US analysts say President Obama's Cairo speech shows he stands by Israel, but disappoints on the subject of Iran. Jennifer Laszlo Mizrachi, founder of the Israel Project organisation, said: "Obama’s address comes at a time when Americans have clearly stated that they stand with Israel by a seven-to-one margin" A senior Foreign Office civil servant has appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to a charge of racially aggravated harassment. Rowan Laxton, 48, appeared at Westminster magistrates’ court today. He was charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress. Mr Laxton remains suspended from his post as head of the FO’s South Asia desk. He is due to appear in court again in September 9 for an abuse of process hearing. BNP leader Nick Griffin was hounded out of Westminster this afternoon by anti-fascist protestors who attacked him with eggs and wooden placards. In angry and violent scenes opposite the Houses of Parliament, around 100 people chased Griffin and fellow newly-elected MEP Andrew Brons moments after they began a press conference. Griffin was clearly shaken by the assault after suffering a direct hit from an egg-thrower. One clear blow was landed with a wooden pole as the crowd chanted “Nazi scum, off our streets”. The BNP has won its first ever county council seat. Sharon Wilkinson won the Padiham and Burnley West district to take a seat on Lancashire County Council, beating Labour’s Marcus Johnstone by 201 votes. In the result that was declared at lunchtime today (Friday) Ms Wilkinson, who has been a Burnley local councillor for several years, polled 1,155 votes, Mr Johnstone 954, Liberal Democrat Martyn Hurt 927, with Tory Alan Marsden coming fourth with 726.Analysis: what the Obama speech means
FO man in court on race charges
BNP leader flees Westminster protests
Election success for BNP
Thursday, 11 June 2009
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