Babak Belurs

Jumat, 22 Oktober 2021

Former MP Frank Field reveals terminal illness as he backs assisted dying law during Lords debate - Sky News

Former MP Frank Field has backed a bill that would allow assisted dying as he revealed his terminal illness.

Now a crossbench peer, Lord Field formerly represented Birkenhead as a Labour MP for 40 years before resigning the whip in 2018.

He then lost his seat in the 2019 election when standing as an independent candidate.

Peers are debating a new law in the House of Lords which would pave the way for those with a short time left to live to be able to determine when they die, as long as two doctors agree that the person is mentally competent, has fewer than six months left to live, and actively wants the right to choose.

The process would also be overseen by a High Court judge.

Lord Field told peers he had recently been in a hospice and was not well enough to attend the debate.

Fellow crossbench peer Baroness Meacher, who is leading the bill, read a short statement on Lord Field's behalf that she said colleagues might find "a little surprising".

She said Lord Field asked her to read out a short statement, which read:

"I have just spent a period in a hospice and I am not well enough to participate in today's debate. If I had been, I would have spoken strongly in favour of a second reading.

"I changed my mind on assisted dying when an MP friend was dying of cancer and wanted to die early before the full horror effects set in but was denied this opportunity.

The end of Lord Field's letter read: "I hope the House will today vote for the Assisted Dying Bill."

Lord Field was elected as an MP in 1979 and upon his departure in 2019, was one of the longest serving members of the House of Commons.

He served as minister of welfare reform in Tony Blair's Labour government and then later chaired the influential Work and Pensions Select Committee from 2015.

Lord Field resigned the whip in 2018 over the issue of anti-Semitism, adding that Labour was "increasingly seen as a racist party"

He sat as an independent before standing in the 2019 election as a member of the Birkenhead Social Justice Party and losing his seat.

Elsewhere in the Lords debate, Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, said there is "unanimity" on the benches of the bishops that the law on assisted dying "does not need to be changed".

He told the Lords: "Sadly, I believe this bill to be unsafe. As a curate and parish priest I spent time with the dying, the sick and the bereaved. I still do. All of us have personal experience. I have as well.

"We know that the sad truth is that not all people are perfect, not all families are happy, not everyone is kind and compassionate. No amount of safeguards can perfect the human heart, no amount of regulation can make a relative kinder or a doctor infallible.

"No amount of reassurance can make a vulnerable or disabled person feel equally safe, equally valued, if the law is changed in this way.

"All of us here are united in wanting compassion and dignity for those coming to the end of their lives. But it does not serve compassion if by granting the wishes of one closest to me, I expose others to danger.

"And it does not serve dignity if in granting the wishes of one closest to me, I devalue the status and safety of others. I hope your Lordships will reflect, and while recognising the good intentions we all share, resist the change this bill seeks to make."

The arguments for and against are controversial and complex but Scotland could lead the way in navigating them if a vote on assisted dying goes ahead there in around 18 months' time.

Campaigners believe the vote could pass, putting Scotland in line to be the first part of the UK to allow people to choose to die if they are terminally ill.

For campaigners, that decision would be welcome, as they believe it would pave the way for a law change in England and Wales too.

Downing Street has said it will not take a view on the matter of assisted dying.

A No 10 spokesperson said told reporters on Friday: "This is a matter of individual conscience. Any change in the law is for Parliament to decide rather than government policy."

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2021-10-22 11:53:35Z
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Sarah Everard: Five police officers facing action over social media messages - BBC News

Five police officers are facing misconduct proceedings over messages sent about Sarah Everard's killer Wayne Couzens.

The police watchdog said it had carried out two investigations into messages sent on WhatsApp and Signal.

The officers are from four forces: the Metropolitan Police as well as Sussex, Dorset, and Avon and Somerset.

If proven, the claims could further undermine people's confidence in policing, the watchdog warned.

Couzens, a former Met Police officer, was given a whole life sentence for Ms Everard's murder last month. He abducted her as she walked home from a friend's house in March.

The murder sparked a discussion over trust in the police, with the Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick saying she was determined to rebuild public confidence.

Met Police investigation

The Independent Office for Police Conduct - which handles complaints about forces in England and Wales - said it had run two separate investigations into social media messages, and found that a total of five police officers had cases to answer.

In the first investigation, it looked at claims that a probationary Met officer had shared an "inappropriate graphic depicting violence against women" with colleagues on WhatsApp.

The IOPC said the graphic was intended to refer to Ms Everard's kidnap and murder. Although the officer was off duty at the time, they later worked at a police cordon as part of the search.

The image was "highly offensive" and the officer will now face a misconduct meeting, the IOPC said.

Another probationary officer, also from the Met, will also face a misconduct meeting for allegedly sharing the graphic and not challenging it.

A misconduct meeting is for cases which could result in a final written warning. It is different to a misconduct hearing, which is for more serious cases of gross misconduct which could result in the officer being dismissed from the force.

How a police officer planned Sarah Everard's murder

The IOPC also carried out a second investigation, looking at claims that seven officers from different forces shared information about Couzens' prosecution in a chat on the encrypted messaging app Signal.

One officer from Dorset Police was accused of sharing details of an interview given by Couzens under caution, which was not yet allowed to be reported. That officer will face a gross misconduct hearing.

Two other officers - from Sussex Police, and Avon and Somerset Constabulary - were also in the Signal conversation and were accused of making unprofessional remarks about Couzens and endorsing comments made by others.

The Sussex officer had a meeting this week and misconduct was not proven - although the officer was told to undergo "the reflective practice review process", the IOPC said.

The officer from Avon and Somerset Constabulary will face a misconduct meeting in due course.

"In April this year we warned about the unacceptable use of social media by officers based on a number of cases involving the posting of offensive and inappropriate material," said Sal Naseem from the IOPC.

"We wrote to the National Police Chiefs Council, asking them to remind forces and officers of their obligations under the police Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Behaviour.

"The allegations involved in these two investigations, if proven, have the capacity to further undermine public confidence in policing. They also once more illustrate the potential consequences for officers and come at a time when policing standards and culture have never been more firmly in the spotlight."

The IOPC said it was continuing to investigate the conduct of five other officers relating to messages sent in a WhatsApp chat group in 2019. The messages were recovered from an old mobile phone discovered during the police investigation into Ms Everard's murder, the IOPC said.

The IOPC is also still looking into how Kent Police in 2015, and the Met this year, handled allegations of indecent exposure which have been linked to Couzens.

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2021-10-22 12:29:10Z
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Kamis, 21 Oktober 2021

Queen's cautious overnight stay in hospital was for practical reasons - Sky News

It's not something the palace would necessarily have wanted to tell us about - but a story in a newspaper has probably forced its hand.

Yes, it may sound alarming that the Queen was taken to hospital for preliminary tests - after all, moments of illness have been rare during her reign.

But I understand the doctors at the King Edward VII Hospital, where the royals always go and where Prince Philip was treated, were being cautious and her overnight stay was for practical reasons.

With the monarch now 95 years old, it's not surprising that the medical team wouldn't want to rush anything.

We also know that it isn't related to COVID.

The palace is stressing that she is in good spirits - and after getting back to Windsor at lunchtime on Thursday, she was back at her desk doing light work.

The public engagements may be easy to cancel so she can rest, but the red boxes full of official papers are still delivered daily.

The Queen, like the rest of the Royal Family and like most of us, would rather keep her medical matters as private as possible - but when you are the head of state, it is inevitable the world would want to know if you're unwell and send their best wishes.

But don't expect the palace to volunteer any more information than they have to. One of the most famous women in the world is still entitled to her medical privacy.

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2021-10-21 22:11:33Z
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COVID-19: UK records another 52,009 cases and 115 virus-related deaths, latest daily figures show - Sky News

The UK has recorded another 52,009 new COVID cases and 115 virus-related deaths, the latest daily figures show.

The number of new infections marks the first time that figure has been above 50,000 since 17 July.

A total of 327,537 cases have been recorded in the past week - an increase of 17.9%.

The figures show there were another 49,080 first doses of a COVID vaccine administered in the latest 24-hour period - meaning a total of 49,554,407 people have had at least one jab.

Government changes rules for booking booster jabs - COVID news live

A total of 45,460,122 people are fully vaccinated, an increase of 26,365 on the previous day.

The UK total for deaths within 28 days of a positive COVID test now stands at 139,146.

Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have now been 162,620 deaths registered in the UK where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

The latest figures come after the UK recorded 49,139 new COVID-19 cases and 179 deaths within 28 days of a positive test on Wednesday.

And on Tuesday, the UK recorded 223 COVID-related deaths - the highest daily number since early March.

Boris Johnson has admitted the level of COVID cases is "high" and he is "watching the numbers very carefully every day".

However, he has insisted he is "sticking with our plan".

The government has so far resisted calls to move to Plan B of its autumn and winter COVID response for easing pressures on the NHS.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid has even predicted there could be as many as 100,000 COVID cases a day heading into winter.

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2021-10-21 15:22:30Z
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Sir David Amess: Ali Harbi Ali charged with murder of MP - BBC News

A 25-year-old man has been charged with murder and the preparation of terrorist acts after the fatal stabbing of MP Sir David Amess.

Ali Harbi Ali was arrested following the attack at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on Friday.

Sir David, a Conservative MP since 1983, suffered multiple stab wounds and died at the scene.

Mr Ali is a British man whose father is a former adviser to Somalia's prime minister.

Nick Price, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "We will submit to the court that this murder has a terrorist connection, namely that it had both religious and ideological motivations."

Mr Ali is accused of visiting the home of one MP, the Houses of Parliament and the constituency surgery of another MP at various times this year as part of reconnaissance for a potential attack.

On Thursday, Mr Ali, from north London, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Wearing a grey tracksuit and black-rimmed glasses, he spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Friday.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Matt Jukes sent his "deepest condolences" to the family, friends and colleagues of the MP.

"Sir David's dedication to his family, his constituents and his community, and his positive impact on the lives of so many has been abundantly clear since his death," he said.

Since the killing, a large team of detectives in the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command had been "working around the clock" to search several addresses in north London, analyse digital devices and review CCTV, Mr Jukes said.

There have been no other arrests and police are not seeking anyone else, he added.

The Metropolitan Police has been working with Parliament's security team and the Home Office to review the protection of MPs.

Police forces across the country have also been working with individual MPs about their security in their constituencies.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "I hope that the family of David Amess and all those who love him will get the justice they deserve as fast as possible."

He praised the police outreach to MPs on security, but said MPs must not be "intimidated by this appalling murder into changing the way we conduct our Parliamentary business or the way we work in our constituencies - which I think is the last thing David Amess himself would have wanted".

On Tuesday, MPs paid emotional tributes to their colleague, with Mr Johnson saying the killing was a "tragic and senseless death" of one of the "most gentle individuals" to serve in Parliament.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer praised him as a "dedicated constituency MP" and fellow Essex MP Mark Francois called him "the best bloke I ever knew".

Floral tributes to Sir David Amess left outside Parliament

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2021-10-21 15:26:08Z
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COVID-19: Confusion as minister says book booster jabs but NHS says people must be invited - Sky News

There is confusion over the COVID-19 vaccine booster programme after over 50s were urged to book despite the NHS website saying they must have an invite.

Health minister Edward Argar told Sky News the government was changing the advice so anyone who had their second COVID-19 jab "six months and one week ago" should go onto the NHS website or call 119 and book their booster jab, even if they have not had an invite.

However, the website says only eligible people who have been contacted by the NHS can book.

People aged 50 and over, and those aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk from COVID-19, who had their jab at least six months ago are meant to be receiving invites.

But many eligible people have reported not getting an invite, while others who have got one said they have been told to call their local health centres and have struggled to get through.

Asked about problems with booster uptake, Mr Argar told Sky News' Kay Burley: "We've got the capacity to do it, we've got the vaccine, over 2,500 venues where people can be jabbed across the country.

"Part of it is encouraging people to take up the jab and we've now made a change.

"It's not just about waiting to be invited, if you get to the six month plus one week get on the national booking system and book yourself in."

On Wednesday, Health Secretary Sajid Javid appeared to imply people were simply not taking up the booster offer.

He told a news conference: "If we want to secure these freedoms for the long-term than the best thing we can do is come forward once again when that moment comes.

"After the decisive steps that we've taken this year, none of us want to go backwards now.

"If we all play our part, then we can give ourselves the best possible chance in this race, get through this winter, and enjoy Christmas with our loved ones."

The NHS Confederation and the British Medical Association (BMA) has called on the government to implement Plan B now, with BMA council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul claiming the government has "taken its foot off the brake".

But Mr Javid said plan B - mandatory vaccine passports, face coverings and work from home advice - will not be implemented yet but the government will "be staying vigilant".

He also warned of a "narrowing gap" between the vaccine preventing hospital admissions and deaths as cases rise.

And he suggested people should meet outdoors where possible, wear masks in crowded areas and make more use of lateral flow tests.

On Wednesday, 49,139 cases were reported - a 17% rise in a week - and Mr Javid said that could reach 100,000 a day.

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2021-10-21 10:17:05Z
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Nottinghamshire Police investigate 12 reports of needle spiking - BBC News

A police force is investigating 12 reports of spiking where the victims believe they were injected with a needle.

Nottinghamshire Police said victims reported effects that were "consistent with a substance being administered".

In one case an injury was also sustained "which could be consistent with a needle", the force said.

It is planning to deploy more police officers to the city centre over the next few weekends.

Nottinghamshire Police said the first report of a person being spiked with "something sharp" was made on 2 October.

There have also been 32 reports of people being spiked by having their drink contaminated since 4 September.

"These figures have increased throughout October with the largest number of reports being made last weekend," the force added.

Police said the offences were believed to have happened on different days and at different venues.

The majority of reports are being made by young women, particularly students, but there have also been reports of young men being potentially spiked too, police said.

A 20-year-old man was arrested as part of a wider investigation into spiking.

It followed a report of suspicious activity on Lower Parliament Street on 16 October.

He has been released on conditional bail.

Nottinghamshire Police said a meeting had been held to discuss a response to the issue.

It involved the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham City Council, East Midlands Ambulance Service and hospital trusts.

The force said it would be deploying more officers to the city centre over the next few weekends.

There will be a planned operation with the force's police dogs on Saturday.

Supt Kathryn Craner, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "I understand that these reports and those from other cities are concerning but want to reassure people that we have been working with our partner agencies and licensed premises throughout the city to help tackle any reports of spiking."

Hepatitis test

Sarah Buckle woke up in hospital after a suspected spiking incident in a Nottingham nightclub in September.

The 19-year-old told BBC Radio Nottingham she had to have a hepatitis test after a pin prick wound was found on her hand.

She said since she spoke about her experience, others have got in touch to share what happened to them, and said she still feels "incredibly nervous" when out at night.

"I've had numerous people reach out to me essentially saying 'this happened to me the week [before], but I thought I was going crazy because I hadn't heard of it'," she said.

"This wasn't how I thought you got spiked - I thought it was just through your drink.

"I've been out a few times since and I haven't had much to drink at all, or I've been completely sober, and it actually hasn't made me feel any better.

"[Clubbing] is quite a physical experience, so you can't have eyes everywhere.

"There are people suspecting they've been spiked in so many different parts of their body - you can't look out for that, whether you're sober or not, and it's just really terrifying having no clue what's going on."

People in other parts of the country have come forward to report similar incidents in recent weeks, including a second-year Loughborough University student who said she was injected in the elbow at a student union bar.

"I don't remember actually getting spiked, I just remember going dizzy and collapsing in the smoking area," she said.

The student said a doctor later confirmed that she had been injected, and she went to hospital for monitoring after experiencing heart palpitations.

However, she added she did not report the incident to police as she was not confident it would be properly looked into.

Police encouraged anyone who has been the victim of a similar offence to report it, while the university urged the student to come forward "so we can fully investigate".

Meanwhile, Devon and Cornwall Police say they are investigating reports of a woman being attacked with a needle in Fever and Boutique in Exeter on Saturday.

'Heinous crime'

More than 150,000 have signed a petition calling for nightclubs to "thoroughly" search customers on entry, and Home Secretary Priti Patel has asked police forces to examine the issue.

Mike Kill, chairman of the Night Time Industries Association, said the government should hold an inquiry into spiking.

He said his members have "definitely seen more cases" being reported, adding clubs are "taking our responsibilities here very seriously" and are working to raise awareness about efforts to train staff and keep people safe.

"Without a doubt we're going to see a step up on people being searched on entry," he said.

"There is no [specific criminal] categorisation in terms of spiking, so I think there's some work that needs to be done in terms of the Home Office, the policing and the collaboration with the industry to ensure that we're starting to get convictions to send a very clear message to people who feel they can carry out this heinous crime."

Meanwhile, Nottingham City Council said it would hold talks with door staff and nightclub managers to see what more can be done to keep customers safe.

Councillor Toby Neal, chairman of the authority's licensing committee, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "There is clearly a matter of concern here and we need to understand what is going on.

"It is really worrying. Are a group of blokes going around doing this stuff and what are we going to do to protect people?"

Yvette Cooper, chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, urged police forces to work closer with hospitals, student groups and nightclubs to get a fuller picture of the scale of spiking.

"My concern is that they just don't have a proper assessment of the scale of the problem," she said.

"Partly it's because there's not proper work being done between police forces and A&Es, for example, to try and identify the scale of the problem, or proper work being done with nightclubs or with student groups and organisations.

"I think there's a big problem here that we don't even know or have the accurate figures, and that also is contributing to the police not, I think, taking this seriously enough."

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Jumat, 22 Oktober 2021

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Kamis, 21 Oktober 2021

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