National Radio Midday Report

British Election – Motorsport NZ Sentenced – Sterilisation Wait – Cleaner Diesel – Timothy McVeigh – Middle East – Escapee – Lahar Risk

- BRITISH ELECTION: The British Labour party looks set to make history, with Tony Blair to be the first Labour Premier to secure a second term. Labour is poised for a landslide victory, despite low voter turnout. Political commentator Professor Brendan Evans says the low turnout has marred the Labour victory. He says there is a mood of cynicism about politics in Britain, influencing the low turnout.

- MOTORSPORT NZ SENTENCED: Motorsport NZ has been fined $5000 on a charge of criminal nuisance relating to the deaths of two spectators and injuries to others at a Queenstown car race.

- STERILISATION WAIT: The Family Planning Association says long waiting lists for sterilisation operations is forcing some women to consider abortions.

- CLEANER DIESEL: Mobil says it is not prepared to pay the price to refine cleaner diesel. The Auckland Regional Council called on oil companies to supply the region with fuel that has a lower sulphur content to improve the air quality in the region.

- TIMOTHY MCVEIGH: Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh says he’s ready to die on Monday. One of his lawyers says he will not ask to have his execution delayed.

- MIDDLE EAST: The US CIA director will bring representatives from Israel and the Palestinians together in an attempt to bed in a cease-fire which is just holding.

- ESCAPEE: Interpol has been advised of the escape from Rimutaka Prison of a medium to high security prisoner, who may try to head over seas.

- LAHAR RISK: The Dept of Conservation says an early warning alarm system is the best way to protect people from Lahars at Mt Ruapehu.

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