UK Airport Shut After Landing Gear 'Failure'

Doncaster Sheffield Airport is closed until mid morning on Saturday after a plane's landing gear apparently malfunctioned.

South Yorkshire Police told Sky News they believed the wheels did not come down properly as it made its approach.

Eyewitness pictures show the small plane tilted to one side with its wing tip in the air and a fire engine on the scene.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service said it took one person to hospital with injuries that are believed to be minor.

The airport, also known as Robin Hood Airport, said on its website: "At approximately 19.30pm today Friday 15 August, there was an incident involving a LinksAir flight at Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

"The aircraft was returning from Belfast City Airport and suffered a problem with the undercarriage during landing.

"The aircraft remains adjacent to the runway and cannot be moved until aircraft investigators arrive on site.

"As a consequence the Airport is currently closed and is not expected to reopen until mid morning August 16th.

"Passengers due to travel from the airport should contact their airline for the latest information regarding their flight."

Thomson Holidays said two of its planes that were due to arrive at the airport were diverted to East Midlands Airport.

One outbound plane going to Ibiza would depart from Manchester Airport, the travel company said.

No decision had been made about its two flights out in the morning.

LinksAir is a small UK airline operating British Aerospace Jetstream aircraft, and runs scheduled flights from Doncaster Sheffield, Belfast City and The Isle of Man.

Other operators using the South Yorkshire airport include First Choice, Thomas Cook, Flybe and Thomson.

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Cameron Stands By Wild Animals Circus Ban

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

David Cameron has promised a Government commitment to ban wild animals such as lions, tigers and elephants in circuses will be made law - despite the fact that it was left out of the Queen's Speech.

In a letter to the charity Animal Defenders International (ADI), the Prime Minister has written: "Let me reassure you that it remains our position that the use of wild animal acts in travelling circuses is an outdated practice and that we will introduce a ban as soon as Parliamentary time allows."

Campaigners thought the policy had been dropped because there is so little time now to bring the legislation forward before the next election.

The ban has been supported by a long list of celebrity campaigners including Eddie Izzard, Ricky Gervais, Julian Clary, Moby, the actors Dominic West and Judi Dench, as well as Stanley Johnson, the former MEP and conservationist.

Animal Defenders International has previously captured footage of cruelty

Mr Johnson told Sky News that it was intolerable to use the animals in circus acts and he was deeply disappointed that the policy was not included in June's list of bills announced by the Queen.

He is publishing the second volume of his memoirs next month and includes a picture of himself meeting the Prime Minister, alongside Peter Tatchell in April this year.

Its caption reads: "Prime Minister David Cameron promises us that the government will ban the use of wild animals in circuses. We are still waiting!"

David Cameron's letter to Animal Defenders International

Mr Johnson's sons include Boris - the London mayor - and Jo - a Tory minister who runs Mr Cameron's policy unit.

Because there is so little Parliamentary time left, it could be possible that the Prime Minister backs a 10-minute rule bill being brought on September 3 by Labour backbencher Jim Fitzpatrick.

He says it is simply cruel for animals to be transported in small cages around the country and not given the space to roam freely.

The ADI charity has also uncovered cases of abuse in the past with elephants, camels and tigers being beaten with sticks.

Stanley Johnson says David Cameron promised a ban on wild circus animals

Fleur Dawes from the charity said that even if that was not happening the circus life was in itself enough to cause suffering for animals.

There are only two circuses left in Britain that still have wild animals, including tigers, lions, zebras, snakes, reindeer, raccoons, foxes, camels and an Ankole.

One - called Peter Jolly's Circus - is operating in Buckley, near Chester, and has attracted protesters.

Both refused to give a statement to Sky News but have argued that they care for the welfare of the animals and are subject to regular checks by the Government - brought in after abuse was highlighted in other circuses that have since closed.

Ricky Gervais is one of the famous faces supporting a ban

A spokeswoman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: "We are committed to banning the use of wild animals in circuses and will introduce legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows.

"As we work towards a ban we have a strict system in place to ensure the welfare of all 23 circus animals in England.

"This includes announced and unannounced inspections, care plans for every animal, regular veterinary inspections and a retirement plan for each animal."

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UK 'Prepared To Arm Kurdish Fighters In Iraq'

The UK will "consider positively" any request for military equipment from Kurdish fighters in Iraq, according to a Government source.

David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg agreed during an emergency Cobra meeting that it was "vital" to help the fight against the militants.

It is now expected the Government would provide weapons and equipment if Kurdish leaders made a request.

Iraqi and Kurdish forces are battling the brutal Islamic State group, which has recently made significant gains in the north of the country, causing thousands to flee after they were issued with an ultimatum to convert to Islam or face death.

Other EU countries have already agreed to send weapons to the Kurds

A Downing Street source said any supplies would be "dependent on what the Kurds would need".

France is already sending weapons to Iraq, with President Francois Hollande confirming the "imminent delivery of military equipment.

Germany, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands have also said they will send arms or are considering doing so.

Meanwhile, several thousand refugees from the Yazidi minority remain on Mount Sinjar in searing temperatures - but the US has said it is now unlikely to mount a rescue.

Kurish forces helped end the 'siege of Sinjar'

President Barack Obama said the situation had "greatly improved" after a special forces mission found many people had escaped.

Mr Obama said airdrops had delivered more than 114,000 meals and tens of thousands of gallons of water, with fighter jets striking Islamic State fighters to allow the drops to take place.

The militants' siege of Sinjar town has been broken, the president said, but strikes will continue.

Yazidi people demonstrate at the Iraq-Syria border

UK International Development Secretary Justine Greening said military action and resistance from Kurdish troops had cleared a safe path for many refugees, who originally were thought to number in the tens of thousands.

Britain has also completed completed seven aid deliveries and a "small number" of RAF Chinook helicopters are being sent to the region, in addition to Tornado jets with surveillance equipment.

Iraq's prime minister, Nouri al Maliki, bowed to pressure and stepped down on Thursday with his country's military still struggling to contain Islamic State's onslaught. Haider al Abadi was named as his replacement.

Nouri al Maliki has bowed to pressure at home and abroad

The US called the decision a "major step forward in uniting (Iraq)".

Secretary of State John Kerry said: "We commend the important and honourable decision by Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki to support Prime Minister-designate Haider al Abadi in his efforts to form a new government and develop a national program in line with Iraq's constitutional timeline.

A night vision image of an air drop by the RAF

"This milestone decision sets the stage for a historic and peaceful transition of power in Iraq."

EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels later to discuss the ongoing aid efforts, and possibly an agreement on a joint position on arming Kurdish forces.

Islamic State's offensive has seen them this year capture major cities, such as Mosul and Tikrit, with reports of beheadings and crucifixions as they grab more territory for their self-proclaimed caliphate in Syria and Iraq.

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Murder Arrest After Child Drowns In Hotel Pool

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a three-year-old girl drowned in a hotel swimming pool near Blackpool.

The youngster is believed to have been staying with her parents at the Dalmeny Hotel, St Annes, where she got into difficulty in the water on Thursday morning.

More follows...

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Extra Uni Places As A-Level Results Revealed

By Afua Hirsch, Social Affairs and Education Editor

A-level students who obtain low grades in today's results will have unprecedented access to university, with up to 30,000 new places created.

A decision by the Government to abolish the cap on student numbers could have a dramatic effect on this year's cohort, with fierce competition among universities seeking to attract school leavers.

Some universities were offering cash "scholarships", rewarding students for their A-level results, while others were offering reductions on accommodation and free tablet computers.

Coventry University, which is offering a £1,000 cashback, said the giveaways did make a difference but did not unduly influence students.

"Our scholarships are generous, but they are not that generous," said deputy vice chancellor Ian Marshall.

"They get money to spend. It makes a slight difference but most students come to university on the basis of the subject they are interested in, and the reputation of the institution."

One student, who received an offer to study at London Goldsmith's University, said he was deferring it to do an apprenticeship.

He said students should think twice about doing degrees, which now cost up to £9,000 a year for tuition fees alone.

"I would say university isn't the best option for all students," said Rhasan Brunner, 19, from Brooke House Sixth Form college in Hackney, London.

"Since the Government raised tuition fees, students have to take out loans. That debt is going to stay over their head for quite a long time.

"Plus nowadays jobs are really rare and scarce and quite competitive, so it doesn't really guarantee you a job after university."

The decision to expand the number of student places comes amid increasing concern about quality assurance in higher education and job prospects for graduates, with recent figures showing almost half of graduates were in non-graduate level jobs.

Access to university has been expanding since the 1960s, when a report by economist Lionel Robbins advocated opening up higher education to all those who qualified by virtue of ability and attainment.

Two years ago the government abolished the cap on students with the highest grades, essentially paving the way for the expansion of the elite Russell Group of universities.

But the new expansion for students with lower grades - which could also include an additional 60,000 extra students next year - has prompted concerns about quality.

"Over the past 10 years we have seen a huge increase in number of places at university - that's presented a great opportunity for young people from all backgrounds at one level," said Jude Heaton from Teach First.

"The risk there is that we don't create a two-tier system where pupils from richer backgrounds go to the most selective institutions, which have the best outcomes for them, and then people from poorer backgrounds have an almost second tier university education."

Such concerns are likely to be further fuelled by a report by social mobility charity Sutton Trust earlier this week, which warned that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are still 10 times less likely to apply to the UK's 13 most selective universities.

There are also reports that today's results will confirm a deepening of the gender divide, as girls continue to shun STEM - science, technology, engineering and maths.

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Medical Chiefs 'Call Time On Failing GP Services'

GP services that continue to offer poor care to patients will be shut down, health regulators have said.

Surgeries are set to receive Ofsted-style ratings - where they will be deemed to be outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.

The Care Quality Commission's (CQC) chief inspector of general practice, Professor Steve Field, said from October failing practices will face being put into special measures.

Those given the lowest rating face closure if they fail to make the necessary improvements.

"Most GP practices provide good care," Prof Field said.

"We have confirmed this in our pilot inspections so far. But we can't allow those that provide poor care to continue to let their patients have an inadequate service.

"I want to do all I can to drive up standards in those that are not providing the services people deserve."

The regime could also see more doctors referred to the doctors' regulator, the General Medical Council (GMC).

Niall Dickson, chief executive of the GMC, added: "Whenever CQC's new inspection system raises concerns about the competency of individual GPs, the matter will be referred to the GP's local responsible officer and if necessary to the GMC.

"Family doctors are now subject to regular checks, but the inspections in England are bound to expose areas of weakness as well as good practice."

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the British Medical Association's GP committee said: "It is important not to create a counter-productive blame culture based on isolated examples that would wrongly damage patient trust in wider GP services.

"We need to focus on providing support and enabling improvement in those GP practices that need help."

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Two People Found Dead With Gunshot Wounds

Two people have been found dead with gunshot wounds at a property in Ledbury, Herefordshire.

Police confirmed they were alerted to reports of the shootings at 9.30am on Monday.

The victims have yet to be formally identified by family members. West Mercia Police said they are treating the deaths as unexplained. 

A spokesman said: "We are dealing with an incident in the Ledbury area where two people have been found dead at an address with gunshot wounds.

"They have not been named as formal identification has not yet taken place by the family.

"We are treating the deaths as unexplained, and it is too early to speculate what took place, and police inquiries are continuing along with post-mortems."

The spokesman would not comment on the genders of the pair, or where the bodies were discovered.

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Teachers To Publish Alternative League Tables

Headteachers will publish their own league tables to give parents more information about schools and to address concerns the Government's data serves "political aims rather than pupils' needs".

The rankings, which school leaders say will provide more information than Government league tables, will initially focus on secondary schools.

They will cover GCSE results, extra-curricular activities, the curriculum and other details like class sizes and subjects.

The proposals have been drawn up by two unions: the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT).

The independent school and academy group United Learning, and PiXL, which works with schools to raise standards, were also involved in the plan.

Teachers have expressed concerns about the current league tables, including a Government decision last year that only a pupil's first attempt at an exam would be counted towards a school's overall results.

Under the plans, secondary schools in England are being asked to submit their GCSE results for this summer.

The results, which are due to be released next week, will then be published on a new website later in the autumn, before the Department for Education publishes its data in January.

NAHT general secretary Russell Hobby said the Government's data often failed to address pupils' needs.

"Schools must be accountable, but the Government's performance tables have become a sledgehammer to crack the system - too often serving political aims rather than pupils' needs and driving the wrong decisions," he said.

"This initiative will, over time, give parents stable, accurate and neutral information about schools.

"It is good to see the school leaders seizing the initiative and building a connection to parents that bypasses all the politics."

Jon Coles, chief executive of United Learning, said that over time a school's performance has become less about giving parents information, and instead become a way for successive governments to influence decisions headteachers make about running schools.

"This is too crude an approach to defining a great school or encouraging improvement and at different times, it has been detrimental in different ways," he said.

"For example, promoting too much focus on the C/D borderline, especially in English and maths, or promoting choices of qualification which do not serve individual children well.

A Department for Education spokesman said: "We agree that information about school performance should be freely available to parents.

"That's why we have taken steps to make our league tables clearer and, in addition to our data, all schools must publish extensive information on their website - including pupil progress."

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Scottish Voters 'Anxious About UK Break Away'

By James Matthews, Scotland Correspondent

A survey of Scottish attitudes has detailed the country's hopes and fears over independence.

The Survey of Scottish Social Attitudes found a small rise in support for breaking away from the UK, but exposed reservations over the economy and of diminished international influence.

Researchers also found the gap in support between men and women has doubled in size.

Last year, 26% of women backed independence compared to 27% in 2014. The comparative rise among men was from 32% to 39%.

Researchers believe that women are more wary of the uncertainties of independence and so are less inclined to support it.

The annual survey's other key findings include:

:: Independence

In 2013, excluding undecided voters, 36% of Scots backed independence. This year, that's risen to 39%.

By contrast, those against independence numbered 64% in 2013. This year that has fallen to 61%.

:: Economy

In 2013, 34% thought Scotland's economy would be worse under independence. In 2014, the figure has increased to 44%

:: International influence

In 2013, 25% of Scots believed independence would make Scotland's voice weaker. In 2014, the figure has risen to 38%

:: Britishness

When forced to choose one single identity, the number of Scots describing themselves as British has increased from 15% in 2011 to 23% now.

:: Currency

On one of the key issues at the heart of the referendum debate, people were asked what currency an independent Scotland would be using a few years after breaking away.

Some 46% of respondents thought it would be using the pound. This is in spite of pro-Union parties warning that an independent Scotland would be denied the pound.

Some 18% said it would use the euro, while 17% said it would use a new currency.

John Curtice, the co-director of the Scottish Social Attitudes survey at ScotCen Social Research commented: "Although support for a Yes vote has increased during the last 12 months, more voters have in fact become nervous about the consequences of leaving the UK.

"Support for independence has only increased because those who are convinced it would be beneficial for Scotland are more willing to put their cross in the Yes box.

"However, at present there are still insufficient voters who are of that view to deliver a majority for independence."

Rachel Ormston, research director at ScotCen said: "In the final weeks of the campaign, capturing women's votes remains a key challenge, particularly for the Yes campaign.

"Put off by uncertainty and less likely to be persuaded by patriotic arguments around 'pride', women still need to be convinced that independence will deliver on the economy and other areas."

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Boy, 4, Killed In West Yorkshire House Fire

A four-year-old boy has died after he and a 10-year-old child were rescued from a blaze at a house in West Yorkshire.

Emergency services were called to the property after smoke was seen rising from a rear bedroom at the home in Keighley, near Bradford, around 2pm on Monday.

Both children were rescued from the property and taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation.

The 10-year-old boy is now recovering from his injuries, which are not life threatening. The four-year-old died in hospital.

Police are investigating the cause of the fire, which was confined to the bedroom.

Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson said: "Initial inquiries are under way with colleagues in the fire service to determine the cause of this fire and are at a very early stage.

"Clearly this has been a tragic incident in which a young child has lost his life and a full investigation will be carried out."

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Wine Should Carry Health Warning, Say MPs

Wine, beer and spirits should carry health warnings to combat alcohol abuse, politicians have said.

Warnings already feature on tobacco and food products - but consumer information on alcohol extends only to volume strength.

The All Parliamentary Party Group on Alcohol Misuse wants labels on products such as wine to explain the harmful effects of drinking.

The recommendation is one of 10 aimed at reducing the harm of alcohol in the UK.

The document states: "Health warnings are a familiar and prominent feature on all tobacco products.

Tobacco products have carried health warnings since 1971

"Likewise, detailed nutritional labelling is ubiquitous on food products and soft drinks.

"Yet consumer information on alcohol products usually extends no further than the volume strength and unit content.

"In order to inform consumers about balanced risk, every alcohol label should include an evidence-based health warning as well as describing the product's nutritional calorific and alcohol content."

The group also wants a mandatory minimum price per unit for alcohol, tougher regulations on advertising and a reduction of the drink-drive limit.

The group also wants a minimum price per unit of alcohol

A phased ban on the sponsorship of sport by alcohol firms should also be introduced, while GPs and other health workers should ask people about their drinking habits.

Conservative MP Tracey Crouch, chairwoman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Misuse, said: "The facts and figures of the scale of alcohol misuse in the UK speak for themselves: 1.2 million people a year are admitted to hospital due to alcohol; liver disease in those under 30 has more than doubled over the past 20 years; and the cost of alcohol to the economy totals £21bn.

"Getting political parties to seriously commit to these 10 measures will be a massive step in tackling the huge public health issue that alcohol is."

After smoking, alcohol is the second biggest preventable killer, the group said.

A Government spokeswoman said: "We are taking action to reduce excessive alcohol consumption and to give people better information about the impact drinking can have on your health.

"Through our Responsibility Deal, the drinks industry has committed to putting unit and health messages on 80% of all bottles and cans.

"And we have banned alcohol sales below the level of duty plus VAT to tackle the worst cases of very cheap and harmful alcohol."

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'Pay Before You Die' Inheritance Tax Plan

People suspected of trying to avoid inheritance tax could have to pay before they die under proposals being considered by ministers.

HM Revenue & Customs could demand "accelerated payment" where savers are using potentially illegal avoidance schemes.

The measures - at the consultation stage - are a response to concern that growing numbers of people are using trusts to shield their estates from inheritance tax.

But Stuart Phillips, of tax planning firm the Private Office, said the policy could have "unintended consequences".

HMRC says the proposals will only affect a small minority of wealthy people

"The concern is that the Revenue takes a highly aggressive stance, just like with the film schemes for which celebrities have been under scrutiny, and terrifies families who have been engaging in legitimate tax planning that has been used for many years," he told The Daily Telegraph.

"I'm apprehensive that large-scale action could have unintended consequences."

Inheritance tax is levied at 40% on the value of an estate above the £325,000 threshold. Married couples can combine their allowances.

The Tories pledged to raise the threshold from £325,000 to £1m at the last election, but the policy was blocked by the Liberal Democrats.

A HMRC spokesman said: "We are seeking views on tackling inheritance tax avoidance schemes. This is an ongoing consultation and no final decisions have yet been taken.

"The proposals in the consultation paper will only affect a small minority of wealthy individuals who actively seek to avoid inheritance tax.

"Couples would still be able to leave up to £650,000 tax free to benefit their children or grandchildren."

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Senior UKIP Politician In 'Copy Hitler' Row

A senior UKIP politician has defended reports he urged young party members to "copy Hitler".

The Mail On Sunday acquired a recording of West Midlands MEP Bill Etheridge telling prospective candidates to "pick up little moments" of Hitler's speaking style.

Mr Etheridge can be heard saying the Nazi leader was "a hateful figure who achieved a great deal".

The Mail carried its story under the headline: "UKIP urges its youth wing: copy Hitler."

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Etheridge called the article a "silly, unpleasant attack".

"Hitler was an evil, monstrous tyrant but that doesn't mean he wasn't good at public speaking," said the 44-year-old.

The Mail On Sunday front page

"I wish he hadn't been, but we must be able to discuss historical figures without being slurred as agreeing with them.

"I speak about Tony Blair, Dr Martin Luther King and President Ronald Reagan - all kinds of people who were great public speakers.

"I regret that the Mail should stoop so low - it's embarrassing for all of us."

The recording - which Sky News has verified - was made last week at a conference for UKIP's youth wing, Young Independents.

Mr Etheridge, who is also a Dudley councillor, is heard saying: "If you look back to the most magnetic and forceful public speaker possibly in history.

"When Hitler gave speeches, and many of the more famous ones were at rallies, at the start he walks, back and forth, looked at people - there was a silence, he waited minutes just looking out at people, fixing them with his gaze.

"And they were looking back and he would do it for a while. And then they were so desperate for him to start that when he started speaking they were hanging on his every word.

Bill Etheridge urged candidates to "pick up moments" from Hitler speeches

"Again, I'm not saying direct copy - pick up little moments."

Labour MP Mike Gapes told the Mail On Sunday: "I thought nothing could surprise me anymore, but this just goes to show that (Nigel) Farage has completely failed to clean up his party.

"One of his MEPs training young candidates to speak like Hitler? Simply unbelievable."

But UKIP said The Mail On Sunday's interpretation of the speech was "truly disgusting".

A spokesman added: "Bill Etheridge gave a seminar on public speaking and highlighted great speakers of the past, like Churchill, Blair, Martin Luther King and Hitler as people whose style, not content could be studied.

"It is no surprise that two national newspapers have covered this conference - The Guardian and The Mail on Sunday. One gave it a fair hearing, the other as a Tory paper is terrified by the rise of UKIP and apparently will stoop to nothing to attack the party. We are disappointed, but unsurprised.

"During a period of respectful and pensive commemoration of those who gave their lives in war, the Tory Mail on Sunday's tasteless and desperate front page attack is truly disgusting."

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Weather Warnings As Bertha Hits Britain

The remnants of Hurricane Bertha are expected to bring flash floods and high winds to Britain on Sunday morning.

The Red Cross has put hundreds of volunteers on standby in response to concerns that homes in some areas will need to be evacuated.

The deluge landed at Cornwall in the early hours and is expected to sweep across the rest of Britain through the morning.

Alister McHardy, from the Met Office, said up to two inches of rain could fall overnight.

"Anywhere in England and Wales could get two inches - even the far south east of England could get a good dollop of rain," he said.

The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning for much of the UK

"We are going to see coastal gales in the south coast of England of around 50-60mph. Even inland there is a risk of gales in places.

"Britons should brace themselves and be aware that the rainfall could bring some flooding in places.

"It is a quick dose of autumn in the summer."

Hurricane Bertha has already torn through the Caribbean, with 90mph winds leaving thousands of homes without power.

The A14 in Cambridgeshire was flooded on Friday

Its aftermath is not as potent - but the Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings telling people to "be aware" of rainfall for England, Wales and Scotland.

It follows flash flooding across eastern England on Friday.

More than 1,400 homes were without power after the heavy downpours.

Sunday's forecast meant part of the RideLondon-Surrey 100 bike ride has been cancelled.

Organisers reduced the event to 86 miles to miss out a section including Leith Hill and Box Hill, where heavy rain is predicted.

Further bad weather is expected at the start of next week.

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