Birmingham Post

Royal Show at Stoneleigh

Terror: University Link to Doctor Arrested On M6

A doctor suspected of links to a UK terror cell that attacked London and Glasgow is studying neurology at Birmingham University, it was revealed last night. Dr Mohammad Asha's father defended his son as a brilliant scholar as security was tightened across Birmingham's transport networks.

Planners Must Be Bolder Green

Birmingham's approach to promoting the green agenda is too timid with city council planners failing to insist on sustainability measures in new housing and commercial development, according to a critical report. A year-long scrutiny inquiry also accuses lawyers of sabotaging attempts to reduce air miles by buying more of the council's goods and services from local firms.

Sir Digby Defends His Credentials

Sir Digby Jones last night hit back at criticism from the country's biggest trade union following claims he wasn't qualified enough for his new Government role. Yesterday Tony Woodley, the joint leader of the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) took a swipe at Gordon Brown, saying he must be "desperate" to give Sir Digby (right) a job in the new Business and Enterprise Department.

July 21 Jury Still Considering Verdict ; Courts

The jury in the July 21 terror trial retired for the third day yesterday to consider its verdicts. Six men are accused of taking part in an extremist Muslim plot to carry out a series of suicide bombings on the London transport system two weeks after the July 7 attacks.

Extremists Admit Using Internet ; Courts

Two men yesterday admitted using the internet to urge Muslims to take part in violent holy war against "kuffars" or non-believers. Younes Tsouli and Waseem Mughal, who had close links with al Qaida in Iraq, believed there was a "global conspiracy" to wipe out Islam, Woolwich Crown Court was told.

Bus Bomb Painting ; Art

A painting that blames the July 7 bus bomb on UK foreign policy has sparked controversy after going on show at the National Army Museum. Truth Or Consequences, by British pop artist Gerald Laing, places former Prime Minister Tony Blair next to the shattered remains of the doubledecker bus.

Extra Powers ; Police

Scottish police forces have been granted stop-and-search powers by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, police chiefs said. All eight forces applied for and have been granted the powers, said the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (Acpos).

British Muslims Unite to Condemn Terror Attacks

Mosques have united in Birmingham to condemn terrorism, city MP Khalid Mahmood told the House of Commons. Mr Mahmood, one of few Muslim MPs, said representatives of 250 mosques had spoken out against the "absolutely barbaric attacks" when they met in Small Heath over the weekend.

Woman Denies Wanting Her Son to Become Suicide Bomber

A young Muslim mother yesterday denied she wanted her baby son to become a suicide bomber. Bouchra El Hor, 24, is alleged to have encouraged her husband to become a terrorist martyr by writing a letter in which she promised to send their son to follow in his footsteps.

Celebrities Fuel Growing Demand for Prestige Cars

Super-rich celebrities and city 'fat cats' have fuelled British sales of supercars worth up to pounds 1.1 million each, a report has found. UK demand has doubled for motors including models by Warwickshirebased Aston Martin, the report by Virgin Money said.

A Quarter Plan Time Out to Help Others

One in four people are planning to take a break from work in the next year, often to do charity work or achieve a lifetime goal such as climbing in the Himalayas, a survey showed yesterday. A poll of 1,200 adults by Norwich Union reveals that almost one in five of those aiming to have a career break will not return to their job, creating a huge replacement bill for UK businesses.

Scandinavia and Us Lead Global Prosperity Stakes

Norway, Sweden and the United States top the list as the most prosperous countries in the world, a study revealed yesterday. The Global Prosperity Index sees North America and Europe dominate the table, with New Zealand the only southern hemisphere country to make it into the top 10.

Teenager Faces Life Term for Killing

A teenager was yesterday facing a life term after being found guilty of murdering talented young footballer Kiyan Prince, 15. The 17-year-old was named as Somalian refugee Hannad Hasan, who had been a pupil in the year above Kiyan at the London Academy in Edgware, north-west London.

Firefighters Spare Bride's Blushes

Firefighters saved a wedding when flooding threatened to ruin the bride's big day. Rachel Birtle and Samuel Hodgeson's 175 guests had to be evacuated from the farm and adjoining field where they had planned their wedding and reception as waters rose at Green Lane Farm, Darlington, on Saturday June 23.

Free Course On Mental Health ; Health

People who have experienced mental illness were being urged yesterday to sign up for a course that aims to tackle discrimination and promote a better understanding of mental health issues. Participants on the seven-part Talkbank Training Course, which starts on July 25, will learn how to raise awareness and speak confidently to the media about mental health issues.

Woman Killed in Road Accident ; Accident

A woman in her 20s has been killed in a road accident involving a bus in Longden, near Shrewsbury. The woman, who has not been named, was driving a silver-coloured Rover when it collided with a single-decker bus travelling in the opposite direction on Saturday.

New Clues Emerge ; Search

Detectives yesterday begun a search for the body of a man who went missing in a Herefordshire village more than 50 years ago after new evidence emerged. Derek Saville, who was 25 at the time, disappeared after he left his girlfriend's house to walk home in Canon Pyon on December 7, 1954.

Boy Dies On Bike ; Death

A six-year-old boy was killed while riding an off-road motorcycle in Bloxwich. The youngster, who has not been named, was riding the bike on land adjacent to a marina when he crashed into a tree at around 6.15pm on Sunday.

Wills

Nathaniel Morris Hughes, of Gobowen, Oswestry, Shropshire, died on May 27 2006; left estate valued at pounds 2,147,437 gross, pounds 2,144,406 net. Probate has been granted to accountant Anthony Elliott, of Station Buildings, Station Road, Gobowen, Oswestry, Shropshire, and solicitor Mark Woodward, of Willow Street, Oswestry, Shropshire. Vivian Joy Davies, of Beaufort Nursing Home, Kenilworth Road, Coventry, died on October 29 2006; left estate valued at pounds 2,077,888 gross, pounds 2,062,6...