Plea for cash in boat inquest

Families of the 51 victims of the Marchioness disaster say they will appeal to John Major to prevent next month's inquest turning into a "farce" because they are being denied legal representation.

The Marchioness Action Group said it was forced to dispense with the services of its legal team because it had not been granted any official help towards costs, expected to reach £250,000.

Minister quits