Government defends New Year Honours after 'croynism' claims

Pic:Theresa May's government have defended the New Year Honours list
Political reporter(wp/es):

 The government has defended the New Year Honours and insisted it is unfair to criticise awards given to Tory donors, despite allegations of cronyism.

Prime Minister Theresa May has previously pledged to shake up the system and in November joked that she "retched" when she saw David Cameron's resignation honours list.

But Labour has slammed the Tories for rewarding "cronies" in the New Year Honours.

Tory donor David Ord, who has given the party £930,000, has been knighted for "political service".

Dominic Johnson, associate treasurer of the Conservative Party and now CBE, gave the Cameron family somewhere to stay when they left Downing Street in July.

The Government emphasised the independent oversight of honours nominations, which can be submitted by Whitehall departments and members of the public.

A Government source said: "Honours are rewards for hard work and contributions to civic society. 

All nominations for honours are assessed by one of the nine independent honours committees.

"It is unfair to criticise individuals being honoured just because they have also chosen to donate to a political party.

"Donations should be transparent, but it's not an excuse to knock people for broader philanthropy, enterprise and public service."

But a spokesman for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "The Conservatives are making a mockery of our honours system.

"Every crony appointment is an insult to the incredible people from right across Britain who are rewarded for the great contributions they make to our national life."

The Prime Minister could also face complaints over the 14 honours handed to officials from the Home Office, which she ran from 2010 to 2016.

The New Year Honours have also faced criticism for "rewarding failure", with the head of Britain's foreign aid department coming under fire after being awarded a knighthood.

Mark Lowcock has been honoured just weeks after the Department for International Development was reprimanded for building a £285 million airport on the remote island of St Helena, where it is too windy for commercial planes to land.

The Beatles' first manager Allan Williams dies aged 86

Pic:Allan Williams has died aged 86 
Entertainment reporter(wp/es):

The man credited with discovering the Beatles, Allan Williams, has died aged 86.

The owner of the Jacaranda Club in Liverpool took the fledgling musicians under his wing after employing them to clean and decorate his business.

He then drove the foursome to Hamburg, Germany to hone their skills and kick-start their path to stardom.

The Jacaranda announced the death of the stalwart of the city's music scene on Friday, writing on Facebook: "Today is one of the saddest days in our history.

"The Jacaranda's original owner and the man who discovered The Beatles, Allan Williams, has sadly passed away at the age of 86.

"All of our thoughts and wishes go to his family and his wife Beryl.

"His legacy has allowed us to remain at the heart of the Liverpool music scene for almost 60 years and his memory will live on through every band that plays our famous stage. 

Allan, you will be missed."

When the band first asked to play at the Jacaranda, Mr Williams instead gave them jobs renovating the venue in Slater Street before deciding to send them to Hamburg. 

Mr Williams, from the Sefton Park area, parted ways with the band - then comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe and Pete Best - in 1961.

Sir Paul described him in The Beatles Anthology as "a great guy, a really good motivator".

They signed with Brian Epstein the following January.

The Beatles Story exhibition said Mr Williams' role as their first booking agent and manager "helped shape the band in to what we see and know today".

Its director Martin King said: "Allan was a friend to many of us at the Beatles Story and his legacy will continue to be told for years to come." 

Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn tweeted: "No Allan Williams, no Hamburg. No Hamburg, no Beatles."

Man fighting for life and police officer mowed down after assault outside east London DLR station

Crime reporter(wp/es):

A man is fighting for life and a police officer has been injured following an assault outside a DLR station in east London in the early hours of New Year’s Eve.

The victim, aged in his 30s, was found with head injuries close to Star Lane DLR station shortly after 4.45am on Saturday.

He was rushed to a hospital in east London where he remains in a critical condition.

A man was arrested at the scene in Bidder Street on suspicion of attempted murder.

A car then ploughed through a police cordon outside the station and mowed down a police officer, Scotland Yard confirmed.

He was treated by paramedics before being taken to an east London hospital with minor injuries shortly after 5am.

The driver of the car has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, police said.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “Enquiries continue.

“Whilst a scene remains in place, trains will not be stopping at Star Lane DLR station.”

Young man stabbed to death outside block of flats in south London

Crime reporter(wp/es):

A young man was stabbed to death in the street outside a block of flats in Peckham.

The victim, aged in his 20s, was knifed outside the Deerhurst House apartment block on Friday afternoon. 

Medics fought to save him but he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Murder detectives have launched an investigation following the fatal stabbing in Haymerle Road at about 5.30pm.

Scotland Yard said the man’s next of kin have been informed but he has not yet been formally identified.

A post-mortem was scheduled to take place on January 1.

A Met Police spokesman said: “An incident room has opened under Detective Chief Inspector Lee Watling of the Homicide and Major Crime Command.

“Detectives would like to hear from anyone who was in the area of Haymerle Road at the time who may have information that will assist the investigation.  

“There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.”

Two 19-year-olds arrested after man stabbed to death

Crime reporter(wp/es):

Police have arrested two 19-year-olds after a man was stabbed to death during a morning attack near Trafalgar Square.

The victim, aged in his 30s, was knifed at some point between 7.05am and 7.15am on Tuesday.

After the killing in Adelaide Street, police descended on the area around the famous St Martin-in-the-Fields church.

The man, who has not yet been named, was pronounced dead at the scene around an hour after they arrived.

The area, yards from London's world famous square, was cordoned off for several hours while an investigation was carried out.

On Thursday, police arrested two men, both aged 19, on suspicion of murder.

They are both being quizzed by detectives in London.

Meanwhile, police are continuing to appeal for witnesses who may have seen a fight before the stabbing took place.

Man who left bacon sandwich outside mosque found dead in prison cell

Pic:Kevin Crehan has been found dead in his prison cell
Crime reporter(wp/es):

A man serving 12-months behind bars for leaving a bacon sandwich outside a mosque has been found dead in his prison cell.

Kevin Crehan, 35, was jailed along with three others in July this year after the gang left rashers of bacon on door handles of the Jamia Mosque in Totterdown, Bristol.

Crehan, Alison Bennett, 46, and Mark Bennett, 48, and Angelina Swales, 31, admitted hurling racial abuse at a member of the mosque and leaving a St George’s flag tied to a fence nearby.

Images posted on Facebook showed bacon sandwiches left outside the place of worship.

A judge at Bristol Crown Court described the incident as “an attack on England”.

The prison service confirmed Crehan was found dead in his cell at HMP Bristol on Tuesday.

A spokesman told the Sun: “HMP Bristol prisoner Kevin Crehan died in custody on Tuesday 27 December.

“As with all deaths in custody, the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.”

Crehan was jailed for a year while Bennett was given a nine-month sentence. 

Bennett was given a six-month sentence and Swales was given a four-month sentence - both suspended for two years.

They were all banned from going within 330ft of a mosque anywhere in England or Wales for the next 10 years. 

Britons 'could be hit with huge roaming charges for using phones abroad after Brexit'

Staff reporter(wp/es):

British mobile phone users could face bills of up to €50 for every song they stream while in the EU after Brexit, experts have warned.

Unless Britain can agree a comprehensive free trade deal users could be slapped with huge data roaming charges, despite being part of an EU campaign to reduce fees ahead of complete ban next summer.

Once Article 50 is triggered Britons will no longer be protected by these rules, the Financial Times reported.

European providers will then be within their rights to charge customers high tariffs for using data abroad.

One EU official working on roaming charges warned music-lovers could be billed up to €10 for every MB they use.

He told the FT: “That is the risk.” 

Listening to a song on Spotify takes between 3MB and 5MB, which would leave non-EU customers with a bill of up to €50, he added.

The European Commission claim that a quick deal to avoid huge bills is not possible.

In a bid to avert the potential expense for customers World Trade Organisation rules state a deal would have to be made between all WTO members.

Therefore, a bilateral agreement between the UK and the EU would not be allowed.

Police hunt two men after terrifying knife-point robberies in Hendon alleyway

Crime reporter(wp/es):

Detectives are hunting two men following a spate of terrifying knife-point robberies in a north-west London alleyway.

Scotland Yard said at least four people had been threatened with three robbed of cash and their mobile phones in West View, Hendon over two days in December.

Police say they want to identify two suspects following the linked robberies which took place in an alleyway that runs between Brampton Grove and Babington Road.

On Friday, December 16, a 31-year-old man was approached by two men and threatened with a knife at 7.20pm. The men fled the scene when he handed over his phone and wallet.

Four minutes later, the thieves struck again when a 34-year-old victim was targeted as he made his way through the same alleyway. He also handed over cash and his phone before the men ran off in the direction of Hendon Tube station.

Five days later, a 27-year-old man was approached in the alleyway just after 10.30am by a man armed with a knife but managed to flee without handing over any valuables.

However, hours later a 23-year-old man gave his wallet and mobile phone when he was confronted by two men in the alleyway before they made off from the area.

None of the victims were hurt in the robberies.

Detectives from Barnet CID are investigating and have appealed for witnesses to come forward or anyone with CCTV which overlooks the alleyway.

No arrests have been made.

Investigators described the first suspect as a man with Mediterranean appearance, aged between 18 and 25, 6ft tall of a slim build.

The second man is believed to be a light skinned black man, aged between 18 and 25, 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build with a moustache.

Detective Constable Jim Christie, from Barnet CID, said: "The victims in these four incidents had simply been going about their daily business when they were threatened, and on three occasions made to hand over personal possessions.

 “It is of paramount importance that the suspects are caught as soon as possible and I am urging anyone who has any information - no matter how small - to get in contact."

Armed police descend on street after two men knifed in broad daylight outside Wilko

Crime reporter(wp/es):

Armed police stormed a west London street after two men were stabbed in broad daylight.

Police descended on Pump Lane in Hayes at around 1.40pm on Friday after a man in his 40s and another in his 20s were knifed following a disturbance.

The men’s injuries are not believed to be life threatening as they were rushed to hospital. A 45-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has been taken into custody at a west London police station.

Witnesses told the Standard the attack took place outside the Hayes Muslim Centre, which is next to a Wilko store, near the town centre.

One man told the weastar times: “The stabbing definitely happened outside the Mosque as police cordoned off a whole section of pavement from the junction to the end of Wilkinson.

“From what I can gather two guys who were acquainted were involved, one was being treated in the ambulance.”

Terrified shoppers told how they were locked inside the shop for their own safety after seeing one of the injured men and “blood everywhere”.

One woman said on Facebook: “Wot a lovely friday afternoon bein locked in wilkinsons hayes due to stabbing outside shop . Police every wer.

“It was horrible. The guy had blood everywer got stabbed in the nick. And about 5 guys wer restraining the guy that did it . Kids wer every wer watcjing . made me feel sick x (sic)

Police said armed officers at the scene were approached by two people, a bus driver and a police community support officer, who claimed they were threatened by a group of men in a car.

The vehicle was reported to have a knife and a gun inside before it left the scene.

Armed police cordoned off a stretch of Pump Lane and are searching the area. 

Scotland Yard has said investigations into the two incidents are ongoing but are not being treated as terror-related.

The Evening Standard has contacted the Hayes Muslim Centre for a comment.

Young woman pushed to the ground and punched repeatedly in random attack

Crime reporter(wp/es):

A young woman was shoved to the ground and repeatedly punched in a random attack in a leafy area of west London. 

Police said the 19-year-old victim was approached from behind by an unknown man near Chiswick railway station. 

She was allegedly knocked to the ground by the man, who then punched her in the back of the head after she got off a bus in Birlington Lane.

The man then punched her repeatedly as she lay on the floor around 12.30am on Thursday, the Met said. 

She was rushed to hospital by ambulance before being discharged later that day.

Detectives are now hunting a 6ft tall white man of broad build in connection with the attack.

He is believed to be around 40 years old.

Budget airline launches £56 flights from UK to New York

Staff reporter(wp/es):

 Flights between Britain and New York costing less than £60 are set to be introduced in the new year.

Budget airline Norwegian plan to slash the price of flights from Edinburgh to smaller airports in the Big Apple to as little as £56, it was announced last week.

Tickets will be sold on flights to airports other than JFK using six Boeing 737MAX aircraft which burn less fuel than other long-haul planes, the Times reported.

Earlier this month the airline revealed that it would cut US-bound services leaving Gatwick from 34 to 22 flights a week from next year.

British Airways cut flights to the US from the UK earlier this year.

Flights on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft will start at £135.

Britain faces '10-year economic shock' after Brexit vote

Staff reporter(wp/es):

The UK suffered a “profound shock” following the country’s vote to leave the EU which looks set to result in a slowing economy, ageing population and technological transformation, a think-tank said.

Britain’s move to leave the EU will see living standards in the UK drop, a report by centre-left group IPPR warned.

At the same time a rapidly ageing population - with the numbers of people aged 65 and over predicted to rise by a third by the end of the next decade - will impose new strains on the state.

The funding gap for adult social care is expected to hit £13 billion by 2030/31.

In the workplace, "exponential" improvements in new technologies such as artificial intelligence systems and machine learning will put two-thirds of current jobs - 15 million - at risk of automation.

The report predicts work is likely to become more insecure and more freelance while inequality is set to increase sharply with the income of high-income households forecast to rise 11 times faster than for those on low incomes.

"Brexit is the firing gun on a decade of disruption," the report said.

"Even as what we do and how we work changes, the UK is likely to remain trapped in a low growth, low interest rate decade driven by demographic shifts, productivity trends, weak investment, weak labour power, high levels of debt, and the headwinds of a slowing global economy.

"Without reform, our political and social system will struggle to build a more democratic, healthy society in the decades ahead, even as Brexit accelerates us towards a radically different institutional landscape."

Lib Dem Treasury spokeswoman Baroness Susan Kramer said: "The report is a devastating indictment of the Conservative Government's hard Brexit strategy.

"In the face of huge global challenges, the Conservative response is to haul up the drawbridge and hope that the future will go away. It won't.

"Many of the huge international challenges identified in the report are more effectively faced working with our European friends, and within the single market."

A Government spokesman said: "The British people voted to leave the EU and we are committed to delivering on that instruction and making it a success.

"We have been clear that we are seeking a bespoke arrangement for the UK - one that gives British businesses the maximum freedom to trade with and operate in the single market but also allows us to make our own decisions on immigration. 

"While there may be challenges ahead, we approach them from a position of strength. Since 2010, we have cut the deficit by two thirds, created 2.7 million jobs and this year the UK is forecast to be the fastest-growing major advanced economy.

"We now have an opportunity to forge a new role for ourselves in the world and we will do so with optimism, making a success of Brexit and building an economy that works for all."

Dozens of flights from London City Airport cancelled as fog shrouds the capital

Pic:fog at Heathrow Airport /AFP
Staff reporter(wp/es):

London City Airport cancelled dozens of flights after the capital woke up shrouded in fog.

The airport in east London cancelled 15 arrivals and departures by 9am on Wednesday leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.

Up to 26 flights were also delayed or diverted as the thick blanket of fog caused poor visibility.

Passengers also faced delays at Heathrow airport following the poor weather conditions but no flights were cancelled.

A London City Airport spokesman said: “Passengers please note due to current weather conditions there may be delays and cancellations. Please check with the airline for flight information.” 

 Shortly before 9am, the airport tweeted: “We’re still waiting for conditions to improve, for further info on your flight please get in touch with your airline.”

Heathrow Airport also warned passengers of possible problems, tweeting: “Foggy weather may affect scheduled flights today. Please kindly check your flight status with your airline.”

The Met Office issued a severe weather warning for fog in London and the south east from midnight on Wednesday. 

Forecasters said flights could be affected and urged drivers to take care out on the roads.

A Met Office spokesman said: “Patches of fog are expected to form overnight and whilst not all areas will see them where fog patches do form visibility could be less than 100 metres. 

“The fog patches are expected to slowly thin during Wednesday, although some patches may persist throughout the day.”

Man fighting for life after being knifed next to children's Christmas fair

Crime reporter(wp/es):

A man was left fighting for life in hospital after he was stabbed next to a children’s Christmas fair in south London.

The victim was knifed near the fairground in Brixton on Tuesday evening.

Police and paramedics raced to the scene of the stabbing in Windrush Square at about 6.15pm.

Scotland Yard said the man was rushed to a hospital in south London where he remained in a critical condition on Wednesday morning.

Witnesses described seeing scores of emergency services vehicles and police descending on the area, as well as a cordon around the fair.

Journalist EJ Ward tweeted: “10 police cars and two ambulances outside the little fair thing in Brixton. Anyone know what’s happening?”

James Perrett posted on Twitter: “Eek, stabbing on our road. Police cordons and everything, half of Brixton is closed off and had to be escorted by an officer to front door.”

Anton Lavey tweeted: “What’s going on in Windrush Square?”

John Steel wrote: “Any idea what just happened in Windrush Square? #Brixton. #WindrushSquare.”

A Met Police spokesman said: “Police were called at approximately 6.15pm on Tuesday, 27 December to reports of a man suffering a stab injury in Windrush Square in Lambeth.

“Officers attended and immediately provided first aid. The man was taken by the London Ambulance Service to a south London hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

“Detectives from Lambeth are investigating. Cordons remain in place.

“There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.” 

'Tens of thousands’ of people set for refunds from high street banks

Business correspondent(wp/es):

Thousands of people who took out personal loans with NatWest and sister bank RBS are receiving refunds on interest they were wrongly charged.

The banking giant is writing to tell those who are owed money about the mistake, which meant some customers falling behind with their payments should have been sent a "notice of sums in arrears", but this did not happen.

It should not have charged interest to these borrowers until the correct notice was given.

The error occurred between 2008 and 2015. It is thought tens of thousands of people are affected but RBS did not give an exact figure.

The average payout being made is in the low hundreds, but the Daily Mail's Money Mail said in one letter it has seen, someone was refunded £1,130.75.

A spokesman for RBS said: "When we discover an issue we do everything we can to set it right.

"We didn't issue notices of sums in arrears correctly to a number of customers before we charged interest on their loans that had gone more than two payments into arrears. We are refunding these customers the interest we charged them at the time."

Witnesses tell of horror after deadly 20-car pile-up in thick fog

Pic:Crash car
Staff reporter(wp/es):

Witnesses have told of their horror after a woman died and several other people were seriously injured in a 20-car pile-up.

A pregnant woman was among those to reveal how she narrowly missed the horror crash on the A40 in Oxfordshire on Wednesday morning. 

It killed one woman and left another person fighting for life in hospital. A third person was also seriously injured in the collision.

Expectant mother Ami Gaston was among those near the wreckage after the 20-car pile-up near Witney.

The 31-year-old was on her way to her 20-week pregnancy scan with her partner when the couple had to swerve to avoid a car which had crashed into the central reservation.

“We were driving on the A40, we were in the right hand lane,” Ms Gaston told the Standard.

“I said, there’s something in the road and before we knew it the car was right in front of us. He had crashed into the middle barrier, had his car door open and his face was against an airbag. 

“I’m guessing he skidded on ice, it was minus two this morning.

“He was horizontal across the right hand lane into the middle barrier.”

She said it was too dangerous to stop meaning she was forced to carry on driving as the pile-up happened behind her car. Ms Gaston then phoned for an ambulance.

“Thank god we didn’t witness the pile up,” she said. “We were on the way to the hospital for our 20 week scan so we just saw that car.”

Tom Russell was also driving along the road and witnessed the pile-up but said it was too foggy to make out exactly what happened.

“People we're driving too fast and not really aware of conditions,” he told the Standard. 

“I'd seen people coming towards me on the other side of the dual carriageway flashing their lights. 

“So I slowed right down and then saw hazards ahead so I pulled into left hand lane and stopped. People still drove past us and hit pile up ahead.

“The emergency services were there really quickly. But it was not a nice thing to be caught up in especially as after I'd stopped and you could hear people crashing behind.

“I was lucky as were others around me. Unfortunately some others were not so lucky and my thoughts are with them and their families.”

The heavy fog is expected to return on Thursday. It has caused delays to dozens of flights at London City Airport as well as poor visibility on the roads.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said they were called at 8.25am this morning following reports of a crash involving multiple cars.

He said: “Officers are at the scene along with the fire and rescue services. A number of people are believed to have been injured.

"Road closures are currently in place and drivers are advised to avoid the area."

Paramedics in three ambulances, three rapid response cars, and the air ambulance car raced to the scene. The weather was too foggy for the air ambulance to be scrambled.

Motorcyclist fighting for life after horror smash in north London

Staff reporter(wp/es):

A motorcyclist is fighting for his life in hospital after a horror crash on a busy north London road.

The male rider’s injuries have been described as life-threatening after he collided with a car near Holloway Road Tube station shortly before 1pm on Saturday.

Dramatic pictures taken from the roadside show clothes strewn across the carriageway and a mangled motorbike as witnesses told of “horrible” scenes.

Emergency services including police, ambulance and London's Air Ambulance were scrambled to the crash site.

The car stopped at the scene and no arrests have been made.

A Met spokeswoman said: “Police were called by the London Ambulance Service on Saturday shortly before 12:45pm hours to a report of a collision between a car and motorcycle at Holloway Road.

“Officers attended and found the motorcyclist, a male injured at the location.

“He has been taken to an east London hospital and his injuries are being treated as life threatening.

“Officers remain on scene and there are currently road closures in place.” 

A London Ambulance Service spokesman said the man was treated for a head injury and taken to hospital by land.

Transport for London said the road had been shut both ways between the A103 Hornsey Road and Loraine Road.

Two arrested after man killed in Christmas Eve 'hit and run' in Dartford

Staff reporter(wp/es):

A man and woman have been arrested after a pedestrian was knocked down and killed while crossing the road on Christmas Eve.

The car was driven away from the collision at Crossways Boulevard in Dartford shortly after 6pm but later located in Bexleyheath where the pair were arrested.

The victim, a man in his 20s from Tyne and Wear, died at the scene.

The 22-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman from Dartford were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and perverting the course of justice.

Pc Jamie Woodhams said: "I would like anyone who saw the vehicle and have not yet spoken to police to come forward.

"The vehicle suffered windscreen and headlight damage and was driven away from the scene toward the M25."

Queen misses out with illness as Royal Family attend Sandringham Christmas service

Pic:The royal family arrive at the Christmas Day service on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk 
Royal correspondent(wp/es):

The Queen has missed the annual Christmas Day church service at Sandringham for the first time due to a heavy cold - but was still up and about enjoying the festivities.

Members of the Royal Family attended the ceremony without the Queen who is resting at her private home after becoming ill some days ago.

The Queen has enjoyed her annual Christmas break at her Norfolk residence since 1988, when she moved festive arrangements from Windsor Castle, and every year attended the service at Sandringham's St Mary Magdalene Church.

But the heavy cold, which delayed the monarch and the Duke of Edinburgh's journey from Buckingham Palace to Norfolk a few days ago, has persisted and she remains at Sandringham House.

Yet the monarch has not stayed in bed with her cold but is up and about and would be having Christmas lunch with her family.

Ahead of the service this morning a Buckingham Palace spokesman said the Queen would not be attending.

He added: "The Queen continues to recover from a heavy cold and will stay indoors to assist with her recovery. Her Majesty will participate in the Royal Family Christmas celebrations during the day.''

Philip also came down with a heavy cold a few days ago but the hundreds of well-wishers who turned out see the royals make their way to and from church, were treated to the sight of the Queen's consort.

He was joined on the short walk between Sandringham House and the church by the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and other members of the family.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, broke with tradition and spent Christmas Day with Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton and her siblings.

They all attended a church service close to the Middletons' home in the Berkshire village of Bucklebury.

William and Kate were photographed walking through the grounds of St Mark's Church in Englefield, where the Duchess' sister Pippa is expected to marry her financier fiance James Matthews in May.

Hundreds of local residents traditionally turn out to see the Queen and her family attend the annual Christmas Day service.

It is thought the Queen has not missed a Christmas Day service at either Sandringham or Windsor Castle, the previous location for the monarch's festive break, in living memory.