Labour Would Restore 50p Top Rate Tax

Labour would restore the 50p top rate of tax if it gets into power at the next general election, the shadow chancellor has confirmed.

Ed Balls made the announcement in a pitch to run Britain's economy, during which he promised to balance the nation's books and cut national debt.

In his speech to the Fabian Society's annual conference in central London, he described Labour as the "party of radical economic change" and said it was "speaking up ... for working people" facing a "cost of living crisis".

He said the country is "crying out for real and lasting change" and claimed the Prime Minister and the Chancellor are "out of touch" with voters.

Mr Balls said: "When the deficit is still high, when tough times are now set to last well into the next parliament, when for ordinary families their real incomes are falling and taxes have risen, it cannot be right for David Cameron and George Osborne to have chosen to give the richest people in the country a huge tax cut.

"That's why, for the next parliament, the next Labour government will reverse this government's top rate tax cut so we can finish the job of getting the deficit down and do it fairly.

"For the next parliament, we will restore the 50p top rate ... reversing this unfair tax cut for the richest 1% of people in the country."

Danny Alexander: 'Labour would undermine the foundations of recovery'.

In his speech, Mr Balls said Labour would introduce a 10p starting rate of tax, which he claims would "help make work pay and cut taxes for 24 million people on middle and lower incomes".

He also announced Labour would create the British Investment Bank to support small businesses, commit to building 200,000 new homes a year by 2020 and expand free childcare for working parents to 25 hours a week.

"By supporting the long-term growth that will earn our way to higher living standards and help reduce the deficit, by rooting out waste in public spending, by making fairer choices on tax and benefit reform ... Labour can change Britain," he said.

The 50p - or 50% - "additional rate" tax, which is payable on income above £150,000, was cut to 45% on April 6 last year.

Mr Osborne abolished the higher rate, introduced by Labour in 2010, in his 2012 Budget, amid claims it raised just a third of the £3bn initially predicted.

"No Chancellor can justify a tax rate that damages our economy and raises next to nothing," the Chancellor said at the time.

Liberal Democrat Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, said: "It seems Labour have learned nothing from the last few years and would undermine the foundations of Britain's economic recovery.

"The coalition's economic strategy is dealing with the catastrophic mess we inherited from Labour. The action taken by Liberal Democrats in government is the foundation for the economic recovery that is now underway and helping more British people find work than ever before.

"Labour's answer is to borrow more over a longer period, which will leave a higher burden of debt to be dealt with by future generations.

"That is not fair or responsible. We need to stick to the plan to secure the recovery, not weaken our resolve now."

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Trader Robin Clark Shot By Hitman In Essex

A City trader has been seriously injured after being shot by a hitman at an Essex railway station.

Police believe Robin Clark, 44, was "deliberately targeted" as he got out of his car in the car park at Shenfield station at 5.50am on Friday.

The gunman, who was wearing a balaclava, fled the scene in a vehicle parked nearby.

Robin Clark suffered serious injuries. Pic: Robin Clark/Twitter

Mr Clark, who lives in Essex, works for City brokerage firm RP Martin.

He was shot in the leg and is being treated at Basildon Hospital for his injuries, which are not life-threatening.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "As he got out of the car he was approached by an unknown man and received a single gunshot to the leg."

Detective Superintendent Gary Richardson said: "At this stage we believe the victim of this assault was deliberately targeted.

"We do not believe this incident was gang-related and I would like to reassure the public that there is no reason for any undue concern.

"Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances, including the motive behind the attack."

A spokesman for RP Martin said: "We are aware of this morning's incident and are giving Robin all the support we can.

"It would not be appropriate to comment any further at this stage."

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Benefits Street Residents On Drug Charges

A number of people living in TV's Benefits Street have been charged with drug offences following a series of police raids.

Officers allegedly found class A and B drugs at properties in James Turner Street in Birmingham's Winson Green, where the documentary was filmed.

The Channel 4 show claims to reveal "the reality of life on benefits" on "one of Britain's most benefit-dependent streets".

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said the raids, which took place last June, were ordered after concerns were raised by local residents.

Following enquiries, seven people have been charged and bailed to appear before magistrates in Birmingham on February 6.

Samora Roberts, 32, was charged with conspiracy to supply a class B drug, conspiracy to supply a class A drug (crack cocaine), possession of a class A drug (diamorphine) and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.

Tina Thomas, 46, was charged with conspiracy to supply class B drugs (cannabis) and possession of ammunition without a certificate.

Charlene Wilson, 29, was charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs (crack cocaine) and class B drugs (cannabis), as well as possession of diamorphine.

Monique Walker, 28, and Marvin Scott, 37, were charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs (crack cocaine).

Omari George, 20, and Ian Wright, 38, are charged with the same offence, as well as conspiracy to supply class B drugs (cannabis).

All of those charged live in James Turner Street, except for George, who lives in Dora Road, Handsworth.

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Bear Scare As Couple Attacked Outside Home

A Scottish couple have had a brush with a bear after walking past it on the doorstep of their holiday home without even realising it was there.

CCTV footage shows Bob and Irene McKeown locking up their Californian holiday home as the creature lurks just metres from their front door.

The oblivious couple then walk towards their car, followed by the curious cub - and only realise the animal is there when it lurches towards them.

Mr McKeown said he suffered "a couple of scratches and a wee bit of bruising" after his encounter with the bear, which is believed to have been searching for food in Pasadena, near Los Angeles National Forest.

The animal, which neighbours said is a regular sight in the neighbourhood on days when rubbish is due to be collected, is not currently a risk to public safety, according to game warden Charlie Healy.

"It's just a bear knocking through a neighbourhood," he said. "We're just going to let the problem fix itself."

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Ukraine: Buildings Stormed As Protests Grow

Protesters have stormed government buildings in Ukraine amid continuing unrest in the country.

Demonstrators let off fire extinguishers against riot police as they forced their way into a regional administration office in the town of Vinnytsia, around 120 miles from the capital Kiev.

Earlier, about 100 anti-government activists rushed the country's energy ministry in Kiev, where clashes with police have continued.

President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leader Vitali Klitschko

Energy Minister Eduard Stavytsky said their actions had threatened the country's entire power supply.

Protesters also continue to occupy Kiev city hall, which they have turned into a makeshift headquarters.

Officials have warned police could storm the building to free two officers allegedly being held by demonstrators.

Until the past week, the protests had centred mainly in Kiev, with only smaller rallies elsewhere.

But following the latest clashes, a series of local government buildings have been seized in the west of the country, where support for President Viktor Yanukovych is weak.

The protest map tweeted by Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt

It is being reported Mr Yanukovych is holding new talks with the country's opposition.

He had previously announced concessions to demonstrators to try to restore calm.

Mr Yanukovych offered to reshuffle his government and to grant an amnesty to dozens of activists arrested during weeks of rioting that has left four protesters dead and dozens of police officers injured.

But opposition leader and former heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko said only Mr Yanukovych's resignation would mollify the protests.

The rallies in Kiev began in November last year after Mr Yanukovych scrapped a treaty with the European Union in favour of a bailout loan from Russia, following lobbying by Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Political activists began by calling for stronger unification with Europe rather than a new alliance with Russia but the protests have since evolved to call for Mr Yanukovych's resignation and the scrapping of harsh anti-protest legislation.

Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt suggested Mr Yanukovych was losing control over his country. He posted a map of Ukraine on Twitter showing which regions had been hit by protests.

"If Kiev regime tries a military solution to this situation, it will be very bloody and it will fail," he tweeted.

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Syria Peace Talks Get Under Way in Geneva

The two sides in Syria's bloody civil war have met for the first time at peace talks in Geneva.

The negotiations have been dogged by delays with both factions blaming each other for a lack of progress.

Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad told Sky News he was to propose the best way for the country to move forward is to hold fresh elections.

Both sides sat at a U-shaped table and the international mediator Lakhdar Brahimi addressed delegates.

The talks are being overseen by the special envoy for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi

The two sides entered and left the room through separate doors following the 30-minute session.

The talks are seen by many diplomats as the best hope for an eventual end to Syria's three-year conflict, which has left at least 130,000 people dead.

Sky's Sam Kiley said: "It's going to be a long, slow process."

Opposition spokesman Monzer Akbik said the regime had had to listen to them and the 'voice' of the Syrian people.

"The Syrian people want transition from dictatorship to democracy," he said.

He also revealed there had been no handshake.

Both sides shelved the major stumbling block regarding the future of President Bashar al Assad, to allow the talks to proceed.

Initial discussions will focus on local ceasefires and gaining access for humanitarian aid.

The major sticking point, however, remains demands for the formation of a transitional government, which had threatened to scupper the talks on Friday.

It led  the Syrian government delegation to issue an ultimatum that it would leave the summit if "serious" discussions did not start within 24 hours.

But diplomats have said even getting the sides to the same table could be considered an achievement.

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Bieber Emerges From Miami Hotel After Arrest

Justin Bieber has emerged from a private Miami hotel where he was holed-up after being bailed for driving under the influence.

The pop idol was arrested on Wednesday and charged after police said they caught him drag racing in Miami Beach, Florida, allegedly after drinking and smoking marijuana.

The 19-year-old left the boutique hotel shielded behind a bodyguard with his head covered in a red hooded top.

A crowd of screaming fans and photographers swarmed around him as he rushed, head down, into an SUV without making any comment.

Crowds throng a Miami hotel where Bieber stayed after being bail

He has thanked his fans for their support following his arrest, tweeting: "YOU ARE ALL WORTHY NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS >> BE STRONG GOD IS WITH US ALL> MY BELIEBERS CHANGED MY LIFE> I WILL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL."

Bieber posted bail of £2,500 (£1,500) on Friday after a brief court appearance where he was also accused of resisting arrest and having an expired driving license.

The Canadian-born star's latest run-in with the law could potentially see him deported from the US, according to immigration lawyers.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, violation of any US or foreign drug law - apart from the possession of a small personal amount of marijuana - is grounds for deportation.

Bieber thanks his 50 million fans for the support

"If ICE wanted to go after him, they could make a case," New York immigration lawyer Michael Wildes told ABCNews.com, referring to the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement unit.

Bieber is also under investigation for allegedly hurling eggs at a neighbour's house in Los Angeles - an incident that led police to search his mansion, where they seized illicit drugs and arrested one of his associates.

Although 50 million so-called Beliebers have thrown their support behind the singer, a petition calling for his green card to be revoked had received more than 17,000 signatures by Saturday afternoon.

The petition needs 100,000 signatures by February 22 to elicit a White House response.

Justin Bieber pictured after he was arrested. Pic: Miami Beach Police

It said: "We the people of the United States feel that we are being wrongly represented in the world of pop culture. We would like to see the dangerous, reckless, destructive, and drug abusing, Justin Bieber deported and his green card revoked.

"He is not only threatening the safety of our people but he is also a terrible influence on our nation's youth."

Bieber lives and works in the US under a so-called O-1 visa - which state's a person must "demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim" to work temporarily in the country.

Diana Scholl, of the American Civil Liberties Union in Washington, suggested Bieber could dodge deportation on account of his fame and fortune.

The singer waves to fans after his release from jail

"If convicted, another immigrant in his situation would very likely languish in immigration detention before being deported," she said on the ACLU.org website.

Immigration lawyer Stacy Tolchin, quoted in the Los Angeles Times newspaper, said a drug conviction could pose a "big problem".

But she added that while Bieber's alleged offences were "not good," they were unlikely to add up to a violation of his visa status.

Ms Tolchin said: "Let's say if it's assault, a felony assault, and he's convicted, that's a big problem... He really needs to get excellent criminal defence and an excellent immigration attorney."

Bieber's booking form after his arrest

One in 10 deportees are legal permanent residents, or "green card" holders, a majority of whom had merely committed "minor, non-violent crimes," said the Immigration Policy Center in Washington in a 2010 report.

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St Lucia: Four Charged With Roger Pratt's Murder

Four men have been charged with murdering a British yachtsman who died while trying to defend his wife from a group of suspected robbers in St Lucia.

Roger Pratt, 62, a retired engineer from Norfolk, died after being beaten by the attackers on January 17.

The four suspects, all from St Lucia, covered their faces as they entered the courtroom on the Caribbean island on Friday.

They were charged with murder and robbery offences, and will appear in court again on February 4.

Mr Pratt and his wife Margaret, from Moreton Paddox, near Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire, had docked their boat Magnetic Attraction in a harbour on the island.

Mr and Mrs Pratt were on a round-the-world sailing trip

They had hoped to leave earlier, but were delayed due to a bureaucratic hold-up.

Mr Pratt was forced to fend off attackers who boarded their boat and demanded cash and other items, police said.

Mrs Pratt found her husband floating in the water. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

A post-mortem examination revealed he died from drowning after suffering a blow to the head.

Mrs Pratt, who retired as a management consultant to go on the long-planned, round-the-world sailing trip, was also attacked and had to be treated for her injuries.

The couple's boat Magnetic Attraction

The murder has raised concerns on the island, where tourism accounts for about two-thirds of the economy.

Earlier in the week, the island's tourism minister said: "I wish to assure you that as a destination St Lucia remains relatively safe for nationals and visitors alike.

"We are fully committed to seeing this investigation through to a final conclusion."

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Somerset 'Near Breaking Point' Over Flooding

Somerset is getting towards breaking point after weeks of flooding with more heavy rain expected in the coming days, says the leader of the county council.

Residents in the village of Muchelney have been cut off for three weeks and have been reliant on volunteers in boats bringing in supplies.

Council chief John Osman told Sky News the water levels in the county are rising and they need more support from the Government.

He said: "It's been a difficult time. We've been under water for three weeks now.

"We've got the Environment Agency and Defra listening but not taking enough action.

"What I need is some money and some national support saying 'we're going to start dredging and start pumping'."

Somerset flood warnings (red) and alerts (orange). Pic: Environment Agency

The Met Office has issued an amber warning of more heavy rain for the South West on Sunday.

Forecasters said up to 2cm was predicted and they highlighted the Somerset Levels, which they said should be prepared for further flooding.

This is a rural area running south from the Mendip Hills to the Blackdown Hills.

Mr Osman added: "There's no let up in the rain coming down. The water levels on the moorlands are rising. We are getting towards breaking point."

The Somerset Levels have seen weeks of flooding this winter

Somerset County Council is campaigning for the dredging of rivers on the Levels and has recently pledged a further £500,000 towards the cost - a move backed by Sedgemoor District Council.

Sedgemoor District Council has declared a "major incident" on the Levels, with most of the area remaining under water.

A vital boat service operated by Somerset County Council, which is ferrying people to work and school, as well as taking in supplies, is continuing as the access roads are still flooded.

The Environment Agency does not have any severe flood warnings - meaning a risk to life - in force in Somerset but there are several flood warnings in place.

Muchelney village in Somerset has been cut off by floods for three weeks

An agency spokeswoman told Sky News: "We're doing everything we can to pump water off the Levels. We've got 62 pumps pumping 24/7 - our biggest pumping operation ever."

Kerry Rickards, chief executive of Sedgemoor District Council, said: "Several Sedgemoor communities have been severely affected by the floodwaters for some weeks now.

"With significant rainfall expected over the coming days we feel this situation needs to be escalated as a major incident.

"Sedgemoor District Council would like to extend its continued sympathy for the residents, business owners and farmers affected by flooding."

The council said it would continue to provide practical support to residents affected by flooding.

This includes supplying portable toilets where septic tanks are overwhelmed, sandbag collection points in villages and deliveries to the most vulnerable properties.

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Maryland Mall Shooting: Three People Killed

Three people have died, including the suspected gunman, following a shooting inside a suburban Maryland shopping mall.

Howard County Police said via Twitter that three people had been confirmed dead inside the mall in Columbia, a suburb of both Baltimore and Washington.

Police said: "One subject dead is suspected shooter."

Authorities earlier said one deceased subject was "located near gun and ammunition".

"Police are in mall to clear people out safely," read a police tweet. "Mall is believed to be secure, but people inside should wait for police."

Officers who responded to reports of an "active shooting" found the three victims upon arrival at the mall, located in the centre of town.

The identifies of those killed have not been released.

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