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Social Smokers 'In Denial' Over Their Habit

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 18 Januari 2014 | 23.17

Almost a quarter of smokers believe they only have a social habit despite the fact many smoke six to 20 cigarettes a day, new research reveals.

A poll of 2,000 smokers found 24% class themselves as social smokers - but more than one in three of these buy up to a packet a day.

Around 60% of all those questioned said they have tried giving up in the past, with women being slightly more likely than men to have tried quitting.

One in six of those who had attempted to stop smoking succeeded for over a year but then slipped back to their old habits.

Some 13% said part of the reason they took up smoking again was because their friends smoked and they did not like being left alone on nights out.

Of those who did go back to smoking, 47% said they had initially cut down how many cigarettes they smoked.

The poll also found that 54% of smokers admitted to smoking in banned areas, such as indoors in public spaces.

Catherine Cox, primary care manager at The Co-operative Pharmacy, which carried out the poll, said: "The smoking ban in public places has had a major effect on the health of the nation with a significant number of people giving up.

"But many smokers are convincing themselves they are consuming less tobacco than they actually are by classing their habit as a 'social' one.

"People see it as more acceptable to be a social smoker than admitting they regularly light up each day, even though our research shows that this is the case.

"Just smoking a few cigarettes a day has an impact on your health and the wellbeing of those around you."

Public Health England's national director of health and wellbeing, Kevin Fenton, offered this advice: "There are a variety of different ways to help people stop smoking and it is important that everyone finds a way that works for them.

"Pharmacists are easily accessible and well-placed to offer ongoing support, keeping motivation levels high along the way."

:: Watch Sky News live on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


23.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Valerie Graves Killing: Hammer May Be Weapon

Police investigating the murder of a grandmother have appealed for information about a hammer they have found.

The object, which is about 30cm long and has a distinctive red and black handle, may have been used to kill Valerie Graves.

It was found by detectives in the same West Sussex village where she was murdered.

The discovery came just hours after a 22-year-old man arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of killing Ms Graves was released on bail.

Ms Graves, a 55-year-old artist, was killed as she house-sat with her mother, sister and her sister's partner while the owners were abroad over Christmas.

Valerie Graves Valerie Graves' killing has shocked the people of Bosham

Her body was discovered by one of her relatives in a ground-floor bedroom at the waterside property in Bosham, near Chichester, on December 30.

A post-mortem revealed she had suffered significant head and facial injuries.

The hammer is embossed with the words Forge Steel, with a picture of an outline of an anvil.

Detective Superintendent Nick May, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: "We need to know the origins of this hammer. Do you recognise it?

"We need people to check if they have lost such a hammer or had one stolen in the period leading up to the murder.

Bosham murder house The murder scene in the West Sussex village

"We would also ask police officers, prison staff, probation officers and professionals who work in mental health, if they have dealt with anyone who has talked about causing someone harm with a hammer, to let us know."

Ms Graves' death shocked the people of Bosham - a village which featured in an episode of the ITV crime drama Midsomer Murders.

Police are continuing to appeal for information from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Bosham area from late afternoon on December 29 to 10am the following day.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101, quoting Operation Ensign, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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Zara Phillips Gives Birth To Baby Daughter

By Paul Harrison, Royal Correspondent

The Queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips has given birth to a baby girl at Gloucester Royal Hospital.

Her baby, the Queen's fourth great grandchild and now the 16th in line to the throne, weighed 7lbs 12oz.

Buckingham Palace confirmed Zara's husband, former England rugby star Mike Tindall, was present at the birth.

"The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, Captain Mark Phillips and Mike's parents, Mr Phillip and Mrs Linda Tindall, have been informed and are delighted with the news," added the Queen's Press Secretary.

The Royal Family Attend Christmas Day Service At Sandringham Zara and her husband at Sandringham at Christmas

Mr Tindall later wrote on his Twitter account: "Thanks so much for all your kind messages. Definitely the best day of my life today, so happy.! The girls are both doing great!

"Big thanks to all involved at Gloucester Royal, they were fantastic! #newglawsfamilymember."

The baby's name has not been revealed.

Zara Phillips Zara gave up competitive riding after her three-month scan

Zara's pregnancy was announced as the media gathered outside St Mary's Hospital in July last year waiting for Duchess of Cambridge to go into labour.

The Olympic silver-medallist had been reluctant early on in her pregnancy to give up competing in show-jumping events.

Admitting she was used to being on the go, finding it hard to put her feet up, the professional three-day eventer was photographed taking part in competitions after her 12-week scan.

But Zara, 32, soon allowed her sporting prowess to take a back seat, turning instead to baking to fill her days.

She and her husband opted not to be told the gender of their baby when offered the opportunity during early hospital scans.

A heavily pregnant Zara more recently accompanied the Queen by car to the traditional Christmas Day service in Sandringham.

The couple, who live at Princess Anne's Gatcombe Park Estate, have reportedly been busy "buying stuff" for the baby, according to Mr Tindall, who adds that he is "a big kid and so will fit in just right".

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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The Voice Of Infamous Spy Guy Burgess

The only known audio recording of infamous Cambridge spy Guy Burgess has been released to the world for the first time.

The clip was recorded in 1951 just three weeks before Burgess defected from Britain after working as a KGB spy for the Soviet Union during World War Two and the Cold War.

In the tape, Burgess is speaking at an informal dinner party in New York.

The former Cambridge graduate recalls one of his favourite anecdotes - a day in 1938 when he visited Winston Churchill at his home in Chartwell, Kent.

At the time, Mr Churchill was a lonely figure in the Conservative Party and was at odds with his government over how to tackle Nazi Germany.

The visit took place soon after the then prime minister Neville Chamberlain had returned from Munich after signing a deal with Hitler.

In the clip, Burgess says: "I am now recording. I'm not in the least shy. I am extremely tired. I am now recording for the third time - because I think the story is of interest - my interview with Mr Winston Churchill in September 1938.

"I rang Mr Churchill up and said could I come down, and he said 'Yes, by all means'."

The recording was retrieved by the FBI's archives in Washington DC after a freedom of information request was submitted by Stewart Purvis, a visiting professor at City University London, and Jeff Hulbert, a City research fellow.

Mr Hulbert told Channel Four news: "What is striking is that his voice betrays no hint of tension. This is remarkable because less than four weeks later he would defect to the Soviet Union with Donald Maclean."

:: Watch Sky News live on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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Bingo Hall Burden: MPs Call For Tax Cuts

By Adele Robinson, Sky News Correspondent

The UK's bingo hall business will "stagnate" if the Government does not cut tax on it, campaigners say.

More than 50 MPs are backing calls to reduce duty and bring levies on the game in line with other forms of gambling.

Bingo hall profits are currently taxed at 20% compared with a 15% rate for most other gambling activities.

Campaigners estimate that reducing bingo duty is expected to raise around £40m for the Exchequer over four years.

Miles Baron, from the Bingo Association, says investment is vital for growth.

"By building new clubs and investing in new clubs, attendances would improve that would generate more income, that would generate new taxes, that would employ more people ... this is at the heart of the community, this is a vital and important part of some people's social repertoire."

Bingo hall Campaigners claim gambling taxes are forcing more and more clubs to close

The Government says it would have to carefully consider before reducing the rate because its priority is to cut the budget deficit.

Jim Cunningham, Labour MP for Coventry South, says if more support is not given then the "social service" side of bingo will be lost.

"The implications can be that some of these places may have to close because they're not profitable and if that happens then there is a problem for some of these elderly people, during the day in particular, to find somewhere else to go."

Nearly 400 bingo clubs across England, Scotland and Wales are hosting free bingo games this weekend to support the campaign to cut tax.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


23.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mikaeel's Mum Detained As Body Discovered

Police are questioning the mother of three-year-old Mikaeel Kular after finding the body of a young boy near her former home.

Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham announced the discovery just after 1am at a hastily convened news conference at Police Scotland's Edinburgh HQ.

There were gasps from people who had gathered for the update as he announced that the body had been found shortly before midnight.

Police said they had detained one person - understood to be Mikaeel's 33-year-old mother Rosdeep - in connection with his disappearance.

:: Live updates as the search for Mikaeel Kular is called off

ACC Graham said: "The investigation into the disappearance of Mikaeel Kular has been wide-ranging and fast moving.

"As a result of enquiries the body of a young child was recovered in Fife just before midnight.

Three-Year-Old Boy Missing From Home In Edinburgh Forensics officers have been examining an area of woodland

"We strongly believe this to be the body of Mikaeel.

"A person has been detained in connection with the recovery of the body and members of Mikaeel's family have been informed of the recovery."

The body is understood to have been found on land surrounding a house in Kirkcaldy, Fife, which is owned by Mikaeel's aunt Pandeep Kular.

The body was removed from the scene at around 3pm on Saturday afternoon.

Sky News Scotland Correspondent James Matthews said: "There is no suggestion that police want to speak to her (the aunt) about any of this at this stage."

Kular There was shock when ACC Malcolm Graham announced a body had been found

A neighbour told Sky News that Rosdeep Kular visited the house alone, by car, last week.

The family lived there for a time before moving to Edinburgh and neighbours remember Mikaeel and his twin sister playing on the steps.

A memorial service organised on Facebook will take place at 7pm today at St Andrew's church in Muirhouse, Edinburgh.

Mikaeel was reported missing from his home in the Scottish capital on Thursday morning.

Hundreds of police officers from across the UK joined the search and lines of volunteers swept the local area, searching for clues about his disappearance.

Police were told that Mikaeel had not been seen since his mother put him to bed on Wednesday night.

On Friday evening ACC Graham revealed the boy had not attended nursery since before Christmas and said there were "grave concerns" for his safety.

Mikaeel Kular case The body was found around 30 miles from Mikaeel's family home in Edinburgh

Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt in Edinburgh said: "We know that according to the police, a person was detained last night.

"The police haven't named that person detained, but we understand from our sources that it's Mikaeel's mother Rosdeep, known as Rosie.

"Under Scottish law, she can be detained initially for 12 hours during questioning and then on the say so of a senior officer can be held for another 12 hours.

"At the end of that period police must decide whether to release her, charge her or formally arrest her." 

Police analyst Graham Wettone told Sky News: "(His mother) will be questioned as police try to establish what has taken place."

Police Scotland officers have cordoned off the road and been carrying out searches in Woodland around Pandeep Kular's Kirkcaldy house.

A tribute left near Mikaeel Kular's home. Neighbours have been leaving flowers and toys near the family home

The body is being left in situ for forensic and scenes-of-crime officers to carry out investigations.

There was sadness and anger among families living near Rosdeep Kular's home in Ferry Gait, Edinburgh - some 30 miles away across the Firth of Forth - as they woke up to news of the grim discovery.

MSP Colin Keir, who joined the search for Mikaeel, was woken at 5am to be told the news.

He told Sky News: "It's just devastating and I think the community will take it personally.

"There was an unprecedented outpouring from the community in the hunt for Mikaeel.

"The community will be devastated, angry and looking for answers as to why this has happened."

The three-year-old was last seen at his home in Ferry Gait Crescent on Wednesday night Hundreds of people volunteered to help with the search for Mikaeel

Jackie Brownlee, 29, a mother-of-two who lives opposite the family home, said that local people will support each other as they try to come to terms with what has happened.

She said: "Everyone was hoping and now that hope's gone - we still can't believe it. But I think the community will come together because we have to."

Her son Darren, 11, added: "He was such a cute lad, always running around the street. I can't believe it's happened in my street - I'm really scared now." 

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said: "This is a tragic development in this harrowing story and the news that we have all been dreading.

"The hearts of everyone across Scotland and beyond have been touched by the events of recent days."

Police Scotland are also investigating an offensive Twitter comment relating to the case, which originated in the Greater Manchester area and was reported by an Edinburgh resident.

Denise Fergus, the mother of James Bulger, the two-year-old who was murdered in Liverpool in 1993, tweeted her condolences.

She said on Twitter: "My heart is aching for that poor boy Mikaeel Kular brings it all back so sad."

:: Watch the latest updates live on Sky News on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


23.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mikaeel Kular Neighbours Shocked By News

By Kat Storr, Sky Producer, Edinburgh

The hundreds of people who joined the search for missing Mikaeel Kular are now coming to terms with the news they had all been dreading.

After the discovery of a body at a house in Fife, people in Drylaw, Edinburgh, have been leaving flowers, teddies and candles near the three-year-old's home.

Shazia Chaudhry, 33, lives on Ferry Gait Crescent and came to look at the tributes with her 20-month-old son Zohaib.

She said the news had hit her hard because the two boys looked so alike.

Mikaeel Kular and mum Rosdeep Mikaeel and his mother, who is being questioned over his disappearance

She cried as she read the notes to her son, who she told me had earlier looked out of the window and said: "Baby gone."

Student Erin Anderson, 17, wept as she described how she "felt sick" when she found out the news on Twitter.

Shona Smith, 41, came to the crescent with her son Cain, eight, who wanted to leave two of his teddy bears for Mikaeel because he was "only young".

Ms Smith said: "I think it's a hard lesson in life but one that kids needs to understand - these things do happen."

Mikaeel Kular case Hundreds of volunteers joined a search near the boy's home

But the Kulars' neighbours, who did not want to be named, said they had sent their three children to stay with relatives because they didn't want them to see everything going on.

Jackie Brownlee, 29, who lives opposite the Kulars' flat, told Sky News: "Everyone was hoping so much and now that hope's gone. We still can't believe it."

And that sentiment was reflected in the notes left with the tributes. One attached to a bunch of flowers just says: "Why??"

Mikaeel Kular tribute note Some of the many flowers and toys that have been left for the youngster

Brothers Aron and Tanay Ortanoglu brought their two teddies and wrote a note to Mikaeel saying: "Sleep well with the angels. Hope you like the teddies for you to cuddle in heaven."

Their mother Donna Ortanoglu, 44, said the boys, aged six and nine, had not been out of her sight since news of Mikaeel's disappearance broke.

She said: "I didn't want them to hear stories at school, I wanted them to see the truth."

But it is that truth that this devastated community is going to take a long time to recover from.

:: Watch the latest updates live on Sky News on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


23.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Syria: Birmingham Pair In Court On Terror Charges

By Siobhan Robbins, Sky News reporter

Two men from Birmingham have appeared in court charged with travelling to Syria for terrorism.

Yusuf Sawar and Mohammed Ahmed, of Handsworth, are accused of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts contrary to section 5(1) of the Terrorism Act 2006.

The two 21-year-olds are charged with planning and travelling to Syria in order to engage in acts of terrorism with a jihadist group.

They were arrested on Monday at Heathrow airport after arriving on a flight from Turkey.

The pair, both wearing dark tracksuits, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Saturday morning.

They spoke to confirm their names, addresses, dates of birth and that they understood the charges.

They have been remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on January 31.

:: Watch the latest updates live on Sky News on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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Lord McAlpine: Ex-Thatcher Aide Dies Aged 71

Former Conservative Party deputy chairman Lord McAlpine has died at his home in Italy, aged 71.

His family said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that the family of Lord McAlpine announce his peaceful death last night at his home in Italy."

Prime Minister David Cameron wrote on Twitter: "My thoughts are with Lord McAlpine's family - he was a dedicated supporter of Margaret Thatcher and the Conservative party."

Lord McAlpine, who worked for his family's building firm after leaving school, was previously an aide to the late former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and a highly successful fundraiser for the party.

He was also, at various points in his life, a zoo-keeper, ornithologist, explorer and jewellery maker.

When Mrs Thatcher left office in 1990 the peer became disillusioned with the leadership of John Major and launched a number of harsh attacks on the new leader of his party.

In 2010, the former political adviser and businessman stood down from the House of Lords to keep his non-domiciliary tax status, but retained his title.

The peer, who had three daughters, spent his final years running a bed and breakfast near Puglia with his third wife Athena.

Lord McAlpine was wrongly implicated in a child abuse scandal in 2012, when allegations were contained in a BBC Newsnight investigation.

The claims led to the corporation's then-director general George Entwistle quitting his job less than two months into the role. Mr Entwistle said he had to take "ultimate responsibility" for the broadcast.

The BBC was forced into making an apology after abuse victim Steve Messham admitted that the man who abused him in the 1970s and 1980s was not Lord McAlpine.

Mr Messham told the BBC he had been abused by a senior Tory from the Thatcher era at a north Wales children's home when he was a teenager. This led to fierce online speculation as to the identity of the politician, and the peer was incorrectly accused of being a paedophile.

Solicitors for Lord McAlpine said they were ready to sue for defamation, arguing his reputation had been left in "tatters" as a result of the programme.

Lord McAlpine later received damages from a number of internet users, including the wife of the House of Commons speaker John Bercow, after libellous messages were posted on Twitter.

Ms Bercow agreed to pay £15,000 in damages for her "innocent face" tweet.

Comedian Alan Davies paid damages after he reposted a tweet which linked the peer's name to a television report about a "senior political figure who is a paedophile".

The BBC Trust investigated the broadcast and found that members of the team responsible failed to follow the corporation's editorial guidelines.

:: Watch the latest updates live on Sky News on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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Labour Politician Among Afghan Bomb Victims

One of the two Britons killed in a suicide bombing in Kabul was a Labour candidate in the forthcoming European Elections.

Party leader Ed Miliband confirmed Del Singh, who was standing for the South East region, had died and said he was "appalled and shocked by this barbarous act of terror".

Mr Singh had spent more than a decade carrying out "vital work" and "dedicated his life to working with people across the world who needed his support", he added.

The candidate was among 21 people killed in the attack at the city's Taverna du Liban restaurant on Friday, a spot popular with tourists and Westerners. A suicide bomber blew himself up outside and two gunmen entered and opened fire.

A total of thirteen foreigners died, including two US citizens and two Canadians. It is the deadliest attack on foreign nationals in the country since the start of the war in Afghanistan in 2001.

Aftermath of bombing in the Afghan capital Kabul. Special forces arrive at the scene of the attack

The other Briton killed has been named as ex-soldier Simon Chase, who was originally from Merseyside but living in Limavady in County Londonderry.

A former Cheshire Regiment soldier, Mr Chase had worked as a nightclub doorman before travelling to Kabul to work in the security industry. It is understood he lived with his fiancee Norma McDowell and two children.

Paying tribute, Gerry Mullan, Mayor of Limavady, said: "There is cloud that has descended upon the local community who are very shocked and saddened by his loss. He was a well-known and well-respected figure in the community."

The death toll includes five women, four of them foreign and one from Afghanistan. Three members of staff at the United Nations also died in the blast, as did Wabel Abdallah, the head of the International Monetary Fund in the country.

An Afghan official said the gunmen were shot dead by security forces when they arrived at the restaurant. Sporadic bouts of gunfire could be heard for around an hour after the explosion.

Atiqullah, an assistant chef who witnessed the attack, said: "There was blood everywhere, on tables, on chairs, apparently the attackers had shot people from a very close range."

The Taliban claimed responsibility. Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the attack was launched in retaliation for an operation on Tuesday that killed seven children and one woman. He said the bombing had delivered a "heavy admonitory blow to the enemy which they shall never forget".

Afghan president Hamid Karzai condemned the attack and said the US was doing enough to fight "terrorism".

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.


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