September 10, 2010, 2:08 am
![Image]( "Cuts 'may cost 40,000 police jobs'")
Up to 40,000 frontline police jobs could be axed if Government funding cuts go ahead, the Police Federation has warned.
Simon Reed, vice-chairman of the body which represents officers in England and Wales, said cuts of 25% would "devastate" the police service.
It is "inevitable" that crime would go up, he added.
His comments came after Hampshire Constabulary announced plans to axe 1,400 posts, about a fifth of its workforce, including hundreds of police officers.
The West Midlands force could lose up to 1,000 officers as it makes cuts of £140 million, figures released by the Police Federation show.
Greater Manchester Constabulary has lost 221 officers since last December, and North Wales will lose 251 officers in the next four years, the figures show.
Several federations - including those in the West Midlands, Cleveland, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Hampshire, Devon & Cornwall, Northamptonshire and Durham - all warned that "major incidents will get a lot worse".
Others predicted increases in anti-social behaviour and burglary.
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September 10, 2010, 2:21 am
![Image]( "Muslims condemn US Koran protest")
Thousands of Muslims have gathered at one of western Europe's largest mosques to condemn the pastor who plans to burn copies of the Koran.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, world head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, addressed millions of people from a live telecast from the Baitul Futuh Mosque, in Morden, south west London.
He said the actions of Terry Jones, the pastor of a church in Gainesville, Florida, in threatening to stage an "international burn-a-Koran day" had spread "hatred" around the world.
"Religious extremism, be it Christian extremism, Muslim extremism, or any other kind is never a true reflection of the religion," he said, before leading Friday prayers attended by an estimated 11,000 people at the mosque.
"A number of churches have condemned this act. There is nothing wrong with intellectual or theological debate but this should be conducted within the bounds of decency and tolerance.
"Instead, what we are seeing is hatred being spread."
Mr Jones had agreed to cancel the book-burning after claiming to have had assurances that a proposed mosque in New York would be moved away from the site of the 2001 terrorist attacks.
But he later claimed he had been "lied to" and said the protest, initially planned for September 11, had only been postponed.
He now says he will not burn the Koran if he's able to meet with the organisers behind the New York mosque on Saturday.
Speaking to NBC's Today show in the US, Mr Jones said if he meets with the imam in New York, he won't burn the Koran - but it wasn't clear if he meant the burning would be halted indefinitely or just for Saturday.
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September 10, 2010, 2:21 am
![Image]( "Terror control orders 'best option'")
The Government should seriously consider retaining controversial control orders to keep tabs on suspected terrorists, a think-tank has said.
The orders, while flawed and of only limited effectiveness, "perform an important function imperfectly" and not all terrorist threats can be tackled in the courts, the Centre for Social Cohesion (CSC) said.
It said the Government, which is reviewing its counter-terrorism strategy, "should seriously consider retaining the system while robustly addressing its deficiencies".
Critics of the orders, including human rights group Amnesty International, have accused the UK of operating a "secretive shadow justice system" for terror suspects which campaigners say must end.
But Robin Simcox, CSC research fellow and the report's author, said: "Members of the Government have called for the abolition of control orders but offered no viable alternative.
"No-one is saying control orders are perfect, but they are the best option available with the law as it stands. Not all terrorist threats can be dealt with in the preferred manner of convictions in British courts."
On the eve of the ninth anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks in New York, he went on: "The threat from al Qaida-inspired terrorism remains high, and those under control order have often been committed jihadists. Control orders help contain this national security threat."
A total of 45 individuals were subject to control orders at some point between their launch in 2005 and December last year, the report, Control Orders: Strengthening National Security, found.
Only 12 of these were in force as of the end of last year. More than half of these (26) entered the UK seeking asylum, at least a fifth (nine) were British citizens and more than one in six (seven) have absconded.
In July, the Court of Appeal paved the way for terror suspects to sue for damages over legally-flawed control orders which breached human rights.
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September 10, 2010, 6:48 am
![Image]( "Police cuts 'criminals' Christmas'")
The Government must wake up to the reality of a "Christmas for criminals" as up to 40,000 police officers could be axed if 25% funding cuts go ahead, the Police Federation has said.
The body, which represents officers in England and Wales, said forces would be left "devastated" and specialist departments - including those involved with child protection and domestic violence - would "disappear" as resources were diverted to calls needing emergency responses.
Paul McKeever, the federation's chairman, warned that the cuts, coupled with Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke's desire to see more offenders dealt with in the community rather than with short-term prison sentences, would be a "volatile mix".
"Our officers are telling us the most vulnerable in society will be hit the hardest", he said.
"Those who can protect themselves, will go and protect themselves. Those who can't protect themselves will be at greater risk of experiencing anti-social behaviour, violent crime and crime generally. We will be delivering a lot less, in fact we'll be stopping delivering in some areas altogether."
There were already plans for the domestic violence unit of the Northamptonshire force to be absorbed into the major crime unit, effectively depriving the force of those specialist services, he said.
The warning was made as Hampshire Constabulary announced it would axe 1,400 posts, including hundreds of police officers, as it cuts about a fifth of its workforce in a bid to make £70 million worth of savings over the next four years.
One national estimate found 60,000 frontline and civilian jobs in the police service would be at risk if the cuts went ahead at 25%.
Mr McKeever said he was "surprised" that the police were not in the lower bracket of cuts, but instead had been told to prepare for reductions of 25% or more.
He blamed "bad advice" from the Home Office and think-tanks which suggested that big enough savings could be made through efficiencies to justify a 25% cut.
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September 10, 2010, 7:11 am
![Image]( "Koran-row pastor set to meet imam")
The US pastor who planned an "International Burn-a-Koran Day" will instead fly to New York to try to meet the imam overseeing plans for a controversial Islamic centre near Ground Zero.
Pastor Terry Jones confirmed that the protest - planned for the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the US - had been called off and said he will fly to New York instead.
In a statement made outside his church, the Dove World Outreach Centre in Gainesville, Florida, he stressed that he was not against Muslims.
"In America we have freedom of religion, freedom of expression," he told reporters. "They are more than welcome to be here, worship, to build mosques."
Mr Jones initially called off the protest on Thursday, saying he had been promised the centre's location would be changed, but then admitted he was reconsidering after it emerged no such commitment had been made by the imam.
He told CBS breakfast television programme The Early Show that the stunt had been cancelled and he would fly to New York with the hope of meeting Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf.
US president Barack Obama said Mr Jones's plans had to be taken seriously because it could cause "profound damage" to US troops and interests around the world.
"You don't play games with that," he said and insisted that as commander in chief he had an obligation to respond.
The meeting between Mr Jones and the imam would come as the world remembers the thousands of people killed and injured when Muslim extremists hijacked four planes and flew two into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre and a third into the Pentagon. The fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers and crew tried to regain control of the aircraft.
Meanwhile, at least 11 people have been injured when thousands protested in Afghanistan over the plans.
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September 10, 2010, 12:03 pm
![Image]( "Koran-row pastor hopes to meet imam")
The pastor who planned an "International Burn-a-Koran Day" has publicly challenged the imam overseeing plans for a controversial Islamic centre in New York to start talks.
Pastor Terry Jones was to fly to New York and hoped to meet Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf - on the ninth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the US - to talk about unhappiness about the centre being sited close to Ground Zero.
He was forced to reconsider when Imam Rauf said he had no plans to meet the pastor although he was open to seeing anyone "seriously committed to pursuing peace".
Mr Jones said he had "a challenge to give to the imam in New York".
Standing outside his church, the Dove World Outreach Centre in Gainesville, Florida, he then handed over to K A Paul, a controversial Christian preacher who has been praying with the pastor.
Mr Paul gave out his own telephone number and that of another pastor and urged Imam Rauf to get in touch, either directly or through the media to discuss whether he was prepared to meet Mr Jones. Mr Paul said it was legally acceptable for the Islamic centre to be built near the Ground Zero site of the Twin Towers destroyed in the 2001 attacks but not morally acceptable.
US president Barack Obama said Mr Jones's plans had to be taken seriously because it could cause "profound damage" to US troops and interests around the world.
"You don't play games with that," he said and insisted that as commander in chief he had an obligation to respond.
The meeting between Mr Jones and the imam would come as the world remembers the thousands of people killed and injured when Muslim extremists hijacked four planes and flew two into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre and a third into the Pentagon. The fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers and crew tried to regain control of the aircraft.
Meanwhile, at least 11 people have been injured when thousands protested in Afghanistan over the plans.
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September 10, 2010, 12:03 pm
![Image]( "MPs' fear 'held back hacking probe'")
MPs held back in an inquiry into phone-hacking allegations because of fears their own private lives could be probed by a newspaper, a former member of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee has claimed.
Adam Price, who stood down as a Plaid Cymru MP in May, said the concern - raised by a senior Tory - was a factor in the committee not trying to force News International (NI) chief executive Rebekah Brooks to give evidence last year.
Ms Brooks declined requests to appear before the investigation into the hacking of phones by the News of the World, which had already heard evidence from other NI executives.
Mr Price told Channel 4 News the committee discussed the idea of asking the Commons authorities to take the rare step of forcing her to attend but held off amid fears the newspaper "would go for us".
Committee chairman John Whittingdale confirmed that the potential impact on MPs' personal lives was discussed but insisted he had no reason to believe it would happen and it had not influenced his decision.
Mr Price's comments come the day after MPs voted to refer the hacking allegations to the more powerful Standards and Privileges Committee for a fresh probe into whether politicians' mobiles were targeted.
In 2007, ex-News of the World royal editor Clive Goodman and private investigator Glenn Mulcaire were jailed for intercepting voicemail messages left for public figures - something NI insists was an isolated case. But the row was reignited last week when a former reporter claimed that David Cameron's communications chief Andy Coulson - editor of the Sunday paper at the time - was aware such eavesdropping was happening. Mr Coulson has repeatedly denied the allegation and Downing Street insists he retains the Prime Minister's confidence.
Mr Price said he now thought it "regrettable" that the committee had not been tougher and said he hoped the standards committee would "stand firm where we didn't". He said: "We could have used the nuclear option. We decided not to, I think to some extent because of what I was told at the time by a senior Conservative member of the committee, who I know was in direct contact with NI execs, that if we went for her, called her back, subpoenaed her, they would go for us - which meant effectively that they would delve into our personal lives in order to punish them and I think that's part of the reason we didn't do it."
"In retrospect I think that's regrettable. It's important now that the new inquiry stands firm where we didn't. Politicians aren't above the law but neither are journalists including Rupert Murdoch's bovver boys with biros."
A News International spokesman said: "Three News International executives appeared at the CMS select committee and the company co-operated extensively with its investigations."
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September 10, 2010, 12:03 pm
![Image]( "Brian wins Ultimate Big Brother")
From trolley dolly to reality television king - Brian Dowling has been crowned the winner of Ultimate Big Brother.
A shocked looking Dowling won the public vote, beating Nikki Grahame to the prize.
The former Ryanair steward was catapulted to fame after winning Big Brother 2 in 2001.
Dowling repeatedly yelled "Oh my God!" when his name was called and hugged Grahame.
"I love you. Well done," she said before heading outside.
Grahame, who first entered the house in 2006 dressed as a Playboy bunny, was known for her tantrums.
In third place was Chantelle Houghton who won Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 despite being the only housemate who was not famous.
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September 10, 2010, 9:11 pm
![Image]( "Miliband warns of 'long opposition'")
David Miliband has warned that Labour risks three or four terms out of office if it picks the wrong leader to succeed Gordon Brown.
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, the front-runner in the contest said he was "trying to persuade the Labour Party not to lose three or four elections before it bounces back".
The shadow foreign secretary described himself as "the unity candidate", with support from all sides of the party.
Speaking about his association with New Labour, Mr Miliband said: "I'm learning from the past but not living in it."
The new leader will be announced in Manchester on September 25 ahead of the party's annual conference.
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September 10, 2010, 9:11 pm
![Image]( "Call for shorter summer holidays")
The school summer holiday should be shortened in a bid to improve the prospects of poorer pupils, the Government's poverty adviser said.
Frank Field said disadvantaged children fall further behind during the extended break because they are not being read to and tutored.
In an interview with The Times, Mr Field called for the school year to be broken into four or five terms with shorter holidays to help poorer pupils who do not receive support at home.
He said: "Long holidays damage those who are already disadvantaged. They drop behind, they are not being read to, or tutored or talked to in the same way. They have often fallen behind by the beginning of the school year."
The Labour MP for Birkenhead said the six-week break was "out of kilter" with working parents, many of whom struggle to pay for childcare and activities.
He added: "The parents' groups I have met have all said they dread the summer holidays and would like more equal terms.
"We should be responding to what parents want."
Mr Field is expected to present his interim report on "child poverty and life chances" to David Cameron in the next few days.
Among proposals contained in the report are the introduction of a GCSE in parenting and an awards scheme for mothers and fathers, similar to the Duke of Edinburgh awards.
Mr Field will also recommend that mothers are given up to £25,000 in advance child benefit payments to enable them to stay at home to look after young children.
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September 10, 2010, 9:11 pm
![Image]( "Tax chief: 'We didn't get it wrong'")
The country's top tax official has said he had no need to apologise to 1.4 million people facing demands for extra money - insisting it was not an "extraordinary" situation and denying any errors by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Dave Hartnett, the HMRC Permanent Secretary responsible for tax, also defended asking those who owed more than £2,000 to pay it back more quickly - arguing that they were likely to be the highest earners.
It is thought that 2.3 million people underpaid income tax during the past two tax years due to errors in their Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax code but around 900,000 will escape repayment after the Government raised the write-off threshold.
Those who will have to make up the shortfall collectively owe around £2 billion, or an average of £1,428 each.
Asked if he would say sorry to those facing unexpected bills, Mr Hartnett told BBC Radio 4's Money Box programme: "I'm not sure I see a need to apologise. I've read the papers, listened to the media and heard stories of HMRC blunder and IT failure - neither of those are true. Every country that I know of that has deduction of tax from wages and salaries has to do a reconciliation at the end of each year and we're doing one."
He added: I don't think we are extraordinary. Once or twice in the past the numbers have been very large - sometimes they're less - it depends on how the system has been operated and what issues there have been.
"We didn't get it wrong. This needs to be reconciled."
People who owe less than £2,000 will be able to pay the money in monthly instalments taken from their salary over one to three years but those owing more will have no more than three months to return the cash.
Asked why they faced a shorter timetable, Mr Hartnett said: "Because I think owing the most may actually mean they're earning the most. I think it's very unlikely that a low earner will owe us more than £2,000 as a result of the process we're going through now."
He indicated that around 45,000 letters were sent out as an initial pilot - with changes potentially being made before the rest of the six million people who owe tax or are due refunds received theirs - due before Christmas.
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September 10, 2010, 10:28 pm
![Image]( "Politics threatens 9/11 anniversary")
Politics is threatening to overshadow the ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Families of more than 2,700 people killed at the World Trade Centre will mourn their loved ones by reading their names at an anniversary ceremony.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama plan to attend separate memorial services at the Pentagon and at Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where more than 200 others were killed in the 2001 attacks.
But a debate over a planned mosque near ground zero that has polarised the nation could mar the ceremonies.
Thousands are expected at protests both for and against the proposed Islamic centre and mosque north of ground zero.
Some victims' family members are torn about whether to engage in a political rally on the anniversary of their loved ones' deaths.
Further controversy came after the pastor of a small American church planned to burn copies of the Koran to mark the 9/11 anniversary.
The Rev Terry Jones later announced he would cancel the plans, but then said he is reconsidering and has flown to New York.
Earlier, Mr Jones' son, Luke, said the Koran-burning event will not take place today but could not say whether there would be a future event.
The book burning plans have sparked violent protests in Afghanistan where a demonstration in Puli Alam, the capital of the eastern Logar province, turned ugly with protesters chanting "death to America" and setting shops and police checkpoints on fire.
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September 10, 2010, 10:28 pm
![Image]( "UK soldier dies from gunshot wounds")
A British soldier has died in hospital in the UK after being shot in Afghanistan last month, the Ministry of Defence said.
The soldier, from 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (South), suffered a gunshot wound in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province on August 23.
He died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Birmingham, on Friday.
His family has been told.
Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "It is with great sadness I must inform you that a soldier died of his wounds yesterday at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.
"He was from the 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, serving as part of the 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battle Group.
"The soldier was conducting interdiction and disrupt operations in southern Nahr-e Saraj when he was struck by small arms fire on August 23.
"His bravery and commitment in the face of danger will never be forgotten. We will remember him."
The number of British losses since the conflict in Afghanistan began in 2001 now stands at 335.
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September 10, 2010, 10:28 pm
![Image]( "Proms season reaches its climax")
British reserve will give way to pomp, patriotism and exuberant flag waving as the Proms season comes to its celebrated climax.
The Last Night Of The Proms will see the old favourites trotted out for their annual airing inside the Royal Albert Hall.
But it will be left to an American to lead the gathered masses into rousing renditions of Rule, Britannia!, Land of Hope and Glory and the like.
Renee Fleming, one of the world's greatest sopranos, will be accompanied on stage by Jiri Belohlavek who will be waving his baton in front of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
The programme will include pieces from Tchaikovsky, Richard Strauss and Wagner, before culminating in Thomas Arne's Rule, Britannia!, Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstances and finally God Save the Queen.
It will end a Proms season that has seen all-time high audiences.
On Friday night, the BBC said there was a 5% increase in audience numbers compared with the previous year.
Over the 89 concerts, there were 313,000 people through the doors of the Royal Albert Hall and Cadogan Hall in London, compared to 297,500 in 2009.
And concerts were 92% full, compared to the 87% of the previous year, with 49 concerts completely selling out - 10 higher on the year.
There were also more Promenaders than ever - those who buy their tickets on the day to stand at the front of the stage - with 86,200, a 14% rise year on year.
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September 10, 2010, 10:28 pm
![Image]( "Prostitutes accused in suicide bid")
A man accused of murdering three prostitutes attempted suicide for a second time in prison, it has emerged.
Stephen Griffiths, 40, was treated for "superficial wounds" at HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire, where he is being held on remand, a prison service spokesman said.
He was found by prison staff after reportedly slashing his throat with a shard of glass in his cell on Friday morning.
Griffiths, who referred to himself as the "Crossbow Cannibal" when he appeared before magistrates, is charged with murdering Bradford sex workers Suzanne Blamires, Shelley Armitage and Susan Rushworth.
He first attempted suicide in his cell in June when he was reportedly found unconscious on the floor of his cell with a sock tied round his neck.
A prison service spokesman said: "A prisoner at HMP Wakefield received superficial wounds after cutting himself with glass.
"He was treated in the healthcare centre of the prison after staff intervened."
The criminology student is charged with murdering Ms Blamires, 36, between May 20 and May 25; murdering Ms Rushworth, 43, between June 22 2009 and May 25 this year; and murdering Ms Armitage, 31, between April 25 and May 25 this year.
Ms Blamires was last seen on May 21, Ms Armitage has been missing since April 26, and Ms Rushworth disappeared on June 22 last year.
Body parts belonging to Ms Blamires were found in the River Aire in Shipley on May 25 and tests confirmed that a small piece of human tissue later found in the water belonged to Ms Armitage.
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September 10, 2010, 10:28 pm
![Image]( "Tower closed in Legionnaires' probe")
Health chiefs have closed a water cooling tower in an area where Legionnaires' disease is suspected of claiming two lives.
But the un-named company in Merthyr Tydfil, south Wales, was not confirmed as the source of the outbreak, Public Health Wales (PHW) stressed.
The firm has already fully cleaned and disinfected the tower which has since been given the green light to restart work.
The action is part of an urgent investigation to find the source of the outbreak which has so far taken in the premises of more than 100 companies.
Experts also revealed that three extra cases of Legionnaires' disease were identified - all within the Heads of the Valleys corridor where the outbreak is clustered.
The new cases raise the number affected to 17, all of which required hospital treatment.
Two people died since the outbreak was first discovered. A woman of 64 died on Monday and a man aged 70 died on Wednesday. Neither case was so far confirmed as being Legionnaires' disease.
Of the new cases one was identified as possibly linked to the outbreak - bringing the total to four, all of which remain under investigation.
Experts continue to hunt for the source of the outbreak in an area taking in Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney.
"Information has been gathered on the people with the disease to identify where they have been at times when they may have caught the infection," a PHW spokesman said. "In support of the work of the Outbreak Control Team in identifying any potential source of the outbreak, HSE has inspected all registered cooling towers and evaporative condensers in the Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney area, to assess the operation and safety of systems that have the potential to proliferate Legionella. In total, 10 registered premises were visited. Three Improvement Notices were served on companies running registered premises requiring them to further improve their operation of their systems."
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September 10, 2010, 10:28 pm
![Image]( "Early Christmas for supermarkets")
Christmas has already arrived in supermarkets, with some retailers kicking off the season's promotions just days after the August bank holiday.
Packets of mince pies were on sale at selected Sainsbury's stores for 59p on September 1 - 115 days before Christmas, The Grocer magazine reported.
This week they were joined by Christmas puddings on a three-for-two deal and £5 tins of Quality Street confectionery. Decorations hit stores later this month.
Last week Tesco and Asda started selling tins of sweets such as Cadbury Heroes, Cadbury Roses, Celebrations and Quality Street on two for £10 deals.
Morrisons started rolling out its range on Monday, initially focusing on confectionery but planning to follow with biscuits, crisps, snacks and gift packs over the next few weeks.
Since September 8, Tesco has been selling two Lindt milk chocolate Santas for £2 and two of its own-label Santas for £1. It also became the first retailer to sell selection boxes this week.
David Meara, Rector of St Bride's Fleet Street and Archdeacon of London, told the magazine that stocking Christmas products so early was "to the detriment of the spirit of Christmas".
He said: "With products sold in September, by the time December comes you're totally fed up. The danger is people won't appreciate Christmas for what it is as it becomes much less fresh and thought-provoking."
Malcolm Pinkerton, from retail analysts Verdict, said: "I think consumers are still hoping the summer hasn't gone."
However a Sainsbury's spokesman said retailers were only responding to consumer demand. He said: "It helps them spread the cost of Christmas and manage their budgets."
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September 11, 2010, 12:50 am
![Image]( "Blunt attack over troop equipment")
Singer and former soldier James Blunt has criticised the "dire state" of equipment given to British soldiers.
Speaking ahead of a Heroes Concert in London on Sunday, Blunt said it was "shocking" that service personnel were "obliged" to raise money to help injured colleagues and their families.
Blunt, writing in The Sun newspaper, said more needed to be done to help British forces fighting in Afghanistan.
He said: "At the moment, they are struggling. We're sending guys and girls to do specific jobs but not giving them the tools to do them properly.
"I recently visited troops in Afghanistan and it brought home the dire state of the equipment our heroes are expected to put up with."
Blunt, 36, is one of a host of stars set to perform to a crowd of 60,000 at Twickenham Stadium, south west London, in a concert to raise money for the Help the Heroes charity.
The event will see Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow perform together on stage for the first time in 15 years.
Other stars appearing include Alexandra Burke, Pixie Lott, Plan and The Saturdays.
Blunt said the concert was crucial to raise money for troops.
"Soldiers put in their own pay to help out injured colleagues and their families," he said.
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September 11, 2010, 12:50 am
![Image]( "Cuts will damage society, warns TUC")
The TUC has issued a dire warning to the coalition Government that its "reckless" policy of spending cuts would cause "irreparable damage" to Britain's society.
In a hard hitting statement ahead of the TUC Congress, which opens in Manchester on Monday, the organisation said the country's economy was in "great danger" because of the "unprecedented" cuts.
The TUC's general council warned that in next month's comprehensive spending review the Government will start to withdraw £32 billion from the economy in tax rises and spending cuts from April 2011, on top of the £8.9 billion already taken out this financial year.
The cuts will affect economic activity, undermine confidence and could lead to higher unemployment which was currently "stuck" at around two and a half million, with young people particularly badly hit, said the TUC.
"There is therefore scant prospect that the private sector will now create the new jobs needed. Falling confidence suggests a stagnant labour market and at best a jobless recovery. But the prospect of further deep public spending cuts makes even this look like an optimistic scenario, as both public sector staff and employees in the many companies that depend on the public sector for orders lose their jobs," said the statement.
The union organisation also claimed that making hundreds of thousands of public servants redundant at a time of such cuts and with reduced redundancy pay when there was little or no chance of finding private sector employment was "callous".
The TUC warned that deep cuts to public services, benefits and tax credits were bound to have more impact on those with low incomes, adding: "Women, disabled people and those from black and minority ethnic communities are likely to be among the biggest victims of the cuts and the greater inequality they will bring.
"Unlike cuts, tax increases need not bear down on those least able to afford them, and can reduce inequality across society as a whole.
The TUC also warned that major redundancies, a public sector pay freeze at a time of rising prices and large-scale reorganisations in many services, particularly the National Health Service, will "seriously damage" morale amongst public sector workers.
Echoing a warning given earlier this week by TUC general secretary Brendan Barber, the general council said: "Real terms pay cuts, privatisation and restructuring, job cuts and threats to pensions all adds up to a volatile cocktail that could give rise to difficult and damaging disputes, and the TUC stands ready to support and co-ordinate union action where members decide that industrial action is necessary to defend services and those who deliver them."
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September 11, 2010, 5:00 am
![Image]( "'Koran threat' pastor backs down")
A pastor finally bowed to huge international pressure as he backed down from a threat to burn copies of the Koran, saying: "God is telling us to stop."
Terry Jones had announced the stunt in response to plans to build an Islamic centre near to the site of the 9/11 terrorist atrocities in New York.
But, as the world marked the ninth anniversary of the attacks, Mr Jones said his church would not burn the Islamic holy book - "not today, not ever". "We feel that God is telling us to stop," he told NBC.
Pressed on whether his church would ever burn the Islamic holy book, he said: "Not today, not ever. We're not going to go back and do it. It is totally cancelled."
The leader of the 50-member Dove World Outreach Centre in Gainesville, Florida, said his church's intention was "to expose that there is an element of Islam that is very dangerous and very radical". "We have definitely accomplished that mission," he said.
He had flown to New York in the hope of meeting with leaders of the Islamic centre but said no meeting had been scheduled.
Fareed Ahmad, who joined an estimated 15,000 Muslims for prayers at Baitul Futuh Mosque, in Morden, south-west London, said the episode had caused huge "heartache".
"It's welcome news and the right outcome," said Mr Ahmad, a spokesman for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community."It's a shame it wasn't resolved earlier as it would have saved a lot of heartache. It has hurt Muslims' sentiment."
US president Barack Obama said the anniversary should be a day not only to mourn the 9/11 victims but to show that Americans "are not at war against Islam". "We're at war against terrorist organisations that have distorted Islam or falsely used the banner of Islam to engage in their destructive acts," he said.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed when Muslim extremists hijacked four planes and flew two into the World Trade Centre and a third into the Pentagon on September 11 2001.
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Up to 40,000 frontline police jobs could be axed if Government funding cuts go ahead, the Police Federation has warned.
Simon Reed, vice-chairman of the body which represents officers in England and Wales, said cuts of 25% would "devastate" the police service.
It is "inevitable" that crime would go up, he added.
His comments came after Hampshire Constabulary announced plans to axe 1,400 posts, about a fifth of its workforce, including hundreds of police officers.
The West Midlands force could lose up to 1,000 officers as it makes cuts of £140 million, figures released by the Police Federation show.
Greater Manchester Constabulary has lost 221 officers since last December, and North Wales will lose 251 officers in the next four years, the figures show.
Several federations - including those in the West Midlands, Cleveland, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Hampshire, Devon & Cornwall, Northamptonshire and Durham - all warned that "major incidents will get a lot worse".
Others predicted increases in anti-social behaviour and burglary.
Thousands of Muslims have gathered at one of western Europe's largest mosques to condemn the pastor who plans to burn copies of the Koran.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, world head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, addressed millions of people from a live telecast from the Baitul Futuh Mosque, in Morden, south west London.
He said the actions of Terry Jones, the pastor of a church in Gainesville, Florida, in threatening to stage an "international burn-a-Koran day" had spread "hatred" around the world.
"Religious extremism, be it Christian extremism, Muslim extremism, or any other kind is never a true reflection of the religion," he said, before leading Friday prayers attended by an estimated 11,000 people at the mosque.
"A number of churches have condemned this act. There is nothing wrong with intellectual or theological debate but this should be conducted within the bounds of decency and tolerance.
"Instead, what we are seeing is hatred being spread."
Mr Jones had agreed to cancel the book-burning after claiming to have had assurances that a proposed mosque in New York would be moved away from the site of the 2001 terrorist attacks.
But he later claimed he had been "lied to" and said the protest, initially planned for September 11, had only been postponed.
He now says he will not burn the Koran if he's able to meet with the organisers behind the New York mosque on Saturday.
Speaking to NBC's Today show in the US, Mr Jones said if he meets with the imam in New York, he won't burn the Koran - but it wasn't clear if he meant the burning would be halted indefinitely or just for Saturday.
The Government should seriously consider retaining controversial control orders to keep tabs on suspected terrorists, a think-tank has said.
The orders, while flawed and of only limited effectiveness, "perform an important function imperfectly" and not all terrorist threats can be tackled in the courts, the Centre for Social Cohesion (CSC) said.
It said the Government, which is reviewing its counter-terrorism strategy, "should seriously consider retaining the system while robustly addressing its deficiencies".
Critics of the orders, including human rights group Amnesty International, have accused the UK of operating a "secretive shadow justice system" for terror suspects which campaigners say must end.
But Robin Simcox, CSC research fellow and the report's author, said: "Members of the Government have called for the abolition of control orders but offered no viable alternative.
"No-one is saying control orders are perfect, but they are the best option available with the law as it stands. Not all terrorist threats can be dealt with in the preferred manner of convictions in British courts."
On the eve of the ninth anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks in New York, he went on: "The threat from al Qaida-inspired terrorism remains high, and those under control order have often been committed jihadists. Control orders help contain this national security threat."
A total of 45 individuals were subject to control orders at some point between their launch in 2005 and December last year, the report, Control Orders: Strengthening National Security, found.
Only 12 of these were in force as of the end of last year. More than half of these (26) entered the UK seeking asylum, at least a fifth (nine) were British citizens and more than one in six (seven) have absconded.
In July, the Court of Appeal paved the way for terror suspects to sue for damages over legally-flawed control orders which breached human rights.
MPs held back in an inquiry into phone-hacking allegations because of fears their own private lives could be probed by a newspaper, a former member of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee has claimed.
Adam Price, who stood down as a Plaid Cymru MP in May, said the concern - raised by a senior Tory - was a factor in the committee not trying to force News International (NI) chief executive Rebekah Brooks to give evidence last year.
Ms Brooks declined requests to appear before the investigation into the hacking of phones by the News of the World, which had already heard evidence from other NI executives.
Mr Price told Channel 4 News the committee discussed the idea of asking the Commons authorities to take the rare step of forcing her to attend but held off amid fears the newspaper "would go for us".
Committee chairman John Whittingdale confirmed that the potential impact on MPs' personal lives was discussed but insisted he had no reason to believe it would happen and it had not influenced his decision.
Mr Price's comments come the day after MPs voted to refer the hacking allegations to the more powerful Standards and Privileges Committee for a fresh probe into whether politicians' mobiles were targeted.
In 2007, ex-News of the World royal editor Clive Goodman and private investigator Glenn Mulcaire were jailed for intercepting voicemail messages left for public figures - something NI insists was an isolated case. But the row was reignited last week when a former reporter claimed that David Cameron's communications chief Andy Coulson - editor of the Sunday paper at the time - was aware such eavesdropping was happening. Mr Coulson has repeatedly denied the allegation and Downing Street insists he retains the Prime Minister's confidence.
Mr Price said he now thought it "regrettable" that the committee had not been tougher and said he hoped the standards committee would "stand firm where we didn't". He said: "We could have used the nuclear option. We decided not to, I think to some extent because of what I was told at the time by a senior Conservative member of the committee, who I know was in direct contact with NI execs, that if we went for her, called her back, subpoenaed her, they would go for us - which meant effectively that they would delve into our personal lives in order to punish them and I think that's part of the reason we didn't do it."
"In retrospect I think that's regrettable. It's important now that the new inquiry stands firm where we didn't. Politicians aren't above the law but neither are journalists including Rupert Murdoch's bovver boys with biros."
A News International spokesman said: "Three News International executives appeared at the CMS select committee and the company co-operated extensively with its investigations."
From trolley dolly to reality television king - Brian Dowling has been crowned the winner of Ultimate Big Brother.
A shocked looking Dowling won the public vote, beating Nikki Grahame to the prize.
The former Ryanair steward was catapulted to fame after winning Big Brother 2 in 2001.
Dowling repeatedly yelled "Oh my God!" when his name was called and hugged Grahame.
"I love you. Well done," she said before heading outside.
Grahame, who first entered the house in 2006 dressed as a Playboy bunny, was known for her tantrums.
In third place was Chantelle Houghton who won Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 despite being the only housemate who was not famous.
David Miliband has warned that Labour risks three or four terms out of office if it picks the wrong leader to succeed Gordon Brown.
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, the front-runner in the contest said he was "trying to persuade the Labour Party not to lose three or four elections before it bounces back".
The shadow foreign secretary described himself as "the unity candidate", with support from all sides of the party.
Speaking about his association with New Labour, Mr Miliband said: "I'm learning from the past but not living in it."
The new leader will be announced in Manchester on September 25 ahead of the party's annual conference.
The school summer holiday should be shortened in a bid to improve the prospects of poorer pupils, the Government's poverty adviser said.
Frank Field said disadvantaged children fall further behind during the extended break because they are not being read to and tutored.
In an interview with The Times, Mr Field called for the school year to be broken into four or five terms with shorter holidays to help poorer pupils who do not receive support at home.
He said: "Long holidays damage those who are already disadvantaged. They drop behind, they are not being read to, or tutored or talked to in the same way. They have often fallen behind by the beginning of the school year."
The Labour MP for Birkenhead said the six-week break was "out of kilter" with working parents, many of whom struggle to pay for childcare and activities.
He added: "The parents' groups I have met have all said they dread the summer holidays and would like more equal terms.
"We should be responding to what parents want."
Mr Field is expected to present his interim report on "child poverty and life chances" to David Cameron in the next few days.
Among proposals contained in the report are the introduction of a GCSE in parenting and an awards scheme for mothers and fathers, similar to the Duke of Edinburgh awards.
Mr Field will also recommend that mothers are given up to £25,000 in advance child benefit payments to enable them to stay at home to look after young children.
The country's top tax official has said he had no need to apologise to 1.4 million people facing demands for extra money - insisting it was not an "extraordinary" situation and denying any errors by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Dave Hartnett, the HMRC Permanent Secretary responsible for tax, also defended asking those who owed more than £2,000 to pay it back more quickly - arguing that they were likely to be the highest earners.
It is thought that 2.3 million people underpaid income tax during the past two tax years due to errors in their Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax code but around 900,000 will escape repayment after the Government raised the write-off threshold.
Those who will have to make up the shortfall collectively owe around £2 billion, or an average of £1,428 each.
Asked if he would say sorry to those facing unexpected bills, Mr Hartnett told BBC Radio 4's Money Box programme: "I'm not sure I see a need to apologise. I've read the papers, listened to the media and heard stories of HMRC blunder and IT failure - neither of those are true. Every country that I know of that has deduction of tax from wages and salaries has to do a reconciliation at the end of each year and we're doing one."
He added: I don't think we are extraordinary. Once or twice in the past the numbers have been very large - sometimes they're less - it depends on how the system has been operated and what issues there have been.
"We didn't get it wrong. This needs to be reconciled."
People who owe less than £2,000 will be able to pay the money in monthly instalments taken from their salary over one to three years but those owing more will have no more than three months to return the cash.
Asked why they faced a shorter timetable, Mr Hartnett said: "Because I think owing the most may actually mean they're earning the most. I think it's very unlikely that a low earner will owe us more than £2,000 as a result of the process we're going through now."
He indicated that around 45,000 letters were sent out as an initial pilot - with changes potentially being made before the rest of the six million people who owe tax or are due refunds received theirs - due before Christmas.
Politics is threatening to overshadow the ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Families of more than 2,700 people killed at the World Trade Centre will mourn their loved ones by reading their names at an anniversary ceremony.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama plan to attend separate memorial services at the Pentagon and at Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where more than 200 others were killed in the 2001 attacks.
But a debate over a planned mosque near ground zero that has polarised the nation could mar the ceremonies.
Thousands are expected at protests both for and against the proposed Islamic centre and mosque north of ground zero.
Some victims' family members are torn about whether to engage in a political rally on the anniversary of their loved ones' deaths.
Further controversy came after the pastor of a small American church planned to burn copies of the Koran to mark the 9/11 anniversary.
The Rev Terry Jones later announced he would cancel the plans, but then said he is reconsidering and has flown to New York.
Earlier, Mr Jones' son, Luke, said the Koran-burning event will not take place today but could not say whether there would be a future event.
The book burning plans have sparked violent protests in Afghanistan where a demonstration in Puli Alam, the capital of the eastern Logar province, turned ugly with protesters chanting "death to America" and setting shops and police checkpoints on fire.
A British soldier has died in hospital in the UK after being shot in Afghanistan last month, the Ministry of Defence said.
The soldier, from 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (South), suffered a gunshot wound in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province on August 23.
He died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Birmingham, on Friday.
His family has been told.
Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "It is with great sadness I must inform you that a soldier died of his wounds yesterday at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.
"He was from the 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, serving as part of the 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battle Group.
"The soldier was conducting interdiction and disrupt operations in southern Nahr-e Saraj when he was struck by small arms fire on August 23.
"His bravery and commitment in the face of danger will never be forgotten. We will remember him."
The number of British losses since the conflict in Afghanistan began in 2001 now stands at 335.
British reserve will give way to pomp, patriotism and exuberant flag waving as the Proms season comes to its celebrated climax.
The Last Night Of The Proms will see the old favourites trotted out for their annual airing inside the Royal Albert Hall.
But it will be left to an American to lead the gathered masses into rousing renditions of Rule, Britannia!, Land of Hope and Glory and the like.
Renee Fleming, one of the world's greatest sopranos, will be accompanied on stage by Jiri Belohlavek who will be waving his baton in front of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
The programme will include pieces from Tchaikovsky, Richard Strauss and Wagner, before culminating in Thomas Arne's Rule, Britannia!, Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstances and finally God Save the Queen.
It will end a Proms season that has seen all-time high audiences.
On Friday night, the BBC said there was a 5% increase in audience numbers compared with the previous year.
Over the 89 concerts, there were 313,000 people through the doors of the Royal Albert Hall and Cadogan Hall in London, compared to 297,500 in 2009.
And concerts were 92% full, compared to the 87% of the previous year, with 49 concerts completely selling out - 10 higher on the year.
There were also more Promenaders than ever - those who buy their tickets on the day to stand at the front of the stage - with 86,200, a 14% rise year on year.
A man accused of murdering three prostitutes attempted suicide for a second time in prison, it has emerged.
Stephen Griffiths, 40, was treated for "superficial wounds" at HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire, where he is being held on remand, a prison service spokesman said.
He was found by prison staff after reportedly slashing his throat with a shard of glass in his cell on Friday morning.
Griffiths, who referred to himself as the "Crossbow Cannibal" when he appeared before magistrates, is charged with murdering Bradford sex workers Suzanne Blamires, Shelley Armitage and Susan Rushworth.
He first attempted suicide in his cell in June when he was reportedly found unconscious on the floor of his cell with a sock tied round his neck.
A prison service spokesman said: "A prisoner at HMP Wakefield received superficial wounds after cutting himself with glass.
"He was treated in the healthcare centre of the prison after staff intervened."
The criminology student is charged with murdering Ms Blamires, 36, between May 20 and May 25; murdering Ms Rushworth, 43, between June 22 2009 and May 25 this year; and murdering Ms Armitage, 31, between April 25 and May 25 this year.
Ms Blamires was last seen on May 21, Ms Armitage has been missing since April 26, and Ms Rushworth disappeared on June 22 last year.
Body parts belonging to Ms Blamires were found in the River Aire in Shipley on May 25 and tests confirmed that a small piece of human tissue later found in the water belonged to Ms Armitage.
Health chiefs have closed a water cooling tower in an area where Legionnaires' disease is suspected of claiming two lives.
But the un-named company in Merthyr Tydfil, south Wales, was not confirmed as the source of the outbreak, Public Health Wales (PHW) stressed.
The firm has already fully cleaned and disinfected the tower which has since been given the green light to restart work.
The action is part of an urgent investigation to find the source of the outbreak which has so far taken in the premises of more than 100 companies.
Experts also revealed that three extra cases of Legionnaires' disease were identified - all within the Heads of the Valleys corridor where the outbreak is clustered.
The new cases raise the number affected to 17, all of which required hospital treatment.
Two people died since the outbreak was first discovered. A woman of 64 died on Monday and a man aged 70 died on Wednesday. Neither case was so far confirmed as being Legionnaires' disease.
Of the new cases one was identified as possibly linked to the outbreak - bringing the total to four, all of which remain under investigation.
Experts continue to hunt for the source of the outbreak in an area taking in Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney.
"Information has been gathered on the people with the disease to identify where they have been at times when they may have caught the infection," a PHW spokesman said. "In support of the work of the Outbreak Control Team in identifying any potential source of the outbreak, HSE has inspected all registered cooling towers and evaporative condensers in the Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney area, to assess the operation and safety of systems that have the potential to proliferate Legionella. In total, 10 registered premises were visited. Three Improvement Notices were served on companies running registered premises requiring them to further improve their operation of their systems."
Christmas has already arrived in supermarkets, with some retailers kicking off the season's promotions just days after the August bank holiday.
Packets of mince pies were on sale at selected Sainsbury's stores for 59p on September 1 - 115 days before Christmas, The Grocer magazine reported.
This week they were joined by Christmas puddings on a three-for-two deal and £5 tins of Quality Street confectionery. Decorations hit stores later this month.
Last week Tesco and Asda started selling tins of sweets such as Cadbury Heroes, Cadbury Roses, Celebrations and Quality Street on two for £10 deals.
Morrisons started rolling out its range on Monday, initially focusing on confectionery but planning to follow with biscuits, crisps, snacks and gift packs over the next few weeks.
Since September 8, Tesco has been selling two Lindt milk chocolate Santas for £2 and two of its own-label Santas for £1. It also became the first retailer to sell selection boxes this week.
David Meara, Rector of St Bride's Fleet Street and Archdeacon of London, told the magazine that stocking Christmas products so early was "to the detriment of the spirit of Christmas".
He said: "With products sold in September, by the time December comes you're totally fed up. The danger is people won't appreciate Christmas for what it is as it becomes much less fresh and thought-provoking."
Malcolm Pinkerton, from retail analysts Verdict, said: "I think consumers are still hoping the summer hasn't gone."
However a Sainsbury's spokesman said retailers were only responding to consumer demand. He said: "It helps them spread the cost of Christmas and manage their budgets."
Singer and former soldier James Blunt has criticised the "dire state" of equipment given to British soldiers.
Speaking ahead of a Heroes Concert in London on Sunday, Blunt said it was "shocking" that service personnel were "obliged" to raise money to help injured colleagues and their families.
Blunt, writing in The Sun newspaper, said more needed to be done to help British forces fighting in Afghanistan.
He said: "At the moment, they are struggling. We're sending guys and girls to do specific jobs but not giving them the tools to do them properly.
"I recently visited troops in Afghanistan and it brought home the dire state of the equipment our heroes are expected to put up with."
Blunt, 36, is one of a host of stars set to perform to a crowd of 60,000 at Twickenham Stadium, south west London, in a concert to raise money for the Help the Heroes charity.
The event will see Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow perform together on stage for the first time in 15 years.
Other stars appearing include Alexandra Burke, Pixie Lott, Plan and The Saturdays.
Blunt said the concert was crucial to raise money for troops.
"Soldiers put in their own pay to help out injured colleagues and their families," he said.
The TUC has issued a dire warning to the coalition Government that its "reckless" policy of spending cuts would cause "irreparable damage" to Britain's society.
In a hard hitting statement ahead of the TUC Congress, which opens in Manchester on Monday, the organisation said the country's economy was in "great danger" because of the "unprecedented" cuts.
The TUC's general council warned that in next month's comprehensive spending review the Government will start to withdraw £32 billion from the economy in tax rises and spending cuts from April 2011, on top of the £8.9 billion already taken out this financial year.
The cuts will affect economic activity, undermine confidence and could lead to higher unemployment which was currently "stuck" at around two and a half million, with young people particularly badly hit, said the TUC.
"There is therefore scant prospect that the private sector will now create the new jobs needed. Falling confidence suggests a stagnant labour market and at best a jobless recovery. But the prospect of further deep public spending cuts makes even this look like an optimistic scenario, as both public sector staff and employees in the many companies that depend on the public sector for orders lose their jobs," said the statement.
The union organisation also claimed that making hundreds of thousands of public servants redundant at a time of such cuts and with reduced redundancy pay when there was little or no chance of finding private sector employment was "callous".
The TUC warned that deep cuts to public services, benefits and tax credits were bound to have more impact on those with low incomes, adding: "Women, disabled people and those from black and minority ethnic communities are likely to be among the biggest victims of the cuts and the greater inequality they will bring.
"Unlike cuts, tax increases need not bear down on those least able to afford them, and can reduce inequality across society as a whole.
The TUC also warned that major redundancies, a public sector pay freeze at a time of rising prices and large-scale reorganisations in many services, particularly the National Health Service, will "seriously damage" morale amongst public sector workers.
Echoing a warning given earlier this week by TUC general secretary Brendan Barber, the general council said: "Real terms pay cuts, privatisation and restructuring, job cuts and threats to pensions all adds up to a volatile cocktail that could give rise to difficult and damaging disputes, and the TUC stands ready to support and co-ordinate union action where members decide that industrial action is necessary to defend services and those who deliver them."
A pastor finally bowed to huge international pressure as he backed down from a threat to burn copies of the Koran, saying: "God is telling us to stop."
Terry Jones had announced the stunt in response to plans to build an Islamic centre near to the site of the 9/11 terrorist atrocities in New York.
But, as the world marked the ninth anniversary of the attacks, Mr Jones said his church would not burn the Islamic holy book - "not today, not ever". "We feel that God is telling us to stop," he told NBC.
Pressed on whether his church would ever burn the Islamic holy book, he said: "Not today, not ever. We're not going to go back and do it. It is totally cancelled."
The leader of the 50-member Dove World Outreach Centre in Gainesville, Florida, said his church's intention was "to expose that there is an element of Islam that is very dangerous and very radical". "We have definitely accomplished that mission," he said.
He had flown to New York in the hope of meeting with leaders of the Islamic centre but said no meeting had been scheduled.
Fareed Ahmad, who joined an estimated 15,000 Muslims for prayers at Baitul Futuh Mosque, in Morden, south-west London, said the episode had caused huge "heartache".
"It's welcome news and the right outcome," said Mr Ahmad, a spokesman for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community."It's a shame it wasn't resolved earlier as it would have saved a lot of heartache. It has hurt Muslims' sentiment."
US president Barack Obama said the anniversary should be a day not only to mourn the 9/11 victims but to show that Americans "are not at war against Islam". "We're at war against terrorist organisations that have distorted Islam or falsely used the banner of Islam to engage in their destructive acts," he said.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed when Muslim extremists hijacked four planes and flew two into the World Trade Centre and a third into the Pentagon on September 11 2001.
