Police On Alert Amid Nato Summit Protest

By Rhiannon Mills, Sky Reporter

Anti-war protesters have been demonstrating in Newport, as South Wales prepares to host the Nato summit.

Around 1,000 people gathered outside the crown court before they made their way through the city.

Anti-war protesters are gathering in calls for 'world peace and justice'

As well as a strong Welsh contingent, demonstrators came from as far as the US, Belgium, France and Ireland.

Police are expecting more demonstrations this week including one on Thursday that may be "something a little more challenging" as protesters try to get to Celtic Manor Resort, which is the focus of the summit.

Adam Johannes: 'It's really important another voice is heard'

Among those taking part in Saturday's march was veteran CND campaigner Bruce Kent.

He said: "Nato's continued expansion has brought about the current problems with Russia.

"If you put yourself in their shoes, you would be concerned at the growing military presence on your doorstep.

"We need to think about peaceful ways of resolving problems not ramping matters up further with the sabre rattling that Nato have been doing.

"We need to say no to Nato and no to nuclear weapons. The money being spent on Trident would far better served in health or education."

Adam Johannes, from the Stop the War Coalition, said: "Some 60 world leaders will be meeting. They'll be making their voices heard and it's really important that another voice is heard, the voice of millions of people around the world who want peace and justice, who reject the policies put forward by our leaders.

"We think these protests are really important, not only in terms of showing world leaders but also in shaping public debate."

Some 150 dignitaries, including 67 heads of state, are due to meet next Thursday and Friday at the Celtic Manor Resort near Newport, with dinners and events also planned in Cardiff.

The summit will focus on the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the situation in Afghanistan, and security challenges across the Middle East and North Africa. Representatives from all 28 Nato countries are attending.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Armitt, the police officer in charge, has described it as one of the largest security operations in British history, and "completely uncharted territory".

He told Sky News: "There is huge confidence in the UK's ability to deliver a quality security operation around major events, if you look at the Commonwealth Games, the Olympics, that sort of thing.

"We know we can do it and people recognise that. All the visiting countries have concerns, which we have to give them assurance about. We work very closely to make sure we do that."

Some 9,500 police officers from across the UK have been drafted in to protect the world leaders and police any demonstrations. 

Nearly 11 miles of steel fencing has been erected around the Celtic Manor Resort, in Cardiff City centre and at Cardiff Bay, where seven Nato warships will be stationed.

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PM 'Emotional And Nervous' About Referendum

The Prime Minister has admitted he is "emotional and nervous" about Scotland's independence referendum - but he remains confident the Union will persist.

In a revealing interview with the Scottish Daily Mail, David Cameron talked of his family roots in Aberdeenshire and his love of malt whisky.

He also describes a bracing swim he took with his close protection officers in the seas off Shetland.

The vote on September 18, which may see him become the last prime minister in the UK, has led him to claim "you can be both a very proud Scot and a very proud Brit".

The referendum is due to be held on September 18

But he also conceded: "I'm emotional and nervous

"But only nervous because it matters so much. I think the debate is going well. I think, the last few visits I've made, I've sensed that in the business community.

"The commentary has settled down, the argument is going better and I feel more confident.

"But it is a massive decision, so it''s right to be both emotional and nervous."

Debate: Better Together's Alistair Darling and First Minister Alex Salmond

A recent poll for the Mail showed the Better Together campaign's lead had been cut to six points.

In a campaign recently marred by rancour and ill-tempered protests, Mr Cameron talked of his sympathy for what he calls "the silent majority".

He said: "A lot of Scots are very proud of their joint identities.

"The thing that struck me in Shetland is that you can be a very proud Shetlander and you can be a very proud Scot and a very proud Brit.

A Yes result would see Mr Cameron become the last prime minister of the UK

"The silent majority are proud of these dual identities or even triple identities, and that perhaps makes them less vociferous about any one particular part. I also think there are so many bits of the UK that just work, and a lot of people recognise that."

Mr Cameron also spoke of his own Scottish ancestry.

"I've always been very conscious as a Cameron of having Scottish blood and Scottish heritage,' he said.

"But I never over-claim, because nothing's more annoying to Scots than having people come up from the South and say 'actually, I'm really Scottish after all'.

"But I am. If you look at the blood lines, there's a lot of Scottish blood in these veins."

Earlier this week, Mr Cameron made the business case for voting No at the CBI dinner in Glasgow.

The Prime Minister is expected to make another trip to Scotland before the referendum.

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EU To Draft Urgent Sanctions Against Russia

European Union leaders are preparing to impose urgent new sanctions on Moscow after Russian tanks reportedly attacked a town near the Ukrainian border city of Luhansk.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said tanks had been used to "destroy virtually every house" in the town of Novosvitlivka.

There were now thousands of foreign troops and hundreds of foreign tanks inside Ukraine, he told a press conference in Brussels ahead of an EU summit.

EU leaders will say they stand ready to take further steps against Russia depending on developments on the ground, according to a draft statement seen by Reuters.

They will ask the EU's executive Commission and the EU's diplomatic service to work together "to urgently undertake preparatory work" on further sanctions.

Speaking before the summit, British Prime Minister David Cameron said: "We have to address the completely unacceptable situation of having Russian troops on Ukraine soil.

Satellite imagery reportedly shows Russian military vehicles inside Ukraine

"Consequences must follow if that situation continues and we will be discussing that as well today."

Mr Poroshenko said: "Thousands of foreign troops and hundreds of foreign tanks are now on the territory of Ukraine.

"There is a very high risk not only for peace and stability for Ukraine but for the whole peace and stability of Europe."

In a tweet, Kiev's defence and security council said: "Direct military aggression against eastern Ukraine is continuing."

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite called for a stepped up arms embargo on Russia.

She said: "It is the fact that Russia is in a war state against Ukraine. That means it is in a state of war against a country which would like to be closely integrated with the EU.

This image shows trucks and armoured vehicles near the Russia border

"Practically Russia is in a state of war against Europe."

Nato released images apparently showing Russian forces on the ground in eastern Ukraine.

Government sources said separatists are believed to have heavy weaponry supplied by President Vladimir Putin.

Included in the weaponry are 100 tanks and artillery pieces, anti-tank weapons and shoulder-mounted missile launchers, the sources said.

Russia has repeatedly dismissed accusations it has sent soldiers or equipment across the border.

US President Barack Obama said the satellite pictures made it "plain" that Russia had "deliberately and repeatedly violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine".

He said: "The violence is encouraged by Russia. The separatists are trained by Russia, they are armed by Russia, they are funded by Russia."

Nato Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said: "Despite Moscow's hollow denials, it is now clear that Russian troops and equipment have illegally crossed the border into eastern and southeastern Ukraine.

"Russian forces are engaged in direct military operations inside Ukraine."

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Giant Foot-Long Millipedes Seized At US Airport

US customs officials have prevented a bid to smuggle 20 foot-long giant millipedes into the country inside a parcel supposedly containing a toy car.

The package, from Germany, containing the illicit creepy crawly cargo was intercepted by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) staff working at the international mail facility at San Francisco airport.

Watchful officials decided to inspect the parcel further after putting it through an x-ray machine and noticing "an anomaly".

The intercepted package was marked 'toy model car'. Pic: US CBP

The package, marked 'toy car model', contained a large plastic foam box, which when opened revealed a large mesh bag containing 20 live foot-long millipedes, along with soil and paper.

Brian J. Humphrey, CBP Director of Field Operations in San Francisco, said: "Customs and Border Protection officers and agriculture specialists routinely x-ray and inspect packages arriving from foreign locations for contraband and other prohibited items before they are permitted to enter the US.

"The agriculture specialists on duty were quick to notice the deception and took the necessary action."

While it is not illegal to import exotic animals, these are regulated and require certain permits and documentation.

The package containing the insects has been turned over to investigators as it  "was misrepresented in an attempt to bypass federal regulations".

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Palestinians Hit The Beach During Gaza Ceasefire

Palestinian families have been enjoying a trip to the beach as life in Gaza slowly returns to normal after nearly two months of war.

As temperatures reached 32C on Friday, children could be seen building sandcastles and splashing about in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Gaza City.

Last month, the same beach was the scene of a deadly Israeli attack when four cousins aged nine to 11 were killed as they played football.

Palestinians swimming in the sea on Friday

Gaza's health ministry described the attack as "cowardly" at the time, while the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said the deaths were a "tragic outcome" of a strike aimed at Hamas.

"I am telling you, we are living now a new life. Thank God we are back to life. We were dead," said Reyad Ajooz, sitting in the shade on the beach.

Beachgoers enjoy the sunset

"You know what it means to be dead? We really were dead, but thank God we are here and we hope the ceasefire will continue."

Another resident, Maha, said: "It is the first time after 51 days of war that we have come to the sea.

"It is good for our children to forget the sound of rockets and the sound of shelling.

"Seriously, we were living difficult and scary days. Thank god we came here and our children can live a normal life like any other children in the world."

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Concerns Over Missing 14-Year-Old Girl

Concerns have been raised for a 14-year-old girl from west London who has not been seen for more than two days.

Alice Gross, from Hanwell, was last seen at 1pm on Thursday when she left her home.

She told her family she would be home at around 10pm, but did not return.

She is described as white, 5ft 2ins tall and of slim build, with shoulder-length light brown hair.

When she was last seen she was wearing dark blue jeans, a dark green lacy cardigan and denim blue Van's shoes. She may also have had tartan-framed glasses with her.

Police are extremely concerned about Alice, who has health concerns.

Anyone with information should contact Ealing Missing Persons Unit on 0208 246 1018 or Missing People on 116000 quoting Merlin 14MIS030649.

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James Argent Apologises For Sparking Manhunt

The Only Way Is Essex star James Argent has said he "can't apologise enough" for the worry he caused after his family reported him missing and a police manhunt was launched.

There were concerns for the reality TV star's well-being earlier because he had not been seen since 3am on Friday at his home in Woodford Green, Essex.

Argent's father later said his son had been in touch to explain his "phone was broken and he's now on his way to Blackpool".

His agent Neil Dobias also confirmed the news: "I'm not sure of any of the details but he's called home and spoken to his mum. I just know that he's safe and well."

Argent with Towie's Tom Pearce at the National Television Awards in January

Argent tweeted afterwards: "Hi I'm so sorry to have worried everyone. I'm fine and safe but again can't apologise enough x."

He was meant to be flying out of Gatwick on Friday morning, but he did not make his flight and did not contact his family, friends or agent, who he was supposed to be meeting.

They said it was was "unusual" and very out of character.

His agent told Sky News earlier: "James was meant to meet me at the airport yesterday morning for a work trip to Majorca but he never turned up and now we are all very concerned."

Argent completing the London Marathon in 2012

The 26-year-old, who joined the Towie cast along with his best friend Mark Wright when the series first aired in 2010, is known to frequent the Brentwood area and nightclubs in Redbridge.

Argent, who has more than 1.4 million followers on Twitter, mentioned missing his ex-girlfriend and Towie co-star Lydia Bright in a tweet on Thursday.

He wrote: "I really miss my old pal @LydiaRoseBright will you hurry up and get back from Italy ASAP! #Needy x."

Their will they/won't they relationship was the focus of the Essex-based show's last series.

Argent with Lydia Bright

The response on Twitter to concerns about Argent's whereabouts was huge this morning.

Former Towie star Sam Faiers tweeted: "We're all worried come home @RealJamesArgent."

Fans also expressed their concerns on social media, with one tweeting: "I hope @RealJamesArgent is found unharmed and well!! Xx."

Another wrote: "Omg can't believe it, hope @RealJamesArgent is okay."

Later, Towie star Gemma Collins tweeted: "Arg is ok."

Argent collected Towie's Bafta Audience Award in 2011 and completed the London Marathon in just over six hours in aid of Cancer Research in 2012.

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Man Charged With Assaulting George Galloway

A 39-year-old man has been charged with religiously-aggravated assault after allegedly attacking Respect MP George Galloway in a London street.

Mr Galloway was taken to hospital after the alleged incident in Goldborne Road, Notting Hill, on Friday evening.

A spokesman for the politician told Sky News the Bradford West MP suffered a suspected broken jaw and rib as well as severe bruising to his face and head.

Mr Galloway was released from St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, on Saturday morning.

The Metropolitan Police said Neil Masterson, of Camden Hill, London, will appear at Hammersmith Magistrates' Court on Monday.

The force said he was charged with "assault by beating which is religiously aggravated on a male in his 60s and also common assault on a male in his 40s".

It is understood the second charge relates to a member of the public who stepped in.

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Raised Terror Threat Prompts Government Talks

Caution No Excuse For Chaotic Response To IS

Updated: 6:52pm UK, Friday 29 August 2014

By Sam Kiley, Foreign Affairs Editor

This is a Corporal Jones moment: "Don't Panic!"

But it is one that, so far, has revealed that the British approach to the rapid emergence of Islamic State from almost nil to "a deeper and greater threat than we have ever seen before" has been as chaotic as the Dad's Army character.

David Cameron has now elevated IS above al Qaeda in terms of the danger it poses to the safety of British citizens.

And the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has raised the immediate threat level for the UK from substantial to severe – which means it's likely.

The Prime Minister will announce new measures to restrict the ability of would-be terrorists to leave the UK to get training and to return to commit atrocities.

For now, though, he has continued to rule out the use of force to battle IS in its home territory.

Instead the UK will continue to offer logistical and intelligence support to the US which has been conducting very limited air strikes against the 'Caliphate'.

If, as the PM suggested, this is to be a conflict that could last years or decades, then there is clearly no rush.

But caution can no longer be an excuse for chaos in the response.

The world isn't the way that anyone would wish it. Not now and not for the foreseeable future.

The next generation of Britons will be facing a Malthusian struggle over resources with a hungry China, a Russia brimming with ambitious consumers, Africa's exploding population, India's intellectual empire, and global warming.

The mess that is the Middle East may have its roots in the collapse of the Ottoman Empire at the end of World War I and sectarian rivalry – but it will be further fuelled by the competition that is going to drive conflicts for years to come.

These may involve a long-term campaign against political Islamist terror.

But that won't be the only problem the UK and her allies will face.

For proof one only has to look at eastern Ukraine.

Nato's leaders are going to meet in Wales next week to thrash out priorities and strategy for the next few years.

Cameron's recent short speech and his appearance on Monday in the Commons, is a clear sign that he's steeling himself to grasp a handful of nettles.

He's bracing the British for a long haul conflict with the IS. He's fortifying the debate over what it is to be British by insisting that adopting "British values" are not an option or a choice but "a duty".

He will soon have to help drag more money for Nato out of its members.

And he'll be ordering his security services to come up with tactics and long-term strategies to deal with the uncomfortable realities of the modern world that politicians have been refusing to confront.

These are that it's going to get more dangerous, more expensive, harder work and just tougher all around. Few politicians will want to sell that less than 12 months from an election.

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Arrest Warrant For Missing Ashya's Parents

Police have confirmed there is a European arrest warrant out for the parents of a seriously ill boy who was taken out of hospital against medical advice on Thursday and is thought to be in Spain.

Hampshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Chris Shead said the warrant was sought in order to give police the power to talk to the parents of five-year-old Ashya King, once they are found.

He stressed the warrant should not discourage the parents from coming forward as the priority remained the health and safety of missing Ashya, who has a brain tumour and needs to be fed through a tube.

Mr Shead confirmed the battery on Ashya's feeding mechanism "will have expired" and that police have a "shrinking window" to find him.

Five-year-old Ashya needs treatment for a brain tumour

In a direct appeal to his parents Brett and Naghemeh King, he urged them not to attempt to deliver the urgent care Ashya needs themselves, as it requires specialist training and facilities.

Without it Ashya will start to dehydrate and his condition will deteriorate, Mr Shead said.

It is not known whether the King family have spare batteries for the machine which administers food, the knowledge, or any way of recharging the battery.

Ashya was taken from the hospital by his parents Brett and Naghemeh

Sky News' Enda Brady, in Southampton, said the arrest warrant indicates police are becoming increasingly exasperated with Ashya's parents who have had three days to come forward.

Mr Shead said British police were working closely with Spanish authorities after receiving positive information to suggest the family may be travelling to Marbella.

He said there had been no further sightings since their car was spotted on Friday prompting police to expand their search into Spain.

It is thought the family has strong links to the Marbella area and may even have a holiday home there.

He again urged hospitals in Spain and throughout Europe to look for someone matching the little boy's description or symptoms to see if he has been admitted.

Ashya's family took him from Southampton General Hospital, where he was receiving treatment, at around 2pm on Thursday and travelled on a ferry to Cherbourg, France, two hours later.

The little boy is in a wheelchair and is being fed through a tube. He has undergone "extensive surgery" - with his last operation seven days ago.

Police were told by the hospital that the little boy was missing at 8.35pm that day - more than six hours after he was taken by his parents who are Jehovah's Witnesses.

Interpol has issued a yellow alert in 190 countries

The family, from Southsea, are travelling in a grey Hyundai I800 Style CRDI registration KP60 HWK.

Interpol has sent out a missing persons alert to its 190 member countries as concerns for the boy's welfare have grown.

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