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Teenager Electrocuted In Christmas Accident

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 06 Desember 2013 | 20.50

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I won't ever get over this, but all your thoughts and help are so much appreciated by all of us here. THANK YOU."

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

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


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Mandela Premiere Audience Shocked By Death

Nelson Mandela: Obituary Of An Icon

Updated: 6:30am UK, Friday 06 December 2013

Nelson Mandela's long but ultimately successful struggle to liberate South Africa's oppressed black majority made him a figure of hope and inspiration for millions of people around the world.

Feisty young lawyer, determined founder of the ANC's youth movement, militant commander, prisoner, president - his role in the fight for freedom was constantly evolving throughout his life.

Alongside mentor Walter Sisulu and great friend Oliver Tambo, he brought focus to the anti-apartheid campaign where it was needed, but became an enemy of the state in the process.

In 1963, already behind bars and facing the death penalty during a sabotage trial, Mr Mandela gave his famous "speech from the dock".

The words - combative, but measured and full of hope - signalled the emergence of the statesman who would become an icon of the 20th century.

:: Watch Sky News HD for all the latest news and reaction to Nelson Mandela's death

He said: "I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.

"I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.

"It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

The apartheid government jailed Mr Mandela and his comrades for life in 1964 but they could not lock away the ideas he embodied and the righteousness of his cause.

To allies of South Africa's racist regime - including some in Britain - Mr Mandela remained for many years a "terrorist".

But for campaigners Mr Mandela's 27-year ordeal behind bars, often in a cramped cell on Robben Island or in solitary confinement, represented all that was wrong with apartheid.

Pressure to free "prisoner 46664" went hand-in-hand with diplomacy and sanctions as the world set its sights on ending the injustice of South Africa's racial rule.

The beaming smile and joyful raised fist as he walked free from Paarl's Victor-Verster Prison with his wife Winnie on February 11, 1990, proved beyond doubt to most South Africans that a dark chapter in the country's history was coming to a close.

As President from 1994, Mr Mandela sought to build his "Rainbow Nation" - feted by world leaders as he crossed the globe outlining his vision of a non-racial democracy.

His campaign to unite the nation - black and white - behind the victorious Springboks rugby team during the 1995 World Cup in South Africa made many believe that vision could really be achieved.

An often troubled and traumatic personal life - including the split from Winnie following her kidnapping and assault trial - was never allowed to eclipse the greater goal of guiding South Africa into a new era.

After retiring in 1999, Mr Mandela - fondly known by his tribal name "Madiba" - settled into the role of "Father of the Nation".

Passing on the presidency to Thabo Mbeki, he was happy taking a step back from the political frontline, but always there to reassure his people  - a symbol of hope until the end.

Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 into the Madiba tribal clan, part of the Thembu people, in a small village in the eastern Cape of South Africa.

Born Rolihlahla Dalibhunga, he was given his English name by a teacher, Miss Mdingane, at his first school. It was customary for all children to be given English names.

His father, a counsellor to the Thembu royal family, died when Mr Mandela was a child, and he was placed in the care of the acting regent of the Thembu people, chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo.

He joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1944, first as an activist, then president of the ANC Youth League.

Mr Mandela married his first wife, Walter Sisulu's cousin Evelyn Mase, in 1944 and the couple went on to have four children during a 14-year marriage.

In 1952, he and friend Oliver Tambo opened South Africa's first black law firm, using their offices to take on many civil rights cases and mount challenges to the apartheid system.

Mr Mandela was first charged with high treason in 1956 following the adoption of the Freedom Charter in Soweto - a document with demands including multi-racial, democratic government and equal rights for blacks - but was cleared when the prosecution failed to prove he was using violence.

In 1958 he divorced Evelyn and married Winnie Madikizela, who later became prominent in the ANC and the campaign to free her husband.

He was convinced to take up arms against the government following the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre - when police shot dead 69 peaceful demonstrators who were protesting against the segregationist Pass Law, which limited the freedom of the black population.

The government followed the massacre by banning the ANC, cracking down on strikers and protesters and applying apartheid restrictions even more severely as a state of emergency was declared.

As commander-in-chief of the ANC's armed wing from 1961, Mr Mandela secretly left the country to raise money and undergo military training in Morocco, Algeria and Ethiopia.

He returned in July 1962, but was arrested at a road block after briefing the ANC leadership on his trip.

Mr Mandela stood trial for incitement and leaving the country without a passport and this time there was no chance of an acquittal as he was jailed for five years and sent to Robben Island Prison for the first time.

He was behind bars when a group of his comrades were arrested in 1963. They were charged with sabotage in what became known as the Rivonia Trial - named after the farm raided by police.

In June 1964 - following a lengthy trial condemned by the UN Security Council - Mr Mandela and seven other activists were sentenced to life in prison.

He remained imprisoned on the infamous Robben Island for 18 years before being transferred to Pollsmoor jail on the mainland in 1982.

In the space of 12 months between 1968 and 1969, his mother died and his eldest son was killed in a car crash, but he was not allowed to attend their funerals.

In 1980, Oliver Tambo, who was in exile in London, launched an international campaign to win Mr Mandela's release. International resolutions and rock concerts alike were harnessed to highlight the cause.

As the world community upped the pressure against South Africa, with the US approving tough economic sanctions in 1986, secret talks began between Mr Mandela and PW Botha's government.

In 1990, President FW de Klerk lifted the ban on the ANC - paving the way for Mr Mandela's release on February 11.

The ANC and ruling National Party began talks about forming a new non-racial democracy for South Africa.

Relations between Mr Mandela and Mr de Klerk grew tense against a backdrop of violence between ANC supporters and Chief Buthelezi's Inkatha movement.

But the two leaders continued to meet and in December 1993 they were both awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Five months later, for the first time in South Africa's history, all races voted in democratic elections and Mr Mandela became president - having himself voted in an election for the first time in his life.

As president, Mr Mandela entrusted much day-to-day government business to his deputy Thabo Mbeki.

While his time in office was hailed as a triumph in terms of building the new South Africa, there was criticism for a failure to tackle the Aids epidemic and conditions in the country's slum townships.

Mr Mandela divorced Winnie in 1996 and married 52-year-old Graca Machel two years later, on his 80th birthday.

Mr Mandela stepped down as president after the ANC's landslide victory in the national elections in the summer of 1999, in favour of Mr Mbeki.

After his retirement he continued travelling the world, meeting leaders, attending conferences and raising money for good causes.

With thousands of requests every year, his problem was fitting everything in and not exhausting himself.

In June 2004, aged 85, Mr Mandela announced he would be retiring from public life as he wanted to enjoy more time with his family.

But he did make an exception to speak out about his son Makgatho's death from Aids in 2005 - challenging the taboo that surrounds the disease in Africa.

The 2010 World Cup closing ceremony in Johannesburg was the world's last glimpse of the iconic leader in a public role.

He may have been looking frail, wrapped up against the cold and not speaking, but the famous smile as he basked in South Africa's success underlined how far his country had come.

In recent years he battled bouts of ill health, with South Africans struggling to come to terms with the reality that he could not go on forever.

Mr Mandela had hospital treatment in early 2012 for abdominal pain and then endured another 18-day stay at the end of the year suffering from gallstones and a chest infection.

A picture taken on February 2 at his Johannesburg home - showing him holding great-grandson Zen Manaway on his lap - proved to be the last time Nelson Mandela's millions of admirers saw the world's most famous smile.


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Weather: Thousands Evacuated Amid Tidal Surge

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

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

Speaking after a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said flood defences had protected more than 800,000 homes.

But he warned: "This is not over. There will still be exceptionally high tides ... and I would urge everyone to pay very close attention to advice from the Environment Agency, and also to follow instructions from the emergency services."

Firefighters pause for a cup of tea in Lowestoft, Suffolk Firefighters pause for a cup of tea after pumping water from people's homes

In Boston, Lincolnshire, residents told Sky's Gerard Tubb they had seen water "cascading" down the street as sea defences gave way.

Sam Seaton said she was "devastated" to find her home had been so badly damaged she will be unable to spend Christmas there this year.

"I lifted my new sofas up off the floor before I left but they are still wet at the bottom, so the water must have come up to a foot or two high," she said.

A man wades along a flooded street in Lowestoft, Suffolk A man wades along a flooded street in Lowestoft, Suffolk

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

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

Sea levels peaked at mid to late morning in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, and are expected  to rise along the Kent coast this afternoon.

A postman struggles to make his way along a flooded street in Lowestoft, Suffolk A postman struggles to complete his round in Lowestoft

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

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

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

UK Hit By Severe Winds As Storm Surges Threaten Coastal Regions People fill sandbags to protect against the high tide in Great Yarmouth

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

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

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

Waves crash onto the beach after a storm surge in Hemsby, Norfolk Waves crash onto a beach in Hemsby, Norfolk

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

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

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

Watch live coverage of the UK floods on Sky News HD

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

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

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

A flooded street in Boston, Lincolnshire Many homes in this street in Boston, Lincolnshire, were flooded

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

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

A man stands in water washed onto the promenade of the north bay in Scarborough, northern England Water floods over the promenade in Scarborough, North Yorkshire

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Mandela: Funeral Announced As Life Celebrated

Nelson Mandela: Obituary Of An Icon

Updated: 6:30am UK, Friday 06 December 2013

Nelson Mandela's long but ultimately successful struggle to liberate South Africa's oppressed black majority made him a figure of hope and inspiration for millions of people around the world.

Feisty young lawyer, determined founder of the ANC's youth movement, militant commander, prisoner, president - his role in the fight for freedom was constantly evolving throughout his life.

Alongside mentor Walter Sisulu and great friend Oliver Tambo, he brought focus to the anti-apartheid campaign where it was needed, but became an enemy of the state in the process.

In 1963, already behind bars and facing the death penalty during a sabotage trial, Mr Mandela gave his famous "speech from the dock".

The words - combative, but measured and full of hope - signalled the emergence of the statesman who would become an icon of the 20th century.

:: Watch Sky News HD for all the latest news and reaction to Nelson Mandela's death

He said: "I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.

"I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.

"It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

The apartheid government jailed Mr Mandela and his comrades for life in 1964 but they could not lock away the ideas he embodied and the righteousness of his cause.

To allies of South Africa's racist regime - including some in Britain - Mr Mandela remained for many years a "terrorist".

But for campaigners Mr Mandela's 27-year ordeal behind bars, often in a cramped cell on Robben Island or in solitary confinement, represented all that was wrong with apartheid.

Pressure to free "prisoner 46664" went hand-in-hand with diplomacy and sanctions as the world set its sights on ending the injustice of South Africa's racial rule.

The beaming smile and joyful raised fist as he walked free from Paarl's Victor-Verster Prison with his wife Winnie on February 11, 1990, proved beyond doubt to most South Africans that a dark chapter in the country's history was coming to a close.

As President from 1994, Mr Mandela sought to build his "Rainbow Nation" - feted by world leaders as he crossed the globe outlining his vision of a non-racial democracy.

His campaign to unite the nation - black and white - behind the victorious Springboks rugby team during the 1995 World Cup in South Africa made many believe that vision could really be achieved.

An often troubled and traumatic personal life - including the split from Winnie following her kidnapping and assault trial - was never allowed to eclipse the greater goal of guiding South Africa into a new era.

After retiring in 1999, Mr Mandela - fondly known by his tribal name "Madiba" - settled into the role of "Father of the Nation".

Passing on the presidency to Thabo Mbeki, he was happy taking a step back from the political frontline, but always there to reassure his people  - a symbol of hope until the end.

Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 into the Madiba tribal clan, part of the Thembu people, in a small village in the eastern Cape of South Africa.

Born Rolihlahla Dalibhunga, he was given his English name by a teacher, Miss Mdingane, at his first school. It was customary for all children to be given English names.

His father, a counsellor to the Thembu royal family, died when Mr Mandela was a child, and he was placed in the care of the acting regent of the Thembu people, chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo.

He joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1944, first as an activist, then president of the ANC Youth League.

Mr Mandela married his first wife, Walter Sisulu's cousin Evelyn Mase, in 1944 and the couple went on to have four children during a 14-year marriage.

In 1952, he and friend Oliver Tambo opened South Africa's first black law firm, using their offices to take on many civil rights cases and mount challenges to the apartheid system.

Mr Mandela was first charged with high treason in 1956 following the adoption of the Freedom Charter in Soweto - a document with demands including multi-racial, democratic government and equal rights for blacks - but was cleared when the prosecution failed to prove he was using violence.

In 1958 he divorced Evelyn and married Winnie Madikizela, who later became prominent in the ANC and the campaign to free her husband.

He was convinced to take up arms against the government following the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre - when police shot dead 69 peaceful demonstrators who were protesting against the segregationist Pass Law, which limited the freedom of the black population.

The government followed the massacre by banning the ANC, cracking down on strikers and protesters and applying apartheid restrictions even more severely as a state of emergency was declared.

As commander-in-chief of the ANC's armed wing from 1961, Mr Mandela secretly left the country to raise money and undergo military training in Morocco, Algeria and Ethiopia.

He returned in July 1962, but was arrested at a road block after briefing the ANC leadership on his trip.

Mr Mandela stood trial for incitement and leaving the country without a passport and this time there was no chance of an acquittal as he was jailed for five years and sent to Robben Island Prison for the first time.

He was behind bars when a group of his comrades were arrested in 1963. They were charged with sabotage in what became known as the Rivonia Trial - named after the farm raided by police.

In June 1964 - following a lengthy trial condemned by the UN Security Council - Mr Mandela and seven other activists were sentenced to life in prison.

He remained imprisoned on the infamous Robben Island for 18 years before being transferred to Pollsmoor jail on the mainland in 1982.

In the space of 12 months between 1968 and 1969, his mother died and his eldest son was killed in a car crash, but he was not allowed to attend their funerals.

In 1980, Oliver Tambo, who was in exile in London, launched an international campaign to win Mr Mandela's release. International resolutions and rock concerts alike were harnessed to highlight the cause.

As the world community upped the pressure against South Africa, with the US approving tough economic sanctions in 1986, secret talks began between Mr Mandela and PW Botha's government.

In 1990, President FW de Klerk lifted the ban on the ANC - paving the way for Mr Mandela's release on February 11.

The ANC and ruling National Party began talks about forming a new non-racial democracy for South Africa.

Relations between Mr Mandela and Mr de Klerk grew tense against a backdrop of violence between ANC supporters and Chief Buthelezi's Inkatha movement.

But the two leaders continued to meet and in December 1993 they were both awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Five months later, for the first time in South Africa's history, all races voted in democratic elections and Mr Mandela became president - having himself voted in an election for the first time in his life.

As president, Mr Mandela entrusted much day-to-day government business to his deputy Thabo Mbeki.

While his time in office was hailed as a triumph in terms of building the new South Africa, there was criticism for a failure to tackle the Aids epidemic and conditions in the country's slum townships.

Mr Mandela divorced Winnie in 1996 and married 52-year-old Graca Machel two years later, on his 80th birthday.

Mr Mandela stepped down as president after the ANC's landslide victory in the national elections in the summer of 1999, in favour of Mr Mbeki.

After his retirement he continued travelling the world, meeting leaders, attending conferences and raising money for good causes.

With thousands of requests every year, his problem was fitting everything in and not exhausting himself.

In June 2004, aged 85, Mr Mandela announced he would be retiring from public life as he wanted to enjoy more time with his family.

But he did make an exception to speak out about his son Makgatho's death from Aids in 2005 - challenging the taboo that surrounds the disease in Africa.

The 2010 World Cup closing ceremony in Johannesburg was the world's last glimpse of the iconic leader in a public role.

He may have been looking frail, wrapped up against the cold and not speaking, but the famous smile as he basked in South Africa's success underlined how far his country had come.

In recent years he battled bouts of ill health, with South Africans struggling to come to terms with the reality that he could not go on forever.

Mr Mandela had hospital treatment in early 2012 for abdominal pain and then endured another 18-day stay at the end of the year suffering from gallstones and a chest infection.

A picture taken on February 2 at his Johannesburg home - showing him holding great-grandson Zen Manaway on his lap - proved to be the last time Nelson Mandela's millions of admirers saw the world's most famous smile.


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Autumn Statement: The Key Points At A Glance

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 05 Desember 2013 | 20.49

The main measures and forecasts as outlined by the Chancellor George Osborne in his Autumn Statement:

ECONOMY

:: Aim is "To fix the roof while the sun is shining" rather than spend beyond our means.

:: "We will not let up in dealing with our country's debts."

:: OBR expects national debt to be 75.5% of GDP this year, £18bn lower than forecast.

:: OBR says 2013/14 borrowing forecast is revised down to £111bn - £9bn less than expected.

:: OBR forecasts underlying measure of deficit revised down to 6.8% this year, no deficit by 2018/19.

:: OBR forecasts 7.6% jobless rate in 2013, falling to 7% in 2015.

:: Doubling export finance capacity to £50bn.

:: Britain is currently growing faster than any other major world economy.

:: OBR GDP growth forecast for 2014 rises to 2.2% from 1.8%.

:: Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) more than doubles forecast for GDP growth in 2013 to 1.4% from 0.6%.

:: Pays tribute to "the sacrifice and endeavour of the British people."

:: "Britain's economic plan is working but the job is not done."

TAX

:: New £1,000 transferable tax allowance for married couples from April. Allowance to be uprated.

:: Levy on bank balance sheets to rise to 0.156% - to raise £2.7bn in 2014/15.

:: Capital Gains Tax to be paid by foreign sellers of UK homes from April 2015.

:: Tax and fraud measures to raise £9bn over five years.

WELFARE

:: Increase in state pension age to 68 in mid 2030s and 69 in late 2040s.

:: State Pension to rise by £2.95 a week from April.

JOBS

:: To promote youth employment, National Insurance contributions removed for workers aged under 21.

TRANSPORT

:: Plans to increase train fares by 1% above inflation from January cancelled, so they go up in line with inflation.

:: Fuel Duty rise cancelled for next year.

ENERGY

:: Green levies on energy bills rolled back by average £50 per household.

BUSINESS

:: To help improve shop vacancy rates in town centres, discount in business rates for small retailers in England.

:: Extending small business rate relief. Rate rises capped at 2% from April.

EDUCATION

:: 30,000 more student places next year with cap abolished in 2015 - Higher education investment funded by sale of old student loan book.

:: 18 to 21-year olds required to undertake training or lose benefits.

:: Free school meals for all children in reception, year one and year two.

HOUSING MARKET

:: OBR forecasts house prices 3.1% lower in 2018 than 2007 peak.

:: Bank of England has power to take action to ensure a functioning, stable housing market.

:: £1bn of loans to unlock large housing developments outside London.

SPENDING

:: £100m more of Libor fines to be made available to Armed Forces and emergency service charities.

:: Government's contingency reserve reduced by £1bn this year and departmental budgets by similar amount in the next two years, saving £3bn - NHS, schools and security services exempted.

:: Whitehall spending cut by £1bn over next two years.

:: To cap total welfare spending from next year though state pension excluded.


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Woolwich Killing: 'He Was First Soldier We Saw'

A man accused of killing Fusilier Lee Rigby told police he was targeted because "he was the soldier that we spotted first", a court has heard.

In a police interview played to jurors at the Old Bailey, Michael Adebolajo said the victim was a "fair target" because people joined the army understanding their lives would be at risk.

He told officers that Fus Rigby was "like the non-Muslim version of myself" and said the alleged murder was not a "personal vendetta".

During his statement, the 28-year-old told police he felt he was "not in control of myself" when he hit the soldier with his car close to Woolwich barracks in southeast London on May 22.

He said he was "not sure how I struck the first blow" but added: "The most humane way to kill any creature is to cut the jugular."

Some of Fus Rigby's family shook their heads as the interview continued, with Adebolajo telling officers: "Why make it prolonged? He may be my enemy. But he is alive. So I struck at the neck and attempted to remove his head to be sure, you know."

The court heard how Adebolajo "did not expect to live beyond that day".

"I did not expect to be alive to go to prison, or whatever," he told police, 10 days after Fus Rigby's death.

Jurors also heard him talk about his political beliefs, describing Conservative and Labour politicians as "filthy pigs" but saying he "admired" Ukip leader Nigel Farage.

Adebolajo and his co-defendant Michael Adebowale, 22, deny murdering Fus Rigby, attempting to murder a police officer and conspiracy to murder.

The trial continues.


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Autumn Statement: 'The Plan Is Working'

Chancellor George Osborne has told the country "Britain's economic plan is working but the job is not done".

Making his Autumn Statement Mr Osborne delivered good news for the economy. He welcomed revised growth figures, he said that borrowing was down to just £2,500 for every household and that the country's debt was £18bn lower than forecast in March.

But he welcomed the recovery cautiously and warned of "more difficult decisions", setting the tone for a statement that would contain little respite from the tough austerity measures of previous years.

He said: "The hard work of the British people is paying off and we will not squander their efforts."

George Osborne Some choose whisky, some gin, Mr Osborne opts for tea

Mr Osborne said that Britain was growing faster than any other major economy as he announced that the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) had more than doubled its growth forecast for this year to 1.4%.

He said that instead of forecasting growth of 1.8% for 2014 they were now predicting 2.5% and, similarly, the forecasts for growth for the next four years had been increased.

However, he stressed that the country could not stop fighting for its recovery as a reassessment by the Office for National Statistics showed that the 2008/9 recession had been worse than thought - with £112bn wiped off the British economy. 

The statement had been so widely trailed that it contained few surprises. Mr Osborne outlined a number of smaller measures to target the cost-of-living crisis and continued to concentrate on a continued and strong recovery.

George Osborne Mr Osborne and chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander

Key measures included:

:: Pensions to be increased by £2.95 a week from April - with state pension age raised to 68 by the mid 2030s.

:: The 2p rise in fuel duty next year is cancelled.

:: £1,000 off bills for all small high street retailers in an attempt to revitalise town centres.

:: £50 off annual energy bills by rolling back green levies.

:: Tax breaks worth £200 for married couples who will be able to transfer personal allowances.

:: A new capital gains tax for foreign investors aimed at preventing a property bubble in London and the South-East.

:: £375bn of planned public and private investments in infrastructure projects to 2030 and beyond.

:: Free school meals for children up to the age of seven.

:: Job seekers aged 18 to 21 without basic maths or English to be forced to agree to training or lose benefits.

:: A 2% cap on business rates and an extension of the rate relief scheme for small businesses

:: Employer national insurance contributions for under 21s removed.

Mr Osborne announced that while the NHS would be protected from spending cuts, welfare spending would be capped.

He said: "Welfare budgets were completely out of control when we came to office and the number of households where no-one had ever worked nearly doubled.

"We have taken very difficult decisions to bring benefit bills down - and saved £19bn a year for the taxpayer. We need to maintain that discipline."

Ed Balls Ed Balls responds to the Autumn Statement

The Chancellor concluded by pushing home the message: "The job is not yet done, let's keep going."

In a bad-tempered response, Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls accused Mr Osborne of being "out-of-touch" and said he had done nothing to improve living standards.

He said: "Living standards are not rising, they are falling year after year, after year", and pointed out that working people were £1,600-a-year worse off now than they were when the coalition came to power in 2010.

Reaction to Mr Osborne's statement was mixed, while small business groups welcomed many of the measures others said little had been done to help households struggling with debt.

Mark Serwotka, leader of the Public and Commercial Services union said: "This is not an economic plan, it's austerity for austerity's sake, as the Tories - propped up by the Lib Dems - look to reshape our society for years to come and make the poor, sick and unemployed pay for the greed and recklessness of wealthy elites."

However, John Allan, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "The statement is a sobering reminder about the scale of the deficit the country faces and the tough choices which need to be made. We therefore welcome the use of what spare resources the Chancellor could find to focus tax cuts on encouraging firms to take on younger workers, which must be an overriding priority."


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Weather: One Dead As 100mph Winds Batter UK

One person has died as winds of up to 142mph battered parts of the UK, causing travel chaos and leaving 100,000 homes without power.

The lorry driver was killed when the HGV he was driving was blown on top of two cars on the A801 near Bathgate, West Lothian, with four others injured in the accident.

The Thames Barrier will be closed from 10pm to protect London from a combined tidal surge and high tide in the Thames estuary.

A tree lands on a car in Davidsons Mains, Edinburgh A car crushed by a tree in Davidsons Mains, Edinburgh

Elsewhere, homes in Norfolk and Essex are being evacuated after officials warned the lives of people in the region could be at risk from the worst coastal tidal surge for more than 60 years.

Prime Minister David Cameron said a meeting of the Government's Cobra emergency response committee had been called to discuss how to combat the extreme conditions.

Motorists have been warned not to travel due to "extremely dangerous" road conditions and Scotland's entire rail network has been suspended.

Network Rail said debris on the lines and damage to equipment meant it was not safe to operate any services, with trains halted at their nearest stations and passengers advised to disembark.

Autumn weather Dec 5th Fallen trees blocked train tracks in Perthshire and Dunbartonshire A tree blocking the line at Gartshore, Dunbartonshire

Spokesman Nick King said: "The weather conditions are such that we are having to bring the network to a standstill at the moment.

"There's too much debris and too much damage to equipment to continue. We cannot continue to run trains with the levels of wind we are seeing."

Travellers have faced severe disruption across the country - while huge tidal surges over the next 48 hours are expected to see water levels breach sea defences along the east coast of England and cause devastating floods.

As winds got stronger - with gusts of 142mph recorded in the Highlands - Network Rail Scotland said Glasgow Central station had been evacuated "due to debris smashing glass in the roof", although no injuries were reported.

Environment Agency map An Environment Agency map showing England's worst-affected areas

Flights are being cancelled at Edinburgh Airport due to the high winds, which have also prompted the closure of the Forth Road Bridge.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has 16 flood warnings and 13 flood alerts in place, most of them for the north and east of the country.

Police Scotland warned  of "extremely poor" conditions and advised motorists to take care.

An overturned lorry blocking the Friarton Bridge in Perth was causing major delays, and motorists were urged to avoid driving in the south, west, central belt and South Perthshire regions of Scotland.

The strongest gusts have been recorded on the slopes of Aonach Mor, where the Met Office said winds had reached speeds of 142mph.

Meanwhile, the rest of Scotland  and northern parts of England are being lashed by severe gales of between 60mph and 80mph.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it was responding to numerous calls relating to fallen trees and road blockages.

A van crushed in Longsight, Manchester A van driver had a lucky escape in Longsight, Manchester

And a spokeswoman for Scottish Hydro said its staff were working to restore power to the 100,000 homes affected by cuts, many of them in the Highlands.

The company said around 500 staff are working to fix the faults, including extra engineers drafted in from England.

In England and Wales, a total of 28 severe flood warnings - meaning there is a danger to life - have been issued by the Environment Agency (EA), 24 of them for the Anglian region.

Areas most at risk include the North Sea coast from Northumberland down to the Thames Estuary and Kent. At present, there are more than 150 flood warnings - indicating "immediate action required" - and 62 flood alerts in place.

Autumn weather Dec 5th An overturned lorry on the M6 in Cumbria

In some places, sea levels could be as high as those during the the devastating floods of 1953, the EA said, although flood  defences since then, including the Thames, Deptford and Hull barriers, should provide better protection than 60 years ago.

EA spokesman Peter Fox said 3,000 properties were expected to suffer from flooding in the next 24 hours.

"The most important thing is that along the east coast (of England) the high tide will be hitting in the hours of darkness this evening and tonight, so people really need to take the daylight hours today to prepare for the coastal and tidal flooding that we are predicting," he said.

Northern Ireland has seen gusts of up to 70mph , with flying debris and high winds leaving around 7,000 properties without electricity.

More follows...


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Video Of Man Saved From Sunken Ship Off Nigeria

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 04 Desember 2013 | 20.49

Footage has emerged of divers discovering a cook who had survived for almost three days trapped in an air pocket in his sunken ship's hull.

Nick van Heerden was on a mission to recover bodies from the sunken Jascon 4 when a hand reached out to him while he was searching the tugboat.

The voice of rescue co-ordinator Colby Werrett is heard shouting: "He's alive, he's alive!"

Man rescued after three days in sunken ship's air bubble Nick van Heerden grabs a limp-looking hand and realises: "He's alive"

As the camera pans up through the water, a shaken Harrison Okene is seen sitting in his underwear in the corner of a room, containing a small air pocket.

He reportedly survived for almost three days with no food and a few cans of fizzy drink, trapped 30 metres under the sea.

Man rescued after three days in sunken ship's air bubble Mr Okene managed to put on a harness and diving mask

His 11 colleagues died when the boat capsized and sank off the Nigerian coast. It happened in May, but the video has only come to light this week.

The rescue team reassured Mr Okene and got him to safety by equipping him with a diving mask and safety harness.

Man rescued after three days in sunken ship's air bubble The diving team guides Mr Okene into a diving bell

At one point Mr Werrett asks Mr Okene his rank and on hearing that he was the crew's chef, the co-ordinator responds: "You're the cook? They always survive" - an apparent reference to a baker who survived the sinking of the Titanic.

Mr Van Heerden then steers Mr Okene out of the sunken vessel and into a diving bell.

An exhausted-looking Mr Okene was happy to pose for photos with his rescuers who also included Andre Erasmus, Darryl Oosthuizen, Guido Graff, Colby Werrett and Tony Walker.


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Live Updates: Nigella Lawson Aides Fraud Trial

Live Updates: Nigella Lawson Aides Fraud Trial

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Charles Saatchi former PAs court case

Nigella Lawson arrives at Isleworth Crown Court in west London


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Nigella: Saatchi 'Behind Drug Abuse Smears'

Nigella Lawson has told a court her ex-husband threatened to "destroy her" if she did not go back to him and clear his name.

The 53-year-old made the remarks when questioned about Charles Saatchi as she gave evidence at Isleworth Crown Court at the trial of two former personal assistants accused of spending thousands of pounds on company credit cards.

She said: "I have been put on trial here where I am called to answer, and glad to answer the allegations, and the world's press, and it comes after a long summer of bullying and abuse.

Charles Saatchi former PAs court case Francesca, left, and Elisabetta Grillo deny the fraud charge

"He had said to me if I didn't get back to him and clear his name he would destroy me."

She said following a much-publicised incident at Scott's restaurant in Mayfair, London, where her ex-husband was pictured with his hand on her throat, false allegations of drug abuse about her began circulating on a "PR blog".

She added these allegations were "dedicated to salvaging Mr Saatchi's reputation and destroying mine".

The court heard she had been reluctant to give evidence at the trial and said Mr Saatchi made the comment in reaction to that reluctance.

Ms Lawson told the court that Mr Saatchi had a temper and "didn't like to take part in family life".

Nigella Lawson Court Case Promo

It is alleged that between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2012, Italian sisters Elisabetta and Francesca Grillo committed fraud by abusing their positions while working for the couple.

The jury was told they are accused of using credit cards loaned to them by the TV chef and art dealer to spend more than £685,000 on themselves.

Ms Lawson told the court: "It's very difficult when you find out that someone you have loved and trusted could behave that way.

"In my heart of hearts I do not believe Lisa (Elisabetta) to be a bad person. I believe her not to have a very strong moral compass.

Nigella Lawson and Charles Saatchi Mr Saatchi was pictured with his hand on Nigella's throat in June

"She broke our heart."

She added that she once took out £7,000 from her savings to pay for Elisabetta Grillo to have her teeth fixed.

Elisabetta, 41, sometimes referred to in court as Lisa, and co-defendant Francesca, 35, both of Kensington Gardens Square, Bayswater, west London, deny the charge against them.

:: Watch coverage on Sky News


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Man Arrested After Police Officer Shot In Leeds

Police have arrested a man in connection with the shooting of a female police officer in Leeds.

A major police manhunt for James Leslie was launched following the attack which took place shortly after 4am in Cardigan Road in the city's Hyde Park district.

A gun is seen on the ground A weapon is recovered by officers near a car

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

The female officer received "serious" but non life threatening injuries to her face, neck and right hand and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.

A male colleague was unhurt and able to remove her from harm's way and summon assistance from other officers.

Speaking at the scene, Chief Superintendent Paul Money said it was thought only one shot was fired.

Policeman Manhunt For James Leslie After Shooting In Leeds The shooting happened shortly after 4am

He said."My understanding at this time is that the officer was hit by one shot. We believe at this stage there was one discharge of that firearm and not multiple discharges."

Mr Money added: "This is quite obviously an incident that is thankfully rare in Leeds but nonetheless very shocking."

The force said a 37-year-old man was arrested at 10.10am in nearby Wood Lane in Headingley following a call from a member of the public, and a firearm recovered in the area.

Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Dodd said the investigation was "still at an early stage" and while "any potential risk to the public has been removed", a police presence would remain in the area.

Police officers stand guard at the scene of a shooting in Leeds Police officers stand guard in Cardigan Road

"The officer has sustained a very serious injury and her wellbeing is of paramount importance to us. The thoughts of colleagues remain with the officer and her family at this very difficult time," he said.

"It is right to say that incidents where police officers face threat from firearms are thankfully very rare but that does not lessen the shocking impact when an officer is injured in such a way," he added.

Ned Liddemore, vice chairman of the Police Federation, described the shooting as a "cowardly attack".

"We will be supporting the officers and their families through this traumatic time," he said.

Policeman Manhunt For James Leslie After Shooting In Leeds Forensic officers at the scene

Kieran Williams, 17, described how he had an altercation with Mr Leslie on Tuesday.

The teenager said Mr Leslie came to his house, which backs on to the scene of the shooting, complaining that someone was shining a torch through his window.

A woman police officer called round to take information from his housemates during the night after a bottle was thrown through their window.

He said he later heard multiple shots.

Radio Aire reporter Charlie Frost said she spoke to a couple of neighbours who heard a disturbance.

"They told be that they were very shook by the incident and that it is very worrying that it can happen here on their doorstep," she told Sky News.

Police are not looking for anybody else in connection with the shooting.


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Paul Walker Crash 'Not Part Of Street Race'

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 03 Desember 2013 | 20.49

Paul Walker and his friend were not taking part in an illegal street race when their Porsche crashed into a lamp post at high speed killing them both, police said.

While the neighbourhood where the Fast And Furious star was killed is known to attract street racers, police said they had no indication of a second car being involved in the crash.

Accident investigators "have received eyewitness statements that the car involved was travelling alone at a high rate of speed", the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a statement.

"No eyewitness has contacted the (department) to say there was a second vehicle."

Officers have acknowledged the crash happened in a "hot spot" for street racers, where the street forms a loop through commercial buildings and has very little traffic, especially on weekends.

Paul Walker tributes Fans and fellow actors have paid tribute at the crash site

At least one witness suggested that Walker and Mr Rodas, who was driving, may have been drag-style racing at the time, according to CNN, although others rejected such accounts.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is still investigating the collision, but has already said speed was a factor.

The statement came after police warned fans not to perform stunts on the stretch of road where Walker, 40, and Mr Rodas, 38, were killed on Saturday.

One person was apparently seen drifting, an illegal technique in which the driver intentionally oversteers, causing the rear wheels to skid and making the car slide sideways.

Vin Diesel Vin Diesel addresses the crowd at the memorial site. Pic: KTLA

"We sent deputies to the accident location this morning after we started getting reports of drivers burning rubber and spinning tyres at the site," said Santa Clarita sheriff's office spokesman Richard Cohen.

"So far I haven't had any reports of any drivers being cited or arrested ... but we have deputies there to stop that behaviour if it happens again."

A makeshift shrine has been created at the scene, and on Monday night a private memorial for survivors and the cast and crew of the Fast And Furious movies was held inside a white tent erected at the site.

When it was over, Walker's co-star Vin Diesel emerged to thank fans for paying their respect to the actor.

World Premiere Of Fast & Furious 6 Paul Walker with his co-stars from Fast & Furious 6

Diesel praised the fans for "turning up to show my brother love".

"It's going to stay with me forever," Diesel told the crowd.

"Thank you for coming and showing that angel up in heaven how much you appreciated him."

The first Fast And The Furious movie was released in 2001. The series, with its focus on fast cars driven by tough guys, is one of Hollywood's most lucrative global franchises.

Walker starred in all but one of the movies and had been on a break from shooting the latest instalment.

Crash scene Firefighters at the scene of the crash on Saturday

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the film remains on course to be released despite the actor's death.

The report said Walker had shot a majority of his scenes, though the movie's release, originally scheduled for July 2014, might be delayed.

Meanwhile, a video has been released of an interview Walker gave in November as one of his final films hits the screens this month.

The Associated Press talked to him on November 14 about his role in Hours, a drama set in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina devastated the city.


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Glasgow Helicopter Crash: Relatives Visit Site

Relatives and friends of some of those killed in the Glasgow helicopter crash have visited the scene of the tragedy.

They looked at tributes and flowers left at the nearby memorial site for the nine people who died in Friday night's disaster.

It came as the Deputy Prime Minister arrived in the city to pay his respects.

Nick Clegg laid flowers and met members of the community to discuss the tragedy.

He said: "The city is united in sadness and grief but also united in very heartfelt sympathy for those affected by the terrible events on Friday night."

Victims' relatives visit scene after Glasgow helicopter crash Relatives of the victims went to the memorial site

He added that Glasgow was "also united in unequivocal support for the exceptional job done by the emergency services".

Police named the remaining four victims of the crash following the end of the recovery operation last night.

Robert Jenkins, 61, Mark O'Prey, 44, Colin Gibson, 33, and John McGarrigle, 57, were among the nine people killed when the police helicopter crashed into the Clutha pub.

The relatives of both Mr O'Prey and Mr McGarrigle told Sky News of their frustration at the delay in finding out news about the men.

Three people were killed in the helicopter - civilian pilot David Traill, 51, and police officers Kirsty Nelis, 36, and Tony Collins, 43.

Helicopter crash The helicopter was raised from the building on Monday

Gary Arthur, 48, from Paisley, and Samuel McGhee, 56, from Glasgow, were the other two people who were killed in the pub.

Confirmation of the names of all those who died came after officials revealed the search and recovery operation at the crash site had concluded.

The site is subject to an ongoing police investigation, but management of the incident scene has been handed over to the city council.

Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick said: "All nine names of those who died in the tragic incident last Friday in Glasgow have now been confirmed.

"Our thoughts first and foremost are with the families and friends of all those who have died. As our investigation continues we will of course go on providing support to the families involved."

Clockwise from top left: PC Tony Collins, PC Kirsty Nelis, Samuel McGhee, Gary Arthur, David Traill Cl'wise from top L: PCs Collins and Nelis, Mr McGhee, Mr Arthur, Mr Traill

On Monday it emerged Mr Traill made no mayday call before the crash.

Dave Miller, deputy chief inspector of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), told reporters there was no explosion and no fire before the helicopter fell onto the roof of the building, causing debris to land on customers below.

He said there was no "black box" flight recorder, although the aircraft did have a "significant number of modern electronic systems on board and it may be possible to recover details from those systems".

Nothing fell from the aircraft before the accident and the helicopter rotors were intact at the moment of impact.

The "extensively damaged" Eurocopter was lifted out by crane and taken by lorry to the AAIB base in Farnborough, Hampshire.

Emergency service workers formed a guard of honour to pay their respects to victims as the last four bodies were driven away in private ambulances.

Eleven people remain in hospitals across the city.


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Woolwich 'Attackers Posed And Seemed Proud'

A woman has wept in court as she recalled seeing murdered soldier Lee Rigby's body dragged into the road in Woolwich, southeast London.

Tina Nimmo told a trial she saw one of the alleged attackers stabbing the soldier and pleaded with the knifemen to stop as she shouted and swore at them.

Giving evidence, she raised her arm above her head and brought it down sharply, recalling she saw one of them "chopping down at something on the floor".

She told a jury: "I wanted them to stop. At the time you just get on and do what you have to do. And that's what I had to do."

Ms Nimmo had been in the front passenger seat of a car driven by her daughter Michelle, whose baby was in the back.

A bus stopped near the scene and Ms Nimmo warned passengers to stay back because one of the men had a gun.

Michael Adebolajo is accused of the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich Michael Adebolajo denies the charges

As the crowd approached, she told the jury the pair, who she said were holding two bloodied knives and a meat cleaver as well as the gun, "posed a bit more".

They were "very proud of what they had in their hands", she said.

In a statement, Ms Nimmo's daughter said one of the alleged attackers had a "smirk" on his face.

She said she saw a man "lying face down on the floor, covered in blood", and recalled how the two men "dragged him" into the road and "continued to chop away at him all over".

"They looked very proud of what they had done," she added.

The trial also heard from another witness, Vikki Cave, who said she feared the accused were planning to attack police as she spoke to the alleged attackers just metres from Drummer Rigby's body.

Michael Adebowale is accused of the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich Co-defendant Michael Adebowale has also pleaded not guilty

In a statement, the first aider, who rushed to help the soldier, said: "I spoke to them (and asked), 'Are you going to hurt us?'

"He said, 'The women and children are safe. You need to keep back when the police and soldiers get here'.

"They then started shouting about religion and Afghanistan and the damage other soldiers have done."

Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, both deny murdering the soldier, who the prosecution says was run over before he was attacked.

They also deny attempting to murder a police officer and conspiracy to murder.

The trial at the Old Bailey continues.


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RBS And NatWest Glitch: Problems Persist

RBS and NatWest customers are still reporting problems with their accounts after a third major glitch in 18 months hit the banking group's IT systems nationwide.

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

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

The banking group said that while the technical issue had now been resolved, customers should visit their local branch or contact one of its helplines if they were still experiencing problems with their accounts caused by the resulting backlog of transactions.

It promised anyone left out of pocket as a result of the failure would be compensated and there would be further investment in its technical systems to help prevent more disruption in future.

The group chief executive Ross McEwan said: "For decades, RBS failed to invest properly in its systems.

Customers angry after cards declined across UK Complaints piled up on Twitter as customers could not access cash

"We need to put our customers' needs at the centre of all we do. It will take time, but we are investing heavily in building IT systems our customers can rely on.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience we caused our customers. We know we have to do better.

"I will be outlining plans in the New Year for making RBS the bank that our customers and the UK need it to be.

"This will include an outline of where we intend to invest for the future."

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

Customer services director Susan Allen told Sky News: "We know it was a very busy time of people doing their shopping before Christmas.

Customers angry after cards declined across UK RBS' apology, along with an earlier tweet about mobile banking problems

"Clearly, we deeply apologise for the inconvenience we've caused."

Ms Allen insisted the problems were "completely unrelated" to high transaction volumes on Cyber Monday but was unable to give an explanation for the failure, saying it was still under investigation.

It is understood that hacking has been ruled out, although some customers told Sky News they were being targeted by phishing emails in the wake of the meltdown, an issue RBS said it was looking into.

Others complained about accounts being closed, suddenly overdrawn or unavailable to access online.

The group said Ulster Bank, which is also owned by RBS, was "partly affected".

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trade union Unite, which represents RBS staff, called for the bank to halt its cost cutting programme, which has seen thousands of jobs axed and IT functions sent abroad, in the wake of the IT problems.

National officer Dominic Hook said: "It is unacceptable that the bank's customers are once again facing inconvenience. Unite has grave concerns that staffing challenges are exacerbating the problems facing the bank."


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Paul Walker 'Wanted More Time With Daughter'

Written By Unknown on Senin, 02 Desember 2013 | 20.49

Paul Walker, the Fast and Furious star killed in a car crash, had considered taking time out from acting to spend more time with his teenage daughter, his father has said.

Paul Walker Sr fought back tears as he paid tribute to his son, who was killed with his friend Roger Rodas when the red Porsche they were travelling in slammed into a lamp post in Valencia near Los Angeles.

"I'm just … glad that every time I saw him, I told him I loved him. And he would say the same thing to me," Mr Walker Sr told CBS in Los Angeles.

He quoted his son as saying about his daughter, Meadow: "'I want to take a hiatus, she's just 15 and I don't have much more time to be with her.'

"And then boom, he got another movie. He would say, 'I don't know what to do.'"

Universal Studios said the news was "devastating to us, to everyone involved with the Fast films, and to countless fans" The red Porsche crashed into a light pole and burst into flames

The fiery crash took place close to a fundraiser organised by the 40-year-old's Reach Out Worldwide foundation to help victims of the Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

Walker had just left the event in the Porsche, and Mr Rodas was driving.

Meadow was at the charity event but she was kept away from the scene, a witness said.

Fast & Furious - Madrid Photocall Walker starred in all but one of the Fast and Furious movies

"They kept his daughter off to the side, so she wouldn't know what was going on until they really know what had happened," Jim Torp said, adding the girl "was in pieces".

Mr Rodas' eight-year-old son rushed to the site crash site in an attempt to free his father, Mr Torp added.

"I ran over afterwards, I was trying to find Roger's son," he said.

"I found out his son had jumped the fence and gone over, he was trying to get his dad out."

Paul Walker crash A makeshift memorial is erected at the site of the crash

One of Walker's friends also tried to rush to the scene to help the trapped men but he was stopped by emergency officials, according to Mr Torp.

Walker fans erected a makeshift memorial at the site, leaving flowers, candles and memorabilia from the Fast and Furious movies.

Co-star Tyrese Gibson  broke down when he visited the memorial, reportedly taking a piece of the wreckage left at the scene in memory of his friend.

Tyrese Gibso Fast and Furious Co-star Tyrese Gibson paid tribute to Walker

"Paul is the heartbeat of this franchise and we're gonna see to it that his energy and presence lives on forever," he later posted on his Instagram account.

Investigators said speed was a factor in Saturday's crash, although it will take time to establish how fast the car was actually going.

They are trying to determine what caused the Porsche to go out of control, including whether the driver was distracted or something in the road prompted him to swerve.

Both bodies in the car were badly burned and will be identified through dental records.

The downed light pole had a speed limit sign of 45mph.

Walker had completed the seven instalment of the Fast and Furious franchise, which currently is slated for release in July.

He also left behind two completed films. He stars in the upcoming Hurricane Katrina drama Hours, which Lionsgate's Pantelion Films is to release December 13.

He also stars in Brick Mansions, a remake of the French action film District B13 that Relativity plans to release next year.


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Glasgow Helicopter Crash: Fury At Delays

The son of a man thought to still be inside the Glasgow pub hit by a helicopter has said he is "enraged" at a lack of information.

John McGarrigle has been waiting since Friday for news of his father, also called John, who was inside the Clutha pub when the police helicopter crashed into it.

He told Sky News: "I'm extremely angry my dad is lying in there.

"I was told last night that (the building) would not be getting touched (and that) no bodies were being taken out.

"At three in the morning, I saw a body being taken out on the news.

"I am enraged. I was supposed to get a phone call to tell me exactly what was happening. I've not had that phone call.

Helicopter crash The wreckage of the helicopter has been lifted clear of the Clutha pub

"What about the dignity for the human beings underneath that police helicopter? If they've got one out, they can get the rest out."

Mark O'Prey was last seen in the Clutha bar on Friday night by a friend who went outside for a cigarette moments before the tragedy.

His worried family told Sky News they are frustrated at the inability to get information about their loved one.

Hi father Ian said he dropped the phone when his daughter Louise told him the news that his son had been inside the bar.

"I could not believe it because I'd been watching it all night on television from when it happened," he said.

"Here we are two days later and he's still inside.

Ian O'Prey Ian O'Prey says he is desperate for information on his missing son Mark

"I would hope he would do the same for me if I was lying in that pub. I'd like some answers, not (to be) fobbed off."

David Goodhew, of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said firefighters had been tunnelling through wreckage inside the building to try and reach people left inside.

He said crews had been unable to search the whole of the building because of how unstable parts of it were, adding that the operation would be completed once the helicopter wreckage had been removed.

"The building has been totally devastated. It is unrecognisable in most parts inside," he said.

"There is a large amount of debris underneath the helicopter.

"We have got to dig slowly. The building is in such an unstable condition.

"You can imagine underneath the helicopter, the sea of devastation.

"We have been unable to dig into the last areas of the building because of the amount of debris and rubble in those areas."

Ann Faulds who was inside Clutha pub when it was hit by helicopter Ann Faulds said she thought people had been blown into rooms below the pub

Sisters Ann Faulds and Nancy Primrose were both treated in hospital after being injured in the crash.

Ms Primrose had 12 stitches in the back of her head after being blown off her feet by the impact.

She told Sky News: "There were no flames, there were no sparks and there was no warning, just an almighty thud.

"I thought it was a bomb. I honestly thought a bomb had gone off in the pub. It's been a horrendous scene."

Her sister, who was trapped inside, described feeling "immense pain and heat".

"The whole place had come down around us so there was no immediate way for us to get out," she said.

"I thought it was a bomb. There are rooms underneath the Clutha bar (and) I was thinking, 'Have people been blown into the rooms below?'"

The survivors' stories came as a crane lifted the wreckage of the helicopter out of the pub.

Police earlier revealed nine people had been killed in the accident and identified a fifth victim as Samuel McGhee, 56, from Glasgow.

The other named victims include PC Kirsty Nelis, 36, PC Tony Collins, 43, civilian pilot David Traill, 51, and Gary Arthur, 48, from Paisley.

Authorities warned that more bodies could be recovered from the wreckage.


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