Russian Frigate Tracked 20 Miles From UK Coast

The Royal Navy has revealed it intercepted a Russian frigate and monitored her passage through the English Channel.

HMS Argyll, a Type 23 frigate with advanced Artisan radar, used a Lynx helicopter and sensors to locate and monitor the Russian warship as it passed within 20 miles of the Kent coast in the Strait of Dover.

The Russian ship Yaroslav Mudryy is a Neustrashimy class frigate and was accompanied by her tanker the Kola while on the way back from a Mediterranean deployment.

It is due to arrive in its home port of Baltiysk, Russia, next weekend after a 25,000-mile, six-month tour which saw it visit Spain, Malta, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Oman, Cyprus and Syria.

According to the Russian Navy's website, the ship is the second in a series designed for protection of combat ships from attacks, for search, detection and tracking of submarines and for attacking enemy ships and covering landing operations.

A Royal Navy spokeswoman would not comment on how long the ship was tracked for but said it took over from French surveillance and tracked the Russians around the UK coast.

The HMS Argyll is based in Plymouth and is the longest-serving frigate of her type in the Royal Navy.

Among her deployments was to the Caribbean and North Atlantic on a patrol mission, where her crew seized £77m of drugs.

The majority of the crew had returned from a deployment just before Christmas.

Commander Paul Hammond, commanding officer of HMS Argyll, said: "We are one of the Royal Navy's high readiness ships and we knew we could be called upon to respond a range of duties, such as monitoring a Russian warship, at short notice."

The spokeswoman said the Russian ship's movement through British waters on its way home was "not hostile or out of routine".

She added: "Under the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (1982), right of innocent passage to all warships through territorial waters is allowed, provided it is not prejudicial to peace, good order or security of the coastal state.

"Submarines and other underwater vehicles are required to navigate on the surface and to show their flag." 

News of last weekend's intercept comes just a few months after NATO warned that the planes of its member states had been scrambled 400 times in 11 months as they responded to a 50% rise in suspicious Russian military air activity around Europe when compared with the same period in 2013.

That includes a number of high-profile incidents where RAF jets have intercepted Russian aircraft approaching UK airspace.

23.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teach Primary School Kids About Sex, MPs Say

By Gerard Tubb, Sky News Correspondent

Primary school children should be taught about sex and relationships to keep them safe from abuse, according to a committee of MPs.

Youngsters have a right to the information and should be taught about it during their schooling, the Commons education select committee says.

A report by the committee is one of two published today which blame the Government for not doing enough, with the Office of the Children's Commissioner echoing the call for statutory sex education.

The study by MPs says the Government should introduce age-appropriate relationships and sex education (RSE) as a statutory subject in primary and secondary schools.

But they also said parents should retain their right to withdrawn their children from lessons.

Committee chair Graham Stuart MP said: "Young people have a right to information that will keep them healthy and safe.

"PSHE builds character and resilience, and will help young people to live happy and healthy lives."

Meanwhile, in a report on the state of child protection in England, Sue Berelowitz, deputy children's commissioner for England, said more work needs to be done to identify and help abuse victims and children at risk of sexual exploitation.

"Once again we are calling for age-appropriate relationships and sex education to be made a statutory component of the curriculum," she said.

"Young people need to understand what are and what are not healthy relationships."

At present primary schools do not have to provide sex and relationships lessons outside the science curriculum, while state secondary schools have to cover sexually transmitted diseases as part of science for students aged 14 to 16-year-olds.

Academies do not have to offer sex and relationships education, but if they do they must take into account the Government's guidance.

Responding to the MPs' findings, a Department for Education spokesperson said: "We are aware that more needs to be done to raise the quality of teaching in this area and we will consider the findings of this report carefully."

23.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Two Men Held Over Fatal Tipper Truck Crash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

PM: Young Unemployed Will Work For Benefits

Young people out of work or not in education or training for six months will need to do unpaid work to claim benefits, David Cameron has announced.

The reforms mean people aged between 18 and 21 will have to do 30 hours of community work each week and 10 hours of job-hunting to qualify for benefits.

The work will begin from day one of their claim. It could involve preparing meals for elderly people or working at charities.

Prime Minister David Cameron said the reforms would end long-term youth unemployment and stop young people being "sucked into a life on welfare".

The scheme - called the Community Work Programme - extends already-announced Conservative plans to abolish Jobseeker's Allowance, replacing it with a Youth Allowance.

Video: Young To Have To Work For Benefits

The Youth Allowance means those still on benefits after six months have to carry out community work or take up and apprenticeship, 

Under the plans announced today, benefits claimants will be required to undertake an apprenticeship or community work from day one of signing on if they have been out of employment, education or training for six months prior to claiming benefits.

Mr Cameron announced the scheme during a speech in Hove saying young people needed the work experience to help them find jobs.

He said: "That well-worn path - from the school gate, down to the Job Centre, and on to a life on benefits - has got to be rubbed away." 

He added: "They drift from school to worklessness to benefits and not enough is asked of them. Now of course, the best thing is for young people not to fall into inactivity in the first place.

"But if they have drifted into a life of inactivity, then it's pretty clear what these young people need. They need work experience. They need the order and discipline of turning up for work each day.

Video: March: Welfare Capped At £119bn

"So a Conservative government would require them to do daily community work from the very start of their claim, as well as searching for work. From day one they must play their part and make an effort."

Department for Work and Pensions research in 2013 found nearly two-thirds (64%) of benefits claimants who were put on community work schemes were still claiming benefits after two years.

The same research found that 66% of benefits claimants who did not do community work were also still claiming benefits, while only 64% of those given intensive job search support were still on benefits after two years.

However, Downing Street insists there is research to show work placements are more helpful in moving people off benefits.

Questions were also raised over the Conservative claims that it would apply to 50,000 new 18 to 21-year-olds each year.

With new laws that all youngsters will have to stay in education or training until age 18, there will be few 18 to 21-year-olds that can have been out of work for six months before signing on.

Video: Sept: Osborne's Fair Welfare Pledge

Most will sign on as soon as they leave school or training at 18 until they find employment.

A Liberal Democrat spokesman said: "These placements are not designed to help someone into work, more to punish. Just like the Tory plans to axe housing benefit for young people, it's all stick and no carrot.

"Young people should be given help and support into the workplace, help at job centres and the opportunity to get on in life, not just written off as feckless and lazy."

23.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Britons Shortlisted For One-Way Trip To Mars

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

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

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

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

Hannah Earnshaw is among the British candidates

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

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

Video: Mars Mission Official Trailer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Convicted Killer In Last-Ditch DNA Appeal

By Martin Brunt, Crime Correspondent

A convicted killer has launched a last-ditch attempt to compel a police force to hand over forensic samples he believes can be retested to prove his innocence.

Kevin Nunn says new techniques could be used on scientific evidence that was inconclusive or too small to be tested for DNA when he was arrested 10 years ago.

The evidence includes a tiny trace of sperm found on his girlfriend's thighs, which he insists can't be his because he had already had a vasectomy; he believes a new test could identify the real killer.

Dawn Walker's body was found half-naked near her Suffolk home

He is backed by actor Tom Conti, who has urged Home Secretary Theresa May to persuade police to let the samples be retested.

In a letter to Mrs May, Conti wrote: "The Chief Constable of Suffolk refuses to hand over the exhibits. What could possibly be his reason?

Video: Victim's Sister Upset By Appeal

"Does he fear humiliation for his force if Nunn proves to be innocent? Is the Chief Constable himself actually the killer?"

The actor has offered £1,000 to help pay for new laboratory tests.

Nunn, 54, is serving life for the murder of Dawn Walker, 37, near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, in 2005.

Her half-naked body had been burned, shaved and immersed in water before it was found on a footpath beside the River Lark more than a mile from her home at Fornham St Martin.

At Nunn's trial, the prosecution said he had killed her in a jealous rage after she ended their two-year relationship, then lied and covered his tracks. Jurors unanimously convicted him.

He denied murder, claiming they had parted amicably and he had left her alive and well to return to his own home, where she later left him a voice message saying: "I love you".

Video: Interview With Kevin Nunn's Sister

Nunn has been trying to get access to the samples for more than five years, but Suffolk Police have refused to hand them over.

The force has been backed by the High Court and the Supreme Court in a legal battle over the obligation of police and prosecutors to disclose material to a defendant.

Suffolk Police said: "The decision to refuse the claimant's request for material in this case was not taken lightly. Suffolk Constabulary took appropriate steps to seek legal advice both from county solicitors and the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that this decision was lawful and appropriate."

The defence is now asking the Criminal Cases Review Commission to intervene, hoping it will compel police to provide the samples for testing. It could lead to an appeal against conviction.

Nunn's solicitor, James Saunders, said policy in the US was for police and prosecutors to comply with any request to explore potential miscarriages of justice, even paying for the kind of forensic tests being sought.

He said: "We should all be on the same page. If new tests can find out who killed Dawn Walker then it can prevent the same thing happening again.

Video: Conti Explains Interest In Nunn

"Apart from the sperm, there were other exhibits such as the fleece and T-shirt she was wearing which could have the killer's touch DNA."

Nunn's sister, Brigitte Butcher, said his family were asking for a number of exhibits to be tested, not just the semen sample.

She said: "We believe that DNA profiles could be found on various things the killer touched and together could actually identify the person responsible. It certainly was not Kevin."

But for Dawn Walker's sister, Kirsty, the Nunn family's persistence in trying to prove his innocence has made it impossible for her and her relatives to grieve.

She said: "For God's sake, please just let sleeping dogs lie. Bear the truth, know the truth, get to know your brother from others who knew him. Get to understand your brother without his b******t and lies."

23.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Boy And Girl, Both 16, Held In Terror Arrests

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

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

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

They are being held in police custody.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Inflation At Record Low Of 0.3% In January

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

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

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

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

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

Video: Action Promised On Weak Inflation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man Accused Of Trying To Buy Ricin Online

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

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

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

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

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

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

23.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Inside Tiny One-Bed London Home On Sale At £275k

By Jonathan Samuels, Sky News Correspondent

London's population is set to reach a record high of 8.6 million people, with housing expected to be a major General Election issue.

With limited space and prices that have gone through the roof, one survey suggests bricks and mortar could be as significant as the NHS in the ballot this May.

According to research by estate agents Your Move and Reeds Rains, one in six tenants (16%) say housing is the issue most likely to affect their vote.

Sky News visited what has been billed as the smallest house currently on the market in the UK. The tiny one-room home in Islington is just over 150 square feet, with an asking price of £275,000. 

You have to climb on to the kitchen surface to get into bed, the dining room is a pull-out table, and you can touch opposite walls at the same time.

Video: London Homes Become Unaffordable

"Obviously the price is quite absurd but I don't think the project is absurd," says architect Chris Dyvik, who took inspiration from caravans and boats.

"You might see similar types of compact units being built. People need to be creative in London to survive with these housing prices."

It is unlikely anyone would live in such a place for more than a few nights at a time, but the fact that such a small space can command such a big asking price means questions continue to be asked about London's property bubble.

Last year, some 60,000 30-somethings left London, the highest number ever. Soaring house prices have put homes out of reach for most first-time buyers.

According to the Office for National Statistics, 67% of the 25 to 34 age group were homeowners in 1991. By 2012 this had dropped to 43%.

George Cheetham got fed up with prices going up and up during the buying frenzy in London last year.

"Week-by-week, house prices grew," he said.

"You'd go for a viewing in the same street one week and by the next it had gone up by about £10,000."

He moved to Bristol, buying a three-bedroom flat with a garden, something which would have been impossible in the capital.

"It just didn't seem a realistic market to buy in, it was very easy for us to say enough is enough" he said.

Soaring prices have been partly driven by foreign investors.

Estate agent Savills estimates up to 70% of newly-built properties in central London are bought by foreign investors, with many flats in prime locations lying empty.

1/10

1. Gallery: Property: What £1m Can Buy You

   We take a look at what £1m can buy you around the UK. For example this one bedroom flat in Chelsea's Lennox Gardens, London, at exactly £1m. All photos courtesy of rightmove.co.uk

The modestly-sized flat is being sold in one of London's most sought-after areas. Pic: rightmove.co.uk

]]>

23.17 | 0 komentar | Read More