Northern Ireland News for February 2004 : Page 3

UK National News, Feb 25, 2004
UN calls for stronger action as bird flu outbreaks continue
As officials from nearly two dozen Asia-Pacific countries prepared to gather in Bangkok for an emergency meeting on bird flu, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today warned that outbreaks...
UK National News, Feb 25, 2004
Emergency as SOS frequency blocked by ship playing Radio 4
A lifeboat had to be launched to intercept a cargo ship in the North Sea when it accidentally jammed the emergency radio frequency this morning. Coastguards in Great Yarmouth were unable to use the ...
UK National News, Feb 24, 2004
Libya paid Lockerbie compensation to 'buy peace'
Libya was not responsible for the Lockerbie bombing and paid out compensation to the families of the victims in order to "buy peace", according to the country's prime minister. In an interview with ...
UK National News, Feb 24, 2004
Asylum applications dive by 41% in 2003
Applications for asylum fell by 41% in 2003 – four times as much as the average across the rest of the EU, according to the Home Office. Official figures showed that downward trend was sharpening, wi...
Northern Ireland News, Feb 24, 2004
Four die in serious road crash
Four young men have died following a serious road traffic collision in north Belfast today. A car is believed to have left the Ballyhill Road in Legoniel near the junction of Greenhill Road. The road...
Northern Ireland News, Feb 24, 2004
UDA declare intent to maintain 'ceasfire'
The Ulster Defence Association (UDA) has announced that its 12-month period of military inactivity will continue "indefinitely". At a press conference on Tuesday the UDA's political wing, the Ulster ...
UK National News, Feb 24, 2004
Britons advised to leave war-torn Haiti
British nationals have been advised to leave Haiti "if they can do so safely" over fears that rebel forces are preparing to march on the nation's capital. The Foreign Office today revised its travel...
UK National News, Feb 24, 2004
Top British athlete hit with two-year ban
One of Britain's top athletes has been banned from competition for two years for taking a performance-enhancing drug. Dwain Chambers, the current European 100 metres champion and a serious medal cont...
Northern Ireland News, Feb 24, 2004
Two men arrested in attempted robbery
Two men have been arrested following an attempted robbery in south Belfast today. The incident occurred at a cash delivery vehicle outside a Post Office on the upper Lisburn Road at around 11.20am. ...
Northern Ireland News, Feb 24, 2004
Three people escape injury in arson attack
Three people have escaped injury following an arson attack at a house in north Belfast last night. The incident occurred at the house in Gardenmore, near the Old Cavehill Road. A bin containing a fl...
Northern Ireland News, Feb 24, 2004
Airport bosses push for 'moderate' evening flight increases
Management at Belfast City Airport look set to push for extra evening flights despite local protest, it was revealed today. Under the current review of the airport's planning restrictions, the Airpor...
Northern Ireland News, Feb 24, 2004
Irish Ferries withdraw three ships from service
Irish Ferries have confirmed that three of their four services from Ireland have been temporarily withdrawn today. The company blamed the action on a failure to reach agreement with unions over staff...
Northern Ireland News, Feb 24, 2004
Majority of NI consumers concerned about meat safety
A new survey has found that the majority of people Northern Ireland are increasingly worried about the safety of all types of meat. The findings, which are part of a survey carried out by the Food St...
Recruitment News, Feb 24, 2004
UK restricts EU workers' rights over 'Benefits Tourism' fears
Workers arriving in Britain after the accession of 10 new countries to the EU on May 1 will not be able to claim benefits for at least two years, the government has announced. People from the 10 coun...
UK National News, Feb 24, 2004
Iraq elections could be held by end of 2004: UN
Democratic elections in Iraq will not be held before the June 30 deadline, but could go ahead by the end of this year or the beginning of 2005, according to the UN. Lakhdar Brahimi, Secretary-Genera...
Business News, Feb 24, 2004
Tory-commissioned report recommends removal of BBC Charter
Far-reaching change, including the abolition of the licence fee and the removal of the BBC's Royal Charter, has been proposed in a report commissioned by the Conservative Party. Chaired by former tel...
UK National News, Feb 24, 2004
Police to gain from seizures of 'criminally acquired wealth'
Police forces will benefit from a greater share of the criminal assets they recover under a new incentive scheme announced today by the Home Office. Designed to motivate police to seize, confiscate a...
UK National News, Feb 24, 2004
UK firms increasingly targeted by high-tech crime
The head of the UK's National Hi-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU) has told delegates attending the second E-crimes Congress in London that hi-tech crimes are costing businesses hundreds of millions of pounds. ...
Northern Ireland News, Feb 24, 2004
Reduce VAT on tourism accommodation says MP
A leading Ulster Unionist MP has called on the Government to have VAT reduced on tourist accommodation in Northern Ireland. East Antrim MP, Roy Beggs, who plans to table such a motion in the House of...
Northern Ireland News, Feb 24, 2004
NI SMEs to benefit from NTL Broadband package
NTL has announced the launch of its 'Broadband Power' solution for small and medium (SMEs) across Northern Ireland. The broadband connectivity provides access to a central network and creates a ‘Virt...
Northern Ireland News, Feb 24, 2004
Direct Payment plan for people with learning disabilities
A new Direct Payment brochure for people with learning disabilities was launched by the Department for Social Development today. The brochure gives a set of choices on how benefits can be paid in the...
UK National News, Feb 24, 2004
London to see speed camera policy thrown into reverse
One third of London's 400 speed cameras may eventually be replaced with high-tech smart signs that will warn motorists when they are driving too fast. The move follows criticism of speed cameras whic...
Business News, Feb 23, 2004
Transport failings cost businesses £15bn a year
The shortcomings of Britain's transport infrastructure are costing UK businesses at least £15 billion a year, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said. According to the BCC survey, only 10% of...
UK National News, Feb 23, 2004
Teachers' union calls for consultation over pupil drug-test plan
The government should engage in serious talks with teaching staff before issuing guidelines on their proposals to implement random drug testing in schools, a leading teachers' union has said. Last we...
Northern Ireland News, Feb 23, 2004
Pensioner dies in house fire
A pensioner has died following a house fire at his home in Co Armagh. The man, who is believed to have been in his 70s, died after a fire broke out in the living room of his flat in Banbrook Hill, Ar...
Northern Ireland News, Feb 23, 2004
Four men remanded over abduction attempt
Four men arrested by police on Friday in connection with the alleged abduction of a dissident republican were remanded in custody following an appearance before Laganside Magistrates Court today. The...
UK National News, Feb 23, 2004
GMC asked to investigate MMR research allegations
A doctor at the centre of a controversy over research methods used in the investigation that linked the MMR vaccine with autism has said he would welcome an investigation into his work. A study by Dr...
Northern Ireland News, Feb 23, 2004
Finucane family press Stevens on murder inquiry progress
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have met with Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens to discuss the progress of the investigation into his murder. Speaking before the...
Northern Ireland News, Feb 23, 2004
McDonnell elected SDLP deputy leader
Dr Alasdair McDonnell is the SDLP's new deputy leader, it was announced yesterday. Dr McDonnell beat Alban Maginnis and John Dallat to the position following a vote at the party's annual conference i...
UK National News, Feb 23, 2004
10 killed in Kirkuk suicide bombing
Ten people have been killed and dozens injured following a bomb attack on a police station in the northern Iraqi town of Kirkuk this morning. The suicide bomber drove a car close to the building bef...