Childcare: Clegg Resists Nursery Ratio Shake-Up

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'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.

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 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."

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

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.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Pool Of Offenders' In Music School Abuse

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.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

"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 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.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

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

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Queen To Miss Commonwealth Heads' Meeting

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.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

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." 

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Girl, 12, Raped In Play Park Sex Attack

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.

16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More