Electricity Bills: Green Power Plan To Add £100

Green power could add £100 a year to electricity bills by 2020 under new government plans.

An estimated £110bn is needed in the next decade to renew the UK's ageing electricity infrastructure and much of that is set to go into low-carbon power sources such as wind farms.

But the coalition's long-awaited green energy strategy is set to treble the costs levied on bills from £2.35bn a year to £7.6bn.

And the increased cost to bill-payers from the drive for clean energy could reach £178 a year by 2030, before adjusting for inflation, experts believe.

However, officials say that while consumers will pay more towards green energy strategies they will also save money through increased energy efficiency at home.

The forthcoming Energy Bill, which aims to drive the investment, has been the subject of political wrangling within the coalition.

There have been mixed messages about how committed the Government is to supporting a greener economy or backing new gas power.

But agreement has now been reached on contentious areas.

Energy secretary Ed Davey told Sky News: "By making sure Britain produces our own clean energy we can insulate consumers and insulate the British economy from imported gas prices which is better for energy security."

Significantly, the bill will not include a limit for the amount of carbon dioxide that can be emitted per megawatt hour of power from the electricity sector by 2030.

The Government believes the spending level agreed for low-carbon power subsidies will allow the UK to meet goals to supply 30% of electricity from renewables by 2020.

Environmental campaigners have reacted angrily to the news that carbon emissions will not be capped.

John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace, said: "By failing to agree to any carbon target for the power sector until after the next election, David Cameron has allowed a militant tendency within his own ranks to derail the Energy Bill.

"It's a blatant assault on the greening of the UK economy that leaves consumers vulnerable to rising gas prices, and sends billions of pounds of clean-tech investment to our economic rivals."

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Rail Fares To Rise Above Inflation Again

New Season Rail Ticket Prices

Updated: 1:08am UK, Wednesday 28 November 2012

According to Passenger Focus, these are examples of the new season ticket prices and fare percentage increases on 2012 that will take effect from January 2013:

:: Gillingham to London, £3,672 (4.2%)

:: Canterbury to London, £4,860 (5.9%)

:: Tonbridge to London, £3,796 (5.2%)

:: Guildford to London, £3,224 (4.3%)

:: Portsmouth to London, £4,668 (4.2%)

:: Bournemouth to London, £5,988 (4.2%)

:: Reading to London, £3,960 (4.2%)

:: Oxford to London, £4,532 (4.2%)

:: Hove to London (Victoria), £3,860 (4.1%)

:: Eastbourne to London (Victoria), £4,228 (4.1%)

:: Aylesbury to London, £3,632 (3.2%)

:: Colchester to London, £4,556 (4.1%)

:: Shenfield to London, £2,704 (-0.6%)

:: Huntingdon to London, £4,700 (4.2%)

:: Cambridge to London, £4,400 (3.8%)

:: Morpeth to Newcastle, £1,008 (5.0%)

:: Peterborough to London, £6,888 (4.2%)

:: North Berwick to Edinburgh, £1,604 (3.9%)

:: Ellesmere Port to Chester, £720 (2.3%)

:: Tain to Inverness, £1,204 (3.8%)

:: Stirling to Glasgow, £1,916 (3.9%)

:: Llanelli to Swansea, £624 (5.4%)

:: Bangor to Llandudno, £1,140 (5.2%)

:: Ludlow to Hereford, £1,992 (5.3%)

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Coulson Wins Appeal Over Legal Costs

Former News Of The World editor Andy Coulson has won his battle over the payment of his legal costs in the phone hacking affair.

The ex-Downing Street communications chief won his appeal against a High Court ruling that News Group Newspapers (NGN) does not have to pay his legal expenses.

Coulson, 44, sued over the construction of a clause within the severance agreement he signed in 2007 on leaving the News Of The World after NGN stopped reimbursing him for the fees.

He sought a declaration that the company "must pay the professional costs and expenses properly incurred" by him "in defending allegations of criminal conduct" during his tenure.

Lord Justice Laws, Lord Justice Sullivan and Lord Justice McCombe, sitting at the Court of Appeal in London, allowed the appeal.

NGN could now take the case to the Supreme Court.

The firm's counsel argued at the High Court in December that the clause being challenged covered the "occupational hazards of being an editor" and not alleged criminal activity.

It maintained that, if there was an obligation, it was triggered at the stage when proceedings are complete.

But the Court of Appeal allowed Coulson's lawyers to admit fresh evidence relating to the criminal investigation.

This included material in the press, which NGN would neither confirm nor deny, that ex-News International chief Rebekah Brooks and some current employees of The Sun appeared to have been indemnified in respect of some criminal proceedings as they went along, rather than waiting until the end.

Lord Justice McCombe, giving the unanimous ruling of the court, said he was "satisfied" that the contract did cover the costs and expenses of defending the criminal allegations.

Coulson has been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice over allegations that he tried to cover up evidence of phone hacking.

Earlier this month, it was announced he faced new charges over alleged bungs to public officials in return for news stories.

Coulson is accused of conspiring to pay for information about the royal family, including an internal phone directory known as the Green Book.

The former Number 10 communications director has always denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to fight to clear his name.

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Gas Blast: Man Admits Two-Year-Old's Killing

A man has admitted the manslaughter of a two-year-old boy killed in a gas explosion at his home.

Jamie Heaton died while watching TV when the blast levelled several homes in Buckley Street, Shaw, in Oldham.

Andrew Partington, an unemployed father of six, admitted causing the explosion when he let his house fill with gas overnight.

The 27-year-old suffered 40% burns and a broken back in the blast and pleaded guilty via videolink from prison during a hearing at Manchester Crown Court.

Three houses were "obliterated" in the explosion

The explosion in June "obliterated" Partington's rented terrace house and two neighbouring homes, with the rest of the row and surrounding streets also left devastated.

Neighbours found Jamie's body as they searched the debris of his wrecked home.

The boy's parents sat in the public gallery holding hands for the brief hearing.

They were flanked by police officers and other members of their family, who wiped away tears as the defendant admitted his guilt.

As well as manslaughter, Partington pleaded guilty to eight charges of destroying neighbouring houses. He was remanded in custody until February 11 when he will be sentenced.

Judge Gilbart also ordered a psychological assessment of Partington before he is sentenced, to assess his dangerousness.

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Comet: Jobs At Risk As Shops Face Closure

Comet's administrators have confirmed a further 125 stores will close by the end of the year if they fail to get a firm offer for the whole business.

Around 70 stores of the original 236 will remain open until the electricals retailer's remaining stock is sold, Deloitte added. 

Some 5,000 jobs remain in the balance at the embattled retailer, which called in the administrators earlier this month.

Deloitte's Chris Farrington said a "small number of interested parties" remained and he hoped a positive outcome could still be achieved.  

"Should any acceptable offers be received for stores we will delay the closure process," he said.

"Unfortunately, in the absence of a firm offer for the whole of the business, it has become necessary to begin making plans in case a sale is not concluded."

Stores will begin closing in December, he added.

Since Deloitte was appointed to work for the electricals chain, some 1,500 jobs have already been axed.

Last week, the entrepreneur behind Appliances Online confirmed he had tabled a bid for Comet's web-based operations - but not for the whole business.

John Roberts said he had put in a "seven-figure offer" for Comet's website, although the deal would see the business disappear from the UK's high streets.

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William And Kate Cheered Through Cambridge

By Paul Harrison, royal correspondent

Cambridge is giving its duke and duchess a rapturous welcome as the royal couple tour the city for the first time.

Hundreds of well-wishers lined the streets to greet William and Kate, who are spending the day celebrating Cambridge's university, and visiting charities, schools and volunteers.

The Duke and Duchess arrived by train and were slowly driven through the city so the crowds could catch a glimpse of them.

Kate was sporting her new hairstyle - layered long dark locks with a parted fringe - first seen in London when she opened a new exhibition at the Natural History Museum without her husband.

As the couple arrived at Cambridge University the Duchess gave a cry of delight as she bumped into her cousin Dr Penny Barton, a graduate tutor at the world-renowned university.

Mrs Barton told Kate that the whole family was "proud" of her and all she has achieved.

The couple are visiting charities, schools and the city's famous university

After meeting students and staff from Cambridge University's many colleges, Prince William addressed a crowd of more than 400.

"This is a day Catherine and I have looked forward to for a very long time; eighteen months, in fact - ever since my Grandmother, The Queen, on the morning of our wedding bestowed on us the name of this great city," the Duke said.

"We both feel immense pride at being associated with Cambridge, a place renowned the world over for its dynamism, beauty and learning, and it is lovely for us to be here together today." ‬

As seems customary, the Duke used the occasion to yet again poke fun at his younger brother.

‪‪"It's not the first time I've been here. My brother Harry and I were fortunate enough to come to Cambridge five years ago, when we spent a couple of days at Trinity."

"I have to say it's the closest Harry's ever got to university", he joked.

Bus driver Simon Newman, 43, from Sutton, near Ely, had travelled into Cambridge with his wife Claire, 48, an easyJet cabin crew member, to see the couple.

They were waiting outside the university's Senate House and said they were pleased that the royal couple had taken the titles of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

"I have the week off and so has my wife so we thought it would be great to come and see them. They are a really attractive couple," Mr Newman said.

Cambridge has been awaiting the royal visit since the Queen bestowed the dukedom on her grandson just a few hours before he married Catherine Middleton on April 29 last year.

The last Duchess of Cambridge was the German-born Princess Augusta Wilhelmina Louisa of Hesse-Cassel, who was married to Prince Adolphus Frederick, the 1st Duke of Cambridge, and a son of George III.

The title was last held by Prince George, a military figure who wed a commoner for love - like William - but also kept a mistress for more than 30 years.

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Domestic Violence Raids Aim To Tackle Abuse

By Roddy Mansfield, Sky News Online

A series of dawn raids have taken place across London in an operation aimed at tackling domestic violence and abuse.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Community Safety Unit assisted by Tactical Support Group teams have made arrests at addresses in Lambeth and elsewhere.

Under the banner of Operation Athena, the Met is targeting prolific and dangerous offenders responsible for both domestic violence and hate crime.

The operation is timed to coincide with White Ribbon Day, which aims to raise awareness of the problems of violence against women.

Every year on November 25, men are urged to wear a white ribbon for two weeks as a visible pledge not to commit or condone domestic abuse.

Assistant Commissioner Simon Byrne said: "The scale of the violence and abuse caused by those in domestic relationships is shocking. About one third of all women will suffer some form of physical or sexual abuse at the hands of their partners.

White Ribbon Day - every November 25 - aims to raise awareness of the issue

"Suffering behind closed doors should not and cannot be ignored. We all have a responsibility to put a stop to domestic violence.

"We will make sure we play our part in supporting and protecting victims of both sexes. It is also importantly about demonstrating to abusers that their actions have legal and long-lasting consequences.

"There is no place in London for domestic violence or those cowardly crimes committed because of someone's race, religion, sexuality or disability. It is the offenders who should live in fear - of our knock at the door."

Campaigners at one women's domestic violence support group welcomed the arrests and said a consistent approach would help tackle the issue in the long term.

Deborah McIlveen, Policy and Services Manager at Women's Aid, said: "We welcome this action to arrest perpetrators as long as the way in which it is done has not put the victims at any additional risk.

"Whilst this type of one-off high-profile action against abusers may draw attention to the issue, what is needed to really make a difference to the lives of abused women and children is consistent, ongoing policing and prosecution of offenders, to hold them to account for their crimes and to stop them perpetrating domestic violence again."

Operation Athena runs until November 30. In addition, officers will be running victim-focused workshops and multi-agency drop-in centres around the capital.

The campaign is not just targeted at females, however. Male victims suffering from domestic abuse are encouraged to come forward and call an advice line 0808 801 0327 or visit www.mensadviceline.org.uk.

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Leveson: Nick Clegg Could Break Ranks

Nick Clegg has asked whether he might be able to respond separately to the Leveson report in case he and David Cameron cannot agree on the next steps.

Downing Street has now been handed the long-anticipated report and the Prime Minister is due to give his official response tomorrow after it is made public.

But the Lib Dems have already asked the Commons Speaker if Mr Clegg could deliver his own statement, in case the Government is split.

The development came as The Spectator became the first publication to declare it would not abide by any form of press regulation.

In a leader column, the magazine predicted the Prime Minister would be "vilified" whether he backs state involvement or opts for a different form of self-regulation.

And it makes clear: "We would not sign up to anything enforced by government."

MPs have warned the PM against curbing press freedom

It is the first shot across the bows by the press ahead of the report's unveiling on Thursday lunchtime and comes as the Prime Minister is under intense pressure.

He declared at PMQs that "the status quo is unacceptable and needs to change" and vowed to seek a cross-party consensus, although talks will not happen until after his initial statement.

Mr Cameron is caught between the press and many in his own party who are against any form of statutory regulation, and angry hacking victims and campaigners who want a tough line.

At PMQs, he said: "What matters most, I believe, is that we end up with an independent regulatory system that can deliver and in which the public have confidence."

He added later: "I would agree that a free press is absolutely vital to democracy. We should recognise all the press has done and should continue doing to uncover wrong doing, to stand up to the powerful, this is vitally important.

"Whatever the changes we make, we want a robust and free press in our country."

He and Mr Clegg, as well as a handful of officials, are now poring over around half a dozen advance copies of the report and sources have indicated it is extremely long and detailed.

Labour leader Ed Miliband will not receive a copy until 8am on Thursday.

All three main party leaders have indicated they will support Lord Justice Leveson's recommendations as long as they are "proportionate".

Lord Justice Leveson reports on Thursday

But with the judge widely expected to call for a new regulator with statutory underpinning, there are widespread divisions.

More than 80 MPs and peers from all sides have signed a letter warning that any state involvement would undermine free speech.

The signatories include nine former Cabinet ministers, all the Tory members of the Commons Culture Media and Sport Select Committee, Conservative grandee Lord Tebbit and former House of Commons speaker Baroness Boothroyd.

The Cabinet and wider Tory party are also split and there is speculation Mr Cameron may offer Parliament a free vote.

The latest missive warns against any knee-jerk reaction and highlighted the "dangers of statutory regulation", claiming it would amount to state licensing of the press which was axed in 1695.

But earlier this month, 42 Tory MPs called for tough new laws to keep newspapers in check and campaigners are already sharpening their knives.

Hugh Grant said on Wednesday that it was a "once in a lifetime opportunity" and the moment Mr Cameron had to prove whether he was a "statesman or still a Carlton TV spin doctor".

The actor told Sky News: "More self-regulation would be a disaster. Another chance in the last chance saloon.

"I have faith that Lord Leveson did a good job and will report things that are meaningful. What you have to question more is the courage of our Prime Minister.

"He is in a difficult position. He has the press bearing down on him by one side saying if you enact any kind of meaningful regulation on us, we'll give you a terrible kicking.

"On the other side he has got 80% of the British public, the victims, the Labour party and the Lib Dems who are going to give him a kicking the other way."

Grant warned that action had to be taken now because campaigners would not stand for any more "procrastinating" that will allow the issue just to fade away.

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Flood Warnings Remain As River Levels Stabilise

Residents of flood-ravaged towns across England and Wales are continuing to battle high water levels as a week of torrential rainfall works its way through river systems.

At 2.15pm, a total of 146 flood warnings and 151 alerts remained in place despite the rain easing.

The Environment Agency said areas around slow-responding rivers including the Thames, Trent and Severn were a particular concern, but had now  reached their peak.

An EA spokesman said: "After several days of heavy rain, the ground is saturated and floodwater from small watercourses continues to flow into larger rivers like the Thames.

"The Environment Agency is carefully monitoring the levels in these rivers and will issue flood warnings if necessary."

An RNLI life boat rescues residents in the flooded streets of St Asaph

It has lifted two severe flood warnings - meaning a potential danger to life - for the River Elwy in the cathedral city of St Asaph and the A55 to Rhuddlan in North Wales.

St Asaph remains severely flooded after the River Elwy reached a record high of 14ft 3in (4.35 metres) and burst through flood defences - making it more than 3ft (1 metre) deeper than its previous record of 11ft 4in (3.47 metres) in November 2009.

Hundreds of people spent the night away from their homes.

Insurance assessor David Flatley told Sky News there had been "significant" damage caused by the flooding in St Asaph.

A pedestrian pushes his bike through flood water in Tewkesbury

"It is not just clean water, it is from the river so there are contaminants - there's mud and oil that has run off from the roads," he said.

"People often don't appreciate that things like their kitchens have got to be ripped out, the skirtings have got to be ripped out.

"So as well as the drying out process, which can takes four to six weeks, there is the ripping out before the reinstatement ... in reality it may be more like four or five months before the majority of these people are back in their homes."

Four people have died since the latest bout of wet weather struck and around 900 people in England and Wales have fled their waterlogged homes after heavy rain left many properties uninhabitable.

At Prime Minister's Questions, David Cameron praised the emergency services and "good neighbours" who had helped tackle the flooding.

Flood waters in Oxford

He also defended Government spending plans on flood defences, saying: "The Government is planning to spend over £2bn over the next four years.

"That is 6% less than over the previous four years, but we believe by spending the money better and by leveraging from private and other sectors we can increase that level of flood defence spending.

"The spending that is already under way will protect an additional 145,000 homes between now and 2015, but if we can go further, of course we should."

Thousands of motorists and train services are subject to hold-ups and reduced services in the West Country and the North East.

The River Ouse in York peaked at 4.5 metres, flooding city centre businesses. The Environment Agency said while it does not expect the flood-prone river to rise any further today, it will remain high.

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Euromillions: £64m Hitchin Prize Unclaimed

A EuroMillions player has just seven days to identify themselves as the winner of £64m - the biggest unclaimed prize in UK lottery history.

The winner in the June 8 draw matched the five main numbers 05, 11, 22, 34, 40 and the two Lucky Stars 09 and 11.

Lottery bosses have made several public appeals since establishing that the ticket was bought in the Stevenage and Hitchin area of Hertfordshire.

Posters were even put up at Luton Airport in case the lucky punter was a holidaymaker.

The winner is richer than Princes William and Harry - but may be unaware

The winner has until 11pm on Wednesday, December 5 to claim the £63,837,543.60 fortune, which would put them ahead of Harry Potter Star Daniel Radcliffe and Princes William and Harry on the Sunday Times Rich List.

The other half of the £127m prize was shared with a winner from Belgium, who has already collected their cash.

The previous biggest unclaimed prize was £9m in Doncaster in the 90s.

The National Lottery says prizes have previously been claimed on the deadline day - including £2.5m in the Worcester and Malvern area in 2009.

The Weirs from Largs scooped the UK's biggest ever jackpot

Players who believe they may have lost or destroyed their tickets have 30 days from the date of the draw to contact lottery operator Camelot so it can investigate their claim.

However that deadline passed five months ago for this ticket, so now only the ticket-holder can come forward.

If no-one claims the money by next week the sum and all the interest it has generated will go to National Lottery good causes - adding to the £29bn already raised through ticket sales since the game's 1994 launch.

Britain's biggest jackpot winners are Colin and Chris Weir, from Largs in North Ayrshire, who won £161m in July 2011.

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