Henning Murder: How Will The Govt Respond?

By Sophy Ridge, Political Correspondent

The words spoken by the masked man were sickening: "The blood of David Haines was on your hands, Cameron. Alan Henning will also be slaughtered, but his blood is on the hands of the British Parliament."

Alan Henning was a taxi driver who was inspired to travel hundreds of miles in an aid convoy to try to help the suffering of people in Syria.

His death is both horrific and senseless.

The terrorist in the slickly produced video was quick to link the murder to British foreign policy in Iraq.

The question now for the Government is how to react.

Video: Islamic State: Audio Of Threat

I've spoken to a source close to the Prime Minister who insists there will be "no change of policy", and the killing will only "strengthen our resolve" to take military action against Islamic State militants.

The feeling of a renewed resolve is also apparent among MPs, many of whom took to Twitter to express their anger.

While it seems clear that UK airstrikes in Iraq will continue, it is unclear whether there will be increased pressure to extend them into Syria.

Video: IS Hostage Alan Henning Beheaded

There are some MPs who feel that if Britain wants to get fully involved in the campaign against IS, its strongholds in Syria also need to be targeted. This is not, after all, an organisation that respects countries' borders.

Either way, as the Defence Secretary has already warned, this is a conflict that could take years to resolve.

There is another aspect to the murders that is impossible to ignore: the man who styles himself as the killer in the videos speaks with a distinctly British accent.

Video: Alan Henning 'Was Clearly Innocent'

Hundreds of British nationals have travelled to Syria and Iraq in order to fight.

The Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister talk about eradicating the terrorist threat of IS.

If they are serious about eliminating the extremists, they may have to look at home as well as abroad.

Video: Terry Waite: Beheading 'Tragic'

Video: Family Appeals 'Were Last Resort'

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PM Vows To 'Hunt Down' Alan Henning Murderers

David Cameron has promised to hunt down the terrorist murderers of the aid worker Alan Henning after jihadists posted video of him being beheaded online.

The Prime Minister said the murder was "brutal" and revealed "just how barbaric and repulsive these terrorists are".

A video lasting one minute and 11 seconds and titled Another Message To America And It's Allies, was posted on YouTube on Friday evening.

It shows Mr Henning, a taxi-driver who was captured on an aid mission in Syria in December, kneeling in front of a knife-wielding militant in a desert setting before being beheaded in front of the camera.

The masked killer, who speaks with a British accent and is believed to be the man responsible for previous beheadings, makes a direct statement to Mr Cameron: "The blood of David Haines was on your hands, Cameron. Alan Henning will also be slaughtered, but his blood is on the hands of the British Parliament."

Video: IS Hostage Alan Henning Beheaded

At the end of the video another hostage - a former US soldier - is paraded in front of the cameras.

The hostage is believed to be Peter Edward Kassig who had returned to the region as a charity worker, after serving in Iraq in 2007.

The militant in the video says Mr Kassig will be the next victim. 

Video: Islamic State: Audio Of Threat

Mr Cameron, who is meeting at Chequers with officials from the Foreign Office, intelligence agencies and the military, said: "The brutal murder of Alan Henning by ISIL shows just how barbaric and repulsive these terrorists are.

"My thoughts and prayers tonight are with Alan's wife Barbara, their children and all those who loved him.

"Alan had gone to Syria to help get aid to people of all faiths in their hour of need.

Video: Terry Waite: Beheading 'Tragic'

"The fact that he was taken hostage when trying to help others and now murdered demonstrates that there are no limits to the depravity of these ISIL terrorists.

"We will do all we can to hunt down these murderers and bring them to justice."

US President Barack Obama condemned the "brutal" murder, saying the US would bring those responsible to justice.

Video: Eccles Pastor: "It's Gut-wrenching"

"Standing together with a broad coalition of allies and partners, we will continue taking decisive action to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL," he said in a statement.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg wrote on Twitter: "Barbaric actions of ISIL are held in complete contempt. We are resolved to defeat this evil."

Labour leader Ed Miliband described Mr Henning's murder as appalling and barbaric.

Video: Family Appeals 'Were Last Resort'

"He was an aid worker, helping those in need. Those who killed him have revealed only their lack of humanity and brutality.

"My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his wife Barbara, his children and all those who knew him."

"We will do everything we can to support the efforts of the Government to bring those guilty of this terrible act to justice."

Video: Alan Henning 'Was Clearly Innocent'

British Muslims also joined condemnation of the murder as a "despicable and offensive act" which showed IS had "no regard for Islam".

Dr Shuja Shafi, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "Alan was a friend of Muslims, and he will be mourned by Muslims.

"Alan Henning's murderers have clearly gone against that spirit of Islam. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

Video: 'IS Call To Send Ground Troops'

Mr Henning was previously seen at the end of a video released last month following the beheading of fellow British captive David Haines.

Mr Haines' brother, Mike, wrote on Facebook on Friday night: "Tonight saw the death of Alan Henning at the hands of ISIL. Alan like David had a proven history of humanitarian work. Our hearts and prayers go to his family, our love too."

Meanwhile, another video has emerged purportedly showing a wounded Islamic State fighter with a British accent.

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1. Gallery: Profile: Alan Henning

   Alan Henning, 47, was born in Salford, Greater Manchester. Friends gave him the nickname "gadget" due to his love of technology

2. He was married for 23 years and he had a teenage son and daughter

3. He worked as a self-employed taxi driver

4. Mr Henning saw the plight of Syrian people and volunteered with a Muslim charity. He had been to the region at least three times

5. He drove life-saving medical equipment from the UK to Syria in old ambulances. He left in December 2013 to make the 4,000-mile trip

6. He was kidnapped by IS in Syria by masked men. He may have been held in Ad Dana near Aleppo, then Raqqa

In the video the fighter taunts Mr Cameron and other coalition leaders to send troops on the ground rather than "bomb us from the skies".

The footage has not been authenticated, and it is not clear when or where it was filmed.

:: Full coverage now on Sky News – watch Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 132.

Video: Wife Pleaded For Henning's Release

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Eccles Wakes Up To 'Gut-Wrenching News'

By Mike McCarthy, North of England Correspondent

In the Greater Manchester street where Alan Henning lived the number of yellow ribbons have been growing steadily in the past few weeks.

They are tied to gates, lampposts and door-knockers in an expression of community solidarity with the taxi driver's family.

Bill Green, pastor in Mr Henning's home town of Eccles, told Sky News: "Eccles is waking up to this horrific news this morning and I think the community is going to be devastated. It is a close knit community, especially where Alan and his family lived." He said the news was "gut-wrenching".

Mrs Henning pleaded with IS militants to spare her husband's life

One neighbour told Sky News: "We feel so helpless but the least we can do is let Alan's wife and children know our hearts are with them."

Few words or gestures can provide comfort to the family of the father-of-two now, but so deep is the sense of local support that they are sure to be surrounded by heartfelt goodwill and sympathy.

Video: Family Appeals 'Were Last Resort'

Just days ago Mr Henning's wife Barbara made a direct appeal to his captors to spare her husband's life. 

Her plea came after she had received an audio message in which her husband begged for his life.

Mrs Henning said: "I ask Islamic State please release him, we need him back home."

Video: Brit IS Hostage Had 'Heart Of Gold'

She added: "Some say wrong time, wrong place. Alan was volunteering with his Muslim friends to help the people of Syria. He was in the right place doing the right thing."

Mrs Henning said the family were at a loss as to why those leading IS could not open their hearts and minds to the truth about Alan's humanitarian motives for going to Syria.

She told news channels: "Surely those who wish to be seen as a state will act in a statesmanlike way by showing mercy and providing clemency."

Video: IS Hostage Alan Henning Beheaded

A few days earlier in 47-year-old Mr Henning's home town of Eccles, hundreds of people gathered for a prayer vigil in the local town hall.

At the event he was described as a compassionate and caring man who was willing to give up his own family Christmas to help others less fortunate in Syria.

Many signed a book of prayers for his family. 

1/6

1. Gallery: Profile: Alan Henning

   Alan Henning, 47, was born in Salford, Greater Manchester. Friends gave him the nickname "gadget" due to his love of technology

2. He was married for 23 years and he had a teenage son and daughter

3. He worked as a self-employed taxi driver

4. Mr Henning saw the plight of Syrian people and volunteered with a Muslim charity. He had been to the region at least three times

5. He drove life-saving medical equipment from the UK to Syria in old ambulances. He left in December 2013 to make the 4,000-mile trip

6. He was kidnapped by IS in Syria by masked men. He may have been held in Ad Dana near Aleppo, then Raqqa

On the same evening a group of friends and neighbours gathered in the darkness on a nearby recreation ground.

They stood in silence as the name "Alan" was formed in candles on the ground.

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Thai Murders: Suspects Stage Reconstruction

Two Burmese workers who have confessed to the murders of British backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller have visted the scene of the crime.

Mr Miller, 24, from Jersey, died from drowning and a blow to the head, while Miss Witheridge, 23, from Great Yarmouth, died from head wounds on Sairee beach last month.

Their semi-naked bodies were found on the southern island of Koh Tao, near where they were staying, in the early hours of September 15.

A blood-stained garden hoe, which is thought to be the murder weapon, was discovered nearby.

David Miller and Hannah Witheridge were killed last month

Footage shows the handcuffed suspects, wearing motorcycle helmets and police vests, on the island's Sairee beach, surrounded by police as a reconstruction of the attacks is staged, watched on my hundreds of locals and tourists.

One suspect can be seen walking from the sea to the sandy beach, and wielding a large handled tool to apparently replicate a garden hoe while talking to officers.

The reconstruction also showed a man and woman, depicting the victims, walking along the beach, their arms around each other.

Thai police announced the pair, who had been detained by police for questioning, admitted killing the British tourists - one on Thursday and the other on Friday morning.

The reconstruction of the crime was staged on Friday morning

Thai National police chief Somyot Poompanmoung said: "The suspects saw them kissing and were aroused, so they attacked and got rid of the man and proceeded to rape the female victim.

"There was clear evidence: forensic evidence, (testimony from) witnesses and other evidence, as well as closed-circuit television footage."

He went on: "Looking at the DNA results, we have tested that the DNA of these two match the DNA found in the deceased.

"There was also a mobile, a guitar and a motorcycle used to do the crime.

"The mobile phone was the mobile of the victim which the suspects took it to destroy.

"Police were able to confiscate these."

Provincial police chief Kiattipong Khaosamang said the two men had also admitted raping Miss Witheridge. "Both raped the female victim," he said.

Thai police have collected DNA samples from more than 100 men on the island.

Police had originally said they believed three men were involved in the attack - two who raped and killed Miss Witheridge, while a third man watched.

A third Burmese man remains in detention and is being questioned on suspicion of involvement.

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Anni Dewani Sister 'Haunted' By Lost Opportunity

By Martin Brunt, Crime Correspondent

The parents of murdered bride Anni Dewani say they hope to hear the truth from her husband Shrien at his murder trial next week.

They insist their long fight for justice has left them unable to grieve for their daughter who was kidnapped and shot dead on her honeymoon in South Africa four years ago.

Shrien Dewani, 34, is accused of hiring a hitman to murder his new bride.

The Bristol businessman denies faking the carjacking of their taxi and fleeing before Anni Dewani, 28, was driven off to her death.

Her father, Vinod Hindocha, 65, told Sky News: "We really hope we get to know what happened to Anni. That's all we are asking for.

"Shrien, tell us the truth, tell us what's happened. You were there.

Video: Anni Dewani's Bedroom Now A Shrine

"Anni had no right to die the way she did. This is not acceptable, the way she left us."

This week the Hindocha family were packing their suitcases at their home in Mariestad, Sweden, for the 6,000-mile journey to Cape Town, where the trial is due to start on Monday.

Anni's mother, Nilam, 62, said: "I hope we get justice. And I would love to hear what Shrien has to say.

Video: Sister's Shock Over Anni's Death

"They say time will heal the wounds, but they get deeper and deeper. Let's hope we get justice and we can move ahead with our lives."

Shrien Dewani was extradited to South Africa in April after fighting extradition for three years.

He had claimed he was mentally unfit to stand trial, but psychiatrists eventually agreed he was well enough to be treated in a Cape Town clinic, where more doctors said he was ready for the court case.

Video: 'I Told Anni It Was Wedding Stress'

Dewani denies murder, arguing that he loved his wife and had no motive to have her killed.

The prosecution is expected to suggest he is gay and wanted to escape his marriage.

Anni's elder sister, Ami Denborg, 37, revealed: "Three weeks before the wedding Anni actually threw the ring back at Shrien.

Video: Sky's Martin Brunt On Dewani Case

"She called me and said a lot of things, like it wasn't working well.

"I thought she was just stressed out and told her she would get over it.

"Looking back, I should have told her to break it off. If I had, maybe she would be alive today. It still haunts me."

Three local men have already been jailed for Anni's murder.

One of them, taxi driver Zola Tongo, told police Dewani offered him £1,300 to arrange for her to be killed.

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PM: UK 'Has Paid A Heavy Price' In Afghanistan

By Alistair Bunkall, Defence Correspondent

David Cameron has said Britain "paid a heavy price" to secure stability in Afghanistan as he makes an unannounced visit to Kabul.

The Prime Minister flew into the country overnight after making a surprise pit-stop in Cyprus last night to thank British troops who have carried out airstrikes on Islamic State extremists in Iraq.

His motorcade arrived at the presidential palace in Kabul early on Friday and he was seen entering the compound for meetings with President Ashraf Ghani - who was sworn into office four days ago after months of political turmoil.

At a joint news conference with Mr Ghani in the Afghan capital, Mr Cameron said Britain would always be a "strong partner and a good friend" to Afghanistan.

He reiterated that the UK is committed to fighting Islamic militants across the Middle East - including those from IS, who have taken control of large swathes of Syria and Iraq.

He said: "This is where al Qaeda trained their terrorists, this is where 9/11 and countless other plots were hatched.

Mr Cameron arrived in Afghanistan for an unannounced visit early on Friday

"An Afghanistan free from al Qaeda is in our national interests as well as Afghanistan's, and now, 13 long years later, Afghanistan can and must deliver its own security.

"The work of defeating Islamist extremist terror goes on elsewhere and because this threatens us at home, we must continue to play our part."

Video: Ghani: 'We Will Remember Them'

Earlier, Mr Cameron announced two more RAF Tornado bombers will be joining the mission against IS in Iraq.

Mr Ghani thanked the families of the 453 British servicemen and women who have died while serving in Afghanistan.

He said: "They stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us, and we will remember them."

The trip comes days after Afghanistan's new president signed vital security agreements allowing foreign troops to remain in the country beyond the end of this year.

The Status of Forces Agreement provides the legal framework for international forces to train and mentor Afghan counterparts.

David Cameron held bilateral meetings with both President Ghani and his opponent in the elections, Abdullah Abdullah, who has been appointed Chief Executive in an power-sharing agreement that is hoped will bring peace to Afghanistan.

The Taliban has described it as a "US orchestrated sham".

Video: PM: More Tornados Joining Fight

But the Prime Minister warned the militants: "If the Taliban want to secure a role in the future of Afghanistan then they must accept that they have to give up violence and engage in the political process." 

President Ghani came to power at a risky moment for Afghanistan as foreign combat troops prepare to pull out at the end of the year.

Afghan forces will be responsible for their own security after 13 years of foreign occupation.

International Security Assistance Force troops will remain in an advisory and mentoring role only while the British will operate the Officer Training Academy outside Kabul, nicknamed Sandhurst-in-the-Sand.

Special Forces soldiers will continue to operate in the country.

This is Mr Cameron's eighth visit to Afghanistan as Prime Minister and his last with British troops in a combat role.

All British forces will have left Afghanistan by the end of the year, with the exception of a few hundred who will remain for the training mission.

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RAF Tornados Take Out IS Truck Using Guided Bomb

Royal Air Force Tornados have helped Peshmerga forces destroy an Islamic State armed pick-up truck using a guided bomb in Iraq.

Two war planes provided vital air support to the Kurdish forces on the ground engaged in combat with IS fighters in the north-west of the country.

The Ministry of Defence said the "successful precision attack" was carried out with a Paveway IV guided bomb, overnight.

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Wonga Writes Off 330,000 Customers' Debts

Payday lender Wonga said it would write off the debts of 330,000 customers whose loans would not have been approved under new affordability guidelines.

Sky sources said the cost of writing off the debt to the company would be £35m.

There is £220m debt outstanding for the customers affected, at an average loan value of £667 per borrower.

The short-term lender said it would contact the borrowers by 10 October.

City watchdog the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said the 330,000 customers who are currently in excess of 30 days in arrears will have the balance of their loan written off and therefore owe Wonga nothing.

And some 45,000 customers who are between zero and 29 days in arrears will be asked to repay their debt without interest and charges and will be given an option of paying off their debt over an extended period of four months.

The news comes just days after the company reported a massive drop in earnings.

Wonga's annual profit has dropped by 53%, after the payday lender came under fire for the tactics it uses to reclaim money from borrowers in default.

It said full-year pre-tax profit in the 12 months to 31 December were £39.7m, down from £84.5m a year earlier.

The company came under fire over its previous tactic of sending customers in default fake legal letters.

FCA director of supervision Clive Adamson said: "We are determined to drive up standards in the consumer credit market and it is disappointing that some firms still have a way to go to meet our expectations.

"This should put the rest of the industry on notice - they need to lend affordably and responsibly.

"It is absolutely right that Wonga's new management team has acted quickly to put things right for their customers after these issues were raised by the FCA."

The announcement was made after new Wonga chairman Andy Haste completed discussions with the FCA.

Mr Haste said: "It's clear to me that the need for change at Wonga is real and urgent.

"Our regulator is determined to improve standards in consumer credit and I share that determination.

"There is much to do in order to make Wonga a sustainable and accepted business, and today's announcement is a significant step forward in that process."

He added: "We want to ensure we only lend to those who can reasonably afford the loan in question and during my review, it became clear to me that this has unfortunately not always been the case.

"I agreed with the concerns expressed by the FCA and as a consequence of our discussions we have committed to taking these actions."

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Alice Gross: 'Now A Murder Investigation'

Police searching for missing teenager Alice Gross have found a body in the River Brent in west London.

Detectives hunting for the 14-year-old, who disappeared nearly five weeks ago after leaving her home in Hanwell, said there had been "significant efforts" to hide the human remains.

Scotland Yard Commander Graham McNulty said: "This is now a murder investigation and I need the public's help to find whoever is responsible."

The body has been removed from the scene and Alice's family have been informed.

Video: Alice Gross Police Statement

Mr McNulty said: "Our work at this scene is crucial to make sure we capture all of the available evidence, to establish who is responsible for this dreadful crime.

"I can confirm significant efforts were made to conceal the body."

He added: "We are unable to make a formal identification at this stage, but clearly this news is devastating for everyone involved in the search for Alice.

"At this time my thoughts are with Alice's family and friends."

Video: Alice's Movements Reconstructed

Thanking the local community for their support during the investigation, he said: "This discovery will have a significant impact throughout the borough."

Alice was last seen on CCTV walking along the towpath next to the Grand Union Canal as it passes under Trumpers Way at 4.26pm on August 28. She has not been seen since.

Her disappearance sparked a huge police search - the Met's largest since the 7/7 bombings.

Hundreds of officers from several forces around the country have been involved in the investigation, while the RAF was also drafted in to help identify new search areas.

Video: Missing Girl's Parents' Anguish

Footage from 300 CCTV cameras within a six-square-mile radius was examined, while police also staged a reconstruction of the  the teenager's last-known movements in a bid to jog people's memory.

Mr McNulty said the search of the river was carried out as part of the investigation into Alice's disappearance.

Police have not said exactly where the body was found.

The River Brent runs a short distance from Hanwell and the towpath next to the Grand Union Canal where Alice was last seen on CCTV.

Video: Latvia Asked For Help Over Alice

Convicted murderer Arnis Zalkalns, who was filmed cycling along the same route behind Alice, has emerged as the prime suspect in the case.

The Latvian builder was reported missing within days of her disappearance, but police stressed he was just "one line of enquiry".

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Alice Gross Suspect: Hunt For Convicted Murderer

The hunt for the prime suspect in the disappearance of Alice Gross will intensify after the discovery of a body by police.

Arnis Zalkalns, a Latvian builder who was jailed in his native country after murdering his wife, was filmed on CCTV cycling along a path by the Grand Union Canal where the 14-year-old was last seen on August 28.

And police searching for Alice have now launched a murder inquiry after finding a body in the River Brent, West London.

Detectives believe Zalkalns is likely to have seen Alice, and have been working with their counterparts in his native country of Latvia to track down the labourer, who was reported missing within days of the teenager's disappearance.

The 41-year-old has not accessed his bank account or used his mobile phone since September 3, nor has he returned home to his partner and young child.

He also left behind his passport.

Forensic officers have searched his semi-detached house in Ealing, West London.

Detectives believe Zalkalns is likely to have seen Alice

Zalkalns, who worked at a building site in Isleworth, West London, is thought to have come to the UK in 2007.

Authorities here have faced criticism for apparently holding no record of his conviction for bludgeoning and stabbing his wife Rudite to death in Latvia.

Video: Alice Gross Police Statement

According to reports in his home country, he buried his spouse in a forest after murdering her following a dispute about her sexuality.

There have been conflicting reports as to whether he was subsequently jailed for seven or eight years.

It has also emerged Zalkalns was arrested in London on suspicion of indecent assault on a 14-year-old girl in 2009, but was never charged.

Video: Alice Gross Suspect's Home Searched

Police have admitted they they have no power to arrest him if he has managed to flee abroad.

Commander Graham McNulty said the force would need to be "charge ready" to apply for a European Arrest Warrant, and has not done so because this would stop officers being able to interview the suspect.

Police have warned he "clearly poses a risk to the public" and anyone who sees him is urged not to approach him.

Video: Alice Police Find Body In River

He is described as white, 5'10", of stocky build and with dark brown hair that he normally wears tied in a pony tail.

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RAF Tornados Hit IS With Fresh Airstrikes

British jets have hit more Islamic State targets in Iraq as calls grow for further strikes against the group's Syrian strongholds.

Two RAF Tornados fired four Brimstone missiles against an armed pick-up truck and minibus west of Baghdad, the Ministry of Defence said.

It is the second time UK forces have directly engaged Islamic State (IS) since Parliament authorised involvement in the international military campaign last week.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon last night confirmed that two Tornado GR4s from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus successfully destroyed a heavy weapons post and pick-up lorry with a mounted machine gun.

The MoD released footage of the aerial raids in support of Kurdish troops who were being attacked by IS insurgents in the northwest of the country.

The UK is supporting Iraqi and Kurdish forces battling Sunni Muslim extremists from IS, also known as ISIL and ISIS, which has taken over large parts of Iraq in recent months.

Despite IS also seizing territory in Syria, a vote in Parliament on Friday did not include the authorisation of airstrikes over the country.

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Kurds Plead For Western Troops To Battle IS

'Nothing Token' About Britain's Iraq Mission

Updated: 10:31pm UK, Sunday 28 September 2014

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has rejected claims Britain's role in the fight against Islamic State (IS) is a "token" gesture, as he confirmed RAF Tornados are now flying daily over northern Iraq.

He told Sky's Murnaghan programme the United States welcomes the contribution of six aircraft to the mission.

Mr Fallon said: "There's nothing token about this. On the contrary, I spoke to the American Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel immediately after the vote and he welcomed the contribution that we're now able to make.

"They need our help, not simply with the Tornados, which are now flying daily from Cyprus, but also from the surveyance aircraft that we have overhead and very sophisticated surveyance and intelligence to add to the operations of Iraqi and Kurdish forces."

His comments come after Richard Williams, a former commanding officer of the SAS who served in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, wrote in the Independent on Sunday the deployment of RAF bombers was a "military sugar rush" that "risks looking fearful and half-cocked".

Lieutenant Colonel Williams said the sending in of RAF bombers had "taken on a military and political significance out of all proportion to their real military value".

Lord Richards of Herstmonceux, a former head of the UK military who stepped down as chief of the defence staff last year, also told The Sunday Times that a campaign involving ground troops would be needed to crush IS.

The RAF carried out two sorties over Iraq on Saturday, followed by a third mission on Sunday, after Parliament cleared the way for airstrikes on IS militants in a vote on Friday.

The jets, which fly in pairs, returned to their base at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus at the end of their hours-long missions with their weapons payload intact.

Sky's Tom Parmenter, who is at the base, says that two Tornados flying on Sunday took off from the base at midday.

Prime Minister David Cameron has said he also wants to make the case for targeting Syria.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, the Prime Minister revealed he would argue that targeting Syria is both legal and appropriate.

"There are complications but there aren't legal difficulties," he said.

Mr Cameron said he would respond to the challenge thrown down by Ed Miliband to seek a UN resolution supporting attacks in Syria, if only to show that his request is impossible.

"We have to demonstrate to people that we'd like a UN security council resolution but it's very difficult to get one and to demonstrate that what we propose is legal. Attempts have been made but there's the existence of a Russian veto."

Ministers had cautioned not to expect a campaign of "shock and awe" and that after weeks of US airstrikes in the area it could take time to identify new targets.

Mr Cameron insisted the involvement of RAF combat aircraft showed Britain was there to "play our part" in the international coalition being assembled against IS.

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Ex-IS Fighter: Airstrikes Won't Stop Militants

By Sherine Tadros, Middle East Correspondent

For tens of thousands of Syrians, the Kilis border crossing is the official way in and out of Turkey from Syria.

But if you're an Islamic State fighter, Kilis is not an option.

Abu Mustafa (not his real name) is a Syrian people smuggler. He says he's helped hundreds of IS fighters get into Syria.

He's also brought militants - some of them injured - back out.

He took us to the spot where the smuggling happens, he says, several times a day and it didn't take long to see it in action.  

We waited on the side of the road barely 10 minutes before we saw a white car speed across the open field towards the border.

The Kilis border crossing is the official way into Syria from Turkey

The car stopped halfway there and six men got out each holding a big bag. The car sped off and the men headed towards the fence.

We couldn't tell if they were fighters or Syrians without passports, but they were illegally crossing into Syria.

Moments later, more people appeared at the border. It looked like a family including a woman and child.

This time the military police saw them and chased one man, possibly the smuggler, along the fence. 

And the reward for taking such a risk? Abu Mustafa charges just £15 per fighter.

He said: "Last time they caught three people there were seven in total trying to get across among them Turks and Arabs.

A people smuggler talks to Sky's Sherine Tadros

"But the three that got caught were foreigners. They spoke English and the police took them away.

"They often cross with their families - their wives and children. They tell us we're coming to fight with Islamic State and live there.

"Some of them don't even know where exactly they're going, they just say, we are going to the Islamic State."

It's a common story. Abu Ahmed fought with IS for 10 months in north-western Syria.

We met him in Turkey where he agreed to speak with us as long as we covered his face and changed his name.

He joined IS at the start because they were the most effective force fighting Syrian President Bashar al Assad.

But when they turned against the Free Syrian Army (FSA) he left the group.

He explained why so many foreign fighters join the group.

"They go to Syria to be martyred, they say their former lives are over and there is no going back. Most of them rip up and throw away their passports when they arrive."

Abu Ahmed also thinks US-led airstrikes against IS are backfiring, bringing extremist groups closer together.

"After the recent strikes, more fighters are joining IS - like the Nusra Front. I know some of them who have joined," he said.

Abu Ahmed doesn't have much hope for Syria's future, or his own.

He thinks the situation is out of hand and too many players have a vested interest in keeping the war going.

"What will happen next?" he said. "Only God knows."

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Chancellor To Abolish 'Death Tax' On Pensions

UKIP Defections: PM Did Too Little, Too Late

Updated: 10:09pm UK, Saturday 27 September 2014

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

During the 2010 election, I travelled to Rochester and Strood in Kent, where I met the Tory candidate Mark Reckless.

One thing that struck me as I watched him take to the doorsteps, was the number of constituents raising the issue of immigration.

One awkward incident involved an elderly man ranting about why he supported the far-right National Front. Mr Reckless backed off, embarrassed.

He certainly didn't share those extreme views. But it was clear then that he was a politician who was worried about immigration and angry about Europe.

I remember another conversation with Mr Reckless last year in the Commons.

Tory backbenchers were nervous about immigration, he told me. They felt David Cameron hadn't done enough, and the looming prospect of transitional controls lifted on Bulgarians and Romanians was of particular concern. 

Things could get tetchy in January 2015, he said.

Mr Cameron knew about these misgivings among his MPs and tried to act on them.

Late last year he unveiled a toughening up in the rhetoric on immigration – bringing in new rules to crack down on the access that new EU migrants would get to benefits. Then came the pledge of an EU referendum.

The hope was to appease the concerns of people like Mr Reckless, and you might have thought it was working.

After all, following the defection to UKIP of Douglas Carswell many asked the MP if he would be next. He insisted not.

When I texted Tracey Crouch, a neighbouring MP in Kent, about his decision to leave the Tories, she replied: "Nothing I can say right now would be becoming of a lady. I'm so angry. He looked me in the eye and promised he wasn't going to defect."

Others pointed out that he was openly supportive of the Conservatives as recently as yesterday.

Then he tweeted: "Good to lead coach for Team2015 campaigning in Birmingham Northfield on Sunday + will be followed by our Clacton action next Thursday."

That is why Tory sources say they are "surprised". Other MPs told me they felt "let down", "frustrated" and "fed up".

"Another battle when we should be fighting Labour," said one.

Others argued that although he had behaved irresponsibly, giving a leg-up to Ed Miliband, that a number of backbenchers were angry with the party's position on Europe.

They believe that Mr Cameron hasn't done enough to prove he can loosen Britain's ties to the EU. They want to see the issue addressed at his conference speech this week.

The problem for men like Mr Reckless is they don't share the Prime Minister's views on Europe.

Mr Cameron wants to reform the UK's relationship with the continent and then – ideally – campaign for us to stay IN.

And that is the sticking point with Mr Reckless.

The former Tory MP was clear today that he believes in an independent Britain, and wants to follow the Scotland Yes campaign with what he said was a positive, patriotic message for voters.

He wants OUT – and UKIP is the only party that is fully with him.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sex Scandal And Defection Hit Tory Conference

UKIP Defections: PM Did Too Little, Too Late

Updated: 10:09pm UK, Saturday 27 September 2014

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

During the 2010 election, I travelled to Rochester and Strood in Kent, where I met the Tory candidate Mark Reckless.

One thing that struck me as I watched him take to the doorsteps, was the number of constituents raising the issue of immigration.

One awkward incident involved an elderly man ranting about why he supported the far-right National Front. Mr Reckless backed off, embarrassed.

He certainly didn't share those extreme views. But it was clear then that he was a politician who was worried about immigration and angry about Europe.

I remember another conversation with Mr Reckless last year in the Commons.

Tory backbenchers were nervous about immigration, he told me. They felt David Cameron hadn't done enough, and the looming prospect of transitional controls lifted on Bulgarians and Romanians was of particular concern. 

Things could get tetchy in January 2015, he said.

Mr Cameron knew about these misgivings among his MPs and tried to act on them.

Late last year he unveiled a toughening up in the rhetoric on immigration – bringing in new rules to crack down on the access that new EU migrants would get to benefits. Then came the pledge of an EU referendum.

The hope was to appease the concerns of people like Mr Reckless, and you might have thought it was working.

After all, following the defection to UKIP of Douglas Carswell many asked the MP if he would be next. He insisted not.

When I texted Tracey Crouch, a neighbouring MP in Kent, about his decision to leave the Tories, she replied: "Nothing I can say right now would be becoming of a lady. I'm so angry. He looked me in the eye and promised he wasn't going to defect."

Others pointed out that he was openly supportive of the Conservatives as recently as yesterday.

Then he tweeted: "Good to lead coach for Team2015 campaigning in Birmingham Northfield on Sunday + will be followed by our Clacton action next Thursday."

That is why Tory sources say they are "surprised". Other MPs told me they felt "let down", "frustrated" and "fed up".

"Another battle when we should be fighting Labour," said one.

Others argued that although he had behaved irresponsibly, giving a leg-up to Ed Miliband, that a number of backbenchers were angry with the party's position on Europe.

They believe that Mr Cameron hasn't done enough to prove he can loosen Britain's ties to the EU. They want to see the issue addressed at his conference speech this week.

The problem for men like Mr Reckless is they don't share the Prime Minister's views on Europe.

Mr Cameron wants to reform the UK's relationship with the continent and then – ideally – campaign for us to stay IN.

And that is the sticking point with Mr Reckless.

The former Tory MP was clear today that he believes in an independent Britain, and wants to follow the Scotland Yes campaign with what he said was a positive, patriotic message for voters.

He wants OUT – and UKIP is the only party that is fully with him.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tory Plan To Lower Benefits Cap To £23,000

UKIP Defections: PM Did Too Little, Too Late

Updated: 10:09pm UK, Saturday 27 September 2014

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

During the 2010 election, I travelled to Rochester and Strood in Kent, where I met the Tory candidate Mark Reckless.

One thing that struck me as I watched him take to the doorsteps, was the number of constituents raising the issue of immigration.

One awkward incident involved an elderly man ranting about why he supported the far-right National Front. Mr Reckless backed off, embarrassed.

He certainly didn't share those extreme views. But it was clear then that he was a politician who was worried about immigration and angry about Europe.

I remember another conversation with Mr Reckless last year in the Commons.

Tory backbenchers were nervous about immigration, he told me. They felt David Cameron hadn't done enough, and the looming prospect of transitional controls lifted on Bulgarians and Romanians was of particular concern. 

Things could get tetchy in January 2015, he said.

Mr Cameron knew about these misgivings among his MPs and tried to act on them.

Late last year he unveiled a toughening up in the rhetoric on immigration – bringing in new rules to crack down on the access that new EU migrants would get to benefits. Then came the pledge of an EU referendum.

The hope was to appease the concerns of people like Mr Reckless, and you might have thought it was working.

After all, following the defection to UKIP of Douglas Carswell many asked the MP if he would be next. He insisted not.

When I texted Tracey Crouch, a neighbouring MP in Kent, about his decision to leave the Tories, she replied: "Nothing I can say right now would be becoming of a lady. I'm so angry. He looked me in the eye and promised he wasn't going to defect."

Others pointed out that he was openly supportive of the Conservatives as recently as yesterday.

Then he tweeted: "Good to lead coach for Team2015 campaigning in Birmingham Northfield on Sunday + will be followed by our Clacton action next Thursday."

That is why Tory sources say they are "surprised". Other MPs told me they felt "let down", "frustrated" and "fed up".

"Another battle when we should be fighting Labour," said one.

Others argued that although he had behaved irresponsibly, giving a leg-up to Ed Miliband, that a number of backbenchers were angry with the party's position on Europe.

They believe that Mr Cameron hasn't done enough to prove he can loosen Britain's ties to the EU. They want to see the issue addressed at his conference speech this week.

The problem for men like Mr Reckless is they don't share the Prime Minister's views on Europe.

Mr Cameron wants to reform the UK's relationship with the continent and then – ideally – campaign for us to stay IN.

And that is the sticking point with Mr Reckless.

The former Tory MP was clear today that he believes in an independent Britain, and wants to follow the Scotland Yes campaign with what he said was a positive, patriotic message for voters.

He wants OUT – and UKIP is the only party that is fully with him.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Japan Volcano: More Than 30 Hikers Feared Dead

More than 30 hikers are believed to have died near the peak of an erupting volcano in Japan.

Police said they were found unconscious and in cardiac arrest near the summit of the 3,067 metre (10,121ft) Mount Ontake, which erupted on Saturday, spewing large white plumes of gas and ash high into the sky and blanketing the surrounding area in ash.

Video footage posted online of the aftermath of the eruption shows huge grey clouds boiling towards climbers at the peak and people scrambling to get down as blackness envelops them.

Hundreds of rescue workers are trying to reach those who are stranded

Footage on NHK national television shows windows in a mountain lodge darkening and people screaming as heavy objects pelt the roof.

"We have confirmed that more than 30 individuals in cardiac arrest have been found near the summit," a Nagano prefecture police spokesman told the AFP news agency, without elaborating further.

Nagano prefecture posted on its website that those found have heart and lung failure - the customary way for Japanese authorities to describe a body until police doctors can examine it.

The mountain is popular with tourists and hikers

Hundreds of soldiers, police officers and firefighters have been involved in a large-scale search and rescue operation in an effort to save dozens of hikers who were thought to have been stranded on the volcano since it erupted without warning.

At least 250 people were initially trapped, but most made their way down by Saturday night. More than 40 people have been injured, and several have broken bones.

A suffocating blanket of ash up to 20cm (eight inches) thick covered a large area of the volcano, which is some 200km (125 miles) west of the capital, Tokyo.

Climbers come down the mountain after the eruption

The volcano was still erupting on Sunday, pouring smoke and ash hundreds of metres into the sky.

Ash has been found on cars as far as 80km (50 miles) away.

Although details remain unclear, local officials believe 45 to 49 hikers sheltered overnight in cabins on the mountain, which is popular with tourists and hikers.

Military helicopters rescued seven people off the mountainside earlier on Sunday, and workers on foot are helping others to make their way down.

A restricted zone has been set up in the area

A worker in a mountain lodge just below the peak, Shuichi Mukai, said: "All of a sudden ash piled up so quickly that we couldn't even open the door.

"We were really packed in here, maybe 150 people. There were some children crying, but most people were calm. We waited there in hard hats until they told us it was safe to come down."

Mount Ontake sits on the border of Nagano and Gifu prefectures, on the main Japanese island of Honshu.

The volcano's last major eruption was in 1979.

16.08 | 0 komentar | Read More