PM is ready to listen in grammar school row, says Tory chairman

 
Pic:Tory chairman: Sir Patrick McLoughlin
Political reporter(wp/es):
A strong hint that Theresa May will consider concessions on grammar schools is made by the Conservative party chairman today on the eve of the PM’s first party conference.
In an exclusive interview with the Standard, Sir Patrick McLoughlin said the grammar plans would “develop and evolve” during a public consultation.
The ex-miner also revealed that the conference slogan will be “A country that works for everyone”, echoing Mrs May’s first speech in Downing Street where she set a priority of spreading opportunity for the less well-off.
Sir Patrick, right, warned that Mrs May would not allow the Government to be “hijacked by Brexit”, saying the focus would remain on key public  services and the life-chances agenda.
A record 12,000 people will attend Mrs May’s first conference as Prime Minister, but it risks being over- shadowed by in-fighting over education reform and Europe.
 On grammar schools, Sir Patrick said the Government was keen to give more children who are “academically gifted the opportunity of a school which will concentrate on their strengths and  talents”, but added that it was open to ideas to improve the plans. “We want to make sure the systems we introduce work and we will take into account the consultation,” he said. He ruled out any return to the “binary” era of the old 11-plus and said grammars were “not going to dominate” the system. Asked how many children might take entrance tests, he said: “Let’s see how we develop and evolve the system over this consultation period.”

Sir Patrick strongly defended the aim of increasing choice, and suggested new grammars would be no different in principle to existing specialist academies that have cross-party support. “We have sports academies, we have art academies, we have music academies. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having ‘academic academies’, and they’re called grammar schools.” His comments will help cool the temperature of an issue that has divided Conservative MPs and handed a campaigning opportunity to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
In an olive branch to MPs threatening to overturn the Government’s fragile majority, Sir Patrick said Mrs May had her ears open. “One of the things you are going to see more of from a May government are green papers where we put ideas out and we discuss things,” he said.
Sir Patrick, who made his conference debut as a working miner during the 1984 pit strike, called Mrs May “a determined woman” and said: “The truth is she is not going to let the whole of the Government just become hijacked by Brexit.” He also came as close as he could to ruling out an election until 2020 and denied reports he had been preparing the ground for a third runway at Heathrow to be approved.
In his opening speech on Sunday he will pay tribute to David Cameron, who recommended him for a knighthood in his resignation honours, but the ex-PM will not appear.

600,000 London renters at risk of moving home if jobless or sick

Staff reporter(wp/es):
 The number of Londoners renting privately at risk of having to move home if they become jobless or lose their income due to sickness has soared to nearly 600,000, a new study warned today.

The analysis by leading insurer Royal London found the number of households in the capital in such a precarious financial position had more than doubled in just over a decade.
These “renters at risk” include many families whose children could have to change school if they were forced to move home.
The study, by former pensions minister Steve Webb who is now director of policy at Royal London, highlighted three main factors behind this “toxic cocktail” threatening working Londoners.
The number of renters has risen sharply as buying a home has become so expensive, employment has hit a record high and there have been cuts to housing benefit.
Latest figures show the number of working adults in London who could be affected by these factors, if they lost their income, rose to 867,000 in 2014/15, from 338,000 in 2003/04.

It would have reached 963,000 in 2016/17 if as expected the number has continued to rise at least in line with the trend over the past decade.
Some 790,000 of them are calculated to be renting in the private sector, with the remaining people in housing association or council homes.
Around three quarters of the 790,000 - or 592,000 - would run out of money for rent and other bills, according to the analysis, after three to six months.
The age breakdown of these “renters at risk” includes 44,000 under 25, 314,000 25 to 34-year-olds, 142,000 aged 35-44, 84,000 45 to 54-year-olds, and 8,000 aged 55 or over.
The study warns private renters could be affected in at least four ways:

* Couples who need both their salaries to pay the rent, and lost one of them, would in many cases not quality for housing benefit given its sharp earnings ‘taper’.

* Single people under 35 would usually only be entitled to housing benefit at shared accommodation rate.

* People with “spare bedrooms”, according to welfare rules, finding housing benefit not covering their actual rent.

* Housing benefit rates only meeting rent levels in the cheaper parts of an area.


Mr Webb said: “More needs to be done to help families living in rented accommodation to think through the implications of the very limited state safety net on which they might be relying.
“Unless they are able to resume paid work quickly, approaching 600,000 working people renting in the private sector in London could be at risk of not being able to pay the rent and having to move to cheaper accommodation, if they could find it.”
London and housing minister Gavin Barwell, MP for Croydon Central, has recognised more focus needs to be put on helping renters.
A Government spokesman said: “We’re creating a bigger, better private rented sector with up to £10 billion in Government-backed guarantees to attract more institutional investment in quality homes for rent.” Unemployment and sickness benefits ensured “a strong safety net for the most vulnerable”, he added.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also outlined plans for a “London Living Rent”, a new type of tenancy for newly-built affordable homes aimed at low and middle-income households, typically earning between £35,000 and £45,000 and currently renting privately, to help them save for a deposit by offering them a below-market rent.

man shot in Kentish Town north London street

Crime reporter(wp/es):
A young man is seriously injured in hospital today after he was shot in the street in north London.
Armed police and paramedics raced to the scene after the man, aged in his 20s, was gunned down in Kentish Town late last night.
He was rushed to hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg.
Emergency services were called to reports of a gun being fired in Prince of Wales Road at 10.35pm.
A resident, who lives nearby and asked not to be named, told the Standard: “I didn't hear the gun go off as I was watching bake off but it happened about 30m from my house.

“We noticed flashing lights outside our window and they weren't going away so we looked outside.
“We saw about 10-12 police officers, several cars, one unmarked. There were armed police there as well. Some were taking statements.
“There was an ambulance and a fire engine and the ambulance was there for about half an hour before it left. From what I heard it was happened near Talacre park.”
The man remains in hospital in a stable condition today, police said.
A Met Police spokesman said no arrests have been made.
Enquiries are ongoing.

Heathrow Airport worker's body found in River Thames

 
Pic: Maeusz Dajnowicz

Crime reporter(es/wp):

The body of a Heathrow airport worker was recovered from the Thames months after he was granted UK citizenship.
Mateusz Dajnowicz, 30, of Brentford, was found in the water near Kew Pier on September 22, a week after he was reported missing.
It is believed his body was spotted by a member of the public. Mr Dajnowicz’s friends, who had appealed online for help to find him, said he was last seen on CCTV leaving his flat, near Kew Bridge, on his own and wearing pyjamas.
His family flew in from Poland this week to identify his body and police are not treating his death as suspicious.

Mr Dajnowicz, who moved to London a decade ago, was working as a  manager for the airport’s cleaning contractor team after completing an apprenticeship in hospitality six months ago.
He had visited Brighton and Paris this summer. His friend Cassandra Hutchinson said: “He was such a nice lad, very hard-working and he really enjoyed his work. We all can’t believe it and are just in shock.”
Another friend, Gul Din, said: “He was just such a lovely soul and very fun-loving. If he ever saw a karaoke stand, he would be up there singing without a care in the world.”
Mr Dajnowicz had just started another course at work with the help of Anita Gomez, his assessor at HIT Training college, who said he would have gone on to do great things.
“He had one of the cutest smiles and would always have a joke for you,” she added. “He had just got his British citizenship about three months ago. He was so happy. It meant everything to him.”

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe retires

Pic: Sir Bernard Hogan
Staff reporter(wp/es):
Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe announced today he was retiring after five years in charge of the Met Police.
The Commissioner, who had been expected to stay in the role until September, will continue until February to give enough time for a successor to be found.
Sir Bernard, who was first appointed to the role in September 2011, spoke today of his pride at leading London’s police force.

 Here is his statement in full:

"I am so proud of the remarkable men and women who serve Londoners as police officers and staff and make this such a safe place for people to live, work or visit.
"I want to thank all of them for what they do, and the risks they take each day to protect the public.
"I want to thank all the partners we work with in government, in City Hall and across London.

"And I want to thank the public for the support they show the Met, and have shown me personally, as we do our difficult jobs.
"I came into this job determined to fight crime and make the MPS the best, most professional police service.

"I wish my successor well as they take on this amazing responsibility.
"It has been a great privilege to be the Met's Commissioner. I have loved my time in the role and I have loved being a police officer.
"It's the most rewarding of jobs to protect good people and lock up the bad guys."

Stockwell Green mosque under investigation over 'promoting killing of Muslim Ahmadis sect'

Staff reporter(es/wp):
A London mosque is being investigated by the charities watchdog following allegations it promoted the killing of Muslims from a minority sect.
The Charity Commission announced the inquiry into Stockwell Green mosque today after reports that leaflets were found suggesting Ahmadis who did not convert to mainstream Islam within three days should face “capital punishment” — the death penalty.
Mosque leaders previously denied the leaflets were found at the premises.
Ahmadis are banned from referring to themselves as Muslims in Pakistan because they believe their founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, was a prophet — something perceived as blasphemous by many Muslims.

The commission first visited the mosque — also known as Aalami Majlise Tahaffuze Khatme Nubuwwat, a registered charity — in May and launched the statutory inquiry this month.
It will probe suspicions of poor governance, financial management and trustees “carrying out activities outside the charity’s stated objects”.
A mosque spokesman could not be reached for comment.
The probe comes after the killing of Ahmadi shopkeeper Asad Shah in Glasgow last March in a sectarian attack.

Sainsbury’s hits back at Aldi as price war takes toll on tills

Business correspondent(wp/es):
Sainsbury’s today hit back at suggestions Aldi and Lidl could eat its lunch, saying its prices have never been closer to the discounters’.
Despite reporting another fall in quarterly sales, chief executive Mike Coupe downplayed the threat posed by the German retailers, whose growth has triggered a fierce industry price war.
Like its big four rivals — Tesco, Morrisons and Asda — Sainsbury’s has fought back by slashing prices. It has also moved away from multi-buy promotions to regular low prices.
Referring to Aldi’s claims earlier this week that it remains significantly cheaper than mainstream competitors, Coupe said: “You can use whatever surveys you want to dress up whatever story you want. Our price position relative to discounters has never been sharper.”
Coupe also dismissed the assertion that Aldi and Lidl are set to push further into Sainsbury’s home turf of London and the South-East.

“The idea they are marching into the South-East is somewhat misguided. All the evidence we have… suggests that broadly speaking they are opening stores where they already exist, for Aldi in the North-West and the Midlands and Lidl in the South.”
Sainsbury’s reported a 1.1% fall in same-store sales in its second quarter.
That narrowly beat expectations, but compares unfavourably with Morrisons, which reported second-quarter sales growth of 2% earlier this month. Meanwhile, Tesco’s sales declines are slowing, according to the latest industry data.

Secondary school bans all homework

staff reporter(wp/es):
A secondary school has taken the controversial step of banning homework to give their teachers more time to plan lessons.
Phillip Morant School and College in Colchester, Essex, has abolished all homework set by teachers in favour of pupils selecting their own extra learning through the school’s website.
A letter sent to parents from the Teaching and Learning Team stated the new system would give pupils a “greater responsibility for their own learning”.
The letter reads: “We are changing our approach to homework and moving away from the traditional style towards a more independent model.”

“Students will be expected to select appropriate tasks based on guidance from their teachers, their own targets and their own interests.”
Principal Catherine Hutley told the Daily Gazette that she expected the new system would be controversial but she was convinced that students would benefit from it.
She said: “The job of a teacher is impossible. There are not enough hours in the day for a teacher to teach, set homework, mark homework, and plan their lessons.

“We have the most dedicated and committed staff you could possibly ask for.
“They are working every hour God sends but planning lessons can fall by the wayside.
“We want it to be the number one priority so teachers can plan for students’ individual needs and keep on top of their progress on a daily basis.”
Ms Hutley added that homework will now be completed in lessons and that tasks on the school website for students were still encouraging independent learning.
Students taking part in out of class learning on the school website will be offered rewards for completing tasks.
Phillip Morant has 1,650 students and was given a “good” rating in its last Ofsted report.
 The school has also banned students from using mobile phones on the premises and removed academic banding.

Alton Towers owner Merlin fined £5million

staff reporter(wp/es):
Alton Towers operator Merlin Attractions has been fined £5million for health and safety breaches over the Smiler rollercoaster crash.
Teenagers Vicky Balch, then 19, and Leah Washington, then 17, each lost a leg in the tragic incident in June last year.
Stafford Crown Court heard the victims watched with "disbelief and horror" before ploughing into an empty carriage on the track, with the impact likened to a 90mph car crash.
Merlin was fined after the court heard an engineer "felt pressure" to get Smiler back into service after it developed a fault shortly before the devastating crash.

An expert witness report, compiled by consultant Stephen Flanagan, also said Alton Towers management linked bonuses to "acceptably low levels of downtime" on their rollercoasters.
Judge Michael Chambers QC called the accident a "catastrophic failure" by the company involving basic health and safety measures.
He also said the “absolute shambles of what occurred” could have been easily avoided” by a suitable system to deal with ride faults and a proper risk assessment.

He added: "This was a needless and avoidable accident in which those injured were fortunate not to have been killed or bled to death."
According to Judge Chambers, the victims “endured great pain and distress” while waiting for medical help, with the first 999 call not made until 17 minutes after the crash.

It took up to five hours for them to be freed from the wreckage, with those at the front of the rollercoaster having their legs crushed in the tangled steel.
All 16 people aboard the carriage suffered injuries to various degrees.

Judge Chambers added that the relatives and the injured had shown "great courage and fortitude" in the aftermath.
Beginning the sentencing, He said: "Human error was not the cause as was suggested by the defendant in an early press release.

"The defendant now accepts the prosecution case that the underlying fault was an absence of a structured and considered system not that of individuals' efforts, doing their best within a flawed system.
"Members of the public have been exposed to serious risk of one train colliding with another with a computer control system was reset, having been overridden to address a fault."

Woman raped by stranger

Crime reporter(es/wp):
A woman was raped in a "shocking" attack by a stranger who had climbed over a fence and into a back garden, police said.
Detectives said the woman, in her 30s, was dragged to the ground as she tried to flee her attacker in Dagenham
She was then allegedly raped by a man who ran away after the attack.
Police today released an e-fit image of a man wanted in connection with the rape in the early hours of Monday, August 1.
The suspect is described as a "very dark-skinned black man, 5ft 6ins to 5ft 8ins in height, of medium build and aged in his early to mid 20s."

He is said to have smelled "unwashed" and had a poor, spotty complexion.
DC Jay Gardner, from the Met's sexual offences unit, said: "This is a shocking attack which has left the victim very distressed.
"We are now issuing this e-fit image and urging the public to help us identify this man. If you think you may know the man depicted in the e-fit, please do call us.
"Substantial enquiries have been conducted with the local community but we urge anyone who may have been in the area at this time to come forward."
There have been no arrests.

Labour plan to raise minimum wage to £10 an hour

political correspondent(wp/es):
A major increase in the minimum wage to £10 was pledged by Labour today as Jeremy Corbyn’s party tried to turn from infighting to policies for the next general election.
The flagship announcement was made by shadow chancellor John McDonnell, who said it was “the level needed for a decent life”.
In a move that would strengthen trade unions, he also vowed Labour would bring back national wage bargaining, arguing this would “end the race to the bottom”.
Mr McDonnell told conference that the Living Wage — currently £7.20 per hour for workers aged over 25, £6.70 per hour for those aged 21 to 24, and £5.30 per hour for ages 18 to 20 — was too low.
Although it is due to rise to more than £9 in 2020, he said Labour would go further if elected and make it £10 an hour.
“Under the next Labour government, everyone will earn enough to live on,” he declared. “When we win the next election we will write a real Living Wage into law.”

He said 200,000 workers were getting less than the legal minimum.
Today’s National Executive Committee backed a  10-point statement of party values drawn  up by Mr Corbyn, including a commitment to a “more equal society”, universal childcare, rent controls and opposing wars.
Earlier, Mr McDonnell had urged Labour MPs who have resigned from the shadow cabinet to return to the party’s front bench, saying: “I’d like to see virtually all of them back.”
He hinted that the next shadow cabinet reshuffle was being postponed until November to allow for a wider look at Labour’s internal democracy.

However, that apparent olive branch only alarmed centrist MPs who believe the leadership is plotting to let grassroots activists — who back Mr Corbyn — choose shadow cabinet members.
Mr McDonnell also set out plans to borrow £100 billion to support industry, saying Labour would offer an “interventionist government” ready to protect key home-grown businesses against global market pressures.
“We are setting up a national investment bank,” he said. “We are putting into that bank £100 billion. Yes, that will be borrowed, but it will be  borrowed at the cheapest rates in our history.”
Shadow defence secretary Clive Lewis announced that Labour would build three new ships to be deployed in support of aircraft carriers. He presented the move as a boost for members of trade unions Unite and the GMB, saying: “Your members help defend us and we will help defend them.”

Man, 29, charged with murder of London businessman

 
Pic: Zdenek maker
Crime reporter(wp/es):
A 29-year-old man was today charged with the murder of a London businessman who was allegedly killed after a row at a chicken shop.
Raymond Sculley, of Sherman House, is accused of killing Zdenek Makar, 31, who died after he was attacked in the street in Poplar, east London.
Mr Makar, a Czech national, was pronounced dead at the scene near to All Saints DLR station, late on Wednesday.
Sculley is set to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Two others arrested on Friday – a 19-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy – have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Both are due to return to an east London police station on dates in early October.

Mr Makar had enjoyed an evening at the pub and stopped off at the Perfect Fried Chicken shop in East India Dock Road on his way home before he was killed.
Close friends have paid tribute to him as “a great man with a big dreams and a big heart.”

Man die in Dagenham

staff reporter(wp/es):
A man has been killed after a fire ripped through a terraced house in Dagenham.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene after four fire engines and 21 firefighters rushed to tackle the blaze on the residential street.
Another person was treated for smoke inhalation but they have been discharged by paramedics.
Roads are closed off as police investigate the cause of the fire in the first floor flat on Lower Broad Street.
 Fire crews and ambulances were called to the fire at 2:47pm and Barking and Dagenham police tweeted warning people to “avoid the area” due to a “serious investigation”.

Two paramedics cars, and London Ambulance Service  (LAS) Hazardous Area Response Team were called to the scene.
A LAS spokeswoman said: “Sadly we found a person dead at the scene.
"We treated another patient for smoke inhalation and they were discharged.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation by police and London Fire Brigade.

Prince William today said he was delighted to bring his young family to Canada to start their "lifetime of friendship" with the country.

Pic: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive in Canada with their children
royal correspondent(es/wp):
Prince William today said he was delighted to bring his young family to Canada to start their "lifetime of friendship" with the country.
The future King, who was last in Canada in 2011 just after their wedding, said, "Catherine and I are delighted to be back in Canada.
He said he was delighted Prince George and Princess Charlotte could be with them to start "them on lifetime of friendship with this wonderful country."
The Prince spoke of Canada and its people being "much esteemed for its strong values" - praising its armed services, arts culture and environment.
He went on: "We want to meet as many people from as many walks of life as possible."

And he said he hoped to discover how the Canadian people are tackling challenges of the day - including mental health issues of which he is passionate about.
William added he had "Happy memories" of being in British Colombia as a "shy teenager". "A few remember it too well I think," he joked.

Speaking to a huge crowd opposite Victoria's Parliament the prince delivered some of his address in French.
He joked, "It's a little rusty bear with me."
George and Charlotte were not at the official welcome and had been dropped off at Government House where the royals are staying on route.

Canada's Governor General David Johnston spoke of his delight that the royals had come as a family on the royal tour.
He said: "You've come back as a family and we couldn't be happier for you
"We are delighted to welcome Prince George and Princess Charlotte to Canada. May it be the first of many visits.”

The Prince joked that he hoped his children were not "tearing up" the Governor's House in their absence as he met well-wishers.
The prince and his wife made a beeline for fellow parents and accepted gifts for their children.
Kate told one Royal fan, the mother of a six month old girl, that parenthood would "get easier" after she grew older.
Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister, used his speech to highlight the family feel of the trip, the first overseas tour for the family as a foursome.

"As any parent who has travelled with children knows, it's a whole different experience when you bring your children with you," he said, to cheers.
"Let me caution you from my own experience, if they are anything like our kids, getting them back on the plane after a visit to the beautiful west coast will really be a challenge."
They were greeted by cheers from thousands of well-wishers as they stepped out of their car, waving before stepping forward to greet Governor General David Johnston and his wife Sharon, Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie, Lt-Gov of BC Judith Guichon and Christy Clark, premier of BC.

Motorcyclist injured in dramatic crash with car near Edgware road Tube station

staff reporter(wp/es):
A motorcyclist is injured in hospital today after a dramatic crash with a car near to a Tube station.
Emergency services raced to the scene in Edgware Road after the smash in the early hours of this morning.
Dramatic pictures emerged on social media of medics treating an injured man lying in the road before he was rushed to hospital.
A witness told the Standard they were awoken by the sound of the crash and dialled 999.
Police and paramedics said they were called to the scene at 4.30am.

The road was closed for more than four hours as officers investigated the crash.
Police said the injured man’s condition is stable and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said no arrests have been made.

Two men have been acquitted of the rape and murder of British schoolgirl Scarlett Keeling in India.

crime reporter(wp/es):

Two men have been acquitted of the rape and murder of British schoolgirl Scarlett Keeling in India.

The 15-year-old’s bruised and half-naked body was found on Anjuna beach in the north of Goa in 2008.

The teenager had been at a Valentine's Day beach party while the rest of her family had gone travelling.

A post-mortem examination showed there was ecstasy, cocaine and LSD in her body when she died.

Following a police investigation two local men, Samson D'Souza and Placido Carvalho, were charged with causing her death. 

It was believed they had plied her with drugs, raped her and left her unconscious on the beach where she subsequently drowned.

Both denied charges of culpable homicide and grievous sexual assault and were today acquitted by a judge in India.

Scarlett, from Bideford in north Devon, suffered 50 separate injuries in the attack, Goa's Children's Court has previously heard.

The teenager's mother, Fiona MacKeown, travelled to India for the verdict.

She said following the verdict: “I've waited 8 years and now this.

"I am disappointed with the verdict and I will definitely move to the higher court."

Samson D'Souza reportedly said: “Justice has prevailed.”

Ms MacKeown described her daughter as "just a normal teenage girl" and said she would always “regret” allowing her to go to the beach party.

She told the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme: "She wanted to be more grown up than she was. 

“Mostly people don't know the facts when they say I left her on the beach on her own or with her 29-year-old boyfriend. He wasn't her boyfriend and I didn't leave her on her own. They don't know the facts and I try not to take what they say personally. 

"Obviously I will regret that decision for the rest of my life that I let her go to that party. I wish more than anything that I'd said no and kept her with us but I can't change the past. I just have to accept it and get on."

The bereaved mother described her daughter as “happy and lively”.

She said: "She played saxophone and she was going to join a band. She used to ride the horses a lot - we had horses and she loved that. She used to swim - all of us used to get into the sea in Cornwall and swim. She was active and strong and healthy."

A teenager raped

crime reporter(wp/es):

An 18-year-old was raped after being held down and robbed by two other women.

Greater Manchester Police said the female victim was thrown to the ground in Manchester city centre on Wednesday by a man who then held her down with a woman while a second woman robbed her.

The man then raped the woman before the trio fled from the scene in Major Street towards the city’s Gay Village shortly before 3am.

Detective Inspector Dave Moores of GMP’s Serious Sexual Offences Unit said: “This was a horrendous attack on a young woman which has, understandably, left her extremely distressed.

“We are providing her with support from specially trained officers and have launched a full investigation.”

The man is described as white, in his early 20s, of slim build and with a clean-shaven face. He was wearing sports clothing.

The first woman, who helped restrain the victim during the robbery, is described as 18, of mixed race with a scrawny build and had her hair tied up in a ponytail. She spoke with a local accent.

The second woman, who carried out the robbery, is described as mixed race, in her early 20s and had a messy ponytail. She also spoke with a local accent.

Detectives leading the investigation are asking anyone who may have seen people matching the description of the group between 2am and 3pm to come forward.

City businessman beaten

crime reporter(wp/es):

A City businessman was battered to death by a gang of teenagers on BMXs after a “trivial” row in a takeaway as he walked home from a drinks party, witnesses said today.

Detectives were today hunting the group of at least four youths who followed the 31-year-old victim for around 100 yards after he left the fast-food outlet before assaulting him, reportedly with a heavy metal chain.

He was found lying in a pool of blood on a footbridge over a railway line opposite All Saints DLR station in Poplar, east London, by a passing cyclist who performed CPR in an attempt to save his life.

Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene at 12.20am yesterday. His uneaten chicken meal was in a bag by his side.

The Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command have launched a murder investigation and are appealing for witnesses.

A worker at Perfect Friend Chicken in East India Dock Road told the Standard the man, who was smartly dressed in a suit and tie, had become involved in a row with a teenager in a grey tracksuit while they waited for their food.

He said: “I don’t know what the argument was about but there was no pushing or shoving, no one threw a punch. They were swearing at each other but it was all over in about ten seconds.

“The boy, he was 16 or 17, went and told his friends outside who were on BMX bikes. 

“One of them who was older came in and put his arm around the man in the suit and said ‘you shouldn’t have spoken to him like that.’

“The guy held up his arms as if to say I’m sorry and that was that. There didn’t seem to be any animosity.

“They both took their food outside and that was it. Ten minutes later we saw all the police and ambulance turn up.

“The police came in later and asked to see the CCTV and they said they think he was killed over what happened in the shop.

“I can’t believe it. It’s shocking. It was just a silly exchange of words. You get it sometimes but it’s unbelievable it can end like this and life can be so cheap.

“The guy was clearly a businessman as he was wearing a very sharp grey suit. He was in a good mood. He said he’d been at a drinks party after work and was going home.”

Another shopkeeper said went to the scene after seeing the emergency services.

He said: “There was cyclist with a beard who had blood over his face from him trying to resuscitate the man by giving him mouth to mouth.

“I was told he had been badly beaten and there was huge wound to the back of his head.”

A post mortem examination is expected to take place today.

A Met police spokesman said: “At this early stage, it is believed the victim was involved in an altercation with a group of males inside Perfect Fried Chicken in East India Dock Road.

“The victim was then followed down the street and attacked. There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.”

anyone with any information should call the incident room on 020 8345 3985 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.

A teenage model has collapsed and died

Crime reporter(wp/es):
 
Pic:Rosie Mitchell 15

A teenage model has collapsed and died while rowing on the Thames.
Rosie Mitchell, 15, died after falling unconscious on the river with a Kingston rowing team.
Paramedics rushed to the scene in Kingston but she could not be revived and died in hospital later that day.
Her father Andrew Mitchell told the Standard that she died “doing what she loved with the friends she loved”.
He said: “We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful, smart and energetic daughter, who had so much potential. We would like to thank all those who tried so hard to save her and everyone around us for their incredible support.

“Along with her school (Grey Court School in Ham), we’re setting up ‘Rosie’s Fund’. The charity is yet to be decided as we don’t yet know the cause of her death, but will be confirmed in the next few weeks.”
He said the family believed Rosie died “instantly”, either from a heart attack or a brain haemorrhage.
He added that the response from her friends who have held a constant vigil at the club has been “unbelievable”.

Friends today paid tribute to the “wonderful girl” and “rising star” following the incident on Saturday morning.
In a statement, her model agency, The Hive Management, said: “Yesterday we received the heartbreaking news that our gorgeous rising star Rosie Mitchell passed away suddenly on Saturday.
“Rosie was only 15 years old and had the brightest future ahead of her. We would like everyone to join us in celebrating the short life of this beautiful young woman and our thoughts and prayers go out to Rosie’s family and friends.”
Rosie was spotted in the Bentall shopping centre in Kingston about a year ago by The Hive’s scout Giorgio Tsin, and recently had recently modelled for John Smedley’s Unisex collection.
Laura Murphy, director at the company, said she had a great future.
She said: “Rosie was one of our most promising new faces and had the brightest future ahead of her.

“The team at The Hive are devastated over her loss and we will all miss her enormously.”
Ms Murphy said the 5ft 6.5in model initially thought she was not tall enough for a career in the fashion industry.
“She initially thought she was too short to model, but her confidence grew and it was evident to us and her family how much she enjoyed it.
“She was lovely in every way.  Happy, bright, and excited about the prospect of a career in fashion.
 “The clients and photographers who worked with her all commented on how professional and beautiful she was.”
Bunches of flowers and candles have been placed outside Kingston Rowing Club and last night friends gathered to pay their respects.
The club said: “There was a tragic occurrence at Kingston Rowing Club on Saturday morning when Rosie Mitchell collapsed and lost consciousness while rowing. “Rosie was 15 years old. Our hearts go out to Rosie’s parents, Rachel and Andrew, family and friends.”
Her school, Grey Court School in Richmond, called the Year 11 student’s death “tragic”.
It said: “Rosie was a wonderful girl and a model student in every way. She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved her. Our thoughts and wishes are with her family at this difficult time.”
One friend, Demi Leigh, wrote: “Sadly she died from a heart attack on the 17th of September. Gone but never forgotten.”
A police spokesman said: “We were called on Saturday, September 17 shortly before 9.10am to a teenager taken ill at Lower Ham Road.

“Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service.
“A 15-year-old girl was found unresponsive at the location and taken to a west London hospital where she died a short time later.
“The incident is not being treated as suspicious.”

GlaxoSmithKline new boss Emma Walmsley to be City’s most powerful woman

Business correspondent(wp/es):
DRUGS giant GlaxoSmithKline today promoted its consumer division head to be chief executive, making her the most powerful woman in the City.
Emma Walmsley’s appointment takes the number of women running FTSE 100 companies to seven — the highest on record but still way short of targets. However, the fact she is in such a top-flight company — the sixth-biggest in the UK — will be seen as a victory for equality campaigners.
Walmsley (pictured) will become the pharma company’s first-ever female leader, giving her the reins of an £80 billion giant and leadership of nearly 100,000 people across the world.
The appointment follows a wide-ranging search by the company’s  board of directors after Sir Andrew Witty announced his retirement earlier this year.
Walmsley joins Imperial Tobacco’s Alison Cooper, Moya Greene of Royal Mail, Carolyn McCall (easyJet), Liv Garfield (Severn Trent), Véronique Laury  (Kingfisher) and Alison Brittain (Whitbread) on the list of women running FTSE 100 companies.
GSK — chaired by Sir Philip Hampton, who is leading the Women on Boards review — enjoys one of the highest rates of gender diversity in the City, with females comprising 42% of management.
“This is a great example of looking at internal talent and preparedness, and managing it in order to promote from within,” said Katushka Giltsoff, Miles Partnership senior adviser and a member of the 30% Club, which promotes gender diversity.
She joins the board in January and takes over in March with a challenging in-tray, including calls from shareholders such as Neil Woodford and hedge fund Och-Ziff to break up the company.
Witty has been under pressure during his tenure to boost growth at the group.

Walmsley spent 17 years at L’Oréal before she was poached by Witty in 2010.
She went on to run GSK’s booming consumer division, which includes brands like Panadol and Horlicks, and remained leader when it was hived off as a joint venture with rival drug maker Novartis.
Sales at the unit rose 6% this year, while Walmsley has doubled sales of big “powerbrand” products like Sensodyne toothpaste from £550 million to £1 billion since taking over.

Man rushed to hospital after being shot in Bedford Hill south west London

crime reporter(wp/es):
A man has been rushed to hospital after being shot in a south west London residential street this evening.
Police were called to Bedford Hill in Balham after neighbours reported a number of shots being fired and a wounded man stumbling into a nearby house.
The man, aged in his 20s, was rushed to hospital with a gunshot wound.
Photos from the scene, near the junction with Dornton Road, showed a line of police cars at the scene, with a cordon set up as officers investigated the shooting.
Residents reported around six police vehicles descending on the street shortly after 9.20pm.
One neighbour told the Standard: "I heard two shots, one directly after the other.
 "At that point, the victim was taken into a house."

He went on: "The street returned to normal. Then, a few minutes later, several police cars appeared and two or three ambulances arrived.
"Armed policemen spoke to an eye-witness who pointed out the area where the shots were fired and the paramedics rushed into the house
"A police officer then said they'll need to take the victim to hospital and he was shortly wheeled out on a bed wearing an oxygen mask and taken off in an ambulance."
A spokesman for Wandsworth police said: "We were called to the location at 9.21pm to reports of a male shot.
"A male has been taken to a south London hospital.
"No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing."
 No further details about the victim or his condition have been released so far.

Man stabbed in Brixton

crime reporter(wp/es):
Central Brixton was cordoned off last night after a man in his 20s was stabbed in front of horrified onlookers.
Emergency services were called to Brixton Road shortly before midnight last night to reports of a man suffering from stab injuries.
The victim, a 25 year-old man, is believed to have been attacked near Windrush Square before collapsing at a bus stop near KFC.
The man was taken to a south London hospital where he remains in a stable condition. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Leading the investigation, detective constable Nick Perry said: "A large number of people gathered around the victim following this attack which occurred next to a busy KFC restaurant.
"My team are keen to hear from anyone who was there or has information about what took place."
A suspect, a young male wearing dark clothing, is beliebed to have run off towards Rushcroft Road following the incident.
Police are studying CCTV footage of the incident and a number of enquiries are being made. No arrests have currently been made.
There were also reports of two other stabbings in Lambeth last night, but these have not been confirmed by police.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Person dies after being hit by central line train at East London Bethnal Green station

staff reporter(wp/es):
A person has died after being hit by a tube train at Bethnal Green station.
Police were called to the scene where the victim was pronounced dead shortly after 1pm.
London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and the British Transport Police were all in attendance at Bethnal Green on the Central line.

The station was put on a full lockdown but reopened at 2pm.
A British Transport Police spokesman said: "We have been called to Bethnal Green station after reports that a train has struck a person. Police were alerted just after 1pm.
"Officers have attended alongside the London Ambulance Service but a person has sadly been pronounced dead at the scene.
"We are now working to identify the person and inform their family.
"We are not treating this incident as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."
The Central line was temporarily suspended between Liverpool Street and Leytonstone but is now back up and running with severe delays.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson told the weastar times: "We were called at 1.06pm to Bethnal Green station after reports of a person under the train.
"We sent two fire engines and a fire rescue unit."

Man arrested at Heathrow Airport

crime reporter(es/wp):
 A man has been arrested at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of a terrorism offence.
The 39-year-old man was arrested yesterday upon arrival at the airport on suspicion of possessing terrorist related material under Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
He was arrested under the Police and Crime Evidence Act legislation.
Officers then took him to a west London police station where he remains in custody.

The Met Police's Counter Terrorism Command is currently investigating.
There were no delays to any flights leaving or arriving at the airport due to the incident.

A man has been jailed for a spree of “smash and grab” raids at luxury shops in wealthy parts of London.

crime reporter(wp/es):
A man has been jailed for a spree of “smash and grab” raids at luxury shops in wealthy parts of London.
Connor Patterson, 20, was part of a gang which caused over £200,000 in loss and damage when they burgled high-end shops while armed with sledgehammers.
Patterson, of Priory Road, Kilburn, was jailed on Thursday after a trial lasting nine days at Southwark Crown Court.
The gang carried out the burglaries – including 11 overnight smash and grabs – over a period of two weeks at the start of the year, between January 17 and February 2.
The thieves used stolen mopeds, hammers and sledgehammers to smash their way into the shops in Westminster, Camden, Kensington, Chelsea and Hackney.

They would run in, steal the goods before speeding off on mopeds at high-speeds through red lights and against ‘no-entry’ signs across the city. It was often impossible for officers to safely chase them, police said.
Often the mopeds would carry the driver and a second rider on the back to carry the stolen goods.
Patterson was arrested in Camden on March 23, on one of the bikes used in the raids, after detectives from Westminster Crime Squad launched an investigation.
He was sentenced to six years imprisonment for conspiracy to burgle.

Other culprits involved in the raids are still wanted by police.
Detective Constable Tony Holley, of the crime squad, said: “My message to them is clear: we will not stop until all those involved are brought before the courts and taken off of London's streets.
“I would also like to appeal to all those who have information concerning these incidents and are yet to speak to police, to come forward."
Speaking about the burglaries, he said: “An organised group of criminals selected their targets for maximum gain.
“They caused thousands of pounds of damage in the course of their spree and stole high value goods.

"As the gang wore bike helmets this was and remains a complex investigation.
“However, a committed and detailed investigation from Westminster Crime Squad ensured that the case has so far resulted in a successful conviction.”


 Anyone with information that could help police is asked to call Westminster Crime Squad on 101. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

East London cafe fined nearly £27k

staff reporter(wp/es):
A rodent-infested café in London’s East End has been fined nearly £27,000 after mice chewed through food in the stockroom.
Inspectors for Tower Hamlets Council found a packet of Kit Kats and spaghetti had been gnawed by mice at Café Fresh in Whitechapel.
Photos show nibbled food as well as a hole in the wall surrounded by smear marks which inspectors believe was the work of mice.
The café, in Commercial Road, was closed by public health inspectors last October after contaminated foods were discovered.
Last week it was fined a total of £26,579.

The café was closed by environmental health on October 30 after they discovered a “severe mouse infestation” and contaminated foods.
Nearly two months later, returning inspectors found the owners, Fresh Frill Café, had not complied with food hygiene improvement notices – so charged them with 12 hygiene offences.
 Director Mahbub Alam pleaded guilty to the charges and was fined £5,220. He was also ordered to pay some of the council’s legal costs and a £54 victim surcharge.

The café was also fined £12,000 and ordered to pay the rest of the legal costs to the sum of £2,685.15 with a £120 victim surcharge.
The full amount owed by the company is £18,805.15, the council said.
On a return to the café, inspectors found standards have improved “to a satisfactory condition”.
Councillor Shiria Khatun, deputy mayor and cabinet member for Community Safety, said: “We take breaches in hygiene regulations very seriously in Tower Hamlets, and will not hesitate to prosecute in such cases.
“I am glad to note that the café in question has now improved standards to a satisfactory condition.”

'in January or February' Brexit to be triggered by Theresa May

political correspondent(wp/es):
Theresa May has declared that she wants to begin the formal process of Brexit by February next year, according to one of Brussels' leading figures.
European Council president Donald Tusk said the Prime Minister told him during their meeting at Downing Street last week that she would be ready to trigger Article 50 to begin Brexit by February.
Formal negotiations between the UK and the EU cannot begin until she starts the two year process, which Brexit Secretary David Davis has insisted will be triggered without a parliamentary vote.
With Britain's withdrawal clouded in confusion and no clear signal on whether the country intends to stay in the single market or not, Europe's 27 other leaders gathered for an informal summit in the Slovakian capital, Bratislava, without the Prime Minister.

Speaking about his meeting with the PM, Mr Tusk told a summit press conference: "Prime Minister May was very open and honest with me.
"She declared that it's almost impossible to trigger Article 50 this year but it's quite likely that they will be ready maybe in January maybe in February next year."
Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon vowed to block any proposals for an EU army while Britain remains a member of the union in a move likely to anger European leaders.

In his state of the union address on Wednesday, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker called for EU countries "to pool their defence capabilities in the form of a permanent structured co-operation", and proposed a European Defence Fund by the end of the year.
But Sir Michael said the UK would veto plans for any EU army that may rival Nato.
"That is not going to happen," he told The Times. "We are full members of the EU and we will go on resisting any attempt to set up a rival to Nato.
"We have always been concerned about unnecessarily duplicating what we already have in Nato."In Bratislava, Mr Juncker insisted Britain cannot get access to the European single market without accepting the free movement of workers.

The conundrum has become central to the Brexit debate and has caused friction within the Government as ministers weigh up how to maintain the benefits of the trading bloc while regaining full control of the UK's borders - a goal deemed by Mrs May as essential to properly implement the referendum result.
The PM slapped down Mr Davis for saying it was "very improbable" that the UK could be in the single market and end free movement, and then insisted the Government would not offer a "running commentary" on negotiations.
Commenting on the issue, Mr Juncker told the press conference: "There's a clear interlink as we made clear since the very beginning between the access to the internal market and the basic principles of the internal market, mainly the one of the freedom of movement of workers.
"We are sticking to that position and this is not a game between prime ministers leaving and prime ministers remaining, this is about people in Europe.
 "It's about the rights of ordinary people and workers, of those living in Europe, and so I can't see any possibility of compromising on that very issue."

Morrisons’ supermarkets enjoy first growth in five years to drive sales higher

Business correspondent(es/wp):
MORRISONS’ nascent recovery under new chief executive David Potts gained further momentum today after sales grew at bricks-and-mortar stores for the first time in five years.
Half-year sales at supermarkets were up by 0.3% on a like-for-like basis, the first black ink since 2011. Total like-for-like sales, excluding fuel and VAT, were up 1.4%. Morrisons has now recorded three consecutive quarters of growth after reporting 2% growth in the quarter to the end of July.
“It’s good news for all stakeholders but this is the start of the journey and we are in the foothills so I wouldn’t be calling the turn just yet,” Potts said.
Since taking over 18 months ago Potts has been trying to reverse a tide, which saw the group post  15 consecutive quarters of falling sales before a turnaround in the final quarter of last year.
Online growth has been the engine in recent quarters due to tie-ups with the likes of Ocado and Amazon, but that gap is closing thanks to a greater focus on boosting staff morale in-store.

It is spending millions on new uniforms and a laundry service for its army of butchers, bakers and fishmongers so they don’t have to wash their own overalls at home.
“This has been a team effort and a lot less to do with me and more to do with the team. It’s a beautiful company really and our staff have played an absolute blinder,” he added.

Man and woman shot dead in East Finchley north London

crime reporter(wp/es):
A man and a woman were found shot dead this morning at a flat in north London.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene after police were called to a block of flats on Elmhurst Crescent in East Finchley at around 6:25am.
An investigation has now been launched by the Met police.
A Met police spokesman said: "Police were called by London Ambulance Service at approximately 06.25hrs on Thursday, 15 September to reports of two people injured at an address in Elmshurst Crescent, N2.

"Officers attended and found two people - a man and a woman - suffering gunshot injuries.
"Both were pronounced dead at the scene."
The Homicide and Major Crime Command has been called in.no arrest have been made.

One nearby resident, Lizzy Holgrove, described the "crazy" events in a series of tweets.
She wrote at 7am: "Something absolutely nuts going down on my road. Road blocked off, 20 police cars, 8 ambulances and police talking about shots fired.
 "...keep hearing more sirens heading this way. Everyone I've heard walking past is talking about it being a shooting," she added.

Tube Workers on the Hammersmith & City and Circle lines are due to start a 24-hour stoppage from 9pm tonight

staff reporter(wp/es):
More than 600,000 Tube commuters face travel chaos with train drivers on two lines set to walk out in a dispute dubbed the toilet break strike.
Workers on the Hammersmith & City and Circle lines are due to start a 24-hour stoppage from 9pm tonight, claiming their toilet breaks are being timed by stopwatch.
There will be no trains running on the Hammersmith & City line, while the Circle line will have far fewer trains than usual.
A spokesman for the RMT union, which ordered the strike, said: “The dispute is over heavy handed and aggressive management, including putting staff toilet breaks on a stopwatch and flagrant disregard for agreed policies and procedures.”
The stoppage comes after managers reportedly noticed a minority of drivers were spending so long in the toilets - allegedly to avoid work - that their train has had to be cancelled or a new driver found.

Only around 50 of 260 drivers are believed to have voted for the strike action, with the dispute said to be centered on the Edgware Rd and Hammersmith depots.
Peace talks to try and avert the strike broke down late yesterday at Acas, the conciliation service.
Behind the scenes efforts were being made today to try and get the walkout called off but there were no scheduled talks planned.
Services on other Tube lines will not be affected but are also expected to be far busier.
Transport for London (TfL), which is putting on extra buses, warned that some roads in west and central London could also carry more traffic that usual as commuters use alternative routes.

Passengers face more problems all weekend with the two lines closed between Hammersmith and Edgware Road due to engineering work.
Train drivers belonging to the rival union Aslef are not involved but some could refuse to cross RMT picket lines.
Steve White, operations director for London Underground, said: “If the strike goes ahead customers are advised to check our real-time travel information.


“All other Tube lines and TfL services will be operating as normal and we’ll be making sure that everyone has the information they need to re-plan their journeys is necessary.”
Of the “stopwatch” claim, a TfL spokesperson said: “We would refute that. Our staff are able to take reasonable toilet breaks.”
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “This dispute is about the basic issues of protecting working conditions of our members and defending agreements from attempts to drive a coach and horses through them.”

on London-bound train an 18 yr old woman sexually assaulted

crime reporter(wp/es):
Police are seeking witnesses after an 18-year-old woman was sexually assaulted on a London-bound train.
The teenage victim was allegedly assaulted by a man while travelling with on a train from Southend to Fenchurch Street.
The incident took place between 8:55pm and 10:10pm on March 12 this year.
CCTV from the train showed three potential witnesses, although one has already been ruled out according to British Transport Police.
Detective Constable Andy Parkinson said: “Following the report, we examined CCTV from the train bound for Fenchurch Street and had uncovered images of three witnesses who we believed may have more information about what happened and can help us with our investigation.

"One witness has been ruled out from our enquiries. Officers are still looking to speak with the two men in the CCTV image who they believe can help in the investigations.
"I would urge any witnesses to come forward so we can establish the full circumstances behind this concerning incident.”

Man arrested in 'racist attack'

crime reporter(wp/es):
A man has been arrested after a woman lost her baby in an allegedly racist attack.
Police said a 37-year-old from Milton Keynes was taken into custody on suspicion of racially aggravated assault on Wednesday morning following the incident.
The victim, 34, was shopping in a Co-op near Milton Keynes when a man allegedly launched a tirade of racist abuse at her.
He is then said to have followed her to her car before kicking her hard in the stomach. She collapsed in agony and had to be rushed to hospital, where she was told her baby could not be saved.

A 40-year-old man also allegedly had a bottle and a bag of ice smashed against his head when he tried to intervene.
Both victims were taken to Milton Keynes General Hospital. They have both since been discharged.
Police had released a CCTV image of a man they wished to question in connection with the attack shortly after 9.30pm on August 6 in Water Eaton Road, Bletchley.

A woman was raped by three men on a street in Finsbury Park last night.

crime reporter(wp/es):

A woman was raped by three men on a street in Finsbury Park last night.

Police were called to Stroud Green Road at 8.34pm and arrived to find a woman in her 30s who was in distress.
The woman told officers she had been raped by three men in nearby Moray Road.
A Met Police spokeswoman said no arrests had been and enquiries were continuing.

She added: "Detectives from the Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command are investigating.
"The victim has been taken to a Haven and is being supported by specialist officers."


 Anyone with information is asked to come forward and contact police on 020 8733 5999 or via 101.

Germany wants UK’s banks to come

Business correspondent(es/wp):
Come to Frankfurt and sack your bankers, appears to be the latest blandishment from Germany’s financial centre trying to attract London-based banks looking to move after Brexit.
In the battle for banks who might either move their headquarters or open branch offices in the EU following the referendum, Germany is ready to water down strict European employment laws to make it easier for them to fire highly paid executives.
“The British say: ‘If we hire top earners when it’s booming, we have to be able to quickly reduce our high-wage staff when a boom… stops,’” Thomas Schaefer, Hesse’s finance minister told Bloomberg.
“You can surely waive strict dismissal rules for those who earn a significant amount of money.”
Frankfurt, the capital of Hesse, is vying with Paris, Dublin and Amsterdam to attract banks who want access to the EU after Britain leaves.
“We’ve got to get ahead of the situation on Brexit before other cities like Paris and Milan do,” said Uwe Becker, Frankfurt’s deputy mayor.

David Cameron quits as MP for Witney

political correspondent(wp/es):
 David Cameron quits as MP for Witney.
David Cameron announced he is standing down as an MP in the following statement:

"I spoke this morning to the chairman of the West Oxfordshire Conservative Association and I have just come from a meeting with my constituency agent and other members of staff.
"Having fully considered my position over the summer, I have decided that I am going to stand down as the Member of Parliament for Witney.
"There will now be a by-election and I will do everything that I can to help the Conservative candidate win that election.
"In my view, the circumstances of my resignation as prime minister and the realities of modern politics make it very difficult to continue on the backbenches without the risk of becoming a diversion to the important decisions that lie ahead for my successor in Downing Street and the Government.

"I fully support Theresa May and have every confidence that Britain will thrive under her strong leadership.
"It has been an honour to serve the people of Witney and West Oxfordshire for the last 15 years. I want to thank them for making the job of representing them such a pleasure and a privilege.
"I would like to thank the party workers, volunteers, councillors and supporters for all they have done to help me.
"Our house in Dean is the place Samantha, my children and I call home, and that will not change. I will continue to support the local causes and charities that mean so much to me and many others in this beautiful and enterprising part of our country.
"I now look forward to a life outside of Westminster, but hope to continue to play a part in public service and to make a real and useful contribution to the country I love."

After passengers trapped British Airways i360 in Brighton tower closes

Brighton correspondent(wp/es):
A 450ft-high vertical cable car in Brighton has been closed after passengers became trapped in observation pod twice in a matter of days.
Two hundred customers were locked into the British Airways i360 for over an hour yesterday after the doors broke and would not open.
It was the second time in less than a week that passengers have been stuck after a "technical hitch" caused 180 customers to be suspended in the air for two hours on Thursday.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called and two fire engines were sent to rescue passengers, including a heavily pregnant woman, who were stuck on board for about two hours.

The ride was due to open as normal on Monday after engineers attended to the fault, but now customers are being turned away as “specialist technicians” conduct further checks on the 360 degree viewing platform.
A statement in the i360 website said: “British Airways i360 will close today while specialist technicians conduct further checks on site.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Customers who have booked tickets for flights today will be offered alternative visits or refunds.”
The structure, designed by London Eye architects, opened on August 4 and is the thinnest of its kind on the planet.

east London school gives three days notice for Muslim festival Eid-al-Adha

staff reporter(wp/es):
Parents at an east London school were given just three days notice that it would be closed today so staff could mark the Muslim festival Eid-al-Adha.
Chobham Academy in Newham said the closure of its primary school was due to “a high number of staff requesting leave for religious observance”.
Children were sent home with a letter last week warning their parents.
One mother criticised the short notice, claiming it made finding childcare difficult.

She told the Sun: “People have jobs and lives and will find it difficult to get childcare at such short notice.
“I got a text out of the blue at about 11am on Friday saying the school would be closed on Monday but it didn’t explain why.
“Then they sent the kids home with a letter from the head saying it was because a lot of teachers had suddenly asked for the day off.”
Head teacher Mark Elms wrote to parents to say the nursery, reception, year 1 and year 2 pupils would not be able to come in.

He said: “Please accept my sincere apologies for the short notice which could not be helped and for the disruption to the beginning of the new academic year.”
Eid-al-Adha is the holiest day in the Muslim calendar and – like Easter – its date changes every year as it’s based on the lunar cycle.

It was predicted to occur yesterday on September 11, causing controversy as that was also the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.
But religious leaders in Saudi Arabia announced last Friday that it would actually take place today.

British business ‘too fat and lazy’, cabinet minister :Liam Fox

political correspondent(es/wp):
The UK has lost its way as a trading nation because “lazy” executives prefer to play golf instead of fulfilling their duties as exporters, International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has suggested.
In an extraordinary attack on British business culture, the Cabinet minister indicated the UK had grown "too fat" on the successes of previous generations.
Dr Fox made the unguarded comments at a reception for the Thatcherite Conservative Way Forward group, where he told audience members British business attitudes had to adapt.
He said: "We've got to change the culture in our country. People have got to stop thinking about exporting as an opportunity and start thinking about it as a duty - companies who could be contributing to our national prosperity but choose not to because it might be too difficult or too time-consuming or because they can't play golf on a Friday afternoon." At the drinks reception on Thursday night, reported by The Times, Dr Fox said: "This country is not the free-trading nation that it once was. We have become too lazy, and too fat on our successes in previous generations.
"What is the point of us reshaping global trade, what is the point of us going out and looking for new markets for the United Kingdom, if we don't have the exporters to fill those markets?"

He told supporters of the Conservative Way Forward group: "If you want to share in the prosperity of our country, you have a duty to contribute to the prosperity of our country."
Number 10 distanced itself from Dr Fox's comments, with a source saying he was expressing "private views" while a spokesman for the minister said he was committed to supporting UK business.
Dr Fox also risked inflaming tensions between his department, created by Theresa May when she entered Number 10, and Boris Johnson's Foreign Office.
In his speech to Tory activists, Dr Fox dismissed the "Foreign Office view of the world" for focusing on capital cities and diplomacy rather than commerce, the newspaper reported.

He said his department would "look at the GDP map of the world" - noting that the city of Los Angeles has higher gross domestic product than Saudi Arabia.
"We have to start to think about (the world) in a totally different way," he told the reception.
"We've got to change from the cartographer's view of the world to the mercantilist view of the world. The structures of government (have) to respond to where the opportunities arise and the size of markets."
A Number 10 source said "clearly he's expressing private views" and there were no proposals for any penalties for firms that do not export.
A spokesman for the Trade Secretary said: "Dr Fox is committed to supporting the full range of businesses in the UK so that they can best take advantage of the opportunities that Brexit presents."

Britons will have to pay for visas to visit Europe

staff reporter(wp/es):
Britons may be forced to apply for visas and pay a fee before travelling to Europe if EU plans go ahead, it has been reported.
European Commission officials are said to be drawing up proposals aimed at tightening security in the bloc’s borderless Schengen zone, of which the UK is not a part.
According to the Guardian, this may include the introduction of a visa programme similar to the US waiver for all countries not signed up to the Schengen agreement.
 Currently British passport holders can travel in member states without having to apply for visas, but the issue is likely to feature in Brexit negotiations once Article 50 has been triggered.

The possible scheme is said to feature in draft legislation for the EU travel information and authorisation system (Etias) – which is set to be unveiled later this year, the Guardian said.
It may mean Britons will have to apply online 72 hours in advance of travelling and pay a fee of £10.
EU law expert Camino Mortera-Martinez, from the Centre for European Reform, told the Guardian: “In theory UK citizens, as third-country nationals, would certainly be subject to the obligations [of such a scheme]."
“This will have to be part of the Brexit talks. It will all have to be negotiated.”

The City of London ‘will suffer’ in single-market exit, European Commission warns

Business correspondent(es/wp):
A senior figure at the European Commission has issued a stark warning for the future of the City of London if Britain leaves the European internal market, ramping up the rhetoric ahead of Brexit negotiations.
Vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis warned that leaving the market as well as the European Union “would have serious effects” for the capital’s financial centre.
In an interview with German newspaper Handelsblatt, Dombrovskis said the EU would not allow Britain to “cherry-pick” in Brexit talks by abandoning the free movement of labour while keeping free access to EU financial and capital markets.
“At the moment, British banks only need a licence for one EU state to be able to be active in all member countries. The banks would lose this EU passport if Britain no longer wants to completely respect the rights and duties of the European internal market after it has left the EU,”  he said. Britain is yet to trigger Article 50 of the EU constitution, which would effectively rubber-stamp its intention to leave the 28-country union

However, a big concern for lenders is making sure the UK retains access to the European banking passport system which would allow business to be conducted across the union.
Dombrovskis’ comments came after Anthony Browne, chief executive of the British Bankers’ Association, this week said that unless a transition framework is put in place banks would soon have to decide whether to move operations to Europe, as such shifts could take several years to implement.
He added that Britain should negotiate transitional arrangements to avoid “cliff edge” disruption to financial markets

A man has been arrested after allegedly punching a five-day-old girl at a supermarket

staff reporter(wp/es):
A man has been arrested after allegedly punching a five-day-old girl at a supermarket because he thought she was a “doll”.
The man is said to have run up to tiny Elsie Rose in a Tesco store in Manchester before hitting her in the face as her mother Amy Duckers watched on in horror.
He then recoiled and apologised, allegedly stating: “Sorry I thought it was a doll”.
The baby girl, who weighed just 6lbs 12oz, was rushed to hospital but has since been discharged after doctors found she suffered no serious injuries.
A 63-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault and is currently being questioned by officers.

It was the first time that Ms Ducker and her partner Lewis Temple had taken their baby out, while her seven-year-old daughter Libby was also with them.
She told the Manchester Evening News: “I’m absolutely broken and torn apart. I can’t believe what me and my daughter had to see last night it was just so horrific. I never ever want anyone to have to go through that again.
“We all heard the punch land on my little baby. We didn’t react at first as we were just so shocked. Then I just screamed.


“He could easily have killed her.”
Greater Manchester Police said: “A man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a baby.
“Police were called shortly before 6.45pm to a supermarket on Altrincham Road in Baguley on Monday to reports of a child having been hit.
“The baby girl was taken to hospital as a precaution and has since been discharged.
“A 63-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault and is currently in custody being questioned by officers."

Teenager 'stabbed in the heart by mob of youths while fleeing party'

crime reporter(es/wp):
A mob of youths stabbed a 17-year-old boy through the heart when they were summoned to “sort out” gatecrashers at a girl’s 16th birthday party, the Old Bailey heard today.
Che Labastide-Wellington was knifed in the chest as he tried to flee from the posse of young men who had descended on the house party in Kenton last November, the court heard.
The mother of the birthday girl had banned alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes from the party and insisted everyone on the tightly-controlled guest list was searched before they entered the home.
But despite her efforts to maintain control, a group of teenagers from the estates in nearby Kingsbury turned up uninvited and were refused entry to the house, in Belvedere Way, Kenton, jurors were told.

Prosecutor Crispin Aylett QC said the group outside made partygoers feel “uncomfortable”, and while Che – who had been invited – went outside to talk to them, another partygoer, 15, is accused of calling his cousin to organise for reinforcements to come to the party.
“Within 40 minutes or so, a group of thirteen young men had set off on foot from Wembley Park heading for Kenton”, said the prosecutor.
“In the course of the journey they were joined by four others. In all then, by the time they got to Belvedere Way, their numbers had swelled to 17.
“For what reason did this small army descend on Belvedere Way?

“The prosecution suggest that they were there to sort out the youths who had been making life difficult for (the 15-year-old boy).”
Calvin Tudor, 22, his brother Marlon, 23, Walker Sesay, 18, Rimmel Williams, 18, Omar Afrah, 22, Ibrahim Mansaray, 18, and Olamilekan Kennedy Onafowokan, 23, are all standing trial for the murder on November 8 last year.
The 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named, is also in the dock accused of initiating the attack.
It is said the group also stabbed a 16-year-old boy who was with Che six times in the arms and legs, but he survived the attack.
Mr Aylett told the jury: “As the defendants’ group approached the house where the party was taking place, there were about half a dozen youths outside in the street, including the two boys who got stabbed.
“The prosecution allege that the defendants’ group appeared split in order to surround those who were outside the party.”
The court heard Che pulled out a knife and charged at the group surrounding them, but he himself was knifed in the chest - piercing his heart - as he tried to get away.
“Although he was able to break through the group and run into an alleyway, Che soon collapsed”, said Mr Aylett.
“He fell, face down onto the ground.”
Paramedics performed open heart surgery on Che, a business student, on the pavement in an attempt to save his life, but he died at the scene.

Calvin Tudor, of Kelly Close, Willesden, Sesay, of Rawlings Crescent, Wembley, Williams, of Churchill Road, Willesden, Marlon Tudor, of no fixed address, Afrah, of Walton Avenue, Wembley, Mansaray, from Cotton Avenue, Acton, Onafowokan, of Page Avenue, Wembley, all deny murder and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The 15-year-old denies conspiracy to cause grievous harm with intent.
The trial continues

cyclist left fighting for life after crash just ouside Buckingham Palace

Royal correspondent(wp/es):
A cyclist is fighting for his life after being hit by a car outside Buckingham Palace.
London's Air Ambulance landed outside the Queen’s residence shortly before noon today, sparking panic among tourists.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed officers had been called to Constitution Hill following the collision.
The male cyclist was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
An American tourist, known only as Dave, told the Standard: "The helicopter landed and all the medics came running out down the road.
"There was a bit of a panic, nobody knew what was going on."

Tourists gathered to take photographs of the air ambulance which stayed on the scene, behind a police cordon, for over two hours after the crash.
Others snapped selfies with helicopter crew.
British tourist Tony Gibbins said: "It's all taped off down there (Constitution Hill), you have to walk through the park to get past.
 "It looked as if a taxi had hit a push bike."

M&S agrees 'improved' pay deal after row over planned changes

Business correspondent(wp/es):
Marks & Spencer today struck a deal with employees over pay and pensions changes after offering “significantly improved” terms in response to a lengthy campaign by staff and MPs.
The agreement, which has been signed off by the retailer’s employee representatives, includes a number of amendments to the proposals first tabled by M&S in May following criticism that long-serving staff were being unfairly punished.
A petition over the issue has attracted over 98,000 signatures, which a group of MPs, led by Labour’s Siobhain McDonagh who raised the issue in parliament in July, handed over to the company at its Marble Arch flagship yesterday.
The new deal still offers the original pay rise to £8.50 an hour for store staff, or £9.65 in Greater London, the removal of Sunday premiums and “standardised” Bank holiday pay of time-and-a-half.
However, there were concessions for the 10% of M&S’s 69,000 retail staff who were set to be worse off under the new terms.

As well as a “transition payment” to compensate staff along with another potential one-off payment to maintain existing remuneration until March 2019, M&S said from that same year, any worker set to see pay fall from current levels would get another additional payment of 50% of their reduction in total pay.
They will be offered guaranteed extra hours to make up the remaining 50% that will amount to no more than three hours a week.
A pensions overhaul to move staff on its “not sustainable” final salary pension scheme to a defined contribution plan is also going ahead, but M&S will extend the cash supplement support from the two years it originally offered to three years.

M&S, which introduced the overhaul in response to the National Living Wage, said the “significantly improved support means that all colleagues will either receive higher pay or the opportunity to maintain current pay level”.
Retail Director Sacha Berendji added: “We’ve listened to our colleagues, acted on their feedback and are pleased that we’ve reached an outcome that gives enhanced support for our colleagues as well as making necessary changes to our business.”

But an M&S employee who has worked at the chain for nearly 20 years, told the Standard the updated deal constituted only a “slight movement” and was “not enough”. He also expressed concern that failure to agree could result in his contract being terminated.
“I love my job and my customers and M&S are better than some. I just feel that we should be the company that benchmarks good practices for others and unfortunately we are not.”
McDonagh added: “What M&S is telling them is that even if they work longer hours to make up the difference, they will earn no more money in three years’ time than they do today. How is that fair?
“It would be a betrayal to loyal staff, many with more than two or three decades professional experience, to say that this is a very good offer for them.”

Man dies after being hit by train in south London

staff reporter(es/wp);
A man has died after he was hit by a train in Croydon this morning.
Ambulances and transport police rushed to Thornton Heath station just after 4.50am this morning but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers from British Transport Police are now trying to work out the identity of the man and inform his next of kin, a spokesman said.
They said his death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be put together for the coroner.
Five police cars were spotted outside Thornton Heath station, on Brigstock Road, this morning.

The Prime Minister said the country needs a period of stability after the shockwaves of the Brexit vote

political correspondent(es/wp):
Theresa May has insisted there will be no snap election before 2020 as she dashed Remain supporters’ hopes of a fresh vote before the EU withdrawal  process formally begins.
The Prime Minister said the country needs a period of stability after the shockwaves of the Brexit vote.
And in her first major interview since taking office, she said the UK should be prepared for “difficult times” ahead despite recent positive economic indicators.
She told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show: “I'm not going to be calling a snap election. I've been very clear that I think we need that period of time, that stability - to be able to deal with the issues that the country is facing and have that election in 2020.”
Mrs May, who said she will not formally trigger withdrawal negotiations by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty before the end of this year, acknowledged voters wanted to see the process under way.

"I'm very clear also that the British people don't want the issue of Article 50 being triggered just being kicked into the long grass because they want to know we're getting on with the job of - of putting Brexit into place and making a success of it."
She said the Scottish people did not want another vote on independence, and again firmly ruled out a second EU referendum.
The PM also warned it would not be "plain sailing" despite some encouraging economic data.
"We have had some good figures and better figures that some had predicted would be the case. I'm not going to pretend that it's all going to be plain sailing. I think we must be prepared for the fact that there may be some difficult times ahead. But what I am is optimistic."
Mrs May insisted controls on the movement of people from the EU to Britain needed to be imposed as part of an exit deal with Brussels.
She said: "What the vote, what leaving the European Union does enable us to do is, yes, to say what I think the British people are very clear about, which is that they don't want free movement to continue in the way that it has done in the past.
"They do want to see controls of movement of people coming in from the European Union. Now, obviously we're looking at what - what those options are, what that might be.

"But people also want to see the job opportunities, to see the economic opportunities, and so getting a good deal in trading goods and services is also obviously important for us," the PM said in an interview recorded in her constituency before she headed to China for the G20 summit.
Her comments come as Brexit Secretary David Davis is due to make a statement to the Commons this week on the government’s emerging position on the terms of withdrawal from Brussels.