Belfast Violence: Police And MP Injured

Sectarian tension in Belfast has spilled over into violence leaving 23 police officers and an MP injured.

Democratic Unionist Party MP Nigel Dodds, who had been near police lines, was taken to hospital after being struck on the head by a brick during fighting, a party spokesman said.

Officers were pelted with masonry, bottles and other missiles during clashes with loyalists in Woodvale Road.

Police said 23 officers had been injured in the North Belfast disturbances as they dealt with "serious public disorder". Water cannon have been deployed and non-lethal rounds known as Attenuated Energy Projectiles fired.

Water cannon have also been used by police in east Belfast in response to missiles hurled by crowds of people.

Trouble erupted as the Orange Order protested against the decision to ban a contentious July 12 parade from a north Belfast flashpoint.

Loyalist bandsmen played sectarian tunes at police lines while bricks and bottles were thrown.

Twenty-three officers were hurt during the 'serious disorder'

At one point a rioter broke down a section of wall and threw it at police shields. Others used sticks and pieces of drainpipe to batter police vehicles while some danced on top of the force's Land Rovers and tried to rip off protective plating.

Police were enforcing a Parades Commission ban. The ruling stops Orange Order lodges from walking on a stretch of road in north Belfast that separates loyalist and nationalist communities.

The Parades Commission - the adjudicating body set up after the Good Friday Agreement peace deal - had banned marchers from a 300 metre stretch of the Crumlin Road past the nationalist Ardoyne area.

Three lodges from the Ligoniel area were able to walk the contested route this morning but were prevented from making the return journey.

Trouble has also broken out on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast. Bricks and bottles have been thrown in both areas.

Meanwhile, motorists are advised to avoid the area of the Lower Newtownards Road in East Belfast due to a build up of crowds in the area.

Serious rioting has erupted after previous Orange Order evening marches in Ardoyne. Last year shots were fired at police who also came under sustained attack from petrol bombs thrown by republican protesters.

MP Nigel Dodds was taken to hospital after his head injury

Before he was injured, Mr Dodds said: "This sort of situation here creating a bottleneck at this junction, the Parades Commission decision to block it here, this is the inevitable outcome.

"The police were well aware that was the danger the Parades Commission had put them in. I would appeal for everybody to stay calm, not to get involved in violence.

"The Grand Lodge have made it clear they do not want violence and the people who want to engage in violence should desist immediately."

Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly blamed the violence on the Orange Order and unionist politicians.

"Speech after speech at the various (Orange) demonstrations were clearly designed to stir up sectarian tension and have alongside the Orange Order's failure to abide by Parades Commission determinations led directly to the violence in Belfast tonight.

"No amount of hand wringing or denial in the coming days from the Orange Order and unionist politicians can alter that reality.

"People had a right to expect better, instead what we got was a very deliberate strategy with the inevitable results being seen on the streets this evening."

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Dartmoor Murders: Mum And Two Children Dead

Police investigating the deaths of a woman and her young son, who died after falling from rocks on Dartmoor, have discovered a child's body at her home.

A murder investigation has been launched after the 24-year-old woman and her five-year-old son died at Haytor in Devon - one of Dartmoor's most famous landmarks which is popular with walkers and climbers.

The body of a two-year-old boy, also believed to be her son, was later found at her home address in Dukes Close, Paignton.

Detective Superintendent Paul Burgan said: "We are keeping an open mind about all three deaths, but at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

The woman's other son was found at home (Pic: Google Street View)

"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have any information or might have been in the Haytor area earlier today, Friday."

An air ambulance, a police helicopter and members of the Dartmoor Rescue Group were called to the scene at 11.50am.

The Dartmoor National Park Authority asked members of the public to avoid visiting the area due to the tragedy.

Tributes were paid to the mother and child by members of the emergency services.

The Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team tweeted: "The team were called to assist at a tragic incident at Haytor today. Our thoughts are with the family."

Post-mortem examinations are due to take place and next of kin have been informed, police said.

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Toddler Badly Burned After Falling Onto BBQ

A toddler has been scarred for life after falling face-first onto a smouldering barbecue in a "horrifying" case.

Luii Duncan suffered burns to her face, arms, chest and hands and is likely to need a skin graft.

The barbecue was so hot it stuck to the two-and-a-half-year-old girl's stomach.

Her mother, Rosemary Duncan, of Morden, south London said she cannot get that image out her head.

She said: "I'm trying to block it out, but I want to warn people about the dangers of leaving hot barbecues in parks."

"It's horrifying to see a man holding up your child and seeing her with a barbecue stuck on her stomach. Everyone was throwing water on her and trying to pull it off."

The metal barbecue had been left smouldering by its owners, despite being asked by friends of Luii's parents to put it out before they left Beddington Park in Sutton.

Moments later, as she was playing with a group of children nearby, she fell on to the red hot coals and suffered serious burns.

Her parents and their friends managed to pull the barbecue off Luii after dousing her with water.

She was taken by ambulance to nearby St Helier Hospital before being transferred to a specialist burns unit at Chelsea Children's Hospital. 

The youngster remained in hospital under observation but is now back home. 

Mrs Duncan said: "It's a long journey to recovery for her. We're just thankful she is going to be OK.

"She will have a scar for life on her stomach, and burns on her arms. She is still having trouble sleeping."

Mrs Duncan said more needed to be done to prevent another such accident. "There need to be more wardens around to enforce the rules. Next time a young child might be killed."

Luii's father, Nathan Duncan, said: "Our daughter has been subjected to untold agony and trauma due to negligence, inconsideration and a deep lack of care for others."

A council spokesman said: "We are sorry this unfortunate incident occurred and we wish the little girl a speedy recovery.

"Sutton is proud of its parks and open spaces and we do all we can to make sure they are safe for residents to enjoy.

"We would like to draw attention to the park bylaws which forbid anyone from lighting a fire for a barbecue or any other reason unless it is in a designated area on one of the stands provided.

"In this incident the barbecue was not on a stand."

Police have said that after investigating the issue they would not bring any criminal charges but will increase patrols in parks by PCSOs (community support officers) while the hot weather continues.

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Heatwave: Mercury To Hit 32C At Weekend

Britain has already been basking in sunshine for over a week but this weekend could bring the hottest day of the year so far.

Temperatures on Friday are expected to reach 27C in some places but it is Saturday that looks like the scorcher.

Sky's weather producer Joanna Robinson said 32C is possible in southeast England.

In July 2006 Wisley, Surrey, saw the mercury rise to 36.5C after a fortnight-long hot spell.

Although temperatures in London will soar, Robinson said most other places will be a few degrees cooler with isolated thunderstorms expected over northern England and the East Midlands.

The Met Office has said there is a 70% probability of heatwave conditions between 12pm on Friday and 8pm on Sunday.

It has set its watch level to two, out of four possible levels, which warns the public to be alert and prepared for the sun and heat.

In August 2003 temperatures hit 38C and the Department of Health estimated there were 2,000 to 3,000 more deaths than usual in England.

It provides guidelines on how to stay safe in a heatwave, including having cool baths and showers, wear loose clothing and identify the coolest room in the house to seek sanctuary in.

It also reminds people to look after the very young, very old or those with chronic diseases.

The heat will be welcomed by those attending the T In The Park festival in Kinross-Shire, Scotland, this weekend and for the final few days of the Ashes first test at Trent Bridge.

Temperatures are expected to stay in the high-20s going into next week too.

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Wimbledon Queue Rape Claim: Police Investigate

Police are investigating claims a woman was raped in the overnight queue for the Wimbledon final.

Dozens of tents were set up in Wimbledon Park as hundreds of tennis fans waited to buy tickets to see Andy Murray on Centre Court on Sunday.

Scotland Yard said a 30-year-old man was arrested and bailed over the alleged attack.

A spokesman said: "Police are investigating an allegation of serious sexual assault in Wimbledon Park, off Church Road, in the early hours of Sunday July 7.

"A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and has been taken into custody at a south London police station.

"He was bailed until early September pending further enquiries."

The spokesman said the 34-year-old victim was being cared for by specialist teams.

He added: "Inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of the incident."

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MPs' Pay: Watchdog To Propose Rise To £75,000

MPs' Pay: For And Against Hike

Updated: 4:18pm UK, Wednesday 10 July 2013

By Nicola Boden, Sky News Online

Handing politicians a pay rise when they are imposing austerity on millions of ordinary Britons is bound to be a hard sell - but some of the arguments in favour are hard to ignore.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) is later due to suggest an inflation-busting rise and then put its plans out for consultation.

The prospect of an increase comes as taxpayers, already mostly on far lower salaries, are facing a cost of living squeeze and public sector pay increases are limited to 1%.

Giving politicians up to another £10,000 in their pay packets will undoubtedly play exceptionally badly and make them even less popular than they are at the moment.

Workers who spoke to Sky News this month made clear they would consider the move "disgusting", and MPs themselves are well aware of the consequences.

Nick Clegg has declared the public will find it "impossible to understand" and David Cameron said making politics more expensive is "unthinkable".

But the Commons' expenses watchdog insists that there is never a good time to address the issue, and that there are some very good reasons for doing so now.

Here, Sky News examines both sides of the debate:

FOR

Better value for the taxpayer - The rise will come in tandem with curbs to MPs' gold-plated pensions and personal expenses, making the set-up more transparent and the overall cost of funding Parliament lower.

Quality of MPs - Supporters of a rise argue you will only attract top quality people into parliament if you offer bigger salaries - ie. you get what you pay for.

MPs may earn far higher than the national average but their salaries are significantly lower than that given to council bosses or other professionals in high-profile roles.

A change could encourage a shift from career politicians to candidates with more experience of public life, who can bring that knowledge into parliament.

Mix of MPs - There are fears a failure to address the issue could lead to a Commons full of multi-millionaires and aristocrats because only they could afford to enter politics.

Two homes - MPs from outside London have to run two households, ramping up the costs of taking on a parliamentary role (although critics would note expenses are available for this).

Retention - The discrepancy between ministerial and MPs' pay is so large that it is considered to encourage former Cabinet ministers to quit once they leave Government.

Former Home Secretary David Blunkett has suggested the system currently almost says "you have done your time, get out" which strips the Commons of valuable experience.

Avoiding scandal  - Ipsa boss Sir Ian Kennedy has suggested not allowing a rise could lead to a repeat of the expenses scandal because MPs would find other ways to boost their salaries.

Greater Focus - If salaries were higher, politicians would potentially be less inclined to forge links with businesses and therefore avoid damaging conflicts of interest.

AGAINST

Timing - With the coalition pushing through austerity measures and making clear drastic cuts will last into the next parliament, the idea of a pay rise is toxic to the public.

As the cost of living crisis continues, taxpayers' salaries have risen just 0.6% on average this year and public sector pay rises are limited to 1% as part of a raft of savings.

Giving MPs an inflation-busting rise would be in stark contrast to the hardship faced by millions, and conflict with the idea "we are all in this together".

Furthermore, if the next government - as predicted by experts - has to impose tax rises to raise money, a pay rise in 2015 will be even less palatable.

Perception - Ever since the expenses scandal, politicians have been battling to restore public trust. A pay rise will reinforce the view held by critics that they are just out to line their pockets.

A large salary would also make it harder for MPs to argue that they are in touch with the concerns of ordinary workers.

Second Jobs - Many MPs already supplement their salary by taking on lucrative external opportunities or continuing in their previous profession.

Recent figures suggested almost half (295 of 650 MPs) declared some form of extra income and 20 made more from other work than their salary of £65,738.

Labour leader Ed Miliband has suggested there should be a limit on external earnings but while this situation continues, it is harder to argue for an increase.

Greed - The counter-argument to raising salaries to attract higher quality candidates is that more money could encourage people to enter parliament for the wrong reasons.

People want their MPs to consider it a vocation rather than a lucrative career so that they truly have their constituents' interests at heart.

The Hours - MPs have to work fluctuating hours during the week and shuttle between London and their constituency but they also enjoy long holidays most could only dream of.

They are about to go on holiday for six weeks, breaking up for the summer on July 18 and not returning until September 2.

Over the year, MPs also leave Westminster for half-terms, have two weeks off for Easter and then at Christmas and another three weeks in party conference season.

Public accounts committee chair Margaret Hodge called for longer parliamentary hours earlier this year, warning too much time was spent in recess.

"Members of the public would be forgiven for thinking that it is MPs who are lazy and that it is Parliament that is failing to provide good value for money," she said.

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Feltham Prison Labelled 'Unacceptably Violent'

A young offenders' institute in England has been classed as an "unacceptably violent place" by inspectors.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons found that Feltham Prison and Young Offender Institution in west London had an "unprecedentedly high" level of staff using batons, some "very serious" daily fights and the "unacceptable" use of prolonged isolation.

The institute, which holds up to 762 offenders, is split between children and young people, mostly aged 16 or 17, and young adult men, aged between 18 and 21.

Chief inspector of prisons Nick Hardwick said: "Feltham as a whole is an unacceptably violent place. Despite excellent work in some cases, staff were unable to prevent a high number of very concerning incidents that carried a significant risk of serious injury.

"In my view staff were sometimes overwhelmed by the challenges they faced and as a consequence, some of their responses were unacceptable."

The report found that the buildings were covered in gang graffiti and on average there were almost two fights or assaults every day.

Many young people said they were frightened and didn't think that staff could keep them safe, while young adults were self-harming at a high rate and did not having their emergency cell bells answered quickly.

CCTV footage watched by inspectors showed staff putting themselves in harm's way to protect young people and using force to break up fights.

Feltham is used to house young adults who have been remanded in custody by the courts.

Michael Spurr, chief executive of the National Offender Management Service, said: "I have already announced that from the autumn Feltham will no longer hold young adult remand prisoners. This will increase stability and provide greater flexibility in the management of this group of prisoners."

But Andrew Neilson, director of campaigns at the Howard League for Penal Reform, called the report "the worst of its kind we have seen in a decade".

He added: "If you want to see the effects of keeping hundreds of troubled boys cooped up in a prison, you need look no further than Feltham."

Shadow justice secretary Sadiq Khan MP said: "With shocking levels of violence such as these witnessed in Feltham, it's all the harder to punish and reform offenders, and stop them returning to a life of crime on their release."

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John Terry's Father Charged Over 'Racist Row'

Footballer John Terry's father has been charged with racially aggravated assault following an argument in London.

Ted Terry, who is 59, was arrested earlier this year following the incident on Fenchurch Street, near the Square Mile, on March 22.

When answering bail at Bishopsgate police station on Tuesday he was also charged with racially aggravated fear of violence.

He has been charged alongside two other men, Tudor Musteata, 47, of London, and Stephen Niland, 36, of Romford.

All three are due to appear before magistrates on July 23.

City of London police would not give further details to Sky News.

Former England captain John Terry, 32, was cleared in court of racially abusing fellow player Anton Ferdinand last year.

The Chelsea player denied making the comments during a match against QPR in 2011 but a Football Association report ruled that Terry had said the insult and gave him a four-month ban.

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One In Four Police Stop And Searches Unlawful

One in four people stopped by police officers are searched unlawfully, according to an independent watchdog.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) examined thousands of stop and search records and found that in 27% of cases there were insufficient grounds to justify the use of the powers.

It warned the practice has become "habitual" and said the way it is monitored has "slipped" since the results of an inquiry into the murder of teenager Stephen Lawrence were published in 1999.

The inquiry highlighted the disproportionate use of stop and search among members of black and Asian communities and called for all searches to be properly recorded.

Tom Winsor, chief inspector at HMIC, said: "The police service in the UK is almost unique in investing its lowest-ranking officers with its greatest and most intrusive powers. These include those of stop and search.

"The lawful and proper use of the powers is essential to the maintenance of public confidence and community acceptance of the police, without which the British model of policing by consent cannot function.

"It is therefore crucial that police officers can show, with the greatest transparency, that they use these powers with the utmost lawfulness and integrity at all times."

More than one million stop and searches are recorded every year, taking up more than 300,000 hours of police time.

However, just 9% of searches lead to an arrest.

The results of the HMIC inspection come after Home Secretary Theresa May launched a public consultation into the use of stop and search powers, amid fears the practice has become a "dreadful waste of time".

The Government is expected to respond to both the report and the consultation before the end of the year.

A spokeswoman for the Home Office said the Government "supports the ability of police officers to stop and search suspects within the law".

"If stop and search is being used too much or with the wrong people, it is not just a waste of police time, it also serves to undermine public confidence in the police," she added.

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Children's Bedtimes 'Can Affect Brain Power'

Putting children to bed at the same time every night could help boost their brain power, researchers have found.

A study of more than 10,000 youngsters revealed their cognitive development is affected by inconsistent bedtimes.

Authors of the report tested children's abilities to perform certain tasks by testing their reading, maths and spatial awareness.

They found that three-year-olds who went to bed at irregular times performed worse than those who were put to bed at the same time throughout the week.

The effect was also seen in seven-year-old girls, although boys were not affected. There was no link in girls or boys at the age of five.

"Sleep has a crucial and complex role in the maintenance of health and optimal function," the authors wrote in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

"Inconsistent bedtime schedules might impact on markers of cognitive development in two ways, via disruptions to circadian rhythms (physical, mental and behavioural changes) and/or sleep deprivation and associated effects on brain plasticity (the brain's ability to change during life)."

Laura Downes, a special needs primary school teacher from Ealing, west London, has a well-drilled routine in place for her three-year-old daughter Elizabeth.

She told Sky News: "The routine is key. It needs to be rigid and the same. For us, this means a fail-safe tool to fall back on.

"Whatever happens during the day or whatever is going on ... she knows that routine is coming up."

Emma Janes, a behavioural expert who counsels sleep-deprived parents to help them to cope with their children's bedtimes, said many people underestimate the power of rest and routine.

She claimed understanding the science of sleep is critical to promoting early years development.

"We learn to sleep," she said. "Everyone assumes we know how to already but some children need teaching it.

"We all know children thrive on routine - they love to know the what, why, where, when and how.

"But by changing that routine, we impact on the quality of their sleep. That has severe consequences."

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Murray's Wimbledon Win: Delight In Dunblane

Stars Hail Murray's SW19 Victory

Updated: 10:03pm UK, Sunday 07 July 2013

Andy Murray's first Wimbledon title has been hailed by the Queen, the Prime Minister as well as stars of sport and showbusiness.

David Cameron was in the Royal Box to watch Murray's straight sets 6-4 7-5 6-4 victory over world number one Novak Djokovic.

The Scot became the first Briton in 77 years to win the men's singles final.

After the victory, Mr Cameron tweeted: "It was a privilege to watch @andy_murray making history at #Wimbledon, and making Britain proud."

Murray was congratulated privately by the Queen following his historic win.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that the Queen has sent a private message to Andy Murray following his Wimbledon victory."

Murray went up to his box in the stands to hug his mother Judy after his victory. She said she was immensely proud of her son's achievements.

She said: "It's the best feeling ever to see your son win Wimbledon. This is what he has talked about winning since he was a little boy, it was a dream that has become a reality now for him."

Mrs Murray admitted she found it hard to watch her son's triumph. "I have been shaking for the last three hours," she added.

"I am fine now but 15 minutes ago (just before Murray won) I was an emotional wreck."

Murray's elder brother Jamie, who won the Wimbledon mixed doubles title in 2007, tweeted: "What an incredible day!! So proud of my lil bro! What a champion!!"

In Murray's home town of Dunblane, supporters flocked to local venues to cheer on their favourite son.

Former British number one Tim Henman has backed Murray to now go on and win more grand slams.

Henman, who reached four Wimbledon semi-finals, said: "It's a remarkable achievement for him and something we are proud of.

"Andy had this belief in his heart of hearts that he would win it. He had some huge disappointment with losing 12 months ago but deep down he knew he could do this and this is going to be one of many more grand slams for Andy Murray."

Star Wars actor and Murray's fellow Scot Ewan McGregor wrote: "Oh my God. What a match, what a player. Inspiring a Nation. .Andy Murray!! Ya Beauty."

Former England striker and Match Of The Day presenter Gary Lineker added: "I sense @andy--murray will take a bit of beating at Sport's Personality Of The Year! #wimbledon."

Murray's Davis Cup team-mate Ross Hutchins, who has spoken about the support he has received from the Scot since he was diagnosed with cancer, was delighted to see his friend win.

Hutchins said: "I'm ecstatic. I am so pleased for him."

Other politicians also joined the PM in congratulating Murray.

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who was also in the Royal Box and helped unfurl a Saltire, wrote: "A truly phenomenal victory by @andy--murray. Hard fought and well deserved. #Wimbledon."

Liberal Democrat leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg wrote: "Congratulations @andy--murray! What a match, you've made us all proud! #Wimbledon"

Labour opposition leader Ed Miliband added: "Congratulations Andy Murray. A historic and amazing moment for him and for the whole country."

London Mayor Boris Johnson wrote: "Congratulations to my one time doubles partner @andy--murray on his glorious Wimbledon victory!"

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Andy Murray Wins Historic Wimbledon Title

Andy Murray has become the first Briton in 77 years to win the men's singles title at Wimbledon, with a straight-sets victory over the world number one.

With the hopes of the nation resting on his shoulders, the Scotsman beat Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 on Centre Court in a battle lasting three hours and 10 minutes.

Murray had squandered three match points before winning the championship when the Serbian netted a backhand, sparking wild celebrations among the 15,000 people in the crowd.

The 26-year-old player, who held his trophy aloft and kissed it, said: "That was one of the toughest moments, today was unbelievably tough match.

"I don't know how I came through the final three points, I'm so glad to do it.

"I have played Novak many times and when everyone finishes playing, he will go down as one of the fighters.

The Queen and the Prime Minister led congratulations to Murray

"He did the same today and that is what made it tough.

"I understand how much everyone wanted to see British winner at Wimbledon and I hope everyone enjoyed it."

Murray expressed his delight on Twitter shortly after his win: "Can't believe what's just happened!!!!!!!"

Murray hugged his coach Ivan Lendl after his momentous victory

World number two Murray broke down in tears as his triumph sank in and climbed into the players' box to hug his girlfriend Kim Sears, coach Ivan Lendl and the rest of his support team.

But he almost forgot his mother Judy, who was sitting just behind the box, before returning to embrace her too.

"I did forget Mum, but then I did remember," he added.

"My team have stuck by me through some tough moments. This one is for Ivan (Lendl, his coach) as well, I know he did everything to try to win this one when he was playing. He's fantastic, he's been patient and I thank him."

Murray nearly forgot to hug his mum

The win makes Murray the first Briton to take the Wimbledon men's singles title since Fred Perry in 1936.

His brother, Jamie Murray, won the Wimbledon mixed doubles title in 2007.

Andy Murray won his first grand slam at the US Open last year and was desperate to claim the SW19 title after losing to Roger Federer in an emotional final last year.

After his win, Murray paid tribute to those who have spurred him on

The thrilling match came on the hottest day of the year to date and saw temperatures reach 40C (104 Fahrenheit) in the sun on Centre Court, while the mercury hit 29C in the shade.

Thousands of people descended on the famous All-England club, including Prime Minister David Cameron, Scotland First Minister Alex Salmond, Victoria Beckham and Wayne Rooney, while millions tuned in to watch the action on television.

On Murray Mount, fans held union flags and Scottish Saltires as they squeezed on to the steep bank to watch the tense tie.

Djokovic has won six grand slams, but today was not his day

Mr Cameron led tributes to Murray, tweeting: "It was a privilege to watch @andy_murray making history at #Wimbledon, and making Britain proud."

Djokovic was gracious in defeat.

"Congratulations to Andy you absolutely deserved it, you played incredibly," the six-times grand slam champion said.

"I know what it means to you guys in the whole country so well done. It is a great achievement. I gave it my all and it was an honour to be in this match, in this final."   

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Abu Qatada Deported From UK To Jordan

Abu Qatada has left RAF Northolt in west London on a military plane as he is deported to Jordan to stand trial on terror charges.

It marks the end of an eight-year legal battle to remove the radical preacher, who the Government has described as a "truly dangerous individual" and a "key player" in al Qaeda-related terrorism.

Sky News correspondent Mark White said: "He has been a thorn in the side of five Home Secretaries who have tried to get rid of him.

"As far as the British Government and senior politicians are concerned, there will be quiet celebration that he has finally left the country."

Qatada used his human rights to make a series of costly challenges to moves to deport him to his native country.

The military plane with Qatada on board left RAF Northolt

The case became a national embarrassment, which critics of European human rights legislation claim has rendered UK politicians powerless to remove someone who they believed to be a clear threat to national security.

Today, Home Secretary Theresa May said: "Abu Qatada was deported today to his home country of Jordan to face terrorism charges.

"His departure marks the conclusion of efforts to remove him since 2001 and I believe this will be welcomed by the British public."

After spending a total of £1.7m on legal fees from the many court proceedings, the Home Office finally saw Qatada board a flight from RAF Northolt, in west London, in the early hours of this morning.

Mrs May added: "I am glad that this government's determination to see him on a plane has been vindicated and that we have at last achieved what previous governments, Parliament and the British public have long called for.

"This dangerous man has now been removed from our shores to face the courts in his own country.

Theresa May believes his departure will be widely welcomed

"I am also clear that we need to make sense of our human rights laws and remove the many layers of appeals available to foreign nationals we want to deport. We are taking steps - including through the new Immigration Bill - to put this right."

It was a treaty signed between the UK and Jordan that finally secured Qatada's departure, giving him the assurances he needed to leave his taxpayer-funded home behind.

The agreement, announced by Mrs May earlier this year, aimed to allay fears that evidence extracted through torture will be used against the father of five at a retrial.

In a shock decision, Qatada pledged in May to leave Britain - with his family in tow - if and when the treaty was fully ratified, a process that to the relief of many, concluded earlier this week.

After landing at an isolated airstrip near the Jordanian capital Amman, Qatada will be transferred to the maximum security Muwaqqar prison, which houses dozens of convicted terrorists.

Qatada was takeb from Belmarsh to RAF Northolt before his deportation

It is understood that Qatada will be held in solitary confinement at the jail, until the Jordanian authorities can put him on trial.

Qatada originally fled the Middle East and arrived in the UK in 1993. He was granted asylum the following year.

His increasingly radical sermons caught the attention of the security services in Britain and in numerous other countries.

A Spanish judge described him as the "spiritual head of the mujaheddin in Britain".

A number of people arrested on terrorism offences, including British born "shoe-bomber" Richard Reid, admitted seeking religious advice from him.

His sermons were found in the Hamburg flat used by a number of the 9/11 hijackers.

In 2001, on the eve of tough new British anti-terror laws allowing for the detention without trial of foreign terror suspects, Qatada went on the run, before later being arrested and held in Belmarsh prison.

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Police Facing 'Serious Drag' On Morale

By Clare Fallon, Sky News Reporter

Police morale has been significantly undermined not just by cuts but by scandals such as the alleged smear campaign of Stephen Lawrence's family and the Hillsborough cover-up, the Police Minister has suggested.

Damien Green said recent allegations involving the improper behaviour of the police have had a "really serious drag" on serving officers as well as harming public confidence in them.

In an exclusive interview with Sky News, the minister said that despite complaints by the Police Federation that cuts are harming frontline officers, crime is falling.

He added that the historic actions of some members of the police have significantly contributed to discontent among the ranks.

"Morale is always difficult at a time when you've got difficult spending decisions to be made but also I think recently the various allegations we've seen about the way the police behaved in the past are a really serious drag not just on morale but on public confidence," he said.

"So we will take steps to make sure the police are more transparent, to make sure that there's a proper code of ethics that everyone knows about and everyone knows the detail of how they should be behaving ... so we can carry on changing the culture so again like a modern public service the police are self-confident and open and transparent."

Last year, it emerged that South Yorkshire police officers had attempted to cover up details of their role in the Hillsborough disaster that left 96 Liverpool fans dead in 1989.

The Met Police has been accused of smearing the family of Stephen Lawrence

And last month, the Metropolitan Police was accused of using undercover officers to try to smear the family of the murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence during the investigation into his death in 1993.

Both cases are now the subject of investigations.

But the Chairman of the Police Federation - which represents rank and file officers - insists cuts are having a major impact.

Steve Williams told Sky News the police service has shouldered more than its fair share. 

"Bobbies are feeling aggrieved at what they perceive to be attacks by the Government on the service. We're facing the comprehensive spending review second round of cuts and we feel that they've been too deep, too fast - and they've affected service delivery."

Mr Williams concedes though that negative headlines about the conduct of police have also had an impact.

"It doesn't help when things are reported in the media about some misdemeanours ... that (are) police officers in the minority and it's right and proper that we get rid of those. But that said, the media tend to suggest that it's the whole of the police service and that does tend to affect morale. That in conjunction with the attacks on pay, terms and conditions of police officers clearly does have an effect on morale up and down the country."

But Mr Green hit back at the Police Federation claims, saying it has resisted Government cuts and changes to working practices.

"It's a quasi-trade union so you would expect it to say those sorts of things. But actually individual officers going about their day to day business are reforming, are doing things differently.

"We've seen, for instance, forces taking up cameras worn on the body so they can record evidence much more efficiently. It's that kind of willing adoption of new technology that helps to make the police more efficient and that's why crime is falling."

There are 12,500 fewer police officers since the coalition came to power

According to figures released by the Home Office earlier this year, the number of police officers in England and Wales has fallen to its lowest level in 11 years. 

Since the coalition came to power in 2010 there has been a decrease of more than 12,500 police officers. 

Speaking ahead of a major conference this week on the future of the policing, Mr Green said the service needs to be brought into the 21st century. 

"We've been doing hugely radical reform to the police for the past three years and it's working - crime has fallen by more than 10%. And doing that at a time when we all know the squeeze is on public spending and the police have had to bear their share of that - that's huge credit to everyone involved. But that reform needs to carry on. We can't stand still.

"Obviously any change is difficult. Change at a time of austerity is going to be difficult. But the fact is crime has continued to fall despite all the reforms. Some of them have involved painful decisions but nevertheless if you can release the police to do their job by cutting bureaucracy, by organising them better so they can get out on the streets, then what you see is more effective policing. And that's what we've been seeing."

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