PM says taxpayer trade union subsidies not sustainable

 

Using taxpayers' money to fund trade union activity while at work cannot be justified "morally or economically", the prime minister has said.

In a letter to Tory MP Aidan Burley, who is campaigning on the issue, David Cameron said the "public subsidy to the trade unions" could not be sustained.

He also said Labour "cannot distance itself from this scandal".

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said employers valued the contribution unions made in the workplace.

In his reply to a letter from Mr Burley, Mr Cameron said he was pleased the Tory MP had decided to establish the Trade Union Reform Campaign (TURC), which is carrying out research into the number of trade union activists subsidised by the taxpayer.

He said he believed trade unions were "an important part of a free society" and few would take issue with the unions working on behalf of their members in government departments and other public bodies in their own time, or with union funding.

But he reiterated his support for moves to stop the practice of government departments and public bodies paying salaries of staff serving as union officials.

'Scandal'

"At a time when across the private and public sectors people are having to take very difficult decisions in order to save money, it is difficult to justify some people in the public sector being paid not to do the job they are employed for, but instead to undertake full-time trade union activities - much of which should be funded by the unions themselves.

"We need to question why the public is paying for so much and whether this is sustainable going forward," he said.

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This is a blind, ideological prejudice against the Labour movement”

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Public and Commercial Services Union
spokesman

He added: "I strongly believe the current level of public subsidy to the trade unions cannot be sustained, either morally or economically."

Mr Cameron also said Labour "cannot distance itself from this scandal" and is reliant on the unions for 85 per cent of its funding.

Labour has disputed this figure, saying the party's biggest donor is its membership.

The party said it had gained 65,000 new members since the start of the general election campaign and under Ed Miliband's leadership - so strengthening the party's fund-raising capability.

The TUC's Mr Barber said the last government review of the issue in 2007 suggested that union representatives boosted productivity and reduced absenteeism.

He said it added that public sector union reps give 100,000 hours of their own time every week to the UK taxpayer.

"Successive governments have recognised the moral, legal and economic case for supporting workplace reps - this government would be wise to do likewise and to avoid what appear to be ideologically driven announcements designed to appease right-wing backbenchers."

A spokesman for the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) said: "It is extraordinary he [Mr Cameron] doesn't appear to understand how the system works, or understand that representatives - far from being a drain on the taxpayer - benefit the economy to the tune of hundreds of millions of pounds a year in terms of resolving disputes, organising staff training and being involved in health and safety arrangements."

Church of England bans hosting civil partnership ceremonies

 

The Church of England will not allow its churches to be used for civil partnership ceremonies unless the full General Synod gives consent, it says.

A new law which allows civil partnership ceremonies to be conducted in places of worship in England and Wales comes into effect on Monday.

The Church said it would not host them just as a "gentlemen's outfitter is not required to supply women's clothes".

The government said no religious group would be forced to hold ceremonies.

In a letter to the general synod - its national assembly - secretary general William Fittall wrote that no Church of England religious premises would be allowed to host the registration of civil partnerships unless they had written permission from the General Synod.

The legal office of the Church says this move does not constitute unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act as marriage and civil partnerships are different services and so legally distinct concepts.

It says: ''A gentlemen's outfitter is not required to supply women's clothes. A children's book shop is not required to stock books that are intended for adults. And a Church that provides a facility to marry is not required to provide a facility to same-sex couples for registering civil partnerships.''

The legal office added that if legislation was changed to allow same-sex marriage, this issue would need to be re-addressed.

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell is urging clergy to defy the ban, which he described as "dictatorial and homophobic".

He said it was "ironic" that the government was allowing civil partnerships in religious premises, but continuing to ban religious gay marriages even if a faith organisation wanted to conduct them.

Mr Tatchell said it was an "infringement of religious freedom" and accused the equalities minister of supporting discrimination.

When the law was approved, Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said no religious group would be forced to host them, but those who wished to could apply by the end of the year.

Lloyds bank 'may claw back former boss's £1.4m bonus'

 

Lloyds Banking Group is looking to "claw back" up to half of the £1.45m bonus it awarded to its former chief executive, it has been reported.

The Telegraph says lawyers have told Eric Daniels and other senior executives that it is considering withholding part of their bonuses.

The part-nationalised bank is taking action after it announced a £3.9bn loss for the first nine months of 2011.

A spokeswoman for the bank would not comment on Mr Daniels' bonus.

Lloyds announced in May that it was setting aside up to £3.2bn to cover the cost of compensating people over its mis-selling of payment protection insurance (PPI).

In November, Lloyds' current chief executive, Antonio Horta-Osorio, took extended leave due to stress-related illness.

Shares deferred

The 2010 bonuses are said to be deferred in the form of shares that are not handed out until at least March 2013.

In January, the BBC's business editor Robert Peston said Mr Daniels had turned down a bonus in each of the past two years but will not do so again - however in February Mr Daniels said he would not make a decision until 2013.

Reports claim that between one third and one half of the former chief executive's bonus may be clawed back.

It is thought to be the first time that a major UK bank has considered withholding a bonus awarded to a board-level executive.

The bank's spokeswoman said: "As part of an ongoing process the implications on compensation are being considered by the remuneration committee and will be determined by the board in due course, in line with the FSA (Financial Services Authority) code on compensation."

The government bailed Lloyds out after it took over HBOS in 2008, a move which cost it billions of pounds as HBOS had held far more bad debt than originally thought.

The government still holds a 41% stake in the bank.

Oxford Street closed over crush fears to Christmas shoppers

 

Part of Oxford Street in central London was shut to traffic after fears Christmas shoppers could be crushed.

The section of the shopping street from Oxford Circus to Portman Street was closed at noon.

Westminster City Council said it made the decision as the pavements are narrower due to on-going construction work.

The road was being re-opened at 20:00 GMT, but will be shut again on Sunday from noon for eight hours.

A Westminster City Council spokeswoman said this situation could see similar closures on other weekends.

Busy weekend

Currently there is major construction work near Bond Street London Underground station for Crossrail, which will run from Maidenhead in Berkshire to Brentwood in Essex and Abbey Wood in south-east London, via central London.

A Westminster City council spokeswoman said: "This was a pre-emptive decision in response to concerns about possible crushing on the pavements as a result of narrower walkways, which are being caused by ongoing construction works.

"The council is hopeful that a redesign of the building site will be possible going forward, but cannot rule out further weekend traffic closures at this stage.

"Our paramount concern is to ensure the safety of pedestrians during this busy weekend of Christmas shopping in Oxford Street."

Images shown of concrete blocks thrown on to car in Essex

 

Images of concrete blocks which were dropped from bridges on to the A12 in Essex, seriously injuring a car passenger, have been released.

Police said the bucket-sized blocks showed the potentially fatal consequences of the "despicable act" on Thursday night.

One woman was seriously hurt and two women were left shaken when blocks went through the windscreens of two cars.

Both attacks are being treated as attempted murder.

A 57-year-old woman, from Harold Hill, was with her husband when a block was dropped from West Hanningfield bridge, near Galleywood, at about 22:00 GMT.

She had to be cut out of the car and is a serious but stable condition in Broomfield Hospital with severe face and chest injuries.

Her husband, aged 56, suffered minor cuts and bruises.

Another block was dropped from Fryerning Lane bridge, near Ingatestone, also on the A12, at 21:20 GMT, smashing the windscreen of a Vauxhall Astra.

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Det Ch Insp Keith Davies

A woman aged 48 and her 26-year-old daughter, both from Brentwood, were uninjured.

Police are linking the attacks, which happened about eight miles apart, and are analysing several items recovered from the bridges.

They said the perpetrators would have needed a vehicle to transport the heavy blocks and to get to the remote locations.

Det Ch Insp Keith Davies said: "These particular incidents illustrate the severity of the criminal acts we are dealing with.

"Even a stone thrown from a bridge can be fatal, but when you look at the size of this concrete, it is amazing that the consequences were not far, far worse.

 

The roof of the Nissan was removed to help free the injured woman

"It appears to be a bollard of some nature so we are appealing to anybody who knows where some may have been removed to contact us."

Detectives are also looking back at more than 30 similar incidents over the past three years for any links to Thursday's attacks.

House-to-house inquiries are on-going and police have revealed one of the blocks had been stolen from a house near Galleywood.

They are keen to receive details of suspicious activity, reports of other incidents or information about the removal of hardcore or building rubble.

Gary Speed: Football and rugby tribute to Wales manager

 

Thousands of football fans and rugby supporters have united to remember Wales manager Gary Speed.

A minute's applause has been observed at every Premier League fixture and at the Wales-Australia rugby game in the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

Speed, 42, was found dead at his home in Cheshire on Sunday.

His widow, Louise, made an emotional return to Leeds United, where Speed started his professional football career.

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It's bound to be a very emotional afternoon for everyone”

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Simon Grayson
Leeds United manager

At Mrs Speed's request, Newcastle United have postponed plans to mark the former player's long connection with the club, where he made 285 appearances.

Newcastle had planned to lead the 52,000 crowd at St James' Park in the Welsh hymn Bread of Heaven while supporters in the east stand held up cards depicting the number 11, Speed's shirt number.

While Newcastle still took part in this Saturday's minute of applause before their game against Chelsea, they will pay a full tribute to Speed on 17 December, when they play Welsh team Swansea City.

 

Gary Speed played for a number of Premier League clubs during a long career

Newcastle fans sang his name and some wore T-shirts and held up posters with "RIP Gary" on them as well as Welsh flags.

Newcastle assistant manager John Carver was very upset during the tributes and was comforted by the fourth official.

At Elland Road, Leeds United manager Simon Grayson said he had prepared his team for a poignant and emotional afternoon as they hosted Millwall.

Gary McAllister, David Batty and Gordon Strachan, who played alongside Speed when Leeds won the First Division in 1992, laid wreaths - as did Millwall manager Kenny Jackett - and led a minute's applause.

Grayson told the Leeds website: "This is the place where Gary started his career, and he played many games here, not just in senior football, but for the reserves and the juniors as well.

'Iconic player'

"There's a lot of things going off on the day and it's bound to be a very emotional afternoon for everyone."

A minute's applause was also held at Sheffield United's ground Bramall Lane before the FA Cup game against Torquay United, and former Welsh international Robert Page laid wreaths at pitchside.

 

Newcastle United players join a minute's applause for Gary Speed before their match against Chelsea

Speed managed Sheffield United before he took the Wales job, and large images of him have also been erected at the ground's car park, where they will remain for the rest of the season.

"Gary Speed was a wonderful ambassador for the game of football and will be remembered as an iconic player of the Premier League era," the league said in a statement.

"This will give clubs and fans the opportunity to show their appreciation for Gary's career and let his friends and family know that football's thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

 

Fans gather as floral tributes are left at the Billy Bremner statue outside Leeds United's ground

Before the Wales-Australia game the Welsh Rugby Union said: "It is important for rugby to pay its respects to Gary Speed and the international on Saturday, which is the first for a Welsh team since his passing, is a fitting opportunity for that tribute to be paid."

Speed's death was also marked during the draw for the Uefa Euro 2012 tournament on Friday.

An image of the Wales manager was shown on a big screen at the auditorium in Kiev.

Uefa's Gianni Infantino said Speed was "one of the most popular characters of the game".

Former Wales international Robbie Savage will dedicate his dance on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing show to his old team-mate.

He told BBC Radio 1's Vernon Kay: "My last impression of Gary was here at Strictly. It was four weeks ago and I did my jive and he was in the front row.

"That was the last time I saw him. I'm just going to go out there and perform for him."

HS2: Government considers new high-speed rail tunnel

 

The government is to look again at the HS2 high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham, which could mean a new tunnel being built in the Chilterns.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening will announce a delay in the final decision on the project next week in order to consider whether about £500m could be used for a 1.5-mile tunnel.

Opponents say the planned route crosses an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England has welcomed plans for more tunnelling.

The 100-mile rail link, which would be built between 2016 and 2026, aims to cut the London-to-Birmingham journey time to 49 minutes.

Ms Greening had been expected to make a decision on whether to approve the £32bn scheme before Parliament rises for its Christmas break on 20 December.

But the decision has now been delayed until mid-January as Ms Greening has asked for more information on whether extra funding - estimated at around £500m - could be used to pay for a new tunnel under the Chiltern Hills beyond Amersham.

The delay will allow a feasibility study to be carried out, as well as a study of the environmental impact of the proposed route.

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See maps of the route at the DfT website

The HS2 plans have proved controversial with ministers facing the prospect of a Commons rebellion by MPs whose constituencies straddle the route.

New proposals being considered would see another tunnel being used to link two others, which are already planned, and would prevent scarring the Chilterns, which is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The decision to look again at the route follows a report by the House of Commons Transport Committee last month, which suggested a re-assessment of the plans to consider the impact and the benefits of HS2.

The government said any changes would be funded by savings made elsewhere on the route.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England said additional tunnelling would be "essential" if HS2 is to be built through the Chilterns and welcomed the possibility of additional funding.

A spokesman said: "We are concerned, however, by suggestions that the additional £500 million will come from cutting back on mitigation measures elsewhere on the route. Just because countryside is not nationally designated does not mean it should not be valued and protected.

"If the government is looking to generate savings to pay for much needed environmental mitigation, it would be better to cut back on the proposed Birmingham Interchange station.

"This would encroach into the Green Belt next to Birmingham Airport and is currently proposed to require major road widening and a huge multi-storey car park."

Kay Maynard, who farms on land that may be affected, says her life has been "on hold" since the day the HS2 plans were first announced.

She would welcome the tunnel and said: "The double tunnels come up - after 9km - about 75m from where we were going to build our dream house, and it cuts the farm completely in two with no access, as far as we're aware, for us to continue farming the agricultural land.

"We've got 270 acres here to farm and we won't be able to get to it.

"Our lives have been on hold since the first day they announced it, we've not been able to get on with our lives, so hopefully if it's true about this tunnel then we'll be able to stay here.

"But if they go through with the big cutting then we're not going to be allowed to live here - where do we go from here?" she said.

Shadow transport secretary Maria Eagle said: "By accepting that the current proposals on the table are not right, the government has opened up a real opportunity to get this vital project right.

"It's a welcome start but ministers should now go further, stop being dogmatic and use this pause to finally take up our offer to work together on a long-term strategy for both high-speed rail and aviation."