Newslip Episode 7 22.02.09

Welcome to Newslip. Today is Sunday, 22nd of February. I'm Wesley Gerrard and here are the top stories making the news this week.

Civil liberties group Human Rights Watch have released a report claiming that at least ten British citizens have been tortured in foreign countries in collusion with the British security services. In Pakistan it is said that after torture, MI5 has been interviewing terrorism suspects. David Milliband, the foreign secretary is already under pressure after refusing to release documents relating to the treatment of Binyam Mohamed, the British Guantánamo detainee, who is imminently due to return to Britain. A foreign office spokesman claimed "Our policy is not to participate in, solicit, encourage or condone the use of torture, or inhumane or degrading treatment, for any purpose."

Claims were made this week that Google Earth's new ocean mapping feature had discovered the lost city of Atlantis. Images were produced of a series of underwater grid lines indicating a city. The find, 600 miles off the African coast, was thought to have solved the riddle of the fabled civilisation, first mentioned by Plato. However, Google explained later in the week that the features were just idiosyncracies of their data collection and were nothing more than the paths of boats that were recording their data.

It looks as though David Beckham's desire to extend his loan spell at AC Milan is on the rocks after the club refused to pay he £9 million valuation of LA Galaxy. Milan tried to extend Beckham's loan until his contract expires in November for a fee of £2 million. LA Galaxy have refused to budge, however, and want their star to return in time for the start of the new season. Claims have been made that Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi is lining up Leonardo to replace Beckham.

President Bush left office with a record high 73% domestic disapproval rate. The general feelings around the globe was that he was the worst US President in history. However, there are some isolated corners which felt that Bush did good service. Kosovo has named a street after him after he supported their independence. Many new children in Darfur are named George Bush and his extreme pro-Israeli support meant that he was given constant standing ovations on state visits there. The overall African approval rate, even in Muslim countries is a resounding 80% mainly due to the doubling of state aid during his time in office.

A memorial service has been held in Victoria state capital, Melbourne, to commemorate the lives of 209 people who lost their lives in the Australian fires. Many people from the grief-stricken communities had to be bussed to the service after their vehicles were destroyed in the fire, along with their homes. Princess Anne was present at the service to represent the Queen.

European leaders, gathered in Berlin, have agreed the need to regulate all financial markets, including hedge funds. Warnings were made about economic protectionism and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, highlighted that they faced 'an extraordinary international crisis.' The meeting was seen as a precursor to the imminent meeting of the G20 where the rules of the global financial system are planned to be rewritten.

The Colombian secret police, the DAS, have been accused of allowing rogue agents to leak information to criminals. Magistrates, politicians, officials and journalists may have had phones tapped. Data on apparent rebel sympathisers has been passed to right-wing paramilitary death squads. There is an ongoing civil war in Colombia between government forces and left-wing rebel militia, the FARC.

The terminally ill reality TV superstar Jade Goody has married her fionce, Jack Tweed, to the echoes of a standing ovation by the watching crowd. The twenty-seven year old, bald from her chemotherapy treatment, is suffering from Ovarian cancer. She signed the papers with her two sons sat on her lap. Tweedy, tagged after being released form jail following an assault charge, propsed to Miss Goody immediately after doctors had diagnosed her with the incurable disease.

Banking minister Lord Myners has said banks were "foolish" to offer 100% mortgages, after Gordon Brown called for "prudent and careful" lending. Liberal Democrats and Tories claimed that the government's actions came too late. When chancellor, Gordon Brown said that Britain was strong because of its light-touch regulatory environment, which encouraged investment and created jobs and wealth. He has since changed his stance.

And this week's top story...

A bomb has exploded in a crowded tourist area of Cairo, killing one and injuring seventeen. A device was thrown from a balcony into a crowd of predominantly French tourists at a cafe in the historic Khan al-Khalili area. The are was the target in previous attacks in 2005. The Egyptian government has been criticised for its stance over over the recent conflict in Gaza and has many enemies.

That's all for this week. Thanks for tuning in. See you again soon.

Newslip Episode 6 15.02.09

Welcome to Newslip. I'm Wesley Gerrard and today's date is Sunday, 15th February 2009.

Lloyds bank has announced it will be paying staff £120 million in bonuses despite its parent company HBOS recording £11 billion losses. Lloyds is already 43% owned by the taxpayer and said that its employees deserved "financial recognition" for hitting targets. The government has said that it has no plans to nationalise the ailing bank.

A controversial right-wing Dutch politician, Geert Wilders, has been banned from entering the UK on the grounds that he could be a threat to public order. Mr Wilders was turned away by airport immigration officials after he arrived to give a showing of his film, Fitna, at the House of Lords. He has incensed Muslims by describing the Koran as 'a fascist book'. The Dutch politician declared that it reflected on Britain's democratic system that they did not allow entry to a democratically elected politician.

On Saturday, newly elected American president, Barak Obama, said that the newly passed 787 billion dollar stimulus plan was a "major milestone on our road to recovery." He went on to say "It will save or create more than 3.5 million jobs over the next two years, ignite spending by business and consumers alike, and lay a new foundation for our lasting economic growth and prosperity," In addition to the cash, the US plans state employment projects akin to those of Roosevelt's 1930s New Deal.

Nine men were arrested in a counter-terrorism operation after being stopped on a motorway by anti-terror police. The men were travelling on the M65, near Preston, Lancashire when they were arrested on Friday night in a joint operation by Lancashire Constabulary and the North West Counter Terrorism Unit. Six of the men were later released without charge, while three men, aged 26, 29 and 36, remained in custody.

Fifty people have died after a US plane crashed into a house on its way to a runway at Buffalo airport, New York State. Analysis of the flight's recorders show that there was a significant build up of ice on the wings leading up to the crash. While it was supposed to land on a southwest runway the plane crashed into the house when facing northeast. After Thursday's crash it was believed to be necessary for a few days to recover all the bodies from the wreckage.

Pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline has announced that in the 50 poorest countries of the world, the price of their drugs will be capped at a maximum of 25% of their value in the developed world. In another move to extend healthcare help to the developing world GSK vowed to share patents, allowing for development of cheaper versions of drugs essential for treatment of diseases in poverty-stricken areas of the world.

Police in Italy have warned of a trend in which criminals have diverted their communications activities to web-based phone service, Skype, in order to avoid mobile phone taps. Skype has refused to share the secrets of its data encryption with authorities, making its telephone service secure. Officers in Milan overheard a criminal conversation in which a cocaine traffiker suggests switching to skype in order for consignment details to be given.

The Public relations firm representing the Californian woman who gave birth to octuplets in January has stepped down after it received a series of death threats. Nadya Suleman, the single mother of the octuplets, has fourteen children, all conceived by IVF treatment. Her hiring of a PR firm backfired when public opinion turned when it materialised that Miss Suleman was dependent on state aid.

A right-wing group in India has targeted women for drinking in bars, violently assaulting them. A facebook group has been formed for sympathisers of the women and for Valentine's day it arranged for thousands of pairs of pink women's knickers to be sent to the offices of Sri Ram Sena, the group responsible for the attacks. A more direct form of protest has been arranged with women being encouraged to walk to the nearest pub for a quick drink.

And Newslip's top story this week...

The Australian bush fires that began raging last week have left a total of 181 people dead. A 39 year old man has been charged with lighting one of the fires which killed 21 people. More than 150 actors, sports stars, politicians and musicians have taken part in a fundraising telethon for victims of the mass fires. Memorial services have been held across the country.

That's all for now. Thanks for tuning in and see you all next week. Goodbye.

Newslip Episode 5 08.02.09

Welcome to Newslip. I am Wesley Gerrard. Today is Sunday, 8th February, 2009. Here are the stories making this week's global news.

The record cold spell in Britain saw South Wales cut off from the rest of the country when both Severn Bridges were shut on Friday after ice fell from gantries, damaging at least five cars when their windscreens were smashed. When the Second Severn Crossing was built it was said that it would remain open constantly so it was a rare occurence when it was shut for one and a half days.

The trial of Italian Raffaele Sollecito and his American ex-girlfriend Amanda Knox has got underway in Peruggia, Italy. They are both accused of murdering British student Meredith Kercher, who allegedly refused to engage in their sex games. The trial has gained massive international publicity and Amanda Knox has become a cult media icon.

The greatest Olympic champion ever has been photographed smoking a cannabis pipe at a university party. American Michael Phelps became, in Beijing during the summer, the greatest Olympian of all time with a medal tally of eight golds, extending his total golds to 14 with two additional silvers. He was caught unawares by the News of the World which embarrassingly for the swimmer has tarnished his global reputation. It proves that after all, he is just a youngster who, despite his amazing achievements, is a mere mortal.

A 'weather event of a century' has hit southern Australia with the massive summer heatwave meaning temperatures have risen to a whopping 47 degrees Centigrade. Bush fires have become endemic and at least 25 people have perished. Authorities in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales have declared the events as the worst in their history.

A three and a half month old boy from South Wales has died after being mauled by the family dogs. Jaden Mack was staying with his grandmother in Ystrad Mynach at the time of the incident. The dogs responsible, a Jack Russell and Staffordshire bull terrier were both humanely put down. Neighbours were alerted after the grandmother entered the street, screaming, and the boy was taken to hospital where he was declared dead.

Undefeated Welsh boxing champion, Joe Calzaghe, has announced his retirement from an eleven year career which saw him fight in 24 world title bouts. He ends his illustrious professional life with a very impressive 46 and 0 record. It is said that his greatest victory came against superweight Danish champion, Mikkel Kessler in 2007 at the Millenium stadium. Calzaghe was widely recognised for his achievements when he was voted British sports personality of the year. He was also knighted by the Queen.

The world's first openly gay leader has been elected in Iceland. Johanna Sigurdardottir is an active lesbian and her election win last Sunday has caused more controversy abroad than it has amongst the liberally minded Icelandic voters. Her challenges as a leader will be to delve Iceland out of its massive financial crisis which has recently left it dependant on international bailouts.

Chancellor Allister Darling has launched a probe into how banks operate. People are angry at the excesses of bank executives with their massive pay and bonus schemes. One of the aspects believed to be under investigation is how risktaking is rewarded within the industry with massive financial incentives. The government has invested billions of pounds of taxpayers' money in banks recently and therefore has a vested interest in assessing any unacceptable behaviour.

Russian president Vladimir Putin has denied reports that he paid £20 000 for a private performance of 'Bjorn Again', the Abba tribute band. The event supposedly took place on 22nd January, on the anniversary of the death of Lenin, the founder of the Russian communist party. The band reported that although they played behind a net curtain, they could see Mr Putin dancing around as he enjoyed a rare chance to let his hair down.

And Newslip's top story this week...

Britain is experiencing its coldest snap in twenty years with many areas experiencing heavy snowfall throughout the week. Early in the week saw London and the southeast hit badly with London buses being suspended. Up to six million people were unable to travel to work. The weather spread nationwide and the southwest has been extremely hit with drivers being isolated on the M5 near Exeter and Gloucestershire county council having to order table salt in large quantities to compensate for their running out of gritting salt to put on the roads. The weather looks set to continue into next week with temperatures on Monday and Tuesday set to drop to minus 14 degrees Centigrade.

Thanks for tuning in. That's all for this week. See you all again soon. Goodbye.

Newslip Episode 4 01.02.09

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Welcome to Newslip. I'm Wesley Gerrard. Today is Sunday, 1st February 2009 and here are this week's news stories...

The funeral took place of Bill Stone, the last British serviceman to have seen active duty in both world wars. Mr Stone lived to be 108 and during the wars, served in the Royal Navy, which he originally joined in 1918 on his eighteenth birthday. He died peacefully in a care home surrounded by his family.

Brazil and Manchester City striker, Robinho, who recently was fined by his club for walking away from an international training camp, was charged on Tuesday for an alleged sexual assault on a girl in a Leeds nightclub. Robinho, whose £32.5 million pricetag makes him the most expensive player in Britain, has strenuously denied any wrongdoing and is making no further comment as the investigation continues.

The coldest winter in thirteen years is ongoing as icy winds threaten to plunge Britain into subzero temperatures. Snow from Russia will be falling Sunday night and will become more widespread across England & Wales by Monday with drifts between 5 and 10 cm to be expected.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown of the United Kingdom warned at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, that financial protectionism is a greater danger than trade protectionism in the current global economic crisis. He told participants that cooperation between major powers and global financial institutions is vital to ensure a continued flow of credit to developing and smaller countries, which are likely to be the biggest victims of the recession.

Steelmaker Corus has announced that it is to cut 3500 jobs worldwide, including 2500 in the UK. Corus' plans include 'mothballing' part of their site at Llanwern in Newport meaning the loss of 600 jobs. They hope that they will be able to implement a voluntary redundancy scheme. Global steel demand has fallen 40% from its peak last year and Corus' orders have hence fallen by a third.

An Iraqi sculpture of a shoe at an orphanage in Saddam Hussein's hometown, Tikrit, has been dismantled after being unveiled last Thursday. The sculpture, a homage to the Iraqi journalist who launched his shoes at Mr Bush, was taken down on the orders of local authorities. Muntadar al-Zaidi is still being held, awaiting trial for his actions for which he faces a possible 15 year jail term.

Up to 2.5 million people took part in demonstrations in France on Thursday as the nation ground to a halt through strike action. People were angered by the government's failure to deal with the current economic crisis. In Paris, police met protestors with repeated baton charges, and after fires were lit on some of the capital's best-known boulevards, they used tear gas on the minority of protesters who were violent.

The House of Lords has fallen into disrepute after a secret Sunday Times investigation revealed Lord Truscott to offer an undercover reporter the opportunity for him to hire the peer to change legislation in the house, in return for a cash payment. Three other lords were also revealed to be operating similar bribe schemes. Calls have been made for the House of Lords to be subjected to similar laws as affect the lower House of Commons.

Communist North Korea has accused Seoul of hostile intent and as a result has scrapped all military and political agreements with its Southern neighbour. The North, angry with new South Korean president, Lee Myung-bak, says that it is at the brink of war. The two Korean states are still technically at war because their three-year conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, in 1953.

And this week's top story...

US President Barack Obama has reacted angrily to reports that US bank executives paid themselves $18 billion in bonuses last year. At a time when American unemployment figures are at the highest level ever recorded and when taxpayers money is being used to bail out the financial services industry, he said that bonuses were shameful.

Thanks for tuning into Newslip. See you all next week. Goodbye.

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