Storm: Train Companies Warn Of Cancellations

Southern Railway and South West Trains have both warned of cancellations and disruption ahead of the approaching storm.

Southern said it was "highly unlikely" it would  run services early on Monday morning.

The train operator, which serves Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Hampshire and London, said it had been advised that "trees and other debris may fall on and obstruct railway lines".

Storm clouds gathering over Brighton earlier Pic: Phil Beaven ‏@beevr001

An amber weather warning has been issued across large parts of England and Wales as a hurricane-strength storm builds over the Atlantic and moves towards Britain.

A Southern statement said: "As a result of this, we will not be running any services tomorrow until the storm has passed our region, and Network Rail has been able to assess any damage from the storm and confirm that lines are clear of debris."

"It is therefore highly unlikely that we will run any services before at least 0900 tomorrow morning.

"And even when we are cleared to run, the first services will be very disjointed given the difficulties in getting trains and their crew to the right locations."

South West Trains has warned people not to travel at all on Monday and said it would be running a "significantly reduced timetable ... with the majority of services not expected to run until at least 0800".

Rough seas at Porthleven, Cornwall

It said trains across its network would be running slower than normal and observing a 50mph speed limit in case of debris on the track.

South West services, such as the route between Salisbury and Bristol, have already been cancelled.

Some have the compared the approaching storm  to the Great Storm of 1987, when 18 people died and thousands of homes were without power for several days.

Veteran weatherman Michael Fish famously failed to predict its severity before it flattened trees, knocked out power and left 22 people dead in England and France.

This time he has warned people to "batten down the hatches" and to delay their journey by two or three hours on Monday morning.

The storm will intensify very quickly when it reaches the UK

He told Sky News' Murnaghan show: "There is certainly a severe storm on the way - and we certainly do need to worry about it.

"If you draw a line from about Aberystwyth to the Humber - everywhere south of there looks like getting affected by strong winds, to the north of that the problem is going to be heavy rain and localised flooding.

"These strong winds aren't going to last all that long, but they are going to be unfortunately getting up around about rush hour time, so the message we're trying to convey at the moment is to delay your journey just by two or three hours in the morning, and then you should be safe."

His comments were echoed by senior fire chiefs who have urged people to stay indoors if possible, and to take extra care if venturing out.

Meteorologists have warned the fierce winds of up to 80mph and torrential rain could leave a trail of destruction, damaging buildings and bringing down trees and power lines.

Roads may also be hit by flash flooding, bringing rush hour traffic on Monday morning to a halt, and homes could be flooded.

An amber warning is in place across the southern half of England and Wales

Prime Minister David Cameron said he had chaired a call with Government departments and agencies to hear about their plans to "ensure people are protected from tonight's storm".

He was updated on preparations and contingency planning for transport, schools. hospitals, councils and power supplies.

Mr Cameron was told that the storm could have "a widespread impact", but that transport providers, local Government, emergency services and power companies had plans in place to respond.

The much-anticipated storm - which the Met Office has said will affect Britain on Sunday night and Monday morning - has been named St Jude after the patron saint of lost causes, whose feast day is tomorrow.

Insurance companies have advised households to take steps to protect themselves and their property.

People should also establish evacuation plans, place valuable items upstairs to limit flood damage and ensure gutters are clear so water can drain away.

The Environment Agency says 20-40mm of rain could fall within six to nine hours.

It has been compared to the Great Storm of 1987

It has teams working to minimise river flood risk, clearing debris from streams and unblocking culverts, and are closely monitoring water levels so they are ready to issue flood warnings if necessary.

A spokesman said: "Seafronts, quaysides and jetties should be avoided due to the risk of overtopping by waves and wind-blown shingle."

Severe weather alerts are in place, with an amber warning, meaning "be prepared", for the southern half of England and Wales.

A yellow warning, meaning "be aware", has been issued for the rest of Wales and England up to the border with Scotland.

Ferry services between Plymouth and Roscoff, as well as Penzance and the Isles of Scilly, have been cancelled.

Brittany Ferries, which runs the Plymouth-Roscoff route, said on its website: "We are in the process of contacting all passengers booked on these sailings. We apologise for the inconvenience the cancellation of these services will cause."

Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler said: "The storm is coming through at the worst possible time; from around midnight to midday on Monday.

"So Monday morning's rush hour looks like being chaotic with travel and power interruptions anticipated.

"The public are advised to take the greatest care - and to carry a fully charged mobile if travel is necessary.

"Winds gusting at 80mph are quite capable of bringing down trees and power lines and causing structural damage.

"Trees are still full in leaf at this time of year and the ground is quite damp so there is more chance they can be ripped from the ground, and branches ripped from trees."

She said Atlantic storms of this type usually develop further west across the ocean, losing strength by the time they reach the UK and Ireland.

But the storm is expected to intensify near to the mainland before it hits the south-west coast with full force and sweeps north-east across the country, with a strong jetstream and warm air close to the UK contributing to its development and strength.

Darron Burness, head of the AA's flood rescue team, said: "The timing couldn't really be worse, potentially causing significant travel disruption on Monday morning, which is one of the busiest times on the roads."

The Metropolitan Police has urged people to avoid calling 999 during the storm unless there is a real emergency.

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Recruitment Drive For 11,000 New Army Reserves

By Alistair Bunkall, Defence Correspondent

One of the largest military recruitment events of its kind has been held in London to help the Ministry of Defence increase the number of Reserve forces.

Hundreds of soldiers, sailors and airmen from London-based Reserve regiments took part in the day at Horse Guards Parade. It included a parachute jump from a Lynx helicopter by four Reservists.

As part of plans for 'Future Force 2020', the government is hoping to increase the number of the Army Reserve from its current size of 19,000 to 30,000.

The Air Force Auxiliary is to expand to 1,800 personnel and the Navy's Maritime Reserve to 3,100. These recruits will offset large redundancies for regular servicemen and women in all three services. The Army will shrink to 82,000 soldiers from 110,000.

It is a plan that has been widely criticised from a number of corners, and there is considerable doubt over the ability of the military to hit the recruitment targets.

A gunner from the Royal Artillery prepares to fire his light artillery gun

The most up-to-date figures will be released next month, but it's generally thought that only a few hundred new recruits have signed up this year, well short of the numbers needed.

As part of the plans, the name of the Territorial Army is changing to Reserve Force in keeping with the new image.

£1.8bn has been committed over 10 years to supplement training and equipment for Reserve soldiers in order that will receive the same level of kit as their regular counterparts.

The number of overseas training exercises will increase to 22 per year from seven last year. But this, and any operational deployments, would put increased strain on small businesses.

To compensate for that, the Ministry of Defence is offering a financial package to any companies losing staff to Reservist duty. This would allow them to recruit temporary replacement workers.

A gunner from the Royal Artillery carries a high explosive shell

Speaking ahead of the recruitment event, the Defence Secretary Philip Hammond defended the controversial plans for the Reserve force.

"We are completely revitalising our Reserve Forces, growing their trained strength with fresh incentives, better pay and more opportunities for working and training alongside Regulars," he said.

"This exhibition highlights just how many fantastic opportunities there are for anyone looking for a rewarding, challenging and exciting second career."

Reservists will be expected to operate alongside their regular colleagues and perform the same role regardless of their part-time nature.

In an interview last month, Andrew Cameron, the Chief Executive of Combat Stress, warned that reservists are twice as likely to suffer mental health problems and predicted a growth in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cases if the Reserve Force was expanded.

The Ministry of Defence references other countries, such as the United States, which has a large and successful Reserve element to its military.

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William: England Team Can Inspire The Nation

The Duke of Cambridge says the England football team could inspire the nation as British Olympians and Paralympians did at London 2012.

Speaking at the Football Association's 150th anniversary gala, Prince William, who is the FA president, said: "Our national players are role models for millions of young people and I think we need to give those highly pressured and driven players the support and training they need to live up to their rightly exalted status.

"We were as a nation so proud of our Team GB athletes at the Olympics and Paralympics, for their success on the field but also for the way they conducted themselves in interviews and with their competitors.

"It is perfectly possible to say the same about our national teams - they are good people, ambitious for success and to a man and woman aware of their status as role models."

Dozens of dignitaries including FIFA boss Sepp Blatter attended the gala

The gala event was staged at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London, the site where the founding fathers of English football met in 1863.

As well as congratulating Roy Hodgson's England on reaching next summer's World Cup finals in Brazil, William also praised FA chairman Greg Dyke's commission to look into improving the fortunes of the national side.

"I am glad to see that, under the new chairman and commission, there is renewed vigour to improve the competitive quality of our national game, for all our sakes.

"But I would also encourage us to make sure we retain sportsmanship at the heart of this energetic drive for success.

"Regrettably, Her Majesty's reign includes only one time that England won the World Cup, but I know that Greg and Roy are trying to make up for lost time now."

The Prince is president of the FA

William said he was "heartened" to see how seriously the FA and other organisations are trying to stamp out racism and discrimination in the game, but said there is "sadly more work to do".

His comments came after Manchester City's Yaya Toure complained of fans making monkey noises during his team's midweek Champions League victory over CSKA Moscow in Russia.

England manager Roy Hodgson hailed William as a "tremendous supporter" of the national side when he took his turn to speak at the gala dinner on Saturday evening.

Hodgson revealed the second in the line to the throne also offered his congratulations after England qualified for the World Cup next summer, but steered clear of predicting any success in Brazil.

"We obviously spoke about the qualification. The Prince has been a tremendous supporter all the way through and has been up at St George's Park (the National Football Centre) to meet us, and I have thanked him for that once again this evening.

"He sent me a letter to congratulate us on the qualification and has also just given his congratulations once again and praised us on achieving the goal we set out to reach: Brazil."

Prince George with his proud parents

William's speech came as Buckingham Palace released a new portrait of Prince George with his parents following his christening at Clarence House.

The photo shows George smiling at his mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, with William by her side.

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Miller Redpath: Body Found In Back Garden

Police searching for a missing teenager have found a body in his overgrown back garden.

Public schoolboy Miller Redpath, 18, went missing from his family home in Wenhaston in Suffolk in August.

Suffolk Police said an officer went to the house on Thursday as part of their inquiries and found the body during a search of the garden.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out, however the cause of death remains unknown, police said in a statement.

"At this stage the death is still being treated as unexplained," the statement said.

"Officers have not yet been able to identify the deceased and further tests are required, however early indications suggest that it is the body of 18-year-old Miller Redpath.

"Further searches are taking place at the property and specialist trained officers continue to support Miller's mother at this difficult time."

The discovery comes after Mr Redpath's mother made an emotional appeal for information about her son's disappearance.

"I think he went out purposefully to do something, in order to return shortly, and something went horribly wrong," Anastasia Miller said earlier this month.

"Everything was on track for him as he was doing well at school, he was thinking of London University, had lots of friends and I just don't understand what happened," she added.

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Twitter Mistake: Police Sorry For Immigrant Tweet

Police have apologised after they were branded "racist" for sending a tweet saying "Officers 1 Immigrants 0".

The offending message was sent out by an officer at Guildford Police via the Surrey force's official Twitter account during an operation against illegal immigrants.

It was accompanied by the hashtag 'We Will Catch Up With You' and followed the arrests of eight people at a mobile carwash in Sainsbury's in Burpham.

The post said: "re the last tweet. the PCSO was 13331 Mullard and the help of colleagues from the town team. Officers 1 Imigrants 0!!"

After the posting, on Thursday night, scores of people replied to the Guildford Beat police site, accusing them of racism.

One user called @TOCSmusic said "this is one of the single worst tweets ever sent".

Tanya Dale wrote: "DISGUSTING, racism alive and kicking and on display, no more police just government minions."

Another person, Bijou Banton, tweeted: "you are a disgrace and should be ashamed of yourselves. I hope this is some kind of joke."

Dozens of others also accused Surrey officers of racism and stupidity.

The tweet was later deleted as Guildford Police posted apologies to each tweeter with messages like: "The language used in that tweet was inappropriate and has been removed. Apologies for any offence caused."

A Surrey Police spokesman told Sky News the officer "has been given some words of advice" and no disciplinary action will be taken.

In a statement, the force said: "Following a UK Border Agency led operation, supported by Surrey Police, in Guildford, the @GuildfordBeat Twitter account gave an update about the incident to members of the public.

"The language used in a subsequent tweet was inappropriate, it was quickly removed and an apology issued."

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Fat-Fighting Strategy To Slim Down Nation

By David Bowden, Senior Correspondent

A dozen of the biggest food manufacturers and retailers have pledged to cut the amount of saturated fat in their products.

The Department of Health says the move will cut enough fat to fill one-and-a-half swimming pools from our diets and save thousands of people from heart disease.

Supermarket giants Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons are among those who have signed up to the Government's Public Health Responsibility Deal to help improve the nation's health.

Sainsbury's director of corporate affairs, Alex Cole, says what is good for our waistline is also good for the company's bottom-line.

"There's absolutely a business case for doing this. We know our customers want products that are healthier. If we can provide them with those options, an easy way for them to make a healthy choice, we do sell more."

With one in four adults obese and one in three children obese or overweight by primary school leaving age, Britain is regularly mocked as a nation of fatties.

But the Government is clear this is not diet by diktat, and health minister Jane Ellison insists this is not about the 'nanny state'.

"We're not trying to tell people, from Whitehall, exactly what they should be eating or manufacturing, this is about us working together with industry to actually try and give people more options to lead a healthier life," she said.

Sainsbury's 'traffic light' system has proved effective

According to NHS Choices, the maximum recommended daily amount of saturated fat for a man is 30g and for a woman it is 20g, yet most Britons eat 20% more than that.

A survey done by Sainsbury's to coincide with the latest phase of the Public Health Responsibility Deal says that most people are confused by which are good fats and which aren't and that one in five believes all fats are bad.

The trouble is saturated fat is the kind of fat found in some of our tastiest treats - pies, cakes, biscuits, sausages, bacon, cheese and chocolate.

But even chocolate firms are getting in on the low-fat act.

Nestle has signed up to cut down on saturates and come up with a new formula for the wafer inside KitKats, though the chocolate itself is unchanged.

But the unfortunate truth is that most of us not only eat too much, we eat too much of the wrong things and unless we start to change our eating habits we're still going to stay fat and probably die before our time.

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Man U Apologise For Swastika In Fan Email

Manchester United have apologised for a swastika-style logo published in their weekly email to fans, alongside the headline "New Order".

The controversial graphic appeared on the 'United Uncovered' email and was immediately met with outrage from fans.

New Order is closely associated with Nazism after Adolf Hitler's call during World War II for a European New Order.

The club's head of media, David Sternberg, apologised on Twitter and said an internal investigation was underway into how the email was cleared for publication.

"The creative is completely inappropriate; we apologise unreservedly and are taking appropriate internal action," he tweeted.

Senior members of the club are understood to have been shocked by the email.

Action has been taken to prevent the email being distributed any further, the club said.

The incident comes three days after Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure was subjected to monkey noises from a section of the crowd during a match in Russia.

Elsewhere, other players of African descent have had bananas thrown at them from the stands.

Tottenham Hotspur, a club with a large Jewish fanbase, has also moved to stop fans chanting the term "Yid" – a derogatory reference – during games this season.

Related Stories

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'Yid' Chants: Tottenham Fans Defy Warnings

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Prince George: New Christening Photo Released

The Royal Family has released an intimate portrait of Prince George and his parents following his christening at Clarence House.

The close-up image shows an open-mouthed George gazing at his mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, with Prince William in the background.

It comes a day after an official set of photos from the christening were released.

The photos released on Friday were taken in the Morning Room at Clarence House and include an historic photograph of the Queen beside her three male heirs.

Four generations of the Royal Family

Kate said she was relieved George behaved himself during the shoot.

"He was such a good boy actually, we're very lucky," she said.

The Duchess and Duke of Cambridge with their son Prince George

"He's not always like that but I think he enjoys all the different people and I think there was lots of action going on. He gets ... slightly distracted."

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hand-picked British photographer Jason Bell for the photo shoot.

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Energy Poll: Majority Oppose Green Levies

A large majority of consumers oppose green levies on household energy bills and support the Prime Minister's plans to "roll them back", according to a new poll.

The survey found that 60% said they are against the green taxes which add an average £112 to annual bills, compared to 18% who supported them.

Some 61% said they would support the repeal of some of the levies, against 11% who would not.

Of the 1,000 people questioned, 40% prefer David Cameron's approach to the issue, 33% support Labour leader Ed Miliband, who is promising a price freeze and 7% back Liberal Democrat Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who has indicated he will fight to protect the green taxes.

Some 35% said Mr Miliband's plan for a 20-month freeze on prices following the 2015 general election would help keep the cost of bills down, but 54% said that energy companies would get round it by raising prices before or after the freeze period.

Four of the Big Six energy firms have raised their prices so far

The Survation poll for the Mail on Sunday revealed almost three-quarters (72%) believe energy prices will affect the way they vote in the general election.

It found more people blame the energy companies (59%) than either the current government (15%) or the previous Labour administration (15%) for the spiralling cost of gas and electricity.

The survey came as energy minister Greg Barker promised to "come down like a ton of bricks" on energy firms which are stockpiling cash from customers' direct debits.

Unless customers ask for the money back, energy companies are able to hold on to sums from monthly payments in excess of the amount owed for power used, and are able to earn interest on the money while it is sitting in their accounts.

Industry observers believe the total held could be as high as £2bn.

The Big Six suppliers are being summoned to talks with ministers about the issue, and Whitehall sources told the Mail on Sunday they could face fines or be encouraged to pay customers interest on the money.

Mr Barker told the paper: "Customers will rightly feel outraged that they signed up to direct debit payments for cheap tariffs but instead find their cash stockpiled.

"We need to stamp this out now and energy firms must come clean on how much cash they are sitting on. If we find serious abuse, rest assured we will come down on them like a ton of bricks."

An Npower spokesman said the company automatically refunds customers with over £60 credit.

A Scottish Power spokesman said it pays a customer £1 for every full multiple of £33 above a minimum credit value of £100 - to the maximum payout of £12 for a credit balance of £496.

An SSE spokesman said if customers are more than £100 in credit, they are automatically refunded the credit back to their bank account.

A British Gas spokesman said: "The amount of time customers are in debit far outweighs the amount of time customers are in credit."

And an EDF spokesman said: "Monthly direct debits are the cheapest way for people to pay their bills."

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Boots Sells Sperm Count DIY Fertility Kit

A DIY male fertility test has gone on sale in Britain, allowing men to carry out sperm count checks at home for the first time.

The SpermCheck fertility kit went on sale in Boots stores across the UK this weekend.

The kit takes 10 minutes to test if a man has a normal or below normal sperm count.

The US-designed kit - which looks similar to a home pregnancy test - is able to determine with 98% accuracy whether a man has a low sperm count or not.

However, the test is unable to determine the health of the sperm.

Around one in six couples in the UK have difficulty conceiving a child.

Up to a fifth of young men suffer from a low sperm count, defined as having fewer than 20 million sperm per millilitre of semen.

A low sperm count or poor sperm quality is the cause of infertility in about 20% of couples in the UK, and is a contributory factor in a further 25% of couples.

SpermCheck chief executive Ray Lopez told the Mail on Sunday: "With this test we can truly help couples suffering from infertility.

"A lot of the time, the woman is the one who is burdened with finding out what is wrong, but the reality of the situation is that in 40% to 60% of cases, male factor infertility is to blame."

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