9am Briefing: Adonis denies Government gave in to airline pressure

THE UK Government was not forced to reopen UK skies by "pressure" from airlines, Transport Secretary Lord Adonis said today.

He said "continuous assessments" had been made throughout the shutdown caused by the volcanic ash cloud, which is thought to have cost the industry about 130 million a day.

Weary passengers last night started to arrive back in the Capital after the flight restrictions were lifted but industry experts have warned it could be weeks before services returned to normal.

Clegg cool on Brown deal

LIBERAL Democrat leader Nick Clegg today indicated he would find it difficult to do a deal with Gordon Brown in a hung parliament.

As polls continued to suggest no party will gain an overall majority of Commons seats on 6 May, Mr Clegg labelled the Prime Minister "a desperate politician" and added: "I just do not believe him".

Missing woman found

A WOMAN who went missing last Friday has been found safe and well.

Reva Paterson, 23, from Haddington, was traced to an Edinburgh address at around 9pm last night.

Pleasance to expand for Fringe

ONE of the "big four" venues at the Edinburgh Fringe is to launch a major expansion this year after signing a deal to take over a city nightspot during the festival period.

The Pleasance will join forces with new G1 Group venue Ghllie Dhu, on Rutland Place, it was reported today.

Live music, cabaret and comedy are set to be held at the venue over the next few years.