Diberdayakan oleh Blogger.

Popular Posts Today

PM Faces Tory Rebellion Over Gay Marriage

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 24 November 2012 | 16.12

By Darren McCaffrey, Sky Reporter

David Cameron could be facing the biggest Conservative rebellion of his premiership over plans to introduce gay marriage.

Some 118 Tory MPs - more than a third of the party's representatives- have indicated to their constituents that they are uneasy about the highly controversial move, according to The Daily Mail.

The reported figure is a sign of how divided the Conservative Party is over gay marriage, despite both the Prime Minister and Chancellor George Osborne being personally committed to legislating for it.

Ministers have promised to introduce a Bill before 2015, although it has been claimed this week that Mr Cameron actually wants to fast-track legislation and bring it before Parliament early next year.

The Government has indicated that there will be a free vote, meaning that MPs will be able to vote against the Prime Minister's position without facing disciplinary action.

However it is far from clear if all 118 MPs would vote against the legislation.

Sky News have spoken to several MPs quoted in the article who have ruled out voting against the Government.

Openly gay MP for Bournemouth West, Conor Burns, said he hasn't decided whether to abstain or vote in favour but says he doesn't understand why it's being brought forward now.

Other MPs have expressed concerns over whether enough safeguards are in place to protect religious institutions but refuse to indicate whether they oppose the principle of gay marriage.

The Chancellor however believes a large Tory vote against gay marriage will not help the party appeal to centre ground voters.

Mr Osborne warned last week that ditching the policy would be toxic electorally.

He said that polls indicate a "clear majority" in favour of the change, particularly among the young and women.

A significant vote in opposition to the Government's proposals from within Conservative ranks would certainly be an embarrassment for the Prime Minister and a further blow to his credibility.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Britain Braced For More Heavy Flooding

Britain is bracing itself for more flooding and travel disruption this weekend as forecasters predict further heavy downpours.

A deep area of low pressure is set to move in over the weekend, bringing more heavy rain to areas already badly hit by Thursday's downpours.

Sky weather producer Joanna Robinson said: "England and Wales could see 15 to 25mm quite widely, with up to 50mm possible in some spots."

The Environment Agency has issued more than 50 flood warnings and over 150 less serious flood alerts.

:: See the flood warnings and alerts in place for rivers.

A man was killed after his 4x4 was washed down a stream by flood water and wedged against a foot bridge in the village of Chew Stoke near Bristol A man died after becoming trapped in his 4x4

South and west Wales and the West Country will be worst affected. Strong winds and possible severe gales are expected on Saturday night and Sunday morning,

"There's still some uncertainty about where the strongest winds will be, but it looks like southern counties of England will bear the brunt, with exposed parts seeing gusts up to 70mph," said Robinson.

The AA's head of special operations, Darron Burness, said: "With more heavy rain forecast across the Midlands, Wales and the South West, road conditions in the affected areas are likely to only get worse as the ground is so saturated.

"Even if you think you know your local roads, don't be complacent, as flash-flooding continues to be a real risk and is catching people out."

Cars make their way through floods in the village of Norton near Worcester Driving conditions have been treacherous

Meanwhile, Network Rail said trains were likely to be suspended between Exeter and Bristol until Monday.

The majority of the UK was battered by storms on Thursday leaving hundreds of drivers stranded and thousands of homes without power. More than 100 people had to be evacuated as winds reached more than 86mph.

An elderly man died after becoming trapped in his 4x4 in floods in Chew Stoke in Somerset.

Wales and southwest England were hit the heaviest.

In Torquay, Devon, several homes were evacuated after a landslide. Part of a cliff face was hit by a landslip after netting was washed away.

Amid the wet and windy weather, thousands of commuters also suffered disruptions, with many train services in the South West and connections to London Paddington either cancelled or delayed.

The Met Office said some areas saw up to 60mm of rain on Thursday.

Thousands of households in the South West and hundreds in Wales were left without power after high winds brought down power lines.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tax Backlash Prospect For Independent Shops

By Poppy Trowbridge, Business & Economics correspondent

Independent businesses could benefit from public uproar over low rates of corporation tax paid by global giants Starbucks, Amazon and Google, according to retail experts.

The backlash has been prompted by the revelation that Starbucks has paid just £8.6m UK corporation tax in the past 13 years, on sales of £3.1bn, when most businesses will pay a corporation tax rate of 24% this year.

In 2011, Google paid £6m tax against sales of £395m, while Amazon paid no tax at all in the UK - despite sales here reaching £3.3bn.

Matthew Stych, research director at analysts Planet Retail, believes British retailers can make the most of the furore by highlighting their own contributions and good practices.

"It's a golden opportunity that comes along once in a decade or so, to really capitalise on the negative publicity that some global retailers are receiving at the moment," he says.

"I think it's a huge opportunity that independent retailers in the community must seize now".

Starbucks, Google and Amazon tax graphic Google and Amazon are also accused of paying low taxes on big profits

Independent booksellers in Hertfordshire are doing just that. With support from the Booksellers Association they have launched an advertisement campaign to publicise the fact they pay their taxes.

"People need to think about where they are spending their money and we are hoping that this campaign will bring that to their attention," said Sheryl Shurville, co-owner of Chorleywood Bookshop.

But other analysts are not convinced such consumer campaigns will have any long-term benefit.

"We're unlikely to see any massive dip in the sales of these companies under scrutiny," says Douglas McNeill, chief analyst at Charles Stanley.

"Whilst ethical issues can temporarily make people pause for thought, consumers make their choices on the basis of eternal basics of price, quality and convenience."

Mr Stych says large brands may yet find a way to turn around the negative publicity.

"As far as Amazon and Starbucks are concerned, I think there's an opportunity to strike a more conciliatory note," according to Mr Stych. 

"This is for them also an ideal opportunity to regain or re-forge that bond with local consumers".


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mugging Death: Two Teenagers Due In Court

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 23 November 2012 | 16.12

Two teenage boys are due to appear in court charged with murdering a partially-sighted pensioner who died following a mugging in west London.

The teenagers, aged 14 and 15, from Southall, were arrested on Wednesday and will appear at Uxbridge Court.

The pair, who are too young to be named, have also been charged with two counts of robbery related to a separate incident.

They are accused of murdering 85-year-old Paula Castle in Greenford.

Mrs Castle, who was registered blind and lived alone, fell to the ground after she was robbed in an alleyway off Oldfield Lane South at 1.50pm on Monday. She died in hospital the following day.

A post-mortem found she died of head injuries.

A card attached to a bunch of flowers at the alley's entrance read: "RIP (lady in alley). What a senseless waste of a good life xxx."


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Black Friday' Discount Day Reaches UK

Some of the UK's biggest retailers are cashing in on a US tradition, slashing their prices ahead of Christmas.

Amazon, Asda and Apple are among the companies that have launched so-called Black Friday sales in Britain - despite many consumers being unaware of the custom.

In the US, thousands of stores discount their prices the day after Thanksgiving, and many open for longer hours.

Last year a record number of shoppers visited stores over the Black Friday weekend, spending a total of $52bn (£32.6bn) - an average of around $400 (£250) each, according to the National Retail Federation.

Whereas many retailers open stores at midnight, this year the trend to open at 8pm on Thursday has started to spread.

While the shift was denounced by some store employees and traditionalists as pulling people away from families on Thanksgiving, many shoppers welcomed the chance to shop before midnight.

"I think it's better earlier. People are crazier later at midnight," hotel worker Renee Ruhl, 52, said as she shopped at a Target store in Orlando, Florida.

Amazon Black Friday Ad Amazon launched its sale on Monday

Online retailer Amazon was one of the first companies to bring the trend to the UK.

It launched a week-long Black Friday sale on Monday, which it claims "offers millions of pounds of savings on hundreds of Christmas gifts".

Tech giant Apple and Asda, owned by Walmart, are also hoping to make the most of the Christmas shopping rush by offering one-day discounts of their own. 

"There are more retailers launching sales this year than ever before - and many British consumers are becoming aware of the tradition for the first time," Retail Week's Gemma Goldfingle told Sky News.

"In the US it an absolute phenomenon, with people queuing up all night to snap up the best deals.

"In Orlando at least one family camped outside a Best Buy shop for a full week, sleeping in two tents.

"It has not reached that level here and whether it ever will is another matter."

She said that Americans have Thanksgiving to kick-start the event – whereas in the UK it is just a normal day. Boxing Day, when UK sales traditionally begin, is a normal work day for Americans.

"A lot of British retailers would prefer not to have it," Ms Goldfingle said.

"They want to be selling items at full price ahead of Christmas, especially given the tough economic conditions."

Black Friday, which is thought to refer to the first day of the year that retailers go "into the black", comes just ahead of Cyber Monday - which the marketing industry claims is the busiest day in the online shopping calendar.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Electricity Bills: Green Power Plan To Add £100

Green power could add £100 a year to electricity bills by 2020 under new government plans.

An estimated £110bn is needed in the next decade to renew the UK's ageing electricity infrastructure and much of that is set to go into low-carbon power sources such as wind farms.

But the coalition's long-awaited green energy strategy is set to treble the costs levied on bills from £2.35bn a year to £7.6bn.

And the increased cost to bill-payers from the drive for clean energy could reach £178 a year by 2030, before adjusting for inflation, experts believe.

However, officials say that while consumers will pay more towards green energy strategies they will also save money through increased energy efficiency at home.

The forthcoming Energy Bill, which aims to drive the investment, has been the subject of political wrangling within the coalition.

There have been mixed messages about how committed the Government is to supporting a greener economy or backing new gas power.

But agreement has now been reached on contentious areas.

Energy secretary Ed Davey told Sky News: "By making sure Britain produces our own clean energy we can insulate consumers and insulate the British economy from imported gas prices which is better for energy security."

Significantly, the bill will not include a limit for the amount of carbon dioxide that can be emitted per megawatt hour of power from the electricity sector by 2030.

The Government believes the spending level agreed for low-carbon power subsidies will allow the UK to meet goals to supply 30% of electricity from renewables by 2020.

Environmental campaigners have reacted angrily to the news that carbon emissions will not be capped.

John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace, said: "By failing to agree to any carbon target for the power sector until after the next election, David Cameron has allowed a militant tendency within his own ranks to derail the Energy Bill.

"It's a blatant assault on the greening of the UK economy that leaves consumers vulnerable to rising gas prices, and sends billions of pounds of clean-tech investment to our economic rivals."


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Savile 'Would Walk In On Women Having A Bath'

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 22 November 2012 | 16.12

Jimmy Savile thought he was "untouchable" and would regularly walk in on female patients at Broadmoor while they were having a bath, it has been claimed.

A former patient from the 1970s said the TV presenter had "total" access to the high-security hospital in Berkshire.

His former personal assistant Janet Cope also claimed Savile worked to gain access to high-profile criminals.

She told ITV's Exposure: "Jimmy was untouchable. (He) was very proud of the fact that he spoke to all these very high-profile poorly criminals."

Ms Cope said that although she had never seen him abuse anyone, he was a controlling person.

She explained: "I knew how he operated so I was very wary of him and I felt there was an undercurrent, there was a bad side, which not many people saw."

Ms Cope said Savile held a position of real authority at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, adding: "He controlled everything. He controlled me.

Jimmy Savile and Broadmoor hospital Savile was said to have complete access to Broadmoor

"Everybody was - I'm going to use the word - frightened of him."

Police are investigating claims the former DJ, who died last year, sexually abused hundreds of women and children.

A former Broadmoor patient told Exposure Savile would often walk in while females were taking baths.

She said: "He would come in when you'd be having a bath ... he would just walk in."

Speaking anonymously, she said Savile once tried to touch her breast - and when she reported him she spent months in solitary confinement.

Lawyer Liz Duck said she was representing nine women who claimed they were abused by Savile at Stoke Mandeville.

"Some of them have had their lives destroyed (by Savile)," Ms Duck said.

"Several of the victims did report matters to members ... no action was taken."


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tory MP Nadine Dorries Voted Out Of Jungle

Tory MP Nadine Dorries has become the first person to be evicted from I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! after 12 days in the jungle.

Ms Dorries, who was suspended from the party for going on the ITV show, was voted out by members of the public.

Learning of her eviction, she told hosts Ant and Dec it had been a "fascinating experience".

She said: "I actually came here self-important for a few days - but I'm not now.

"I needed that missile and I think all MPs need that. I came from a council estate and never thought I was like that, but I was. I'm not now."

When asked if she felt she had achieved her aim in raising awareness of issues, she said: "I don't know what people have seen, but I have had some fascinating conversations in there. It's been a fascinating experience.

"I think it is important that MPs realise that you need to go where the public go. More people vote on X Factor and I'm A Celebrity than they do in the general elections. MPs need to go where people vote."

The Mid Bedfordshire MP predicted David Haye would be the eventual winner, with Helen Flanagan and Eric Bristow making up the final three. She said she had guessed she would be the first to go.

David Haye July 2012 Boxer David Haye

She said: "I'm not disappointed at being the first, especially when you're starving. I kind of expected it actually. I don't think the public actually understand how hard and how difficult it is down there.

"The effect it has on your body when you're down there with three teaspoons of rice a day is hard, hard, hard."

Ms Dorries was suspended as a Tory MP after flying to the jungle without permission from David Cameron or informing senior Conservative Party officials.

Her decision to take part in the show angered colleagues and constituents, but she insisted she would use it as a platform to promote politics and engage the electorate.

Before going on I'm A Celebrity, she said "It can't be that hard", but then went on to fail three challenges.

Asked if she regretted those words, she replied: "There's like this massive adrenaline rush and your brain's screaming 'no' and you have to overcome it, but sometimes I can't."

On eating lamb's testicle and ostrich anus, she said: "I would never have thought I would eat any of those things in a million years."

Ms Dorries is to donate her MP's salary to charity for the period in which she appeared on the show.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Flood Alert As Heavy Rain Sweeps The Country

Britain is braced for another day of deluges and flooding as heavy rain sweeps across the country.

Homes were flooded and roads left underwater on Wednesday as downpours caused widespread disruption, and forecasters warn more misery is on its way.

Vehicles were abandoned and there were reports of entire villages being cut off as floodwater surged through lanes and streets and into homes.

The South West and Wales are expected to bear the brunt of the weather as a low pressure system moves eastwards across the country, bringing gusts of up to 70mph and extremely heavy rain.

The Met Office warned that some areas could see up to 60mm (5ins) of rain falling on already saturated ground, leading to further risk of rivers flooding.

Strong winds could yet worsen conditions, particularly surface water flooding, as leaves and debris block drains and channels.

Flood waters surrounding a cottage close to the village of North Curry Flood waters surrounding a cottage close to the village of North Curry

More than 80 flood warnings are in place - 50 alone in the South West and 22 across the Midlands - and there are a further 138 less serious flood alerts, the Environment Agency said.

Agency teams are on the ground across the country clearing watercourses of debris and monitoring river levels, and will be out in force over the coming days.

Pete Fox, the Environment Agency's head of flood risk strategy, said: "There is already significant travel disruption due to the wet weather and we would urge people to remain vigilant as further flooding is possible across the South West."

Sky News weather presenter Sarah Pennock said: "Expect difficult driving conditions across western Britain this morning with plenty of surface water on the roads. Gusty winds will cause broken branches and possible disruption."

Cars make their way through floods in the village of Norton near Worcester Cars make their way through floods in the village of Norton near Worcester

While Thursday is expected to be a washout, Friday should be bright and breezy, with sunny spells and scattered showers in the west, before further rain pushes into central southern Britain on Saturday.

There could be snow across the Scottish hills overnight.

The weather caused major problems on the roads yesterday, with the AA attending more than 8,000 breakdowns - 37% more than normal - and 500 floodwater-related callouts by 4pm.

Roads were reported as being impassable around the M5 corridor and in Worcestershire and south Birmingham, and standing water on roads created difficulties for motorists.

Dozens of schools were closed, including 12 in Devon and 17 in Somerset, two of the worst-hit counties, and businesses including pubs and restaurants forced to turn away customers following the floods.

Emergency services in Somerset were also called to a flooded property to help rescue a woman who had gone into labour and needed to get to hospital.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teenage Girl's Attacker Caught On CCTV

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 21 November 2012 | 16.12

Video of a 16-year-old girl being knocked unconscious in an unprovoked street attack has been released by police.

CCTV footage shows the assailant approach the victim from behind and punch her so hard she falls over, hitting the pavement face-first.

Police are appealing for information after the teenager was followed from her home by her attacker, who struck without warning outside the Black Lion pub in Plaistow High Street in east London.

CCTV of the woman's attacker Police say the attacker was "a black man of muscular build"

Scotland Yard described the suspect as black and muscular, wearing a black baseball jacket and jeans, with a shaven head and aged between 25 and 30.

A Metropolitan police spokesperson said: "At about 12.30pm on November 13, a male suspect followed a 16-year-old girl from her home address for approximately 500 metres.

"When he was near the Black Lion public house he ran up behind her and threw a punch to her head.

"This was an unprovoked attack. The victim fell to ground and was unconscious."

After the assault the suspect turned around and jogged back towards Green Gate Street.

The girl was taken to hospital and released with cuts and bruises later that day.

:: Anyone with information should contact Newham Violent Crime Unit on 020 8217 5890 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Jailed SAS Sniper's Lawyers Lodge Appeal

Lawyers for an SAS sniper who was jailed for the illegal possession of a handgun are lodging an appeal.

Sergeant Danny Nightingale, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was sentenced to 18 months in military detention after admitting possessing a prohibited firearm and live ammunition.

The father-of-two is currently being held in the Military Corrective Training Centre in Colchester, Essex.

His lawyers are launching an appeal against his conviction and sentence at the Court of Appeal this afternoon, as well as applying for bail.

The case has sparked a political row after Attorney General Dominic Grieve turned down a request from Defence Secretary Philip Hammond to review the prosecution, saying it would be inappropriate.

Sally Nightingale, wife of Danny Nightingale Sally Nightingale: Disappointed by review refusal

The move left Sgt Nightingale's wife Sally "disappointed" because the request had given her "real hope" that her husband could be home for Christmas.

She said she hoped the Attorney General would at least consider reviewing any decision by the Service Prosecuting Authority to oppose the appeal and seek a re-trial if her husband's conviction was quashed.

Although the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is unable to intervene directly in the legal case, it is understood that Mr Hammond's personal view is that it is in the public interest for any appeal to be heard as a matter of urgency.

David Cameron was said to be sympathetic to Sgt Nightingale and his family, but his official spokesman said: "This is a case where due process has to be followed."

Sgt Nightingale pleaded guilty at a court martial to illegally possessing a 9mm Glock pistol which had been packed up and returned to him by colleagues after he had to leave Iraq in a hurry for the funeral of two friends who had been killed in action.

He also admitted possessing ammunition.

The court heard that the gun was a gift from Iraqi soldiers he had been helping to train, but Sgt Nightingale, who had suffered medical problems affecting his memory, said he did not remember having it.

His father, Humphrey Nightingale, said his son pleaded guilty in the expectation he would be dealt with leniently.

On Tuesday evening MPs discussed the case in the Commons, saying prosecutors should not oppose an appeal by Sgt Nightingale.

Julian Brazier, a former member of the Territorial SAS who secured the adjournment debate, said Sgt Nightingale had "risked his life for his country again and again".

Mr Brazier urged Solicitor General Oliver Heald "to review the service interest test in this case and allow the planned appeal to go through unopposed".

Tory MP Patrick Mercer, a former soldier who has sat on court martial panels, said he respected the military justice system.

But he said the treatment of Sgt Nightingale had not been in the Army's interests and could affect morale in the armed forces.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

One-Week-Old Baby Bitten To Death By Dog

A one-week-old baby boy has died after being bitten by a family pet in Shropshire.

West Mercia Police said the child died in hospital yesterday morning after paramedics were called out to an address in Woodside Road, Ketley.

It is understood that the dog involved, a family pet, has been put down.

Police are now awaiting the result of a post-mortem examination, and have launched an investigation to establish the precise circumstances of the death.

The boy was taken to Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.

More follows...


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Mentor' For Every Inmate Released From Jail

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 20 November 2012 | 16.12

Offenders should be "met at the prison gate" by mentors who can help them escape a life of crime, the Justice Secretary will say later.

Chris Grayling will set out plans for a major extension of mentoring provided by voluntary groups and private companies on a payment-by-results basis.

In a speech, he will call for an "enlightened" approach to dealing with criminals and decry the "tragedy" of inmates leaving jail with no idea how to get their lives back on track.

"Whether you are the hardest of hardliners on crime, or the most liberal observer, every single one of us has a vested interest in an enlightened approach to reducing reoffending," he will say.

"We can't just keep recycling people round and round the system."

David Cameron has called for a "rehabilitation revolution" under which virtually all prisoners get help breaking the cycle of reoffending.

Chris Grayling Mr Grayling says offenders must be given every chance to reform

Currently only those who are jailed for more than a year are given rehabilitation, but the Prime Minister wants all but a small number of high-risk prisoners to receive support by the end of 2015.

Mr Grayling will say today that mentors - including reformed offenders, or "old lags" - can help prison leavers with issues like housing, getting a job and tackling drug and alcohol problems.

"When someone leaves prison, I want them already to have a mentor in place to help them get their lives back together," he will say.

"I want them to be met at the prison gate, to have a place to live sorted out, to have rehab or training lined up, and above all someone who knows where they are, what they are doing, and can be a wise friend to prevent them from reoffending.

"Often it will be the former offender gone straight who is best placed to steer the young prisoner back onto the straight and narrow - the former gang member best placed to prevent younger members from rushing straight back to rejoin the gang on the streets.

"There are some really good examples out there of organisations making good use of the old lags in stopping the new ones. We need more of that for the future."


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Women Bishops: Church Of England To Vote

Debate: The Vote On Women Bishops

Updated: 2:06am UK, Tuesday 20 November 2012

Two members of the General Synod - both female - put the case for and against women bishops in the Church of England.

:: The Case Against

Lorna Ashworth, General Synod Member From The Chichester Diocese

I am one of thousands of women who believe that the vote on women bishops should not go through today.

Is this because I am misogynist? Is that even possible? Rather, my three reasons to vote against the legislation are as follows:

First, through my study of scripture and in my desire to be obedient to God, I believe that leadership roles in the church are reserved for men.

This is not to say that women are not equal to men or that they do not have the skill or ability to do the job, but that in this sphere, the position of leadership is reserved for men whom God has called.

Secondly, the legislation on the table does not serve its intended purpose. Although it will make way for women bishops, which is the mind of the church, it offers no secure assurances that traditionalists, like myself, will have a future place in the church.

The measure relies on a code of practice (which has yet to be agreed upon) to offer a scheme of oversight for parishes that request it. This will vary from diocese to diocese depending on the interpretation of the code.

The measure does not stipulate that the male bishops providing oversight for the requesting parish needs to hold or have sympathy with their theological position. This removes any certainty that bishops holding traditional views will be selected in the future.

Finally, the proponents of women bishops are asking traditionalists to trust them; as if somehow desiring proper provision within legislation fosters mistrust.

Trusting the proponents is a big ask when circulated papers to General Synod members call my theological conviction a "non-gospel" theology and that in the future it would no longer be appropriate to select, train or ordain anyone who does not conform to this new position within the church.

How could I even consider a yes vote?

:: The Case In Favour

Christina Rees, General Synod Member from the Chichester Diocese

I have been sent a range of emails about the debate on women bishops.

I am an elected representative on the Archbishops' Council, and someone who has been closely involved with the subject of women's ordination for a number of years.

Synod has been studying and thinking about the issue of having women as bishops since 2000, and since then has indicated its support for removing the legal obstacles to consecrating women and has also affirmed that having women as bishops is consonant with the faith of our Church.

A few years ago we rejected a range of options, but accepted having a statutory Code of Practice, to include arrangements for those who remain opposed to ordaining women.

For better or worse, we are the group of people, along with the members of the Houses of Clergy and Bishops, who will be voting on the Women Bishops Measure.

I believe we can have confidence that the Measure will open the way to women bishops, and that those who in conscience cannot accept the ministry of ordained women will have a clear way of requesting an alternative bishop or priest.

The Measure may not be perfect, but I know how carefully it has been drafted and I am confident it will deliver what all of us would like.

I have spoken with some of my friends who do not accept women's ordained ministry and they have agreed that it provides what they need.

The mantra of "not good enough" is simply not the case.

I realise there is a gap between where I am and where some others are on this issue, but I do not believe that gap can be filled with more legislation.

The only thing that can fill the gap is trust. I hope we will agree going forward and show the world that Christians have a way of disagreeing and yet still retaining our love for one another and our faith in God and the Holy Spirit to lead us in this process.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cheaper Power Tariffs Under Energy Shake-Up

Energy Secretary Ed Davey will flesh out proposals later to ensure all households are on the cheapest gas and electricity tariffs available.

After weeks of confusion about the Government's plans to simplify the market and reduce bills for hard-pressed families, the Liberal Democrat is expected to use an appearance before the Energy Select Committee to give more details.

It is thought energy firms may be prevented from offering more than four tariffs and be required to automatically move customers on to the cheapest one.

The move comes amid long-standing concerns that many households are paying hundreds of pounds a year more than is necessary for gas and electricity because of the confusing array of tariffs.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey Ed Davey insists the Government backs a low carbon economy

The issue has become more acute in recent years because of rising wholesale prices that have seen energy charges soar.

Meanwhile, MPs have called on Chancellor George Osborne to reassure investors the Treasury is committed to moving towards a greener economy.

Mr Osborne must use the autumn statement next month to end the uncertainty over the direction of energy policy, which is undermining investment in the UK's power sector, the parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) said.

George Osborne in Birmingham MPs say George Osborne must "end the uncertainty"

The EAC also added its voice to calls from business leaders, trade unions and green groups for the Energy Bill, due to be published before the end of November, to include a target to slash emissions from the power sector by 2030.

The cross-party committee's chairwoman Joan Walley said: "The Treasury must end the uncertainty on energy policy and give investors and businesses the confidence to seize the enormous opportunities presented by new clean technologies."

Friends of the Earth's head of campaigns Andrew Pendleton said: "MPs are right to slam the Chancellor - his gas-fuelled economic strategy will send fuel bills soaring, jeopardise jobs and scupper UK efforts to tackle climate change.

"The Treasury seems hell-bent on killing off Britain's growing green economy, despite the tens of thousands of jobs it can create and business leaders' group CBI's pleas for more backing."


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Empty Shops Rate Sets 'Alarm Bells Ringing'

Written By Unknown on Senin, 19 November 2012 | 16.12

One in 10 shops in UK high streets and shopping centres were empty in October - the worst figure since the British Retail Consortium's nationwide survey began in July 2011.

As retailers continue to battle against stagnating sales and rising costs, the new figures showed last month's town centre vacancy rate at 11.3%.

A fifth of store units are currently empty in Northern Ireland, while the rate for Wales is 15.1% and for the North & Yorkshire region the rate is 14.6%. Greater London had 7.6% of its units lying empty.

BRC director general Stephen Robertson said the latest figures would set "alarm bells ringing" and the financial challenges for both customers and retailers were far from over.

Big brands including JJB Sports, Clinton Cards, Blacks Leisure, Game and Peacocks have either disappeared or scaled back their presence in town centres after going into administration.

And the collapse of electricals chain Comet this month will be another blow.

Mr Robertson renewed his call for Chancellor George Osborne to freeze business rates, which are set to increase by 2.6% in April.

He said: "Many retailers are battling stagnating sales and rising costs, and next year's threatened business rates increase can only make matters worse.

"If the Government wants to breathe life back into our town centres and ensure the retail industry can play its full role in job creation, it needs to freeze rates in 2013."

In response, a Department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said: "Empty shops are a wasted economic opportunity that spoil the town centre.

"That is why we are proposing to scrap the damaging red tape that is keeping so many shops boarded up, allowing young entrepreneurs to open pop-up shops and turn the high streets into an exciting start-up launchpad.

"The best thing Government can do to help businesses is to provide them with a stable economic environment, which is why we want to protect local firms from soaring tax bills.

"We've postponed the revaluation, which will stop soaring tax bills for 800,000 firms, and given businesses the option of spreading this year's increases out over three years.

"Councils also have the power to grant discretionary discounts, and we've temporarily doubled small business rate relief, meaning approximately a third of a million businesses - including many small shops - are currently paying no rates at all."


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Business Bosses Slam 'School Exams Factory'

Britain's education system is fostering a "cult of the average", failing to help the brightest youngsters or those most in need, business leaders have warned.

In a new report, the CBI says too many children fall behind and never catch up, and that in some cases, secondary schools have become little more than exam factories.

Decades of "patchwork" reforms have confused schools, encouraged a tick box culture that has put off teachers and resulted in a narrow focus on exams and league tables, the UK's biggest business group adds.

The report calls for a major overhaul to ensure that all children can succeed.

It recommends radical changes, such as reducing the importance of GCSEs and making A Levels the main exam for school leavers, and moving away from league tables in favour of Ofsted reports.

"The education system fosters a cult of the average: too often failing to stretch the most able or support those that need most help," the CBI says.

CBI director-general John Cridland said while businesses want school leavers to have a rigorous education, they also want it to be "rounded and grounded".

"Today we have a system where, sadly, a large minority of our young people fall behind," he said.

"They fall behind and never catch up. It's not the fault of any individual concerned. It's not the fault of children, parents or teachers. It's a system failure. It's not acceptable any more than it's not acceptable that the top 10% are not stretched enough."

Mr Cridland added: "This generation of young people are as streetwise as any, but sometimes in the education system we're not always bottling that.

"In some cases secondary schools have become an exam factory. Qualifications are important, but we also need people who have self-discipline and serve customers well."

Ministers have announced plans to scrap GCSEs and replace them with new English Baccalaureate Certificates in English, maths and science. Reviews of A Levels and the national curriculum are also under way.

Mr Cridland said: "Government reforms are headed in the right direction, but are not sufficient on their own. They need to go further and they need to go faster."


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Report: Young Brits More Likely To Get Drunk

By Becky Johnson, North of England Correspondent

Young people in the UK are more likely to have been drunk by the age of 13 than those in almost any other country.

A report has also found that 15 and 16-year-olds are more likely to have been drunk in the last month than their foreign counterparts.

The survey carried out for the charity Alcohol Concern found only youngsters in Estonia, Malta and the Isle of Man drink more than young people in the UK.

Sixteen-year-old Charmaine McGivern, from Wythenshawe in Greater Manchester, told Sky News she started drinking when she was 13 with a group of older friends.

"They were saying to me 'drink' and because I was younger I took the drink and I was drinking and it was in one of my mate's houses. They were persuasive and everything, telling me to drink, telling me that it was fun, but then I got the hang of drinking."

She described how she ended up in hospital when she was 14 because she was so drunk she fell and broke her ankle.

"It wasn't a nice feeling being in hospital because I had to be on a drip. And it was from there I noticed that I was turning into an alcoholic and basically I was on the booze … and I found out I had alcohol poisoning."

She no longer drinks and says the damage alcohol did to her health has put her off it for life.

But the study found in general young people "drink to get drunk" with 63% of 16 to 24-year-olds agreeing that cheap alcohol promotions encourage then to drink to excess.

In March 1,000 young people aged between 16 and 24 were interviewed by research agency YouthSite for the study. They repeatedly told researchers it is "cheaper to buy a three-litre bottle of cider than buy a ticket to go to the cinema".

The study is being published to mark the start of Alcohol Awareness Week. It claims that alcohol is 44% more affordable now in relative terms than it was in 1980.

Beer can Campaigners say it is time to set a minimum price on alcohol

It also found that there has been a 25% increase in the number of off-licenced premises, which means "cheap" alcohol is more available.

Alcohol Concern's programme policy manager, Tom Smith, said: "This report is further proof of the impact cheap alcohol is having on the health and wellbeing of our young people.

"They have told us loud and clear that the way in which alcohol is priced influences the way they drink. We also know that our young people are more likely to have experienced being drunk by the age of 13 than their peers in almost any other European country.

"This survey shows just how urgent action on minimum unit pricing is and we're calling on the Government to set a 50p minimum unit price without delay."

Alcohol Concern chief executive Eric Appleby said: "Having open and frank conversations as a society about the way we drink has never been more important and this report highlights that.

"We know that as a nation we love talking about alcohol and we all have an opinion about it, but are we having the right conversations?

"We've really got to get this right for the sake of future generations. I hope people will embrace this opportunity to get talking and thinking about their drinking."

A Home Office spokesman said: "This is further evidence that cheap alcohol contributes to irresponsible drinking. Introducing a minimum unit price is just one of a range of measures the Government is taking to tackle the minority who cause alcohol-related crime and disorder in our local communities.

"We have already introduced early morning restriction orders to curb alcohol sales, a late night levy to ensure those selling alcohol help pay towards the costs of policing and we have made it easier for local authorities to tackle problematic licenced premises."


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Benefits Cap 'Immoral And Socially Divisive'

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 18 November 2012 | 16.12

Plans for a £500-a-week cap on household benefits have been criticised in a savage attack by the former coalition minister for children and families.

Sarah Teather accused ministers of seeking to "gain popularity at the expense of children's lives" by pushing through a measure they knew was popular but ineffective.

The Lib Dem faced calls for her sacking as children's minister in February after she missed a key vote on the reforms which she had publicly questioned.

She eventually departed from the government ranks in September's reshuffle.

Speaking to The Observer, she said: "I think deliberately to stoke up envy and division between people in order to gain popularity at the expense of children's lives is immoral.

"It has no good intent."

She went on: "There are all sorts of things you have to do when times are tight that have negative consequences but you do them for good purposes.

"But to do something for negative purposes that also has negative consequences - that is immoral."

She added: "I don't think it was even remotely conceived as a financial cost-cutting device. I think it was conceived as a political device to demonstrate whose side you are on."

She said she was "terrified" about the prospects for many families who would be forced to move to cheaper areas where they would find it harder to find work.

"My fear is that a lot of people will effectively just disappear from the area in which they were living. I think some very horrible things are going to happen," she said, questioning how well child protection and education services would keep track of youngsters.

But a spokesman for Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith accused Ms Teather of hugely-misinformed scaremongering.

"The criticisms Sarah Teather is levelling against the Government's welfare reforms are hugely misinformed and therefore result in needless scaremongering," he told the newspaper.

"It's not fair or right that benefits claimants receive higher incomes than hard-working families who are striving to get on in life.

"Our reforms bring fairness back to the system while ensuring we support the most vulnerable."


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Prisoner Voting Ban: MPs To Debate Again

MPs are to be given another say on whether to give prisoners the vote, as the deadline for Britain to comply with a European ruling on the controversial issue looms.

The UK's current blanket ban on prisoners voting has been judged as unlawful by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and officials in Strasbourg have given the Government until Friday to comply with the ruling.

Last February, the Commons called by an overwhelming margin of 234 to 22 for the blanket ban to be maintained, while David Cameron has flatly ruled out the option of handing criminals back their democratic rights.

MPs will this week be given another chance to vote on the issue when the Government introduces a draft bill.

The bill, to be published on Thursday, will give MPs three options, according to The Daily Telegraph.

They will be votes for prisoners who have been imprisoned for four years or less, votes for prisoners who have been imprisoned for six months or less, or no votes for prisoners at all.

There is a risk that this week's Commons vote could set up another clash with the ECHR, which could fine the Government if it does not comply with its ruling.

Attorney General Dominic Grieve has warned against defying the Strasbourg court, saying its ruling imposes an international legal obligation on the UK.

But the Prime Minister has made it clear he would not be letting prisoners get the vote.

David Cameron told the Commons last month: "I do not want prisoners to have the vote, and they should not get the vote - I am very clear about that.

"If it helps to have another vote in Parliament on another resolution to make it absolutely clear and help put the legal position beyond doubt, I am happy to do that.

"But no one should be in any doubt: prisoners are not getting the vote under this Government."

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has said Parliament has the right in law to tell the ECHR that it does not accept its ruling.

But added there would be "consequences" for the UK's position in Europe if MPs do chose to defy the judgement.

In 2005, the ECHR said it was up to individual countries to decide which prisoners should be denied the right to vote from jail, but that a total ban was illegal.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

British Airways 'Twitter Account Hacked'

British Airways has launched an investigation after its Twitter account was apparently hacked and an offensive message retweeted.

The official BA Twitter account seemingly retweeted an offensive and racist message on Saturday afternoon.

After the offensive retweet was deleted, staff at the airline then tweeted an apology.

It said: "Apologies for the last RT. We are sorry for any offence caused and are investigating how this may have happened."

Within minutes, hundreds of Twitters users resent the retweet and later more than 160 followers had retweeted the apology.

The BA account has more than 210,000 followers.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More
techieblogger.com Techie Blogger Techie Blogger