The Queen was left "disappointed" that Theresa May declined to reveal details about her Brexit plans, it is claimed today.
The Times has revelations from a "source close to the monarch" that the Prime Minister stuck rigidly to her message that "Brexit means Brexit", when they spent the weekend together.
Mrs May was invited to Balmoral in September for the first time, and the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were said to have been looking forward to hearing her private thoughts on the subject.
But the Prime Minister - who visited the Scottish estate with her husband Philip - apparently revealed no more in private than she has during her public appearances.
The account suggests their relationship did not get off to an ideal start, although a newspaper report at the time suggested the two women "got on famously" - and share an interest in outdoor pursuits.
Neither Buckingham Palace nor Downing Street would comment on the report.
A palace spokeswoman said: "By long-established convention we never disclose details of discussions between the Queen and her prime ministers. Nor would we comment on anonymously sourced conjecture of this kind."
Behind the scenes however is irritation at the report, with one source insisting it was not representative of Mrs May's conversations with the monarch during her two-day stay in Scotland.
The visit - an annual fixture for prime ministers - came just two months after Mrs May entered No 10 following the resignation of David Cameron in the wake of the Brexit vote.
Although she had attended regular weekly audiences with the Queen it was the first occasion the two women had spent an extended period of time together.
Mrs May has frustrated some MPs by refusing to offer "a running commentary" on Brexit. At an appearance before a Commons committee this week she refused to directly answer a string of questions.
The Queen is said to be a keen observer of the political scene, and previous Prime Ministers have spoken of how they confided in her about difficult decisions.
Her private views are a source of fascination, although a report earlier this year the Queen vented her frustration at Brussels during a private lunch with ministers was slapped down by the Palace.
However during the Scottish referendum in 2014 the Queen expressed hopes that Scots would "think very carefully about the future" - a comment which was taken to show her support for the Union.
A biography of the Prime Minister alleged that she and David Cameron had a "strained" breakfast on the morning that a poll put the independence side one point ahead.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
UN demands end to Israel's settlement building
The UN Security Council has passed a resolution demanding an end to Israel's settlement building on occupied territory.
The US abstained in the vote, prompting a claim from a minister close to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that its long-time ally had "abandoned Israel".
Sky News' US correspondent Greg Milam said it was "extremely unusual" as the country historically vetoed such resolutions.
He said the move would be "to the fury of many in Israel and the United States", adding: "They see this as the Obama administration delivering something of a parting shot."
The resolution - which Israel has already dismissed as "absurd" - was first tabled by Egypt, but they withdrew it under pressure from the Israelis and Donald Trump.
The President-elect wanted the US to veto the resolution when it was re-tabled by New Zealand, Malaysia, Senegal and Venezuela.
After the vote Mr Trump tweeted: "As to the U.N., things will be different after Jan. 20th."
US House Speaker Paul Ryan called the abstention "absolutely shameful" and a "blow to peace".
The resolution said Israel's settlements on Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, have "no legal validity".
Palestinians called it "a day of victory" and a "big blow" to Israeli policy.
Presidency spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said the resolution, adopted by a vote of 14 to zero, showed there was "strong support for the two-state solution".
But a statement from Mr Netanyahu's office said: "Israel rejects this shameful anti-Israel resolution at the UN and will not abide by its terms.
"The Obama administration not only failed to protect Israel against this gang-up at the UN, it colluded with it behind the scenes.
"Israel looks forward to working with President-elect Trump and with all our friends in Congress, Republicans and Democrats alike, to negate the harmful effects of this absurd resolution."
Explaining the move, US ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power told the Security Council: "The US has been sending the message that the settlements must stop, privately and publicly, for nearly five decades."
And she added: "Our vote today is fully in line with the bi-partisan history of how American presidents have approached both the issue and the role of this body."
The UK's permanent representative to the UN, Matthew Rycroft, welcomed the result and said it was a "clear reinforcement" of international belief in a two-state solution.
The US abstained in the vote, prompting a claim from a minister close to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that its long-time ally had "abandoned Israel".
Sky News' US correspondent Greg Milam said it was "extremely unusual" as the country historically vetoed such resolutions.
He said the move would be "to the fury of many in Israel and the United States", adding: "They see this as the Obama administration delivering something of a parting shot."
The resolution - which Israel has already dismissed as "absurd" - was first tabled by Egypt, but they withdrew it under pressure from the Israelis and Donald Trump.
The President-elect wanted the US to veto the resolution when it was re-tabled by New Zealand, Malaysia, Senegal and Venezuela.
After the vote Mr Trump tweeted: "As to the U.N., things will be different after Jan. 20th."
US House Speaker Paul Ryan called the abstention "absolutely shameful" and a "blow to peace".
The resolution said Israel's settlements on Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, have "no legal validity".
Palestinians called it "a day of victory" and a "big blow" to Israeli policy.
Presidency spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said the resolution, adopted by a vote of 14 to zero, showed there was "strong support for the two-state solution".
But a statement from Mr Netanyahu's office said: "Israel rejects this shameful anti-Israel resolution at the UN and will not abide by its terms.
"The Obama administration not only failed to protect Israel against this gang-up at the UN, it colluded with it behind the scenes.
"Israel looks forward to working with President-elect Trump and with all our friends in Congress, Republicans and Democrats alike, to negate the harmful effects of this absurd resolution."
Explaining the move, US ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power told the Security Council: "The US has been sending the message that the settlements must stop, privately and publicly, for nearly five decades."
And she added: "Our vote today is fully in line with the bi-partisan history of how American presidents have approached both the issue and the role of this body."
The UK's permanent representative to the UN, Matthew Rycroft, welcomed the result and said it was a "clear reinforcement" of international belief in a two-state solution.
British tourist claims she saw Berlin attacker Anis Amri in France
A British woman has told Sky News she is convinced she saw the Berlin attacker in France, two days before he was shot dead in Italy.
Anne Lomax claims she spotted Anis Amri in Chamonix, a French resort close to the borders with Switzerland and Italy, on Wednesday.
The 50-year-old said she reported the sighting to French police, who interviewed her for four hours about what she saw.
Amri was shot dead after opening fire on police in Milan on Friday morning.
Italian police said the 24-year-old had been in Chambery in France before starting his train journey to the city.
Image Caption:Amri had been on the run since Monday
Chamonix is around three hours from Chambery by train.
Ms Lomax, from west London, said she was making her way back to her hotel when she noticed a man walking behind her.
She said she started growing suspicious when she noticed he was walking "unusually" slowly and avoiding any eye contact.
Ms Lomax stopped on a bridge to let him pass, and it was then that she caught a glimpse of his face.
Image Caption:Amri travelled by train across Europe after the attack
"He was light skinned, he had some sort of red mark on his face," she said.
"It was at the point of him passing me that I understood that he was walking slowly, not because he was stalking me or anything, but because he had an injury.
"I understood with the walking and the neck movements that there was some injury, either a back or neck injury as opposed to a leg injury."
Ms Lomax said she found it strange the man then shuffled off in the direction of some woodland near the river - an area she later realised was within walking distance of the area's train station.
She said it was only later, when she saw a picture of Amri on the news, that she became convinced she had seen him.
"His face was the first thing I saw when I switched the TV on," she said.
"And I thought 'Oh my God that's him'. And then I thought 'Surely not?'
"And then another picture came on of him with the cap and I really got his eyes; because I'd looked him right in the face and saw his eyes I was 100% sure it was him."
Ms Lomax said she spent some time checking pictures of Amri online and also researching the route from Berlin to France, before deciding to act on her suspicions and call police.
After unsuccessfully trying to get through to French police, Ms Lomax eventually decided to call anti-terror police in the UK.
They drew up a report based on Ms Lomax's account and passed it on to the French authorities.
French police came round to see her the next morning and she took the officers to the scene and reconstructed what happened.
Ms Lomax said she has not heard from police since, and remains adamant the man she saw was Amri.
"The more I see him, the more convinced I am that it was him," she said.
Anne Lomax claims she spotted Anis Amri in Chamonix, a French resort close to the borders with Switzerland and Italy, on Wednesday.
The 50-year-old said she reported the sighting to French police, who interviewed her for four hours about what she saw.
Amri was shot dead after opening fire on police in Milan on Friday morning.
Italian police said the 24-year-old had been in Chambery in France before starting his train journey to the city.
Image Caption:Amri had been on the run since MondayChamonix is around three hours from Chambery by train.
Ms Lomax, from west London, said she was making her way back to her hotel when she noticed a man walking behind her.
She said she started growing suspicious when she noticed he was walking "unusually" slowly and avoiding any eye contact.
Ms Lomax stopped on a bridge to let him pass, and it was then that she caught a glimpse of his face.
Image Caption:Amri travelled by train across Europe after the attack"He was light skinned, he had some sort of red mark on his face," she said.
"It was at the point of him passing me that I understood that he was walking slowly, not because he was stalking me or anything, but because he had an injury.
"I understood with the walking and the neck movements that there was some injury, either a back or neck injury as opposed to a leg injury."
Ms Lomax said she found it strange the man then shuffled off in the direction of some woodland near the river - an area she later realised was within walking distance of the area's train station.
She said it was only later, when she saw a picture of Amri on the news, that she became convinced she had seen him.
"His face was the first thing I saw when I switched the TV on," she said.
"And I thought 'Oh my God that's him'. And then I thought 'Surely not?'
"And then another picture came on of him with the cap and I really got his eyes; because I'd looked him right in the face and saw his eyes I was 100% sure it was him."
Ms Lomax said she spent some time checking pictures of Amri online and also researching the route from Berlin to France, before deciding to act on her suspicions and call police.
After unsuccessfully trying to get through to French police, Ms Lomax eventually decided to call anti-terror police in the UK.
They drew up a report based on Ms Lomax's account and passed it on to the French authorities.
French police came round to see her the next morning and she took the officers to the scene and reconstructed what happened.
Ms Lomax said she has not heard from police since, and remains adamant the man she saw was Amri.
"The more I see him, the more convinced I am that it was him," she said.
Theresa May calls for post-Brexit unity in Christmas message
Theresa May draws on her Christian faith and upbringing as a vicar’s daughter in a Christmas message that is more religious than many of those of her predecessors as Prime Minister.
In her first as PM, she speaks about the meaning of the birth of Christ and of growing up in a vicarage, in contrast with the Christmas messages of Jeremy Corbyn and Tim Farron, which are more political.
Although Tony Blair had a strong Christian faith, Gordon Brown was "the son of the Manse" and David Cameron said he was a member of the Church of England, Mrs May is the most religious recent PM.
On the vote to leave the European Union, she says it is important for the country to come together.
Image Caption:The PM names the Queen's 90th birthday as a highlight of 2016
"As we leave the European Union we must seize an historic opportunity to forge a bold new role for ourselves in the world and to unite our country as we move forward into the future," Mrs May says.
"And, with our international partners, we must work together to promote trade, increase prosperity and face the challenges to peace and security around the world."
In the religious part of her message, the PM says: "As we gather with our friends and families at this time of year we proudly celebrate the birth of Christ and the message of forgiveness, love and hope that he brings.
"We also think of Christians in other parts of the world who face persecution this Christmas and re-affirm our determination to stand up for the freedom of people of all religions to practise their beliefs in peace and safety."
Image Caption:In his own message, Mr Corbyn says 'no-one should be on the streets' at Christmas
The PM names the Queen's 90th birthday and the Olympic and Paralympic Games as highlights of 2016, though she does not mention the doping scandals that have tainted this year's games and those of London 2012.
In a separate message to the Armed Forces, she hints she will back soldiers against moves to charge them over the deaths of IRA leaders in the early 1970s.
In his very political Christmas message, Mr Corbyn says for some Christmas is a time of increased loneliness and despair.
He also speaks of a visit he made to homelessness charity Centrepoint and says "in the sixth richest country in the world no-one should be on the streets in the first place".
Image Caption:Tim Farron joins Mr Corbyn in delivering a stark message
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat Tim Farron filmed his Christmas message at a child refugee centre in Paris to highlight the plight of unaccompanied children in mainland Europe.
Mr Farron says of children he met just before Christmas: "They are fleeing torture and have seen some terrible things."
This year's least festive message comes from the Green Party, whose co-leader Jonathan Bartley appears in a video alongside co-leader Caroline Lucas and says: "Let's be honest, 2016 has been s***.
"Refugees drowning. The far-right rising. The EU referendum campaign. Trump. And the hottest year on record."
But Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has done his best to cheer everyone up in the season of goodwill in an upbeat Christmas message.
He says: "In case you are feeling too downcast this Christmas, don't forget that overall the people of this planet are living longer, they are living in better health, they are better educated than ever before, particularly women."
In her first as PM, she speaks about the meaning of the birth of Christ and of growing up in a vicarage, in contrast with the Christmas messages of Jeremy Corbyn and Tim Farron, which are more political.
Although Tony Blair had a strong Christian faith, Gordon Brown was "the son of the Manse" and David Cameron said he was a member of the Church of England, Mrs May is the most religious recent PM.
On the vote to leave the European Union, she says it is important for the country to come together.
Image Caption:The PM names the Queen's 90th birthday as a highlight of 2016"As we leave the European Union we must seize an historic opportunity to forge a bold new role for ourselves in the world and to unite our country as we move forward into the future," Mrs May says.
"And, with our international partners, we must work together to promote trade, increase prosperity and face the challenges to peace and security around the world."
In the religious part of her message, the PM says: "As we gather with our friends and families at this time of year we proudly celebrate the birth of Christ and the message of forgiveness, love and hope that he brings.
"We also think of Christians in other parts of the world who face persecution this Christmas and re-affirm our determination to stand up for the freedom of people of all religions to practise their beliefs in peace and safety."
Image Caption:In his own message, Mr Corbyn says 'no-one should be on the streets' at ChristmasThe PM names the Queen's 90th birthday and the Olympic and Paralympic Games as highlights of 2016, though she does not mention the doping scandals that have tainted this year's games and those of London 2012.
In a separate message to the Armed Forces, she hints she will back soldiers against moves to charge them over the deaths of IRA leaders in the early 1970s.
In his very political Christmas message, Mr Corbyn says for some Christmas is a time of increased loneliness and despair.
He also speaks of a visit he made to homelessness charity Centrepoint and says "in the sixth richest country in the world no-one should be on the streets in the first place".
Image Caption:Tim Farron joins Mr Corbyn in delivering a stark messageMeanwhile, Liberal Democrat Tim Farron filmed his Christmas message at a child refugee centre in Paris to highlight the plight of unaccompanied children in mainland Europe.
Mr Farron says of children he met just before Christmas: "They are fleeing torture and have seen some terrible things."
This year's least festive message comes from the Green Party, whose co-leader Jonathan Bartley appears in a video alongside co-leader Caroline Lucas and says: "Let's be honest, 2016 has been s***.
"Refugees drowning. The far-right rising. The EU referendum campaign. Trump. And the hottest year on record."
But Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has done his best to cheer everyone up in the season of goodwill in an upbeat Christmas message.
He says: "In case you are feeling too downcast this Christmas, don't forget that overall the people of this planet are living longer, they are living in better health, they are better educated than ever before, particularly women."
Theresa May calls for post-Brexit unity in Christmas message
Theresa May draws on her Christian faith and upbringing as a vicar’s daughter in a Christmas message that is more religious than many of those of her predecessors as Prime Minister.
In her first as PM, she speaks about the meaning of the birth of Christ and of growing up in a vicarage, in contrast with the Christmas messages of Jeremy Corbyn and Tim Farron, which are more political.
Although Tony Blair had a strong Christian faith, Gordon Brown was "the son of the Manse" and David Cameron said he was a member of the Church of England, Mrs May is the most religious recent PM.
On the vote to leave the European Union, she says it is important for the country to come together.
Image Caption:The PM names the Queen's 90th birthday as a highlight of 2016
"As we leave the European Union we must seize an historic opportunity to forge a bold new role for ourselves in the world and to unite our country as we move forward into the future," Mrs May says.
"And, with our international partners, we must work together to promote trade, increase prosperity and face the challenges to peace and security around the world."
In the religious part of her message, the PM says: "As we gather with our friends and families at this time of year we proudly celebrate the birth of Christ and the message of forgiveness, love and hope that he brings.
"We also think of Christians in other parts of the world who face persecution this Christmas and re-affirm our determination to stand up for the freedom of people of all religions to practise their beliefs in peace and safety."
Image Caption:In his own message, Mr Corbyn says 'no-one should be on the streets' at Christmas
The PM names the Queen's 90th birthday and the Olympic and Paralympic Games as highlights of 2016, though she does not mention the doping scandals that have tainted this year's games and those of London 2012.
In a separate message to the Armed Forces, she hints she will back soldiers against moves to charge them over the deaths of IRA leaders in the early 1970s.
In his very political Christmas message, Mr Corbyn says for some Christmas is a time of increased loneliness and despair.
He also speaks of a visit he made to homelessness charity Centrepoint and says "in the sixth richest country in the world no-one should be on the streets in the first place".
Image Caption:Tim Farron joins Mr Corbyn in delivering a stark message
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat Tim Farron filmed his Christmas message at a child refugee centre in Paris to highlight the plight of unaccompanied children in mainland Europe.
Mr Farron says of children he met just before Christmas: "They are fleeing torture and have seen some terrible things."
This year's least festive message comes from the Green Party, whose co-leader Jonathan Bartley appears in a video alongside co-leader Caroline Lucas and says: "Let's be honest, 2016 has been s***.
"Refugees drowning. The far-right rising. The EU referendum campaign. Trump. And the hottest year on record."
But Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has done his best to cheer everyone up in the season of goodwill in an upbeat Christmas message.
He says: "In case you are feeling too downcast this Christmas, don't forget that overall the people of this planet are living longer, they are living in better health, they are better educated than ever before, particularly women."
In her first as PM, she speaks about the meaning of the birth of Christ and of growing up in a vicarage, in contrast with the Christmas messages of Jeremy Corbyn and Tim Farron, which are more political.
Although Tony Blair had a strong Christian faith, Gordon Brown was "the son of the Manse" and David Cameron said he was a member of the Church of England, Mrs May is the most religious recent PM.
On the vote to leave the European Union, she says it is important for the country to come together.
Image Caption:The PM names the Queen's 90th birthday as a highlight of 2016"As we leave the European Union we must seize an historic opportunity to forge a bold new role for ourselves in the world and to unite our country as we move forward into the future," Mrs May says.
"And, with our international partners, we must work together to promote trade, increase prosperity and face the challenges to peace and security around the world."
In the religious part of her message, the PM says: "As we gather with our friends and families at this time of year we proudly celebrate the birth of Christ and the message of forgiveness, love and hope that he brings.
"We also think of Christians in other parts of the world who face persecution this Christmas and re-affirm our determination to stand up for the freedom of people of all religions to practise their beliefs in peace and safety."
Image Caption:In his own message, Mr Corbyn says 'no-one should be on the streets' at ChristmasThe PM names the Queen's 90th birthday and the Olympic and Paralympic Games as highlights of 2016, though she does not mention the doping scandals that have tainted this year's games and those of London 2012.
In a separate message to the Armed Forces, she hints she will back soldiers against moves to charge them over the deaths of IRA leaders in the early 1970s.
In his very political Christmas message, Mr Corbyn says for some Christmas is a time of increased loneliness and despair.
He also speaks of a visit he made to homelessness charity Centrepoint and says "in the sixth richest country in the world no-one should be on the streets in the first place".
Image Caption:Tim Farron joins Mr Corbyn in delivering a stark messageMeanwhile, Liberal Democrat Tim Farron filmed his Christmas message at a child refugee centre in Paris to highlight the plight of unaccompanied children in mainland Europe.
Mr Farron says of children he met just before Christmas: "They are fleeing torture and have seen some terrible things."
This year's least festive message comes from the Green Party, whose co-leader Jonathan Bartley appears in a video alongside co-leader Caroline Lucas and says: "Let's be honest, 2016 has been s***.
"Refugees drowning. The far-right rising. The EU referendum campaign. Trump. And the hottest year on record."
But Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has done his best to cheer everyone up in the season of goodwill in an upbeat Christmas message.
He says: "In case you are feeling too downcast this Christmas, don't forget that overall the people of this planet are living longer, they are living in better health, they are better educated than ever before, particularly women."
Friday, December 23, 2016
Berlin attacker Anis Amri pledged allegiance to Islamic State in video
The Tunisian who drove a lorry into a busy Berlin Christmas market filmed a video pledging his allegiance to Islamic State.
Anis Amri was killed in a shootout with police in Milan four days after he killed 12 people.
Islamic State's Amaq propaganda wing released the footage of the 24-year-old's declaration of support for leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi just hours after Amri was confirmed dead.
It is not clear if the video was taken before or after the attack.
Italian interior minister Marco Minniti said Amri had been identified "without a shadow of a doubt".
He was stopped near a train station in the northern Italian city at around 3am (2am UK time) on Friday when he pulled out a gun from his backpack "without hesitation" and started firing at the officers, injuring one of them.
The suspect was then shot and killed.
The injured policeman has been taken to hospital and underwent surgery, but his wounds are not life-threatening.
Mr Minniti did not release further details of the operation, citing an ongoing investigation.
A German security official said Amri had been linked to an IS recruitment network allegedly run by Iraqi preacher Ahmad Abdulaziz Abdullah A, or Abu Walaa, who was arrested last month.
Anis Amri was killed in a shootout with police in Milan four days after he killed 12 people.
Islamic State's Amaq propaganda wing released the footage of the 24-year-old's declaration of support for leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi just hours after Amri was confirmed dead.
It is not clear if the video was taken before or after the attack.
Italian interior minister Marco Minniti said Amri had been identified "without a shadow of a doubt".
He was stopped near a train station in the northern Italian city at around 3am (2am UK time) on Friday when he pulled out a gun from his backpack "without hesitation" and started firing at the officers, injuring one of them.
The suspect was then shot and killed.
The injured policeman has been taken to hospital and underwent surgery, but his wounds are not life-threatening.
Mr Minniti did not release further details of the operation, citing an ongoing investigation.
A German security official said Amri had been linked to an IS recruitment network allegedly run by Iraqi preacher Ahmad Abdulaziz Abdullah A, or Abu Walaa, who was arrested last month.
Berlin attacker Anis Amri pledged allegiance to Islamic State in video
The Tunisian who drove a lorry into a busy Berlin Christmas market filmed a video pledging his allegiance to Islamic State.
Anis Amri was killed in a shootout with police in Milan four days after he killed 12 people.
Islamic State's Amaq propaganda wing released the footage of the 24-year-old's declaration of support for leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi just hours after Amri was confirmed dead.
It is not clear if the video was taken before or after the attack.
Italian interior minister Marco Minniti said Amri had been identified "without a shadow of a doubt".
He was stopped near a train station in the northern Italian city at around 3am (2am UK time) on Friday when he pulled out a gun from his backpack "without hesitation" and started firing at the officers, injuring one of them.
The suspect was then shot and killed.
The injured policeman has been taken to hospital and underwent surgery, but his wounds are not life-threatening.
Mr Minniti did not release further details of the operation, citing an ongoing investigation.
A German security official said Amri had been linked to an IS recruitment network allegedly run by Iraqi preacher Ahmad Abdulaziz Abdullah A, or Abu Walaa, who was arrested last month.
Anis Amri was killed in a shootout with police in Milan four days after he killed 12 people.
Islamic State's Amaq propaganda wing released the footage of the 24-year-old's declaration of support for leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi just hours after Amri was confirmed dead.
It is not clear if the video was taken before or after the attack.
Italian interior minister Marco Minniti said Amri had been identified "without a shadow of a doubt".
He was stopped near a train station in the northern Italian city at around 3am (2am UK time) on Friday when he pulled out a gun from his backpack "without hesitation" and started firing at the officers, injuring one of them.
The suspect was then shot and killed.
The injured policeman has been taken to hospital and underwent surgery, but his wounds are not life-threatening.
Mr Minniti did not release further details of the operation, citing an ongoing investigation.
A German security official said Amri had been linked to an IS recruitment network allegedly run by Iraqi preacher Ahmad Abdulaziz Abdullah A, or Abu Walaa, who was arrested last month.
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