BBC backs Jeremy Bowen in bias probe

The BBC has confirmed that a trustee who says he has “complete confidence” in Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen will be allowed to chair an investigation into complaints against the correspondent.

Richard Tait, head of the corporation’s Editorial Standards Committee, will lead the case considering allegations of inaccuracy and bias.

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Cambridge mikveh plans are rejected

Plans to build Cambridge’s first mikveh were plunged into further confusion this week after a council rejected a rabbi’s planning application.

Chabad’s Rabbi Reuven Leigh had asked for permission to convert a ground floor garage and kitchen into a ritual bath at his Castle Street home.

But Cambridge Council planning committee turned down his request, despite the council’s own officials advising them to give the project the go-ahead.

Rabbi Leigh, who is also rabbi of Cambridge Traditional Jewish Congregation, said he would appeal against the “bizarre” decision.

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Minister says UK has crucial MidEast role

Ivan Lewis, the Middle East minister, believes Israel and the Palestinians are facing their “best last chance for peace in a generation”.

Speaking after returning from a tour of the region which took in Israel, the Palestinian territories, Syria and Lebanon, Mr Lewis outlined a ten-point plan which he believes will help Britain play an important role in the peace process.

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Swastika mystery in Aberystwyth

A series of alledged antisemitic attacks are being investigated by police in a Welsh seaside town where strictly Orthodox Jews were on holiday.

Officers in Aberystwyth responded to reports of swastikas painted on grass and sheets of paper daubed with the Nazi symbol being scattered near a student village where dozens of Chasidic Jews were staying.

But Dyfed-Powys police said they had found no evidence of the grass incident and had received no complaints from the Jewish visitors.

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Family of cancer man raise £2m for centre

A multi-million pound cancer diagnosis centre has been opened at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea in memory of music industry executive and cancer victim Raz Gold.

Mr Gold, who held senior posts at EMI and Warner, died in 2005 at the age of 39. Since then relatives including former Spurs vice-chairman Paul Kemsley have raised £3 million for the Raz Gold Foundation, of which £2 million has been put towards a rapid diagnostic and assessment centre at the Royal Marsden.

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