Today’s Christmas news

Smuggling doesn't pay

Smugglers attempting to sell cheap booze in the lead up to Christmas have had their plans thwarted by officers from the UK Border Agency.

In the last week of November alone, over 300,000 litres of beer, cider, wine and spirits worth more than £1million, were seized at ports across the south of England.
The alcohol was detained because it is believed the traders involved were attempting to avoid paying excise duty and VAT.

Had the alcohol not been confiscated, it is likely it would have been sold on the black market, resulting in buyers also avoiding taxes.

And the UK Border Agency estimate that more than £900,000 in revenue would have been lost to HM Treasury.


Free Parking for Christmas

CHRISTMAS shoppers have been treated to some council goodwill by the introduction of free parking slots.

Until Thursday, December 28, people will be able to park free for two hours in all Caerphilly county borough council pay and display car parks.

Birmingham Cancel Christmas

This year Birmingham City football club have cancelled their annual trip to Dublin for their Christmas dinner. Instead they want to focus on improving their performances on the pitch.

Asylum seekers killed of Christmas Island

At least 27 people were killed in the horror smash after the wooden boat packed with asylum seekers hit jagged rocks and overturned near the Australian island. The stricken vessel broke up off the coast of Christmas Island, forcing the estimated 70 people on board into the water – many were unable to swim.

Islanders could only look on helplessly as the boat sank. They threw life jackets and ropes, but many just drifted away.