock buried his girlfriend as they walked beneath a cliff during a family holiday.

Matthew Carnell told an inquest how he noticed "two small stones" drop before "half the cliff face" crashed onto Freshwater Beach in Dorset, burying Charlotte Blackman.

Details of the tragedy were revealed during an inquest into the young care volunteer's death at Dorchester County Hall.

Miss Blackman, from Heanor, was spending a day at the beach with her father, 12-year-old brother Mitchell, his school friend, and Mr Carnell.

Charlotte's mother Rachel remained at their caravan park nearby.

Giving evidence at the hearing, Mr Carnell said the group inadvertently walked into the path of tragedy after deciding to return to camp along the beach.

"Within a minute, my attention was drawn to two small stones," he said.

"Almost immediately, I looked up at the cliff and saw half the cliff face fall a few metres from the sea."

Mr Carnell, who had been with Charlotte for several years, continued: "It happened so fast, it was the blink of an eye. We had no time to get out of the way.

"I grabbed Mitchell and ran a few metres into the sea. With that, a large dust cloud appeared and it was impossible to see for 20 seconds.

"I turned to the area where the cliff face fell, boulders the size of a hay stack. I couldn't see Charlotte at all.

"The height of the boulders from ground level was higher than 10ft. People approached and told us to get out of the way.

"It was complete chaos. I was in a panic and all I could think about was to get Charlotte out of there. I didn't want to stop until I found her.

"I was 10ft away from Charlotte at the time (of the landslide).

Rescuers work at the scene of a cliff landslide near Burton Bradstock, Dorset The Jurassic cliffs in Dorset where Charlotte was killed

"I remember seeing two little stones, no bigger than a 10p piece. Then the whole lot came down."

Asked by the coroner if there were any signs of cliff fall, Mr Carnell said: "There were a few boulders but they looked like they had been there for years."

Horrified eyewitnesses called emergency services while Miss Blackman's partner and her father desperately tried to pull her to safety.

Mr Blackman himself was also injured in the cliff fall.

He told onlookers concerned for his safety during the rescue attempts that if he was going to "go", it would be with his daughter.

There were conflicting accounts, as witnesses reported up to three different landslides along the beach before the one which killed Miss Blackman.

Her father, however, said he would not have taken his children along the beach if there had been evidence of recent landslides.

The death came a fortnight after Somerset couple Rosemary Snell, 67, and Michael Rolfe, 72, were killed in a landslide at the Beaminster Tunnel, less than 10 miles from Freshwater, following days of extremely heavy rainfall.

But the coroner heard evidence from a scientific expert that the weather may have had little impact on the fatal cliff fall which killed Miss Blackman.

Coroner Sheriff Payne told the hearing Miss Blackman's death could not have been predicted.

He said the National Trust appeared to be doing all it could to warn visitors of the dangers presented by the 100ft cliffs.

And he said there was not sufficient evidence to say if the weather had played a part in the landslide.

He had heard concerns that heavy rain in the county in the preceding weeks may have triggered large sections of the cliff to fall.

He said: "Sadly, Charlotte Blackman died as a result of an accident. It was a sudden act of nature that nobody could have predicted at that time."


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Olympics: Boxing Wins Funding Boost For Rio

UK Sport has announced a record pot of £347m to be invested into elite sport in the run-up to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games with boxing given the biggest boost.

Boxing is to receive a 44% increase in funding following the success of the likes of Nicola Adams, Anthony Joshua and Luke Campbell at the London Olympics.

Rowing, cycling, athletics and gymnastics have also been given budget increases for the next four years.

But after its disappointing performance at London 2012 swimming has had its budget slashed to £21.4m, down from £25.1m.

Team GB's swimmers won just three medals, with two going to Rebecca Adlington. Their target was five to seven.

Volleyball is also having its funding cut (down to £400,000 from £3.5m), while basketball, handball, wrestling and table tennis will miss out on the cash altogether after all missing their performance targets in London.

The huge increase in the boxing budget is the biggest for any sport. Some £13.8m will be invested, though £9.55m is conditional on the sport sorting out some internal issues.

Cycling is up to £30.6m from £26.3m, athletics has a £1.7m increase to £26.8m, rowing up from £27.3m to £32.6m, and gymnastics up from £10.8m to £14.5m.

Investment in Paralympic sport also rises dramatically, up 43% on London 2012.

Altogether, UK Sport has announced a record 11% increase in funding for Olympic and Paralympic sports until 2016. No nation has ever put more money into sport after hosting a Games.

UK Sport has set a target for Rio 2016 of at least 66 Olympic medals and 121 Paralympic medals - one more each than the 65 and 120 won in this year's Games.

The funding body's chief executive Liz Nicholl said: "We want to be the first nation in recent history to be more successful in the Olympics and Paralympics post-hosting."

UK Sport's chairman Sue Campbell admitted some sports would be devastated by the news.

She added however: "It isn't about being popular it's about making tough decisions about where public money goes."

Ms Nicholl added that swimming had been braced for bad news.

She said: "It won't be a surprise because we and they were disappointed that they didn't perform in London. They will get there."

She called on those sports disappointed by their decisions "to improve their base, their competition structure, and drive up competition before they can really compete for medals at a world level".

"We have been guided by our no-compromise approach," she added.

British Basketball described the decision to cut its funding totally ahead of Rio as "devastating" and a "waste" of previous investment.

British Cycling's Chief Executive Ian Drake welcomed his sport's budget rise, calling it "recognition of the success of our riders, our coaches and the work we put into identifying new talent".

British Gymnastics, celebrating a 34% boost in funding after London, likewise said it was "delighted" by the increase - helped by Team GB's landmark men's team bronze, Louis Smith and Max Whitlock's pommel horse silver and bronze, and Beth Tweddle's asymmetric bars bronze at this year's Games. They had been set a target of just one to two medals.


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Sex Attacker Jailed By Skin Under Nails

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 11 Desember 2012 | 23.17

A sex attacker has been jailed after being traced by skin cells left under the fingernails of his victim after she fought him off.

John Elam, 44, attempted to rape a university student in Coventry as she walked home in the early hours of the morning.

He pinned the 20-year-old to the ground but she fought him off, clawing at his face with her nails.

Forensics officers were able to extract DNA from skin cells left under her nails and linked Elam to the attack.

He was jailed for four years and ordered to sign on the sex offenders' register for life by a judge at Warwick Crown Court after admitting he attempted to rape the woman in an attack on June 22 this year.

Detective Sergeant Jim Edmonds, of West Midlands Police, said: "This is a fantastic example of police using advanced forensic analysis to identify a sex attacker.

"We're talking about microscopic skin cells found under the victim's nails, but that's all we needed to get a positive DNA result pointing to Elam as the prime suspect.

"He initially admitted sexual assault but we felt the seriousness of the attack warranted a stronger charge of attempted rape, and that's what we pushed for, and the evidence we secured against him eventually gave Elam little option but to plead guilty."


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Royal Nurse: Radio Gives £320K To Family Fund

A memorial fund for the family of the dead nurse who was the victim of the royal hoax call has been set up by the radio station responsible for the prank.

Southern Cross Austereo, the parent company of radio station 2Day FM, said the remainder of the profits for 2012 should go to a memorial fund to benefit Jacintha Saldhana's family.

The sum is expected to amount to AUS$500,000 (£326,000).

It has also cancelled its Christmas party, saying it would be "inappropriate" to go ahead with the celebrations, and would instead donate the money it would have spent to charity.

Rhys Holleran, SCA's chief executive, said: "We are very sorry for what has happened. It is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts continue to be with the family.

"We hope that by contributing to a memorial fund we can help to provide the Saldanha family with the support they need at this very difficult time."

A post-mortem examination on Ms Saldanha, who initially answered the prank call made to the hospital treating the Duchess of Cambridge, is being held today.

Nurse Jacintha Saldana and her two children Ms Saldanha's family have been left "devastated" by their loss

Ms Saldanha was found dead on Friday days after she was tricked by Australian radio hosts Mel Greig and Michael Christian, who called the King Edward VII Hospital in central London.

She transferred the presenters, believing they were the Queen and the Prince of Wales, to a colleague who divulged details about Kate's treatment for severe morning sickness.

Ms Saldanha, 46, from Bristol, was found dead in a block of nurses' flats close to the hospital, where she stayed while working in London.

MP Keith Vaz met her family on Monday and said they had been "devastated" by the loss of a "loving mother and a loving wife".

Flanked by Ms Saldanha's husband Benedict Barboza and her two teenage children, Mr Vaz said: "They miss her every moment of every day, but they are really grateful to the support of the British public and to the public overseas for the messages of support and kindness."

Mr Vaz has called for the hospital to provide the family with more support and to hold an inquiry.

His criticism came after the DJs broke their silence about the nurse's death.

Interviewed on Australian TV networks, the 2Day FM presenters said there had been a "tragic turn of events no-one could have predicted or expected".

Radio Djs Michael Christian and Mel Greig talk on australian tv show 'today tonight' about the telephone prank they played on now deceased nurse Jacintha Saldahna. Mr Christian and Ms Greig have spoken emotionally about the tragedy

Police in London have contacted their Australian counterparts with a view to interviewing the pair ahead of an inquest into Ms Saldanha's death.

In response to Mr Vaz's criticism the hospital said its chief executive John Lofthouse had spoken to the nurse's husband on Friday by phone and offered to meet him whenever he wanted.

Under Australian regulations, the permission of anyone on the receiving end of a radio prank must be sought before the call can be broadcast.

The hospital has denied that anyone within its senior management or media unit was contacted.

The radio station insists appropriate checks were conducted before the pre-recorded item was broadcast.

Ms Saldanha was originally from Mangalore in southwest India, according to reports which have named her children as daughter Lisha, 14, and son Junal, 16.

Scotland Yard said the post-mortem would be held at Westminster Mortuary and it was likely an inquest would be opened and adjourned at Westminster Coroner's Court later this week

The Duchess of Cambridge has cancelled an appearance at the UK premiere of The Hobbit tomorrow because of her pregnancy sickness but The Duke of Cambridge will attend.


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Ian McKellen Reveals Prostate Cancer Battle

Sir Ian McKellen, fresh from fighting the goblins of the Misty Mountains, has revealed how he has been battling something closer to home - prostate cancer.

The 73-year-old will be hitting cinema screens across the UK on Friday with the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

But Sir Ian, who plays Gandalf the Grey in the Hobbit trilogy, revealed he had been coping with cancer for the past "six or seven" years.

He told the Daily Mirror: "You do gulp when you hear the news. It's like when you go for an HIV test. You go 'Aargh! Is this the end of the road?'"

Sir Ian said his cancer was being monitored to ensure it does not spread.

But he explained: "If it is contained in the prostate it's no big deal.

"Many, many men die from it, but it's one of those cancers that is totally treatable, so I have 'waitful watching'."

Sir Ian McKellen at the US premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Sir Ian returns to the big screen as Gandalf The Grey on Friday

He told the paper the cancer had been contained, it was not spreading and he had not needed any treatment.

Sir Ian also had some advice for people of a similar age - do some exercise, which in his case is pilates.

He said: "I recommend it to anyone of my age because the temptation is not to exercise as you get older. Well you should."

Sir Ian recalled how he was initially undecided about reprising the role of Gandalf following the three Lord Of The Rings films.

But he said: "I didn't want anyone else to play Gandalf. It's mine!"


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Snoopers' Charter: Nick Clegg Urges Re-Think

By Katie Stallard, Media And Technology Correspondent

The Government must go back to the drawing board with its plans for new digital surveillance laws, Nick Clegg has told Sky News.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the coalition should have a fundamental rethink about the draft Communications Data Bill, dubbed the Snoopers' Charter by opponents.

He was responding to a critical cross-party report from MPs and peers who studied the proposals and accused the Government of using "fanciful and misleading" figures to justify them.

The Joint Committee also declared that the breadth of the draft bill would be "overkill".

Mr Clegg said: "Their report makes a number of serious criticisms - not least on scope; proportionality; cost; checks and balances; and the need for much wider consultation.

"It is for those reasons that I believe the coalition Government needs to have a fundamental rethink about this legislation. We cannot proceed with this bill and we have to go back to the drawing board."

Nick Clegg at CabinetHome Secretary Theresa May Nick Clegg wants a rethink but Theresa May insists there can be no delay

The Joint Committee questioned the scope of the measures, which would see records kept of all internet and mobile phone communications for 12 months, regardless of whether the individual was suspected of a crime.

Details of emails, internet phone calls and activity on social networking sites would be stored, but not the message content.

Lord Blencathra, who chaired the committee, concluded: "There is a fine but crucial line between allowing our law enforcement and security agencies access to the information they need to protect the country and allowing our citizens to go about their daily business without a fear, however unjustified, that the state is monitoring their every move.

"Whilst the Joint Committee realise that there are specific data types which are not currently available, and which would aid the work of law enforcement bodies and the security services, we are very concerned at how wide the scope of the Bill is in its current form."

The committee also criticised the level of consultation with service providers, who would be required to gather the data, and questioned whether the sums added up.

The report said they expected the overall cost to the taxpayer to exceed the £1.8bn estimate by a "considerable margin", and that the Home Office figure for estimated benefits was "even less reliable".

"The estimated net benefit figure is fanciful and misleading. It ought not to be used to influence parliament in deciding on the relative advantages and disadvantages of this legislation," it said.

Nick Pickles, from the campaign group Big Brother Watch, told Sky News: "The committee has exposed weak evidence, misleading statements and fanciful figures, and unanimously rejected this draft Bill's proposal to monitor everyone's emails, web visits and social media messages.

"The complexity and sensitivity of the subject required a radically different process and a totally different bill."

Home Secretary Theresa May insists the legislation is needed to keep up with advances in technology and bring the law up to date.

"Countries across the world are taking action now to help them track paedophiles and terrorists who abuse new technology to plot their horrific crimes. We must not get left behind," she wrote in The Sun.

"I will not allow these vitally important laws to be delayed any longer in this Parliament. This law is needed and it is needed now. And I am determined to see it through."

Conservative Security Minister James Brokenshire played down the coalition rift.

"There are always differences in coalition, that's what coalition is about, but we are intent on working this through because this matters," he said.

"This is about saving lives and protecting the public and that is our absolute focus - on getting it right."


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Northern Rock To Refund £270m To Customers

Northern Rock Asset Management (NRAM) - the state-owned part of the defunct lender - is to refund a total of £270m to customers.

The bank will pay an average of £1,775 to each affected customer after failing to disclose information in documents and letters in 2008.

The Chancellor told Parliament that 152,000 customers who had loans below £25,000 were affected and blamed "an error originating in 2008 when Northern Rock was in public ownership".

"Some customers with certain types of mainly unsecured personal loans were not given all the mandatory information in their statements which they were entitled to by law," George Osborne added.

The chief executive of UK Asset Resolution - NRAM's holding company - Richard Banks said: "We are determined to do the right thing for customers and the taxpayer.

"We will be writing to all customers who are affected and advising them on next steps."

Northern Rock was split into two separate companies in 2010 – Northern Rock plc, which was sold to Virgin Monday earlier this year, and NRAM.

At the height of the financial crisis, the troubled bank was forced to rely on funding from the Bank of England to keep it from collapsing

Treasury Economic Secretary Sajid Javid said the refunds are "likely to increase public sector net borrowing for 2012/2013."

But he added that they are "not expected to delay materially" the timings of NRAM's repayment of £19.6bn Government funding.


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Libor Scandal: UK Police Make Three Arrests

The Serious Fraud Office has made three arrests as part of its investigation into the manipulation of the interbank lending rate, Libor.

Its statement read: "Today the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), with the assistance of the City of London Police, executed search warrants at three residential premises" - one in Surrey and two in Essex.

"Three men, aged 33, 41 and 47, have been arrested and taken to a London police station for interview in connection with the investigation into the manipulation of Libor."

It concluded: "The men are all British nationals currently living in the United Kingdom."

Major UK banks declined to comment on the development but Sky sources have suggested that one of the people detained used to work as a trader at the Swiss bank UBS, which has a big presence in the City.

The SFO's criminal inquiry began in July when it decided existing legislation gave it the scope to bring potential prosecutions.

While the identities of those arrested and their employers are not known at this stage, it is known that the SFO's inquiry has been wide-ranging and not limited to Barclays - the only UK bank so far to have been fined in connection with the scandal.

Bob diamond treasury select committee Bob Diamond quit Barclays after its £290m fine came to light

The £290m penalty inflicted on Barclays preceded the departure of its chief executive Bob Diamond and forced the British Bankers' Association to signal it would abandon its responsibility for oversight of Libor amid a clamour among politicians for reform.

Libor, which stands for London interbank offered rate, affects more than £350trn in global transactions and the rates created through the submissions bear a heavy influence in the calculation of a host of financial products including mortgages.

The City regulator, the Financial Services Authority (FSA), has been working closely with the SFO in its investigation.

A review of Libor by the FSA's boss Martin Wheatley has suggested a new body be created to oversee Libor with the rates set being based more on actual trades rather than just banks' own estimates.

Around 16 financial institutions have been investigated worldwide over alleged Libor rigging - including a total of three based in Britain.

Taxpayer-backed Royal Bank of Scotland has previously said it hopes to settle any claims over Libor manipulation soon and warned that potential penalties could be significant.


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Census: Rise In Immigrants Boosts Population

There has been a large rise in the number of migrants living in England and Wales, according to the results of the 2011 census.

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the population of England and Wales now stands at 56.1 million people - a rise of 3.7 million since 2001.

Some 55% of the growth - around 2.1 million people - was due to migration from outside the country.

The number of foreign-born residents has increased to 13%, from 4.6 million to 7.5 million.

In London one person in three was born abroad, compared to the North East where the figure is one in 20.

The majority of those from abroad come from India, Poland and Pakistan. Poland is a new addition to the top ten of where people came from and did not feature at all in the last census in 2001.

Dr Scott Blinder, deputy director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, said there had been "a very noticeable change in the population of England and Wales" over the last decade.

It is the second major tranche of information to be revealed from the 2011 census, covering topics including ethnicity, country of birth, religion, health and housing.

The data also shows there has been a big fall in the number of people who consider themselves to be Christian.

Numbers dropped by four million over the past decade - from 37.3 million in 2001 to 33.2 million last year.

There was a 10% increase in those stating "no religion".

A busy Oxford street. Photo: Sebastian Allan The census shows the make up of the population is changing

The British Humanist Association (BHA) described the increase in the number of non-religious people - from 15% in 2001 to 25% last year - as an "astounding" 67% relative rise.

But it said the figures did not offer a complete picture when it came to the number of practising Christians living in England and Wales.

The census also shows 86% of people recorded their ethnicity as white, a fall on 2001. It remains the majority ethnic group in all areas apart from London.

All other ethnic groups grew over the 10 years since 2001.

Two million respondents listed their partners or fellow household members as being of different ethnic groups - 47% more than in 2001.

The number of people claiming to have mixed ethnicity almost doubled, up by 563,000.

Some 91% of respondents to the 2011 census claimed to speak English. Just 4% of households had no English speaking residents.

The statistics also offer a snapshot of how people live.

Since 2001, the proportion of people owning properties through a mortgage or loan has decreased from 39% to 33% but the number of people who own homes outright increased from 29% to 31%.

Ownership of cars and vans has also gone up - increasing by 3.4 million to 27.3 million, a rise of 14%.

Last year there was an average of 12 cars for every 10 households - up on 11 cars per 10 households in 2001.

London was the only region where the number of vehicles was lower than the number of households.

Four out of five people claimed to be in good health.

The questionnaire was sent to around 26 million households in England and Wales on March 27 last year.


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Gay Marriage: Mixed Reaction To New Plans

Gay weddings in the Churches of England and Wales will be explicitly banned under new laws on same-sex marriage, the Government has announced.

Culture Secretary Maria Miller said other religious organisations would be able to "opt in" and offer weddings to homosexual couples.

David Cameron has backed the idea of gay marriage in church but Mrs Miller said there was too much opposition.

Unveiling the Government's plans in the Commons, she promised that religious freedom would be protected via a "quadruple lock".

As well as the ban for the established churches, it will be illegal to force a religious organisation or individual to conduct a gay wedding or allow it to happen on their premises.

It will also be unlawful for organisations or ministers to let such a marriage go ahead unless their governing body has expressly opted in.

And the Equality Act will be altered so that a discrimination claim cannot be brought where there is a refusal to marry a same-sex couple.

Mrs Miller said she would now continue to consult on how best to implement the Government's plans in legislation to be introduced early in the new year.

"I am absolutely clear that no religious organisation will ever be forced to conduct marriages for same-sex couples, and I would not bring in a Bill which would allow that," she said.

MP Stewart Jackson on gay marriage legislation MP Stewart Jackson: This is a mistake

She told MPs that the changes would allow equality and faith to co-exist "without threat or challenge to each other" and ensure "marriage remains a vibrant institution".

But Tory backbenchers called for the plans to be postponed until after the next election and insisted there was no public majority in favour of allowing gay couples to wed.

Conservative MP Nick Herbert, who is openly gay, was heckled when he declared he backed the Government and agreed that the proposal had "widespread support in the country".

Fellow Tory Peter Bone shouted out "no it doesn't" and his colleague Sir Roger Gale later said letters from his constituents suggested 98% were opposed. 

Mrs Miller insisted that the plans struck "the right balance" between protecting religious freedom and giving same-sex couples the same chance to marry as heterosexuals.

"For some, this is contentious, a radical reform or indeed a reform too far," she said. "But the historical facts show that over the generations marriage has had a long history of evolution.

"For me, extending marriage to same-sex couples will strengthen, not weaken, this vital institution."

The Culture Secretary added: "I would never introduce a Bill which encroaches or threatens religious freedoms."

Shadow equalities minister Yvette Cooper said: "Those who argue marriage should never change are out of touch with public feeling."

As many as 130 Tory backbenchers are against the plans and could oppose Mr Cameron, who has pledged to offer a free vote on the issue.

Earlier Stewart Jackson, MP for Peterborough, told Sky News: "I believe this is a mistake. It's a very divisive issue and an unnecessary piece of legislation.

"It is fundamentally an un-Conservative policy and if (Prime Minister David Cameron) presses ahead with this it will be a disaster for the party and the country."

Gay rights campaigners welcomed the move but critics accused ministers of ignoring a petition signed by 500,000 opponents, calling it "disgraceful".

Colin Hart, campaign director of the Coalition For Marriage, claimed: "There were serious flaws with the consultation.

"Not only was it loaded in favour of ripping up the centuries-old definition of marriage, but lacked even the most basic of safeguards to check the identity of those taking part."


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Belfast Flag Protest Riots 'A Disgrace'

Rioters have been warned against "holding Belfast to ransom" after a petrol bomb attack on a police officer by suspected loyalists which is being treated as attempted murder.

A gang of 15 men targeted, surrounded and smashed the unmarked vehicle on Monday night outside the offices of Alliance Party MP Naomi Long in Newlands Road.

It was the worst incident in another night of violence in parts of east and south Belfast involving loyalists who took to the streets again in protest against a decision to restrict the flying of the Union Flag at Belfast City Hall.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said that while the matter was a sensitive issue, the clashes would not be tolerated.

"There can be absolutely no excuse or justification for this kind of thuggish and lawless behaviour," she said.

"It is a disgrace. We condemn it unreservedly and it should stop immediately.

"...Those people engaged in the kind of violence we have seen in the past few days are not defending the Union flag. They are dishonouring and shaming the flag of our country.

"There is nothing remotely British about what they are doing. They discredit the cause that they claim to support."

A burnt out car in Belfast A car set alight in the Newtownards area over the weekend

Police Service Of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton said the officer was lucky to escape with her life.

"This was a planned attempt to kill a police officer which also put the lives of the public in danger and it is fortunate there were no injuries," he said.

Officers were also attacked with petrol bombs in south Belfast close to the M1.

More talks are planned later between Peter Robinson, the Northern Ireland First Minister and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, and Mike Nesbitt, the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.

They will try to agree some sort of political strategy to ease tensions and end the violence.

It follows a meeting in Belfast on Monday between the pair, who have been heavily criticised by nationalists over their leadership since the trouble flared a week ago.

Loyalists clash with police officers following a vote by local councillors on the flying of the Union Flag on top of the City Hall, in Belfast The Alliance Party has been the focus of loyalist anger

Ms Long's Alliance Party has been blamed by loyalists for supporting the nationalist SDLP and Sinn Fein in pushing the vote through Belfast City Council to lower the flag.

She said: "If Northern Ireland is to move forward then we need a strict adherence to the rule of law and respect for the democratic process. We need this urgently before lives are lost."

Mr Robinson said: "The attempted murder of a police officer in East Belfast was a despicable act of terror.

"The masked men responsible do not act in the name of our Union Flag. They are bringing shame on it. My prayers are with the police officers at the centre of this attack."

There were also protests in Limavady, Co Londonderry, Ballyclare, Co Antrim, Ballycastle, Co Antrim, and Cookstown, Co Tyrone, where the car of a DUP member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Ian McCrea, was surrounded by angry loyalists.

PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott said some of the violence was intense - and there was clearly some paramilitary involvement.

:: Witnesses have been urged to contact police at Strandtown on 0845 600 8000 or through the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.


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Woman Gives Birth In Rescue Helicopter

A woman has given birth in a helicopter taking her to hospital from her remote island home.

The drama happened after the woman, from Unst in the far North of Scotland, went into labour in the early hours.

Shetland Coastguard received a call from her doctor at 4.30am, asking about ferry times from the island.

It was decided to send a helicopter which landed 90 minutes later - but not soon enough, as it turned out.

The woman was quickly put on board but minutes after the helicopter took off she started to give birth.

It was left to paramedic Marcus Wigfull, who had only ever visited maternity wards during his training, to deliver the child.

"To be honest, I wasn't nervous," he said.

"It all happened so quickly and my training just kicked in. It all went very smoothly.

"We knew we had about a 15 to 20-minute transfer time to the hospital.

"But within five minutes of bringing the mother on board we realised we weren't going to make it (in time)."

The baby was born at 6.30am above a small island called Lunna Holm.

Alex Dodge, watch manager at Shetland Coastguard, said: "This is the first time that a baby has been delivered on the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Sumburgh.

"We would like to congratulate the mother and father on the birth of their son, who is reported to be doing well."


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'Burglary Takes Courage' Judge Reprimanded

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 04 Desember 2012 | 23.17

A judge who said burglary took courage has been given a formal reprimand.

Judge Peter Bowers told an offender who raided three homes in five days: "It takes a huge amount of courage, as far as I can see, for somebody to burgle somebody's house. I wouldn't have the nerve."

He admitted he might be "pilloried" when he spared the burglar jail at Teesside Crown Court in September.

The case caused an outcry, with Prime Minister David Cameron commenting that burglars were not brave, but "cowards" and their crimes were "hateful".

Following an investigation, the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice upheld complaints about the judge's comments and issued him with a reprimand after his remarks "damaged public confidence in the judicial process", the Office for Judicial Complaints (OJC) said.

They believed the use of the word courage was a "serious error of judgement" and "offensive" to those who have been victims of a burglary, according to a letter from the OJC to one of the complainants, radio presenter Nick Ferrari.

The Evening Gazette newspaper reported that when Judge Bowers handed 26-year-old Richard Rochford, from Redcar, a suspended 12-month term, he said: "I'm going to take a chance on you."

After acknowledging the trauma burglary victims face, the judge explained he would not jail Rochford, who had quit drugs since the February break-ins.

He was given a two-year supervision order with drug rehabilitation and 200 hours' unpaid work, with a one-year driving ban.

Following the decision to reprimand the judge, the OJC replied: "Whilst His Honour Judge (HHJ) Bowers regrets his use of the word 'courage' the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice believe that this was a serious error of judgement and offensive to those who have been victims of a burglary.

"They also believe that HHJ Bowers' conduct has been damaging to the respect of the judicial process. For this reason, HHJ Bowers has been issued with a formal reprimand."


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Andrew Parsons Charged Over Wife's Death

A man has been charged with murdering his American beauty therapist wife at their home in Oxfordshire.

Andrew Parsons, 38, will appear at Oxford Magistrates Court, accused of killing his wife Janee in Lucerne Avenue, Bicester.

Mrs Parsons, 31, was found by police after they were called to her detached home on Saturday.

Despite attempts by officers and ambulance staff to resuscitate her, she was declared dead at hospital.

A post-mortem examination found that the mother-of-two died from multiple stab wounds, police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Joe Kidman, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are keen to speak with anyone in Lucerne Avenue who may have important information to help us establish the circumstances of this tragic incident."


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Dane Bowers Gets Community Service For Brawl

Ex-Big Brother star Dane Bowers has been ordered to undertake community service after admitting common assault during a drunken night out.

Norwich Crown Court heard how Bowers led a group of men in a violent confrontation against another group, including two black men, outside a nightclub in the city on June 2.

During the attack, the 33-year-old former partner of glamour model Katie Price grabbed a man by the neck and "shook him around", the court heard.

Witnesses said they heard Bowers shouting racist language, but when challenged he told them: "Don't accuse me of being racist, my father's black."

When arrested Bowers told police that he was "eight out of 10 drunk" with 10 being a state of total drunkenness.

Bowers had been due to go on trial accused of two counts of assault on separate victims and one of harassment - all allegedly racially aggravated.

Bowers admitted one count of common assault and one of threatening behaviour, both without any racial element. His lawyer said his grandfather is Jamaican.

Judge Stephen Holt ordered that he compete 120 hours of unpaid work for the community. He must also pay £1,000 in legal costs.

Prosecutor John Farmer said the other charges would not be proceeded with.

Judge Holt told him: "You got thoroughly drunk, putting it politely, and got in all sorts of trouble. It seems highly unlikely that you, given your background, would have made racist remarks."

Bowers, of Coulsdon, Surrey, has two previous convictions for drink driving and was cautioned for common assault on New Year's Eve, 2005.

The singer, who is now a DJ, rose to fame with boy band Another Level in the 1990s. He appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2010.

A spokesman for Bowers said after the hearing: "Dane Bowers has been found not guilty of any racial elements of the allegation made against him."


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15 Police Injured In Belfast Union Flag Riots

Eighteen people, including 15 police officers, have been injured during a riot at Belfast City Hall after the passing of a vote to stop flying the Union flag all year round.

The violence spread to parts of east Belfast on Monday night where loyalists who had earlier tried to smash their way into the grounds of City Hall attacked a Catholic church.

A police spokeswoman said reinforcements had to be called in to deal with hundreds of loyalists throwing missiles, including fireworks, bricks and bottles.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said three men had been arrested over the disorder. 

An 18-year-old was arrested in Clandeboye Street on suspicion of riotous behaviour and possession of a petrol bomb.

A 22-year-old was arrested in the Donegall Square area, and a 17-year-old was detained on suspicion of riotous assembly in east Belfast.

Belfast City Hall flag debate Two female officers were taken to hospital

Trouble broke out minutes after Belfast city councillors voted to remove the flag from City Hall.

It is the first time the Union flag has been taken down from the Edwardian building since it opened in 1906.

Councillors agreed by 29 votes to 21 to bring City Hall into line with Stormont and other Government buildings and fly the flag on 17 designated days.

Sinn Fein Policing Board member Gerry Kelly said the PSNI had serious questions to answer about their operation.

He said: "I have to say, and I don't use these words unless I really mean them, it was a disgraceful police operation - or lack of a police operation.

"If that had been 1,000 or more republicans out there ... they would not have left it that they were able to come into the back of City Hall.

Belfast City Hall flag debate Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags block the back of City Hall

"They indiscriminately attacked cars. We are very, very lucky that they didn't get into the building or we could have been dealing with a lot more injuries."

Cars belonging to elected members and council staff were damaged during the disorder.

DUP councillor Christopher Stalford condemned those responsible for violence.

He said: "The violence has distracted from the issue we should be focusing on - the parties in Belfast City Council who have voted as a block to strip the City Hall of its flag."

Northern Ireland Justice Minister David Ford said: "The violence which took place at the City Hall and round St Matthew's Church was the responsibility of two groups of people.

Belfast City Hall flag debate The Union flag will now be flown on 17 designated days

"The first is those who went to the City Hall spoiling for a fight, who attacked police officers and council staff.

"But there is a second group which bears responsibility. DUP and UUP politicians fomented this protest, with both leaflets and the use of social media. They called people on to the streets.

"They must have known, from experience as recent as this summer, that violence was almost inevitable. They cannot avoid their responsibility.

"Such violence should be condemned by all civic and community leaders."


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Corfu Sex Attack Video Given To Essex Police

Police are trying to trace a young woman, believed to be British, who was videoed being sexually assaulted while on holiday in Corfu.

Essex Police were handed footage from a video camera in August which features the "shocking" attack alongside more routine holiday clips.

They are now trying to track the woman who was subjected to the ordeal on a hotel bed in Kavos during the early hours of July 30.

It is suspected that her attacker was a fellow Briton who was holidaying with a group of friends.

Most of the people staying in the resort at the time are thought to have been British.

Police have been investigating for months but have now decided to make their appeal public.

Detective Inspector Hayley King said: "We don't know when the young woman returned to the UK or which airport she flew back into. We strongly believe that she is from the UK.

"The offence took place in a hotel room. We don't though know which hotel it is in Kavos, and there are many."

In a bid to help the victim identify herself, police have said she was wearing a number of coloured wristbands obtained from local clubs.

:: Anyone with information is urged to contact Essex Police's sexual offences investigation team in Brentwood on 01279 625428 or email soit@essex.pnn.police.uk


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Leveson: Cameron Demands Urgent Action

David Cameron has warned newspaper editors that they must act "urgently" to set up an independent press regulator.

The Prime Minister met with newspaper editors in Downing Street in the wake of the Leveson Report on press standards and ethics.

Senior industry figures at the summit, which was also attended by Culture Secretary Maria Miller, argued against having a system underpinned by law.

And they set out their progress towards the creation of a new independent watchdog in the hope this will go far enough to avoid legislation.

Mrs Miller has warned that any failure to unite behind a sufficiently tough and independent self-regulatory body could leave the Government no choice but to legislate.

The Prime Minister adopted a harsh line with the group, making clear that they only have a few months to get their house in order.

BRITAIN - POLITICS - LEVESONThe Prime Minister Meets With Newspaper Editors Over Leveson Proposals Fraser Nelson, editor of The Spectator, and The Telegraph's Tony Gallagher

Speaking afterwards, he said: "They have got to do it in a way that absolutely meets the requirement of Lord Justice Leveson's report.

"That means million-pound fines, proper investigation of complaints, prominent apologies, a tough independent regulatory system.

"And they know, because I told them, the clock is ticking for this to be sorted out."

Mrs Miller added: "There was unanimous agreement that what we need now is for the press to go forward with developing a tough independent self-regulatory body.

"The challenge has been thrown down to them. They have responded positively. It is now for them to go away and to develop those plans.

"The industry will be setting that out in the next two days."

The Sun's editor Dominic Mohan, The Times' editor James Harding and Daily Telegraph editor Tony Gallagher were among the figures at the talks.

Mr Gallagher said on Twitter: "19 editors & industry reps, 9 mandarins, 3 ministers and 1 PM. We got coffee and still tap water. No beer & sandwiches."

He later added that it had "felt like the summoning of the Five Families in The Godfather".

Chris Blackhurst, the editor of The Independent, told Sky News that newspapers were very united and had recognised this was their final chance.

"We can't go through this again. This has to be the end... and something good is going to come out of this," he said.

The Prime Minister Meets With Newspaper Editors Over Leveson ProposalsThe Prime Minister Meets With Newspaper Editors Over Leveson Proposals The Sun's Dominic Mohan and The Guardian's Alan Rusbridger

The editor admitted that Mr Cameron had effectively done the industry "a favour" by not imposing statute and that it was not time for them to "give something back".

"We have got to come up with a strong system of independent self-regulation. We haven't got much time," he said.

The Prime Minister last week declared his "serious concerns and misgivings" about Lord Justice Leveson's recommendation of a new system supported by law.

But he is under huge pressure from campaigners who are furious that he has rejected the central proposal of the report and are insisting on full implementation.

His own backbenchers are also split and the Liberal Democrats and Labour are currently mostly united in favour, raising the prospect of a damaging Commons vote.

An online petition launched by campaign Hacked Off has so far attracted more than 135,000 signatures in favour of statutory underpinning.

Press Complaints Commission chairman Lord Hunt says he already has the support of 120 publishers, representing 2,000 editors, for a new independent regulator.

He insists it is not necessary to back that up with legislation because newspapers could instead sign legally-enforceable membership contracts.

Officials at the Culture Department are drawing up a draft Bill to enact Lord Justice Leveson's recommendations in full.

But Mrs Miller has indicated that she expects it to confirm concerns about the complexity and potential negative consequences of statutory control.

Any legislation could be amended by future administrations to muzzle the press and would harm the UK's reputation abroad as an advocate of free speech, she told MPs on Monday.

However, Labour leader Ed Miliband is not backing down. He insisted on Tuesday that enacting Lord Leveson's proposals was "the right thing" because the new system had to be robust.

"We need the promises that have been made to be put into legislation so that what we actually have is independent self-regulation but we have the guarantee of law," he said.

"I do not believe and I wouldn't be supporting it if it was about restricting freedom of the press. This is actually about protecting the freedoms of ordinary people to go about their business and not face intrusion and harassment."


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Kate Pregnant: William At Wife's Bedside

The Duke of Cambridge has returned to his pregnant wife's bedside as she continues her hospital treatment for severe morning sickness.

Kate was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in central London on Monday where she is likely to remain for the next few days.

Prince William headed in ignoring the massed ranks of the world's media on the pavement outside.

Presenters and crews from TV networks in America and elsewhere have set up camp since the couple's news was announced on Monday.

It is understood the rest of the royal family were told about the pregnancy only a few hours before the rest of the world.

Prince William Prince William arrives at the hospital on Tuesday

The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and Kate's family are said to be "delighted".

The child will be third in line to the throne, whether it is a boy or girl, after Prince Charles and Prince William.

The Prime Minister was among the first to congratulate the royal couple on Twitter. "I'm delighted ... They will make wonderful parents," David Cameron said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg tweeted: "... a perfect way to round off the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year."

Labour leader Ed Miliband tweeted: "A royal baby is something the whole nation will celebrate."

Julia Gillard, prime minister of Australia, called it "delightful news" and Jay Carney, press secretary to US president Barack Obama, said: "On behalf of everyone here in the White House, beginning with the President and the First Lady, we extend our congratulations."

Duchess of Cambridge visits St Andrew's School Only last week Kate took to the hockey field while visiting her old school

Thomas Misrachi, a journalist with BFM TV in France, is among the media throng outside the hospital. On Monday he immediately booked the Eurostar from Paris.

He told Sky News: "Their wedding was huge news in France and news of a baby is just the same.

"Your royal family still has a certain magic - it is unusual for us because we don't have a royal family."

St James's Palace would not say when the royal couple became aware of the pregnancy - only that it was "recently".

Royal baby mug Royal baby memorabilia is already being created (Pic. Emma Bridgewater)

It is understood that the pregnancy has not passed the 12-week point and the announcement was prompted by the Duchess's medical condition.

It was reported that the Queen's former gynaecologist Marcus Setchell, who delivered the Countess of Wessex's two children, is treating her.

Kate is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, a rare condition which causes severe vomiting during pregnancy and can cause dehydration, weight loss and a build-up of toxins in the blood or urine called ketosis.

News that Kate's condition may indicate she is carrying twins has prompted bookmaker William Hill to cut the price of the royal couple having two babies from 33/1 to 25/1 following a number of bets overnight.

The Duchess' engagements this week have all been cancelled, said St James's Palace.

Kate and William were married at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011.

:: Bookmaker William Hill said the favourite names so far are Frances and John, both at 9/1, while Charles, Victoria and George are 10/1.


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