09/07/2013
Other News In Brief
Total Circus Animal Ban 'Goes Too Far'
MPs have criticised a government plan for a total ban on animals in travelling circuses.
Saying that the ban "goes too far", the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee suggested creatures such as camels, zebras and snakes could still take part in entertainments.
But it decided that lions, tigers and elephants no longer "have a place".
There is also concern that a total ban could be challenged under European law.
E.ON Fined Over Selling Free Lightbulbs
An energy provider has been fined £500,000 for selling energy saving lightbulbs in Ireland that it should have been giving away free in the UK.
The fine is part of a £3 million financial settlement, designed to highlight the serious breach of the company's obligations.
E.ON must pay £2.5m to 18,500 customers in – or at risk of – fuel poverty to help with their 2013/14 winter bills, equivalent to £135 a household.
B&B Owner Loses Appeal In Gay Discrimination Case
A B&B owner has lost her appeal over a ruling that she unlawfully discriminated against a couple when she refused to let them stay in a double room.
Susanne Wilkinson declined to let Michael Black, 64, and partner John Morgan, 59, have the room at the Swiss Bed and Breakfast in Cookham, Berkshire, in March 2010.
A judge at Reading county court heard that the couple, from Brampton in Cambridgeshire, who had made a reservation and paid a deposit, protested at their treatment but Wilkinson made it clear that it was against her religious convictions to allow two men to share a bed.
While her case was rejected by the court of appeal, Wilkinson was granted permission to take her case to the Supreme Court.
(MH/CD)
MPs have criticised a government plan for a total ban on animals in travelling circuses.
Saying that the ban "goes too far", the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee suggested creatures such as camels, zebras and snakes could still take part in entertainments.
But it decided that lions, tigers and elephants no longer "have a place".
There is also concern that a total ban could be challenged under European law.
E.ON Fined Over Selling Free Lightbulbs
An energy provider has been fined £500,000 for selling energy saving lightbulbs in Ireland that it should have been giving away free in the UK.
The fine is part of a £3 million financial settlement, designed to highlight the serious breach of the company's obligations.
E.ON must pay £2.5m to 18,500 customers in – or at risk of – fuel poverty to help with their 2013/14 winter bills, equivalent to £135 a household.
B&B Owner Loses Appeal In Gay Discrimination Case
A B&B owner has lost her appeal over a ruling that she unlawfully discriminated against a couple when she refused to let them stay in a double room.
Susanne Wilkinson declined to let Michael Black, 64, and partner John Morgan, 59, have the room at the Swiss Bed and Breakfast in Cookham, Berkshire, in March 2010.
A judge at Reading county court heard that the couple, from Brampton in Cambridgeshire, who had made a reservation and paid a deposit, protested at their treatment but Wilkinson made it clear that it was against her religious convictions to allow two men to share a bed.
While her case was rejected by the court of appeal, Wilkinson was granted permission to take her case to the Supreme Court.
(MH/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 November 2005
MPs set to debate smoking plans
MPs will debate government plans to introduce a partial smoking ban in England and Wales, when the legislation returns to the House of Commons for its second reading today. The Health Bill includes proposals to introduce a smoking ban in public places, but with exemptions for pubs and bars, which do not serve food and private members’ clubs.
MPs set to debate smoking plans
MPs will debate government plans to introduce a partial smoking ban in England and Wales, when the legislation returns to the House of Commons for its second reading today. The Health Bill includes proposals to introduce a smoking ban in public places, but with exemptions for pubs and bars, which do not serve food and private members’ clubs.
10 November 2004
Scottish executive backs smoking ban
The Scottish executive has today confirmed that it will seek a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places. In order to enforce the ban, pubs and restaurants that fail to enforce the law will face fines up to a maximum of £2,500.
Scottish executive backs smoking ban
The Scottish executive has today confirmed that it will seek a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places. In order to enforce the ban, pubs and restaurants that fail to enforce the law will face fines up to a maximum of £2,500.
20 February 2013
BP Tanker Drivers To Strike Over Pension And Pay Dispute
Grangemouth oil refinery tanker drivers will walk out for three days next Friday in a dispute over pensions and pay. The Unite members at the Forth estuary facility, employed by BP, will also ban overtime from Monday in action the union said would hit aviation supplies and deliveries to BP forecourts across Scotland and the north east of England.
BP Tanker Drivers To Strike Over Pension And Pay Dispute
Grangemouth oil refinery tanker drivers will walk out for three days next Friday in a dispute over pensions and pay. The Unite members at the Forth estuary facility, employed by BP, will also ban overtime from Monday in action the union said would hit aviation supplies and deliveries to BP forecourts across Scotland and the north east of England.
27 January 2014
Court Of Appeal Supports Probe Of Gay Bus Ad Ban
The Court of Appeal has ruled in favour of an investigation into whether London Mayor Boris Johnson acted "for an improper purpose" when he banned a gay bus ad. As chairman of Transport for London, Boris Johnson chose to ban posters by the Christian charity, the Core Issues Trust that read "Not Gay! Ex-Gay, Post-Gay and Proud.
Court Of Appeal Supports Probe Of Gay Bus Ad Ban
The Court of Appeal has ruled in favour of an investigation into whether London Mayor Boris Johnson acted "for an improper purpose" when he banned a gay bus ad. As chairman of Transport for London, Boris Johnson chose to ban posters by the Christian charity, the Core Issues Trust that read "Not Gay! Ex-Gay, Post-Gay and Proud.
16 October 2013
Supreme Court Rejects Prisoners Voting Appeal
Court action brought by two prisoners calling for them to be allow to vote has been dismissed by the Supreme Court. Under British law prisoners are not entitled to vote. Convicted murderers Peter Chester and George McGeoch challenged that arguing European Union rules provided a provision for prisoners right to vote.
Supreme Court Rejects Prisoners Voting Appeal
Court action brought by two prisoners calling for them to be allow to vote has been dismissed by the Supreme Court. Under British law prisoners are not entitled to vote. Convicted murderers Peter Chester and George McGeoch challenged that arguing European Union rules provided a provision for prisoners right to vote.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.