10/06/2014 BBC News at Six

The Energy Regulator asks the Big Six energy firms why they

haven't dropped their prices, after wholesale prices fall by nearly 40%.

Ofgem calls on the companies to tell customers

What they need to do is explain to customers, why haven't we seen

retail prices fall. on the companies to tell customers

We'll be looking at how the energy companies will respond and whether

our bills will get any lower. Also tonight:

The Prime Minister backs actively promoting British values in schools,

as the BBC hears fresh concerns about another school.

this time in Bradford. One in three adults are on the verge

of developing type 2 diabetes, according to new research.

And, with just two days to go, is Brazil finally ready

for the World Cup? On BBC London.

City Hall approves the purchase of three water cannon

for the Metropolitan Police. An investigation's launched

after thieves target ticket machines with angle grinders and pick axes.

Good evening and welcome to the BBC News at Six.

The Energy Regulator has written to the Big Six electricity

and gas suppliers asking why they haven't reduced their prices.

Ofgem says they risk "undermining public confidence" if

they fail to explain how the current drop in wholesale costs

will affect what customers pay. According to one measure,

wholesale gas prices are 38% lower than they were this time last year.

That's the lowest level for four years.

In a clear signal to the energy companies, Ofgem reminds

them that customers can vote with their feet if they don't get

an explanation of how that drop will affect their household bills.

Our industry correspondent, John Moylan, has more.

The cost of energy is a big part of our household bills. Now there is

concerns that the Big Six suppliering have been making a

windfall gain by not passing on falling gas and electricity prices

to their customers. In a competitive market, that shouldn't happen. The

Energy Regulator has now written to the Big Six demanding answers. What

we have been seeing over the last six months is a sustained fall in

energy prices, for both gas and electricity. What we haven't seen,

what is of concern to me, is that correspondenting fall in retail

prices to end consumers. The Ofgem say that is despite short-term

spikes in recent years, day ahead wholesale gas prices have been

stabled and have been falling since the end of yas year. Look what

happened to our gas bills, they have continued to rise. Energy was top of

the agenda at this conference in London today. Having cut green

levies last year and reduced bills, the Energy Secretary today indicated

that it was now time for the companies to act. The Big Six have

announced that price freezes. I'm pleased about that. They may have to

look again because otherwise they will lose consumers. Their customers

will move if they don't review their pricing strategies over the next few

months. Britain has a liberalised energy market, it is down to the

firms to decide what they charge. The companies insist that other

factors have been keeping prices high. Some fear they have been

making bumper gains. With a it necessary to increase prices just

before Christmas? I call on the industry to do something about

reducing prices and reflect their wholesale fall. Some of the costs

associated with energy do come from other things. Some of those other

things and policy costs, for example, did go up. That was one of

the reasons why there were changes to the bill not so very long ago. At

the same time, the companies have all committed to taking money off

the bill and that's been coming through over this year as well.

Tonight, the biggest supplier, British Gas, said that as it buys

its gas in advance it can't immediately respond when prices

fall. It insists it's not increasing profits due to lower wholesale

prices. The energy suppliers are already facing the prospect of a

major competition investigation. That is likely to be confirmed in

the coming weeks. This is a big intervention by the Energy

Regulator. It will pile more pressure on the Big Six firms to

act. Fiona. Thanks, John. John Moylan, has more.

David Cameron has backed proposals to actively promote British values

in England's schools, saying he believes they will get

"overwhelming" public support after Ofsted found yesterday that some

schools in Birmingham had been influenced by

hardline Islamic views, four of them face losing their national funding.

From Birmingham, Alex Forsyth reports.

While pupils in Birmingham focus on their summer exams, there is much

focus on their schools. Five have now in special measures, after

Ofsted some governors were trying to impose their ethos a narrow faith

based ideology. One parent at this school told us his son raised

concerns two years ago. He said, we have been segregated, told to sit at

the front at the class. Girls are told to sit at the back of the

class. Boys were told not to play with girls. That shouldn't happen.

The school say it is doesn't separate boys and girls. Another

parent said there is segregation, although it is something he

supports. The schools really good. They keep the girls away from the

boys, which is natural in our faith. And, is nothing wrong with that. As

a result of Ofsted's concern over such practices, the academy trusts

that run four schools could have their funding withdrawn. It means

the schools face being taken over. The its further uncertainty for

parents and pupils. In response to the concerns raised here in

Birmingham, the Education Secretary, Michael Gove, said all schools must

promote "British values" some see that as a criticism of schools which

reflect the values of this, predominantly Muslim community. The

Prime Minister, who is in Sweden with other EU leaders, says he

thinks Mr Gove is right. I would say freedom, tolerance, respect for the

rule of law, belief in personal and social responsibility and respect

for British institutions. Those are the sorts of things I would hope

would be inculcated into the Curran in any school in Britain. A member

of the Parents Association at this school in special measures said it

has these values. The acting Head prints out what his own assembly

says in the Friday newsletter. And it's all about citizenship. About

having good manners. Telling the truth, not tells lies. About being

good British citizens. While there is anger from those who feel their

schools have been unfairly targeted the condemnation of what happened

here has prompted changes in inspection and governance for all

schools. The impact will be felt much further than just within this

city. Alex Forsyth, BBC News, Birmingham.

Alex Forsyth reports. Beyond Birmingham,

the BBC has uncovered fresh evidence of a possible Islamic agenda

in a school in Bradford. Concerns were raised about,

amongst other things, segregating girls and boys

on school trips and at after school clubs at Carlton Bolling College.

Our UK affairs correspondent, Jeremy Cooke, investigates.

They are the children of multi-cultural Britain. Muslim

pupils attending state schools which are obliged to have no specific

religious character. After yesterday's report into schools in

Birmingham, there is concern here over a possible Islamic agenda in

the Bradford education system. There is a co-ordinated attempt by a small

group of unrepresentative people whose views are not shared by most

of the Muslim parents I talk to, to gain greater control of two

governing bodies in Bradford and to advance their agenda. Carlton

Bolling College is a school with an overwhelmingly Muslim intake. The

BBC has seen the minutes of governor's meets which raise the

question - is there an attempt to bring Islam into these classrooms?

It was argued that a broad religious agenda met the spiritual needs of

students may not be met. There were plans to segregate boys from girls

in sex education classes after school sessions and on trips. Staff

were encouraged to visit Park View School in Birmingham which was at

the centre of the Trojan Horse investigation. Perhaps the key issue

in Bradford is the extent to which governors can effectively take over

schools. Take control from senior teaching staff in order to promote

their own agenda, whatever that may be. The chair of the governors at

Carlton Bolling College is Faisal Khan, an independent Bradford

councillor formally of the Respect party. He insists his sole purpose

is to improve academic standards. Laisterdyke School, in Bradford,

Faisal Khan was a governor here it too. An Ofsted report criticised the

governing body which was sacked en masse by the councillor. Governors

were said to have become too involved in operational matters.

Faisal Khan insists the governors were acting in the best interests of

the schools and rejects claims of a Muslim takeover. Is there an Islamic

agenda here? Definitely not. We have a school with 95% children, we make

their needs, Halal food, prayer within school. Wearing the hijab?

Covering your hair. We don't children, irrespective of their

background, to compromise on their faith. If you had 10 non-Muslim kits

kids in your school what is your thoughts? You meet their needs as

well. They say they are ready to act quickly in cases where that

relationship is cause for concern. Jeremy Cooke, BBC News, Bradford.

Jeremy Cooke, investigates. 150,000 people are believed to have

fled Iraq's second largest city Mosul after militants linked to

Al-Qaeda seized control of government buildings.

The army and the police are reported to have abandoned their posts.

It follows days of fighting there and attacks on other towns.

The Prime Minister, Nouri Al-Maliki, has asked parliament to declare

a state of emergency. Paul Wood reports.

After four days of this, the jihadis are now effectively in control of

Iraq's second city, with two million people. ISIL fighters seized the

government headquarters and the airport. They emptied the jails.

1,000 prisoners escaped from one, it's said. The governor broadcast an

appeal for the men of Mosul to resist the militants, then he fled.

Police and soldiers abondon their posts too. Many refugees followed

them. TRANSLATION: The army dissolved.

They were terrified. They fled, so we left too.

TRANSLATION: The commanders were the first to flee, leaving the soldiers

alone. The commanders are to blame. TRANSLATION: All the people have

fled. They have left their homes and many people are lying dead, on the

streets. Will Iraq accept this? TRANSLATION: Iraq will not accept

it. Nouri Al-Maliki asked parliament to declare a state of emergency "any

citizen who volunteers to fight the militants will get weapons" he

promises. Plumes of smoke hang over the city from abandoned and looted

police stations. The Islamic state, I I will have fresh weapons, even if

they lose Mosul now. If they do manage to remain here, it will be

another step towards their goal of an Islamic (inaudible) straddling

territory in both Iraq and Syria. Paul Wood, BBC News Beirut.

Paul Wood reports. The Government has admitted that

Royal pardons were secretly given to paramilitaries in return

for information in Northern Ireland as far back as the 1980's.

But in an interview - to be broadcast on tonight's File

on 4 on Radio 4 - the current Northern Ireland Secretary says

details of who received them should not be published because it could

put them in danger. Our Ireland correspondent,

Chris Buckler, has the details. In cemeteries across Northern

Ireland, there are headstones that remember the murdered. Loved ones,

killed in acts of terrorism. Killings in many case that is have

never led to convictions. Lexie Cummings was shot dead by the IRA as

he left work. There was a lot of evidence... However, his family

learnt, during a review of the case, that the main suspect had been given

a so-called "on-the-run letter" a document that assured him he was no

longer wanted by police in the UK. It's so wrong. It beggars belief. I

can't understand why a government would do this to people. To the

innocent victims. The on-the-run scheme was made public when a letter

sent in error stopped John Downey from being prosecuted in connection

with the murders of four soldiers. He was the main suspect in the Hyde

Park bombing, although he always denied involvement in the notorious

attack. The letters are the focus of a judge-led inquiry and this, an

investigation by the House of Commons committee into the scheme.

It was taking evidence at Stormont today. To deal with some OTR cases

the Government used Royal perking are tifs of mercies, they are more

commonly referred to as Royal pardons. The record for pardons

granted in Northern Ireland during the decade leading up to the Good

Friday agreement are missing. The Government has admitted that Royal

pardons were used in some terrorism-related cases as par far

back as the 1980s. There were some, yes. People will be shocked at that,

aren't they? Well, as I say, it was used in a very... In relation, for

example, to cases were people might be released early on compassionate

grounds. Perhaps if they had terminal illnesses. It was also used

in some instances, I understand, in exchange for information provided to

assist the authorities in prosecuting other people. Again, to

shortened sentences. Sombre Reeved and injured during years of violence

want the names of those pardoned to be made public. The Government

argues that could put people in danger in a place where the past

still causes hurt. You can hear more on that story

on File on 4 tonight at 8.00pm on BBC Radio 4.

Our top story this evening. The Energy Regulator, Ofgem,

asks the Big Six energy firms why they haven't dropped their prices.

Still to come, how new fines could mean you would pay ?10,000

for speeding on the motorway. Later on BBC London, calls for

Londoners to be consulted more fully on the capital's new skyscrapers.

More than 200 are in the pipeline. And a game of two halves.

We meet the brewer who was there in '66 and has been cultivating

the yeast ever since. More than a third of adults

in England are on the verge of developing type 2 diabetes,

raising concerns about an unsustainable burden on the

NHS, according to research published in the British Medical Journal.

The number of adults in England with what's termed

"pre-diabetes" has risen rapidly by almost 24% between 2003 and 2011.

It's estimated the NHS spends 10% of its budget already

on treating diabetes and diabetes complications such as heart disease,

stroke, amputation and blindness. Our health correspondent

Dominic Hughes reports. Many of the people at this gym have

been referred here by their GP because of health problems,

including some who are prediabetic and at risk of developing type 2

diabetes, which is linked to being overweight. Regular exercise and a

good diet can help. These gym users are feeling the benefits. You feel

fitter and you can, are feeling the benefits. You feel

fitter like, get up easier. It is hard. Just having to go on a diet

and do this. It is beneficial psyche doing it. Type 2 diabetes develops

when the body fails to produce enough insulin and Dick increases

the risk of heart attack or stroke, amputation, kidney and nerve damage.

-- and it increases. This lady was prediabetic so she made some

changes. I had to generally be more healthy. I had seen diabetes in my

family with my brother, my father, and I really did not want that in my

life, so I wanted to stop that happening. This matters because

nearly 3 million people in the UK have already been diagnosed with

type 2 diabetes, which can have a serious impact on your health. Of

those who are prediabetic, as many as one in ten may go on to develop

the condition. Yet researchers say 80% of all those cases of type 2

diabetes are entirely avoidable. And the charity diabetes UK says those

at risk can do something about it, as long as they know. Lose a bit of

weight, eat a healthy diet, take more activity. They can then back

themselves of the risk but they need to know they are at risk at first so

they need a risk assessment from their GP. Exercise and diet - the

prescription is simple. Putting it into practice is something else and

today's study makes clear the huge costs associated with treating type

2 diabetes for the NHS means there may be little choice.

Dominic Hughes reports. The UK's largest supermarket is

about to launch its first current account in

a bid to challenge the big banks. Until now, Tesco has provided

savings accounts only. Around three quarters of current

accounts in the UK are with the so-called "big four" banks.

Here's our business editor, Kamal Ahmed.

In banking, the olden days were not necessarily the golden days. I was

only too pleased to go over and arrange for him to open his first

account... Today, Tesco attempted to break up the domination of

Britain's traditional banks when it announced its first current account.

Traditionally offered to its 16 million Clubcard members, it could

make an impact on the big six in the UK. The bank's executive said it was

time to shake things up. Customers tell us they are very fed up with

the smoke and mirrors and the need to pay attention to small print.

Tesco will charge ?5 a month for the account unless holders deposit at

least ?750 a month. That has brought criticism, as those on low incomes

could be excluded. The state pension is ?113 a week, yet you need ?750 a

month to open an account, so I can not understand why Tesco is seeking

to exclude a significant number of older customers. Tesco says other

types of account may follow. Consumer groups welcomed the frank

that the bank had been clear on fees. -- the fact. Tesco bank wants

to take the fight to the traditional lenders, like Lloyds, RBS and

Barclays. They control the vast majority of banking in the UK, a

situation the government by grocers is not healthy. Advocates of change

they will challenge for banks means better competition and better deals

for consumers. -- the Government says is not healthy.

Compare all of this to the new challenger, Metro bank. It has a

tiny share. Competition is notoriously weak, still dominated by

a handful of players. This is a serious challenge from Tesco but it

is not the earthquake in retail banking customers desperately need.

Tesco believes the more people who bank with it, the more people will

shop with it. With struggling retail sales, it is hoping the new current

account will provide the list the retailer so urgently needs. -- the

lift. Maximum fines imposed

by magistrates in England and Wales could rise dramatically in an effort

to crack down on offenders. Under new proposals,

the highest penalty, for offences including speeding on a motorway,

would go from ?2,500 to ?10,000. And there'd be no limit on fines

for drink-driving, as Judith Moritz reports.

With you caught speeding, acting drunk and disorderly or fail to pay

your licence, you may have to appear before magistrates. -- whether you

are caught. They have the power to impose fines for everything and now

those penalties are set to increase. At the moment, if you are convicted

of speeding on a motorway, you can be fined up to ?2500. But under the

changes, if you are found guilty of the same offence, you could find

yourself having to pay four times as much. The new fines are split into

levels. Minor offences like causing criminal damage whilst drunk could

attract a fine of up to ?800. Up to ?2000 could be the fined for driving

a motorcycle without a helmet. Irregular school attendance could

cost parents up to ?4000. And speeding on a motorway may result in

a fine of up to ?10,000. And for the first time, and limited fines may

also be imposed. At Manchester Magistrates Court today, the plan of

changes has met with a mixed response. How much have you been

fined? Just over a grand. It was driving offences. So if that fine

was to increase by, potentially, up to four times as much, what would

you make of that? Erm... Not good, obviously, but it would be my own

fault for doing what I did to get the finding the first place. I have

just been fined ?745 for not providing information. If that was

to go up even further in future, what would you think? Diabolical.

The magistrates has said not everybody would automatically pay

the higher fines because they are means tested. It is ridiculous

trying to find somebody ?5,000 when they are on benefits. You won't get

it and they won't be able to pay and actually what is happening is you

are setting them up to fail. The changes are still going through

Parliament so it is not yet known when they will be introduced.

as Judith Moritz reports. European football leaders have told

the FIFA President Sepp Blatter he should step down next year.

At a meeting with UEFA delegates, Mr Blatter was told that

the public link FIFA with corruption and bribery.

Our correspondent is in Rio. This follows allegations around 2022?

Guess. FIFA Congress begins to night and there was a meeting between them

and UEFA. -- yes. Separatist Rhine to stand for a fifth term in office.

We had today the meeting today was very feisty. -- set latter is

intending to stand. The reputation with the public was said to be so

low it could only improve if he left. He was addressed directly

saying he damaged the image of football. They said their only

option was not to back him for that fifth term in office. Thank you.

and bribery. With just two days to go before

the opening match of the World Cup in Brazil, workers are frantically

trying to complete preparations. There've been question marks over

whether all the stadiums will be ready, whether

the transport system will cope and whether Brazilians are in the

mood to embrace the competition. From Rio,

Wyre Davies has sent this report. It has taken some time but the green

and gold is out... And there are smiles on faces, as Brazilians start

to show some pride in their World Cup. My Brazil is strong. It is

ours, they say. Sneaking a peek at some Sao Paulo's new stadium. This

was one of six stadiums to be delivered late. Construction work

and safety testing on temporary stands all happening in the last few

days. Safety concerns and overspends litter arguments between Brazil and

FIFA in the venue for England's first match. We are not responsible

for the country but we are responsible for the financial

support we bring to a country and then I can be clear there is no

corruption. But hundreds of thousands of Brazilians are

indignant at the billions being spent on the World Cup. On the

streets protesting for the last year, they say they will disrupt the

toilet -- the tournament itself, despite the government threat to use

force. There are struggles in the World Cup, before the World Cup and

after the World Cup. The World Cup in Brazil is for FIFA, not Brazil.

This has been a really bad year and a half or Brazil. Not the kind of

images they want the world to see. Even now here in Rio, they are still

building critical structures for fans. Will they be ready for the

World Cup? Probably yes, but only just, and a lot is being left to

chance. Fans from England and across the globe are descending on Rio.

They know what this country can deliver. Partying and beaches aside,

this is a huge challenge for Brazil, however, and the world be will be

watching. Wyre Davies has sent this report.

Time for a look at the weather. Here's Nick Miller.

For those suffering downpours today, drier days to come but still some

thunderstorms this evening moving across northern England with some in

northern Scotland, Northern Ireland, the north coast of Devon and

Somerset. Showers will continue to the northern west of the UK and well

into the night, but the heaviest ones will ease. Gorgeous weather

over southern England and eastern England. Most will start dry

tomorrow and stay that way through the day. Deeper into the day, hardly

any showers, just a few dotted around the northern part and nowhere

near as heavy as they have been. You will be unlucky if you catch one

because they are far fewer than they have been. For much of England and

Wales, staying dry. If you start with some sunshine, expectant crowd

to build but still sunny spells. If you stop with cloud that will break.

-- expect some cloud. Some places hitting 23 or 24. For the

pre-Wimbledon tennis tournaments, in good shape. Not just tomorrow but

for the rest of the week. On Thursday, England and Wales will see

the best of the sunshine. A bit more cloud around for Scotland and

Northern Ireland but western Scotland seeing some rain at times.

In the sunshine in south-east England, temperatures heading up a

bit more into the mid-20s, and by Friday, one still. At this stage,

the cloud and a few showers affecting Scotland on Friday. --

warmer still.