Hillsborough Wiki Entry Civil Servant Sacked

A civil servant who made changes to a Wikipedia page about the Hillsborough disaster from a government computer has been sacked.

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude told Parliament that a junior administrator identified as being behind posts made in 2012 has been fired for gross misconduct.

A 24-year-old thought to have been born in London, but based in Liverpool, is understood to have changed the phrase "You'll never walk alone", the anthem of Liverpool FC, to read: "You'll never walk again."

An investigation into who made other changes, including some that are thought to have been made from computers used by Whitehall departments, is being dropped, Mr Maude said.

It is understood that those responsible for the changes made using a secure intranet cannot be traced because of "technical obstacles" and a lack of leads.

In one instance, the phrase "Blame Liverpool fans" was added anonymously to the Hillsborough section of the online encyclopaedia.

Ninety-six died and more than 700 were injured on April 15, 1989, when fans were crushed at an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest.

At the time the Cabinet Office became aware the changes had been made from government computers, a spokesman said: "The amendments made to Wikipedia are sickening.

"When the issue was brought to our attention by the Liverpool Echo we launched immediate enquiries.

Wikipedia's Hillsborough page was changed from government computers

"Once we have the facts, we will update Parliament with the findings and consider further appropriate action.

"At this time, we have no reason to suspect that the Hillsborough edits involve any particular department, nor more than one or two individuals in 2009 and 2012."

The civil servant who made the change in 2012 was identified by an investigation carried out by an online forum about Wikipedia called Wikipediocracy and the Daily Telegraph.

The Telegraph said he was pinpointed by cross-referencing his social media and work history.

The Hillsborough Family Support Group said it had been in discussion about whether to name him and had decided not to.

Chair Margaret Aspinall said: "All the families agreed that his name should be withheld.

"He has been sacked, and we all took the decision not to name him because social media can be very unpleasant.

"The most important thing is that this has been dealt with and it has not been covered up. He has been punished."

Mr Maude said it was "long-standing established practice that in such cases an individual's name will not be made public".

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Morrisons Plans 2,600 Job Cuts In Shake-Up

Morrisons has confirmed plans for 2,600 job cuts as the loss-making supermarket chain battles falling sales and market share.

A statement detailing the changes said the losses, representing 2% of its workforce, would result from cutting tiers of in-store management.

But the company insisted it could improve customer service at the same time as more staff would be focused on serving shoppers.

The announcement was made as the supermarket combats a flight to discounters with a series of price cuts that will cost it £1bn over three years.

Earlier this month, Morrisons reported a 7.1% slump in quarterly sales on the back of annual losses of £176m - a performance which prompted chief executive Dalton Philips to waive his bonus.

Morrisons now has 117 convenience stores

Morrisons has been the worst performer among the big four chains in terms of sales amid tough competition from the discounters, including Aldi and Lidl, though major rivals including Tesco have also endured falling market share.

The chain was slow to launch an online food offering and also lagged behind its biggest competitors on convenience store numbers.

Former chairman Sir Ken Morrison used the supermarket's annual general meeting to publicly criticise the current management's strategy just a week ago - reportedly describing it as "bull****".

Morrisons said that while the changes would be painful for its workforce, trials of its planned new management structures had proved a hit with customers.

The statement suggested that some stores currently had seven tiers between the shop floor and the store manager and it hoped to relocate some of those managers who will lose their jobs to new store and convenience operations.

Mr Philips said: "This is the right time to modernise the way our stores are managed.

"These changes will improve our focus on customers and lead to simpler, smarter ways of working.

"We know that moving to the new management structure will mean uncertainty for our colleagues and we will be supporting them through the process."

The company's share price - which has lost more than a quarter of its value over the past year - rose 3% in the moments after the announcement was made.

The union Usdaw took a different approach to that of investors.

National officer Joanne McGuinness said: "The next few weeks will be a worrying time for our members in Morrisons and we will do everything possible to support them.

"Today marks the start of a 45-day consultation period, where we will look in detail at the company's business case.

"Our priority will be to safeguard as many  jobs as possible, maximise employment within the business and get the best possible outcome for our members affected by this restructuring."

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'OBEs' For Riot Hero Police Dog and Horses

Ten Metropolitan Police horses and a dog have been honoured for their actions during the London riots in August 2011.

They have all received the PDSA Order of Merit - the animal equivalent of an OBE - in recognition of their outstanding acts of devotion.

The inaugural awards, introduced by the veterinary charity PDSA, were presented by its patron, HRH Princess Alexandra, at a ceremony in London.

According to the citation, the horses were confronted with burning buildings and falling debris during the disturbances. They were also hit by "countless" bricks thrown by rioters.

Horses Laurel (L) and Boris showed exceptional courage

But despite the heat, noise and chaos, the horses stood their ground, helping to restore order and enable firefighters to reach burning buildings and check if anyone was still inside.

Two police horses in particular, Boris and Laurel, were said to have shown outstanding courage by leading the way into the dense, acrid smoke.

Metropolitan Police dogs were also called into action during the disturbances in various locations around the capital.

Liinpol Luke with his handler PC Phil Wells

Like the horses, they had missiles thrown at them and in some cases were badly injured.

One, Linpol Luke - affectionately known as Obi by officers - suffered a fractured skull.

He received an 'OBE' on behalf of all of the dogs that served during the riots.

Metropolitan Police Chief Inspector Ade Adelekan said: "We are honoured that our horses and dogs are to be the first recipients of the PDSA Order of Merit.

"Had it not been for the deployment of police animals, their handlers and riders across London, there would have been significantly more harm caused to our communities."

PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: "Today we pay tribute to some truly exceptional acts of devotion. The extreme situations these animals faced exceeded anything they had experienced before."

Formed in 1917, PDSA is the UK's biggest veterinary charity. It has 51 pet hospitals across the country that provide care for over 470,000 animals a year.

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'True Brits' Must Speak English, Survey Finds

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

People in the UK have tougher attitudes towards immigration and welfare and have set a higher requirement for what it takes to make a person British, according to a new survey.

The British Social Attitudes survey found 95% of people thought to be "truly British" you must speak English - up from 86% in 2003.

It also found more than three quarters of people - 77% - say you must have lived in Britain for most of your life, while 51% said "true Brits" must have British ancestry.

Some 74% also said it is important to be born in Britain.

Under that definition Boris Johnson, a potential future Prime Minister, Prince Philip - the husband of the Queen - and iconic stars Joanna Lumley and Cliff Richard would all be counted as non-Brits.

74% of people say Brits should be born in the UK, ruling out Joanna Lumley

The study also reveals that 61% of people believe EU immigrants should have to wait three years for access to welfare benefits.

That flies in the face of David Cameron's attempt to be tough on immigration by setting the limit at three months.

And it will raise concerns about the possibility that UKIP could continue with the electoral success it experienced in May when it topped the polls in the European elections.

The 31st NatCen Social Research British Social Attitudes survey also found that almost a quarter of Britons think the main reason immigrants come to this country is to claim benefits.

And only 27% think legal immigrants who are not British citizens should have the same rights as the rest of the country - down from 40%.

Penny Young, chief executive of NatCen Social Research, said: "In an increasingly diverse, multi-cultural country, we might expect people to be more relaxed about what it means to be British, yet the trend is going in the opposite direction.

"It is now harder to be considered British than in the past and one message comes through loud and clear, if you want to be British, you must speak English.

"And as we debate whether UKIP's vote will hold up in the General Election, British Social Attitudes shows that the public is yet to be convinced that politicians have got a grip on immigration.

"They want tougher rules on benefits and many are unaware of the policies that are in place to control immigration."

The study suggests Mr Cameron's hope to teach British values in schools might not be successful, as many people believe Britishness is something people need to be born with - and cannot go on to acquire.

The Prime Minister wants to mark the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta next year with a new drive on British values in schools.

It follows a scandal in Birmingham with allegations of a co-ordinated plot to push Islamic teaching into British state schools.

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Teachers: We Won't Be Debt Collectors For State

Teachers have attacked a proposal to fine bad parents who do not support their children's education at school.

The head of one of the teaching unions and a leading headteacher said the idea by Chief Inspector of School Sir Michael Wilshaw would not work.

Head of Penwortham Priory Academy in Preston Jim Hourigan told Sky News the relationship between teachers and parents would break down. 

Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said the proposal could tear apart the sometimes fragile relationship between a school and parents or carers.

Sir Michael, who heads schools watchdog Ofsted, said he would like to see mothers and fathers who miss parents' evenings or do not read with them punished.

He also told The Times newspaper financial penalties should be levied against parents who do not force their children to do their homework.

He said that being poor was too often used by white working-class families as an excuse for failing to succeed at school.

Sir Michael Wilshaw says parents use being poor as an 'excuse'

Mr Hourigan said: "I'm extremely disappointed if not angry at the arrogance of the man. Just because he has worked in an inner city school doesn't give him the right to tell the rest of us as head teachers how to develop relationships with parents.

"Who gives him as head of Ofsted or me as a head teacher the right to make that decision. He says that parents must attend parents evenings but where is the evidence that parents evening are actually beneficial?

"Surely, regular informed contact (with parents), built up over a long time, is a better way of going about that.

"For me to be some sort of debt collector; how does this improve the relationship between teachers and parents."

Bad parents are those who do not read with their children, says Sir Michael

Ms Blower said: "Not satisfied with criticising and undermining teachers, he's now turned his attention to parents.

"I don't think parents use poverty as an excuse. All the international evidence shows that children from less affluent families have much more difficulty in being successful in schools.

"That's why schools have to work positively with parents. The NUT's position is that Ofsted is not fit for purpose."

His comments came after studies showed that white children with working-class, British parents often do not perform as well as those from immigrant communities.

The Ofsted head said his views were formed from his time spent working as a head teacher in London's inner-city schools.

He told The Times: "If parents didn't come into school, didn't come to parents' evening, didn't read with their children, didn't ensure they did their homework, I would tell them they were bad parents.

"I think head teachers should have the power to fine them. It's sending the message that you are responsible for your children no matter how poor you are."

In order to catch up with the world's leading nations, he added, the gap in performance between those children with white British and those with immigrant parents needed to narrow.

He said: "It's not about income or poverty. Where families believe in education they do well. If they love their children they should support them in schools."

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Toddler Dies After 'Being Run Over By Dad'

A 15-month-old girl has died after being struck by a car apparently driven by her own father.

The toddler was taken to Leeds General Infirmary by ambulance on Saturday night but was pronounced dead a short time later.

Police and paramedics were sent to an address in Leeds after reports that a black Toyota Avensis had struck a young child.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said the driver of the car, understood to be the girl's father, has been spoken to by officers.

The spokesman said they were called to the incident in Cromwell Mount in the Belle Isle area of the city at 7.36pm on Saturday.

Sergeant Carl Quinn, of West Yorkshire Police Major Collision Enquiry Team, said: "We are conducting a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding this child's death.

"Early indications are that this appears to have been a tragic accident.

"We are working closely with the child's family to support them at what will clearly be a very difficult time."

He added: "We would appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident itself to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on 01924 293047 or via 101.

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Doctors Wrong On 'Do Not Resuscitate' Notice

Doctors should not have put a "do not resuscitate" notice on a woman patient without her consent, the Court of Appeal has ruled.

Janet Tracey, who had terminal lung cancer, had a "do not resuscitate" notice put on her records but neither she nor her family had been notified about the decision by medics.

Judges said doctors at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where Mrs Tracey died, should have discussed the notice with the 63-year-old or her family and that they had not been notified was a violation of her human rights.

Mrs Tracey's husband David, who brought the case, said it had been a "good result" and he hoped it would help other families in similar situations.

He said: "Patient care has got to come first and this will bring more care to people."

The ruling is seen as a key decision because it gives clarity on when - and in what circumstances - doctors should issue "do not resuscitate" notices.

The notices are widely used and the court heard that 68% of people die in hospital and of those 80% have "do not resuscitate" notices in their medical notes.

Mrs Tracey was taken to hospital after a car crash

They are designed to ensure patients die a dignified death, however, their use has become controversial and the rules surrounding them have been criticised for being confusing.

The notice was put in Mrs Tracey's medical notes when she was taken to hospital after breaking her neck in a serious car crash two weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

Her family was not informed and when they discovered the existence of the notice they complained and it was cancelled.

However, after discussions with doctors a second notice was put in place with the family's agreement and Mrs Tracey died two days later on March 7, 2011.

Merry Varney from law firm Leigh Day, who acted for the Tracey family, said: "Janet, a care home manager, would have been horrified if one of her residents had been treated in this way and she would have fought, as her husband has, to ensure that patients have a legal right to be informed and consulted in relation to decisions to withhold resuscitation."

A spokesman for the Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said it was considering the implications of the judgement and stressed there had been no criticism of the clinical care provided.

The trust's chief executive, Dr Keith McNeil said: "End-of-life situations involve doctors and nurses having emotionally challenging but necessary conversations with patients and their families about what happens in the final stages of their care.

"Medical staff use a combination of their compassion, experience and judgement at these difficult times to try and find the right pathway for each individual patient, and provide the support needed for everybody involved."

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Rik Mayall's Family Requests Funeral Prayers

Rik Mayall's fans have been asked for their "thoughts and prayers" on Thursday when his family will hold his funeral.

The comedian's widow Barbara said: "Knowing the swell of love you all share with us we would like to let you, the fans, know that we will be having a private family funeral for Rik, as I am sure you will understand.

"We will be burying him at 2pm on Thursday June 19 if you would like to join us in thoughts and prayer at this time.

"Thank you again for all your love and support to all our family, it brings great strength."

A memorial service for the star, who died last week aged 56, is expected to be held in September.

Mayall and his wife Barbara

The Bottom and Young Ones actor collapsed at home in southwest London after what Mrs Mayall described as an "acute cardiac event".

Mayall's career also included roles such as Lord Flashheart in Blackadder and the conniving Conservative MP Alan B'Stard in The New Statesman.

Since his death, tributes have flowed in for the performer who is survived by his wife and three children, Rosie, Sidney and Bonnie, and his 2010 World Cup song Noble England has gone straight into the top 10 of the UK's official singles chart.

The track, which was originally recorded for the last World Cup, failed to chart the first time around, but thanks to a social media campaign set up in his memory it went in at number seven on Sunday.

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Rolf Harris Trial: Jury Warned Not To 'Speculate'

By Nick Pisa, Sky News Reporter

Jurors in the Rolf Harris indecent assault case have been told by the trial judge to consider the evidence "carefully and return true verdicts, whatever the consequences may be".

Veteran entertainer Harris, 84, is accused of 12 counts of indecent assault over a period of 18 years on four young girls and women and the trial has lasted almost six weeks.

Eleven women have given evidence, claiming they were molested or groped by him with offences allegedly taking place in Britain, Malta, Australia and New Zealand between 1968 and 1991.

Judge Mr Justice Sweeney warned the jury of six men and six women at Southwark Crown Court in central London to consider only the evidence they have heard during the trial and rely on nothing else.

He said: "Speculation amounts to no more than guessing and you should not do that.

The veteran entertainer denies 12 counts of indecent assault

"You must have a cool, calm, careful and dispassionate consideration of the evidence together with the courage to return true verdicts based on the evidence, whatever the consequences may be."

Earlier he had also told the jury: "You must recognise a red herring when you see one and ignore it."

Justice Sweeney reminded the jury of the allegations against Harris and said one of the key factors for the prosecution's case was that there was "no reason for so many to lie for no apparent reason".

He added: "The defence has relied on the defendant's good character and insisted he did not commit any of the offences alleged.

"He accepts that he had sexual contact with (alleged victim) and he asserts that it did not begin until she was 18 years old and was consensual throughout.

"He says that (victim) in count one is mistaken or lying and that the remainder are lying too."

The judge detailed how the prosecution insisted the alleged attacks were all similar beginning with the women meeting the famous entertainer, being given bear hugs, unable to escape, and then assaulted.

He also described how the defence had insisted there was no pattern in the allegations and the jury should not draw any conclusion from the fact that Harris "walked from the dock to give evidence".

Harris, of Bray, Berkshire, denies the 12 counts against him which involve four women aged between seven or eight years old and 19 years old, between 1968 and 1984.

The alleged incidents that took place out of the country on the other seven women are not on the indictment and he cannot be charged with them as they are said to have taken place abroad.

The summing-up is excepted to continue tomorrow, and the jury were also told how prosecutor Ms Sasha Wass QC was unable to attend as she has commitments in the Court of Appeal.

Her absence follows that of the leading defence barrister Sonia Woodley QC, who was taken to hospital last week with an undisclosed complaint and has not returned to court since.

The trial continues. 

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Passport Office Has 'Lost Control' Of Backlog

The Passport Office boss has admitted there are 480,000 passport applications "outstanding", as the unions said the agency had "lost control" of the backlog.

Paul Pugh told the Home Affairs Select Committee they had received 3.6m passport applications since January this year, which was significantly higher than usual.

Mr Pugh was reluctant to be drawn on the backlog of applications but when pushed by committee chairman, the Labour MP, Keith Vaz, said the applications considered to be "work-in-progress" was "broadly" 480,000.

Appearing ahead of Mr Pugh, Mike Jones, of the PCS Union, told MPs staff had lost control of the backlog of applications and needed more staff to bring it under control.

A worker leaked pictures of applications waiting to be processed

He said the backlog, which has put the holiday plans of thousands of families in jeopardy, had surged by more than 200,000 since March and that it was now 493,0000.

David Cameron told MPs last week the backlog was just 30,000.

Mr Jones said they had repeatedly asked the Home Office for more staff and said that job cuts had led to the crisis that has unfolded at the start of the summer.

He said: "Staff have been working excessive overtime to try and deal with that. Our members have been working really hard to manage a ship that has been sinking for years."

Theresa May has raised questions over the future of the agency

Mr Jones refused to rule out strike action despite a warning from the Labour MP Ian Austin.

Mr Vaz told Mr Pugh, who earns £104,000 a year, he had to text the Home Secretary to sort out a constituent's passport application problems because he was unable to get through to the Passport Office boss.

Last week, after pictures of the backlog of applications at the Liverpool office were disclosed, the Home Secretary suggested the Passport Office may be brought under the control of Home Office ministers.

She was also forced to announce emergency measures including fast-tracking emergency applications for free and increasing the number of staff processing applications as anger over the situation intensified.

The number of applications received by the UK Passport Office is at a 12-year high, with 300,000 more applications than this time last year.

The increase has in part been blamed on the closure of regional application offices at embassies across the world. Theresa May announced British citizens abroad would automatically get a 12-month extension.

It was also suggested the increase in applications was because the economic recovery meant people now had enough money for holidays abroad.

A report shows the Passport Office estimated a year ago applications would surge by up to 350,000 this summer because of the overseas closures.

Speaking ahead of Mr Pugh's appearance, Mr Vaz said: "The HM Passport Office is in chaos and the Home Secretary's urgent action shows the true scale of the problem."

He added: "We will be asking Mr Pugh for a full explanation of what has happened and specifically how these emergency measures are being put in place.

"It is vital we have the full facts in order to understand whether this government agency is still fit for purpose."

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