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Ukraine crisis: What sanctions could West still impose on Russia? - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | The measures are tougher than anything Vladimir Putin has faced. But more could be coming. | A raft of actions by the West is aimed at choking Russia's economy and banking system, and punishing Vladimir Putin's inner circle. What more sanctions could they impose?
In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the US, UK, EU and more than two dozen other nations retaliated with economic measures that have sent the Russian rouble tumbling, cut major Russian banks from the global financial system and hurt state-owned firms and oligarchs, including Mr Putin himself.
The US says its actions hit 80% of banking assets in Russia; and the EU 70%. The allies have also taken steps to limit Russia's access to key technology, such as microchips and lasers; and moved against cryptocurrencies.
Together, they represent the toughest sanctions Mr Putin's Russia has ever faced.
And analysts expect policymakers to continue tightening - for example, by adding more kinds of technology and new companies to blacklists. The most recent action by the US, on Wednesday, targeted oil refining equipment, among other steps.
"We are at a seven or eight out of 10 on the escalation ladder right now," said Emily Kilcrease, senior fellow and director of the Energy, Economics and Security Program at the Washington think tank, the Center for New American Security. "There is definitely still room to go with tightening."
Many Western companies, including BP, Apple and others have responded to the situation by taking steps to halt services or exit the country.
But for now, trade can still flow - not least key exports like oil and gas, for which Russia is a major global supplier.
Western policymakers have been reluctant to hit energy, in part for fear of causing a spike in energy prices that would cause economic damage at home as well - especially in Europe, which relies on Russia for roughly 40% of its gas imports and roughly 30% of its oil imports.
But as the violence in Ukraine has escalated, there is growing pressure on the US and Europe to act.
Will the West target Russian oil and gas exports for sanctions?
"My sense is that it's going to become politically untenable to say we'll keep paying Russia for oil, gas and coal," says Christopher Miller, professor at Tufts University's Fletcher School and an expert on the Russian economy.
"That's already been politically tough for Western leaders to stand by and I think it's going to become even tougher as the Russian military escalates its use of force."
While oil and gas transactions are key to preventing the Russian economy from going "off a cliff", cutting off that lifeline risks provoking more extreme reaction by Russia, says Jeffrey Schott, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, a Washington think tank.
"The level of economic pressure now is severe. If you go for the economic jugular, Putin may respond with cyber and military action that will only make the suffering worse," he says.
What's more the commitment, announced by Western allies this week, to release a 60m barrels of oil from strategic national reserves - half of which will come from the US - will only act to soften a temporary spike in prices.
Russia may be able to withstand the loss of Western buyers, if it can sell less on the global markets at a higher price, says Ms Kilcrease.
"People I think want to see something there... but you have to think about the effect of what cutting off those sales would actually be. Will it hurt Russia? It's not actually clear," she says.
The sanctions have already caused economic havoc in Russia.
Before closing this week, the two major Moscow stock indexes plunged more than 20%. The rouble has dropped to record lows against the dollar, hurting the purchasing power of Russian families at a time when rising prices and deteriorating standard of living were already concerns.
The war has sparked protests in Russia, which has also seen the standard of living slide in recent years
The consultancy Capital Economics recently estimated that the sanctions could shrink Russia's economy by 15% this year.
Nor has the pain been limited to Russia.
Global oil prices have already risen more than 10% since the start of February amid the tensions - and analysts expect they will remain elevated due to uncertainty from the conflict. Ukraine and Russia also supply nearly 30% of the world's wheat, 19% of its corn and 80% of its sunflower oil.
Currencies in countries with close ties to Russia, like Kazakhstan, have also been hit.
"That's the problem with sanctions - they never just end up targeting only one place," says Kristy Ironside, professor of Russian and Soviet history at McGill University. "They tend to have other knock-on effects so anything [policymakers] do next, they have to consider very carefully in light of that."
Nor is it clear how economic destabilisation will affect Mr Putin's standing at home - or if they will make him willing to negotiate a political end to the violence in Ukraine.
After all, Russians have endured economic isolation before and the ability to afford international travel and imported cheese may not matter much to his base.
"As long as pensions keep getting paid and people can enjoy a relatively reasonable standard of living... I think there's some leeway," Prof Ironside says. "If this is sustained... I don't know."
Prof Miller says he is not optimistic that the sanctions will force Mr Putin to negotiate over Ukraine. But if sustained, he says, they may curb his power.
"Anything that touches the financial system is going to get more complicated and expensive as a result of this," Prof Miller says. "That will have a ripple effect throughout the Russian economy."
"It will make Russia's economic outlook over the next couple of years substantially dimmer and therefore make it harder for the Russian government to keep its domestic political situation under control while simultaneously waging a set of wars abroad."
"This is the goal," he adds. "To create this medium to longer term degradation of Russia's abilities." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60529926 |
Formula 1 terminates contract with Russian Grand Prix - BBC Sport | 2022-03-03 | Formula 1 terminates its contract with the Russian Grand Prix and the sport will not race in Russia for the foreseeable future. | Last updated on .From the section Formula 1
Formula 1 has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix.
The sport's commercial arm, which controls the calendar, has decided racing in the country is impossible following the invasion of Ukraine.
The race in Sochi scheduled for September this year has already been cancelled. There will now no longer be a race in St Petersburg, where it was due to move in 2023.
Russian President Vladimir Putin was key in establishing the event in 2014.
Putin, who remains closely associated with the race, has a palace in Sochi, and St Petersburg is his home town.
The decision means F1 will not race in Russia for the foreseeable future - effectively, at least for as long as Putin remains in power.
"Formula 1 can confirm it has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix promoter meaning Russia will not have a race in the future," it said in a statement.
F1 has discussed what action to take next over the days since it decided to cancel this year's race last week, a day after the invasion. It was concluded that holding a race in Russia was not tenable after what has happened.
The race is one of the most lucrative on the calendar and had a long-term contract.
The action by F1's commercial arm stands in stark contrast to the decision by governing body the FIA this week to allow Russian competitors to take part in global motorsport events.
It is a rare public split between F1 and the FIA, and an indication of F1's dismay at the FIA's stance on Russia.
The FIA has already faced a backlash from the decision by its world motorsport council on Tuesday. The following day UK motorsport's governing body banned all Russian licence holders from competing in the UK.
The FIA justified its decision by saying it was in line with the policy of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
But the IOC, to which the FIA is affiliated, recommended on Tuesday that "event organisers not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions… in order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all participants".
It added a second clause allowing athletes and officials to participate on neutral terms "wherever this is not possible on short notice for organisational or legal reasons".
The FIA has not answered questions as to the grounds on which it decided this was the case for motorsport, in which most championships have not yet started in 2022.
On Thursday the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) reversed a previous decision and banned athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus from the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing, saying the "situation in the athlete villages" had become "untenable". | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/60601632 |
Mikhail Watford: Ukrainian oligarch's death investigated by Surrey Police - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | The death of Mikhail Watford in Wentworth, Surrey, is not being treated as suspicious by police. | Mr Watford made his fortune in oil and gas
An investigation has been launched into the death of a Ukrainian-born oligarch in Surrey earlier this week.
Officers were called to a property in Portnall Drive, Wentworth, at about midday on 28 February.
Mikhail Watford, aged in his 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation into the death is under way but Surrey Police said there were not believed to be any suspicious circumstances "at this time".
His next of kin have been told and are being supported by specially-trained officers.
The body was found at an address in Portnall Drive, Wentworth
It is understood that Mr Watford was born in 1955 in then-Soviet Ukraine but moved to the UK in the early 2000s.
According to a Sunday Times profile in 2015, he made his fortune in oil and gas, and moved to Surrey from London with his Estonian wife Jane.
He described his childhood as relatively extravagant, telling the newspaper: "We had a big four-bedroom apartment with a bath, and a car — which, in terms of luxury, was the equivalent of travelling by jet now."
It was also reported he had changed his name from Tolstosheya after moving to the UK.
The property where his body was found is on a private road on the exclusive Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water.
It features three 18-hole golf courses and one 9-hole course.
Former Chilean military ruler Augusto Pinochet was kept under house arrest on the estate before his extradition and, according to its website, it has been home to "a host of famous athletes, musicians, actors and entertainers, financial figures and royalty".
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The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-60608132 |
Energy bills could reach £3,000 as oil and gas prices soar - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | The surging prices mean household energy bills are expected to rise further than previously estimated. | UK energy bills could reach as high as £3,000 a year as oil and gas prices surge amid the Ukraine conflict, the energy industry has said.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has made the trading, banking and shipping sectors reluctant to buy Russian commodities, pushing up prices.
The price of Brent crude oil rose above $119 a barrel to the highest since May 2012, while gas prices rose as well.
Average UK petrol prices have also hit a new record.
The RAC said petrol reached £1.52 a litre for the first time, while diesel rose to a high of 155.79p.
Russian oil and gas exports are exempted from Western sanctions for now, but the prospect of further action by the US and the EU is stifling Russian trade.
Emma Pinchbeck, the chief executive of the energy industry body Energy UK, said: "It's a really worrying time for both customers and industry.
"We've been saying since the autumn that we'd expect bills to go up again in October. With what we're seeing in Ukraine and in the oil and gas markets, we're now expecting those to go up further."
She said that if oil prices remain at elevated levels "you can expect bills to be anywhere between £2,500 and £3,000 in October depending on the tariffs people have and what happens in the market".
The prices that people pay for energy and fuel depend on wholesale markets, which can go down as well as up.
But average UK household energy bills are already set to rise to around £2,000 in April when the price cap is increased.
Gas prices had hit record highs last year due to colder winters which put pressure on supplies and reduced the amount of reserves countries had stored up.
Ms Pinchbeck said: "We have been saying for a long time this is an enduring crisis on the gas price and now that's being exacerbated by what's happening in Ukraine."
The RAC also warned that high fuel prices could be here to stay.
RAC spokesman Simon Williams, said: "What drivers pay at the pumps in the UK is determined by the cost of oil and the exchange rate as fuel, like oil, is traded in dollars."
He said with oil prices rising and the value of the pound at $1.33 "further price rises are inevitable in the coming days and weeks".
Brent crude rose as a high as $119.84 a barrel at one point on Thursday, before sliding back to about $112.
Meanwhile, European stock markets slipped as the Russian invasion continued.
The UK's FTSE 100 share index closed down 2.5%, while the main markets in France and Germany ended down 1.8% and 2.1% respectively.
Energy companies are sending emails to customers right now warning of price rises to hit in April - but these are a frozen picture.
Bills are massively increasing as the price cap is going up by more than 50% and it is starting to feel real now, as people are now being told how much their individual direct debits will increase by.
But those increases don't take account of what is currently taking place in Ukraine.
The price cap is been raised every six month which means there is a half-year lag in protecting customers from immediate fluctuations on the global gas and oil markets.
There was such huge pressure on the government to step in and act ahead of April's increase that they announced a package of extra help for households this time.
It's not until the next price cap rise in October that we will feel the impact of the gas and oil spikes going on right now.
The government will be under more pressure to help customers, and while for many households another energy price rise is unthinkable, there also seems to be a growing acceptance among consumers that the 'Putin Penalty' is one we will all have to shoulder to some extent.
A government spokesperson said: "It is hard to predict what longer term impacts the current situation in Ukraine will have on energy costs.
"However, the energy price cap will continue to insulate millions of customers from volatile global gas prices."
Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com, said oil traders were acting as though Russian energy exports had already been sanctioned, and were looking for other sources of oil.
"Self-sanctions are already playing a big role," he said. "Shell, BP, Chevron are all exiting but traders and customers are swerving Russian oil without any sanctions needed."
"European gas prices hit a record this morning. Coal prices are through the roof too," he said, adding there was "nowhere to hide for European consumers about to get hit by a mega electricity bill and soaring inflation."
Energy prices are pushing up the cost of living in the UK.
The UK rate of inflation - which shows the cost of living - rose at a 30-year high of 5.5% in January and is expected to rise above 7% once the new energy price cap is introduced in the spring.
Russia is the second biggest exporter of crude oil, and is also the world's largest natural gas exporter.
Oil cartel Opec decided not to increase production further than already planned at a meeting on Wednesday, despite US calls to pump more oil.
Ukraine and Russia are also two of the world's largest wheat producers, and account for nearly a third of global exports.
Exports from the Black Sea have nearly halted amid the invasion of Ukraine and sanctions.
Wheat prices jumped earlier in the week, but fell back on Thursday. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60600049 |
As it happened: London hit by second 24-hour Tube strike - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | A second 24-hour strike in a week severely affects all London Underground services. | Sisters Chi Chi and Chioma are at King's Cross waiting for an Uber to Covent Garden where they were hoping to take the Tube three stops to return some clothes.
Chi Chioma says: "The woman at the station said [the strikes] are because of poor working conditions and pay and stuff so I guess it’s fair enough but it’s a bit inconvenient as well."
Chi Chi says: "We had to walk from the station, we were waiting for the bus, but it was so full, off the get go, loads of people just flocking to buses and I didn’t really think it was Covid safe, so we just booked an Uber instead. But the traffic is quite bad so it’s been stuck on the same time for the last 10 or 15 minutes maybe. It was pricey, about £20."
Do the sisters have any sympathy for those on the picket line?
"I kind of get it, like it’s inconvenient for us," Chi Chi adds "but it’s inconvenience for them as well because they’re trying to work a job to get paid but they’re still not being met with fair treatment so it’s understandable to be honest." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-london-60584641 |
Cheltenham and Cotswolds killings: Children 'devastated' by parents' deaths - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | Tributes are paid to Clive and Valerie Warrington whose deaths have started a murder investigation. | Valerie Warrington and her ex-husband Clive Warrington were found dead in different locations
The children of a divorced couple who were stabbed to death and found 15 miles (24km) apart have said they were devastated.
Clive Warrington, 67 was found at Sherborne Place in Cheltenham at 06:25 GMT on Wednesday.
Shortly afterwards officers discovered the body of his ex-wife, Valerie Warrington, 73, at a property in Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds.
A man from Cheltenham has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Magistrates granted an additional 36 hours of detention earlier which followed a 12-hour custody extension by police on Thursday morning.
Supt Roddy Gosden said people would understandably be shocked to hear of the murders
The pair's children thanked well-wishers for the outpouring of love and support they have received.
In a statement released earlier, they said: "We are devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of our parents.
"We thank everyone for their messages of love and support, which are of great comfort to us.
"We would like to request privacy at this time so that we can come to terms with what has happened and grieve in peace with the rest of the family."
Valerie Warrington and her ex-husband Clive Warrington were both found dead in different locations
Supt Roddy Godden, of Gloucestershire Police, said on Wednesday the man was known to the victims and they were not currently looking for anyone else.
He said the thoughts of the police force went out to the family "at this devastating time".
Tributes have been paid to the pair, with Ms Warrington described as a "lovely" and "warm" lady by a colleague.
Surgeon Charlie Chan worked with her for 13 years at Cheltenham General Hospital, where she was his personal assistant.
Police officers will be in the local communities over the coming days to provide reassurance
Charlie Chan paid tribute to Valerie Warrington, who was his PA
Writing on Facebook, he said: "I am totally heartbroken at this news.
"Val was my PA for 13 years and we shared lots of happy times.
"Clive did work on our house and I watched their kids grow up.
"What has the world come to?"
Officers are continuing to examine the two separate scenes and cordons are expected to remain in place at both locations for a number of days.
Anyone with information is urged to come forward.
Officers investigating the murder are continuing to examine evidence from two separate scenes
Follow BBC West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: Bristolbristol@bbc.co.uk
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-60592168 |
Computer glitch gives hundreds of Scottish offenders wrong risk level - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | The Scottish Conservatives say the "horrendous blunder" could have put the public at risk. | A computer glitch has resulted in the wrong risk level being attributed to hundreds of Scottish offenders, the country's justice secretary has said.
The risk scores are used in sentencing and prison release decisions.
But an IT error meant that the score did not change when new information was entered into the system.
The Conservatives said the "horrendous blunder" could have put the public at risk by allowing prisoners to be released when it was not safe to do so.
Justice Secretary Keith Brown said feedback from 150 users of the system had not identified any public protection issues so far.
More than 1,000 cases are being reviewed, and the computer system has been shut down in favour of a paper-based alternative in the meantime.
Mr Brown told MSPs a problem had been flagged up with the level of service and case management system (LS/CMI) used by the criminal justice system, which helps set risk levels for use in sentencing and prison release decisions.
Offenders are given a numerical risk score in the system, but Mr Brown said cases had been discovered where the score was incorrect as it had not changed when new information was entered.
The justice secretary said 1,317 assessments had been made where scores in the system "did not match" the final risk level calculated - 1,032 of them "closed" or completed cases, dating back to 2012.
In 537 of these cases, social work teams applied an over-ride, based on professional judgement - leaving 495 which "appear to contain a risk level affected by the system error".
However the cases where an over-ride was applied will all need to be reviewed to determine if this superseded any error.
And the 285 open cases where errors have been found are also under review, with priority given to those where prisoners are being considered for imminent release.
Keith Brown said the extent of the problem was not yet known
Mr Brown also said a second problem had been discovered while officials were investigating the errors, relating to another risk scoring system relating to alcohol and drug use.
He said the extent of this issue was not known, but that it could also affect risk scores.
The justice secretary stressed that in the cases reviewed so far, no concerns had been expressed by social workers in the community or in prisons.
And he said professionals involved in the justice system were experienced in managing risk, and "never just follow what is displayed on the screen".
But opposition parties said hundreds of criminals could potentially have been wrongly released from prison.
Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Jamie Greene said: "This is a grave error on the justice secretary's watch no matter how he spins it.
"He claimed that the public have not been put at risk but the reality is he doesn't know yet. He has absolutely no idea if this mistake has resulted in harm to the public. That is shocking and unforgivable."
And Scottish Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur said the situation was "profoundly concerning", adding: "Over 1,000 people could have either suffered longer sentences, or been released much sooner than they should have. There are no winners in this situation." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-60610757 |
Ukraine invasion: UK sanctions against some oligarchs may take weeks - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | More of Vladimir Putin allies' assets are expected to be frozen, as the war in Ukraine continues. | UK sanctions against some individuals linked to Vladimir Putin could take weeks to put together, government sources have told the BBC.
Several Russian oligarchs have had their UK assets frozen and there is pressure on ministers to extend this punishment to more people.
But a government source said sanctions would be a rolling package that would "gradually tighten the ratchet".
Meanwhile, Labour is calling for oligarchs' UK assets to be seized.
It argues that confiscating possessions like jewellery, designer clothes, cars and property will boost the current sanctions regime.
And Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat, the chairman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, said: "We should be looking immediately to seize those assets linked to those who are profiting from Putin's war machine, holding it in trust and returning it to the Russian people as soon as possible."
Since Russia invaded Ukraine last week, ministers have frozen the UK bank accounts and other assets of some wealthy Russians - including Mr Putin and some of those linked to him - plus those of some large firms.
Government insiders believe targeting banks or financial institutions will have a bigger impact than penalising individual high-profile oligarchs.
Meanwhile, the authorities in France and Germany have seized super yachts owned by Russian tycoons Igor Sechin and Alisher Usmanov.
For Labour, shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said the UK's sanctions regime against individuals must "catch up with [those of] our allies and partners", adding: "The government must get a grip on this by cutting Putin and those linked to his rogue regime out of our economic system as fast as possible."
David Lammy says the UK government has failed to keep pace with its international allies over sanctions
At Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said billionaire Roman Abramovich, who owns Chelsea Football Club, should face sanctions and accused Mr Johnson of being slow to target individuals who "prop up" Mr Putin's regime.
But a spokesman for Mr Abramovich, who has previously denied having close financial ties with the Russian president or the Kremlin, and who is now selling the football club, said he had done nothing sanctionable.
On Wednesday, Boris Johnson promised to publish a list of oligarchs with "ill-gotten Russian loot", but did not specify when this would happen.
The government's Economic Crime Bill will be debated in detail by MPs next week, with Labour saying it will help fast track the legislation.
Among other measures, it will force anonymous foreign owners of UK property to reveal their identities to prevent criminals hiding behind secretive shell companies.
But the measure will not come into effect for existing property owners for 18 months after it becomes law, which Labour says will give those targeted plenty of time to hide their assets.
The government has said it will shorten this "grace period" but not by how much, when MPs debate it on Monday.
But Labour says this "vague" promise is not enough, and it should be shortened to 28 days.
"We cannot give oligarchs a head start. Dirty Russian money must be taken out of the UK in days, not months," said shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60605462 |
Culture is third front in Ukraine war, says Nadine Dorries - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | Culture and sport bodies should continue to "exile Putin's Russia from their ranks", a minister says. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
UK ministers are meeting international allies to "ratchet up the pressure" on Vladimir Putin by taking more sporting, cultural and economic steps in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The culture secretary will try to mobilise more support to isolate Moscow at a summit of global sports ministers.
Nadine Dorries said culture was "the third front in the Ukrainian war".
And Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the West must "keep our foot on the gas" with economic measures.
She was speaking while meeting her counterparts from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in Vilnius to show support on Nato's eastern flank.
Unlike Ukraine, the three Baltic countries are members of the defensive military alliance and joined after the collapse of the former Soviet Union.
Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities have intensified in recent days, with heavy shelling in the capital Kyiv, the second city Kharkiv and Kherson in the south.
On Wednesday, the mayor of Kherson said Russian forces had seized control of the key port - the first major city to be taken by Moscow after it invaded Ukraine a week ago.
Ms Dorries told the House of Commons: "Later today I'll be hosting a summit with countries from all over the globe to discuss how we can continue to use the power of sport to isolate Putin at home and abroad.
"We have to keep ratcheting up the pressure. Putin must fail."
She added: "I continue to push for organisations to exile Putin's Russia from their ranks."
The virtual summit will include sports ministers from 11 countries, including the US, Australia, Germany and Poland, who are expected to discuss banning teams and individuals representing Russia from international competitions and barring Russia and its ally Belarus from hosting global sporting events.
Athletes from Russia and Belarus will no longer be allowed to compete at the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing, the International Paralympic Committee has confirmed.
The IPC had been heavily criticised after announcing on Wednesday that the athletes could compete as neutrals, but the committee announced the change on Thursday, saying the situation in the athlete villages had become "untenable".
"I welcome the fact that overnight they have listened and have reversed that decision this morning," Ms Dorries said.
Football fans in the UK have shown their support for Ukraine
Other changes to cultural and sporting events, designed to isolate Russia, include:
Mr Putin is now "suffering a sporting and cultural Siberia of its own making", the culture secretary said.
She also welcomed the removal of Russian news channel RT from TV screens in the UK and most of Europe.
She said she hoped UK media regulator Ofcom would revoke RT's licence "so that they're never again able or have the platform to broadcast their propaganda into the UK". She has also asked TikTok and Facebook's owner Meta to block RT's content.
Ms Dorries became visibly emotional during her Commons address as she offered her "heartfelt thanks and admiration" to journalists working for the BBC, ITV and other news outlets, saying they were "risking their lives to bring us unbiased and accurate news from a live war zone".
The UK has also worked alongside Western allies to enact sweeping economic sanctions against Russian banks, businesses and individuals.
On Wednesday night, British officials said more sanctions against wealthy Russians could be expected in the days and weeks to come but there was a "real risk" of people moving their assets outside the UK pre-emptively if they thought they could be targeted.
The BBC has been told a range of areas are under discussion, including possibly seizing the property of oligarchs with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Housing Secretary Michael Gove raised with cabinet ministers last week. However, no final decisions have been made. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60598294 |
Ukraine conflict: Russia doubles interest rate after rouble slumps - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | The Russian currency sinks to a record low against the dollar after Western countries impose new sanctions. | People stand in line to use an ATM money machine in St Petersburg on Sunday
Russia has more than doubled its interest rate to 20% in a bid to halt a slump in the value of its currency.
The Bank of Russia raised the rate from 9.5% after the rouble sank 30% after new Western sanctions. The currency then eased back to about 20% down.
The collapse in value erodes the currency's buying power and could wipe out the savings of ordinary Russians.
Amid pictures at the weekend of queues at cash machines, Russia said it had the resources to ride out sanctions.
President Vladimir Putin on Monday responded to the sanctions with an order barring citizens from transferring money outside of Russia, including for debt payments. Moscow's stock market, which saw heavy losses last week as investors sold, is to be closed for a second day on Tuesday.
Ahead of an emergency meeting between President Vladimir Putin and his economic advisers on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "These are heavy sanctions, they're problematic, but Russia has the necessary potential to compensate the damage from these sanctions."
The UK, along with the US and EU, cut off major Russian banks from financial markets in the West, prohibiting dealings with the central bank, state-owned investment funds and the finance ministry. The moves sent the rouble tumbling.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the measures demonstrated the UK's "determination to apply severe economic sanctions in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine".
Russia has about $630bn (£470bn) in reserves - a stockpile of savings - built up from soaring oil and gas prices.
But because a lot of this money is stored in foreign currencies like the dollar, the euro and sterling as well as gold, the Western ban on dealing with Russia's central bank restricts Moscow from accessing the cash.
Last week, Russia's central bank was forced to increase the amount of money it supplies to ATMs after demand for cash reached the highest level since March 2020.
Videos on social media on Sunday appeared to show long queues forming at cash machines and money exchanges in Moscow, with people worried that their bank cards may stop working or that limits will be placed on the amount of cash they can withdraw.
Chris Weafer, chief executive at consultancy firm Micro-Advisory and based in Moscow, said on Monday he was seeing some queues in food stores.
"You are beginning to see a little bit of queuing in some grocery stores, particularly people buying some goods that they think might come into short supply due to trade restrictions or maybe will be subject to big price increases because of the rouble devaluation.
"This set of sanctions is hitting ordinary Russians to an extent that previous sanctions have not and people are now becoming aware of that.
"People are a lot more fearful. There is already talk about some companies having to either go on reduced working hours, or even suspend production because they're not able to access maybe key parts from the West due to sanctions or due to trade limitations, so there's a great deal of concern on the street."
Moscow resident Anastasia told Reuters that she expected her economic situation to get worse. "It's inevitable in these circumstances," she added. Whilst another Moscow resident Sergey said he was already seeing an impact. "Prices are rising, of course, savings are shrinking and stocks are falling."
On Monday, the central bank said it had ordered brokers to suspend the execution of all orders by foreign legal entities and individuals to sell Russian investments.
The sanctions that have been imposed by the EU, the US, the UK and others are unprecedented. It's one thing to block the foreign reserves of a country like Iran or Venezuela, quite another to act against Russia - a country with a major role in global trade and a very significant supplier of oil and gas.
The reaction on the currency markets has been dramatic - with the rouble plummeting, despite the central bank's efforts to prop it up using interest rates. There may already have been a rush to the foreign currency ATMs in Russian cities, but citizens there have yet to feel the full impact.
At the very least prices will rise dramatically; banking collapses, hyperinflation and a deep recession are all potential consequences.
But sanctions are a two-way street. Cutting the central bank off from its reserves and limiting Russian institutions' access to the Swift network will not only hurt Russia - western institutions also face losses from debts that cannot or will not be repaid, for example. And then there is the risk of countermeasures from Russia - potentially hitting energy exports.
Such sweeping sanctions being imposed in such a unified way is remarkable. It's also a very big gamble.
Attempts to put a stranglehold around Russia's finances reverberated across the financial and corporate world:
Will Walker-Arnott, senior investment manager at Charles Stanley, told the BBC's Today programme that "it looks like Russia is increasingly becoming an economic pariah, increasingly isolated from the global financial system".
Cutting some Russian banks from international payments system Swift is among the harshest measure so far imposed to date on Moscow over the Ukraine conflict.
The assets of Russia's central bank will also be frozen, limiting the country's ability to access its overseas reserves.
Russia is heavily reliant on the Swift system for its key oil and gas exports. It was not clear whether those deals would be exempt from the bans.
The intention is to "further isolate Russia from the international financial system", a joint statement said.
On Monday, the European Central Bank (ECB) said several European subsidiaries of Sberbank Russia, which is Russia's largest bank and majority owned by the Russian government, were failing or likely to fail due to reputational cost of the war in Ukraine.
Sberbank Europe AG, which had total assets of €13.64bn (£11.4bn) at the end of last year, along with its Croatian and Slovenian units, suffered a rapid deposit outflow in recent days and is likely to fail to pay its debts or other liabilities, said the ECB, which is the lenders' supervisor.
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'Putin has to be stopped' - the Britons preparing to fight in Ukraine - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | We talk to some of the people responding to President Zelensky's appeal for foreigners to join in the defence of his country | Donations for Ukraine are being collected at a pop-up community centre in west London
Since Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on foreign fighters to travel to Ukraine and join in the defence of the country, hundreds of Britons have come forward saying they want to volunteer.
"I've been losing sleep over it," says 32-year-old Joseph, who we are only identifying with his first name at his request, adding that he plans to make the journey to help in any way he can. "I feel like we're not doing enough."
Although he says he has recently applied to join the British army, he does not have any military experience, and has no links to Ukraine other than a friend he attended college with.
After hearing Mr Zelensky's appeal, he has come to a pop-up Ukrainian community centre in Holland Park, west London, set up to receive donations. But his search is for Ukrainians who might give him information on how to enlist for the war effort.
"I understand how tense the situation is and I understand what we're trying to avoid, [but] I think we need to stop [Putin] in his tracks. If we won't properly assist Ukraine then people are just going to have to volunteer and hope that we can have some kind of impact even if it's small."
Although Foreign Secretary Liz Truss did say in a BBC interview on Sunday she would support those in the UK who wanted to take up arms in Ukraine, the government has since made it clear that that is not the official policy.
The most recent statement issued on the subject reminds people that the Foreign Office currently advises "against all travel to Ukraine" and that "the best way we can help Ukraine right now is by ensuring Putin fails".
MP Tobias Ellwood, who has served in the Army and is chairman of the Commons defence select committee, was unequivocal on Twitter, writing: "Please do NOT go if you have no combat experience. You may get yourself, and others who have to look after you, killed."
But Joseph says he is not deterred: "I've got friends who have been in the service, so I've got an idea of what to expect. I've had my warnings."
He said the reaction from his family has been mixed, but that they can understand his reasons for wanting to volunteer.
Ukraine has urged volunteers to come forward and bolster its defence forces
"The stance is, if you believe in something, if you genuinely believe in something - like freedom, a democratic system - unfortunately you've got to be willing to die for it," he says.
The Ukrainian embassy told the BBC it appreciated the support of "all people who want to support our country and fight Russian aggression", but it stressed it was playing no role in helping people enlist.
Instead, informal networks have emerged to help put Britons in touch with people who can meet them in third-party countries between here and Ukraine and assist them in getting to the front line.
Luke, 22, a Londoner who also has no military training, admits he is scared by the prospect of going to Ukraine, but still plans to make the journey.
"I feel like just watching the news every day and seeing what's happening, I feel like I want to help in some way," he says.
"So if I can then I will. Even moving things around, driving, anything. I want to help in any way I can.
"If a 22-year-old fit and healthy person isn't going to go, who is going to go and defend them?"
He says he is hopeful that foreign fighters can help make a difference in the conflict.
"I think it's amazing what the Ukrainians have done so far without… [Nato] troops on the ground," he says.
"So I do think eventually, if enough people go to help, and we do keep supplying aid to them, lethal and non-lethal, then we can push them back."
He also says he hasn't told his family about his plans to travel to Ukraine and doesn't intend to before he leaves. "I don't want anyone to talk me out of this. I've made my decision," he says
Of course many of those who are planning to travel from the UK are Ukrainians who are not affected by the Foreign Office advice and can freely choose to return home. Among them is Mykhalo, a 43-year-old from the city of Lviv who was on a visit to the UK when the invasion started.
Flowers and balloons left outside the Ukrainian embassy in London
He normally works in building management and has no military experience, but wants to get back as soon as possible to join the fighting.
"It might be tonight, who knows. I just must help my country. I have no choice," he says.
"We are not the richest country. But we never affected any other country. People have normal life. Working, working, cooking, laughing, travelling. And now, some monster… I don't know what he's thinking about."
Asked what he thinks about the British nationals volunteering to help defend Ukraine, he says: "My brothers! I love them."
The community centre has been receiving a steady stream of donations of military equipment as well as food and clothing for people displaced by the conflict.
Ewan Vidion has just delivered a carful of items donated by reservists and others from around Portsmouth and South Hampshire.
"What I've brought is what they're urgently in need of," he says. "It's the medical supplies, the field dressings and also military gear, military clothing, bergens [military backpacks], mats for them to sleep on, some helmets."
The plan is for the donations to be packed into a convoy and transported overnight to arrive in Kyiv on Thursday.
Ewan says: "People feel like our hands are tied, so it's a case of saying 'What can we do as ordinary people?'"
Flowers left at a statue to Ukraine's St Volodymyr in London | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60594223 |
Ukraine conflict: Reporter takes cover as blast lights up Kyiv's sky - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | Watch the moment a huge explosion happens just as Charlie D'Agata from CBS News finishes his report. | Watch the moment when an explosion lit up Kyiv's night sky behind CBS News correspondent Charlie D'Agata, just as he finished a live report on Wednesday night. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60600984 |
Bet365 boss Denise Coates gets £300m pay package - a £170m cut - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | Billionaire Denise Coates, founder of gambling firm Bet365, takes a £170m cut in pay and dividends. | Denise Coates was appointed CBE for services to the community and business in 2012
Bet365 boss Denise Coates took home about £300m during its last financial year - £170m down on the previous year - as growth stalled.
The billionaire founder of the online gambling firm received £250m in salary and a share of the company's pay-out of £97.5m in dividends.
Ms Coates, one of Britain's wealthiest women and a major philanthropist, has received a total of about £1.3bn from the business in the past five years.
Ms Coates and her brother John took over a betting shop business run by their father, spotting that online gambling could revolutionise the industry. She now owns about half of the company.
Bet365's latest accounts filed at Companies House show revenues were broadly flat at £2.82bn in the first year of the pandemic, compared with £2.81bn in the previous year.
Although not named in the accounts, Ms Coates has always been regarded as the person referred to as "highest paid director". She is thought to be Britain's biggest individual tax payer.
It's unclear why the pay fell so much, although Bet365's earnings from sports betting was hit as the pandemic caused chaos to sporting schedules. A rise in betting via online slot machines and casinos helped offset the loss.
Bet365 said: "At the start of the period we experienced the almost complete cessation of sporting events. However by the end of the first half of the year, we saw the resumption of sports with the vast majority of European football leagues managing to conclude their domestic seasons."
Meanwhile, operating profit increased by 47% year-on-year to £285.5m, a gain the firm said was driven in large part by reduced pay packets for directors.
Bet365 made charitable donations, mostly to the Denise Coates Foundation, of £103m, up from almost £90m the year before.
Ms Coates achieved a first-class degree in econometrics and later trained as an accountant within the family firm.
The company owns Stoke City football club, and is based in Stoke-on-Trent. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60612165 |
Divorced couple found dead in Cheltenham and Cotswolds - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | A man known to Clive Warrington, 67, and his ex-wife Valerie Warrington, 73, has been arrested. | Valerie Warrington and her ex-husband Clive Warrington were both found dead in different locations
A divorced couple have been found stabbed to death at two locations 15 miles (24km) apart
The body of Clive Warrington, 67 was found at Sherborne Place in Cheltenham by police at 06:25 GMT.
Officers then discovered the body of his ex-wife, Valerie Warrington, 73, at a property in Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds shortly afterwards.
A man from Cheltenham has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with both deaths.
Supt Roddy Gosden, of Gloucestershire Police, said the man was known to the victims and they were not currently looking for anyone else.
He appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Officers are asking for anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage that could be relevant to get in touch
It's no more than 200 yards (182m) from John Lewis in the centre of Cheltenham to the victim's home on Sherborne Place where the man's body was found early this morning.
So, shoppers coming and going in cars had to be patient as they weaved their way round police cordons, watching a dozen or so officers in red jackets searching for clues and knocking on doors.
Some knew of Clive Warrington but no one saw or heard anything early in the morning when the paramedics arrived and declared him dead from stab wounds.
Later, Supt Gosden read a prepared statement, explaining they had found another body with stab wounds 15 miles away in Bourton-on-the-Water, that of 73 year old Valerie Warrington, who had been married and divorced from Clive.
"A devastating time," said the officer in charge.
The body of Valerie Warrington was found in Whiteshoots Hill in Bourton-on-the-Water
He said: "Family members have been informed and our thoughts go out to them at this devastating time.
"This has been a challenging situation and we will be providing support to officers and all those who have been impacted by these incidents.
"Understandably people will be shocked to hear that two lives have been lost in such a tragic way."
Cordons will remain in place at the scene for a number of days and officers will be in the local communities to provide reassurance, Supt Gosden added.
The village of Bourton-on-the-water is about 15 miles from Cheltenham
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Social housing: Man told 'no point' in applying as demand surges - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | Rodney Jackson has been homeless for 18 months and wants to live near his children on the north coast. | Rodney Jackson has been homeless for 18 months
A father who became homeless 18 months ago has said he could be on a waiting list for a social home near his children on the north coast for years.
Rodney Jackson has been staying with friends and relatives since his relationship ended.
He said he had been told there was "no point in applying for a house in Portstewart or Portrush because there's so few of them around".
The Housing Executive (NIHE) said lists had increased across Northern Ireland.
"My children live on the north coast as well and obviously I wouldn't want to move away," Mr Jackson told BBC News NI.
"There are so many people on the waiting list in that area."
Official figures showed the number of people on a waiting list for social housing in the Causeway Coast and Glens council area rose by 69% in four and a half years.
NIHE had 2,068 applicants on waiting lists in the area in March 2017.
That rose to 3,496 in September 2021.
The Housing Executive said there had been a 20% increase in applicants for social housing overall
The figures showed the number of people deemed homeless in the district rose by more than a third and there are now 42% more people in housing stress since 2017.
Housing stress is a situation where the cost of housing is high relative to household income.
"I don't meet the priority so basically I was told I would go on the waiting list, but with very few points and with very little hope of finding a house," Mr Jackson said:
"That leaves you in a situation looking for private housing and it's so expensive… even at that, there's not a lot of that around.
"There are so many people trying to bid for one house."
NIHE said it had contacted Mr Jackson for his annual review in February and that he may be entitled to additional points when reassessed.
"The applicant is on the waiting list for single-bed accommodation in two areas of housing in Coleraine, however, as part of the annual assessment we will discuss wider areas of housing choice at that stage," the organisation outlined," a spokesperson said.
"He has been offered temporary accommodation, but he has chosen to make his own arrangements."
NIHE said there had been a 20% increase in applicants for Northern Ireland social housing as a whole between March 2017 and September 2021.
There had also been a 32% increase in housing stress applicants and a 43% increase in full-duty applicants or those deemed homeless.
Chief executive of the charity Homeless Connect, Nicola McCrudden, said the "homelessness and housing crisis" was "directly related to the shortage of affordable, social housing".
"In some cases people are waiting several years to actually get a home, the pandemic has made the situation much worse," she explained.
"We're seeing increasing numbers in people needing temporary accommodation.
"We're very concerned about the future because we think there's increasing risk in people presenting as homeless because of the rising cost of living and the difficulties in people heating their homes and feeding themselves."
The Department for Communities said its minister, Deirdre Hargey, was "acutely aware of the demands on our housing system".
Deirdre Hargey has previously announced plans to build 100,000 new homes over a 15-year period
"She is progressing the biggest reform of social housing in more than 50 years," a spokesperson said.
"This includes building more homes where they are needed. Having delivered the highest annual figure of new social home starts for over a decade, the minister has also increased funding for the new build programme."
In December, Ms Hargey announced plans for more than 100,000 homes over a 15-year period as she launched her draft Housing Supply Strategy for consultation.
"The minister wants at least a third of these homes to be social homes, of high quality and to meet a wide range of needs," the department added.
NIHE said 155 social housing units were under construction in the Causeway Coast and Glens area and that 363 units were planned in the next three years. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-60596669 |
Ukraine invasion: Are Russia's attacks war crimes? - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | As Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, does what we’re witnessing amount to war crimes? | The BBC's Ros Atkins takes a closer look at Russia's attacks on Ukraine - and whether what we’re witnessing amounts to war crimes. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60583926 |
Netflix pauses future projects in Russia - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | US technology giants Netflix and Oracle are the latest to move to distance themselves from Russia | Netflix has halted all projects and acquisitions in Russia
Streaming giant Netflix has announced it has paused all future projects and acquisitions from Russia.
The company said it was assessing the impact of the current invasion of Ukraine.
Filming for the production of Russian language series Zato will be halted.
Elsewhere in tech, cloud computing company Oracle also said it has suspended operations in Russia.
The two companies are the latest US technology firms to take action against Russia as attacks on Ukraine's cities have escalated.
On Tuesday, Apple also announced that it was halting sales in Russia.
Oracle's announcement on Twitter came three hours after Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation tweeted the company, calling for support.
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Deputy Minister Alexander Bornyakov told the Reuters news agency that Ukraine has sought help from 50 different companies - in a bid to apply pressure to Russia.
"More sanctions imposed, faster peace restored," Borynakov said on social media.
In a tweet Oracle said: "On behalf of Oracle's 150,000 employees around the world and in support of both the elected government of Ukraine and for the people of Ukraine"
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In recent days, global brands including Shell, Nike, H&M and Boeing have cut ties or temporarily suspended sales in Russia.
Moscow has responded to foreign companies distancing themselves from Russia by temporarily restricting Russian asset sales by foreigners.
On Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin met with the president of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs to discuss how it would attempt to minimise the impact of sanctions announced so far.
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Netflix would not comment on how many people use its streaming service in Russia.
Earlier this week, however, it confirmed in a report by Hollywood Reporter that it would not carry Russian state channels.
"Given the current situation, we have no plans to add these channels to our service," a Netflix spokesperson told the magazine in a statement.
Under a law that only came into effect on 1 March, "audiovisual services" in the country with more than 100,000 users will be required to carry 20 major state television channels. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-60596699 |
Ros Atkins on...Russian gas and oil - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | Ros Atkins looks at how Russian gas and oil connects to war in Ukraine, and EU efforts to cut ties with Russia. | Ros Atkins looks at Russian gas and oil; how it connects to the war in Ukraine, and the EU's efforts to cut economic ties with Russia. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-60608699 |
Ukraine crisis: MPs applaud Ukrainian ambassador in UK Parliament - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | Watch as politicians stand and clap for Vadym Prystaiko, who was attending Prime Minister's Questions. | Watch the moment that MPs stood and applauded in the House of Commons for the Ukrainian ambassador, who was watching Prime Minister's Questions from the gallery.
Speakers of the Commons have usually frowned on MPs who clap in the chamber, but Lindsay Hoyle smiled at the tribute to Vadym Prystaiko.
Several MPs wore yellow and blue ribbons, the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
Click here for the latest updates on Ukraine. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60586758 |
H&M temporarily suspends all sales in Russia - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | One of the world's biggest fashion retailers said it was deeply concerned about conflict in Ukraine. | H&M has announced it is temporarily suspending all sales in Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine.
The world's second-biggest retailer said it was concerned about the developments in Ukraine on Wednesday.
In an official statement, the Swedish retailer said it stands "with all the people who are suffering".
H&M is the latest firm to halt sales in a widening corporate backlash against what the UK prime minister described as "barbaric" attacks by Russia.
On Wednesday evening, H&M's Russian English-language website was unavailable for customers to place orders.
H&M's website was unavailable in Russia on Wednesday evening
According to recent figures, Russia is H&M's sixth-biggest market, accounting for about 4% of group sales in the fourth quarter of 2021.
The fashion giant has recently been expanding its presence in Russia, including opening shops under other brand names in its portfolio, Weekday and & Other Stories. Russian shoppers can usually also order clothes from the brands Monki and Cos online.
The retailer currently has more than 150 stores in Russia, according to its 2020 annual report, which will all now be shuttered due to the conflict.
The firm said on Wednesday that shops in Ukraine had already been closed temporarily "due to the safety of customers and colleagues".
It joins a host of other major firms who have spoken out about the invasion of Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Fast fashion retailers Asos announced on Wednesday that they would no longer serve customers in Russia.
"Against the backdrop of the continuing war, Asos has decided that it is neither practical nor right to continue to trade in Russia," an Asos spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Boohoo and footwear brand Nike have not commented on the conflict specifically, but customers in Russia are no longer able to order its products online.
Apple has also has paused all product sales in Russia, saying it was "deeply concerned" and stands with those "suffering as a result of the violence". | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60593988 |
Aliny Godinho: Police 'regretful' over failings before murder - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | Surrey Police failed to recognise Aliny Godinho was high risk before her ex-husband killed her. | Aliny Godinho was murdered by her ex-husband in front of their young daughter in 2019
A police force has apologised over failings which a coroner says contributed to the murder of a mother.
Aliny Godinho, 39, was stabbed to death by her ex-husband Ricardo Godinho while on the school run in Stoneleigh, near Epsom in Surrey in February 2019.
A coroner concluded her death was "more than minimally contributed to" by Surrey Police.
Earlier the force agreed there were failings, adding it was "deeply regretful" and was "truly sorry".
During the inquest, Surrey Coroner's Court heard the attack happened in just 17 seconds as Mrs Godinho held their young daughter's hand.
In July 2019, Godinho was found guilty of murder and possessing an offensive weapon and jailed for life with a minimum term of 27 years.
Aliny Godinho's last movements were captured on CCTV as she walked with her daughter to collect her son from school on the day she was killed
Surrey Coroner Richard Travers said: "I found a number of very significant failings on the part of Surrey Police in their response to Aliny's complaint and the unfolding events thereafter."
Mr Travers listed multiple failings including failing to respond to reports of escalating conduct from Mrs Godinho's ex-husband in the days before her death, failing to recognise she should have remained high risk and not following domestic abuse procedures.
Particular criticism was levelled at one officer, PC Diane Walker, whom the coroner said had "formed a view at a very early stage that Ricardo Godinho was unlikely to harm Aliny" and noted a "very significant failure to keep an open mind".
Ricardo Godinho was jailed for a minimum of 27 years for his wife's murder in July 2019
In a statement released earlier, Det Supt Juliet Parker said: "We agree there were failings on the part of Surrey Police in how her case was handled. Opportunities to safeguard Aliny were missed and for that we are deeply regretful.
"We welcome today's conclusion and accept the findings that there are areas of improvement for us as an organisation."
The coroner imposed a regulation 28 report on Surrey Police to prevent future avoidable deaths and has made recommendations, the force has 56 days in which to show changes have been made.
Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-60595627 |
Ukraine: Russia agrees need to create humanitarian corridors - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | But the talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators yield only limited concrete progress. | A humanitarian crisis is growing, with many cities under intense bombardment
Russian and Ukrainian negotiators have made limited progress at ceasefire talks, agreeing on the need for humanitarian corridors for civilians.
A senior Ukrainian official said that despite this outcome, the talks had not led to the results Kyiv was hoping for.
They came as Russian President Vladimir Putin defended the invasion of Ukraine, saying it was "going to plan".
But a humanitarian crisis has been growing in Ukrainian cities under intense Russian bombardment.
Mr Putin also spoke by phone for 90 minutes to French President Emmanuel Macron.
An aide to Mr Macron told reporters the French president expected that the worst was still to come, after Mr Putin told him Russia would continue its campaign in Ukraine until it had fulfilled its goals.
Mr Macron told his Russian counterpart the invasion was a serious mistake, and that his views did not correspond with reality.
At talks from an undisclosed location, the second this week, Russian and Ukrainian delegates agreed to possible temporary ceasefires.
But the truces would only be in places where humanitarian corridors were being set up and for the duration of civilian evacuations, Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak said.
"To our great regret, we did not get the results we were counting on," he added.
Several Ukrainian cities are currently surrounded or almost surrounded by Russian forces.
The situation is particularly intense in the southern port city of Mariupol, which has been under relentless bombardment with almost no respite for several days.
Hundreds of people are feared dead in the city.
Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, has also been under a fierce aerial assault. Its mayor told the BBC shelling and cruise missile strikes were hitting residential areas and inflicting heavy civilian casualties.
On Wednesday Russian tanks entered the port town of Kherson, a provincial capital home to about 250,000 people. It is the first major Ukrainian city to fall in more than a week of fighting. The US said the situation on the ground was changing rapidly, with fighting ongoing.
Ukraine reports that more than 2,000 civilians have died since the invasion began last Thursday. The conflict has also caused more than a million people to flee Ukraine, according to the UN.
After his phone call with the French president, Mr Putin addressed members of his Security Council.
In televised remarks, he defended the attack on Ukraine, saying the campaign was on schedule.
He said he would never give up his conviction that Russians and Ukrainians were one people, claiming that some Ukrainians had been intimidated or "duped by Nazi propaganda".
Mr Putin alleged that Ukrainian forces were using civilians as human shields and holding foreigners hostage. He provided no evidence for this.
In a defiant video message on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demanded that Russia compensate Ukraine for the trauma of the invasion.
"You will reimburse us for everything you did against our state, against every Ukrainian, in full," he said.
He called on the West to send more military aid, including aircraft, and warned that if Ukraine lost the war, the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia would be Mr Putin's next targets. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60611470 |
Covid: Temporary courts to close and Western Australia's borders reopen - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Thursday morning. | Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Thursday morning.
Some of the temporary courts set up to help clear the backlog of cases made worse by the pandemic are to close. Eleven Nightingale Courts, which opened in hotels and conference suites where social distancing was possible, will shut down within weeks but 12 will stay open for another year in England and Wales. They will focus on reducing waiting times for criminal trials.
Western Australia has reopened its borders to international visitors - and other Australians - for the first time in nearly two years. Dubbed a "hermit kingdom" for its hard line policy to stop the spread of coronavirus, the state is the last to lift the travel ban. More than 8,000 people are expected to arrive in Western Australia today.
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Memory loss, fatigue and trouble concentrating can be symptoms of having had coronavirus. But scientists think people who haven't had Covid are also suffering increased tiredness, impaired decision-making and a lack of focus - a phenomenon referred to by scientists as "pandemic brain". "Uncertainty influences the biology of our brains - and generally we can cope with a certain amount - but the longer we have it, generally the worse it is for our brain," says behavioural neuroscientist Dr Emma Yhnell. Read more here.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This is a phenomenon now known as pandemic brain
What will be the impact of ending lateral flow tests? Why are some people being offered another booster? And how does the UK's Covid landscape compare to last year? Dr Chris Smith has answered your questions. Watch to find out more.
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Instead of mopping the floor clean, cleaners at Lancaster University covered their mops in paint and gave a large canvas a good scrub. It was the idea of artist José Garcia Oliva who wanted to celebrate the work of cleaners. He says they were an inspiration to him during the pandemic. Once finished, and dried, the artwork will go on permanent display in the university's library.
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If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or send them via email to YourQuestions@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any question you send in. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60593484 |
Windrush generation: Ministers waiting for claimants to die - Diane Abbott - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | Opposition MPs argue the Windrush compensation scheme should be taken away from the Home Office. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Diane Abbott says some ministers are waiting for the Windrush generation "to pass away".
Labour MP Diane Abbott has accused ministers of waiting for the Windrush generation to pass away, instead of improving the compensation scheme.
Other MPs called for the scheme to be passed from the Home Office to an independent body.
The government rejected the calls but accepted the need for improvements.
The scheme aims to help those affected by the Windrush scandal which saw people removed from the UK despite having lived in the country for years.
Others were denied access to work, welfare services and the NHS.
The Windrush generation refers to the thousands of people who came to the UK between 1949 and 1971 from Caribbean countries.
The Home Office kept no record of those granted leave to remain and issued no paperwork - making it difficult for Windrush arrivals to later prove their legal status.
A compensation scheme for those affected has been running for almost three years - but it has long been criticised for being too complicated and too slow - and at least 23 victims have died without being paid.
During a parliamentary debate about the scheme, Ms Abbott, whose mother was part of the Windrush generation, accused ministers of ignoring proposals for ways to speed up the scheme.
"That suggests to me that they don't respect that generation, they don't understand the humiliation this generation feels and clearly it is as if they are waiting for this generation to pass away," said the former shadow home secretary.
Labour MP and chair of the Home Affairs Committee Diana Johnson was among other opposition MPs who said the scheme should be passed from the Home Office to an independent organisation.
Supporting her proposal, the SNP's Stuart McDonald said: "Is it not blindingly obvious that people who have had their lives destroyed by a government department will be reluctant, terrified even, to have to engage with that same department again."
In response, the Home Office minister Kevin Foster rejected calls for the Home Office to be stripped of the scheme - and said doing so would risk significantly delaying payments to people.
He added that the programme had been overhauled in December 2020 and that £36m had been paid out.
Glenda Caesar came to the UK from Dominica in 1961 before her first birthday.
In 2009 she lost her job as a GP's practitioner as she didn't have the paperwork to prove she could legally work in the UK.
She was watching the debate and told the BBC that some members of the generation didn't want to make a compensation application because of their age.
"They don't want to take on the stress and worry," she said.
"The Windrush community are still having to wait for payments, still having to go through a lot of paperwork and reliving the trauma they were put through in the first place.
"Some of these people are really old, some of them are not computer literate - they do need assistance but they need it from someone they trust.
"They have no trust in the Home Office because the Home Office has let them down." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60606469 |
Ukraine: Fighting escalates despite ceasefire talks - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | The cities of Kharkiv and Chernihiv suffer fierce shelling despite talks between Russia and Ukraine. | Fighting continued on Monday, the fifth day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, despite talks aimed at securing a ceasefire.
Missile strikes killed dozens of civilians in the country's second city, Kharkiv, while air raid sirens sounded again in the capital, Kyiv.
There were reports of fierce shelling in the northern city of Chernihiv.
Russia is attacking Ukraine on several fronts, but its advance has been slowed by Ukrainian resistance.
All three cities remain under Ukrainian control.
Away from the battlefields, economic and diplomatic moves have continued.
President Vladimir Putin has banned Russians from moving money abroad as he tries to halt a plunge in the value of the rouble following the imposition of sanctions.
And a rare emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly has heard a demand from the secretary general for an immediate halt to hostilities.
On the northern border with Belarus, Ukrainian and Russian officials ended their first round of talks.
There was little expectation the session would bring a breakthrough, but a Ukrainian official said both sides would now return to their respective capitals for further consultations before a second round of negotiations.
Russia said both sides had agreed to continue talking and would meet again "in the next few days".
New members have been joining the Territorial Defence Forces in Kyiv
In a late-night address, Mr Zelensky said there were eyewitness accounts of civilians being deliberately targeted during a sustained attack on Kharkiv.
He called for the West to consider a no-fly zone over Ukraine - something the US so far ruled out over fears it could draw it into a direct conflict with Russia.
Videos shared on social media showed rockets landing in Kharkiv, in what some defence analysts described as typical of a cluster munition strike on a dense urban area.
New satellite images showed a Russian military convoy stretching for about 40 miles (64km) north of Kyiv.
But reports of fresh fighting on the outskirts of the capital forced residents back into their shelters on Monday evening.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. The cities of Kharkiv and Chernihiv faced heavy shelling on the fifth day of Russia's invasion
Another video circulating on social media showed huge clouds of smoke at a burning shopping centre in Chernihiv, another city that has been under pressure from the Russian offensive.
One teacher in Chernihiv, Oksana Buryak, told the BBC the situation was "like from some horror movie".
"Our hearts are broken, we don't understand anything," she said.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. A resident in Donetsk asks "How much longer until this is over?" as buildings in the city are destroyed.
To the south, Russian forces are trying to take control of the key strategic port of Mariupol, near Russia-annexed Crimea. Ukraine denied reports that Zaporizhzhia, home to Europe's largest nuclear power plant, had fallen into Russia hands.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Denys Monastyrskyy, speaking to the BBC, said the situation across the country was "serious, but stable".
"Every day the enemy sends more and more forces. But our glorious armed forces are basically destroying everything that arrives to Kyiv," he added.
The UN human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, said millions of civilians were being forced to huddle in makeshift bomb shelters such as underground rail stations to escape explosions.
Since the invasion began on Thursday, her office has recorded 102 civilian deaths, including seven children - and more than 300 injured.
"The real figures are, I fear, considerably higher," she said.
A cold Kyiv day, the fifth day of Russia's invasion, had dawned with a weekend curfew ending, peace talks starting, and a bright sun rising in the winter sky.
But the chilling wail of the air raid siren soon sounded. It kept piercing the quiet of a city drained of its normal rhythms. After the sun set, it almost seemed to be on a loop.
As darkness fell, an explosion rocked the centre of Kyiv, shaking buildings in the city centre for the first time. Some reports said they were targeting a military radar centre in the Brovary suburb. Residents in high-rise apartment blocks there told us it was "very close, very frightening".
Russian forces seem to be inching closer to the city centre, the prize in this war.
Ukrainian forces have been stalling their advance. And tonight the night sky was lit by surface-to-air missiles targeting Russian warplanes and helicopters.
To sum up the view of a Western official who spoke to journalists today, the Russians seem to have overestimated its own military prowess, underestimated Ukrainian resolve, miscalculated the world's reaction and misunderstood the mood of our time.
But other Ukrainian cities give a glimpse of may lie in wait for Kyiv. In the north-west, Ukraine's second-largest city Kharkiv has been pounded by suspected cluster munitions. In the north-east, siege tactics used to devastating effect in Syria are being unleashed around the historic city of Chernihiv; shells are also slamming into its streets.
A woman I met in a shelter today anxiously told me of her father's plight. He's in Chernobyl, to the north, now occupied by Russian forces, without electricity or much of a phone signal, trying to hide the light of a burning fire now cooking his potato soup. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60560465 |
Ros Atkins on... Russia’s nuclear threat - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | Ros Atkins looks at the history of nuclear tensions and deals between the US and Russia. | Ros Atkins looks at the history of nuclear tensions and deals between the US and Russia. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-60565970 |
Ukraine: UK sanctions oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Igor Shuvalov - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | Billionaire Alisher Usmanov and Russian ex-Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov face UK sanctions. | Alisher Usmanov (right) with President Putin at the Kremlin in November 2018
The UK has announced sanctions on two more Russian oligarchs - Alisher Usmanov and Igor Shuvalov following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Mr Usmanov's company USM previously had sponsorship ties with Arsenal and - until this week - Everton.
Mr Shuvalov was formerly Russian President Vladimir Putin's deputy prime minister and is currently chairman of the management board of a Russian bank.
The BBC has contacted the two men for their response.
Under the UK government's new restrictions, their assets will be frozen and they will be banned from travelling to the UK.
British citizens and businesses will not be allowed to deal with them.
Boris Johnson said: "For as long as Putin continues his barbaric attack on innocent Ukrainians we will continue to exert every power we have to inflict maximum economic pain on Putin and his war machine."
And his Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: "We won't stop here - our aim is to cripple the Russian economy and starve Putin's war machine."
The government said the two men had "significant interests in the UK and close links to the Kremlin".
Mr Usmanov founded USM Holding company, an investment group that owns iron, steel and copper suppliers and the Megafon telecommunications company.
The company, in which Mr Usmanov holds a 49% stake, sponsored Everton's training ground and had a naming-rights option for Everton's new stadium, due to open in 2024.
However, on Wednesday, Everton suspended the company's sponsorship arrangements, saying the club was "shocked and saddened by the appalling events unfolding in Ukraine".
Mr Usmanov's business partner Farhad Moshiri - the owner and main investor at Everton - has since stepped down from his role as chairman of USM and announced that he had severed all business links with the Russian.
As part of the deal, the Megafon branding was added to two of the towers of the stadium, one of which can be seen here
The Megafon branding was quickly removed from the stadium in the run-up to Thursday's televised FA Cup match
At the club's FA cup match against Boreham Wood on Thursday evening, Everton's players walked out draped in Ukrainian flags, behind 22-year-old Ukrainian defender Vitaliy Mykolenko who has been made captain on just his fourth appearance for his new club.
Mr Usmanov's previous ties with Arsenal ended in 2018 when he sold his 30% stake. At the time he was the second largest shareholder in the north London club.
In addition to connections with Premier League clubs, the government said Mr Usmanov owned Beechwood House in Highgate, worth an estimated £48m, and the 16th century Sutton Place estate in Surrey.
Mr Shuvalov is less well-known in the UK but the Foreign Office said he owned "two luxury apartments in central London worth an estimated £11m".
The Foreign Office also said it had established an Oligarch Taskforce to co-ordinate work to sanction further oligarchs.
Earlier this week, the EU froze the assets of the Mr Usmanov, saying he was "a pro-Kremlin oligarch with particularly close ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin".
At the time, Mr Usmanov issued a statement calling the EU's decision "unfair" and adding that he would "use all legal means to protect my honour and reputation".
Mr Shuvalov, the other man to be sanctioned, has worked in the Russian government as first deputy minister and government chief of staff, as well as acting as an aide to President Putin.
Igor Shuvalov, seen here with President Putin, is one of 13 oligarchs to be sanctioned by the UK since the invasion of Ukraine
Since 2018 he has been the chairman of the management board of VEB, one of the Russian banks recently sanctioned by the government.
On Wednesday, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer had urged the prime minister to take action against Mr Shuvalov and accused the prime minister of being slow to target other individuals connected with the Putin government.
Government sources have told the BBC it could take weeks to put together sanctions against such people.
Labour, and some senior Conservative figures have said the UK should seize oligarchs' UK assets.
Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat, the chairman of the Commons foreign affairs committee, said: "We should be looking immediately to seize those assets linked to those who are profiting from Putin's war machine, holding it in trust and returning it to the Russian people as soon as possible."
Elsewhere, the US has announced fresh sanctions on Russian oligarchs including Mr Usmanov, Mr Shuvalov and Mr Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov.
Authorities in France and Germany have seized yachts owned by Mr Usmanov.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Dominic Raab says the government will look at ways to stop lawsuits being used by wealthy individuals to intimidate journalists and organisations covering their wealth and financial interests.
The government is expected to set out a number of options to alter the system, including procedural changes in courts and potential legislation.
Mr Raab told the Telegraph: "We will not have people close to Putin coming here to try and bankrupt people who shine a light on his excesses." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60611683 |
Ukraine: Not too late for Vladimir Putin to withdraw, says UK defence secretary - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | The Russian president risks his country being isolated for decades over Ukraine, Ben Wallace says. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Russia's plan not going as they wanted - Ben Wallace
It is not too late for Vladimir Putin to end his invasion of Ukraine, UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has said.
Speaking at a news conference, Mr Wallace said Mr Putin was risking his nation being isolated for decades to come if he did not withdraw troops.
He also said thermobaric weapons had been deployed, and he worried how far Russia would go in the future.
But he went on to predict continuing stiff resistance from Ukraine, in an interview with the BBC.
"They won't break now and they won't break in 10 years' time," he said.
He described the Russian president as a man "wrapped in sanctions of his own making, a man who's broken every international law and and a man more and more isolated".
Meanwhile, the foreign secretary said Russia's economy must be "crippled" to stop it from funding Mr Putin's war.
Speaking in Lithuania, Liz Truss said all Russian banks should be banned from using Swift, an international payment system, and Europe should reduce its dependency on oil and gas from the country.
She added: "We need to make sure that the Russian economy is crippled so it is unable to continue to fund Putin and the war machine. And I suspect that the Russian people will draw their own conclusions from that."
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Later, in an interview, Ms Truss, who is seeking to sanction more Russian oligarchs, said there was "nowhere for any of Putin's cronies to hide".
She said the right evidence was needed - but insisted legal threats would not impact the government's ability to sanction oligarchs.
Some oligarchs have already been sanctioned, meaning their UK bank accounts are frozen and access to funds denied.
But the UK has been accused of being slower than its European neighbours and facing legal hold-ups preventing sanctions on Russian oligarchs - claims rejected by Downing Street.
The southern port of Kherson has become the first major city to fall and loud explosions were heard in the capital, Kyiv, overnight.
The mayor of Mariupol, a strategic port near the Russian border, says Russian forces are attempting to blockade the city, with residents trapped by intense shelling.
An investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine has been launched by the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Mr Wallace welcomed the move, saying the use of Russian artillery on cities was leading to "significant civilian deaths and significant damage to civilian areas".
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has accused the Russian leader of war crimes, with the country reporting more than 2,000 civilian deaths since the invasion began last Thursday. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also accused Mr Putin of war crimes.
At a news conference in the Estonia capital, Tallinn, following a meeting with Nato allies, Mr Wallace said: "The consequences of what we are seeing in Ukraine will ripple through Europe and Nato for not just weeks, but months and years to come."
He said it was unknown what kind of weapons Mr Putin was willing to use, but added that "massive amounts" of artillery had been deployed to Ukraine, as well as controversial thermobaric weapons.
These weapons - also known as "vacuum bombs" - are much more devastating than conventional explosives of a similar size - they create a massive blast wave and a vacuum that sucks up all surrounding oxygen, killing or injuring people in its path.
Mr Wallace said there was concern about how far the Russian military would go with weapons in the future - and it would be difficult for the international community to engage with Mr Putin in the long-term after his attack on a sovereign country "at huge scale, inflicting huge damage and violence".
The idea of a "normal relationship" with the Russian government would be almost impossible "unless President Putin chooses to cease what he is doing now", he added.
Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are members of Nato - unlike Ukraine - having joined after the collapse of the former Soviet Union.
The defence secretary says Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sparked a united response in Europe that President Putin failed to predict.
You can certainly see and feel it in the capital of Estonia. Public buildings and squares in Tallinn have been lit up with the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
Officials wear blue and gold ribbons in a show of solidarity. But it's much more than that.
Estonia and Denmark, the two countries Mr Wallace is visiting, are both supplying weapons to Ukraine.
The UK has done the same and says it is helping to "facilitate" those deliveries - though British officials are not giving any details of how.
Denmark, like the UK, also contributes to the Nato military force that has been established in Estonia.
That specific force was first set up to act as a deterrent following Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2014, and to reassure an ally.
Britain has now doubled the number of its troops in Estonia in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
President Putin was warned that this was likely to be one of the consequences of invading Ukraine - more Nato, not less on Russia's border.
Other British ministers have also been meeting international allies to discuss what further economic and cultural sanctions could be taken against Moscow.
At a summit of global sports ministers, Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries is due to try to mobilise more support to isolate Moscow.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid has confirmed the UK has this week sent three planes with 320,000 medical items to help people in Ukraine.
He said Britain would do whatever was needed for as long as was necessary to help Ukrainians at home, in neighbouring countries or in the UK, and that the government's overall aid package would rise to at least £220m. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60600844 |
Ukraine conflict: Drone shows extent of damage in Borodyanka - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | Footage shows how flats and Russian military vehicles were destroyed in Borodyanka. | Drone footage shows the extent of destruction to buildings as well as Russian military vehicles in the Ukrainian town of Borodyanka, 60km (40 miles) north-west of Kyiv. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60608706 |
More support needed for GPs to treat eating disorders - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | Two leading medical organisations have told the BBC more funding for specialist care is needed. | Jess found it hard to talk about her eating disorder to her GP
Two leading medical organisations have told the BBC that GPs are not getting the right support to treat eating disorders.
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the British Medical Association (BMA) say doctors need more time with patients and more specialist units.
It comes after a survey was conducted on GP experiences by the charity Beat.
Over 92% asked thought their GP needed more training with eating disorders.
Beat Eating Disorders asked nearly 1,700 people about their experience of trying to get a diagnosis from their GP.
Out of those questioned, 69% also said they felt their GP didn't know how to help them.
The survey has been released to coincide with Eating Disorder Awareness Week.
Jess Griffiths had an eating disorder between the ages of 11 and 21 and, now in full recovery, she works as a consultant to NHS England and with her local eating disorder service in Dorset.
She tells the BBC that when she first went to her GP to try to get help, she wasn't entirely transparent about what she was struggling with.
"I was presenting at a low weight and not having periods, so the GP put me on the pill, but I went there hoping he would ask me the questions [about a potential eating disorder]" she says.
"But it's really hard for people with eating disorders to - in a really pressurised situation with a doctor - say how they really feel."
As part of a three-year training plan to become a GP, doctors have to complete training in mental health, which includes eating disorders.
GPs need more time with patients and more specialist units to refer them to, say the BMA and RCGP
This is on top of what's taught at medical school and the two years of post-graduate foundation training.
Dr Richard Van Mellaerts is part of the BMA's GP committee and has told the BBC the results of the survey are "deeply saddening".
"People with eating disorders should never feel that GPs are a barrier to accessing care, so it is vital that medical education and training supports doctors to identify eating disorders and support their treatment," he says.
But he adds that there is "poor provision of specialist care", which has left GPs "frustrated up and down the country".
The Royal College of GPs' vice-chairman Dr Gary Howsam says that what doctors need is longer appointments in order to provide the best possible care.
"Eating disorders, indeed all mental health conditions, are complex - they may also not be the primary reason a patient has made an appointment to see their GP," he says.
"The standard 10-minute appointment is inadequate for GPs to have the necessary conversations with patients, but offering longer appointments means offering fewer, and patients already report having to wait too long to access GP care."
Jess Griffiths agrees: "I think GPs do an incredibly difficult job - they have to know a lot about illnesses, mental health conditions, and they are strapped for time.
"The workforce issue means we do struggle to provide that level of care needed in specialist services currently - so I can totally empathise," she says.
Jess provides support to the charity Beat. Using her personal and professional experience, she has helped develop a training programme, which she thinks could be helpful for GPs who need more eating disorder support.
"We're providing resources to ensure that with the limited time GPs have, they can make an effective assessment and gain all the information they need to then know how to support a person."
She says it should be made easier for GPs to book eating disorder patients in for double or triple appointments, so they can get enough time together.
"The difficulty with eating disorder patients is they don't often present in a crisis, and they are generally not underweight, so it's not often visible what is going on. You need to get to the thought processes behind the mental illness and that definitely takes longer than 10 minutes," she says.
In response to these comments, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "Eating disorders can be devastating for people living with them, and we want to ensure that everyone has access to the right support.
"We are working with partners - including Health Education England - to improve training for GPs, and with the General Medical Council to ensure newly qualified clinicians understand and know how to respond to eating disorders.
"We have invested £58 million this financial year to expand adult community mental health services, including those for eating disorders. This is on top of the additional £1 billion we are investing in community mental health care for adults with severe mental illness as part of the NHS Long Term Plan."
Information and support for those affected by eating disorders or mental health issues is available via the BBC's Action Line.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-60560659 |
Another life-saving Covid drug identified - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | An anti-inflammatory for rheumatoid arthritis can cut Covid death risk by about a fifth. | UK experts say they have found another life-saving drug that can help people ill with Covid.
The anti-inflammatory baricitinib is normally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Trials suggest it can cut death risk by about a fifth in patients needing hospital care for severe Covid.
It could be used with other Covid treatments, such as the cheap steroid dexamethasone, to save even more lives, researchers say.
The NHS may soon recommend baricitinib based on these new results. A 10-day course of the pills costs around £250, although the NHS may be able to negotiate a discount.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: "A big thank you to all of the researchers, doctors and volunteers involved in this work.
"Our medical and scientific experts will now consider the results before any decisions are made on next steps."
Although vaccines have been doing a great job at cutting infections and protecting lives, some people will still catch and become very sick with Covid.
And the Recovery trial has been testing existing medications on Covid patients to see if they help.
It has already identified dexamethasone, tocilizumab and a treatment called Ronapreve - discoveries that have changed clinical practice worldwide and been credited with saving hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of lives, experts say.
And now it appears some very ill Covid patients, including those on ventilators, fare much better if they receive baricitinib.
The benefit was on top of other proven life-saving Covid drugs.
One of the patients enrolled on the trial, Mark Rivvers, 51, from Cambridge, said: "I was in hospital for almost a month, mostly in an intensive-care unit.
"Everything in my body seemed to be fighting against everything else.
"I was on almost constant respiratory support, I developed sepsis, and I had pneumonia all across my lungs.
"But I saw it as my duty to take part in the Recovery trial because I knew that no matter what happened to me, I was doing something positive to help others.
"I'm really pleased about the result with baricitinib and hope that it can now be used to benefit many others."
There are now many drugs that can help fight Covid:
Recovery trial joint chief investigator Sir Martin Landray, professor of medicine and epidemiology, at Oxford Population Health, said: "It is now well established that in people admitted to hospital because of severe Covid, an overactive immune response is a key driver of lung damage.
"Today's results not only show that treatment with baricitinib improves the chances of survival for patients with severe Covid-19 but that this benefit is additional to that from other treatments that dampen down the overactive immune response, such as dexamethasone and tocilizumab.
"This opens up the possibility of using combinations of anti-inflammatory drugs to further drive down the risk of death for some of the sickest patients."
The Recovery Trial has been a pandemic success story.
With more than 47,000 participants across the UK, it is the biggest study of Covid treatments in the world.
The treatments it has discovered have saved countless lives.
But its latest drug, baricitinib, was uncovered with the help of some DNA detective work.
It has been looking for answers in people's genes, comparing intensive-care patients' genomes with healthy people's DNA.
And it has pinpointed some key genetic differences - including one in the TYK2 gene.
If this gene is faulty, the immune response can go into overdrive.
And this genetic discovery led to baricitinib being added to the Recovery trial's list of treatments.
Genetics is crucial for understanding how Covid-19 affects the body - and combining this DNA knowhow with a major clinical trial has provided another weapon in the fight against coronavirus. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-60601750 |
Winter Paralympics 2022: Russia and Belarus athletes unable to compete at Games - BBC Sport | 2022-03-03 | Athletes from Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to compete at the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing, the International Paralympic Committee says. | Last updated on .From the section Winter Sports
Athletes from Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to compete at the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing after the International Paralympic Committee reversed its original decision.
The IPC was heavily criticised when, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it initially said it would allow the athletes to compete as neutrals.
A statement said the "situation in the athlete villages" was "untenable".
IPC president Andrew Parsons said an "overwhelming number of members" had told his organisation they would not compete should athletes from Russia and Belarus be allowed to take part.
Parsons described the Russian and Belarusian athletes affected as "victims of your governments' actions".
"We are very firm believers that sport and politics should not mix," Parsons added.
"However, by no fault of its own the war has now come to these Games and behind the scenes many governments are having an influence on our cherished event.
"Ensuring the safety and security of athletes is of paramount importance to us and the situation in the athlete villages is escalating and has now become untenable."
Valeriy Sushkevych, the Ukrainian Paralympic chief, said his team's presence at the Games is a "symbol that Ukraine is alive".
Russia has said it will go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to appeal against the decision, with Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin telling Russian news agency Tass describing the decision was "a blatant violation of athletes' rights".
The Russian Paralympic Committee later issued a statement saying it considered the IPC's decision to be illegal.
"It clearly contradicts one of the basic principles of the Paralympic family - the apolitical nature of sport for the disabled," a statement read.
"The RPC reserves the right to defend the rights and interests of Russian Para-athletes in sports and other judicial instances."
• None The Sports Desk podcast: Exit Abramovich as sport turns its back on Russia
• None Which sports have taken action in regard to Ukraine crisis?
There were set to be 71 competitors from Russia and 12 from Belarus - plus guides for both nations - competing in Beijing.
Parsons said the decision to prevent the athletes competing would "preserve the integrity" of the Games and "the safety of all participants".
On Wednesday, a number of governing bodies and political figures criticised the IPC for not immediately banning Russian and Belarusian athletes.
A joint statement from the athletes of Ukraine and the Global Athlete group, an international athlete-led body that aims to inspire change in world sport, said the IPC had issued "another blow" to every Ukrainian athlete and citizen with its decision.
Ukrainian Olympic skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, speaking before the IPC reversed its decision, described the situation as "disgusting".
"They put Russia above the interest of other countries," said Heraskevych, who displayed an anti-war sign during the Beijing Games in February.
"Anything less than a full ban is unacceptable. It's sad and heartbreaking."
Nadine Dorries, UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said she was "very pleased" the IPC had changed its ruling after calling for it to "urgently reconsider".
Dorries added: "The welfare of all the other competing athletes is of upmost importance and we're pleased the IPC also recognise that."
Professor Nick Webborn, chair of British Paralympic Association, said the IPC's decision on Thursday was the right one.
Asked if the ParalympicsGB team would have boycotted the Games, Webborn told Radio 4: "That was one potential scenario but something that we would not wish to exercise because our athletes deserve the right to be here.
"We would not want to remove that opportunity for them if we could possibly help it."
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, who won 11 Paralympic gold medals for Great Britain in the summer Games, said she felt sympathy for the athletes on an individual level.
"Life in Russia for a disabled person is incredibly hard and most of the athletes are only funded on the medals that they win," she told BBC Breakfast.
"If they are not able to get any funding, it affects not only their ability to do sport, but also their lives. It is hard, but we cannot keep pretending sport and politics aren't linked."
Parsons said it was unlikely a viable Games could take place should Russian and Belarusian athletes be allowed to compete.
"To the Para-athletes from the impacted countries, we are very sorry that you are affected by the decisions your governments took last week in breaching the Olympic Truce," he added.
"I hope and pray that we can get back to a situation when the talk and focus is fully on the power of sport to transform the lives of persons with disabilities, and the best of humanity."
A number of governing bodies from across sport have introduced measures to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes, including banning the use of their flags and cancelling events.
'Our presence here is not merely a presence'
Ukraine has reported more than 2,000 civilians have died since Russia began its invasion on 24 February.
Their Paralympic team, consisting of 20 athletes and nine guides, are in Beijing and able to compete.
Sushkevych said it was a "miracle" the team had made it to the Games amid the turmoil caused by the Russian invasion.
"We came here from Ukraine and we travelled through Ukraine. It took us many days, we had to overcome a lot of barriers that had to do with the war," Sushkevych said.
"Many members of our team barely managed to escape from the bombardments and shells exploding but still we made it here.
"I can say that this is a miracle."
Sushkevych thanked reporters who attended a news conference on Thursday, saying their attention was important "for Ukraine and all countries and people in the world".
He said that while staying in Ukraine would have been the easiest thing, their absence from the Games would have signified that "this country would cease to exist".
"To be more specific, a superpower wants to destroy our country. Our presence here is not merely a presence," Sushkevych added.
"This is a sign that Ukraine was, is and will remain a country. For us, it is a matter of principle to be here with the Paralympic family - to be here as a symbol of Ukraine that is alive."
• None What is the greatest escape ever, according to Morgan Freeman? | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/disability-sport/60599739 |
Ukraine: Russia faces war crimes investigation - BBC News | 2022-03-03 | The International Criminal Court's prosecutor opens an inquiry, after Russia is accused of bombing civilians. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
An investigation into possible war crimes in Ukraine has been launched, after Russia was accused of bombing civilians.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor said evidence was being collected on alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
It came after 39 nations called for an inquiry to be opened.
Cities including the capital Kyiv, Kharkiv and Kherson have come under heavy shelling in recent days.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has already accused Moscow of war crimes, after it launched air strikes on the country's second city of Kharkiv, killing civilians.
On Wednesday, the mayor of Kherson said Russian forces had seized control of the key port - the first major city to be taken by Moscow since it invaded a week ago.
Earlier this week, the ICC's chief prosecutor Karim Khan said he planned to open an investigation into events in Ukraine "as rapidly as possible" but the referral from 39 nations - including the UK, France and Germany - allowed it to be launched without the need for judicial approval.
He will look at past and present allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, and will go as far back as 2013, before Russia's annexation of Crimea the following year.
The ICC prosecutes individuals accused of the most serious crimes concerning the international community, where states cannot or are unwilling to do so.
The court does not have its own police force and relies on state co-operation to arrest suspects. Penalties imposed by the ICC can include prison sentences and fines.
Ukraine's state emergency service has said more than 2,000 civilians have been killed since the Russian invasion began last Thursday, although the figure has not been independently verified.
The United Nations' high commissioner for refugees said some one million people had already fled the country.
On Wednesday, the UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to demand an immediate end to the invasion of Ukraine.
Just four countries - Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea and Syria - joined Russia in opposing a motion calling for the withdrawal of all occupying forces, while 35 nations abstained.
General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but the move further isolates Russia diplomatically.
Russia's tactics have drawn international condemnation, including from UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who said President Vladimir Putin's bombing of innocent civilians "already fully qualifies as a war crime".
On Wednesday, the mayor of Kharkiv told the BBC shelling and cruise missile strikes were hitting residential areas and inflicting heavy civilian casualties.
And in the southern port of Mariupol, hundreds are feared dead following hours of sustained shelling.
However, Russian efforts to encircle Kyiv have slowed, with one US official saying a huge Russian convoy to the north of the capital had barely moved all day, despite continued aerial bombardment of the city.
On Tuesday, a TV tower in Kyiv was hit, knocking media off air and killing five people.
Meanwhile, in Kharkiv, at least 10 people were killed when an opera house, concert hall and government offices were struck in the city's Freedom Square. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-60597751 |
Kanye West: Rapper suspended from Instagram for 24 hours - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The rapper used a racial slur in reference to Trevor Noah after the comedian criticised his behaviour. | Meta said Kanye West violated its policies on hate speech, bullying and harassment
Kanye West has been suspended from Instagram for 24 hours after using a racial slur in reference to comedian Trevor Noah.
The rapper posted about him after he said Kanye's actions towards his ex-wife Kim Kardashian were "terrifying".
Kanye's been criticised for repeatedly posting remarks about Kim, their children and her partner Pete Davidson.
Meta, which owns Instagram, said the rapper violated the platform's policies on hate speech and bullying.
The company also said its policies on harassment had been violated.
Although his account remains visible, Kanye is unable to do things like post, comment or send direct messages.
Other recent posts from Kanye have accused Kim of stopping him from seeing their children - something she's denied.
Trevor Noah said Kanye's treatment of Kim Kardashian shines a spotlight on 'what so many women go through'
In a statement, Meta said it would take "additional steps" if it saw further violations of its policies.
"We often take additional steps against accounts that repeatedly break our rules by placing restrictions on their account," said the statement.
Meta added that it had also "deleted content" from Kanye's account.
The comments from Trevor Noah were made during an episode of the satirical news show which he hosts, The Daily Show.
"You may not feel sorry for Kim because she's rich and famous," he said.
"But what she's going through is terrifying to watch and shines a spotlight on what so many women go through when they choose to leave."
Kanye - who has legally changed his name to Ye - has been locked in a public feud with both Kim and Pete Davidson, regularly posting screenshots of private conversations between the three.
In response to Trevor Noah's comments, Kanye posted a screenshot of a Google search for the comedian on his Instagram account, accompanied by the lyrics to 'Kumbaya, My Lord', which he changed to include a racial slur.
The post has since been removed.
Followers of Kanye's account are still able to like and comment on posts while he is suspended.
Newsbeat has contacted representatives of Kanye West for a response.
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-60777185 |
Man jailed for Aberdeen stab-in-heart knife murder - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | David Bain will serve a minimum of 16 years for killing Clifford Anderson in Aberdeen in 2020. | A man convicted of murder after stabbing a man he met on a dating app has been jailed for a minimum of 16 years.
David Bain, 28, stabbed 60-year-old ScotRail worker Clifford Anderson in the heart with a knife before leaving the fatally-injured victim in his home.
It happened in Aberdeen's Jasmine Terrace in August 2020.
Jailing Bain for life at the High Court in Edinburgh, a judge said his actions were "brutal and callous".
Bain had denied murder, but was convicted on a majority verdict by a jury last month.
He was seen outside in the street with a can of lager shouting: "I have stabbed him."
The former labourer and slaughterhouse worker later told police: "I need to stop taking drugs. That's what it is."
The court heard that the men took part in consensual sexual activity before Bain inflicted a single stab wound to the heart of his victim.
When a paramedic arrived at Mr Anderson's home, police officers were giving the victim CPR but he was in cardiac arrest and unresponsive.
He was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary but was pronounced dead.
Advocate depute Christopher McKenna, prosecuting, had argued that there was "clear and compelling evidence" to convict on the murder charge, but the defence asked the jury to return a guilty verdict to the lesser offence of culpable homicide.
On Thursday, solicitor advocate Kris Gilmartin told the court that Bain had a criminal record but it was not extensive and he had never previously served a jail sentence.
He said: "He wishes to express he is truly and deeply remorseful for what took place and he has struggled to come to terms with the enormity of his actions.
"He carries the burden of causing the death of a man to whom he harbours no ill will and that is a burden he will carry for the rest of his life."
Lord Boyd of Duncansby told Bain: "You have struggled with mental health issues and addiction for some time, as well as issues about your own sexuality.
"You say you wish to now apologise to Mr Anderson's family, but recognise they may not want this. At least you have shown some insight into the harm you have caused."
He added: "Whether or not you will be released on bail will be a matter for the parole board." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-60774579 |
Rethink over crackdown on MPs' second jobs - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Boris Johnson's call to limit the hours MPs spend on outside work is not practical, a minister says. | Limiting the amount of time MPs spend on second jobs would be "impractical", the government has said.
Boris Johnson called for a review of MPs' outside work last year after a number of high-profile controversies.
At the time, the prime minister backed proposals to place "reasonable limits" on hours spent on other jobs.
But Cabinet Office Minister Steve Barclay has now said the measure would not work and also cast doubt on a proposed cap on outside earnings.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused the prime minister of "breaking his promise" to tackle "a scandal of his own making" over second jobs.
The issue of MPs' second jobs came to the fore in 2021 when the then-Conservative MP Owen Paterson was found to have broken lobbying rules.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Boris Johnson is "saying one thing and doing another" over MPs taking second jobs says Sir Keir Starmer.
It caused chaos in government and accusations of sleaze after No 10 attempted an overhaul of the standards system, which would have stopped Mr Paterson from being suspended from the Commons. He later resigned as an MP.
The furore led to increased scrutiny of the work MPs do outside of Parliament, with a lot of focus on former Attorney General Sir Geoffrey Cox, who earned around £900,000 in 2020 through his work as a lawyer.
MPs later backed government plans to prevent them taking on certain jobs, with No 10 saying any outside role, paid or unpaid, should be "within reasonable limits" and not stop MPs fully serving their constituents.
A definition of what that meant was not given, but International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan suggested 15 hours a week as a reasonable limit.
However, in the letter from Mr Barclay, the government now appears to have moved away from that pledge.
The minister reiterated the government's desire for a ban on MPs providing paid parliamentary advice, consultancy, or strategy services.
But while he acknowledged a time limit was considered "necessary" by some, he said it would be "impractical".
In a submission to the Commons standards committee, first reported by the Guardian, Mr Barclay wrote: "It is the government's initial view that the imposition of fixed constraints such as time limits on the amount of time that members can spend on outside work would be impractical.
"The imposition of time limits would not necessarily serve to address recent concerns over paid advocacy and the primary duty of MPs to serve their constituents."
When it came to a cap on earnings, Mr Barclay also had his doubts, writing that such a rule "could serve to prohibit activities which do not bring undue influence to bear on the political system", such as writing books.
He said a long-serving MP "could inadvertently reach the 'ceiling' through earnings accrued over time", and he questioned "whether it would be fair to subject that member to a standards investigation".
He added: "To avoid this issue would require a substantive earning threshold to be set such that it would not serve to prevent MPs from taking on outside work for which they were properly remunerated in line with salaries in that sector.
"The introduction of such an arbitrary cap therefore may not have the intended effect of ensuring that members prioritise their parliamentary duties and the needs of their constituents."
Former Attorney General Sir Geoffrey Cox came under the spotlight last year, after it was revealed he earned £900,000 for his legal work
But Labour's Sir Keir hit out at the PM for failing to deliver on his promise to tackle the issue.
"[Mr Johnson] said he was going to deal with second jobs and there was going to be this cap," he told reporters.
"That was his proposal at the height of this scandal of his own making.
"Now, as soon as he gets the opportunity, he is breaking his promise yet again."
He added: "It goes to the heart of the problem with this prime minister, which is this problem of trust and moral authority." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60777587 |
War in Ukraine: Fourth Russian general killed - Zelensky - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The news raises questions over why senior Russian officers are getting so close to the fighting. | Ukrainian sources say the fourth Russian general to die in Ukraine is Oleg Mityaev
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says another Russian general has been killed during fighting.
He didn't name the officer, but an adviser to Ukraine's interior ministry said Maj Gen Oleg Mityaev had been killed by the far-right Azov regiment.
Gen Mityaev was killed near Mariupol, Ukrainian media said.
He is the fourth general reportedly killed, leading some to ask why such senior members of the Russian military are so close to the front line.
Analysts believe that around 20 generals are leading Russian operations in Ukraine, meaning that if all the reported deaths are confirmed, one fifth of Russia's generals have been killed in action.
With such high losses, some experts believe that the generals have not simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time, but that Ukraine is likely to be targeting top-level Russian officers.
"I don't think this is an accident. One is an accident, but this many is targeted", Rita Konaev of Georgetown University told the BBC.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, a person within President Zelensky's inner circle said Ukraine had a military intelligence team dedicated to targeting Russia's officer class.
"They look for high profile generals, pilots, artillery commanders," the person told the newspaper.
With Ukraine's military outnumbered, its targeting of high-level individuals could be an important part of the information war, according to Ms Konaev.
"Assuming there is an element of targeting, this feeds Ukraine's own morale. There is the element of being victorious. It is inspiring."
For Ukraine to target specific Russian officers, it needs to know where they are. Analysts say that Russia has been using open channels of communications which could give clues about where certain targets are located.
"If the Russians are using mobile phones or analogue radios to communicate with senior officers, the Ukrainians have everything on their plate," defence analyst Konrad Muzyka of Rochan Consulting told the BBC.
After the death of another senior officer - Maj Gen Vitaly Gerasimov - Ukraine released a recording purporting to be two Russian security officers discussing the general's death, and complaining that their secure communications network was not working.
It is unusual for such high-ranking officers to put themselves in danger by getting so close to the battlefield, and western sources believe that they have done so in order to get some control over operations which have, in some areas, badly stalled.
Russia's military is also traditionally top-heavy, with officers often conducting day-to-day activities, says Mr Muzyka. Although this is starting to change, it could explain why generals felt the need to direct operations from the front.
"In recent years there's been a big shift to force battalion commanders to think independently in a way that would give them freedom to make decisions", Mr Muzyka said. "But this was introduced only three years ago, so maybe it didn't properly have an effect yet on their performance".
The details of the generals' deaths are unclear, and getting solid facts from the ground is difficult. There has been an assumption that they were all caught up in fighting on the front line, but that is not necessarily the case, says Ms Konaev.
"It doesn't necessarily mean the generals were at the front line. They could have been in transit or inspecting resupply lines for example," she told the BBC.
Maj Gen Oleg Mityaev reportedly died somewhere near the city of Mariupol, a city in south-east Ukraine which has seen some of the heaviest fighting so far.
The far-right Azov regiment claims to have killed him.
He was a commander of the Russian army's 150th motorised rifle division, a relatively new unit formed in 2016, and based in the Rostov region close to the Ukrainian border.
Ukraine claims that the unit was created in order to take part in the conflict in separatist-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine, although Russia denies that its military was involved in fighting there.
Maj Gen Andrei Kolesnikov, of the 29th combined army, was killed in fighting on March 11, according to official Ukrainian sources.
The circumstances of his death were not given.
After Kolesnikov became the third Russian general reportedly killed in Ukraine, one western official told the Press Association that the Russian army may be suffering from low morale, which is why high-ranking military officers are moving closer to the front line.
Maj Gen Vitaly Gerasimov, chief of staff of Russia's 41st combined army, was killed on 7 March outside the eastern city of Kharkiv, according to Ukraine's defence ministry.
Kharkiv, close to the Russian border, has come under sustained attack from Russian forces.
Ukraine's military released a recording of what it said was two Russian security service officials discussing Gerasimov's death, and complaining that their secure communication networks no longer worked in Ukraine.
Gerasimov was involved in the second Chechen war, the Russian military operation in Syria, and in the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Maj Gen Andrey Sukhovetsky, a deputy commander at the same unit as Gerasimov, was reportedly killed by a sniper on 3 March.
Like Gerasimov, Sukhovetsky was part of Russia's military operations in Crimea and in Syria.
Unlike the other generals, Sukhovetsky's death was reported in the Russian media and Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed in a speech that a general had died in Ukraine. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60767664 |
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe: Husband looks forward to 'new life' - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Richard Ratcliffe said he was "deeply grateful" for his wife's release from Iran after nearly six years. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Richard Ratcliffe speaks to press after his wife Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's return to the UK was announced
The husband of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe says he is looking forward to the "beginning of a new life" with her as she returns to the UK.
The British-Iranian woman had been held in Iran since 2016 accused of plotting to overthrow Iran's government - which she denied.
Richard Ratcliffe said he was "deeply grateful" she had been released.
He said he and their seven-year-old daughter Gabriella were looking forward to being a "normal family" again.
"We can't take back the time that's gone," he said. "But we live in the future not the past. We'll take it one day at a time."
He said Gabriella had picked out which toys to take to show her mother when her plane lands - and he had promised one of the first things he would do was make her a cup of tea.
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been under house arrest since March 2020, when she was released from prison, and she was given her British passport back this week.
Mr Ratcliffe had campaigned tirelessly for his wife's release including staging a hunger strike outside the Foreign Office.
Their enforced separation had been a "cruel experience" in many ways, he said, but had also been "an exposure to such a level of kindness and care" from people across the country.
He said his wife had remained "pretty agitated" in the run-up to her release and that things had been "bumpy" in her final days before she was freed.
A picture has been released of Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe on a plane leaving Iran
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 43, is on her way back to the UK along with fellow British-Iranian national Anoosheh Ashoori.
Mr Ashoori was arrested in 2017 and accused of spying, a claim he denied.
Morad Tahbaz, who has Iranian, UK and US nationality, has been released from prison but is not yet allowed to leave Iran.
The British government said it had settled a £400m debt owed to Iran from the 1970s which had been linked to the continued detention of Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other UK-Iranian dual nationals held in the country.
But Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said it was wrong to link the payment of the debt to the releases, adding: "These two persons were released on humanitarian grounds."
Gabriella was 22 months old when her mother was detained while they were visiting relatives in Iran
Mr Ratcliffe said he had been "kept out of the loop" on discussions about the debt and the situation had been "kept behind close doors".
Speaking to reporters in London about his plans, he said: "There will probably be a couple of days peace and quiet somewhere else, and then back here.
"The first thing she wanted was for me to make her a cup of tea, so we will do.
"I think actually we were looking at the house and it needs a bit of tidying, so there might be a bit of tidying, perhaps directed by mummy when she comes back."
A photograph has now been released by MP Tulip Siddiq of Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe on a plane back to the UK, having flown via Oman. She is due to land on Wednesday evening.
This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser. View original content on Twitter The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Skip twitter post by Tulip Siddiq This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Looking to the future, Mr Ratcliffe said it would be "the beginning of a new life, a normal life".
"Homecoming is a journey, not an arrival," Mr Ratcliffe said.
"I don't think it will just be today, there will be a whole process, and hopefully we'll look back in years to come and just be a normal family and this will be a chapter in our lives, but there are many more chapters to come."
He asked his daughter "do we still quite believe it?" about her return - adding it was going to be "lovely" to finally see her again.
Mr Ratcliffe noted his wife had a "big grin" in a picture released of her leaving Iran.
He said when she is back "we can stop being a moment in history and start being a normal family again".
• None Nazanin on her way home to 'new life' in UK | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60769658 |
Online Harms Bill: Cyber-flashing added to proposed legislation - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Criminalising sending obscene images using social media has been added to plans to be debated by MPs. | Measures to criminalise cyber-flashing and give a right to appeal against the removal of social media posts are among changes the government has proposed to its Online Harms Bill.
The bill, which also seeks to tackle access to harmful material online, has been introduced to parliament.
It would give regulator Ofcom the power to fine firms or block access to sites that fail to comply with the new rules.
But Labour says delays to the bill mean disinformation in the UK has increased.
The bill - originally announced in 2019 - covers a wide array of topics relating to harmful material online.
Big social media companies will be required to assess risks of the types of legal harms against adults which could arise on their services, and will have to set out how they will deal with them - and enforce these terms consistently.
Definitions of these legal harms will be set out in additional legislation, but potential examples could include material promoting self-harm, eating disorders or harassment.
Some of the additional aspects of the bill announced as it was introduced to Parliament include:
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said the bill meant technology companies would not be left to "check their own homework".
"Tech firms haven't been held to account when harm, abuse and criminal behaviour have run riot on their platform," she said.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Fitness influencer Elle Edwards speaks about dealing with explicit messages and cyber-flashing
The bill will give new powers to Ofcom, which will be able to request information from companies, and executives who do not comply could face up to two years in prison within two months of the bill becoming law.
Senior managers would also be criminally liable if they destroyed evidence, did not attend an Ofcom interview, provided false information, or otherwise obstructed the regulator from entering offices.
Any firm breaching the rules would face a fine of up to 10% of its turnover, while non-compliant websites could be blocked entirely.
Children's charity Barnardo's welcomed the announcement sites showing pornographic material would have to check the ages of users.
"We know from our work with children and young people across the UK that exposure to pornography can have a harmful impact on their mental health and understanding of what makes a healthy relationship," chief executive Lynn Perry said.
And a City of London Police Authority Board spokesperson said included paid-for advertising in the legislation was "a major step forward in the fight to reduce online crime, and helps cement the benefits of including fraud as a priority harm".
But shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell likened said the bill's delays had "allowed the Russian regime's disinformation to spread like wildfire online".
She added: "Other groups have watched and learned their tactics, with Covid conspiracy theories undermining public health and climate deniers putting our future at risk."
The legislation has taken some time to reach the stage where a bill is now to be laid before Parliament.
An Online Harms White Paper was first introduced in April 2019 by the Conservative government - then led by Theresa May.
At the time, privacy organisations such as the Open Rights Group warned that the bill could threaten freedom of expression.
Commenting on the length of the delay, Jim Killock, Open Rights Group executive director said: "The fact that the bill keeps changing its content after four years of debate should tell everyone that it is a mess, and likely to be a bitter disappointment in practice." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-60750463 |
Russia attacks theatre sheltering civilians, Ukraine says - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The building in the besieged city of Mariupol was sheltering up to 1,200 people, the deputy mayor says. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
Ukraine has accused Russian forces of bombing a theatre where civilians were sheltering in the besieged southern city of Mariupol.
Deputy Mayor Sergei Orlov told the BBC that between 1,000 and 1,200 people had sought refuge in the building.
While the number of casualties is unclear, a local MP said the basement where people were gathered had withstood the bombing.
"It looks like most of them have survived," Dmytro Gurin told the BBC.
But Petro Andriushchenko, an adviser to the city's mayor, earlier said emergency workers were struggling to reach the building due to constant shelling.
Images of the theatre, verified by the BBC, showed extensive damage and smoke rising from the site.
Russia's air strikes and shells have previously hit a maternity hospital, a church and apartment buildings.
Mariupol's city council said in a statement that Russian forces "deliberately and cynically destroyed" the theatre, saying a "plane dropped a bomb on a building where hundreds of peaceful Mariupol residents were hiding".
Both Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian foreign minister, and the city council accused Russia of a "war crime" in the wake of the attack.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the bombing and said Russia had deliberately targeted the theatre.
"Our hearts are broken by what Russia is doing to our people. To our Mariupol," he said in a video address late on Wednesday evening.
Satellite pictures taken on 14 March - released by the US company Maxar - showed the Russian word for "children" had been marked on the ground in large letters to warn Russian jets away from the building.
The BBC was earlier told that many children and elderly people were sheltering inside, and that conditions were quickly deteriorating.
Local authorities say at least 2,400 people have been killed in Mariupol since the start of the war, although they acknowledge this is likely to be an underestimate. Many of the dead are being buried in mass graves.
An estimated 300,000 residents are trapped inside the city, where running water, electricity and gas have been cut off. Food and water supplies are running low, as Russian troops have not allowed the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Hours after news of the destruction emerged, the Russian defence ministry denied it had carried out an air strike against the theatre, the RIA news agency reported.
About 1,500 cars had managed to flee Mariupol on Wednesday, according to Mr Orlov, the deputy mayor. But, he said, an attack by Russia on the convoy left at least five wounded, including a child.
Peter Maurer, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, called for better access to civilians caught up in the war, which he said was causing "enormous suffering". Mr Maurer, who arrived in Ukraine for a five-day visit, described the situation in Mariupol as a "waking nightmare".
Elsewhere, at least 10 people waiting in a queue for bread in the northern city of Chernihiv were killed by Russian shelling on Wednesday, the country's prosecutor general said. Unverified footage released by a local outlet showed bodies on a street.
Are you or your family in Ukraine? Please share your experience if it is safe to do so by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60772331 |
Lloyd's of London fines insurer Atrium over initiation games - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Atrium Underwriters admits three charges relating to bullying and misconduct on 'boys' nights out'. | The fine of £1,050,000 is the largest ever imposed by the Lloyd's Enforcement Board.
Lloyd's of London has fined a member firm £1m due to some male managers' heavy drinking, initiation games and sexual remarks about female staff.
Atrium Underwriters admitted charges relating to bullying and misconduct during annual 'boys' nights out'.
Some of the inappropriate behaviour was led, participated in and condoned by two senior leaders, Lloyd's found.
Atrium said it accepted the ruling, was sorry for the hurt caused and would ensure it never happened again.
The fine of £1,050,000 is the largest ever imposed by Lloyd's independent disciplinary committee and its first for non-financial misconduct.
Atrium must also pay Lloyd's costs of £562,713, the committee's report said. The findings followed an investigation by Lloyd's enforcement team.
In a notice of censure, Lloyd's said Atrium had sanctioned and tolerated an annual boys' night out over a number of years up until 2018.
On these nights out some male members of staff, including two senior executives in leadership roles, engaged in unprofessional and inappropriate conduct, Lloyds found.
This included initiation games, heavy drinking and making inappropriate and sexualised comments about female colleagues.
These comments were found to be discriminatory and harassing to female members of staff.
Behaviour by one male staff member - called Employee A in the document - "included a systematic campaign of bullying against a junior employee over a number of years", Lloyd's found.
Once Atrium became aware of the bullying it failed to investigate, take disciplinary action or adequately protect the junior employee, it said.
"Instead, Atrium negotiated a settlement package with Employee A, and allowed him to resign from Atrium rather than face disciplinary sanction," it said.
The document noted that Atrium had a previously good disciplinary record and had co-operated at all times with Lloyd's inquiry and enforcement proceedings.
It added Atrium had now implemented changes including "updating its policies and procedures relating to disciplinary issues, whistleblowing and diversity and inclusion, as well as its guidance and training for senior managers".
Lloyd's chief executive, John Neal, said: "We are deeply disappointed by the behaviour highlighted by this case, and I want to be clear that discrimination, harassment and bullying have no place at Lloyd's."
Christopher Stooke, independent non-executive chairman at Atrium, said the firm had failed to live up to its values and had made serious errors in handling what happened.
"The behaviour outlined in the notice of censure has no place in our business or our industry, and we recognise that we must go further to ensure that this situation is never allowed to happen again," he said.
In 2019, Lloyd's vowed to tackle its male dominated culture after almost one in ten workers said they had witnessed sexual harassment. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60767614 |
Manchester Airport sorry as huge queues lead to missed flights - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Manchester Airport blames unexpectedly high passenger numbers as hundreds face delays. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. People were still waiting outside the airport to get through security on Thursday morning
Manchester Airport has apologised after huge security queues caused passengers to miss flights.
Hundreds of travellers were left waiting for hours earlier, with many venting their frustrations online.
The airport said unexpectedly high passenger numbers put "considerable strain" on staff while 60% of bags had been rejected at security.
Passenger Paul Keegan said everyone was "tired and upset" after he waited five hours to board a flight.
Mr Keegan, who was flying to Dublin with his son, described the airport as "one of the most chaotic in the world".
He told BBC North West Tonight people were "screaming, annoyed and frustrated", with problems first beginning on Wednesday night.
"I felt quite sorry for the staff because people were being abusive and loud. This place is never enjoyable," he added.
Mr Keegan said he managed to finally board a flight after the captain waited for passengers and told them she was not prepared to leave anyone behind.
Hundreds of passengers were forced to queue in the car park outside the airport on Thursday morning.
Hundreds of people waited for hours in security queues
There were hundreds of people in the car park of Terminal 1 earlier.
Frustrated passengers had already checked their bags in but were then forced to go back outside the airport to join the queue for security.
It was difficult to see where the back of the line was as it snaked around the car park three times.
People had been out there for more than an hour before even joining the queue inside.
Mike Wood was delayed for two hours trying to make his connection through Heathrow Airport to Chicago.
He said he was "absolutely frustrated" and the experience had "put him off travelling completely".
"Our flight has been held because of the numbers of passengers stuck before security," he added.
"The airport must have known months ahead how volumes of people were increasing after lockdown."
Mike Wood said he was worried he would not make his connection
A spokesman for the airport said the "rapid recovery of international travel" meant it had been "more difficult to predict passenger volumes".
"We would like to apologise to those impacted by the challenges and assure them we are doing all we can to rectify the situation," he added.
The airport urged those travelling to arrive at the earliest recommended time by their airline.
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Ukraine crisis: Kyiv residential buildings hit in Russian strikes - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | More residential buildings are set ablaze after explosions in the capital. | Kyiv has been hit by more Russian strikes, with a number of tower blocks damaged and set ablaze.
Two people have been killed in an airstrike that hit one residential building, according to Ukraine's state emergency service. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60748417 |
Ukraine war: Infection and hunger as hundreds hide in Mariupol cellar - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | With no medical help, some are falling ill while sheltering from attacks in besieged Mariupol. | An explosion at an apartment building on Friday
Hundreds of people are crammed into the basement of a large public building in the besieged Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, but are running out of food, with many also in need of urgent medical help.
"Some have developed sepsis from shrapnel in the body," said Anastasiya Ponomareva, a 39-year-old teacher who fled the city at the start of the war but was still in contact with friends there. "Things are very serious."
The city is encircled by Russian troops and remains under constant bombardment with almost 400,000 people still trapped without running water, and food and medical supplies quickly running out. The local authorities say the war there has left at least 2,400 civilians dead, but even they acknowledge that this is an underestimate.
Ms Ponomareva's friends are with other families in the basement of the building. They have all left homes that are no longer safe or no longer standing.
"People who managed to hide in underground shelters basically live there permanently," Ms Ponomareva said from the western city of Drohobych, where she was living. "They practically cannot leave at all."
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Most of their day is spent hiding in the basement. From time to time they go upstairs for some sunlight, but rarely outside. Conditions, she was told, were quickly deteriorating, as some people had a fever and nothing could be done to treat them. "There is no medical help, no antibiotics."
Some streets are so dangerous that few go out to pick up the dead. Many are being buried in mass graves. The almost non-stop Russian attacks have turned their old neighbourhoods into wasteland. New drone footage (pictured above) showed the vast extent of the damage, with fire and smoke billowing out of apartment blocks and blackened streets in ruins.
"On the left bank, there's no residential building intact, it's all burned to the ground," Ms Ponomareva said. "The city centre is unrecognisable."
Sheltering in the same building, a family of four has been in touch with Serhii Kozyrkov, a 40-year-old pastor who left Mariupol two weeks ago. "It's very crowded and there isn't enough food," Mr Kozyrkov, who is now in Lviv, said. "People get ill because it's very cold and everyone is lying next to each other."
The family are desperate to flee. On Tuesday, about 2,000 cars managed to exit Mariupol, the city council said, and 2,000 more were ready to go. It was the second day that residents were allowed to leave. Previous evacuation attempts had failed, with Ukrainian authorities accusing Russia of attacking the city and even routes to be used by civilians, despite agreeing to ceasefires.
But, again, no humanitarian aid was allowed into the city. Sergei Orlov, the deputy mayor of Mariupol, said things were "getting more difficult by the hour".
"The situation is horrible," he said. "There isn't enough food, water, medicine, insulin, baby food. Everyone has specific needs." According to Mr Orlov, cars with supplies have been waiting for four days but the Russians have not let it in. "We get a lot of calls. For example, a mother who says 'I have a child in my hands [who] is dying from hunger.' Or we get a call 'Here's our address. We're blocked in the basement. What should we do?'," Mr Orlov said.
"Unfortunately," he said, "we can't do anything."
Back in the basement, the family told Mr Kozyrkov they could hear the sound of explosions nearby but that their building remained intact. There is one generator which they use to recharge their phones and, from time to time, they venture outside to make some calls.
"The shelling doesn't stop," he said. "They're very frightened."
Ms Ponomareva said the situation was "very difficult, to put it mildly." People need a humanitarian corridor, she said. "Otherwise, it's a slow death from hunger and thirst."
Are you in Mariupol, or do you have concerns for relatives or friends living in the area? If it is safe for you to do so, please email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60736845 |
Child, 13, drove pickup in deadly Texas crash that killed nine - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | A 13-year-old was driving a truck that collided with a van carrying student athletes, officials say. | A 13-year-old was behind the wheel of a pickup truck that slammed head on into a van carrying university athletes in a collision that killed nine on Tuesday.
In a Thursday news conference, federal investigators said the truck's left tyre - which was a spare - blew out before swerving into the oncoming van.
Six university golfers, including one from Portugal and one from Mexico, and their coach died in the crash.
Both the young pickup driver and his passenger were also killed.
Two students, both from Canada, survived the collision and are in a stable condition but still in hospital.
Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt Victor Taylor told the Associated Press news agency that it would be illegal for a 13-year-old to be driving in the state. Children are allowed to begin classroom driving lessons at the age of 14 in Texas, and must be 15 before they can start driving with an instructor or licensed adult in the car.
Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said in Thursday's news conference that it's still unclear how fast the vehicles were moving when they collided head-on on a two-lane highway near the New Mexico border, causing both vehicles to burst into flames.
Several of the victims in the van were not wearing seatbelts, the NTSB said, adding that one passenger was ejected from the vehicle. The information is preliminary, officials added, and the investigation into the "mass casualty event" is expected to last several more months.
The victims from the University of the Southwest - a private university in New Mexico - include golf coach Tyler James, 26; Jackson Zinn, 22; Karisa Raines, 21; Travis Garcia; 19; Laci Stone, 18, as well as Portuguese national Tiago Sousa, 18; and Mexican citizen Mauricio Sanchez, 19.
Henrich Siemens, 38. was named as the pickup truck passenger. The name of the boy driving the vehicle is not being released due to his age.
The accident occurred in Andrews County in west Texas on Tuesday night, just after 20:00 local time (01:00 GMT).
A Ford Transit passenger van was carrying members of the both men's and women's golf teams from a golf tournament, authorities said. The other vehicle involved was a Dodge 2500 pickup truck.
The Ford had been travelling northbound on the FM1788 roadway in Texas, while the Dodge pickup was travelling southbound.
The two surviving golfers are undergoing medical treatment in Lubbock, Texas.
Their families have arrived from Canada to be with them, a university official said on Thursday, adding that one is doing well enough to be able to sit up and eat soup. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-60789022 |
Marina Ovsyannikova: Protesting journalist says Russians zombified by propaganda - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Marina Ovsyannikova, who interrupted a broadcast to protest against the war in Ukraine, speaks to the BBC. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. WATCH: Marina Ovsyannikova says none of her interrogators thought her TV protest was her idea
A Russian journalist who interrupted a live TV news programme to protest against the war in Ukraine says Russians are "zombified" by propaganda.
Speaking to the BBC, Marina Ovsyannikova said Russians should stop listening to state media coverage.
"I understand it's very hard... to find alternative information, but you need to try to look for it," she said.
Ms Ovsyannikova, an editor at state-controlled Channel 1, was detained after her protest on Monday.
She ran onto the set of one of Russia's most-watched news programmes, Vremya, holding a sign reading: "No war, stop the war, don't believe the propaganda, they are lying to you here."
She could also be heard repeating the words "no war, stop the war".
"I was aware that if I went to protest in [Moscow's] central square I would be arrested like everyone else and thrown into a police van and be put on trial," Ms Ovsyannikova said on Thursday.
"Half the poster was in Russian, half the poster was in English. I really wanted to show the Western audience that some Russians are against war," she said.
"I feel of course some responsibility lying on me. I was an ordinary cog in the propaganda machine. Until the very last moment I didn't think about it too much," she said.
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Ms Ovsyannikova also responded to various allegations in Russian media about her motivation for staging the protest. "There are lots of conspiracy theories building up about me," she said.
"That's why I had to explain to the world what really happened, the fact that I am just a normal Russian woman, but I could not remain on the sidelines."
Before her protest she recorded a video in which she said she was ashamed to work for what she called Kremlin propaganda.
The journalist said she was detained and questioned by police for 14 hours, and fined 30,000 roubles ($280; £210) for the video. The authorities had been convinced she had been acting on someone else's behalf, she said.
"Nobody believed it was my personal decision. They suggested it could be conflict at work, relatives who were angry about Ukraine or that I was doing it for Western special services."
"They couldn't believe that I had so many objections to the government that I could not stay silent," she said.
Russian state television news has long been controlled by the Kremlin and independent viewpoints are rare on all the major channels.
It is also unusual for employees of state-controlled news organisations to express an opinion that differs from the official Kremlin position.
But since the war in Ukraine began, a number of journalists have resigned from top Russian TV channels: Zhanna Agalakova from Channel 1, and Lilia Gildeyeva and Vadim Glusker from NTV.
State-controlled Russian media refer to the war as a "special military operation" and paint Ukraine as the aggressor, describing Ukraine's elected government as neo-Nazis. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60778554 |
As it happened: Kremlin fury over Biden 'war criminal' comment - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The row comes as Russia strikes reportedly hit civilians, including a theatre turned shelter in Mariupol. | Lack of trust between both sides is 'biggest problem in rescuing civilians'
"The best way to stop the threat of another Mariupol is more far-reaching political conversations on peace and ceasefire negotiations," the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer told the BBC on a visit to Kyiv. Asked about the ICRC’s description of conditions in the besieged southern port city as "apocalyptic", Maurer said it was "important to recognise this wasn't only the ICRC's voice, but the voice of so many civilians trapped in the city". He said the lack of trust between the warring sides was "the biggest problem" in rescuing civilians stuck between front lines. Maurer, who has been in close contact with senior Ukrainian and Russian officials, said more people were now escaping through agreed humanitarian corridors. But he said Mariupol, a key target for Russian forces advancing on Ukraine’s southern coast, was more difficult "in military strategy and political significance". However, even there, he said some civilians were now managing to get out. Maurer also pointed to another major worry which has brought the head of the ICRC, the guardian of the rules governing war, to Ukraine: "Respect for international humanitarian law and the obligations under the Geneva Conventions with regards to prisoners of war, dead soldiers, missing and detained civilians." The ICRC’s special role is founded on confidential dialogue with warring sides. Asked about accusations that Russia was targeting civilian infrastructure, Maurer replied that "basic principles of proportionality and precaution which inform the conduct of hostilities, and the Geneva Conventions, are interpreted in very different ways which is why we try to establish minimal agreement on what we mean by these words". | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-60746557 |
Boy, 12, denies burglary spree of top London hotels - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The boy, who cannot be named, is accused of targeting Claridge's and the Four Seasons among others. | One of the burglaries is said to have happened at Claridge's in Mayfair
A 12-year-old boy has denied carrying out a 10-month burglary spree at some of London's top hotels.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with 14 counts of burglary, including at Claridge's in Mayfair, the Four Seasons in Park Lane and the Corinthia Hotel in Whitehall.
His 13-year-old brother, who also cannot be named, is accused of being involved in three of the burglaries.
The pair pleaded not guilty to all charges before Westminster magistrates.
Due to their age, the siblings, from west London, were joined in the dock by their mother.
The 12-year-old is also charged with one count of conspiracy to commit burglary during the alleged spree, between April 2021 and February this year.
His brother is charged with three counts of burglary between September 2021 and February 2022 and one count of conspiring to commit burglary between April 2021 and February this year.
An adult co-defendant, Shane McCarthy, 19, faces 11 charges, nine counts of burglary, one of theft and one of conspiracy to commit burglary between April 2021 and February this year. He also denies all charges.
His case was sent to Isleworth Crown Court where he is due to appear on 14 April.
Magistrate Alan Elias released him on unconditional bail until then.
The boys were released on bail until 28 March when they will appear at Highbury Corner Youth Court.
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Brittney Griner: Russia extends arrest of US basketball star over drugs charge - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Double Olympic champion Brittney Griner was arrested in February for alleged cannabis oil possession. | A Russian court has extended the detention of US basketball star Brittney Griner for another two months, reports state news agency Tass.
The 31-year-old has been held in Moscow since February when customs officials allegedly found cannabis oil in her luggage.
Hillary Clinton had called for her release, after re-tweeting a BBC article about the player's predicament.
But the Moscow court announced on Thursday it was keeping her in custody.
"The court granted the request of the investigation and extended the period of detention of the US citizen Griner until May 19," the court said, according to Tass.
Arguably the greatest female basketball player of all time, the double Olympic gold medallist has been called the "Tom Brady of her sport".
Ms Griner went to Russia to play during the US league's off-season.
In one of the last public sightings of her, captured on CCTV, the player is seen walking through security at a Moscow airport trailing a small, black suitcase.
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A star centre for the Phoenix Mercury team, she had landed at the Sheremetyevo airport, there to play another season with a Russian league.
But a month after her detention, little has been known about her circumstances.
Ekaterina Kalugina, a member of Public Monitoring Commission, a semi-official body with access to Russian prisons, told Russian news agency TASS Ms Griner was sharing a cell with two other women with no previous convictions.
She said Ms Griner's "only issue" was that the prison beds were too short for her tall frame.
Fans have criticised the muted response to the player's arrest, but the US State Department says it is doing everything it can to help her.
A spokesperson for the State Department told the BBC on Thursday that US diplomats are "closely engaged on this case and in frequent contact with Brittney Griner's legal team".
"We insist the Russian government provide consular access to all US citizen detainees in Russia, including those in pre-trial detention, as Brittney Griner is."
The official added that Russia has "consistently" denied access to Americans held in Russian jails.
"Russia must abide by its legal obligations and allow us to provide consular services for US citizens detained in Russia," they continued. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-60781704 |
Ukraine war: Ben Wallace and Priti Patel targeted by hoax calls - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The defence and home secretaries blame Russia after receiving calls from imposters this week. | Ben Wallace and Priti Patel are leading members of the cabinet
Two UK ministers have revealed they have been targeted with hoax calls linked to the conflict in Ukraine.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace blamed Russian "dirty tricks" after revealing a man had called him earlier pretending to be Ukraine's prime minister.
He became suspicious and ended the call after the "imposter" posed "several misleading questions", he said.
Home Secretary Priti Patel then tweeted that she had received a similar call earlier this week.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said Mr Wallace had ordered an immediate inquiry into what happened.
It was not immediately clear who was behind the call, but Mr Wallace linked the incident to Russia and President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
In a tweet about the call, Mr Wallace wrote: "No amount of Russian disinformation, distortion and dirty tricks can distract from Russia's human rights abuses and illegal invasion of Ukraine. A desperate attempt."
Replying to him shortly afterwards, Ms Patel said: "This also happened to me earlier this week. Pathetic attempt at such difficult times to divide us. We stand with Ukraine".
A Ministry of Defence source said it was a "fairly sophisticated" video call that was not made to Mr Wallace's own mobile phone.
The source said the call came to him via "another government department", which added to its credibility.
It is understood that Mr Wallace was put through to a Microsoft Teams video call which lasted about 10 minutes.
The video call was set up after an email, purportedly from an aide at the Ukrainian embassy in London, was sent to a government department and then forwarded to the Ministry of Defence.
The BBC has been told that the call to Mr Wallace involved someone posing as Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in front of a Ukrainian flag, who asked a range of "wild questions".
Mr Shmyhal later replied to Mr Wallace in a tweet, writing: "Despite all attempts of Russian disinformation, the world can see that the truth is behind Ukraine."
Denys Shmyhal, shown here at a press conference in January, has been Ukraine's PM since March 2020
During the call, Mr Wallace was asked about Nato and the state of the negotiations taking place between Ukraine and Russia, the defence source added.
Mr Wallace was apparently asked about whether the UK would send warships to the Black Sea, and if Ukraine should get nuclear weapons.
The defence secretary was also apparently asked about the prospect of Ukraine dropping its ambition to join Nato and becoming a "neutral" state.
The defence source said Mr Wallace "was asked leading questions to encourage inappropriate comments" but he "didn't say anything that was not factual or appropriate".
But defence sources say they are concerned that there may be an attempt to distort or edit Mr Wallace's answers before he terminated the call.
Mr Wallace was on a visit to the Polish capital Warsaw when he shared the tweet about the hoax call.
The calls come at a time of sensitive peace talks between Ukraine and Russia as the war launched by President Vladimir Putin three weeks ago exacts an ever-higher human cost.
The UK government has been providing military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine while imposing punishing economic sanctions on Russia.
Since the war started, there have been regular conversations between British and Ukrainian ministers, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60783558 |
Ukraine conflict: Putin lays out his demands in Turkish phone call - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Russia's president revealed his peace conditions in a phone call - the BBC spoke to someone who listened in. | Turkey has positioned itself with great care to be the go-between with Russia and Ukraine - and this seems to be paying off.
On Thursday afternoon, President Vladimir Putin rang the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and told him what Russia's precise demands were for a peace deal with Ukraine.
Within half an hour of the ending of the phone call, I interviewed Mr Erdogan's leading adviser and spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin. Mr Kalin was part of the small group of officials who had listened in on the call.
The Russian demands fall into two categories.
The first four demands are, according to Mr Kalin, not too difficult for Ukraine to meet.
Chief among them is an acceptance by Ukraine that it should be neutral and should not apply to join Nato. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has already conceded this.
There are other demands in this category which mostly seem to be face-saving elements for the Russian side.
Ukraine would have to undergo a disarmament process to ensure it wasn't a threat to Russia. There would have to be protection for the Russian language in Ukraine. And there is something called de-Nazification.
This is deeply offensive to Mr Zelensky, who is himself Jewish and some of whose relatives died in the Holocaust, but the Turkish side believes it will be easy enough for Mr Zelensky to accept. Perhaps it will be enough for Ukraine to condemn all forms of neo-Nazism and promise to clamp down on them.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch: The BBC's Quentin Sommerville follows Ukrainian troops holding the front line as Russia pounds Kharkiv
The second category is where the difficulty will lie, and in his phone call, Mr Putin said that it would need face-to-face negotiations between him and President Zelensky before agreement could be reached on these points. Mr Zelensky has already said he's prepared to meet the Russian president and negotiate with him one-to-one.
Mr Kalin was much less specific about these issues, saying simply that they involved the status of Donbas, in eastern Ukraine, parts of which have already broken away from Ukraine and stressed their Russianness, and the status of Crimea.
Although Mr Kalin didn't go into detail, the assumption is that Russia will demand that the Ukrainian government should give up territory in eastern Ukraine. That will be deeply contentious.
The other assumption is that Russia will demand that Ukraine should formally accept that Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014, does indeed now belong to Russia. If this is the case, it will be a bitter pill for Ukraine to swallow.
Nevertheless, it is a fait accompli, even though Russia has no legal right to own Crimea and actually signed an international treaty, after the fall of Communism but before Vladimir Putin came to power, accepting that Crimea was part of Ukraine.
Ibrahim Kalin was one of the few people to listen in on the phone call between Russia and Turkey's leaders
Still, President Putin's demands are not as harsh as some people feared and they scarcely seem to be worth all the violence, bloodshed and destruction which Russia has visited on Ukraine.
Given his heavy-handed control over the Russian media, it shouldn't be too hard for him and his acolytes to present all this as a major victory.
For Ukraine, though, there are going to be serious anxieties.
If the fine details of any agreement aren't sorted out with immense care, President Putin or his successors could always use them as an excuse to invade Ukraine again.
A peace deal could take a long time to sort out, even if a ceasefire stops the bloodshed in the meantime.
Ukraine has suffered appallingly over the past few weeks, and rebuilding the towns and cities which Russia has damaged and destroyed will take a long time. So will rehousing the millions of refugees who have fled their homes.
What about Vladimir Putin himself? There have been suggestions that he is ill, or possibly even mentally unbalanced. Did Mr Kalin detect anything strange about him in the phone call? Not at all, he said. Mr Putin had apparently been clear and concise in everything he said.
Yet even if he does manage to present an agreement with Ukraine as a glorious victory over neo-Nazism, his position at home must be weakened.
More and more people will realise that he overreached himself badly, and stories of the soldiers who have been killed or captured are already spreading fast. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60785754 |
Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool: Visitors close in on leaders Manchester City with deserved victory - BBC Sport | 2022-03-17 | Liverpool close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to a single point after beating Arsenal, who miss the chance to consolidate their place in the top four. | Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Liverpool moved to within one point of Premier League leaders Manchester City as they emerged impressive winners after a tough examination at Arsenal.
The Gunners, well in the fight to finish in the top four, pushed Liverpool hard until Jurgen Klopp's quadruple-chasing side ruthlessly took control after the break.
Liverpool keeper Alisson saved crucially from Martin Odegaard after Thiago's misplaced backpass before Diogo Jota put Liverpool ahead, beating Aaron Ramsdale at his near post in the 54th minute.
Jota and Luis Diaz were immediately replaced by Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, the latter doubling Liverpool's advantage just after the hour mark with a perfect flick from Andrew Robertson's cross.
Liverpool have now reeled off nine Premier League wins in succession while Arsenal remain in fourth, a point ahead of Manchester United but with two games in hand.
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Once Jota made the breakthrough for the visitors there was no way back for the Gunners, but before then the Reds were indebted to Alisson's significant contribution when he made that block from Odegaard.
To that point Arsenal were in confident mood, playing fearlessly, but they were again undone by Jota - the scourge of Mikel Arteta's team in the Carabao Cup semi-final in January - although the Portuguese was helped by Ramsdale's weak effort to save his near-post shot.
Klopp's Midas touch worked again when he removed Jota and substitute Firmino showed his silky touch to slide a near-post flick past Ramsdale.
Arsenal were deflated and Liverpool moved even closer to Manchester City, who were held to a draw here in the capital by Crystal Palace on Monday.
The advantage still lies with Pep Guardiola's reigning champions - but the margin is slender and this was another potentially difficult hurdle overcome by Liverpool.
Arsenal's players were applauded off by the home fans at the final whistle in recognition of their efforts, especially the outstanding Gabriel Martinelli, who gave Trent Alexander-Arnold a torrid time.
And they remain in prime position to achieve their remaining goal this season, a place in the top four, but they are still finding it tough to overcome the sides they will eventually want to rival.
Liverpool have now completed the league double over Arsenal, as have Manchester City, while they have also lost at home to Chelsea and away to Manchester United.
The Gunners were in contention for a long time, led by the verve of Martinelli, but ultimately it was Liverpool who had the cutting edge and greater quality.
There is no doubt Arteta's Arsenal are on an upward curve and this was a far more convincing performance than that League Cup loss, but they still have a long road to travel before the old glories can be contemplated once more.
'We lost the game in the boxes'
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to BBC MOTD: "From box to box, we did everything that we'd planned. What happened in the boxes was a different story, that's where we lost the game.
"I think the whole team played fantastically well. I don't think the result reflects the performance, but in the box they had the decisive moments. They put the ball in the net twice."
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to BBC MOTD: "Coming here and winning against Arsenal is already special, but winning the game like it was - more special. We started really well then it became an open game. We wanted to improve in the second half.
"I'm very excited about the team and the situation we are in but that does not change everything. We just need to keep going. We really want to enjoy the situation we are in by winning football matches."
• None Attempt missed. Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) right footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Granit Xhaka.
• None Attempt blocked. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Thiago.
• None Offside, Arsenal. Kieran Tierney tries a through ball, but Gabriel Martinelli is caught offside.
• None Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) wins a free kick on the right wing.
• None Offside, Arsenal. Cédric Soares tries a through ball, but Nicolas Pépé is caught offside. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page
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Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba reveals burglary at his home - BBC Sport | 2022-03-17 | Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba says his home was burgled during his side's Champions League game against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. | Last updated on .From the section Man Utd
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba says his home was burgled during his side's Champions League game against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
The France player came on after 67 minutes as the Spanish side won 1-0.
Pogba said "our family's worst nightmare was realised when our home was broken into ... while our babies were sleeping in their bedroom".
The family's nanny was at home at the time and Pogba has offered a reward to "anyone who has a clue to help us".
Pogba's two children are aged three and one.
The 29-year-old has been at United since re-joining the Old Trafford club in a then-world record £89m transfer from Juventus in 2016.
His contract with the club runs out in the summer.
"My wife and I rushed home not knowing if our children were safe and unharmed," added Pogba.
"As a father there is no feeling worse in this world than not being able to protect your children and I sincerely hope that no-one ever has to feel what I felt last night."
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers were called to a report of a burglary at a property in the Rossmill Lane area of Hale Barns at 22:54 GMT on Wednesday.
"Initial enquiries have established that the unknown offender entered the property before stealing a safe," added a GMP statement.
"Enquiries are ongoing. No arrests have been made. No-one was injured in the incident."
Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo was injured when he tried to fight off a gang of intruders during a break-in over the Christmas period.
And, in January, the wife of Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof said her family were the subject of a break-in while the centre-back played against Brentford.
Manchester United are working with all their players to review and strengthen security at home.
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As it happened: Ukraine war latest: Gun battles as Russian troops reach Mariupol city centre, says mayor - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Vadym Boichenko tells the BBC "there is no city left" as Russia intensifies its attacks on Mariupol in Ukraine. | UK PM pledges to do more to help Ukraine in call with Zelensky
Boris Johnson pledged to do more to help Ukraine, in a telephone call with President Zelensky on Friday morning. The prime minister vowed to stand with Ukraine at a time when its people were "facing such horror with such courage". Mr Johnson said he told Mr Zelensky: "We know that we must do more to help. I pledge to you that we will." Speaking at the Scottish Conservative conference in Aberdeen, he said he told the president that he knew Ukraine was fighting "not just for your lives and your homes, but for the cause of democracy and freedom itself". He said the UK had "led the way" in providing weapons to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia. But he added: "I think that we all feel that we can, and we will, do more." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-60774819 |
Ukraine: Poots warns of grain shortages as war continues - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | About 40% of Northern Ireland's corn supply is sourced from Ukraine, the agriculture minister says. | Edwin Poots has said he wants farmers to grow more potatoes and cereal crops in response to the Ukraine war
Agriculture minister Edwin Poots has warned of potential grain shortages and price rises as the war in Ukraine continues.
He confirmed he had asked Stormont's finance department for £70m to help farmers hit by supply issues.
Ukraine and Russia are major exporters of basic foodstuffs, and the war has hit crop production, driving up prices.
Mr Poots has asked the UK government to press the EU to relax rules on importing agriculture seeds.
He has said he wants farmers to grow more potatoes and cereal crops in response to the war.
The seed trade comes under the Northern Ireland Protocol - part of the Brexit deal - and involves an onerous import process.
Mr Poots told members of his assembly scrutiny committee he had "grave concerns that the longer the conflict continues the more likely we are to see a real and damaging impact on local industries".
He said the consequences of supply chain difficulties could be "brutal" and consumers would see less choice on the shelves.
"The Northern Ireland agricultural food sector had already undergone a period of severe disruption as a result of the Covid pandemic and unworkable complexities of the Northern Ireland protocol," he added.
About 40% of Northern Ireland's corn supply is sourced from Ukraine, he said.
Mr Poots said some pig farmers are at risk of going out of business
Mr Poots also said much of the grain exported from Ukraine was used for animal feed, and warned that a fall in supply will have significant consequences for the chicken, pork and dairy industries.
He continued to say some pig farmers are at risk of going out of business as the problems are most acute in the pork sector.
Northern Ireland also rely on nitrogen fertiliser imported from Russia so a reduction in supply would also result in lower crop yields.
"There is not going to be cheap fertiliser," he said.
"The question is, is there is going to be fertiliser? There will be fertiliser at a price."
On the issue of fuel, the minister said he hoped people would show common sense.
"If people stop panic buying then that would be a good thing and perhaps prices would settle a bit," he said.
On Monday, Mr Poots met his ministerial counterparts from across the UK to discuss the difficulties the war in Ukraine was causing to the food supply chain in Northern Ireland.
He also confirmed he had written to George Eustice, the UK Minister for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to urge greater Government intervention.
"Alongside reductions in labour supply, rising input costs, supply chain disruptions and concerns about long-running inflation, they're all combining to create that perfect storm," said the Agriculture minister.
"It is vital we protect Northern Ireland's food supplies, making sure everyone can access safe quality food at prices that are affordable." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-60766460 |
Ocado sales hit as workers return to the office - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The online grocer says its sales have fallen in recent months as people revert to pre-pandemic habits. | Ocado has reported a fall in sales as customers return to pre-pandemic shopping habits and costs increase.
In the three months to the end of February, retail sales for the online grocer fell 5.7% to £574.7m.
It said the return to the office by workers and the "euphoria" of going back out to restaurants after restrictions eased had reduced demand.
Rising costs and changing shopping habits saw the group cut its sales forecast for the year.
It now expects annual retail revenue growth "closer to 10%", rather than in the mid-teens, as it said last month.
But the results for its latest quarter also reflected a tough comparison from a year before, when the UK was in lockdown, Ocado added.
"The main thing that we're seeing [now] is people's willingness to behave more like they did pre-Covid," Ocado said.
"We've got two off-setting things at the moment though, where some people are still working from home several days a week- and that is a 'basket booster'.
"But that is getting offset by a bit of euphoria about that fact we can go back out to a restaurant, having been cooped up for two years [during Covid-related restrictions]."
Compared with pre-pandemic levels, Ocado's retail sales in the quarter were up 31.7%.
"The last quarter has been encouraging for Ocado Retail despite the clearly evident challenges the industry and consumers are facing," said Melanie Smith, Ocado Retail's boss.
"As we have seen since the end of Covid restrictions, the value of the average basket and shape of the week continue to normalise as we return towards the rhythm of our pre-Covid lives."
Although it saw a 15% drop in the average customer's basket size, Ocado said it was encouraged by an increase in the number of new shoppers on the platform.
But the retailer acknowledged that war in Ukraine and uncertainty over how demand will change during the cost of living crisis meant it was difficult to predict sales.
It said it had increased the prices of some products already "where costs could not be mitigated".
However, it is not yet seeing price rises as high as the current rate of inflation, which stands at 5.5% - the highest level seen in 30 years.
The group also insisted that it was a "price follower", which tries to match the prices of its big competitors.
Tesco's chairman warned recently that "the worst is yet to come" on rising food prices.
John Allan told the BBC he was aware people were on very tight budgets and having to choose between food and heating "troubles us", but added that grocers and suppliers were not immune from rising energy costs.
Ocado noted that it might be affected by rising energy costs in particular, due to the amount required to power the refrigerators in its distribution hubs and fuel required for its drivers.
Separately, online delivery giant Deliveroo reported that its losses have deepened as the costs of its rapid expansion stack up.
The company posted a £298m pre-tax loss for the year, compared with a £213m loss in 2020, but stressed that it had a long-term plan for profitability.
It said its heavy losses for the past year were driven by big investments in marketing and technology improvements as it sought to keep up the momentum of orders being boosted during lockdowns, similar to Ocado.
In its UK business, order numbers increased by 72%. But it also predicted a slowdown in growth over the coming year.
Susannah Streeter, senior markets analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "For now it does appear that some pandemic habits are sticking around, with restaurant deliveries staying popular, on-call groceries increasingly in demand and a growing source of revenue for Deliveroo.
"But the cost-of-living squeeze is intensifying and as savings are eaten away, there may be less appetite to pay for an easier life." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60777497 |
Orford Ness: Former military site needs ferry operator - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | A sense of humour and dealing with all kinds of weather are among the qualities needed for a new ferry operator. | Operations manager Glen Pearce said you could get "lost in a landscape" on-site
A "rare chance" to become the sole ferry operator for a former nuclear weapons testing island has become available.
Orford Ness, a spit located just off the Suffolk coast, was used as a secret military test site during the Cold War.
It is now a National Trust coastal nature reserve with testing site buildings people can visit.
The ferry operator role would involve operating the ferry, a powerboat and a rowing boat across the River Ore.
The National Trust said this "rare chance" was for an "experienced" sailor.
There is something "special" about welcoming people to the reserve, Orford Ness boat supervisor Guy Brown said
The National Trust said it was one of the few sites in the UK where facilities were built for the purpose of testing nuclear weapons' components.
However, the work that was carried out on the island by the military remains secret, it said.
Orford Ness was used by the military from 1918 to the 1980s, said Glen Pearce, property operations manager for the site.
The Atomic Weapons Research Establishment on the island used to test bomb casing for nuclear bombs, he said.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. The trust says the successful ferry operator needs a "sense of humour" to deal with the weather
It is "quite a dangerous site", Guy Brown, Orford Ness boat supervisor, said.
He said Orford Ness was used for "environmental testing for the triggers for nuclear weapons, so making sure they didn't go off when they weren't supposed to".
"There's still a huge amount that we don't know about the site," Mr Brown said, and "we'll probably never know" the work that the buildings and infrastructure on the island were involved in.
The ferry operator would be expected to help maintain the listed buildings and scheduled monuments on the site during the winter.
"You've got to have a sense of humour to deal with the weather, keep morale up when waves are breaking into your face, but if you treat it like a rollercoaster then it's really not that bad," said Mr Brown.
The National Trust ferry takes visitors onto the Ness throughout much of the year
The site required the new ferry operator to be an "all-rounder", Mr Pearce said.
"One day you could be operating the boat, the next day you could be chasing our rare breed sheep, you could be helping repairing some of the buildings.
"You have to be prepared to work here when the wind is blowing, it's -4C, and horizontal hail in your face.
"It's a privilege to work here," he added.
Applications for the role close on 27 March and the successful applicant will start work in April when Orford Ness reopens to visitors for the season.
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Music experts disagree in Ed Sheeran court case - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Two music experts offer differing opinions on whether the star copied the work of another writer. | Shape Of You is the biggest hit of Ed Sheeran's career
Music experts have given contrasting views over whether Ed Sheeran copied the work of another singer when he wrote his 2017 single Shape Of You.
The star denies stealing the chorus of Sami Switch's Oh Why for the "oh I, oh I, oh I" hook of his hit song.
Forensic musicologists were called by both sides to argue the case at London's High Court.
One said the songs were "distinctly different" but the other argued they contained "significant similarities".
Shape Of You was the world's best-selling song of 2017, with more than three billion plays on Spotify alone.
The track earns Sheeran and his co-writers Steven McCutcheon and Johnny McDaid about £5m a year, despite almost 10% of the payments being frozen due to the ongoing copyright dispute, the court heard.
Wednesday's testimony came from copyright consultant Christian Siddell and Anthony Ricigliano, a former head of music theory at the Manhattan School of Music, who previously helped Led Zeppelin win a plagiarism trial over Stairway To Heaven.
In a joint written statement, they agreed that "when heard in the context of their respective works, the words 'Oh why' and 'Oh I' may be phonetically indistinguishable from each other to the casual listener".
They also agreed that neither of them had found "the same combination" of phonetic sounds, pitch and rhythm "in any other compositions".
However, they differed on whether Sheeran had copied his song from Sami Switch, whose real name is Sami Chokri, and his co-writer Ross O'Donoghue.
Mr Ricigliano, who was instructed by Sheeran's lawyers but told the court he was "completely impartial", said he considered the extent of the alleged similarities to be "overstated".
He wrote that "the overall design and musical development of the melodic, harmonic and lyrical content in the relevant phrase in Shape Of You are distinctively different from that utilised in Oh Why".
Calling the similarities "coincidental", he added that it was "objectively unlikely" that any overlap came as a "result from copying".
In his written evidence, Sheeran noted that his song's "Oh I" melody is based on "a basic minor pentatonic pattern" which is "entirely commonplace".
Mr Ricigliano agreed, paraphrasing a quote from West Side Story composer Leonard Bernstein: "The pentatonic scale is humanity's favourite scale and is so well known that one can find examples of it from all corners of the Earth".
In court, Andrew Sutcliffe QC, representing Mr Chokri and Mr O'Donoghue, asked him: "You accept, don't you Mr Ricigliano, that despite all your research you have not found any examples in any corner of the earth over the past 200 years which sound phonetically the same as the chorus in Oh Why and the post chorus in Shape Of You?"
"Do you not find this extraordinary?" Mr Sutcliffe asked, with the expert replying: "No".
Mr Siddell, who was instructed by Mr Chokri's lawyers, disagreed, saying the similarities between the two songs were "so numerous and striking that the possibility of independent creation is… highly improbable".
He said the two melodies were "nearly identical in respect of their rhythm and pitch", the phonetic sounds of the vocal lines were "musically indistinguishable to the ear" and other compositional similarities included the use of "phrase repetition" and "the musical dynamics".
The crossover was "unlikely to be the consequence of coincidence", he added.
"Had I been consulted in a 'copyright compliance' capacity as to whether a licence should be sought from the writers of Oh Why, my guidance would have been, in summary, that either the melodic phrase should be omitted and replaced with original new material or a licence should be obtained."
Sheeran and his co-writers deny copying Mr Chokri's song, stating they had not heard it before the copyright claim was raised.
Follow us on Facebook, or on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-60778043 |
Former Hull to Zeebrugge ferries for sale after route closes - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The Pride of York and the Pride of Bruges stopped their nightly crossings in December. | The Pride of York is being offered for sale alongside its sister ship the Pride of Bruges
Two North Sea ferries have been put up for sale just weeks after the route they sailed on was closed.
The Pride of Bruges and the Pride of York sailed nightly between Hull and Zeebrugge in Belgium until P&O Ferries ended the service in January due to a drop in demand.
The ships, which can carry more than 1,000 passengers and 850 cars, are listed on a German shipbrokers website.
Hull Labour MP Karl Turner said it was "an incredibly sad day for this city".
"It is not just a part of our past potentially being flogged for scrap, but a part of our future too," said Mr Turner.
"I am extremely disappointed that P&O Ferries have shown their lack of commitment to Hull by choosing not to retain these huge assets, but the Government must bear some responsibility too - there has been a complete lack of action, allowing P&O to take millions of taxpayer's money whilst removing a critical piece of our national and local infrastructure."
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. The Pride of York made its last sailing from Hull in December
The Department for Transport said that the operation of ferry routes is a commercial matter for the relevant companies concerned, and that throughout the pandemic the government had invested millions to protect critical passenger and cargo ferry routes.
No price is listed on the Global Ferry and Cruise Shipbrokers. The pair of ships were built in 1987 and at 588ft (179m) long were amongst the biggest ferries used in UK waters.
The route between Hull and Belgium had been running since the 1960s, but was described as loss-making by P&O and saw its last crossing on 1 January.
The BBC has contacted P&O Ferries for a response.
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Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe: Why has she been freed now? - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | London-Tehran relations are better, and Iran no longer feels it needs Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe as leverage. | It is almost six years since Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was first detained by the Iranian authorities in April 2016.
Since then there were repeated attempts to secure her release - all failed. So why has she now come home?
The basic answer is London-Tehran relations are better than they have been.
The International Revolutionary Guard and Iran's judiciary no longer feel they need Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe for leverage in relations with the UK.
She was a diplomatic pawn held hostage by the Iranian authorities to put pressure on London.
If Tehran wanted to make nice, they would treat her well, give her access to medical help, perhaps increase the frequency of visits, possibly even allow her a temporary furlough from jail.
If Tehran wanted to exert pressure on London, then her conditions might worsen and privileges might be withdrawn.
The UK paying the historic £400m debt for tanks sold but not delivered will have made a huge difference.
For years, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed the two issues were not connected. But in practice, the Iranians made them one and the same issue.
Some in the FCDO had wanted to pay the debt but were prevented initially by reluctance within the Treasury and the United States, fearing it would reward hostage-taking and even fund terrorism.
There were also fears the US would penalise any British financial institution that paid the money to the Iranian defence ministry in breach of international sanctions.
There is also the sheer relentlessness of the families' campaigning and the UK's diplomacy.
At first there were mistakes, such as Boris Johnson's false claim that Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been training journalists in Iran, a claim that prompted Iran to level fresh charges.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe (right), pictured with her husband Richard and daughter Gabriella, who is now seven, was first detained by Iranian authorities in April 2016.
But the tireless campaigning by Nazanin's husband, Richard Ratcliffe, and others kept up the pressure on the UK government.
And that was reflected by the work of British diplomats behind the scenes, refusing to let Iran forget about the case.
There was almost a deal to release the detainees last year. It fell through. But since then British diplomats have visited Iran several times to try to reach a fresh agreement.
Iranian officials at their Ministry of Foreign Affairs were frequently frustrated that this dispute got in the way of the rest of the UK-Iran relationship.
Mr Ratcliffe campaigned for his wife's release, including by going on hunger strike outside the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office last October.
But the Iranian diplomats were not in charge - the IRGC and the judges were.
Eventually, enough people with the Iranian government seemed to have realised that a permanently hostile relationship with the UK was not in Tehran's best interests.
That might apply directly to the talks taking place in Vienna, designed to revive the agreement under which Iran limited its nuclear activities in return for seeing economic sanctions lifted.
Iran's economy has been suffering, Iran clearly wants to agree a new deal, better relations with the UK might make that happen.
The deal has still not been agreed but diplomats say agreement is getting close.
And in recent weeks, during the Ukraine conflict, Britain and Iran's interests have also come closer together.
If sanctions can be lifted and Iran can start selling its oil again, that could help reduce global energy prices.
That is in the interests of both the UK and Iran. In that context, both sides might want to clear the diplomatic decks and make a deal more likely. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60768437 |
Russian oligarch Strzhalkovsky's super yacht stuck in Norway - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The Ragnar is owned by Vladimir Strzhalkovsky, who has been linked to Vladimir Putin. | Vladimir Strzhalkovsky, right, is a former KGB agent and has close ties to the Russian president
A super yacht owned by a Russian oligarch is stuck in a Norwegian port because no-one will sell it fuel.
The Ragnar is owned by Vladimir Strzhalkovsky, a former KGB agent who has been linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He is not on the EU sanctions list.
The yacht has been stranded at the port of Narvik since 15 February.
"We find the discrimination against us, extremely unjust," the yacht's captain, Robert Lankester, wrote in a message.
The British captain pointed out that none of the crew is Russian.
"We are a Western crew of 16," he told Norwegian public broadcaster NRK. "We have nothing to do with the owner."
But local fuel suppliers say they do not want to help entities associated with Russia.
"Why should we help them?" Holmlund Oil Service's general manager, Sven Holmlund, told NRK.
"They can row home. Or use a sail."
Mr Strzhalkovsky is the former head of mining giant Norilsk Nickel.
The 68-metre yacht includes a room designed to resemble a British pub, while also boasting heli-skiing equipment, four ski scooters and a giant slide, according to Boat International.
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Earlier this month French authorities seized a super yacht owned by Igor Sechin, boss of Russian state energy company Rosneft.
• None Who are the mega-rich Russians facing sanctions? | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60786467 |
Angela Rayner: Men admit sending abusive messages to MP - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The Labour Party's deputy leader says the abuse has left her "constantly watching my back". | Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner said the abuse had changed her as a person
Two men have pleaded guilty to sending abusive messages to Labour Party deputy leader Angela Rayner.
Stuart Kelly, 53, of Halifax, admitted leaving three voicemails for Ms Rayner, including one saying "I hope you get shot", on 15 October last year.
At the same hearing Michael McGrath, 70, of Sheffield, admitted sending an offensive email to the Ashton-under-Lyne MP's office the following day.
Ms Rayner said the threats had left her "constantly watching my back".
Kelly has been released on bail and will be sentenced on 14 April, while McGrath received a six-week jail sentence, suspended for 18 months.
McGrath, who has bowel cancer and later sent an apology email to Ms Rayner, was also ordered to pay a total of £413 in costs and compensation, including £200 to the MP.
Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring told him: "There is no doubt in my mind, whether you are in public service as an MP or perhaps as a judge or a member of the royal family, it does not make you any less susceptible to attack or any less susceptible to feelings about that."
Mr Goldspring also warned Kelly, who has been to court 27 times for 50 offences, he faced time in jail.
Both men pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court to sending offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing messages to Ms Rayner.
The court heard both men linked her comments at the Labour Party conference, when she called Conservatives "scum", in September last year to the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess.
Sir David, 69, was stabbed to death at a surgery in his Leigh-on-Sea constituency in Essex in October.
On the day of his death, Kelly left three voicemail messages for Ms Rayner, 41, at her constituency office during a 30-minute period.
One said: "I hope you get shot. You contributed to his death, you dirty scum."
Former barber McGrath sent an email to Ms Rayner's office in the early hours of the following morning in which he said: "Hope it never happens to you. I bet you will be celebrating."
In a victim impact statement read to court, Ms Rayner described how the threats had left her frightened, not only for herself but her family, children and staff.
She said the murders of MP Jo Cox and Sir David had made her worried the same thing could happen to her.
"The fact these people are trying to link the death of an MP to me is absolutely devastating," she added.
"For people to say I'm responsible for the death of David Amess has caused me genuine distress."
Ms Rayner said she was "no stranger" to criticism, which she usually sees as "people exercising their right to free speech".
"When I saw the contents of the email together with the voicemails I burst into tears," she said.
"It made me feel extremely upset. I believe I have quite a thick skin when it comes to name-calling and nasty comments, but this was in a completely different category.
"I am scared out of my wits, not only for my own safety but also the safety of my family, children and staff."
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Ukraine war: Russians grieve for fallen soldiers - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Two weeks since the last official death toll, funerals of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine continue. | In Kostroma, friends, family, and an armed guard of honour gathered for the funeral of Mikhail Orchikov
In the Church of Alexandra and Antonina lies a coffin. It is draped with a Russian tricolour. Resting on the casket: a service cap and a photograph.
Mikhail Orchikov was deputy commander of a motor-rifle brigade. He was killed in action in Ukraine. Armed Russian soldiers form a guard of honour.
An Orthodox priest walks around the casket reciting prayers and swinging an ornate metal vessel emitting burning incense. The pungent scent fills the chapel, mixing with the sweet cadences of the church choir. The dead soldier's widow, head covered in a black scarf, is being comforted by relatives.
How many Russian servicemen have been killed in Ukraine? It is a criminal offence in Russia to report anything other than the official figures.
According to information released by Russia's Defence Ministry, 498 soldiers have lost their lives in what the Kremlin calls its "special military operation". Those are the latest figures, from 2 March. There has been no update for two weeks.
"The situation in our country isn't simple," the priest tells the congregation. "Everyone understands that."
The Kremlin wants the public to believe that the Russian soldiers in Ukraine are heroes and that Russia's offensive there is an act of self-defence.
In a recent edition of state TV's flagship weekly news show, the anchor claimed that if Russia "hadn't intervened now, in three years' time Ukraine would have been in Nato… with a nuclear bomb. [Ukraine] would definitely advance on Crimea, then on southern Russia." An alternative reality, in which Ukraine is the aggressor.
On the streets of Kostroma, many appear to believe the official Kremlin line.
Mikhail Orchikov was laid to rest as "a defender of the Fatherland"
That's partly due to the power of television in shaping public opinion. But also, at moments of crisis, many Russians instinctively rally around its leader - as if they don't want to believe that their president may have made the wrong decision.
"Nato wants to set up shop right next to us [in Ukraine] and they've got nuclear weapons," Nikolai tells me. "Well done Putin. He didn't let them."
"Russia needs to push on till the end," declares pensioner Nina Ivanovna.
"How much do you trust the information you're getting on Russian TV about this?" I ask her. "I trust it. Why shouldn't I? It's the internet I don't trust."
Not everyone supports Russia's offensive in Ukraine. In the village of Nikolskoye, I visit the home of Orthodox priest, Father Ioann Burdin. He recently delivered an anti-war sermon and voiced his criticism on the church website.
He was later detained and fined under a new law for discrediting the Russian Armed Forces.
Father Ioann Burdin says he believes bloodshed of any kind "is still a sin"
"I believe that any bloodshed, whatever the cause and however you try to justify it, is still a sin," Father Ioann tells me. "Blood is on the hands of the person who spilled it. If an order was given, it's on the hands of whoever gave the order, supported it or stayed silent."
"The worst thing of all is that hatred has appeared. It will grow deeper and deeper, because we can see that the situation [with Ukraine] isn't ending. There is no political will to stop this. Hatred on both sides will strengthen and become a wall between our peoples for decades to come."
At a cemetery in Kostroma, eight soldiers bear Mikhail's coffin to the grave. A military band plays solemn music. Then a gun salute and, to the Russian national anthem, the casket is lowered into the ground.
There is a brief speech: "The loss of a son, brother, father is always a tragedy, but we are proud that he died defending our people, our children, our country."
In Kostroma, they call Mikhail "a defender of the Fatherland".
Mikhail's coffin was wrapped in the national flag before burial
And yet it was Russia's army that crossed the border into a sovereign nation and attacked Ukraine on the orders of President Putin. The Kremlin leader claims that the aim of his "special military operation" is to "demilitarise and de-Nazify" Ukraine, as if the Ukrainian government is overrun with fascists - which is simply not true.
In recent days Russian officials have barely concealed their wider objectives. The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that what's happening in Ukraine "…is a life-and-death battle for Russia's right to be on the political map of the world with full respect for their legitimate interests".
In other words, this is about geopolitics, and Moscow's determination to force Ukraine back into Russia's sphere of influence.
That's something the government in Ukraine is determined to prevent. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60769509 |
Anoosheh Ashoori: Iranian-Briton's family delighted at his release - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Anoosheh Ashoori's relatives say his release from Iran after five years "has been a long time coming". | The family of a British-Iranian man who is returning to the UK after being freed from Iran have said they are "delighted" by his release.
Anoosheh Ashoori, 67, a retired civil engineer, had been detained in Evin prison for almost five years.
He and fellow British-Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe were released earlier on Wednesday.
Mr Ashoori's family said his freedom had been "a long time coming" and thanked all who helped bring him home.
In a video message posted on Twitter, his daughter, Elika Ashoori said: "1,672 days ago our family's foundations were rocked when our father and husband was unjustly detained and taken away from us.
"Now, we can look forward to rebuilding those same foundations with our cornerstone back in place."
She said this week had been an "emotional rollercoaster" and that it was not until her family was told his plane had left Iran that "we allowed ourselves to feel joy for the very first time".
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. We are waiting to welcome him with cake and beer, says Anoosheh's daughter Elika
Elika spoke to her father when he was in Muscat and said he was "excited" - but noted it was "very surreal" to see him again, and that he had lost a lot of weight and that his hair had gone white while he was imprisoned.
He was looking forward to being able to "finally sleep in a comfortable bed" and "to turn the lights off" - as fluorescent lights are on all day and night at the prison.
"All we're thinking about is him coming back tonight to his home and being with his family and surrounded by people who love him," she said.
Mr Ashoori was arrested in August 2017 while visiting his elderly mother in Tehran, and was detained in Evin prison.
Despite living in the UK for 20 years, he was later convicted of spying for Israel's Mossad intelligence agency and sentenced to prison for 10 years.
His and Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release followed months of intensive diplomatic negotiations between London and Tehran and the repaying of a debt owed by the UK to Iran.
A third dual national, Morad Tahbaz, has been released from prison in Iran but will not be returning to the UK. The government has pledged to keep working to secure his return.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: "We have the deepest admiration for the resolve, courage and determination Nazanin, Anoosheh and Morad, and their families, have shown.
"They have faced hardship that no family should ever experience and this is a moment of great relief."
Mr Ashoori's MP, Labour's Janet Daby, said it was a "day of celebration" for his family.
The MP for Lewisham East told the Commons: "As Anoosheh's member of Parliament I am, of course, thrilled beyond belief for his release and for Nazanin. I'm incredibly happy for Anoosheh's wife Sherry, for his children, as well as for their families and friends."
Ms Truss confirmed the UK government had settled the debt it owed to Iran from the 1970s "in parallel" with the release of the detainees.
The UK paid £393.8m owed to Iran after it cancelled an order for British-made Chieftain tanks following the overthrow of the Shah in the revolution of 1979.
Ms Truss said the debt had been paid "in full compliance with UK and international sanctions and all legal obligations".
"These funds will be ring-fenced solely for the purchase of humanitarian goods," she added.
Mrs Zhagari-Ratcliffe's husband, Richard Racliffe, had long claimed that his wife was being used as a pawn in a dispute between the UK and Iran over the unpaid debt.
Sanctions on the government in Tehran had been one of the key sticking points in being able to settle the debt.
But Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said it was wrong to link the payment of the debt to the releases, adding: "These two persons were released on humanitarian grounds."
Ms Daby thanked Ms Truss for helping secure her constituent's release but said his detention could have been avoided.
Asked why it had taken so long to secure the detainees' release, Ms Truss added: "What I will say about the process of securing the release of our detainees is the foreign secretaries, the prime minister, Foreign Office officials, have worked tirelessly on this."
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Oman's foreign minister Badr Albusaidi tweeted a picture of Mr Ashoori and Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe arriving in the Gulf state, which has been closely involved in negotiations to secure their release.
He said: "Soon they will be with their loved ones at home. We hope this result will bring further progress in the dialogue between the parties [the UK and Iran]."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is visiting Gulf states, welcomed news of their release.
"The UK has worked intensively to secure their release and I am delighted they will be reunited with their families and loved ones," he tweeted.
According to Amnesty International UK, Mr Ashoori was "subjected to torture, repeatedly interrogated without a lawyer present and forced to sign 'confessions' while sleep deprived".
In January 2020, Mr Ashoori's wife Sherry Izadi, who lives in London, said she feared he had no "hope in hell" of being released.
• None Nazanin on her way home to 'new life' in UK | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60765615 |
Boris Johnson: Ukraine paying the price for West's failure over Putin - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Boris Johnson says governments failed to "understand the threat” Vladimir Putin posed after he annexed Crimea. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. President Putin "did not understand what he would encounter" in Ukraine, says Boris Johnson
Ukraine is "paying the price" for the West's failure to understand the threat posed by Vladimir Putin, the PM says.
Boris Johnson told the BBC the Russian president's invasion had "already failed" because he underestimated the "strength of resistance" in Ukraine.
But he blamed European countries who "went back to treating [Putin] as part of the community" after his annexing of Crimea in 2014.
He said the West needed to ensure it was "never again vulnerable to Putin's blackmail" - especially when it came to relying on Russian oil and gas.
But Labour criticised Mr Johnson for the visit, saying he was going "cap in hand from one dictator to another".
During his trip, Mr Johnson met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for an hour and 45 minutes for talks about ending reliance on Russian oil and gas.
Afterwards, Downing Street said the UK and Saudi Arabia had "agreed to collaborate to maintain stability in the energy market" and boost renewable energy sources.
A spokesman added the two countries had also agreed to boost co-operation in defence, security, trade and culture.
However, a number of MPs had called on the PM to cancel the visit over the Saudi government's human rights record. Last week 81 men were executed in one day.
The prime minister insisted that he did not "turn a blind eye" to the incidents and raised them with the country's officials.
But he said he had to be "realistic" and "look at the global picture" when it came to energy security.
President Vladimir Putin ordered the annexation of Crimea - a territory of Ukraine - in 2014. He subsequently backed an eastern rebellion by pro-Russian separatists, who have fought Ukrainian forces in an eight-year war that has claimed 14,000 lives.
Despite years of western sanctions, Russia remains firmly in control of Crimea, which it absorbed following a referendum vote discredited by much of the international community.
Speaking to BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg, the PM said: "If you look back at 2014 and what happened when Putin took part of Crimea... what we totally failed to understand [was] the threat that he posed and we renormalized.
"European countries went back to treating him as though he was part of the community.
"Ukraine is paying the price for that now."
He also pointed to the strength of the resistance in Ukraine, adding that Mr Putin was committing war crimes in the country.
Mr Johnson said: "He won't be able to crush and conquer Ukraine, because they've shown fundamentally that they have an indomitable spirit.
"He's got to withdraw. He's got to close this thing down. He's got to take back his his tanks and his armour. And there's got to be as a solution that respects the will of the of Ukrainian people."
After Russia began its invasion in Ukraine last month, numerous governments introduced sanctions to hit the country's economy.
And many countries - including the UK - pledged to phase out their use of the country's oil and gas to hit it even harder.
Mr Johnson said he planned to look to at solar, wind and to "make some big bets" on nuclear power going forward, but short-term solutions were also necessary.
"The UK has a historic and a long-standing relationship with Saudi Arabia, which goes back many, many decades," said the PM.
"That should not in any way stop us from raising issues of human rights."
He added: "I want to be clear, we don't we don't just turn a blind eye, we don't wink at them, we don't ignore it, we raise it and we make the argument.
"But what we also try to do is look at the global picture and look at the the impact on the world economy, and particularly the impact on the UK [as a] consumer of hydrocarbons.
"We're in a transitional phase now and we've got to be realistic about the continuing transitional importance of hydrocarbons in our in our economies." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60765668 |
Ukraine: Putin will search for a way to save face - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | What might Putin want, to be able to come out of the war looking good in the eyes of Russia's majority? | Even the worst war comes to an end. Sometimes, as in 1945, the only outcome is a fight to the death. Mostly, though, wars end in a deal which doesn't satisfy anyone entirely, but at least brings the bloodshed to an end.
And often, even after the worst and most bitter conflicts, the two sides gradually resume their old, less hostile relationship.
If we're lucky, we're beginning to see the start of this process happening now between Russia and Ukraine.
The resentment, particularly on the Ukrainian side, will last for decades. But both sides want and need peace: Ukraine, because its towns and cities have taken a terrible battering, and Russia, because it has already, according to the Ukrainian president, sacrificed more men and material than it lost in its two shockingly violent wars in Chechnya - although that is impossible to verify.
But no-one willingly signs a peace agreement which is likely to lead to their own downfall.
For Russian President Vladimir Putin the search is on for ways of saving face. Ukraine's President Zelensky has already shown remarkable skill as a diplomat, and he's clearly willing to say and do whatever is acceptable to himself and his people in order to get Russia off his country's back.
For him, there's one overriding objective - to make sure that Ukraine comes out of this appalling experience a united, independent country, not a province of Russia, which is what President Putin originally seemed to think he could turn it into.
For President Putin, all that counts now is that he can declare victory. No matter that everyone in his entire administration will understand that Russia has been given a bloody nose in this unnecessary invasion. No matter that the 20% or so of Russians who understand what's really going on in the world will know that Putin has bet the house on a fantasy of his own devising, and lost.
The battle will be for the support of the remaining majority of the population, who tend to believe implicitly what they're told on state television - even when there are moments such as the sudden popping-up on screen of the extraordinarily brave TV editor Marina Ovsyannikova with a placard to say that everything people are being told is propaganda.
So what will make President Putin come out of this disastrous war looking good in the eyes of Russia's majority?
Firstly, an assurance, perhaps even to be written into Ukraine's constitution, that it has no intention of joining Nato in the foreseeable future. President Zelensky has already prepared the way for this, by asking Nato for something it couldn't agree to (establishing a no-fly-zone over Ukraine), then criticising the alliance for letting him down on this, and finally musing out loud that he wasn't sure that if Nato behaved like this, it was actually worth joining.
As clever and wise political positioning goes, it doesn't get much better than this. Nato gets the blame, which it can easily cope with, and Ukraine gets the freedom to act as it wants.
But that's the easy bit. It'll be harder to finesse the urgent ambition which Zelensky and Ukraine have to join the EU, something Russia is almost equally hostile to, though there are ways around that too. Hardest of all for Ukraine to swallow will be Russia's outright theft of Ukrainian territory, in total defiance of the solemn international treaty it had signed to protect Ukraine's borders.
The loss of Crimea in 2014 is something Ukraine may well be forced to give its formal acceptance to, in some way. And Russia clearly intends to hang on to those areas in eastern Ukraine which are pretty much effectively under Russian control already - and perhaps more.
In 1939, Joseph Stalin invaded Finland, which had once been part of the Russian empire. He was sure his troops would carve their way through it in no time - just as Putin thought about Ukraine in 2022. Stalin's generals, understandably terrified for their lives, promised him he was right. And, of course, he wasn't.
The Winter War dragged on into 1940, the Soviet army was humiliated, and Finland was left with a justifiable national pride in itself for resisting a superpower. It lost territory, because autocrats like Stalin and Putin need to come out of these things looking as though they've scored a victory. But Finland kept the most important, most imperishable thing: its full independence as a free, self-determining nation.
As things stand today, Ukraine - having beaten off so many Russian attacks and made Putin's forces look feeble and ineffective - should be able to do that. Unless Putin's armies can capture Kyiv and much more of Ukraine's territory, then Ukraine will survive as a national entity, just as Finland did in 1940.
Losing Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine would be a bitter, illegal and wholly unjust loss. But Vladimir Putin would have to start using far more serious weapons even than he has already, if he's to come out on top. As things stand, in the third week of fighting, no-one can seriously doubt who the real winner in this war will be.
John is the BBC's World Affairs editor. His weekly news programme, Unspun World with John Simpson, is broadcast on Wednesday evenings at 23:15 GMT on BBC Two, and on the BBC News Channel and BBC World News on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60756993 |
Shells rain down on Kharkiv as Ukraine's army stands firm - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The BBC's Quentin Sommerville and Darren Conway are in Kharkiv, where Ukraine's army has repelled Russia for three weeks. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. WATCH: The BBC's Quentin Sommerville follows Ukrainian troops holding the front line as Russia pounds Kharkiv
Ukraine's second city Kharkiv has been the constant target of Russian attacks for three weeks. The BBC's Quentin Sommerville and cameraman Darren Conway report from the front line where Ukrainian troops continue to repel the enemy advance.
We enter the house where the back door used to be. Now there is just a blanket flapping in the freezing wind. The owners, long gone, would have had a view across the rich farmland north of Kharkiv, but much of that is unrecognisable, too.
In the garage, beside an abandoned skateboard, are a dozen or so empty packing cases for some of the world's best anti-tank weapons. A dead Russian soldier lies face down in the front garden.
The house has become a frontline base, and the spent cases are an indication that the soldiers here have had the fight of their lives - a fight for Ukraine's independence.
We have gained rare access to the Ukrainian army, who after three weeks of hard fighting, are still holding firm on the outskirts of Kharkiv, preventing Russian forces from capturing Ukraine's second-largest city.
"Do you want to go further ahead?" asks Yuri, a commander with the Ukrainian army's 22 Motorized Infantry Battalion, pointing at the ruins of two Russian armoured personnel carriers, and the shattered pieces of two of their tanks. The battalion was reconstituted in 2014 after Russia invaded Crimea and backed Donbas separatists.
"They've used drones, aircraft, attack helicopters, everything," says Yuri, as Russian shells thunder overhead, striking nearby roads and apartment blocks.
Moments after Russian Grad rockets - multiple rockets launched in quick succession - fell on a residential neighbourhood
The Russians have continued to attack again and been repelled many times. In their frustration at being denied entry, they bomb the city, which was once home to 1.4 million people, day and night.
The ground is churned up and thick mud sucks on your boots. A backward glance shows the ruined shells of the line of houses we just passed through. Suburban gardens have become battlefields from Europe's past.
"The first three days were the worst. It was raining, we were covered in mud, we looked like pigs," says Olexander, 44, who is standing nearby.
By one of the destroyed armoured personnel carriers, its Z marking already faded, is a large crater, 20ft (6m) across. On the first day of the invasion, 24 February, a Russian strike killed six Ukrainian soldiers at this exact place. Many more died here since, but official figures aren't being released.
A green army boot is perched on the crater's edge, a Russian corpse beyond that. A large black crow sits nearby, untroubled by the roar of shelling and Grad rockets from Russian positions.
The men here can tell you the precise date and time they came to the front - the implication being that if you weren't here the first three days, you don't know real fighting. "Jump in the crater if there is more shelling," says Uri.
Constantine, 58, was a pilot in the Ukrainian air force until he retired and became a journalist. Now he's back at the front, walking with a limp and using a broken broom handle for support. Russian shrapnel wounded his leg, but he refuses to leave the front.
"This is the last line of defence for the city, if they get through here, they will enter Kharkiv. This road takes you from Russia to the very heart of the city," he says.
Olexander, 44, who fought in Donbas - "For the first three days, we couldn't understand what was going on"
There is a boom and whoosh, and a wire-guided missile flies just over our heads. We scramble into the crater. It strikes along the roadside, a gas pipeline bursts into flames.
While we shelter, a tall reconnaissance soldier with blue tape across his helmet tells us to stay down. Roman is 34 years old, though he jokes that he was 24 when the war started three weeks ago.
He says the Russians won't show themselves now. "They are chickens. We will respond good and proper." He stops and asks for a selfie. Later we learn that he transported the dead bodies of his fallen comrades in his own vehicle - which was just a month old - from the front to the city morgue.
As we leave, Constantine catches something in the air - thin copper wire, which stretches for miles. It was used to guide the Russian missile which just flew over our heads.
Waiting for us is Olexander, 44, from nearby Poltava region. He's been with the unit since its founding and has fought in Donbas. "This is much worse," he says, adding: "For the first three days, we couldn't understand what was going on. We were lost and we couldn't believe it was happening. But after that we got better and we are standing our ground and will hold our positions."
I ask him why he is fighting. He gives a laugh and responds, "For a free Ukraine, for my family, and for you guys as well. For our independence and for peace."
Yuri, the commander, drives us back to the collection of Soviet-era apartment blocks, still inhabited. Russia says it came to Ukraine to demilitarise the country, but here we see what that means for civilians. A 20-storey block is still smoking from a Russian strike - it was two days ago, according to Yuri.
The official number of civilian deaths in Kharkiv stood at 234, including 14 children, on 16 March. The past few days have been punishing - as we were reminded in an instant.
A volley of Russian Grad rockets rained down on the neighbourhood, striking just metres away. The soldiers around us had taken cover and were unharmed.
Svitlana. 72, and her husband sleep two hours a night in their bomb-damaged flat
In the same housing complex lives husband and wife Svitlana and Sasha. Svitlana is 72, and welcomes us into her home, saying they haven't spoken to anyone in weeks. "We're glad you came," she says.
Their building has already been hit, the back windows are gone, and they sleep in a central room on sofas. They manage two hours of sleep a night, the shelling is relentless. "When it stops, it is like a thaw in spring," she says.
I ask if she has a message for Vladimir Putin. "No," she replies, firmly. "No, it seems to me that this man has already lost his sanity and he does not think clearly. Because a sane human can not do something like this - bomb old people, kids, kindergartens, schools, hospitals. He wouldn't understand what I say."
But then, when I ask about the men not far from her home who are defending the city, she cries. She says, "Yes, I'm very grateful to them for protecting their homeland. Hold on guys. We will always support you. They are so brave, both boys and girls."
There are still hundreds of thousands of people living in Kharkiv, despite the shelling. If Russia and Ukraine are brothers, as the Kremlin professes, then this is fratricide.
As we leave the neighbourhood, much of it is alight. Russia's fury with this city is both seen and heard. By evening, all of Kharkiv is covered in a cloud of smoke, the relentless pounding of guns continues, but the defenders of Kharkiv still keep the enemy from the city gates.
Are you or your family in Ukraine? Please share your experience if it is safe to do so by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60785679 |
Sophie Lancaster murder: Killer Ryan Herbert to be freed from jail - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Ryan Herbert has made "significant changes to his life" while in jail, the Parole Board is told. | Ryan Herbert admitted both murder and assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent in 2008
A murderer who kicked a 20-year-old woman to death because she was dressed as a Goth is to be freed from prison.
Ryan Herbert was aged 16 when he was jailed for life in 2008 for murdering Sophie Lancaster in a park in Bacup, Lancashire.
The Parole Board has decided Herbert can now be released on licence.
Reacting to the decision, Sophie's mother, Sylvia Lancaster, said: "Once again we have a justice system that fails to deliver justice."
She said the original sentence reflected the "level of violence" her daughter was subjected to during a "feral" attack.
Herbert, whose minimum term was cut in 2020, and a friend battered Sophie as she cradled her boyfriend's head, who they had also attacked.
She died 13 days after being beaten by Herbert and Brendan Harris as she tried to protect Robert Maltby from attack in Stubbylee Park.
Herbert, of Bacup, admitted both murder and assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent and was given a minimum term of 16 years and three months, which was later reduced to 15 and a half years.
He had his minimum tariff reduced to 14 and a half years in February 2020, making him now eligible for parole consideration two years later.
High Court judge Mr Justice William Davis concluded the tariff could be reduced as he had made "exceptional progress" in prison.
Sophie Lancaster died in hospital 13 days after she was attacked in a park in Bacup
Ms Lancaster said she could not understand the decision being made "because they have done well in prison" when the Parole Board knew "the reality of the level of violence" Sophie had been subjected to.
"However much progress people make in prison, they have been given their sentence in recognition of the extent of their crime," she said.
Ms Lancaster said her daughter's injuries were "so severe" paramedics could not "facially distinguish if she were male or female".
The judge described the attack as "feral" and her attackers as "savage and merciless", she added.
The Parole Board's ruling found Herbert had made "significant changes to his life which reflected his remorse, his insight and increased maturity".
"After considering the circumstances of his offending and examining the evidence for the progress made while in custody, the panel was satisfied that Mr Herbert was suitable for release," a document setting out the decision said.
The document said Herbert's behaviour had "initially been poor" but this changed once he moved into an adult prison and he had taken part in rehabilitation programmes.
After being moved into an open prison in November 2020, he "improved his education with studies to degree level" and had "fully engaged with resettlement activities" including spending time on temporary release from jail, it added.
"No concerns about compliance had been identified and Mr Herbert had good working relationships with professional staff," it said.
Witnesses, including his probation officer, recommended he be released on licence.
Herbert will be subject to restrictions on his movements, where he lives and who he contacts.
Harris, who was found guilty of Sophie's murder in 2008 and admitted the attack on Mr Maltby, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 18 years.
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The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-60766768 |
Jussie Smollett released from jail pending appeal - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Last week the US actor was sentenced to prison for lying about being the victim of a hate crime. | Jussie Smollett said nothing as he left Cook County jail in Chicago
US actor Jussie Smollett has been released on bond from jail in Chicago pending an appeal against his conviction for falsely claiming he was the victim of a hate crime.
Last week the former Empire star, 39, was found guilty of lying to police and sentenced to 150 days in prison.
Following his sentencing, his lawyers launched an appeal.
Smollett has always maintained the hoax incident, which took place in Chicago in 2019, was real.
He had to sign a $150,000 (£114,000) recognizance bond prior to his release and made no comment as he left Cook County jail surrounded by security.
But his defence team said they were "very, very happy" with the appeal justices' ruling and said Smollett was the target of a racist justice system, CBS News reports.
His team argued his imprisonment - for what was described as a low-level, non-violent crime - was excessive and that his health and safety were in danger while he remained in prison. They also questioned why he had been imprisoned after a previous prosecutor dropped the charges against him in 2019.
"Regardless of what you think about this case... the real question is, should black men be walked into jail for a Class 4 felony? Shame on you if you think they should, that's a disgrace," his defence attorney Nenye Uche is quoted as saying in The Chicago Tribune.
The prosecuting office said the claim that his health and safety were at risk was incorrect as he had been in protective custody while in prison.
The ruling stemmed from an incident three years ago when Smollett said he was attacked by two assailants.
The actor, who is black and gay, said the attackers had shouted slurs and a Trump slogan, dumped a "chemical substance" on him and tied a noose around his neck while he was walking late at night in January 2019.
Police opened an investigation into the incident but later charged Smollett with filing a false police report, saying he had staged the assault.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-60775521 |
West Ham 2-0 Sevilla (2-1 on aggregate): Andriy Yarmolenko winning goal sends Hammers into Europa League quarter-finals - BBC Sport | 2022-03-17 | Ukrainian Andriy Yarmolenko scores the winning goal for West Ham as they beat Sevilla to reach the Europa League quarter-finals on an emotional night. | Last updated on .From the section European Football
Andriy Yarmolenko scored an emotional extra-time winner as West Ham overturned a first-leg deficit against Sevilla to reach their first European quarter-final since 1981.
Yarmolenko has been on compassionate leave as he tried to deal with the trauma of having friends and relatives back home in war-torn Ukraine.
But after making a goalscoring return to the pitch against Aston Villa on Sunday, Yarmolenko swept the Hammers past Sevilla as he converted a rebound after Pablo Fornals' low shot had been parried into his path by visiting keeper Bono.
The 32-year-old forward, on as a substitute for Said Benrahma, looked to the skies as he marked his special moment and the London Stadium erupted in jubilation.
At the final whistle, he looked almost bewildered in the moment before spotting a fan with a Ukraine flag and handing him his shirt.
• None 'We can write history' - West Ham into first Euro quarter-final since 1981
Trailing by a single goal from last week's opener in Spain, Tomas Soucek had pulled West Ham level in the first-half when he guided Michail Antonio's cross into the far corner with a precise header.
A Sevilla side that has won this tournament four times out of the last eight seasons were a major disappointment - and came no closer than Youssef En-Nesyri's early effort which was brilliantly saved by Alphonse Areola.
• None Thursday's European action as it happened, plus reaction and analysis
West Ham manager David Moyes had billed this as the tie of the round. The Scot must now be immensely proud at the way his side have navigated their way into a draw that contains, among others, Barcelona and Rangers.
The last time Moyes managed a team in the last 16 of a European competition, he secured probably his best night as Manchester United manager, when his side came back from a 2-0 first leg deficit to knock Olympiakos out of the Champions League.
As on that night, Moyes' side had levelled the tie by the interval.
West Ham controlled the tempo of the game despite having a minority of possession.
Fornals and Declan Rice were outstanding in midfield, young defender Ben Johnson superb in a determined defensive display and Antonio - a doubt before the game - ran so hard up front that Sevilla could never rest.
In contrast, Anthony Martial was a disappointment on his return to England and, by the end, Sevilla Julen Lopetegui seemed to have run out of ideas as his side tried to claw their way to penalties.
Sevilla had not lost a European tie after taking a first-leg lead since 1981. Yarmolenko changed that history in a moment for Ukraine to be proud of, in a dark time at home.
West Ham have not had a seamless move from their beloved Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium.
However, this game exploded the myth that there is a lack of atmosphere at the stadium solely because of the running track which, in any case, is reduced in its impact since the stands behind each goal were squared off at the start of the season.
There was no lack of atmosphere on this occasion, a game, West Ham said, was played in front of the highest number of club supporters ever to see a match.
The build-up was heightened by a pre-match light show. The bubbles floated into the night sky and when Soucek's header found the far corner in the 39th minute, the place erupted.
Celebration was replaced by tension the longer the game went on.
But when Yarmolenko struck the decisive final blow in the 112th minute, the home fans turned up the volume once more.
London Stadium has waited six years for a statement night to go alongside the memories that were left behind in the three-and-a-half mile move.
Now they have one. And on this evidence, the journey might not be over yet.
• None Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
• None Offside, West Ham United. Mark Noble tries a through ball, but Pablo Fornals is caught offside.
• None Attempt missed. Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla) right footed shot from the right side of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Rafa Mir.
• None Goal! West Ham United 2, Sevilla 0. Andriy Yarmolenko (West Ham United) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal.
• None Attempt saved. Pablo Fornals (West Ham United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Manuel Lanzini.
• None Substitution, Sevilla. José Ángel Carmona replaces Nemanja Gudelj because of an injury.
• None Attempt missed. Óliver Torres (Sevilla) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Ludwig Augustinsson. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page
• None The tale of a trillion-dollar conman who sold a dream to the oldest club in the Football League
• None Cillian Murphy shares tracks that have been integral to the feel of the programme | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60771093 |
Met police officer David Carrick charged with further rapes - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | David Carrick is accused of a total of 41 crimes against 11 women between 2003 and 2020. | Court artist sketch of Mr David Carrick at a hearing earlier this year where he denied charges against him
A Metropolitan Police officer accused of a string of sex offences has been charged with additional offences including rape.
David Carrick, of Hertfordshire, has been charged with 12 further offences, bringing the total to 41.
Some of the charges relate to three new complainants and allegedly took place between 2003 and 2015.
The 47-year-old denied 20 of the charges in court in December.
The Crown Prosecution Service said the latest charges were two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and two counts of assault by penetration relating to three new complainants between 2003 and 2015.
Additionally he has been charged with three counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault relating to one of the existing complainants between 2018 and 2020.
Mr Carrick is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on the new charges on 21 March.
He is also listed to appear for trial on 26 April at St Albans Crown Court.
The 41 charges he faces are:
Mr Carrick worked as part of the Met's Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command and has been suspended from duty.
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Earthquake: Two dead after Japan hit by tremor - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The quake in the north-east derails a bullet train and briefly cuts power to millions of homes. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
A powerful earthquake that hit north-east Japan left at least two people dead and 160 injured, officials said, but caused relatively minor damage.
Two million homes initially lost power and a bullet train was derailed, but none of its passengers were hurt.
The magnitude 7.4 quake was in the same area as the one which caused the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster but it was not damaged this time, officials said.
In some areas the earthquake was too forceful for people to stand, and buildings rattled in the capital Tokyo.
In many places, such as here in Soma in Fukushima Prefecture, cracks appeared in roads
The quake took place at 23:36 on Wednesday (14:36 GMT), at a depth of 57 kilometres (35.4 miles), Japanese authorities said.
They warned of possible aftershocks in Fukushima, Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures.
Immediately after the event, Japan's meteorological agency issued an advisory for tsunami waves of one metre (3.3ft) for parts of the north-east coast, but it was withdrawn on Thursday morning after waves one-third of that height reached shore.
Residents sheltered at an evacuation centre in Soma, Fukushima prefecture on Thursday
A number of people across north-eastern Japan were hurt by falling objects or in falls, and in the city of Soma, Fukushima Prefecture, local media reported that one man in his sixties had died. A second death was reported in Miyagi Prefecture.
Some media reports said four people died in the quake, but government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno said the number of fatalities directly caused by it was still being confirmed.
Electricity to more than 2.2 million homes was temporarily cut in 14 prefectures, including the Tokyo region, but by mid-morning power had been restored to most places, the local electricity provider said.
There was a lucky escape for those on board a bullet train that was derailed by the quake north of Fukushima city - fortunately it was not going fast and no-one was hurt.
Passengers and staff were trapped for four hours on board before being able to escape.
The Tohoku shinkansen bullet train derailed but no-one was injured
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters earlier the government was still trying to assess the extent of any damage, and authorities said emergency services had been inundated with calls.
Buildings in Tokyo shook for more than two minutes. Further north in Fukushima the shaking was much more powerful.
In Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture, a city official told AFP news agency he had been woken up by "extremely violent shaking".
"I heard the ground rumbling. Rather than feeling scared, I immediately remembered the Great East Japan earthquake," he said, referring to the 2011 disaster.
About 700,000 of those left for hours without power were in Tokyo, according to the capital's electricity supplier
Thursday's earthquake happened almost 60km off the coast of Fukushima, not far from the epicentre of the most powerful earthquake in Japan's history, which killed 18,000 people when it struck 11 years ago.
The 2011 earthquake triggered a tsunami and destroyed the Fukushima nuclear plant, sparking a major disaster after radiation leaked from the plant.
Nuclear authorities said that no abnormalities had been detected after Wednesday night's earthquake at the damaged Fukushima site.
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• None First pictures of earthquake hitting Japan. Video, 00:00:31First pictures of earthquake hitting Japan | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-60770100 |
Interest rates rise again to counter higher prices - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Bank of England increases rates for the third time in four months as the cost of living rises. | Interest rates have increased for the third time in four months as the Bank of England tries to calm the rise in the cost of living.
The rise from 0.5% to 0.75% means rates are now at their highest level since March 2020, when Covid lockdowns began.
Energy bills and food costs are increasing and there is concern the war in Ukraine will push prices up further.
The Bank has warned inflation, the rate at which prices rise, may reach 8% and possibly higher, in the coming months.
Explaining why it had lifted its forecast, it said that the invasion of Ukraine by Russia "has led to further large increases in energy and other commodity prices including food prices.
"It is also likely to exacerbate global supply chain disruptions, and has increased the uncertainty around the economic outlook significantly," it added.
Prices had already increased by 5.5% in the year to January, the fastest rate for 30 years and well above the Bank's 2% inflation target. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that energy and fuel prices had contributed to the rising cost of living.
The Bank's policymakers cited the rising cost of living and strong employment as the reasons for the latest rate rise.
The members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) felt that "given the current tightness of the labour market, continuing signs of robust domestic cost and price pressures, and the risk that those pressures will persist", an interest rate rise was justified.
It also warned that inflation could hit double-digits later in the year if energy prices push up the energy price cap.
The MPC voted by a majority of 8-1 for the move, with deputy Bank governor Jon Cunliffe the only member to vote for keeping rates unchanged. He said this was because of the impact of rapid price rises on household incomes.
The committee said that more interest rate rises "might be appropriate in coming months, but there were risks on both sides of that judgement depending on how medium-term prospects evolved."
The invasion of Ukraine was likely to push prices up even faster than the Bank expected at its last meeting in February, it added.
"The economy had recently been subject to a succession of very large shocks. Russia's invasion of Ukraine was another such shock," it wrote.
Morag Milligan is the operations manager at Milligan's Coaches
Morag Milligan, the operations manager at Milligan's Coaches in East Ayrshire, said that the business had barely recovered from the shock of coronavirus-related lockdowns and travel restrictions.
Citing rising fuel prices, she said: "It feels it's just never-ending for the industry... it's crisis after crisis."
The company has seen an 8% increase in fuel costs which had been a drain on resources. "The increase just makes it harder and harder to run," she said.
About two million households will see an immediate increase in their mortgage payments as a result of the rise in rates, according to UK Finance.
The increase will add about £26 a month to the cost of a typical tracker mortgage, and £16 to the cost of a typical standard variable rate mortgage.
The Bank said that higher global prices for energy and other goods were responsible for the faster rise in inflation than the MPC predicted at its last rate-setting meeting.
However, it expects inflation to "fall back materially" once prices stop rising and the impact of inflation on household incomes starts to bite.
While the headline impact of a rise in rates will be felt by homeowners on variable rate mortgages, the big change today was in the mood music at the Bank of England.
Last month, it indicated that the rise was the first in a series likely over the coming months. That language has been toned down and indeed there was one member of the committee who voted to keep them on hold.
This indicates that the Bank is nervous about the economic impact of the massive rise in energy and food prices. More nervous than it is about the fact that already eye-watering 30 year highs for inflation, are not just going to be even higher at 8%, but potentially breach that by the end of the year.
The Russian invasion is one of a series of so-called "stagflationary" shocks, that send both growth figures and inflation figures in the wrong direction.
There is not much the Bank can do to stop the energy price cap and food prices sending the increase in the cost of living to 9 or 10%. But it is signalling its concern about the overall impact on the economy of a prolonged hit to consumers, from events 1,500 miles away.
But the union Unite hit out at the Bank's decision, with its general secretary Sharon Graham saying that it comes at a time when "millions of working people are facing the worst cost-of-living crisis for generations".
"This rise will put even more pressure on household finances as inflation and energy bills continue to skyrocket."
Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, pointed out that energy bills were already set to increase in April with the rise in the energy price cap.
The British Chambers of Commerce argued that higher rates will do little to curb some of the global causes behind the surge in prices and risk intensifying the financial squeeze on consumers and businesses.
Suren Thiru, its head of economics, urged the chancellor to use his Spring Statement on 23 March to tackle the "cost of doing business crisis" by delaying the National Insurance rise and introducing a temporary energy price cap for businesses.
"This would give firms the headroom to keep a lid on prices, protect jobs and make investment that is so vital to sustaining our economic prospects." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60763740 |
Ukraine's Zelensky calls on Germany to tear down Russian wall - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Ukraine's president accuses Germany of helping Russia create a new type of Berlin Wall. | The Ukrainian leader expressed outrage that some German companies were still operating in Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has told German MPs that a new type of Berlin Wall is being built, dividing Europe between freedom and oppression.
He thanked Germany for its support during Russia's invasion.
But it was uncomfortable listening for many MPs as he criticised German energy policy and business interests for contributing to that wall of division.
Over the past week, Mr Zelensky has given a master class in how to pitch his message to allies.
On Wednesday, he addressed US Congress, referring to Pearl Harbor and the 9/11 terror attacks. On Tuesday he asked Canada's parliament to envisage bombs and missiles falling on Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton.
Last week, his address to the House of Commons in London was partly a homage to Winston Churchill's wartime speeches.
His emotive speech to the German parliament, the Bundestag, was equally tailored to appeal to his audience with well-chosen historical parallels. Some of his audience grew up in communist East Germany behind the Berlin Wall.
During the Cold War, Germany's dogged negotiation and engagement with Moscow contributed to the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification.
Since then Germany has tried to use trade, business and energy links to integrate a peaceful Russia into the West.
But Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine three weeks ago has destroyed many of those aspirations. The general political consensus in Germany now is that this may have been the wrong approach with Mr Putin's increasingly authoritarian and kleptocratic government.
President Zelensky expressed outrage that some German businesses were still operating in Russia. The controversial, now cancelled, Russian-German gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 was "cement for that new wall" dividing Europe, he said. Germany's continued reluctance to allow Ukraine into the European Union was "another brick" in that new wall.
"Dear Mr Scholz, tear down this wall," he demanded of the German chancellor, repeating US President Ronald Reagan's historic demand to the Soviets in 1987 as he stood beside the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
Many German ministers listening will agree with him. The Green Party, which in the new governing coalition is now responsible for energy policy within the powerful Economy Ministry, has for years been campaigning against Nord Stream 2.
Even those who once supported the pipeline have changed their minds. Until recently Mr Scholz still referred to it as an non-political business matter.
But as Russian troops gathered on Ukraine's borders, shortly before the invasion, he unexpectedly announced the newly finished pipeline would not be opening after all.
Using another German Cold War analogy, in his speech President Zelensky said that Ukraine needed an airlift, and a no-fly zone to protect it, just as Cold War West Berlin had been saved by the Allied airlift in 1948-49.
He also reminded Germany of its responsibility to make up for Nazi crimes in Ukraine, saying Ukrainian towns and cities were being destroyed for the second time in 80 years.
This was a well-judged comment - Germany does guilt well. But for now there is no time for national bouts of repentance and soul searching.
President Zelensky's speech was greeted by long applause and standing ovations.
The main opposition party, the conservative CDU, expressed outrage that after the address the chamber went on to discuss normal parliamentary business, instead of debating the war in Ukraine. The transition certainly jarred as the parliamentary president announced, amid booing from opposition MPs, a scheduled birthday congratulation message.
Pressure is growing from Ukraine, and from German voters, to end German reliance on Russian energy imports.
The German government is planning to stop imports of Russian oil and coal this year, with an end to Russian gas as soon as other sources are found. Berlin argues that a sudden ban would harm Germany more than Russia, sparking mass unemployment here.
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck is now on a whirlwind global tour to drum up energy from elsewhere. After a visit to Norway yesterday, he announced a deal to boost imports of Norwegian gas and this week he'll fly to Qatar.
This may not satisfy German voters. In polls a majority say they want an instant embargo on Russian energy. But then it may be impossible to fulfil the electorate's demands - in other surveys an overwhelming majority of German voters also say that energy costs are already too high.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch: Surrogate babies waiting for parents in a bomb shelter in Kyiv, Ukraine | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60777050 |
Police powers reviewed under racial disparity plan - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The "Inclusive Britain" plan was developed in response to the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. | Police stop and search powers would be overhauled
The government has set out its long-term vision to address racial disparities in the UK with changes to policing, health and education.
More than 70 measures are part of the new "Inclusive Britain" action plan.
It includes greater scrutiny over the way police use stop and search powers and improvements to how ethnicity data is collected.
Inclusive Britain has been developed in response to the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.
That led to the establishment of a Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, which made a series of recommendations for reform, grouped under three key themes: building trust, promoting fairness, and creating agency.
Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch MP said: "This is at the heart of our levelling up agenda. It's broader and more wide-ranging than any other review we've had into race and ethnicity in this country.
"The causes behind racial disparities are complex and often misunderstood.
"Our new strategy is about action, not rhetoric and will help create a country where a person's race, social or ethnic background is no barrier to achieving their ambitions."
However, Taiwo Owatemi MP, Labour's Shadow Equalities Minister, said the report failed to deliver meaningful action, and let down ethnic minority communities.
"The next Labour government will introduce a landmark Race Equality Act to tackle racial inequality at its source and deliver security, prosperity and respect to everyone regardless of their background."
The announcement builds on the Levelling Up White Paper published last month which aims to spread opportunity more equally across the country.
Somia Bibi said too many people from ethnic minorities were in prison
Inclusive Britain was officially presented to business leaders, charities and public figures in Birmingham.
Somia Bibi from Himaya Haven, a support group in Birmingham which helps families of loved ones in custody and prison, said racism is still a problem in some parts of the UK.
"Institutional racism comes in many forms, especially in the criminal justice system," she said.
"We find our family members are disproportionately from south Asian and black communities and if you look at the make-up of the prison system race is a factor."
But Naseam Kaid, a Streetwatch co-ordinator in Birmingham, believes good progress is being made.
"You see a lot of Asian and black officers around now, especially in my neighbourhood," he said.
"There's more diversity and better training in police work now."
Naseam Kaid said progress was being made
Last year's independent commission was heavily criticised for playing down the impact of racism and systematic barriers facing ethnic minority communities.
And Halima Begum, chief executive of the Runnymede Trust, says the proposed changes don't go far enough.
"We welcome any measures which will begin to address racial and socio-economic disparities," she said.
"But we must not forget how much black and ethnic minority communities have suffered in the last two years as a result of Covid-19.
"We don't want to see the government giving with one hand to ethnic minority communities and taking away with the other, but instead action from the whole of government is needed to address racial disparities in our society."
Tru Powell, Director of the Aston Performing Arts Academy, says he's lost confidence in the government after a lifetime of personal and professional experiences of racism in the UK.
Tru Powell says things are getting worse
"I experienced racism in school and have been stopped and searched multiple times by police.
"These new measures seem like more empty promises. I feel like things are getting worse and we are regressing."
"I would like to think we're seeing change but I don't think it will happen in my lifetime."
His company recently decided to no longer perform at corporate events unless black people were in the audience to increase representation and inclusion in the arts.
"We've been performing for over 15 years across the Midlands but we've found that the diversity of those coming to see us is lacking.
The events we do celebrate the great and good in Birmingham but when there's a lack of representation in your room, it suggests black people aren't contributing to the city and we have a problem with that." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-60769468 |
Diesel rises again to hit a record £1.76 a litre - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Russia's invasion of Ukraine has rocked global oil prices and pushed up the cost of fuel in the UK. | Diesel prices in the UK rose by an average of more than 2p in a day as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues to affect global oil costs.
The fuel jumped to a record £1.76 per litre on Tuesday, up from almost £1.74 on Monday.
Petrol prices, which have also increased to record highs, rose to almost £1.65p a litre from about £1.64.
The continuing price rises come amid warnings of potential global oil supply problems.
Recent rises in the global price of oil has pushed up prices at the pumps in the UK, but there are hopes recent falls will transfer to cheaper fuel.
Simon Williams, fuel spokesman for the RAC, said drivers could save almost 4p a litre by buying their fuel at one of the big four supermarkets, where the average for petrol is 161p and 171p for diesel.
"We continue to remain hopeful that retailers will soon start to pass on recent reductions in the price of wholesale fuel to drivers when they next buy supply. That ought to lead to petrol stabilising at around 160p while diesel ought to stay where it is based on current wholesale prices," he said.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC), whose members include major supermarkets which sell fuel, has said retailers understand the cost pressures facing motorists.
Andrew Opie, of the BRC, said they would do everything they could to offer the best value-for-money across petrol forecourts.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) said high commodity prices and sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine were "threatening to create a global oil supply shock".
It estimated three million barrels per day of Russian oil could be taken out of the global market as a result of international sanctions.
The agency warned only Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates have enough spare production capacity to offset the shortfall in Russian output, which it said was the largest oil exporter in the world.
Russia continues to export oil for the time being due to deals and trades made before Moscow sent its troops into Ukraine, the IEA said. New business has all but dried up, however, because many Western countries are seeking alternative fuel supplies.
Some countries, such as the US and Canada, have banned Russian oil imports, but by contrast, the EU, which is much more reliant on Russian energy, has stopped short of a ban.
Meanwhile, the UK has said it will phase out imports of Russian oil in response to Russia's actions by the end of the year.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has travelled to discuss energy security and other issues in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
A Rosneft oil rig drilling the first exploration well in the Khatanga Bay, Russia
The IEA said the world was "faced with what could turn into the biggest supply crisis in decades", with global energy markets "at a crossroads".
It added the "implications of a potential loss of Russian oil exports to global markets" could not be understated.
"Russia's invasion of Ukraine has brought energy security back to the forefront of political agendas as commodity prices surge to new heights. While it is still too early to know how events will unfold, the crisis may result in lasting changes to energy markets," it said.
The price of Brent crude oil - the global benchmark for prices - hovered around $100 per barrel on Wednesday, having previously reached record highs of more than $130 a barrel in the immediate aftermath of Western countries hitting Russia with sanctions.
The UK only imports about 6% of oil from Russia, but is affected by the global shifts in price which are driven by supply and demand forces.
RAC fuel spokesman Mr Williams said UK fuel prices had increased at the fastest rate on record, with petrol rising 13p since the start of the month and diesel increasing by nearly 21p.
He said a full tank of unleaded for a family car was now almost £91 on average.
UK motoring groups have said fuel prices are likely to fall as global oil prices stabilise.
Yet, there is a concern some retailers might be reluctant to lower their prices for fear of being caught out if wholesale costs jump back up again.
"The big question is how keen will retailers be to pass on those savings at the pumps as they will no doubt be extremely conscious of protecting themselves from any more rises that could suddenly materialise," said Mr Williams.
"Drivers badly need a break from these relentless daily rises."
The RAC has called on the chancellor to cut fuel duty or VAT in his upcoming Spring Statement. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60763742 |
Preston man detained for Army veteran's one-punch death - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Frank Fishwick, 86, died after he confronted a group of youths outside his flat in Preston. | A man who caused the death of an 86-year-old Army veteran with a single punch has been detained.
Frank Fishwick was attacked after he confronted a group of youths who had congregated outside his flat in Fulwood, Preston, on 10 September.
He initially refused an ambulance but died in hospital the next day as a result of internal bleeding.
Mohammed Al Aaraj, 19, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court to four years in a young offenders institution.
Mr Fishwick, a former Royal Engineer, was at home in The Paddock when he was disturbed by a group of young people at about 15:00 BST.
Francis McEntee, prosecuting, said Mr Fishwick, who he called a "feisty older man", confronted the group, first through his window and then by going out to them.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the veteran became frustrated with the situation and directed racially offensive language at one of the teenagers.
Former Royal Engineer Frank Fishwick was an "adored" grandfather and father, his family says
Syrian refugee Al Aaraj, of Sheffield Drive in Preston, then punched Mr Fishwick in the face and fractured his nose.
In police body-worn camera footage shown to the court, Mr Fishwick was seen in his flat, holding his bloody nose and telling an officer he asked the group to move but they had refused.
Mr Fishwick told police officers he did not want medical attention but his nose continued to bleed and he was admitted to hospital later that day.
A post-mortem examination found the cause of his death was internal bleeding.
Sentencing Al Aaraj, Judge Robert Altham said: "The comments made by Mr Fishwick do form part of the background in this case, however even the making of those comments cannot begin to excuse the defendant, a young man, punching an 86-year-old man in the face."
Al Aaraj was charged with manslaughter, which he initially denied.
The CPS said he changed his plea to guilty after officers produced CCTV evidence and Mr Fishwick's account from a police officer.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Paul Robinson described it as an "extremely tragic case".
"Frank was frustrated and used inappropriate language that cannot be condoned, but Al Aaraj and his friends could have simply walked away, and they chose not to," he said.
Mr Robinson said his death had been "devastating" for his daughter, who had not seen her father for a long time due to the pandemic.
In a statement, Mr Fishwick's daughter, Judith Taylor Fishwick, who lives in America, said her relatives' lives were "turned upside down" by the attack.
Her father was taken from his loved ones by a "cruel act of violence", she added.
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The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-60755609 |
Ukraine war could hit global growth, OECD warns - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The organisation warns the conflict in the region could reduce global economic growth by more than 1%. | The war in Ukraine could cut global economic growth by more than one percentage point in the first year after the invasion, a report suggests.
The Organisation for Economic Development (OECD) said the impact could also cause a "deep recession" in Russia if it is sustained.
It also warned that the conflict could push up prices globally by about 2.5%.
The organisation called for targeted financial support for those on the lowest incomes in response.
Costs were already going up due to increased demand as Covid restrictions ease.
But if the moves in commodity prices and financial markets are sustained, consumers could see the rate of inflation, which tracks how the cost of living changes over time, increase even further, the OECD said.
Prices of oil, gas, metals and chemicals essential to fertiliser production, for example, have jumped as concerns over supplies from the region increase.
Although Russia and Ukraine only make up a small percentage of the global economy, they are huge producers of raw materials.
The OECD assumes in its new research that oil prices will remain elevated by one-third, gas by 85% and wheat by 90%.
Outside Russia and Ukraine, the organisation suggested that most pain would be felt in Europe, with up to 1.4% knocked off the economy.
Europe is more dependent on Russia and Ukraine for supplies of energy as well as food. The countries have, in the past, been described as the "breadbasket" of Europe.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch: Ros Atkins on why the war in Ukraine is pushing up food prices - and the likely impact on poorer countries
Those countries "that have a common border with either Russia or Ukraine" would feel the impact most, while bearing the brunt of refugee flows from Ukraine, the OECD said. The price shock, however, might be felt more keenly by those in developing countries.
It added that governments could soften the latest blow for household budgets with a "targeted fiscal response".
"Well-designed and carefully targeted fiscal support could reduce the negative impact on growth with only a minor extra impetus to inflation."
It suggested that in some countries this could be funded by a one-off windfall tax on oil and gas companies to help households cope with higher bills.
Spain has already announced something similar, although the UK has so far largely resisted. The government argues that a windfall tax would stop companies investing in the UK.
The group of developed economies also said that central banks should mostly stick to the interest rate plans set out before the conflict broke out.
"Monetary policy should remain focused on ensuring well-anchored inflation expectations," it said.
"Most central banks should continue their pre-war plans, with the exception of the most affected economies, where a pause may be needed to fully assess the consequences of the crisis."
The war has dominated headlines in every corner of the globe - but between them, Ukraine and Russia account for a relatively tiny part of the world's economy, just £1 in every £50.
However, it's what they produce - one-third of the world's wheat exports, one-fifth of its gas and a tenth of its oil, not to mention vital manufacturing ingredients such as nickel and palladium - that means the conflict universally hits prosperity.
If those commodity prices remain at recent elevated levels (and that's not certain), the OECD reckons it will dampen - but not eradicate - what it previously expected to be a "brisk pace" of global growth of 4.5%, delaying a return to the norms of the pre-pandemic era.
It's the pockets of households and businesses, however, that'll suffer most, from a painful and prolonged bout of accelerating price rises of staple goods.
The OECD is urging governments to ease the burden, perhaps using windfall taxes to redistribute funds from energy producers to consumers. Spain is doing just that, but other governments are fully aware that they're more reliant than ever on energy giants to step up and help keep supply plentiful and affordable.
But there's a limited amount even the most eager and well-funded government can do. And it's those in places where the state is least likely, or able, to help which may feel the burden most. They are the very places that were already struggling to cast off the economic shadow of the pandemic. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60777498 |
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's husband on her return - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's husband is awaiting his wife's return from Iran after years of campaigning. | Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British-Iranian woman detained in Iran nearly six years ago, is on her way to the UK where her family await.
Her husband Richard Ratcliffe campaigned for his wife's release, while caring for their daughter, Gabriella. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60764547 |
Peter Bowles: To The Manor Born actor dies aged 85 - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | He was well known for starring opposite Penelope Keith in the BBC comedy, plus ITV's Victoria. | Bowles starred in To The Manor Born, which ran from 1979 to 1981
Actor Peter Bowles, famous for starring opposite Penelope Keith in BBC comedy series To the Manor Born, has died at the age of 85, his agent has confirmed.
He also appeared in films such as The Bank Job, Eyewitness and the Steal as well as TV shows including Victoria, Magnolia Street and Only When I Laugh.
The actor's agent said Bowles had "sadly passed away from cancer".
"He leaves his wife of over 60 years, Sue, and their three children Guy, Adam and Sasha."
The statement continued: "Starting his career at the Old Vic Theatre in 1956, he starred in 45 theatrical productions ending at the age of 81 in The Exorcist at the Phoenix Theatre.
Bowles starred opposite actress Penelope Keith in To The Manor Born
"He worked consistently on stage and screen, becoming a household name on TV as the archetypal English gent in To The Manor Born, Only When I Laugh, The Bounder and Lytton's Diary, which he devised himself."
Columnist and presenter Piers Morgan said Bowles was a "wonderful actor who exuded roguish British charm.... sad news".
Bowles was best known for his role as Richard DeVere in To The Manor Born which aired from 1979 to 1981, starring as the self-made businessman alongside Dame Penelope Keith, with the pair reprising their roles in a 2007 special.
The show regularly attracted TV audiences of 20 million and became what Bowles was best known for.
He told the Daily Mail in 2018 he became something of an overnight success in his 40s after starring in the comedy, having not even been invited to the show's press launch.
The paper said that the day after it screened he was "tooted at in the street by fans driving past and, later, given a standing ovation when he walked on stage in the West End".
"It did not go down well with the rest of the cast!" he added.
He told the Mail he was "trained to be a leading Shakespearean actor. The voice! The presence! The size! But I never had a lead." In about 2013 he was offered King Lear, but he explained it came too late: "I turned it down - I was too old!'
Born in London in 1936, he grew up in Nottingham and won a scholarship to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada).
He cut his teeth on stage with the Old Vic Company before embarking on a successful TV career.
Speaking about his success in sitcoms, he told the PA news agency in 2010: "If you have a great popular TV success, particularly in comedy, people don't think you can act on stage.
"People thought I was just a sitcom actor and the BBC told me I'd never work in drama again. I didn't realise there were two worlds. It was new to me. I found it very odd and frustrating."
Bowles starred in a Christmas special of To The Manor born in 2007 to celebrate the show's 25th anniversary
During the Second World War his father worked as an engineer at Rolls-Royce and when Bowles was six the family moved to one of the poorest working-class districts of Nottingham. Their house had an outside toilet and no bath.
"We were in a Coronation Street environment but everyone was extremely friendly and there were lots of kids. It was terrific," he said previously.
After appearing in amateur plays in Nottingham, when he won his Rada scholarship, he lost his Midlands accent.
He was reunited with Dame Penelope in a regional tour of Sheridan's The Rivals, directed by Sir Peter Hall, in 2010.
In 2016, he starred in BBC Two series Murder, which delved into the psyches of everyone involved in a murder case through testimony delivered straight to camera by each character.
He recently played the role of the Duke of Wellington alongside Jenna Coleman in the popular ITV series Victoria. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-60777622 |
BBC Radio 4 - Nazanin, Episode 1 | 2022-03-17 | A birth amid a revolution, and an unpaid arms deal debt having ramifications decades on. | The mystery of a decades old tank debt with Iran, and how it may have ended up costing Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe her freedom today.
What’s the key to bringing home Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British woman who has been held hostage in Iran for almost six years? And how closely linked is Nazanin’s release to a tank deal debt more than 40 years old? In episode 1 of Nazanin, former Today programme editor, Ceri Thomas, explores the origins of the debt, the apparent corruption which surrounded the deal which created it, and its long, difficult legacy. It’s a story which begins in the freewheeling 1970s when the need to ‘grease the wheels’ of big arms deals seemed barely controversial, and when the Shah of Iran and a notorious middleman known around Whitehall as ‘Mr 1%’ were able to pocket millions in commissions paid by the UK. And it leads back to the fate of more than one hostage today. | https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0014gb2 |
St Patrick's Day: Biden reinforces support for Good Friday Agreement - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The US president held a virtual meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to celebrate St Patrick's Day. | Micheál Martin and Joe Biden met virtually after Mr Martin tested positive for Covid
US President Joe Biden has warned that too much "blood, sweat and tears" have been shed on the Good Friday Agreement to change it now.
He also praised the Irish government's response to the Ukrainian conflict in bringing in 7,000 refugees.
The president was speaking during a virtual meeting with Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin to celebrate St Patrick's Day.
The talks were held remotely after Mr Martin tested positive for Covid.
President Biden said he was disappointed the two leaders could not meet in person.
In reply the taoiseach said they met virtually last year across the Atlantic because of the pandemic and now they year were meeting virtually across the road.
President Biden then reaffirmed his government support for the Good Friday Agreement, the deal which ended the worst of almost 30 years of violence known as the Troubles.
"I want to emphasise this administration's unequivocal support for the Good Friday accord," he said
"I think too much blood, sweat and tears have been shed to get that done. And this is no time to change it."
Both leaders also talked about Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the taoiseach praised the president's "firm and measured" response to the war
President Biden said he was impressed with the Republic of Ireland's response in brining in more than 7,000 Ukrainian refugees.
Mr Martin had to isolate after he was informed of a positive Covid test while attending the Ireland Fund dinner in Washington on Wednesday night.
At the time he was sitting alongside House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other guests.
The taoiseach had been due to receive an international leadership award at the event.
However, when the moment arrived Ireland's Ambassador to the United States, Dan Mulhall, took to the stage and confirmed the positive test.
He said Mr Martin had tested negative but then was re-tested after a member of his delegation received a positive result.
He said the taoiseach had re-tested out of an "abundance of caution" and added that he was in "good form" but very disappointed.
"It is a sad thing which I have to do which is to deliver the taoiseach's speech on his behalf," he said.
Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader Colum Eastwood, who was at the dinner, said it was a big blow for the taoiseach.
"It is very sad. This is a major event for any taoiseach, going into the White House on St Patrick's Day, and that now won't happen. I feel very sorry for him," he said
He said the news had left everyone "deflated" at the dinner and with the taoiseach's office due to be rotated later this year, he said Mr Martin would not get another chance to celebrate St Patrick's Day in the White House.
The water in the White House north lawn fountain was turned green to mark St Patrick's Day in 2021
During the gala dinner on Wednesday, President Biden and Mrs Pelosi addressed the gathering.
Mrs Pelosi issued a warning to the UK over the Northern Ireland Protocol.
She said that if the "border is hardened there will be no UK-US trade deal".
She also warned against any move which "imperils" the Good Friday Agreement.
• None What is the Good Friday Agreement? | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60776392 |
Ukraine conflict: Biden brands Putin a 'war criminal' - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The off-the-cuff remark prompts Russia to call the comment "unforgiveable rhetoric". | Mr Putin and Mr Biden met at a 2021 summit in this file photo
US President Joe Biden has labelled Russian leader Vladimir Putin a "war criminal" in a move likely to escalate diplomatic tensions even further.
Mr Biden delivered the remark off-the-cuff in response to a reporter's question at the White House.
It is the first time he has used such language to condemn President Putin, and the White House later said he was "speaking from his heart".
The Kremlin, however, said it was "unforgiveable rhetoric".
"We believe such rhetoric to be unacceptable and unforgivable on the part of the head of a state, whose bombs have killed hundreds of thousands of people around the world," spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian state news agency Tass.
The exchange in Washington happened Wednesday when a reporter asked the US president: "Mr President, after everything we have seen, are you ready to call Putin a war criminal?"
The President replied "no" before being challenged, and then changed his reply: "Did you ask me whether I would tell ....? Oh, I think he is a war criminal."
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki later said the president had been speaking from his heart after seeing "barbaric" images of the violence in Ukraine, rather than making any official declaration.
She noted that there was a separate legal process, run by the State Department, to determine war crimes - and that was ongoing separately.
The president's official Twitter account posted: "Putin is inflicting appalling devastation and horror on Ukraine - bombing apartment buildings and maternity wards... these are atrocities. It is an outrage to the world."
One by one, diplomatic bridges between the United States and Russia are being set ablaze.
Mr Biden's statement was an odd one, albeit not out of keeping for a politician who has a history of making monumental policy shifts in seemingly off-the-cuff remarks (see, for instance, his comments on gay marriage in 2012).
After initially telling a reporter he did not think Mr Putin was a criminal, he came back and reversed himself. If there had been an internal debate at the White House over how to handle the growing calls in Congress and the press to condemn Mr Putin in this way, the president settled it in an aside, not a set-piece speech.
This, of course, will make it harder for Mr Biden and his administration to work with the Russians going forward. Every concession or negotiated agreement, on whatever topic, will invite the rejoinder: How can you associate with a criminal?
Perhaps Mr Biden, in his comments, was simply acknowledging the new reality - that the world's political order has irrevocably shifted, and there's no going back to the way things were.
It came after a busy day of political theatre in both the US and Russia over Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier gave a speech by video link to the US Congress, receiving a standing ovation. Hours later, Mr Biden approved additional weapons aid for Ukraine, bringing the total US contribution to $1bn (£760m).
On the other side of the world, President Putin also gave a televised speech laden with anti-Western rhetoric.
He accused the West of trying to divide Russia with lies, and railed against those he called "traitors" inside of Russia.
"Of course they will try to bet on the so-called fifth column, on traitors - on those who earn their money here, but live over there. Live, not in the geographical sense, but in the sense of their thoughts, their slavish thinking," Mr Putin said.
The term "fifth column" is often used for a group that tries to undermine a nation or organisation from the inside.
"Any people, and especially the Russian people, will always be able to distinguish the true patriots from the scum and the traitors, and just to spit them out like a fly that accidentally flew into their mouths," Mr Putin said. Such a "self-purification" of society would strengthen Russia, he added.
Mr Putin also accused the West of trying to provoke civil conflict with the goal of "the destruction of Russia".
His speech was greeted with concern by some Russia-watchers and journalists.
Tatiana Stanovaya, a political analyst, told the New York Times that Mr Putin was signalling authorities across Russia to target "all spheres of society that show any sympathy to the Western way of life".
Mikhail Kasyanov, a former Russian Prime Minister who also worked in Mr Putin's first government before becoming one of his fiercest critics, tweeted that Mr Putin "is intensifying his actions to destroy Russia".
He is "essentially announcing the start of mass repressions against those who don't agree with the regime," Mr Kasyanov wrote. "This has happened in our history before, and not only ours." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-60773626 |
St Patrick’s Day parade in Belfast ‘for everyone’ - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Belfast is set to stage its first St Patrick's Day parade since the coronavirus pandemic. | Belfast is to stage its first St Patrick's Day parade in two years after a hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
One group is working to increase diversity in the parade.
Beat Carnival's theme for this year's pageant parade is “we are all Patrick”. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-60755238 |
Emiliano Sala: Footballer died after plane broke up mid-air - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The footballer's brother says the family will "never really believe" he is dead. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Sala's brother Dario says his brother was the best and he still cannot believe he is dead.
Footballer Emiliano Sala died instantly from "head and trunk injuries" when the plane he was in crashed after breaking up mid-air, a jury has found.
They also concluded he was likely to have been "deeply unconscious" from carbon monoxide poisoning on the unlicensed flight.
Sala and pilot David Ibbotson died when the plane they were flying in crashed in the English Channel in January 2019.
The 28-year-old had been flying to Wales from France to join Cardiff City.
David Henderson, who arranged the flight, was given an 18-month prison sentence for aviation offences relating to arranging the flight.
The jury concluded Sala died in the crash having been overcome by toxic levels of carbon monoxide from the aircraft's faulty exhaust system.
The body of Mr Ibbotson, from Crowle, Lincolnshire, has never been found.
The plane disappeared from radar near Guernsey on its way to Cardiff from Nantes
Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Sala's younger brother Dario described the impact his death had on the family.
"We just couldn't believe it, we couldn't accept it. It was so shocking for us as a family. Even now we can't believe it and we'll never really believe it," he said.
"For me, my brother was always the best, the greatest, even before he became a professional footballer and came over here - he was my brother."
During the inquest, Dorset Coroner's Court was told Henderson had been investigated for illegal public transport flights before, but he was was not monitored following the initial investigation.
Emiliano Sala had just signed with Cardiff City before the crash
He arranged for Mr Ibbotson to take the footballer from Cardiff to Nantes and back again, when the plane crashed en-route to Cardiff.
Argentine striker Sala (second left) had just signed for Cardiff City when he died
Explaining how carbon monoxide could have entered the Piper Malibu's cabin, Brian McDermid, who works for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, said it most likely came from exhaust gases seeping into the cabin through a heating system.
But, he added, during its last maintenance check "there was no evidence to suggest that the aircraft was not serviceable or fit to do that flight".
The wreckage of the plane was found a month after the crash
In a statement, Sala's family said the inquest had "shone a bright light on many of the missed opportunities in the worlds of football and aviation to prevent his tragic death".
"The family particularly note the jury's findings that it is likely that both the pilot and Emiliano suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning and that Emiliano was deeply unconscious at the time of the accident, and that the poisoning was caused by a failure in the aircraft exhaust system," they added.
"The family also welcome the coroner's decision to communicate to the relevant authorities her concerns about the safety issues arising from this inquest in order to prevent similar future deaths. No family should have to go through grief from a similar avoidable accident."
Coroner for Dorset Rachel Griffin is recommending that the UK Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps consider giving the Civil Aviation Authority more powers to tackle the "illegality of these flights and the risks associated with them".
She is also sending her prevention of future deaths report to the UK Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Nadine Dorries, interested parties and a host of other sporting organisations in order to discourage the use of illegal flights.
David Henderson is serving an 18-month prison sentence for his role in arranging the flight
French club Nantes and Cardiff have been in dispute over the agreed £15m fee for Sala.
Cardiff claimed they were not liable for any of the fee because Sala was not officially their player when he died and refused to make interim payments as they claimed the deal was not legally binding.
The case is being heard at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Cardiff City said it respected the verdict and hoped Sala's family would have "a sense of peace and closure".
"We are pleased that the truth has been firmly established in a court of law, particularly the facts surrounding the organisation of the illegal flight," a spokesman added. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-60767283 |
Outrage and no ferries after mass P&O sackings - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The company confirms it will not run services "for the next few days" after abruptly sacking 800 staff. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. P&O Ferries workers were told via video that it "was their final day of employment"
P&O Ferries has sparked outrage after sacking 800 staff with plans to replace them with cheaper agency workers.
Staff were told in a video call that Thursday was their "final day of employment", but some refused to leave their ships in protest and were removed.
P&O said it was a "tough" decision but it would "not be a viable business" without the changes.
But the government called the workers' treatment "wholly unacceptable".
And the RMT union is threatening legal action against the ferry company, calling it one of the "most shameful acts in the history of British industrial relations".
Further protests on Friday are being organised in Dover, Liverpool and Hull.
"Reports of workers being given zero notice and escorted off their ships... shows the insensitive way in which P&O have approached this issue," said Robert Courts, parliamentary under secretary for transport.
"I am extremely concerned and frankly angry at the way workers have been treated by P&O."
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Mr Courts said the company had told him it will be suspending services for "a week to 10 days while they locate new crew" on the Dover to Calais, Larne to Cairnryan, Dublin to Liverpool and Hull to Rotterdam routes.
On Friday morning, the company again said on Twitter it would not run services "for the next few days".
Meanwhile, the Department for Transport says neither the Secretary of State, Grant Shapps, nor Mr Courts, was aware of what was happening with P&O until Thursday.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Sacked P&O employee Andrew Smith said he felt "utter dismay" at losing his job after 22 years' service
The BBC has seen details of a contract for handcuff-trained security professionals which began two days before they were deployed to Dover to remove staff from ferries.
TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said P&O's "secret plan" to sack staff with no notice was "reprehensible".
P&O passengers were told to use DFDS while services were suspended.
RMT union members blocked traffic in Dover on Thursday in response to the 800 redundancies announced by P&O Ferries
Crew on one ship docked at Larne Harbour in Northern Ireland had lifted the gangway after private security officers arrived to remove them.
The crew has now left the ship and Gary Jackson, a full time officer and RMT union member onboard the Pride of Hull, said they were "absolutely devastated".
"At 11am ratings and officers were informed there was going to be a pre-recorded Zoom meeting. After that two to three-minute call all the crew were made redundant," he said.
"I've seen grown men crying on there because they don't know where they're going to go from today."
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Robert Courts says he is "frankly angry" at the way P&O Ferries staff have been treated
James, who has worked for P&O Ferries in Dover for around four years, said he felt abandoned by the company after all he received "was a three minute pre-recorded message saying we are out of a job. Nothing else."
"It was a complete surprise. I would have understood if it was at the height of Covid, but now we're seeing the end of travel restrictions and the start of summer bookings. So this has come completely out of the blue," he said.
Mark Canet-Baldwin, from Hull, was one of the agency workers brought to Cairnryan to take over from the crew that were being sacked.
But after talking it through with his wife, he said: "I felt I can't do it. I felt sick to my stomach. And I walked off. Two others came with me. It's just wrong."
Workers are reported to have been escorted off their ships while being told that cheaper alternatives will take up their roles.
"The approach adopted by P&O is not unheard of, but it is exceptional to forego appropriate notice and consultation processes," said Nathan Donaldson, employment solicitor at Keystone Law.
He said a government review of firing and rehiring in November 2021 did not outlaw the practice but emphasised "that it should be a process of last resort".
Rustom Tata, chairman and head of the employment group at law firm DMH Stallard, said P&O's actions would affect the brand's reputation due to the "apparently wholly planned approach being taken to such a large proportion of its workforce ignoring some of the basic fundamentals of employee relations."
Ann Francke, chief executive of The Chartered Management Institute, said P&O had "got it very wrong".
"It's shocking and appalling. It's like management behaviour from another era," she said.
P&O said its survival was dependent on "making swift and significant changes now".
"We have made a £100m loss year on year, which has been covered by our parent DP World. This is not sustainable. Without these changes there is no future for P&O Ferries."
The cross-Channel operator said on Twitter that sailings between Dover and Calais scheduled for Thursday will no longer run, and customers with tickets were instructed to sail with rival ferry company DFDS.
P&O Ferries is one of the UK's leading ferry companies, carrying more than 10 million passengers a year before the pandemic and about 15% of all freight cargo in and out of the UK.
However, like many transport operators it saw demand slump in the pandemic.
The firm claimed almost £15m in government grants in 2020, which included furlough payments for its employees.
P&O is owned by DP World, the multi-national ports and logistics company based in Dubai. It paid a £270m dividend to shareholders in 2020.
Diane Riley has travelled to Rotterdam for a Northern Soul event
Diane Riley has travelled with a friend from Hull to Rotterdam with P&O for a Northern Soul event.
She was on a day trip to Amsterdam on Thursday when she heard from her daughter in the UK that P&O had suspended its services.
"It was a shock," says Diane, adding: "I thought she was joking at first."
She got a text from the company at around 4pm, advising her to return to the ferry to spend the night.
She says passengers have been told they may be put on a DFDS ferry to Newcastle on Friday morning, and will then be taken back to Hull by coach.
"We don't know anything for certain - we'll have to wait and see what happens when we get back to the ferry," she says.
Meanwhile, Lauren Shaw and her husband told the BBC they were booked with P&O to travel on a ferry from Cairnryan to Larne at 4pm on Thursday.
"We had a phone call at 10am to tell us there would be no sailings today and that they hadn't been told a reason why," she said.
They travelled to the port in the hope getting a ferry, but said: "It's really frustrating."
Are you affected by issues covered in this story? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60779001 |
Russia's state TV hit by stream of resignations - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Marina Ovsyannikova's protest highlighted a growing number of journalists leaving their jobs at Kremlin-run TV channels. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. WATCH: Marina Ovsyannikova speaks to reporters about the reasons for her live TV protest
When Marina Ovsyannikova burst into Russian living rooms on Monday's nightly news, denouncing the war in Ukraine and propaganda around it, her protest highlighted a quiet but steady stream of resignations from Russia's tightly controlled state-run TV.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked her, appealing to anyone working for what he calls Russia's propaganda system to resign. Any journalist working in what he calls the fourth branch of power risks sanctions and an international tribunal for "justifying war crimes", he warns.
Some of Russian President Vladimir Putin's biggest cheerleaders on state-run TV have already faced sanctions, including Vladimir Solovyov who presents a talk show on Russia's biggest channel Rossiya-1, and Margarita Simonyan who has accused anyone ashamed of being Russian at this point of not really being Russian.
Russia's state-run channels are required to toe the Kremlin line, so who has quit in response to the war?
Hours after Marina Ovsyannikova's on-screen protest, three resignations came to light.
Channel One colleague Zhanna Agalakova quit her job as Europe correspondent while two journalists have left rival NTV. Lilia Gildeyeva had worked for the channel as a presenter since 2006 and Vadim Glusker had been at NTV for almost 30 years.
Lilia Gildeyeva revealed on Tuesday she had left Russia and resigned
Rumours abound that journalists have also headed for the door at All-Russia state TV group VGTRK.
Journalist Roman Super said people were quitting its Vesti news stable en masse, although that has not been confirmed. However, renowned TV host Sergey Brilev quashed reports that he had resigned, pointing out he has been on a business trip for more than a week.
Maria Baronova is the highest-profile resignation at RT, formerly known as Russia Today. Former chief editor at RT, she told the BBC's Steve Rosenberg this month Mr Putin had already destroyed Russia's reputation and that the economy was dead too.
There was a big love of my life, Russia, and now it's dead as well
A number of other RT journalists have also resigned, including non-Russian journalists working for its language services.
Former London correspondent Shadia Edwards-Dashti announced her resignation on the day Russia invaded Ukraine without giving a reason. Moscow-based journalist Jonny Tickle quit on the same day "in light of recent events".
French RT presenter Frédéric Taddeï said he was leaving his show because France was "in open conflict" with Russia and he could not continue to host his programme Forbidden to Forbid "out of loyalty to my country".
Days later, the EU said it was banning all of RT's various outlets as well as those of fellow Kremlin outlet Sputnik for their "campaign of disinformation, information manipulation and distortion of facts". Russia's German-based state news agency Ruptly has also endured a spate of resignations, according to Reuters news agency.
Russia's non-Kremlin media have come under repeated attack for years, so many journalists who have worked under constant threat of losing their livelihoods at independent outlets will be unimpressed by the current crop of resignations. Some have been hit with the Soviet-era label of foreign agent.
Dozhd (TV Rain), which was forced off mainstream TV in 2014, has had to halt its online broadcasts because of the Ukraine invasion and a number of its journalists have fled Russia for their safety.
Radio Ekho Moskvy has also been taken off the air amid Russia's new legislation on so-called false information. BBC Russian is among a number of Western outlets that have been banned, while journalists working for Latvia-based Meduza were forced out of Russia.
It is not just journalists who have disappeared from state TV.
One of Russia's biggest talk show hosts, Ivan Urgant, has taken a break from his prime-time Evening Urgant show on Russia's second biggest channel, Channel One, the same station as Marina Ovsyannikova.
He reacted to the war by posting a black square on his Instagram account with the simple message: "Fear and pain. No War." He has since told his followers not to panic, and that he's taken a holiday and will be back soon.
Russia's number one celebrity couple Alla Pugacheva and Maxim Galkin are among a number of other showbiz figures who have also gone on holiday. Galkin said on Instagram: "There can be no justification for war! No War!" | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60763494 |
Martin Bashir Diana interview: BBC pays compensation to aide Patrick Jephson - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The corporation says it apologises unreservedly to Patrick Jephson and has paid his legal costs. | Patrick Jephson was Princess Diana's private secretary for eight years
The BBC has paid damages to the former private secretary of Diana, Princess of Wales, for the "harm caused to him" over Martin Bashir's Panorama interview.
The corporation said it had apologised unreservedly to Patrick Jephson and had paid his legal costs.
The 1995 interview was subject to an investigation that found Mr Bashir used fake documents to gain access to Diana.
Mr Jephson intends to donate the money to UK charities, the BBC said.
Lord Dyson, a former master of the rolls and head of civil justice, was appointed to look into the circumstances surrounding the Panorama programme, which featured Diana saying: "Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded."
The investigation was launched after Earl Spencer, Diana's brother, alleged that Bashir showed him fake financial documents relating to Diana's former private secretary and another former royal household member, and told outlandish and untrue stories about the Royal Family to gain access to the princess.
Mr Jephson was Diana's private secretary for eight years.
In a statement, the BBC said: "The BBC accepts and acknowledges that serious harm was caused to Commander Jephson as a result of the circumstances in which the 1995 interview with Diana, Princess of Wales, was obtained, which have become apparent as a result of the Dyson Report.
"The BBC apologises unreservedly to Commander Jephson for the harm caused to him and has paid his legal costs.
"The BBC has also paid Commander Jephson a substantial sum in damages, which he intends to donate in full to British charities nominated by him."
The Dyson Inquiry found that the BBC covered up "deceitful behaviour" used by Mr Bashir to secure his headline-making world exclusive interview with Diana, and "fell short of high standards of integrity and transparency".
The journalist, who went on to become the BBC's religion editor before leaving the corporation last year, was in "serious breach" of the BBC's producer guidelines when he faked bank statements and showed them to Earl Spencer to gain access to the princess in 1995, Lord Dyson's report said.
It comes after a designer who said he was "made a scapegoat" after Mr Bashir asked him to forge documents reached a settlement with the BBC.
Mr Bashir has previously said mocking up the documents "was a stupid thing to do" and he regretted it, but said they had had no bearing on Diana's decision to be interviewed. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60782670 |
Greenvale Hotel: Family 'kept in dark' over Cookstown hotel deaths - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The justice minister says an inquiry into the deaths of three teens could prejudice criminal proceedings. | The family of a teenager killed in a crush outside a disco have said they have been "kept in the dark" about what happened.
It comes as Justice Minister Naomi Long stuck to an earlier decision not to hold a public inquiry.
Lauren Bullock, 17, Morgan Barnard, 17, and Connor Currie, 16, died as hundreds queued outside the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown on March 17, 2019.
Mrs Long believes an inquiry could prejudice any criminal proceedings.
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) is currently examining evidence gathered in two separate inquiries and has yet to decide if anyone should be charged, including police officers who attended the scene.
Speaking to BBC News NI, Morgan's father, James Bradley, said the system had "kept us in the dark as to what happened".
"Life is going at a snail's pace, but the next thing three years have elapsed," he said.
"A public inquiry would expose all the truth, the before, the during and the after."
Four police officers who arrived at the scene withdrew for a time to await further support.
"I think there were vital minutes lost. I really believe Morgan's life would have been saved. We will find that out later down the line," Mr Bradley added.
"The 'what if Morgan had not gone?' has moved to 'what if things had been put in place better on the night, what if the response had been better?'
James Bradley's son Morgan Barnard died as hundreds queued outside a hotel in Cookstown
Calls for a public inquiry, or a multi-agency investigation, were first made last year, amid concerns that lessons have not been learned.
Initially supported by the Police Ombudsman, they were recently backed by the Police Federation.
Mrs Long has been reconsidering an initial decision not to hold a public inquiry and in a statement her department said she still felt "it would not currently be appropriate" ahead of decisions by the PPS.
"The minister is deeply aware of the pain and the anguish of the families," the statement added.
She said the matter would be reviewed in September.
The justice minister has also written to ministerial colleagues "to urge them to satisfy themselves that all appropriate steps have been taken within their areas of responsibility to mitigate the possibility of a tragedy such as this occurring in the future".
The statement also pointed out that any decision to hold a public inquiry required executive approval.
A solicitor for the family says a public inquiry is needed to prevent something similar happening again
Darragh Mackin, the solicitor acting for the family of Morgan Barnard, said it was likely Mrs Long's decision will be challenged by a judicial review.
He said "a systemic investigation", by way of a public inquiry, was necessary "to learn lessons and prevent further incidents like this happening again". | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-60770222 |
DFDS ferry boss warns of 20 mile queues at Dover if checks do not ease - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Chris Parker says it "won't work" to have increased passenger numbers with current restrictions. | Chris Parker hopes UK holidaymakers will opt for ferry travel as the pandemic eases
An increase in travel to Europe could cause long queues at Dover if coronavirus border checks are not eased by Easter, a ferry boss has warned.
Chris Parker, director of capacity and passenger performance at ferry operator DFDS said he hoped 2022 would see a resurgence in demand.
But if that happens, he said existing Covid checks "simply won't work'.
"The impact would be queues on Kent's motorways, stretching back 10, 20 miles," he said.
Mr Parker hailed the "very good news" last week that pre-departure travel tests to the UK were to be scrapped for fully vaccinated travellers and under-18s.
The government said the changes were possible because the Omicron variant was "widespread and worldwide".
"[We are] hearing we may hear something quite soon from the French government to say that they're doing the same," Mr Parker said.
In December, the French Government tightened restrictions in an attempt to slow the spread of the variant.
Currently, most travellers from the UK who are not French residents or citizens must give a "compelling reason" to enter.
Mr Parker said restrictions had been changing with "dizzying frequency" and this had led to "quite a lot of abuse" for DFDS staff at the border.
Checks on passenger locator forms and vaccination passports have meant delays for travellers, he said, and a significant increase in numbers would "escalate" the problem.
"It's really, really important that we don't find ourselves around Easter, for example, doing these sort of checks because it simply won't work," he said.
Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-59951418 |
St Patrick's Day parades: Police warning as public events return - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Large parades were held across Northern Ireland on Thursday for the first time in three years. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets on the island of Ireland as St Patrick's Day events returned for the first time in three years.
Parades and other festivities were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Events returned across the globe and about 400,000 people attended the parade in Dublin.
Major events also took place in cities such as New York and Washington.
Crowds gathered to watch the parade in Belfast city centre
In Northern Ireland, there were St Patrick's Day parades in Downpatrick, County Down, and Armagh, each with special connections to Ireland's patron saint.
The city's council has been hosting a series of events this year from 10-20 March, including the Beat Carnival Parade which passed through the city centre on Thursday.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Belfast is set to stage its first St Patrick's Day parade since the coronavirus pandemic
After promising the city would "come alive with colour and performances", Belfast Lord Mayor Kate Nicholl said "it means so much to have St Patrick's Day back".
During the event on Thursday, she told BBC News NI people had deserved "a bit of a party" after the challenges posed by the pandemic.
However, despite encouraging people to enjoy the day, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said "unruly behaviour caused by people who celebrate to excess will not be tolerated".
Ch Insp Gavin Kirkpatrick urged young people to "stay away from the Holyland" area of south Belfast, explaining it was a residential area and "not a party or nightlife destination".
In previous years, there have been clashes with police and antisocial behaviour in the area, which is home to many students, around St Patrick's Day.
Ch Insp Gavin Kirkpatrick said the Holyland area was not a party destination
"We are keen to ensure that all young people are aware of the risks associated with criminal and anti-social behaviour, for their safety and future educational and career prospects," Ch Insp Gavin Kirkpatrick said.
He added the warning was also "to protect local residents who are feeling particularly vulnerable" because of the day's events.
As legend has it, St Patrick worked on Slemish in County Antrim when he was first brought to Ireland.
And following his footsteps on Thursday, big crowds climbed to the top to mark his feast day.
Crowds gathered at Slemish on Thursday, where legend has it St Patrick worked when first brought to Ireland
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council expected 1,500 trekkers throughout the day.
Bus loads took crowds from the nearby village of Broughshane where a festival took place with traditional music and dance, street theatre and an artisan market.
In Londonderry, the city's spring carnival festival took place, with the council estimating a crowd of about 35,000 spectators.
Thousands watched the St Patrick's Day parade in Belfast for the first time in three years
The theme was based around rebirth and renewal.
Earlier, members of the Apprentice Boys, one of the Protestant Loyal Orders, paraded for St Patrick's Day in the city.
The march is held separately from the main St Patrick's Day parade in Derry.
"For too many years people thought it wasn't something people from the Apprentice Boys or from the Protestant tradition should be engaged in, but it is a day for everyone," Stephen Porter from the Apprentice Boys told BBC Radio Foyle.
"It has been a great success," he said.
Downpatrick's parade is popular because of the town's many links with St Patrick
In Downpatrick, where Ireland's saint is believed to have been buried beside the town's cathedral, there was a concert in the town.
Armagh City, where historians believe St Patrick established a church in 445 AD, held a community parade, with another large parade in Newry on Thursday afternoon.
Large crowds gathered to watch the St Patrick's Day parade in Derry
The St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin also made a comeback on Thursday after a break because of the pandemic.
Its parade left Parnell Road at midday and crossed O'Connell Bridge on its way to a finish in Kevin Street.
Many turned out to watch the parade through Dublin
A special St Patrick's Day video greeting from Ireland to the world, with Paul Brady's iconic The Island song, was published to mark Ireland's solidarity and support with the people of Ukraine.
Taoiseach (Irish prime minister), Micheál Martin, is currently in Washington, but on Wednesday night tested positive for Covid-19.
On Thursday, he held a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden.
Northern Ireland ministers Conor Murphy and Gordon Lyons are also in Washington, as is former deputy first minister Michelle O'Neill, Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis and Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader Colum Eastwood. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-60772137 |
Stormont ‘doing a disservice to deaf community in Northern Ireland' - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | A sign language bill is being developed, but executive approval is needed, says Deirdre Hargey. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. "I can communicate with someone just like me."
The mother of a boy born without hearing in one ear has criticised delays to Northern Ireland's sign language bill.
The parties agreed two years ago to legally recognise British and Irish sign language through new legislation.
But the bill will not be able to be passed at Stormont without a functioning executive.
Gillian Douglas-Rea said politicians were "doing a disservice to the whole deaf community".
"This is about recognising their culture and identity," she said.
Ms Douglas-Rea's son, Jensen, was also born non-verbal, so she decided to take up sign language but initially found it difficult to access support and ended up paying to take classes online.
Gillian Douglas-Rea had to find resources herself in case her son Jensen's hearing deteriorated in the future
"We had to seek out charities and places and at the beginning of our journey, we didn't know what to do," she said.
She said she was glad she had persevered as it had given her son the "tools" he needed in case Jensen's hearing deteriorated in the future.
But she would like to see a sign language act in place as soon as possible.
"Our politicians need to get moving," she added.
Plans to introduce a sign language bill for Northern Ireland are facing a delay without a functioning Stormont executive, according to Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey.
The Sinn Féin minister said her officials had been developing the bill for some time, but executive approval would be needed.
Without it, Northern Ireland could become the only part of the UK without such laws.
Deirdre Hargey says plans to introduce a sign language bill are facing a delay without a functioning executive
A sign language act would require the government to ensure the use of British and Irish sign language across public services.
It would also ensure a duty to promote sign language in educational settings and allow more people to learn it for free.
Scotland has had laws in place since 2015 recognising sign language, and the Republic of Ireland followed suit in 2017.
Later this week, Westminster will debate plans to change the laws in England and Wales, but it will not apply in Northern Ireland.
The New Decade New Approach deal said the parties were committed to bringing forward a bill for British and Irish sign language "at an early stage".
Asked why Ms Hargey had not already introduced the legislation, as it falls within her remit, she said she wanted to ensure it was as "comprehensive" as it could be.
"We're working with the deaf community to ensure it meets all their needs," she told BBC News NI.
"I could have rushed this through but, coming from those conversations, we needed to take the additional time.
"All new legislation needs to go through the executive, the policy work is continuing to be done.
"Let's hope after the election, we get the executive up and running again so that the legislation can come through."
The British Deaf Association estimates that about 18,000 people in Northern Ireland use British or Irish sign language.
The Department for Communities said it had committed £1.2m to the British or Irish sign language community since the onset of the pandemic until the end of this financial year.
It is also working with members of the British Deaf Association to co-design proposals and develop the sign language bill. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-60751368 |
P&O to axe Hull to Zeebrugge route due to Covid impact - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | The decision to close the route and reduce other services has been prompted by the pandemic. | The Pride of York was originally built in 1986 and was refurbished and refitted in 2017
Ferry operator P&O Ferries is to scrap its route between Hull and Belgium due to a sharp drop in demand because of coronavirus.
It is understood the number of services between Dover and Calais will also be reduced and 140 jobs are at risk across the company.
The RMT union said it was working with the ferry operator to protect jobs.
P&O said due to the "extended impact of Covid-19" it was taking "difficult action" in making redundancies.
The route connecting Hull with Zeebrugge in Belgium has been described as loss-making and is expected to close in the next few months
The scrapping of the route means the Pride of York and the Pride of Bruges vessels will be taken out of service.
The Dover to Calais crossing will continue to operate, but will be reduced from six ferries to four, with the freight ferry European Seaway and the Pride of Burgundy being stopped.
The Pride of Burgundy is one of four ferries on the Dover to Calais route
In a leaked consultation document sent to staff earlier this week, the company said a fall in tourist demand due to the pandemic and ongoing Brexit uncertainty were to blame.
Darren Procter, national secretary for the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, said the Hull to Zeebrugge crossing had been a "challenging route for a number of years" and the pandemic had compounded the problem.
He added: "The Pride of York is an ageing vessel and because of the future financial costs P&O made the decision to cut their losses."
Mr Proctor said scrapping the route would have a wider economic impact on Hull.
"The individuals travelling on these vessels will use local amenities, they might have a pub meal or stay in a hotel so it's going to have a knock on effect.
"Obviously Hull has a rich maritime heritage and a lot of industry connected to the sea so it's a shame it's going."
The Pride of York has not been running since the pandemic while the Pride of Bruges had returned to operation for a short period of time.
Mr Proctor said the two affected ferries on the Dover to Calais route had not been in operation for some time and were both laid up in the Port of Leith in Edinburgh.
A spokesperson for P&O said: "Due to the extended impact of Covid-19, we are having to take further difficult action in which some jobs will be made redundant - but as a result thousands more jobs will be saved.
"These necessary steps will ensure we are a slimmer and more agile business that is better able to give customers the service they want and the value they demand."
Earlier this year the ferry operator was criticised for announcing 1,100 job cuts after taking advantage of the government's furlough scheme.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-54369684 |
Ukraine war: Mariupol theatre destroyed in bombing - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | President Zelensky said the theatre in the besieged Ukrainian city was being used as a shelter by hundreds of people. | President Zelensky has accused Russia of intentionally bombing a theatre sheltering civilians in the besieged city of Mariupol.
Moscow denies claims it bombed a theatre where people were hiding, with the Russian word for "children" written on the ground outside the building. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60777075 |
Kherson: Russian-occupied city stays angry and defiant - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | More than a fortnight after falling under Russian occupation, the residents of Kherson are wrestling with acute shortages while protesting against the Kremlin's forces. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
More than a fortnight after falling under Russian occupation, the residents of Kherson are wrestling with acute shortages of medicine and holding daily protests against the Kremlin's forces. They are also worried that increased shelling on the outskirts might signal the start of a Ukrainian push to recapture their southern city, which is a key port.
A series of loud explosions rattled the windows of Yuri Stelmashenko's office in a government building in the centre of Kherson on Tuesday afternoon, as the city's deputy mayor was on a phone call, busy explaining they had less than a week's supply of food and medicine left.
"Can you hear the shelling outside? Not far off. Unfortunately, we're having to get used to this terrifying reality," said Stelmashenko calmly.
"We're looking at a real humanitarian catastrophe here," he said.
"We've been left here alone - there's no other legitimate authority apart from the mayor. Russian officials came to our office and we agreed that we would continue working. But it's not clear how long that will continue."
There have been reports that Russia might stage a referendum in Kherson on independence from Ukraine - as they previously did in Crimea after it was annexed in 2014, as well in the Russian-backed separatist areas of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Residents of Kherson have held repeated protests against the Russian occupation
But Stelmashenko rejected the idea of this happening in his city, saying it was clear there was no support for Moscow's actions among the largely Russian-speaking population.
Video footage showing a small pro-Russian demonstration in Kherson has been dismissed as a Kremlin propaganda stunt by locals.
On the streets nearby, there were queues for milk, and frustration in local pharmacies which have reportedly run out of most essential drugs.
"There's no medicine left for people with heart conditions, or asthma. The hospitals are working but there's just no medicine," said a medic, speaking by telephone. She asked that we only use her first name, Galina.
"No-one is starving here," said a local university lecturer, Lada Danik, who praised the mayor's office for focusing on trying to support residents of the city without appearing to endorse the Russian occupation.
"The situation is quite stable. We have electricity, water, and there is central heating and transport."
But Danik condemned officials in other occupied cities who have submitted to Russian rule. "If they want to make our city Russian, then it's treason," she said.
In Melitopol, to the east, the Ukrainian mayor was reportedly abducted by Russian forces last week and has not been seen since.
A local pro-Russian official, Galina Danilchenko, has now claimed that she is Melitopol's new mayor and recorded a video message urging residents "to adapt… to the new realities, so we can begin to live in a new way".
But in Kherson, thousands of residents, including Danik, have continued to take part in peaceful daily protests outside government offices in the city centre.
Video footage shows large crowds screaming "fascists… have you no shame?" and "go home" at Russian troops.
"The quantity of soldiers is getting bigger. But they're not military now. They wear different, grey uniform. Like a kind of police," said Danik.
"There were so many people at today's protests that the Russian troops started shooting into the air. It seemed to me they were afraid. I was crying to them: 'Go home, go to your mother.' Two of [the Russian soldiers] were laughing. I was really furious, so I just cried out some curse words.
"I'm not an activist, but I want people to understand what's happening here. I'm in my homeland, not doing anything wrong. I'm trying to protect my daughter."
To the east, another key city, Mykolaiv, has so far managed to hold off a Russian advance.
Mykolaiv's governor, Vitaliy Kim, hinted that Ukrainian forces near Mykolaiv were now looking to recapture Kherson, too.
"Fighting is taking place, clearing out several villages [of Russian forces]…The occupiers are fleeing, and people all say that the troops are running away. It's true. They run," he said in a post on social media.
"Kherson residents, we are with you. Wait! Together we'll be victorious." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-60769318 |
Scientists claim hairy black holes explain Hawking paradox - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Researchers say they have solved one of science's biggest paradoxes, first identified by Prof Stephen Hawking. | Black holes form when massive stars run out of fuel and implode
Scientists say they have solved one of the biggest paradoxes in science first identified by Prof Stephen Hawking.
He highlighted that black holes behave in a way that puts two fundamental theories at odds with each other.
Black holes are dead stars that have collapsed and have such strong gravity that not even light can escape.
New research claims to have resolved the paradox by showing that black holes have a property which they call "quantum hair".
"The problem has been cracked!" Prof Xavier Calmet of the University of Sussex, told BBC News exclusively, with much satisfaction. He was among those who developed the mathematical techniques they say has solved the paradox.
At the heart of the paradox is a problem which has threatened to undermine two of physics most important theories. Einstein's general theory of relativity says information about what goes into a black hole cannot come out, but quantum mechanics says that is impossible.
Prof Calmet and his colleagues say they have shown that the constituents of the star leave an imprint in the black hole's gravitational field.
The scientists named the imprint "quantum hair" because their theory supersedes an earlier idea called the "no hair theorem" developed by Prof John Archibald Wheeler of Princeton University in New Jersey in the 1960s.
Prof Stephen Hawking came up with a paradox in the 1970s that suggested either the theory of general relativity or quantum mechanics isn't quite right.
Prof Wheeler came up with the name because it conveys the mathematical description of a black hole: an entity which has mass, spin and charge but is otherwise has no other physical features, bald if you like.
Prof Calmet's "yes hair theorem", published in the journal Physical Review Letters is revolutionary. It claims to resolve the Hawking paradox which has deeply troubled physicists ever since Prof Hawking came up with it in the 1970s.
The paradox raised the possibility that either quantum mechanics or general relativity might be flawed, which is a terrifying prospect for theoretical physicists because they are the twin pillars on which most most of our understanding of the Universe rests.
This false colour image suggests that galaxies have a black hole at their centre. But what happens to the material that is sucked into them?
The "yes hair theorem" claims to resolve the paradox by bridging the gap between general relativity and quantum mechanics. The notion of quantum hair allows information about what goes into a black hole to come out again without violating any of the important principles of either theory. It is a simple and elegant solution.
"But it is going to take some time for people to accept it," says Prof Calmet.
That is because it is such a big deal in the world of theoretical physics.
"Hawking came up with the paradox in the year that I was born," says Prof Calmet.
Ever since then, many famous physicists around the world have been working on it, proposing very dramatic things to explain it, including some who had suggested that some aspects of quantum mechanics is wrong.
"So it is going to take a while for people to accept that you don't need a radical solution to crack the issue," Prof Calmet said.
If the "yes hair theorem" stands up to scrutiny, he said it could be the first step in connecting the theories of relativity - which concern gravity and quantum mechanics which largely focus on the three other forces of nature, which are electromagnetism and two nuclear forces.
"One of the consequences of the Hawking paradox was that general relativity and quantum mechanics was incompatible. What we are finding is that they are very much compatible."
The research team, which also includes Prof Roberto Casadio of the University of Bologna and Prof Stephen Hsu from Michigan State University, built on the work of Prof Suvrat Raju of the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, in Bengaluru in India.
Prof Raju, with several collaborators, has previously shown that all the information inside a black hole can be recovered from outside as a consequence of the effects of quantum gravity.
"In the past few years, it has been recognized that the no hair theorem fails due to quantum effects and this resolves Hawking's paradox," he said. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-60708711 |
Secondary breast cancer: Call for better care in Northern Ireland - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Sixteen women with incurable secondary breast cancer are campaigning for access to better services. | Secondary breast cancer indicates the cancer has spread from the primary source to other parts of the body
Women with secondary breast cancer in Northern Ireland have called for access to the same treatment and drugs available in other parts of the UK.
That is one of the goals included in a manifesto from a group of 16 women calling for improved services.
The women are all living with incurable secondary breast cancer (SBC), also known as metastatic breast cancer.
Patients with SBC in England and Wales are going to be counted in a special audit funded by the NHS.
The women said an audit in Northern Ireland was essential to bring about change and improve services.
Secondary breast cancer is when the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body.
A number of pictures from the exhibition Seen to be Heard are being used at Stormont's long gallery where the women presented their manifesto to MLAs.
The portraits see "beyond the pain" of women living with secondary breast cancer
As well as having access to drugs and treatment, the manifesto also advocates that women:
While each woman's cancer story is different, a common thread is a hope that they can improve services for those who come behind them.
The group said a special audit of how many people here are living with the disease would provide official statistics required to shape services.
Campaigner Julie Ann Lillis said more information could change women's prognosis from a "death sentence" to a "chronic disease".
Another campaigner, Cheryl Graham, said women with SBC often felt "they aren't important anymore".
Diagnosed 12 years ago with breast cancer, it has now spread to Cheryl's lymph glands, lungs and spine.
Her second diagnosis came on 18 November 2020 - the day her son turned 18.
"I left feeling numb, almost as though I wasn't important anymore," she said.
"But taking part in the photographic exhibition shows I am still here, I am entitled to a life, and I want people to sit up and take notice."
Noelle McAlinden has been cancer-free for five years, but has said she was not naïve. She has described the system as "broken".
"Ladies are united with passion and purpose in affecting change in cancer services provision and enquiry for those living with SBC," Noelle said.
The Department of Health has said data collection was a central focus of its 10-year cancer strategy.
However, the women told BBC News NI that they were disappointed their voices were not present in the strategy.
The women have presented their case to members of Stormont's health committee.
Committee chairman Colm Gildernew said the women's campaign "deserves huge credit and support".
"I met with the women and they are truly inspirational," he said.
He said the workforce crisis in health and social care, including the need to recruit specialist nurses, needed urgently addressed.
Committee deputy chairwoman Pam Cameron described the exhibition as "powerful".
"Through each of the portraits shines the inner strength and human dignity of these woman in the face of heart-breaking personal circumstances," she said.
A Department of Health spokesperson said the health minister is deeply sympathetic and supportive of all those experiencing a cancer diagnosis.
The Health Minister, Robin Swann, has asked officials for an update on the latest position regarding availability of the drug Trodelvy, the statement said. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-60750816 |
Who are the dual nationals jailed in Iran? - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | An unknown number are in prison, with some serving long sentences and others sentenced to death. | Most of the dual nationals imprisoned by Iran have been held at Tehran's notorious Evin prison
The plight of British-Iranian woman Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was arbitrarily detained for almost six years in Iran on spying charges that she strongly denied, focused attention on Iranians with dual nationality or foreign permanent residency being held in the Islamic Republic's prisons.
Iran does not recognise dual nationality, and there are no exact figures on the number of such detainees given the sensitive nature of the information. Some of the most prominent are:
Ahmadreza Djalali was sentenced to death in October 2017
The 51-year-old specialist in emergency medicine was arrested in April 2016 while on a business trip from Sweden.
Amnesty International said Djalali was held at Evin prison by intelligence ministry officials for seven months, three of them in solitary confinement, before he was given access to a lawyer.
He alleged that he was subjected to torture and other ill-treatment during that period, including threats to kill or otherwise harm his children, who live in Sweden, and his mother, who lives in Iran.
In October 2017, a Revolutionary Court in Tehran convicted Djalali of "spreading corruption on Earth" and sentenced him to death. His lawyers said the court relied primarily on evidence obtained under duress and alleged that he was prosecuted solely because of his refusal to use his academic ties in European institutions to spy for Iran.
Two months later, Iranian state television also aired what it said was footage of Djalali confessing that he had spied on Iran's nuclear programme for Israel. It suggested he was responsible for identifying two Iranian nuclear scientists who were killed in bomb attacks in 2010.
In February 2018, Sweden confirmed that it had given Djalali citizenship and demanded that his death sentence not be carried out. He had previously been a permanent resident.
In November 2021, Djalali's wife, Vida Mehran-Nia, said he had been informed by prison authorities that he faced imminent execution. He spent five months in solitary confinement, awaiting execution, until April 2021, when he reportedly was moved to a multi-occupancy cell.
Just over a year later, an Iranian judiciary spokesman said Djalali's death sentence was "final" and was "on the agenda" of authorities.
He also insisted that the case was not linked to the war crimes trial in Sweden of former Iranian judiciary official Hamid Nouri, who was sentenced to life in prison over what prosecutors said was his leading role in the mass executions of Iranian opposition supporters in 1988.
Djalali's wife and human rights groups have said Djalali is a "hostage" who Iran is threatening to execute in an attempt to negotiate a swap for Mr Nouri.
Nahid Taghavi was an advocate for women's rights in Iran
The 69-year-old retired architect, who is a German-Iranian dual national, was arrested at her apartment in Tehran in October 2020 and accused of "endangering security".
She was placed in solitary confinement at Evin prison and not given access to lawyers, German diplomats or members of her family, according to her daughter Mariam Claren.
Taghavi was repeatedly subjected to coercive questioning without the presence of lawyers, according to Amnesty International. Interrogators reportedly asked her about meeting people to discuss women's and labour rights, and possessing literature about those issues.
In August 2021, she was convicted by a Revolutionary Court in Tehran of "forming a group composed of more than two people with the purpose of disrupting national security" and "spreading propaganda against the system". She was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in prison.
Taghavi had denied the charges, the first of which was apparently related to a social media account about women's rights, and Amnesty said the trial was "grossly unfair".
Ms Claren wrote on Twitter that her mother "did not commit any crime. Unless freedom of speech, freedom of thought are illegal".
She has said her mother has been denied adequate healthcare by prison and prosecution authorities, despite doctors saying in September 2021 that she needed surgery on her spinal column.
In July 2022, Taghavi was granted urgent medical leave from prison for treatment for back and neck problems. She was sent back to Evin four months later.
A fellow inmate in the prison warned in June 2023 that Taghavi's life was "in danger" following a further 220 days in solitary confinement.
"The pain is so severe that it can be clearly seen on her face. She can barely get out of her bed," a message posted on human rights activist Narges Mohammadi's Instagram account said.
The 64-year-old researcher at Sciences-Po university in Paris is a specialist in social anthropology and the political anthropology of post-revolutionary Iran, and has written a number of books.
At the time of her arrest in Tehran in June 2019, she was examining the movement of Shia clerics between Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq, and had spent time in the holy city of Qom.
Adelkhah was accused of espionage and other security-related offences.
She protested her innocence and after going on hunger strike, she was admitted to hospital for treatment for severe kidney damage.
Prosecutors dropped the espionage charge before her trial began at the Revolutionary Court in April 2020. The following month, the court sentenced Adelkhah to five years in prison for conspiring against national security and an additional year for propaganda against the establishment.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian condemned the sentence and demanded her release.
In October 2020, due to what Sciences-Po called her "health circumstances", Adelkhah was released on bail and allowed to return to her home in Tehran.
However, Iran's judiciary announced in January 2022 that it had returned Adelkhah to prison, accusing her of "knowingly violating the limits of house arrest dozens of times". French President Emmanuel Macron called the decision "entirely arbitrary".
In February 2023, Adelkhah Adelkhah was released from Evin prison after three and a half years in detention.
However, Iranian authorities refused to return her identity papers, making it impossible for her to leave the country or resume her work as a researcher.
Jamshid Sharmahd with his wife (L) and daughter, Gazelle
Sharmahd, 68, a German citizen who lived in the US, arrived in the United Arab Emirates in July 2020 and was awaiting a connecting flight to India when he disappeared. It is believed that he was kidnapped by Iranian agents in Dubai and then forcibly taken to Iran via Oman.
The following month, Iran's intelligence ministry announced that it had arrested Sharmahd following a "complex operation", without providing any details. It also published a video in which he appeared blindfolded and confessed to various crimes.
In February 2023, Iran's judiciary said Sharmahd had been sentenced to death by a Revolutionary Court in Tehran after being found guilty of "spreading corruption on Earth through planning and leading terror operations".
It alleged that he was the leader of a terrorist group known as Tondar and that he had "planned 23 terror attacks", of which "five were successful", including the 2008 bombing of a mosque in Shiraz in that killed 14 people.
Tondar - which means "thunder" in Persian - is another name of the Kingdom Assembly of Iran (KAI), a little-known US-based opposition group that seeks to restore the monarchy overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
According to Amnesty International, Sharmahd created a website to publish statements from the KAI, including claims of explosions inside Iran. He also read out statements in radio and video broadcasts.
However, he denied his involvement in the attacks, saying he was only a spokesman, and rejected all accusations during his trial.
Amnesty said Sharmahd told his family that he had been tortured and subjected to other ill-treatment in detention, including by being held in prolonged solitary confinement.
He also told them that he had been denied adequate healthcare, with access to medications required for his Parkinson's disease delayed routinely.
In July, Sharmahd's daughter Gazelle told the BBC that he could be executed at any time.
"They're killing him softly in solitary confinement in this death cell. But even if he survives that, they're killing him by hanging him from a crane in public."
The 61-year-old retired Iranian merchant navy captain is a US permanent resident.
He has been detained in Iran since April 2016, when he visited Tehran to attend his father's funeral. He was later convicted of "collaborating with a hostile state" and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
His wife - who is a US citizen - broke her silence in March 2022, saying in a video statement that he had been imprisoned unjustly for six years and appealing to President Joe Biden to "bring Shahab home".
In August 2023, his son, Darian, complained that he was not part of a prisoner exchange deal between the US and Iran, which saw five US-Iranian dual nationals released the following month.
"He feels betrayed. He is demoralized. He believes that the US would bring back anyone that they want to bring back," Darian told Reuters news agency.
A US state department spokesman declined to tell reporters why Dalili was not included, but did reveal he had not yet been declared "wrongfully detained" - a designation that would mean the department dedicated more resources to their case and assigned it to a presidential envoy. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41974185 |
Mariupol theatre: 'We knew something terrible would happen' - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | A woman who left Mariupol's theatre a day before the bombing says Russia had been targeting the area. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
Civilians are said to be emerging alive from the ruins of a theatre that, according to Ukrainian authorities, was bombed by Russia in the city of Mariupol. Despite pictures of devastation at the scene, many who were sheltering there are thought to have survived in a basement that withstood Wednesday's attack.
For 10 days, that basement was a refuge for Kate, a 38-year-old Mariupol native, and her son, who is 17. Their own home, like many others in the besieged city, had been destroyed by Russian attacks, and they thought the Donetsk Regional Theatre of Drama was a place where they would be relatively safe.
Mother and son squeezed in the building's dark rooms, corridors and halls with dozens of other families. Some women, Kate said, carried babies that were just four or five months old.
"In the beginning, it was really tough, because we didn't have a well-organised food supply. So on the first two days, adults didn't have any food," Kate, who used to work at the city's zoo shop and did not want to give her full name, said. "We gave food only to the children."
They slept on improvised beds made with soft parts of auditorium seats which had been put together on the floor. The seats made of wood, she said, were cut in parts and used as firewood for them to cook. "Around the theatre there wasn't enough trees we could use, and it was too dangerous to go outside".
For almost three weeks, Mariupol has been under constant shelling by Russian forces, which have completely surrounded the city. About 300,000 people are trapped, with no electricity, gas or running water. Food and medicine are running low, as Russia has prevented the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Four days after she arrived, Kate said, Ukrainian forces managed to send some food supplies and a field kitchen to the theatre, and "we [started] cooking something". They would have soup, and sometimes oatmeal, for lunch, and tea with biscuits for dinner.
The imposing Soviet-era building in Mariupol's city centre, next to the Sea of Azov waterfront, had been designated as a shelter for civilians. Sergei Orlov, the city's deputy mayor, said up to 1,200 people had been there. Human Rights Watch, citing interviews with evacuees, put that number at between 500 and 800.
As Russia's relentless assault continued, Kate said the buildings around the theatre had been either damaged or destroyed. "We knew we had to run away because something terrible would happen soon," she said.
A day before the attack, Kate and her son left the site. "We jumped in a car while the theatre and the area were being shelled," she said. They shared the vehicle with a family of four, who had brought four dogs and a cat.
"We asked to go with them, because we didn't have our own [car]," she said. They were part of convoy of about 2,000 cars that escaped Mariupol on Tuesday.
Mariupol city council said a Russian plane dropped a bomb on the theatre, calling the attack "deliberate and cynical". Russia denied it had targeted the site but, in Mariupol alone, its attacks had already hit several civilian buildings including a hospital, a church and countless apartment blocks.
Satellite images released by the US company Maxar taken on Monday showed that the Russian word for "children" had been marked on the ground in large letters in two locations outside the building, to warn Russian jets away.
A convoy of cars carrying evacuees from Mariupol arrives in the city of Zaporizhzhia
Video of the aftermath showed smoke billowing from the building's collapsed façade. But with communications with the city almost completely cut off, the numbers of survivors or possible casualties were still not clear, almost 20 hours later.
Dmytro Gurin, a member of the Ukrainian parliament and originally from Mariupol, said the shelter in the basement of the building withstood the attack, and that teams were trying to clear the rubble which covered the entrance to the site. "It looks like most of them have survived and are OK," he said.
But the rescue efforts were tricky, he said, as Russia had continued to attack the area. "Shelling never stops and artillery never stops and airplanes are dropping bombs," he said, "so it's really difficult".
The city council estimates about 80% to 90% of the city's buildings have either been damaged or destroyed by Russia, which has attacked the city almost non-stop since it invaded Ukraine, three weeks ago. Entire neighbourhoods have been turned into wasteland.
Local authorities say at least 2,400 people have been killed in Mariupol, although they acknowledge this is likely to be an underestimate. Many of the dead are being buried in mass graves.
After leaving Mariupol, Kate was headed to the city of Lviv, in western Ukraine, a region that has been largely spared of attacks. "The first day after we managed to get out, I couldn't talk. We all just cried", she said. "But now it feels like there are no tears left. I don't think this pain will ever disappear."
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If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60776929 |
Covid: Scotland spending watchdog's concerns, and travel firms confident for 2022 - BBC News | 2022-03-17 | Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Thursday morning. | Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Thursday morning.
The Scottish government provided £4.4bn in grants and business rates relief between the start of the pandemic and October last year. A further £375m was announced following the emergence of Omicron last winter. But the spending watchdog Audit Scotland says it's unable to determine where all of the nearly £5bn of Covid business funding went, and so can't provide a detailed analysis. The speed and scale of the rollout helped to safeguard thousands of jobs and businesses, the government says.
Most people would still be willing to go on holiday abroad this year, despite the possibility of higher ticket prices, according to one travel firm. The industry has confidence it will bounce back after coronavirus restrictions. The past two years have been particularly difficult for independent firms but they believe the sector is going to recover strongly. Read more here.
Some US students are divided over wearing face coverings in school. There have been protests to keep them in place over health concerns - while others welcome not wearing them. We've spoken to students on both sides of the debate to find out how it affects them. Watch more here.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch: Why US students walk out of classrooms over masks
The latest Covid surge in Scotland may peak within the next fortnight, then decline as the virus runs out of people to infect. That's what public heath expert Christine Tait-Burkard thinks, and says the resurgence has been driven by a new more transmissible sub-variant of Omicron. There were more patients with Covid on Wednesday than in January. Read more here.
A wheelchair youth rugby club is down to just one player with a disability since resuming training after a two-year hiatus due to Covid. Tal, 14, who has cerebral palsy, said: "I think that a lot of people were scared about coming back because of Covid." Here's the full story.
Here's everything you need to know about the difference between a cold and Covid.
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