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Snow Warning As Sub-Zero Temperatures Bite

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 17 Januari 2015 | 18.54

Travel disruption looks set to continue as warnings of plummeting temperatures, snow and ice have been issued for large swathes of the UK.

The mercury will drop below freezing across much of the UK later, down to a low of -9C (16F) in the Scottish glens and -5C (23F) in southern England this weekend.

Sky News weather producer Rebecca Yussuf said: "Widespread sharp frosts will form each night over the weekend and early next week, with icy stretches on untreated surfaces.

"There will be further wintry showers, with rain and hail at low levels, sleet and snow over the higher ground.

"The higher ground of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England can expect a further 2-5 cm (up to two inches), with perhaps a slight covering at lower levels."

Southern England could see sleet and settling snow in places, mainly over the higher ground.

Dr Angie Bone, of  Public Health England's extreme events team, urged people to help vulnerable relatives and friends keep warm.

"Cold does kill, even in places where the temperatures aren't at their lowest. Most of our advice on keeping warm in cold weather may seem like common sense, but it's important that we make the point that people should think about how cold can affect them.

"Our advice is that when indoors, have plenty of warm food and drinks to stay warm and try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long-term illness or are 65 or over."

Age UK urged older people to "take basic precautions" and called on the Government to "commit to improving the energy efficiency of homes across the country" in a bid to end preventable winter deaths.

Heavy snow has already caused disruption on roads, rail and at airports, and police have warned motorists to only to travel if necessary.

In Scotland on Friday, snow up to 5ft deep in parts left drivers stranded overnight on the A9 route to the Highlands.

Trains were cancelled between Perth and Inverness and there were delays at Glasgow Airport.

A van driver died when a tree fell on top of his vehicle in Co Antrim and a three-year-old child and an elderly woman were among three injured when a pallet was blown from a lorry in east Belfast during strong winds.

Winds of 101mph were reported in Great Dunsell, Cumbria - the highest in the UK - while other exposed areas also saw speeds of above 70mph.

The strong winds caused disruption on railways in Kent and Birmingham, and part of Glasgow city centre was closed off after metal sheeting fell from the roof of a hotel.

:: Send your cold snap pictures and video to news@sky.com


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'Increasing Concern': Search For Missing Teen

Fears are growing for a student who went missing after a night out with friends in Durham two days ago.

Euan Coulthard, 19, has not been seen since the early hours of Thursday and friends say he has not responded to emails, texts or online messages.

Shopkeepers in Durham have put up posters and fellow students have joined searches for the popular student, who comes from Nottingham.

Police have been searching the banks of the River Wear and mountain rescue experts have also been involved in checks of steep wooded areas.

Mr Coulthard is a member of Durham University's St Mary's College and was out on Wednesday evening, celebrating a friend's 21st birthday at an Italian restaurant.

He went to the Love Shack nightclub and was seen leaving alone. He was last spotted on CCTV crossing Framwellgate Bridge.

Mr Coulthard is 5ft 9ins tall, of average build, with light brown hair. He was wearing black skinny jeans, a denim jacket and a beige patterned shirt.

Inspector Dave Coxon said: "It is now about 39 hours since Euan was last seen and, obviously, as time gets on we are increasingly concerned for his welfare.

"Officers have been searching the area where he was last seen and have progressed along the river banks this afternoon. Searches will continue over the weekend."


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Man In Court Over South Oxfordshire Fires

A man has appeared in court charged over a series of arson attacks in South Oxfordshire.

Andrew Main, 47, of Roke Marsh Farm, Roke, Wallingford, appeared at Oxford Magistrates' Court charged with two counts of arson with intent to endanger life and two counts of arson reckless as to whether life was endangered.

The charges relate to fires in Crowmarsh Gifford and Roke Marsh Farm in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The South Oxfordshire Council offices, a funeral parlour and a thatched cottage were targeted, along with a building at the farm.

Twenty-seven fire crews were sent to the infernos - all reported within less than 10 minutes of each other, just after 3am.

A witness described seeing a burnt-out car in the foyer of the council headquarters, while aerial images show a collapsed section of roof on the charred remains of the building.

An army bomb disposal team was also dispatched amid fears of unexploded gas canisters at one of the sites.

Main, who appeared at the short hearing wearing a plain grey tracksuit, nodded when asked if his personal details were correct.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Oxford Crown Court on January 30.


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PM To Tackle 'Poisonous Extremism Narrative'

David Cameron has vowed to tackle what he called the "poisonous narrative of Islamist extremism that is turning too many young minds".

He was speaking following two days of talks with US President Barack Obama in Washington where they said a new group would be set up to exchange information and expertise to tackle the terror threat.

The Prime Minister wants to be able to better track suspected terrorists without undermining civil liberties and admitted there was an inability to interrupt their communications.

He pushed for tougher requirements for internet firms to alert authorities to suspicious online exchanges, ban encrypted communications and store data.

A report last year into the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby concluded that Facebook failed to pass on information that could have prevented his death.

Meanwhile, the director of Europol, Rob Wainwright, admitted to Sky News that stopping every potential attack was "very difficult" but vowed to "prevail" and said there was a determined action by police to disrupt cells.

He said it was a "very serious threat" and "large-scale problem" across many European countries and there could be thousands of suspects radicalised online and through their experiences in Syria and Iraq. 

The PM said dealing with extremism meant combating the threat in those conflict zones but also "dealing with terrorism in our own midst".

He said he had some "important discussions [with Obama] about how we combat the poisonous narrative of Islamist extremism that is turning too many young minds towards this.

"And crucially how to make sure that we are still able legally to intercept the communications of terrorists and stop them before they create mayhem and murder.

"This is controversial. We have to get it right. There's always been an inability in extremism to interrupt the communications of terrorists and to stop them doing what they plan.

"I think it's important we maintain those capabilities in the future."

The Prime Minister's policy proposals have caused concern on both sides of the Atlantic about the prospect of security efforts encroaching on privacy.

Mr Obama said it was important to be able to keep tabs on terrorists' use of the internet and social media.

"When we have the ability to track that, in a way that is legal, conforms with due process, rule of law and oversight, then that's a capability we have to preserve," Mr Obama said.

The announcement of a new group to counter extremism comes amid fears about the spread of terrorism after last week's Paris attacks that left 17 people dead and the arrest of more than two dozen people in anti-terror raids in Belgium, Germany and France.

Mr Obama said the attacks in France "underscored again how terrorist groups like al Qaeda and ISIL (Islamic State) are actively trying to inspire and support people within our own countries to engage in terrorism".

He also suggested European countries needed to make sure their Muslim populations were better "assimilated".

The two leaders also agreed to stage cyber "war games" and establish a joint "cyber cell" to boost both countries' resistance to hack attacks.


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BP Cuts North Sea Jobs As Oil Costs Dive

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 15 Januari 2015 | 18.54

BP has cut 300 North Sea oil jobs as its looks to save costs amid the plunging cost of oil.

Of those to be laid off, 200 are BP workers with the others affected in contractor roles.

BP briefed workers in Aberdeen today on its plans, which it had previously said would result in $1bn (£630m) of restructuring costs this year.

BP is keen to ensure its business in the North Sea remains competitive and sustainable for the long term as Brent crude costs hover below $50 per barrel - down from $115 last June.

Trevor Garlick, regional president for BP North Sea, said: "We are committed to the North Sea and see a long- term future for our business here.

"However, given the well-documented challenges of operating in this maturing region and in toughening market conditions, we are taking specific steps to ensure our business remains competitive and robust, and we are aligning with the wider industry.

"Whilst our primary focus will be on improving efficiencies and on simplifying the way we work, an inevitable outcome of this will be an impact on headcount and we expect a reduction of around 200 staff and 100 contractor roles.

"We have spoken to staff and will work with those affected over the coming months."

It made its announcement 24 hours after the governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, warned that falling oil prices represented a "negative shock" for the Scottish economy - but a "net positive" for the UK as a whole, given benefits for consumers.

The North Sea oil and gas sector employs over 400,000 people.

Holyrood's energy minister has called for UK Government action, saying the employment threat had produced the "the most serious jobs situation Scotland has faced in living memory."

In addition to the cuts at BP, Shell and Tullow Oil have ben among other oil firms scaling back their investments worldwide.

Tullow, which has a focus on Africa, reported on Wednesday that its gross annual profits were expected to fall by more than half on 2013, it was taking a writedown of $600m due to asset revisions and cutting 2015 investment by $200m.

It also raised the prospect of major job losses - warning that: "A major internal review of Tullow's organisation is ongoing which will lead to substantial long-term cost savings and efficiencies across the group."

Tullow added that it expected to announce the details at its full-year results on 11 February.

Its share price rose 3.2% in early trading when markets opened for business on Thursday while BP saw a 2.3% boost.

Mining and energy stocks generally recovered some ground following sharp falls on Wednesday.

Unions however warned of the potential for long-term damage to the country's energy capacity as a result of falling investment.

The RMT claimed tens of thousands of jobs were at stake.

Its general secretary, Mick Cash, said: "In the wake of the current price slump, RMT is demanding that Westminster and the Scottish Parliament adopt a crisis management approach to ensure sustained production, maintenance of infrastructure, retention of skills, and a robustly regulated regime in the future.

"If immediate action isn't taken then we risk turning today's crisis into longer term damage that would threaten the very core of our offshore industry.

"This is no time for playing politics when the security of UK energy supplies is on the line."


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Gales To Hit UK As Storm Rachel Sweeps In

Heavy rain and gale force winds are forecast to batter most of the UK, bringing the threat of flooding and disruption to travellers.

Forecasters have predicted the weather will turn very wet and windy across much of the country - strong winds are expected to return with gusts of up to 80mph in places.

A Met Office "be aware" weather warning for rain and strong winds is in place for the whole of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and central and southern Scotland.

Flooding is expected in Tayside, west central Scotland and southeast England.

In Ireland, a status red warning has been issued for exposed coastal mountain areas of Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick.

Schools in areas at risk are closed to save staff, parents and pupils having to travel in high winds.

Some 15,000 customers in the country are without power already, with warnings that the number is likely to increase as the winds become more fierce.

In Wales, 750 homes are without power because of the strong winds.

Four flood warnings are also in place for rivers in mid-Wales, along with nearly 30 flood alerts in place.

The gale force winds and heavy rain come during a week of severe weather in the principality, which has included snow, giant hailstones and a tornado.

In England, high winds and heavy rain all along the south coast of England have caused significant delays for rail travellers on lines operated by South West Trains and South Eastern Trains, with trees and flooding blocking the tracks.

Drivers are being urged to prepare for bad weather in the coming days.

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  1. Gallery: Amber Alert For Snow In Britain

    Snow on the A9 near Dunkeld in Scotland

A dusting of snow on the South Pennines

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Assault Charges Against West Ham Star Dropped

Assault charges against West Ham United midfielder Ravel Morrison have been dropped at Manchester Crown Court after CCTV proved the central allegation was false.

The 21-year-old, currently with West Ham United, was accused of hitting Reah Mansoor, 19, and her mother Parveen, 39, after a night out at a Manchester nightclub last July.

A trial was due to take place later this month but the charges were dropped on Thursday and Morrison - who was not in court - was found not guilty.

Prosecutor Guy Mathieson said Morrison's defence team had recovered CCTV footage of the first alleged assault outside the One Central nightclub.

The footage showed that Morrison had not hit his ex, as was alleged, and she had "slumped" to the floor on her own.

She also withdrew her statement alleging he later assaulted her outside her home. Her mother was also reluctant to proceed with the alleged assault on her, the court heard.

As a result, all three charges were withdrawn.

More follows...


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Fire Ravages Council HQ After Arson Attacks

Fire Ravages Council HQ After Arson Attacks

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Hundreds of firefighters have been tackling three major blazes in South Oxfordshire, as police arrested a man on suspicion of arson.

The 47-year-old is being held in connection with the fires, including one that has devastated the South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Council offices.

Twenty-seven fire crews were sent to separate infernos at a thatched home in Rokemarsh and a funeral parlour and the council offices in nearby village Crowmarsh Gifford - all reported within less than 10 minutes of each other, just after 3am.

A witness described seeing a burnt-out car in the foyer of the council headquarters.

Howard Chadwick Funeral Service and the council offices are next to each other in Benson Lane and the funeral director suggested the blazes had been started deliberately.

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  1. Gallery: South Oxfordshire District Council Fire

    Fire crews have been tackling three major fires in South Oxfordshire, including one at the district council offices

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said at the peak of the incidents a total of a 27 fire crews were tackling the blazes, which all occurred "within a very short timeframe" in the early hours of this morning. Pic: @NegusIan

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Fire Ravages Council HQ After Arson Attacks

We use cookies to give you the best experience. If you do nothing we'll assume that it's ok.

Hundreds of firefighters have been tackling three major blazes in South Oxfordshire, as police arrested a man on suspicion of arson.

The 47-year-old is being held in connection with the fires, including one that has devastated the South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Council offices.

Twenty-seven fire crews were sent to separate infernos at a thatched home in Rokemarsh and a funeral parlour and the council offices in nearby village Crowmarsh Gifford - all reported within less than 10 minutes of each other, just after 3am.

A witness described seeing a burnt-out car in the foyer of the council headquarters.

Howard Chadwick Funeral Service and the council offices are next to each other in Benson Lane and the funeral director suggested the blazes had been started deliberately.

1/16

  1. Gallery: South Oxfordshire District Council Fire

    Fire crews have been tackling three major fires in South Oxfordshire, including one at the district council offices

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said at the peak of the incidents a total of a 27 fire crews were tackling the blazes, which all occurred "within a very short timeframe" in the early hours of this morning. Pic: @NegusIan

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Blair: Sorry Over IRA Fugitive Letter Blunder

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 14 Januari 2015 | 18.54

Blair: Sorry Over IRA Fugitive Letter Blunder

We use cookies to give you the best experience. If you do nothing we'll assume that it's ok.

Tony Blair has said the Northern Ireland peace process would have collapsed if he had not agreed to send "letters of comfort" to IRA terror suspects.

The former prime minister has told the Northern Ireland Select Committee the controversial distribution of the letters to so-called "on the runs", stating they were no longer wanted for past crimes, were not an "amnesty" and were "not secret".

He "defended completely" agreeing to the controversial letters and said an agreement on how to treat those wanted for terrorist crimes during the troubles "was critical to the peace process" and "became fundamental".

Mr Blair told MPs that had he not agreed to send the letters then Sinn Fein would have walked away from the Good Friday Agreement.

He said: "Without having done that we would not have a Northern Ireland peace process."

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  1. Gallery: Hyde Park Bombing: July 1982

    A police forensic officer examines the remains of the IRA car which contained the Hyde Park bomb

Images of dead horses and wrecked cars added to the shock for people reeling from the human cost of the atrocity

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Wrecked cars are removed from the scene

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The flag-draped coffin carrying Lt Anthony Daly, the Blues and Royals officer killed in the bombing along with three other soldiers

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A memorial stone marks the location of the 1982 bombing

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Blair: Sorry Over IRA Fugitive Letter Blunder

We use cookies to give you the best experience. If you do nothing we'll assume that it's ok.

Tony Blair has said the Northern Ireland peace process would have collapsed if he had not agreed to send "letters of comfort" to IRA terror suspects.

The former prime minister has told the Northern Ireland Select Committee the controversial distribution of the letters to so-called "on the runs", stating they were no longer wanted for past crimes, were not an "amnesty" and were "not secret".

He "defended completely" agreeing to the controversial letters and said an agreement on how to treat those wanted for terrorist crimes during the troubles "was critical to the peace process" and "became fundamental".

Mr Blair told MPs that had he not agreed to send the letters then Sinn Fein would have walked away from the Good Friday Agreement.

He said: "Without having done that we would not have a Northern Ireland peace process."

1/12

  1. Gallery: Hyde Park Bombing: July 1982

    A police forensic officer examines the remains of the IRA car which contained the Hyde Park bomb

Images of dead horses and wrecked cars added to the shock for people reeling from the human cost of the atrocity

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Wrecked cars are removed from the scene

]]>

The flag-draped coffin carrying Lt Anthony Daly, the Blues and Royals officer killed in the bombing along with three other soldiers

]]>

A memorial stone marks the location of the 1982 bombing

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Letters Of Comfort: 8 Things You Need To Know

Who are the "on the runs"?

Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement (1998), people convicted of paramilitary offences were released early from prison. The scheme did not apply to those who had not been charged or who had been convicted but escaped. Given that they could not return to the UK, they became known as "on the runs".

What are "letters of comfort"?

Sinn Fein thought fugitives should be allowed to return without fear of arrest but the British government's attempt to devise a formal scheme was opposed by Unionists and, ironically, by Sinn Fein because the arrangement would have included British soldiers. The solution was a letter informing "on the runs" they were no longer wanted.

How did the letters come about?

In 2000, Tony Blair asked Gerry Adams to provide names to be considered by the attorney general, police and director of public prosecution. In 2002, the attorney general warned the scheme could not become an amnesty. In 2006, Mr Blair wrote secretly to Mr Adams, outlining mechanisms to resolve the issue, "expediting the existing administrative procedures".

How did the scheme work?

In 2007, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) began reviewing the cases of those wanted in connection with terrorist offences to establish if there were grounds for arrest. Peter Hain MP, then Northern Ireland secretary, wanted the scheme kept secret but the PSNI prepared a media statement for use in the event of it leaking.

How did it become public?

In February 2014, John Downey went on trial, charged with killing four soldiers in the 1982 Hyde Park bombing. When he produced a letter, stating that he was not wanted by the PSNI or any other police force, the judge ruled that the Donegal man could not be prosecuted. It had been issued in error.

How many letters were issued?

Of the 288 names submitted for consideration, 156 people received a "letter of comfort" and 31 were informed in some other way that they were not wanted for questioning. Drew Harris, now Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI, told the Northern Ireland Select Committee that 100 of the recipients are suspects in 300 murder cases.

What did the first inquiry find?

When Northern Ireland's First Minister, Peter Robinson, threatened to resign over the issue, David Cameron announced an inquiry. Lady Justice Hallet concluded that the letters were not an amnesty and the scheme had been lawful. But she found "significant systemic failures" in how it operated and branded Mr Downey's letter a "catastrophic mistake" by the PSNI.

What is the Northern Ireland Select Committee considering?

What is the background to, and origins of, the scheme, and what was its purpose and intended effect? Who constitutes an "on the run", and what are the legal implications of the scheme? What are the political implications of the scheme and were errors made?  What impact has it had on victims and relatives?


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Sleet And Snow Will Be Followed By High Winds

The next 48 hours could bring some difficult travelling conditions, with the risk of ice and snow and then heavy rain and severe gales.

There will be widespread showers through Tuesday night, bringing the risk of sleet and snow just about anywhere, although coastal areas will see mostly rain.

Heavy snow will fall through the Central Belt, Fife and Perth and Kinross, with 10cm (4ins) or more over the highest ground.

Elsewhere, a covering of snow is possible, even over the higher ground in southern England, whilst 2-5cm (2ins) is likely above 100m (330ft).

A widespread frost will bring the risk of icy stretches on untreated surfaces by dawn.

The showers, lying snow and ice will bring some difficult travelling conditions for the morning rush hour.

The wintry showers will largely become confined to Scotland through Wednesday morning.

Most other places will be dry and sunny by midday, but the far west of the Republic will turn increasingly wet and windy.

A deepening area of low pressure will bring wind and rain eastwards into western Britain through Wednesday afternoon, preceded by a spell of snow over the higher ground of Northern Ireland, northern England and Scotland.

The heavy rain will bring the risk of flooding, as well as standing water and spray on the roads.

During Wednesday afternoon gusts of 50-65mph will develop widely, with 70mph likely around exposed coasts and hills.

The heavy rain will spread to all parts overnight into Thursday and the winds will strengthen further.

The very strong winds will last for much of Thursday, bringing the risk of disruption to transport and power supplies, some structural damage, as well as dangerously large waves around the coasts.


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Warnings As 'Thundersnow' Hits Parts Of UK

Parts of the UK are experiencing snow and icy conditions as commuters are warned to expect travel disruption today.

The Met Office issued an amber "be prepared" warning across central and southern Scotland, with Wales, Northern Ireland and much of England also on alert.

Network Rail suspended four train routes in advance of snow, while the AA warned drivers to be aware of "treacherous conditions".

In Wales a rare phenomenon called 'thundersnow' reportedly caused problems overnight, with warnings of more bad weather on the way.

Thundersnow occurs when thunder and lighting combine with a snowstorm and usually appears in late winter.

Sky News weather forecaster Nazaneen Ghaffar said: "The next 48 hours could see treacherous driving conditions for most of the UK and Ireland with the risk of ice and snow and then severe gales.

"Heavy snow will fall through the Central Belt, Fife and Perth and Kinross, with 10cm (4ins) or more over the highest ground.

"Elsewhere, a covering of snow is possible, even over the higher ground in southern England, whilst 2-5cm (2ins) is likely above 100m (330ft)."

The warnings follow fierce storms last week which left 120,000 homes without power in Scotland.

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  1. Gallery: Amber Alert For Snow For Britain

    Motorists are urged to drive with care after snow caused disruption on many roads in Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK

More falls are expected followed by severe gales in coastal areas

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Blair 'Cornered' Over Northern Ireland Letters

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 13 Januari 2015 | 18.54

Blair 'Cornered' Over Northern Ireland Letters

We use cookies to give you the best experience. If you do nothing we'll assume that it's ok.

By David Blevins, Ireland Correspondent

Tony Blair will today face questions from MPs investigating the scheme established to resolve the issue of "on the runs" during the Northern Ireland peace process.

The controversial distribution of "letters of comfort" to alleged fugitives, stating they were no longer wanted for past crimes, sparked uproar last year when it resulted in the collapse of the Hyde Park bomb trial at the Old Bailey.

John Downey, who denied murdering four soldiers in the 1982 bombing, had received a letter in error informing him he was no longer being pursued in Northern Ireland or elsewhere.

During his trial, it emerged that 187 people had received similar assurances - the majority of them republicans who had never been charged or who had been convicted but then escaped.

Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, those convicted of terrorist offences were released from prison early but those who had gone "on the run" were not considered eligible.

1/12

  1. Gallery: Hyde Park Bombing: July 1982

    A police forensic officer examines the remains of the IRA car which contained the Hyde Park bomb

Images of dead horses and wrecked cars added to the shock for people reeling from the human cost of the atrocity

]]>

Wrecked cars are removed from the scene

]]>

The flag-draped coffin carrying Lt Anthony Daly, the Blues and Royals officer killed in the bombing along with three other soldiers

]]>

A memorial stone marks the location of the 1982 bombing

]]>
Blair 'Cornered' Over Northern Ireland Letters

We use cookies to give you the best experience. If you do nothing we'll assume that it's ok.

By David Blevins, Ireland Correspondent

Tony Blair will today face questions from MPs investigating the scheme established to resolve the issue of "on the runs" during the Northern Ireland peace process.

The controversial distribution of "letters of comfort" to alleged fugitives, stating they were no longer wanted for past crimes, sparked uproar last year when it resulted in the collapse of the Hyde Park bomb trial at the Old Bailey.

John Downey, who denied murdering four soldiers in the 1982 bombing, had received a letter in error informing him he was no longer being pursued in Northern Ireland or elsewhere.

During his trial, it emerged that 187 people had received similar assurances - the majority of them republicans who had never been charged or who had been convicted but then escaped.

Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, those convicted of terrorist offences were released from prison early but those who had gone "on the run" were not considered eligible.

1/12

  1. Gallery: Hyde Park Bombing: July 1982

    A police forensic officer examines the remains of the IRA car which contained the Hyde Park bomb

Images of dead horses and wrecked cars added to the shock for people reeling from the human cost of the atrocity

]]>

Wrecked cars are removed from the scene

]]>

The flag-draped coffin carrying Lt Anthony Daly, the Blues and Royals officer killed in the bombing along with three other soldiers

]]>

A memorial stone marks the location of the 1982 bombing

]]>

18.54 | 0 komentar | Read More

Letters Of Comfort: 8 Things You Need To Know

Who are the "on the runs"?

Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement (1998), people convicted of paramilitary offences were released early from prison. The scheme did not apply to those who had not been charged or who had been convicted but escaped. Given that they could not return to the UK, they became known as "on the runs".

What are "letters of comfort"?

Sinn Fein thought fugitives should be allowed to return without fear of arrest but the British government's attempt to devise a formal scheme was opposed by Unionists and, ironically, by Sinn Fein because the arrangement would have included British soldiers. The solution was a letter informing "on the runs" they were no longer wanted.

How did the letters come about?

In 2000, Tony Blair asked Gerry Adams to provide names to be considered by the attorney general, police and director of public prosecution. In 2002, the attorney general warned the scheme could not become an amnesty. In 2006, Mr Blair wrote secretly to Mr Adams, outlining mechanisms to resolve the issue, "expediting the existing administrative procedures".

How did the scheme work?

In 2007, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) began reviewing the cases of those wanted in connection with terrorist offences to establish if there were grounds for arrest. Peter Hain MP, then Northern Ireland secretary, wanted the scheme kept secret but the PSNI prepared a media statement for use in the event of it leaking.

How did it become public?

In February 2014, John Downey went on trial, charged with killing four soldiers in the 1982 Hyde Park bombing. When he produced a letter, stating that he was not wanted by the PSNI or any other police force, the judge ruled that the Donegal man could not be prosecuted. It had been issued in error.

How many letters were issued?

Of the 288 names submitted for consideration, 156 people received a "letter of comfort" and 31 were informed in some other way that they were not wanted for questioning. Drew Harris, now Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI, told the Northern Ireland Select Committee that 100 of the recipients are suspects in 300 murder cases.

What did the first inquiry find?

When Northern Ireland's First Minister, Peter Robinson, threatened to resign over the issue, David Cameron announced an inquiry. Lady Justice Hallet concluded that the letters were not an amnesty and the scheme had been lawful. But she found "significant systemic failures" in how it operated and branded Mr Downey's letter a "catastrophic mistake" by the PSNI.

What is the Northern Ireland Select Committee considering?

What is the background to, and origins of, the scheme, and what was its purpose and intended effect? Who constitutes an "on the run", and what are the legal implications of the scheme? What are the political implications of the scheme and were errors made?  What impact has it had on victims and relatives?


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Sellafield Clean-Up Contract To Be Torn Up

A consortium is to be stripped of its contract to clean up western Europe's largest nuclear waste site at Sellafield following criticism of its performance.

Nuclear Management Partners (NMP), made up of US engineering group URS, British firm AMEC and French energy firm AREVA, was awarded an extension to its deal in 2013 despite accusations of delays and cost over-runs.

But the Government confirmed NMP, which employs 10,000 workers, will have its contract terminated.

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) will instead assume responsibility for the work to allow a "simplifying" of its relationship with the Sellafield project.

The cost of making the site, on the Cumbrian coast, safe has been put at almost £80bn over 120 years.

Sellafield was used in the 1950s to make plutonium for nuclear weapons before the country's first nuclear power station was built there.

NMP was handed a 17-year contract worth £9bn in 2008.

Energy secretary Ed Davey said: "Sellafield is the biggest and most complex nuclear site in Europe, so it's right that we keep the way it's being managed under constant review.

"We have seen great examples of how this approach can work with Crossrail and the Olympics - and I'm confident we'll see
similar results at Sellafield."

Amec said the NMP contract would be terminated at the end of 2016, adding that the NDA had confirmed it was not performance-related.

Its statement said: "It is vital that the lessons learned and the progress made since NMP were awarded the contract in 2008 should not be wasted.

"NMP has to date generated £650m of efficiency savings and met 96% of its targets last year while Sellafield's safety performance is now the best ever."

Gary Smith, national officer of the GMB, questioned the Government's role in the contract process.

He said: "We believe NDA wanted to terminate the contract in 2013 following a report it commissioned, but was overruled by ministers.

"Over £2bn has been spent with NMP since they extended the contract.

"Who is going to be held to account for extending the contract? GMB members, the community and taxpayers need to know."


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Inflation At Joint Lowest Level On Record

The annual rate of inflation has hit a 15-year low as oil costs continue to fall and supermarkets engage in a price war.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) measured consumer price inflation (CPI) at 0.5% in December - its joint lowest level on record - slowing from a rate of 1% in the previous month.

The figure represents a further easing in the cost of living as wage growth is boosting consumer spending power and easily outpacing rises in costs.

The ONS said falling petrol prices and lower gas and electricity bills compared with a year earlier were the biggest factors pushing inflation down last month.

The cost of Brent crude is currently at six-year lows - trading on Tuesday at $45-per-barrel.

It represents a fall of more than half since last summer on a supply glut and fears for world economic health.

Flat household gas and electricity tariffs over the month - compared to a period last year when they were raised sharply - also made a major contribution to the drop in CPI.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages were 1.7% cheaper in December than the same month a year ago - driven by the intense price war between the major supermarkets under pressure from discounters Aldi and Lidl.

Core vegetable costs were over 7% lower.

Motor fuels fell 10.5% year on year with the price of a litre of petrol tumbling 13.6p between December 2013 and last month, with diesel 15p lower.

The plunge in CPI to below 1% triggers a letter of explanation from Bank of England governor Mark Carney to George Osborne because it is more than 1% off the Bank's 2% inflation target.

But the Chancellor is unlikely to be worried that, ahead of May's election, prices are falling following a tough six years for voters in the wake of the financial crisis.

Price growth could ease further this month as energy firms begin to cut standard tariffs - with no sign of a rebound in oil and gas costs.

The Bank had previously said it expected CPI to fall below 1% and remain there for months to come.

But the sharpness of the decline brings the UK uncomfortably close to the scenario in the eurozone, where there are fears of a damaging deflationary spiral after inflation fell to -0.2%.

Deflation, which dogged Japan for more than 25 years, is seen as dangerous economically because consumers and businesses hold off on purchases on hopes goods and services will be cheaper in future.

Mr Osborne said: "Inflation is at its lowest level in modern times.

"We have family budgets going further and the economic recovery starting to be widely felt.

"We will always remain vigilant that we have lower inflation for the right reasons and today is yet further proof our long term plan is working."

Shadow Treasury minister Shabana Mahmood said: "Plummeting global oil prices are the reason why the rate of inflation is falling here in Britain.

"But wages continue to be sluggish and the squeeze on living standards since 2010 means working people are £1,600 a year worse off under this government."


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Six Arrested After Restaurant Owner Murdered

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 11 Januari 2015 | 18.54

Six people - including two teenagers - have been arrested in connection with the murder of a Chinese restaurant owner in Northern Ireland.

Nelson Cheung was driving home from work when his car was forced off the road by two vehicles in a rural area of County Antrim.

It is believed the 65-year-old's throat was cut, and that he was killed in front of his wife, before being robbed of cash.

Mrs Cheung, 57, suffered knife wounds but managed to escape. She was treated in hospital for her injuries and has since been discharged.

A 14-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl are among the six people detained by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Mr Cheung was the owner of the Double Value Chinese restaurant in Randalstown.

Investigators do not believe the attack was racially motivated.

Detective Chief Inspector Eamonn Corrigan said: "Mrs Cheung has been released from hospital but is understandably anguished following the murder of her husband.

"My thoughts - and the thoughts of my investigative team - are with the Cheung family."


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Woman Killed As She Walked Along M25

A woman has died after being hit by vehicle as she walked along the M25 in the early hours of this morning.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the fatal collision at about 2.50am. 

The woman is thought to have been struck by a vehicle while she was walking near the slip road at Junction 13 at Staines-upon-Thames.

The motorway is closed anti-clockwise from Junction 14 at Heathrow Airport to Junction 12 at Chertsey.

Surrey Police have warned it will remain closed for "some time", and drivers are advised to avoid the area.

Witnesses are asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident reference P15008681.


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Police Chief: UK Terror Attack 'Not Likely'

As Britain's terror threat level continues to be at its highest level in several years, the UK's most senior policeman has told Sky News he believes an attack is possible - but unlikely.

In August last year, the Government raised Britain's terror threat level from "substantial" to "severe" because of the threat from militant groups in the Middle East, such as the Islamic State.

In the wake of the Paris terror attacks, Home Secretary Theresa May announced that security would be bolstered at British ports and train stations.

And just days ago M15 chief Andrew Parker warned that the UK faced a threat of "complex and ambitious plots" by extremists.

But in an exclusive interview with Sky, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said the public should remain calm.

"I don't think it's likely but I think we all know it's a possibility - the threat level is severe and so therefore that means a terrorist attack is possible.

"We do our best together with the security services to make sure the terrorists don't succeed and that we keep people safe. To date, that's broadly what we've been able to achieve."

Sir Bernard's primary concern is the hundreds of Britons who have travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight alongside extremist groups, and who could bring that fight back to the streets of Britain.

He says families need to work with the police to prevent their children leaving in the first place.

"The task is to get in there before they go, then we can talk to them and talk to the charities who can help them and persuade them of the foolishness of what they're about to embark on.

"There's no structure in these countries. There is no law. So they only law they've got is the gun. That's the sort of country they're going to."

:: UK Police Anti-Terrorism Hotline: 0800789321


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Second Body Found In Brighton Sea Search

A body found on a beach is thought to be that of a second man who was swept out to sea off Brighton.

A member of the public discovered the body, thought to be Dan Nicholls, at 8.10am at Rottingdean, roughly three miles from Brighton's Palace Pier.

Mr Nicholls, 23, was with four of his friends when he was knocked off his feet by a wave in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police have said the incident happened after he was dared to stand at the water's edge.

A second man, Freddie Reynolds, 24, is said to have disappeared after he dived in to rescue him.

Friends told police the two men were together in the water before they lost sight of them.

Mr Reynolds' body was found on Saturday on Saltdean beach.

Detective Chief Inspector Carwyn Hughes said: "Dan's family has been informed and has yet to make a formal identification but it is likely to be Dan.

"We are supporting them in what has been a horrendous weekend for all those involved.

"Our search is now suspended while identification is confirmed."

Rescuers, including a helicopter and lifeboats, worked through the night to try to find the men in the early hours of 10 January, but gale-force winds and rough seas hampered the search.

In a statement, Mr Reynolds' family said his death would leave a "huge void in a lot of people's lives".

Loved ones of the 24-year-old added: "Freddie was always looking out for his friends and family, and people loved to be around him.

"He was incredibly funny and loved a joke and a banter around the dinner table."

Mr Nicholls' relatives described him as a "sensitive individual who had a real enthusiasm for life", and as someone who was "quick, witty and very bright".


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