PM's Pledge For Seven-Day Access To GPs

David Cameron will guarantee every NHS patient access to a GP seven days a week by 2020 under plans to be unveiled at the Conservative Party conference.

The Prime Minister is expected to announce a £100m spending boost to improve access to family doctors should the Tories win next year's election.

The plans seek to ensure more people will be able to see their GP between 8am and 8pm on weekdays and weekends.

GPs will also take responsibility for individual patients as part of a new GP contract being launched by NHS Employers.

Mr Cameron is expected to say: "People need to be able to see their GP at a time that suits them and their family.

"That's why we will make sure everyone can see a GP seven days a week.

A £100m spending boost will be announced to improve access to GPs

"We will also support thousands more GP practices to stay open longer, giving millions of patients better access to their doctor.

"This is only possible because we've taken difficult decisions to reduce inefficient and ineffective spending elsewhere as part of our long-term economic plan.

"You can't fund the NHS if you don't have a healthy, growing economy.

"This will help secure a better future for Britain, where people can be confident that when they or their loved ones need it, our NHS will be there for them."

:: David Cameron will talk to Sky News at 7.30am. Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 132 and Freesat channel 202.

The announcement comes after Chancellor George Osborne claimed the Tories, not Labour, are "the real party of the NHS".

Last year Mr Cameron set up a Challenge Fund for GP access which allocated £50m to 20 health groups.

Under a second wave of proposed funding, practices will be able to bid for awards from the extra £100m fund.

Mr Cameron says people need access to GPs at times that suit them

Sky's Political Editor Faisal Islam said the NHS is set to be "front and centre" of the campaign leading up to next year's election.

"This is a new front, the NHS. They (the Conservatives) won't cede this ground to Labour," he said.

"They are convinced that if Labour is ahead on the NHS in polling and behind on the economy, they have to have a strong promise on the NHS.

"This is the beginning of what we will get and it's going to be a continuing battle."

But the commitment has already drawn criticism from Labour, which argues the government has made it "harder, not easier" for patients to get a GP appointment.

Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham said: "David Cameron made an almost identical announcement this time last year but, in the 12 months since, he has made it harder, not easier, to get a GP appointment.

"After the election, David Cameron scrapped Labour's GP appointment guarantee and cut support for evening and weekend opening. His broken promises on the NHS have caught up with him."

On Monday, Mr Osbourne announced a two-year freeze on benefits for those who could be working.

Mr Osborne said Britain can no longer afford to be a country where £100bn is spent on paying benefits for those of working age.

"Families out of work should not get more than the average family in work," he said.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

GP Practices Face Closure Over Dangerous Care

By Thomas Moore, Health Correspondent

Up to 200 GP practices across England face the threat of closure for providing potentially dangerous care to thousands of patients, the chief inspector of family doctors has warned.

In his first major broadcast interview, Professor Steve Field told Sky News that a handful of surgeries would be shut down straight away after being found guilty of "serious failings".

And he said scores more would be given a year to improve - or face being closed down as well.

The warning comes as the Conservatives promise to invest an extra £100m a year to provide seven-day GP cover.

Prof Field said most severe problems were found in single doctor practices

Prof Field, the Chief Inspector of GPs for the Care Quality Commission (CQC), said preliminary inspections suggested that up to 200 of the 8,000 practices in England are failing.

Problems included:

:: Late referrals for patients suspected of suffering from cancer, with potentially fatal consequences

:: Wrong medicines being prescribed to patients

:: Over-prescription of antibiotics

:: Child vaccinations not being stored in fridges, putting hundreds at risk

:: Out of date and unhygienic premises

:: Staff shortages and "chaotic management"

Prof Field said that the most severe problems were found in isolated, single doctor practices. "The writing is on the walls" for these type of practices, he said.

Up to 200 GP practices across England are facing the threat of closure

In many of these cases he said the problems had been known about for years, but authorities had not acted.

Prof Field's team have been carrying out pilot checks on surgeries for the past year.

Last December it was revealed that one such check had found maggots at a surgery in Nottinghamshire.

Prof Field said that preliminary results following this process suggested that 2% were failing with large variations in standards of care.

He added that when the inspections were first launched almost one third of practices were struggling to achieve all of the basic standards.

That number had now dropped to below 20%, he said.

Prof Field vowed to act against unsafe surgeries even if politicians protested at the closure of their local practices.

"While there is a small number of practices which are very worrying - probably looking at only about 2% - they can affect hundreds or thousands of patients potentially. So this is very serious.

Many other practices will be given a year to improve

"For the small number of practices [providing unsafe care] they will either improve or they will cease to practice. We will remove their registration."

Prof Field said that the 160 to 200 surgeries found to be failing would be given extra support from NHS England to help them improve.

"Unfortunately there are some ... which have gone on for years failing and people haven't drawn a line and said enough is enough. For those we will take urgent action.

"General Practice is the jewel in our crown and we're undermined by a small percentage of GPs who are not providing the care our patients deserve."

All 8,000 practices in England face inspections from next month and the CQC's findings will be published under a new Ofsted-style regime.

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chair of BMA GP committee, said: "We know that  a lot of GPs are working in an environment that is extremely difficult and challenging, in premises that are not fit for purpose.

"And yet they cannot find another place to work in because there are no funds to relocate them. It would not be right to criticise or blame them for factors outside their control."

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Chancellor To Abolish 'Death Tax' On Pensions

UKIP Defections: PM Did Too Little, Too Late

Updated: 10:09pm UK, Saturday 27 September 2014

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

During the 2010 election, I travelled to Rochester and Strood in Kent, where I met the Tory candidate Mark Reckless.

One thing that struck me as I watched him take to the doorsteps, was the number of constituents raising the issue of immigration.

One awkward incident involved an elderly man ranting about why he supported the far-right National Front. Mr Reckless backed off, embarrassed.

He certainly didn't share those extreme views. But it was clear then that he was a politician who was worried about immigration and angry about Europe.

I remember another conversation with Mr Reckless last year in the Commons.

Tory backbenchers were nervous about immigration, he told me. They felt David Cameron hadn't done enough, and the looming prospect of transitional controls lifted on Bulgarians and Romanians was of particular concern. 

Things could get tetchy in January 2015, he said.

Mr Cameron knew about these misgivings among his MPs and tried to act on them.

Late last year he unveiled a toughening up in the rhetoric on immigration – bringing in new rules to crack down on the access that new EU migrants would get to benefits. Then came the pledge of an EU referendum.

The hope was to appease the concerns of people like Mr Reckless, and you might have thought it was working.

After all, following the defection to UKIP of Douglas Carswell many asked the MP if he would be next. He insisted not.

When I texted Tracey Crouch, a neighbouring MP in Kent, about his decision to leave the Tories, she replied: "Nothing I can say right now would be becoming of a lady. I'm so angry. He looked me in the eye and promised he wasn't going to defect."

Others pointed out that he was openly supportive of the Conservatives as recently as yesterday.

Then he tweeted: "Good to lead coach for Team2015 campaigning in Birmingham Northfield on Sunday + will be followed by our Clacton action next Thursday."

That is why Tory sources say they are "surprised". Other MPs told me they felt "let down", "frustrated" and "fed up".

"Another battle when we should be fighting Labour," said one.

Others argued that although he had behaved irresponsibly, giving a leg-up to Ed Miliband, that a number of backbenchers were angry with the party's position on Europe.

They believe that Mr Cameron hasn't done enough to prove he can loosen Britain's ties to the EU. They want to see the issue addressed at his conference speech this week.

The problem for men like Mr Reckless is they don't share the Prime Minister's views on Europe.

Mr Cameron wants to reform the UK's relationship with the continent and then – ideally – campaign for us to stay IN.

And that is the sticking point with Mr Reckless.

The former Tory MP was clear today that he believes in an independent Britain, and wants to follow the Scotland Yes campaign with what he said was a positive, patriotic message for voters.

He wants OUT – and UKIP is the only party that is fully with him.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ex-IS Fighter: Airstrikes Won't Stop Militants

By Sherine Tadros, Middle East Correspondent

For tens of thousands of Syrians, the Kilis border crossing is the official way in and out of Turkey from Syria.

But if you're an Islamic State fighter, Kilis is not an option.

Abu Mustafa (not his real name) is a Syrian people smuggler. He says he's helped hundreds of IS fighters get into Syria.

He's also brought militants - some of them injured - back out.

He took us to the spot where the smuggling happens, he says, several times a day and it didn't take long to see it in action.  

We waited on the side of the road barely 10 minutes before we saw a white car speed across the open field towards the border.

The Kilis border crossing is the official way into Syria from Turkey

The car stopped halfway there and six men got out each holding a big bag. The car sped off and the men headed towards the fence.

We couldn't tell if they were fighters or Syrians without passports, but they were illegally crossing into Syria.

Moments later, more people appeared at the border. It looked like a family including a woman and child.

This time the military police saw them and chased one man, possibly the smuggler, along the fence. 

And the reward for taking such a risk? Abu Mustafa charges just £15 per fighter.

He said: "Last time they caught three people there were seven in total trying to get across among them Turks and Arabs.

A people smuggler talks to Sky's Sherine Tadros

"But the three that got caught were foreigners. They spoke English and the police took them away.

"They often cross with their families - their wives and children. They tell us we're coming to fight with Islamic State and live there.

"Some of them don't even know where exactly they're going, they just say, we are going to the Islamic State."

It's a common story. Abu Ahmed fought with IS for 10 months in north-western Syria.

We met him in Turkey where he agreed to speak with us as long as we covered his face and changed his name.

He joined IS at the start because they were the most effective force fighting Syrian President Bashar al Assad.

A car speeds across an open field towards the Turkey-Syria border

But when they turned against the Free Syrian Army (FSA) he left the group.

He explained why so many foreign fighters join the group.

"They go to Syria to be martyred, they say their former lives are over and there is no going back. Most of them rip up and throw away their passports when they arrive."

Abu Ahmed also thinks US-led airstrikes against IS are backfiring, bringing extremist groups closer together.

"After the recent strikes, more fighters are joining IS - like the Nusra Front. I know some of them who have joined," he said.

Abu Ahmed doesn't have much hope for Syria's future, or his own.

He thinks the situation is out of hand and too many players have a vested interest in keeping the war going.

"What will happen next?" he said. "Only God knows."

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tory Plan To Lower Benefits Cap To £23,000

UKIP Defections: PM Did Too Little, Too Late

Updated: 10:09pm UK, Saturday 27 September 2014

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

During the 2010 election, I travelled to Rochester and Strood in Kent, where I met the Tory candidate Mark Reckless.

One thing that struck me as I watched him take to the doorsteps, was the number of constituents raising the issue of immigration.

One awkward incident involved an elderly man ranting about why he supported the far-right National Front. Mr Reckless backed off, embarrassed.

He certainly didn't share those extreme views. But it was clear then that he was a politician who was worried about immigration and angry about Europe.

I remember another conversation with Mr Reckless last year in the Commons.

Tory backbenchers were nervous about immigration, he told me. They felt David Cameron hadn't done enough, and the looming prospect of transitional controls lifted on Bulgarians and Romanians was of particular concern. 

Things could get tetchy in January 2015, he said.

Mr Cameron knew about these misgivings among his MPs and tried to act on them.

Late last year he unveiled a toughening up in the rhetoric on immigration – bringing in new rules to crack down on the access that new EU migrants would get to benefits. Then came the pledge of an EU referendum.

The hope was to appease the concerns of people like Mr Reckless, and you might have thought it was working.

After all, following the defection to UKIP of Douglas Carswell many asked the MP if he would be next. He insisted not.

When I texted Tracey Crouch, a neighbouring MP in Kent, about his decision to leave the Tories, she replied: "Nothing I can say right now would be becoming of a lady. I'm so angry. He looked me in the eye and promised he wasn't going to defect."

Others pointed out that he was openly supportive of the Conservatives as recently as yesterday.

Then he tweeted: "Good to lead coach for Team2015 campaigning in Birmingham Northfield on Sunday + will be followed by our Clacton action next Thursday."

That is why Tory sources say they are "surprised". Other MPs told me they felt "let down", "frustrated" and "fed up".

"Another battle when we should be fighting Labour," said one.

Others argued that although he had behaved irresponsibly, giving a leg-up to Ed Miliband, that a number of backbenchers were angry with the party's position on Europe.

They believe that Mr Cameron hasn't done enough to prove he can loosen Britain's ties to the EU. They want to see the issue addressed at his conference speech this week.

The problem for men like Mr Reckless is they don't share the Prime Minister's views on Europe.

Mr Cameron wants to reform the UK's relationship with the continent and then – ideally – campaign for us to stay IN.

And that is the sticking point with Mr Reckless.

The former Tory MP was clear today that he believes in an independent Britain, and wants to follow the Scotland Yes campaign with what he said was a positive, patriotic message for voters.

He wants OUT – and UKIP is the only party that is fully with him.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sex Scandal And Defection Hit Tory Conference

The Tories have been dealt a devastating double blow after a minister quit over a sex scandal and another party MP announced he was defecting to UKIP.

Cabinet Office minister Brooks Newmark resigned after reportedly sending explicit pictures of himself online to an undercover tabloid newspaper reporter.

His announcement came just hours after Rochester and Strood MP Mark Reckless declared he was joining Nigel Farage's "people's army".

Nigel Farage could not contain his delight at Mark Reckless's defection

He is the second Conservative to defect to UKIP within a month, joining Clacton MP Douglas Carswell.

For the Tories arriving in Birmingham for their final party conference before the general election in May, there could hardly have been a worse start to the gathering.

Samantha Cameron and the PM arrive in Birmingham for the conference

The setbacks completely overshadowed the announcement of plans for a new squeeze on benefits to fund millions of new apprenticeships.

According to the Sunday Mirror, Mr Newmark allegedly exchanged explicit pictures over the internet with a reporter posing as a Tory PR girl.

The 56-year-old married father of five tendered his resignation after learning that the newspaper was about to publish details of their exchanges.

"I have decided to resign as Minister for Civil Society having been notified of a story to be published in a Sunday newspaper," he said in a statement. 

"I would like to appeal for the privacy of my family to be respected at this time," he added.

Earlier, Mr Reckless received an ecstatic reception from UKIP activists at their party conference in Doncaster after he declared he was leaving the Tories.

Brooks Newmark resigned over claims he sent explicit photos over the net

He accused the leadership of failing to keep its promises on Europe, the economy and immigration.

"People feel ignored, taken for granted, over-taxed, over-regulated, ripped off and lied to," he declared to rapturous applause.

He dismissed the PM's promise of an in/out EU referendum as a "device" designed to deliver the "pre-ordained" result in favour of Britain's continued membership.

Mr Cameron, arriving last night in Birmingham with his wife Samantha, wished waiting reporters "good evening" but did not respond to questions.

Mark Reckless was a close ally of fellow defector Douglas Carswell

Nevertheless there was deep anger in the Conservative ranks, with a party spokesman denouncing the move as "completely illogical".

The spokesman warned that "a vote for UKIP is a vote for Ed Miliband" and Labour.

Mr Reckless's constituency party chairman, Andrew Mackness, said that he was "astonished and disgusted" by the MP's action.

"Only 48 hours ago he proclaimed his support for the Conservatives and their plans for a referendum on Europe and he gave me assurances he wouldn't defect," he said.

Samanth Cameron was all smiles as she arrived in Birmingham

"He has misled the hard-working people of Rochester and Strood who voted for him."

Like Mr Carswell, Mr Reckless said that he would be standing down as an MP in order to fight the seat as a UKIP candidate in a by-election.

Although he took the Kent constituency with a majority of almost 10,000 at the last general election, he may face a a tough battle to return to Westminster.

Mr Farage acknowledged that he did not enjoy the same "personal following that Mr Carswell has in Clacton".

But he said he would do "whatever it takes" to get him re-elected.

In his last act as a Tory MP, Mr Reckless rebelled against the Government in the emergency Commons vote on air strikes against Islamic State militants.

Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps said: "Even late last night he was leaving voicemails with people saying how much he was looking forward to coming to a campaign day this Sunday here in Birmingham Northfield for one of our candidates.

"People will come to their own conclusions about whether this is therefore a trustworthy individual."

Downing Street said that Reading East MP Rob Wilson had been appointed the new Civil Society Minister.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Iraq Vote Shows Britain's Changed World Role

By Faisal Islam, Political Editor

The RAF in Akrotiri, Cyprus, now know that they will soon be taking part in airstrikes against IS in northern Iraq.

MPs have voted overwhelmingly in favour of their deployment; 524 Yes and and 43 Noes in favour of the motion.

At first we expect just six Tornados - already being used for surveillance - to be armed and ready for action.

The result came after a creditable, statesmanlike day-long debate.

But there were some political casualties - Shadow Education Minister Rushanara Ali resigned from the front bench, and Iain McKenzie, an aide to Shadow Defence Secretary Vernon Coaker, was sacked, after abstaining and voting against the motion respectively.

MPs voted overwhelmingly for military action

In reality there were two debates. A tightly worded formal debate motion on Iraq, and a shadow debate on Syria.

The PM's personal view, expressed in this debate, was: It would be justified and legal to extend action into Syria. And, in a "humanitarian disaster", it might not require an advance parliamentary mandate.

This muddied the waters a little. Number 10 later clarified that this would have to be a "Benghazi" style imminent massacre.

Given that the US and allies are already bombing IS in Syria, it would hardly come as a surprise. But it did not affect the result in Parliament.

George Galloway was a dissenting voice

The main vote's thumping majority was by design.

The PM had sought the backing of Ed Miliband in a phone call from the UN in New York on Wednesday.

The motion was accordingly tightly drafted on tactics (no combat troops) and territory (Iraq only).

But it was not just a consequence of Labour caution, the Liberal Democrats too have been a break on this process.

For Labour's part, Mr Miliband suggested that it would be better to get a UN Mandate for any extension of action to Syria.

Back in the chamber the critiques ranged in from different directions: "The mission creep hasn't even waited until the end of the debate," said George Galloway.

Ken Clarke pointed out that the action was basically symbolic, and involved six planes.

Senior Tory backbenchers including Liam Fox and Andrew Mitchell called for a mandate for airstrikes in Syria.

All this debate, the publication of legal advice, and front bench Labour resignations for late entry to just a part of ongoing military action, that would occur regardless.

So the airstrikes start soon, but perhaps the real significance of today: cementing Britain's changed world role.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

RAF Jets Poised To Strike Jihadists In Iraq

British fighter jets could begin airstrikes against Islamic State fighters in Iraq as early as today after MPs overwhelmingly backed action.

Parliament gave approval by 524 votes to 43 (a massive majority of 481) for Britain to join the US-led coalition in the Middle East.

The vote came after Prime Minister David Cameron said IS forces are "psychopathic terrorists trying to kill us".

Labour MP Rushanara Ali immediately resigned from the party's front bench after the result was announced.

Labour MP Rushanara Ali immediately resigned after the result was announced

Labour leader Ed Miliband told her afterwards: "I know that you have thought long and hard about this. I respect and accept your resignation."

Ian McKenzie, the Labour MP for Inverclyde, was sacked as a parliamentary aide to Shadow Defence Secretary Vernon Coaker for voting against military action.

Britain has six Tornado GR4 fighter bombers in Cyprus ready to strike northern Iraq, a figure which Cabinet minister Kenneth Clarke said would make the UK's military contribution "almost symbolic".

The planes, which have been in RAF Akrotiri for the past six weeks carrying out surveillance missions in the Middle East, could begin airstrikes over the weekend.

Defence Minister Michael Fallon told Sky News: "You're not going to see immediate military action - a wave of shock and awe or anything like that ... not tonight no, absolutely not.

"We have to select our targets in accordance with the American and international effort that's going on in Iraq.

"There's fighting around these towns - we have to fit in to the day-to-day fighting and see where we can help best."

It came as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said US-led airstrikes had already worsened a dire humanitarian crisis in Iraq and Syria.

Mr Cameron told the Commons debate that Islamist militants "have already murdered one British hostage" and are "threatening the lives of two more".

He described IS, which has invaded large areas of Syria and Iraq, as "a terrorist organisation unlike those we have dealt with before".

He said: "The brutality is staggering - beheadings, crucifixions, the gouging out of eyes, the use of rape as a weapon, the slaughter of children. All of these things belong to the dark ages."

During the six-and-a-half-hour debate, Mr Miliband said he understood the deep unease about taking military action, but said the UK could not stand by in the face of the threat from IS, also known as ISIL.

An RAF Tornado GR4 carrying Storm Shadow missiles

"ISIL is not simply a murderous organisation; it has ambitions for a state of its own - a caliphate across the Middle East, run according to their horrific norms and values," he said.

But in a typically firebrand intervention, outspoken Respect MP George Galloway said bombing would not work, and stressed the need to strengthen ground forces in the region.

He said: "ISIL is a death cult, it's a gang of terrorist murderers. It's not an army and it's certainly not an army that's going to be destroyed by aerial bombardment."

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, backed UK airstrikes, telling the House of Lords: "The action proposed today is right."

But he warned "we must not rely on a short-term solution" and a wider effort was needed to turn extremists away from the "evil of ISIL".

On Thursday, the Cabinet unanimously backed military action against IS, which could last up to three years.

The PM was desperate to avoid the embarrassment of the Commons defeat on Syria airstrikes last year, and tabled a cautiously-worded motion intended to win support from all parties for action in Iraq.

Overnight, the US continued to hit suspected IS positions in Syria for a fifth consecutive day of attacks.

The Pentagon said the raids had disrupted lucrative oil-pumping operations that have helped fund IS militants, but that a final victory would need an on-the-ground campaign.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

MPs Set To Approve UK Airstrikes In Iraq

By Jon Craig, Chief Political Correspondent

David Cameron is poised to win support from MPs for airstrikes in Iraq which senior ministers have warned could last up to three years.

Bombing raids involving RAF planes could begin within hours of a vote in the Commons which is expected to be overwhelmingly in favour of bombing raids.

Desperate to avoid a repeat of the Commons defeat over airstrikes against Syria last year, the PM is proposing a cautiously-worded motion intended to win support from all parties.

"This motion does not endorse UK airstrikes in Syria as part of this campaign, and any proposal to do so would be subject to a separate vote in Parliament," it states.

David Cameron says airstrikes will only target Iraq, not Syria

And it adds: "Her Majesty's Government will not deploy UK troops in ground combat operations."

Mr Cameron goes into the debate with an opinion poll suggesting voters strongly back airstrikes in Iraq, but would also support attacks against Syria.

A YouGov survey for The Sun shows the largest support yet for RAF airstrikes in Iraq, with 57% now in favour and just 24% against.

But it also suggests voters support bombing raids against ISIL in Syria by 51% to 26%, even though Mr Cameron has already ruled this out for now.

The poll findings are a complete turnaround from 13 months ago, when voters opposed airstrikes on Syria's President Bashar al Assad by two-to-one.

The UK strikes would follow raids by US planes in Syria and Iraq

The Cabinet met for 90 minutes yesterday and "unanimously" backed airstrikes in Iraq.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon suggested that the campaign against IS could be a "long haul" of "two to three years".

He told Parliament's House magazine: "(US Secretary of State) John Kerry has estimated two to three years, that looks like a long haul to me.

"But we have to face up to this. This kind of extremism has been spreading, taking root in democracies."

After the Cabinet meeting, Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said the Government was confident Parliament would approve the Government's motion.

Tory MP Bob Stewart says the UK must 'annihilate' the militants

He stressed that Britain's role would currently be limited to airstrikes in Iraq.

"There will be a ground operation. It's just that we will not be providing ground combat troops," Mr Hammond said.

"We are very clear about that. Not only because we don't think, frankly, public opinion would support such involvement.

"But also we don't think such an involvement would be helpful.

"If we were to put large numbers of Western troops into Iraq now that would simply feed Isil's narrative.

"If ground forces are needed they have to come from regional countries - primarily from Iraq itself."

Asked whether the action could be extended into Syria at a later stage, Mr Hammond replied: "We haven't ruled out anything for the future.

Chief of Defence Staff General Nick Houghton (L) and Phillip Hammond

"We will have to see how the struggle against Isil goes.

"But the important thing... is that if we were to decide at some point in the future that it would be right to conduct airstrikes in Syria then we would come back to the House of Commons, there would be another debate - all the issues around that would be fully discussed and a decision made at that time."

Although the Labour leader Ed Miliband has said his MPs will support the Government in the vote, some anti-war left-wing MPs are expected to force a vote and oppose military action.

On the eve of the debate, left-wing Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn handed in a petition at 10 Downing Street opposing bombing raids.

But some Conservative MPs want the Government to go further and deploy raids on Syria and commit troops.

Bob Stewart, a member of the Commons Defence Committee and a former British commander in Bosnia, said IS had to be defeated in its birthplace in Syria.

"The truth is, as everyone knows, the only way to get rid of this menace is to beat it on the ground, drive them out, annihilate them or capture them," he said.

"We mustn't rule out the option of using our armed forces if our country is threatened enough that we need to do so."

Former defence minister Sir Gerald Howarth added: "If you don't attack their bases in Syria, then clearly you are not addressing it.

"One will be left with the taste in the mouth that we are leaving it to the Americans to do the dirty end of the job."

:: The Commons debate will begin at 10.30am with the vote expected at around 5pm. Watch on Sky News Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 132.

:: Live coverage will also available on sky.com/news and Sky News for iPad and on your mobile phone.

12.28 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fathers Of Iraq War Dead Split Over Raids

MPs Set To Approve Airstrikes In Iraq

Updated: 5:54am UK, Friday 26 September 2014

By Jon Craig, Chief Political Correspondent

David Cameron is poised to win support from MPs for airstrikes in Iraq which senior ministers have warned could last up to three years.

Bombing raids involving RAF planes could begin within hours of a vote in the Commons which is expected to be overwhelmingly in favour of bombing raids.

Desperate to avoid a repeat of the Commons defeat over airstrikes against Syria last year, the PM is proposing a cautiously-worded motion intended to win support from all parties.

"This motion does not endorse UK airstrikes in Syria as part of this campaign, and any proposal to do so would be subject to a separate vote in Parliament," it states.

And it adds: "Her Majesty's Government will not deploy UK troops in ground combat operations."

Mr Cameron goes into the debate with an opinion poll suggesting voters strongly back airstrikes in Iraq, but would also support attacks against Syria.

A YouGov survey for The Sun shows the largest support yet for RAF airstrikes in Iraq, with 57% now in favour and just 24% against.

But it also suggests voters support bombing raids against ISIL in Syria by 51% to 26%, even though Mr Cameron has already ruled this out for now.

The poll findings are a complete turnaround from 13 months ago, when voters opposed airstrikes on Syria's President Bashar al Assad by two-to-one.

The Cabinet met for 90 minutes yesterday and "unanimously" backed airstrikes in Iraq.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon suggested that the campaign against IS could be a "long haul" of "two to three years".

He told Parliament's House magazine: "(US Secretary of State) John Kerry has estimated two to three years, that looks like a long haul to me.

"But we have to face up to this. This kind of extremism has been spreading, taking root in democracies."

After the Cabinet meeting, Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said the Government was confident Parliament would approve the Government's motion.

He stressed that Britain's role would currently be limited to airstrikes in Iraq.

"There will be a ground operation. It's just that we will not be providing ground combat troops," Mr Hammond said.

"We are very clear about that. Not only because we don't think, frankly, public opinion would support such involvement.

"But also we don't think such an involvement would be helpful.

"If we were to put large numbers of Western troops into Iraq now that would simply feed Isil's narrative.

"If ground forces are needed they have to come from regional countries - primarily from Iraq itself."

Asked whether the action could be extended into Syria at a later stage, Mr Hammond replied: "We haven't ruled out anything for the future.

"We will have to see how the struggle against Isil goes.

"But the important thing... is that if we were to decide at some point in the future that it would be right to conduct airstrikes in Syria then we would come back to the House of Commons, there would be another debate - all the issues around that would be fully discussed and a decision made at that time."

Although the Labour leader Ed Miliband has said his MPs will support the Government in the vote, some anti-war left-wing MPs are expected to force a vote and oppose military action.

On the eve of the debate, left-wing Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn handed in a petition at 10 Downing Street opposing bombing raids.

But some Conservative MPs want the Government to go further and deploy raids on Syria and commit troops.

Bob Stewart, a member of the Commons Defence Committee and a former British commander in Bosnia, said IS had to be defeated in its birthplace in Syria.

"The truth is, as everyone knows, the only way to get rid of this menace is to beat it on the ground, drive them out, annihilate them or capture them," he said.

"We mustn't rule out the option of using our armed forces if our country is threatened enough that we need to do so."

Former defence minister Sir Gerald Howarth added: "If you don't attack their bases in Syria, then clearly you are not addressing it.

"One will be left with the taste in the mouth that we are leaving it to the Americans to do the dirty end of the job."

:: The Commons debate will begin at 10.30am with the vote expected at around 5pm. Watch on Sky News Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 132.

:: Live coverage will also available on sky.com/news and Sky News for iPad and on your mobile phone.

12.28 | 0 komentar | Read More

PM: 'Whole World Must Unite Against IS Evil'

Islamic State has "murderous plans" to expand and carry out terrorist atrocities across the world, David Cameron has warned.

Addressing the UN General Assembly in New York, the Prime Minister said the militant group's rapid advance could be tackled with help from Iran and an end to Bashar al Assad's regime in Syria.

Mr Cameron was speaking ahead of an emergency debate in parliament on Friday where he is expected to win cross-party support for airstrikes against IS targets in Iraq.

MPs will vote on whether RAF planes should join the US, France and five Arab states in bombing IS positions, possibly by the weekend.

The PM asked for support from Iran's President Hassan Rouhani

Labour and the Lib Dems have pledged their support after a formal request for assistance from Iraq's Prime Minister Haider Abadi put potential UK involvement on a legal footing.

The Prime Minister insisted Britain had learned from "past mistakes" in Afghanistan and Iraq but that they would not become an excuse for inaction.

"Isil (Islamic State) is not a problem restricted to just one region. It has murderous plans to expand its borders well beyond Iraq and Syria and to carry out terrorist atrocities right across the world.

"It is recruiting new fighters from all over the world. 500 have gone there from Britain and one of them almost certainly brutally murdered two American journalists and a British aid worker.

US-Arab airstrikes are continuing against IS targets in Syria

"We should learn the lessons of the past. But we have to learn the right lessons. Yes to careful preparation; no to rushing to join a conflict without a clear plan.

"But we must not be so frozen with fear that we don't do anything at all."

During a historic meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani earlier, Mr Cameron extended an invitation to Iran to join the fight against IS.

"We have severe disagreements," he said. "Iran's support for terrorist organisations, its nuclear programme, its treatment of its people; all these need to change.

"But Iran's leaders could help in defeating the threat from Isil. They could help secure a more stable, inclusive Iraq; and a more stable, inclusive Syria."

Iraq's PM Haider al Abadi has requested UK assitance to defeat IS

The Prime Minister added that an end to Bashar al Assad's regime in Syria was key to defeating the militant group.

"The failure to meet people's aspirations can create a breeding ground where extremist and even terrorist insurgency can take root," he said.

"In Syria, it must mean a political transition and an end to Assad's brutality. I know there are some who think that we should do a deal with Assad in order to defeat ISIL.

"But this view is dangerously misguided. Our enemies' enemy is not our friend. It is another enemy. Doing a deal with Assad will not defeat ISIL."

The PM was speaking as the US and an Arab alliance launched a fresh wave of airstrikes against strategic IS targets in Syria.

The attacks resulted in the death of a 19-year-old British insurgent from Brighton who was reportedly fighting alongside Islamist group Jabhat al Nusra against the Syrian regime.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

UK To Strike Iraq - But Is Syria The Real Target?

This week in New York has given David Cameron what he's needed. A platform and a justification to bring British airpower to the fight against the Islamic State

There was palpable relief in the delegation travelling with the Prime Minister when I interviewed him earlier. Britain can now play a more aggressive role in the coalition its special relationship partner is building.

And the Prime Minister seems confident he will not suffer another embarrassing debacle in parliament. Ed Miliband has much to lose if he opposes him. But there is an inconsistency in Britain's role and clear limits on its intervention.

In his speech to the UN General Assembly David Cameron spoke of specific atrocities IS has carried out in Syria, the slaughter of 700 tribesmen for instance in the east of the country, and he talked of the dangers of inaction.

But Britain will not be striking IS in Syria. It will only target the organisation in Iraq. What remains to be hit there and remains exposed for further airstrikes is not clear. 

IS strongholds are in Syria and any effort to destroy it, the clear endgame for both the US and UK, will require attacking it there.

The Prime Minister is not confident about either the legality of airstrikes in Syria nor the chances of persuading MPs to support the idea.

So if the Prime Minister is able to win support for intervention on Friday, which seems likely, Britain joins the air campaign late and in a limited role.

Any expansion of that across the border into Syria will need another debate in parliament. The Prime Minister's adamant about that.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Britain Edges Closer To Launching IS Airstrikes

Britain could be days from military involvement in the Middle East after David Cameron warned the fight against Islamic State was one the UK "could not opt out of".

Speaking ahead of a United Nations summit in New York, the Prime Minister insisted the group was planning attacks on Britain and an international coalition was needed to destroy "this evil organisation."

Iraq's Prime Minister Haider Abadi is expected to formally ask for Britain's involvement in airstrikes against IS positions in the north of the country when he meets with Mr Cameron tomorrow.

The PM warned of terrorist plots in Britain and the US

Such a request would legally underpin any UK military action in Iraq, something that is less clear in the case of Syria where Britain has stressed it will not co-operate with President Bashar al Assad to defeat IS.

Any offer to Iraq of military help could lead to parliament being recalled on Friday to seek MPs' approval, with Mr Cameron hoping of avoiding the defeat he suffered last year over plans to target the Assad regime.

Iraq has not yet formally asked Britain to join the US and France in air strikes on IS which has made rapid territorial gains in northern Iraq, though the UK responded swiftly to Baghdad's plea for arms and ammunition earlier this month.

Iraq's PM Haider al Abadi is likely to ask for Britain's help to defeat IS

Speaking to US TV channel NBC, Mr Cameron said: "There are other plots they (IS) have been attempting, including in my own country, in order to kill and maim innocent people and the same applies to the United States.

"So this is a fight you cannot opt out of. These people want to kill us. They've got us in their sights and we have to put together this coalition… to make sure that we ultimately destroy this evil organisation."

Mr Cameron will also attempt to secure regional involvement in the fight against IS during talks with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani. It will be the first time a British prime minister has met an Iranian president since 1979.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani will also hold talks with Mr Cameron

But Mr Cameron has made clear he will not soften his stance on Iran's nuclear ambitions, nor its support for other militant groups the West regards as terrorist organisations.

"I will be very clear," Mr Cameron told NBC News. "We think they are wrong to have this nuclear weapon programme. We think they are wrong to support terrorist organisations.

"It'll be a tough conversation. I'm not saying that my enemy's enemy is my friend. I don't believe that.

"But the fact is if we want to have a successful, democratic, pluralistic Iraq and if we want to have a successful, democratic, pluralistic Syria, Iran can play a constructive role in helping to bring that about."

UK hostage Alan Henning is being held by the group, possibly in Raqqa

The first US raids on IS targets in Syria were launched yesterday, supported by Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Among the areas hit was the IS stronghold of Raqqa where it is thought British aid worker Alan Henning is being held hostage by the group.

Mr Henning's wife Barbara urged for his release after she received an audio message from her husband pleading for his life.

Barbara Henning said she had been told a Sharia court had found her husband innocent of being a spy.

"I implore Islamic State to abide by the decisions of their own justice system. "Please release Alan," she said in a statement released through the Foreign Office.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Families Living In Fear In IS-Controlled Raqqa

By Jason Farrell, Sky Correspondent

Children in Syria are being taken from their families to be trained as Islamic State fighters and used as informants, according to a civilian living in Raqqa.

Former student Abu Abrahim Raqqawi gave Sky News a chilling account of life inside the IS-controlled city where he claimed children are being indoctrinated to become jihadists.

Abu is able to talk because he was smuggled out of Raqqa two weeks ago but remains in regular contact with more than a dozen other underground activists in the city.

Abu Abrahim says there is no education for children in Raqqa

"They (IS) say to the young people, those between 16 and 18, 'Ok, we will give you money if you say who are talking about us or are saying something bad about us'.

"There is a camp for under-16 children. They took a lot of children without their families knowing, and it's very bad. It's just a special camp for young people. They make them like a bomb; a time-bomb."

The US launched airstrikes against IS targets in Syria on Tuesday and Abu Abrahim said IS members in the city were killed after rockets struck their communications hub and a hospital used exclusively by IS fighters.

The US has launched airstrikes against IS targets in Syria

But there are mixed feelings about the Western military intervention.

Abu Abrahim said: "There is anger because the city is being destroyed but some accept they have to do a deal with the devil to get rid of IS.

"But others feel if the US cared about the people here, Obama would have acted when President Assad crossed the red line."

Here he is referring to the Syrian leader's alleged use of chemical weapons last year.

Several Syrian cities and IS strongholds were targetted in the attack

"There are a lot of executions, secret executions and public executions, especially after the Friday sermons - crucifying, beheading and things like that." He provided images to back this up; some showed children watching the gruesome events.

"There are no hospitals inside the city of Raqqa now. When there is an airstrike (previously from President Assad's forces) wounded people are taken to small hospitals in houses without any equipment.

"They're dying in the street. ISIS have their own hospitals that do not allow citizens to go in."

Abu Abrahim says there is no education in the city and some families are struggling to find food. He claims IS fighters have also seized people's homes to house foreign fighters, but the biggest problem is access to medicine and hospital treatment.

The group have made rapid advances across swathes of Iraq and Syria

His friends have been filming and taking photographs - posting images on a Facebook page called "Raqqa Is Being Silently Slaughtered".

One of the group was killed by IS when his activities were discovered. Despite being tortured, he didn't release the names of the others.

IS has ousted the Free Syrian Army from Raqqa - the original resistance movement to the Syrian leader Bashar al Assad is much diminished by the terrorist group across Syria.

Abu Abrahim said: "I think if the West wants to do something to kick ISIS out from Syria, they must bomb the Assad regime. If the Assad regime gets bombed and down, then easily the ISIS regime will get out of Syria because the FSA and all the fighters will just fight ISIS and not both ISIS and Assad."

IS fighters proclaim Raqqa is a paradise, but Abu says normal civilians are struggling for survival - that life in a terrorist controlled city is one of fear, and lives are being risked to tell the real story of the city.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cameron Ready To Work With Iran To Defeat IS

By Dominic Waghorn, US Correspondent

David Cameron is to become the first British Prime Minister to meet an Iranian President since 1979 in a historic encounter in New York

Downing Street says the meeting with Hassan Rouhani is part of efforts to mobilise support against the Islamic State and drop Iran's support for the Assad regime in Syria.

The Prime Minister will be attending the United Nations general assembly and is hoping to secure UN approval for a comprehensive strategy to deal with the brutal militant group.

The PM will dicuss the threat posed by Islamic State with Iran's president

It marks Mr Cameron's determination to enlist the active support of regional powers in the Middle East in taking on IS, which has seized control of swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria.

The group has also carried out a string of atrocities against local people and foreigners as it seeks to impose its own brand of extremist Sunni Islam.

Mr Cameron will also join US President Barack Obama and other members of the UN Security Council to discuss the threat posed by foreign fighters - thought to include hundreds of Britons - engaged in the conflict.

Officials say he will set out in his speech that the threat from extremism is faced by everyone and international action is required to defeat it.

World leaders meet annually for the event in New York which is often criticised for being long on talk and short on action.

Ahead of the encounter, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei has issued damning criticism of the UK and the US calling them warmongers for their planned actions in Iraq.

Also on the agenda with be Iran's nuclear-enrichment programme

Britain has yet to commit support for air strikes and there has been US speculation it may step up its military intervention now the Scottish independence referendum is out of the way.

Britain and the US also hope to see a new UN Security Council resolution preventing the flow of foreign fighters into Iraq and Syria.

Tehran will also call for flexibility on its uranium-enrichment programme which has led to sanctions because of Western concerns any nuclear capability could be used for militarily.

Downing Street said Mr Cameron had "no illusion" about the threat posed by Iran's nuclear operations, but was ready to work with Tehran if it was willing to join the effort to defeat IS.

There is a sense of urgency this year given the threat posed by IS, but also the catastrophic dangers posed by global warming. 

Ahead of the meeting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon warned time is running out to unite against the global threat of climate change. 

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

US Launches First Attacks Against IS In Syria

The US and five Arab countries have begun airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria.

The strikes were launched using fighters, bombers and Tomahawk missiles launched from US ships in the northern Persian Gulf and the Red Sea and form part of the expanded military campaign authorised by Barack Obama two weeks ago.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Bahrain were involved in the airstrikes a US official said, although their exact roles were unclear.

Islamic State have made rapid gains in Iraq and Syria

Damascus says Washington informed Syria's UN envoy before launching the strikes against targets which included Islamic State group headquarters in Raqqa in eastern Syria, weapons storage facilities and checkpoints.

Military officials say militants' command and control centres, re-supply facilities, training camps and other key logistical sites are also being targeted.

The strikes follow a summit of world leaders in Paris where agreement was reached to form a broad coalition to counter the advance of Islamic State in Syria and to provide military aid to Iraq to fight the extremist network.

Military leaders have said about two-thirds of the estimated 31,000 Islamic State militants are in Syria.

A second video of UK hostage John Cantlie has been released by IS

Sky's US correspondent Dominic Waghorn said: "After years of watching from the sidelines, America is now involved in the country's bloody civil war.

"In the sovereign airspace and territory of another nation, these strikes are particularly surprising.

"This military coalition is very important for America who do not want to be seen as going ahead on their own."

International efforts to combat the group, who have grabbed swathes of territory in Syria and Iraq, have taken on an added urgency after the beheading of two US journalists and British aid worker David Haines, and the threat to kill UK hostage Alan Henning.

The US action comes four days after France destroyed an Islamic State logistics depot in its first airstrikes against the militant group in Iraq.

The group is still holding British hostage Alan Henning

President Francois Hollande said Rafale fighter jets, accompanied by support planes, "entirely destroyed" the depot in the north of the country.

Meanwhile, a second propaganda video of British hostage John Cantlie has been released by Islamic State.

Speaking to the camera and speaking under duress, Mr Cantlie addresses the coalition of states targeting the group, though it is not clear when the video was filmed.

"Everyone now is getting involved," he said. "Denmark and France have sent airpower, Britain is arming the Kurds, Iran is sending troops and contractors are being sought in Iraq.

An IS splinter group has threated to kill French tourist Herve Gourdel

"Even Bashah al Assad, until earlier this year the most hated and villianised tyrant in the Arab world, is being approached for permission to go into Syria.

"It's all quite a circus. Not since Vietnam have we witnessed a potential mess in the making."

Earlier, a kidnapped Frenchman appeared in a video posted online, saying he is being held by an Algeria-based Islamic State splinter group.

In the footage, a spokesman for the group - which calls itself Jund al-Khilafah, or Caliphate Soldiers - threatens to kill 55-year-old Herve Gourde unless France ends its military operation against Islamic State in Iraq.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blair: Airpower Alone Not Enough To Defeat IS

Tony Blair has said Britain should not rule out sending forces into Syria and Iraq to counter the threat posed by Islamic State.

In a 6,500-word essay the former Prime Minister said that while no desire existed for ground engagement in the region, airpower alone would not be enough to defeat the group.

"We have to fight groups like ISIS," he said. "There can be an abundance of diplomacy, all necessary relief of humanitarian suffering, every conceivable statement of condemnation which we can muster.

Tony Blair: 'The enemy we're fighting is fanatical'

"But unless they're accompanied by physical combat, we will mitigate the problem but not overcome it.

"Airpower is a major component of this to be sure, especially with the new weapons available to us. But - and this is the hard truth - airpower alone will not suffice.

"If possible, others closer to the field of battle, with a more immediate interest, can be given the weapons and the training to carry the fight.

"I accept fully there is no appetite for ground engagement in the West. But we should not rule it out in the future if it is absolutely necessary."

France and the US have launched airstrikes on IS positions

The militant Islamist group has made rapid territorial gains across the region and released graphic videos depicting the beheading of two US journalists and British aid worker David Haines.

Mr Blair warned that any solution to the threat posed by the extremist group would involve casualties. 

"Because the enemy we're fighting is fanatical, because they are prepared both to kill and to die, there is no solution that doesn't involve force applied with a willingness to take casualties in carrying the fight through to the end," he said.

The US and France have already launched airstrikes against IS targets, and the UK has not ruled out joining the bombing campaign.

He said the lessons learned from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq had improved Western forces' "capacity and capability" to respond to the threat of IS and similar groups.

Former taxi driver Alan Henning is being held by the group

"To those who say that after the campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq we have no stomach for such a commitment, I would reply the difficulties we encountered there are in part intrinsic to the nature of the battle being waged," he said.

"And our capacity and capability to wage the battle effectively are second to none in part because of our experience there."

Former taxi driver Alan Henning, from Manchester, is currently being held hostage by IS after he was kidnapped in the Syrian town of al Dana while volunteering with a humanitarian aid convoy.

The group has threatened to kill Mr Henning and warned Britain and American not to get involved in another Middle East war.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Balls To Freeze Child Benefit To Balance Books

Real-terms cuts in child benefit will form part of Labour's plan to balance the country's books, shadow chancellor Ed Balls will say at the party's conference.

Mr Balls will present a 1% cap on rises for the first two years of a Labour government as one of the "tough decisions" necessary to deal with the deficit if the party takes power next year.

In a speech in Manchester today, Mr Balls will pledge to "change the way our economy works" and to "not flinch from the tough decisions we must make".

He will say: "Three years of lost growth at the start of this parliament means we will have to deal with a deficit of £75bn  - not the balanced budget George Osborne promised by 2015. And that will make the task of governing hugely difficult.

"People know we are the party of jobs, living standards and fairness for working people. But they also need to know that we will balance the books and make the sums add up and that we won't duck the difficult decisions we will face if they return us to government.

"Working people have had to balance their own books. And they are clear that the Government needs to balance its books too."

Mr Balls will say a cap in child benefit rises will save £400m

Under austerity measures introduced by the coalition, child benefit was frozen from 2010 to this year.

It rose by 1% in April and is due to rise by the same amount in 2015/16, but Mr Balls will commit to extending below-inflation hikes for at least one more year.

He will tell delegates: "We will not spend money we cannot afford. So for the first two years of the next parliament we will cap the rise in child benefit at 1%.

"It will save £400m in the next parliament. And all the savings will go towards reducing the deficit."

Other elements of the Labour party's plans for the economy include cutting pay for ministers by 5%, reintroducing the 50p top rate of income tax for those earning more than £150,000, and ending the winter fuel allowance for the richest 5% of pensioners.

A 5% cut in ministerial salaries is also on the cards

The party also has plans to raise the minimum wage to £8 an hour, and introduce a jobs guarantee for young people and the long-term unemployed funded by a tax on bank bonuses and limiting pensions tax relief for the highest earners. 

Treasury Exchequer Secretary Priti Patel poured scorn on Mr Balls' plan for the economy, claiming Labour would put the deficit up, not down.

"These savings on ministerial pay only cut a miniscule fraction of the deficit - less than 1% of 1&. And it comes just days after the Institute for Fiscal Studies said Labour's economic policy means £28bn extra borrowing," he said.

"For all his bluster, Ed Balls still refuses to admit that Labour spent too much and he's opposed every decision we've taken to cut the deficit. All a Labour government would offer is more inefficient spending, more taxes and more debt than our children could ever hope to repay.'

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Alan Henning's Wife Issues Plea To Captors

The wife of British aid convoy volunteer Alan Henning has issued a statement to the Islamic State (IS) calling on his captors to release him.

Mr Henning, 47, a former taxi driver from Manchester, was captured last December near the town of al Dana in Syria by IS militants.

He was shown at the end of a video last week following the murder of fellow British captive David Haines.

The statement, issued through the Foreign Office, said: "I am Barbara Henning the wife of Alan Henning. Alan was taken prisoner last December and is being held by the Islamic State.

"Alan is a peaceful, selfless man who left his family and his job as a taxi driver in the UK to drive in a convoy all the way to Syria with his Muslim colleagues and friends to help those most in need.

Mr Henning had driven an ambulance full of food and water to Syria

"When he was taken he was driving an ambulance full of food and water to be handed out to anyone in need.

"His purpose for being there was no more and no less. This was an act of sheer compassion.

"I cannot see how it could assist any state's cause to allow the world to see a man like Alan dying.

"I have been trying to communicate with the Islamic State and the people holding Alan. I have sent some really important messages but they have not been responded to.

"I pray that the people holding Alan respond to my messages and contact me before it is too late.

"When they hear this message I implore the people of Islamic State to see it in their hearts to release my husband Alan Henning."

It is the first public statement by Mr Henning's family since he appeared in the IS video.

It follows an appeal by Muslim scholars in the UK calling for the release of the Briton, who was captured in December near the town of al Dana.

IS has previously released footage showing the murders of US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff.

A separate video last week showed British photojournalist John Cantlie, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, saying he wanted to "convey some facts" about IS and saying he would speak about the group in future videos. There was no threat to kill Mr Cantlie in the video.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Briton's Body Found After Mexico Hurricane

The body of a British woman who went missing while travelling on a yacht off the coast of Mexico has been found.

The Foreign Office confirmed one Briton had died after a search operation was launched earlier this week for couple Paul Whitehouse and Simone Wood in the aftermath of Hurricane Odile.

The pair, from London and Wolverhampton, were reported missing on Friday after their yacht overturned in the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez.

Mr Whitehouse is still missing. Pic: Facebook

The couple are thought to have been living in La Paz, Mexico, for a year.

Mr Whitehouse, who is believed to be a scuba instructor, is reportedly still missing.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national, reported missing along with another British national earlier this week off the coast of Mexico.

The hurricane affected power and water supplies

"The Embassy is working with the local authorities and consular staff are providing assistance to both families at this very difficult time."

Hurricane Odile left a trail of destruction when it hit the Baja California Peninsula last Sunday.

Three other people have been confirmed dead following the storm - two Korean citizens and a German man who reportedly died from a heart attack.

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Queen: All Of UK Will Respect Scotland Vote

Scottish Referendum: What They're Saying

Updated: 4:22pm UK, Friday 19 September 2014

Supporters of both the Yes and No campaigns have been giving their reactions to Scotland's decision to reject independence.

Prime Minister David Cameron: "The people of Scotland have spoken and it is a clear result. They've kept our country of four nations together and like millions of other people, I am delighted.

"As I said during the campaign, it would have broken my heart to see our United Kingdom come to an end and I know that this sentiment was shared not just by people across our country but also around the world.

"Now the debate has been settled for a generation, or as Alex Salmond has said, perhaps for a lifetime. So there can be no disputes, no reruns - we have heard the settled will of the Scottish people.

Alex Salmond (speaking before he announced he would be stepping down as Scotland's First Minister): "Scotland has by majority decided not at this stage to become an independent country and I accept that verdict of the people, and I call on all Scots to follow suit in accepting the democratic verdict of the people of Scotland.

"The process by which we have made our decision as a nation reflects enormous credit upon Scotland.

"A turnout of 86% is one of the highest in the democratic world for any election or any referendum in history - this has been a triumph for the democratic process and for participation in politics."

Later, Mr Salmond confirmed his intention to quit as First Minister, saying: "We lost the referendum vote but Scotland can still carry the political initiative - Scotland can still emerge as the real winner. My time is nearly over."

Chris and Colin Weir, the Scottish EuroMillions lottery winners who donated £3.5m to the Yes campaign: "Of course, we are deeply disappointed by the result. But the people of Scotland have made their decision and, as democrats, we accept the outcome.

"We have no regrets at all about our support for the Yes campaign in the last two years. As lifelong supporters of independence, we are very proud of what has been achieved."

Former England cricket team captain Michael Vaughan: "Great to have em still with us.... #indyref #GreatBritain."

Businessman Richard Branson: "Scottish people should be proud of turnout in #indyref. Great example of democracy."

US President Barack Obama: "We welcome the result of yesterday's referendum on Scottish independence and congratulate the people of Scotland for their full and energetic exercise of democracy.

"Through debate, discussion, and passionate yet peaceful deliberations, they reminded the world of Scotland's enormous contributions to the UK and the world, and have spoken in favour of keeping Scotland within the United Kingdom."

Better Together campaign chair Alistair Darling: "The people of Scotland have spoken. We have chosen unity over division and positive change rather than needless separation."

Author and Better Together supporter J K Rowling: "Been up all night watching Scotland make history. A huge turnout, a peaceful democratic process: we should be proud."

Scottish Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon: "This campaign has been a joy to be part of, it's quite unlike anything I've ever been part of in my life before.

"As have thousands and thousands of others, I have given my heart and soul to this campaign but what has been amazing are the number of people who have never been involved in politics before, who have never campaigned as part of a political movement before, who have got involved."

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg: "I'm absolutely delighted the Scottish people have taken this momentous decision to safeguard our family of nations for future generations.

"In a dangerous and uncertain world I have no doubt we are stronger, safer, and more prosperous together than we ever could be apart.

"But a vote against independence was clearly not a vote against change and we must now deliver on time and in full the radical package of newly devolved powers to Scotland.

Better Together's Jim Murphy: "We are going to have to make a success of the decision Scotland has made.

"While I'm delighted, there is no time or space for triumph and we have got to get on and offer that devolution package we offered and unite the country around that.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby: "Over the past few weeks the campaign has touched on such raw issues of identity and been so closely fought that it has generated profound questioning and unsettlement far beyond Scotland.

"The decision by the Scottish people to remain within the United Kingdom, while deeply disappointing to many, will be welcomed by all those who believe that this country can continue to be an example of how different nations can work together for the common good within one state.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage: "The way that Westminster handled this was abysmal from the start.

"A series of promises were made on behalf of the English. The English are 86% by population of this union, they've been left out of all of this ( The Barnett formula) for the past 18 years ... what most English people want is a fair settlement."

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson: "Scotland had the biggest, broadest conversation about our future. We have to come together again & move forward together. It's all our home."

Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson: "Delighted Scotland has voted to remain in the Union.  We are better together."

Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones: "Pleased the people of Scotland have voted to remain in the Union – together we will shape a new constitutional future for the UK."

Conservative MP Mark Reckless on Twitter: "I am so pleased to be able to tell the children this morning that Mummy won't be becoming a foreigner."

12.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tory MPs: Devolution Must Be Matched Across UK

Devo Max: What New Powers Can Scotland Have?

Updated: 4:18pm UK, Friday 19 September 2014

David Cameron has pledged new powers for Scotland that some have said amount to Devo Max. However, it's not quite as clear cut as that.

What is Devo Max?

Scottish Parliament basically gets power over everything - apart from defence and foreign affairs. Maximum devolution.

Is that on offer?

No it's not, although some say David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband have come close to that.

What powers does Scotland already have?

It makes its own laws on health, education, law and order, environment, social services, housing, local government, tourism, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and some areas of transport. It can also raise or lower its income tax by 3p, but has not used this power.

What does Westminster have control of?

Defence, social security, immigration, benefits, foreign policy, employment, broadcasting, trade and industry, nuclear energy, oil, gas and electricity, consumer affairs and the constitution.

What powers will be given away in this quasi Devo Max deal?

It is not entirely clear. More power over setting income tax is definitely on the agenda, and control of housing benefits too. Holyrood is unlikely to get control over the oil take or corporation tax.

Under Gordon Brown's 12-point plan, giveaways include power over borrowing, job creation, social care and employment rights. The Scottish Parliament will also be confirmed as permanent, binding future governments to ensure its continued existence.

But what about England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Well, Mr Cameron has also promised more powers for Wales and Northern Ireland and to listen to the "millions of voices of England". He has promised to address the problem of "English votes for English laws" or the West Lothian question as it is also called. 

At the moment Scotland's 59 MPs can vote on matters that affect all of the UK but English MPs cannot vote on Scottish matters where powers have been devolved to Holyrood. 

With the promise of new powers for Scotland's Parliament, it has led to calls of "unfair" and for England to get more powers and the Prime Minister has said he will deliver. A sort of devolution revolution, if you will. 

Leader of the House of Commons William Hague is in charge of drawing up these plans but do expect that the Lib Dems and Labour will have rival versions. No cross-party consensus has been reached as with devolved powers for Scotland.

Make no mistake, it's a major shake-up - and yes, it will be an election issue.

So when is all this going to happen?

Gordon Brown has tabled a House of Commons debate over his planned 12-point power giveaway and the timetable for its delivery in mid-October.

There intention is that a new draft law to be drawn up by January 25 (Burns Night). Alex Salmond has agreed to talks to thrash out the details of these new powers but he will clearly be trying to get as close to delivering Devo Max as he can - having lost the battle for independence. It will not be passed until after the General Election in May but as there is a cross-party agreement theoretically, this should not provide a problem.

But the plans for England, Wales and Scotland do not have to work to the same timetable. They could be far more contentious as the parties are unlikely to agree on plans. Any English votes for English laws will put Labour at a distinct disadvantage as it effectively loses 40 MPs if its Scottish politicians are not included.

In addition, English MPs may be reluctant to allow new powers for Scotland to go through when they don't know "what's in it for them". 

In short, this could get messy and take a very long time.

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Huge Turnout In Historic Scottish Referendum

Politicians have hailed the "incredible" turnout in the Scottish referendum after a campaign that energised voters across the country.

The election looked set to break records after more than 90% of the electorate cast their votes in some areas.

Turnout reached 91% in East Dunbartonshire, 90.4% in East Renfrewshire and 90.1% in Stirling.

But participation was lower in some of the key areas where the Yes campaign was relying on support in large numbers, including Glasgow (75%) and Dundee (78.8%).

There was brisk turnout at most polling stations throughout the day

Scotland's deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "This campaign has been a joy to be part of, it's quite unlike anything I've ever been part of in my life before.

"As have thousands and thousands of others, I have given my heart and soul to this campaign but what has been amazing are the number of people who have never been involved in politics before, who have never campaigned as part of a political movement before, who have got involved."

Scottish Labour deputy leader Anas Sarwar, from the Better Together campaign, said voters had set politicians a challenge to respond to the desire for change.

A piper helped create an upbeat mood for voters in Edinburgh

He said: "What we are all struck by, whether Yes or No campaigners or supporters, is the incredible turnout that we've seen in this referendum campaign.

"The challenge for all of us is to tap into that real desire for change and to take on the task of unifying our country whatever the result, and bringing people together to create a better future for ourselves and for future generations."

Alex Salmond posed for photos after casting his vote on Thursday

Speaking from the Edinburgh count, Scottish Socialist Party spokesman Colin Fox, a key figure in Yes Scotland, said: "The big story tonight is the astonishing levels of turnout in a political contest in Scotland, which is on a par with North Korea, China, Cuba and those places.

"I think it's remarkable and I certainly want to pay tribute to the Yes campaigners who over the last two years have energised this country.

"Clearly both sides of the campaign deserve credit for those levels of turnout."

Alistair Darling was accompanied by wife Maggie as he voted

Commenting on the relatively lower turnout in Glasgow in comparison with other areas, Mr Fox said: "Glasgow's turnout in the Scottish Parliament elections is usually 40% and it is now 75%, so that's not to be sniffed at.

"Let's hope we can keep it at that level, I think it's astonishing. Nearly doubling the turnout in Glasgow is a significant achievement for Scotland's biggest city, with the greatest deprivation and the biggest social problems."

The highest turnout for a Scottish election was 81.2% in the 1951 general election, when Winston Churchill's Conservatives defeated Labour - ousting Clement Atlee as Prime Minister.

The record for a UK-wide election was 83.9% in the 1950 general election.

:: Watch live: Scottish referendum coverage now on Sky News Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 132.

:: Live coverage is also available on sky.com/news and Sky News for iPad and on your mobile phone.

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