BNS Louise Marie apprehends suspected pirates

BNS Louise Marie, the Belgium Frigate used by the EU Navel Force, has apprehended three men believed to be pirates.  This is the second time in recent weeks that BNS Louise Marie has apprehended suspected pirates; just 12 days ago five men were detained by BNS Louise Marie on suspicion of piracy on the Somali coast.

The naval warship is part of Operation Atlanta;the ship has monitored the seas off the Horn Of Africa in recent weeks to protect vessels from acts of piracy.  Operation Atlanta is part of the European Union's efforts to counteract piracy in Somalia.

Details of the event have only just been made available, however, the incident occurred on the early hours of December 27.  The suspect skiff was first spotted 400 miles off the Somalia coast by a Swedish EU NAVFOR maritime patrol aircraft.

Once the three men were apprehended, evidence was collected and the men were later taken ashore to a Somali beach.

Commenting in  a news release, Rear Admiral Gualtiero Mattesi, the Deputy Operation Commander of the EU Naval Force, said:

“EU Naval Force’s continued vigilance over this period has paid dividends.  BNS Louise Marie’s crew was able to quickly locate these men, and with reasonable grounds to suspect piracy, quite rightly took away their equipment that they may have used to prey on ships at sea.  The EU always seeks, where possible, a legal finish, however, this time, whilst there were reasonable grounds to suspect piracy, it was felt that there was insufficient evidence to secure a prosecution.  The European Union’s intent is clear - to be tough on piracy, whilst helping Somalis to regain peaceful control of their own country”.               

26 Dead after shooting at US Elementary School

America is in mourning and flags fly at half-mast tonight as the true horror of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, Connecticut begins to become clear.

To begin with it had been an ordinary day for the children at the school until the shooting began; the first gunshots are said to have been heard in the Principal's office. Reports suggest that 26 died in the shooting, 20 of them children.  The gunman then turned the gun on himself.

Reports of the shootings first came through late Friday afternoon in the UK.  The full extent was not known at the time and there was some confusion after it was stated that there were two gunmen, however, it is now clear that there was only one gunman.

An emotional President Obama took to the podium in the White House briefing room to talk about the tragedy.  As he addressed the nation, Obama said:

"...The majority of those who died today were children -- beautiful little kids between the ages of 5 and 10 years old.  They had their entire lives ahead of them -- birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own.  Among the fallen were also teachers -- men and women who devoted their lives to helping our children fulfill their dreams..."

"...As a country, we have been through this too many times.  Whether it’s an elementary school in Newtown, or a shopping mall in Oregon, or a temple in Wisconsin, or a movie theater in Aurora, or a street corner in Chicago -- these neighborhoods are our neighborhoods, and these children are our children.  And we're going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics..."

"...This evening, Michelle and I will do what I know every parent in America will do, which is hug our children a little tighter and we’ll tell them that we love them, and we’ll remind each other how deeply we love one another.  But there are families in Connecticut who cannot do that tonight.  And they need all of us right now.  In the hard days to come, that community needs us to be at our best as Americans.  And I will do everything in my power as President to help..."

There is some speculation that this might lead to gun laws in the United States being tightened, but that is something for another day, and for now America must grieve for the children and adults lost - and for the families they leave behind.

North Korea launch missile

Tensions have increased following the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) launch of the Unha-3 rocket.  Japan had threatened to shoot the missile down if launched, while China has called for caution.

The launch - the fourth by the DPRK since the mid-nineties - has been condemned by the United States and the United Kingdom.  The missile launch is a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874 and has also been condemned by NATO.  NATO has also called upon North Korea to fulfil its obligations under international law.

Media reports showed celebrations in the street by some North Koreans upon hearing the news of the successful launch.

Mr Hyon Hak Bong, DPRK Ambassador to London was summoned to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office by the Permanent Under Secretary Simon Fraser.  He warned that the missile launch "threatened regional stability" and said that the money used for the launch should have instead paid for "food and modernisation for its people".

National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor issued this statement:

"...This action is yet another example of North Korea’s pattern of irresponsible behavior.  The United States remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and fully committed to the security of our allies in the region. Given this current threat to regional security, the United States will strengthen and increase our close coordination with allies and partners..."

Vietor also went on to warn that North Korea was "further isolating itself  by engaging in such provocative acts".

Britian set to shiver as more wintry weather is forecast

Despite a brief reprieve from the freezing temperatures over the weekend, much colder weather is forecast for next week.

In a press release the Met Office says that from Monday a northeast wind will bring showers to the east coast and from Tuesday, freezing temperatures are forecast for across the UK.

It is forecast that temperatures will fall way below freezing in the coming week and the Met Office warns that this could lead to traffic disruption.

Tony Waters, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, said:

"After a brief milder spell this weekend we are expecting the coldest spell of the winter so far to develop across the UK next week. Eastern and southeastern coastal counties can expect to see the most frequent snow showers, but a few will probably spread further inland to central parts as the week goes on."

"With temperatures falling well below freezing at night, lying snow and the formation of ice could lead to some treacherous conditions and possible disruption to travel."

The Government has taken measures to help protect the elderly and vulnerable; Public Health Minister Anna Soubry has stated that £20 million has been given to local authorities to help keep people well during the colder weather.

You can find the latest cold weather alerts by visiting:

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/cold-weather-alert/#?tab=coldWeatherAlert