British Holidaymaker Feared Drowned In Egypt

A British man is feared to have drowned after he failed to surface while scuba diving at a holiday resort in Egypt.

Steve Cracknell was having a routine lesson with his instructor off the coast of Sharm el-Sheikh when the pair went missing.

Mr Cracknell, 46, from Yeovil, Somerset, is thought to have been on holiday with his wife and their two daughters at the time.

He vanished while swimming at the White Knight dive site, a relatively shallow canyon.

Locals have reportedly been searching every day for the pharmaceuticals executive and his instructor, who were diving with a company located at the Savoy Hotel last Saturday.

A friend of Mr Cracknell, who asked not to be named, told The Daily Telegraph: "I am just holding out hope and don't want to think about the accident.

"I can't imagine how his wife and daughters are handling this. My heart goes out to them.

"We are hoping for a good resolution, but we know that the longer they are missing the less likely it is that the result will be good."

Shinji Sato, a Japanese dive instructor living in Sharm el-Sheikh, told the paper: "They've still not found the bodies. This kind of thing is incredibly rare. It never happens.

"Everyone here is very upset. It's so sad."

Mr Cracknell's instructor is understood to be Costantino Di Maria, a veteran diver who has lived in Sharm el-Sheikh for years.

Reports say the plateau which Mr Cracknell was exploring suddenly sheers off into a plummeting mile-deep precipice.

Locals have speculated that one of the two men may have encountered problems during the diving session.

Mr Cracknell's family are thought to have returned to the UK.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that a British national is currently missing in Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt.

"We are liaising with the local authorities and we are providing consular assistance to the family."

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Car Insurance Cost Fall 'Will Not Last'

Car insurance premiums are said to have gone into reverse gear by £360 (13.6%) for young drivers - but there are concerns costs could rise dramatically after next month's EU gender ruling.

Insurance comparison site Confused.com has advised 17 to 20-year-old drivers to take advantage of "today's preferential rates" but warned them to avoid 2013's predicted price hikes by "shopping around".

Average comprehensive car insurance prices now stand at £757 as of this year's third quarter, compared to £843 for last year's third quarter - a significant year-on-year fall of £87 (10.3%).

Car insurance prices actually fell for all age groups, particularly young female drivers, but predictions from the Treasury indicate that young female drivers could see rises of up to 24% after the EU gender ruling becomes law on December 12.

After this date women and men cannot be priced differently for insurance meaning women will no longer directly benefit from being statistically less risky drivers as far as insurers are concerned.

This predicted insurance price rise could affect female drivers throughout various age groups, according to the Treasury data.

Sharon Flaherty, editor of Confused.com, told Sky News: "At the moment women pay less than men and statistically this is because on average they are less of a risk on the roads than young male drivers.

"However the bad news is that on December 21 the law change will mean that men and women have to be judged as exactly the same on the roads.

"Women will effectively be charged more because statistically they will no longer be allowed to be rated as safer on the roads."

Women aged 26-30 years are forecast an 18% price hike once the gender directive takes effect. Female drivers aged 31-35 are expected to suffer a 10% price rise.

Smaller price rises are expected for women aged 36-40 who are predicted to experience a 3% rise, and 41 to 45-year-old female drivers are only expected to receive a 1% price rise for their future car insurance policies.

Women on average saw their premiums shrink by 11.7% over all in the third quarter.

For spouses of either gender the average premium cost for a joint insurance policy is a lot less than average costs for solo drivers.

Male drivers insured plus spouse are quoted on average £432, compared to £907 as insured only driver, for women it costs an average of £787 for insured only driver cover, but just £418 for women who have a spouse on their policy.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

End-Of-Life Care: Plan For New Legal Rights

Families will have to be consulted before patients are put on a so-called "pathway to death", it has emerged.

Under reforms being put out for consultation on Monday, hospitals could also be sued and doctors struck off if they do not involve relatives in the decision to start end-of-life treatment.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt will make the announcement as part of a raft of changes to the NHS constitution.

The move follows the emergence of cases where patients were placed on the Liverpool Care Pathway - which involves withdrawal of fluids and food - without relatives' knowledge.

Mr Hunt told the Daily Mail: "I want our country to be the best in Europe to grow old.

"End-of-life care decisions affect older, and more vulnerable, people. These patients and their families have a basic right to be involved in discussions and decisions affecting their end-of-life care.

"This new consultation will help to raise awareness of these rights and ensure that there are tough consequences in any cases where standards fall short.

"The NHS is one of this country's greatest achievements. At the same time as we are protecting its budget, we are building an NHS able to meet patients' needs and expectations now and in the future."

A Department of Health source added: "New changes to the NHS Constitution, to be unveiled on Monday, will set out a new legal right for patients to be consulted on end-of-life care decisions. The right will also include family and carers.

"NHS bodies, as well as private and voluntary providers supplying NHS services, are required by law to take account of it in their decisions and actions.

"End-of-life care, like the Liverpool Care Pathway, can give patients dignity and respect in their last days, but recent reports have suggested that there is more the NHS can do to ensure that patients, their family and carers are fully involved in all discussions and decisions."

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Savile Inquiry: Freddie Starr Released On Bail

Freddie Starr has been released on police bail after being questioned by detectives investigating the Jimmy Savile sex scandal.

The 69-year-old had been arrested in Warwickshire on suspicion of sexual offences by officers working on Operation Yewtree.

He was bailed during the early hours of this morning.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Officers working on Operation Yewtree yesterday (Thursday) arrested a man in his 60s in connection with the investigation.

"The man, from Warwickshire, was arrested at approximately 5.45pm on suspicion of sexual offences, and was taken into custody. He has since been bailed."

Police officers at Starr's home after his arrest

Starr, who denies any wrongdoing, had said at the weekend he was prepared to speak to officers after becoming publicly linked with the Savile scandal.

Starr appeared with Savile on an episode of BBC show Clunk Click in 1974 alongside Karin Ward, who has since accused him of molesting her.

Ms Ward, who was 14 at the time, was the main interviewee in the ITV documentary which exposed the Savile sex abuse scandal.

Starr denied touching her inappropriately and said he had not appeared on the show.

Karin Ward (L) appeared with Starr on Clunk Click in 1974 (pic: BBC)

His lawyer later issued a statement claiming he had been mistaken and that he was on the show.

Starr's arrest follows that of Gary Glitter, who was questioned at a central London police station on Sunday after being detained at his home in the capital.

The former pop star was later released on bail.

Scotland Yard is leading a national investigation into Savile, who died last year at the age of 84.

He is now believed to have been one of the UK's most prolific abusers, with about 300 possible victims.

The BBC has launched an inquiry into the culture and practises at the corporation in the era of Savile's alleged sexual abuse.

It is also looking at the decision-making process which saw a Newsnight investigation into Savile's activities shelved.

The review, led by Nick Pollard, former head of Sky News, will report back on its findings later this month, it was announced earlier.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Two Arrested Over NI Prison Officer Murder

Two men have been arrested in connection with the murder of prison officer David Black in Northern Ireland.

The men, aged 31 and 44, were arrested in the Lurgan area early this morning and have been taken to Antrim Serious Crime suite for questioning, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said.

Mr Black, 52, was gunned down on the M1 motorway early on Thursday morning as he drove to work at the top security Maghaberry jail near Lisburn, County Antrim.

The father of two's car veered off the road and into a drainage ditch after the shots were fired. He was on a stretch of the motorway between Portadown and Lurgan - a dissident republican stronghold.

A Toyota Camry used in the attack was later found burned out in the Inglewood area of Lurgan.

The ambush took place on the M1 motorway

Police have blamed dissident republicans opposed to the peace process for the ambush. They have been engaged in a long-running campaign against conditions in Maghaberry.

Mr Black, from Cookstown, County Tyrone, had served in the Prison Service for more than 30 years and was considering retirement.

His wife and children are said to be "absolutely devastated" by the murder, which happened just as their beloved husband and father was looking forward to relaxing after over three decades in the job.

The long-standing member of the Orange Order became the 30th prison officer to be murdered in Northern Ireland since 1974, though the first for almost 20 years.

He was driving his black Audi A4 when the dark blue Toyota drew up alongside and several shots were fired. Police believe he may have already been dead when his car veered off the road.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Royal Cop Accidentally Fires Gun In Car

A policeman guarding the home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in North Wales is under investigation after he accidentally fired his gun while sitting inside a car.

Nobody was injured when the officer, who was sitting in the vehicle with another policeman, let off the shot while on duty in North Wales last week.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Shortly before 1pm on Wednesday October 24, an on-duty MPS police officer unintentionally discharged a firearm while in an unmarked police vehicle.

"The round damaged the floor of the vehicle. Another on-duty officer was in the vehicle at the time of the incident. Neither officer was injured.

"The officers were on duty in North Wales at the time."

Both the officers are attached to Specialist Operations.

The Met spokesman said its Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed of the incident and the officer concerned has been removed from firearms duty pending the outcome of inquiries.

Prince William, or Flight Lieutenant Wales as he is known in his capacity as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot, captains Sea King helicopters from his unit's base at RAF Valley in North Wales.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Woman 'Mauled To Death By Daughter's Dogs'

A post-mortem examination will be carried out today on the body of a woman who is believed to have been mauled to death by dogs she had gone to feed.

Neighbours reported hearing screams and dogs barking as the woman went to feed the pets in the back garden of the home in Morden, South London, on Tuesday.

The police were called at around 6.25pm but the 71-year-old was dead when they arrived.

It is understood that the woman suffered multiple injuries in the dog attack.

Five dogs including, two Bordeaux bulldogs and a mongrel, were taken away.

Police say none of the animals were banned breeds and no arrests have been made.

Neighbour Kevin Hamilton told Sky News he heard noises outside at about 5.15pm on Tuesday.

Police cordoned off two houses in Morden, South London

"I heard screaming and dogs barking. The screaming was not specific screaming – there were no words in it. It was very much like hysterical screaming – no 'help' or anything like that.

"I thought no more of it, and believed it to just be the kids playing."

A spokeswoman for Scotland Yard said none of the animals were banned breeds and no arrests had been made.

She said of the victim: "She had sustained a number of injuries. An investigation is under way to establish a cause of death."

The post-mortem examination will be carried out at St George's Hospital in Tooting.

Two adjoining semi-detached houses were cordoned off by police.

Four dog breeds are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

These are the Pit Bull Terrier, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Braziliero.

There have been calls for more breeds to be put on the banned list and for the law to be toughened up after a number of high profile dog mauling cases.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Savile 'Molested' Teen During Top Of The Pops

By Katie Stallard, Media & Technology Correspondent

A Top of the Pops audience member has told Sky News she was molested on camera by Jimmy Savile and then laughed at by a member of the crew when she tried to complain.

Sylvia Edwards, who was 18 at the time, says she was told to get lost by a man on the studio floor who said: "That's just Jimmy Savile."

Footage from the programme in 1976 shows the teenager clearly shrieking and jumping up from her seat as she struggles to get away from Savile, who says to a camera: "A fella could get used to all this."

Mrs Edwards told Sky News: "All of a sudden I felt this hand go underneath and I jumped up, I went to go back down again, but I couldn't go anywhere, his hand was still there.

"I was trying to push it away, but he wouldn't move it - I just screeched - I started feeling embarrassed because where could you go?

"I was just getting really flustered and he didn't move, and I just remember trying to get out, but there were too many girls around me."

As soon as it was over she said she tried to tell the nearest member of staff what had happened.

She said: "I just found this man that had some sort of headset on, I don't know what he was doing, next to a camera, and I said: 'He's really filthy, he's putting his hand up my skirt and that', and he said: 'Oh no, don't be so stupid'.

"He said, 'That's just Jimmy Savile, go on get out of the way, out of the way, you're blocking a camera shot' or something.

"I had to move because this camera was coming around and I thought fine, ok, what do you say - once they've told you to get lost, I didn't think that maybe I could go to the police, I just felt embarrassed."

She said she was picked out of the crowd to sit next to Savile and quickly found herself hemmed in by other girls.

"All I could think of was to get his hand away, and my hand was pushing it, but he just seemed to go rigid and keep his hand there, and actually if you watch the tape you can see him moving where I'm trying to push it away and he was having none of it, his hand was going to stay there, and that was it.

"I was trapped, I felt as if I was just stuck and everyone was closing in around me because obviously they all wanted to get in the camera shot and I could feel them all around me. We had to just wait until they said we could move."

Mrs Edwards' case raises more questions for the BBC. She is convinced that some within the corporation must have known what was going on.

"I know that they knew about it because I told them years and years ago and they just brushed it under the carpet.

"That is what annoyed me and prompted me to come forward to say they did know. I don't know how anybody could say they didn't know it was going on."

A spokesperson for the BBC said: "The BBC cannot comment on individual cases. It has asked that anyone with allegations of this nature should report them to the BBC's Investigation Unit or the police directly."

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Savile Estate Frozen Amid Sex Abuse Claims

The estate of Jimmy Savile has been frozen in response to the mounting sexual abuse claims against the late television and radio star.

NatWest Bank, which is acting as the Jim'll Fix It presenter's will executor and trustee, said the distribution of his assets had been put on hold because of the allegations.

Savile's estate is reportedly worth £4.3m.

NatWest said in a statement: "Given the claims raised, distribution of the estate has been put on hold."

Savile's will, written in 2006, bequeaths his savings and other assets to 26 separate beneficiaries, according to the Financial Times.

The newspaper said it had obtained a copy of the document which instructs that £20,000 in cash was to be shared between 20 of the celebrity's friends, family and neighbours.

It says a further £600,000 was to be put into a trust fund, with the interest shared between eight people.

The remainder - just under £3.7 million before expenses - was to be held by NatWest on behalf of The Jimmy Savile Charitable Trust, according to the FT.

Savile's intended individual beneficiaries include the trustees of both his charities and existing and former employees of Leeds General Infirmary and Broadmoor Hospital, the newspaper added.

Police are investigating claims that the star, who died in October last year, sexually assaulted individuals at both NHS sites.

Savile's estate was previously put on hold in July after a woman claimed to be his illegitimate daughter, the FT said.

It is believed the latest freeze may be in anticipation of legal claims for damages by Savile's alleged victims.

Scotland Yard is leading a national investigation into the television and radio star's activities. He is now believed to have been one of the UK's most prolific abusers, with about 300 possible victims.

Detectives are following 400 lines of inquiry as part of the investigation while the BBC has launched an inquiry into the culture and practices at the corporation in the era of Savile's alleged sexual abuse.

It is also looking at the decision-making process that saw a Newsnight investigation into Savile's activities shelved.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Barclays Reports Loss After PPI Charges

Barclays has reported a pre-tax quarterly loss of £47m - compared with a £2.4bn profit over the same period last year.

The statutory loss in the three months to September was driven by increasing costs relating to the mis-selling of payment protection insurance (PPI) and a one-off £1bn charge against the value of the bank's own credit.

The bank had previously said it would set aside a further £700m to cover its costs after customer complaints over PPI continue, taking its total estimated bill to £2bn.

If this charge is not included, Barclays reported underlying pre-tax profits for the third quarter of £1.7bn, compared with £1.3bn last year.

Its investment bank more than doubled its quarterly underlying pre-tax profits to £937m, but its UK retail banking fell 19% year-on-year to £400m.

Barclays, which was rocked by the Libor rate-rigging scandal, also unveiled two new US regulatory investigations into its conduct.

The bank said the US Department of Justice and US Securities and Exchange Commission were investigating whether its relationships with third parties who help it win or retain business are compliant with the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

It is also being investigated for past power trading in the West of the US.

Barclays' new chief executive, Anthony Jenkins, said the company would end 2012 in a "strong position".

"These results demonstrate that we continue to have good momentum in our businesses despite the difficulties we faced through this period," he said in a statement.

"While we have much to do to restore trust among stakeholders, our universal banking franchise remains strong and well positioned." 

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sniffer Dog Finds Stowaways In Coffin Truck

Three Africans have been caught trying to enter Britain illegally in a truck loaded with coffins.

The trio, Eritrean nationals, hid among dozens of boxed coffins which were loaded in a van from Bulgaria.

But the human cargo was unearthed by sniffer dog Mitzy.

The discovery was made on Monday when Border Force officers searched the lorry at the port of Dunkirk in northern France.

The truck, which was waiting to board a ferry to the UK, was carrying coffins bound for a funeral director in Hounslow, west London.

The stowaways were handed over to French border police and the vehicle was allowed to continue on its journey.

Paul Morgan, Border Force director for South East and Europe, said: "This was an unusual type of discovery, but in the past we have found people hiding in an array of freight, ranging from dog biscuits, bathtubs and now coffins.

"The incident shows exactly why we base Border Force staff in France - to stop would-be illegal immigrants before they can reach the UK."

He added: "As well as using sniffer dogs, officers also use heartbeat detectors, carbon dioxide probes and physical searches to find people hiding in vehicles."

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wind Farms Condemned By Tory Energy Minister

The Tory energy minister has condemned the way wind farms have been "peppered" across the countryside, insisting "enough is enough".

In remarks bound to inflame coalition tensions, John Hayes said the spread of turbines "seems extraordinary" and they should no longer be "imposed on communities".

He revealed he has ordered a new analysis of the case for onshore wind power, saying policy should not be based on a "bourgeois Left article of faith".

Sky News understands that the controversial comments were in the first draft of a speech delivered by Mr Hayes on Tuesday but that Energy Secretary Ed Davey, a Lib Dem, vetoed them before delivery.

Despite this, they leaked out and were revealed by both the Daily Mail and The Telegraph.

They will delight scores of Conservative MPs, who have been urging David Cameron to block further expansion of onshore wind farms, but infuriate their Lib Dem partners.

Energy minister John Hayes

Mr Hayes said: "We can no longer have wind turbines imposed on communities. I can't single-handedly build a new Jerusalem but I can protect our green and pleasant land.

"We have issued a call for evidence on wind. That is about cost but also about community buy-in. We need to understand communities' genuine desires.

"We will form our policy in the future on the basis of that, not on a bourgeois Left article of faith based on some academic perspective."

The senior Tory insisted only a minority of proposed wind turbines were needed to meet green targets set by the Government.

"If you look at what has been built, what has consent and what is in the planning system, much of it will not get through and will be rejected. Even if a minority of what's in the system is built, we are going to reach our 2020 target," he said.

He added: "I'm saying enough is enough."

The minister said new research on wind turbines would make a far wider assessment of their impact on the rural landscape and property prices.

"I have asked the planning minister to look again at the relationship between these turbines and the landscape," he said.

"It seems extraordinary to have allowed them to be peppered around the country without due regard for the interests of the local community or their wishes."

Mr Hayes said the impact of onshore wind farms on environments had been "neglected" and renewable energy needed "genuine community support".

"The salience of aesthetics to discussions about renewables has often been neglected," he added. "All that we do must be sensitive to local environments."

Mr Hayes went ahead with his speech to the Renewables UK event on Tuesday night but his criticism of wind farms was not part of the address.

A Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) spokesman said: "The Minister did not make the speech that is suggested by these articles", and said the address was "well received" by the renewables industry.

"Government policy for renewables, as stated in the Renewables Roadmap, sets out scenarios for renewable deployment, but does not set targets or caps for the deployment of individual technologies, including on onshore wind," the spokesman said.

"Government is committed to supporting a balanced energy mix of renewables, new nuclear and gas in order to meet the UK's energy needs."

Mr Hayes, who was only appointed to the energy brief in September's reshuffle, is believed to support a moratorium on new onshore wind farms.

The Energy Secretary was reportedly so concerned about his new deputy's views on the issue that he acted to limit his responsibilities.

The DECC insisted on Wednesday that there is "no question of a change in policy".

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Superfast 4G Launched In 10 Cities Across UK

Superfast 4G broadband is made available to millions of consumers in 10 UK cities today, heralding a new era for mobile phone use.

The network EE, which owns Orange and T-Mobile, is launching its range of 4G products and services in London, Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool and Manchester.

Formerly known as Everything Everywhere, the company is offering speeds up to five times faster than 3G.

The service will be available on the Apple iPhone 5 and devices from HTC, Samsung, Nokia and Huawei.

It comes as EE's 4G pricing plans faces heavy criticism, with additional charges for customers on certain tariffs if they exceed download allowances.

Long queues are expected at shops across the country as consumers rush to sign up to the new service and get their hands on a 4G device.

EE is the sole UK provider of 4G until next year

EE customers in six more cities - Belfast, Derby, Hull, Newcastle, Nottingham and Southampton - will have access to 4G by the end of the year.

The group then plans to roll out the service to further towns, cities and rural areas next year, with population coverage of 70% and rising to 98% in 2014.

Rival operators including Vodafone, O2 owner Telefonica and Three will be able to launch their own 4G services and products from next spring.

The companies had threatened legal action against communications regulator Ofcom over its 4G auction process, which has allowed EE to be the sole UK provider of the superfast services until next year.

Vodafone launched a "4G phone promise" last week, offering customers the chance to bring an eligible phone into any store and have 70% knocked off their remaining contract in exchange for taking on a 4G device.

The services will allow uninterrupted access to the web on the go, high definition films to be downloaded in minutes and television to be streamed without buffering.

The cheapest EE tariff offers just 500mb worth of downloads each month, with customers who want to download more than their allowance forced to pay extra.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Breast Cancer: Thousands Are Over-Diagnosed

By Thomas Moore, Health and Science Correspondent

Almost 4,000 women a year are having treatment for breast cancer they don't need, according to new research.

An independent panel of doctors called in to assess the UK's breast screening programmes found some women are diagnosed with tumours that would never cause them any problems in their natural life span.

But the doctors say screening also prevents more than 1,300 deaths a year, underlining the benefits of regular mammograms.

Cancer Research UK, which took part in the review, strongly recommends women turn up for screening.

The charity's chief executive Dr Harpal Kumar said: "Screening remains one of the best ways to spot the very early signs of breast cancer, at a stage when treatment is most likely to be successful."

The review was ordered after European researchers had warned that screening may do more harm than good.

The independent panel trawled through 11 studies involving thousands of women, in the hope of settling the controversy.

According to results published in The Lancet medical journal, for every cancer death prevented three women will be over-diagnosed and may have surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy as a result.

National cancer director Professor Sir Mike Richards said leaflets explaining breast screening will be rewritten within four months to reflect the new information.

"We have always said that there are some cancers that can be found that would not have caused problems in a woman's lifetime,"  he said.

"What we can now do is put a number on that, to give an estimate.

"Women can make their individual choices based on good information."

But Dr Deborah Cunningham, clinical director of breast services at Charing Cross Hospital in London, warned that some women could be put off screening.

She told Sky News: "They already have difficult choices to make. This complicates it further. Screening won't work if they don't turn up."

Beverley Angell was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine screening appointment earlier this summer. She has no doubt that the programme is worthwhile.

"I could not feel the lump and I did not know it was there. It has saved my life."

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

UBS Cuts Thousands Of UK Jobs Amid Restructuring

UBS has confirmed it is cutting 10,000 jobs as it looks to drastically shrink its ailing investment bank which has a large presence in London.

Switzerland's biggest bank announced the plans as part of its third-quarter results which revealed a loss of 2.2 billion Swiss francs (£1.43bn) compared to a profit of 1.02 billion (£0.67bn) in the same period last year.

It said the result for the July-September period was damaged by a one-off charge of 3.1 billion Swiss francs (£2bn) linked to the restructuring of its investment banking division and a debt-related charge of 863 million (£574m).

Chief Executive Sergio Ermotti said the investment unit, which has been hit by a series of costly blunders in recent years, would "continue to be a significant global player in its core businesses" but there would be "a significant acceleration" in its transformation.

The move will see the lender and wealth manager focus on its private bank and a smaller investment bank, ditching much of the trading business that cost it $50bn (£30bn) in the financial crisis and which had been "rendered uneconomical by changes in regulation and market developments".

UBS wants to concentrate on its traditional strengths in advisory, research, equities, foreign exchange and precious metals.

Of the total job cuts, which represent 15% of the workforce, 2,500 positions would be lost in Switzerland while the rest would be felt in the UK and US.

A spokesperson for the bank's operation in London told Sky News there was currently no confirmed figure for UK losses but said it would be fair to assume it would be in the thousands.

Mr Ermotti said: "This decision has been a difficult one, particularly in a business such as ours that is all about its people.

"Some reductions will result from natural attrition and we will take whatever measures we can to mitigate the overall effect.

"Throughout the process we will ensure that our people will be supported and treated with care."

UBS shares were trading 6% higher in early trading in Zurich as investors welcomed the transformation plan.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

£350m Boost For British Nuclear Submarines

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond will today announce an additional £350m to design the future generation of British nuclear-armed submarines.

This investment will sustain 1,200 UK jobs and follows the initial £350m of design work announced earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

Mr Hammond will make the announcement on a visit to the home of the UK's nuclear deterrent at Faslane on the River Clyde in Scotland.

Commenting on the Scottish independence debate, the Defence Secretary will reiterate the Government's commitment to keep the naval base in Scotland.

He will say: "We are confident that the Scottish people will choose to remain part of the United Kingdom.

"The Faslane complex is the largest employment site in Scotland with over 6,500 jobs underpinning the local economy.

"We have no plans to move the nuclear deterrent from the Clyde.

"On the contrary, we intend to move the Astute and Trafalgar Class attack submarines to Faslane, creating a further 1,500 jobs.

"The Scottish Government needs to explain how their policy would benefit Scotland's economy and safeguard Scottish jobs."

The announcement followed the successful firing of an unarmed Trident ballistic missile by HMS Vigilant during a test launch in the Atlantic Ocean last week.

HMS Vigilant is one of four Vanguard Class submarines which maintain the UK's nuclear deterrent.

The Vanguard submarines will be replaced from 2028 by the Successor which is currently being designed by British companies.

As a result of today's announcement, BAE Systems will proceed with an additional £315m worth of work.

A further £38m will be carried out by engineering support services company Babcock.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

New Road Tax Plan For Motorways And A-Roads

Drivers who use motorways could be charged a higher rate of road tax than those who stick to slower routes.

According to reports, motorists face a two-tier road tax under proposals being considered by the Government.

It has been suggested drivers could be offered a lower rate of the tax if they agree not to use the country's trunk road network of motorways and major A-roads.

Those paying a higher rate of vehicle excise duty would be free to use any roads.

Proponents say a network of automatic number-plate recognition cameras could be used to catch any drivers who were using the motorways without paying the higher rate.

A Department For Transport (DFT) said: "The department and Treasury are currently carrying out a feasibility study to review new ownership and financing models for the strategic road network.

"This is looking at how best we can secure investment in the network to increase capacity and boost economic growth."

Activists have long sought to explore revenue generation options for road users.

Concepts have included expanding toll booths across the motorway network and a system based on mileage.

The DFT spokesman added: "The Government has made clear it will not implement tolls on existing road capacity and has no plans to replace existing motoring taxes with pay-as-you-go road charging."

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Police Poised For More Savile Case Arrests

By Darren McCaffrey, Sky News Reporter

Police investigating Jimmy Savile are preparing to make fresh arrests - as today marks the anniversary of the TV presenter's death.

Yesterday, former pop star Gary Glitter became the first high-profile arrest under Scotland Yard's Operation Yewtree, which is looking at child sex abuse allegations against Savile and others.

Police have drawn up a detailed arrest strategy as 30 officers work through 300 claims of abuse.

Today marks one year since Savile's death. At the time he was saluted for his charity work and long TV career.

Gary Glitter was arrested yesterday

Now the depictions of Savile could not be more different, described as a predatory paedophile and one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders.

For many of Savile's victims, including his own great niece, too many turned a blind eye for too long.

Caroline Robinson told Sky News: "The rewards they got from Jimmy Savile's name and everything else kept them in a lifestyle that they became accustomed to.

"I am sure the BBC, if they could have stopped this in the 60s when they first found out about the allegations, I would not be a victim now.

"I would not be sat here. They have wrecked my world apart. They are to blame.

"I think a vast amount of people knew at the BBC, at the NHS and the council.

"I think everybody knew who surrounded themselves with Jimmy Savile."

Today former Court of Appeal judge Dame Janet Smith begins the first of two independent inquiries.

It will focus on whether the culture and practices at the BBC allowed Savile to carry out his abuse.

A further review will examine current sexual harassment policies at the corporation.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Professional' Burglaries On The Rise

By Liz Lane, Sky News Reporter

Burglars are taking an "increasingly professional attitude" towards their crime, according to research.

More than 100 recently reformed burglars were questioned for home security firm ADT.

Almost three-quarters (72%) said they planned a break-in by researching a property beforehand, with many observing from gardens and bushes nearby.

Bob Turney, who gave up stealing from houses three decades ago, said they often work in teams.

"They will pick on an area and they will then three-handed go through a house like a swarm of locusts, and they'll all know what their own little job is, and they know where people hide things, so they just go for the obvious places and they can be in and out in five minutes and gone," he said.

He added that householders who have not secured their property properly are considered "fair game". Particular green lights are valuables in clear view, partially open windows, unlocked sheds and a lack of outside lighting.

Sensored lights are key to deterring burglars, says the report

Mark Shaw, residential director for ADT, said: "There's an element that there's no human victim here - it's just taking property that can just be claimed back on insurance.

"But the reality is there are victims and the feeling of violation that they're left with lasts a lot longer than any insurance claim."

Nubur Gupta's home in Middlesex was broken into last month. The thieves took around £20,000 worth of jewellery, electronics and clothes.

"It's a really big hassle, it's a feeling of unsafety, plus it's all the stress you have to go through, plus the emotional loss.

"So it's hurting, especially now with the baby, I feel unsafe for the baby because he's at home with the child minder so I think they could have come while he's here, they could have hurt him, they could have hurt me."

The survey found burglars are well aware of traditional hiding places many people use - including biscuit tins, cereal packets, fridges, freezers, washing machines, ovens, behind wardrobes, under mattresses, in pillow cases and at the back of sock drawers.

However, key deterrents include gravel driveways, dogs, new-looking doors and locks, sensor lights and CCTV cameras. Some 94% of ex-burglars say a monitored alarm would put them off.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Beer Tax Debate Heads To Parliament

By Emma Birchley, Sky News Reporter

Campaigners calling for an end to a policy which pushes beer prices up faster than the rate of inflation have won the right to a debate in Parliament.

The beer duty escalator was introduced by the last government in 2008. It means the cost of a pint rises by an additional 2% every year.

Stephen Pugh is the financial director of the brewer Adnams in Southwold, Suffolk. He believes the policy is misguided.

"The duty will be 50p or so on the pint and the VAT will be a similar amount, so you are talking about adding £1 of tax for the government on that.

"I think that's an expensive and damaging level of costs to the consumer."

Many pubs have been unable to survive in the recent economic climate. Six thousand have closed in the past four years.

It is causing so much concern that more than 100,000 people have signed an online petition urging the government to scrap the escalator. The petition has been organised by the beer campaign group CAMRA.

Beer duty has increased by 42% since 2008

The issue will now be debated in Parliament on Thursday.

David Sanchez runs the Lord Nelson pub in the Suffolk seaside town.

To get a realistic profit after paying all the tax he says he should sell his bitter for £4 a pint. But he believes that price is too high and so it sells for £3.40.

"You can't really price the beer where it needs to be to maintain the current profitability so we have to keep the beer prices down to encourage customers to keep coming in.

"They still whinge at the price... It's all part of the banter these days."

Beer duty has increased by 42% since the escalator was introduced in 2008 while sales have fallen by 15% in that period.

And the rate of decline is rising. Between July and September there was a 5.6% fall in the volume of beer sold in pubs and shops compared to the same quarter last year, although it is thought the bad weather this summer may have had an impact on sales.

A spokesman for the Treasury said a range of tax measures had been introduced to help the alcohol industry, and pubs in particular.

"However at a time when we are working hard to get down the deficit, alcohol duty revenues do make an important contribution to the public finances.

"Crucially, the Government has not made any changes beyond what was announced at the budget in 2008."

But in the past three months 117 million fewer pints have been sold.

And, according to the industry, that means that tax revenue from beer is actually being hit because people cannot afford to buy it.

The British Beer and Pub Association wants duty to be frozen in the next budget.

Research carried out for the organisation suggests it would save 5000 jobs in the industry.

But the fear is, if prices keep being driven higher, more pubs will be forced to call time for good.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Gary Glitter Arrested By Savile Police

Former pop star Gary Glitter has been arrested as part of a police investigation sparked by sexual abuse claims against the late Jimmy Savile.

Glitter, real name Paul Gadd, was taken from his central London home by officers and is to be questioned at a nearby police station.

The ex-glam rock star is being held on suspicion of sexual offences.

Gadd was detained by officers working on Operation Yewtree, which is investigating allegations of child sex abuse against Savile and others.

A police spokesman said: "Officers working on Operation Yewtree have arrested a man in his 60s in connection with the investigation.

"The man, from London, was arrested at approximately 0715 on suspicion of sexual offences, and has been taken into custody at a London police station.

"The individual falls under the strand of the investigation we have termed 'Savile and others'."

Gadd returned to the UK in 2008 after serving a three-year jail sentence in Vietnam for molesting two girls aged 11 and 10.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More