Man United: Decision On New Manager Imminent

Everton manager David Moyes could be named as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United later today.

The deal to appoint the new boss has already been done and approved by the club's board, according to Sky News City Editor Mark Kleinman.

Moyes, 50, who has spent 11 years at Goodison Park building competitive teams on slim resources, is out of contract with the Merseysiders on June 30.

He spent a number of hours in talks with Everton chairman Bill Kenwright in London on Wednesday night.

It won't be easy filling Ferguson's shoes

Moyes and Ferguson have had a close relationship and the Everton manager has long been considered as his fellow Scot's most likely successor.

He was even touted as a possible right-hand man to Ferguson as far back as 2000, when he was in charge at Preston, two years before he took the Everton job.

Despite having a comparatively meagre budget at Goodison Park, Moyes' Everton have not finished outside the top eight since 2006.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, who established a friendly rivalry with Ferguson while in charge of United's rivals Chelsea, had also been touted for the Old Trafford job.

Jose Mourinho had been tipped as a possible successor

Ferguson, 71, guided United to 13 Premier League titles and two European Champions League crowns during his 26 years in charge at Old Trafford, winning 38 major trophies in all.

Rumours of his retirement only began circulating late on Tuesday, but Ferguson said it was a decision he had been considering for some time.

"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time," Ferguson said.

"It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so."

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Tia Sharp Accused: 'I'm Not Like Ian Huntley'

The man accused of murdering Tia Sharp told a prison officer that her death was an accident and said: "I'm not like Ian Huntley", a court has heard.

Stuart Hazell, who was taken to Belmarsh prison in August last year, was also quoted as saying that "nothing sexual" had happened between him and Tia.

Hazell is on trial on charges of sexually assaulting and murdering the 12-year-old between August 2 and 10 last year. He denies the charges.

Prison officer Warren Fegan, who was working at Belmarsh when Hazell was taken there, told the Old Bailey: "He was saying, 'I'm not like Ian Huntley, it was nothing sexual, I'm not a nonce'.

"He was saying that the press was trying to make it look like it was sexual but it wasn't," Mr Fegan testified.

"He said that it was an accident, she had fallen down stairs and broken her neck."

Hazell is the former boyfriend of Tia's grandmother Christine Sharp.

The schoolgirl's body was found in the loft of Ms Sharp's house in New Addington, south London, a week after she went missing.

A memorial to Tia after her body was found in August last year

Prosecutors say Hazell killed Tia and hid her body in the loft of the house.

Mr Fegan said: "He said that he didn't know what to do and he picked her up and took her upstairs and laid her on the bed, and he thought that she would get better.

"He didn't know what to do, so he wrapped her in a sheet and put her in the loft."

He said Hazell was full of remorse and felt sorry and guilty.

"He asked me how hard it would be to prove not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter," the prison officer told the court.

Mr Fegan told the jury that when Hazell was assessed at the prison, the risk of him harming himself was "at the far extreme".

"He really wanted to kill himself. He was saying he was sorry and he felt guilty.

"Initially he was fearing for his personal safety. He was very, very distressed. He was clearly saying that any opportunity he had he would kill himself."

Mr Fegan added: "He wanted to be dead. He wanted away from everything."

Prosecutor said the girl was sexually abused

The prison officer said Hazell talked to him again two days later.

"He stated that he wished he could turn back the clock," Mr Fegan said.

He quoted Hazell as saying: "I deserve everything I get. If I get 25-30 years, I don't care, I deserve everything I get."

Mr Fegan said that, when he asked Hazell how he felt, he held up one hand, and said: "Guilty, guv'nor".

Another prison officer testified earlier today that Hazell had tried to get razors blades from his bag to cut his wrists while he was in custody at a police station.

Paul Leahy told the jury that Hazell said: "Since Friday I've been feeling guilty and I just want to kill myself."

The court heard that Hazell told Mr Leahy: "I have a real problem with my anger and when people say wrong things to me, I can flip.

"I just feel like hurting everyone."

Tia's mother was in the courtroom as the prosecution continued to make its case against Hazell.

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MPs' Expenses: Stewart Jackson Sued Over Home

Conservative MP Stewart Jackson is being sued by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) for refusing to pay back £54,000 which he claimed on expenses.

All other MPs who made a profit after claiming expenses to pay their mortgages have agreed to pay back hundreds of thousands of pounds to the taxpayer.

Ipsa published details of repayments by 71 politicians on its website.

But Mr Jackson has refused to pay the money back so Ipsa have filed papers with the High Court to sue him.

The Tory MP for Peterborough has vowed to fight the legal proceeding, accusing the watchdog, which was set up in the wake of the 2009 MPs' expenses scandal, of being "heavy handed and disproportionate".

He said the court action was "intended to bully me into submission".

When Ipsa took up the role of Parliamentary watchdog in 2010 they changed the rules so that MPs could not claim for mortgages on their second home. This was designed to prevent politicians from profiting - essentially gaining a home or asset paid for by the state - when they leave office.

Transitional arrangements were put in place permitting MPs elected before 2010 to keep claiming the money up to last August - as long as they agreed to return any potential capital gain.

Valuations were taken of the properties in 2010 and 2012 and the money owed by way of capital gains between the two dates has to be paid back.

But Mr Jackson is challenging the valuation on his house, claiming that even if it rose by £54,000 between 2010-12, it is actually worth less now than when he bought it in 2005.

Stewart Jackson is the only MP so far not to have reached a deal with Ipsa

In a statement, he said: "Ipsa are seeking a cash sum on a so-called capital gain "profit" on my family home, in which I live and have not sold.

"The money which Ipsa is demanding retrospectively is more than the total amount I received when I was claiming mortgage interest and the property is now valued at less than we purchased it for in 2005.

"Their assumption is that the value of my property rose by almost 20% over two years whilst house prices fell by 3% in my constituency in the same period.

"At my own expense, I have paid for an accurate recent expert valuation and I have made a reasonable offer to Ipsa to settle the matter and reduce the legal costs which will have to be met by the taxpayer."

The watchdog said the valuations were conducted independently by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

The sums published by Ipsa range from a few hundred pounds in some cases to the £81,446 paid by Tory MP for Clwyd West David Jones and the £61,403 returned by DUP East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell - both for properties in London.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond had owed £34,833 and Treasury Minister David Gauke £26,762.

Mr Stewart added: "Ipsa have negotiated with 70 other MPs in a secretive and arbitrary manner but in respect of my case, regrettably, they have refused to negotiate.

"I am merely seeking fair play and consistency and will pursue legal action to receive it."

In total the 70 MPs have been asked to hand back almost £500,000 worth of profits from taxpayer-funded homes, although some MPs do not have to return any money because the value of their property was judged to have not changed.

MPs are allowed to put in place payment plans so they do not have to pay back the money in one lump sum.

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Acid Attack Woman Appeals For Witnesses

A 28-year-old woman being treated in hospital after having acid thrown in her face has appealed for help in catching her attacker.

Police have released a photograph of the injuries she suffered in the "craven attack" on the doorstep of her home in Romford, north-east London.

The suspect is described as white, short, about 20-years-old, with a dark complexion and dark hair. He was wearing black clothing and spoke with an English accent.

The assault happened after the woman answered the door to a man who had asked to speak to "Michelle" shortly before 9pm on April 30.

He returned about 30 minutes later and squirted acid in her face from a bottle.

The victim, who is called Tara but has asked for her surname not be used, said she had been left "devastated" by the "cowardly attack".

"I don't understand why this has happened to me," she said.

"I feel devastated and am coming to terms with the fact I might have to bear the scars of this cowardly attack for the rest of my life.

"I was at home with my family at the time. It doesn't bear thinking about that this could have been one of the children instead of me as the man didn't even look up when threw it at me.

"He is a coward. Please call the police if you know anything at all."

Tara managed to shut the door after the attack and rinse her face with water while an ambulance was called.

She was taken to hospital and later transferred to a specialist burns unit where she remains in a stable condition, police said.

Her pet dog - a long-haired chihuahua - also required treatment after the attack but the animal is not thought to have suffered any long-term injuries.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call Havering CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Sir Alex Ferguson Retires As Man Utd Manager

Sir Alex Ferguson is retiring as manager of Manchester United, the club has confirmed.

The manager, who has been at the club for 26 years, said in a statement: "The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time.

"It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so."

The Scotsman secured his 13th Premier League title with Manchester United two weeks ago and is the most successful manager in British football history.

The deal to appoint a successor has already been done and approved by the club's board, understands Sky News City Editor Mark Kleinman.

An announcement is expected within days, with Sky sources saying Everton boss David Moyes is in "pole position" to get the job.

Ferguson, 71, will stay at Manchester United as a director and an ambassador, but now has just two games left with the famous club.

His final game, away to West Brom on May 19, will be his 1500th in charge.

"With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future," Ferguson said.

"I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential."

Sir Alex's first European Cup was the famous last gasp win in 1999

The success of the club would continue without him, said Ferguson, who had a stand at Old Trafford named in his honour in 2011.

"The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level ... the long-term future of the club remains a bright one," said Ferguson.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore told Sky News that the Scot was a "constant professional" who was bowing out on a high.

"In some ways it's a shock, in some ways the timing couldn't be better," he said.

David Bernstein, the FA chairman, hailed Sir Alex's tenure as "truly remarkable".

"He is genuinely one of the greatest managers of all time and certainly of the modern era. His contribution to English football has been outstanding in every regard," said Mr Bernstein.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, also joined in the tributes and tweeted: "Sir Alex Ferguson's achievement at #MUFC has been exceptional. Hopefully his retirement will make life a little easier for my team #AVFC".

Everton Boss David Moyes is in "pole position" to take over at Old Trafford

The "foundations of the Premiership have shaken this morning", said Sky News Sports Correspondent Paul Kelso.

"Fergie steps aside as the greatest figure in football management - there'll be a very long queue of managers seeking to replace him."

Old Trafford bosses may be wary of bringing in a  "restless manager" like Jose Mourinho, said Kelso - despite his impressive track record

A manager like David Moyes, who is seen to have 'over achieved' at Everton, is looking like the more likely choice.

"Crucially, if he (Moyes) has Sir Alex Ferguson's blessing, it will buy him time with the fans to prove he's a worthy successor," said Kelso.

Former and current players have also been praising Sir Alex's achievements and having their say on who should fill his boots.

"You have to be a certain manager to manage Manchester United," former United player Paul Ince told Sky News.

"It's very important the next man is the right man."

Michael Owen, who is himself retiring at the end of the season, tweeted: "What an act to follow. I guess only Mourinho would have the confidence to strut through the door. If it were me, I'd go for Moyes."

The share price is shown up until the day before Sir Alex's announcement

But former United keeper Peter Schmeichel said Sir Alex should have stayed on a bit longer.

"(I'm) shocked, disappointed and very sad," he told Sky News. "I was hoping it was a couple of years down the line."

The Danish player, who was with the club for most of the 90s, said Ferguson was an inspirational leader who always had time for him, and the best manager the game had ever seen.

Cristiano Ronaldo tweeted a picture of himself with the manager, along with the words: "Thanks for everything, Boss."

The announcement, which comes just a day after back page speculation, will be a cause of concern for Manchester United investors. It means there will soon be a new chief executive and manager in place at Old Trafford.

When David Gill confirmed that he would quit as CEO in June, it sparked a deterioration in the Club's share price.

Sir Alex, who began his managerial career in Scotland in 1974, enjoyed success with St Mirren and Aberdeen before moving to England.

He won 49 trophies during his career - his haul with Manchester United including five FA Cups, four league cups and two famous Champions League titles, in 1999 and 2008.

However, the manager's quest for a coveted third European title ended this season with a 3-2 aggregate loss to Real Madrid.

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Queen's Speech: Immigration Curbs Dominate

New measures to tackle immigration were among the Government's priorities outlined in this year's Queen's Speech.

In its legislative programme for the year ahead, the coalition also set out plans to cap bills for social care, introduce a flat-rate pension, cut the regulation burden on small businesses and extend consumer rights.

At the heart of the Government's agenda, a new Immigration Bill was unveiled to regulate migrant access to the NHS as well as introduce stiffer fines on businesses which exploit illegal labour.

Foreign criminals and illegal immigrants also face a crackdown with a new bill making it easier to deport them - including powers to prevent the abuse of human rights laws.

The Queen told MPs and peers that the bill will aim to "ensure that this country attracts people who will contribute and deter those who will not".

Meanwhile, a £72,000 cap will be introduced from 2016 on the amount people in England have to pay for social care, to end a situation where pensioners have to sell their homes to pay for care in their final years.

And millions of people caring for elderly and disabled relatives in England will be given the right to receive support from their local councils.

A Pensions Bill will introduce a single-tier pension, worth around £144 a week at today's prices, and will bring forward to 2026 the date at which the retirement age rises to 67.

And consumers are to receive greater protection when using offshore gambling sites with new measures to ensure all operators in the local market hold a UK licence.

Amid all the traditional pomp and ceremony in the House of Lords, Her Majesty made clear that the Government's "first priority" remains restoring Britain's economic health, something which cannot simply be legislated for.

She announced paving legislation for further necessary measures for the £33bn construction of the high-speed rail link between London, Birmingham and the north of England, keeping the controversial project on track. 

Businesses will be assisted through a bill to create a £2,000 annual employment allowance to reduce National Insurance bills for every company and charity.

And a Deregulation Bill will aim to reduce the burden of excessive red tape on business, public bodies and individuals by repealing legislation that is no longer of practical use, and placing a duty on regulators to have regard to the impact of their actions on growth.

Self-employed people whose work activities pose no potential risk of harm to others will be exempted from health and safety law.

The Queen also said the Government would protect the Falkland Islanders' right to self-determination as she opened the new session of Parliament.

Measures to reduce crime and disorder will include tougher controls on dogs which are dangerously out of control, a new "community trigger" to ensure action is taken on persistent anti-social behaviour, larger fines for illegal importation of firearms and making forced marriage a criminal offence.

Meanwhile, there will be new measures to encourage the rehabilitation of prisoners after they leave jail.

Plans to make it easier for victims of asbestos-related cancer to claim compensation were also unveiled.

But the Queen's Speech, which featured 20 bills, including some in draft form or carried over from the previous session, was also notable for what was omitted - such as the so-called snoopers' charter to monitor internet and social media use, opposed by the Liberal Democrats, and any further moves on an EU referendum in the wake of the success of UKIP at last week's local elections.

Sky News Political Editor Adam Boulton said the failure to do any more about the referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union would pile yet more pressure on the Prime Minister to act from his eurosceptic backbenchers.   

There was also no place for mooted health protection measures to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes and minimum unit prices for alcohol - although Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt earlier insisted that no final decision had been made to kill off the proposals.

Mr Hunt told Sky News that no decision over introducing the plans had been made yet, adding: "We don't want to do something that is damaging to industry unless it's going to have those health benefits."

In an introduction to their legislative agenda, Prime David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said the Queen's Speech was "all about backing people who work hard and want to get on in life".

They said: "In May 2010, we came together to govern in the national interest. We knew the road ahead would be tough and so it has proved to be.

"But three years on, our resolve to turn our country around has never been stronger. We know that Britain can be great again because we've got the people to do it. Today's Queen's Speech shows that we will back them every step of the way."

But Labour leader Ed Miliband said: "Today's Queen's Speech should respond to the deep problems the country faces. On the evidence so far, it is not up to the scale of the task."

Unions also attacked the speech. Public and Commercial Services union general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "With its policies causing untold damage to our economy and our communities, it is shameful of the Government to try to stoke up even more fear and suspicion of migrants.

"This is not so much 'dog whistle' politics, more a shrill and desperate cry to satisfy the extremes of the Tory Party."

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis added: "There is little comfort in this programme for the young, the unemployed, the working poor, the sick, the vulnerable or the millions who have seen their living standards fall drastically since this coalition Government came to power."

It was the first time in 17 years that the Prince of Wales attended the State Opening of Parliament, in a move indicating his growing role supporting the Queen in her official duties.

Charles has previously accompanied the Queen to the occasion at the Palace of Westminster 11 times, but not since 1996.

His appearance, together with the Duchess of Cornwall, comes after it was announced that the Queen will miss the Commonwealth summit later this year for the first time in 40 years as part of a review of her long-haul travel.

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'Pool Of Offenders' In Music School Abuse

Police are investigating a pool of "around 10 offenders" after receiving claims of historic sexual abuse by more than 30 women at a music school.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said since it commenced its investigation of abuse at Chetham's School of Music last February, more than a dozen other claims had also been received.

Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Daniels, from GMP's Protective Services Division, said: "This is a significant inquiry in terms of potential number of offenders and number of victims.

"We are supporting each and every person who has come forward and made a complaint to us as best we can, and I must credit them all for having the courage to face demons that have been haunting them for many, many years."

DCI Daniels added: "This has been a high-profile investigation from the off and due to the complexities and sensitivities involved cannot and will not be rushed."

Police said a number of the claims made by the women had been brought to their attention after the conviction in March of Chetham choirmaster Michael Brewer.

Brewer, a former National Youth Choir music director, and his ex-wife Kay were found guilty on five counts of indecently assaulting his student Frances Andrade more than 30 years ago.

During the trial, Ms Andrade, 48, was found dead at her home less than a week after she gave evidence against Brewer at Manchester Crown Court. She killed herself.

DCI Daniels said: "I want to reassure the public that I am absolutely committed to getting justice for these women, many of whom have been spurred on by the bravery shown by Frances Andrade in the case against former teacher Michael Brewer.

"I also want to reassure everybody that where we have identified immediate safeguarding concerns the appropriate steps have been taken in partnership with other organisations.

"Chetham's and other establishments have, and continue to provide help and support at what is clearly a very difficult time for their respective staff and pupils."

Police said as part of the investigation a 57-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape and remains on police bail pending further enquiries.

Meanwhile, Surrey Police confirmed it had been contacted by the Yehudi Menuhin School following "allegations of historic sexual abuse against a member of staff who is now deceased".

It said in a statement: "The force is liaising with the school and would encourage anyone with concerns to contact us.

"Surrey Police treats any allegation of this nature seriously and have officers who are specially trained to support victims of sexual assault."

:: Anyone with information regarding Chetham's is asked to call the GMP incident room on 0161 856 6777.

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Tia Sharp Trial: Hazell No Ogre, Gran Says

The man accused of murdering Tia Sharp was "no ogre", according to a statement from her grandmother read in court.

Stuart Hazell was Christine Bicknell's boyfriend when Tia went missing and the girl's grandmother described how the schoolgirl "idolised" him.

The statement, read to jurors at the Old Bailey by junior prosecutor, Jocelyn Ledward, said: "When Tia went missing it didn't cross my mind that she could be dead. I always thought she was coming home. It didn't cross my mind that he would hurt her. He loved Tia, she idolised him.

"I love Stuart with all my heart, he was my world, but my grandchildren always came first.

"Tia will ask Stuart if she can stay for the weekend before she asks me. The majority of the time he has her more than what I do. She is his cling-on."

Hazell, 37, of New Addington, south London, is charged with killing the young girl between August 2 and 10 last year.

Her body was found in the loft of her grandmother's house, a week after she went missing.

Ms Bicknell said all her grandchildren "loved him to pieces".

She said she had thought back over her relationship and had not noticed any particular changes, nor had any worries about Hazell being around Tia.

Her statement said Hazell was not somebody she "dragged in from the street", but had had a relationship with him for more than five years. 

"Tia was not the sort of girl you could groom," she said. "She was a mouthy 12-year-old - you couldn't force her to do anything. 

"She is a mini Natalie (Tia's mother), which is a mini-me."

She added: "I knew nothing about her death. If I knew, he could be dead - I would be inside because I would have killed him. I found out the same time as everybody else, that Friday. I didn't know anything."

Ms Bicknell said that Hazell would get "argumentative" after drinking vodka, but that she had told him not to consume it in the house.
He would, however, drink lager and smoke two cannabis joints per day.

Hazell, who had previously dated Tia's mother, moved in with Ms Bicknell a week after their relationship started in 2007, the court heard.

 

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Paedophile Brit 'Had Dungeon' Under US Home

A British man living in the US has pleaded guilty to an international plot involving child kidnapping and pornography.

Forty-year-old Geoffrey Portway, a British citizen living in Worcester, Massachusetts admitted the charges in federal court.

Portway was arrested in July 2012 after US investigators allegedly found child pornography and photos of children who appeared to be dead on his computer.

Authorities said he chatted online with two men who talked about their desire to abduct, kill and eat children, and investigators found equipment in his basement to carry out the gruesome acts.

The soundproofed room in the leafy New England suburb allegedly contained a child-sized homemade coffin, a steel cage, torture devices and butchering tools.

"This dungeon was described in detail by Portway in recovered chats as a place he intended to use to keep kidnapped children while he sexually abused them and as a place to eventually murder and cannibalise the children," federal documents revealed.

Portway was among dozens arrested in the investigation that began with the detention of another man in Massachusetts who has been jailed for 18 years.

Michael Arnett (pictured) allegedly plotted the abduction with Portway

More than 50 suspects were eventually detained and over 160 children were rescued in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Portway was said to have solicited several people to help him abduct a child, including a man named Michael Arnett from Kansas.

He told Arnett he later intended to rape, kill, and eat the child, prosecutors said.

Arnett has pleaded guilty in Kansas to sexual exploitation of a child for the purposes of producing child pornography.

Portway could face between 18 to 27 years in prison under an agreement with prosecutors. Sentencing was set for August.

He would be deported back to the UK after his imprisonment.

"Clearly, the facts of this case were quite disturbing and we are grateful law enforcement acted when they did," US Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz said in a statement.

"I hope that this case sends a clear message that we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who participate in these types of activities."

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Jimmy Tarbuck In Child Sex Abuse Arrest

Veteran comedian Jimmy Tarbuck has been arrested in connection with a historical child sex abuse allegation.

Tarbuck, 73, was questioned by North Yorkshire Police on April 26 in relation to an incident which allegedly occurred in the late 1970s in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, when the victim was a young boy.

The entertainer is understood to have been arrested at his home in Kingston upon Thames, southwest London, and released on bail.

The arrest was made following information passed by Metropolitan Police officers working on Operation Yewtree to North Yorkshire Police.

A force spokesman said: "North Yorkshire Police can confirm that a 73-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a historic child sex abuse investigation in Harrogate.

"The man was arrested in Kingston upon Thames on Friday, 26 April 2013.

"Following questioning, he was released on police bail pending further enquiries.

"The complaint relates to an incident that occurred in the late 1970s when the victim was a young boy.

"It would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage."

Tarbuck has spent more than 50 years in television.

Born in 1940 in Liverpool, he was a schoolmate of John Lennon and his first television breakthrough came with It's Tarbuck 65! in 1964.

In 1994 he was awarded an OBE by the Queen for his services to showbusiness and charity.

Last November he performed in The Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

His daughter is the actress, television and radio presenter Liza Tarbuck.

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Queen To Miss Commonwealth Heads' Meeting

By Paul Harrison, Royal Correspondent

The Queen will miss the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) for the first time since 1973 as the amount of long-haul travel she undertakes is reviewed.

The Prince of Wales will represent the Queen, who is the head of the Commonwealth, at the event in Sri Lanka in November, Buckingham Palace confirmed.

A spokesman said: "I can confirm that the Queen will be represented by the Prince of Wales.

"The reason is that we are reviewing the amount of long-haul travel that is taken by the Queen."

Many will see the decision as part of a move to transfer some responsibilities to her heir.

The monarch was admitted to hospital earlier this year suffering from the symptoms of gastroenteritis.

She was forced to cancel her appearance at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in March while she recovered from the illness.

And unless the CHOGM event is staged in Britain in 2015, many will ask whether the Queen, who by then will be 89, is likely to attend another such meeting in her lifetime.

The leaders of 54 Commonwealth nations meet every two years to discuss and agree collectively on global issues.

The Queen attended the last CHOGM meeting in Perth, Australia, in 2011.

Last year saw younger generations of the royal family represent the Queen overseas as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Some are likely to predict this latest development will pave the way for Prince Charles becoming the next head of the Commonwealth, despite the role not passing automatically to the Queen's eldest son.

It also follows comments from Australia's Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, supporting Charles taking over the Commonwealth role despite preferring to move to a republic once the Queen is no longer on the throne.

"For Australia's part, I am sure the Queen's successor as monarch will one day serve as head of the Commonwealth with the same distinction as Her Majesty has done," Ms Gillard said in March.

In a television message recorded in Cape Town on her 21st birthday, the then Princess Elizabeth told the Commonwealth: "I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong."

Buckingham Palace said the Queen's decision not to attend was not related to sensitivities surrounding Sri Lanka's human rights record, which has led to Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper to boycott the CHOGM.

The spokesman said: "It is nothing to do with the political situation in Sri Lanka.

"The key point here is that the Queen will be represented, although she is not there in person, by the Prince of Wales."

Mr Harper has demanded an inquiry into allegations that up to 40,000 civilians were killed by Sri Lankan troops during the war with Tamil rebels.

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April Had 'Happy Face' When She Got In Van

April Jones had a "happy face" when she got into a vehicle shortly before her disappearance, a court has heard.

April's best friend, who is giving recorded evidence via video link at the murder trial, says the five-year-old appeared to go willingly and did not cry.

Mold Crown Court is hearing the evidence from the seven-year-old recorded the day after April went missing.

The girl, clutching a toy bunny during her testimony, said the vehicle April got into was a grey Land Rover and that she had seen it before.

Speaking about the person in the vehicle, she said: "He got out of the van and was waiting outside the van for someone".

April got in through the "drivers way" and then sat in the back seat, added the seven-year-old witness.

The accused, Mark Bridger, shook his head as the girl described the man with the Land Rover as having green or blue eyes and brown hair, and probably wearing a green jacket.

The young witness also described how April's brother came looking for his sister to take her home.

Lawyers will be able to cross-examine the girl later this afternoon.

Mark Bridger, 47, has denied abducting and murdering the five-year-old, but says he ran April over and does not remember what he did with her body.

More follows...

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Padstow Speedboat Accident Victim Identified

A 51-year-old father killed in a speedboat accident in Cornwall on Sunday has been formally identified.

Nick Milligan was a senior executive at BSkyB. He was managing director of Sky Media.

His 39-year-old wife, four-year-old son and two other daughters aged 10 and 12 also on board the boat were airlifted to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, where they are being treated for "a range of injuries, some of which are life changing", police said.

Video has emerged of the speedboat, which was a rigid inflatable owned by the family, circling out of control in the water as another boat headed towards it on the Camel Estuary near Padstow.

Waterskiing instructor Charlie Toogood has been hailed a hero after he jumped on to the speedboat from another vessel to switch off the engine.

A second man, Will Jones, was also named as someone who came to their rescue.

Two men came to the family's rescue and managed to stop the speedboat

Writing on Facebook, Maria Chase said: "We were down in Padstow today and saw the tragedy and saw a hero who saved more lives by jumping on to an out-of-control speedboat from another boat."

Charlotte Jacobs took to Twitter to write to the RNLI, saying: "We witnessed incredible bravery in Padstow today during the tragic accident that unfolded. The men involved deserve medals."

Mr Milligan was killed in the accident, along with his eight-year-old daughter. His brother Max Milligan is expected to speak at a news conference later this afternoon.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the family, from London, was on holiday in Cornwall over the Bank Holiday weekend when the accident happened.

Detective Superintendent Jim Colwell said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends who are affected by this tragic incident.

The accident took place in the Camel Estuary near Padstow

"I'd like to thank the members of the public who assisted with the rescue of the individuals in the water yesterday and all of the emergency services for safely and swiftly moving the casualties to Derriford.

"Everyone's assistance undoubtedly saved lives."

Matt Pavitt, of the North Cornwall Coastguard, said: "Thanks to some incredible seamanship and bravery from some locals, they managed to get the boat under control and stop it from causing any further damage or harm.

"It is, as you can imagine, a very large boat. This boat is 8m long with a very, very powerful engine on the back.

"Reports are that the boat was seen to veer over to one side, causing all six people to end up in the water and then the boat is known to have circled a number of times hitting some of the people in the water."

A joint investigation has been launched by police and coastguard.

South Western Ambulance Service earlier said it was thought the speedboat hit some kayakers near the popular holiday resort, however this was subsequently ruled out by the MCA.

Ambulance service spokesman John Oliver said the injured suffered leg injuries of various degrees of severity.

RNLI lifeboats from both Padstow and nearby Rock were launched as part of the rescue operation, and search and rescue helicopters from two naval bases were also ordered to attend the scene.

A BSkyB spokesperson said: "Everyone at Sky is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic accident involving the Milligan family.

"Nick has been a great friend and colleague for many years and his loss will be felt across our company and the industry.

"Our very deepest sympathies are with his family at this time."

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Mirren Storms Out Of Theatre Dressed As Queen

Dame Helen Mirren has stormed out of a theatre dressed as the Queen to angrily confront a group of street drummers who she accused of disrupting her West End show.

The star, 67, left London's Gielgud Theatre at the end of the first act of The Audience, still dressed in pearls and tiara.

She marched over to a group of around 25 drummers, who were promoting a gay music festival, and allegedly used several expletives as she angrily ticked them off.

Dame Helen later admitted using a few "thespian" words, but added that she felt "rotten" afterwards.

She told The Daily Telegraph: "I'm afraid there were a few 'thespian' words used.

"They got a very stern royal ticking off, but I have to say they were very sweet and they stopped immediately.

"I felt rotten, but on the other hand they were destroying our performance so something had to be done.

"The drumming just slowly got louder and louder and then settled right outside the stage door."

After struggling through the final emotional scene of the first act, in which the Queen is told she is going to lose the royal yacht Britannia, she decided to take matters into her own hands.

Dame Helen recently won an Olivier for the role

Dame Helen explained: "I was so upset from struggling through the scene with Paul (Ritter) that I literally walked straight off stage, straight up the stairs and straight out the stage door.

"(I) banged my way through the crowd who were watching and said 'Stop, you've got to stop right now' - only I might have used stronger language than that.

"They were very sweet and stopped the minute they knew I wasn't just a batty old woman haranguing them on the streets of Soho on a Saturday night."

She said she now wants to track down the performers to invite them to see the play.

James Horrocks, speaking on behalf of the organisers of the As One In The Park festival which the drummers were advertising, admitted the music was "very loud" but added that "the walls of the theatre were very thin".

He told Sky News Dame Helen "turned the air blue" with her language and those who witnessed her rant were "so shocked".

However, her offer of tickets to the play was "very sweet", he said.

Rufus Gerrard-Wright, who plays David Cameron in the play, said the confrontation was "breathtaking".

Writing on Twitter, he said: "You should have seen Helen. She came out in full Queen costume and shouted at the drummers. Honestly. It was breathtaking."

The Audience is a play about the monarch's private weekly meetings with various prime ministers at Buckingham Palace.

Last week the role earned Dame Helen an Olivier award for best actress. 

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Michael Higdon Arrested After Scottish PFA Win

By James Matthews, Scotland Correspondent

A Scottish Premier League footballer has been arrested in connection with an alleged assault at a nightclub in Glasgow.

Motherwell striker Michael Higdon, 29, was arrested this morning hours after he had been celebrating his selection as Scottish PFA Player of the Year at a star-studded ceremony at Glasgow's Hilton Hotel.

The arrest took place at The Corinthian Club in the city's Ingram Street.

The Liverpool-born striker has had a spectacular season in the Motherwell side, scoring 26 goals.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "A 29-year-old man is the subject of a report to the procurator fiscal in connection with an alleged assault at a nightclub in Ingram Street in Glasgow at 1.25am today."

The player, who arrived from St Mirren in the summer of 2011, now holds Motherwell's post-war record for league goals scored.

Higdon beat Hibs striker Leigh Griffiths, Aberdeen's Niall McGinn and Andrew Shinnie of Inverness to the title of Player of the Year.

He was due to meet journalists for a press conference this morning but the event was postponed.

He was released from police custody earlier this morning.

Higdon has described the season as the "best of his career" and credited his success to "confidence, playing in a good team and having a manager who believes in me".

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Curb On Pensions Claimed Through UK Spouses

Ministers have signalled a curb on people living abroad who are able to claim UK state pensions through their British spouses.

Pensions Minister Steve Webb said there 220,000 people living outside the UK who received some form of state pension based solely on their spouse's British work history - at a cost of £410m a year.

He said that the Pensions Bill, to be announced in the Queen's Speech on Wednesday, would stop new claims of this kind, but existing pensioners will be unaffected.

He told The Daily Telegraph: "Most people would think, you pay national insurance, you get a pension.

"But folk who have never been here but happen to be married to someone has are getting pensions.

"Women married to British men, we are getting more of them claiming a pension based on his record.

"In some cases, they have never set foot in Britain at all."

The maximum each person can claim in a year is £3,500. A decade ago, the number of overseas residents receiving such payments was 190,000.

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Bullying Suicides: Parents Call For New Law

By Stephen Douglas, Sky News Reporter

A group of parents who say their children committed suicide after being bullied are calling on David Cameron to introduce a new law to tackle the problem.

In a letter to the Prime Minister the group have asked the Government to create a new offence of bullying and intimidation. They also want the coalition to introduce an anti-bullying strategy for the UK.

Child protection campaigner Shy Keenan claims her 14-year-old son was "bullied to death".

Ayden Olson was found dead earlier this year at his family home in Colchester, Essex in an apparent suicide.

His mother told Sky News: "He was lovely and we were so looking forward to him growing up. We tried working with the policies in place and it just wasn't enough.

"Then I'm looking at my little boy on the floor dead and I'm thinking they have to listen now, this can't be allowed to happen because they're killing kids.

"We want new ways to protect children from all forms of bullying. At the moment it's not even illegal to bully. We don't want to criminalise children but the first step is to take bullying seriously."

Aaron Dugmore took his own life at the age of nine

Ms Keenan has been joined by other families who have been through similar experiences.

Aaron Dugmore was nine years old when he hanged himself at his home.

His mother, Kelly Dugmore, said: "It's still very raw, we're still very numb. He was just nine. You'd never think a child of that age would even think of taking his own life. He just must have been so traumatised. The law needs to change."

The families want to meet Mr Cameron and have all signed a letter to him which reads: "For our families and the brothers and sisters of those we've lost, nothing can be the same again.

"On behalf of all children who have experienced bullying, and their families, we are calling on you and your Government to take action to help prevent more people suffering in this way.

"Together we can stop bullying in our society. Please give us your support and meet with us to discuss how we make bullying unacceptable, once and for all."

The victims' families have written to David Cameron about their campaign

The potential legislation is being called Ayden's law after Ms Keenan's son, and the campaign is being led by charity BeatBullying.

Its deputy chief executive Richard Piggin said: "The latest Government statistics show that as many as 46% of young people will have experienced bullying.

"For us it's about those one in 13 who experience it day in day out. They need protection and we need to make sure the perpetrators take responsibility for their actions."

A Downing Street spokesman said: "Bullying can have a devastating effect on the lives of victims and their families and we are clear that it must not be tolerated.

"It is important that all children know where they can go for help and are confident that their problems will be dealt with seriously and sensitively. 

"Every school must have measures in place to prevent all forms of bullying. This Government has issued new guidance to ensure schools are clear on their responsibilities in protecting children from bullying and has also given teachers new powers to tackle bullying quickly and effectively.

"To reinforce this, Ofsted now clearly holds schools to account on how well they deal with behaviour and bullying and since January last year inspectors must consider pupils' freedom from bullying, harassment and discrimination. 

"The Department for Education works with organisations including the Anti-Bullying Alliance and BeatBullying as part of its on-going work to tackle bullying and there are a range of laws in place to protect people from all forms of bullying."

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Bank Holiday Monday Set To Be Scorcher

Britain is preparing for a scorching Bank Holiday Monday as temperatures continue to increase across the country.

England and Wales is set to be swathed in more sunshine today but tomorrow could be the hottest day of the year so far.

Weather experts have predicted highs of at least 23C, which is likely to beat temperatures in sunny European destinations including France and Italy.

If it climbs any higher, it will beat the April 25 record of 23C.

Meanwhile, temperatures today will gradually hit 19C in England and Wales with cloudy and showery intervals.

The best of the weather is expected to be in East Anglia and central England.

But Scotland and Northern Ireland are not enjoying the same warm days as England and Wales this weekend, with temperatures expected to linger around 16C today and Monday.

Sky weather presenter Isobel Lang said: "The early spring Bank Holiday can be rather cool and mixed, as we have seen in recent years.

Norfolk saw blue skies and fine weather last week

"This year looks to be a pretty good one with many places set to be fine and dry with Monday looking the warmest of the days."

This year's expected sunny Bank Holiday will be a big improvement on last year, which saw rain and a temperature high of just 16C at Exeter Airport.

The warmest Bank Holiday Monday in recent years was in 2008 when London reached 23C and even the coldest part of Scotland got up to 14C, with much of the country seeing sunshine.

This year looks similar for England, Wales, central Scotland and Northern Ireland with temperatures ranging into the mid and high teens across most areas with plenty of sun.

The recent warm weather and earlier good forecasts have led to a wave of optimism, with people around the country planning barbecues and other events.

Supermarkets and other stores have reported large quantities of barbecue foods being sold and also increased sales of items like nail varnish.

The fine weather, however, is not good news for hay fever sufferers, who the Met Office said are likely to struggle through the weekend, with high levels of pollen expected across England.

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Keira Knightley Marries In Laid-Back Style

She married on screen with great fanfare in rom-com Love Actually - but Keira Knightley's real-life nuptials were a much more laid-back affair.

The actress, 28, married musician boyfriend James Righton in a small town-hall ceremony in the south of France on Saturday, with just a handful of friends and relatives present.

Knightley, who first found fame in Bend It Like Beckham and has since appeared in the Pirates Of The Caribbean films as well as Pride And Prejudice, Anna Karenina and Atonement, wore a short strapless off-white dress and a jacket said to be by Chanel.

Her new husband, the keyboardist in indie rock band Klaxons, wore a dark blue suit and a skinny tie for the occasion.

Both donned sunglasses while Knightley also had a garland of flowers around her head.

The couple, who became engaged last summer and have recently moved to a multi-million pound home in east London, left the ceremony in Mazan, near Avignon, to the applause of their 11 guests and were ushered into a Renault Clio.

A reception is believed to have taken place at Knightley's mother Sharman Macdonald's nearby estate, with guests reported to include actress Sienna Miller and designer Karl Lagerfeld.

In an interview last month, Knightley said she did not want an extravagant wedding day. She said: "We're not big wedding types. I don't need to have all that. I'm just trying to enjoy the engagement bit."

The pair were introduced to each other by mutual friend, the presenter Alexa Chung, after Knightley split up from her boyfriend of five years, Pride And Prejudice co-star Rupert Friend.

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Struggling Families Using Loans To Buy Food

Five million families in Britain are approaching financial "breaking point" and struggling to pay for food, according to research.

One in five households said their monthly incomes would not stretch to cover all of their food costs in April and they had to use some form of borrowing such as a credit card, overdraft or loan, or plunder their savings instead, consumer group Which? found.

Which? said this would equate to five million families if the findings were projected across the UK.

The findings provide an indication of the numbers of people who are struggling, despite official figures showing last week that personal insolvencies have fallen to their lowest level in five years.

The group who could not cover their food bills from their income alone was largely made up of low-income households earning less than £21,000 a year and squeezed 30 to 49-year-olds, many of whom had children.

Some 82% of these people said that they were worried about food prices and 57% were finding it "difficult to cope" on their current income.

People in this group were also more likely to be worried about their level of debt and 74% of them described economy as "poor".

Which? executive director Richard Lloyd said: "Our tracker shows that many households are stretched to their financial breaking point, with rising food prices one of the top worries for squeezed consumers.

"It's simply shocking that so many people need to use savings or credit to pay for essentials like food."

The study also found that only one quarter of people said that they were living comfortably on their incomes, while more than one third (36%) felt squeezed.

Two-thirds were worried about the effects of low interest rates on their savings - although insolvency experts have credited low interest rates with helping people's borrowing costs and keeping personal insolvencies down.

Almost one third (31%) of people surveyed cut back spending on essentials last month, mainly women aged between 30 to 49 years old.

Over two thirds (68%) described the state of the economy as poor, with just 9% saying it was good.

Around 2,000 people across the UK took part in the survey, which was carried out last month.

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