The Independent makesAs Blair leaves clear its feelings as Tony Blair leaves the White House for the last time
NO BLAIR
As Tony Blair left Washington yesterday for his last visit as Prime Minister, the Bush administration was acting to scupper international efforts to combat climate change.
Less than 24 hours earlier, Mr Blair had basked in the apparent support of President George Bush for his stated aim of avoiding catastrophic global warming. But it seems his appeals have fallen on deaf ears. While Mr Bush was eulogising his friend in the White House rose garden, the President's delegation at a United Nations meeting in Bonn was working to stop any progress on setting up a carbon trading scheme and emissions caps.
Harlan Watson, President Bush's chief climate negotiator, rejected any caps on US emissions or participation in carbon trading. "That's not our agenda," he said.
Less than 24 hours earlier, Mr Blair had basked in the apparent support of President George Bush for his stated aim of avoiding catastrophic global warming. But it seems his appeals have fallen on deaf ears. While Mr Bush was eulogising his friend in the White House rose garden, the President's delegation at a United Nations meeting in Bonn was working to stop any progress on setting up a carbon trading scheme and emissions caps.
Harlan Watson, President Bush's chief climate negotiator, rejected any caps on US emissions or participation in carbon trading. "That's not our agenda," he said.
The Guardian leads with the story of
'Welcome to Tehran' - how Iran took control of Basra
On a recent overcast afternoon in Basra, two new police SUVs drove onto a dusty, rubbish-strewn football pitch where a group of children were playing. The game stopped and the kids looked on.
Three men in white dishdashas got out of one of the cars. One, holding a Kalashnikov, stood guard as the other two removed some metal tubes and cables from the back of a vehicle. As the two men fiddled with the wires, the man with the gun waved it at a teenager who wanted to film with his mobile phone.
Then, amid cries of "Moqtada, Moqtada" and "Allahu Akbar", there were two thunderous explosions and a pair of Katyusha rockets streaked up into the sky. Their target would be the British base in Saddam Hussein's former palace compound. Their landing place could be anywhere in Basra, and was most likely to be a civilian home.
The men got back in their cars and drove away, and the children resumed their match.
Three men in white dishdashas got out of one of the cars. One, holding a Kalashnikov, stood guard as the other two removed some metal tubes and cables from the back of a vehicle. As the two men fiddled with the wires, the man with the gun waved it at a teenager who wanted to film with his mobile phone.
Then, amid cries of "Moqtada, Moqtada" and "Allahu Akbar", there were two thunderous explosions and a pair of Katyusha rockets streaked up into the sky. Their target would be the British base in Saddam Hussein's former palace compound. Their landing place could be anywhere in Basra, and was most likely to be a civilian home.
The men got back in their cars and drove away, and the children resumed their match.
Maddy though continues to dominate
Web squatters exploit Madeleine campaign reports the Times
Unscrupulous businesses are cashing in on the interest in the internet campaign to find Madeleine McCann by attempting to trick the millions of visitors with bogus websites.
By yesterday afternoon the Find Madeleine website, findmadeleine.com, had received more than 75 million hits in its first 48 hours, making it one of the most popular destinations on the internet. It gives details of the search for Madeleine since she was abducted from an Algarve holiday apartment 16 days ago.
However, more than 20 websites with similar names have been created in the past three days to promote businesses including chat rooms, estate agents and dating sites.
By yesterday afternoon the Find Madeleine website, findmadeleine.com, had received more than 75 million hits in its first 48 hours, making it one of the most popular destinations on the internet. It gives details of the search for Madeleine since she was abducted from an Algarve holiday apartment 16 days ago.
However, more than 20 websites with similar names have been created in the past three days to promote businesses including chat rooms, estate agents and dating sites.
The Mail leads with the same story
Sick web hijackers cash in on Madeleine
The desperate search for Madeleine McCann has been hijacked by conmen cashing in on her family's heartache.
The official website, launched to help find the missing four-year-old, has received more than 70million visits in three days.
In a sickening ploy a series of Internet sites with similar names have been created to exploit its high profile.
The official website, launched to help find the missing four-year-old, has received more than 70million visits in three days.
In a sickening ploy a series of Internet sites with similar names have been created to exploit its high profile.
Whilst the Mirror claims that
CAN I SEE MUMMY SOON?
Tourist says she saw Madeleine in Morocco..pleading with a man
Tourist says she saw Madeleine in Morocco..pleading with a man
TOURIST is convinced she saw Madeleine McCann in Morocco - begging a man: "Can I see mummy soon?"
Marie Olli, 45, says the little blonde girl was in pyjamas and standing with a scruffy man in his 30s at a petrol station ten days ago.
She said yesterday: "I am sure it was Madeleine. She was a sweet girl with a very cute face. She was standing alone with a man about a metre from her. She looked sad and a little lost." Marie, left, said the girl turned to the man and said: "Can I see mummy soon?" She added: "When he saw me looking he turned away so I couldn't see his face."
Marie Olli, 45, says the little blonde girl was in pyjamas and standing with a scruffy man in his 30s at a petrol station ten days ago.
She said yesterday: "I am sure it was Madeleine. She was a sweet girl with a very cute face. She was standing alone with a man about a metre from her. She looked sad and a little lost." Marie, left, said the girl turned to the man and said: "Can I see mummy soon?" She added: "When he saw me looking he turned away so I couldn't see his face."
The Express reports on a
MADDY ALIBI SHOCK
THE main suspect at the centre of the Madeleine McCann investigation asked a number of people to give him an alibi for the night she was snatched, it emerged yesterday.
And questions were raised after reports that Robert Murat, above, had telephone conversations with Russian Sergey Malinka soon after the child went missing – despite saying they hadn’t spoken for months.News of 33-year-old Murat’s shocking attempts to cover his tracks led a police source to say yesterday: “This was one more incident which led to suspicions falling on him.”
Come home sister says the front page of the Sun
LITTLE Amelie McCann clutches her big sister Madeleine’s favourite “Cuddle Cat” soft toy yesterday — and wishes the missing tot was back with her.
Amelie was walking with mum Kate, 38, in Praia da Luz, Portugal, from where Maddie, four, was snatched on May 3. Police were last night investigating a possible sighting of her in Morocco.
Amelie was walking with mum Kate, 38, in Praia da Luz, Portugal, from where Maddie, four, was snatched on May 3. Police were last night investigating a possible sighting of her in Morocco.
The Telegraph leads with the story that
Tax threat to drivers using own cars for work
Millions of drivers who use their own cars for work face sharply increased taxes under proposals being considered by ministers, it was confirmed last night.
Even those doing voluntary work could be caught by a scheme drawn up by Revenue and Customs.
Those who could be affected range from salesman to vicars in sprawling rural parishes.
Should the idea be adopted, a motorist driving 10,000 miles a year for an employer could face an additional tax bill of £500 to £1,500 annually.
The plans were described as another "stealth tax" by Chris Grayling, the Tory transport spokesman.
Those who could be affected range from salesman to vicars in sprawling rural parishes.
Should the idea be adopted, a motorist driving 10,000 miles a year for an employer could face an additional tax bill of £500 to £1,500 annually.
The plans were described as another "stealth tax" by Chris Grayling, the Tory transport spokesman.
Yesterday's vote in the Commons preoccupies a number of the papers
MPs vote themselves exemption from Freedom of Information law says the Independent
Britain's fledgling open government laws were delivered a serious blow yesterday when MPs, backed by government ministers, voted to grant themselves a blanket exemption from the legislation. The move was roundly condemned by freedom of information campaigners and MPs opposed to the measure, who said it represented an attack on democracy.
Supporters of the Bill, promoted by the former Conservative chief whip David Maclean, said the change to the law would help protect the contents of MPs' private correspondence with their constituents from being aired in public.
But the Liberal Democrat spokesman Simon Hughes said: "This has been a shameful day for the House of Commons - MPs should set an example of open government, not apply it to everybody but ourselves." And he appealed to the House of Lords to "deliver" MPs from "this terrible mistake".
Supporters of the Bill, promoted by the former Conservative chief whip David Maclean, said the change to the law would help protect the contents of MPs' private correspondence with their constituents from being aired in public.
But the Liberal Democrat spokesman Simon Hughes said: "This has been a shameful day for the House of Commons - MPs should set an example of open government, not apply it to everybody but ourselves." And he appealed to the House of Lords to "deliver" MPs from "this terrible mistake".
The Times says that
Right-to-know campaigners reacted with dismay after the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act, which was presumed doomed after a handful of MPs talked it out in the Commons last month, was forced through by MPs after a classic parliamentary duel.
Maurice Frankel, of the Campaign for Freedom of Information, afterwards accused MPs of giving themselves protection they denied to those they represented and accused Ministers of secretly colluding with its Tory sponsor to let it pass.
“I cannot believe that a Government that is serious about freedom of information would have allowed that to happen,” Mr Frankel told The Times.
Maurice Frankel, of the Campaign for Freedom of Information, afterwards accused MPs of giving themselves protection they denied to those they represented and accused Ministers of secretly colluding with its Tory sponsor to let it pass.
“I cannot believe that a Government that is serious about freedom of information would have allowed that to happen,” Mr Frankel told The Times.
The same paper reveals that
Gangbusters pick out 1,600 crime bosses
Britain’s gangbusters have identified a top tier of 1,600 underworld bosses at the heart of a multibillion-pound black economy fuelled by drugs, human trafficking and fraud.
Senior officers in the new Serious Organised Crime Agency say that the majority are Britons and many still operate in Britain rather than working from bases abroad. They include members of the Adams family in London and Turkish drug clans.
As Soca issued its first annual report yesterday, investigators said that 160 crime bosses were already at the centre of operations, that arrests had been made and more investigations would begin. The report shows that the bosses head an underworld in which contract killings and kidnaps to settle debts are regular occurrences. Soca officers and police prevented 35 murders last year and worked on 335 abductions.
Senior officers in the new Serious Organised Crime Agency say that the majority are Britons and many still operate in Britain rather than working from bases abroad. They include members of the Adams family in London and Turkish drug clans.
As Soca issued its first annual report yesterday, investigators said that 160 crime bosses were already at the centre of operations, that arrests had been made and more investigations would begin. The report shows that the bosses head an underworld in which contract killings and kidnaps to settle debts are regular occurrences. Soca officers and police prevented 35 murders last year and worked on 335 abductions.
Another current favourite topic is prominent in the Telegraph
'We cannot police new home seller packs'
The Home Information Packs (HIPs) scheme was facing new difficulties last night after officials admitted that they lacked the resources to police the scheme which is due in a fortnight.
Home sellers who market their properties without a pack after June 1 will be liable for a £200 fine. Persistent offenders could be fined repeatedly. The Trading Standards Institute (TSI) said yesterday that its members would not be able to cope with the demand, and that it doubted the viability of the scheme.
"We anticipate that the volume of demand for trading standards advice and support will outstrip its capacity to deliver," said Ron Gainsford, the chief executive of the TSI.
"We anticipate that the volume of demand for trading standards advice and support will outstrip its capacity to deliver," said Ron Gainsford, the chief executive of the TSI.
According to the Guardian though
Lords defeat expected over home information packs
Ministers are facing fresh turmoil over the introduction of home information packs for house sellers, amid indications that Tory and Lib Dem peers will lead a successful revolt against the measure next Tuesday in the Lords.
Lady Scott, the Lib Dem spokesperson for local government in the Lords, said the Lib Dems would vote for the Tory motion calling for Hips to be scrapped.
Ministers will still be able to bypass the defeat and proceed with the introduction of the packs, including energy performance certificates, on June 1.
Lady Scott, the Lib Dem spokesperson for local government in the Lords, said the Lib Dems would vote for the Tory motion calling for Hips to be scrapped.
Ministers will still be able to bypass the defeat and proceed with the introduction of the packs, including energy performance certificates, on June 1.
Whilst staying in the home,the Express tells us
HOW NOSIY NEIGHBOURS DRIVE US UP THE WALL
AS many as a million people each year move house to escape their noisy neighbours.
The growing din surrounding our homes is now a problem for more than 70 per cent of local households, according to a survey.Noise from cars and motorbikes is the most common cause of annoyance. But music and shouting from nearby pubs, clubs and entertainment venues is a source of increasing complaints.
Tragedy for the viewing public as the Times reports
Strewth! Neighbours quits the BBC
It was an announcement of such import that the head of BBC One delivered it in person on the news. After 21 years as a daytime fixture on the BBC, Neighbours is moving to a commercial channel.
Five has poached the Australian soap opera that launched Kylie Minogue to stardom after the BBC dropped out of a bidding war, citing an “unrealistic price demand” when the price rose from £25,000 to £75,000 per episode – £300 million over eight years.
Five has poached the Australian soap opera that launched Kylie Minogue to stardom after the BBC dropped out of a bidding war, citing an “unrealistic price demand” when the price rose from £25,000 to £75,000 per episode – £300 million over eight years.
The Telegraph reports that
Hoard of treasure 'found on wreck off Cornwall'
One of the greatest mysteries in treasure hunting history appeared to have been solved yesterday after deep-sea explorers said they had recovered 17 tons of gold and silver coins worth £250 million from a shipwreck off Cornwall.
Salvage companies have spent years looking for the wreck of Merchant Royal, an English ship known as the "Eldorado of the seas", which sank in bad weather near the Isles of Scilly in 1641 as it was returning to Dartmouth laden with treasure from Mexico
Salvage companies have spent years looking for the wreck of Merchant Royal, an English ship known as the "Eldorado of the seas", which sank in bad weather near the Isles of Scilly in 1641 as it was returning to Dartmouth laden with treasure from Mexico
The Mirror reports that
LEAVING PREZZENT
EXCLUSIVE: OUTGOING DEPUTY OFF ON ONE LAST CARIBBEAN JUNKET
EXCLUSIVE: OUTGOING DEPUTY OFF ON ONE LAST CARIBBEAN JUNKET
JOHN Prescott is enjoying a final taxpayer-funded junket to the Caribbean this weekend.
The disgraced Deputy Prime Minister is going to Barbados to commemorate the abolition of slavery.
The Lib Dems have tabled a series of parliamentary questions demanding to know if Prezza will pay his own way.
But yesterday his department refused to confirm whether he was travelling to Barbados.
The disgraced Deputy Prime Minister is going to Barbados to commemorate the abolition of slavery.
The Lib Dems have tabled a series of parliamentary questions demanding to know if Prezza will pay his own way.
But yesterday his department refused to confirm whether he was travelling to Barbados.
Paul McCartney features in a number of the papers
MACCA'S MY FATHER
..AND HE'S FAKED A PATERNITY TEST TO AVOID THE TRUTH BETTINA'S NEW PROBE CALL reports the same paper
..AND HE'S FAKED A PATERNITY TEST TO AVOID THE TRUTH BETTINA'S NEW PROBE CALL reports the same paper
SIR PAUL McCartney is being investigated over claims he faked a paternity test to deny he had a German daughter.
Prosecutors there are now looking into fresh claims that he is the father of 44-year-old Bettina Hubers.
She says he had an affair with her waitress mother Erika while the Beatles played in Hamburg.
A court there ruled in 1983 that he was not her dad after he took two separate paternity tests.
But Bettina now claims that Sir Paul, 64, sent a double to give the blood and tissue samples.
Prosecutors there are now looking into fresh claims that he is the father of 44-year-old Bettina Hubers.
She says he had an affair with her waitress mother Erika while the Beatles played in Hamburg.
A court there ruled in 1983 that he was not her dad after he took two separate paternity tests.
But Bettina now claims that Sir Paul, 64, sent a double to give the blood and tissue samples.
The Guardian features an interview with the ex Beatle
'There is a tunnel and there is light, and i will get there'
McCartney is about to release his most personal album, and the rumour mill has been buzzing - it's his revenge on Mills, it's all about their split, and everything he's endured. In fact, the album is about everything but Heather. On Memory Almost Full, he revisits his childhood, his family, John, George and Ringo, Linda, he anticipates his own death and talks about how he would like to be remembered. If Memory Almost Full were a short film, it would feature a contented old man rocking in a chair on his porch, contemplating the past and the future.
Finally the story that wont go away courtesy of the Sun
Jose's dog flees to Portugal
JOSE Mourinho’s dog was flown on a private jet to Portugal yesterday at a cost of £20,000.
Yorkshire terrier Leya — which had been wanted by authorities over fears it had broken rabies rules — was whisked away from Heathrow by Mourinho’s wife Tami.
The pooch had been hidden since a police raid on Tuesday night by Mourinho, who was arrested and cautioned for obstructing cops.
Sources close to the family said Tami, 41, would be joined by the Chelsea chief and their two kids after today’s FA Cup Final against Manchester United.
Yorkshire terrier Leya — which had been wanted by authorities over fears it had broken rabies rules — was whisked away from Heathrow by Mourinho’s wife Tami.
The pooch had been hidden since a police raid on Tuesday night by Mourinho, who was arrested and cautioned for obstructing cops.
Sources close to the family said Tami, 41, would be joined by the Chelsea chief and their two kids after today’s FA Cup Final against Manchester United.
