Falklands 'British'

In the Commons today Deputy Labour Leader, Hariet Harman has responded to calls by veteran Labour MP Gerald Kaufman to "reaffirm staunchly this government's loyalty" to the people of the Falklands and "uphold their wishes and their rights". The Falkland Islands will be "fully defended", she said, amid continuing tensions with Argentina. Standing in for Gordon Brown at Prime Minister's questions, said there was "no question" over the sovereignty of the Falklands. The renewed tensions were triggered by a UK decision to drill for oil in the seabed near the islands, which has angered Argentina which claims sovereignty over the Falklands, which it calls the Malvinas.

Airport Scan Refused

Two women were stopped from boarding a plane at Manchester Airport after refusing to undergo a full body scan. The passengers were due to fly to Islamabad on 19 February when they were selected at random to go through the new scanning machine. One, who is believed to be a Muslim, refused on religious reasons and the other cited health grounds. The women were warned they were legally required to go through the scanner, after being chosen at random, or they would not be allowed to fly, an airport spokesman said. In accordance with the government directive on scanners, they were not permitted to fly, and airport spokeman confirmed.

Appeal Over Portsmouth Assault

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted at The Tap public house in London Road, Portsmouth, leaving him seriously injured. Between 10pm and 10.35pm on Saturday 27 February, a man was assaulted during an altercation inside the pub, and he was then assaulted again outside, a short time later. The offender was a man who was with two women and another man. The group walked away after the second assault. The injured man was taken by ambulance to Queen Alexandra hospital for treatment to a cut to his head. It has since been confirmed that the man also sustained a fractured skull as a result of the attack, and he is currently still in hospital, police said today.

North Wales Cannabis Seizure

A 50-year-old man from the Harlech area has been arrested and cautioned for drug-related offences following the execution of a search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at his home address. A quantity Cannabis Plants were seized from the address in the Glan Gors area last Thursday. Sergeant Steve Edge, of the Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "This seizure was as a result of intelligence received. If anyone has information regarding this or any other type of criminal activity, then contact us. "The communities support is crucial in addressing this type of anti social criminality."

M80 Bridge Scheme Completed

The new Mollinsburn Overbridge which will form the bridge over the M73 linking Mollinsburn with Gartferry Road has now been completed. The intricate operation to lift the four huge beams, weighing a total of 270 tonnes, has been carried out over the last two weekends. Ainslie McLaughlin, Transport Scotland's Director of Major Trunk Road Infrastructure Projects said: "When completed the £320 million M80 Stepps to Haggs Completion project will bring improved journey times, reliability and safety for people using this busy route. It will cut journey times during peak periods, saving motorists up to 15 minutes each way and bring substantial relief from the long-term traffic congestion currently endured by the communities living along the existing A80."

(BMcc/GK)