NEWS IN BRIEF

No covens
A REPORT PUBLISHED this week by the Department of Health accused fundamentalist evangelical Christians of spreading myths about satanic abuse. The three-year report concludes that there is no evidence to back up allegations of satanic abuse in any of the 84 cases investigated by police and social workers.
East Ham appeal
EIGHT MONTHS AFTER the home Secretary referred the case of the East Ham Two, Sam Kulasingham and Prem Sivalingham, to the Court of Apeal, their appeal hearing has been set for 16 May
Euthanasia
CONSERVATIVE backbencher Gary Waller has secured the opportuniy to introduce a Ten Minute Rule Bill on 23 May. Mr Waller will ask the House
to endorse the main themes of the Report of the Medical Ethics Select Committee, which include registering support for euthanasia and clarifying those situtions in which it is ethical to withdraw medical treatment.
Life chain
PRO-LIFERS, INCLUDING MPs and showbusiness personalities will form a static chain all around London tomorrow, in a silent vigil to mark the 26th anniversary of the passing of the Abortion Act.
No to opt-out
PARENTS AT Wimbledon College, John Patten's old school, have rejected a proposal that it should opt out. Governors at the Catholic boys school, a Jesuitfounded comprehensive, had recommended opting out, stressing the potential financial benefits.