Glasgow Helicopter Crash: Pilot's Funeral

By David Blevins, Sky News Correspondent

The funeral will take place later of the pilot killed when his helicopter crashed onto a Glasgow bar last weekend.

Former RAF colleagues of David Traill are expected to stage a Chinook fly-past following a memorial service at Glasgow University.

Flight Lieutenant Traill, from Stenhousemuir, was a decorated war veteran, having served in both Afghanistan and Iraq, but had flown for a private company since his retirement from the RAF.

The 51-year-old had played an active role in the lives of his three young nephews since they lost their father - his younger brother Angus - to throat cancer three years ago.

He didn't have time to make a mayday call before the aircraft crashed onto the Clutha bar, killing him and two police passengers: Kristy Nelis, 36, and Tony Collins, 43.

The helicopter crashed on the Clutha bar a week ago

Six other people, attending a live music event inside the pub, also died: Robert Jenkins, 61, Mark O'Prey, 44, Colin Gibson, 33, John McGarrigle, 57, Gary Arthur, 48, and Samuel McGhee, 56.

Around 100 people were inside the building when the Eurocopter dropped out of the sky "like a stone" last Friday night and 10 of the 32 injured remain in hospital.

There was no black box data recorder on the helicopter but air accident investigators are examining the wreckage in Farnborough, Hampshire, and are expected to publish their initial findings next week.

Bond Air Services described their popular colleague as "the epitome of the consummate professional" and "a legend" whose passing would be mourned with "a sense of intense loss and sorrow".

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Weather: Tidal Surge Clean Up Under Way

By Emma Birchley, East Of England Correspondent

The task of cleaning and repairing flood-damaged homes is under way after a tidal surge so powerful it swept some houses into the waves.

The swollen sea flooded 1,400 properties across the country overnight on Thursday in coastal communities stretching from North Wales to Essex.

It was the most serious tidal surge to hit Britain for more than 60 years, and the Environment Agency said high tides on Saturday could cause more flooding in areas already inundated with water.

But the number of flood warnings and alerts has been reduced with fewer than 50 now in place, and no severe flood warnings, which are issued when flooding poses a "significant threat to life".

Susan Telford and Paul Citrine are still struggling to get through to their insurers after their home in Rhyl, north Wales, was left coated in mud once the waters receded.

Ms Telford said: "It's just a waiting game now, I suppose, and a long clean up...but we're lucky. We've got our health and we've got each other and material things can be replaced."

Flooding in Rhyl, north Wales

At Hemsby in Norfolk some homes are gone for good. The sheer power of the sea swept three over the sandy cliff and others were left teetering precariously.

Pub landlord Jonathan Thompson rallied his regulars to help save one family's belongings after he saw the cliff beginning to give way.

"It's heartbreaking to watch someone's entire life being swept into the sea never to be seen again," he said.

The Environment Agency says 800,000 properties were protected thanks to both permanent and temporary flood defences.

They helped prevent a disaster on the scale seen in 1953, when hundreds were killed.

But some barriers were breached as the tidal surge combined with high tides and strong winds.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said two women, two young babies in pushchairs and a dog had been rescued after being hit by a large wave at Louisa Bay in Broadstairs, Kent.

Thousands of homes in coastal areas were evacuated after officials warned that lives could be at risk.

Hundreds of people were forced to spend the night camped out in emergency rest centres.

The North Sea surge followed an Atlantic storm which brought severe gales of up to 80mph across Scotland and northern parts of England.

People watch rising waters in the River Stour in Sandwich, Kent

Some mountainous regions in Aberdeenshire and Inverness-shire reported speeds of around 140mph.

One man died after he was struck by a falling tree in a park in Retford in Nottinghamshire, while a lorry driver was killed when his HGV toppled onto a number of cars in West Lothian.

The adverse weather also caused chaos on the transport network, with rail services for Scotland and parts of the North of England suspended and number of flights disrupted.

:: Watch the latest live coverage from around the country on Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 82, Skynews.com and Sky News for iPad.

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Air Traffic Control Problem Delays UK Flights

Flights at several airports - including Heathrow and Gatwick - have been delayed by an air traffic control system problem.

Thousands of passengers have seen their flights delayed by a "technical problem" at southern England's main air traffic control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire.

Gatwick Airport tweeted: "Due to air traffic control systems issues some flights may be delayed. Please check with your airline."

A Heathrow Airport spokeswoman said: "We are currently experiencing some delays."

Stansted also used Twitter to update travellers, saying: "A technical issue at Swanwick air traffic control at is currently causing delays to some flights at airports in southern England."

There are also reports of delays at Cardiff, Southampton, Luton, London City and flights to the south from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

NATS air traffic control said in a statement: "Due to a technical problem at Swanwick we are currently experiencing some difficulty switching from night time to daytime operation.

"This may result in some delays for which we apologise. Engineers are working to rectify the problem as soon as possible."

The issue has also affected flights from Ireland and there have been reports of delays at Malaga Airport.

Dublin Airport tweeted: "Technical issue with air traffic control in southern England is causing a delay to some flights to England & continental Europe this AM."

The arrivals board at Gatwick Airport, which has been affected

Passenger Daisy McAndrew said she had been caught in the "unholy mess" at Gatwick as she tried to fly to Barcelona for work.

"As ever, staff have been fantastic but they know nothing other than the fact it is going to be a very, very long delay - very frustrating," Mrs McAndrew told Sky News.

"And also, it's embarrassing, isn't it? When you look around a lot of people on my plane are not British, they are flying British Airways, they are probably trying to get back to Spain and they will inevitably be thinking this is something that could have possibly been prevented.

"It doesn't show our air traffic control system or our travel system in a good light.

"I have never heard of an example where every single plane is grounded - it's quite eerie when I look out of the window to see the tarmac in Gatwick, normally so busy, and also the sky above Gatwick which is normally busy - completely static, there's nothing moving."

Radar engineer Dan Holland told Sky News the problem may be caused by issues communicating flight data between air traffic control at individual airports and the regional hub at Swanwick.

Sky News reporter Clare Fallon said problems at Swanwick had caused a similar backlog last summer.

She said: "There were several airports, mostly in the south of England, including Heathrow, and it took several hours then for them to actually deal with that problem."

:: Are you stranded? Email us: news@sky.com.

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Dubai Death: Superbike Racer Emmett Bailed

Former Superbike racer Sean Emmett, whose wife died in Dubai while the couple were on their honeymoon, has been released on bail after being arrested on his return to the UK.

Mr Emmett, 43, had his passport given back to him by officials in the United Arab Emirates months after the conclusion of an investigation into the death of his wife Abbie.

He flew back to the UK from Dubai on Thursday and was immediately arrested.

The sportsman was later released on bail until a date in March, Surrey Police said.

Sean Emmett had been held in Dubai

Mrs Emmett, 27, died in February after falling several floors from a high-rise hotel.

Surrey Police said on Thursday: "A 43-year-old man has today been arrested by Surrey Police officers at Heathrow Airport in connection with the death of Surrey resident Abigail Emmett, nee Elson, in Dubai in February 2013."

Mr Emmett had been stranded in the Gulf state since his passport was handed to officials during the investigation.

Before his arrest, he posted a picture of his newly-returned passport on Twitter, describing it as the "best early Xmas pressie ever".

He later tweeted: "Thanks to everyone for all your messages, my phone's melting!! Flight booked and I'll be landing in Blighty 7.10 tmrw. #bringonthecold."

Mr Emmett last month sent a message of thanks to supporters on Twitter, saying: "Just want to thank each and every one of you that has helped me with support, financial or otherwise. I don't even have contacts for some!"

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Teenager Electrocuted In Christmas Accident

A teenager has died in a freak electrocution accident while apparently searching for Christmas decorations in the loft of her house.

Georgia Marshall, 13, from Barry, South Wales, is thought to have been killed when a metal ladder inadvertently touched a live wire.

The schoolgirl was holding the step ladder while her father Richard, 54, searched for the decorations, according to local media.

The teenager, one of seven children, was from a family of animal lovers and grew up surrounded by horses, dogs and guinea pigs.

Her mother, Glenda Marshall, paid tribute to Georgia on Facebook.

"My beautiful light became a shining star today. Love u forever and will miss you till the day I die. My amazing Georgia. Words cannot say how I feel XXX," Mrs Marshall wrote.

Georgia's mother posted a Facebook photo of her daughter riding a horse

She has also posted a photograph of Georgia taken last Christmas, with the message: "My Angel, Christmas 2012."

The accident happened on Saturday and Mrs Marshall thanked friends of the family who have been using the site to express their sympathies.

"This is so hard for us. I just wanted to thank everyone for all the support and offers of help this last couple of days," she wrote.

"Thank you to all the people who have taken and are going to take my guineas for me. This will help me out more than I can say.

"I wont ever get over this, but all your thoughts and help are so much appreciated by all of us here. THANK YOU."

Police are not treating the death of the teenager as suspicious.

A South Wales Police spokesman said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family at this tragic time for them."

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Weather: Thousands Evacuated Amid Tidal Surge

Coastal communities have been warned of "exceptionally high tides" to come, as Britain is hit by the most serious tidal surge for more than 60 years.

In some places along the east coast, sea levels have been higher than they were during the devastating floods of 1953.

Speaking after a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson warned: "This is not over."

People fill sandbags as high tide approaches in Great Yarmouth

"There will still be exceptionally high tides ... and I would urge everyone to pay very close attention to advice from the Environment Agency, and also to follow instructions from the emergency services," he said.

:: Watch Sky News HD for live coverage for the latest from around the country

The North Sea surge comes after a powerful Atlantic storm, packing winds of up to 140mph, claimed two lives and caused widespread disruption.

Water breaches the sea wall on Great Yarmouth's promenade

The Environment Agency has more than 129 flood warnings and alerts in place across England and Wales, including 23 severe flood warnings which are issued only when flooding poses a "significant threat to life".

Further high tides bring a renewed risk of flooding in areas already inundated with water.

The tide is expected to peak in Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex before midday, and in Kent between midday and 3pm.

The seafront in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, is breached

Thousands of homes in coastal areas, including 9,000 in Norfolk alone, have been evacuated after officials warned that lives could be at risk.

Hundreds of people were forced to spend the night camped out in emergency rest centres.

Sky's Alex Rossi in Hemsby, Norfolk, said: "Lots of bungalows here were evacuated because emergency services were concerned the flood water would inundate the area.

"The area seems to have escaped quite lightly but not all properties have fared so well. One property has been washed away."

Sea defences built since the 1953 floods, which killed hundreds of people, appeared to have held back the tide in many areas.

However, a Defra spokesman said some defences had been breached by the combination of high tides, strong winds and a large tidal surge.

Lifeboats rescue people in Rhyl, north Wales

Sky's Gerard Tubb in Boston, Lincolnshire, said residents had described water "cascading" down the street as sea defences gave way.

"People here are worried there could be more problems to come," he added.

One local resident told Sky News said: "It's never been this bad in my lifetime. We had plenty of warning ... but you never think it's going to happen to you."

In Rhyl, north Wales, firefighters spent the night going from street to street, trying to pump water out of people's homes.

Sky's Becky Johnson, at the scene, said: "Many residents thought their homes were protected by the sea defences and simply weren't expecting to be flooded.

"Lots of elderly people had to be rescued by lifeboats and they were really quite distressed by what was happening."

The tidal surge followed an Atlantic storm which brought severe gales of up to 80mph across Scotland and northern parts of England.

Some mountainous regions in Aberdeenshire and Inverness-shire reported speeds of around 140mph.

One man died after he was struck by a falling tree in a park in Retford in Nottinghamshire, while a lorry driver was killed when his HGV toppled onto a number of cars in West Lothian.

The adverse weather also caused chaos on the transport network, with rail services for Scotland and parts of the North of England suspended and number of flights disrupted.

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Hundreds Of Under-16s Start Smoking Every Day

Almost 600 children aged under 16 take up smoking every day in the UK, research has suggested.

A survey of secondary school pupils in years 7 to 11 (children mostly aged 11-15) estimated there were 207,000 new child smokers between 2010 and 2011.

The Health and Social Care Information Centre said the figures, published in the journal Thorax, were particularly high in London.

"Each day, 67 children, more than two classrooms full, start smoking in London," said the experts, who included specialists from Cancer Research UK and Imperial College London.

An estimated 463 children start smoking every day in England, with 50 in Scotland, 30 in Wales and 19 in Northern Ireland.

The experts said: "Smoking is among the largest causes of preventable deaths worldwide.

"The present data should help to raise awareness of childhood smoking and to focus attention on the need to address this important child protection issue."

People who start smoking before the age of 15 have a higher risk of lung cancer than those who start later, they said.

The team also pointed to "compelling evidence" that young people are susceptible to branding and advertising and are influenced by the depiction of smoking in films.

The experts said: "Legislation is needed to counter the efforts of the tobacco industry, but this requires political will by legislators at both national and local levels."

Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: "Although the thought of nearly 20 classrooms full of children taking up smoking every day should be shocking, the sad thing is that it comes as no surprise.

"It is even sadder to think that, at current rates, half of these children are likely to eventually die as a result of their habit if they continue smoking."

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Cancer Survival Rates Are 'Truly Depressing'

By Thomas Moore, Health and Science Correspondent

Cancer patients in Britain and Ireland are far less likely to survive the disease than people in most other European countries, according to new research.

Results from the biggest cancer study of its kind show that Britain and Ireland have below average survival rates for nine out of 10 common cancers.

The prospects for women with ovarian cancer were particularly bleak, with five-year survival rates lower even than those in relatively poor countries in Eastern Europe.

One cancer charity called the results "depressing" and the NHS has conceded there is much more work to do.

The Eurocare-5 study tracked the outcomes of more than nine million adults and children in 29 countries, who were diagnosed with cancer between 2000 and 2007

The prospects for women with ovarian cancer are particularly bleak

Results published in The Lancet medical journal show that across Europe cancer survival is improving, but there are still big variations.

Women with ovarian cancer have a 31% chance of surviving another five years if they live in Britain or Ireland. In Sweden the figure is 44.1%. And even in Bulgaria 33.4% of women survive five years.

Survival for lung and stomach cancers are also markedly worse in Britain and Ireland.

Just 9% of patients with lung cancer survive five years, with only Bulgarian patients faring worse.

And 17.2% of patients with stomach cancer survive five years, far fewer than the European average of 25.1%.

Only patients with skin melanoma in Britain and Ireland do better than average, with 85.6% still alive five years after diagnosis.

The researchers blamed delayed diagnosis, underuse of potentially successful treatments and "poor or unequal access" to treatment for the poor survival in Britain and Ireland.

Survival for lung and stomach cancers are also markedly worse

Ciaran Devane, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "This is truly depressing. 

"One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime so this is a big deal and has to be a wake-up call for the NHS.

"There is no reason why the UK should lag behind the rest of Europe when it comes to either certain cancers or survival rates for older cancer patients."

Public Health England has started a Be Clear On Cancer campaign, to raise public awareness of the early signs and symptoms of the disease.

Di Riley, the head of PHE's National Cancer Intelligence Network, said the elderly, in particular, need to be encouraged to go to their GP if they notice suspicious symptoms.

"The recently introduced bowel cancer screening programme should also improve survival from colon cancer, and reduce the number of emergency presentations of elderly people with bowel cancer, particularly as we are now screening people to their mid-70s.

"PHE is also doing a trial of extending breast screening for women in their 70s which should go some way to addressing the poorer survival of older women with breast cancer."

Sean Duffy, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said: "Our one-year survival figures show that for (lung and melanoma skin cancers) we are now approaching the outcomes of other countries where survival has historically been significantly better than in England.

"However, we want the best outcomes for all cancer patients and we know that we need to build on the improvements that have been made and do much more."

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Autumn Statement: Longer Wait For Pensions

By Sophy Ridge, Political Correspondent

People will have to work until they are 68 years old before receiving a state pension from the mid 2030s, in a move that will raise around £400bn for the Treasury.

Chancellor George Osborne will also announce the age will rise to 69 in the 2040s in his Autumn Statement.

The changes will affect people currently aged 49 or younger.

A Government source said: "This is part of the Government's long-term plan to secure a responsible recovery.

"It is a difficult decision to make sure there is a fair deal across future generations and that the country can live within its means.

"It will help make sure the country can offer people decent pensions in their old age in a way that with increasing life expectancy the country can also afford."

Currently the state pension age is due to rise to 68 from 2046 and to 69 in the late 2040s.

The news - released by the Treasury ahead of the Autumn Statement - is intended to show the Government is determined to keep making tough decisions to drive down the deficit despite improving economic figures.

Most government departments also face a 1% cut in their budgets for the next three years, which will save £1bn a year.

Health, schools, international aid, local government, HMRC and the security services will be exempt because their budgets are protected.

In an interview with Sky News, Prime Minister David Cameron said: "The truth is you're not really delivering a higher level of standards and actions on the cost of living unless you secure a long-term growth and success of the British economy.

"From that everything else will follow.

"But should we at the same time try to help families with their budgets? Yes of course we should."

The Autumn Statement's good news is likely to be focused around the cost of living, to counter Ed Miliband's pledge to freeze energy bills for 20 months.

Labour argues most people are not benefiting from the improving economy because of rising prices and stagnating wages.

The Chancellor will also announce a £50 cut in the average energy bill and free school meals for every child under seven years old.

Firms will see a business rates capped at 2%, while the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander has confirmed £375bn of planned public and private investment in infrastructure.

For the first time since becoming Chancellor, Mr Osborne is expected to announce more positive economic figures to show growth is returning.

:: Watch live coverage of the Autumn Statement throughout Thursday on Sky News on Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 82, Skynews.com and Sky News for iPad.

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British Armed Forces 'Could Be Run By A Woman'

By Alistair Bunkall, Defence Correspondent

The British Armed Forces could be run by a woman one day, the nation's most senior female military officer has suggested.

In her first interview since being promoted, Air Vice-Marshal Elaine West told Sky News that the military is modernising to mirror society and insisted that the UK is not out of date by preventing women from fighting on the front line.

She said: "I wouldn't say we are. It might not be absolutely everything but we are making progress and we are reflecting what is going on in society.

"We've had fast jet female pilots for a number of years going back to the nineties. We have people in Afghanistan at the moment who are there both in the medical profession, but also aircraft mechanics who are flying.

"We've got females now who are flying Apaches. We're about to have females coming through to go on submarines on active service. So this is truly an evolving situation."

However, despite more jobs being available to females, only 67% of jobs in the Army are open to women, although the RAF (96%) and Navy (71%) are more inclusive.

Air Vice-Marshal West's promotion was announced in August

The Armed Forces are exempt from the Sex Discrimination Act which is why they are able to restrict women from serving on the frontline.

Asked if she could foresee a day when a woman is appointed Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Vice-Marshal West believed it possible.

She said: "Why not, why not? You wouldn't rule anything out would you? We're evolving with the rest of society, we're no different to outside industry and there are opportunities."

Air Vice-Marshal West's appointment as the country's first two-star ranked woman was announced in August.

She is now responsible for projects involving the Ministry of Defence's infrastructure estate, from accommodation buildings to runways and dockyards.

Since joining the RAF 35 years ago as an Aircraftwoman, the lowest rank, she has served in a variety of jobs around the world.

The women's war memorial is just north of the Cenotaph on Whitehall

Her husband was formerly a Navigator in RAF fast jets but has since left the service.

The couple have one son and Air Vice-Marshal West does not accept the idea that a woman must make a decision between a family or a career in the military.

She said: "There are girls I know at the moment, colleagues, who have more than one child, who juggle a huge amount more than I do.

"Yes I had one child, but it is all about work-life balance.

"I think the armed services can provide that. It's challenging, there are occasions when maybe I don't quite get it right. But you know it works and it can work."

Women are still a minority group in the British military. The latest diversity report published in October shows that females make up 9.8% of the regular forces.

Air Vice-Marshal West spoke to Sky's Alistair Bunkall

There are 8,340 women in the Army, 3,010 in the Navy and 4,950 in the RAF, the largest proportion of all three services.

But Air Vice-Marshal West said she had never worried about a glass ceiling for women in the military.

She said: "I've never worried about it. If there has, gosh, I've never truly thought about it. I think it is fair to say that people in the military are promoted on merit and that's really important.

"I don't know anybody, certainly colleagues of mine, female colleagues of mine, that would wish to be promoted ahead of the pack without being promoted on merit. It's really important with that merit goes credibility."

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Soldier Held After Nail Bomb Found At A House

A 19-year-old soldier has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences after a nail bomb was found at a house.

The man was detained at an army base in Paderborn, Germany, following the discovery of the suspicious device at a terraced house in Salford.

It is understood the soldier was detained by the Royal Military Police on suspicion of the unlawful possession of explosives, firearms and ammunition.

He was flown to the UK and questioned by detectives in Greater Manchester and has been released on bail until January pending further inquiries.

The nail bomb was discovered after a warrant was executed at an address on Mellor Street in Patricroft on November 28 at 1.30pm.

The nail bomb was found at an address in the Patricroft area of Salford

Residents were evacuated to a local school as army bomb disposal officers were called to safely remove the device from the property.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of abusive images.

Police revealed they recovered "several items of literature which could be viewed by some as potentially inflammatory".

These are understood to be extreme right-wing leaflets, according to Sky sources.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said the soldier was arrested on Monday night on suspicion of Section 57 of the Terrorism Act.

On the discovery of the nail bomb, he added: "During a search of the property on Mellor Street, a suspicious device was found.

"A cordon was put in place and a number of residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

"Specialist officers assessed the device and were later able to confirm it was no longer a threat to the community."

The Royal Military Police are said to be working closely with Greater Manchester Police as part of the investigation.

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Manhunt After Police Officer Shot In Leeds

Police are hunting a 37-year-old man after a woman police officer was shot and injured in Leeds.

West Yorkshire Police have appealed to the public to help them trace James Leslie in connection with the shooting which took place shortly after 4am in Cardigan Road in the city's Hyde Park district.

The force said two uniformed officers attended a "routine call" to a disturbance and were confronted by a man at the address who fired at them.

A police spokesman said: "One female officer received serious but non life threatening injuries.

"A male officer was uninjured. The female officer is currently undergoing treatment in hospital."

The force issued a photograph of Leslie, who lives in Cardigan Road, and warned the public not to approach him.

Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Dodd said: "West Yorkshire Police are appealing to Mr Leslie to hand himself in as soon as possible.

"The police are actively seeking Mr Leslie and the public should be reassured that every effort is being made to safely locate him. Additional patrols will be seen in the area.

"The public should not approach Mr Leslie but ring 999, if they see him or know where he may be."

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Households Raid Savings At Record Rate

By Ed Conway, Economics Editor

Households are pulling money out of their savings accounts at the fastest rate in modern record, according to Bank of England figures.

In the past year, families have withdrawn £23bn from their long-term savings accounts to convert into cash and put into current accounts - the equivalent of around £900 for every household in the country.

It is the most dramatic evidence yet that Britons are paying for the rising cost of living by raiding their savings accounts.

Analysis of the Bank's figures by Sky News shows that in the year to October, the amount of cash in time deposits and cash ISAs fell by 4.7%, while the amount families have in their instant access current accounts or in their pockets rose by 11.2% - some £71bn.

According to economists, the shift of cash is the biggest since comparable records began in the 1970s, and reverses much of the sharp increase in saving that happened at the height of the recession.

On Thursday, the Chancellor's Autumn Statement is expected to focus on measures to help households deal with the rising cost of living, including energy bills.

Since the recent recession began, millions of workers have suffered repeated effective pay cuts as inflation has outstripped pay rises.

As well as paying for household bills, economists also believe that people's use of savings may have contributed to recent economic growth.

The news comes amid growing evidence that consumers' appetite for spending is on the rise in the run-up to Christmas.

Consumer spending was one of the main contributors to the sharp rise in gross domestic product in the third quarter, and a further strong increase is implied by the Bank's money figures.

But while the figures suggest that the economy is strengthening, they will also be taken as further evidence that savers are being deterred from putting money aside by record low interest rates.

According to new figures from the Bank, the average interest rate on long-term savings accounts has now dropped to 2.4% - the lowest level since comparable records began in 1999.

Some also suspect that with households still facing a significant squeeze as a result of higher living costs, many are having to dig into their savings in order to afford day-to-day items.

Simon Ward, chief economist at Henderson Global Investors, pointed out that on top of the £900-per-household shift of cash out of long-term savings, families have also put £21bn - a further £800 per household - which might normally have gone into savings accounts into their spending money.

"Consumer strength usually reflects increased borrowing but this hasn't been the key factor recently," he said.

"Instead, households have been running down their savings accounts balances, probably in reaction to the pathetic interest rates now on offer.

"Increased spending is lifting growth and incomes, and money is flowing back to other households, in a virtuous circle."

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Man Arrested For Shining Laser At Helicopter

A 46-year-old man has been detained by officers after shining a laser directly at a Metropolitan Police helicopter.

The crew of the helicopter used onboard video equipment to trace the source of the laser, after it was used while the aircraft was near Orpington, southeast London, at 12.40am on Tuesday.

Officers on the ground were directed to the St Paul's Cray area of the town, where the man was arrested.

A laser pen was also recovered at the scene.

The man was taken to a south London police station where he admitted the offence.

He was given a police caution for endangering the safety of an aircraft.

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RBS And NatWest Cyber Monday Meltdown 'Over'

RBS and NatWest have promised further investment in their technical systems after the latest glitch which left customers unable to access their cash across the UK.

Thousands of people vented their anger on Twitter after all the high street banks' systems went down on one of the busiest shopping days of the year, Cyber Monday, for three hours from 6.30pm.

As well as bank cards, there were problems with RBS and NatWest's websites and smartphone apps.

RBS - which owns NatWest - issued a statement on Tuesday morning via the social network saying: "The systems issues that affected our customers last night have now been resolved and all of our services are now back working normally."

The banking group did not believe the IT problems were related to high transaction volumes on Cyber Monday but was unable to give an explanation for the failure in its computer systems following a number of high profile outages in recent years.

It had earlier said on Monday night: "We are very sorry for the system issues that affected our customers this evening. Our customers are reporting that services are coming back on line.

Complaints piled up on Twitter as customers could not access cash

"If customers have been left out of pocket as a result of these system problems, we will put this right.

"If any customer is unable to resolve an issue caused by the disruption, they should get in touch with our call centres or come into a branch in the morning where our staff will be ready to help."

The group said Ulster Bank, which is also owned by RBS, was "partly affected" while several customers in Ireland reported problems.

Reports started to emerge of bank cards being refused at around 6.30pm on Monday.

RBS' apology, along with an earlier tweet about mobile banking problems

One customer from Canterbury, Kent, tweeted: "Natwest down again. Looked like a melt in Londis when my card got declined for milk and tuna."

Josh Barlow, a Sheffield Hallam journalism student, wrote: "This is happening every month if not more and it's getting ridiculous."

RBS and NatWest came under fire in March after a "hardware fault" meant customers were unable to use their online accounts or withdraw cash for several hours.

A major computer issue in June last year saw payments go awry, wages appear to go missing and home purchases and holidays interrupted for several weeks, costing the group £175m in compensation.

The latest meltdown will heap more embarrassment on the banks because it came on so-called Cyber Monday, when retailers are hoping for their busiest day of the year as pre-Christmas shoppers search the internet for bargains.

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Energy Bills: Govt Gives £50 Savings Breakdown

The Government says it has outlined how it will cut household energy bills by £50 - as Ed Miliband prepares to dismiss the plan as "smoke and mirrors".

The Labour leader will insist in a speech today that the "cosy deal" reached with the 'big six' power firms will still see bills going up this winter, saying ministers do not "get" the cost-of-living crisis.

Chancellor George Osborne will announce full details of how the Government will achieve its pledge of reducing energy bills by £50 a year in his Autumn Statement on Thursday.

But a breakdown has been released in advance of that speech, which says £12 of the figure will come in the form of a government rebate.

A reduction of between £30 and £35 will be achieved through cutting green levies, ministers say, while voluntary action by energy companies to cut network costs will mean a one-off £5 saving.

Mr Miliband wants a 'real price freeze'

Some of the large energy companies released statements in the wake of the Government's announcement, detailing how they would contribute to savings.

The energy issue has dominated the political agenda since Mr Miliband promised to freeze prices for 20 months if he wins the next general election.

Mr Miliband is due to launch his attack when addressing staff at the VW National Training Centre in Milton Keynes.

"A lot of people think that David Cameron and George Osborne are trying to catch up with One Nation Labour on the cost-of-living crisis: from pay-day lending to energy bills," he will say.

"But the truth is they are struggling to catch up with the British people who live at the sharp end of an economy where the link between the wealth of our nation and family finances has been broken. That is the cost-of-living crisis that is happening in our country today."

Mr Miliband will say the Autumn Statement should feature "a real price freeze and action to reset the market to stop them overcharging again in the future".

Mr Osborne will reveal the full details of the plan on Thursday

He will add: "It's right that the debate in Britain is now about the cost-of-living crisis. Political leaders need to understand the new challenges our country faces. That is the test of this Government this week. All the signs are that they simply don't get it."

But Mr Osborne has insisted that families will benefit from the plan.

He told BBC's Andrew Marr Show: "There is going to be an average of £50 off people's bills. We are absolutely insistent that this is going to be brought in."

Mr Cameron and Nick Clegg confirmed on Sunday the plan to reduce the burden on consumers by cutting the green taxes, which add £112 to each bill.

The cost of the Energy Company Obligation Scheme, which funds energy efficiency measures for low-income households and makes up the vast majority of the environmental levies, will be halved under the plan.

Around £12 of the £50 savings to bills will come from a reworking of the Warm Home Discount in a £300m deal. The remainder will come by switching the funding for energy measures to general taxation.

A £1,000 grant for energy efficiency measures for anyone buying a new home, which will be funded by a fresh crackdown on tax avoiders, will be included in the plan.

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Glasgow Helicopter Crash: Ninth Body Found

Police say another body has been found inside the Clutha pub in Glasgow where a police helicopter crashed, bringing the total number of victims to nine.

They have also identified a fifth person who died as Samuel   McGhee, 56, from Glasgow.

Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick said: "We can now confirm that Samuel McGhee died during the incident on Friday. Our thoughts are with his family and friends tonight as they are with all those affected by this tragedy.

"Sadly I can also confirm the discovery of a further body within the site. This takes to nine the total number of people who died on Friday night.

Rescue workers are preparing to remove the wreckage of the aircraft

"Our absolute priority has been to locate the bodies of people who were within the pub at the time of the incident and recover them safely. This process takes time, as formal identification procedures have to take place before we can notify relatives and publicly confirm identities.

"We are doing all we can to support the families of those who have lost loved ones. It is essential that we maintain sensitivity and dignity for the families of the deceased."

She added: "This remains an ongoing investigation and search focused on the Clutha Vaults pub. The site is extremely challenging and the efforts of colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and investigators have been painstaking."

The other named victims include PC Kirsty Nelis, 36, PC Tony Collins, 43, and civilian pilot David Traill, 51, who were killed when their aircraft smashed through the roof of the pub in Stockwell Street.

Emergency services at the scene

Gary Arthur, 48, from Paisley, was among the six people who died inside the pub when the ceiling caved in.

The four other victims have not yet been identified. Police have warned that more bodies could be recovered from the wreckage.

Mr Arthur's daughter, Celtic and Scottish women's footballer Chloe Arthur, 18, paid tribute to him on Twitter, writing: "You'll always mean the world to me. I promise to do you proud. I love you with all my heart."

Many of PC Nelis' friends have changed their Facebook profile pictures to a black square cut across by a thin blue line in her memory.

Friends have paid tribute to PC Kirsty Nelis

Andrina Romano said: "For my beautiful friend Kirsty and all others involved. You will never be forgotten and I will miss you every day. Rip."

Today, Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael will visit the city to meet emergency service personnel before signing the book of condolence at Glasgow City Chambers.

On Sunday, a service for the victims was held at Glasgow Cathedral, with Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon among those attending.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have sent their "most heartfelt thoughts and sympathy to the families of those who were lost or injured in Friday's truly shocking helicopter accident in Glasgow".

A special service was held at Glasgow Cathedral

The Clutha had been packed with more than 100 people watching a ska band when the crash happened at 10.25pm on Friday.

Twelve people remain seriously injured in three Glasgow hospitals.

A total of 32 were admitted and 20 of them have been discharged. The wounded suffered mostly chest, spinal and head injuries as well as fractures and lacerations.

The cause of the crash is being investigated by the police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

Police Scotland Chief Constable Sir Stephen House said: "Until the helicopter is completely removed from the scene and the right people are in the premises and are able to look through the rubble completely and start to clear it, we cannot say about exact numbers.

The mangled wreckage of the helicopter remains embedded in the building

"No one will be putting pressure on them in terms of time but things are proceeding, we are making progress and I know that people want to be reassured of that.

"It may appear that it's not going as fast as people want. The answer is it's painstaking and it's important that everything there is treated with the courtesy and respect it deserves."

The Eurocopter EC135 Type 2 helicopter involved in the crash was one of many that underwent safety checks as a precaution last year, it has emerged.

Police said the aircraft was tested on the advice of its operator Bond Air Services last May after reports of cracks on the machines.

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Energy Firms Reveal New Price Promises

Several of the 'Big Six' energy providers have announced changes to their energy prices, on the day the Government said it would take action to reduce the cost to consumers.

'Big Six' energy provider npower, which recently raised its customer bills by more than 10%, has announced a decision to put a freeze on any more hikes until 2015.

British Gas subsequently announced it would drop prices in 2014. Its announcement was then followed by rival SSE.

The Government has designed a fund that would give a rebate to electricity customers.

Npower chief executive Paul Massara said: "We welcome today's announcement as an Important step in cutting energy costs for our domestic customers. As a result of this announcement we will reduce our bills.

"We are currently calculating how large this reduction will be, and can assure our customers that it will fully reflect the reduction in the costs to our business."

But the promise comes with a caveat - over the cost the company pays for energy sourcing and distribution.

Mr Massara said: "We don't plan to increase energy prices before Spring 2015, unless there are increases in wholesale energy costs or network charges."

Meanwhile, British Gas said its reduction in household gas and electricity prices would start on January 1.

It said the average reduction would be 3.2%, which is equivalent to £41 on average off the annual dual fuel bill.

With the additional £12 customer rebate for the Government's Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme, the annual saving would be £53 to the average dual fuel customer.

Today's announcement by British Gas means a part reversal of its averaged 9.2% price increase, which was announced on October 17.

In a statement, SSE said: "On the basis of today's announcement and the planned consultation, SSE plans to reduce its household energy prices before the end of its financial year.

"The overall impact of the proposed changes, including the rebate which is expected to apply in Autumn 2014, should lead to a typical dual fuel customer benefiting by around 4%.

"This should equate to a saving of around £50 for a typical dual fuel customer"

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