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Knox thanks supporters on US return

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Knox thanks supporters on US return Amanda Knox, who was cleared of the murder of British student Meredith Kercher, has paid tribute to the people who supported and believed in her during her four-year ordeal. Speaking at a press conference shortly after touching down in her home city of Seattle, the tearful 24-year-old said: "What's important for me to say is just thank you to everyone who has believed in me, who has defended me, who has supported my family. "I just want.. My family is the most important thing to me right now and I just want to go and be with them. So thank you for being there for me." Knox, who spoke publicly for the first time since her release, added that she felt "overwhelmed" by the situation and that she had to be reminded to speak in English rather than Italian. "I am really overwhelmed right now, I was looking down from the aeroplane and it seemed like everything wasn't real," she said. Journalists were also addressed by Knox's defence attorney Theodore Simon and her parents. Mr Simon, who was interrupted by cheers from the audience, said: "It has been a trying and gruelling four-year nightmarish marathon that no child or parent should have to endure. "But Amanda and her parents and family have demonstrated unquestioned and unparalleled patience, steadfast courage, dignity, resilience and fortitude, but most of all they have relied upon their faith that this unjust conviction would not stand." Before Knox spoke her father Curt Knox said his daughter's time in jail had been a "very long four years, but we could not have made it through without all you people out here who have supported us, and especially Amanda". Her mother, Edda Mellas, said: "All I can say again is thank you. It is because of the letters and calls and just amazing support we have received from people all over the world, and especially here in Seattle that we have been able to endure and that we have been able to make sure Amanda had the support she needed."

Russia and China veto Syria move

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Russia and China veto Syria move William Hague has expressed his disappointment over Russia and China's decision to veto a UN Security Council resolution threatening sanctions against violence-torn Syria. The Foreign Secretary said their refusal to back the threat of action against President Bashar Assad's military crackdown would be seen "as a decision to side with a brutal regime rather than with the people of Syria". Russia and China blocked the resolution despite three attempts by European members of the Security Council to water down the language of the sanctions. Speaking following last night's vote in New York, Mr Hague said: "I am of course disappointed by Russia and China's decision to veto the UNSCR. "This will be seen in the region as a decision to side with a brutal regime rather than with the people of Syria, and will be a bitter blow to all those Syrians who have implored the international community to take a stand." Mr Hague said the resolution, which was tabled by the UK along with France, Germany and Portugal, was "carefully drafted and entirely reasonable" and that those who blocked it would have the "horrific abuses" of the Syrian regime on their conscience. He added: "It took account of the need for all sides to reject violence, stressed that a political transition should be Syrian-led and was explicit that Security Council consideration of sanctions against Syria should not include military action. Mr Hague vowed to continue "to stand side by side with the Syrian people" and said Britain would "redouble our efforts to work with our international partners to increase the pressure on the regime wherever we can, and assure the people of Syria that they will not be forgotten." The Security Council vote was 9-2 with four abstentions - India, South Africa, Brazil and Lebanon. Russia's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said his country did not support President Assad's regime or the violence, but opposed the resolution because it was "based on a philosophy of confrontation," contained "an ultimatum of sanctions," and was against a peaceful settlement of a crisis.

Cricketers 'in plot to fix match'

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Cricketers 'in plot to fix match' Three top Pakistan cricketers accepted bribes to bowl deliberate no-balls in a gambling scandal that exposes "rampant corruption" at the heart of international cricket, a court has heard. Former captain Salman Butt, 26, and fast bowlers Mohammad Asif, 28, and Mohammad Amir, 19, conspired with UK-based sports agent Mazhar Majeed, 36, to fix parts of the Lord's Test during last year's tour of England, London's Southwark Crown Court was told. The four men were motivated by greed to "contaminate" a match watched by millions of people and "betray" their team, the Pakistan Cricket Board and the sport itself, it was claimed. Prosecutor Aftab Jafferjee QC said there were "simply breathtaking" sums of money involved in foreign betting markets, with an estimated 40 to 50 billion US dollars spent in the Indian sub-continent in one year alone. "This case reveals a depressing tale of rampant corruption at the heart of international cricket, with the key players being members of the Pakistan cricket team," he said. "Those involved in this plot - which is effectively what a conspiracy is - lent themselves willingly, and for financial gain, to fix not just the outcome of the match but in particular, aspects within each match on a day-by-day basis." He told the court the cricketers' alleged corrupt activities were "underpinned" by the overseas betting industry, in particular in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and the Far East. "There are of course vast amounts of money to be made in any betting activity if the results are known in advance, and all of that was at the expense of the integrity of the game," he said. The case centres on the Test match between Pakistan and England at Lord's Cricket Ground in London from August 26 to 29 last year, the court heard. The four men are accused of "spot fixing", where parts of a match are illegally rigged, for example by timing the delivery of a deliberate wide or no-ball, but the overall outcome of the game is not manipulated. The jury of six men and six women was told that only Butt and Asif were on trial, but Mr Jafferjee stressed there was "nothing sinister" in the absence of Majeed and Amir from the proceedings. Butt and Asif deny conspiracy to cheat and conspiracy to accept corrupt payments between August 15 and 29 last year.

Cameron 'cat spat' jibe to Clarke

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Cameron 'cat spat' jibe to Clarke David Cameron delivered a slap to Ken Clarke over his human rights law "cat spat" with Theresa May in a pun-filled section of his speech to the Conservative Party conference. The Justice Secretary sparked a furore on Tuesday when he publicly questioned the Home Secretary's claim that an illegal immigrant escaped being deported because he had a pet cat. Number 10 quickly made clear that the Prime Minister backed Mrs May, and Mr Cameron underlined his position with a jibe at Mr Clarke. Addressing party members in Manchester, he told them that he and fellow ministers had been recording audio books for the blind as part of a social project being run at the conference. "There was one book that I chose personally. I said 'Ken, this one's called Crime And Punishment and I want you to read it, twice'," he quipped. With Mr Clarke not immediately joining the laughter in the hall, the premier went on: "After yesterday we should probably have a group reading of Mog The Cat. Although if you, like me, read that book to your children at bedtime, you will remember that Mog The Cat helps the police to catch the burglar, not keep him in the country." Mr Cameron also used the book titles to stir speculation over a potential battle to succeed him as leader between Chancellor George Osborne and London Mayor Boris Johnson. "George knew exactly what he wanted - he went straight for The Man Who Would Be King. I'm afraid Boris missed out. Instead he chose The Joy of ... Cycling," he said. But Mr Clarke brushed off the jibe, saying: "He made a couple of reasonable jokes about me. "I would be rather annoyed if he had forgotten me, but then I'm not easy to forget in Government." Mr Clarke praised Mr Cameron's address for striking an optimistic tone despite the struggling economy. The Justice Secretary added: "It was an extremely good speech on the theme of leadership."

Star's son drunk at Cenotaph antics

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Star's son drunk at Cenotaph antics The history student son of rock star David Gilmour was intoxicated and did not realise he was swinging from the Cenotaph during university fees protests in London, the Court of Appeal has heard. Charlie Gilmour, who was studying at Cambridge University, was "aware there was a Cenotaph" and aware of "its significance", but did not realise the "monument from which he was swinging was a war memorial - let alone the Cenotaph", three judges were told. The comments were made by a QC representing Gilmour, of Billingshurst, West Sussex, as he urged the judges to reduce the 16-month sentence imposed on the 21-year-old in July after he went on a drink- and drug-fuelled rampage during protests in December 2010. David Spens told Lord Justice Hughes, Mr Justice Cranston and Mr Justice Hickinbottom Gilmour had been "brought up in the country" and lived "without a television for 10 years", and "it was not actually as surprising as might have been thought". Gilmour had admitted violent disorder after joining thousands demonstrating in London's Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square. He was seen hanging from a Union flag on the Cenotaph and leaping on to the bonnet of a Jaguar car that formed part of a royal convoy. Gilmour was found by a judge at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to have thrown a rubbish bin at the vehicle, a finding under challenge as part of the appeal proceedings. He also kicked at the window of Topshop's flagship store on Oxford Street and ended up in possession of the leg of a mannequin. The crown court judge had accepted that the antics at the Cenotaph did not form part of the violent disorder, but described it as "outrageous and deeply offensive behaviour". The student was not present for the hearing, which was attended by his Pink Floyd guitarist father. Mr Spens said his client was "keen" to learn the result of his case because then he would know whether there was any prospect of being able to continue his studies. He told the judges Gilmour's personal mitigation was both "impressive and substantial". The judges reserved their decision to a date to be fixed, but it is possible a ruling will be given next week.

Second phase of recession 'likely'

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Second phase of recession 'likely' Double-dip recession fears continue to stalk the UK after more grim updates showed an economy stagnating and a consumer shorn of confidence. Economic growth in the first two quarters of the year was weaker than first thought, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said, while retailer Mothercare and airline Flybe issued profit warnings. The ONS revealed the country was in a much worse position at the start of the recovery than previously assumed as the 2008-09 recession was much deeper than originally feared. The troubling data will pile pressure on the Bank of England which will reveal the outcome of its policy meeting on Wednesday, in particular whether to roll out further emergency measures to jump-start the flagging recovery. Some economists warned a renewed recession was now more likely but the Treasury said it would not alter its deficit-busting austerity measures despite the bleaker picture. Howard Archer, chief UK and European economist at IHS Global Insight, said: "The adjustments to the GDP history do not change the current situation which is of an economy struggling for growth in the face of major domestic and international headwinds." Gross domestic product grew 0.1% between April and June, compared with an earlier estimate of 0.2%, while the first quarter was downgraded to 0.4, the ONS said. The revisions to GDP follow an annual rebalancing of accounts known as the Blue Book exercise which involves changes to methodology. The revisions revealed the UK suffered a much deeper recession in 2008 than previously thought. The UK economy shrank 1.3%, 2 in the final three quarters of 2008, compared with previous estimates of 0.3%, 0.9. However, the emergence from recession in 2009 was slightly better than first estimated, with declines of 2.2 in the first two quarters being revised up to 1.6, and the third quarter now showing 0.2% growth, compared with a 0.3% fall. Shadow chancellor Ed Balls said the figures showed the economy had been stagnating since the autumn - well before the current eurozone crisis. "They should set alarm bells ringing in Downing Street and the Treasury," he said.

Policing Games 'tougher than riots'

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Policing Games 'tougher than riots' Policing next year's Olympics will be tougher than maintaining law and order during England's riots, a leading police chief has forecasted. Around 16,000 officers, from forces across the UK, were drafted in during the summer's insurrections which blighted major cities such as London, Birmingham and Bristol. The number of police deployed in the riots is estimated to be the same as the total number of police staff set to lose their jobs as part of the UK Government's cuts in public spending. The chief of Dyfed Powys Police, Ian Arundale, said the contingency plan for UK policing for major events was based on "us all doing our part" and sending resources to wherever they were needed. But he pointed out that with reductions in police numbers yet to fully kick in, the 2012 Games could provide logistical problems if officers from other regions were drafted to London. He said: "Effectively, 16,000 police officers were deployed during the riots. That's exactly the same number of police officers estimated we are going to lose in England and Wales. "You've got to provide core police services on a day-to-day basis as well as send officers to the scene of (things like the) riots nationally. "The contingency plan for UK policing is based on us all doing our part and sending assets and resources to wherever they are needed. "Next year with the Olympics, we will get similar challenges. It will be far more difficult to manage next year than it was this summer because the great bulk of officers are leaving between now and the end of the comprehensive spending review. "We have to be operationally resilient within the resource base that we've got. It's a fairly impossible conundrum. I wouldn't say we won't be able to it but it will be significantly more difficult."

Tesco figures worst for two decades

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Tesco figures worst for two decades Tesco has revealed its worst sales performance in two decades after shoppers tightened their belts and rivals attacked its market dominance. The grocery giant said sales excluding new store space, VAT and petrol were down 0.9% in the three months to August 27, with electronics and entertainment products particularly badly hit. The performance was broadly in line with City forecasts but was still overshadowed by rival Sainsbury's, which impressed analysts by continuing to grow sales over the same period. Tesco launched its fightback last month with £500 million of price cuts after seeing its market share shrink from 30.8 in recent weeks as it battles to stimulate demand during the toughest conditions "in a generation". Despite the worsening situation in the UK, the group recorded a 12% rise in underlying profits to £1.9 billion in the half-year, boosted by a strong performance in Asia. Sales rose 9% to £35.5 billion. Dave McCarthy, an analyst at Evolution Securities, said: "This is not a bad performance from Sainsbury's and puts it ahead of Tesco but behind Morrisons." Tesco chief executive Philip Clarke, who took over from Sir Terry Leahy in March, said sales growth was slower than planned but was still "a robust performance". Like-for-like sales in food were positive in the first half, but its performance was dragged down by a 0.9% decline in non-food sales, particularly electronics and entertainment items - two of its largest product groups. It plans to revitalise non-food sales by improving its range, pricing and promotions. Total UK sales, which include VAT, petrol and the benefit of new store openings, grew 7% to £23.4 billion, which it said was faster than the market as a whole. UK trading profits rose 5% to £1.3 billion but are expected to flatten out in the second half of its financial year. It still plans to create 7,000 jobs in the UK this year through its store expansion plans.

Briton dies in NY helicopter crash

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Briton dies in NY helicopter crash A British woman has been killed on a helicopter trip in New York organised to celebrate her 40th birthday. Sonia Marra died after the helicopter plunged into New York's East River shortly after take-off on Tuesday. The UK expatriate, who was living in Australia, was travelling with her partner Helen Tamaki, 43, and her British mother and stepfather Harriet and Paul Nicholson. Ms Tamaki, believed to be a New Zealander, and Mrs Nicholson, 60, were seriously injured in the crash and are in a critical condition. The 56-year-old pilot and Mr Nicholson, 71, have been released from hospital. The helicopter was on a private tour when it crashed into the river at 3.20pm local time, shortly after lifting off from the busy 34th Street Heliport. It is believed Ms Marra, who lived in Sydney, was visiting New York with her family to celebrate her 40th birthday. Mr and Mrs Nicholson live in Portugal and the group, who had met in New York, were also reportedly celebrating Mr Nicholson's birthday. According to reports, she was trapped inside the helicopter as it sank about 50 feet below the surface of the swift-moving water. The Foreign Office confirmed her death. The NYPD confirmed that the two injured female passengers were in a critical condition in New York's Bellevue Hospital. A spokesman from New York City Fire Department said one of the injured women had suffered a cardiac arrest and the other a respiratory arrest. The American pilot, Paul Dudley, director of Linden Airport in New Jersey, and Mr Nicholson were discharged from hospital after being examined by doctors, police said. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said it had been "a terrible accident" involving people who had come "to see the best of our city".

Cameron calls for 'can-do' optimism

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Cameron calls for 'can-do' optimism Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to offer Britain the leadership it needs to get back on its feet and get its people back to work. In his keynote speech to the Conservative conference in Manchester, Mr Cameron rejected pessimistic suggestions that the economic crisis has condemned the UK to inevitable decline and called on the British people to show the "can-do optimism" needed to fight their way back to prosperity. He acknowledged that the economy is going through a tough period, but said the country should "turn this time of challenge into a time of opportunity". "We can choose to be a country that's back on its feet and striding forward. Paying down our debt and earning a living. Getting people off welfare and into work," he said. "Let's turn this time of challenge into a time of opportunity. Not sitting around, watching things happen and wondering why. But standing up, making things happen and asking why not. "We have the people, we have the ideas, and now we have a Government that's freeing those people, backing those ideas. "So let's see an optimistic future. Let's show the world some fight. Let's pull together, work together. And together lead Britain to better days." Mr Cameron delivered his speech against a gloomy backdrop of tumbling stock markets, uncertainty over the future of the euro and figures revising down UK growth in the first half of 2011. He warned that the threat to the British and global economy is "as serious today as it was in 2008 when world recession loomed", with the eurozone in crisis, France and Germany at near-standstill and questions over US debt. But it is vital not to be "paralysed by gloom and fear" in the face of the economic storms. "The argument I want to make today is simple: leadership works," he said.

Duggans to give watchdog 'a chance'

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Duggans to give watchdog 'a chance' The brother of a man whose shooting sparked riots across England has called on the police watchdog to deliver "justice" over his death. Shaun Hall said the family of Mark Duggan are prepared to give the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) a "chance" to show impartiality and independence in its inquiry into his death. "We were told there were 31 police officers involved in the sting on my brother, I call it an assassination, what had my brother done so wrong to deserve this assassination, please tell me," he told a public meeting in Tottenham, north London. Mr Hall, who was flanked by Mr Duggan's partner Semone Wilson struggled at times to contain his tears as he described his brother as a "good man" although "no angel". "We are normal people," he said, adding that they had been "ripped apart" by his death. He said it is now up to the IPCC to demonstrate to the world that it could come to the "right conclusions". His remarks came after the IPCC admitted in August that it may have wrongly led journalists to believe that 29-year-old Mr Duggan fired at officers before he was killed. His death in Tottenham, north London, on August 4 was the trigger for the first of four nights of riots that spread from the capital across England. Mr Hall was speaking alongside the families of three other people who died after involvement with police officers to mark the launch of the Tottenham Defence Campaign. The meeting marked the 26th anniversary of the death of Cynthia Jarrett, who died after four police officers burst into her home. The incident, in 1985, led to the Broadwater Farm riots in Tottenham in which Pc Keith Blakelock was hacked to death by a machete-wielding gang.

Probe call over Huntley jail attack

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Probe call over Huntley jail attack A judge has called for an urgent review of systems at high-security prisons after hearing how a psychopathic inmate slashed Soham killer Ian Huntley across the neck and then killed another child murderer at a second jail. Mr Justice Coulson made his comments after sentencing Damien Fowkes, 36, to life in prison for the attempted murder of Huntley and the manslaughter of paedophile and child-killer Colin Hatch. The judge ruled Fowkes will serve a minimum of 20 years before he is considered for release. Hull Crown Court has heard how Fowkes attacked Huntley in the healthcare unit at Frankland Prison, in Durham, in March last year, leaving him with a gaping wound. Fowkes was then transferred to Full Sutton Prison, near York, where he barricaded himself into a cell with Hatch as prison officers waited outside for fear he would kill his prisoner if they entered. He killed Hatch anyway by strangling him with a ligature. Mr Justice Coulson expressed his concerns, especially following the death of another prisoner at Frankland - child rapist Mitchell Harrison, 23, who was killed at the weekend. He said: "It is troubling that these two attacks were carried out in two different high-security prisons. I am particularly concerned that the killing of Hatch took place with prison officers outside the cell but apparently powerless to save him. "Whilst everyone is acutely aware of the costs of monitoring vulnerable and high-risk prisoners, from what I have seen in this case it appears that the management systems currently in place require urgent review." The judge said the "notoriety" of the two victims had no bearing on the outcome of the case, which he stressed was a combined sentence for both attacks. A Prison Service spokeswoman said: "Security procedures are constantly reviewed as a result of every serious incident. As with every death in custody, a thorough, independent investigation by the Prison and Probation Ombudsman will take place." She added: "Prisons take the responsibility of keeping prisoners, staff and visitors safe extremely seriously. The management of violence and its reduction is central to successful prison management. Strenuous efforts are made to learn from each death in custody or incident of violence."

Shaun Russell in phone hack writ

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Shaun Russell in phone hack writ The father of Josie Russell, who survived a frenzied hammer attack in which her sister and mother were killed, is taking legal action over alleged phone hacking by the News of the World. Shaun Russell is one of a number of possible victims who have issued legal writs against News International, which owned the former tabloid, sources said. Sara Payne, the mother of murdered schoolgirl Sarah, is also taking court action over alleged voicemail interception. She campaigned successfully alongside the newspaper for Sarah's Law, which makes available to parents the addresses of convicted paedophiles. Princess Diana's former butler Paul Burrell, pop star Dannii Minogue, and 7/7 hero Paul Dadge are also suing Rupert Murdoch's media company, sources said. Other well-known figures and celebrities claiming damages included politician Lord Prescott, actor Jude Law, comedian Steve Coogan and ex-footballer Paul Gascoigne. Earlier this year at the High Court, Mr Justice Vos heard that around 30 high-profile people who suspect their phone messages were intercepted by News of the World journalists were taking legal action, but that number is said to have increased to more than 60 in recent weeks. The Guardian reported the sharp increase is due to a judicial cut-off point for initial claims. The judge is due to hear evidence from a group of "lead claimants" at a hearing in January - and any rulings he makes are expected to provide a blueprint for the way other claims are dealt with. A spokesman for News International said on Wednesday: "News International is committed to reaching fair and, where possible, swift settlements with victims of illegal voicemail interception and has unreservedly apologised to those affected."

Cameron upbeat on 'can-do' Britain

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Cameron upbeat on 'can-do' Britain Britain can fight its way to a better future for its economy and its society with energy and a spirit of "can-do optimism", Prime Minister David Cameron has insisted. In a speech to the Conservative conference in Manchester delivered against a backdrop of gloomy economic data, Mr Cameron acknowledged voters' anxieties about cuts, inflation and the prospects of recovery. Amid continued growing concern over eurozone stability and just hours after official figures downgraded UK growth in the first two quarters of 2011, he warned that the threat to the British and global economy is "as serious today as it was in 2008 when world recession loomed". But instead of being "paralysed by gloom and fear", he said that Britain must reject pessimism and "turn this time of challenge into a time of opportunity". Mr Cameron promised he would offer the leadership needed to "turn this ship around". And he called on people across the country to show leadership too by working hard, building up innovative businesses and contributing to their communities. He paid tribute to householders who went out to clear the streets following this summer's riots, teachers who have set up free schools in deprived areas and GPs who have taken control of their budgets. And he said: "Let's reject the pessimism. Let's bring on the can-do optimism. Let's summon the energy and the appetite to fight for a better future for our country, Great Britain." Invoking the "spirit of Britain", Mr Cameron said the UK needs to show the "hard-working, pioneering, independent, creative, adaptable, optimistic, can-do" qualities that had allowed it to make an out-sized impact on the world throughout its history. "Remember: it's not the size of the dog in the fight - it's the size of the fight in the dog," he said. "Overcoming challenge, confounding the sceptics, reinventing ourselves, this is what we do. It's called leadership. "We have the people, we have the ideas, and now we have a Government that's freeing those people, backing those ideas. So let's see an optimistic future. Let's show the world some fight. Let's pull together, work together. And together lead Britain to better days."

London 'ready for 2012 Olympics'

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London 'ready for 2012 Olympics' London Mayor Boris Johnson has told International Olympic Committee inspectors that the city is ready to stage the 2012 Games. The ability of London's narrow streets and congested, old transport network to cope with the huge demand during the Games has been an ongoing concern in staging the event. But he told the IOC co-ordination commission, in the city for its penultimate check-up of preparations for London 2012 Games before events begin in July: "Our venues are ready, our park is ready, our transport system is being transformed. "Excitement around London 2012 is already reaching fever pitch and there is no doubt that the capital will live up to everyone's expectations but there is still much to do over the coming months." The inspectors have listened to a series of presentations to update them on progress on a range of issues. Construction and handover of the Olympic Stadium, Aquatics Centre, Velodrome, and handball and basketball arenas, plus completion of the building work of the International Broadcast Centre/Main Press Centre are among the key milestones which have been hit. In addition, the finished track at the Olympic Stadium was unveiled this week. The inspectors have been told that around £6.5 billion is being invested in upgrading and extending transport links in an effort help spectators get to and from the Games each day and to keep London moving. Much-needed extra capacity is being built on the Jubilee Line, along with signalling upgrades. There are also increases in Docklands Light Railway capacity to Woolwich and eventually Stratford International. An evaluation commission from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has also been in town this week to inspect London's bid for the 2017 athletics world championships.

Knox may know 'truth', says judge

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Knox may know 'truth', says judge The Italian appeals court judge who was part of the jury which acquitted Amanda Knox has said the American and her ex-boyfriend might know the "real truth" about who killed British student Meredith Kercher, and could even be responsible. In his first public comments since Ms Knox and her Italian co-defendant Raffaele Sollecito were acquitted on Monday night, Judge Claudio Pratillo Hellmann stressed on state TV that the acquittals "resulted from the truth that was created in the trial". "But the real truth could be different," Judge Pratillo Hellmann added. "They could also be responsible but the proof isn't there. "So, maybe they know, too, but as far as we (the jury) go, they didn't," he added. Ms Knox and Mr Sollecito have vehemently denied wrongdoing in the murder of Misss Kercher in Italy in 2007. Ms Knox flew home to Seattle on Tuesday, her first full day out of jail since she was arrested a few days after the murder. Asked who knew the truth about the killing, Judge Pratillo Hellmann referred to a third defendant, Rudy Guede, who was convicted of Miss Kercher's murder in a separate trial and is serving a 16-year sentence in Italy. "Certainly Rudy Guede" knows. "I won't say he's the only one to know," the judge added. Referring to Ms Knox and Mr Sollecito, who were both originally convicted of sexual assault and murder in a lower court trial, the judge said that "maybe the two defendants also know" what really happened in the murder, but "our verdict of acquittal is the result of the truth that was created in the trial". Guede, of the Ivory Coast, has denied wrongdoing but has acknowledged being in the house when Miss Kercher was killed.

Trial 'reveals cricket corruption'

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Trial 'reveals cricket corruption' Three top Pakistani cricketers took bribes to bowl deliberate no-balls in a scandal that reveals "rampant corruption" at the heart of the international game, a court has heard. Former Test captain Salman Butt, 26, and fast bowlers Mohammad Asif, 28, and Mohammad Amir, 19, conspired with UK-based sports agent Mazhar Majeed, 36, to fix parts of a match during Pakistan's tour of England last year, London's Southwark Crown Court was told. Motivated by greed, the four men "contaminated" matches watched by millions of people, and betrayed their team, the Pakistan Cricket Board and the sport itself, it was claimed. Prosecutor Aftab Jafferjee QC said there were "simply breathtaking" sums of money involved in foreign betting markets, with an estimated 40 to 50 billion US dollars spent in the Indian sub-continent in one year alone. "This case reveals a depressing tale of rampant corruption at the heart of international cricket, with the key players being members of the Pakistan cricket team," he said. He told the court the cricketers' alleged corrupt activities were "underpinned" by the overseas betting industry, in particular in the cricketing nations of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and the Far East. Gamblers in the Indian sub-continent bet on everything from the outcome of matches to individual events, such as how many no-balls or wides will be bowled in an over or an innings, the court heard. The trial centres on the Test match between Pakistan and England at Lord's in London, known as the "home of cricket", from August 26 to 29 last year, the court heard. Butt and Majeed are alleged to have arranged for Asif and Amir, Pakistan's top fast bowlers, to have bowled three no-balls at specific points in the game in return for large sums of money. Majeed allegedly told an undercover reporter that spot-fixing - where parts of a match are illegally rigged - cost £50,000 to £80,000, but fixing results was much more expensive - around £400,000 for a Twenty20 game and as much as £1 million for a five-day Test match. He also claimed to have six players from the Pakistan national side working for him in rigging matches, the court heard. The undercover journalist agreed to pay £10,000 in return for a no-ball to be played as a "tester" of the agent's ability to fix matches, the court heard. The jury of six men and six women was told that only Butt and Asif were on trial, but Mr Jafferjee stressed there was "nothing sinister" in the absence of Majeed and Amir from the proceedings. Butt and Asif deny conspiracy to cheat and conspiracy to accept corrupt payments between August 15 and 29 last year.

BBC 'poised to slash 2,000 jobs'

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BBC 'poised to slash 2,000 jobs' The BBC is set to cut up to 2,000 jobs as part of changes aimed at making savings of around 20%, sources have said. The corporation will hold a series of meetings with its staff across the UK on Thursday when it will reveal details of its Delivering Quality First initiative. Director-general Mark Thompson will unveil details of the cuts, with industry sources indicating it is likely that around 2,000 jobs will be lost. Mr Thompson and the chairman of the BBC Trust Lord Patten will speak to staff for around an hour at 10am. The BBC committed itself to saving billions of pounds from its budget after the annual licence fee was frozen at £145.50 for six years. In an internal message sent to staff earlier this week, Mr Thompson said thousands of them had made comments and proposals over the past nine months as part of the process. He said: "You brought us new ideas, caused us to adapt or drop some of our own early ideas, and helped us shape the final set of proposals which we've been discussing with the BBC Trust in recent weeks." It has been reported the corporation is considering selling off its White City building in west London as it bids to cope with its new financial reality. Its best-known west London home, Television Centre, is already up for sale. Earlier this year, Mr Thompson refused to rule out closing channels to save money but insisted there is "a smarter way of making savings". It has also been reported that highbrow arts channel BBC Four could be a target for cuts and could merge some of its operations with its digital sister channel BBC Three.

Social work staff exploited - union

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Social work staff exploited - union Support staff and assistants are being used as social workers "on the cheap" as local authorities struggle to cope with budget cuts, a union has claimed. Unison said research among more than 350 staff across the UK showed that the boundaries between the work of professional social workers and support staff were "blurring into non-existence". Two thirds of the social work assistants and support staff surveyed said they were regularly given work with vulnerable children and adults they did not feel qualified to carry out. Many said they worked alone on complex cases, often feeling out of their depth, with more than two out of three dealing with an increasing number of cases. Three out of four worked extra hours, while two thirds earned less than £21,000. Half of those polled had suffered verbal attacks and one in four had received threats. Helga Pile, Unison's national officer for social care, said: "Our survey shows that social work assistants and support workers are seriously struggling to cope with the pressures being piled on them, as demand continues to grow, while resources are drastically cut. "Staff are very concerned about vulnerable children and adults who rely on the services. There aren't enough social workers, so they are under growing pressure to step into the breach and carry out work they may be unqualified to do. They end up suffering from excessive bureaucracy, stress and burn-out - just like social workers. "Support workers and social work assistants have a vital role to play but are often used as cheap labour for social workers. Those who wish to become social workers need continuing support to qualify, yet this cost-effective way of 'growing your own' social workers is being cut. "We need proper safeguards in the system to protect assistants and support workers, social workers - and the people who rely on these vital services." One of the staff surveyed said the number of cases she had to deal with in a week had increased from 30 to 54, adding: "We are all leaving because they (managers) totally take advantage."

National Trust membership soars

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National Trust membership soars Membership of the National Trust has topped four million for the first time, the organisation has said. The Trust, which looks after more than 300 historic houses, more than 600,000 acres of land and 700 miles of coastline, has seen numbers rise from just 100 in 1895 when it was founded - with an annual subscription of 10 shillings. By the outbreak of the First World War membership stood at 670. It reached one million in 1981, two million in 1990 and three million in 2002. Membership of the organisation provided £120 million in the last financial year to support "vital" conservation work in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Trust said. In total some 90 million visits are made to National Trust houses, gardens, coast and countryside each year. Dame Fiona Reynolds, director general of the National Trust, said: "Whether it's a love for their local place, a passion for anything from surfing to fine art, or simply the joy of spending family time together - there's clearly a growing hunger for what we have to offer." She added: "In England you are never more than 40 minutes away from somewhere looked after by the National Trust. "From the smallest sculleries and garden grottos to towering castle turrets and the wild expanses of Lake District countryside, the National Trust enables everyone to enjoy these beautiful, intriguing and exciting places forever." She said the Trust owed a "massive thank you" to members for their support. She added: "We were set up 116 years ago to look after special places so that they could be enjoyed by all. Clearly that founding aim remains as relevant today as it was then."
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