Ms Marine Le Pen scaled through to the next stage of French election

Ms Marine Le Pen scaled through to the next stage of French election

Politics Unknown   05:58

Finally after several months of intense campaign, Marine Le Pen wins the first round of election making her to contest with Emmanuel Macron in the final French election run-off billed to take place May 7 2017.

Prior to the release of official results, two top pollsters declared Macron winner in the first round of voting. While official results were being awaited, as at the time of writing this report, it was revealed that Harris, has the En Marche! leader on 24 per cent, the other, Elabe, estimates he has 23.7 per cent of support.

Ms Le Pen, apparently, is close behind on 22 per cent, meaning she will go through to the second round of voting on May 7.

Based on the above analysis, both Francois Fillon and far-left contender Jean-Luc Melenchon would be eliminated from the next phase of election.

This results are abstracted from about 200 sampled polling stations, and used it as the basis of making the outcome across the country, meaning it is not accurate.

Thus, Ms Le Pen took to the stage and announced the outcome as "historic" even has she vows to tighten-up border security and stop the "free circulation of terrorists".

She also included saying: "I would like to express to you that this is an historic result and now we have an enormous responsibility to defend the French culture.

"You will get a France that protects the people, we will not have the free circulation of terrorists.

"This result has shown an enormous confidence by the French people in the future of France.

"There is globalisation that endangeours civilizations and we should protect borders."

Political insiders within both camps have also expressed confident that Ms Le Pen and Mr Macron have got through to the next round.

Marion Maréchal Le Pen, Marine’s niece, has tweeted hailing the result as “a great victory for patriots”.

Gérard Collomb, the Socialist mayor of Lyon and a Macron supporter, said: "He has succeeded in doing what few people expected. When, a year ago, we launched his movement En Marche!, people said: ‘It’s impossible, someone who does not belong to a political party can’t reach the second round'.

"It reveals a serious malaise in society, with people who don’t recognise themselves in the traditional parties. We are, without doubt, beginning a new era."

Francois Fillon, who has been dogged with allegations of financial impropriety throughout this bitter campaign, has also conceded defeat.

He called on the French electorate to reject Ms Le Pen and instead stump for Mr Macron.

The former Prime Minister said: "The National Front has a history of violence and extremism can only give rise to division in France.

"Marine Le Pen would bankrupt France by causing EU chaos by coming out of the Euro.

"I'm in favour of Emmanuel Macron - it's my duty."

32-year-old snake whisperer rushed to hospital after sustaining unbearable injury

32-year-old snake whisperer rushed to hospital after sustaining unbearable injury

News Unknown   05:51

32-year-old Abu from Kelantan, Malaysia, seem to have an insatiable flair for his pet, irrespective of the fact that he had been beaten on about eight occasion by his snakes, which at one point, ended led him into coma.

Abu development his like for snakes from his father, who is also known as a specialist snake handler.

Abu said: ‘The pain from a snake bite is very severe to the point that you can’t even describe it.

‘The worst bite would have to be the eighth time. I did not realise that the snake was bleeding from its head. I tried touching the wound on its head and it bit me right away. It took ten seconds for the snake to let me go.

‘On the way to the hospital, bubbles started coming out of my mouth and a few moments later I was unconscious.

‘The doctor confirmed that I was not going to make it because the venom had spread to my heart.

‘After being in a coma for two days I woke up. I am considered lucky to still be alive.’

Abu claims to follow safety precautions before allowing anyone take photos or ‘pet’ his venomous snakes; King, Chip and Cik Din.

He said: ‘I take my cobras to participate in training courses for taming snakes at the Fire Department Training Centre. I also lead awareness briefings on the dangers of snakes to the public.’

Last year the media reported that Abu had married his snakes, a claim which he rubbished and said his bond with snakes had been twisted.

He added: ‘No human can get married to a snake. That story is definitely false and I think the story got altered and twisted to suit people of different beliefs and culture.

‘I’m only interested in humans when it comes to marriage.’

Even though his snakes have put his life danger, the fireman has never thought of giving them up or felt afraid, instead is more driven to learn and teach other firemen and his community how to catch and tame snakes.

He said: ‘Snakes are wild species and we need time to get used to them and understand their characteristics to be able to tame them.

‘I don’t care if people call me crazy or stupid, I know what I’m doing. It is for the benefit of the public and the Fire Department.’

Conservative party supporters boos the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon during Theresa May’s campaign speech

Conservative party supporters boos the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon during Theresa May’s campaign speech

Politics Unknown   07:02

A crowd of supporters on Saturday jeered Scotland’s First Minister after being slammed by Theresa May during her campaign.

Tory activists left Theresa May smirking as they hissed at the manner in which the Scottish first minister’s joined forces with other Remain voters to “undermine” Britain’s departure from the European Union.

The dramatic moment as the Conservatives party leader cautioned of the opposition awaiting for the least opportunity to form a coalition after the election in June.

Addressing the congregation, she said: “We’ve already seen the other parties lining up to prop-up Jeremy Corbyn, we’ve seen it from the Liberal Democrats, and we’ve seen it from Nicola Sturgeon’s Scottish nationalists too…”

Immediately the PM made mention of Nicola Sturgeon, the most of the audience momentarily booed. The PM enjoying the offensive followers laughed and continued: “And what’s clear is that they will do anything they can to disrupt the Brexit negotiations and to frustrate and undermine the task ahead.”

Irrespective of the fact that she appears to be the favoured candidate of the Conservatives, in the forth-coming election, the PM said she was “not complacent” about the election.

She continued: “If you think about it, the opinion polls got the General Election wrong in 2015, they got the EU Referendum one wrong and as Jeremy Corbyn himself said he was a 200/1 chance for the Labour leadership and look how that went.

“We will not be complacent, we will be fighting for every single vote and every single vote at this election will count because it is about building that stronger future for this country."

Speaking further, she added: “It’s about getting the best possible deal with the European Union, a deal that works for every single part of our country… and it’s only by having a strong and stable government that we can get that right deal.

“Brexit isn’t just a process, it’s an opportunity and we need to be able to take that opportunity. It’s an opportunity to change this country for the better.”

In the meantime, Nicola Sturgeon has accused Mrs May of “putting the interests of her party ahead of the country” by calling an early election.

Speaking on Sky News on Saturday, Ms Sturgeon said the snap vote was a chance for Scots to choose their own future.

She said: “The SNP has a mandate for a second referendum. Not now and certainly this election is not deciding whether or not Scotland becomes independent, but when the time is right when the terms of Brexit are clear then Scotland should have the right to choose its own future.

“We have a mandate for that, we sought that mandate in the Scottish election last year and won that election overwhelmingly.

“But this is of course about whether the will of the Scottish Parliament in that regard is going to be respected.”

Theresa May to consider tax increase after June 8 election

Theresa May to consider tax increase after June 8 election

UK Unknown   06:44

Due to the controversies surrounding the Tories attempted efforts to break the promise made in their manifesto not to increase tax, the PM Theresa May has to make the issue of taxation part of her election campaign.

She made this known, during and answer in while in Dudley for her electioneering campaign, and challenged the UK voting public to take a deep look at the Tories’ history as it affects taxation within the past seven years.

While addressing some newsmen, the PM made it clear that the Conservatives "always has been, is, and will continue to be" a party that believes in lower taxes for working people.

According to official record, about four million people have been stopped from paying taxes as a result of government’s policies and regulations, while 31 million people have had their tax bill reduced.

The PM was also asked if her part’s manifesto would include guaranteeing to keep intact the "triple lock" on state pensions that ensures an increase of at least 2.5% every year.

Despite all the pressures pressed on her to comment on the issue, Mrs May again refused to make such a guarantee, but claimed pensioners had become £1,250 better off under the Conservatives, a record which is far higher than what Labour governments of the past had offered annually with a rise of just 75p one year.

In a similar vein, Jeremy Corbyn has sworn to keep the triple lock if a Labour government is elected.

When asked by Sky's Gerard Tubb whether he would promise not to raise VAT or income tax, the Labour leader said: "The Tories are handing £70bn back in tax to big business and corporations.

"We won't do that. We will instead reverse those tax cuts for the corporations and big business in order to fund the social changes we want to bring in this country.

"Our tax burdens will not fall on those with low incomes. They will fall on those with the broadest shoulders who can bear the greatest burden."

The issue of taxation became a serious issue due to Chancellor Hammond’s recent statement while in the US where he said, the UK government could no longer manage the country’s economy effectively, because of the constraints the government is faced with that is caused by the Tories manifesto.

European Union nationals studying in UK universities to still enjoy tuition free education despite Brexit

European Union nationals studying in UK universities to still enjoy tuition free education despite Brexit

News Unknown   06:34

It has been revealed that EU students studying in Britain would still enjoy the current tuition waiver even after the UK finally leaves the bloc.

According to the report, the British government would continue to pay their bills, allow them access to loans for all courses commencing next autumn irrespective of when such course would end.

This is because of the undergraduate, masters, postgraduate and advanced learner loans that applies under these rules at universities and further education institutions in the UK.

According to Jo Johnson, the Universities and Science Minister: “We have been clear about our commitment to the UK’s world-class higher education sector.

"Through our modern Industrial Strategy and the additional £4.7billion committed for research and innovation over the next five years, we are ensuring the UK has the skills and environment it needs to continue leading the way in academia and research.

“A key part of our success is attracting talent from across the globe. This will provide reassurance to the brightest minds from across Europe to continue applying to study in the UK, safe in the knowledge that financial assistance is available if needed.”

Also, Alistair Jarvis, deputy chief executive of Universities UK, has welcomed the news saying it was vital to ensure that this is “communicated effectively to prospective students across Europe”.

It comes after a records revealed that one in four EU students are returning home with unpaid tuition fees, leaving British taxpayers to pick up a staggering £4million bill.

For far, a shocking 18,600 students from EU nations have not paid a penny after they went missing after graduating from British universities, according to figures from the Student Loan Company.

Amazing how the hunter, was hunted and eaten by two crocodiles

Amazing how the hunter, was hunted and eaten by two crocodiles

News Unknown   06:22

How are the mighty fallen, as the hunter became the hunted, following the sad incidence of a prolific hunter who was eaten by two crocodiles amid a game shooting tour in Zimbabwe.

Scott van Zyl, was man known for his brevity in gunning down several wild animals such as big cats, elephant and lions as he poses with animals he had mercilessly slaughtered, was last seen heading in the direction of the banks of the Limpopo River.

Late Van Zyl was on a trip with a pack of dogs along with a Zimbabwean tracker, who had taken a different route. Thus when the dogs got back to the camp without Mr. Van Zyl, an immediate search was put in place, as his absence caused some kind of suspicions. Later on, the hunter’s vehicle was, with his items found in the vehicle’s back.

While conducting the search, they found footprints on the river’s bank, with no sign of Van Zyl

Nevertheless, the secrete concerning his whereabouts emerged after the search team found two crocodiles with human parts in their belly.  

Sakkie Louwrens, a member of one of the search teams, said: “We found what could possibly be human remains in (the crocodiles).”

Thus, when a local conservation group did a DNA tests, it was confirmed that some of the material found inside the crocodiles belonged to Mr van Zyl.

The animal killer owned SS Pro Safaris, the website of which brags about killing everything from “elephants in Botswana to the smallest blue duiker in KwaZulu Natal”.

Mr van Zyl’s death is not the first major incident to occur on the banks of the Limpopo River - last year a 13-year-old boy was killed while fishing.

European Union and United Kingdom to shifts grounds for a better post-Brexit relationship

European Union and United Kingdom to shifts grounds for a better post-Brexit relationship

Politics Unknown   06:15

After several threats and counter threats from both parties, the UK and EU seem to have decided to come to a compromise during Brexit negotiation in order to retain their good relationship post-Brexit.

This is due to the commitment the EU is to make to the UK as announced by the EU Parliament boss Antonio Tajani.

During his meeting with the PM on Thursday, the EU chief stated that “Brexit was Brexit” saying that there is indeed a need for a new cooperation to be established once the exit from the bloc is completed.

Mr Tajani said: “Personally I’m against the strong, cold Brexit, Brexit is Brexit. We need to work for the separation.

“And then, I totally agree with May, after the separation we need to work for a new union, or cooperation, between the European Union and the United Kingdom.

“I’m against hard, strong, cold, flexible… Brexit is Brexit.”

Mr Tajani’s statement is seen as a U-turn after saying earlier on that Brexit can be reversed, and a rousing welcome given to the UK.

According to his prediction, the June 8 election, could possibly pave way for the UK to retain membership of the bloc.

He told the Guardian: “If the UK, after the election, wants to withdraw Article 50, then the procedure is very clear.

“If the UK wanted to stay, everybody would be in favour. I would be very happy.”

Also in his statement, he clearly condemned any Brexit agreement that will not guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in Britain.

He added: “The final decision is for the 27 member states, but everybody will be in favour if the UK decides to reverse Article 50.”

Speaking after having spent 45 minutes in Downing Street talks with Mrs May yesterday, Mr Tajani said he and the PM had agreed on the need for a resolution to the issue of UK and EU ex-pats' rights.

He said: "The message is a positive message. We want to strengthen the citizens' rights - European citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in the European Union.

"This is the most important message - we want to work together.

"Mrs May underlined this position. It is our position. Here we were both in favour of our citizens.

"It is a good start, a good beginning; now we need to go for implementation."

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The PM and the president agreed the UK and EU should continue to have a close relationship after Brexit and on the importance of giving early certainty about the status of British citizens living elsewhere in the EU and citizens of other member states in the UK."

The Conservatives may be perfecting plan to break their 2015 electoral promises to the British people

The Conservatives may be perfecting plan to break their 2015 electoral promises to the British people

Politics Unknown   06:04

Chancellor at it again, after his recent budget presentation to the British people caused stirs that made him to reverse his proposed policy on the self-employed.

While delivering his address in the US, the Chancellor revealed that Tories manifesto which promised not to increase income tax, VAT or National Insurance "constrains" the Government. Thus the Conservatives may be opting to veto that campaign promise.

According to the Chancellor, such a pledge has been the factor constraining the government from effectively managing the UK economy. Though, he also cleared the air by saying that he had "no ideological desire to raise taxes".

Hammond’s first budget presentation as Chancellor in March met a brick-wall when so many persons condemned his planned increase of the National Insurance fee being paid by self-employed individuals, as such a move was absolutely repugnant to the pledge the Tories made through David Cameron two years ago.

The reversal left Mr Hammond with a headache, as the 2% rise to Class 4 National Insurance contributions was meant to raise £2bn for social care.

Recall that in 2015, the Tories had made a vow to cut income tax for 30 million people - taking those who earn less than £12,500 out of income tax altogether through increases to personal allowances.

However, for now one cannot tell whether these taxes could face increases if the pledge is withdrawn when the Tories release their 2017 manifesto in the coming days.

Sky's Business Presenter, Ian King, said: "There was a column in The Times newspaper by the director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies who said it would be unwise for whoever wants to be the Chancellor to tie their hands in this way.

"The Government essentially has four main levers it can pull in terms of raising taxes: income tax, national insurance, VAT and corporation tax.

"The Government is committed to lowering corporation taxes to ensure the UK economy remains competitive and an attractive investment destination, so that leaves the other three taxes that George Osborne pledged not to raise the rates on."

Famous French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen causes uproar for refusing to grant a televised interview in front of a European Union flag

Famous French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen causes uproar for refusing to grant a televised interview in front of a European Union flag

Politics Unknown   07:34

Confusion as one of the front line candidate of the forth-coming French presidential election Marine Le Pen bluntly refused to grant a televised interview in the presence of an EU flat as she states clearly her position never to associate with the European Union.

She insisted that for any interview to be done by her, the French TV channel TF1 must first of all dismantle the union’s flag, thus stirring a major upset leading into the presidential election.

Le Pen in a statement buttressing reasons for her action said she is contesting to be a French president and, “not the European Commission.” Insisting that only the French flag would be allowed to be behind her.

Therefore, in order to ensure a smooth televised interview, the television agreed to dismantle the flag as requested by the Ms Le Pen.

According to a report, there was a written statement sent to the studio stating that the EU “did great harm” to France and its citizens.

The European Commission’s representation in France responded in a tweet, saying it was “proud of our flag, a symbol of unity solidarity and harmony between the peoples of Europe”.

The election which is billed to start on April 23, will take place across two rounds, where the French people will first vote for the candidate of their choice to replace Francois Hollande this coming Sunday.

With the way things are currently, Ms Le Pen is expected to do well in the first round running against Independent Emmanuel Macron, Republican François Fillon, Socialist Benoît Hamon and Jean-Luc Mélencho. But will likely lose to Emmanuel Macron in the second round of the election.

The French mandate the use of the European flag on rare occasions such as Europe Day.

However, it is often displayed in public buildings.

June 8 general election, a strategic move to buy sufficient time for Brexit negotiation

June 8 general election, a strategic move to buy sufficient time for Brexit negotiation

Politics Unknown   06:31

Sky News political analyst Faisal Islam has stated that the recently announced snap general election is all about joining mechanism and buying time to strike a final Brexit agreement with Brussels.

Having triggered Article 50, it is becoming clear that a lot of things are going out of the government’s control, even as it was predicted that the UK economy may not get in any way better within the next three years.

With the current internal crisis in the Labour Party, one would have seen Jeremy Corbyn being replaced with more accepted leader.

But with the current situation within the opposition, the PM contesting any election now would give her more chances of winning with a huge majority.

According to opposition MPs a path to "many by-elections", could possibly been seen that could cost the PM her slim majority.

Even the tiniest possibility that this might be true would have made anyone think long and hard about an option which removes this risk.

On the other hand, the current Parliament, under the Conservative Government has been accused of failing to pass its biggest fiscal measures in all of its three Budgets.

This may be because Budget document was beginning to look like a consultation paper, ready to be unpicked by the likes of Treasury-slaying Tory backbencher Stephen McPartland.

Thus, calling for a General Election makes the PM look in control - and helps her win more control.

The irony of course being she is not in control because of the Fixed Term Parliament Act.

Therefore, if the PM wins the June 8 election overwhelmingly, it will mean that, the electorates have said, go ahead you have our full support and mandate to strike the best possible deal for our country.

So by the time of the 2022 General Election, there is the opportunity for her to sign a final trade deal with the EU. Knowing that 2019 may not be feasible to sign a trade deal in the Brexit negotiation. Thus, a snap election is a low risk way to maintain and consolidate control, and crucially to buy time.

SNP ready to soar home with victory against the Tories?

SNP ready to soar home with victory against the Tories?

Politics Unknown   06:15

Andrew McFadyen and some other political analysts have predicted that the future of the United Kingdom may be at risk, should the Conservatives win in the June 8 snap general election in England.

So far in Scotland, Theresa May’s soundbite “now is not the time” has become a popular phrase in Scotland. That was the exact phrase she used, while making her rejection to any call for a second indyref for Scotland.

According to a top source, the Conservatives are so desperate to build stumbling blocks against the SNP in order to ensure another independence referendum is not successfully held. Thus they reasoned that the best way to achieve that is to involve the electorates.

Meanwhile, pro-union politicians have also adopted "divisive referendum" as another linked phrase. The words are always spoken together as a reminder to the people of Scotland concerning the disadvantages of another indyref.

Interestingly, the SNP is also asking the PM, that if "now is not the time" for a referendum, why is it the right time for a General Election?

Analysts are of the opinion that the fourth-coming general election will act as a acid test for the various political parties and their leaders.

Presently in Scotland, the Tories are of high expectation to regain ground. Just as some surveys have favoured Ruth Davidson as the most accepted politician in the country.

On the hand, the Conservatives should fear the reaction of voters who believed Theresa May when she said Scotland was not ready for another divisive campaign. As a result, the SNP will spend the next seven weeks turning her own words back at her.

Nicola Sturgeon is defending an incredibly high base, with 56 out of 59 seats in Scotland.

If she comes even close then she will be knocking down the door of Downing Street and her demands will be much more difficult to resist.

In these circumstances, a good result for the Conservatives in England could be a bad result for the UK.

Putting Labour out of power for a generation would tell Scots that if they want a different type of politics they have to vote for independence.

A bigger majority means Theresa May could eventually end up leading a smaller country.

Theresa May’s election announcement bolstered by a Remain voter

Theresa May’s election announcement bolstered by a Remain voter

Politics Unknown   09:31

Defining moment for the United Kingdom is here again, as snap general election is announced to take place in June 8 is being supported by a major Remain voter who declared total support for the PM in order to quell the EU and Mrs Sturgeon.

Also, while speaking on Sky News from Nuneaton, a long-term Labour stronghold, the jovial man told presenter Kay Burley: "She’s quite right to put it to the country.

"She’s always been accused of being unelected so that should scotch all that argument now, so we can have a bit of a scrap."

Asked by Burley if people had had enough of voting, he replied: “It seems the order of the day quite honestly. Hopefully we can better the Scottish problem as well at the same time.

“I was anti-Brexit but I’m one of those who says ‘well let’s get on with it’."

Stating he was over the Brexit result, he added he was a “true blue” and would be voting for the Tories in the general election.

Almost immediately the election date was announced, the PM was accused of making serious move through the election to thwart the call for a second Scottish indyref.

Theresa May has been accused of announcing a snap general election just to frustrate Nicola Sturgeon

Theresa May has been accused of announcing a snap general election just to frustrate Nicola Sturgeon

Politics Unknown   09:21

Analysts have said that Theresa Mays pronouncement of a snap general election will give her the need advantage in No. 10 and also bring to an end the clamour for a second Scottish independence referendum by Nicola Sturgeon.

There is the insinuation from some quarters that the PM’s decision to announce a snap election was strongly based on the advice given to her by Scottish Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson, as a means of destroying the First Minister’s hope for a second indyref.

The implication of this, is that, if the Scottish National Party (SNP) loses seats in Westminster, it will cause a grave damage to her party’s strength, as her mandate to run Scotland would be put under threat.

The prediction was also concurred to by the SNP’s deputy leader Angus Robertson, saying the election would battle between the SNP and the Tories in Scotland.

Recall that in the last general election, the SNP smiled home with an overwhelming victory in Scotland, after it pulled 56 out 59 seats.

Nevertheless, with the realities on ground now, the First Minister and the SNP seem to have lost public acceptance. While the strength of the Conservatives are increasing on a daily basis.

According to Ruth Davidson, most Scots feel “hurt, angry and let down” due to Nicola Sturgeon's renewed push for a rerun of the 2014 vote, when there was a resounding majority in favour of staying in the UK.

She said Nicola Sturgeon's popularity was on the wane because of her renewed push for independence and added: “I think she is a more divisive figure than she once was.

“There are a lot of people that wanted to give Nicola Sturgeon a chance who had found Alex Salmond quite divisive and wanted Scotland to move on, because we were promised that if we made a decision it would be respected by all sides and we could move on.

“Now that they find her dragging us back to a place the majority of Scots don't want us to go they feel hurt, angry and let down.”

SNP boss Miss Sturgeon issued a terse statement following the General Election announcement.

She said: "This is one of the most extraordinary U-turns in recent political history.

“Theresa May is putting the interests if her party before the country.

“It makes it all the more important that Scotland is protected from the Tory party.”

Political commentator Matthew d'Ancona, the former editor of The Spectator, wrote in the Guardian: “A snap election resulting – May hopes – in a stronger Tory government and an unambiguous personal mandate is self-evidently the smart option.

“Such a victory would kill off the idea of a second referendum, and close down the argument that the electorate had not given consent to withdrawal from the single market.”

With trademark provocative speechmaking columnist Katie Hopkins called on Scotland to rid themselves of the ‘Ginger Dwarf’.

In an article for the Daily Mail she said: “If you are sick to the back teeth of the Ginger Dwarf from the North spouting her nonsense in Westminster, acting as first minister for Independence, instead of First Minister for Scotland, now is your chance.

“June 8 is your day to shine. To vote for the Scottish Conservatives and send a message to Nicola that we are stronger together and better off without her.

“Her only ambition is for herself.

“Rid yourselves of the Ginger Dwarf from the North and we can create a truly United Kingdom.”

Shock as a woman found ‘snake’ in her Asda shopping bag

Shock as a woman found ‘snake’ in her Asda shopping bag

News Unknown   09:18

A mum got traumatised when she opened her Asda shopping bag and found a ‘snake’ as one of the content in the shopping bag.

The woman whose identity is given as Claire Lewis found the snake-like object with deep shock as it was taped by the side of a chocolate cake that was bought in Wales.

Clair told Wales Online: ‘I was obviously shocked as I didn’t expect a snake-like creature in my shopping – and it was alive.’

Upon discovering the ‘snake’, Clair discarded the items and made a complaint to Asda, but became angrier for being offered only £6 for all the embarrassments.

She said: ‘It’s not really about the money, it’s the initial reply that’s annoyed me. I’ve had loads of home deliveries and never had a live creature or such bad customer service.’

The store has since apologised and offered her a £30 gift voucher as a gesture of goodwill.

A spokesperson told the site: ‘We’re really sorry that there was an unexpected visitor tagging along with Ms Lewis’ home shopping and we’ve been in contact to apologise for her experience.

‘We have given Ms Lewis a refund and have offered a gesture of goodwill to go some way towards making up for any upset caused.’

Diesel car scrappage to make millions of drivers in the UK get compensated

Diesel car scrappage to make millions of drivers in the UK get compensated

News Unknown   09:09

British government to compensate owners of diesel powered cars about £1,000 to £2,000 or more, as they enter a scrappage agreement after the PM overruled two cabinet ministers.

This is being done as the government perfects plan on how to tackle air pollution in the country. The measure will get worst offending cars off the British road.

Theresa May’s intervention is said to have come in as a measure to ease the concern being raised after a proposal was made to introduce “toxin taxes” on diesel vehicles in around nine or 10 cities while a further 25 councils being told to enforce less draconian measures.

Both the Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom and Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary, are said to have opposed the plan as they saw it as being difficult to target the problem cars.

The said payment would only be made to the owners of the car, provided they agree to buy a new low-emission car

According to statistics, there are about 11.2 million diesel cars in the using UK roads, out of which 1.9 are said to over 12 years old.

Therefore, if the UK government make it a duty to focus the five most affected cities outside London (Leeds, Derby, Southampton, Birmingham and Nottingham), that will bring about 100,000 to 150,000 being scrapped.

President of the AA Edmund King said: “It could be fiscally neutral. If it is dependent on the purchase of a new low-emission car, the government will automatically get 20 percent VAT, plus on most new cars there is an addition to the vehicle excise duty.”

Also, Director of the RAC Foundation Steve Gooding expected difficulties with the scheme. He said: “It is not a simple matter of taking the oldest cars out of circulation.

“The worst polluters could well be much more recent models that do high mileages in congested towns and cities.”

A survey which was conducted in March revealed that 68% of drivers are in support of a scrappage arrangement, while only 10% were against it.

During the era of Tony blair, car drivers were advised to change from petrol powered cars, but now, Theresa May has stated how that would  be taken “into account” in future plans.

During a recent trip to the Middle East, Mrs May said: “In relation to the issue of diesel cars, obviously we will be producing a new air quality plan, we've been required to do that by the courts.

“Decisions will be taken when we produce that plan – obviously we will take final decisions as to what we do.

“But I'm very conscious of the fact that past governments have encouraged people to buy diesel cars and we need to take that into account when we're looking at what we do in the future.”

Tragedy as a light aircraft crashes into Lidl Supermarket killing five people

Tragedy as a light aircraft crashes into Lidl Supermarket killing five people

News Unknown   09:05

PORTUGAL: A plane which crashed into the car park of Lidl supermarket has killed five people made of four passengers and a lorry driver who was delivering goods to the Lidl as at the time of the tragedy.

The small air craft which went down in a residential area is believed to have exploded mid-air prior to the crash 150m from a school.

The plane went ablaze after it fell onto a lorry the car park, and killed the lorry driver while he was unloading goods close to cargo bay at the supermarket.

Aside the Swiss pilot and three French passengers on board that died together with the lorry driver, about four people inside the Aldi were treated for shock and smoke inhalation, caused by the incident, while nine people were also evacuated from their homes after their houses blackened by smoke.

The plane had taken off from Tires aerodrome - which is used mainly by private aircraft and situated about 12 miles (20km) west of the Portuguese capital - shortly before the crash.

Officials described the weather at the time of the crash as clear skies with a light wind.

The Tires airfield said the plane was a twin-engine Piper PA-31 Navajo aircraft and was Swiss-registered.

Theresa May to retire from politics after a successful Brexit?

Theresa May to retire from politics after a successful Brexit?

Politics Unknown   09:04

It has been revealed how the British Prime Minister Theresa May is making some effort to exit the political arena after successfully taking the UK out of the EU. This came as some ministers in her government gives a hint about her reluctance to call for a General Election after Brexit, as retaining her position as the PM is not part of her plan.

According to Mail on Sunday columnist Dan Hodges, a minister whose does not want his identity disclosed tagged Mrs May as a “transitional PM’, with another claiming she’s all but ready to ride off into the sunset the moment her parliamentary term is over.

The minister also said that: “She’ll be hailed as the person who saved the nation from its worst crisis since the war, then go off and enjoy her retirement with husband Philip.”

While testing to ascertain whether this theory is general consent across the board, Mr Hodges claims he ran it past others, with one saying: “She’ll fight an Election, then be gone in 18 months.”

So far, Mrs May is arguably seen as one of the most popular Prime Ministers in British history, with her approval rating a solid 54-points ahead of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and has won by-elections that were once solidly out of Tory reach.

According to recent surveys, Mrs May’s administration has helped the Tories to have a commanding lead over all the political parties including Labour. With majority preferring Mrs May to Corbyn.

The irony of Brexit and student migration

The irony of Brexit and student migration

News Unknown   09:00

After reading this article written by Faisal Islam, I found it very interesting to also share it with you all, due to the important information embedded in it, because it may of help to persons in making informed decision concerning government policies and schooling abroad.

Think of Sunderland and people immediately talk of Nissan, and the Brexit moment.

It's not just the industrial history buffs who will remember shipyards too, but they are now that: history.

On one such former dockside, derelict for years, there is quite some irony. Sunderland University has sprouted a shiny new campus on the site.

Where once the ships that serviced world trade were exported across the globe, the new export is higher education.

Sunderland University is the "fourth biggest provider of transnational education from the UK", according to its vice chancellor.

Except this export is built on the movement of people.

Foreign students come in, pay fees, and increase the demand for property.

The success of the university was one factor in Sunderland turning round a declining population, that saw it fall behind its neighbour and rival Newcastle.

And so it is a business model that increases net migration.

Yet, the Government has an official target that seeks to reduce net migration.

And, indeed, there can be little doubt that overall increases in migration helped boost the number of people who voted for Brexit, in Sunderland and across England and Wales.

Universities are at the sharp end of the actual decisions that now need to be made about Britain's post-Brexit global settlement.

One way to solve the foreign student paradox is to let it solve itself.

Something has happened in the past year to reduce demand for UK higher education from foreign students.

As I reported in February, the celebrated fall in net migration, was predominantly down to foreign students.

International arrivals in the quarter to September 2016 (the important start of the academic year) were at their lowest since 2002.

In our key "going global" trade markets, student arrivals appear to have fallen.

The number coming from East Asia, including China, is down from 49,000 in September 2015 to 38,000 in September 2016.

From South Asia, including large Commonwealth nations, just 7,000 students arrived in September.

This, astonishingly, is fewer than arrived from central and South America.

A year before, it was 12,000, and five years ago 91,000.

Much of that number, the then Home Secretary and now PM would argue, was made up of students attending "bogus colleges".

But the numbers fell off another cliff after that crackdown.

It has become an issue of trade diplomacy with what was the fastest growing G20 economy, India.

At the India-UK bilateral meetings, India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, asks about more visas for Indian students and Theresa May asks him for help with returning Indian visa overstayers - not normally seen as a subject matter for major summits.

There are other ways of measuring foreign student numbers that are more stable. But this is how they are measured in the actual migration target.

So the question arises - can it be sustained?

Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced a crackdown at the Conservative Party Conference, but that seems to have been parked somewhere at the Department for Education.

Many in the Cabinet, including the Foreign Secretary and Chancellor, are sympathetic to the idea of exempting students entirely from the target - this could effectively bring down targeted migration by a third or a half.

If that had occurred while David Cameron was still PM, it would have even allowed him to meet his "tens of thousands" target in two years.

Theresa May says students are in the target because that is how it is measured under international statistical norms.

But while this is true of the statistic, that is not necessarily the case for the target.

MPs will this week test her Government on this.

The House of Commons is to consider a House of Lords amendment to the Higher Education Bill stating that foreign students "should be treated for public policy purposes as a long-term migrant to the UK for the duration of their studies".

Some Tory MPs have vowed to rebel against the whip, in a vote.

Britain is said to be "going global" after Brexit.

If that is the case, foreign students - an export industry which has the effect of increasing net migration - could be the first big test.

Source: Sky News 2017

The people of Scotland have been advised by a top Tory MSP to use next month’s election to send a warning note to the SNP

The people of Scotland have been advised by a top Tory MSP to use next month’s election to send a warning note to the SNP

Politics Unknown   08:51

Voters in Scotland have been advised by a top Tory Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP) to “back anyone but the SNP” during the forthcoming local elections in order to pass the message to the First Minister that they do not want another independence referendum.

Murdo Fraser, while speaking to journalists said: “Whilst local issues are always important, overshadowing this election is Nicola Sturgeon’s irresponsible threat of a second independence referendum. This is your chance to send her a message.

“Every advance for the SNP at these local elections will be taken as an endorsement of a second referendum.

“Remember this is a preference voting system with no wasted or tactical votes.

“To stop the SNP use your first vote one to back the Scottish Conservatives and subsequent votes (2,3 etc) to back anyone but the SNP.”

He also said: “Don’t give Nicola Sturgeon’s plans a boost by voting the SNP back into power in Fife.”

The SNP was also blamed for misleading the masses on their proposed independence currency for Scotland, after it was acknowledged by a Scottish government documents that being a member of the EU demands that the euro must be adopted.

Joining the EU also requires countries to have their own independent central banks. The paper adds: “This would require negotiation and agreement with the EU. Should Scotland be required to have a separate central bank, the functions of the SMI can be expanded to fulfil the requirements.”

The dossier, released under freedom of information laws, also suggested the EU may have opposed plans for the Bank of England to guarantee deposits and regulate banks in Scotland.

According to a Scottish Government spokeswoman: “The Scottish Government was engaged in thorough, detailed and comprehensive preparations for an independent Scotland ahead of the 2014 referendum, and similar work will be taken forward ahead of the planned future referendum.

“While these plans reflect conditions in 2014, they do not necessarily reflect the Scottish Government’s current thinking.”

Current report released by a charity organisation has shown the increasing rate of Christians facing persecution

Current report released by a charity organisation has shown the increasing rate of Christians facing persecution

Religion Unknown   06:28

Due to the twin bombing that took place last week, the UK government has put in more effort to boost security at the headquarters of the Coptic Church.

According to a recent data released by a charity organisation, Christians being persecuted daily has increased in the last four years. From the report, it was revealed that every month, about 322 Christians are being persecuted, 214 churches burnt down along with other forms of violence reported to be 772.

From available data, it was shown that a minimum of 44 people died in the twin church bombings of Coptic churches on Palm Sunday in Egypt.

Though, the Bishop of the Coptic Church in the UK has come out to announce that, there has not been any threat against the church, even though the procedures are being put in place as a way of reassuring the people.

He said: "I've heard lots of words. I've heard concern, I've heard anxious, I've even heard angry but I haven't heard the word fearful from anyone - I don't think it's part of our DNA.

"We are peaceful, we are loving, we are sacrificial, we are forgiving, and yet we still remain a target and I suppose it's just a cross we continue to carry."

Amir Michaeel is a Coptic Christian and like many others he struggles to understand why his faith is such a target overseas.

"In a way it can be like, because we are not retaliating, we are a weaker target and we are easy prey," he said.

"But at the same time I feel like there is something profoundly difficult about attacking someone who is not retaliating.

"For someone to turn the other cheek and for you to feel okay to hit them, I feel like it would take something quite inhumane to do something Iike that."

There is a general perception that the media, and the West, has in recent years largely ignored attacks on Christians in some parts of the world.

Tim Stanley, journalist for the Daily Telegraph, wrote on the subject and told Sky News that people are too afraid to call it "a war".

He said: "Some Western governments are legitimately worried about appearing to validate the narrative of the Islamists that this is about Islam versus Christianity, so they don't want to talk about the persecution of Christians and I get that.

"The problem is that's exactly what is actually happening. Moreover, I fear that some of that is political correctness."