Brown To Set Out Vision For Scotland's Future

Devo Max: What New Powers Can Scotland Have?

Updated: 4:18pm UK, Friday 19 September 2014

David Cameron has pledged new powers for Scotland that some have said amount to Devo Max. However, it's not quite as clear cut as that.

What is Devo Max?

Scottish Parliament basically gets power over everything - apart from defence and foreign affairs. Maximum devolution.

Is that on offer?

No it's not, although some say David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband have come close to that.

What powers does Scotland already have?

It makes its own laws on health, education, law and order, environment, social services, housing, local government, tourism, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and some areas of transport. It can also raise or lower its income tax by 3p, but has not used this power.

What does Westminster have control of?

Defence, social security, immigration, benefits, foreign policy, employment, broadcasting, trade and industry, nuclear energy, oil, gas and electricity, consumer affairs and the constitution.

What powers will be given away in this quasi Devo Max deal?

It is not entirely clear. More power over setting income tax is definitely on the agenda, and control of housing benefits too. Holyrood is unlikely to get control over the oil take or corporation tax.

Under Gordon Brown's 12-point plan, giveaways include power over borrowing, job creation, social care and employment rights. The Scottish Parliament will also be confirmed as permanent, binding future governments to ensure its continued existence.

But what about England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Well, Mr Cameron has also promised more powers for Wales and Northern Ireland and to listen to the "millions of voices of England". He has promised to address the problem of "English votes for English laws" or the West Lothian question as it is also called. 

At the moment Scotland's 59 MPs can vote on matters that affect all of the UK but English MPs cannot vote on Scottish matters where powers have been devolved to Holyrood. 

With the promise of new powers for Scotland's Parliament, it has led to calls of "unfair" and for England to get more powers and the Prime Minister has said he will deliver. A sort of devolution revolution, if you will. 

Leader of the House of Commons William Hague is in charge of drawing up these plans but do expect that the Lib Dems and Labour will have rival versions. No cross-party consensus has been reached as with devolved powers for Scotland.

Make no mistake, it's a major shake-up - and yes, it will be an election issue.

So when is all this going to happen?

Gordon Brown has tabled a House of Commons debate over his planned 12-point power giveaway and the timetable for its delivery in mid-October.

There intention is that a new draft law to be drawn up by January 25 (Burns Night). Alex Salmond has agreed to talks to thrash out the details of these new powers but he will clearly be trying to get as close to delivering Devo Max as he can - having lost the battle for independence. It will not be passed until after the General Election in May but as there is a cross-party agreement theoretically, this should not provide a problem.

But the plans for England, Wales and Scotland do not have to work to the same timetable. They could be far more contentious as the parties are unlikely to agree on plans. Any English votes for English laws will put Labour at a distinct disadvantage as it effectively loses 40 MPs if its Scottish politicians are not included.

In addition, English MPs may be reluctant to allow new powers for Scotland to go through when they don't know "what's in it for them". 

In short, this could get messy and take a very long time.

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UK Hostage Murder Threat 'Against Sharia'

A group of Muslim scholars has made a direct appeal to Islamic State (IS) militants to release British hostage Alan Henning.

In a video message posted online, the men told the 47-year-old's captors that killing him would be against Islamic law.

Mr Henning, a taxi driver from Salford, was delivering aid in Syria when he was captured in December near the town of al Dana.

Shaykh Haitham al Haddad, a qadi or judge in the Sharia council in London, said: "This is to confirm that executing this man is totally haram (sinful), is impermissible, prohibited according to Sharia for a number of reasons."

Ustadh Abu Eesa, director at Prophetic Guidance in Manchester, said Mr Henning had joined a Muslim charity convoy because he "passionately believes in helping the most needy".

He said: "No matter what our differences, no matter how differently we see the world, what there is no doubt about is that the killing of an innocent man is not permitted in the religion of Allah.

"It is not permissible whatsoever to harm a person who believes that he is safe among the people he is working with. This safety must be honoured."

Mr Henning, 47, had driven an ambulance to Syria to deliver aid

A third scholar, Imam Shakeel Begg from the Lewisham Islamic Centre, said Mr Henning was innocent.

He added: "Whatever your grievance, whatever your cause, this man is innocent."

It comes after more than 100 Muslim leaders signed a statement pleading for IS to release Mr Henning and branding them "monsters" for the murder of fellow hostage David Haines.

In a letter in the Independent newspaper, they said: "We, the undersigned British Muslim Imams, organisations and individuals, wish to express our horror and revulsion at the senseless murder of David Haines and the threat to the life of our fellow British citizen, Alan Henning."

Mr Henning appeared at the end of a video released by IS militants last Saturday in which Mr Haines was beheaded. The video contained a threat that he would be killed next.

Separate video footage - filmed before his capture - showed him saying it was "all worthwhile" to ensure aid got to where it was most needed in Syria.

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Freed Islamic State Hostages Return To Turkey

Forty-nine Turkish hostages seized by Islamic State militants in Iraq have been freed in what Turkey's President described as a secret rescue operation.

The hostages - including diplomatic staff, special forces soldiers and children - were taken from the Turkish consulate in Mosul in Iraq on June 11 after the city was overrun by Islamic State (IS) fighters.

Turkey's Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the captives were released after a "pre-planned operation" involving the country's intelligence services.

Mr Davutoglu hugs a child at the airport in Sanliurfa, Turkey

"After intense efforts that lasted days and weeks, in the early hours, our citizens were handed over to us and we brought them back to our country," he said.

President Tayyip Erdogan said: "I thank the Prime Minister and his colleagues for the pre-planned, carefully calculated and secretly conducted operation throughout the night.

"MIT (the Turkish intelligence agency) has followed the situation very sensitively and patiently since the beginning and, as a result, conducted a successful rescue operation."

The hostages were taken in Mosul and returned to Sanliurfa

Police formed a cordon outside the airport in the southern Turkish city of Sanliurfa as the hostages arrived in buses with curtains drawn.

The Prime Minister, who cut short an official trip to Azerbaijan to travel to Sanliurfa, hugged the hostages before boarding a plane with them to the capital, Ankara.

Mr Davutoglu did not provide further details on the circumstances, but added the released was carried out through "MIT's own methods".

IS fighters in Mosul, Iraq. File image

Sky's Senior Correspondent Ian Woods said: "It seems that some sort of deal must have been done because these are people, unlike the Western hostages, journalists and aid workers, these were people who were not in the country of their own volition.

"To describe this as something co-ordinated by the intelligence service suggests that a deal has been done. It was described as a rescue mission, but we should not think of this as such because is it unlikely they could rescue all 49 people without casualties."

Seizure of the hostages put Turkey in a difficult position as a summit of 30 countries met in Paris last week to co-ordinate their response to the IS threat.

The group is still holding British hostage Alan Henning

The nations agreed to "support the Iraqi government by any means necessary - including military assistance".

Turkey resisted joining the coalition and the United States was careful not to push Ankara too hard as it worked to free the hostages.

Islamic State has killed two US journalists and a British aid worker who were working in Syria in retaliation for airstrikes that Washington launched against them in Iraq.

Mr Cantlie was seen in an IS video

IS is still holding two British hostages which it captured in Syria who have appeared in videos released by the group.

A group of Muslim scholars has made a direct appeal to the group to release hostage Alan Henning.

In a video message posted online, the men told the 47-year-old's captors that killing him would be against Islamic law.

Mr Henning, a taxi driver from Salford, was delivering aid in Syria when he was captured in December near the town of al Dana.

A video released on Thursday showed British journalist John Cantlie, who is also believed to be held by IS.

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Scotland Votes No: PM Promises New Powers

Devo Max: What Devolution Revolution Means

Updated: 9:51am UK, Friday 19 September 2014

David Cameron has pledged new powers for Scotland that some have said amount to Devo Max. However, it's not quite as clear cut as that.

What is Devo Max?

Scottish Parliament basically gets power over everything - apart from defence and foreign affairs. Maximum devolution.

Is that on offer?

No it's not, although some say David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband have come close to that.

What powers does Scotland already have?

It makes its own laws on health, education, law and order, environment, social services, housing, local government, tourism, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and some areas of transport. It can also raise or lower its income tax by 3p, but has not used this power.

What does Westminster have control of?

Defence, social security, immigration, benefits, foreign policy, employment, broadcasting, trade and industry, nuclear energy, oil, gas and electricity, consumer affairs and the constitution.

What powers will be given away in this quasi Devo Max deal?

It is not entirely clear. More power over setting income tax is definitely on the agenda, and control of housing benefits too. Holyrood is unlikely to get control over the oil take or corporation tax.

Under Gordon Brown's 12-point plan, giveaways include power over borrowing, job creation, social care and employment rights. The Scottish Parliament will also be confirmed as permanent, binding future governments to ensure its continued existence.

But what about England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Well, Mr Cameron has also promised more powers for Wales and Northern Ireland and to listen to the "millions of voices of England". He has promised to address the problem of "English votes for English laws" or the West Lothian question as it is also called. 

At the moment Scotland's 59 MPs can vote on matters that affect all of the UK but English MPs cannot vote on Scottish matters where powers have been devolved to Holyrood. 

With the promise of new powers for Scotland's Parliament, it has led to calls of "unfair" and for England to get more powers and the Prime Minister has said he will deliver. A sort of devolution revolution, if you will. 

Leader of the House of Commons William Hague is in charge of drawing up these plans but do expect that the Lib Dems and Labour will have rival versions. No cross-party consensus has been reached as with devolved powers for Scotland.

Make no mistake, it's a major shake-up - and yes, it will be an election issue.

So when is all this going to happen?

Gordon Brown has tabled a House of Commons debate over his planned 12-point power giveaway and the timetable for its delivery in mid-October.

There intention is that a new draft law to be drawn up by January 25 (Burns Night). Alex Salmond has agreed to talks to thrash out the details of these new powers but he will clearly be trying to get as close to delivering Devo Max as he can - having lost the battle for independence. It will not be passed until after the General Election in May but as there is a cross-party agreement theoretically, this should not provide a problem.

But the plans for England, Wales and Scotland do not have to work to the same timetable. They could be far more contentious as the parties are unlikely to agree on plans. Any English votes for English laws will put Labour at a distinct disadvantage as it effectively loses 40 MPs if its Scottish politicians are not included.

In addition, English MPs may be reluctant to allow new powers for Scotland to go through when they don't know "what's in it for them". 

In short, this could get messy and take a very long time.

:: Watch live: Scottish referendum coverage now on Sky News Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 132.

:: Live coverage is also available on sky.com/news and Sky News for iPad and on your mobile phone.

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Scottish Referendum: What They're Saying

Supporters of both the Yes and No campaigns have been giving their reactions to Scotland's decision to reject independence.

Prime Minister David Cameron: "The people of Scotland have spoken and it is a clear result. They've kept our country of four nations together and like millions of other people, I am delighted.

"As I said during the campaign, it would have broken my heart to see our United Kingdom come to an end and I know that this sentiment was shared not just by people across our country but also around the world.

"Now the debate has been settled for a generation, or as Alex Salmond has said, perhaps for a lifetime. So there can be no disputes, no reruns - we have heard the settled will of the Scottish people.

Alex Salmond: 'I accept that verdict of the people'

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond: "Scotland has by majority decided not at this stage to become an independent country and I accept that verdict of the people, and I call on all Scots to follow suit in accepting the democratic verdict of the people of Scotland.

"The process by which we have made our decision as a nation reflects enormous credit upon Scotland.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling gave financial backing to the No campaign

"A turnout of 86% is one of the highest in the democratic world for any election or any referendum in history - this has been a triumph for the democratic process and for participation in politics."

Better Together campaign chair Alistair Darling: "The people of Scotland have spoken. We have chosen unity over division and positive change rather than needless separation."

Nicola Sturgeon said the campaign was 'a joy to be part of'

Author and Better Together supporter J K Rowling: "Been up all night watching Scotland make history. A huge turnout, a peaceful democratic process: we should be proud."

Scottish Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon: "This campaign has been a joy to be part of, it's quite unlike anything I've ever been part of in my life before.

"As have thousands and thousands of others, I have given my heart and soul to this campaign but what has been amazing are the number of people who have never been involved in politics before, who have never campaigned as part of a political movement before, who have got involved."

Nick Clegg said the result was welcome 'in a dangerous and uncertain world'

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg: "I'm absolutely delighted the Scottish people have taken this momentous decision to safeguard our family of nations for future generations.

"In a dangerous and uncertain world I have no doubt we are stronger, safer, and more prosperous together than we ever could be apart.

"But a vote against independence was clearly not a vote against change and we must now deliver on time and in full the radical package of newly devolved powers to Scotland.

Better Together's Jim Murphy: "We are going to have to make a success of the decision Scotland has made.

"While I'm delighted, there is no time or space for triumph and we have got to get on and offer that devolution package we offered and unite the country around that.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby: "Over the past few weeks the campaign has touched on such raw issues of identity and been so closely fought that it has generated profound questioning and unsettlement far beyond Scotland.

"The decision by the Scottish people to remain within the United Kingdom, while deeply disappointing to many, will be welcomed by all those who believe that this country can continue to be an example of how different nations can work together for the common good within one state.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage: "The way that Westminster handled this was abysmal from the start.

"A series of promises were made on behalf of the English. The English are 86% by population of this union, they've been left out of all of this ( The Barnett formula) for the past 18 years ... what most English people want is a fair settlement."

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson: "Scotland had the biggest, broadest conversation about our future. We have to come together again & move forward together. It's all our home."

Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson: "Delighted Scotland has voted to remain in the Union.  We are better together."

Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones: "Pleased the people of Scotland have voted to remain in the Union – together we will shape a new constitutional future for the UK."

Conservative MP Mark Reckless on Twitter: "I am so pleased to be able to tell the children this morning that Mummy won't be becoming a foreigner."

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What Now For UK? 10 Things You Need To Know

Scotland has rejected independence. So what happens now, and can we all still be friends?

1) What new powers will Scotland get?

David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband have all promised Scotland will get some - although we don't yet know exactly what they are. Gordon Brown has set out a 12-point plan and will be drawing up the Home Rule deal. Remember Scotland already makes its own laws in a number of areas including health and social services, education, and law and order.

2) When will it get them?

Work will start straight away. Mr Brown has secured a House of Commons debate on October 16 and a command paper is expected at the end of that month. A draft new law will be drawn up by January 25, 2015 - Burns Night - but this will not be passed until after the General Election.

3) Will there be another referendum?

No, at least not any time soon. Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has said he will accept the result and has no appetite for another vote. However, the issue of independence has cropped up once or twice before... Never say never.

4) Will Scottish people pay less tax than England?

They could, yes. The new powers will give Scotland more power over setting income tax. Still it's worth noting that Holyrood already has power to vary income tax by 3p above or below the rest of the UK (set to rise to 10p in 2016). It's never used them.

5) Will Scotland get better benefits?

Potentially, yes. It's likely the new powers will give Scottish Parliament more say on housing benefit, which could see it scrap the unpopular so-called "bedroom tax".

6) Will Wales and Northern Ireland want a slice of the cake?

Yes - and David Cameron has indicated that they will get more powers and will be part of drawing up a "new and fair settlement" for the whole of the UK. This new "devolution revolution" will also mean England's MPs will get a greater say in English matters.

7) Will Scotland carry on getting a greater allocation of wealth than England under the Barnett Formula?

The yearly per-capita distribution of wealth under the Barnett formula

It seems so. Mr Cameron, Mr Clegg and Mr Miliband have said the method for allocating the UK wealth will continue. Scotland does a lot better out of it than England. Northern Ireland comes out top. It's unpopular and even the man who came up with it, Labour peer Lord Barnett, has said it's outdated.

English MPs are not happy and it remains to be seen if it will be altered under the new deal. However, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander says he thinks it is good for the whole of the UK.

8) Will Scottish MPs still be able to vote on English matters?

This head-scratcher is called the West Lothian question - because it was raised by Labour's West Lothian MP Tam Dalyell… in 1977.

Scotland's 59 MPs can vote on any issues in Westminster - even swaying votes on matters that will not affect their constituents - but English MPs cannot vote on powers devolved to Scotland.

Mr Cameron has promised that this "question of English votes for English laws" will be addressed and that the "millions of voices of England must be heard".

9) Can England have its own parliament now?

Maybe. A growing number of MPs are calling for an English parliament, led in the main by Tory MP John Redwood. However, it will clearly be part of the talks in the coming months. Leader of the House of Commons William Hague will be drawing up plans on powers for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Expect rival Labour and Lib Dem versions.

10) Can England and Scotland still be friends?

Expect initial hostilities after the slings and arrows of a fairly feisty campaign but take comfort from history. The two nations have had their differences but have rubbed along for centuries. That said, Andy Murray has taken a fair drubbing on Twitter after coming out for the Yes campaign. And there's always football - the two countries meet in a 'friendly' in November.

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Decision Day For Voters: Scots Go To Polls

By Jon Craig, Chief Political Correspondent

Scottish people have started voting in a referendum that will change Britain forever, whatever the outcome.

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond was pictured outside Ritchie Hall polling station in Strichen, Aberdeenshire, after polls opened this morning.

Gordon Brown outside a polling station in Fife

Meanwhile, former PM Gordon Brown was photographed with No campaigners outside the polling station at North Queensferry Community Centre, Fife. 

Elsewhere, long queues began to form outside polling stations across the country.

A Yes vote at the end of a hard-fought campaign will bring an end to the Union of the United Kingdom that has stood for 307 years.

Voters will be asked a simple question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

Alex Salmond outside a polling station in Aberdeenshire

Four million people will take part in the referendum which is expected to produce a turnout as high as 90%.

More than 2,600 schools, sports centres and local halls have opened their doors to voters.

After the polls close at 10pm tonight, counting of the votes takes place at 32 regional centres all over Scotland and then once each result is in, the numbers will be sent to the main counting centre in Edinburgh.

The earliest declarations, at around 2am on Friday, will include North Lanarkshire, Orkney, East Lothian and Perth and Kinross.

The latest, at 6am, is expected to be Aberdeen. Dundee is expected at 3am and Edinburgh and Glasgow at 5am.

:: Watch live: Scottish referendum coverage from 9pm on Sky News Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 132.

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Scotland: Keep Up With Events As They Unfold

Polls have opened in Scotland but what next? Here is the timetable of what to expect over the next 24 hours and where you can find our correspondents.

Thursday:

7am Polling stations open.

7.30am Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon votes in Broomhouse, Glasgow.

9am Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond to cast his vote in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, while Gordon Brown votes in North Queensferry.

9.30am Better Together campaign leader Alistair Darling votes in Edinburgh.

9pm A Sky News special programme dedicated to the referendum begins.

10pm Polls close.

Midnight The counting of ballot papers gets under way across Scotland's 32 local authorities.

Throughout the day, Sky News correspondents will be reporting from Scotland as voters go to the polls. During the morning, political correspondent Anushka Asthana will be in Glasgow before political editor Faisal Islam takes over from Holyrood, Edinburgh, at midday. Scotland bureau chief James Matthews begins reports from 3pm.  

Friday:

2am First seven councils expected to declare their results: East Lothian, Inverclyde, Moray, North Lanarkshire, the Orkney Islands, Perth and Kinross and the Western Isles.

2.30am Clackmannanshire votes declared.

3am Aberdeenshire, Angus, Dumfries and Galloway, Dundee, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Falkirk, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling and West Dunbartonshire to declare - that will bring counting to just under half the votes to be counted.

3.30am Midlothian, Shetland, South Ayreshire, Argyll, West Lothian and East Dunbartonshire to declare.

4am Fife and Highland to declare.

4.30am North Ayrshire will declare votes.

5am Declarations expected from the Scottish Borders, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Final outcome may now be clear.

6am Aberdeen will be the last to declare.

7am: Chief counting officer Mary Pitcaithly expected to announce result from the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston outside Edinburgh.

Overnight and into the morning Sky News correspondents and presenters provide detailed coverage and analysis of the poll.  Adam Boulton reports on the central count at the Royal Highland Centre, in Ingliston, Edinburgh, while fellow anchor Kay Burley reports on the count from Glasgow. Niall Paterson reports on the Aberdeenshire count, while Mark White covers North Lanarkshire. Rachel Younger covers Orkney and Jon Craig covers Dundee. Meanwhile, Anushka Asthana reports from the No campaign HQ in Glasgow and Faisal Islam from the Yes HQ in Edinburgh. Throughout the night our correspondents will also provide analysis from Westminster and Sky News HQ in west London.   

:: Watch live: Scottish referendum coverage from 9pm on Sky News Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 132.

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Missing Alice Gross Suspect 'A Murder Convict'

The Latvian builder that police are looking for in connection with the disappearance of Alice Gross has a murder conviction in his native country.

Police have now named Arnis Zalkalns as a suspect, and revealed that as well as the murder conviction, he has been previously arrested in London for an indecent assault on a young girl.

The 41-year-old was caught on CCTV cycling along the path where Alice was last seen, and Scotland Yard have been urging him to come forward.

Lower left, Arnie Zalkalns cycling along Alice's route, 15 minutes later

Zalkalns has not accessed his bank account or used his mobile phone since September 3, and has not returned home since this date.

At a press conference, investigators confirmed it may be possible that someone is helping the convicted murderer, by providing him with money or somewhere to stay.

More follows...

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Salmond: No One Can Stop Scotland Using Pound

How Facebook Shaped The Referendum

Updated: 8:27am UK, Tuesday 16 September 2014

By James Matthews, Scotland Correspondent

It's Facebook 'wot might win it.

Sure, the August poll surge in support for independence was down, in part, to traditional campaigning. Meetings and megaphones have thrust the Yes campaign "in yer face" over years leading up to Thursday.

But why, according to the opinion polls, did it all seem to come together in the space of a few weeks? Why, suddenly, the knife-edge?

In the word of a senior Yes strategist: Facebook.

I chatted to him as the Alex Salmond Labour Heartland tour rolled up at its latest venue, playing to the target market through the TV cameras. It was a big, well-attended, photo-call - the staple diet of the political campaign.

As the strategist stood back from the madding crowd, he told me that the magic formula didn't lie in the blood and snotters of a mass media scrum, but in the quiet exploitation of social media. Facebook, in particular.

The challenge for supporters of Scottish independence, historically, has been in turning it from a fringe notion into something people allow themselves to contemplate. Check their election success at the Scottish Parliament to see the considerable style with which that's been accomplished.

Scots have taken the hop and a step. Why, now, might they be shaping to take the jump? 

The Yes strategist pinned it on Facebook.

"Ask yourself," he said, to paraphrase him, "if a parent wants to check on their youngster who's on a night out, what do they do?  They don't phone them, because they probably won't answer.

"They might text ... but, invariably, they'll Facebook them. And when they do, dozens or hundreds of their friends will see it. It's a chat network that plugs people into the other people they value. There are no better opinion-formers for someone than the friends and family they like and trust.

"So, as a campaigning tool, it's been very effective. We encourage Yes supporters to spread the word to their Facebook friends and, over time, you build a network around people that builds a political case.

"Facebook is more effective than Twitter. You put something on Twitter and you reach people within the political bubble. With Facebook, you tap into a far bigger community."

So why the spike in support for Yes after polls that had No with a consistent and strong lead over the course of a two and a half year campaign?

"People just didn't turn their mind to the referendum until it actually came round. It's been in the far distance for most of the campaign but, now that people realise they're getting to decision time, large numbers are now weighing up the arguments ... and they're deciding having had their views on independence softened by Facebook friends."

There were more than 10 million referendum-related interactions on Facebook in the five weeks to September 8 - 85% of which was from Scotland.

He said he reckoned the Yes campaign had been four or five times more active than their opponents on Facebook and pointed out a Facebook chat with Scotland's pro-independence First Minister Alex Salmond attracted around 5,000 questions.

Data suggests the Yes campaign is slightly in the lead with 2.05 interactions in Scotland compared to 1.96 million for the no campaign.

The strategist said the campaigning beauty of social media was that it eliminated the need to rely on mainstream media coverage, that the likes of Facebook cut out the middle man and enabled them to reach out to the voter directly.

Just how many the campaign has touched and what effect it has had, we'll find out soon enough.

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PM May Regret 'Double Or Quits' Scot Gamble

How Facebook Shaped The Referendum

Updated: 8:27am UK, Tuesday 16 September 2014

By James Matthews, Scotland Correspondent

It's Facebook 'wot might win it.

Sure, the August poll surge in support for independence was down, in part, to traditional campaigning. Meetings and megaphones have thrust the Yes campaign "in yer face" over years leading up to Thursday.

But why, according to the opinion polls, did it all seem to come together in the space of a few weeks? Why, suddenly, the knife-edge?

In the word of a senior Yes strategist: Facebook.

I chatted to him as the Alex Salmond Labour Heartland tour rolled up at its latest venue, playing to the target market through the TV cameras. It was a big, well-attended, photo-call - the staple diet of the political campaign.

As the strategist stood back from the madding crowd, he told me that the magic formula didn't lie in the blood and snotters of a mass media scrum, but in the quiet exploitation of social media. Facebook, in particular.

The challenge for supporters of Scottish independence, historically, has been in turning it from a fringe notion into something people allow themselves to contemplate. Check their election success at the Scottish Parliament to see the considerable style with which that's been accomplished.

Scots have taken the hop and a step. Why, now, might they be shaping to take the jump? 

The Yes strategist pinned it on Facebook.

"Ask yourself," he said, to paraphrase him, "if a parent wants to check on their youngster who's on a night out, what do they do?  They don't phone them, because they probably won't answer.

"They might text ... but, invariably, they'll Facebook them. And when they do, dozens or hundreds of their friends will see it. It's a chat network that plugs people into the other people they value. There are no better opinion-formers for someone than the friends and family they like and trust.

"So, as a campaigning tool, it's been very effective. We encourage Yes supporters to spread the word to their Facebook friends and, over time, you build a network around people that builds a political case.

"Facebook is more effective than Twitter. You put something on Twitter and you reach people within the political bubble. With Facebook, you tap into a far bigger community."

So why the spike in support for Yes after polls that had No with a consistent and strong lead over the course of a two and a half year campaign?

"People just didn't turn their mind to the referendum until it actually came round. It's been in the far distance for most of the campaign but, now that people realise they're getting to decision time, large numbers are now weighing up the arguments ... and they're deciding having had their views on independence softened by Facebook friends."

There were more than 10 million referendum-related interactions on Facebook in the five weeks to September 8 - 85% of which was from Scotland.

He said he reckoned the Yes campaign had been four or five times more active than their opponents on Facebook and pointed out a Facebook chat with Scotland's pro-independence First Minister Alex Salmond attracted around 5,000 questions.

Data suggests the Yes campaign is slightly in the lead with 2.05 interactions in Scotland compared to 1.96 million for the no campaign.

The strategist said the campaigning beauty of social media was that it eliminated the need to rely on mainstream media coverage, that the likes of Facebook cut out the middle man and enabled them to reach out to the voter directly.

Just how many the campaign has touched and what effect it has had, we'll find out soon enough.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sky Poll: Scots Unclear Over No Vote Powers

PM May Regret 'Double Or Quits' Scot Gamble

Updated: 7:06am UK, Wednesday 17 September 2014

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

If David Cameron has any regrets on the eve of the final day of campaigning in the Scottish referendum, one might centre on the terms he negotiated for this historic vote.

After all, polls suggest that the largest group of Scots did not want to choose "Yes" or "No". Instead, they would have been happy with a third option, so-called "Devo-Max".

But the Prime Minister, not keen on handing over more devolution, decided to play double or quits.

He made the contest a straight choice - presumably confident that it would result in the outcome that he wanted.

Now there is a chance that his gamble may not pay off.

What no one expected months ago, when the No campaign had a 22-point lead, was a race that would be described in its final days as being on a knife-edge.

But that is what Mr Cameron is now faced with.

And it explains why he, along with Labour leader Ed Miliband, and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, have put a big new offer on the table for Scottish voters.

An offer that devolves more powers to the country, and is being received by many of its newspapers as the "Devo-Max" the Prime Minister originally rejected.

The Daily Record, for example, says the choice is now between a "No" vote that means Scotland and the UK are changed forever, or a "Yes" vote that ends Britain.

Offering that new choice leaves Mr Cameron facing a potential backlash in England among MPs who feel his promise gives their constituents an unfair deal.

He did it because the stakes are high, with the Prime Minister's job under threat if he loses this vote.

That is why on Monday, instead of bowing to calls to recall Parliament to discuss the murder of a British hostage in the Middle East, he travelled to Aberdeen to love-bomb Scotland.

Mr Cameron said he would be "heartbroken" if the UK was divided, telling Scots he knew they did not like him but he would not be around forever.

But if the stakes are high for the Conservative leader, they are arguably higher for his Labour counterpart, who faces losing dozens of MPs and the hope of future majorities.

That is why Ed Miliband will be north of the border from now until after the vote.

As for Mr Clegg, an independent Scotland would lose him one fifth of his Parliamentary party.

Yet their challenge remains a steep one - a Yes campaign that has energy and momentum, and which has already persuaded a large proportion of Scots to change their mind.

Alex Salmond enters these final 24 hours with his life-long dream of independence in touching distance.

And remember, no one expected it to be this close.

If he just misses out, he will still be able to argue that his campaign pushed the opposition into placing on offer on the table with many more powers for the Scottish people.

With one day to go, Mr Salmond is, arguably, facing a win-win situation.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scotland Campaign Trail 'Sours', Says Darling

How Facebook Shaped The Referendum

Updated: 8:27am UK, Tuesday 16 September 2014

By James Matthews, Scotland Correspondent

It's Facebook 'wot might win it.

Sure, the August poll surge in support for independence was down, in part, to traditional campaigning. Meetings and megaphones have thrust the Yes campaign "in yer face" over years leading up to Thursday.

But why, according to the opinion polls, did it all seem to come together in the space of a few weeks? Why, suddenly, the knife-edge?

In the word of a senior Yes strategist: Facebook.

I chatted to him as the Alex Salmond Labour Heartland tour rolled up at its latest venue, playing to the target market through the TV cameras. It was a big, well-attended, photo-call - the staple diet of the political campaign.

As the strategist stood back from the madding crowd, he told me that the magic formula didn't lie in the blood and snotters of a mass media scrum, but in the quiet exploitation of social media. Facebook, in particular.

The challenge for supporters of Scottish independence, historically, has been in turning it from a fringe notion into something people allow themselves to contemplate. Check their election success at the Scottish Parliament to see the considerable style with which that's been accomplished.

Scots have taken the hop and a step. Why, now, might they be shaping to take the jump? 

The Yes strategist pinned it on Facebook.

"Ask yourself," he said, to paraphrase him, "if a parent wants to check on their youngster who's on a night out, what do they do?  They don't phone them, because they probably won't answer.

"They might text ... but, invariably, they'll Facebook them. And when they do, dozens or hundreds of their friends will see it. It's a chat network that plugs people into the other people they value. There are no better opinion-formers for someone than the friends and family they like and trust.

"So, as a campaigning tool, it's been very effective. We encourage Yes supporters to spread the word to their Facebook friends and, over time, you build a network around people that builds a political case.

"Facebook is more effective than Twitter. You put something on Twitter and you reach people within the political bubble. With Facebook, you tap into a far bigger community."

So why the spike in support for Yes after polls that had No with a consistent and strong lead over the course of a two and a half year campaign?

"People just didn't turn their mind to the referendum until it actually came round. It's been in the far distance for most of the campaign but, now that people realise they're getting to decision time, large numbers are now weighing up the arguments ... and they're deciding having had their views on independence softened by Facebook friends."

There were more than 10 million referendum-related interactions on Facebook in the five weeks to September 8 - 85% of which was from Scotland.

He said he reckoned the Yes campaign had been four or five times more active than their opponents on Facebook and pointed out a Facebook chat with Scotland's pro-independence First Minister Alex Salmond attracted around 5,000 questions.

Data suggests the Yes campaign is slightly in the lead with 2.05 interactions in Scotland compared to 1.96 million for the no campaign.

The strategist said the campaigning beauty of social media was that it eliminated the need to rely on mainstream media coverage, that the likes of Facebook cut out the middle man and enabled them to reach out to the voter directly.

Just how many the campaign has touched and what effect it has had, we'll find out soon enough.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Westminster Leaders Pledge 'No' Vote Powers

How Facebook Shaped The Referendum

Updated: 8:27am UK, Tuesday 16 September 2014

By James Matthews, Scotland Correspondent

It's Facebook 'wot might win it.

Sure, the August poll surge in support for independence was down, in part, to traditional campaigning. Meetings and megaphones have thrust the Yes campaign "in yer face" over years leading up to Thursday.

But why, according to the opinion polls, did it all seem to come together in the space of a few weeks? Why, suddenly, the knife-edge?

In the word of a senior Yes strategist: Facebook.

I chatted to him as the Alex Salmond Labour Heartland tour rolled up at its latest venue, playing to the target market through the TV cameras. It was a big, well-attended, photo-call - the staple diet of the political campaign.

As the strategist stood back from the madding crowd, he told me that the magic formula didn't lie in the blood and snotters of a mass media scrum, but in the quiet exploitation of social media. Facebook, in particular.

The challenge for supporters of Scottish independence, historically, has been in turning it from a fringe notion into something people allow themselves to contemplate. Check their election success at the Scottish Parliament to see the considerable style with which that's been accomplished.

Scots have taken the hop and a step. Why, now, might they be shaping to take the jump? 

The Yes strategist pinned it on Facebook.

"Ask yourself," he said, to paraphrase him, "if a parent wants to check on their youngster who's on a night out, what do they do?  They don't phone them, because they probably won't answer.

"They might text ... but, invariably, they'll Facebook them. And when they do, dozens or hundreds of their friends will see it. It's a chat network that plugs people into the other people they value. There are no better opinion-formers for someone than the friends and family they like and trust.

"So, as a campaigning tool, it's been very effective. We encourage Yes supporters to spread the word to their Facebook friends and, over time, you build a network around people that builds a political case.

"Facebook is more effective than Twitter. You put something on Twitter and you reach people within the political bubble. With Facebook, you tap into a far bigger community."

So why the spike in support for Yes after polls that had No with a consistent and strong lead over the course of a two and a half year campaign?

"People just didn't turn their mind to the referendum until it actually came round. It's been in the far distance for most of the campaign but, now that people realise they're getting to decision time, large numbers are now weighing up the arguments ... and they're deciding having had their views on independence softened by Facebook friends."

There were more than 10 million referendum-related interactions on Facebook in the five weeks to September 8 - 85% of which was from Scotland.

He said he reckoned the Yes campaign had been four or five times more active than their opponents on Facebook and pointed out a Facebook chat with Scotland's pro-independence First Minister Alex Salmond attracted around 5,000 questions.

Data suggests the Yes campaign is slightly in the lead with 2.05 interactions in Scotland compared to 1.96 million for the no campaign.

The strategist said the campaigning beauty of social media was that it eliminated the need to rely on mainstream media coverage, that the likes of Facebook cut out the middle man and enabled them to reach out to the voter directly.

Just how many the campaign has touched and what effect it has had, we'll find out soon enough.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Emotional Tug Of Freedom Against Economic Risk

By Faisal Islam, Political Editor

The Prime Minister has signed off from the independence referendum campaign with a final speech in Aberdeen.

Facing a friendly audience of Scottish pensioners, oil executives and Conservatives, the Prime Minister pleaded with Scots to reject independence in the too-close-to-call referendum on Thursday.

Arriving to a slick marketing video featuring three centuries of historic achievements of the Union - from Pankhurst to Wilberforce and Darwin to the British Lions - an emotional PM told the audience: "We want you to stay. Head and heart and soul, we want you to stay.

Alex Salmond: "Cameron's prints are all over a scaremongering campaign"

"Please don't mix up the temporary and the permanent. Please don't think 'I'm frustrated with politics right now, so I'll walk out the door and never come back'.

"If you don't like me - I won't be here forever. If you don't like this Government - it won't last forever. But if you leave the UK - that will be forever.

"Yes, the different parts of the UK don't always see eye-to-eye. Yes, we need change - and we will deliver it. But to get that change, to get a brighter future, we don't need to tear our country apart."

There would be no "trial separation" but the prospect of a "painful divorce" for the UK under a Yes vote.

The PM's key message, though, was of "safer change". The status quo was not on the ballot paper. He reassured his audience that a No vote would trigger "a major, unprecedented programme of devolution with additional powers for the Scottish Parliament", that Gordon Brown's timetable of delivery by January was "set in stone".

He said it amounted to an offer of guaranteed change for the Scottish people without losing the "UK pension, the UK pound and the UK passport".

The question, of course, is whether the Scottish people are going to trust such promises, as there's a history of that type of thing not being delivered by Westminster.

Some Conservative backbenchers are very nervous of the promises offered to keep Scotland in the Union. In an interview with Sky News Tonight, the leader of the Better Together No campaign Alistair Darling addressed this point and said Labour had promised and did deliver the Scottish Parliament.

But few can tell how such late promises are going to go down with many Scottish people distrustful of what they see as a Westminster elite.

Mr Darling also told Sky News of his concern about how the tone of the campaign had soured, and referred to protests by Yes campaigners against journalists as "deeply sinister".

His assessment that some of the campaigns against out-of-favour journalists by the Yes campaign - posters and the like - were "deeply sinister".

He said there was a quiet majority who might be afraid to speak out, who will say "no thanks" to independence on Thursday.

He also said he found it galling that EU nationals get a vote in Scotland whereas Scots who have moved down south don't get a vote. Although he accepted that this was the agreed system for the referendum.

The broader picture, though, is what some politicians are calling the "air war" - big ideas, facts, debates about currency union and devolution - is over.

The next two days of campaigning is all about the "ground war" - getting the vote out and going into people's homes. And this message of Safer Change is very specifically calibrated - not at Yes voters or No voters - but the fact there is a rump of Scots who have a bit of both Yes and No within them.

Alistair Darling told Sky News that the tone of the campaign had "soured"

They are trying to tip that balance away from the emotional tug of freedom for Scotland towards a hard-headed assessment of economic risk.

Earlier, First Minister Alex Salmond visited Edinburgh Airport where he claimed Mr Cameron's "fingerprints are all over a scaremongering" campaign by banks, businesses and leading retailers who have voiced their concerns over independence.

Mr Salmond said: "The next time he [Mr Cameron] comes to Scotland it will not be to love-bomb or engage in desperate last-minute scaremongering, and following a Yes vote it will be to engage in serious post-referendum talks in the best interests of the people of Scotland and the rest of the UK, as pledged in the Edinburgh Agreement."

The Prime Minister, abundantly self-aware that there are limits to the persuasive appeal of any Conservative prime minister in Scotland, will now return to London for the remainder of this closely-fought campaign. The Labour Party will step up its campaign with the return of Opposition leader Ed Miliband on Tuesday.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cameron Hardens Stance With Vow To Destroy IS

By Faisal Islam, Political Editor, in Downing Street

The message from Downing Street is one of resolve.

The Government will not be bounced into a change of strategy by the heinous public murder of a British aid worker.

The rhetoric, however, did harden somewhat.

The Prime Minister returned from Chequers to Downing St on Saturday night after the murder. He was referred to by name in the video distributed by IS.

He responded with a personal message. David Haines was a "British hero" who devoted his life to humanitarian aid, he said.

Mr Haines' killers, including the masked man with the British accent, "are not Muslims, they are monsters". He vowed that Britain would and could not "walk on by".

He hardened previous language about "squeezing ISIL out of existence" to a promise to "destroy ISIL with an iron determination".

This looked like a PM about to announce military action. Indeed the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has announced the deployment of 600 combat personnel and military aircraft to the UAE.

The direction of travel is pretty clear. But the actual strategy remains the same.

Mr Haines was kidnapped in Syria in 2013

There will be no emergency recall of Parliament, as suggested by some backbench MPs, including ex-Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt.

There will be no British combat "boots on the ground". Airstrikes are neither ruled in nor ruled out.

The limited lethal military aid, (some small quantity of heavy weaponry) given to the Kurdish peshmerga will continue.

Any ramping up of this will only be after the creation of a stable inclusive Iraqi government (which has started) and the establishment of a regional coalition.

As the PM told Sky News at the Nato summit, he is keen to show he has "learnt the lessons of the past".

The killer refers to Mr Cameron by name in the beheading video

That is a reference to the Iraq war in 2003. That involves a detailed, sustainable, diplomatic plan.

It is also fortuitous, because the PM can continue to avoid getting ahead of public and parliamentary opinion.

He is understandably burnt from the experience of the Syria vote a year ago. My assessment is that his Coalition, parliament, and the public, are getting on side.

The other brake on immediate action, of course, is US President Barack Obama. The White House put out a statement saying the US stood "shoulder to shoulder" with the UK.

The aim to "degrade and destroy" ISIL is clear. The assessment that a "Western intervention" alone is not a sustainable solution to this issue remains.

One key understated reason: that using superior western military might, is also a form of leverage for good behaviour from the new government in Iraq.

So the direction of travel remains clear. But we are still not yet at the point of the actual military engagement of a multinational coalition.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ex-Cabbie Held By IS 'Does A Lot For Others'

Hollande: Threat From Islamic State Is Global

Updated: 10:07am UK, Monday 15 September 2014

International efforts to combat Islamic State militants have taken on an added urgency after the beheading of a British aid worker and the threat to kill a second UK hostage.

The brutal murder of David Haines comes amid moves to form a broad coalition against the terror group which has grabbed large swathes of territory in Syria and Iraq.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond is attending a summit - spearheaded by French President Francois Hollande and Iraqi President Fuad Masum in Paris this morning - bringing together 30 countries to co-ordinate a response to the IS threat.

Mr Hollande opened the summit warning: "The terrorist threat is global and the response must be global."

Mr Masum told delegates there was a need for a "quick response"  to the Islamist group which he said had "committed massacres and genocidal crimes".

Prince Saud al Faisal, foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, and representatives of the six-nation Gulf Co-operation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are also among the delegates at the conference.

Ahead of the talks, Washington said several countries in the Middle East had offered to join airstrikes against the militants, while Australia said it would send aircraft and personnel and France announced it would begin reconnaissance missions over Iraq.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who is under pressure to act following the killing of Mr Haines, has given no indication over whether he would commit military forces to airstrikes.

Video footage of the British aid worker's death showed a knife-wielding militant who speaks with a British accent.

The clip also included a threat to kill a second hostage, Alan Henning, who was a volunteer on an aid convoy.

It follows the beheadings of two American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff.

Mr Cameron vowed to "hunt down" the "monsters" who killed Mr Haines, and said the crime would "strengthen our resolve" to smash the extremist network which has seized swathes of Iraq and Syria.

He said the UK would seek to "mobilise the broadest possible support to bear down" on IS at the United Nations.

"This is not about British combat troops on the ground, it is about working with others to extinguish this terrorist threat," he said.

"As this strategy intensifies we are ready to take whatever steps are necessary to deal with this threat and keep our country safe."

Explaining Mr Cameron's dilemma, Sky's Chief Political Correspondent Jon Craig said: "He tried to get a vote in Parliament last year on missile strikes on Syria.

"Thirty or so Conservative MPs voted against, as did Labour, and he lost the vote. He was humiliated. So he doesn't particularly want to go down that route again."

US Secretary of State John Kerry, who is also in Paris and has been touring the Middle East to rally support, told CBS: "We have countries in this region, countries outside of this region, in addition to the United States, all of whom are prepared to engage in military assistance, in actual strikes if that is what it requires."

However, Iraq's president has said it is "not necessary" for Arab powers to join airstrikes against Islamic State.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hollande: Threat From Islamic State Is Global

International efforts to combat Islamic State militants have taken on an added urgency after the beheading of a British aid worker and the threat to kill a second UK hostage.

The brutal murder of David Haines comes amid moves to form a broad coalition against the terror group which has grabbed large swathes of territory in Syria and Iraq.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond is attending a summit - spearheaded by French President Francois Hollande and Iraqi President Fuad Masum in Paris this morning - bringing together 30 countries to co-ordinate a response to the IS threat.

Mr Hollande opened the summit warning: "The terrorist threat is global and the response must be global."

Prince Saud al Faisal, foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, and representatives of the six-nation Gulf Co-operation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are also among the delegates at the conference.

Mr Hammond and US Secretary Of State John Kerry arriving in Paris

Ahead of the talks, Washington said several countries in the Middle East had offered to join airstrikes against the militants, while Australia said it would send aircraft and personnel and France announced it would begin reconnaissance missions over Iraq.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who is under pressure to act following the killing of Mr Haines, has given no indication over whether he would commit military forces to airstrikes.

Video footage of the British aid worker's death showed a knife-wielding militant who speaks with a British accent.

Mr Haines was taken hostage in Syria last year

The clip also included a threat to kill a second hostage, Alan Henning, who was a volunteer on an aid convoy.

It follows the beheadings of two American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff.

Mr Cameron vowed to "hunt down" the "monsters" who killed Mr Haines, and said the crime would "strengthen our resolve" to smash the extremist network which has seized swathes of Iraq and Syria.

He said the UK would seek to "mobilise the broadest possible support to bear down" on IS at the United Nations.

Mr Cameron has vowed to 'hunt down' the 'monsters' who killed Mr Haines

"This is not about British combat troops on the ground, it is about working with others to extinguish this terrorist threat," he said.

"As this strategy intensifies we are ready to take whatever steps are necessary to deal with this threat and keep our country safe."

Explaining Mr Cameron's dilemma, Sky's Chief Political Correspondent Jon Craig said: "He tried to get a vote in Parliament last year on missile strikes on Syria.

A central part of the plan is to engage Arab countries in the coalition

"Thirty or so Conservative MPs voted against, as did Labour, and he lost the vote. He was humiliated. So he doesn't particularly want to go down that route again."

US Secretary of State John Kerry, who is also in Paris and has been touring the Middle East to rally support, told CBS: "We have countries in this region, countries outside of this region, in addition to the United States, all of whom are prepared to engage in military assistance, in actual strikes if that is what it requires."

However, Iraq's president has said it is "not necessary" for Arab powers to join airstrikes against Islamic State.

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Cameron Faces Biggest International Dilemma

Widespread Revulsion Over Briton's Beheading

Updated: 10:07am UK, Sunday 14 September 2014

Politicians and community leaders have joined together to condemn the murder of British aid worker David Haines.

Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour leader Ed Miliband put out tweets soon after news broke at around 11.25pm on Saturday that the Foreign Office were trying to verify a video that had emerged on the internet showed Mr Haines being beheaded.

Mr Cameron said: "The murder of David Haines is an act of pure evil. My heart goes out to his family who have shown extraordinary courage and fortitude."

Mr Miliband said: "I am sickened at the disgusting, barbaric killing of David Haines."

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said it was "a crime of the most horrendous kind".

"This murderous organisation calls itself Islamic State. But it is not a state, it is a brutal terrorist outfit whose actions are an affront to every peace loving Muslim around the world." 

Alex Salmond, First Minister of Mr Haines' native Scotland, said in a statement: "His murder will be totally condemned by all people with any sense of humanity.

"Our thoughts, sympathies and prayers are with the family members and friends of Mr Haines."

US President Barack Obama said in a statement: "The United States strongly condemns the barbaric murder of UK citizen David Haines.

"Our hearts go out to the family of Mr Haines and to the people of the United Kingdom. The United States stands shoulder to shoulder tonight with our close friend and ally in grief and resolve.

"We will work with the United Kingdom and a broad coalition of nations from the region and around the world to bring the perpetrators of this outrageous act to justice, and to degrade and destroy this threat to the people of our countries, the region and the world."

The US is working to build an international coalition to target the Islamic State militants who carried out the killing of Mr Haines, as well as US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff.

Muslim community leaders said the acts of IS do not represent the faith and highlighted that many other victims of the group have been Muslims themselves.

Mohammed Shafiq, chief executive of the Ramadhan Foundation, said: "In the coming days we need to come together as a nation to stand in solidarity with David's family and resolute in our determination to defeat terrorism. Whatever the costs or sacrifices we will defeat terrorism."

Dr Qari Asim, imam of the Makkah Mosque in Leeds and a leading Sunni scholar, said: "This vile and unwarranted terrorist attack is the actions of cowards and I condemn it completely.

"An attack on a British citizen is an attack on Britain and we raise our voices as a community united to deplore the actions of the terrorists ISIS."

Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, joint secretary of the Majlis-e-Ulama, which represents the majority of Shia Muslims in the United Kingdom and Europe, said: "I condemn wholeheartedly this deplorable act of despicable violence.

"Our whole nation has been shocked and devastated by this act of utter terrorism. ISIS hides behind its false interpretation of Islam, claiming to kill in the name of Islam and we reject this unreservedly, they are criminals and villains."

Shaukat Warriach, founder of Imamsonline.com and chief executive of Faith Associates, an organisation which works with Imams and mosques across the UK, said: "We are all Britons, united in our grief and anger and deplore the actions of ISIS.

"The holy Quran says: 'the taking of one innocent life is like taking all of Mankind'; the attack on one of our citizens is an attack on all of us."

Mr Haines' former employer Nonviolent Peaceforce said in a statement: "Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is deeply saddened by the murder of our friend and former colleague.

"David served NP in South Sudan in 2012 and was known and beloved by many of us. He protected people under threat with courageous determination whilst always demonstrating a sense of humility and where required humour. We are outraged by his brutal murder."

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hostage David Haines' Murder 'Evil', PM Says

David Cameron has condemned the beheading of British aid worker David Haines by Islamic State, describing it as an "act of pure evil".

A video released by the militant organisation shows 44-year-old father of two Mr Haines being murdered.

In a statement put out by Downing Street, Mr Cameron says: "This is a despicable and appalling murder of an innocent aid worker. It is an act of pure evil.

"My heart goes out to the family of David Haines who have shown extraordinary courage and fortitude throughout this ordeal.

"We will do everything in our power to hunt down these murderers and ensure they face justice, however long it takes."

Mr Haines' brother Mike said his sibling was "just another bloke" who "helped whoever needed help" until he was murdered "in cold blood".

David Cameron returned to Downing Street with his head bowed

Mr Haines was thought to have been held captive by militant group Islamic State after being kidnapped from a Syrian refugee camp near the border with Turkey last year.

Mr Cameron has returned to Downing Street and will chair a Cobra meeting today at 10am with representatives from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office.

The release of the video came hours after Mr Haines' family urged his captors to contact them.

In the video, the victim looks into the camera and makes a statement, holding Mr Cameron responsible for his own "execution".

In the statement, which appears to have been made under duress, he said: "You entered voluntarily into a coalition with the United States against the Islamic State just as your predecessor Tony Blair did, following a trend against our British prime ministers who can't find the courage to say 'no' to the Americans.

"Unfortunately it is we the British public that in the end will pay the price for our Parliament's selfish decisions."

A man dressed in black addresses David Cameron in the video

A spokesperson from the FCO said: "All the signs are that the video is genuine. We have no reason to believe it is not."

The killing comes just weeks after American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff were beheaded by Islamic State (IS). Those deaths were also filmed, and the videos were released on the internet.

In the new video, a man dressed in black stood behind Mr Haines. The man seemed to speak with an English accent.

After Mr Haines finished his statement, the man said: "This British man has to pay the price for your promise, Cameron, to arm the peshmerga against the Islamic State.

"Your evil alliance with America which continues to strike the Muslims of Iraq and most recently bombed the Haditha Dam will only accelerate your destruction."

David Haines worked as an aid worker

"If you, Cameron, persist in fighting the Islamic State then you like your master Obama will have the blood of your people on your hands."

Another man who Sky News is not naming, said by IS to be British, then appears at the end of the video and is threatened with being killed.

The Foreign Office said Mr Haines' family wished to be left alone.

US President Barack Obama has put out a statement saying: "Our hearts go out to the family of Mr Haines and to the people of the United Kingdom.

"The United States stands shoulder to shoulder tonight with our close friend and ally in grief and resolve."

France strongly condemned the murder and called for an international mobilisation to fight the Islamist group.

"The heinous murder of David Haines shows once again how the international community must mobilise against Daesh," the French presidency said in statement, referring to the Arabic acronym for IS.

The murders have prompted a number of commentators to call for swift and firm action. Former head of the Army Lord Dannatt said the UK should respond by playing its role in the assault against IS promised by Mr Obama.

"What we absolutely need to do is not be cowed in any way by yet another foul murder of a hostage," he said.

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IS Threat To Cameron Likely To Stiffen Resolve

Widespread Revulsion Over Briton's Beheading

Updated: 10:07am UK, Sunday 14 September 2014

Politicians and community leaders have joined together to condemn the murder of British aid worker David Haines.

Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour leader Ed Miliband put out tweets soon after news broke at around 11.25pm on Saturday that the Foreign Office were trying to verify a video that had emerged on the internet showed Mr Haines being beheaded.

Mr Cameron said: "The murder of David Haines is an act of pure evil. My heart goes out to his family who have shown extraordinary courage and fortitude."

Mr Miliband said: "I am sickened at the disgusting, barbaric killing of David Haines."

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said it was "a crime of the most horrendous kind".

"This murderous organisation calls itself Islamic State. But it is not a state, it is a brutal terrorist outfit whose actions are an affront to every peace loving Muslim around the world." 

Alex Salmond, First Minister of Mr Haines' native Scotland, said in a statement: "His murder will be totally condemned by all people with any sense of humanity.

"Our thoughts, sympathies and prayers are with the family members and friends of Mr Haines."

US President Barack Obama said in a statement: "The United States strongly condemns the barbaric murder of UK citizen David Haines.

"Our hearts go out to the family of Mr Haines and to the people of the United Kingdom. The United States stands shoulder to shoulder tonight with our close friend and ally in grief and resolve.

"We will work with the United Kingdom and a broad coalition of nations from the region and around the world to bring the perpetrators of this outrageous act to justice, and to degrade and destroy this threat to the people of our countries, the region and the world."

The US is working to build an international coalition to target the Islamic State militants who carried out the killing of Mr Haines, as well as US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff.

Muslim community leaders said the acts of IS do not represent the faith and highlighted that many other victims of the group have been Muslims themselves.

Mohammed Shafiq, chief executive of the Ramadhan Foundation, said: "In the coming days we need to come together as a nation to stand in solidarity with David's family and resolute in our determination to defeat terrorism. Whatever the costs or sacrifices we will defeat terrorism."

Dr Qari Asim, imam of the Makkah Mosque in Leeds and a leading Sunni scholar, said: "This vile and unwarranted terrorist attack is the actions of cowards and I condemn it completely.

"An attack on a British citizen is an attack on Britain and we raise our voices as a community united to deplore the actions of the terrorists ISIS."

Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, joint secretary of the Majlis-e-Ulama, which represents the majority of Shia Muslims in the United Kingdom and Europe, said: "I condemn wholeheartedly this deplorable act of despicable violence.

"Our whole nation has been shocked and devastated by this act of utter terrorism. ISIS hides behind its false interpretation of Islam, claiming to kill in the name of Islam and we reject this unreservedly, they are criminals and villains."

Shaukat Warriach, founder of Imamsonline.com and chief executive of Faith Associates, an organisation which works with Imams and mosques across the UK, said: "We are all Britons, united in our grief and anger and deplore the actions of ISIS.

"The holy Quran says: 'the taking of one innocent life is like taking all of Mankind'; the attack on one of our citizens is an attack on all of us."

Mr Haines' former employer Nonviolent Peaceforce said in a statement: "Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is deeply saddened by the murder of our friend and former colleague.

"David served NP in South Sudan in 2012 and was known and beloved by many of us. He protected people under threat with courageous determination whilst always demonstrating a sense of humility and where required humour. We are outraged by his brutal murder."

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