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Taiwan TransAsia plane crash 'kills 51 and injures 7'
Fifty-one passengers have been killed and the remaining seven injured after a TransAsia Airways plane crashed during a failed emergency landing in Taiwan, China's Xinhua news agency reports.
David Ward MP apologises for Twitter comments
Bradford MP David Ward has apologised for comments he made on Twitter about Israel and Gaza.
BREAKING: @davidwardmp apologises for his comments in a statement sent out by @libdempress
The Liberal Democrat said in a statement through the party:
– David Ward MPI utterly condemn the violence on both sides in Israel and Gaza.
I condemn the actions of Hamas, and my comments were not in support of firing rockets into Israel. If they gave the opposite impression, I apologise.
However, while I defend the right of Israel to exist and defend itself, I will continue to speak out for the rights of the Palestinian people who are facing untold suffering. More must be done by the world community to end this humanitarian crisis and protect the families living in Gaza. I can understand their plight and desperation.
A cease fire in this conflict is essential. If we are to end the suffering, and establish a safer society for people in Gaza, the first step must be an end to violence on both sides.
.@libdempress say: “In light of apology, whips and party will decide in due course if further disciplinary action should be taken.”
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UN: Strong possibility humanitarian law violated in Gaza
The UN's Human Rights chief Navi Pullay said Israel's military action in Gaza could amount to war crimes. Speaking earlier today, she said:
– Navi PullayThere seems to be a strong possibility that humanitarian law has been violated in a manner that could amount to war crimes.
Read: UN says one child killed every hour for past two days in Gaza
Ex-MEP Nicole Sinclaire charged with money laundering
Former MEP Nicole Sinclaire has been charged with money laundering and misconduct in a public office, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.
Ms Sinclaire, who represented the We Demand A Referendum Party, allegedly used funds paid into her bank account by the European Parliament "in respect of false travelling expenses claims."
'Over 40 killed in Taiwan plane emergency landing'
More than 40 people have been killed in an emergency landing of a TransAsia Airways passenger plane in Taiwan's Penghu County, China's Xinhua news agency reports.
Largely fine with a risk of showers in the south
It will be largely fine this afternoon but there is a risk of thundery showers in the south.
ITV Weather Presenter Becky Mantin has the latest forecast:
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Flags to fly at half mast over Downing St this afternoon
The Prime Minister said the Union flag and Dutch flag will hang at half-mast over Downing Street from this afternoon, as the coffins of those killed in the MH17 flight begin to arrive in the Netherlands.
Flying Union flag and Dutch flag at half-mast over Downing St from 14.30 in memory of all MH17 victims as first coffins arrive in Eindhoven
John Kerry meets with President Abbas in Jerusalem
Palestinian Authority President Abbas & @johnkerry are meeting in Jerusalem to discuss #Gaza. http://t.co/iP4ZWJYgGc http://t.co/EWF9eAeL2s
The US Secretary of State John Kerry is meeting with Palestinian Authority president Abbas in Jerusalem for peace talks aimed at ending the deadly violence in Gaza.
Read: One child killed in Gaza every hour for the past two days
Israeli military defend shelling Wafa hospital in Gaza
The Israeli military have defended the bombing of Wafa Hospital in Gaza, saying it was used as a launching site for rockets fired by Hamas into Israel.
Watch: Shells land on Wafa Hospital in Gaza
Because Hamas uses Wafa Hospital for military purposes, the IDF has targeted specific sites and terrorists within the hospital grounds.
In recent days, Hamas has fired anti-tank missiles from Wafa Hospital. Hamas gunfire from the building continued this morning.
The bombing of the hospital, along with other attacks on civilian targets, has been criticised by the United Nations, who said it could amount to war crimes.
Watkins' 35 year sentence 'not manifestly excessive'
ITV News Correspondent Ben Chapman has tweeted:
Judges at Court of Appeal say Ian Watkins' crimes were "of such shocking depravity that a very lengthy prison sentence was demanded" @it ...
Ian Watkins' 35yr sentence was "not manifestly excessive" - Court of Appeal. @itvnews
