Weather: Rain And High Tides Are 'Risk To Life'

Heavy rain, large waves and strong winds are expected to create a "significant risk to life", as parts of Britain are hit by another band of severe weather.

The Environment Agency warned "extraordinary measures" may be taken in Gloucestershire on Saturday to keep back tidal and river floods.

It issued severe flood warnings - meaning there is an imminent danger to life - for several parts of the county and the coasts of Cornwall and north Devon, where a spring tide and stormy seas whipped up by gusts of more than 60mph pose a serious threat.

:: Click here for live updates from across the UK

The Severn laps over a road in Arley, Worcestershire. Pic: Neill Woodward

Further warnings are in place along the length of the River Severn amid fears it could burst its banks.

Flood barriers have already been installed in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and Bewdley, Worcestershire, as the water level rises.

The Environment Agency warned against all non-essential travel amid fears drivers could become stranded, while Gloucestershire Police urged people to stay away from river banks.

England and Wales are covered by flood warnings and alerts

In the Republic of Ireland, Munster, Leinster, Connacht, Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan were told to prepare for possible flooding, while communities in west Wales and along the south coast from Dorset to Kent were also put on alert.

Hundreds of university students in Aberystwyth were told to leave accommodation on the town's seafront amid fears high tides could hit the town for the second time in a month.

As well as wind and rain, the Met Office warned of snow for Northern Ireland and parts of western Scotland, as well as icy stretches on roads across much of the UK.

As heavy rain fell in the South, snow swept across parts of the North

Wintry weather swept across northern areas on Friday, closing the Lake District's exposed Kirkstone Pass and causing hazardous driving conditions elsewhere.

The latest forecasts will be met with trepidation in flood-stricken communities in Somerset, where the military is on standby to help with the relief effort.

On Tuesday, Prince Charles will meet people who remain cut off by water after the wettest January on record.

Residents in the village of Muchelney, Somerset, have been cut off

Some residents have criticised the Government and the Environment Agency for what they say is a lack of action to prevent the floods.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Flooding: PM's 'Enormous Sympathy' For Victims

David Cameron has admitted a "long-term" action plan is needed to reduce the devastating impact of flooding on communities.

With heavy rain, large waves and strong winds expected to create a "significant risk to life" in parts of south and west England this weekend, the Prime Minister said he had "enormous sympathy" for people whose homes had been swamped.

He insisted the Government was doing "everything we can to help people recover as quickly as possible".

However, he admitted there was work to do, especially in Somerset, where some residents remain cut off after the wettest January on record.

In a letter to the Western Daily Press, Mr Cameron said: "Like everybody across the country I feel enormous sympathy for the people who live on the Somerset Levels and are suffering from the devastating impact of the flooding."

He added: "We need long-term action to reduce the risk of this happening again. That is why (Environment Secretary) Owen Paterson is working with the Environment Agency (EA) and local agencies in Somerset to deliver a robust plan for the next 20 years.

"Flooding wreaks havoc in communities and businesses. And the impact on people's lives cannot be underestimated.

"I want to reassure people in Somerset that I am making sure everything that can be done is being done - every resource is being made available to keep Somerset moving and make it a prosperous place for those that live and work there."

The Somerset Levels have seen weeks of flooding this winter

The Prime Minister said plans to dredge rivers will begin "as soon it is safe to do so" and the EA will spend "the coming months improving river flows" across the south west, dredging and weed clearance.

Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis has claimed a lack of river dredging for the past 40 years has worsened the impact of the flooding in Somerset.

"The EA decided to abandon the dredging for the sake of the river bank and they sold the wonderful dredging machines for scrap," said the dairy farmer.

"Can you believe it? That was 40 years ago. This (flooding) is the result of that decision."

He said it only used to be that the area flooded every 20 years. "There is flooding every year now; it's a serious disaster, a serious problem. It's impossible to live there and run the whole dairy industry.

"We've been campaigning for years to get this sorted out. Finally, I think the Prime Minister is going to deal with it and get the money to do the job, but it's taken a long time to get there.".

Mr Eavis, who farms at Pilton, on the edge of the Somerset Levels, spoke out after its was announced that Prince Charles will visit flood-stricken communities in the South West.

The visit, on Tuesday, had been planned in advance of the floods for Charles to learn how communities coped with similar problems in 2012.

He is likely to receive a warmer reception than Environment Secretary Owen Paterson who received a hostile reaction from locals when he visited on Monday.

Residents said they were living in "Third World" conditions - with "overflowing" septic tanks and water in their homes.

Emergency workers help people leave the cut-off village of Muchelney

Military personnel are currently on standby to move in to flood-hit Somerset, with further heavy rain and high tides due to hit parts of the UK in the next 48 hours.

An amber severe weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for southwest England, parts of which have been flooded for more than a month.

The public has been warned of significant disruption from flooding across the Somerset Levels.

Pat Flaherty, deputy chief executive of Somerset County Council, said: "With potential for high winds and high tides and more rain... falling on an already soaked catchment we have potential for further flooding over the weekend.

"And with that, ongoing flooding for a number of weeks to come.

"We're still working very closely with the military who remain in Somerset, planning with us and we also have the resilience of knowing that their equipment and personnel are ready to be mobilised should we require them."

The Ministry of Defence has tweeted that personnel involved in helping with Somerset floods are drawn from all three services, with the majority from Taunton-based 40 Commando Royal Marines.

In addition to vehicle crews, up to 100 military personnel are on stand-by for duties likely to include sandbag filling and loading.

The Red Cross has also sent its 7.5-ton Unimog, an emergency supply vehicle capable of driving through deep floodwater.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Flooding: Military In Somerset To Help Residents

Military officials have been on the ground in Somerset drawing up contingency plans to provide practical help amid fears of further flooding.

With more heavy rain, high winds and high tides expected to hit the county later this week, service personnel are on alert to assist flood-hit residents.

The fire brigade has been helping people cut off by severe flooding on the Somerset Levels, visiting around 200 properties in recent weeks to see what their needs were.

But now military planners have gone to the area to help the authorities as the relief effort is ramped up. Around 40 homes in the county are still flooded.

Troops accompany a local authority official to survey flood-hit areas

The Met Office issued an amber warning for heavy rain in southwest England between 12pm on Friday and 3am on Saturday, and the public should be prepared for significant disruption from flooding across the Levels.

Pat Flaherty, deputy chief executive of Somerset County Council, said: "With potential for high winds and high tides and more rain...falling on an already soaked catchment we have potential for further flooding over the weekend.

"And with that, ongoing flooding for a number of weeks to come.

"We're still working very closely with the military who remain in Somerset, planning with us and we also have the resilience of knowing that their equipment and personnel are ready to be mobilised should we require them."

The Government's emergency Cobra committee has been meeting again to discuss the flooding situation.

Parts of the Somerset Levels have been flooded since Christmas

Speaking about the military operation in Somerset, Major Al Robinson of the Royal Engineers told Sky News: "We are currently on reconnaissance, working in support of Somerset County Council.

"We are looking at the key areas under threat, and specifically at routes in and out the area, particularly at what we might be able to do in terms of assisting the local authority, particularly in the removal of waste and rubbish, and support current planning."

A local authority official accompanying the troops said: "It's a general reconnaissance, showing them the flooding situation."

The Ministry of Defence has tweeted that personnel involved in helping with Somerset floods are drawn from all three services, with the majority from Taunton-based 40 Commando Royal Marines.

In addition to vehicle crews, up to 100 military personnel are on stand-by for duties likely to include sandbag filling and loading.

The British Red Cross has sent a Unimog supply vehicle to the affected area

The Red Cross has also sent the 7.5-tonne Unimog, an emergency supply vehicle capable of driving through deep floodwater, which has also been used to help people stranded on the Somerset Levels after nearly a month of flooding.

On Wednesday, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said specialist Army vehicles could be drafted in to help tackle the flooding, delivering food and sandbags and transporting people.

His intervention came after David Cameron said rapid action is needed to deal with floodwaters in the Somerset Levels and promised the dredging of rivers would begin as soon as water levels were reduced to a safe level.

Speaking about the floods, the Prime Minister said on Thursday: "People want to know we are doing everything possible to protect dwellings from flooding and we want a forward investment programme.

"I think people understand that there are severe weather events that can affect your country, you do everything you can to mitigate, but in the end you can't mitigate against every single thing."

Sky's Kay Burley tweeted this picture of the road to Muchelney in Somerset

The Government said the first time Somerset County Council had requested assistance was on Wednesday, but the deputy leader of the authority David Hall told Sky News they had been asking for help "for weeks".

Drainage experts blame two decades of under-investment in flood defence work for turning the Levels into a "disaster area" and said it was "very, very urgent" that rivers are dredged to prevent more damage to homes, livelihoods and wildlife.

Despite coming under fire from MPs and local councils, the Environment Agency (EA) insists that increased dredging of the rivers would not have prevented the recent flooding and was "often not the best long-term or economic solution".

But Bryony Sadler of the Flooding on the Levels Action Group argued it would have made a "massive difference", and said there would be no let up in the demand for action.

She said: "The land is just flooded beyond belief."

Speaking about flood risk, the EA's director of operations, David Jordan, told Sky News: "People are trying to present this as the agency's problem. It goes well beyond that and it's absolutely essential to recognise this is a shared problem.

"We need to work in partnership to do what we possibly can to reduce flood risk."

Flood warnings in place across the UK

The arrival of the military came as farmers, politicians and church leaders demanded immediate action to alleviate what furious residents describe as "Third World" conditions.

Microbiologist Nathaniel Storey, who took samples from the flood water, said it was "absolutely teeming with bacteria and viruses".

He said it posed a risk to health and advised parents to take particular care with young children, whose toys may become contaminated.

Many parts of the Levels have been flooded since Christmas and there are fears it could be months before the water is completely pumped away.

Teams from the EA have been running dozens of pumps around the clock to drain away an estimated 1.5 million tonnes of water - the equivalent of 600 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The EA has issued 43 flood warnings - where flooding is expected and immediate action required - mostly in the South West, the South East and Midlands. Another 162 flood alerts are also in place.

Labour's shadow environment secretary Maria Eagle said: "Almost a week after Somerset County Council declared the flooding a major incident, the Government has finally decided to respond."

She accused Mr Paterson of "dithering" and failing to take flooding seriously.

Meanwhile, hundreds of university students in Aberystwyth, Wales, are being told to leave the seaside resort over fears of powerful winds and possible nine-metre high tides this weekend.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Amanda Knox Guilty Again Over Kercher Murder

Amanda Knox and her ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito have again been found guilty of murdering British student Meredith Kercher after an Italian court ruled the pair should not have been cleared.

Knox, who was in her hometown of Seattle when she learned her conviction had been reinstated, has been sentenced to 28 years and six months.

The 26-year-old said she was "frightened and saddened" by the ruling.

Sollecito, 29, who was not in court but had attended lengthy hearings, was sentenced to 25 years.

Their lawyers have said they intend to appeal to Italy's highest court and a long legal battle for Knox's extradition is now expected.

Miss Kercher's sister Stephanie and brother Lyle were both at the Nuovo Palazzo di Giustizia courthouse in Florence to hear the outcome of the third trial in the case.

Members of Ms Kercher's family were in court

Speaking outside the court, Mr Kercher told Sky News he could never forgive those responsible for his sister's death.

"I think you'd have to be a very strong-willed - arguably religious - person to find that forgiveness," he said.

"I think it is so easily forgotten what happened to Meredith.

"When I read reports even now, I find myself skimming past the paragraphs that refer to what actually happened to her because it is so horrific."

Knox and Sollecito were charged in 2007 after Miss Kercher's semi-naked body was found with her throat cut in the bedroom of the house she shared with Knox in the central Italian city of Perugia.

Exchange student Miss Kercher lived with Knox

The 21-year-old Leeds University student from Coulsdon, Surrey, had been sexually assaulted.

Two years after the pair were found guilty at their original trial in 2009 - and handed jail terms totalling more than 50 years - the verdicts were overturned and both walked free from court, with Knox returning to the US and going on to sign a book deal.

Their acquittals in 2011 came after a damning 100 page report outlined a catalogue of errors and breaches of procedure that had been made in collecting evidence.

The third trial began last September in Florence.

The verdicts are delivered

After nearly 12 hours of deliberations on Thursday, the court upheld the 2009 convictions.

Knox, who claimed she could not attend the retrial because she could not afford to travel to Italy, said after the latest ruling: "I am frightened and saddened by this unjust verdict.

"Having been found innocent before, I expected better from the Italian justice system.

Sollecito is in Italy but was not in court for the verdict

"The evidence and accusatory theory do not justify a verdict of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

"Rather, nothing has changed. There has always been a marked lack of evidence. My family and I have suffered greatly from this wrongful persecution."

She said in a pre-recorded interview for BBC's Newsnight that she would only be extradited "kicking and screaming".

Though Knox has remained in the US, she emailed the court to protest her innocence in a statement read out by her lawyer in which she insisted she ''was not a monster".

Speaking outside the court, Knox's lawyer, Luciano Ghirga, said she will launch an appeal against the decision.

He added: "For those that, like me, are convinced that Amanda is innocent, it is a very difficult time.

"We have to respect the verdict but we will challenge them. We're very sad at the moment."

Sollecito's lawyer Luca Maori said: "There isn't a shred of proof."

Drug dealer Rudy Guede was sentenced to 16 years over Miss Kercher's murder. Investigators said he did not act alone.

:: Watch Sky News live on television on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Weather: MoD May Join Flood Relief Efforts

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson says the Ministry of Defence may deploy "specialist vehicles" to help people affected by major flood damage.

In a statement released after the latest meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee, Mr Paterson also confirmed that dredging "will begin" as soon as it is safe.

"MoD considering deploying specialist vehicles and extra help including sandbags and dredging will begin as soon as safe," the statement said.

"Things are going to get worse with rising tides and people need to be prepared."

The MoD also says a "handful" of military planners have been deployed to Somerset to help the county council plan what military support may be needed.

The measures come after David Cameron told MPs he will "rule nothing out" in tackling flooding in the Somerset Levels.

The Prime Minister said dredging would begin once water levels had receded to safe levels. The hugely expensive process involves using diggers or pumps to remove build-ups of silt from river beds.

"I can confirm that dredging will start as soon as it's practical, as soon as the waters have started to come down," he told MPs.

"The Environment Agency (EA) are pumping as much as possible given the capacity of the rivers, but I've ordered that further high volume pumps ... will be made available to increase the volume of the pumping operation.

"We're urgently exploring what further help the government can give to locals to move around and I rule nothing out for the days ahead to get this problem sorted."

A man walks beside the flooded River Tone in Somerset

The EA has issued some 24 flood warnings and 151 flood alerts, mostly for areas in the South East and the South West.

Many of those in flood-hit areas are calling for immediate action to alleviate what some residents have described as "Third World" conditions.

Parts of the Levels have been under water since Christmas. There are fears that it may be months before the water is entirely pumped away.

Further showers fell across England and Wales on Wednesday. Rain is expected to spread across the Republic of Northern Ireland on Thursday, and there will be more patchy rain for parts of England.

Meanwhile, insurance claims from the floods and storms over Christmas and the New Year could reach £426m.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says that between December 23, 2013 and January 8, 2014, insurers dealt with some 174,000 claims for damage to homes, businesses and cars.

Flooded fields seen from Windmill Hill in Somerset

Aidan Kerr, ABI spokesperson said: "Insurers are playing a crucial role in helping customers affected by the storms and floods recover.

"Together with loss adjusters, insurers reacted quickly to help flood victims get through Christmas. Insurers will continue to work closely with customers to ensure the repair process is completed as soon as possible.

"This was a traumatic event for those affected, and shows the importance of having adequate property insurance. The insurance industry is fully prepared to deal with the damage caused by bad weather like this."

The Environment Agency has advised claimants to request insurance pay for repairs that will better protect properties from flooding in future.

Claimants should also mark the height of flood water on the wall with a permanent marker in all flooded rooms and take pictures of property damage.

:: Watch Sky News on Thursday for special coverage from Somerset, live on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Justin Bieber Charged With Limo Driver Assault

Justin Bieber has been arrested and charged in connection to an alleged assault on a limousine driver in Toronto in December.

The Toronto Police Service confirmed the 19-year-old singer had handed himself in to officers at 52 Division police station on Wednesday evening.

It is alleged that the victim picked up a group of six people outside a nightclub in the city on December 30, but while driving the group to a hotel an altercation occurred between one of the passengers and the driver.

During the course of the altercation the driver was hit on the back of the head several times, before stopping the vehicle and calling the police.

The singer smiled during a police mugshot after his arrest in Miami

Bieber, of Calabasas, California, is facing one charge of assault in connection with the incident.

Wearing a winter coat and a cap on backwards, the Canadian teenager was mobbed by the media and screaming fans after arriving at the police station.

His California-based lawyer Howard Weitzman said in a statement he expected the assault case to be treated as a low-level offence and insisted his client was innocent.

He said: "The Toronto Police Service requested that Justin Bieber appear in Toronto today to face an allegation of assault relating to an incident on December 29, 2013.

A petition to have the 19-year-old deported has 100,000 signatures

"We anticipate that this matter will be treated as a summary offence, the equivalent of a misdemeanor in the United States.

"Our position is the Mr Bieber is innocent."

He is due to appear in court on March 10 to face the assault charge.

Lawyers for the Believe singer also filed a written not guilty plea on Wednesday to expected charges of driving under the influence and resisting arrest in Florida.

Court records show the plea, which also addresses another alleged charge of driving with an expired licence, was filed on Wednesday in Miami-Dade County.

Bieber already has an arraignment hearing set for February 14, but Florida law does not require him to be present.

Defence lawyer Mark Shapiro said no decision had been made on whether Bieber would attend that hearing.

He was arrested with R&B singer Khalil Amir Sharieff last week in Miami Beach during what police described as an illegal street drag race between a Lamborghini and a Ferrari.

Neither has been charged with drag racing.

Police claimed Bieber swore at an officer and admitted to smoking marijuana, drinking and taking a prescription medication.

He is also under investigation for vandalism in Los Angeles County over an egg-throwing incident where his neighbour's home was damaged.

Detectives searched his home on January 14 and prosecutors have sought additional information before deciding whether to pursue charges.

German authorities charged him thousands of dollars in 2013 after he abandoned a pet monkey that they seized from him for failing to have proper vaccination papers.

Manager Scooter Braun tweeted on Wednesday evening: "I ask people to be kind and hope for the best in people. Not assume the worst. Thanks."

The singer's latest troubles come as an online petition asking for him to be deported from the US passed the 100,000 signatures required for a White House response.

President Obama's administration must now react to the campaign aimed at kicking the teenager out of the country and revoking his green card.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Madeleine McCann: UK Police Fly To Portugal

British police have travelled to Portugal to liaise with local officers investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

A Scotland Yard team flew to the Algarve days after a letter was sent to Portuguese police requesting help with tracking down and interviewing three burglars who were in the area when Madeleine vanished.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood, who is leading the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, was pictured arriving in Faro with three colleagues.

They held meetings with senior members of Portugal's Policia Judiciaria and are believed to have discussed leads recently identified by the Operation Grange investigation team in the UK.

UK police are in Faro, not far from Praia da Luz, where Madeleine vanished

Sky's Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt said the letter requesting help from the Portuguese authorities is understood to have arrived in Portugal "in the last 24 hours or so".

He said: "Four detectives from Scotland Yard arrived yesterday to meet their Portuguese colleagues - there's a small team of Portuguese police working in the Algarve on behalf of Scotland Yard.

"We know that among those detectives from London is Chief Inspector Andy Redwood, who's the officer in charge of the British end of the investigation into Madeleine's disappearance.

Det Chief Insp Andy Redwood is leading the Met Police team in the Algarve

"It's certainly not the first time Scotland Yard detectives have visited Portugal - more than a dozen times in the last two years since Scotland Yard have been reviewing and then investigating Madeleine's disappearance has such a team gone to liaise.

"But it could be of some big significance because we know that earlier this month the UK authorities sent what's known as an international letter of request to the Portuguese authorities seeking, we think, help in interviewing three potential suspects."

Earlier this month, Sky News reported that Det Chief Insp Redwood's team were hunting three men whose phones were "red hot" after Madeleine went missing from her family's Praia da Luz apartment in May 2007.

Kate and Gerry have campaigned to keep the investigation going

Mobile phone records show that the men made numerous calls to each other in the hours after Kate and Gerry McCann discovered their daughter - three years old at the time - had disappeared from her room.

No arrests have been made since the Met set up Operation Grange in 2011 to review the case.

Portuguese police reopened their investigation last year, more than three years after it had been shelved.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

State Of Union: President Obama Gives Address

President Barack Obama has spoken about partisan politics which has delayed action during his presidency as he gives his State of the Union address to Congress.

Facing strong Republican opposition and low approval ratings after the worst year of his presidency, Mr Obama unveiled actions that do not need congressional approval to bypass the partisan gridlock that has held back his presidency.

They include raising the minimum wage for new federal contracts, helping the long-term unemployed find work and expanding job training programmes.

He said: "Inequality has deepened. Upward mobility has stalled.

"The cold, hard fact is that even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by - let alone get ahead.

"And too many still aren't working at all."

He was greeted with warm applause as he arrived to give the address to a joint session of Congress.

Speaking on partisan politics that have stalled action, including his flagship Affordable Care Act, he said: "We are not doing right by the American people.

"After five years of grit and determined effort, the US is better positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on Earth.

"Let's make this a year of action. That's what most Americans want - for all of us in this chamber to focus on their lives, their hopes, their aspirations."

He promised to improve US education, by connecting 15,000 schools and 20 million students with high-speed broadband in the next two years.

The initiative will be supported by charitable partnerships with companies including Apple, Microsoft, Sprint and Verizon.

Mr Obama proposed new incentives for vehicles which run on natural gas and alternative fuels, as well as expansion of the earned-income tax credit, which helps boost the wages of low-income families through tax refunds.

He also called on Republicans to stop attempts to stall his health reform.

And he warned Congress he would veto new economic sanctions against Iran as negotiations to limit its nuclear programme continue. An estimated $7bn in international sanctions have been lifted against Iran in exchange for it slowing the programme.

A poll this month found 45% of those surveyed approved of Mr Obama, compared to 53% against.

More follows...

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Paterson: Flood Victims 'Right' To Be Angry

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson has admitted the Government could have done more to help residents in areas affected by flooding - and that dredging of some rivers should have happened.

Heavy rain is forecast for areas already hit by floods, with some communities in Somerset - where the council has declared a "major incident" - facing a fourth week under water.

Motorists and commuters have been warned of ice, sleet and snow with temperatures expected to plummet to around freezing in some parts of the UK.

Mr Paterson has today visited Northmoor Green in Somerset, where he held crisis talks with council chiefs and farmers whose crops have been damaged by the stormy weather.

The Environment Agency's flood alerts and warnings

Facing tough questions from furious locals on the official response to the flooding, Mr Paterson told Sky News: "How shocking it is for people to be flooded and I really do appreciate the impact floods have had on people ... they are quite right to be angry."

He acknowledged the national guidelines on dredging were not appropriate for the Somerset Levels, large parts of which are below sea level.

In defence of the Environment Agency, Mr Paterson said it had protected a million homes and was "working incredibly hard".

He said he had asked local officials to present him with "a very clear action plan" within six weeks to enable him "to make a categoric decision once and for all" on a "long-term serious plan" for the area for the next 20 years.

A view of flood water surrounding the village of Muchelney in Somerset

Several counties including Hampshire and Dorset also remain at risk of flooding, while further snowfall is expected across Wales, Scotland and northern England.

The Environment Agency has issued more than 140 flood alerts and 10 further serious flood warnings across England and Wales.

John Osman, leader of Somerset County Council, said he was "hugely disappointed" there would be no immediate extra funding to protect flood-hit communities.

"We will continue to keep the pressure on to secure a fair deal for Somerset's residents," he said.

Bryony Sadler, of Flooding on the Somerset Levels Action Group (FLAG), dismissed Mr Paterson's visit as a "publicity stunt".

Snowfall over Middleton-in-Teesdale

"It was a waste of taxpayers' money," the hairdresser said. "We are here, we have lived like this - like a third world country - for three weeks. We have just pushed and pushed and pushed.

"It is all just a great show for the cameras, isn't it? No-one is listening to what we want to say. It is very depressing, it is very negative."

Matthew Lay, national officer of Unison, said: "Communities up and down the country will remain in danger until the Environment Agency is given adequate resources and funding to prevent and handle disasters caused by floods."

A number of serious flood warnings are in place for parts of the South West, South East, Midlands and North East with the Environment Agency advising people in affected areas to take immediate action.

The Somerset Levels, which run south from the Mendip Hills to the Blackdown Hills, are particularly vulnerable with 31,000 acres under water, as further heavy rain falls on already saturated ground.

Mr Paterson (centre) visiting Northmoor Pumping Station in Somerset

There is also potential for further river flooding across the South West and southern counties including parts of Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex, West Berkshire and Surrey into next week.

The Environment Agency is running more than 60 pumps around the clock to drain an estimated 65 million cubic metres of floodwater from the Levels.

A temporary pontoon has been erected near the village of Langport to allow residents to get to their homes and a boat service is ferrying people to and from work and school.

As well as the flood alerts, parts of Scotland have been told to brace for strong winds gusting up to 80mph.

Nazaneen Ghafar, Sky News Weather Presenter, said: "Wintry showers are likely and the risk of some overnight snow across northern areas from Wednesday onwards.

"There will also be the continued chance of hail at times, and ice will be an increasing problem."

Twitter user Grant Kavanagh saw 'strange weather' in Knaphill, Surrey

On Sunday, light snow flurries affected parts of northern England, including in Cumbria, where snow ploughs were used to clear sections of the A66.

A "mini tornado" was reported in parts of the Midlands and southern Britain, where trees were brought down, power supplies knocked out and outbuildings damaged.

:: Watch Sky News live on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

RBS Earmarks Nearly £3bn For New Payouts

The Royal Bank of Scotland is setting aside £3bn for new litigation and customer compensation claims, which is expected to push the taxpayer-backed lender into an annual loss of around £8bn.

While members of the bank's executive board members will not be receiving bonuses, RBS chief executive Ross McEwan said some bankers would get a payment.

He told Sky News that failing to do so would risk RBS losing "exceptional talent".

In an unscheduled trading statement that deals a blow to the bank's turnaround hopes, the state-controlled lender said it would allocate £1.9bn to cover claims relating to mortgage-backed financial products.

An extra £465m had been earmarked for Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) compensation payouts.

This was because claims had continued at previous rates - £225m per quarter - rather than falling as expected, and were forecast to continue for longer, according to the bank which is 80% taxpayer-owned.

RBS chief executive Ross McEwan says the bank can handle the costs

It takes the total amount set aside for the PPI compensation scheme to £3.1bn, of which £2.2bn had been used at the end of 2013.

A further £500m had also been allocated for claims relating to the mis-selling of complex financial products, known as interest rate swaps, to small firms.

A £200m provision has been made to cover legal expenses.

The news sent a shudder through the City, with RBS's share price falling late in the day and closing down 2.2 percent.

Mr McEwan said in a statement that "bad decisions" made in recent years meant that "some problems are still just emerging".

He later told Sky News: "It was a large number to put out in the marketplace today.

"I would say at least now we are in such a good financial position we can take having to put aside close to £3bn to really again look after litigation and conduct issues from the bank's past history.

"We were the biggest bank in the world and we had businesses on all continents, so I don't think it's surprising that some of these things will emerge as regulators and people take litigation against banks.

"What's really important here is we are in a position to handle these losses now, these provisions.

"We have certainly got a path that we are building for our strategic review to show a really good bank emerging from the last five years of all the changes that have been made.

"When exceptionally large banks go wrong, which is what happened here, it takes a very long time to get them right again.

"I truly believe that we can turn this bank around and make it a great success for the UK."

Defending the payment of bonuses to some staff, Mr McEwan, who had previously said that he would not take a bonus for 2013 or 2013, said: "I need to be in a position to be paying people fairly for the job that they do. I know that is hard for people to understand but that is the business we are in.

"Right now we are a back-marker on pay. We need to make pragmatic decisions about staying in the marketplace to keep hold of that talent while we change this bank dramatically."

RBS said the additional cash provisions would be reflected in its full year results to be published on February 27.

The additional £1.9bn for mortgage-backed securities followed "recent third party litigation settlements and regulatory decisions", said the lender.

It was towards the end of last year that in the US that JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay $13bn (£8bn) to settle complaints over mortgages and mortgage securities.

Around the same time, an RBS subsidiary agreed to pay $153.7m (£95.5m) to settle a US investigation into allegations it misled investors over a sub-prime mortgage product.

Responding to the RBS announcement, Business Secretary Vince Cable: "They are absolutely shocking numbers and taxpayers will be appalled they are still facing the bill for abuses that took place, five, ten years ago, the chronic mis-selling, the swaps that were sold to small business, and insurance mis-selling.

"This is dreadful stuff and the price is still being paid and it's still damaging our economy.

"The one good thing is that the directors have accepted they mustn't accept bonuses and the bank under new management is now getting on with serious banking."

The chairman of the Treasury Committee, Andrew Tyrie MP, said customers and taxpayers were paying a "heavy price" for the past misconduct of the bank.

He said: "It is crucial for the recovery that lending, particularly to [small and medium-sized businesses], is not constrained as a result."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Mini Tornado' Sweeps Through Parts Of Britain

A "mini tornado" has swept through parts of the Midlands and southern Britain, bringing down trees, knocking out power causing damage to outbuildings.

The funnel-shaped formation was spotted above several towns in Surrey including Chobham, Epsom and Knaphill, as well as in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, and in Harlow, Essex.

Ferocious thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain and hail were reported in Birmingham, Nottingham and Milton Keynes, as well as parts of Kent and Essex.

Twitter and Facebook were flooded by messages and pictures from people caught up in the severe weather.

Pam Steadman said parts of an equestrian centre next to her house in Epsom were lifted over trees at the bottom of her garden, while Heather Riley reported "lots of damage to houses and cars" in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

Flashes of lightning lit up the sky in Birmingham. Pic: B1Bobs/Twitter

Darran Jaques, who described the weather as "wild", said scaffolding had been ripped down and shop fronts damaged in northeast Surrey, while Jean Ramgoolam tweeted: "Looks like a mini tornado just went past!"

It is thought the intense weather may have been caused by a squall line - a band of thunderstorms that precedes a cold front.

Satellite pictures showed a clear line of heavy storms moving slowly across the country from the North West to the South East.

As well as damage to property, the severe weather caused widespread power cuts across the country.

UK Power Networks, which maintains electricity cables and lines across London, the South East and the East, said it received a "high number of calls" from customers as the storm swept through.

The weather brought snow to other places, including the Northern Pennines

In the area around Tonbridge, Kent, more than 8,000 people were left without power, although supplies have since been restored for most.

The storms come as communities in the South and South West prepare for possible flooding, with further heavy rain forecast to fall on already saturated ground.

Sedgemoor District Council has declared a "major incident" on the Somerset Levels, where pumps are being used to keep floodwater away from homes.

Other parts of the country, including the Northern Pennines and parts of western Scotland, saw a sprinkling of snow.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Weather: Floods In South As Snow Falls In North

Communities across southern England have been told to prepare for possible flooding, as snow falls across parts of the North.

Some 11 flood warnings are in place for parts of the South East and South West, with the Environment Agency telling people in affected areas to take immediate action.

The Somerset Levels, which run south from the Mendip Hills to the Blackdown Hills, are particularly vulnerable, as further heavy rain falls on already saturated ground.

Flood warnings and alerts in England and Wales. Pic: Environment Agency

There is also potential for further river flooding across the South West and southern counties including parts of Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex, West Berkshire and Surrey into next week.

The Environment Agency is running more than 60 pumps around the clock to drain an estimated 65 million cubic metres of floodwater from the Levels.

A temporary pontoon has been erected near the village of Langport to allow residents to get to their homes and a boat service is ferrying people to and from work and school.

Police pass a submerged car, as a local resident uses the temporary pontoon

John Osman, of Somerset County Council, which has declared a "major incident", said: "There's no let up in the rain coming down. The water levels on the moorlands are rising. We are getting towards breaking point."

As well as the flood alerts, a Met Office severe weather warning for ice is in place across most of the UK, while parts of Scotland have been told to brace for strong winds gusting up to 80mph.

Up to 20cm of snow is forecast to fall over higher ground overnight and on Monday.

Snow fell over the Northern Pennines, with snow ploughs used on the A66

It follows lighter flurries in parts of northern England, including in Cumbria, where snow ploughs were used to clear sections of the A66.

Meanwhile, strong winds on Saturday blew bricks and tiles off the roofs of houses and forced residents to be evacuated in a street in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

A "mini tornado" was reported in parts of the Midlands and southern Britain, where trees were brought down, power supplies knocked out and outbuildings damaged.

The "mini tornado" was seen in Surrey. Pic: Grant Kavanagh/Twitter

Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler said: "Today's rain may exacerbate the problems in the South West but is unlikely to have much impact away from already flooded areas.

"This week, there may be some small improvements, in so much as there is no further prolonged heavy rain expected before next weekend, but showers will continue."

:: Watch Sky News live on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Labour Would Restore 50p Top Rate Tax

Labour would restore the 50p top rate of tax if it gets into power at the next general election, the shadow chancellor has confirmed.

Ed Balls made the announcement in a pitch to run Britain's economy, during which he promised to balance the nation's books and cut national debt.

In his speech to the Fabian Society's annual conference in central London, he described Labour as the "party of radical economic change" and said it was "speaking up ... for working people" facing a "cost of living crisis".

He said the country is "crying out for real and lasting change" and claimed the Prime Minister and the Chancellor are "out of touch" with voters.

Mr Balls said: "When the deficit is still high, when tough times are now set to last well into the next parliament, when for ordinary families their real incomes are falling and taxes have risen, it cannot be right for David Cameron and George Osborne to have chosen to give the richest people in the country a huge tax cut.

"That's why, for the next parliament, the next Labour government will reverse this government's top rate tax cut so we can finish the job of getting the deficit down and do it fairly.

"For the next parliament, we will restore the 50p top rate ... reversing this unfair tax cut for the richest 1% of people in the country."

Danny Alexander: 'Labour would undermine the foundations of recovery'.

In his speech, Mr Balls said Labour would introduce a 10p starting rate of tax, which he claims would "help make work pay and cut taxes for 24 million people on middle and lower incomes".

He also announced Labour would create the British Investment Bank to support small businesses, commit to building 200,000 new homes a year by 2020 and expand free childcare for working parents to 25 hours a week.

"By supporting the long-term growth that will earn our way to higher living standards and help reduce the deficit, by rooting out waste in public spending, by making fairer choices on tax and benefit reform ... Labour can change Britain," he said.

The 50p - or 50% - "additional rate" tax, which is payable on income above £150,000, was cut to 45% on April 6 last year.

Mr Osborne abolished the higher rate, introduced by Labour in 2010, in his 2012 Budget, amid claims it raised just a third of the £3bn initially predicted.

"No Chancellor can justify a tax rate that damages our economy and raises next to nothing," the Chancellor said at the time.

Liberal Democrat Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, said: "It seems Labour have learned nothing from the last few years and would undermine the foundations of Britain's economic recovery.

"The coalition's economic strategy is dealing with the catastrophic mess we inherited from Labour. The action taken by Liberal Democrats in government is the foundation for the economic recovery that is now underway and helping more British people find work than ever before.

"Labour's answer is to borrow more over a longer period, which will leave a higher burden of debt to be dealt with by future generations.

"That is not fair or responsible. We need to stick to the plan to secure the recovery, not weaken our resolve now."

:: Watch Sky News live on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ukraine Unrest: Opposition Offered Top Jobs

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has offered to share power with opposition leaders in an attempt to resolve the country's deepening political crisis.

The move comes as violence and protests continue in Ukraine with demonstrators trying to seize government buildings across the country.

Mr Yanukovych offered opposition chiefs Arseniy Yatsenyuk and Vitali Klitschko the posts of prime minister and deputy prime minister in a new government.

President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leader Vitali Klitschko

But the fig leaf was rejected by world boxing champion Mr Klitschko.

"Our demand is the holding of presidential elections this year... We will not yield but talks will continue," he told tens of thousands of protesters in Independence Square in Kiev.

Mr Yatsenyuk, head of the Fatherland party, gave no clear response to the proposal in his speech.

He said the opposition was prepared to take on responsibility, but added: "The people will determine the power in Ukraine. We will not step down from our position."

In recent talks between Mr Yanukovych and the opposition, both sides agreed the protests and police presence in Kiev would be scaled down, raising hopes of a resolution to the crisis.

Mr Yanukovych also said he was willing to consider changes to the constitution that would reduce the presidency's huge powers.

The protest map tweeted by Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt

He also promised to consider changes to anti-protest laws passed by parliament on January 16 which sparked the latest crisis.

Until the past week, protests had centred mainly in Kiev, with only smaller rallies elsewhere.

But following the latest clashes, a series of government buildings have been seized in the west of the country, where support for Mr Yanukovych is weak.

Protesters clashed with riot police as they forced their way into a regional administration office in the town of Vinnytsia, around 120 miles from Kiev.

And about 100 anti-government activists rushed the country's energy ministry in Kiev, where clashes with police have continued.

Energy Minister Eduard Stavytsky said their actions had threatened the country's entire power supply.

Protesters also continue to occupy Kiev city hall, which they have turned into a makeshift headquarters.

The rallies began in November last year after Mr Yanukovych scrapped a treaty with the European Union in favour of a bail-out loan from Russia, following lobbying by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt suggested Mr Yanukovych was losing control over his country. He posted a map of Ukraine on Twitter showing which regions had been hit by protests.

"If Kiev regime tries a military solution to this situation, it will be very bloody and it will fail," he tweeted.

:: Watch Sky News live on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More