Weather: Snow Storm Brings M6 To Standstill

Hundreds of drivers spent up to eight hours trapped in their vehicles on the M6 in Lancashire after heavy snow brought the motorway to a standstill.

The motorway became blocked in both directions between junctions 25 and 27, near Wigan, last night after vehicles became stuck in more than a foot of snow and some drivers abandoned their cars.

Many drivers were affected along the stretch between Wigan and Standish after struggling to make it up inclines in the treacherous conditions, while a number of accidents including jack-knifed lorries also blocked lanes.

Mountain rescue teams were brought in to help police and the Highways Agency clear roads and assist those who were stranded.

The M6 gridlock. Pic Kevin Collister

One man had to be taken to hospital after becoming ill in his car while it was stuck.

And some of the stranded drivers passed the time with snowball fights and building snowmen.

The M6, as well as the M56 and M58 which were also blocked, are now all moving again but remain heavily congested with long tailbacks, Lancashire Police said.

Motorists contacted Sky News overnight to share their tales of woe.

Kevin Collister, stuck on the motorway just past the M58 junction heading northbound, said: "There is absolutely no movement whatsoever on my side of the carriageway, all the snow is squashed down into ice and there are wagons trying to move and sliding sideways.

Some M6 motorists made the most of the snow. Pic Ashley Pinches

"It's an absolute nightmare, we've been here for three hours so far. A few people are saying we might be here for the night but we're just hoping we can get through."

Conservative MP David Morris, stuck on the southbound carriageway, said: "We've ground to a halt on both sides. Nothing is really moving.

"But the emergency services have been fantastic and are doing the best for us, and everyone is in good spirits.

"I've just seen a snowball fight and the man next door to me has built a snowman on top of his car roof ... it's very surreal."

Barry Pinches, on his way to Blackpool, told Sky News: "At one stage we didn't think we would make it but it looks like things are moving slowly now. We saw some snow ploughs on the southbound carriageway but there doesn't seem to be too many of them - they have their work cut out."

Pete Martin, from the Highways Agency, confirmed to Sky News that the carriageways had been gritted before the snow came down.

The M6 was blocked both ways in Lancashire

"We had an extremely intense fall of snow across Lancashire between 8.30pm and midnight and basically there wasn't enough traffic to keep the lanes moving," he said.

"A number of HGVs lost traction between junctions 25 and 27 and once they blocked the carriageway the snow stacked up and the result was a number of stranded vehicles."

The agency worked throughout the night to clear the routes with snow ploughs. It is urging those who had abandoned their cars to return to them as soon as possible.

A spokesman said: "With the rain falling and ice melting onto very cold road surfaces, we are now warning drivers of the danger of ice."

Hazardous driving conditions led to collisions and delays on many routes across the north of England, including the M18, M60, M65, M56 and M58.

Meanwhile, all flights have been suspended at Leeds Bradford International Airport this morning as a fresh blanket of snow covered most of the Yorkshire region.

North Yorkshire Fire Service said a couple had to be rescued from a snow drift on the North York Moors last night.

North Yorkshire Police said some main roads were blocked by snow and abandoned vehicles including the A59 between Harrogate and Skipton and the B6265 at Rylstone.

The Met Office has ice warnings in place across the UK, urging drivers and pedestrians to take care.

Hazardous conditions on the M61. Pic AA Special Operations

Weather experts have warned of the risk of flooding this weekend, as heavy rain moves in and rising temperatures spark a rapid thaw of the built-up snow and ice.

In southwest Wales, emergency services are already responding to a rise in calls as roads and properties become flooded.

There are also reports of flooding on the M5 between junction 25 for Taunton and junction 26.

The Environment Agency has about 15 flood warnings in place, mostly in the southwest, and around 80 less serious flood alerts.

Temperatures will steadily rise from tomorrow to an average of 4C before reaching more than 10C in the south on Sunday followed by wet and windy weather next week.

The severe weather over the past week has hit working hours, according to a survey of more than 2,000 workers by Green Flag Breakdown.

The motoring organisation said one in five people had been too afraid to drive because of the icy and snowy conditions, and a further 5% tried to take to the road but had to turn back.

The snow-blanketed racecourse in Bath

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Enda Kenny Condemns 'Outrageous' Garda Murder

Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny has described the fatal shooting of a Garda detective during a botched hold-up as "cold blooded violence".

Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was with a colleague escorting a cash delivery to a credit union in Dundalk, County Louth, when he was killed.

Several shots were fired during the attack at the Lordship Credit Union, on the Cooley Road in the town at around 9.30pm.

Mr Kenny said: "This was an outrageous act of cold blooded violence that has left a family without a husband and father and the Garda Siochana without a brave and valued member.

"On behalf of the Government and of the people I would like to express my condolences to Adrian's wife and children and to all his extended family at this unbearably sad time."

It is believed the force is now hunting four men in a grey Volkswagen Passat which fled the scene.

Sky's Ireland correspondent David Blevins said: "There is a very significant security operation under way with the Garda helicopter hovering overhead.

"The Irish police have set up checkpoints on the southern side of the Irish border and the Police Service of Northern Ireland have checkpoints on the northern side of the Irish border."

The officer, who was based at Dundalk Garda station, was fatally injured in the shooting.

Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of my colleague Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe.

"Detective Garda Donohoe died as a result of injuries sustained in the course of his duty following a shooting incident in Dundalk.

"At this time my thoughts and prayers and those of the entire force are with the family, friends and close colleagues of Adrian."

Det Donohoe is understood to leave behind three children. He lived in the Lordship area, half a mile from the credit union where he was killed.

Local councillor Jim Loughran described him as a quiet, decent family man.

"I just spoke to him last week on the street in town. I can't believe this has happened," he said.

The Sinn Fein councillor, who knew the detective through their local GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) club St Patrick's, also condemned those responsible for the shooting.

"This was not just an attack on a Garda detective, it was an attack on the whole community," he said.

It is believed staff at the credit union were locking up when the shooting occurred.

Gardai have appealed for witnesses to contact them at Dundalk Garda Station on 042-9388400.

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Eight Dead After Rioters Sentenced To Death

Eight people have died in clashes after a court sentenced 21 men to death for their part in football violence in 2012 which left 74 people dead.

As the verdict was read out in court and broadcast live on Egyptian television, families of those who were killed during the match, who were in the public gallery, wailed in disbelief and relief and shouted "God is great!"

Relatives and protesters of those sentenced reportedly attempted to storm the prison where the defendants are being held leading to fierce clashes which left eight people dead, including two policemen.

Disbelief: Families of fans killed shouted 'God is great' after the verdict

Meanwhile, some residents in Port Said, where the match was played, were angry that people from their city were being held responsible for the disaster, and many rampaged through the streets and attempted to storm a police station.

Automatic weapons were used against police who responded with tear gas, according to witnesses and troops are being sent to Port Said, a senior army officer said.

"It has been decided to deploy some units to work for calm and stability and the protection of public establishments," General Ahmed Wasfi said in a statement.

Mothers of those who died join football fans in a march for justice

Shops closed and armoured personnel vehicles were deployed as fighting raged in some streets around the prison.

In Cairo, both inside and outside court, there were explosions of joy. Relatives hugged and shouted "God is great".

One man who lost his son in the Port Said clashes wept outside the court and said he was satisfied with the verdict.

Another, Hassan Mustafa, had pinned a picture of his dead friend to his chest and said he was pleased with the verdict, but wanted "justice served for those who planned the killing."

People react after hearing the verdict

In February 2012 more than 70 people were killed in Port Said during clashes between fans of home side Al Masry and diehard supporters of Cairo's Al Ahly, known as 'Ultras'.

Doctors treating the victims said some had been stabbed to death. One player caught up in the rioting described it as "a war".

Witnesses said most of the deaths involved people who had been trampled in the crush of panicked crowds, or who fell from terraces.

After the violence, deputy health minister Hesham Sheiha told state television: "This is unfortunate and deeply saddening. It is the biggest disaster in Egypt's soccer history."

Among those on trial are nine security officials. The riot was the world's deadliest soccer violence in 15 years

Some of the defendants accused of involvement in the violence

The judge said in his statement read live on state TV that he would announce the verdict for the remaining 52 defendants on March 9..

As is customary in Egypt, the death sentences will be sent to religious authority, the Grand Mufti, for approval.

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Snow Alert: Blizzards As Cold Weather Ends

A final snowfall will sweep across the country dumping as much as 20cm (8ins) in some places before Britain escapes the grip of the cold snap.

The last flurries will come ahead of the big thaw which is due over the weekend and will bring with it the threat of flooding.

As temperatures rise, heavy rain is expected and will increase the flood risk, bringing more misery to those dealing with the aftermath of last month's heavy rains.

There are warnings that up to 20cm (8ins) could fall in some places

Joanna Robinson, Sky News Weather Producer, warned that the cold snap's last gasp would see heavy snow and blizzards moving slowly eastwards across the country today, reaching the far east of England after dark.

She said: "Scotland and northern England can expect 5-10cm (2-4ins), with 20cm (8ins) possible over the hills. The Midlands and East Anglia will see around 2-5cm."

She warned: "There will be drifting and blizzards in the strong wind."

Temperatures are expected to rise to an average of 4C before reaching more than 10C in the south on Sunday.

The Met Office has 12 amber warnings in place from the Midlands up to central England, urging the public to be prepared for likely disruption caused by the heavy snow.

Gritters continue to work to keep the roads clear

There are also a number of yellow warnings in Wales, southwest England and London and the South East.

The number of deaths during the cold snap, which is now into its second week, is now in double figures.

The latest victim was a 42-year-old man who died after his car careered into a river as he was driving his daughter on the school run along a bridle path near the Monsal Trail, north of the A6 in Derbyshire.

Some have been making the most of the bad weather

Other casualties of the cold spell include postman John Bircham, 57, who collapsed soon after he was towed out of a snowdrift in Dulverton, Somerset, on Saturday, and Bernadette Lee, 25, who was found collapsed in the snow in Deal, Kent, on Sunday following a night out.

The Environment Agency has warned of the risk of flooding.

The agency's flood risk manager, Phil Rothwell, said: "A combination of rain and snow melt over the weekend will increase the risk of flooding, especially in south west England, Wales, the West Midlands and northern England.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and have teams ready to respond to any potential flooding."

People are prepared as the cold spelll stretches in to its second week

Darron Burness, of the AA, said the current cold spell would go out with a bang today.

He said: "It's difficult for forecasters to know the extent of the snowfall, so check the local weather and traffic reports before heading out and be prepared for possible disruption.

"Take extra care, particularly on higher ground, and allow extra time for your journey."

The severe weather has caused widespread disruption over the past week, including hundreds of flights cancelled and schools closed.

At one stage 30 people had to spend the night in a shelter after becoming stranded when the A39 between Bridgwater and Williton in Somerset became impassable in the early hours of Wednesday.

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

UK GDP Falls By 0.3% In Last Quarter

The UK's national output has fallen by 0.3% in the fourth quarter, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The contraction of gross domestic product (GDP), which was worse than most forecasts, compared to a 0.9% rise in the previous three months.

Britain now appears closer to its third recession in four years, or the so-called triple-dip recession.

GDP is seen as the broadest measure of a country's economic output, and the figure undergoes regular revision as more data reaches statisticians.

The ONS said GDP contracted partially on lower output from the North Sea resource producers and manufacturers.

Mining and quarrying also suffered its biggest fall in output since records began in 1997.

Quarries supply a range of other sectors including construction, railways and road-building - including pothole repairing.

The ONS also said it was the biggest contraction in Government and other services sector since the second quarter of 2008.

The figure now raises more concerns over the economic policy of the coalition Government.

On Thursday it defended its austerity programme against criticism from the International Monetary Fund's chief economist.

The economy is now 3.3% smaller than its peak in Q1 2008, recovering only about half the output lost during the financial crisis - a worse performance than other major economies.

The disruption to North Sea oil and gas fields was partially attributed to a maintenance programme which saw the shut down of certain key pumping infrastructure.

This knocked 0.18% off GDP, while slightly smaller amounts of damage were done by a fall in factory output and in the 'Government and other services' category.

In the third quarter this sector was boosted by the London Olympics effect on sports and recreation services.

At the start of 2013 one-off factors, such as January's snow, may seal the fate of an economy on a knife-edge between growth and contraction, with major retailer John Lewis already warning that snow had hit sales growth.

Some experts believe the country can still avoid the feared return of recession.

Experts on the Sky News Money Panel had mixed feelings on the results and risk of triple-dip, ahead of the results.

Ross Walker, UK economist at RBS Global Banking & Markets, said: "I think a formal triple-dip will be narrowly avoided.

"The early signs of chaos around the January snow fall threatened to tilt the balance of risks the other way but, anecdotally, the disruption to the wider economy does not seem as bad as initially feared."

James Daley, money editor at Which?, added: It's quite possible that Britain is heading for a triple dip recession - though I think the importance of this could be overplayed.

"The economy has effectively been flatlining for almost four years now - with the odd quarter or two of growth quickly offset by a few quarters of contraction.

"Sadly, there are still no greenshoots of recovery, and with many of the public sector cuts still working their way through, 2013 looks set to be another tough year for consumers."

Asked how the retail sector could be improved, Louise George from Peter Popple's Popcorn, said: "(The Government) could offer more funding and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

"So that they are able to grow their businesses and are able to offer lower prices to consumers through economies of scales of having more cashflow."

Anthony Thomson, the founder and former chairman of Metro bank also warned of the disparity between SMEs and and large firms.

"We continue to be a two-speed economy in the business sector. Small businesses are still keeping their heads down and hoarding cash," Mr Thomson said.

"There is credit available for them if they want it but they are being very cautious. Big businesses are using the incredibly low interest rate environment to tap the bond market, bypassing traditional bank lending."

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Newcastle Utd Striker Arrested For Rape

Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger has been arrested on suspicion of rape, sources said.

The 21-year-old Premier League footballer was held by Northumbria Police following an allegation made by a woman that she was attacked at a hotel in Jesmond, Newcastle between Wednesday and Thursday.

London-born Ranger, who lives in Forest Hall, North Tyneside, was still being questioned today.

A police spokeswoman said: "On Thursday January 24 a woman reported to police that she had been raped overnight at a hotel in Jesmond.

"A 21-year-old man has been arrested at an address in Forest Hall on suspicion of rape."

Ranger angered fans by criticising them for booing after Newcastle lost to Reading at the weekend.

A Newcastle United spokeswoman declined to comment.

More follows...

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Burger King Dumps Products Over Horsemeat Row

Burger King is dumping thousands of beefburgers from the supplier at the centre of the horsemeat scandal - despite insisting its food was not contaminated.

Staff have been ordered to box up Whoppers and Angus burgers and ensure they are not sold to customers.

The fast-food giant was bitten by the controversy last week after tests showed the Silvercrest meat processing plant in Ireland and another site in Yorkshire had supplied burgers with traces of equine DNA to supermarkets.

Several supermarkets took burgers off the shelves, but Burger King said last Thursday it would not be following suit.

By the weekend its restaurant managers were being ordered to remove all Silvercrest burgers.

Burger King has now said it is switching to a different supplier for its British and Irish restaurants as a "voluntary and precautionary measure".

Work was stopped at Silvercrest after new tests revealed contamination

The ABP Food Group, one of Europe's biggest suppliers and processors, stopped work at its Silvercrest plant in Co Monaghan after new tests last week revealed contamination in frozen burgers.

But ABP has insisted that meat for Burger King was stored and processed separately and there is no evidence that its burgers are affected.

Burger King said the withdrawal could lead to shortages of burgers in its restaurants.

It said: "We apologise to our guests for any inconvenience. However, we want to let them know that they can trust us to serve only the highest quality products.

"We take this matter seriously and will continue with our investigations to determine how this situation occurred and what lessons can be learned."

Ten million burgers have been removed from supermarkets across Ireland and the UK as a result of the scandal.

Tesco took out full-page adverts in a number of newspapers apologising for selling the contaminated beefburgers, and Aldi, Lidl and Iceland also withdrew burgers after they were found to contain horsemeat, which is safe to eat.

Sainsbury's, Asda and the Co-op later withdrew some frozen products but stressed that the move was "purely precautionary" and they had not been found to be selling contaminated food.

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cameron: We're Not Turning Our Back On Europe

David Cameron has defended his decision to table a referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union in a speech at the Davos summit.

The Prime Minister's address at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland focused on Britain's priorities during its presidency of the G8 and particularly tackled tax evasion and avoidance.

But despite his aides insisting he would not discuss his position on the EU, he dedicated a section of the speech to insisting that he was right to try and achieve a new settlement.

He insisted: "This is not about turning our backs on Europe. Quite the opposite. This is about how we make the case for a more competitive, more open and more flexible Europe and how we secure the UK's place in it."

Setting out his case for reform, Mr Cameron added: "It is not just right for the United Kingdom, it is necessary for Europe.

"Europe is being out-competed, out-invested, out-innovated and it is time we made the EU an engine for growth, not a cause of cost for businesses and complaint for its citizens."

At Davos, the Prime Minister is meeting with some European leaders face-to-face for the first time since his landmark announcement on EU policy on Wednesday.

More follows...

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man Arrested For 'Leaking Ian Brady Stories'

An ex-healthcare worker has been arrested over allegations he leaked stories about Ian Brady, according to Sky sources.

The 59-year-old man was held at around 6.30am at his home in the Knowlsey area on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, corruption and conspiracy to commit both those offences.

He is being questioned at a police station in Merseyside and his home is being searched.

The alleged offences took place while Moors killer Brady was a patient at Ashworth Hospital, a high security psychiatric hospital in Maghull, Merseyside.

The arrest, under the Metropolitan Police's Operation Elveden, is a result of information given to police by News Corporation's Management and Standards Committee.

It brings the number of people detained under the operation into alleged corrupt payments to public officials to 57.

More follows...

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Irish Nanny Charged Over Baby Death In US

An Irish nanny living illegally in America has been charged with violently assaulting a baby who later died.

Aisling McCarthy Brady, 34, from Quincy, Massachusetts, is alleged to have been the sole carer for the girl on January 14 - her first birthday - when she suffered injuries "consistent with abusive head trauma".

The baby, Rehma Sabir, died two days later in hospital after suffering brain damage.

She was also found to have multiple healing bone fractures.

Brady is currently being held on $500,000 (£316,000) bail after pleading not guilty to assault and battery on a child causing substantial bodily injury.

However, further charges are anticipated following the conclusion of the final report by the Chief Medical Examiner, the district attorney's office said on its website.

Brady could face further charges

Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone said: "This is an extremely troubling case where we allege the defendant violently assaulted a one-year-old child, causing a devastating head injury and broken bones.

"Children are our most vulnerable victims and where, as here, the offender has been entrusted with the care of a child who depends on them, the allegations are all the more egregious."

A statement on the District Attorney's website said: "It is alleged that on January 14, the child was in the care of the defendant, her nanny.

"Through their investigation, including interviews with witnesses, police determined that the defendant had sole custody of and contact with the child during the time that she sustained injuries consistent with abusive head trauma."

The hospital where Rehma was treated and later died

Rehma's injuries could have happened at any time, Brady's lawyer told the Associated Press.

Immigration authorities said Brady arrived from Ireland in 2002 with a permit to stay for 90 days.

A spokeswoman for Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said: "We are aware of the case and have been in contact with the family.

"We are ready to provide any consular assistance if it is needed."

Rehma's father reportedly comes from London and her mother from Karachi, Pakistan.

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Snow: Drivers Rescued After More Snow Falls

The fire brigade has warned people to stay off frozen ponds and lakes after a boy plunged through ice in the Midlands.

Fire crews use a raft to reach a boy who fell through the ice (Pic: WMFS)

More snow has fallen across some parts of the UK causing disruption to schools and travel networks and stranding motorists in their cars.

Up to 9cm fell overnight across parts of south and south-west England, the West Midlands and parts of Wales, but it has been generally light.

In Somerset, 30 people were forced to abandon their cars and spend the night in a shelter after heavy snow and fallen trees blocked the A39 between Bridgwater and Wilton.

Police rescued the stranded drivers in the early hours of the morning and took them to a local village hall where they spent the night.

Ablaze: a car fire on the B3212 at Dartmoor, Devon

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police said: "At 1am we became aware that about 30 people were stuck on a road that was impassable, primarily because of snow but also because of fallen trees.

"Officers from different districts in 4x4s were first on the scene to help and we asked the local fire station to open up and serve hot drinks and spoke with the council and identified a key holder for a nearby village hall.

"It was a group effort by the emergency services and a bit of community spirit."

Another driver had a lucky escape after his car caught fire on the B3212 at Dartmoor in Devon. Matthew Shipton, 21, was driving home from work when his engine suddenly burst into flames.

Driver Matthew Shipton was on his way home from work when the blaze started

Firefighters were called and put out the blaze.

Emergency services were called to Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield where a boy, believed to be 15, had apparently tried to walk on the frozen surface of a large pool of water.

After falling through he managed to escape the icy water and reach an island about 30m from the shore, but was suffering from the effects of the cold.

Fire crews from Sutton Coldfield, Erdington and Perry Barr were sent to the park, along with the police and ambulance service.

Children make their way through the ice to school in Princetown, Dartmoor

They were able to rescue the boy using an inflatable raft, and he was taken to hospital.

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "This incident is a very timely reminder about the need for us all to stay safe and sensible in these very cold weather conditions.

"As sturdy as it might look, there is no way of knowing the thickness of ice on pools, lakes and other waterways. Please stay off it, and make sure that any children you know are aware of the dangers.

Snow today is expected to be generally light

"People who put themselves at risk by venturing on to ice also endanger the lives of anyone who might have to rescue them.

"We're also urging dog owners to keep them on leads, so that they and their pets don't get into difficulties."

The icy weather has already caused problems across the country this week with hundreds of schools closed, dozens of flights cancelled and train networks disrupted.

It has also led to the deaths of at least nine people, including a man who is believed to have died after slipping on ice near his home in in Accrington, Lancashire after a night out.

Blizzard: People struggle across a car park in Shepton Mallet

Police said 54-year-old James Hurst fell over after he had been dropped off by taxi following an evening at a local pub on Saturday.

Neighbours saw his body lying near a doorstep at about 8am the next day. Police confirmed Mr Hurst suffered a head injury which they were treating as an accident.

Tributes were also paid yesterday to postman John Bircham, who collapsed as he approached the end of his deliveries in and around the Somerset down of Dulverton on Saturday.

It is understood that the 57-year-old father of two was towed out of a snowdrift by a farmer before collapsing soon afterwards.

Icy: Snow and ice covers Bradgate Park in Newtown, Leicestershire

A woman found dead in a garden early on Sunday is believed to have collapsed in the snow after a night out.

Bernadette Lee, 25, was discovered in the front garden of the house next to her sister's by a man walking his dog in Church Meadows, Deal, Kent, at 7.30am.

Kent Police are investigating the cause of death but there have been reports that she had no visible injuries and was found without a coat.

Temperatures are expected to become milder at the weekend; however melting snow coupled with rainfall could lead to flooding.

Snow is cleared by a farmer on a road near Auchterarder, Scotland

Sky's weather presenter, Joanna Robinson, said: "Ice, freezing fog and overnight severe frosts are the main hazards.

"The next spell of heavy, possibly disruptive, snow will be on Friday in the north and east, but it will be fairly short lived as it will turn milder over the weekend. Flooding will then be an issue.

In terms of snowfall today, there will be patchy outbreaks across the West Midlands, Wales and south-west England, but it will be much lighter than last night.

"Radar images suggest some heavier pulses moving into Somerset and east Devon now, perhaps giving another 2-5cm locally or 10cm over the hills.

Generally the snowfall should ease today but there may find some very local issues across the south-west."

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

David Cameron Promises 'In-Out' EU Referendum

Cameron And The EU: A Q&A

Updated: 10:18am UK, Wednesday 23 January 2013

By Nicola Boden, Sky News Online

David Cameron's speech on Britain's position in Europe is significant for his party and for the country. Here is an explainer.

Why has Cameron made this speech?

Mr Cameron's speech on Britain's position in Europe has been a long time coming.

He wanted to set out his views on the future role the UK should play in the European Union to try and settle rumblings in his own party and beyond.

The issue has become increasingly significant as the eurozone crisis developed and single currency members started pushing for closer integration in a bid to prevent a repeat of the crippling financial crisis.

This will require a new treaty, which could allow Britain to renegotiate its membership on a looser basis.

Mr Cameron wants to use this as a way of addressing growing calls for a referendum due to fears about the steady loss of sovereignty to Brussels.

Why was it delayed?

The speech was first planned months ago but put off until after Christmas.

It was initially planned for January 22 but then Downing Street were told this clashed with the anniversary of the signing of the Elysee Treaty between France and Germany and the timing would therefore play badly with these two key European allies.

January 21 was not an option because of Barack Obama's inauguration.

It was moved to January 18 and Amsterdam was fixed as the location, only for it to be delayed again because of the hostage crisis in Algeria.

Mr Cameron eventually chose to speak in London on Wednesday because it fits best with his schedule.

Why is it significant?

This speech has been billed as the most important foreign policy speech made by Mr Cameron since he first became Tory leader.

Europe is certainly becoming an increasingly pressing issue within the Tory party and nationally.

Senior ministers including Michael Gove have now openly talked about leaving the EU if powers cannot be brought back to Britain.

The Prime Minister hopes to settle the question with a clear strategy - the promise that he will work on a new settlement and hold an in-out referendum in the next parliament if he stays as PM.

Europe has long been a fault line in the Tory party and Mr Cameron is hoping that he can keep his party united as he increasingly focuses on winning the next general election.

It is also an opportunity to steal a march on Labour, whose leader Ed Miliband is very woolly about his own position, and the Lib Dems - led by renowned europhile Nick Clegg.

Furthermore, it could help stem the flow of support to UKIP, who advocate total withdrawal from the EU and have been surging in recent opinion polls.

What are Tory eurosceptics pushing for?

There are varying degrees of feeling on the Conservative benches but it has been suggested that a document drawn up by the "Fresh Start" group could become party policy.

This called for:

:: the repatriation of all social and employment law, such as the Working Time Directive;

:: an opt-out from all existing policing and criminal justice measures;

:: an emergency brake on any new legislation affecting financial services;

:: stopping the European Parliament moving between Brussels and Strasbourg.

What is David Cameron's position?

The Prime Minister wants to establish a "fresh settlement" with Brussels and then hold a referendum on it in 2018.

His plan would be to negotiate a looser relationship for Britain while allowing the single currency countries to forge stronger links, thus retaining the common market.

His speech was relatively broad but called for an end to the principle of "ever closer union", greater flexibility, accountability and competitiveness, a resolution to the eurozone crisis and a system that allows the return of powers from Brussels.

When pushed, he also signalled that the referendum pledge could be a red line if he is forced into a new coalition in 2015, insisting: "If I am prime minister, it will happen".

Downing Street seems confident the public would vote to stay in the EU if significant powers were returned to the UK.

Mr Cameron insists he wants Britain to remain in the EU but accepts that public support is "wafer thin" and that fundamental change is needed.

Is repatriation of powers realistic?

This is the million-pound question.

Other EU members are unlikely to take kindly to British attempts to pick and choose what it wants to sign up to.

There is a risk that they could call Mr Cameron's bluff and say that Britain should just leave if it no longer wants to play a proper part.

But the Prime Minister hopes that other countries will join his call for change, boosting his negotiating position. He has said he will act alone if not.

What about pro-Europeans?

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Business Secretary Vince Cable have both warned that tabling a referendum will encourage uncertainty and put off investors, costing much-needed jobs at a time of economic fragility.

Business chiefs including Sir Richard Branson also published a letter earlier this month, urging Mr Cameron not to jeopardise relations with Brussels by pushing for a "wholesale renegotiation" of British membership.

Meanwhile, the Obama administration has declared that it wants a "strong British voice in the EU" - a view repeated by Barack Obama on the phone to Mr Cameron last week.

Where do the other parties stand?

Both Labour and the Lib Dems are on tricky territory when it comes to Europe.

Labour leader Ed Miliband was tied in knots last week when asked to outline his position.

He has refused to back a referendum but also suggested he would not overturn the current "referendum lock" which means a vote would have to be held if any more powers are transferred.

He created further confusion by suggesting he too would try to repatriate some powers.

Nick Clegg has called Mr Cameron's plans to bring back powers from Brussels a "false promise wrapped in a Union Jack".

In their manifesto in 2010, the Lib Dems expressed their commitment to an in/out referendum the next time Britain has to sign up to a "fundamental change" in the UK-EU relationship.

But now the Lib Dem leader says holding referendum would be putting "the cart before the horse" because Europe is still reeling from the eurozone crisis.

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ecstasy: Police Warning After Third Death

By Nick Martin, North Of England Correspondent

Police in northwest England are warning drug users that a possible contaminated batch of ecstasy tablets could be on the streets.

It comes after two men died in Greater Manchester and another collapsed and died in Liverpool.

Up to six other people were admitted to hospital with symptoms including shaking, shivering and complaints of a fever.

Detective Chief Inspector Howard Millington from Wigan CID, talking about the men who died in Greater Manchester, said: "We are very concerned at how these deaths of two apparently fit young men have occurred.

"It is possible that they are linked and this is something we are exploring as part of the investigation.

"Our main concern is that there may be a contaminated quantity of illegal drugs and if this goes unchecked it could result in further deaths.

"If you are suffering adverse effects after taking one of these tablets I would advise you to go to hospital for a check up.

"I would always urge people not to take illegal drugs and remind them that you do not know what they have been made up with. They can contain poisons and illicit chemicals that can have potentially fatal effects."

The ecstasy tablets are said to be heart-shaped in purple, green, yellow and blue.

The men who died in Greater Manchester were 19-year-old Jordan Chambers, who was treated at the Royal Oldham Hospital on Sunday and 28-year-old Gareth Ashton, who died at Wigan Infirmary on Monday. Both had similar symptoms.

In Liverpool, a 26-year-old man collapsed and died in the early hours of Sunday. Merseyside Police say they believe it was drugs related.

A spokesman said: "Emergency services were called at about 3.30am to a guest house in Tuebrook to a report that a male guest was unwell and had collapsed. Paramedics attended and the 26-year-old was taken to hospital where he unfortunately died a short time later.

"Although the investigation is in the early stages it appears that the deceased man visited Liverpool on Saturday and is believed to have taken tablets, possibly ecstasy somewhere in the city."

Anyone with information has been urged to phone police on 0161 856 7149 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Defence Cuts: 5,300 Soldiers To Lose Jobs

By Alistair Bunkall, Defence Correspondent

More than 5,000 soldiers will be made redundant in the latest round of job cuts, the Government has announced.

The Army will bear the heaviest burden in this third wave of redundancies because the Navy and RAF have already completed most of their necessary cuts.

It was confirmed in a written ministerial statement that up to 5,300 soldiers will lose their jobs.

"Throughout the redundancy process, we will ensure that we retain the capabilities that our Armed Forces require in order to meet the challenges of the future," Defence Minister Mark Francois said.

Anyone serving in Afghanistan when the redundancy notices are issued on June 18 this year will be exempt from the cuts.

It will also not affect soldiers recovering from a recent tour of duty or those preparing to deploy within the next six months.

No-one will actually be made redundant immediately and the announcement marks the start of the process for the latest round of cuts. Final decisions will be made by June.

In the last round of cuts, 72% of redundancies ended up being voluntary. Military leaders and politicians are hoping for a similar outcome this time round.

Around 9,000 British personnel are deployed to Afghanistan

Anyone accepted for voluntary redundancy will be expected to work a six-month notice period and those selected for compulsory redundancy will have a full year to find alternative employment before leaving the service.

They will be given resettlement support.

By the end of the process, the Army will have shrunk to 82,000 soldiers, a reduction of around 20,000, mostly through a redundancy process but also achieved through slower recruitment.

A fourth round of cuts is expected but has not been confirmed. It is likely this would happen at around the same time next year.

The written statement said; "There is likely to be a need for a further tranche for Army personnel and medical and dental personnel from the RN and RAF in due course."

The job losses are part of a strategic review driven by budget cuts which aims produce a new look military by 2020.

The biggest commitment by some way is in Afghanistan - 9,000 personnel are deployed in the country - but the withdrawal process is due to start this year and by the end of 2014 most soldiers will have returned home.

Final numbers have not been announced.

In October last year the Defence Secretary announced plans to rename the Territorial Army the 'Reservists' and double its members to 30,000.

There is also a hope that some of those leaving the military because of the redundancy scheme might sign up to the TA so their experience is not lost.

By the end of the redundancy process, the number of serving personnel in all three services will be reduced to 150,000 from 180,000.

It will result in the smallest army since the 18th century and plenty of concerns over effectiveness.

It is not just serving military personnel taking the hit - the Ministry of Defence is in the process of cutting around 25% of its staff.

The aim is to save £3.8m a year and to make the department less top-heavy with management.

The UK still faces real or potential threats around the globe, demonstrated in the past few weeks by the hostage situation in Algeria and conflict in Mali.

Some, particularly retired service chiefs, question the UK's ability to face these threats with a reduced military and gaps in the equipment locker.

The Government will again need to convince detractors, home and abroad, that the UK military can still earn international respect despite its reduced size.

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sun Reporter Faces Corruption Charges

A Sun journalist and a former police officer will be charged over alleged corrupt payments, prosecutors said.

Ex-Metropolitan Police constable Paul Flattley and the Sun's defence editor Virginia Wheeler are accused of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.

It is alleged that Flattley was paid at least £4,000 in cheques and £2,450 in cash in exchange for information, including about the death of a 14-year-old girl.

Principal legal advisor to the Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Levitt QC said: "We have concluded, following a careful review of the evidence, that former Metropolitan Police Service police constable Paul Flattley and Virginia Wheeler, a journalist at the Sun newspaper, should be charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.

"It is alleged that between May 25, 2008 and September 13, 2011 Flattley, who at the time was a serving police constable with the Metropolitan Police Service, was paid at least £4,000 (in the form of cheques) and £2,450 (in cash) by the Sun newspaper in exchange for information provided in breach of the terms of his employment.

"The information provided included information about the tragic death of a 14-year-old girl, as well as details about both suspects and victims of accidents, incidents and crimes.

"This included, but was not limited to, information about high-profile individuals and those associated with them."

More follows...

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Devon Murder: Woman Charged Over Son's Death

A woman has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with murdering her two-year-old son.

Angela Vane, 40, appeared before magistrates in Torquay, charged with the murder of Shaun Riley O'Neill.

Vane, of Champernowne in Modbury, Plymouth, spoke only to confirm her name, age and date of birth.

Wearing a beige cardigan and a striped top, she wept throughout the two-minute hearing, flanked by two female security guards.

She was remanded in custody to appear at Plymouth Crown Court on Wednesday.

She is expected to enter a plea in April, the court heard.

Police were called to Champernowne at 8am on Saturday following a report to officers.

Police have carried out door-to-door inquiries and initial forensic work, although it is believed a post-mortem examination has yet to be carried out.

That process is expected to take place in the coming days by a Home Office pathologist or specialist paediatric pathologist.

On Sunday detectives re-appealed for information from the public.

Devon and Cornwall Police said they want to hear from witnesses who may have seen a woman in Modbury in the early hours of Saturday morning.

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

British Grandfather Wrestles Shark in Oz

By Jonathan Samuels, Australia Correspondent

An heroic British holidaymaker has wrestled a 2m (6ft) shark off the Australian coast to stop beachgoers being attacked.

Paul Marshallsea, 62, from Wales, was on a month's break with his family when the shark swam right up to swimmers and children paddling on the shore on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

A local TV crew, which was on the beach filming another story, captured the moment when Mr Marshallsea and another man ran into the water and grabbed the shark by its tail in an attempt to get it to swim away.

At one point the shark is seen thrashing about in the water as Mr Marshallsea holds on, trying to stop it lunging at beachgoers. It eventually breaks free, pushing him over.

The grandfather, from Merthyr Tydfil, told Wales Online: "We got hold of his tail and pulled with all our might to get the shark back into deep enough water so that the poor thing could survive.

"While I was pulling the shark by the tail back into deeper water her 2ft-long babies were swimming through my legs. They must have got lost and marooned by the shallow sand banks and got beached.

"But the trouble was when we got the shark to just over knee deep it then turned on us and just missed me with a bite which was a fraction away from my leg.

"A shark that one minute ago was so docile now just nearly took my leg off in a split second - it was that quick."

Holidaymakers and locals watched as the men tried to persuade the distressed dusky whaler shark to head back out to sea. 

Lifeguards on the beach advised the men to stay clear of the shark, but in the end the man helping Mr Marshallsea managed to push it out to deeper waters.

Lifesaver Luke Turner was on duty at the time and told Sky News: "A shark beaching itself means one of two things, it wants to die because it is either really sick or because it's really hungry."

Tourist Tash Kimlin was with her family at Bulcock Beach when the drama happened.

She shouted out to her two young children when the alarm was raised.

"It was pretty scary, yeah, I was just calling out to them and they couldn't really understand what I was saying," she said.

The dusky shark, which reaches 4.2m (14ft) in length and weighs 347 kg (765 lb), is considered dangerous to humans and has been known to attack.

It has a slender, streamlined body and can be identified by its short round snout, long sickle-shaped pectoral fins, the ridge between its first and second dorsal fins, and faintly marked fins.

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Woman Dies After Collapsing In Snow In Kent

A 25-year-old woman found collapsed in the snow could have died after falling in sub-zero temperatures after a night out, Kent police said.

The woman was discovered by a man walking his dog in Church Meadows in Deal at 7.30am on Sunday morning.

Police are still investigating the cause of death but confirmed they are looking at the possibility that the woman, who was believed to be visiting the area, got into difficulties as she made her way to her sister's house, which was near to where she was found.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "There are other possibilities we are looking out but one theory is that this is a tragic accident where a young woman was on her way home from a night out, but she didn't make it to where she was staying.

"We don't know if that was because of the cold, or she slipped or she was drunk or she became ill."

Earlier, police said the woman was pronounced dead at the scene and the death was not being treated as suspicious but it was unexplained.

A post-mortem examination will be held later this week.

One person also died following a crash in snowy conditions on the A12 near Kelvedon in Essex about 7pm on Sunday.

Police said that a car had left the road and crashed into a tree on the embankment.

The driver, a 59-year-old man from the Colchester area, died at the scene. His passenger, a 57-year-old woman, also from the Colchester area, was taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Also in Kent, a man was taken to hospital with broken bones in his face when he was racially attacked after confronting a group of youngsters throwing snowballs at him.

And a teenager was left fighting for his life after suffering head injuries in a sledging accident in Middlesbrough.

Also, a young woman who was seriously hurt in an avalanche that killed four of her friends in the Scottish Highlands remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Freezing temperatures and icy conditions are once again causing delays and disruption this morning, as the working week begins with snow still falling across much of the UK.

Hundreds of schools have already been shut, with motorists urged to take extra time and care on icy roads.

Spennymore in County Durham

As much as 10 to 20cm (four to eight inches) of snow is expected across Scotland and northern England, prompting the Met Office to issue amber warnings which urge the public to be prepared.

Yellow warnings - which advise people to take extra care - continue for parts of the north, east and southeast England as well as Northern Ireland, where up to five centimetres (around two inches) of snow could fall. 

"Today's snowiest areas will be northeast England and eastern Scotland," said Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang.

"Although sleety on the east coast, it will be snow inland where 10 to 20cm is forecast. Drifting snow, poor visibility and blizzard conditions are likely over higher routes.

"The snow will continue in the northeast tonight and into Tuesday although it should turn drier across northeast England.

"Later tonight and during Tuesday morning the weather is set to deteriorate across the southwest with the potential for some heavy snow across South Wales and parts of southwest England."

The temperatures will not start rising until the weekend, said Lang.

"Until then there will be further problems with ice and snow and daytime temperatures will continue to struggle to climb much above freezing," she said.

"Wednesday and Thursday look largely dry and cold with ice and patchy fog.

"Friday should see a slow change spread eastwards and westerly winds bring a rise in temperature later and a slow thaw."

A man walks his dog in the snow in Gunthorpe, Nottinghamshire

In South Wales and the south and east England, the Met Office is warning motorists of treacherous icy conditions.

Heavy snowfall has closed two major roads across the Pennines, the A628 Woodhead Pass and the A66 between Brough and Bowes.

The Highways Agency said both routes would be closed for some hours and advised drivers to find alternative routes across the Pennines.

Heavy falls in the North East made for a tricky morning commute for many. Northumbria Police said the A68 in Northumberland was blocked, with problems at its junction with the A69.

Drivers were advised to avoid the B6341 at Rothbury and reported a four-vehicle collision on the Spine Road at Cramlington, next to the 3 Horse Shoes roundabout.

Officers also said the A1 in the Newcastle area suffered traffic congestion.

There is also another day of snow and ice-related delays and cancellations on the country's rail network.

Virgin Trains warned of some cancellations in its services between London and Birmingham and the North West, while services into London King's Cross were also affected.

Raby Castle in County Durham

Eurostar said snow and ice in the UK and northern France were leading to speed restrictions and delays on all its trains. Six services were also cancelled, with customers told they could exchange their tickets for another date.

South West Trains said it was running a revised timetable throughout its network because of the weather, and would be concentrating on its mainline services.

The company said there would be no services between Ascot in Berkshire and Ash Vale in Surrey, between Virginia Water and Weybridge, or from Salisbury to Bristol. It was also running revised timetables on other routes.

Southern said trains were unable to operate between Lewes and Haywards Heath in Sussex or between Horsham and Dorking or Reigate and Redhill in Surrey. The Southern service between South Croydon and Milton Keynes was also suspended.

At Heathrow Airport planes are due to be grounded for a fourth day and passengers are advised to check the status of their flights before travelling to the airport. More than 160 flights have been cancelled - about 10% of the day's capacity.

Flights have also been suspended at Leeds Bradford, Doncaster Sheffield, Norwich airports and East Midlands airports.

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scotland Avalanche: Prayers For Four Victims

Prayers will be said today for four people who died in an avalanche in the Scottish Highlands.

The Rev Moira Herkes, who will lead a private service at St Munda's Church in Glencoe, said it was "the worst accident to happen here for many years" and that the victims would not be forgotten.

The climbers were among a party of six on Bidean Nam Bian, a mountain near Glencoe.

It is believed they were descending from a peak on the south side of the valley when the snow-covered slope they were crossing broke away, engulfing five of them and sending them hundreds of feet down the mountain.

Bidean Nam Bian is a mountain with a height in excess of 3,000ft

Emergency services were alerted to the accident at about 2pm yesterday and a major search operation involving two mountain rescue teams and police dogs was launched.

The four people - two men and two women - were found dead beneath the snow.

One male climber, who stayed with the teams to help with the search, is safe and well while a woman is in a serious condition in Belford hospital in Fort William.

John Grieve, leader of Glencoe mountain rescue team, which co-ordinated the search, said the alarm was initially raised by two climbers - who were not part of the group of six - when they discovered one of the casualties lying in the snow.

But, soon after, police were contacted by the male survivor from the climbing party, who told them more people were missing.

Mr Grieve, who is in Spain and was not part of the search, said: "The first call to police was from two other people who had been on the mountain, they found someone lying next to where they were climbing.

The avalanche occurred on a slope in Glencoe

"So, the assumption was that it was just one casualty, but it became clear that there were others missing when they heard from the man who is safe."

He said the dead climbers were located using a technique called "probing", where a metal stick is pushed into the snow.

"I'm not sure how deeply buried they were, but using that technique would suggest it was more than a metre," Mr Grieve said.

All of the missing climbers, who are yet to be named, were located within four hours of the alarm being raised.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said: "This is an appalling tragedy and our immediate thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have been lost.

"To lose four people from a party of six is truly devastating."

Bidean Nam Bian is a Munro - a mountain with a height in excess of 3,000ft - with a number of different climbs.

Anyone who is concerned about relatives climbing in the area are advised to contact Northern Constabulary's control room on 01463 715555.

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hostage Crisis: Three Britons Confirmed Dead

Three Britons have been killed and another three are believed to have died in the Algerian hostage crisis, David Cameron has announced.

The Prime Minister said a British resident is also thought to have been killed in the four day stand-off in the desert which dramatically ended on Saturday.

Mr Cameron called the deaths at the In Amenas gas plant an "appalling terrorist incident" and said every effort was being made to help surviving hostages come home.

The death toll includes the Briton already known to have died on Wednesday in the initial raid staged by a band of Islamist militants.

Mr Cameron said: "We now know that three British nationals have been killed, and a further three are believed to be dead. A further British resident is also believed to be dead.

Freed British hostages Peter (left) and Alan (right). No surnames available

"I know the whole country will want to join me in sending our sympathies and condolences to the families who have undergone an absolutely dreadful ordeal, and now face life without these very precious loved ones."

He continued: "The priority now must be to get everybody home from Algeria."

Mr Cameron said the attack was a "stark reminder" of the continuing terrorist threat and vowed to use Britain's chairmanship of the G8 to ensure that it was at the top of the international agenda.

"This is a global threat and it will require a global response. It will require a response that is about years, even decades, rather than months," he said.

"It requires a response that is patient and painstaking, that is tough but also intelligent, but above all has an absolutely iron resolve and that is what we will deliver over these coming years."

Algerian police escort freed Norwegian hostage Oddvar Birkedal

So far, in total, 23 hostages and 32 terrorists are known to have died with 107 foreign workers and 685 local employees released.

Despite the high death toll, the Prime Minister refused to criticise Algeria's handling of the crisis.

"The responsibility for these deaths lies squarely with the terrorists who launched these vicious and cowardly attacks," he said.

"When you are dealing with a terrorist incident on this scale with up to 30 terrorists it is extremely difficult to respond and get this right in every respect."

He added: "What we face is an extremist, Islamist, al Qaida-linked terrorist group. Just as we had to deal with that in Pakistan and in Afghanistan so the world needs to come together to deal with this threat in north Africa.

"It is linked to al Qaida, it wants to destroy our way of life, it believes in killing as many people as it can.

"We need to work with others to defeat the terrorists and to close down the ungoverned spaces where they thrive with all the means that we have."

Foreign Secretary William Hague said 22 British nationals had survived the crisis and already back in the UK.

Britain's ambassador is currently in Algiers and will travel to the south of the country today to help any other Britons trying to leave.

An Algerian army truck in a street of In Amenas, near the gas plant

The drama started on Wednesday when a group of around 30 heavily-armed militants mounted a dawn raid on the plant which is close to the Libyan border.

They seized hostages from among the 700 Algerian and foreign workers at the site. Two members of staff, including one Briton, died in the initial assault.

Algerian special forces mounted an operation to take back the plant 24 hours later, without informing any other governments in advance.

The Algerians insisted later that they had to act due to fears that the militants were about to flee into the desert, taking hostages with them.

Fears for the hostages' safety grew amid reports of fierce fighting and multiple deaths.

By Friday, it was being claimed that around 100 foreigners - from a total of 132 - and 573 Algerians had been freed.

Provisional figures put the death toll at 12 hostages and 18 militants but it was clear one group of terrorists was still holding out.

On Saturday, Algerian troops launched a final assault on the site and brought the stand-off to a bloody conclusion.

The state news agency, APS, reported that the terrorists had executed seven of the remaining hostages before they themselves were killed.

Troops later found an arsenal of six machine guns, 21 rifles, two shotguns, two 60mm mortars with shells, six 60mm missiles with launchers, two rocket-propelled grenades with eight rockets and 10 grenades in explosive belts.

The terrorists also booby-trapped the sprawling plant with explosives before the last shoot-out.

Algerian police guard the entrance of a hospital located near the gas plant

Algeria's interior ministry has strongly defended the rescue operation.

"To avoid a bloody turn of events in response to the extreme danger of the situation, the army's special forces launched an intervention with efficiency and professionalism to neutralise the terrorist groups that were first trying to flee with the hostages and then blow up the gas facilities," it said in a statement.

The kidnappers are part of the Masked Brigade - a terrorist splinter group led by the veteran jihadist, Mokhtar Belmokhtar, which broke away from al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

They initially claimed the attack was in retaliation for the French military intervention in neighbouring Mali.

It was subsequently reported that they were demanding the release of two terrorists held in the US, including 1993 World Trade Centre bombing mastermind Omar Abdel Rahman, in return for the release of two US captives.

Algerian security forces escort a bus carrying freed hostages

The plant at In Amenas is jointly operated by BP, Norwegian company Statoil and Algerian state oil company Sonatrach.

As freed hostages began to leave the plant, accounts emerged of their horrific treatment at the hands of the kidnappers.

One Algerian worker, who gave his name only as Chabane, described how he heard the militants talking with Libyan, Egyptian and Tunisian accents.

At one point, he said, they caught a Briton.

"They threatened him until he called out in English to his friends, telling them 'Come out, come out. They're not going to kill you. They're looking for the Americans'," he said.

"A few minutes later they blew him away."

The gas plant is in the desert in In Amenas

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Weather: Snow And Ice Forecast To Stay

Britain faces another week of travel disruption as forecasters warn there is more snow and ice on the way.

With travel chaos across the country and Britain's busiest airport cancelling more than 110 flights, forecasters predicted further misery in the coming days.

Following Friday's deluge of snow, a blanket of snow is expected to sweep across more of the nation today, hitting London and the South East of England first before spreading into the Midlands, north east Wales, East Anglia and central England.

Freezing temperatures will ensure icy conditions endure for some time, with more snow in northern England expected as the week begins.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for ice over much of the country - and a red, severe warning for South Wales which experienced the worst of the weather.

"There will be a quite significant accumulation and it will be seen first in London and the South East before moving north later in the day."

BA says it has cut its flights by a fifth because more snow is on the way

The Sky News weather team said: "Central and southeast England will see persistent snow moving in, giving another 2-5cm, locally more near the coast.

"Most other places will be dry, with the best of any sunshine over northern Scotland and Ireland, but there will be a few snow flurries around.

"During the afternoon, snow will push a little further north over eastern England, while another band of rain, sleet and snow will move into Kerry and Cork. It will feel cold again, particularly in the raw wind.

"On Monday, north-east Britain will have snow and strong winds, but elsewhere it will be drier and calmer."

Heathrow Airport in west London said it was reducing the number of flights scheduled for today by at least a fifth after forecasters predicted another 2-6cm of snow and low visibility in the area.

Passengers are being urged to check with their airlines before travelling to the airport - where bosses are warning weather conditions at other European airports could further decimate schedules.

Emma Gilthorpe, executive director of Heathrow Ltd (formerly BAA), said the airport had very little leeway to cope with the kind of disruption caused by the weather in recent days.

She told Sky News: "The fact that we operate at almost full capacity means that when there's disruption and we do have to space the aircraft at a greater distance we have little room to manouevre, which is why it's so important we make decisions ahead of time so we don't cause disruption to more passengers than we need to."

A woman sleeping on the floor at Heathrow's Terminal 5

:: Are you stuck at Heathrow? Contact the Sky news desk on news@sky.com

Passengers at Heathrow have been facing disruption after many were stranded on planes for seven hours or forced to spend a night on the floor.

More than 100 Saturday flights were cancelled and travellers complained about check-in queues of up to two hours as staff battled to clear a backlog caused by 400 cancellations on Friday.

BA and the airport have insisted they were doing everything they could in difficult circumstances.

Travellers at regional airports including Leeds Bradford, Humberside and Newcastle were also frustrated by delays and disruption caused by the wintry weather.

Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester airports were running normally but advised passengers to check with their airlines.

Train passengers did not fare much better, with reduced services across the country.

Virgin Trains cancelled a number of services from the capital to Birmingham and Manchester, and others were delayed.

Some have been making the most of the snow this weekend

The freezing temperatures also prompted motoring organisations to issue warnings.

Darron Burness, the AA's head of special operations, said: "With the snow compacting down and turning icy, we're likely to see treacherous driving conditions throughout the weekend. Any fresh snow on top will just add to the problems."

The RAC said it had dealt with nearly 9,000 breakdowns - 10% more than usual.

:: Send in your weather photos and videos

A young woman from Peterborough was killed in a crash involving a number of vehicles shortly after 6pm on Friday, Lincolnshire Police said.

It is not known if anyone else was injured in the accident, which happened in bad weather on the A1 at Little Ponton, near Grantham.

Humberside Fire and Rescue said seven passengers were taken to hospital after a double-decker bus collided with two cars and ploughed into a garden.

In Edinburgh, a 16-year-old broke his leg when his sledge ran out of control and he plunged down a 150ft embankment.

18.25 | 0 komentar | Read More