Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Mr Clarke insisted that only a “handful” of right-wing eurosceptics believe a ‘no deal’ Brexit is desirable. He said: “Indeed, listen to some of them. They think its better than being in the biggest free trade area in the world.“And they talk as though the introduction of tariffs, customs barriers, different regulations in our markets from other people’s market are all going to give a bright blue future and the world outside will suddenly respond by throwing all their market open to us." But the BBC’s John Humphrys hit back at Mr Clarke’s claim and said: “That’s a bit over the top.“The reality is, there are 28 member of the European Union. “There’s 193 countries in the world so if you subtract the 28 from 193, you’re left with 165 countries who seem to manage perfectly well without being in the European Union.” … [Read more...] about ‘That’s a bit over the top!’ Arch-Remoaner Ken Clarke slapped down by BBC host over Brexit
UK
Hurricane Ophelia path MAP: Latest NOAA update shows Ophelia on track to Ireland and UK
Although Ophelia has been downgraded from a hurricane to a post-tropical storm, the Met Office is still warning of a ‘danger to life’ as winds batter the UK. The massive storm is on track to hit Ireland this morning before moving on to Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland and Wales later today. The latest map from the NHC shows that the eye of the storm is set to make landfall over the coast of Ireland at 1pm BST today. The eye of storm is on track to move along the west coast of Ireland, just missing the edge of Northern Ireland over the course of this afternoon. The remains of Hurricane Ophelia will then move across the sea before making landfall in Scotland tonight. The NOAA forecast shows that the storm will pass the Isle of Skye by 1am. The NHC warned that the effects of the storm will be felt outside the so-called cone of uncertainty that shows the probable path of the storm’s eye. The latest update from the NHC said: … [Read more...] about Hurricane Ophelia path MAP: Latest NOAA update shows Ophelia on track to Ireland and UK
Schools close as Hurricane Ophelia hits
Hurricane Ophelia is to batter the UK and Ireland with gusts of up to 80mph, posing a danger to life and threatening travel chaos. Schools, government buildings and courts are due to close in parts of Ireland on Monday, with the Met Office issuing severe weather alerts, warning of potential power cuts, and disruption to transport and mobile phone signal. Airports are advising passengers in Ireland to check the latest information, with a number of Aer Lingus flights cancelled due to severe weather and the prospect of further cancellations with other carriers. All schools and colleges in the Republic of Ireland will close for the day as fears mount over the damage the storm could wreak. The tropical storm has made its way across the Atlantic and Ophelia's remnants are set to reach home shores on Monday, resulting in “exceptional” weather - exactly 30 years after the Great Storm of 1987 killed 18 people. Northern Ireland is covered with an amber warning - meaning … [Read more...] about Schools close as Hurricane Ophelia hits
How Hurricane Ophelia developed into the worst storm in 30 years
Ophelia - the storm expected to bring 80mph winds to Britain and Ireland today - was first tracked nearly 900 miles off the coast of the Azores on 9 October. Here is a timeline of how the storm has developed: 9 October - The US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) issue an advisory after a tropical depression was found in the Atlantic. At that point, the storm had not been named and was referred to as “Tropical Depression Seventeen”, with winds of 35mph being recorded in its position 875 miles to the west of the Azores. The advisory said: “Some strengthening is forecast, and the depression is expected to become a tropical storm later today or tonight.” 9 October - The depression does strengthen into a tropical storm and is given the name Ophelia - the 15th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. 10 October - The NHC record tropical-storm-force winds more than 100 miles from the centre of the storm and say “gradual strengthening is … [Read more...] about How Hurricane Ophelia developed into the worst storm in 30 years
Theresa May told parliament will veto a no deal Brexit
Theresa May has been warned that parliament will “veto” a no-deal Brexit, as she makes an emergency trip to Brussels to try to break the deadlock in the talks. Ken Clarke, the veteran pro-EU Conservative, increased the pressure to do what is necessary to strike an agreement, ahead of the Prime Minister’s surprise dinner with the EU’s top officials. An amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill, co-tabled by Mr Clarke, would put into law Ms May’s plan for a two-year transition period - preventing Brexit if that transition is not agreed. Asked if MPs could stop a no-deal Brexit in that way, he vowed: “Parliament can veto anything it wants.” Mr Clarke – who insisted he was not trying to reverse Brexit, if there was a workable plan – said “only a handful of hard right-wing Eurosceptics think no deal is desirable”. In fact, it would have a “catastrophic effect” on the British economy, he said, describing it as … [Read more...] about Theresa May told parliament will veto a no deal Brexit
People who assault emergency workers could face a year in prison
Assaults on emergency service workers in the line of duty are to be treated more severely under new legislation which has been backed by the Government. Proposed in a private members’ bill by the Labour MP Chris Bryant, who said assaults on police and paramedics were a “national disgrace, the Ministry of Justice and Home Office have said they will now support the legislation in the Commons. It is expected that the new Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Bill will double the maximum sentence for common assault from six months to a year if committed against an emergency worker while they are on duty. Without ministerial backing, Mr Bryant’s private members’ bill would have had little chance of becoming law but it will now extend the safeguards for attacks on police, prison officers, custody officers, fire service personnel, search and rescue services and certain healthcare workers, including ambulance staff. “We owe our brave … [Read more...] about People who assault emergency workers could face a year in prison
Met Police to drop ‘investigating shoplifting and criminal damage’ in bid to save £400m
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Mark Simmons said it was “not practical” for police to investigate some crimes including shoplifting or criminal damage.Former Met detective chief inspector Mick Neville told the Sun: "This is justice dreamed up by bean counters in shiny suit land.”The Met Police, which is the largest force in the UK, is being told to make £400million in savings.The Met published new guidelines that it claims will allow officers to "determine very quickly if it is proportionate" to investigate any "lower level, higher volume offences" further.The London force introduced the Crime Assessment Policy force in response to cuts that will see it operate with fewer officers and less money.The new scheme will see police in the capital investigate 150,000 fewer offence per year, reports claim. No consideration is being given to victims Ex-Met detective chief inspector Mick … [Read more...] about Met Police to drop ‘investigating shoplifting and criminal damage’ in bid to save £400m
Hate crimes against disabled children rise 150 per cent in two years
Reports of hate crimes against disabled children have risen nearly 150 per cent in two years, new figures have revealed. Data released by police forces across the UK showed reported incidents rose from 181 to 450 last year – a 148 per cent rise. It came amid an overall rise in reported abuse of disabled people, which more than doubled between 2014/15 and 2015/16, jumping from 1,531 to 3,079. The figures, obtained by the BBC from police forces under freedom of information laws, include both abuse online and in person. Only 29 of the 45 forces across the country provided full responses to the request, meaning the number of reported incidents was likely to be higher. Disability hate crime can range between online abuse and physical violence in which the victim was targeted because of their disability. Amanda Batten of the Disabled Children's Partnership told the BBC the survey’s findings mirror a recent study it had carried out which revealed hate crime and abuse was … [Read more...] about Hate crimes against disabled children rise 150 per cent in two years
Theresa May to fly to Brussels for emergency Brexit talks
Theresa May is heading to Brussels for talks with European Union chiefs in a push to break the deadlock over Brexit. The Prime Minister will meet chief negotiator Michel Barnier and Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker just days after they said exit negotiations were deadlocked. Downing Street sources insisted the meeting had "been in the diary for weeks" but the announcement caused surprise in Westminster and comes after last week's negotiations ended with little movement. Ms May, who will be joined by Brexit Secretary David Davis, is expected to have discussions with European counterparts over the coming days ahead of a meeting of all EU leaders later in the week. No 10 said the PM and German chancellor Angela Merkel had agreed the "importance of continued constructive progress" in the UK's exit negotiations in an early morning telephone call on Sunday. Over dinner, the PM will hope to end the stalemate over the divorce settlement that is stopping post-Brexit trading … [Read more...] about Theresa May to fly to Brussels for emergency Brexit talks
Police search River Thames after man falls from Tower Bridge
Police are searching the River Thames after a man was seen falling from Tower Bridge. Multiple witnesses reported seeing a man fall into the water on 13 October shortly before 6pm. A CCTV image of the man, who has not yet been identified, was released by City of London Police, who are urgently appealing for more information. The man has been described by police as black and wearing dark clothing. Investigations continue and police officers are searching the area, including the river itself. Local enquiries are being made in the hope of identifying the man. A City of London Police spokesperson said: “Were you on or near Tower Bridge at the time? Do you remember seeing what happened? If so, we want to hear from you.” show all … [Read more...] about Police search River Thames after man falls from Tower Bridge
Twin brothers grow gigantic 162 stone pumpkin to break own UK record
Stuart and Ian Paton, 56, have spent hundreds of hours over four months tending to their record-breaker which weighed exactly 2,269 pounds.They already held the UK record with their 161 stone (2254 pounds) pumpkin from last year, but have beaten it again just 12 months later.The brothers say they can use up to 100 gallons of water a day to help their gigantic squashes grow, increasing in weight by as much as 60 pounds a day.The pair, of Lymington, Hants, have been addicted to growing the enormous vegetables for 10 years. Guinness World Records 2017 Thu, November 17, 2016 They broke their record at yesterday’s Autumn Pumpkin Festival in Netley, Hants.Ian said: “The only aim is to beat the world record and be … [Read more...] about Twin brothers grow gigantic 162 stone pumpkin to break own UK record
Boris Johnson deploys ‘row boat’ diplomacy to assure EU ministers on security post-Brexit
The old Etonian foreign secretary got other EU ministers into a boat with him at a mini summit at official grace and favour mansion Chevening House.The event saw him hold talks on European security with counterparts from eight countries, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.He told them: "Our departure from the EU will make no difference to Britain's unconditional and immovable commitment to the security and defence of Europe. This meeting was a further demonstration that the UK is a vital partner in the security of our continent Boris Johnson "This meeting was a further demonstration that the UK is a vital partner in the security of our continent."The meeting came as the UK secured fresh sanctions from the EU against North Korea to ramp up pressure on the regime’s nuclear weapons ambitions.Foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg will … [Read more...] about Boris Johnson deploys ‘row boat’ diplomacy to assure EU ministers on security post-Brexit
Queen Victoria’s serial killer wet nurse who was airbrushed from the ITV series
Queen Victoria’s chosen wet nurse for Prince Edward went on to become a mass murderer. Mary Ann Brough was given the role of looking after the most important baby in Britain, the Prince of Wales, and heir to the throne, and was at Queen Victoria’s bedside when she gave birth. Several years after her position as the royal wet nurse had come to an end, Brough killed her six children and then attempted to take her own life in her home in Esher, Surrey. In 1854, Brough, who is believed to have been in her 40s at the time of the incident, used her husband’s razor blade to slit the throats of her six children, 11-year-old Georgiana, eight-year-old William, seven-year-old Carry, four-year-old twins Harriet and Henry and one-year-old George. After a doctor managed to sew Brough’s throat back up, enabling her to speak, she confessed to the crime. The murder trial that followed gripped the entire nation and made headlines worldwide as a … [Read more...] about Queen Victoria’s serial killer wet nurse who was airbrushed from the ITV series
Two-year-old becomes youngest person to convict a paedophile by giving evidence
A two-year-old has become the youngest person to ever give evidence after her testimony led to the conviction of a paedophile, it has been reported. Hours after being abused by Matthew Carter, 45, the toddler told her parents about the incident - who then contacted the authorities. An expert assessed the child to determine whether or not she would be capable to give evidence and outlined which questions should be asked. Specially trained police officers set up a video interview and after using some toys to build a rapport with the toddler, she demonstrated on a piece of paper where she had been abused, according to the Sun. Very few questions were needed as the child was able to provide clear responses. The evidence was so strong that, Carter, a father-of-three from Norfolk, confessed to the crime before the trial. Detective constable Natalie Riseborough, of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: "Hearing a victim’s account of the abuse they were … [Read more...] about Two-year-old becomes youngest person to convict a paedophile by giving evidence
David Davis making emergency Brussels trip to break Brexit deadlock
David Davis is set to make an emergency trip to Brussels on Monday, as Theresa May faced a fresh setback in her hope of early post-Brexit trade talks. The Brexit Secretary is expected to try to open up negotiations with key figures from EU member states, to break the deadlock before a crucial summit on Thursday. The trip comes as The Independent learns of an attempt by Germany and France to toughen the EU’s stance in demanding that Britain first agree to settle its so-called divorce bill. A draft last Thursday appeared to offer the Prime Minister a chink of light by suggesting the EU could start planning for trade negotiations, albeit without involving the UK yet. It said “additional guidelines” could be drawn up in December, moving onto trade and “possible transitional arrangements” – the Holy Grail for Britain. The statement added that “in order to be fully ready for such a scenario”, the EU heads of government should “start … [Read more...] about David Davis making emergency Brussels trip to break Brexit deadlock
David Davis calls for Tories to cancel student debts
David Davis has reportedly called for the Tories to pull a U-turn on university tuition fees and cancel student debts. The Brexit Secretary is said to have argued student debt is preventing students from contributing to the economy. A source close to Mr Davis told The Sunday Times he said if the student loan book was an independent company it would have written off many of the loans as bad debt. “With such a low repayment ratio, if the student loans book were an independent company its credit rating would be low and auditors would insist you write down the debt," the source told the paper. “Doing so will help the younger generation get mortgages and would give them more money to spend, which would raise tax revenues for the Treasury. The mythical debt depresses everything. “He would urge the Treasury to start with the answer and look at the financial structures to see if there was a better way for students that doesn’t leave the debt to hang over … [Read more...] about David Davis calls for Tories to cancel student debts
Grow up Brussels! Former Brexit minister urges UK to ‘SUSPEND TALKS’ to end deadlock
Mr Jones, who left his post at the Brexit Department in June, said the best way to end the Brussels-influenced deadlock would be to “suspend the negotiations”.After the fifth round of Brexit negotiations, Michel Barnier, the EU Commission’s chief negotiator, insisted Britain had still not made “sufficient progress” on the first phase of talks, during a joint press conference with Brexit Secretary David Davis.The EU maintains Britain has not come up with an ample solution to resolve the so-called Brexit bill, EU citizens’ rights and the Irish border, and will not proceed to negotiations on a future relationship until those three areas are settled.Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s The World This Weekend, Mr Jones, Conservative MP for Clwyd West, recommended Britain walk away from the negotiating table. Until such a time as you talk to us we will assume you are not really serious … [Read more...] about Grow up Brussels! Former Brexit minister urges UK to ‘SUSPEND TALKS’ to end deadlock
Britain ‘will grow more here’ if food prices increase after a no-deal Brexit
British farmers will be able to pick up the slack if food imports from the EU drop following Brexit, minister Chris Grayling has said, saying the UK will cope with a "no deal" departure by simply "grow[ing] more here". The Secretary of State for Transport said that if Britain crashed out of the EU without securing a trade deal, British farmers would have to “produce more”. Speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr programme, Mr Grayling was asked to respond to claims by the head of Sainsbury’s that there would a 22 per cent increase in food prices if there was no deal with the EU. Mr Grayling said Britain would succeed “come what may” and that it was “important to plan for all eventualities”. “What we will do is grow more here and will buy more from around the world. That will be bad news for continental farmers which is why it won’t happen. It is actually in their interest to reach a … [Read more...] about Britain ‘will grow more here’ if food prices increase after a no-deal Brexit
Head of NHS attacked over ‘unacceptable’ mental health care
The chief executive of NHS England has been accused of disregarding research on the “unacceptable” lack of children’s mental health provision. In an extraordinary public spat between officials at the top of the country's care system, children's commissioner Anne Longfield listed a range of complaints in an open letter to the head of NHS England Simon Stevens. Ms Longfield noted a recent report on children's mental health provision in England - something she said was a top priority - and accused Mr Stevens of "denigrating" work on the issue. Ms Longfield also threatened to use the law to force Mr Stevens to hand over relevant data on waiting times for children’s mental health services, after the report found that only 20 to 25 per cent of children with mental health conditions received helped last year. “Many told me about their desperate attempts, sometimes lasting years, to access support, and … [Read more...] about Head of NHS attacked over ‘unacceptable’ mental health care
Jacob Rees-Mogg says calling a man a feminist is ‘ridiculous’
For a man to call himself a feminist is “ridiculous”, according to Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg. Mr Rees-Mogg, who has been tipped as a potential Tory leader, was asked whether he was a feminist during a discussion at the Cheltenham Literary Festival. He replied that women themselves should decide who could be called a feminist, reported The Telegraph. He said he supported feminists, but that he was not one himself. “You’ve asked me to put a label on myself which, if I applied to myself, would make me sound ridiculous”, said Mr Rees-Mogg. When asked why it would make him sound “ridiculous”, he said “because I’m a man”. “I think it has particular political connotations. I think men saying they’re feminists is slightly trying to take on something that it’s not for a man to be.” “I can say I support feminists. But I think for me to say I’m a feminist is claiming for myself that, … [Read more...] about Jacob Rees-Mogg says calling a man a feminist is ‘ridiculous’
