August 2005 in Britain and Ireland

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This page deals with events which occurred in August 2005 in the English-speaking places of Europe. These are England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey and Gibraltar.

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31 August 2005 (Wednesday)

• Football:
  • The English Premier League transfer window closes today. (BBC)
  • Newcastle sign Michael Owen from Real Madrid and Nolberto Solano from Aston Villa. (BBC)
  • Spurs sign Jermaine Jenas from Newcastle. (BBC)

30 August 2005 (Tuesday)

• Kenneth Clarke confirms he is to challenge for the leadership of the Conservative party. (BBC)
• The Scottish Executive and the Home Office issue a consultation paper regarding the banning of the possession of pornography in a move to crack down on images of violent pornography obtained via the internet. (BBC)

29 August 2005 (Monday)

• 500 000 people attend the Notting Hill Carnival, with police making 166 arrests. (BBC)

28 August 2005 (Sunday)

• The 41st Notting Hill Carnival begins. (BBC)
• Cricket:
  • England beat Australia by three wickets in the fourth Test to take a two-one lead in The Ashes series. The final Test will be played at The Oval from the 8 - 12 September. (BBC)
  • Essex Eagles take the National League title with three matches to go thanks to a 12-run win over Hampshire Hawks. The win is their first major trophy since 1997. (Cricinfo)

26 August 2005 (Friday)

• Baron Fitt, founder leader of Northern Ireland's Social Democratic and Labour Party dies. (BBC)
• Lord Birt delivers this year's James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture at the Edinburgh TV festival, calling on the government to "maintain the existence of strong public service broadcasters and to promote competition between them." (BBC)

25 August 2005 (Thursday)

• Burhou, Ortac, with the west coast of Alderney, are designated a Ramsar site. BBC

24 August 2005 (Wednesday)

• 7 July London bombings:
  • Police reveal that the suicide bombs were detonated by "manually" by button-like devices rather than by mobile phone timers as used in the Madrid bombings. (The Guardian)
  • The BBC report that Hasib Hussain, the suspected suicide bomber of the No 30 bus, attempted to contact his accomplices by mobile phobe in the hour between their suspected suicide bombings and that of his own. (BBC)
  • In response to the 7 July London bombings Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, announces his definition of "unacceptable behaviour" with regards to the promotion of terrorism by which he will deport those foreign nationals residing in the United Kingdom. (BBC)
• Jean Charles de Menezes shooting: The Independent Police Complaints Commission confirms that "crucial" CCTV footage recovered from the scene is in its possession. (The Guardian)
• A fault in the computer system at the National Air Traffic Services causes flight delays at airports across the country. (BBC)
• The Balmoral, a steamboat built in 1949, is holed whilst in the Bristol Channel. (BBC)
• The piano man is revealed to be Andreas Grassl The Mirror
• Television:K9, Elisabeth Sladen and Anthony Head are announced as appearing in the new series of Doctor Who. (BBC)

23 August 2005 (Tuesday)

• Jean Charles de Menezes shooting:
  • Alessandro Pereira, cousin of Jean Charles de Menezes, hands in a letter to 10 Downing Street requesting a public inquiry. (BBC)
  • Officials from Brazil announce they trust the Independent Police Complaints Commission "completely", and that they do not believe Scotland Yard has attempted to cover up the events that led up to the shooting. (BBC)
  • The Independent Police Complaints Commission announces it will complete its report into the shooting by Christmas, although publication of the report could be delayed so as not to prejudice "any potential criminal or disciplinary proceedings". (The Guardian)
• Manfred Nowak, UN special rapporteur on torture, criticises plans announced by Tony Blair to deport those suspected of terrorism to countries with poor human rights records. (BBC)
• Asylum: Figures released by the Home Office show that the number of people seeking asylum in the UK fell by 11% in the second quarter of this year, as compared to the first quarter. (BBC)
• Bird flu: The National Farmers' Union meets with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to discuss the risks the UK faces from the disease and the precautions that may be necessary. (BBC)

22 August 2005 (Monday)

• Baron Lane, Lord Chief Justice of England during the 1980s and early 1990s, dies. (BBC)
• Jean Charles de Menezes shooting: Wagner Goncalves, of Brazil's federal prosecutor's office, and Marcio Pereira Pinto Garcia, of its ministry of justice have visited Scotland Yard for discussions, with a view "to understand a little bit better how the system works, how the IPCC works and what's the legislation that's going to be applied", it is announced. (BBC)
• The cockney accent, associated with the East End of London, is reported to be 'fading', according to research by the BBC. (BBC)
• Bird flu: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announces it has no plans to introduce legislation to protect against bird flu in the wake of the Netherlands announcing that free range chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and other birds will have to be kept inside as a preventative measure. (BBC)

21 August 2005 (Sunday)

• Jean Charles de Menezes shooting:
  • Downing Street confirms that Sir Ian Blair, chief of the Metropolitan Police, has the full support of the Prime Minister, Tony Blair. (BBC)
  • Maria Otoni de Menezes, the mother of Mr de Menezes, reveals the police's offer of an ex gratia payment of £15 000 left her 'hurt and offended,' adding she 'didn't think it was right to talk about money so soon after my son's death.' (The Observer)
• Victory over Japan Day: A service is held at London's Cenotaph to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the end of World War II. Prince Charles is in attendance, as are survivors of the Far East campaign. (BBC)
• Cricket: Australian Women in England: England Women record their first win over Australia Women since the 1993 World Cup. Chasing 201 to win, Australia were limited to 198 for 7 with two wickets falling in the final over. Australia lead 2-1 in the 5-ODI series. (Cricinfo)
• Athletics: Michael East wins in the mile and Kelly Holmes comes ninth in her farewall performance on British soil at the Norwich Union British Grand Prix in Sheffield. (BBC)

20 August 2005 (Saturday)

• Jean Charles de Menezes shooting:
  • Jenny Jones, a member of the Metropolitan Police Authority is quoted as saying the police should have made clarification of the facts of the shooting "an immediate priority" in the wake of the 22 July shooting. (BBC)
  • Police reject claims that any compensation has been offered, stating "The only discussions we have had so far with the family of Jean Charles de Menezes have been about initial expenses, and we strongly refute any suggestion that a figure anywhere in the region of $1 million has been offered as compensation.", and later clarify that an offer of a "£15,000 ex gratia payment" was made to the family which would "not inhibit any future claim that the family may have against the Metropolitan Police Service". (BBC) (The Scotsman)
• The piano man flies back to Germany after revealing his identity and being discharged. Due to patient confidentiality laws his identity remains unknown to the general public. (BBC)
• 2005 English cricket season: Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy: Semi-finals:
  • Hampshire (199 for 2, Ervine 100) beat Yorkshire (197 for 9) by 8 wickets. (BBC)
  • Warwickshire (236 for 7) beat Lancashire (137, Carter 4/26) by 99 runs. (BBC)
  • Hampshire will play Warwickshire in the finals on September 3, 2005.

19 August 2005 (Friday)

• Mo Mowlam, former UK politician, dies. (BBC)

18 August 2005 (Thursday)

• The Independent Police Complaints Commission alleges the Metropolitan police "initially resisted" co-operating with their inquiry, delaying the hand over of information by two days. (BBC)
• A-Levels: The announcement of A-Level results sees a modest rise in the pass rate of 0.2% year on year. It is the 23rd year running that the rate has risen. (BBC)

17 August 2005 (Wednesday)

• The family of Jean Charles de Menezes, the man mistakenly killed by police, call for a public inquiry into the shooting. (BBC)
• Football
  • International Friendly results:
    • Denmark 4-1 England
    • Malta 1-1 Northern Ireland
    • Republic of Ireland 1-2 Italy
    • Austria 2-2 Scotland
    • Wales 0-0 Slovenia [1]

16 August 2005 (Tuesday)

• Jersey general election 2005 dates confirmed: Senators 19 October; Deputies 23 November (States of Jersey)
• Football: Liverpool sign Godwin Antwi from Real Zaragoza for an undisclosed fee. (BBC)

15 August 2005 (Monday)

• The Office for National Statistics reveals that drink related deaths have increased in the UK by 18.4% between 2000 and 2004.
• The 2005 Ashes: England (444 & 280 for 6 dec.) drew with Australia (302 & 371 for 9) in the third Test at Old Trafford. (BBC)

14 August 2005 (Sunday)

• VJ Day commemorations are held around the United Kingdom, with the largest event being the Festival of Flight at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. (BBC)
• Paula Radcliffe wins gold in the marathon at the World Championships in Helsinki. (BBC)

12 August 2005 (Friday)

• The radical Islamic preacher Omar Bakri Mohammed is barred from returning to the United Kingdom after Home Secretary Charles Clarke cancels the indefinite leave to return Mohammed was given after claiming asylum in 1986. (BBC)
• Anthony wins Big Brother 6 (BBC)

11 August 2005 (Thursday)

• British Airways grounds all flights as baggage handlers, loaders and bus drivers strike in support of 800 workers sacked by flight catering company Gate Gourmet. The strike is also affecting other airlines, causing chaos at Heathrow airport. (BBC)
• Cricket: Michael Vaughan scores 166 before being caught as England finish the first day of the third Ashes Test on 341-5. (BBC)
• Ten foreign nationals, said to be a threat to UK security, are arrested in London, Luton, Leicestershire and the West Midlands, pending deportation. Among those arrested is the radical Jordanian cleric Abu Qatada (BBC)

10 August 2005 (Wednesday)

• City of London Police Commissioner James Hart warns that it is only a matter of time before there was a terrorist attack on the financial centre of London. (BBC)
• James Purnell, the minister responsible for licensing, has defended government plans for later licensing hours after recent criticism of the proposals argued that such a move would lead to an escalation in violent crime. (BBC)
• The Bank of England publishes its quarterly inflation report, in which it warns that economic growth may remain subdued for two years. (BBC)
• Michael Howard refutes John Prescott's claim that Omar Bakri Muhammad is free to leave and re-enter the country at will by claiming it is within the home secretary's powers to refuse entry to those deemed "not conducive to the public good". (BBC)
• The longlist for the 2005 Booker prize is announced. Ian McEwan and Julian Barnes have been installed as favourites by bookmakers from the authors of the 17 books chosen. (BBC)
• Ronnie Biggs' solicitors appeal for his release on compassionate grounds. Biggs has recently contracted MRSA and is said to be in "terminal decline". (BBC)
• The government plans to build nine regional fire control centres, at a cost of £1 billion, Fire Service Minister Jim Fitzpatrick announces. The Fire Brigades Union responds by describing the plans as "criminally irresponsible". (BBC)

9 August 2005 (Tuesday)

• The Home Office are considering legislating to introduce special pre-trial hearings for terror related cases. The hearings would be held in secret before selected judges. (BBC)
• Vladimir Putin thanks Tony Blair for the help given by the UK in rescuing the trapped Russian Priz class mini-submarine AS-28 and its 7 crewmembers. (BBC)
• Robin Cook died of hypertensive heart disease, a post mortem reveals. (BBC)
• John Prescott notes house prices are too high, commenting "I think everybody thinks they are too high." (BBC)
• Osman Hussain, suspected of involvement in the 21 July London bombings is questioned by British police for the first time. (BBC)
• Police warn that the creation of more late licenses for pubs and bars will lead to an increase in violence. (BBC)
• The price of unleaded petrol rises above 90 pence a litre for the first time in history. (BBC)
• Football UEFA Champions League qualifiers, first leg results:
  • • Manchester United 3-0 Debrecen (BBC)
    • Everton 1-2 Villarreal (BBC)
    • Anorthosis Famagusta 1-2 Rangers (BBC)

8 August 2005 (Monday)

• The four men charged in connection with the 21 July London bombings are remanded in custody until 14 November. (BBC)
• The Foreign Office has revised its travel advice to Saudi Arabia, warning of a "high threat" of terrorism. (BBC)
• The government plays down reports it is to adopt American style titles for ethnic minorities. (BBC)
• Police launch an investigation after Hull City fans taunt supporters of Queens Park Rangers with chants of "You're just a town full of bombers". (BBC)
• Dixons announce they are to stop selling 35mm cameras after their present stock is depleted. (BBC)
• Football:
  • Rio Ferdinand has signed a new deal with Manchester United. The new deal runs until 2009. (BBC)
  • Tim Cahill signs a new five year deal with Everton. (BBC)
• Swimming: Simon Burnett sets a new British record for the 100m freestyle whilst swimming in the Commonwealth Games Trials in Sheffield. (BBC)

7 August 2005 (Sunday)

• Four men are charged in connection with the 21 July London bombings. Yasin Hassan Omar, Muktar Said Ibrahim, and Ramzi Mohammed are charged with attempting to murder passengers and possession of an explosive substance. Along with a fourth man, Manfo Kwaku Asiedu, they are also charged with conspiring to murder passengers. (BBC) (BBC)
• A Royal Navy Submarine Escape and Rescue team help to save the trapped Russian Priz class mini-submarine AS-28 and its 7 crewmembers. (BBC)
• The Edinburgh fringe festival is launched with a parade through the city. (BBC)
• Six people are arrested in Parliament Square during a protest against the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act. (BBC)
• The Royal Mail dismisses reports that it is to cut jobs. (BBC)
• Sport:
  • Football (soccer): Chelsea F.C. defeat Arsenal by 2 goals to 1 in the FA Community Shield. Didier Drogba scored once in each half, with Cesc Fàbregas pulling a goal back for Arsenal. (BBC)
  • Cricket: England win the second Ashes Test by two runs, levelling the series at 1-1. Andrew Flintoff is named man of the match. (BBC)

6 August 2005 (Saturday)

• Former Foreign Secretary Robin Cook dies whilst hill walking in Scotland. Cook collapsed near the summit of Ben Stack in the early afternoon, dying several hours later in Raigmore Hospital. Cook resigned from the cabinet in 2003 as a protest against the invasion of Iraq. (BBC)

5 August 2005 (Friday)

• Cricket:
  • 2005 English cricket season: County Championship, Division One:
    • Kent (587) beat Glamorgan (306 & 157) by an innings and 124 runs. (BBC)
    • Sussex (378 & 125 for 5) beat Surrey (248 & 254) by 5 wickets. (BBC)
  • The Ashes: Australia are bowled out for 308, a deficit of 99. Ashley Giles and Andrew Flintoff take three wickets each. Shane Warne, who earlier threw his wicket away charging down the pitch at Giles, gets an English wicket in the last over of the day, as England are 25 for 1 overnight. (BBC)

4 August 2005 (Thursday)

• Ayman al-Zawahiri, thought to be Osama bin Laden's second in command, blames Tony Blair for the recent bombings in London. The comments are made in a videotape aired on Al Jazeera, an Arab satellite channel. (BBC)
• The Bank of England cuts interest rates by a quarter of a percent to 4.5%. The cut is the first change in interest rates since August 2004. (BBC)
• Identity cards: Home Office minister Tony McNulty states that "the government, in its enthusiasm, oversold the advantages of identity cards", admitting that they may not prove as useful in preventing terrorism as the government had previously suggested. However the government remains committed to introducing the cards, and hoped to announce a "ceiling" on costs in October. (BBC)
• NHS: The King's Fund reports that the government target of a maximum 18 week waiting period between a GP referral and the receiving of treatment is likely to be missed. (BBC)
• Asylum seekers: Zimbabwean asylum seeker's saw their cases adjourned in the High Court today. The Home Office states that a test case will be examined by the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal once the situation in Zimbabwe has been reviewed, especially "material presented by the Refugee Legal Centre". (BBC)
• Over 6000 police officers patrol London today, in a bid to prevent further terrorist action. (BBC)
• Six people are arrested in relation to the feud between the Ulster Volunteer Force and the Loyalist Volunteer Force. Three people have so far died as a result of the feud. (BBC)
• Transport: Strike action is averted as a deal is struck in the pay dispute at Lothian buses which sees the Transport and General Workers Union recommend acceptance of a two year pay deal. Members are to be balloted regarding the deal. (BBC)
• Ismael Abdurahman, the first person to be charged in connection with the 21 July 2005 London bombings is remanded in custody until 11 August. (BBC)
• MP George Galloway defends comments made during a tour of the Middle East in which he referred to insurgents in Iraq as "martyrs". The comments were criticised by Labour MP Eric Joyce as having endangered British troops "in a small way". (BBC)
• Northern Ireland: Tony Blair defends the decision to disband three battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment stationed there. (BBC)
• A report by consultants Collinson Grant strongly criticises the way the Foreign Office is managed. The report came to light after being entered into the House of Commons library by MP Andrew Mackinlay. The Foreign Office states that the criticisms have been acted upon. (BBC)
• Sport:
  • Cricket:
    • The Ashes: England are bowled out for 407 in the first day of the second Test. Rain prevents the Australian's from replying. (BBC)
  • Football:
    • Phil Neville signs for Everton from Manchester United in a deal reportedly in excess of £3 million. (BBC)
    • Bolton Wanderers complete the signing of Jared Borgetti from Mexican club C.F. Pachuca. (BBC)
  • 2012 Summer Olympics: Jacques Rogge defends the London bid as being "conducted according to the rules that we have set out.". His comments are made in light of criticism from some connected with the Paris bid that London had been underhand in the bidding process. (BBC)

3 August 2005 (Wednesday)

• Ismael Abdurahman becomes the first person to be charged in connection with the 21 July 2005 London bombings. Abdurahman is charged under The Terrorism Act with "having information that he knew or believed might be of material assistance in securing the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of another person in the UK for an offence involving the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism, failed to disclose that information as soon as reasonably practicable to a constable". (BBC)
• The Democratic Unionist Party rejects discussions aimed at quickly restoring devolution in Northern Ireland. DUP leader Ian Paisley also registered disapproval of the decision to disband battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment stationed there. (BBC)
• North Wales Police have launched their third poster campaign against a persistent ASBO offender. This time the offender is a pensioner, Iori Glyn Thomas. The 60 year old has committed over 240 offences since 1962, making 150 court appearances. (BBC)
• Cricket:
  • Michael Vaughan is declared fit for the second Ashes Test tomorrow. (BBC)
  • Kevin Pietersen is awarded a central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board until the end of the summer. (BBC)
  • National League, Division Two: Derbyshire Phantoms (277 for 5, di Venuto 87, Sutton 63) beat Somerset Sabres (262 for 9, Suppiah 79, Moss 4/67) by 15 runs. (BBC)
• Football:
  • Wembley Stadium: The English F.A. describe news that they are negotiating with Cardiff's Millennium Stadium to host the 2006 F.A. Cup Final as a fall back position, insisting that the rebuilding of Wembley Stadium will be finished in time to host the event. (Guardian) [2]
  • Tottenham Hotspur complete the signing of Edgar Davids from Inter Milan on a free transfer.
  • UEFA Champions League: Shelbourne's Champion's League run ends in the second qualifying round with a 4-1 defeat by Steaua Bucharest. The first leg ended 0-0. (BBC)
  • InterToto Cup Newcastle are defeated 2-1 by Deportivo in the second leg of their Inter Toto Cup semi final. (BBC)

2 August 2005 (Tuesday)

• An investigation into the way the army trains recruits has begun. The investigation is in response to video footage of bullying shot by a soldier at the School of Infantry in Catterick and obtained by the BBC (BBC)
• A Confederation of British Industry (CBI) survey of retailers reveals 47% of respondents reporting a drop in sales. The survey leads CBI head Sir Digby Jones to call for a reduction in interest rates when the Bank of England meets later this week to discuss interest rate levels. (BBC)
• Iraq: Foreign Secretary Jack Straw states that the UK has played a part in creating the current security problems Iraq faces. Straw also indicates that a deal on a new Iraq constitution to replace the transitional constitution of 2004 would allow the Government to review troop numbers deployed in Iraq. (BBC)
• A small explosion occurs in Tehran, near offices of British Airways and British Petroleum. No casualties are reported. (BBC)
• Jeremy Bamber is to launch a third appeal against his convictions for the murder of five members of his family. The appeal centres on previously unseen photographs. (BBC)
• John Burton, Tony Blair's agent in his Sedgefield constituency, claims the Prime Minister will step down from the House of Commons at the next general election. (BBC)
• Transport: Staff at Lothian buses in Edinburgh are to begin an indefinite strike next Wednesday, unless a deal on pay is reached. Transport and General Workers Union members have rejected the latest pay offer from the council run service. Staff are currently operating a Saturday service on weekdays. (BBC)
• Northern Ireland: In response to last weeks statement from the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) that their armed struggle is to cease, the Army begins dismantling the observation post on the top of Divis Tower. The post took up the top two floors of the eighteen story tower block of flats in west Belfast. (BBC)
• Labour MP Ann Cryer calls for the police to respond more sensibly when responding to security threats. Her call came in light of the news that the police had sent armed officers to investigate a sighting of four Asian men carrying rucksacks in the village of Haworth, Yorkshire. (BBC)
• Football
  • UEFA Champions League:
    • Celtic are knocked out of the European Champions League despite beating FC Artmedia Bratislava 4-0. The result is not enough to overturn last weeks 5-0 defeat.(BBC)
    • Liverpool win their way through to the next qualifying round with a 2-0 win over FBK Kaunas. The Merseyside club won 5-1 on aggregate.(BBC)
  • English Premier League: Anthony Le Tallec joins Sunderland on a year long loan from Liverpool.(BBC)
  • Championship: Andy Johnson signs a new five year contract with Crystal Palace. Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan criticises the conduct of Johnson's agent after announcing news of the deal. (BBC)
• Cricket:
  • Michael Vaughan injures his elbow whilst practising. The injury creates a doubt as to his availability for the second Test in the Ashes series this Thursday. (BBC)
  • Leicestershire announce plans for a Champions League-style Twenty20 competition, with six teams, to take place at Grace Road in September 2005. (Cricinfo)
  • National League, Division One: Northamptonshire Steelbacks (275 for 4, Afzaal 117, Love 76) beat Warwickshire Bears (237 for 9, Shafayat 4/33) by 38 runs

1 August 2005 (Monday)

• Italian police announce that Osman Hussain (Hamdi Isaac), aged 27, one of the suspected 21 July bombers, has no links to major terrorist organisations.(BBC)
• Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain announces that battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment based in Northern Ireland are to be disbanded. The move comes as a response to the IRA's announcement that it is to disarm. (BBC)
• Childbirth: A study carried out at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital reports a lower likelihood of women having another baby following a Caesarean when compared to the number of women having another child after a natural birth. (BBC)
• Stelios Haji-Ioannou opens his first easyHotel in Earls Court. (BBC)
• Doctor Who: Filming begins on the new series of Doctor Who in Cardiff, with David Tennant in the lead role (The Doctor). A special will be aired at Christmas, with a 13 part series to follow in 2006. Billie Piper continues in the role of Rose Tyler. (BBC)
• Cricket:
  • Bangladesh A tour of England: Bangladesh A (155 for 3, Tushar 93) beat Lancashire (149, Razzak 3/25) by seven wickets. (BBC)
  • National League, Division Two: Sussex Sharks (266 for 3, Montgomerie 132*) beat Somerset Sabres (255 for 9, Blackwell 57, Yardy 4/26) by 11 runs. (BBC

British and Irish events by month

• 2007 in the United Kingdom: January February March April May June July
• 2006 in the United Kingdom: January February March April May June July August September October November December
• 2005 in the United Kingdom: January February March April May June July August September October November December
• 2004 in the United Kingdom: December

(For earlier events in Britain and Ireland, see November 2004 and preceding months)