Other UK News In Brief

Shot Officer's Death 'Unlawful'

A police officer who was shot by a colleague during a training exercise was killed unlawfully, an inquest has found. Pc Ian Terry, 32, was killed as Greater Manchester Police's firearms unit practised in a disused factory in 2008. His colleague, a firearms officer known only as "Chris", shot Pc Terry, of Burnley, as he played a suspect. The jurors at Manchester Coroner's Court were also critical of the firearms unit and its training regime. Their verdict of unlawful killing relates to both Pc Terry's death and the planning and conduct of the exercise as the officer was not wearing body armour and was hit in the chest by specialist ammunition called Round Irritant Personnel (RIP).

Warship 'Sets Sail'

Plans have been launched today for a new warship for the Royal Navy. The Ministry of Defence has announced it is to spend £127m to design a new frigate, the Type 26. The contract has been won by BAE Systems and will also see the latest Astute Class nuclear submarine being built in Barrow-in-Furness. The Government says the new vessels will help to give the navy "cutting edge capabilities" while safeguarding the UK defence industry.

SDLP Justice Bid Supported

Ulster Unionist MLAs in the Stormont Assembly are reportedly poised to back a protest SDLP's nominee for Justice Minister when powers are devolved from Westminster. Senior UUP members are believed to have voiced their support for Alban Maginness to SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie. The nationalist party has always maintained the ministry should rightfully fall to them under the d'Hondt system, which apportions Executive portfolios according to representation in the Assembly. Northern Ireland's new Justice Minister, who could take office as early as 12 April, will have responsibility for policing, prisons, the courts and potentially parading. Alliance leader David Ford has been tipped as the favourite to take the job, after the DUP and Sinn Fein ruled themselves out of the running.

Inter-Wales Flights Grounded

Planes flying between the north and south of Wales are being halted as Highland Airways that operated the service has entered administration. Thursday morning's flight was cancelled and no further bookings are being taken. Administrator Pricewaterhouse Coopers confirmed the company was "encountering trading difficulties." Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said the route was a "huge success" and the Welsh Assembly Government would take action to restore it. Highland Airways was awarded a three-year contract to run the north-south Wales route from May 2007.

(BMCC/GK)