25/04/2014 BBC News at Six

The government forces Royal Bank of Scotland to reduce the size of

planned bonuses to staff. The Chancellor tells RBS - which is

mostly owned by the taxpayer that 200% bonuses are too high.

We made it clear that in the circumstances it was not right to

increase the bonus cap. I'm glad RBS have agreed with that. I'm also glad

that total pay at RBS is coming down.

But RBS is now arguing it's uncompetitive as it's the only major

UK bank so far to have its bonuses limited in this way. Also tonight: A

Russian show of firepower as Ukraine's Prime Minister says Moscow

want to start World War Three. How lots more questions about your

personal finances could make mortgages harder to get.

The class of '92 - as Ryan Giggs prepares for his first match in

charge at Manchester United this weekend.

And bye-bye baby - Prince George and his parents end their tour of

Australia. Tonight on BBC London: The tube

strike is set to go ahead. And still standing for election -

the suspended UKIP candidate in Merton who made racist remarks.

Good evening and welcome to the BBC News at Six.

The government has blocked plans by Royal Bank of Scotland to pay its

staff bonuses twice the amount of their salary. 81% of the bank is

owned by the tax payer - it made a pre-tax loss for last year of ?8.2

billion, the highest since the financial crisis. The Chancellor,

George Osborne, says it's right to restrict bonuses when RBS still has

a long way to go. Our business editor, Kamal Ahmed, has more.

It has been a day when the banking and powerful politics clashed. And

powerful politics came out on top. RBS wanted to be allowed to pay

bonuses of up to twice their salary. The government, which owns

80% of RBS rejected the proposals. At a visit to Cambridge, the

Chancellor told me why it was so important to keep a check on bankers

pay. The new team at RBS did a huge amount to repair what went wrong,

but there is still a long way to go. We made it clear it was not right to

in crease the bonus cap. I am glad RBS have agreed with that and I am

also glad total pay at RBS is coming down. The bank believed the decision

will make it harder to complete its rescue plan. They argue if you

cannot pay as well as the competition, and performance will

suffer. Won't it be made weaker because it is less competitive in

the market? It is clear RBS can not only keep the people it needs, but

hired the people it needs. This pay approach is one I support. This has

been coming for a while. It was at the beginning of the year when the

leader of the opposition first raised the issue of RBS pay. RBS are

talking to parts of the government over the proposal to pay 100%

bonuses. He is the Prime Minister, the tax payable for the bill. Will

he put a stop to it right now? Leaving the government with a tricky

problem if it agreed. It is right this cap is applied. George Osborne

has been forced to do it because of public pressure and pressure from

Labour. At the same time he has a legal case in Brussels to stop these

rules applying. The government says there is no contradiction. It does

not agree with EU rules, but it will use the powers while they are

available. Many argue the constant focus on pay is missing the bigger

picture. How to make RBS valuable enough for the government to sell

its stake. It is a political move. This will hinder the management of

RBS. What the government is concerned about is seeing an AGM

where a bank of which it owns over 80% is offering to pay bonuses

double salaries of some of its staff. Five years on from the

financial crisis and RBS is still in the headlines for the wrong reasons.

Its share price fell again today, showing investors are still not

convinced it is truly on the road to recovery.

And Kamal Ahmed joins me now. There has been controversy over pay

for a while, so why is the government asking now -- acting now.

In January, new EU rules came into place and the government had to say

whether it agreed with 200% bonuses. Ed Miliband spotted this problem for

the government and could have forced a vote on the floor of the House of

Commons over whether the government supported it or not. I am told the

government considered abs staining from any vote, but realises that was

too difficult. The government had to act before RBS would be allowed to

do what it has done. For RBS there is anger within RBS, they wanted

this bonus allowance. They feel it was done for political reasons. They

say it is nothing to do with running the business. They said business is

improving this will not help. As Ukraine edges further away from a

peace deal and closer to all-out confrontation, the war of words is

increasing. Western leaders are threatening Russia with fresh

sanctions and Ukraine's Prime Minister is accusing Russia of

wanting to start World War Three. Russia, for its part, says the

Ukrainian government is carrying out bloody crimes against its own

people. Our diplomatic correspondent James Robbins has more.

Russia is piling more pressure on Ukraine. Moscow's big guns are

military exercise firing closer than ever to Ukraine's border. But it is

also a verbal arms race and the United States is fighting back with

hotter the Nancy age. This is a full throated effort to sabotage the

Democratic process through gross, external intimidation. But seven

days, Russia has refused to take a single concrete step in the right

direction. With pro-Russian activists still manning barricades,

Washington accuses Moscow of not honouring its commitment to persuade

them to stand down. Russia insists it is the victim and not the

aggressor. TRANSLATION: the West once, and this

is how it began, to seize control of Ukraine because of their own

political ambitions and not for the interests of the Ukrainian people.

Ukraine's interim Prime Minister is raising the temperature.

TRANSLATION: Russia is already keen on starting a third World War. All

responsibility for aggression on Ukrainian territory and undermining

international security rests with the Russian leadership.

It is not just in Ukraine that Russia's read running of the map has

caused nervousness. By Crimea, Moscow made much of the

neighbourhood nervous. It rocked much of these countries together.

For the past five years they have been eastern partners of the

European Union. Today they urged Russia to pull its forces back. That

illustrates the great divide as they edged towards joining the EU one

day, Russia feels it is being squeezed more and more in a Western

plot. And that is part of the story on

Russian TV channels. But Western leaders are planning new measures

against Moscow. President Obama, David Cameron and the leaders of

France, Germany and Italy say they need to extend sanctions if Moscow

does not back down. In Ukraine, it is reported monitors from the OSCE

are missing, apparently being held by pro-Russia activists. From

midnight tonight it could be harder to get a mortgage.

New rules are coming into force which require mortgage lenders to

ask much more probing questions about homebuyers' outgoings and

spending habits. It's an attempt to restrict some of the more reckless

lending that preceded the banking crisis in 2007. Here's our Personal

Finance correspondent, Simon Gompertz.

Applying for a mortgage used to be simple. Fill in your name, age and

salary and you would get a loan worth four times that. Not any more.

From tomorrow, mortgage applicants will face questions on their

spending from everything from childcare and travel, to going out,

food bills and gambling. It will all affect how high your borrowing can

go. Lenders have been phasing in the new system so it has already had an

impact on borough was like Clare in London. Tougher questioning resulted

in her mortgage offer being caught by thousands of pounds and the

application has taken months. I had to take out a loan from the bank

whilst my mortgage... While the application was going through and

they discovered that. It through a major spanner in the works resulting

in less money and delaying the process even further, which was

really frustrating. Her mortgage broker says it is more than

frustrating. Questions being asked about haircuts, milk bills going to

the or too intrusive. Gym membership is a lifestyle choice which can be

cancelled at any time. Therefore why should a lenders see that as a

commitment, when all it is is someone choosing how they spend

their surplus funds on themselves. Mortgage interviews will home in on

what if the mortgage rate shoots up to 7%? More than double than what

most people are paying. Will you be able to meet the bill? The man who

oversees mortgage lending is making sure buyers don't overstretch

themselves. We are trying to get people into homes they can afford.

We would all love to live in expensive mansions in Chelsea but

this is about getting people into homes they can afford. There are

worries about a housing bubble, but more careful lending might reduce

that risk. The 42-year-old mother accused of

murdering her three young disabled children has broken down in tears at

her first court appearance. The children's father, Gary Clarence,

seen here on the left leaving court, also broke down as his wife Tania

was remanded in custody. Three-year-old twins, Ben and Max

and four-year-old Olivia, were found dead at the family home in south

west London on Tuesday. The government says it is making

"urgent inquiries" into reports that Whitehall computers were used to

make insulting comments about the Hillsborough disaster. The Liverpool

Echo newspaper reported that changes were made to Wikipedia entries about

the tragedy with comments posted from computers on Whitehall's secure

intranet. Some of the bereaved families have backed calls for an

investigation. I think there should be a thorough

investigation and find out who these people are. If there's one, if

there's two, if there's three. They should be severely dealt with. So

there should be an investigation into this.

Ryan Giggs says he wants to restore the passion in Manchester United's

players as he prepared to take charge of his first match as manager

this weekend. At his first press conference, Giggs said being

appointed to take interim charge at Old Trafford was the proudest moment

of his life. Here's our Sports Editor David Bond.

Meet the new boss, Ryan Giggs. The eternal winge turned temporary

manager. For the next couple of weeks it is his job to try and lift

the gloom surrounding Manchester United. Facing the media today for

the first time since David Moyes' messy sacking, we were told we could

ask no questions on his dismissal, but he had to say something. It has

been a difficult week for the club. Obviously it was a shock to me on

Tuesday when I spoke to Ed. He informed me that David was leaving

and then asked me to take over. It's been a bit of a whirlwind week for

me. One of the reasons for Moyes' departure was his sterile brand of

football. Giggs has a different vision, more in keeping with

United's traditions. It's going to be my philosophy. Obviously

Manchester United's philosophy because I've been here for the whole

of my career. I want the players to play with passion, speed, tempo, be

brave, imagination, all the things I expect of a Manchester United

player. This has been a dreadful week for Manchester United. And

while Ryan graded has lifted the spirits around the place, that's

just a temporary fix. They now have a huge decision to make and they

know it's one they have to get right. So who could be the next

chosen one? The Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has been sounded out

and seems to be the favourite. He has a first-class CV but some think

he might be past his peak. Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho appeared to

rule himself out today, but could he still be tempted? The Real Madrid

bus, Carlo Ancelotti could offer the best solution. Charismatic and

highly regarded, he has the track record United need right now. But is

he interested? I respect Manchester United. I was disappointed for what

happened to David Moyes. But my place at this moment is here. For

now, it's up to Giggs and the class of 92 to try and bring back the

glory days. The club 's owners know it may take more than the kids to

get United back on track. Our top story: The Government forces the

Royal Bank of Scotland, mostly owned by the taxpayer, to reduce the size

of planned bonuses to staff. Still to come, the teenage cancer victim,

who has now raised more than ?2 million for charity.

On BBC London: A mother from south-west London appears in court,

accused of killing her three children. It is rugby's top club

prize. We look ahead to the Saracens' bid for European glory.

Now it has been a Royal tour, rich in pictures. Prince George, charming

the crowds, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge being taught to DJ, and a

spectacular visit to Ayers Rock. Now it is over and the Royal couple are

on their way home from Australia. How has the visit affected the view

of the monarchy there? We have this report. It contains some flash

photography. A final, solemn duty in the predawn

darkness of Australia's national day of remembrance, Anzac Day. At the

end of a three week tour of Australia and New Zealand, described

in Australia as the most memorable #r0i8 visit for years. There is no

question who the star has been, from the moment baby George was carried

off the plane in New Zealand, to his appearance at the zoo in Sydney, his

photogenic appeal eclipsed even that of his mother. But what of

Katherine, tackling the tour with an everychanging wardrobe and a

willingness to join in. Whether it is cricket in Christchurch or having

a go at being a DJ in Adelaide. Both she and William have dealt with the

levels of attention with patience and good human. So where does this

leave the monarchy can Down Under? Bill Shouton is the

leader of the Labour's opposition party. He wants a change of Head of

State. Saying that times of change. But the monarchy question is ducked.

We will continue the relationship, no so much of the mother country but

with a friend. With or without a monarchy? I won't

start throwing my crystal ball about that debate.

In so far as these things can be desimped, the Australia from which

they are departing seem, like New Zealand, to be content to leave the

constitutional matters, like the monarchy unchanged. This trio

represents the monarchy's long-term future. After this visit, a renewed

confidence, that Australia and New Zealand will wish to be a part of

that future. Ed Miliband took Labour's Shadow

Cabinet to Glasgow to enter into the debate over Scottish independence.

Ed Miliband used the visit to unveil his commitment for workers to have

zero-hours contracts turned into prop contracted jobs after a year.

The Labour leader said that workers on both sides of the border would be

better protected by the policy. Here is Lorna Gordon.

Bringing together its grass roots and the big guns. Labour out

canvassing in Glasgow. Its pitch, to try to convince the supporters that

the party and the union are worth sticking with.

Ed Miliband brought his Shadow Cabinet together here too. His key

announcement is a plan to protect workers on zero-hours contracts. It

is a sort of policy that hope Labour will install its leader in Number

Ten and keep Scotland in the union. The best choice for Scotland is to

stay within the United Kingdom. We continue to make that case. There is

a massive issue for many working people in Scotland, which is

zero-hours contracts. Has there been a perception in the

campaign that there is a problem? Labour is fighting a vigorous

campaign as we care deeply about the decision that Scotland makes. I

don't have a vote in that referendum. It is a decision for the

people of Scotland. But to deliver social justice across the United

Kingdom, including for the people of Scotland, then we are better off

together. Scotland's First Minister, Alex

Salmond thinks differently, that only independence gives the country

the power it needs to protect workers' rights. This campaign could

be won or loss in places like Glasgow who traditionally favoured

Labour. Now, they are being targeted by campaigns on both sides, why?

There are many who are undecided about which way to vote and could go

either way. Welcome Bell has supported Labour since 15 but he is

at odds with the party. How are you going to vote in

September and why? I am voting "yes". To get rid of New Labour. The

New Labour experiment failed Scotland. The chance for

independence gives the Labour Party a chance to re in reinvent itself,

or get back to being the Labour Party it used to be and still wants

to be. Ed Miliband was this afternoon,

reminded that not everyone is happy with his approach.

reminded that not everyone is happy You should be ashamed of yourself...

Labour is a force to be reckoned with in Scotland, this September's

vote may be the toughest electoral test.

The search along the seabed of the Indian Ocean of the Malaysian

airlines plane is to be widened. Authorities confirmed that they have

failed to find the black box recorder.

The British Navy is pulling back their submarine with no prospect of

a breakthrough. Andy Coulson has told the phone hacking trial he may

not have read all of a key story about the missing schoolgirl, Milly

Dowler. He said that they thought that the article, suggesting she was

alive and looking for a job was nonsense.

Andy Coulson denies conspireing to hack phones and a charge of

conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.

President Obama has spoken of the incredible heartache of those who

lost family members on the South Korean ferry that capsized last

week. On the latest leg of his Asia/favic tour, he said that this

visit had come at a time of great sorrow. He spoke about possible

sanctions on North Korea because of its nuclear policy.

Stephen Sutton's campaign for cancer help for teenagers has gone viral.

The Teenage Cancer Trust has been overwhelmed by the response.

The saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But what do

you do when life gives you cancer? This is Stephen's story.

The 19-year-old's remarkable story is told in a film he published on

the website this evening, after his fundraising campaign went global.

One of the things that Stephen stresses is that I may have cancer

but cancer does not have me. It does not have to be about suffering.

When Stephen was diagnosed with terminal cancer four years ago, he

wrote a bucket list of things he wanted to do. Top of the list was

fundraising for a charity that supported him since he was 15.

As soon as he hit the numbers he said call.

Along with people across the world, his friends have been inspired by

Stephen's achievements. Yesterday it was like he was so

happy to see us. We were laughing and joking, like we always do. It

was great to see him in that environment and still being so

positive. Now he has gone through the ?2

million barrier. What will be going through his mind, knowing him as you

do? On the outside he does not let it show as he is modest but on the

inside very excited and just really, really happy that his poverty and

the message he wants to send to people of making the most of the

time that you have is getting as far as possible.

And that message has touched thousands of people. Their donations

to the Teenage Cancer Trust is to fund wards designed to help young

people face a diagnosis that can be frightening.

It is going to change me as a person. You start to appreciate your

friends, your family, just life, a lot more. Everything... In a weird

way, it backs more beautiful. I think that puts me at an

Sorry. Sorry.

Tonight, Stephen has written a new message: I'm still here, he says. He

said it felt good to be able to put that.

What an incredible young man. Well, let's have a look at the weekend

weather. It is just so inspiring, Louise, to hear what he has done?

Yes. And teenagers get some bad press, so that is a great story.

Both pot for the weather, the brightness has just been across

south-west Wales and Northern Ireland. With the cloud has brought

rain. The rain coming up from the Channel cost. Some of it heavy.

Moving to the Midlands and the north-west.

So tedious out there on the roads with surface water and spray for the

next few hours to come. Tune into the BBC local radio station for

travel updates. The rain to push to the north. It take with it low

cloud. Hot on its heels a new area of low pressure. This is sitting

across Wales, the Midlands and the south-east. It pushes to the north

but brushes with the far south of Scotland, across the borders. It

never really makes it starts to turn to the south. By the afternoon I

suspect we will see sunny spelling for the western shelledered areas of

Scotland. On the east coast more cloud feeding in and a cool feel to

things. So the sheltered west seeing the best in Scotland. Northern

Ireland and north-west England, disappointing to the Pennines. But a

fair window of sunshine it is not all doom and gloom. Showers could be

heavy but there are highs of 16 Celsius.

Showers in the south-west and Wales. That is where the low pressure is.

That continues to sink to the south on Sunday enhancing the risk of

showers to England and Wales. In the north a little quieter. So for the

weekend, it is windy, yes, there will be showers around but also

decent spells of sunshine as well. Whatever you are doing, enjoy.

Thanks, Louise. The main stories this evening: The

Government has forced the Royal Bank of Scotland, which is mostly owned

by the taxpayer, to reduce the size of planned bonuses to staff.

And Ukraine's Prime Minister says that Moscow wants to start World War

Three as Russia shows off its firepower in military exercises.

That is all from the BBC News at six. It is goodbye