MP to complain over tabloid sting

29 September 2014 Last updated at 03:18

An MP is to make a formal complaint against the Sunday Mirror over a story that led to the resignation of a government minister.

Conservative Mark Pritchard said "questionable techniques" were involved in the paper's report that Brooks Newmark sent explicit pictures of himself to an undercover journalist.

Mr Newmark resigned after the sting, saying he had been a "complete fool".

The Sunday Mirror said that the story was in the public interest.

The paper said it had made contact with Mr Newmark during the course of an investigation into inappropriate use of social media by MPs.

'Swapped images'

Adopting the false identity of "Sophie Wittams", a male freelance reporter described himself on Twitter as a "twenty-something Tory PR girl".

"Sophie" then contacted and interacted with a number of Conservative MPs, including Mr Pritchard, via the social networking site.

The Twitter account has since been deleted, although some of the reporter's activity is still available online.

BBC political correspondent Iain Watson said there was no evidence that any MP, apart from Mr Newmark, had acted inappropriately in response to the flattering messages sent to them from the fictional Ms Wittams.

Continue reading the main story

The investigation, which had a clear public interest, was carried out following information from a reliable source"

End Quote Alison Phillips Weekend editor, Mirror

In its account of the online exchanges between the reporter and Mr Newmark, the Sunday Mirror said the pair "swapped sexually explicit images".

Mr Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, in Shropshire, told the BBC he would be writing a "formal complaint" to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) "about the Sunday Mirror's questionable techniques".

"It is in the public interest that their actions are fully investigated," he said.

"This is the first real test as to whether the new body, IPSO, has any teeth."

IPSO came into being earlier this month, replacing the defunct Press Complaints Commission.

It was set up by most major newspapers, including the Mirror titles, to investigate complaints from the public in the wake of phone hacking and the Leveson inquiry into the practices and ethics of the industry.

Its editors' code of practice states: "Engaging in misrepresentation or subterfuge, including by agents or intermediaries, can generally be justified only in the public interest and then only when the material cannot be obtained by other means."

Alison Phillips, the Mirror's weekend editor, told the Guardian newspaper: "This investigation was brought to the Sunday Mirror by a freelance reporter.

"The investigation, which had a clear public interest, was carried out following information from a reliable source."

A spokesman for IPSO told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "We will consider any complaints about the story that are submitted."

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Family tribute to stab death teacher

29 September 2014 Last updated at 04:12

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Ann Maguire's family have spoken for the first time about her death, as Danny Savage reports

The family of a teacher stabbed to death at a school in Leeds have described her as a "dedicated wife" and "natural mother".

Ann Maguire, 61, was fatally stabbed in her classroom at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds in April.

A 15-year-old boy is due to go on trial later this year accused of her murder.

Mrs Maguire's family have spoken for the first time, in an interview with the BBC, ahead of a public memorial service at Leeds Town Hall on Monday.

Her husband, Don, 62, said he hoped the service, organised by Leeds City Council and the Roman Catholic diocese of Leeds, would reflect her life and the kind of person she was.

"She was a beautiful, dedicated, hard working individual, so I hope that and the fact she had a very strong faith is reflected in this service."

'Wonderful teacher'

Mrs Maguire, who had two daughters and had raised her two nephews, had taught at the college for 40 years and had been due to retire this year.

Following her death many tributes were placed outside the school by past and present pupils.

Mr Maguire said: "I remember the very empty hollow sick feeling inside and reading those messages made us feel so comforted and so able to understand others were feeling the pain as well."

He added he had received a great deal of solace from them and "treasured" the tributes and messages.

Andrew Poole, one of two nephews raised by Mrs Maguire, said: "If one message came through it was always about Ann's dedication to her students and her willingness to go the extra mile for any one individual student."

One daughter, Emma, said: "I think what we took away was that we have so many of our own stories and memories of mummy and we are so grateful people chose to share theirs."

Mr Maguire said: "Ann was a very loving dedicated wife and a natural mother and it was her natural mothering qualities that I think made Ann such a wonderful teacher."

The family have established a charity, The Ann Maguire Arts Educational Fund, to provide bursaries and funding for the personal development of people under 18 years of age.

It has already raised more than £20,000.

Her daughters, Kerry and Emma, said: "Mum had a special talent for developing opportunities for young people and we hope the charity will do the same.

"We really want mummy's legacy to encompass everything she did in her work and the person she was to so many people.

"She taught for 40 years and affected thousands of pupils' lives and we feel her legacy should be something that continues this work and what she gave to people."

The memorial service at Leeds Town Hall, which hundreds of people are expected to attend, is due to start at 12:00 BST on Monday. A minute's silence will take place at 12.30, which schools across the city are set to take part in.

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More RAF jets on Iraqi mission

29 September 2014 Last updated at 08:06

British Tornado jets have returned to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus after carrying out a fourth combat sortie over Iraq.

They returned to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus with the same weapons load, meaning that none had been fired, said BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale.

The first jets to take part in a mission against Islamic State (IS) militants had carried out armed reconnaissance missions at the weekend.

Parliament voted by 524 votes to 43 to take action against IS in Iraq.

IS - also known as Isis or Isil - controls large swathes of Syria and Iraq after rapid advances through the region in the summer. It has been using the Syrian city of Raqqa as the capital of its self-declared caliphate.

'Comprehensive strategy'

The two British jets that took part in the fourth mission returned to Cyprus overnight.

RAF Tornados have been flying reconnaissance missions over Iraq for the past six weeks, but these have been the first flights since they were authorised to launch air strikes.

The planes were loaded with laser-guided bombs and missiles.

The Tornados, loaded with laser-guided bombs and missiles, have been supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft.

Analysis: BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale, at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus

Once again, RAF Tornados have returned to Cyprus with all their weapons. The obvious question is why?

For one thing, they're not targeting a conventional military. There is unlikely to be a list of ammo dumps or barracks to hit, as there was during Libya.

Also, they're more likely to be looking for targets of opportunity such as IS fighters and vehicles on the move. That might require hours of surveillance.

And RAF crews will be operating under strict rules of engagement. They'll have to be certain before they fire any weapons. They can't hit the civilians they are there to protect.

IS fighters will also have had time to adapt. Their fighters will now be well aware of what's going on above.

The RAF's contribution is limited too. The US is flying dozens of sorties a day with hundreds of hours in the air.

And US missions are not just limited to Iraq - unlike the RAF, they're able to target the extremists in Syria too.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has warned such operations could continue for weeks or months.

He told BBC Radio 4's The World this Weekend: "This is not a weekend campaign. This is going to take a long time."

Prime Minister David Cameron has insisted there is a "comprehensive strategy" in place for defeating IS.

Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama has acknowledged that the United States underestimated the threat posed by the militants.

The US has been carrying out air strikes in northern Iraq since mid-August, and has been supported by the French since last week.

About 40 countries in total, including several from the Middle East, have joined the US in taking action against IS.

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Somerset Levels flood work starts

29 September 2014 Last updated at 08:50

Work has begun on two roads on the Somerset Levels in an effort to prevent communities being cut off by flooding.

The A372 near Othery will be closed for up to 11 weeks as four channels - or culverts - are dug beneath the road.

A section of the main route in to Muchelney will also be raised to enable road-access if flooding happens again.

Somerset County Council leader John Osman said: "We've taken plans that would normally take two years... and narrowed that time down to two months."

Twenty-year plan

Muchelney has been cut off by flood water for some period of time each winter for the past two years.

During last winter's floods (December 2013 - February 2014 ) the village was cut off for two months, while the previous winter it was cut off for several days.

The plans are part of the 20-year Flood Action Plan with the council hoping it will secure access in future floods.

The work on the A372 will take place at Beer Wall.

John Rowlands of the Environment Agency, which is also involved in the project, said: "At Beer Wall, the water course that runs underneath it is locally known as a the River Sowy.

"It's other name, rather fetchingly, is the Parrett Flood-Relief Channel - in other words it takes water from the River Parrett puts it into River Sowy, eventually into the King Sedgemoor's Drain and back out into the River Parrett at Dunball.

"What we're hoping to do with these works is to remove any constrictions that allow this channel to run at its maximum capacity."

The River Sowy will also be widened so Aller Moor can drain more quickly, to cut the flood risk.

A 547 yard-stretch (500m) of Drayton Road, which leads to Muchelney, will be raised by more than 3.9 ft (120 cm) at its lowest point.

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Osborne to cut pensions 'death tax'

29 September 2014 Last updated at 08:52 By Brian Wheeler Political reporter, Conservative conference, Birmingham

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Chancellor George Osborne: "This is for everyone who works hard and saves hard for their retirement"

Pensioners will be able to leave more of their money to the next generation from next April, George Osborne is to announce at the Tory conference.

The chancellor will abolish a 55% tax that currently applies to untouched "defined contribution" pension pots left by those aged 75 or over, and to pensions from which money has already been withdrawn.

Inheritors will now only pay the marginal income tax rate, or no tax at all if the deceased was under 75 and the pension is left untouched.

The Treasury predicts the new policy will cost approximately £150m per year.

The idea was first floated in July, when a consultation was launched.

As well as the pension change, Mr Osborne is also expected to announce a "big cut" to welfare spending, BBC political editor Nick Robinson said.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats will be challenged to match the measure, he added.

European referendum

Mr Osborne is attempting to shift the focus on to policy after a day dominated by the fallout from MP Mark Reckless's defection to UKIP.

Senior Conservative MPs and cabinet ministers lined up to criticise Mr Reckless, with party chairman Grant Shapps accusing him of "betrayal" and Commons leader William Hague saying his decision was "hypocritical".

Mr Reckless has said he no longer trusts David Cameron to deliver on immigration, cutting taxes and Europe - and like previous defector Douglas Carswell - he will seek to return to the Commons as a UKIP MP in a by-election.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Osborne said the way to resolve the debate over Europe was to hold a referendum on the UK's membership - as promised by the Conservatives.

He said there was a "wide range of opinions" and some "very strong views" in the business community about Europe.

"If we did not think it was in Britain's interests to be in the European Union, we would not argue for it," he said.

Mr Osborne compared the pledge of a referendum with the recent vote on Scottish independence, saying "the march of the separatists" was "reversed" by the 'No' vote.

And on the economy, he said it was a "dangerous myth" that the link between economic prosperity and people's personal finances had been broken.

The Conservatives want to use their final conference before a general election to unveil policies - on housing, apprenticeships and pensions - that demonstrate they are on the side of hard-pressed voters and not just focused on cutting the deficit.

'Hard-earned pensions'

In a move expected to go down well with core Conservative voters, Mr Osborne is setting out plans to abolish the 55% tax charged when people pass on a pension pot. The government estimates that the changes are likely to affect 320,000 people.

Mr Osborne will say: "People who have worked and saved all their lives will be able to pass on their hard-earned pensions to their families tax free.

"The children and grandchildren and others who benefit will get the same tax treatment on this income as on any other, but only when they choose to draw it down.

"Freedom for people's pensions. A pension tax abolished. Passing on your pension tax free.

"Not a promise for the next Conservative government - but put in place by Conservatives in government now."

Analysis: Joe Lynam, Business Correspondent

This is the final part of the chancellor's radical pension reform programme.

In last March's Budget he said those saving for a pension would no longer be forced to buy an annuity - freeing up older people to spend their savings how and when they wanted.

This latest announcement will appeal to a wide spectrum of savers and voters and will remind us of how able the chancellor is at zeroing in on schemes which simultaneously appeal to core voters as well as Britain's legion of savers, who have been so stung by record low interest rates for over five years.

The government thinks 320,000 people might benefit from these latest reforms each year which will cost it around £150m. We won't know until December's Autumn Statement how this will be paid for.

The scrapping of the 55% rate is the latest in a string of changes to pension regulations introduced by George Osborne.

In March's Budget, the chancellor announced that pensioners would have the freedom to cash in as much or as little of their pension pot as they wanted, removing the need to buy an annuity.

The latest measure will apply to all inherited pensions received from April 2015.

The beneficiaries of anyone who dies before that date may also benefit from the tax cut, if payment is delayed until after the new policy comes into effect.

It says 12 million Britons have some form of defined contributions pensions saving.

Spouses and financially dependent children under the age of 23 are already exempt from the 55% tax, but the new policy introduces the following changes:

• When the deceased is 75 or over, beneficiaries will only have to pay their marginal income tax rate, and only when they take money out of the pension. There will be no restrictions on how much of the fund can be withdrawn at any one time.
• Tax-free access to the pension pot of those who die under 75, to any beneficiary, including if the pension is already in "drawdown", meaning income has been drawn from the fund while it is still being invested.

Mr Osborne will also attack the credibility of Labour's economic policies, saying: "The idea that you can raise living standards, or fund the brilliant NHS we want, or provide for our national security without a plan to fix the economy is nonsense.

"It's the economy that builds houses. It's the economy that creates jobs.

"It's the economy that pays for hospitals. It's the economy that puts food on the table.

"That's why it's the economy that settles elections. And the Conservatives are the only people in British politics with a plan to fix the economy."

What is your reaction to George Osborne's proposals? You can email your comments to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

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RAF jets sent on Iraqi mission

27 September 2014 Last updated at 19:52

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BBC Defence Correspondent Jonathan Beale reports from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus

Two RAF jets have carried out their first combat mission over Iraq since Parliament authorised air strikes targeting Islamic State (IS) militants.

The Ministry of Defence said the two Tornado jets carried out armed reconnaissance operations but did not conduct any air strikes.

They gathered intelligence which would be "invaluable", the MoD added.

The mission comes after Parliament voted by 524 votes to 43 to take action against IS in Iraq, but not Syria.

The Tornado jets have now returned to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, seven hours after they took off.

In a statement, the MOD said: "Although on this occasion no targets were identified as requiring immediate air attack by our aircraft, the intelligence gathered by the Tornados' highly sophisticated surveillance equipment will be invaluable to the Iraqi authorities and their coalition partners."

It said that the "very presence of coalition airpower" would have a significant impact on IS.

"With no effective defence against air strikes, and knowing the precision with which coalition aircraft can hit them, the terrorists are forced to be much more cautious, keeping their forces dispersed and movement inhibited.

"They also know that should they concentrate to deliver an attack against Iraqi or Kurdish troops, aircraft are likely to arrive overhead very soon afterwards."

RAF Tornados have been flying reconnaissance missions over Iraq for the past six weeks, but these are the first flights since they have been authorised to launch air strikes.

The planes were loaded with laser-guided bombs and missiles.

The Tornados were supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft.

John Nichol, a former RAF navigator who was held captive in the Gulf War of 1991, said the difficulty with the mission was that IS does not have military infrastructure such as air fields or weapon dumps which can be destroyed.

"If there are no IS fighters on the ground and we're talking of a pick-up truck with some weaponry on the back - then there is nothing to attack.

"If IS know that the air assets are up there to hunt them down, they're not stupid, they're going to be hiding amongst the civilian population."

Analysis: BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale, at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus

There were no guarantees that the two RAF Tornados that took off this morning would fire their weapons.

It was made clear that this would be a continuation of their reconnaissance mission, but with the key difference that they were now authorised to engage targets on the ground.

The fact that they returned fully loaded though is an indication that this fight will not be easy.

Britain is joining this fight more than a month after America launched its first airstrikes. IS will have had time to adapt on the ground.

It's also a reminder that the RAF is playing a modest role - US warplanes are carrying out dozens of sorties a day.

There will be more British combat missions as David Cameron has made clear that he's committed for the long term.

But while airstrikes have helped halt recent IS advances, they alone will not decide what happens on the ground.

IS - also known as Isis or Isil - controls large swathes of Syria and Iraq after rapid advances through the region in the summer.

It has been using the Syrian city of Raqqa as the capital of its self-declared caliphate.

The US has been carrying out air strikes in northern Iraq since mid-August, and was supported by the French since last week. About 40 countries in total, including several from the Middle East, have joined the US in taking action against IS.

Earlier, Prime Minister David Cameron said British aircraft were there to "play our part" in the international coalition amassed against IS which was being led by the "legitimate government of Iraq" and its security forces.

At least two British hostages are thought to be being held by IS - journalist John Cantlie and taxi driver Alan Henning, who had been delivering humanitarian aid to Syria.

Who are Islamic State (IS)?

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In 60 seconds: What does Islamic State want?

• Formed out of al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) in 2013, IS first captured Raqqa in eastern Syria
• It captured broad swathes of Iraq in June, including Mosul, and declared a "caliphate" in areas it controls in Syria and Iraq
• Pursuing an extreme form of Sunni Islam, IS has persecuted non-Muslims such as Yazidis and Christians, as well as Shia Muslims, whom it regards as heretics
• Known for its brutal tactics, including beheadings of soldiers, Western journalists and aid workers
• The CIA says the group could have as many as 31,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria

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Tory minister Brooks Newmark resigns

27 September 2014 Last updated at 21:24

Tory MP for Braintree Brooks Newmark has resigned as minister for civil society following Sunday Mirror allegations he shared sexually explicit images of himself with an undercover reporter over social media.

He said in a statement he remained "a loyal supporter of this government".

His resignation comes on the eve of the Conservative party conference.

It was announced hours after fellow Tory MP Mark Reckless said he was quitting the party to join UKIP.

It is alleged the reporter was posing as a young female activist.

A Downing Street spokesman said Prime Minister David Cameron had accepted Mr Newmark's resignation as a minister.

UKIP defection

Mr Newmark, 56, said: "I have decided to resign as minister for civil society having been notified of a story to be published in a Sunday newspaper.

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

"I remain a loyal supporter of this Government as its long term economic plan continues to deliver for the British people."

Mr Newmark, who has been the MP for Braintree since 2005, became minister for civil society in July.

No 10 said later that Rob Wilson, Conservative MP for Reading East, had been appointed as Mr Newmark's replacement as minister for civil society.

Mark Reckless earlier told the UKIP conference he had resigned as an MP, triggering a by-election in Rochester and Strood.

He will seek re-election in his constituency for UKIP.

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Sturgeon in 'good faith' Smith pledge

28 September 2014 Last updated at 00:02

The SNP's Nicola Sturgeon has pledged to work in good faith with the commission set up to boost Holyrood's powers in the wake of the referendum.

Ms Sturgeon, who is bidding to lead the SNP after Alex Salmond's resignation, said the Smith Commission had to go a long way to deliver on promises made.

The main UK parties have said they were committed to devolving new powers, expected to include welfare and tax.

Ms Sturgeon said the parties would face a backlash if they were not delivered.

She told the Sunday Times: "I've said it directly to Lord Smith - we go into this in good faith. We won't get everything we want from it.

"It is not going to deliver independence but it has to go a very long way to deliver what people out there think was promised to them. It has to be a comprehensive package.

"Between the 45% who voted 'Yes' and a sizeable number who voted 'No' because they thought that was the route to more powers, there is a powerful public majority out there for change.

"In the few days before the referendum the language being used was the language of substantial radical change - devo max, something close to federalism, home rule. That is the expectation that has been generated.

"Unless we end up with a package that is substantial the backlash against the Westminster parties is going to be severe."

'Draft legislation'

Earlier this week Lord Smith - whose appointment was announced by Prime Minister David Cameron in the wake of the referendum - warned it will "not be easy" to get agreement from political parties.

He said those involved in the talks would require "courage" and "compromise" - but he was confident they would rise to the challenge.

The Smith Commission aims to get agreement between the SNP, Scottish Labour, the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Greens on the way forward by 30 November.

A "command paper", setting out the issues, is also due to be published by 31 October, with draft legislation unveiled by 25 January.

Independence rally

Meanwhile, on Saturday, thousands of supporters of Scottish independence took part in a rally outside the Scottish parliament.

The rally, organised under the Voice Of The People banner, heard from speakers urging people to carry on with the campaign.

Speaking at the event, SNP MSP Marco Biagi said: "True power has not been given back to Westminster, it has been lent to them and one day we will take it back."

At an event in Perth on Saturday for Liberal Democrat activists, Scottish Lib Dem leader, Willie Rennie, has warned independence supporters not to seek an "ultra-extreme" form of devolution.

He said: "An attempt from nationalists to redefine home rule and federalism in an ultra-extreme form is perhaps understandable but it is not something that will create a sustainable settlement that will stand the test of time."

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Charles to honour fallen police

28 September 2014 Last updated at 01:15

The Prince of Wales is set to attend an event to honour police officers who were killed while on duty.

Home Secretary Theresa May is also expected to attend the National Police Memorial Day event, to be held at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.

The prince, who is patron of a service which moves around the UK, attended last year's event in Cardiff.

Sgt Joe Holness, who founded the commemoration, said it was a special day to remember those that have died.

"It is a day that is as profound now as it was 11 years ago when this event first started," he said.

"It brings together police forces, officers, colleagues, friends and family from across the country to remember and give recognition to those that have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting us."

The event was inaugurated by Sgt Holness after his colleague was killed on duty.

'Poignant day'

The inaugural service was held at St Paul's Cathedral on Sunday October 3 2004.

"Police officers go to work every day knowing that they could find themselves in danger, and sometimes they risk their very lives as they protect the public," said Mrs May.

"We owe a debt of gratitude to officers across the country who show bravery as a matter of course and in many cases while they are off duty."

Steve White, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said it was a poignant and significant day for the policing family as officers throughout the UK gather to pay tribute to fallen colleagues.

"Their dedication to duty and self-sacrifice will never be forgotten," he said.

Services have been held all over the United Kingdom to reflect the national contribution made by the police, organisers said.

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Tories gather after double setback

28 September 2014 Last updated at 09:03

The Conservative conference is due to get under way in Birmingham with the Tories looking to recover from a ministerial resignation and defection.

The party was hit on Saturday by a second Tory MP in a month quitting for UKIP and a minister standing down after claims about his private life.

Party chairman Grant Shapps is to give the first major speech at 14:00 BST.

A number of election pledges were unveiled on the eve of the conference, including fresh benefit cuts.

But they were overshadowed on Saturday when MP for Rochester and Strood Mark Reckless announced at the UKIP conference he was stepping down to join the Conservatives' rivals.

Within hours, Brooks Newmark had resigned from the cabinet after the Sunday Mirror alleged the Conservative minister for civil society had sent an explicit photograph of himself to an undercover reporter posing as a female party activist.

The setbacks came as Chancellor George Osborne said a future Conservative government would look to make further changes to social security.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, he announced plans to cut out of work and housing benefit payments to young people.

In proposals aimed at funding new apprenticeships to tackle youth unemployment, Mr Osborne also pledged to reduce the total amount individual households can claim in a year.

And on Friday, David Cameron made a pitch to those struggling to get on the housing ladder, saying a Tory administration would build 100,000 homes exclusively available to under-40s at 20% below market rate.

'Tough start'

The prime minister had arrived in Birmingham with his wife for the last conference before May's general election just before Mr Newmark's resignation.

BBC political correspondent Robin Brant said his job now was to "steady nerves" and "focus on the positives".

"But this is a tough start for David Cameron," he added.

Mr Reckless's defection to UKIP comes less than a month after Clacton MP Douglas Carswell made the same move.

Both have said they will stand down from Parliament, triggering by-elections.

As UKIP leader Nigel Farage welcomed his latest recruit, Mr Reckless told rapturous delegates at the party's conference in Doncaster: "People feel ignored, taken for granted, over-taxed, over-regulated, ripped off and lied to."

Meanwhile, Conservative peer Lord Ashcroft called on the prime minister to do more win over undecided voters.

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Mark Reckless announces he is joining UKIP

"Starting today in Birmingham, Cameron must help them resolve their quandary in his party's favour," he wrote in the Sunday Times.

"[Mr] Cameron must show that his purpose is not merely a matter of dry economics but the creation of a country where everyone can share in the prosperity that the Tories are accused of wanting to preserve for the few."

The prime minister is due to deliver his set piece speech on Wednesday as he closes the conference.

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Vauxhall warns over Corsa steering

26 September 2014 Last updated at 21:20

Carmaker Vauxhall has warned owners of 3,000 of its cars not to drive them due to a steering problem.

The company said the vehicles affected were Adam, Corsa and Corsavan models registered since May this year.

There was an issue with a part used in the steering column that did not meet company standards, it said.

Opel, owned by US giant General Motors, issued a similar warning to its customers, saying 8,000 of its Adam and Corsa cars should be checked.

Vauxhall said that, "as a precaution, these vehicles should not be driven prior to inspection."

"Vauxhall puts the safety and convenience of its customers first and as this condition concerns their safety, the company is taking immediate action."

Customers can find out if their car is affected by going to the Vauxhall website homepage from Saturday for further information. Alternatively they can call for advice on 0800 026 0034, from 09.30 on Saturday.

The carmaker said it had discovered the fault during routine testing and, as far as it was aware, no accident or injury had been caused by the problem.

Have you experienced any problems with your Vauxhall Adam, Corsa or Corsavan? You can share your experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

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Tories plan under-40s homes discount

27 September 2014 Last updated at 00:17

Young first-time buyers in England could buy a house at 20% below the market rate if the Conservatives are re-elected, David Cameron has pledged.

The Conservative leader said the party would build 100,000 new homes, reserved for those under 40 buying their first home.

They would be exempt from some taxes and built on brownfield land already identified for development, he said.

He was speaking as the party prepares for its annual conference this weekend.

Conservative politicians and activists will gather in Birmingham from Sunday for what is the final conference before next May's general election.

'Locked out'

Unveiling the pledge - an extension of the Help to Buy mortgage scheme - Mr Cameron said the Conservatives wanted more young people to "achieve the dream" of owning their own home.

"I don't want to see young people locked out of home ownership," he said.

"We've already started to tackle the problem with Help to Buy mortgages - and these new plans will help tens of thousands more people to buy their first home."

The starter homes plan would only apply to England, whereas Help to Buy is UK-wide.

That scheme sees the government offering a 20% equity loan to buyers of newly-built properties.

'Raft of taxes'

Under the new proposals, the homes would be built on brownfield land which was no longer needed for industrial or commercial use.

Savings from constructing the dwellings on such land would be passed on to the buyers, the Conservatives said.

Public sector land would also be used to deliver the pledge.

The homes would be exempt "from a raft of taxes", Mr Cameron said, such as the community infrastructure levy and a requirement to build social housing as part of any development.

Some building regulations - like the zero carbon homes standard - would also not apply to the new units.

Are you a first-time buyer under 40? What do you think about this pledge? You can share your experience and comments by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

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NHS to pay for Ashya King's treatment

26 September 2014 Last updated at 19:10

The NHS has agreed to fund the care of brain tumour patient Ashya King who is undergoing proton beam treatment at a Czech clinic.

The five-year-old has been receiving post-operative radiotherapy at the Proton Therapy Centre (PTC) in Prague since 15 September.

In a statement, NHS England said it was "clearly best" he continued to be treated "uninterrupted".

His 30-session treatment is due to last six weeks.

Ashya's parents, Brett and Naghemeh King, from Southsea, were briefly detained after taking him out of the country for cancer treatment.

They wanted him to have proton beam therapy, which was not recommended by doctors who were originally caring for him at Southampton General Hospital.

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Jenny Hill visits the Proton Therapy Centre in Prague

'Cross-border arrangements'

A police hunt was sparked when they removed him from hospital in Southampton on 28 August after disagreeing with doctors.

They were arrested in Spain and spent several days away from their son, reuniting once the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew the European arrest warrant.

The family was flown by private jet to Prague ahead of Ashya's treatment at the PTC.

The NHS statement read: "Our thoughts are with Ashya and his family as he begins follow-on radiotherapy.

"Now that Ashya is in Prague, it is clearly best that Ashya continues to be treated uninterrupted so the NHS has agreed to fund this care, as requested by his parents, in accordance with relevant European cross-border arrangements.

"We all join in wishing him well, and greatly hope he makes a full and successful recovery."

The treatment is a type of radiation therapy that uses beams of protons - or small parts of atoms - rather than high energy X-rays, as with conventional radiotherapy.

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Anjem Choudary released from custody

26 September 2014 Last updated at 19:51

Radical preacher Anjem Choudary has been released from police custody after being arrested on suspicion of being a member of a banned terrorist group.

He was one of nine men held on Thursday as part of a Met Police inquiry into Islamist-related terrorism.

Mr Choudary, 47, was questioned at Southwark Police Station in London.

Abu Izzadeen, 39, of London, also known as Trevor Brookes, was charged with breaching a notification requirement under counter-terrorism legislation.

He will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

Mr Choudary is one of eight men, aged between 22 and 51, who have been bailed to return to central London police stations in January.

Property searched

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Choudary said his bail restrictions included a ban on foreign travel and public preaching.

He described his arrest as "politically motivated", in order to silence him on the eve of the Parliamentary vote on military intervention in Iraq.

Mr Choudary said he had been questioned about organisations that he was formerly involved with before they were banned under terrorism legislation. His brother was released alongside him.

Mr Choudary is the former UK head of the Islamist group al-Muhajiroun or Islam4UK, which was banned in 2010.

Two men, aged 33 and 42, who were arrested in the early hours of Friday on the M6 motorway near Rugby, remain in custody at a central London police station.

Scotland Yard said their officers had searched several residential, business or community premises.

Three of the searches are ongoing.

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RAF set for strikes on IS targets

27 September 2014 Last updated at 08:37

British warplanes are awaiting orders to launch missile attacks against Islamic State after Parliament backed military action in Iraq.

Six Tornado G4 fighters have been based in Cyprus since August but so far have only been used for reconnaissance.

The bombers are expected to lead any British operations targeting IS.

MPs voted overwhelmingly for the UK to join the US-led air strikes in Iraq. Britain has stopped short of extending its support to operations in Syria.

After a seven-hour debate on Friday, MPs from all three main Westminster parties voted for military action by 524 votes to 43.

'Long campaign'

As well as the Tornados at the British Akrotiri base in Cyprus, the RAF also has a Rivet Joint spy plane - successor to the Nimrod - in the region.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said "intensified surveillance" would identify "convoys" of IS fighters.

But speaking to BBC's Newsnight, he warned the campaign would be "long and drawn out".

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Michael Fallon, defence secretary: "There is a strong legal case for action in Syria but it's a much more complicated picture"

"You should not expect immediate shock and awe - a wave of fighters or bombers taking off," he said.

The aim in Iraq was to "push" Isil out of the country and improve its security situation within its "existing borders", he told the programme.

Interviewed in the Sun newspaper, Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed the first RAF sorties would happen "relatively rapidly" now MPs had sanctioned action.

He added that the fight against IS and extremism in other countries was "generational struggle" that could take longer than a three-year timescale set out by Mr Fallon.

"Hopefully we will be able to achieve success faster than that. But you know, it might take longer. It will take time," he said.

IS - sometimes referred to Isis or Isil - has claimed the Syrian city of Raqqa as the capital of its self-declared caliphate.

It controls large swathes of Syria and Iraq after rapid advances through the region earlier in the summer.

The US has been carrying out missile strikes against IS targets in northern Iraq since mid-August and American raids over Syria are now "near continuous", an official told the AFP news agency on Friday.

The Americans have said IS is being damaged by the air operations but will not be defeated without ground combat.

Downing Street has said it would seek separate Parliamentary approval for the extension of air strikes to Syria but reserved the right to act without consulting MPs in the event of a humanitarian emergency.

During the debate Mr Cameron said there was "no legal barrier" to military action in Syria, but he acknowledged there was no consensus among MPs for such a move.

Mr Fallon reiterated that there was already a "strong legal case" for air strikes in Syria, adding: "This is a battle against Isil that can only be won in both countries."

The jihadi group has been condemned in the West for its persecution of religious minorities and brutal tactics including beheadings and crucifixions.

Two British hostages are thought to be being held by IS, journalist John Cantlie and taxi driver Alan Henning.

'Same mistakes'

The defence secretary said the UK would not allow "overall strategic decisions" to be affected by the plight of the men.

"Both those lives very sadly are in danger anyway," Mr Fallon said.

Jets from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have acted alongside the US, and America says more than 40 countries have offered to join the anti-IS coalition.

French fighter jets are already taking part in strikes in Iraq and Belgium and Denmark are also sending planes.

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David Cameron: Mission against IS in Iraq will take "not just months but years"

On Friday some 23 Labour MPs voted against air strikes, as did six Conservatives, one Liberal Democrat, two Plaid Cymru MPs and five Scottish National Party MPs.

They were joined in the no lobby by Green MP Caroline Lucas, three Social Democratic and Labour party MPs and Respect MP George Galloway. Two MPs acted as no tellers during the vote, Labour's Jeremy Corbyn and the SNP's Pete Wishart.

Mr Cameron had said military intervention was "morally justified" to combat a "brutal terrorist organisation" and was clearly lawful.

Labour leader Ed Miliband also backed intervention, telling MPs inaction would lead to "more killing" in Iraq.

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said it was "impossible to reason with" IS

Speaking after the vote on Friday, Labour MP John McDonnell warned the 2003 war in Iraq was one of the reasons for the rise of IS and said the UK seemed to be "making the same mistakes" again.

Who are Islamic State (IS)?

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In 60 seconds: What does Islamic State want?

• Formed out of al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) in 2013, IS first captured Raqqa in eastern Syria
• It captured broad swathes of Iraq in June, including Mosul, and declared a "caliphate" in areas it controls in Syria and Iraq
• Pursuing an extreme form of Sunni Islam, IS has persecuted non-Muslims such as Yazidis and Christians, as well as Shia Muslims, whom it regards as heretics
• Known for its brutal tactics, including beheadings of soldiers, Western journalists and aid workers
• The CIA says the group could have as many as 31,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria

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Legendary trainer Balding dies at 78

Grand National-winning trainer Toby Balding has died at the age of 78.

Balding, the uncle of BBC presenter Clare, trained more than 2,000 winners and won all jump racing's biggest prizes, including two Grand Nationals.

He established the riding talents of AP McCoy  and fellow jockey Adrian Maguire and retired in 2004.

McCoy said: "I cried when I heard the news my old boss and friend Toby Balding had died. We had great times together, he was my ultimate mentor."

Balding's daughter Serena Geake said: "He was a great man, who loved life, horses and people."

"Toby Balding - Gerald Barnard actually, but always Toby - will be remembered as a towering figure in racing for half a century. "And not only did he pull off the rare feat of winning at least one running of all three of steeplechasing's 'holy trinity' of feature races - the Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle - but he was also a notable mentor to young jockeys. "Though Adrian Maguire and AP McCoy stand out, there were many more and Balding delighted in their success, and was at the centre of the celebrations when McCoy reached the 4,000-winner mark at Towcester late last year."

Balding, who began training horses in 1956, enjoyed success on the Flat and over jumps.

He trained National winners Highland Wedding in 1969 and Little Polveir 20 years later, won the Champion Hurdle with Beech Road in 1989 and Morley Street in 1991, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Cool Ground in 1992.

Balding, the older brother of Classic-winning trainer Ian and uncle of current trainer Andrew, was awarded an OBE in the 2011 New Year Honours list for services to horse racing.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls said: "So sad to hear of the passing away of Toby Balding. Wonderful man who will be missed by so many. RIP."

Fellow trainer Jonjo O'Neill said: "Very saddened at the news of Toby Balding's passing. My thoughts are with his family."

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Missing Alice police to search park

26 September 2014 Last updated at 05:20

Police investigating the disappearance of Alice Gross are expected to begin searching a west London park near the canal towpath where she was last seen.

The 14-year-old has been missing since 28 August, when she was filmed on CCTV walking along the Grand Union Canal.

Scotland Yard said part of Elthorne Park, which has been cordoned off, was an "area of interest".

Detectives continue to search for convicted murderer Arnis Zalkalns, named as the main suspect in the case.

The 41-year-old was filmed cycling along the canal 15 minutes after Alice was seen and went missing from his Ealing home on 3 September.

The Latvian was convicted of his wife's murder in 1998 and served seven years in jail before moving to the UK in 2007.

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A police cadet shows Alice's walk, which police described as "distinctive"

'New agony'

On Thursday police staged a reconstruction and released an interactive map showing Alice's last known movements.

Alice's parents urged anyone with information to "please, please help us".

In a statement they said they were "desperately concerned" for her welfare and "every morning brings new agony".

Detective Superintendent Carl Mehta said: "Alice was last seen on CCTV walking along the canal towpath, heading under Trumpers Way bridge towards Hanwell.

"Since 16:26 BST on that Thursday 28 August she has not been seen. Did you see Alice that afternoon? Have you seen her since? We need your help to find her."

He said Alice's walk was "particularly distinctive" and was similar to that of a power walker moving her arms up and down as she walked.

The hunt for Alice, from Hanwell, west London, is the largest Met Police search operation since the 7/7 terrorist bombings in 2005, with 600 officers from eight forces involved.

As well as the park, police are searching a stretch of the River Brent where her rucksack was found.

Detectives have also flown to the Latvian capital Riga as part of the investigation, although Scotland Yard said there was no evidence to suggest Mr Zalkalns was there.

The force stressed Mr Zalkalns was one of many lines of inquiry.

The BBC's correspondent in Latvia, Damien McGuinness said there was not enough evidence to issue a European Arrest Warrant, however legal experts believe Latvian police would detain Mr Zalkalns because there is reasonable suspicion a crime has been committed.

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"Every day without her causes us new heartache, new anguish," the parents of missing teenager Alice Gross speak about their daughter

A reward of up to £20,000 is being offered for anyone who has information that leads detectives to find Alice.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the incident room on 0208 358 0100 or 101.

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Family urge care for blasphemy Scot

26 September 2014 Last updated at 07:16

The family of a Scottish grandfather sentenced to death in Pakistan over blasphemy charges say he is not receiving the specialist care he needs.

Muhammad Asghar, 70, who previously lived in Edinburgh, is in hospital after being shot by a guard in prison.

His family say he has a long history of mental illness, including a diagnosis for severe paranoid schizophrenia.

He returned to live in Pakistan in 2010 and was arrested for writing several letters claiming to be a prophet.

A court in Rawalpindi convicted him of blasphemy earlier this year.

The family will hold a press conference in Glasgow on Friday.

'Critical'

Family solicitor Aamer Anwar urged First Minister Alex Salmond and Prime Minister David Cameron to intervene to see Mr Asghar moved to a secure medical facility and transferred to the UK.

He said: "To date the British government has failed to provide any meaningful assistance to Mr Asghar or his family.

"It is now too late to wait for discussions behind closed doors and other delaying tactics.

"The next 48 hours will be critical for Mr Asghar's personal safety."

The diagnosis for severe paranoid schizophrenia was not taken into account by the authorities during his trial, Mr Anwar said.

He added that prison doctors have failed to acknowledge the severity of his psychiatric illness and he has been given only the most basic antidepressant medication.

The attack took place at 08:30 local time inside the Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, where he was being held.

A Rawalpindi police official told BBC Urdu's Shahzad Malik the gunman who shot the Scot is Mohammad Yousuf, a member of the Elite Force of police commandos.

He said Mr Yousuf walked into Mr Asghar's cell before shooting him.

Prison security, who ran to the scene when they heard the gunshots, were said to have overpowered and disarmed Mr Yousuf.

The extent of Mr Asghar's injuries remain unclear but officials and doctors say he is in a stable condition.

A doctor at the hospital where Mr Asghar was taken told AFP news agency he had "been shot from the back and the bullet has crossed his body affecting his ribs and lungs".

"He is out of danger now," he added.

Another report said at least one bullet had hit Mr Asghar in the arm.

Overcrowded

British politicians and activists have been campaigning for his release, urging the Pakistani government to intervene in his case so he can be treated.

Continue reading the main story

This appalling attack shows the only way to ensure Mr Asghar's safety is to have him returned home to Britain"

End Quote Maya Foa Reprieve charity

Adiala Jail is notorious for being overcrowded with poor conditions.

It is where Mumtaz Qadri, the "celebrated" police guard who killed Punjab Governor Salman Taseer in 2011, is also in custody. Qadri was sentenced to death after confessing to murdering Mr Taseer because he objected to his calls to amend a controversial blasphemy law.

Critics of the law say it can be used to persecute minority faiths and is sometimes exploited for grudges. The assassination divided Pakistan, with many hailing Qadri as a hero.

Mr Asghar was convicted under the blasphemy law in 2010 and filed an appeal in the Lahore High Court in February 2014 against his sentence, but it has yet to be heard.

Mr Asghar is now receiving treatment in hospital, but legal charity Reprieve - which is assisting him - remains "deeply concerned" about his security.

Maya Foa, director of the death penalty team at Reprieve said: "This appalling attack shows that the only way to ensure Mr Asghar's safety is to have him returned home to Britain.

"The UK government must redouble its efforts on this front - and as a first step, must urgently ensure that he is moved today to a safe location in Pakistan, until he is well enough to travel.

"Mr Asghar is a vulnerable, 70-year old man suffering from severe mental illness - a fact which has been consistently ignored by the Pakistani courts during his four year ordeal.

"David Cameron said he was 'deeply concerned' about his case earlier this year - but now we must see concrete action to ensure his safety."

On Thursday, a Foreign Office spokesman said: "We have raised our concerns with the local authorities at a senior level."

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UKIP to promise income tax cuts

26 September 2014 Last updated at 08:51

The UK Independence Party has said it would cut income tax from 40p to 35p for people earning up to £55,000.

At its party conference, which starts later, UKIP will also promise to raise to £13,500 the amount people can earn before paying any income tax.

In a plan to win the "blue-collar vote", Nigel Farage's party will pledge to fund the changes by leaving the EU and cutting UK foreign aid by 85%.

Mr Farage said he expected UKIP to have "real influence" after the election.

He told the BBC it was important that people thinking of voting for UKIP knew what his party would be "fighting for" in the event of a hung Parliament next May.

Mr Farage will address an estimated 2,000 activists at the conference at Doncaster Racecourse - which is near Labour leader Ed Miliband's constituency - at 15:00 BST.

As well as tax, Mr Farage is expected to make a direct appeal to Labour voters, claiming the opposition has failed to stand up for the people it was founded to represent.

At present the tax-free "personal allowance" applies for income up to £10,000, then a "basic rate" of 20% is paid on earnings up to £41,865.

The 40p rate is payable on income from £41,866 to £150,000, with the "additional rate" of 45% paid on anything over £150,000.

Under UKIP's plans, everyone earning between about £44,000 and £55,000 would pay income tax at 35p. Those earning more will pay 40p, with the additional rate scrapped.

Analysis

by Robin Brant, BBC political correspondent

The spin is "this conference will be blue-collar not blokes in blazers".

A look around the venue at the early arrivers didn't quite live up to that, but attacking Labour and trying to woo voters in its traditional heartland is the major theme of this gathering.

It's no coincidence Nigel Farage has come to Doncaster Racecourse, right next door to Ed Miliband's constituency, a few months after UKIP secured that Euro election win.

It sees a gap in the market where a tough economy combined with a wave of immigration from Europe is testing loyalties.

Rumours of another high-profile defection persist; could it be Labour this time? I'm told UKIP's millionaire donor Paul Sykes is "very satisfied" and likely to give again.

Those at the top sense a breakthrough in Clacton too, where they are throwing everything at the by-election effort. A senior party figure told me they hope to add up to another eight MPs come the general election. The "real horizon" though, they added, "is 2020".

Mr Farage said the tax changes would cost £12bn but it could be paid for by the UK leaving the EU, cutting back the foreign aid budget and not going ahead with the HS2 rail link.

"It is a lot of money, I agree," he said. "But there are a range of measures there that would more than cover these tax cuts. We are not promising the earth because it [the policy] is costed.

"We have argued for many years that people on low salaries shouldn't be paying tax because it is a huge disincentive to come off benefits and because their living standards are going down each year because of the increase in prices.

"By pushing for this hard, I would not be surprised if one or more of these parties adopted this line and we helped to shift the agenda."

However, the Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank has suggested the entire package of tax changes could cost up to £19bn.

Parliament recall

Mr Farage has claimed it is not inconceivable that the party could hold the balance of power in the event of an inconclusive election result.

Although it is not represented at Westminster at the moment, UKIP is hoping to get its first MP next month in the Clacton by-election on 9 October.

The Clacton vote was triggered by the defection to UKIP of Conservative MP Douglas Carswell, who resigned his seat to stand for re-election.

Mr Carswell will speak at the conference later, as will John Bickley, who will run for UKIP in the Heywood and Middleton by-election to be held on the same day.

Mr Farage has said the recall of Parliament on Friday to discuss air strikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq was scheduled to upstage the start of UKIP's two-day conference. He said Prime Minister David Cameron would "do anything he can to try to deflect attention away from UKIP".

Philip Collins, chair of centre-left think tank Demos, said UKIP's stance was "absolutely bizarre".

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MPs to vote on IS Iraq air strikes

26 September 2014 Last updated at 09:19

MPs will vote later on whether the UK should join US-led air strikes on Islamic State (IS) in Iraq.

The Tories, Liberal Democrats and Labour all back action, which the coalition says is legal because it was requested by the Iraqi government.

In an interview with political magazine The House, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the campaign could be a "long haul" of "two to three years".

IS has seized large parts of Iraq and Syria in recent months.

The group, also known as Isis or Isil, has used tactics that have included beheadings of soldiers, Western journalists and aid workers.

It could have as many as 31,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria, according to the CIA.

The UK government is not proposing any involvement in air strikes on Syria.

On Thursday, about 250 people protested outside the gates of Downing Street against the possibility of military action in Iraq.

Some MPs also oppose the military action.

Labour's Diane Abbott, Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell signed a letter to the Guardian which said bombing Iraq would "only exacerbate the situation".

"We urge the government to rule out any further military action in Iraq or Syria," they said.

The Commons has been recalled from its four-week break for the Scottish independence referendum and party conferences to deal with the developing situation.

Prime Minister David Cameron will open the debate at 10:30 BST (09:30 GMT) - it is expected to last seven hours.

The government does not have to seek the approval of MPs to commence military action, but it has become customary to do so since this first happened over the Iraq war in 2003.

Analysis

by Jonathan Beale, defence correspondent

Six RAF Tornados in Cyprus have been ready to carry out air strikes for weeks. Their laser-guided bombs and missiles will be loaded and armed soon after Parliament gives the green light.

The Tornados have already been flying reconnaissance missions over Iraq and will have identified potential targets. But some of the obvious ones, like command and control centres, will have already been hit by US war planes which have been launching strikes for the past month.

The focus of their attacks have now switched to Syria itself. So the RAF will also be looking for targets of opportunity - such as IS fighters and vehicles on the move.

The expected intervention of the UK will not be a game-changer. During military intervention against Libya in 2011, the RAF had three times as many war planes involved. But the fight against IS will be more like a marathon than a sprint.

And the longer it goes on, IS will adapt its tactics, and airstrikes will inevitably become less potent.

Black market

Its motion specifically rules out any attacks on IS in Syria, following the Commons' rejection of joining in air strikes in that country last year. Any action there would require a separate vote.

Downing Street said UK forces could join the bombing of targets in Iraq after the Iraqi minister of foreign affairs wrote to the United Nations seeking international assistance.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said: "The plan is to provide air support to the Iraqi government, alongside our allies - the US, France and an increasing number of Arab countries who are going to take part."

On Thursday, Mr Hammond had reiterated that any ground campaign against IS would not involve UK troops.

The US began a series of air strikes in Iraq last month, and on Monday it began attacks on targets in Syria.

Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said the purpose of the Syria strikes was "not necessarily to kill militants" but to destroy the facilities - including oil refineries - which were funding IS through the black market.

Jets from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have joined US forces in the attacks, and the US says more than 40 countries have offered to join the anti-IS coalition.

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Footage released by the Pentagon shows a strike on the Jeribe refinery in eastern Syria

IS has threatened to kill British hostage Alan Henning, whose wife pleaded for his release on Tuesday. The threat was made in a video showing the beheading of British aid worker David Haines earlier this month.

Mr Haines's daughter, Bethany, has told ITV News IS must be "eradicated".

Also on Tuesday, IS released a second video showing UK journalist John Cantlie.

Meanwhile, in the US, FBI director James Corney says the bureau has identified the man referred to in the British press as "Jihadi John".

BBC security correspondent Gordon Corera said UK security services were frustrated at the FBI comments.

He said UK authorities "may well" have known the suspect's identity for weeks, but they wanted to gather as much intelligence as possible without "tipping their hand as to what they knew".

Analysis

by Sean Curran, parliamentary correspondent

When David Cameron stands up at the dispatch box to open the debate about military action he will know that the result of the Commons vote is not in doubt.

We are not about to see a repeat of the scenes at the end of August last year when a government's proposal to consider military action against Syria was rejected at the end of another emergency debate.

This time there's agreement between the three largest parties at Westminster, but that doesn't mean there won't be a real debate.

Some MPs are opposed to military action and will argue and vote against the motion.

That motion spells out that the Commons is not being asked to endorse air strikes in Syria and we can expect questions and concerns about what would happen in the future.

The suspected militant - whom the FBI is not naming at present - is thought to have appeared in IS beheading videos.

Speaking at the UN in New York on Wednesday evening (Thursday morning UK time), Mr Cameron said countries must stop their citizens travelling to join jihadist groups.

The EU's anti-terrorism chief, Gilles de Kerchove, has said more than 3,000 Europeans have joined Islamist fighters in Syria and Iraq, and Mr Cameron said 500 Britons had joined IS.

These apparently included Ibrahim Kamara, 19, from Brighton, whose mother Khadijah told the BBC her son had been killed in a US air strike in Syria on Monday.

She said her son, who had apparently joined al-Qaeda affiliate group Jabhat al-Nusra, had been "brainwashed".

Jihadist speaks

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Amer Deghayes says people do not understand their brand of Islam

Amer Deghayes, from Brighton, said he travelled to Syria with Ibrahim Kamara to join Jabhat al-Nusra.

Speaking to BBC Newsnight from Syria, Mr Deghayes said Mr Kamara was "soft-hearted" and a "funny guy" who wanted to help people.

"He was just a normal Muslim lad," he said.

"He learned about his duty towards the people that are being oppressed, people that are being attacked because they're Muslims and he saw that the solution is jihad."

Mr Deghayes said he understood why his friend's family were upset, but said Mr Kamara had been granted a "honour" by Allah.

"Ibrahim has always been a person that asked for martyrdom," he said.

He said if the family did not "understand", it was because they did not have "the knowledge of the virtues of jihad and the virtues of martyrdom".

Mr Deghayes said he was friends with at least three other British fighters who were killed in Monday's air strikes, but he refused to reveal their identities.

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Tesco made 'stratospheric' error

25 September 2014 Last updated at 09:08

Tesco executives could be quizzed by MPs after its "stratospheric" error over profits, the chairman of the Parliamentary Business Committee, Adrian Bailey, has told the BBC.

He told Radio 5 live's Wake Up To Money it was "unbelievable" that the retailer could get into "such a mess".

On Monday, Tesco admitted that it had overstated its guidance for half-year profits by £250m.

The UK's accountancy watchdog says it is "monitoring the situation closely".

Continue reading the main story

However, the Financial Reporting Council, said it would not act until Tesco's own investigation was completed.

Too little, too late?

On Tuesday, Tesco said that its new chief financial officer, Alan Stewart, would be joining the company immediately, more than two months earlier than originally planned.

He replaced Laurie McIlwee, who resigned from Tesco in April but was not due to leave the company officially until October.

On Wednesday evening, Tesco admitted that Mr McIlwee had not had any input into the retailer's financial matters since he resigned.

"Tesco stated on the 4th of April that until he officially left the company in October, Laurie McIlwee would be available to carry out transitional activities and support handover with colleagues as required," the company said.

"During the transition period, Laurie has in fact not been called upon by Tesco and has not been involved or had any input to any financial matters or held any position of responsibility in the company."

Tesco has appointed Deloitte to carry out an investigation into the overstatement, together with Freshfields, the group's external legal advisers.

Mr Bailey told the BBC that his reaction when he heard the news of the accounting error was of "disbelief".

He added he was not happy with Tesco's response. "They should never have got themselves into this mess and it may be too little too late."

Mr Bailey also said it seemed "incredible they could not have had a full-time finance officer overseeing everything".

Asked whether he might summon Tesco former chief executive, Philip Clarke, to appear before the business committee, Mr Bailey said: "It may well come to that."

"We need to have the outcome from [Tesco's own] inquiry and following that there may well be further inquiries.

"Depending on the train of events… we may well as a committee want to look at this. Not just at Tesco but at what is going on in the retail industry and in the relationship with the suppliers to see if problems haven't been addressed - because they should have been."

Sports Direct

Tesco's shares have fallen sharply since news of the profit guidance error stunned the markets on Monday.

However, Sports Direct - the sportswear retailer controlled by founder Mike Ashley - has announced it has taken out a put option on 23 million Tesco shares, representing 0.28% of the firm's capital.

The move means in effect that Sports Direct has made a bet on Tesco shares recovering.

Sports Direct said its maximum exposure under the deal was about £43m.

"This investment reflects Sports Direct's growing relationship with Tesco and belief in Tesco's long-term future," the company said.

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'Agony' of missing Alice's family

25 September 2014 Last updated at 07:29

The family of missing schoolgirl Alice Gross say they are "desperately concerned" for her welfare and "every morning brings new agony".

In a statement released by police ahead of a reconstruction of her last known movements, they appealed to Alice to "come home where you belong."

The 14-year-old was last seen on CCTV walking along the Grand Union Canal in west London on 28 August.

Police are also looking for convicted murderer Arnis Zalkalns.

The 41-year-old Latvian was filmed cycling along the canal 15 minutes after Alice was seen and went missing from his Ealing home on 3 September.

He was jailed for his wife's murder in 1998 and served seven years in jail before moving to the UK in 2007.

'Please help'

Her family said: "Alice has been missing for four weeks now. We are desperately concerned about her welfare and worry constantly about what may have happened to her."

Appealing directly to Alice, they added: "We love you and we miss you. We want to see your smile again, we want to hear you sing again. We want to be a family again.

"The whole family, all your friends, the community and the police are united in trying to bring you home."

Urging anyone with information about the case to contact police, they added: "We cannot believe that Alice is not at home with us and every morning brings new agony. We dearly love our daughter and Nina dearly loves her sister.

"Please, please help us."

The investigation team has followed at least 729 lines of inquiry, spoken to 1,067 people and taken more than 1,000 calls but there have been no confirmed sightings of Alice.

Metropolitan Police detectives are now in the Latvian capital Riga.

Force commander Graham McNulty has said the decision to name Mr Zalkalns as a suspect in the disappearance of Alice Gross was a "kind of last resort".

"It's not very often we seek to name suspects... because you're tipping people off," he said.

Officers are continuing to search a stretch of the River Brent, where Alice's rucksack was found, and its banks near Ealing Hospital.

Detective Superintendent Carl Mehta, said: "Alice was last seen on CCTV walking along the canal towpath, heading under Trumpers Way bridge towards Hanwell.

"Since 16:26 BST on that Thursday 28 August she has not been seen. Did you see Alice that afternoon? Have you seen her since? We need your help to find her.

"Just as Alice reached the bridge it started to rain heavily. Think back and try to remember if you were out and about in that area that afternoon. It was during the summer holidays and the canal is a really popular place locally.

"We know that Alice loved the rain, so she probably would have kept walking in it rather than seek shelter.

"There are many paths and turn offs from that canal towpath. We don't know the route that Alice took, so please think back to that Thursday four weeks ago and call us if you can help."

The hunt for Alice, from Hanwell, west London, is the largest Met Police search operation since the 7/7 terrorist bombings in 2005, with 600 officers from eight forces involved.

Detectives said Mr Zalkalns was arrested on suspicion of indecently assaulting a 14-year-old girl in 2009, but no further action was taken.

A reward of up to £20,000 is being offered for anyone who has information that leads detectives to find Alice.

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Multi-faith vigil for Alan Henning

25 September 2014 Last updated at 07:55

More than 100 people have attended a vigil in Greater Manchester in a show of support for the British hostage Alan Henning.

The Salford taxi driver was captured by Islamic State militants while delivering aid to Syria in December.

People of different faiths met at the Bolton Council of Mosques on Wednesday to call for his release.

It comes after his family revealed they received an audio recording of the 47 year old "pleading for his life".

'Top guy'

Many of his supporters at the vigil wore T-shirts saying "Free 'Gadget' Alan Henning" - a nickname given to him by his fellow convoy members for his technical skills.

Yasir Amir, 39, who travelled with Mr Henning in Syria, called him "a top guy" adding "he went there to make a difference, to help people".

Imam Rashid Musa, one of Bolton's senior Muslim clerics, said: "Being a person of faith, there is always hope, and my hope is that Alan will be released."

Canon Michael Cooke, from Bolton Council's Faith Leaders' Forum, also said prayers and led a two-minute silence.

Canon Cooke read a message from Chris Edmondson, Bishop of Bolton, in which he urged people in the "coming days and weeks" to pray together "for Alan's release, safe and unharmed" and for his family "in their anxiety and distress".

Last week, British Muslim leaders called for Mr Henning's immediate release in a letter in the Independent newspaper.

IS militants issued a threat to kill Mr Henning in a video released on 13 September which showed the killing of another British man, David Haines.

His death followed those of two US hostages, journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff.

Earlier on Tuesday IS released a second video of UK journalist John Cantlie, who was kidnapped in Syria in 2012 and is being held hostage.

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RBS chairman to join GlaxoSmithKline

25 September 2014 Last updated at 08:45

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) chairman Sir Philip Hampton will leave to become GlaxoSmithKline's chairman, the two firms have said.

Mr Hampton will join the UK pharmaceutical company in September next year. His departure had been expected.

He said it had been a "privilege to serve" at the Edinburgh-based bank.

Mr Hampton has been chairman at RBS, which is 80% owned by the taxpayer, since 2009.

Mr Hampton said in a statement: "I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in the months ahead as we work to implement the bank's strategy and continue to improve the support we provide to our customers."

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