Speaking in court, Sarah Mills-Westley, from Norwich, said her mother, a grandmother-of-five, had been concerned about safety on the island in the months before her death.

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Based upon extensive conversations last month with scores of officials, religious leaders, demonstrators, businessmen and others among the 9, 300 inhabitants of Vieques, I believe most Viequenses are actually prepared to accept continued, realistic military operations on their island - provided their legitimate concerns about safety, environmental responsibility and just compensation are addressed in good faith by the Pentagon.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

In Canvey Island, Essex, the entire 13, 000-strong population was moved to safety as the bad weather took hold and Essex police reported they had recovered bodies during the night.

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They will implement all-island laws on inland waterways, the promotion of the Irish and Ulster Scots languages, food safety, aquaculture and marine matters, trade and business development and special European Union programmes.

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