20/09/2011 BBC News at Six

The world's economy is at risk of a double dip recession - and that

includes Britain. Experts at the International Monetary Fund say

weak growth leaves the major economies in danger. Politicians

can't sit on their hands any longer. We need to act for growth and jobs.

It's the only way to secure the future and to get our deficits down.

We have the discipline and determination to put right the huge

deficits and debts that we were left by the last Government. Also

on tonight's programme: Frightened to go out on her own and pestered

by the press. The nurse held for six weeks over the death of

hospital patients. I can't believe it's happening. Even then they

arrested me. I thought I'd be home for tea. Smuerly they know I've not

-- surely they know I've not done anything wrong. Plans to make it

easier for customers to stop the best deals. There should be a basic,

simple supply, for a consumer at a simple rate to understand. Guilty

of murder - the music teacher who battered his fiance to death. Gb's

first competitors prepare to defend their world-beating record. I will

be here with Sportsday later. A medal for Pooley at the time-

trail, but it's not the colour she Good evening. Welcome to the BBC

aus news at 6pm. One of the most influential organisations has

issued its starkest warnings about the prospects for the global

economy. The International Monetary Fund said there is a risk of a

double-dip recession and Britain is included in that gloomy forecast.

The IMF said Governments must be ready to re-think their policies if

growth remains as clugish as it fears. -- sluggish as it fears.

The state of the world economy is under the magnifying glass again.

This time a gloomy view from the leading think-tank, the IMF. It

says the world is entering a dangerous new phase. It talks of a

weak and bumpy recovery and says leading economies are facing

anaemic growth. The global economy has entered a dangerous new phase.

Strong policies are needed, both to improve the outlook and to reduce

the risks. The Chancellor has admitted that UK growth forecasts

will have to be reduced. Now the IMF has done just that, as it has

with other economies. Earlier this year, the OBR, that's the

Government's official forecaster, predicted 1.7% growth. In June the

IMF said more like 1.5%. Now it says 1.1%. There's a message for

the British Government - if growth weakens further, the deficit

reduction plan should be delayed. We have the discipline and

determination to putting right the huge deficits and debts that we

were left by the last Government and we will go on with absolute

determination doing that and no wavering in that whatsoever. These

are very worrying figures for America and for Britain too.

Politicians cannot sit on their hands for longer. We need to act

for growth and jobs. It's the only way to secure the future and get

our deficits down. The IMF warning the eurozone needs to get to grips

with its crisis. Students took to the streets of

Athens to protest about spending cuts.

The IMF believes recession is a possibility in Europe as well as

the US. Of course, any major downturn in

the leading European economies would have a big impact on all of

us here in the UK. That's because 40% or so of our

goods and services, exports, go to the eurozone. Economies are so

interlinked now that you cannot escape the consequences of someone

else's slowdown. That is really what this latest IMF report means

for the UK. All advanced economies are facing tough times and we can't

avoid the consequences. We will speak to our political

editor, Nick Robinson in a moment. First let's go to Stephanie

Flanders, who is in Washington. We have been reporting about how tough

things are for some time. How significant is this latest report

from the IMF? Well, George, we have heard a lot of this. Of course this

is just one report and one set of economic forecasts which will

probably turn out to be wrong, the actual numbers. The significance is

that you have all of the world's Finance Ministers gathering here in

Washington at the end of the week. What the IMF is telling them, is

the prospects for their recoveries have drasticly worsened in the last

few months. This is something they are focused on in Europe and

America. It is actually for all of the global recovery, it will be

weaker than they expected. If policy makers don't get their act

together, we could look at a prolonged slowdown or even a

recession, particularly in the US and maybe in the UK. The IMF does

not want us to panic. They think policy makers can make this path

easier. They have to do lot of things they have not wanted to do.

The European policy makers have to get their act together. In America,

they have to resolve some of their differences in Washington, to get a

proper deal on the US debt situation and prevent a recession

there. The advice for the UK is more nuanced. They think that the

UK is one step closer to the time when the Government will have to

re-think its approach to the deficit. Thank you. Isn't this more

pressure on the Government, some would say to think about growth

more, or what some are calling have a Plan B? It is enormous pressure

on them. Again and again you hear ministers here at the Liberal

Democrats conference and Conservatives in Whitehall, around

the world, say there is only one plan, plan A. We must stick to it,

we are agreed. Yet, George, behind the scenes I can reveal there is a

fascinating discussion beginning to take place in the Cabinet about

whether there is something more they could do to stimulate growth.

Not Plan B. It would be sticking to cuts in what's called current

spending, every day spending on salaries, for example and benefits

and the like. The debate which is beginning to shape up is around

what is called "Capital spending." Spending on building thins, on road,

on rail, on broadband infrastructure, to stimulate growth.

We have heard plans to accelerate existing projects. We have heard

plans to find money that is unspent in other budgets and allocate to

councils to build, for example a road, to allow a new housing

development to take place. Some Cabinet ministers are telling me

here and elsewhere they believe the Chancellor could go further, that

it would be possible, in other words, to change his existing

spending plans on capital projects to spend a few billion pounds more,

to stimulate growth, without they claim abandoning plan A, without

spooking the financial markets. It's the beginning of an important

debate about what Government does in the face of these serious

economic warnings. Thank you both.

She was held by police for six weeks, accused of tampering with

drugs at a Greater Manchester hospital, where several patients

had died. Today the nurse, Rebecca Leighton, has been speaking for the

first time about the ordeal. Despite being released and the

charges dropped, she says she is still pestered by the press and is

too frightened to go out on her own. She was accused of killing her

patients. She spent six weeks in jail. Now, for the first time

Rebecca Leighton has spoken about what she has been through and the

moment she was arrested. I woke up to police banging on the door. I

just thought that the police wanted to ask further questions or

interviews or what not. I thought I'd be home for tea-time. Surely

they know I've not done anything wrong. Rebecca Leighton was

arrested after the deaths of three patients. All three received

contaminated saline. On 22nd July she was charged with criminal

damage with intent to danger life. On September 2nd, all charges were

dropped. 12 days later, she was told she could return to nursing,

but remains suspended from Stepping Hill, while they investigate claims

she stole medicine. I pleaded with the police every day, all the time,

just please don't stop looking. Don't stop with me, because if you

do, then surely the person that has done these horrific things is still

going to be out there. It worried me. Security remains tight at

Stepping Hill. Here, every car is checked in and

out because the person who contaminated this saline could

still be inside the hospital. 60 detectives need to speak to

hundreds of witnesses. This includes patients, visitors and

staff. It's also an investigation that has

changed Rebecca Leighton's life. I'm living at my parents. I'm not

where I used to live. I am not working. I cannot go out without

people taking pictures of me. I cannot walk down the street on my

own because I'm kind of a bit scared really. One day Rebecca

Leighton hopes to return to work as a nurse, while the families of

those who died at Stepping Hill are still waiting for answers.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has said he's apulled at the

killing of a former -- appalled at the killing of a former President

of Afghanistan. Burhanuddin Rabbani was killed in a bomb blast at his

home in Kabul. He was meeting with two Taliban members at the time of

the attack. A music teacher has been found guilty of murdering his

fiancee. He battered her and strangled her before he stored her

body in a suitcase. Our correspondent joins us now from

Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. Andrew Lindo lived in this

development here. When he was found guilty someone in the gallery

shouted, "Yes." He described his Christmas as the best ever. He was

the charming music teacher, described as a lady's man. She was

the woman who fell for him while married to someone else, so gave up

everything to be with the man, who it was said swept her off her feet.

But last December, here at their home in West Yorkshire, Andrew

Lindo lost his temper and brutally murdered Marie Stewart in a

prolonged and vicious attack, after which he concealed her body in a

bag. As soon as Lindo had hidden the

body of his fiancee in their garage he drove in his car 15 miles to

Barnsley to collect his lover, who he brought back here. He told

anyone who would listen that his fiancee had gone missing with

another man. Despite her family's suspicions that lie held for two

months. During that time Lindo, who sang in

local bands, posted fake Facebook messages from the fiancee he

murdered, coning the world that she had left him and their two young

children. Neighbours always doubted his story. It really didn't make

any sense because she loved her kids so much. She was a huge part

of their lives. It didn't add up. It didn't. Lindo convinced his new

girl friend that he was planning a new life with her. She told the

But in February this year, police discovered Marie Stewart's body in

the garage and Lindo's lies unravelled.

He conned so many people. He told women he was trying to impress he

was a single father. He made his home look like a bachelor pad. He

could not con a jury today. They took less than an hour to find him

guilty and he'll be sentenced tomorrow. Customers facing a

confusing array of energy charges are to be given a helping hand.

Chris Huhne has promised to make it easier for consumers to spot the

best deals and sign on for them. Speaking at the Liberal Democrats

conference in Birmingham, he said he was determined to get tough with

the big suppliers. Winter is fast approaching. The two

rounds of energy price rises means that warming our homes will cost

around �160 more than just 12 months ago.

That's bad news for this couple who live in Essex. June is disabled.

They need to keep the heating on. They find the range of offers and

deals simply too confusing. We're high energy users, both on gas and

electricity. We have an incentive to look around. It's really

difficult. It is difficult within the supplier's tariffs, let alone

between tariffs. Any simplification has to be an advantage. Does the

Government have any plans to make life easier? The good news is that

more simple tariffs are coming. Companies will have to say on deals

where you might find a cheaper deal. There are plans for customers to

benefit financially when firms are fined for wrong doing. The Energy

Secretary is warning the industry over predatory pricing, which he

fears may be keeping new comers out It is not fair that big energy

companies can push prices up for those who do not switch while

offering cut-throat prices for new customers which stop small firms

entering the market to provide real competition. Privatisation was

meant to deliver savings for consumers, but the big six

companies have faced criticism as spiralling commodity prices have

sent a -- bills higher. Will the plans make a difference? He is

about time that someone took steps to make sure that this market,

which is categorised by bad selling, complex tariffs and the

impossibility to get the right deal, that something is done to make life

easier for consumers. If you are never switch supplier, doing so now

could save you a couple of hundred pounds, but energy reforms take

time, and for some the benefits may not be felt this winter.

It is a little after quarter past six, our top story tonight: The

world's economy, including Britain, is at risk of a double-dip

recession. The IMF says weak growth has left the major economies in

danger. Coming up: Packing up and ready to

go, but how the move and Ireland from the Arctic to the south coast?

And later on the BBC News Channel, I will have more on those stark

warnings from the IMF about global economic growth and why Italy's

prime ministers as the country's downgrade is now about politics and

A BBC investigation has uncovered evidence of possible fraud and

serious wrongdoing in building works overseen by Edinburgh City

Council. Nearly half of the staff at the property Conservation

Department have been suspended and the police are now investigating.

Scotland correspondent James Cook reports from Edinburgh.

They call Edinburgh the Athens of the north, and the city council has

unique powers to protect the beauty of Scotland's capital. When owners

cannot agree on repairs, the council can step in, or do the work

and demand payment. Now some officials are accused of abusing

those powers. Anita has owned this cafe for 20 years, but now the

business is facing ruin. The council ordered repairs to the roof

of the building, but as the work's Wandong, the cost went up. In fact,

it more than doubled. -- as the works went on. When I received a

bill, I almost collapsed, I literally had to sit down. My share

was �11,000. I just cannot afford that. I charge �1 for a role.

not just one case. In 2005, repair work ordered by the council

amounted to �9.2 million. By 2009, that had risen to �20 million. Last

year, 2010, surveyors were working on �30 million worth of projects.

Now the police want to know what has been going on in the city. They

are investigating a claim that a council official went on holiday

paid for by contractors. Nearly half the property Conservation

Department, some 15 staff, have been suspended. I am now convinced

that there is something that has been illegal that has gone on, and

that has involved a few council officers. The council says it is

taking the claims seriously. It has called in external auditors, and it

is co-operating with the police. It is cold comfort in the cafe, where

Anita is selling up. I feel I have worked for these is to hand it over

to the council. -- worked all these years. As the allegations mount, it

is clear that many other people feel the same way.

Aid agencies in Pakistan of wine that a slow response to the

country's floods could cost more lives as many people do not have

access to food, water, shelter or healthcare. More than 300 people

have already been killed, another 7 million affected by heavy rains.

The Pakistan air force has begun dropping aid in the worst-affected

province. Orla Guerin was given access to their first mission.

In beneath the floodwaters, wrecked homes and crops, and crucially

roads. The only way to reach many in need is by air. There is a new

Highland landscape here. We joined the Pakistan air force on their

first relief mission of this year's floods. They are not just dropping

the Elf. They also supplied it. And down below, the hungry came running.

Once again, flood victims are looking to the military for help.

Many here despair of the ineffective civilian government.

Then we find a rare patch of dry Land, a narrow strip of roadway,

where aid can be unloaded. Within seconds, a crowd gathered. Well,

people are very anxious to move forward. There is a lot of

desperation here. They say they have been stacked in this area for

a month and a half, completely Karl, and they have received no relief

supplies at all. -- completely cut off. So I scramble for the ration

packs which contain essentials like rice, cooking oil and milk, a

lifeline for this marooned community, but each bag will only

last a family for about a week. After dropping the aid, we flew one,

scouting for others who need help. His family beckoned us from the

rooftop. Their location was noted for the next relief flight. The

pilots believe other victims of this disaster still have not been

located. All we can do is that we can fly certain missions and see

them, and if they are approachable, they could be taken to safe places.

I believe there will be people who would not be seen right now, but we

will fly further missions. Here in the south, they will be counting

the cost of the floods for years. This region is home to some of the

poorest of the poor. For now, many have to struggle on alone,

wondering when national and international relief efforts will

match the scale of their tragedy. Here, the former environment

minister Elliot Morley has been released from prison after serving

a quarter of a 16 month sentence for fiddling parliamentary expenses.

He was jailed in May for claiming �32,000 in bogus mortgage payments.

Will Ben Ainsley maker four Olympic gold in a row? Britain has greatest

Olympic sailing champion is one of the first to be confirmed for the

Team GB squad of 550 competitors. James Pearce is at the Greenwich

Naval College now. The beautiful buildings here were

designed by Sir Christopher Wren back in the 17th century. Before

then, Henry VIII lived in a royal residence on the site, so there was

history all around them when Britain's sailors became the first

members of a British team for a home Olympics since 1948.

Flying the flag, these are the sailors chosen to go for gold for

Team GB next summer. Leading the way, Ben Ainsley, already a three-

times Olympic champion. It is a fantastic feeling, a big relief. A

huge sense of responsibility, I think, because they will be

millions of people there watching their home team and expecting us to

get results, so hopefully we can perform well. Weymouth will be the

venue for the Games. Britain is the most successful nation in Olympic

sailing history, so everything points to more home success. In

Sydney in 2000, there were three British sailing gold medals. There

were two in Athens. But the four gold medals, a silver and a bronze

brought home from Beijing will be hard to match. All the other

countries are making big step changes in their programme, making

them more competitive and making it more difficult for us to win. I

think it will be difficult and unlikely that any nation will win

six medals, like we did in Beijing. This is the women's match-racing

crew. On the left, Lucy and Kate Macgregor. It will be the first

time that two sisters sail together for Britain at an Olympics. We know

each other a bit too well, so we have our ups and downs

occasionally! I think overall it is fantastic sailing with your sister,

we know each other, we trust each other, and you know how each other

is feeling, and that is great. decision to select the British

sailors 10 months before the Games begin reflects the confidence that

in this thought the whole nation is leading the way. -- in this sport.

A marked the celebrations from those who have been picked, spare a

thought for those who have missed out. Each country is only allowed

one vote in each event, so some of the British crews are ranked second

or third in the world but are still not allowed to compete at their

home the Olympics. Those events will take place on the

south coast. The event will bring thousands of people to the region.

Preparations are well under way. As John Kay reports, organisers are

shipping an island of rocks from the Arctic to Portland.

In the High Arctic, one man begins his Olympic mission. Alex Hartley

discovered this island's seven years ago. It was revealed by a

melting glacier. Today he has returned with a team of helpers to

bag it up, rocked by Rock, and bring part of it back home. I had

this idea, what if we could take its south from here, all the way to

the UK? We could found a new nation. This idea won and Arts Council

competition, and they gave M �500,000 to make it happen. When he

gets his rocks back to Britain, he will rebuild the island on a raft

the size of a football pitch and toe it around the south coast of

England, part of next summer's Cultural Olympiad. He is calling it

Nowhereisland, designed to make us think about nation heard and the

environment. He thought it would not be here if it was not for the

melting of the glaciers. After being towed around the coast of

south-west England, Nowhereisland will end up somewhere here in

Bristol. Let's as people hear what they think. Is it art, and is it

worth the money? Yes, I would say it is hard, very expensive.

Anything seems to pass far. If they want the environment, half a

million pounds could be spent on that. Not really work that money!

It will begin its voyage in Weymouth during the Olympic sailing

events. Members of the public will be able to register as citizens and

have a say in how it is run. Nation-building, but not as we know

Time for the weather now with John Hammond. Not quite arctic

Tomorrow some rain and sun, but they will be in different places.

Let me show you where the rain has been today, this slice through

Wales and the Midlands. It has been pushing up into East Yorkshire and

Lincolnshire at times, heavier bursts getting into Wales and the

West Country. It is a wriggling weather front, which is wriggling

down towards the south-east. Still some fairly heavy bursts in there,

too. More wet weather will drive across the West of Scotland, windy

as well, but in between some fog patches forming across the heart of

England where services are damp after today's rain. Tomorrow will

be a blustery day in the north, and there will be some showers around,

too. This is where the main action will be tomorrow morning, wet and

windy across western Scotland and Northern Ireland for a time. There

is that narrow band of rain, getting into the far north of

England. To the sound of that, much brighter than today. East Anglia

and south-east doing well, early morning rain clearing away, things

perking up by the afternoon. Temperatures not too bad. Bright

and breezy for south-west England. For Wales, rather more sunshine

than today. Just the odd shower of to what the northwest in particular.

Across the Irish Sea, things will improve for Northern Ireland. And

indeed for Scotland after a wet and windy spell through the morning.

The winds will tend to subside and the worst of the showers will use

off. Looking further ahead, most places will be dry, thickening