Probation Reforms 'Unworkable' Say Campaigners

Government plans to make every convict leaving prison spend at least a year under supervision in the community have been branded "unworkable" by a leading campaign group.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has announced all offenders who enter prison, even for just a few days, will be subject to the new policy.

Each will be given support into housing, employment, training and substance abuse programmes.

But Mark Gettleson, from the Howard League for Penal Reform, said there was no money to pay for the changes, which would merely exacerbate a failing system.

"We think it's wholly unworkable and the wrong solution to the problem," he said.

"It's an admission of abject failure on the part of the Government with regard to short-term prison sentences. It is clear from every piece of evidence ever presented that times in custody of less than a year are a total failure."

Mr Gettleson described the 58% reconviction rate for short-term prison sentences as "dismal"  - compared to 34% for community sentences, which he said came in at 10th of the cost of jail terms.

"Rather than ... actually looking at alternatives that work, or that work a lot better, like community sentences, the Government is going to bolt on a period of unfunded probation support to those failing sentences," he said.

The reforms, to be rolled out across England and Wales by 2015, will see around 65,000 offenders, serving sentences of up to two years, receive extended rehabilitation.

The changes form part of the Government's so-called 'rehabilitation revolution', which will see a greater role for private and voluntary sector organisations, who will be paid by results to reduce re-offending.

Mr Grayling said: "It is simply not good enough that we spend £4bn a year on prisons and probation, and yet make no real dent in the appetite of offenders to commit more crime.

"It is little wonder when many of our most prolific criminals leave prison totally unsupervised in the community.

"These reforms are essential and will ensure that offenders are properly punished but also given targeted support to help them turn away from crime for good."

Shadow Justice Secretary Sadiq Khan said: "This is another wasted chance by the Government - it should have pursued a model that focused on evidence of what works to reduce re-offending.

"Instead it has obsessively pursued pet projects leading to the imposition of an untried and untested payment by results model on the probation service which will take big risks with public safety and taxpayers' money."

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Man United: Decision On New Manager Imminent

Everton manager David Moyes could be named as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United later today.

The deal to appoint the new boss has already been done and approved by the club's board, according to Sky News City Editor Mark Kleinman.

Moyes, 50, who has spent 11 years at Goodison Park building competitive teams on slim resources, is out of contract with the Merseysiders on June 30.

He spent a number of hours in talks with Everton chairman Bill Kenwright in London on Wednesday night.

Ferguson's shoes will be tough to fill

Moyes and Ferguson have had a close relationship and the Everton manager has long been considered as his fellow Scot's most likely successor.

He was even touted as a possible right-hand man to Ferguson as far back as 2000, when he was in charge at Preston, two years before he took the Everton job.

Despite having a comparatively meagre budget at Goodison Park, Moyes' Everton have not finished outside the top eight since 2006.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, who established a friendly rivalry with Ferguson while in charge of United's rivals Chelsea, had also been touted for the Old Trafford job.

Mourinho had been tipped as a possible successor

Ferguson, 71, guided United to 13 Premier League titles and two European Champions League crowns in 26 years in charge at Old Trafford during a reign that yielded 38 major trophies in all.

Rumours of his retirement only began circulating late on Tuesday, but Ferguson said it was a decision he had been considering for some time.

"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time," Ferguson said.

"It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so."

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Queen's Speech: Immigration Set To Dominate

Measures to combat immigration and schemes to help businesses are among the Government's priorities which are due to be outlined in the Queen's Speech.

David Cameron says the new policies - including a crackdown on foreign criminals and rogue employers who take on illegal migrants - will back the people of Britain "every step of the way".

The agenda for the next session of Parliament will also see powers strengthened to deport foreign criminals by preventing the abuse of human rights laws.

The Prime Minister and his deputy Nick Clegg will say in a joint foreword to the speech: "In May 2010 we came together to govern in the national interest.

"We knew the road ahead would be tough and so it has proved to be.

"But three years on, our resolve to turn our country around has never been stronger. We know that Britain can be great again because we've got the people to do it.

"Today's Queen's Speech shows that we will back them every step of the way. It is all about backing people who work hard and want to get on in life."

While 163,000 migrants came to the UK in the year to June 2012 - down from 247,000 in the previous year - Mr Cameron has said he aims to reduce the figure to tens of thousands.

A new Immigration Bill will write into law rules to ensure the Article 8 human right to a family life does not prevent the courts from balancing the crime against the perpetrator's right to remain in the country.

Firms exploiting illegal labour will face stiffer fines, as will private landlords if they fail to check on tenants' immigration status.

Incomers' access to NHS services will be regulated and temporary migrants will be expected to make a contribution.

Shadow Commons leader Angela Eagle said: "We will look at measures on immigration. But the truth is over the last three years they have failed on immigration as they have failed in so many other areas.

David Cameron and Nick Clegg admit the last three years have been "tough"

"And at the same time, there is one group that is decisively better off - the richest in society."

Also due to be announced is a National Insurance Contributions Bill which will cut the cost of recruiting new employees and a Deregulation Bill to cut red tape for firms looking to grow.

A Social Care Bill will cap care costs, in an attempt to avoid pensioners being forced to sell their homes.

Meanwhile, a Pensions Bill will create a flat-rate pension, which ministers claim will encourage saving and help women who have had long career breaks.

Measures notable for their absence include mooted plans to force cigarettes to be sold in plain packaging and those to set a minimum price for alcohol.

Aid agencies are also angry the Government will again not enshrine in law its commitment to meet the United Nations target to devote 0.7% of GDP to aid spending.

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'Pool Of Offenders' In Music School Abuse

Police are investigating a pool of "around 10 offenders" after claims of historic sexual abuse by over 30 women at a music school.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said that since they commenced their investigation of abuse at Chetham's School of Music last February, more than a dozen other claims have also been received.

Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Daniels, from GMP's Protective Services Division, said: "This is a significant inquiry in terms of potential number of offenders and number of victims."

"We are supporting each and every person who has come forward and made a complaint to us as best we can and I must credit them all for having the courage to face demons that have been haunting them for many, many years.

DCI Daniels added: "This has been a high-profile investigation from the off and due to the complexities and sensitivities involved cannot and will not be rushed."

Police said a number of the claims made by the women were brought to their attention after the conviction in March of Chetham choirmaster Michael Brewer.

Brewer, a former National Youth Choir music director, and his ex-wife Kay were found guilty on five counts of indecently assaulting his student Frances Andrade more than 30 years ago.

During the trial, Ms Andrade, 48, was found dead at her home less than a week after she gave evidence against Brewer at Manchester Crown Court. Ms Andrade killed herself.

DCI Daniels said: "I want to reassure the public that I am absolutely committed to getting justice for these women, many of whom have been spurred on by the bravery shown by Frances Andrade in the case against former teacher Michael Brewer.

"I also want to reassure everybody, that where we have identified immediate safeguarding concerns the appropriate steps have been taken in partnership with other organisations.

"Chetham's and other establishments have, and continue to provide help and support at what is clearly a very difficult time for their respective staff and pupils.

Police said as part of the investigation a 57-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape and remains on police bail pending further inquiries.

Last night Surrey Police confirmed they have been contacted by the Yehudi Menuhin School, following "allegations of historic sexual abuse against a member of staff who is now deceased".

Surrey Police said in a statement: "The force is liaising with the school and would encourage anyone with concerns to contact us.

"Surrey Police treats any allegation of this nature seriously and have officers who are specially trained to support victims of sexual assault."

:: Anyone with information regarding Chetham's is asked to call the GMP incident room on 0161 856 6777.

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Jimmy Tarbuck In Child Sex Abuse Arrest

Veteran comedian Jimmy Tarbuck has been arrested in connection with a historical child sex abuse allegation.

Tarbuck, 73, was questioned by North Yorkshire Police on April 26 in relation to an incident which allegedly occurred in the late 1970s in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, when the victim was a young boy.

The entertainer is understood to have been arrested at his home in Kingston upon Thames, southwest London, and released on bail.

The arrest was made following information passed by Metropolitan Police officers working on Operation Yewtree to North Yorkshire Police.

A force spokesman said: "North Yorkshire Police can confirm that a 73-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a historic child sex abuse investigation in Harrogate.

"The man was arrested in Kingston upon Thames on Friday, 26 April 2013.

"Following questioning, he was released on police bail pending further enquiries.

"The complaint relates to an incident that occurred in the late 1970s when the victim was a young boy.

"It would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage."

Tarbuck has spent more than 50 years in television.

Born in 1940 in Liverpool, he was a schoolmate of John Lennon and his first television breakthrough came with It's Tarbuck 65! in 1964.

In 1994 he was awarded an OBE by the Queen for his services to showbusiness and charity.

Last November he performed in The Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

His daughter is the actress, television and radio presenter Liza Tarbuck.

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Lord Lawson Calls For Britain To Leave EU

Lord Lawson has become the most senior Tory figure to call for the UK to quit the European Union - pledging to vote 'No' in any referendum on membership

In a move that piles further pressure on David Cameron over the issue, the former chancellor warned his proposed renegotiation would only secure "inconsequential" concessions from Brussels.

Writing in The Times, he said there was now a "clear" case for withdrawal, insisting the economic benefits would "substantially outweigh the costs", in contrast to the Prime Minister's position.

His intervention is sure to further embolden eurosceptic MPs demanding a tougher line to halt the rise of Nigel Farage's rampant anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP).

Mr Cameron is already under pressure to hold a "mandate referendum" as early as next spring to seek public approval of his strategy of putting a renegotiated settlement to an in/out vote by 2017.

In the wake of UKIP's surge in last week's county council elections, there is also pressure to put the strategy to a vote in the Commons in defiance of his Liberal Democrat coalition partners.

Lord Lawson, who was Margaret Thatcher's longest-serving chancellor and remains a highly respected figure within the party, said that it was "by no means assured" that Mr Cameron would win the 2015 general election.

But he said he believed public demand was such that a referendum would have to happen under Labour in any case.

Dismissing the chances of either party securing significant reforms, he said Brussels would fear a "general unravelling" as other countries sought to match the return of powers.

"But all this is largely beside the point," he wrote.

The PM is coming under increasing pressure over Britain's place in the EU

"The heart of the matter is that the very nature of the European Union, and of this country's relationship with it, has fundamentally changed after the coming into being of the European monetary union and the creation of the eurozone, of which - quite rightly - we are not a part.

"That is why, while I voted 'in' in 1975, I shall be voting 'out' in 2017.

"Not only do our interests increasingly differ from those of the eurozone members but, while never 'at the heart of Europe' (as our political leaders have from time to time foolishly claimed), we are now becoming increasingly marginalised as we are doomed to being consistently outvoted by the eurozone bloc.

"So the case for exit is clear."

While there would be "some economic cost" from leaving the EU single market, he said in his judgement "the economic gains would substantially outweigh the costs."

That would not only be in keeping the UK's £8bn net contribution, but also being removed from excessive bureaucracy, not least the "frenzy of regulatory activism" affecting the banking sector.

"The foolish and damaging financial transactions tax, imposed against strong UK opposition, is only one example. In part this is motivated by a jealous desire to cut London down to size, in part by well-intentioned ignorance," he said.

He added: "Those who claim that to leave the EU would damage the City are the very same as those who in the past confidently predicted, with a classic failure of understanding, that the City would be gravely damaged if the UK failed to adopt the Euro as its currency."

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The PM has always been clear: we need a Europe that is more open, more competitive, and more flexible; a Europe that wakes up to the modern world of competition. In short, Europe has to reform.

"But our continued membership must have the consent of the British people, which is why the PM has set out a clear timetable on this issue."

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Temperature Soars For Bank Holiday Monday

Bank Holiday Monday is tipped to be a scorcher, with forecasters predicting today could be the hottest day in Britain so far this year.

The weather is expected to start mild, with low cloud and patchy mist across England and Wales.

By lunchtime, however, the temperature will soar across much of central and southern Britain, where plenty of sunshine and gentle winds are expected.

Many inland areas of the UK could see temperatures rising to between 20C and 22C.

Ireland and Scotland will feel cooler with further rain pushing into western areas.

The warm bank holiday weather in parts of Britain is likely to beat temperatures in sunny European destinations including France and Italy.

Forecasters say there is a chance the high temperatures will exceed this year's record high of 23C, which was recorded on April 25.

Sky weather presenter Isobel Lang said: "The early spring Bank Holiday can be rather cool and mixed, as we have seen in recent years.

"This year looks to be a pretty good one with many places set to be fine and dry with Monday looking the warmest of the days."

The sunny bank holiday is expected to be a big improvement on last year, which saw rain and a temperature high of just 16C at Exeter Airport.

The warmest bank holiday Monday in recent years was in 2008 when London reached 23C and even the coldest part of Scotland got up to 14C, with much of the country seeing sunshine.

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White Britons 'In Retreat' From Minority Areas

A "retreat" of white Britons from areas where minorities live is limiting cultural integration, according to research by think tank Demos.

Analysis of the 2011 census shows that 45% of ethnic minorities in England and Wales live in areas where less than half the population is white British, while 41% live in wards that are less than half white.

Trevor Phillips, former chairman of the Equalities Commission and Demos Associate, said white Britons choosing not to live in minority-dominated areas "ought to make us a little anxious".

He said: "This very interesting piece of research reveals a number of vital findings about how people in England and Wales are living together.

"What ought to make us a little anxious is the 'majority retreat' it has unearthed - white people leaving minority-led areas and not being replaced - which isn't good news for the cause of integration."

The 4.1 million ethnic minorities who now live in white minority areas is a significant increase from the 2001 census, when only around one million minority Britons lived in such wards.

A statement from Demos said: "Demos researchers attribute this mainly to white British people choosing not to move to minority-dominated areas, in what Trevor Phillips has described as "majority retreat".

"In these areas, departing white British are replaced by immigration or by the natural growth of the minority population.

"Over time, the end result of this process is a spiral of white British demographic decline."

But integration between ethnic minorities is now more common than it was during the last census in 2001.

Demos said minority white areas were generally multi-minority, since new British minorities such as Somalis have taken up housing vacated by established minorities, such as Afro-Caribbeans.

David Goodhart, director of Demos, said the limited integration would lead to further problems with employment and familiarity with cultural codes.

Meanwhile Sir Andrew Green, chairman of Migration Watch, said the findings were a sign that Britain is becoming more segregated.

He said: "This is extremely serious. It is undeniable evidence that we have indeed been sleepwalking into segregation as Trevor Phillips warned seven years ago and it is the clear result of Labour's mass immigration policy."

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Baby Delivered From Injured Car Crash Mother

A heavily pregnant woman whose baby had to be delivered by emergency caesarean section after a car crash is fighting for her life, police have said.

The 29-year-old mother suffered head and chest injuries in the accident and has undergone surgery.

Police said the woman's baby, who was delivered in hospital during an emergency operation following the crash, continues to make "good progress".

Several other people were seriously injured following the collision in Manchester on Friday night and a 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Police Sergeant Danny Byrne from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "This is a horrific set of circumstances in which several members of a family, including a woman who was nine months pregnant, and a pedestrian have been badly injured.

"The woman's baby was delivered by emergency C-section at hospital and although he is making good progress, unfortunately his mother remains in a critical condition.

"We are carrying out a full investigation to establish the exact circumstances leading up to this incident and are keen to hear from anyone that saw the 51-plate silver Volkswagen Golf driving along Great Ancoats Street prior to this collision, or in the nearby area, to contact us."

Officers said the collision happened at the junction of Great Ancoats Street and Redhill Street at around 10.45pm.

At the time of the collision, a black cab carrying three passengers was turning from Great Ancoats Street into Redhill Street.

A silver VW Golf, which was travelling along Great Ancoats Street, undertook another vehicle and collided with the taxi as it turned, police said.

The collision caused the taxi to spin on to the footpath and hit a pedestrian, trapping him between the taxi and the railings.

The 29-year-old man suffered serious injuries to his legs, pelvis and hips.

The three passengers in the rear of the taxi were all seriously injured.

A 23-year-old man suffered chest injuries and is in a serious condition and a 31-year-old woman suffered a suspected fractured shoulder and facial injuries.

The driver of the taxi suffered minor injuries to his legs.

The driver of the Golf, a 19-year-old man, was not injured during the collision.

He was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and other driving offences. He remains in police custody for questioning.

:: Anyone with information is asked to directly contact officers at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741.

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Bullying Suicides: Parents Call For New Law

By Stephen Douglas, Sky News Reporter

A group of parents who say their children committed suicide after being bullied are calling on David Cameron to introduce a new law to tackle the problem.

In a letter to the Prime Minister the group have asked the Government to create a new offence of bullying and intimidation. They also want the coalition to introduce an anti-bullying strategy for the UK.

Child protection campaigner Shy Keenan claims her 14-year-old son was "bullied to death".

Ayden Olson was found dead at his family home in Colchester in an apparent suicide.

His mother told Sky News: "He was lovely and we were so looking forward to him growing up. We tried working with the policies in place and it just wasn't enough.

"Then I'm looking at my little boy on the floor dead and I'm thinking they have to listen now, this can't be allowed to happen because they're killing kids.

"We want new ways to protect children from all forms of bullying. At the moment it's not even illegal to bully. We don't want to criminalise children but the first step is to take bullying seriously."

Aaron Dugmore took his own life at the age of nine

Ms Keenan has been joined by other families who have been through similar experiences.

Aaron Dugmore was nine years old when he hanged himself at his home.

His mother Kelly Dugmore said: "It's still very raw, we're still very numb. He was just nine. You'd never think a child of that age would even think of taking his own life. He just must have been so traumatised. The law needs to change."

The families want to meet Mr Cameron and have all signed a letter to him which reads: "For our families and the brothers and sisters of those we've lost, nothing can be the same again.

"On behalf of all children who have experienced bullying, and their families, we are calling on you and your Government to take action to help prevent more people suffering in this way.

"Together we can stop bullying in our society. Please give us your support and meet with us to discuss how we make bullying unacceptable, once and for all."

The victims' families have written to David Cameron about their campaign

The potential legislation is being called Ayden's law after Ms Keenan's son, and the campaign is being backed by charity Beat Bullying.

Its deputy chief executive Richard Piggin said: "The latest Government statistics show that as many as 46% of young people will have experienced bullying.

"For us it's about those one in thirteen who experience it day in day out. They need protection and we need to make sure the perpetrators take responsibility for their actions."

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