Birmingham Post

Midland Pals Jasper Carrott and Lenny Henry

Those Who Deny Global Warming 'As Guilty As' Josef Fritzl, Says Bishop

A Midland bishop has compared people who ignore the effects of climate change to the Austrian child sex monster Josef Fritzl. The Bishop of Stafford, the Very Rev Gordon Mursell, claimed people who refuse to face the truth about global warming were as "guilty as"

School Rape Allegation Sparks Police Investigation

Detectives are investigating allegations that a 15-year-old girl was raped at a Birmingham school. Police said two boys, aged 14 and 15, had been arrested and bailed pending further investigation into incidents alleged to have taken place at a school in Birmingham between January and April this year.

City Labour Mp Admits That It Is Grim Out There for His Party

The Birmingham MP behind Labour's doomed Crewe and Nantwich by- election campaign conceded yesterday that only a "hopeless romantic" would think the party could have attracted new voters. Labour whip Steve McCabe, who was widely criticised in the wake of the electoral drubbing which saw Tory Edward Timpson take the seat with a 17.6 per cent swing, said the party was unable to win over younger voters who felt the Government had let them down.

'Radical City Redesign Needed to Tackle Climate Change'

A radical redesign of our towns and cities will be needed to tackle climate change, the Government's design watchdog warned in Birmingham yesterday. The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (Cabe) said the current focus on "green gadgets" such as energy-saving light bulbs and wind turbines on homes would not be enough to address global warming and the looming energy crisis.

Outspoken Bishop Who Claimed Church Was Obsessed with Sex ; Profile

The Bishop of Stafford, the Very Rev Gordon Mursell, who has criticised people who ignore the perils of climate change, is no stranger to controversy. When it comes to speaking out about faith, the Church and its role in society, the bishop is forthright in his views and criticism.

Council Joins Fundraisers for the Victims of Chinese Earthquake

Council bosses in Birmingham are urging the city's residents to help the victims of the devastating Chinese earthquake. Condolence books and donation boxes have been opened in the city council's headquarters, and leader Mike Whitby is urging people to support a series of fundraising events.

Five for Trial ; Courts

Owner Stabbed ; Police

A man was stabbed as he tackled burglars in his home, police said yesterday. The 47-year-old, of Colchester, Essex, confronted two men at 11pm on Thursday after they broke in and demanded money. Essex Police said the victim, who was yesterday in a stable condition in hospital, may have been wrongly targeted. He received a number of wounds to his body, especially his leg and back, said a spokeswoman.

Poet with X-Factor

A 14-year-old boy with cystic fibrosis has been presented with an award at a star studded event in London for his poetry. Daniel Cullen, from Kenilworth, Warwickshire, was presented with the Artistic Award by X Factor contestant Jonathan Ansell, of G4, and TV presenter Janet Ellis at the 13th annual Cystic Fibrosis Trust Breathing Life Awards at London Hilton Metropole. The awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of inspiring people that have the life-threatening disease cystic fibrosis...

Fearless Prisons Campaigner Was Driven by Grief and Anger, Mourners Told

A prisons campaigner whose daughter died in jail was a "fearless and formidable" activist who helped others overcome similar grief, funeral mourners were told yesterday. The service in memory of Pauline Campbell, who was arrested more than a dozen times while highlighting the incidence of suicide in women's jails, heard that the campaigner was a persistent thorn in the side of the state.

City's Rich Heritage Recorded in Print

They are dotted about the landscape and part of Birmingham's rich cultural heritage. Now a book detailing the city's wealth of sculptures has been launched to help people locate the best of the memorials and artworks.

Locket Containing 'Jane Austen' Hair May Sell for Pounds 5,000 at Auction

A locket containing hair believed to have come from author Jane Austen is expected to fetch more than pounds 5,000 at auction. The "in memoriam" jewellery shows a lock of fine light-brown hair intricately wound into the shape of a weeping willow.

Drivers Are Warned to Expect Congestion for Cosford Airshow

Visitors to the RAF Cosford Airshow tomorrow have been advised to plan their trips in advance to avoid congestion on the roads. More than 45,000 people are expected to attend the annual extravaganza at the Midland base and the Highways Agency said the surrounding roads were likely to be extremely busy.

Families Told No Magic Solution to Gun and Knife Crime ; Politics

Bereaved families of teenagers killed in gun and knife attacks in London met city leaders yesterday. Politicians are desperate to find long-term solutions to London's violence crisis among young people.

Prime Minister Is As Unpopular As John Major in New Poll Blow ; Politics

Gordon Brown's popularity among voters is the same as Sir John Major's at his lowest point and worse than Michael Foot, according to a poll yesterday. The poll puts Labour on 23 points - lower than during Mr Foot's reign as leader.

Early Release Numbers for Prisoners Is Exceeded ; Politics

An official estimate of the number of criminals who would be freed from prison early in the first year of a controversial scheme has been exceeded in just 10 months, it was revealed yesterday. The Government said last June that 25,500 prisoners would be let out up to 18 days early to free up space in overcrowded jails.

New Headache for Brown As Nhs Workers Reject Pay Offer ; Politics

Thousands of health workers have massively rejected a three-year pay offer, setting themselves on a collision course with the Government and causing fresh problems for the Prime Minister, it was announced yesterday. The GMB, which represents 25,000 NHS staff in England and Wales, said its members voted against the three-year deal by more than 96 per cent.

Tackling Poverty Behind Tony Blair's Faith Foundation ; Politics

Tony Blair yesterday launched his "faith foundation" which he hopes will unite the world's religions to tackle global poverty and conflict. The former Prime Minister, a Roman Catholic, officially unveiled the foundation at the headquarters of media group TimeWarner in New York.

Darling Defends Plans to Help Elderly Cope with High Fuel Bills ; Politics

Moves to help the vulnerable and elderly cope with soaring fuel bills were defended yesterday by Chancellor Alistair Darling. New measures announced by the Government, including helping households to improve their energy efficiency, had been criticised by campaigners as too little and a reshuffling of old ideas.