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Childcare: Clegg Resists Nursery Ratio Shake-Up

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 09 Mei 2013 | 16.12

The coalition's flagship childcare reforms have been thrown into doubt after Nick Clegg signalled he does not support loosening ratios in nurseries.

A spokesman for the Deputy Prime Minister said he "remained to be convinced" that staff and childminders should be allowed to look after more youngsters.

The policy, being championed by Tory education minister Liz Truss, emerged after months of wrangling between the coalition parties.

From September, the ratio for under-ones had been due to rise from three per adult to four.

Each adult would be able to look after more two-year-olds - six instead of four.

However, the ratio for three-year-olds would stay at eight or 13 children per adult, depending on whether a qualified graduate was present.

Ms Truss has argued that the changes would lower childcare costs and allow professionals in the sector to be paid higher salaries.

But the proposals have run into fierce opposition from experts and unions.

Dropping them could have serious consequences for the wider childcare provision shake-up, which includes tax breaks worth £1,200 for families where both parents work.

Mr Clegg's spokesman said: "The delivery of good quality affordable childcare is one of Nick Clegg's biggest priorities in Government.

"He has looked very closely at proposals to increase the number of children each adult can look after - and at the very serious concerns raised by parents and childcare providers in the recent Government consultation.

Nick Clegg Nick Clegg's opposition to the childcare changes could result in a U-turn

"Nick remains to be persuaded that this is the right thing to do for very young children. Or, crucially, to be persuaded that this would actually help families with high childcare costs.

"This continues to be discussed in Government."

Sky News Deputy Political Editor Joey Jones said a Government U-turn was a possibility and it would depend on whether "David Cameron decided to stand behind Ms Truss or let the policy slide away quietly".

He said Mr Clegg's concerns stemmed from the opposition from parents and childcare providers, who are not happy about the proposals and do not think they will save costs, that arose during the Government consultation.

"His point is that if it does not save money there really is no point in proceeding," Jones said.

Shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg said the Prime Minister's childcare plans had "descended into chaos".

"Labour has warned for months that increasing the number of children that nursery staff look after would threaten child safety and the quality of care.

"After intense opposition, including from parents, childcare staff and experts, the Government appear to be U-turning on ratios," he added.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "We are reforming the childcare system so that providers have more flexibility when they have highly qualified staff.

"Ratio changes, which are not compulsory, will allow providers to have the flexibility to increase pay for better qualified workers.

"We are clear that quality and safety are paramount - any changes to ratios will only be on the basis of increased qualification levels and will not be mandatory.

"The consultation was agreed government policy and we will respond to it in due course."


16.12 | 1 komentar | Read More

Man United: Decision On New Manager Imminent

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

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

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

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

Sir Alex Ferguson Statue It won't be easy filling Ferguson's shoes

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

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

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

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

Jose Mourinho Jose Mourinho had been tipped as a possible successor

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

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

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

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


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Prince Harry To Visit Diana Charity On US Trip

By Paul Harrison, Royal Correspondent

Diana, Princess of Wales will be uppermost in her son's thoughts today as Prince Harry arrives in the United States.

Within hours of touching down in Washington DC at the start of a six-day tour of America, Prince Harry will meet members of landmine charity Halo Trust, a cause once supported by his mother.

In March, the 28-year-old Apache helicopter pilot agreed to become patron of the Halo Trust's 25th anniversary appeal.

Shortly before her death in 1997, Princess Diana attracted worldwide attention when she visited minefields being cleared in Angola.

Army Air Corps officer Prince Harry will use his visit to the US to show support for American and British personnel injured in battle, highlight his charity work and conduct engagements on behalf of the British Government.

The third in line to the throne will visit the capital's Arlington Cemetery to pay respects to those killed in recent conflicts before travelling on to Colorado.

People gather around the remains of burned homes after Superstorm Sandy in the Breezy Point neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City Prince Harry will visit areas hit by Superstorm Sandy

There Captain Harry Wales, who recently returned from a five-month tour of duty in Afghanistan, will open the Warrior Games in which wounded servicemen and women compete in Paralympic-style competitions.

At a briefing prior to the tour, Prince Harry's spokesman Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton said: "A recurring theme is to help recognise and place the spotlight on to the work being done to help these outstanding men and women."

This is Prince Harry's first return to America since being photographed naked at a private party in Las Vegas last August.

The photos, showing the Prince reportedly playing strip-billiards with friends, were taken during a holiday in the so-called Sin City just weeks before his deployment to Afghanistan.

In interviews conducted while in theatre, the Prince admitted he had let himself and his family down.

Prince Harry will also travel to New York where he will visit to areas affected by the destructive Superstorm Sandy.


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'Pool Of Offenders' In Music School Abuse

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 08 Mei 2013 | 16.12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last night Surrey Police confirmed they have been contacted by the Yehudi Menuhin School, following "allegations of historic sexual abuse against a member of staff who is now deceased".

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

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

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


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Queen's Speech: Immigration Set To Dominate

Measures to combat immigration and schemes to help businesses are among the Government's priorities which are due to be outlined in the Queen's Speech.

David Cameron says the new policies - including a crackdown on foreign criminals and rogue employers who take on illegal migrants - will back the people of Britain "every step of the way".

The agenda for the next session of Parliament will also see powers strengthened to deport foreign criminals by preventing the abuse of human rights laws.

The Prime Minister and his deputy Nick Clegg will say in a joint foreword to the speech: "In May 2010 we came together to govern in the national interest.

"We knew the road ahead would be tough and so it has proved to be.

Sky News' coverage of the Queen's Speech begins at 10am

"But three years on, our resolve to turn our country around has never been stronger. We know that Britain can be great again because we've got the people to do it.

"Today's Queen's Speech shows that we will back them every step of the way. It is all about backing people who work hard and want to get on in life."

While 163,000 migrants came to the UK in the year to June 2012 - down from 247,000 in the previous year - Mr Cameron has said he aims to reduce the figure to tens of thousands.

A new Immigration Bill will write into law rules to ensure the Article 8 human right to a family life does not prevent the courts from balancing the crime against the perpetrator's right to remain in the country.

Firms exploiting illegal labour will face stiffer fines, as will private landlords if they fail to check on tenants' immigration status.

Incomers' access to NHS services will be regulated and temporary migrants will be expected to make a contribution.

Shadow Commons leader Angela Eagle said: "We will look at measures on immigration. But the truth is over the last three years they have failed on immigration as they have failed in so many other areas.

David Cameron & Nick Clegg Hold Their First Joint News Conference David Cameron and Nick Clegg admit the last three years have been "tough"

"And at the same time, there is one group that is decisively better off - the richest in society."

Also due to be announced is a National Insurance Contributions Bill which will cut the cost of recruiting new employees and a Deregulation Bill to cut red tape for firms looking to grow.

A Social Care Bill will cap care costs, in an attempt to avoid pensioners being forced to sell their homes.

Meanwhile, a Pensions Bill will create a flat-rate pension, which ministers claim will encourage saving and help women who have had long career breaks.

Measures notable for their absence include mooted plans to force cigarettes to be sold in plain packaging and those to set a minimum price for alcohol.

Aid agencies are also angry the Government will again not enshrine in law its commitment to meet the United Nations target to devote 0.7% of GDP to aid spending.


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Sir Alex Ferguson Retires As Man Utd Manager

The Greatest: Fergie's 49 Trophies

Updated: 9:42am UK, Wednesday 08 May 2013

Sir Alex Ferguson has won 49 trophies during his career, making him the most successful British manager of all time.

Here is a complete list of his silverware:

MANCHESTER UNITED

Thirteen Premier League titles: 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2012-13

Five FA Cups: 1989-90, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1998-99, 2003-04

Four League Cups: 1991-92, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2009-10

Ten Charity/Community Shields: 1990 (shared), 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011

Two Champions League titles: 1998-99, 2007-08

One European Cup Winners' Cup: 1990-91

One European Super Cup: 1991

One Intercontinental Cup: 1999

One FIFA Club World Cup: 2008

ABERDEEN

Three Scottish Premier Division titles: 1979-80, 1983-84, 1984-85

Four Scottish Cups: 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1985-86

One Scottish League Cup: 1985-86

One European Cup Winners' Cup: 1982-83

One European Super Cup: 1983

ST MIRREN

One Scottish First Division title: 1976-77


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Queen To Miss Commonwealth Heads' Meeting

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 07 Mei 2013 | 16.12

By Paul Harrison, Royal Correspondent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Jimmy Tarbuck In Child Sex Abuse Arrest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tarbuck has spent more than 50 years in television.

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

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

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

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


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Lord Lawson Calls For Britain To Leave EU

Lord Lawson has become the most senior Tory figure to call for the UK to quit the European Union - pledging to vote 'No' in any referendum on membership

In a move that piles further pressure on David Cameron over the issue, the former chancellor warned his proposed renegotiation would only secure "inconsequential" concessions from Brussels.

Writing in The Times, he said there was now a "clear" case for withdrawal, insisting the economic benefits would "substantially outweigh the costs", in contrast to the Prime Minister's position.

His intervention is sure to further embolden eurosceptic MPs demanding a tougher line to halt the rise of Nigel Farage's rampant anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP).

Mr Cameron is already under pressure to hold a "mandate referendum" as early as next spring to seek public approval of his strategy of putting a renegotiated settlement to an in/out vote by 2017.

In the wake of UKIP's surge in last week's county council elections, there is also pressure to put the strategy to a vote in the Commons in defiance of his Liberal Democrat coalition partners.

Lord Lawson, who was Margaret Thatcher's longest-serving chancellor and remains a highly respected figure within the party, said that it was "by no means assured" that Mr Cameron would win the 2015 general election.

But he said he believed public demand was such that a referendum would have to happen under Labour in any case.

Dismissing the chances of either party securing significant reforms, he said Brussels would fear a "general unravelling" as other countries sought to match the return of powers.

"But all this is largely beside the point," he wrote.

"The heart of the matter is that the very nature of the European Union, and of this country's relationship with it, has fundamentally changed after the coming into being of the European monetary union and the creation of the eurozone, of which - quite rightly - we are not a part.

David Cameron holds a news conference at the end of a European Union leaders summit in Brussels in March The PM is coming under increasing pressure over Britain's place in the EU

"That is why, while I voted 'in' in 1975, I shall be voting 'out' in 2017.

"Not only do our interests increasingly differ from those of the eurozone members but, while never 'at the heart of Europe' (as our political leaders have from time to time foolishly claimed), we are now becoming increasingly marginalised as we are doomed to being consistently outvoted by the eurozone bloc.

"So the case for exit is clear."

But Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg told Sky News that Lord Lawson was "completely wrong", and that leaving the EU would "jeopardise" up to three million UK jobs dependent on membership.

"I think simply pulling up the drawbridge would be a bad thing for this country that would leave us poorer and less safe," the Lib Dem leader added. 

Lord Lawson said that while there would be "some economic cost" from leaving the EU single market, in his judgement "the economic gains would substantially outweigh the costs".

That would not only be in keeping the UK's £8bn net contribution, but also being removed from excessive bureaucracy, not least the "frenzy of regulatory activism" affecting the banking sector.

"The foolish and damaging financial transactions tax, imposed against strong UK opposition, is only one example. In part this is motivated by a jealous desire to cut London down to size, in part by well-intentioned ignorance," he said.

He added: "Those who claim that to leave the EU would damage the City are the very same as those who in the past confidently predicted, with a classic failure of understanding, that the City would be gravely damaged if the UK failed to adopt the Euro as its currency."

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The PM has always been clear: we need a Europe that is more open, more competitive, and more flexible; a Europe that wakes up to the modern world of competition. In short, Europe has to reform.

"But our continued membership must have the consent of the British people, which is why the PM has set out a clear timetable on this issue." 


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Girl, 12, Raped In Play Park Sex Attack

Written By Unknown on Senin, 06 Mei 2013 | 16.12

A 12-year-old girl has been dragged into a woodland area at a play park and raped, police have said.

Thames Valley Police said she had been on her own when a man pulled her to the woodland area, attacked her, and then fled.

The assault was reported to police on Saturday but the attack happened around March 23 at about 3pm at the end of the play area in Harrowden, Bradville, in Milton Keynes.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack to come forward and have issued descriptions of both the victim and her attacker.

The girl is described as white, around 5ft, of slim build, with long shoulder length mid-brown hair. She was wearing glasses.

Police said the offender is described as a white man, aged around 45 and a skinny build. He had very short grey/black hair.

The man spoke with a Scottish accent and was wearing a black leather jacket, blue jeans and black Dr Martens boots.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Justin Fletcher said: "We would urge anyone who saw the victim or a man answering this description in the area around that time to contact us as a matter of urgency.

"We take all allegations of a sexual nature very seriously and understand how difficult it can be for victims to come forward.

"While this was a very traumatic incident for the victim, it is also very rare.

"We would like to reassure the community that we are investigating the matter fully and patrols will be in the area to provide extra reassurance."

Police have appealed for any witnesses to the incident or anyone who has information as to the identity of the suspect to call the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number 101 quoting URN 589 05/05/13.

:: Alternatively, anyone with any information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


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White Britons 'In Retreat' From Minority Areas

A "retreat" of white Britons from areas where minorities live is limiting cultural integration, according to research by think tank Demos.

Analysis of the 2011 census shows that 45% of ethnic minorities in England and Wales live in areas where less than half the population is white British, while 41% live in wards that are less than half white.

Trevor Phillips, former chairman of the Equalities Commission and Demos Associate, said white Britons choosing not to live in minority-dominated areas "ought to make us a little anxious".

He said: "This very interesting piece of research reveals a number of vital findings about how people in England and Wales are living together.

"What ought to make us a little anxious is the 'majority retreat' it has unearthed - white people leaving minority-led areas and not being replaced - which isn't good news for the cause of integration."

The 4.1 million ethnic minorities who now live in white minority areas is a significant increase from the 2001 census, when only around one million minority Britons lived in such wards.

A statement from Demos said: "Demos researchers attribute this mainly to white British people choosing not to move to minority-dominated areas, in what Trevor Phillips has described as "majority retreat".

"In these areas, departing white British are replaced by immigration or by the natural growth of the minority population.

"Over time, the end result of this process is a spiral of white British demographic decline."

But integration between ethnic minorities is now more common than it was during the last census in 2001.

Demos said minority white areas were generally multi-minority, since new British minorities such as Somalis have taken up housing vacated by established minorities, such as Afro-Caribbeans.

David Goodhart, director of Demos, said the limited integration would lead to further problems with employment and familiarity with cultural codes.

Meanwhile Sir Andrew Green, chairman of Migration Watch, said the findings were a sign that Britain is becoming more segregated.

He said: "This is extremely serious. It is undeniable evidence that we have indeed been sleepwalking into segregation as Trevor Phillips warned seven years ago and it is the clear result of Labour's mass immigration policy."


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Weather: Bank Holiday Sun Set To Continue

The sunny Bank Holiday weather will last until Tuesday with temperatures expected to hit 23C in some parts.

Today is tipped to be a scorcher with forecasters predicting it could be the hottest day in Britain so far this year.

Many inland areas of the UK could see temperatures rising to between 20C and 22C.

But it will not be short-lived as central and eastern parts of the UK will continue to bask in the sunshine tomorrow before temperatures plummet for the rest of the week.

Monday started mild with low cloud and patchy mist across England and Wales.

By lunchtime, however, the temperature will soar across much of central and southern Britain, where plenty of sunshine and gentle winds are expected.

But Scotland and Northern Ireland have not enjoyed the same highs as England and Wales this weekend, and today are expected to hit only 17C along with spells of cloud and rain.

The warm Bank Holiday weather in parts of Britain is likely to beat temperatures in sunny European destinations including the Cote D'Azur in France and the Spanish island of Majorca.

Forecasters say there is a chance the high temperatures will exceed this year's record high of 23C, which was recorded on April 25.

But Wednesday will see a return to wet and windy weather, which will last through to Friday.

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

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

The sunny Bank Holiday is expected to be a big improvement on last year, which saw rain and a temperature high of just 16C at Exeter Airport.

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


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Carry On Camping: Britain's 'Staycation' Boom

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 05 Mei 2013 | 16.12

By David Crabtree, Midlands Correspondent

The number of British people deciding to holiday in the UK continues to surge and the caravan and camping industry is reaping the rewards.

In January, the industry saw a 14% increase in the number of advanced bookings compared to the same time last year, according to the Camping and Caravanning Club.

The sector is said to contribute nearly £6m to the UK economy.

Camping and caravanning have become popular The popularity of festival and 'glamping' mark a camping comeback

At Lickhill Manor Park in Stourport-on-Severn, first time camper Catherine Bryant said: "We only live in Birmingham so it is not very far away. But this is a good option to get the whole family out and meet up with friends. It is fun and economical.

"All we have to do is book up, load up the car and get away for a few days in a nice environment where the kids can have a good run around."

Her husband Phil said: "It's the best way of getting friends and family together without expensive hotels and holidays abroad."

Those in the industry say it is vital that they attract the right candidates with the appropriate skills to manage the expansion. More young people are being urged to study tourism park management.

Camping and caravanning have become popular Caravan holidays back in 1959

A spokesperson for the National Caravan Council (NCC) said: "The caravan and camping sector has seen a rise in the number of people holidaying in the UK and is creating opportunities to allow its employers to capitalise on growth.

"Staycations, popularised by cash-strapped Brits holidaying at home, have driven growth, as well as the growing 'glamping' trend."

NCC figures show that 1.5 million people regularly take tourism caravan or motorhome holidays.

It is estimated in the UK there are 510,000 touring caravans, 305,000 caravan holiday homes and 142,000 motorhomes.

At Lickhill Manor Park, camper Tony Marchewka said: "It is just great. This is a quick fill in holiday for us, but we often take the caravan abroad, across Europe. We can stay anywhere."


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Bullying Suicides: Parents Call For New Law

By Stephen Douglas, Sky News Reporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aaron Dugmore Aaron Dugmore took his own life at the age of nine

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

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

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

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

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

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

Families of bullying suicide victims want law change The victims' families have written to David Cameron about their campaign

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Bank Holiday Monday Set To Be Scorcher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Norfolk Broads in the sun in May Norfolk saw blue skies and fine weather last week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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