SNP to reveal independence case

25 November 2013 Last updated at 19:07 ET By Andrew Black Political reporter, BBC Scotland

Scotland's first minister is to set out the SNP's blueprint for independence, ahead of next September's referendum.

Alex Salmond said the Scottish government's 670-page white paper would put beyond dispute Scotland's ability to be a successful, independent nation.

On 18 September, Scots voters will be asked the yes/no question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

Opposition politicians said "time was running out" for the SNP to answer key questions about the challenges ahead.

'Stuffed full'

The white paper, "Scotland's future: Your guide to an independent Scotland", is being launched by Mr Salmond and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during an event at Glasgow's Science Centre.

Continue reading the main story

The Scottish government has described the white paper as a "landmark document", with the case for economic growth and fairness at its heart.

The SNP has argued Scotland's finances are healthier than those of the UK, providing a strong foundation to put the focus of the referendum campaign on Scotland's future.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Ms Sturgeon told BBC Scotland the white paper was "stuffed full with facts and figures and information", with a "heavy focus" on addressing questions that people wanted answered.

She said: "This is an exciting day in the referendum campaign.

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

Independence vote explained in 60 seconds

"For everybody out there who has said, 'I'm not sure how to vote because I don't feel I've got all the information I need', this is the day when that information is put out there.

"Information that sets out the overwhelming case for independence, the benefits it will bring for individuals, families, communities, the country as a whole, the practicalities about how we make the journey to independence and answers to a whole range of questions people have been asking."

Ms Sturgeon added: "This is a big moment in the campaign and one which I think will decisively shift the dynamic of it."

The deputy first minister, who will make a statement to the Scottish Parliament on the white paper on Tuesday afternoon, said the pressure was now on the pro-Union side to set out their vision for Scotland's future.

The Scottish government's critics said the white paper would be judged on whether it tackled concerns over issues like financial challenges.

For the UK government, Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael said there were huge question marks over some of the policies already revealed by the SNP.

Continue reading the main story

Who? What? When?

• Voters in Scotland - including for the first time 16 and 17-year-olds - will have their say in a referendum on Scottish independence.

• They will be asked the "yes/no" question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

• The referendum takes place on Thursday 18 September, 2014.

He said it was "highly unlikely" the Scottish government's plan to keep the pound and retain the services of the Bank of England as part of a "currency union" with the rest of the UK would work, and said the SNP must set out a "Plan B".

The Scottish government's critics have also questioned its plan to get rid of Trident nuclear weapons - currently based on the Clyde - while being a member of Nato.

And they have said other SNP promises, on issues like pensions and welfare, are uncosted.

Mr Carmichael said: "Scotland does very well out of the United Kingdom.

"There are enormous questions that many people in all different parts of Scotland still want to see answered - time is running out for the Nationalists to answer these questions."

Continue reading the main story

"Start Quote

The White Paper runs to 670 pages and will be published as a book. Will it be bedside reading? Will we see it peeping from travellers' rucksacks? Will it be devoured, poolside, on electronic reading devices? Hope so"

End Quote

The Scottish government said its white paper had been written for the public to compare the SNP's case with the alternatives, before making their minds up on which way to vote.

An initial print run of 20,000 copies of the white paper has been produced, but it will be made available to everyone who requests a copy.

At the weekend, the Scottish government said that, if there was a "Yes" vote, its proposed "independence day" would fall on Thursday 24 March, 2016.

That date is also the anniversary of the Union of the Crowns in 1603.

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

Modern life 'turning people off sex'

25 November 2013 Last updated at 21:14 ET By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News

Money worries and the distractions of social media mean people are having sex less frequently, researchers say.

A survey of more than 15,000 Britons found those aged 16-44 were having sex fewer than five times a month.

The figure compared with more than six times a month on the last two occasions when the official National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles was carried out, in 1990-91 and 1999-2001.

The study's authors say modern life may be having an impact on libidos.

Dr Cath Mercer, from University College London, said: "People are worried about their jobs, worried about money. They are not in the mood for sex.

"But we also think modern technologies are behind the trend too. People have tablets and smartphones and they are taking them into the bedroom, using Twitter and Facebook, answering emails."

She also said the survey suggested that couples aged 16 to 44 may be using online porn as a substitute for sex.

Men polled in 2010 to 2012 reported having sex 4.9 times a month and women 4.8. In both previous surveys the averages were over six for both sexes both times.

The latest survey, which is carried out every 10 years, also asked older people about their sex lives.

It found 42% of women and 60% of men aged 65 to 74 had had sex in the past year.

Nonetheless, they were the age groups having the least sex - 2.3 times a month for men and 1.4 for women.

Among men, the 25 to 34 age group were having the most sex - 5.4 times a month - and for women it was the 16 to 24 age group, 5.8 times.

The average woman aged under 44 said they had had 7.7 partners over their lifetime, while for men it was 11.7.

The survey also asked participants about whether they had paid for sex in the past five years. Hardly any women had, but 3.6% of men admitted to it.

But the poll - the full details of which have been reported in the Lancet - also revealed the extent to which people are forced to have sex against their will.

One in 10 women and one in 70 men said they had experienced it.

However, fewer than half had told anyone about it and even fewer (13% of women and 8% of men) had reported the crime to the police.

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

Payday loan 'risk to new mortgages'

25 November 2013 Last updated at 23:03 ET

Taking out a payday loan could endanger people's chances of getting a mortgage whether or not they had difficulties repaying the cash, the BBC has learned.

Nearly two-thirds of brokers contacted by trade publication Mortgage Strategy for Newsnight had a client turned down for a mortgage after a payday loan.

A record of a loan will remain on a credit record for nearly six years.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said borrowers would receive warnings under future advertising regulation changes.

According to evidence gathered by Newsnight, many mortgage applications have been instantly declined and credit scores adversely affected after people took out payday loans.

Out of the 279 replies received by Mortgage Strategy, 184 brokers said they had clients in such a position.

Jonathan Clark of Chadney Bulgin financial planners in Fleet, Hampshire, advised a couple who took out multiple payday loans on getting a mortgage under the government's Help to Buy scheme.

"I knew it was going to be a problem, but I was a bit shocked by the response I got because apart from one or two who said they could be accepted subject to a credit score - which is a polite way of saying it probably won't work - most of them were very negative and said it would be an instant decline.

"That was regardless of their income, the conduct of their accounts and everything else... these were major High Street lenders."

Continue reading the main story

• Advertised monthly costs may seem low, but annual rates are significant
• Loans are quick but customer service can be poor. The Financial Ombudsman receives more than 50 complaints about payday lenders every month
• Other lenders like banks or credit unions may offer a better deal. Here are 10 things to check before you take out a loan

The trade body that represents payday lenders, the Consumer Finance Association, said it would look at whether customers should be warned about the consequences before they take out a payday loan.

It said it has asked the Council of Mortgage Lenders and major credit reference agencies for more information.

The revelation comes as the government is to introduce a new law to cap the cost of payday loans.

Some payday lenders have been criticised for charging more than 5,000% annual interest although the lenders say the loans are meant to be short-term, so the annual rate can make charges appear worse than they are.

The level of the cap, which has not yet been announced, will be decided by the new industry regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The cap will be included in the Banking Reform Bill, which is already going through Parliament.

Mr Cable told Newsnight that future advertising will also require payday loan companies to make clear that borrowers have to seek debt advice.

"If they seek debt advice they will know the risk of imperilling their credit status," he said.

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

Child-on-child abuse 'shocking'

26 November 2013 Last updated at 02:32 ET

"Shocking" sexual violence is being carried out by children against other children as young as 11, according to an official report.

The Office of the Children's Commissioner for England said the perpetrators could be 12 or 13, and rape is seen as "normal and inevitable" in some areas, especially among gangs.

Its report said bullying and sexist attitudes existed across the country.

Council chiefs said work by agencies on child protection needed to improve.

The report is the result of a two-year inquiry by the children's commissioner into child exploitation and gangs.

It is being published alongside research on young people's understanding of consent to sex, and a study on the pressures on young people who have been raised in gang-affected neighbourhoods.

The report says legislation is there to protect children but agencies from the police to social services need to become far better at spotting children at risk and providing them with the necessary protection.

'Chilling evidence'

Deputy Children's Commissioner Sue Berelowitz cited the "sheer levels of sadism" uncovered by the inquiry.

Continue reading the main story

"Start Quote

This is a deep malaise within society from which we must not shirk"

End Quote Sue Berelowitz Deputy Children's Commissioner

In a foreword to the report, Ms Berelowitz said the findings showed the "appalling reality" of sexual violence committed by young people.

"The fact that some adults (usually men) rape and abuse children is generally accepted," she said.

"There is, however, a long way to go before the appalling reality of sexual violence and exploitation committed by children and young people is believed."

"We have found shocking and profoundly distressing evidence of sexual assault, including rape, being carried out by young people against other children and young people.

"While we have published chilling evidence of this violence in gang-associated contexts, we know too that it is more widespread than that. This is a deep malaise within society from which we must not shirk."

Ms Berelowitz suggested that the music and pornographic industries have a great deal to answer for in creating such attitudes, with young girls being treated as commodities within gangs, passed around as sexual toys or used to ensnare rival gang members.

She told BBC Breakfast that most of the girls who had been victims of gangland sexual assaults said it was "part of the inevitability of growing up in their area and that there is no point in telling anybody about it".

The inquiry found that 2,409 youngsters were known to be victims of child sexual exploitation by gangs and groups, while a further 16,500 were at risk.

It warned that the problem was prevalent in every area of England, and was not restricted just to low-income, inner-city neighbourhoods but "in every type of neighbourhood, rural, urban, deprived, not deprived".

'Normal and inevitable'

Research conducted by Bedfordshire University into sexual violence in gangs suggested two-thirds of young people questioned (65%) knew of young women who had been pressurised or coerced into sexual activity.

Continue reading the main story

"Start Quote

Our work shows us that the earlier you help children and families the better the chance they have from breaking out from a negative and often intergenerational cycle of poor relationships"

End Quote Anne Longfield Chief executive of children's charity 4Children

Half gave examples of youngsters offering sex in return for status or protection, and two-fifths (41%) said they knew of individual cases of rape - while more than a third (34%) gave examples of gang rape.

A study by London Metropolitan University suggested that young people had a limited understanding of "consent" and that sex without consent where those involved knew each other was often not seen as rape.

Only one in 12 of those interviewed said that young people would be likely to report crimes of sexual abuse.

It said sexual violence could be seen as "normal and inevitable", with young women "facing the blame" for their own abuse.

"The victim, usually a girl (but boys are victims too) is invariably blamed for their own assault," the study concluded.

"They should not have gone to visit the boy; should not have worn a tight top; should not have had the drink; have 'done it before' so have no right to say no."

The report condemned 94% of safeguarding children boards - which are run by local authorities, police, the NHS, the probation service and other groups - for failing to follow government guidance on tackling child exploitation, and set out recommendations for a new framework.

Councillor David Simmonds, chairman of the Local Government Association's children and young people board, said: "Child sexual exploitation is a horrific crime which can destroy lives. It is a complex issue to tackle and can be hugely difficult to track.

"Councils know that we need to do better but, as this report acknowledges, we cannot do this alone."

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

Giant wind farm dropped by developer

26 November 2013 Last updated at 03:28 ET

Plans for a huge wind farm off the north Devon coast have been shelved.

Developer RWE Innogy is pulling the plug on the 240-turbine Atlantic Array project, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) told the BBC.

The scheme, which had not yet received the go-ahead, had attracted criticism, with environmentalists worried about its impact on marine wildlife in the Bristol Channel.

RWE Innogy said it was "not the right time" for the project.

Continue reading the main story

"Start Quote

We all need electricity, but there are more appropriate places"

End Quote Derek Green Manager of Lundy Island nature reserve

The Atlantic Array was planned in an area of 200 sq km (77 sq miles) about 16.5km (10 miles) from the north Devon coast, 22.5km (14 miles) from south Wales coast and 13.5km (8 miles) from Lundy Island nature reserve.

The turbines would have been 220m (720ft) tall and capable of producing 1,200 megawatts of electricity - enough for up to 900,000 homes, the developer has said.

RWE said it was "not viable... to continue with development in the Bristol Channel Zone".

RWE's director of offshore wind, Paul Cowling, said: "This is not a decision we have taken lightly.

"However, given the technological challenges and market conditions, now is not the right time for RWE to continue to progress with this project."

DECC told the BBC the scrapping of the scheme was a matter for the developer, but the decision "was made on purely technical grounds and reflects the many complex challenges of constructing offshore wind farms".

But BBC South West political editor Martyn Oates said: "Sources have told us that this will not go ahead because of problems in financing it.

"Just last week, [green energy group] Regen SW said that the government's recent announcement that it is going to cut back on green levies to support renewable energy was already undermining investment in the region and putting jobs at risk.

"And in terms of investment and jobs, this is a really big project, the company (RWE) says it would provide thousands of jobs."

'Anti-green ideology'

Friends of the Earth's head of campaigns, Andrew Pendleton, said: "The government's wanton green-bashing is starting to cost jobs and threaten the future security of our energy supply.

"The UK has some of the finest offshore clean energy resources in the world and harnessing it is becoming cheaper.

"But anti-green ideology at the heart of the coalition is sending the development of world-beating clean power into reverse."

But DECC told the BBC: "The UK still expects to deploy significant amounts of offshore wind by 2020 and we remain well placed to meet our 2020 renewable energy target."

Continue reading the main story

Atlantic Array

• Up to 240 turbines
• Turbines will be up to 220m (720ft) high
• Capacity: 1,200 MW, enough to power about 900,000 homes
• About 16.5km (10 miles) from the closest point to shore on the north Devon coast, 22.5km (14 miles) from the closest point to shore on the South Wales coast and 13.5km (8 miles) from Lundy Island
• Connected to mainland at Alverdiscott, Devon

Derek Green, manager of Lundy Island, said: "If it's true then we are absolutely delighted.

"It is fantastic news for tourism and wildlife in the Bristol Channel and in particular for Lundy."

Lundy's owners, the Landmark Trust, have spent the last 40 years "preserving a special way of life".

"We were concerned that by bringing development so close to the island that it would overwhelm it," said Mr Green.

"There are many turbines near Landmark Trust properties which we haven't opposed.

"But we have always said that offshore wind farms should be built offshore and this suite was in the middle of the Bristol Channel.

"We all need electricity, but there are more appropriate places."

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

New law to cap payday loan interest

25 November 2013 Last updated at 02:32 ET

The government is to introduce a new law to cap the cost of payday loans.

The level of the cap, which has not yet been announced, will be decided by the new regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The Treasury says there is "growing evidence" in support of the move, including the effects of a cap already in place in Australia.

The cap will be included in the Banking Reform Bill, which is already going through Parliament.

Some payday lenders have been criticised for charging more than 5,000% annual interest - though the lenders say these loans are meant to be short-term so the annual rate can make charges appear worse than they are.

'Duty on regulator'

Australia has an interest rate limit of 4% per month, after a maximum up-front fee of 20%.

The FCA has already been given the power to cap the costs of payday loans.

But BBC political correspondent Vicki Young said Chancellor George Osborne had now gone further by "placing a duty on the regulator to use those powers".

Labour leader Ed Miliband has already said his party would cap the cost of payday loans.

Mr Miliband has also pledged to give councils new powers to limit the spread of payday lending shops in town centres.

The shadow minister for competition and consumer affairs, Stella Creasy, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme "the devil really is in the detail".

"The government is now talking about capping the costs of credit...the question is whether they mean capping just the charges or the total cost of credit.

"This industry's a bit like an inflated balloon and if you don't crack down on the whole cost of credit then wherever they can recoup their costs by expanding the prices at other points they will."

Earlier this month, Mr Miliband said payday lenders should not be allowed to "target" children by showing adverts on children's TV.

Last month the FCA told payday lenders tougher regulation would soon be implemented.

It said all borrowers should have an "affordability" check before being given a loan and suggested risk warnings should be put on adverts.

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

Troubled families 'turned around'

24 November 2013 Last updated at 19:58 ET

The lives of 22,000 troubled families in England have been "turned around", according to the government.

The announcement comes at the half-way stage of a three-year programme to tackle 120,000 such families.

The £448m scheme was launched by Prime Minister David Cameron following the 2011 riots in various English cities.

The government defines troubled families as those facing multiple problems including unemployment, anti-social behaviour and truancy.

One estimate is that each troubled family costs taxpayers £75,000 a year.

Under the Troubled Families programme, councils are paid up to £4,000 for each family they get off the "troubled" list, often by giving them intensive, targeted support with all aspects of life.

The government says that authorities are now working with 62,000 families - half the overall target - 18 months into the programme, which ends in 2015.

'Great strides'

Ministers say 22,000 families have been turned around with children in school, youth crime and anti-social behaviour significantly reduced and more than 1,400 adults in continuous work.

Continue reading the main story

The government defines troubled families as those that meet specific criteria in the following areas:

1. Under-18s involved in crime and/or family member involved in anti-social behaviour

2. Child excluded from school or is a regular truant

3. An adult on benefits

Where families meet two of the criteria but are "a cause for concern", councils can rule that other factors - including health problems - mean they are troubled families.

Source: Department for Communities and Local Government

The Department for Communities and Local Government said Wakefield had turned around more than half of its 930 troubled families and Leicestershire almost half of its 810.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said the results so far showed that councils were making "great strides".

"I am delighted that our programme is already helping half of our target of 120,000 troubled families at its mid way stage," he said.

"Councils are making great strides in a very short space of time, dealing with families that have often had problems and created serious issues in their communities for generations.

"These results show that these problems can be dealt with through a no-nonsense and common-sense approach, bringing down costs to the taxpayer at the same time."

Louise Casey, head of the Troubled Families programme, said: "This programme is getting to grips with families who for too long have been allowed to be caught up in a cycle of despair.

"These results show that a tough, intensive but supportive approach has a big impact; giving hope and opportunity to the families and respite to the communities around them."

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Clare's Law' expanded after pilot

24 November 2013 Last updated at 23:35 ET

"Clare's Law", which enables women to check the police record of a new boyfriend, will be expanded to cover all of England and Wales.

It has been piloted in Greater Manchester, Wiltshire, Nottinghamshire and Gwent since September 2012.

The policy is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend George Appleton at her Salford home in February 2009.

She was unaware of his history of violence against women.

The law is expected to take effect across England and Wales in March.

'Escape if necessary'

Home Secretary Theresa May, who will give a statement in the House of Commons later, told the Sun there had been "considerable confusion" up until now about what police could tell women about a man's violent past.

"Clare's Law provides people with the information they need to escape an abusive situation before it ends in tragedy," she said.

"The national scheme will ensure that more people can make informed decisions about their relationship and escape if necessary.

"This is an important step towards ensuring we do better by women like Clare Wood in the future."

Mrs May said 88 women were killed by their partners last year.

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

Call for police standards overhaul

25 November 2013 Last updated at 03:35 ET

A review of policing in England and Wales will call for an overhaul of standards to make it more professional.

Former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Stevens says in his report that officers should gain "chartered" status when they are properly accredited.

The report is also expected to suggest changes to the service's structure to make it more efficient and effective, with a cut in the number of forces.

The review, set up by Labour in 2011, will be published on Monday morning.

Labour said it would consult on the recommendations of the Independent Police Commission report.

Serious misconduct

Lord Stevens' long-awaited review is being billed as the most comprehensive analysis of policing for half a century.

He said there would be 37 "radical" recommendations, including a commitment to neighbourhood policing - an idea revealed in the press at the weekend.

To raise standards of professionalism, Lord Stevens said there should be a publicly available register of officers showing their qualifications.

Those found to have committed serious misconduct would be struck off.

The review said the Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Independent Police Complaints Commission should be replaced by a more powerful body that would ensure failings were addressed "without delay".

As for the governance and structure of the service, the review is expected to call for reforms to the system of police and crime commissioners which was introduced last year.

Lord Stevens will say some police forces should be merged, an idea Labour tried but failed to introduce seven years ago.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the report was "evidence based - we're not coming up with things that are speculation".

He said the bedrock of the report was neighbourhood policing.

The report will say the neighbourhood system is the "building block of fair and effective policing" and "bobbies on the beat are disappearing and neighbourhood policing must be saved".

Recommendations will include:

• A national procurement strategy to increase the amount of collaboration between forces - to include standardised uniforms
• Electronic submission of case files to courts and prosecutors
• Mobile access to intelligence, including the Police National Computer
• Cybercrime experts to be recruited directly into police forces
• Restrictions on the use of private companies such as G4S and Serco for policing functions

'Profound concern'

When the report is launched, Labour leader Ed Miliband will say: "This review is the first step in setting a new direction for policing in the 21st Century.

"Neighbourhood policing was pioneered by Labour. It wasn't just a slogan, it was a different philosophy of policing; policing rooted in local communities, doing more than reacting to crimes by also preventing them, and working in partnership with local authorities, schools and the NHS.

"So it is of profound concern to me that the independent commission concludes that neighbourhood policing is under threat. We don't want to see services retreating back to their silos, becoming more remote from communities."

Policing and criminal justice minister Damian Green said: "Recorded crime has fallen by more than 10% since the government came to power and we have put in place long-term reforms to help the police continue that downward trend.

"We have stripped away targets and red tape to free police from desk-bound jobs; we have installed the National Crime Agency to take on organised crime; we have installed a College of Policing to professionalise policing; we have modernised outmoded pay and conditions; and we have introduced a newly-reinforced ethical framework to ensure police conduct is on an equal footing to cutting crime."

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Lord Stevens warned that officers were "beating a retreat from the beat".

He said every local area should be given a guaranteed level of neighbourhood policing, as well as guaranteed response times when a crime is reported.

Police should investigate every reported crime, he said, but if this is not possible the victim should be told why.

The Plebgate, Jimmy Savile and Hillsborough controversies had tarnished the reputation of the police service, he warned.

Labour announced the review at its 2011 party conference, saying it was time for a "serious vision".

Crossbench peer Lord Stevens stressed the commission, which included police figures, academics and judges, would be non-political.

At the time Nick Herbert, the then policing minister, said Labour's decision to establish an inquiry was "an abdication of any kind of political leadership" and the government had a "coherent package of reforms".

The overall structure of the police service was last examined by a royal commission in 1962.

Lord Stevens was the head of the Metropolitan Police between 2000 and 2005.

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

Trott leaves England's Ashes tour

England's Jonathan Trott has left the Ashes tour of Australia because of a long-standing stress-related condition.

Batsman Trott scored 19 runs in two innings during England's first Test defeat and struggled against the bowling of Mitchell Johnson.

"I don't think it is right that I'm playing knowing that I'm not 100%," said the 32-year-old.

England coach Andy Flower added: "He needs time away from this environment and time with his family."

The tourists will play an Australian Chairman's XI over two days from Friday, before the second Test in Adelaide on 5 December.

Trott scored 10 and 9 in two innings as England suffered a 381-run defeat in the first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.

• Age : 32
• Tests: 49
• Runs: 3763
• Average: 46.45
• Highest score: 226
• Born in Cape Town, South Africa before qualifying to play for England in 2006
• Made his Warwickshire debut in 2003 and scored 134
• Made his England Test debut against Australia in August 2009 and his 119 in the second innings helped earn a win

"I cannot currently operate at the level I have done in the past," he added.

"My priority now is to take a break from cricket so that I can focus on my recovery."

The displays of England's batsmen were branded "poor and weak" by Australia's David Warner after the opening Test.

England captain Alastair Cook labelled the comments "disrespectful," a view shared by Flower who says Warner's views had no impact on Trott's decision to leave.

"Jonathan has been struggling with this condition for quite a while," added Flower.

"We have been on tour for about a month and he has had his ups and downs through that month and it is not directly related to that.

"I would also say players commenting to fellow professionals in the media is disrespectful and I think on this occasion he [Warner] has got that horribly wrong."

More to follow.

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More