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Werder Bremen 0-4 Bayern Munich: Harry Kane scores and assists on Bundesliga debut - BBC Sport | 2023-08-18 | England captain Harry Kane scores on his Bundesliga debut as Bayern Munich thrash Werder Bremen. | Last updated on .From the section European Football
England captain Harry Kane scored and set up a goal on his Bundesliga debut as champions Bayern Munich recorded a thumping win at Werder Bremen.
He had earlier assisted the first of Leroy Sane's two goals with a deft clip over the top inside four minutes.
Mathys Tel rounded off a comfortable victory for Thomas Tuchel's side late on.
"I was a little bit nervous [and] excited to play the game of course," Kane told broadcaster DAZN after the match.
"We started well with a goal in the first few minutes. For sure there were a few butterflies, but as always when I get on the pitch, instinct takes over."
It was a fine evening for Bayern and the club's record signing Kane, who arrived in Bavaria to great fanfare but had a disappointing start with a 3-0 defeat to RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup.
Billed as the man to finally fill Robert Lewandowski's boots over a year on from the prolific Poland striker's switch to Barcelona, Kane expertly laid on the first goal for Sane.
His quick thinking sent the former Manchester City winger racing clear to roll a low effort into the bottom left corner.
A much-improved Bremen threatened after the break, but Kane dispatched the visitors' second goal of the night, collecting Alphonso Davies' precise pass before picking his spot and placing a low shot into the bottom left corner.
With Kane struggling with cramp, Bayern made several changes.
Substitute Thomas Muller teed up Sane's second goal before Kane's replacement, French teenager Tel, drove in a late fourth.
Bayern have won the previous 11 Bundesliga titles, but their points total of 71 last term, when they only just pipped a faltering Borussia Dortmund, was their lowest since 2010-11 when they finished third.
However, they have sought to remedy that close call with several new signings, including South Korea defender Kim Min-jae from Napoli.
Kane's arrival has undoubtedly caught the imagination the most and provides the greatest cause for optimism they will be able to retain their domestic dominance while challenging again for the Champions League.
Prior to kick-off Tuchel had claimed the "Kane effect" would increase his team's "chances of winning massively" and it is easy to understand why.
While England's all-time top scorer was not at his sharpest, he still provided Bayern with a valuable focal point up front and interchanged superbly with the likes of Sane, Kingsley Coman and Jamal Musiala.
And despite being unable to convert several earlier opportunities to score, in trademark fashion he continued to drop deep, find spaces between defenders and finished unerringly when presented with the ball by Davies.
• None Goal! SV Werder Bremen 0, FC Bayern München 4. Mathys Tel (FC Bayern München) right footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Alphonso Davies.
• None Attempt missed. Romano Schmid (SV Werder Bremen) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Dawid Kownacki.
• None Goal! SV Werder Bremen 0, FC Bayern München 3. Leroy Sané (FC Bayern München) left footed shot from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Thomas Müller.
• None Attempt blocked. Matthijs de Ligt (FC Bayern München) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Joshua Kimmich with a cross.
• None Attempt blocked. Mathys Tel (FC Bayern München) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
• None Attempt saved. Noussair Mazraoui (FC Bayern München) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Thomas Müller.
• None Substitution, FC Bayern München. Mathys Tel replaces Harry Kane because of an injury. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66551395 |
Sara Sharif murder inquiry: Father of girl, 10, sought over her death - BBC News | 2023-08-18 | Sara Sharif was found with "multiple and extensive injuries" at a house in Woking, police disclose. | Sara Sharif suffered extensive injuries over an extended period of time, police said
Police have named the father, step mother and uncle of a 10-year-old girl found dead in a house in Woking as the three people they want to talk to in connection with their murder inquiry.
A global search is under way for Urfan Sharif, his partner Beinash Batool, 29, and his brother Faisal Malik, 28.
They left the UK for Pakistan on Wednesday 9 August, the day before Sara Sharif's body was discovered.
It was that call which led officers to the house in Woking where they found Sara's body with "multiple and extensive injuries", which were likely to have been caused over a sustained period of time.
The 10-year-old has now been formally identified.
A post-mortem examination carried out on Tuesday concluded the cause of death was "still to be established" and further tests were needed.
Urfan Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool are sought by police
Police previously said they were called to the address in Hammond Road at about 02:50 BST on Thursday 10 August "following a concern for safety".
There was no-one else in the house when the 10-year-old's body was discovered.
Urfan Sharif rang the emergency services in the UK shortly after landing in Islamabad with his partner, his brother and five children.
Det Supt Mark Chapman, from Surrey Police and Sussex Police Major Crime Team, said the five children were aged between one and 13.
He added: "We are working with the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service), Interpol, the National Crime Agency, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to progress our inquiries with the Pakistan authorities."
Floral tributes have been laid at the scene where Sara Sharif was found
BBC News has spoken to a travel agent in Woking who said he was contacted by Sara Sharif's father, Urfan Sharif, at about 22:00 BST on Tuesday 8 August who said he wanted to book tickets to Pakistan as soon as possible.
"After that I ask him what is the reason, why you booking as soon as possible, so he said my cousin has died so that why we going Pakistan," Nadeem Riaz told BBC News.
The travel agent said Urfan Sharif booked eight one-way tickets for himself, his brother, his wife and five children.
The flights booked were from the UK on Wednesday 9 August, via Bahrain, and arriving in Islamabad at 05:35 local time on Thursday 10 August.
Mr Riaz confirmed the tickets were used.
Surrey County Council leader Tim Oliver said a "rapid review" would be carried out to determine whether a local child safeguarding practice review should be held, which would bring together police, social care and education to review the practice of the agencies involved in the case.
Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk.
• None More tests to confirm Sara Sharif’s cause of death
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-66538349 |
Transgender women banned from women's chess events - BBC News | 2023-08-18 | The ruling by the International Chess Federation is drawing criticism from some players. | The International Chess Federation (FIDE) says it is temporarily banning transgender women from competing in its women's events.
The FIDE said individual cases would require "further analysis" and that a decision could take up to two years.
The move has been criticised by some players and enthusiasts.
Many sports governing bodies have been working on policies towards transgender athletes, but chess does not involve comparable levels of physical activity.
However the FIDE told the BBC it wanted to analyse the impact of these policies and did not want to rush this process.
"The transgender legislation is rapidly developing in many countries and many sport bodies are adopting their own policies," it said.
"FIDE will be monitoring these developments and see how we can apply them to the world of chess. Two years is a scope of sight that seemed reasonable for the thorough analyses of such developments."
It added that transgender players could still compete in the open section of its tournaments.
Yosha Iglesias, a trans woman professional chess player with the FIDE rank of chess master, said the policy would lead to "unnecessary harm" for trans players and women.
Woman Grandmaster and two-time US Women's Champion Jennifer Shahade also criticised the FIDE decision, saying the policy was "ridiculous and dangerous".
"It's obvious they didn't consult with any transgender players in constructing it... I strongly urge FIDE to reverse course on this and start from scratch with better consultants," Ms Shahade said.
UK MP Angela Eagle, who was a joint winner of the 1976 British Girls' Under-18 chess championship, said: "There is no physical advantage in chess unless you believe men are inherently more able to play than women - I spent my chess career being told women's brains were smaller than men's and we shouldn't even be playing."
"This ban is ridiculous and offensive to women," she added.
In its policy decision, FIDE also said that trans men who had won women's titles before transitioning would see their titles abolished.
Chess is classified as a sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Last month, the world's cycling governing body ruled that transgender women would be prevented from competing in female events.
Meanwhile on Wednesday World Aquatics said it would debut a new open category for transgender athletes at this year's Swimming World Cup event in Berlin after it voted last year to stop transgender athletes from competing in women's elite races.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this story you can access help and support via the BBC Actionline.
Update 31st August: We have updated this story to amend a quote.
• None What is the new trans guidance for schools? | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-66538328 |
A meteor shower and a satellite 'train' caught on camera - BBC News | 2023-08-18 | The camera was recording a meteor shower from Hawaii when a parade of satellites passed through. | While recording the annual Perseid meteor shower from Hawaii, this camera happened to capture a parade of satellites. The group of 15 dots moving through the sky are SpaceX's Starlink satellites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66536797 |
Man in hospital after fall from cruise ship at Port of Cromarty Firth - BBC News | 2023-08-18 | The Viking Cruises crew member was airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after the incident | The man is a crew member for Viking Cruises
A man is being treated in hospital after falling from a cruise ship at a port in the Highlands.
The Viking Mars crew member, understood to be in his 40s, was airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after the incident at the Port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon.
The Scottish Ambulance Service said two ambulances, a helicopter and trauma team were sent to the scene at 11:00.
Viking Cruises said no other people were involved in the incident.
The man's condition in hospital is not known.
A Viking spokesperson said: "Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with our crew member and his family.
"We are focused on ensuring that all involved have the support they need at this time.
"Our operations team is working with local officials to determine how this occurred."
Police Scotland they received reports of the man having fallen from the ship at Saltburn Pier.
A spokesperson added: "Emergency services attended and the man was taken by air ambulance to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
"The Health and Safety Executive has been made aware." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-66549591 |
How Ukraine’s stealthy sea drones strike Russian targets - BBC News | 2023-08-18 | Over long distances and with powerful explosive payloads, Ukraine's water drones are proving highly effective. | President Zelensky has described seaborne drones as Ukraine's "eyes and protection on the frontline", with claims of a series of successful strikes against Russian ships in the Black Sea and on a key bridge to Crimea.
These remote-controlled devices are playing an increasingly prominent role, with both sides ramping up their use for attacks and reconnaissance.
The BBC's Security Correspondent Frank Gardner and BBC Verify assess their influence on the conflict. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-66539146 |
Foreign secretary James Cleverly to attend World Cup final - BBC News | 2023-08-18 | Rishi Sunak will not be travelling to Australia for the game, with diary commitments being blamed. | James Cleverly flew to Qatar to attend the men's World Cup last November
UK foreign secretary James Cleverly will travel to Australia to watch England in the Women's World Cup final this Sunday.
He will join Lucy Frazer, the cabinet minister responsible for sports policy, as the Lionesses take on Spain.
Rishi Sunak, however, will not be attending the match in Sydney.
Health minister Neil O'Brien said the prime minister would "love to be there", but had unavoidable diary commitments.
He blamed the war in Ukraine and "some of the other things that are happening with the wider economy".
"The prime minister has a lot of crucial things in his diary, and some of those things he can't always move," he told broadcasters.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Spain's Queen Letizia will fly to Australia to attend the final with her 16-year-old daughter Infanta Sofia - but no British royals will be present.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation said King Felipe would not be attending, as he would be busy carrying out other official duties.
Kensington Palace said Prince William, the president of the Football Association, would be cheering on the England team from the UK.
It is understood he made the decision to avoid making long-distance flights for a very short stay in Australia. He is believed to be concerned about the climate impact of making the journey.
The Foreign Office confirmed Mr Cleverly's attendance on Friday, following confirmation of Ms Frazer's plans to travel on Wednesday.
The government has said it has no plans for a bank holiday to celebrate an England victory in the final, despite calls from Labour and the Liberal Democrats. There has never been one held to mark a sporting occasion.
Ministers have called on local councils to do their best to allow pubs to open early ahead of the game.
According to an industry body, most pubs are likely to be unable to serve alcohol until 11:00 BST, the time the match begins, with some being restricted until midday.
Pubs can apply to their council for a temporary event notice (TEN) to vary their hours - but that requires five working days to process.
There have been calls to relax licensing laws in England and Wales on Sunday - but signing off such a move would require the consent of Parliament, which is currently in its summer recess.
Have you changed your plans in order to watch the World Cup final on Sunday? Do you have tickets to see the game at Stadium Australia? Tell us your story 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/uk-politics-66547111 |
Looting, barricades, bodies - volunteers rush to help Lahaina after fire - BBC News | 2023-08-18 | Those working to supply Lahaina tell of devastation, looting and frustration after a deadly fire. | Volunteers organise supplies for a trip to Lahaina. "Everyone's in survival mode," one said
When deadly fires torched the Hawaiian town of Lahaina, improvised groups of volunteers raced to respond. In convoys of trucks, they delivered supplies and were some of the first to witness the devastation in the place many of them called home.
Along an industrial road in Kahului, not far from Maui's northern shore, Auntie Lehua Kekahuna sat in the back office of a nondescript single storey building. A handful of men stood around her - tall and broad, half wore bright yellow construction vests, with dirt caked on their faces and under their nails. When Kekahuna spoke, they stayed quiet.
It was Tuesday, one week after a fast-moving fire tore through Lahaina, levelling most of the historic town and killing more than 100. In the last few days, efforts from local, state and federal agencies have come into focus - with hundreds of emergency personnel deployed and $2.3m (£1.81m) in assistance to families disbursed so far.
But in the immediate aftermath of the fires, before official forces had mobilised, Kekahuna already had. She and her friend, Duke Sparks, devised their own response within hours. Sparks shut down his central Maui restaurant, calling in staff to make hot meals for shelters and emergency responders, and the two collected donations for evacuees. And - within a day - they had organised an impromptu team of truck drivers to transport that aid to Lahaina, moving in and out of the devastated town more than a dozen times even when official routes were closed.
"Auntie says it all the time, when the kāhea comes, we'll be there," said Koa Gomes, a nephew of Kekahuna, using the Hawaiian word for 'call'. "We're our own soldiers."
Their efforts are part of a wider network of support run by locals outside the formal channels of government agencies and NGOs. According to dozens of people here, that grassroots aid has been crucial in the face of governmental bureaucracy and delays.
"Honestly we don't disrespect our government," Kekahuna said. "But we're not waiting."
"We don't disrespect our government," Auntie Lehua Kekahuna said. "But we're not waiting"
The group's headquarters are now at Shaka Detailing, an auto detailing company owned by Kekahuna's son, Sonny, that is around 25 miles from Lahaina. The short hallway to Kekahuna's office was lined with donations, neatly ordered piles of nappies, food, water and batteries.
Kekahuna's authority was clear, her low voice silencing entire rooms. "She's our auntie, she's a mother, she's a grandmother," Gomes said. "When she speaks we keep our mouths shut."
Passing through the small building was an assortment of drivers, most stopping on their way to or from Lahaina. For days they have filled their trucks, owned or borrowed, before setting off to the frontlines and using connections with local police to pass through checkpoints designed to keep non-official personnel away.
Most of these men are from Lahaina, meaning that some of the first to see the town after it was destroyed were those who call it home.
"It's survival, everyone's in survival mode," said Casey Smythe, from Lahaina, who drove in the first convoy to West Maui. "You're in disbelief. How could this happen?". During his first trip in, he said, he cried the entire time.
Your device may not support this visualisation
Some supplies are deposited at makeshift hubs, dubbed Kanaka [Hawaiian] Costcos. Others are delivered door to door, to the few homes still standing.
"Before FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency] and Red Cross was there, don't take it in the wrong way, but Kanaka Costco was there," Smythe said. "We were there."
"Lahaina itself, it looks like hell," said Eddie Iniba in Kekahuna's office, stopping in after an overnight shift in the levelled town, with mud and sweat streaking his shirt. Streetlights in Lahaina were still down, he said, and the only visible sights at night were of police barricades and military personnel.
"It's like watching an apocalypse movie," he said. "It hurts."
Eddie Iniba has made several trips to Lahaina. "It looks like hell," he said
Iniba and several others spoke of a different kind of horror inside Lahaina - the looting of both vacant homes and of the bodies of the dead.
One man, Chaymen Enomoto, said he was forced to stop a friend from assaulting someone who they found pillaging in Lahaina.
"He found someone looting the body of an elderly woman who was charred up. She had gold and jewellery everywhere." His friend "broke" at the sight, Enomoto said, and used a knife to attack the looter.
"It took every ounce of me to stop him from killing this guy, because I felt the same anger he was going through."
Officials have denied claims of violence or looting in Lahaina. At a press conference last week, Hawaii's Governor Josh Green said there had been "virtually no conflicts between the residents of Maui that have survived".
Asked about these comments, Enomoto replied: "We're catching it before they get there."
FEMA, the behemoth federal agency tasked with handling natural disasters, has provided $2.3m in assistance to more than 1,300 households so far and sent more than 190 search and rescue team members as well as hundreds more of its own personnel. The agency has urged survivors to register online to receive housing and other assistance - including an immediate payment of $700 for food and water - but with limited power in West Maui, this aid remains out of reach for some.
The agency cannot offer direct assistance for a recovery operation until a state requests a disaster declaration from the president. In Hawaii, this did not come until Thursday - two days after the fires began.
Taken together, the accounts from Lahaina suggest improvised volunteer groups have acted as a substitute for aid workers, demolition crews and law enforcement. And while neither Kekahuna or Sparks criticised the government explicitly, their story reflects a common sentiment in Maui - that locals have stepped in to fill the void of a slow official response.
"All those Red Cross people, bless their hearts, flying in from out of state," Kekahuna said. "Do you think they're going to pick up the bodies? You think they can pick up metal? You think they can pick up cars?"
She continued: "Our locals are going to be the people to clean up this mess."
Refrigerated trucks sit at the Maui forensic facility. Most on the island expect the death toll to continue its climb
Some West Maui residents have said they received more help from unofficial supply chains than from government channels. Inside Shaka Detailing this week, a man dropping off donations said of the volunteer group: "They're the only ones doing anything."
And the alienation between locals and their government has deepened due to a widespread belief that the precise scale of destruction has been downplayed. On Tuesday, Hawaii's governor said he expects the death toll to grow significantly, suggesting it may double as the search progresses.
"We live by the forensic facility," said Gomes, Kekahuna's nephew. "There are four reefers [refrigerated trucks]. One container, easy, 100 bodies in there. They don't even have enough body bags."
And from that same view, Gomes has watched families be called in to identify the remains. "All you can hear is crying, screaming, wailing," Gomes said. "But we can't call on anybody, we get nothing." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66529890 |
Hawaii wildfires: Maui emergency chief quits after sirens criticism - BBC News | 2023-08-18 | Hawaii residents tell the BBC a stronger emergency response could have saved lives in the blaze. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch: Ronnia filmed his neighbourhood moments before his family home was destroyed by flames
Maui's emergency management chief has quit a day after defending his agency's failure to activate its alarm system in last week's fatal wildfire.
Herman Andaya, who had no prior experience in emergency management, cited "health reasons" for resigning.
In the days since, residents of the Hawaii island have told the BBC a stronger emergency response could have saved more lives.
At least 111 people have been declared dead. More than 1,000 remain missing.
Maui's sophisticated system, which includes 80 sirens around the island, is tested on the first of every month, its 60-second tone a normal part of life in Lahaina. But on the day of the fire, they remained silent.
On Wednesday, Maui Emergency Management Agency boss Mr Andaya insisted he did not regret that decision.
He said he had feared the sirens - most often sounded for tsunamis - would have sent some in Lahaina running to higher ground, potentially into the path of the fast-moving blaze.
But in Lahaina on Thursday, none of the residents who spoke to the BBC accepted this explanation, saying the siren would have provided a crucial warning of the approaching danger.
On the day of the fire, many in Lahaina were home, without power, because of the strong winds caused by nearby Hurricane Dora. And a text alert sent by the county was missed by many residents who had lost service.
Protesters in Maui have been asking why sirens did not sound
"The sirens should have been sounded," said Sherlyn Pedroza in Lahaina. Ms Pedroza, 20, lost her family home in the fire last week.
"It would have alerted at least some people stuck at their house - work was off, school was off - it would have alerted them to get out."
As she finished speaking, Ms Pedroza and her friend, Heather Tabilin spotted a neighbour from Lahaina, Alfred "Uncle Al" Dasugo, who they had not seen or heard from since the fires. They ran to him crying and hugged him. "We didn't know if you made it," Tabilin said. Uncle Al just smiled.
Driving to Lahaina on Thursday along Maui's scenic Honoapiʻilani Highway, signs of the town's destruction were gradual.
Traffic lights went dark about 5 miles from the town's centre. Another mile along, the charred shell of a car sat off the side of the road, facing out towards the sea, the first real clue of what lay ahead.
Military and police patrolled the streets, guarding checkpoints surrounding the hardest-hit areas of the historic town.
Tabilin and Pedroza see their neighbour and friend Uncle Al for the first time since the fire
What was once a bustling strip mall, complete with a nail salon, a hairdresser and an ice cream shop, is now a makeshift operations centre, its car park filled with tents of aid - 8ft tall piles of nappies, 6ft tall stacks of bread.
Lahaina residents like Ms Pedroza were among the volunteers.
Standing among the crowd was Ronnia Pilapil, a resident of Lahaina, loaded down with clothes, rice and toilet paper for his family, now staying in a nearby hotel.
Last Tuesday, Mr Pilapil, 38, watched as his family home - a light blue bungalow with a wide front yard - was consumed by fire.
He had stayed behind, sending his wife and nine-year-old daughter away while he tried to fight the flames himself using a garden hose. But the wind became so strong the water started to fly back into his face. "That's when I knew it was going to be bad," he said. "So I just ran."
Ronnia Pilapil had everything he owned in Lahaina. He said he was lucky to be alive
He looked back once he reached higher ground to see his house destroyed. But Mr Pilapil said he felt lucky just to be alive.
"People died trapped in their homes. That's all I'm thinking about," he said.
When asked about US President Joe Biden's visit scheduled for Monday, most residents who spoke to the BBC simply shrugged. One said he worried Mr Biden and his entourage would be "disruptive" to ongoing emergency operations. Others, like Ms Pedroza, said they wished it had been sooner.
Nine days after the disaster, many in Lahaina seem focused on the future, rebuilding their homes and their town.
Despite the timeline - many said they expected the reconstruction to take several years - none said they had any plans to leave, to try life somewhere new.
"This is all I've ever known, this is my home," said Ms Pedroza. "Nobody's selling. We want Lahaina back, and we're going to get it." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66540472 |
Watering Lahaina's scorched banyan tree - BBC News | 2023-08-18 | Firefighters are working to save the landmark tree, but experts fear it is already too damaged. | Firefighters in Lahaina are working to save the ancient banyan tree that is a landmark in the town. But some experts fear it is already too damaged from the deadly wildfires. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66525198 |
Lucy Letby's first police interview - BBC News | 2023-08-18 | The nurse went on to be found guilty of seven murders at the Countess of Chester Hospital. | Cheshire police has released a clip from nurse Lucy Letby's first police interview which took place on 3 July 2018.
The nurse has been found guilty of seven murders and the attempted murder of another six babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
She was was acquitted of two attempted murder charges and the jury was undecided on the attempted murder of a further four babies. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66534713 |
Graham Linehan: Father Ted writer holds gig at Scottish Parliament - BBC News | 2023-08-18 | Graham Linehan's Edinburgh show was cancelled over concerns about his views on transgender issues. | Graham Linehan appeared on a small stage outside the Scottish Parliament
Father Ted writer Graham Linehan has appeared at a comedy show outside the Scottish Parliament, after it was cancelled twice by Edinburgh venues.
Comedy Unleashed moved the gig to Holyrood on Thursday when a second venue declined to host the show.
The original venue, Leith Arches, had pulled out amid concern about Mr Linehan's views on transgender issues.
Mr Linehan has threatened legal action if the venue refuses to reverse its decision and apologise.
The cancellation of the show had sparked a wider debate on freedom of speech.
A small temporary stage was erected near the main entrance to the Holyrood building, where Mr Linehan appeared as part of the bill. About 100 people were in the audience.
His eyes were said to have welled up with tears as he closed the act, telling his audience: "Comedy is my first love, it's the thing I love to do, but I have not been allowed to do that for five years."
After the show he told BBC Scotland News: "It is important to make a stand. It is important to at least stand in front of a microphone, even if it's just for a second, and show that these people don't get to push the rest of us around."
His appearance in the comedy showcase was initially kept under wraps with organisers only describing him as a "surprise famous cancelled comedian" on the bill.
But the venue called off the entire show within hours of his identity being confirmed on Tuesday, saying they had not been made aware of the line-up in advance.
Graham Linehan received an International Emmy Comedy Award for The IT Crowd in 2008
"We have made the decision to cancel this show as we are an inclusive venue and this does not align with our overall values," they said in a post on Instagram.
"We work very closely with the LGBT+ community, it is a considerable part of our revenue, we believe hosting this one off show would have a negative effect on future bookings," they later added.
Mr Linehan, who also wrote TV sitcoms The IT Crowd and Black Books, is often at the centre of heated rows over trans issues and women's rights on social media, with opponents accusing him of transphobia.
In a BBC Newsnight interview in 2020 he compared the medical treatment of transgender teenagers with puberty blockers to Nazi human experimentation.
He told TalkTV on Wednesday: "The most important view I have is that it is a crime against humanity to tell children they may have been born in the wrong body."
SNP MP Joanna Cherry, who was at the centre of a free speech row earlier this year, said the efforts to cancel Mr Linehan's show was a pattern of "all-too familiar discrimination against people... who don't subscribe to gender identity ideology."
"That is Graham holds a view like me that a man can't become a woman and someone's gender identity, somebody's feelings about their gender should not trump the realist of the sex that they are born into," she told BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime.
Joanna Cherry appeared at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe last week
Ms Cherry added: "It's astonishing that a comedy night in Edinburgh, during the largest arts festival in the world, should be prevented from going ahead simply because some people are offended by the views of the comedian and how he expresses himself.
"Free speech is freedom from consequences so long as the speech does not break the law and it's not against the law to be offensive or to say things which other people don't agree with."
Mr Linehan co-created the Channel 4 comedy Father Ted and later wrote Black Books and the Emmy-award winning The IT Crowd.
A 2008 episode of The IT Crowd which involved a transgender storyline was pulled from Chanel 4's streaming service in 2020.
He was suspended from Twitter shortly afterwards, with the social media giant claiming he breached rules on "hateful content".
In an emotional BBC interview last year, the Dublin-born writer told Nolan Live he had been unfairly targeted over his views, losing him work and contributing to the break-up of his marriage. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-66534454 |
It was important to make a stand, says Graham Linehan - BBC News | 2023-08-18 | Comedian Graham Linehan performed outside Holyrood after two Fringe venues pulled out of hosting his show. | Graham Linehan appeared on a small stage outside the Scottish Parliament
Graham Linehan said it was "extremely important" for him to "make a stand" and perform at the Edinburgh Fringe after his show was cancelled twice.
The Father Ted writer gave an impromptu performance outside the Scottish Parliament on Thursday after two venues refused to host the performance.
The original venue, Leith Arches, had pulled out amid concern about Mr Linehan's views on transgender issues.
The show's organiser said they "refuse to be cancelled".
Speaking to BBC Scotland News after the show, Mr Linehan said: "It is important to make a stand. It is important to at least stand in front of a microphone, even if it's just for a second, and show that these people don't get to push the rest of us around."
He added that he knew it was going to be a "weird" show so told himself "do what you can and try and get out with your dignity intact".
Mr Linehan, who also wrote TV sitcoms The IT Crowd and Black Books, has been involved in a number of acrimonious social media disputes with trans activists, with opponents accusing him of transphobia.
He was suspended from Twitter in 2020 after it ruled he had breached its rules on "hateful content", although his account was reinstated last year.
The comedian said: "I heard someone say today I disagree with Graham Linehan on many things, it's like what? What do you disagree with me on?"
He said it was "extraordinary" to find that his beliefs were being cast as bigotry.
Mr Linehan said it was important for his performance to go ahead
Leith Arches said earlier this week that it had cancelled the show because it did not support the comedian or his views.
That stance was backed by NUS Scotland president Ellie Gomersall, who has campaigned for changes to gender laws.
She said the way Mr Linehan expressed his views was "pretty deplorable" and that it was right for the comedy club to reject him.
Mr Linehan performed on Thursday as part of a five-piece comedy group organised by Comedy Unleashed.
Co-founder Andy Shaw told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme it was probably the "hardest gig" he had ever had to organise.
He said: "Graham's views on other matters are Graham's views on other matters and really it's a big, big pity that all the attention has been on Graham's views around the trans issue and not around the principle of free expression in the art and free speech which is actually what has happened here."
He added: "We've had a gig cancelled and very few people have come forward to say this is wrong - in Edinburgh, the home of the enlightenment and during the biggest comedy festival in the world.
"The principle here is we're not going to stop, we won't be cancelled, we will make sure this gig goes on and the artists can focus on their comedy."
He said holding the show outside the Scottish Parliament was "utterly surreal" but was not to make a political statement. Other last-minute options included a church, a community hall and the City of Edinburgh council's debating chamber.
"Does fate lead you in a certain direction? I'm not a big believer in fate but it took us to almost making a political point," he added.
The question of whether Mr Linehan or Comedy Unleashed will take legal action against the original venue remains, but Mr Shaw added that "an apology would be nice." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-66542300 |
Train strikes: Aslef drivers announce new date - BBC News | 2023-08-18 | Drivers will walk out on 1 September and refuse to work overtime on 2 September, the union says. | Train drivers at more than a dozen companies will strike on Friday, 1 September and refuse to work overtime on Saturday, 2 September, their union Aslef has said.
It marks the latest industrial action in Aslef's long-running pay dispute.
The overtime ban will coincide with a strike by other rail workers such as guards and station staff in the RMT union, in a separate dispute.
The RMT also has a strike on Saturday, 26 August.
Aslef's latest action follows a series of six-day overtime bans this summer, which have caused reductions in services and cancellations.
Aslef's general secretary Mick Whelan said the train companies and the government had "forced us into this place because they refuse to sit down and talk to us and have not made a fair and sensible pay offer to train drivers".
He added: "Train drivers at these companies have not had a pay rise for four years - since 2019 - while inflation has rocketed."
A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) called further strike action "unnecessary", adding: "The union leadership has its head in the sand and refuses to put our fair and reasonable offer to their members."
The offer to Aslef presented a series of changes to working practices which would enable pay rises of 4% for one year and 4% the next.
Progress in both disputes with Aslef and the RMT ground to a halt in the spring, when union bosses rejected the latest proposals from industry negotiators in the RDG.
The government and the train companies continue to urge unions to give their members a vote on those offers.
Unions have called for improved proposals to be put forward.
The RDG said: "We want to give our staff a pay increase, but it has always been linked to implementing necessary, sensible reforms that would enhance services for our customers."
But Mr Whelan said: "We haven't heard a word from the employers. We haven't had a meeting, a phone call, a text message, or an email since Wednesday, 26 April, and we haven't had any contact with the government since Friday, 6 January.
"This shows how the contempt in which the companies, and the government, hold passengers and staff and public transport in Britain."
A spokesman for the Department for Transport suggested that unions were "deliberately targeting the Bank Holiday weekend", which for many is the last weekend of the school summer holidays.
"The government has played its part to try and end these disputes by facilitating fair and reasonable pay offers, taking train drivers' average salaries from £60,000 to £65,000, but union leaders refuse to give their members a vote," he added. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66544391 |
Women's World Cup 2023: Fifa president Gianni Infantino on battle for equality - BBC Sport | 2023-08-18 | Fifa president Gianni Infantino says women who "pick the right fights" can "convince us men what we have to do" to bring progress in women's football. | Last updated on .From the section Women's World Cup
Coverage: Watch live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website & app from 10:00 BST; commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live with build-up from 10:00 BST; live text & highlights on the BBC Sport website & app
Fifa president Gianni Infantino says women who "pick the right fights" can "convince us men what we have to do" to bring progress in women's football.
The month-long Women's World Cup concludes on Sunday when England face Spain in the final at Stadium Australia in Sydney (11:00 BST kick-off).
Speaking in Sydney, Infantino said women must "push the door" to equality.
"With men, with Fifa, you will find open doors. Just push the doors," he added.
With two matches still to play, including Saturday's third place play-off between Sweden and Australia (09:00 BST), the Women's World Cup has been watched by a tournament record 1.85m fans inside stadiums.
"This World Cup generated over $570m (£447m) in revenues, and so we broke even," said Infantino.
"We didn't lose any money and we generated the second highest income of any sport, besides of course the men's World Cup, at a global stage."
There remains a huge discrepancy in prize money between the men's and women's tournaments, with the record $110m (£86.1m) for this World Cup some way short of the $440m (£346m) on offer to teams at last year's men's finals in Qatar, where 3.4m fans were in attendance.
"Equal pay in the World Cup? We are going in that direction already," said Infantino.
"But that would not solve anything. It might be a symbol but it would not solve anything, because it's one month every four years and it's a few players out of the thousands and thousands of players.
"We need to keep the momentum."
He added: "And I say to all the women - and you know I have four daughters, so I have a few at home - that you have the power to change. Pick the right battles. Pick the right fights.
"You have the power to convince us men what we have to do and what we don't have to do. You do it. Just do it."
Norway striker Ada Hegerberg responded to Infantino's comments on Twitter, writing: "Working on a little presentation to convince men. Who's in?"
• None Watch the Women's World Cup final between Spain and England live on BBC One
• None All the build-up to Sunday's Women's World Cup final between Spain and England
Infantino said the success of the Women's World Cup had silenced critics who questioned expanding the tournament to 32 nations.
Concerns were raised that increasing the number of teams from 24 would lead to more one-sided games in Australia and New Zealand.
However, Nigeria, South Africa, Jamaica and Morocco - nations ranked no higher than 40th in the world - advanced past the group stage.
"We invested one billion US dollars in developing the game all over the world and the women's game was specifically targeted," he added.
"We did that in spite of Covid, which impacted us all. Women's football remained alive even in the most difficult of times. We decided to increase the number of teams at the World Cup to 32.
"I remember when we decided to do [it] that the usual critics, which are less and less, were saying it's not going to work and the level is too different.
"[They said] there would be 15-0 scores, and it will be bad for women's football.
"As it happens quite often in the last years, Fifa was right once more. We had eight debutants. We had many countries around the world who thought suddenly they had a chance to participate." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66541044 |
RSPCA says more than 1,000 dogs reported with illegal ear cropping - BBC News | 2023-08-18 | The RSPCA says most cases were in the West Midlands, London and West Yorkshire. | The RSPCA identified ear cropping "hotspots" in the West Midlands, London and West Yorkshire
More than 1,000 dogs are reported to have undergone the illegal procedure of ear cropping in the past three years, new figures from the RSPCA show.
The practice involves removing skin at the tops of dogs' ears to reshape them and make them stand more upright.
The "painful and unnecessary" procedure is illegal in the UK under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2006.
The West Midlands, London and West Yorkshire recorded the highest numbers of cases in England and Wales.
The West Midlands has recorded 93 incidents since 2020 while Greater London and West Yorkshire each recorded 75 cases.
The RSPCA condemned the practice as a "growing fashion trend"
Next on the list was Greater Manchester with 64 cases and South Yorkshire with 53. The total number of cases reported to the RSPCA in England and Wales in that period was 1,191.
The practice has been called "cruel" and "mutilation" by welfare organisations and is often carried out in people's homes without anaesthetic.
It is increasingly popular in certain breeds and types of dogs - including Cane Corsos and American bullies, where part or all of the ear flap is commonly removed.
Dr Samantha Gaines, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: "Ear cropping is a painful and unnecessary practice in which a dog's ears are removed or surgically altered and sadly many owners who do this do it because they think the look is glamorous or it makes their pet look tough.
"But it can be detrimental, in the short and long term, to their health, behaviour and welfare - they do not benefit from having it done, and the way it is illegally carried out in the UK - by people who are not vet professionals - is highly likely to lead them to suffer."
The charity said there were social media accounts which promoted the practice. Dr Gaines added: "We are concerned that it is a growing fashion trend and it needs to be stopped."
Ian Muttitt, chief inspector in the RSPCA's Special Operations Unit, said: "It's done purely for cosmetic purposes and sadly can lead to puppies being sold for much more money.
"We'd urge the public and anyone looking to buy a puppy to remember that this is an illegal procedure which has hugely negative impacts for the dogs themselves."
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The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-66544012 |
Twitter, now X, to remove blocking feature - Musk - BBC News | 2023-08-18 | Elon Musk says the feature "makes no sense", but users are concerned about protection from abuse. | The blocking feature will be removed for users of X, formerly Twitter, Elon Musk has announced, claiming the feature "makes no sense".
The X boss said users will still be able to block people from directly messaging them, however.
But many people on social media said it will make it hard for people to remove abusive posts from their timeline.
It is the latest in a series of changes Mr Musk has made since taking over the site in a $44bn deal last year.
Currently, when users "block" an account, it stops that account's posts from appearing in the blocker's timeline, and vice versa.
An account that is blocked can no longer send messages to the blocker, nor can it view their posts.
Former Twitter founder, Jack Dorsey, seemed to agree with Mr Musk's decision, posting: "100%. Mute only".
But there are concerns that muting an account would not be sufficient protection from cases of harassment, abuse or stalking.
The mute function currently only stops notifications about an account's posts. An account that is muted can still view the muter's posts and reply to them.
One user called Mr Musk's decision a "huge mistake", saying there are "toxic people" on the platform whom users simply did not want to interact with in any way.
Removing a blocking feature could also potentially violate the terms and conditions of stores like Apple's App Store and Google Play.
Both stores have conditions stating that social media apps should allow users facilities to filter harassment or bullying.
It could mean X is no longer downloadable from those stores.
If the policy goes ahead, it is not clear if all those accounts which are blocked will automatically become unblocked.
Users do however have the option to make their account private, hiding their tweets from the public and only allowing accepted followers to view their posts.
Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, made a series of changes when he took over the social media site, including sacking the company's top executive team and introducing a charge for the site's "blue tick" - or verification - feature.
Elon Musk is a prolific poster on X, and he's well known for not always being serious or following through on the many ideas he throws out to his 153 million followers.
X itself rarely responds to journalist queries so it's difficult to verify anything he states on behalf of the firm. But, as its owner, he's by default a significant, if unreliable, source.
The block button is an established tool for those who feel attacked, bullied or simply want to shut out an account with whom they have a strong disagreement (and X is full of those).
Report an account and one of the first bits of advice you get is to either block or mute it while it is investigated. That's not unique to X.
Muting an account means you don't see it - but it still sees you. And being forced to remain visible to someone you are trying to avoid or feel afraid of seems like an unusual move.
Musk has been clear that he wants his "digital town square" to be a platform where all voices are heard, but he's running the risk of bumping up against both app store terms and conditions and social media regulations around protecting users from online harms. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66550959 |
Wrongly jailed man plans legal action for prison stay refund - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Michael O'Brien had £37,500 taken from his compensation to cover the cost of keeping him locked up. | Michael O'Brien has continued to campaign over the miscarriage of justice
A wrongly jailed man who had £37,500 cut from his compensation to pay for lodgings is planning legal action to get his money back.
Michael O'Brien was one of three men wrongly convicted for the 1987 killing of Cardiff newsagent Phillip Saunders.
The UK government has removed a rule that meant the wrongly imprisoned could be made to pay for their living costs.
That follows Andrew Malkinson's release after serving 17 years for a rape he did not commit.
Mr O'Brien, who spent 11 years in prison for murder, said a solicitor had agreed to to try and recover the money.
He said "We're going to write to the Ministry of Justice to ask if it's retrospective, and if not why not?"
Mr O'Brien believed, if necessary, he had grounds for a judicial review.
The UK government said the change would apply to "all future payments made under the miscarriage of justice compensation scheme".
Mr O'Brien said: "It's wrong in principle. Guilty people don't get charged. It's degrading, it feels like the final insult."
He said he intended to approach others wrongly imprisoned to join the case if they were charged for their living costs.
The killers of Cardiff newsagent Phillip Saunders have never been caught
People wrongly jailed for more than 10 years can be paid up to £1m under a government compensation scheme.
But since a House of Lords ruling involving the case of Mr O'Brien and others in 2007, that total figure could be reduced to take into account "savings" individuals made on things like housing and food while imprisoned.
The Ministry of Justice said its independent assessors who make the deductions have not done this in the past 10 years.
It was initially ruled in 2003 that Mr O'Brien would have the £37,000 taken from his compensation refunded to him.
But that decision was reversed the following year when judges upheld a Home Office claim for his "saved living expenses". | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-66432778 |
Winter Covid vaccines axed for under-65s - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Only those aged 65 and over or in at-risk groups should be invited for jab, say UK experts. | Covid vaccines will not be offered routinely to healthy under-65s this winter, following advice from UK immunisation experts.
Last autumn, all over-50s were invited for a booster jab to protect them during the winter months.
But only the over-65s should get the option this year, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation said.
Younger people with health problems, along with a number of other specific groups, should remain eligible.
Committee chair Professor Wei Shen Lim said the move was about focusing on those at greatest risk of getting seriously ill: "These persons will benefit the most from a booster vaccination.
"It is important that everyone who is eligible takes up a booster this autumn - helping to prevent them from hospitalisations and deaths arising from the virus over the winter months."
It had previously been announced that the age cut-off for routine eligibility of the flu jab was also to be set at 65, after that too was reduced to 50 during the pandemic.
The full list of those eligible for a Covid vaccine are:
England's Health Secretary, Steve Barclay, said he had accepted the advice, and NHS England would soon confirm details of the rollout, which aims to be finished by December.
"I would urge anyone invited to come forward as soon as possible."
The other UK nations are expected to follow suit.
• None Who can get another Covid jab this winter? | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-66319065 |
Suella Braverman to target 'crooked' immigration lawyers - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | But solicitors say the announcement is "lawyer-bashing" to distract from the asylum backlog. | Home Secretary Suella Braverman says a minority of lawyers are helping illegal migrants game the system
Home Secretary Suella Braverman has vowed to step up efforts to bring "crooked" immigration lawyers to justice.
It comes after reports some firms are offering to submit false asylum claims for a fee.
A new taskforce, which has been carrying out preliminary work for a few months, has officially been launched.
The Home Office said it would help build stronger evidence bases to support prosecutions.
But the Law Society said the Home Office was focusing on "a tiny minority of lawyers" rather than the "significant backlogs in asylum claims".
The organisation, which represents solicitors in England and Wales, said the necessary powers were already in place to deal with immigration advisers engaged in misconduct.
David McNeill, from the Law Society, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the taskforce has existed for months and the announcement "looks like a bit of lawyer-bashing".
Labour's shadow justice secretary Steve Reed said the announcement was "too little too late" and the "buck stops" with the Conservatives, accusing them of having "sat idly by for 13 years while illegal migration has spun out of control".
The Home Office said the Professional Enablers Taskforce, for which there is no new funding, brought together regulatory bodies, law enforcement teams and other government departments.
It said there had already been referrals to the police where criminal activity was suspected.
The department gave the example of a case where an immigration firm was linked to one of the most wanted human traffickers, which had now been referred to police.
Last week the legal watchdog, the Solicitors Regulation Authority, suspended three legal firms who were caught offering to submit fake asylum claims.
It came after an investigation by the Daily Mail alleged some companies agreed to help an undercover reporter posing as an economic migrant submit a false application, using a fabricated backstory of trafficking or torture, in exchange for thousands of pounds.
Those found guilty of helping people remain in the country by fraudulent means could face life imprisonment, the government says.
The maximum sentence for assisting unlawful migration is already life imprisonment under the Immigration Act 1971.
Last year there were five successful criminal prosecutions of solicitors related to their professional duties, while in 2021 there were seven.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority prohibits lawyers from deceiving courts, and any act of dishonesty or lack of integrity may result in them being struck off.
The Home Office said the taskforce had also developed new training for staff who work in the immigration system to help them identify and report suspect activity.
The home secretary is chairing a roundtable meeting with the lord chancellor, Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner later to reiterate the government's focus on prosecuting lawyers who help submit false claims.
Ms Braverman said: "Crooked immigration lawyers must be rooted out and brought to justice.
"While the majority of lawyers act with integrity - we know that some are lying to help illegal migrants game the system. It is not right or fair on those who play by the rules."
The announcement came after the first 15 migrants boarded the Bibby Stockholm barge, while 20 others refused to move from hotels to the vessel.
Conservative Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson used an expletive to say that if they did not like barges they should go back to France, the Daily Express reported.
Asked about the language, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Lee has expressed himself in his own way but the central point he's making is not unreasonable." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66437588 |
Portugal battles wildfires amid third heatwave of the year - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Temperatures in excess of 40C are expected to hit much of the Iberian peninsula this week. | Firefighters worked to contain the flames in Odemira on Monday
Firefighters in Portugal are battling to contain wildfires engulfing thousands of hectares amid soaring temperatures.
Around 800 personnel attended a fire near the southern town of Odemira overnight on Monday, with more than 1,400 people having to evacuate.
At least nine firefighters have been injured tackling the fires.
Temperatures in excess of 40C (104F) are expected to hit much of the Iberian peninsula this week.
Three major fires that scorched hundreds of hectares in Spain over the weekend have been brought under control, but weather alerts remain in place across much of the country.
In Portugal, Monday saw a temperature of 46.4C (116F), the hottest of the year so far, recorded in Santarém.
The fire near Odemira began on Saturday and was driven south into the hilly interior of the Algarve, Portugal's main tourism region, by strong winds.
It has so far destroyed some 6,700 hectares (16,600 acres) of land, while a total of 19 villages, four tourist accommodations and a camping site have been evacuated.
The town's mayor, Helder Guerreiro, has said the situation is "critical, difficult, and complex".
Former BBC correspondent Alastair Leithead, who lives around 16km (10 miles) south of Odemira in São Teotónio, knows how dangerous and fast-moving wildfires in Portugal's countryside can be.
Last year he had just an hour's notice to load up his car with some luggage and his dogs to escape a fire which burnt part of his house.
With the flames once again raging minutes from his home, he told Radio 4's World at One programme the fires sent "everybody in this area into a real panic" on Monday but that things had calmed "a little" on Tuesday "simply because the wind has dropped."
"We had a very fast wind, a very hot and very dry wind, coming from the east... yesterday and that doubled the size of the fire in just a few hours," he said.
"A lot of people were evacuated from their homes, a few of the hotels here had to send guests elsewhere and we've had since yesterday more than 800 firefighters, as well as about 280-odd vehicles."
He said commercial eucalyptus and pine forests in the area have been engulfed, adding: "It's wild country, there aren't roads going through them, so when the fires get into the valleys they burn fast and hard, and when the wind... gets going, it's a very dangerous thing to deal with.
"The firefighters really can only direct it, try to push it to a place where there are not many trees and hope it naturally runs out of fuel."
In the centre of the country, other major fires prompted the closure of several stretches of motorway, including parts of the A1 between Lisbon and Porto.
Sixteen waterbombing aircraft have been deployed to support firefighting efforts across the two areas.
Authorities have declared more than 120 municipalities across Portugal at maximum risk of wildfires.
In Spain, fires near the south-western coastal cities of Cadiz and Huelva and in the northern Catalonia region scorched more than 1,000 hectares (2,470 acres) in total on Saturday and Sunday.
This week's heatwave will mark the third to hit the Iberian peninsula this summer.
Ruben del Campo of Spain's State Meteorological Agency told Reuters it was being caused by a large mass of hot, dry air from North Africa and would be "generally more intense, more widespread and a little longer-lasting" than the two that hit in July.
Climate change increases the risk of the hot, dry weather that is likely to fuel wildfires.
The world has already warmed by about 1.1C since the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to emissions.
How have you been affected by the wildfires in Portugal? Share your experiences 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-66435160 |
Weight-loss drug heart benefit 'significant' - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Trial suggests Wegovy cuts risk of cardiovascular event in overweight people with heart disease by a fifth. | A weight-loss drug has been proven to also reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack, according to a new trial.
The makers of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk, say its latest study shows it cuts risk of a cardiovascular event in overweight people with heart disease by a fifth.
The firm hailed it a "landmark trial", saying it would change the way obesity is regarded and treated.
While the findings still have to be fully reviewed, experts agreed the results were potentially significant.
The injection is popular in places like the US, and was approved for weight loss in the NHS in England in June.
The drug would need to be passed by regulators again before it could be prescribed in a new capacity.
Novo Nordisk executive vice-president Martin Holst Lange said the injection had a clear medical benefit, as well as being able to help people lose weight.
"People living with obesity have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but to date there are no approved weight management medications proven to deliver effective weight management while also reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death."
Wegovy is a weight-loss injection that is taken once a week.
It tricks people into thinking they're already full, so they end up eating less and losing weight.
Wegovy was approved for NHS use after research suggested users could shed more than 10% of their body weight.
But in trials, users often put weight back on after stopping treatment.
This new study, which looked at more than 17,600 adults aged 45 and older, took place over a five-year period.
Each patient had a body mass index of 27 or over and established cardiovascular disease, with no history of diabetes.
The trial found that patients given a 2.4mg once-weekly dose of Wegovy, plus standard care for the prevention of heart attacks or strokes, saw their risk of a heart attack or a stroke reduce by 20% compared with those given a placebo drug.
The full details of the trial won't be released until later this year, making it difficult to fully assess the claims being made.
But Prof Stephen O'Rahilly, from the University of Cambridge, said the long-awaited results "do not disappoint".
"The obvious conclusion of these findings is that we should view obesity as a medical condition, like high blood pressure, where effective and safe drug therapy can contribute to reducing serious adverse health outcomes."
Dr Simon Cork, senior lecturer in physiology at Anglia Ruskin University, said the results offer hope when it comes to dealing with a growing and costly public health problem.
"Obesity and its associated health impacts cost the NHS over £6bn per year," he said.
"Effective and long-term support with losing weight with Wegovy, the results of which are unattainable for most people living with obesity to achieve through diet and exercise alone, results in significant improvements in health outcomes.
"This will not only provide significant financial savings for health bodies but provide people with a greater quality of life."
Novo Nordisk says it plans to take its new research to regulators in the US and the European Union before the end of the year.
It would also need to be approved by regulators in the UK, and then experts would decide whether it is something that should be offered on the NHS beyond its current use. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-66440808 |
Premium Bonds: Chances rise of winning leading prizes - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | National Savings and Investments is the latest provider to make savings deals more attractive. | The chances of winning some of the biggest Premium Bonds prizes have increased to their highest level for more than 15 years.
Greater competition to attract savers has led National Savings and Investments (NS&I), to improve the odds to 21,000 to one.
There will be 90 prizes of £100,000 compared with 77 at present, and up from just six in May last year.
However, there will still only be two winners each month of the £1m jackpots.
"These rate increases will help ensure that our savings products remain attractive to customers, whilst ensuring that we continue to balance the needs of savers, taxpayers and the broader financial services sector," said Dax Harkins, chief executive of NS&I, which is entirely owned by the Treasury.
Rising interest rates have fed through to better returns for savers, although providers remain under pressure from regulators and MPs to offer better rates.
Premium Bonds offer the chance of winning tax-free money through monthly prize draws instead of regular interest. It is the UK's most popular savings product, with about 22 million investors.
However, savers have been drawn towards better returns from other savings providers recently, despite eight increases in the generosity of Premium Bonds in the last year.
The effective interest rate of 4.65% is still lower than than leading rate of 5% on easy-access accounts, and even better returns on other deals which lock-in savers' money.
"It was inevitable that NS&I would increase rates as rising competition in the savings market means it has fallen out of favour with savers who would prefer guaranteed rates elsewhere," said Laura Suter, head of personal finance at investment platform AJ Bell.
The changes mean there will be an estimated 181 Premium Bonds prizes of £50,000 given in September, up from 154 in August.
While there will be more big money prizes on offer, the estimated number of £25 prizes will go down from 1.7 million in August to 1.03 million in September.
Overall, there will be 5.79 million prizes in September, an increase of more than 269,000 when compared with August. and up from 3.4 million in May last year.
The returns on other NS&I products are also improving. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66438764 |
Demolition of Crooked House pub unacceptable - council - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | There is anger after the pub, once known as "Britain's wonkiest", was demolished days after a fire. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
The demolition of a landmark pub following a fire was unacceptable and possibly unlawful, a council has said.
The 18th Century Crooked House, near Dudley, once known as "Britain's wonkiest pub", was gutted by fire on Saturday and demolished on Monday.
Potential breaches of the Town and Planning Act are being investigated, said South Staffordshire Council.
The local authority has referred the matter to its legal team with a view to taking enforcement action.
The Crooked House pub was reduced to rubble on Monday
On Tuesday evening between 200 and 250 people gathered at the site to see for themselves what had happened to the pub, with some collecting bricks to take away with them.
Former landlord Tom Catton, who ran it for two-and-a-half years with his wife Laura before they left in 2008, said he was "absolutely gutted" when he heard about the fire on Saturday night.
"But Sunday morning - it's not what you want to see when you're having your morning coffee," Mr Catton said.
"To go from a standing pub to a pile of rubble within less than 48 hours is just crazy because surely if there's a fire it needs to be investigated and looked at."
Council officers visited the site on Monday and agreed a programme of works with the land-owner's representative, council leader Roger Lees said.
"At no point did the council agree the demolition of the whole structure nor was this deemed necessary," he added.
Tom and Laura Catton went to see what was left of the pub they ran for over two years on Tuesday evening
Mr Lees said the way the situation was managed following the fire was "completely unacceptable and contrary to instructions provided by our officers", adding the Health and Safety Executive had been notified.
He said the authority's investigation was at an early stage and asked for time to ensure any future actions were "meaningful and proportionate".
"The council is incredibly saddened by the loss of the building which, whilst not listed, was a heritage asset and important landmark to the local area and community," he said.
Fire gutted the celebrated leaning building on Saturday night, leaving just the exterior standing.
Staffordshire Police and the fire service are trying to establish the cause.
It was built as a farmhouse but started to subside during the early 19th Century, due to mining in the area.
Later it became a pub people often went to to witness the illusion of coins and marbles appearing to roll uphill along the bar.
But on Monday afternoon, residents and former customers gathered at the site to see a large pile of rubble where the inn once stood.
A video shared on social media showed a digger knocking down the building.
Over 200 people visited the site on Tuesday night to see what had happened to the pub
Among the crowds that visited the land on Tuesday evening were Emma Smith, Kerry Anne Goodman and Jack Gosnall from Kingswinford who said they felt like they had lost a family member.
"I was brought here as a child by all of my family," Ms Goodman said.
"I've brought my children here, but my youngest - I just lost the opportunity to bring him as they locked the doors.
"Why should people come and knock it down?
"It's like a murder more than anything else. It's like a huge loss."
Ms Smith added: "It's a part of our history. Everybody feels the same, I think, that's why they've all come down here tonight."
In March, previous owner Marston's listed the building for sale with a guide price of £675,000.
The sale of the property "as a going concern" was completed two weeks ago, said the company.
The identity of the buyer, based in Warwickshire, has not been revealed.
Emma Smith, who saw the remains on Tuesday evening with Jack Gosnall, said people wanted answers
Speculation into the cause of the fire was "not helpful at this time", said Staffordshire Police.
"We understand the strength of feeling in the community is high at this moment and the sadness felt amongst those who have a strong emotional attachment to this place," said Ch Insp Chris Cotton.
On Monday a police cordon was put in place. But due to the "unsafe structure" of the building, officers were told to leave the site, he said.
"Since then, the area has been in the care of the landowners and the building has since been demolished."
The force encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
Conservative MP for South Staffordshire Sir Gavin Williamson said he shared concerns and frustrations of residents regarding the demolition.
He tweeted he had called for a meeting for police, fire and council representatives to update him.
Rubble and debris remain at the site of the now former pub
In the meantime, the mayor of the West Midlands has called for the building to be rebuilt "brick by brick".
Andy Street said he had asked South Staffordshire Council to ensure the pub was rebuilt "and any attempt to change its use blocked".
"We will not let the Crooked House be consigned to history," he said.
"We believe that great pubs have immense cultural and historical value here in the West Midlands and we should be taking steps to protect and preserve their heritage."
A community gathering to mourn the loss of the pub is due to be held at the site later on Tuesday.
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-66442399 |
Andrew Malkinson: Justice secretary considering backdating jail cost rules - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The justice secretary says his "blood ran cold" when he learned of Andrew Malkinson's case. | Andrew Malkinson spent 17 years in prison for a crime he did not commit
The justice secretary said he was considering backdating new rules which mean wrongly convicted people will no longer have prison living costs deducted from compensation.
Alex Chalk said he was looking into three cases "very carefully" after the rule was scrapped.
It comes after Andrew Malkinson, who spent 17 years in jail for a rape he did not commit, was cleared.
Mr Chalk said his "blood ran cold" when he heard about what had happened.
"It's appalling to think of an injustice in that way," he told BBC Breakfast.
People who are wrongly jailed for more than 10 years can be paid up to £1m under a government compensation scheme.
Under previous rules, savings made on living costs such as food and housing while in prison could be deducted from compensation.
This rule was scrapped on Sunday, however, the government has not committed to reimbursing wrongly convicted people who have previously had the deduction applied to their compensation.
Mr Chalk said he was looking at three previous cases "very carefully"
"Certainly since 2006, there have been three cases where deductions have been made and none in the last 10 years. I am looking at it," said Mr Chalk.
"Although of those three cases, the reductions from their compensation reward have been 3%, 3% and 6% so it's important to get some perspective.
"There is also issues in the public interest about retrospectivity - there is normally a rule that you shouldn't make rules retrospective - but I'm considering this all in the round."
Mr Malkinson, who has always maintained his innocence, was jailed in 2004 for an attack on a woman in Salford, Greater Manchester.
The prosecution case against him was based only on identification evidence.
He was cleared last month after new DNA evidence linking another suspect to the crime emerged.
Court of Appeal judges have since called the original conviction "unsafe" because Greater Manchester Police did not disclose images during his trial.
Mr Chalk also said he would be willing to meet Mr Malkinson "in principle" to discuss the case.
But he added: "There has been some talk of potential litigation so of course - as is normal - you have to consider whether you can meet in the context of litigation."
"If it went wrong, as appears in this case, then we absolutely have to get to the bottom of who got it wrong," he added.
Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-66437396 |
Investigating the 'spiritual healers' sexually abusing women - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | A hidden world of exploitation by men working as "spiritual healers" has been uncovered by the BBC. | BBC Arabic went undercover to find out just how prevalent such abuse is
A hidden world of sex abuse and exploitation by men working as "spiritual healers" has been uncovered by BBC Arabic.
Spiritual healing, also known as "Quranic healing", is a popular practice in the Arab and Muslim world. It is mostly women who visit healers - believing that they can solve problems and cure illness by expelling evil spirits known as "jinn".
Testimonies gathered by the BBC from 85 women, over a period of more than a year, named 65 so-called healers in Morocco and Sudan - two countries where such practices are particularly popular - with accusations ranging from harassment to rape.
We spent months speaking to NGOs, courts, lawyers and women, gathering and verifying stories of abuse. An undercover reporter who underwent treatment with one such healer for our investigation, was herself inappropriately touched before fleeing the scene.
Warning: Readers may find some of the details below distressing.
Dalal (not her real name) sought treatment for depression from a spiritual healer in a town near Casablanca a few years ago, when she was in her mid-20s. She says the healer told her the depression was caused by a "jinn lover" who had possessed her.
At a one-to-one session he asked her to smell a scent he said was musk - but which she now believes to have been some kind of drug, because she lost consciousness.
Dalal, who had never had any sexual experience before, says she woke to find her underwear had been removed, and realised she had been raped. She says she began screaming at the raqi (Quranic healer), asking him what he had done to her.
"I said: 'Shame on you! Why did you do this to me?' He said: 'To make the jinn leave your body.'"
She says she didn't tell anyone what happened, as she was so ashamed and was sure she would be blamed. When she discovered a few weeks later that she was pregnant, she was terrified.
She even thought about taking her own life.
When she told the healer about the pregnancy, he replied that the jinn must have impregnated her. Dalal says she was so traumatised by her experience that when her baby was born, she refused to look at her, hold her, or even give her a name, and gave her up for adoption.
She told us that if her family found out what had happened to her, they would kill her.
Many of the women we spoke to said they feared they themselves would be blamed if they reported their abuse, and therefore very few had told their families, let alone the police. Some said they also worried that reporting what had happened might provoke the jinn to take revenge on them.
In Sudan, a woman named Sawsan told us that when her husband left the family home to live with a second wife - as is his right under Sharia (Islamic law) - she found herself destitute, and approached a healer for help. She said she hoped he could give her some kind of medicine for her husband which would make him treat her better.
But she was not expecting his suggested treatment.
"He said he would have sex with me and use the resulting body fluids to concoct a potion I should feed to my husband."
His recommendation suggested he was "fearless", she said.
"He was confident I would not report him to the police or the courts or even my husband."
Sawsan, a woman in Sudan, said the healer suggested sex with him would help her reconcile with her husband
Sawsan says she left the session immediately and never returned. She did not report his behaviour.
Three of the 50 women we spoke to in Sudan about exploitation or abuse named the same religious leader - Sheikh Ibrahim. One of the women, who we are not naming, said he manipulated her into having sex with him. Another, Afaf, told us she had to push him off her when he asked to have sex with her. She said she felt powerless.
"People don't accept that sheikhs say and do these things. They don't believe it. How can I find witnesses? No-one saw me in the room with him."
So, an undercover journalist working with our team agreed to visit Sheikh Ibrahim in a bid to collect more evidence.
The reporter, who we are calling Reem, posed as a client suffering from infertility.
Sheikh Ibrahim said he would say a prayer for her, and prepared a bottle of "healing water" - known as "mahayya" - for her to take home and drink.
Reem says he then moved to sit extremely close to her, and put his hand on her stomach. When she asked him to take his hand away, she says, he simply moved it down her body, over her clothes, to her genitals. She ran from the room.
"I was really shaken by him," she told us afterwards. "He had a worrying look about him."
She says she felt that his manner suggested this was not the first time he had behaved in this way.
The BBC questioned Sheikh Ibrahim about what had happened to Reem. He denied that he sexually harassed or assaulted women seeking his help, and abruptly ended our interview.
One woman who is offering an alternative to those who would like spiritual healing, without the risk of exploitation, is Sheikha Fatima.
Based near Khartoum, she has opened a female-only healing centre. For 30 years, this has been one of the few places where women can experience ruqyah or healing from other women.
We were given unique access to this private space. During our visit, it was intense watching women around me losing all awareness of their surroundings. Sheikha Fatima tells me how women can be vulnerable in this state, which allows other healers to take advantage of them.
"Many women told us that they believed the sheikh is extracting the devil by touching them. They thought it was part of the treatment," she says. "It's shocking what you hear from these women."
We approached political authorities in both Morocco and Sudan with our evidence.
In Sudan, Dr Alaa Abu Zeid, head of the family and society department at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, was initially reluctant to believe that so many women had reported experiences of abuse to us. But he did admit that the lack of regulation in spiritual healing meant that it was "causing chaos", and that the role was being used as "a profession for those who have no job".
He told the BBC that he had explored its regulation in the past, but that the country's political instability meant it was not currently a priority.
In Morocco, Minister of Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq said he did not believe there was a need for any separate legislation regarding spiritual healers.
"It is hard to intervene legally in these matters. The solution lies in religious education and preaching," he told us.
Despite all the evidence we have gathered, Moroccan and Sudanese authorities are reluctant to take action. So the burden remains on women to speak up against those hiding behind a healing profession.
• None The playboy who got away with $242m | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-65264921 |
Bibby Stockholm: Asylum seekers warned over failure to board Dorset barge - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Migrants are being threatened with having rights to government support withdrawn. | Asylum seekers have been told boarding the Bibby Stockholm barge is "not a choice" and those who refuse will no longer receive government support.
The first group of 15 people boarded the vessel on Monday, but 20 refused.
If they do not move on to the accommodation barge by the end of Tuesday, their housing assistance could be withdrawn, government sources said.
Treasury minister Andrew Griffiths said they would "effectively take themselves out of the asylum support system".
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk said the threat to withdraw state-funded support was "unlikely" to be illegal.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "That is something that the courts would have to consider but I think it's unlikely, bluntly, that it would be illegal to do so but all cases are considered on their facts.
"What is perfectly legal is for the British people to say this is what we are offering and it's not four-star accommodation but it is perfectly safe, it's perfectly decent and it complies with the fire safety checks and goodness knows what.
"It is sparse and it is a bit austere but, frankly, that is not unreasonable."
Monday saw the first asylum seekers board the Bibby Stockholm - moored in Portland Port in Dorset - after a series of delays over safety concerns.
It is the flagship of the government's latest plan to "stop the boats" and deter dangerous Channel crossings by migrants and up to 500 men aged 18-65 will eventually live on the vessel while they await the outcome of asylum applications.
Some human rights groups have called the scheme "inhumane", but ministers insist it is safe and will save money.
One migrant who boarded the vessel on Monday told the BBC he had arrived in the UK on an aircraft, had a wife still in Iran and had been in Britain for six months.
The man - who the BBC is not identifying - gave no reply to the question of whether he was scared aboard the barge, but when asked said he had eaten a "good" breakfast aboard including "eggs, cheese, jam and butter".
There has been considerable local opposition to the barge coming to Portland
Cheryl Avery, Director for Asylum Accommodation at the Home Office, said some 15 people had boarded the barge on Monday, but a group of about 20 people had refused to board.
"There have been some challenges - some minor legal challenges - and I can't go into the detail of those, but accommodation is offered to individuals on a no-choice basis," she said.
Sky News quoted a letter to one of the group of 20 as saying that if they failed to travel to Portland on Tuesday "arrangements for ceasing the support that you are receiving from the Home Office may commence".
"Where asylum seekers fail to take up an offer of suitable accommodation without a reasonable explanation, there should be no expectation that alternative accommodation will be offered," the letter added.
Heather Jones of the Portland Global Friendship Group, set up to provide support for those moved to the barge, said she had been in touch with eight asylum seekers who did not want to leave their Bournemouth hotel.
"They were worried about moving - they have a community in Bournemouth that supports and looks out for them and they have friends. To be moved again would have been so unsettling," she said.
The Care4Calais charity said it was providing legal support to 20 asylum seekers wanting to challenge being moved to Portland.
"Housing people fleeing threats and persecution on an overcrowded barge is appalling, and in itself likely to cause extreme distress.
"These are people who have endured horrific and often life-threatening journeys; being trapped in small, cell-like rooms behind the high metal fences will induce fear, anxiety and panic," it said.
The 222-room, three-storey barge arrived in Portland Port more than three weeks ago, chartered by the government to reduce what it says is the £6m-a-day cost of placing asylum seekers in hotels.
Ministers plan to increase the numbers aboard up to 500, despite safety warnings from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) which has raised concerns over narrow exits and possible overcrowding.
Migrants will be free to leave on hourly buses to Weymouth and Portland, although they are encouraged to return by 23:00 each night.
The Home Office has said the barge occupants will undergo security screening and Dorset Police has said it does not expect any impact on the local community.
Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-66438086 |
Amazon rainforest reaching tipping point, researchers say - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The world's largest rainforest is fast losing its ability to bounce back from human impacts, researchers say. | The Amazon contains between 90 and 140 billion metric tons of carbon
The Amazon rainforest is moving towards a "tipping point" where trees may die off en masse, say researchers.
A study suggests the world's largest rainforest is losing its ability to bounce back from damage caused by droughts, fires and deforestation.
Large swathes could become sparsely forested savannah, which is much less efficient than tropical forest at sucking carbon dioxide from the air.
The giant forest traps carbon that would otherwise add to global warming.
But previous studies have shown that parts of the Amazon are now emitting more carbon dioxide than can be absorbed.
"The trees are losing health and could be approaching a tipping point - basically, a mass loss of trees," said Dr Chris Boulton of the University of Exeter.
The findings, based on three decades of satellite data, show alarming trends in the "health" of the Amazon rainforest.
There are signs of a loss of resilience in more than 75% of the forest, with trees taking longer to recover from the effects of droughts largely driven by climate change as well as human impacts such as deforestation and fires.
A vicious cycle of damage could trigger "dieback", the scientists said.
And while it's not clear when that critical point might be reached, the implications for climate change, biodiversity and the local community would be "devastating".
The more trees cut down, the less the forest can soak up emissions
Once the process begins they predict it could be a matter of decades before a "significant chunk" of the Amazon is transformed into savannah - a vastly different ecosystem made up of a mixture of grassland and trees.
"The Amazon stores lots of carbon and all of that would be released into the atmosphere, which would then further contribute to increasing temperatures and have future effects on global mean temperatures," Dr Boulton said, adding that stopping deforestation would go some way to addressing the problem.
Around a fifth of the rainforest has already been lost, compared to pre-industrial levels, they said.
The research was carried out by the University of Exeter, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and Technical University of Munich.
"Deforestation and climate change are likely to be the main drivers of this decline," said Prof Niklas Boers of PIK and the Technical University of Munich.
Commenting, Dr Bonnie Waring of the Grantham Institute - Climate Change and Environment, Imperial College London, said: "These latest findings are consistent with the accumulating evidence that the twin pressures of climate change and human exploitation of tropical forests are endangering the world's largest rainforest, which is home to one out of every 10 species known to science."
The findings, based on satellite data from 1991 to 2016, are published in the journal Nature Climate Change. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-60650415 |
BBC Northern Ireland pays £464k legal bill in employee disputes - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The cases, involving Donna Traynor and Lena Ferguson, were settled without admission of liability. | The case between Donna Traynor and the BBC in Northern Ireland and its director Adam Smyth was settled in June with no admission of liability
The BBC has paid a legal bill of more than £450,000 in high-profile disputes with two former employees.
The corporation disclosed the figures following a freedom of information request from the Belfast Telegraph.
Both cases, involving Donna Traynor and Lena Ferguson, were settled without any admission of liability.
BBC NI said that the legal expenditure was "only incurred to the extent that is necessary and after careful consideration".
The employment tribunal case between Ms Traynor and the BBC in Northern Ireland and its director Adam Smyth was settled in June with no admission of liability.
Ms Traynor, a former BBC Newsline presenter, had claimed she was discriminated against on the basis of age, sex and disability.
In an agreed joint statement following the settlement, Ms Traynor acknowledged "the BBC and Adam Smyth continue to refute strongly all the allegations made against them".
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Adam Smyth was asked to comment on the Donna Traynor case after it had been settled
Later in June, Ms Ferguson, who had sued the BBC over alleged bullying, also settled her case.
Ms Ferguson was an experienced journalist who had worked on the Spotlight programme for BBC Northern Ireland.
The BBC paid Ms Ferguson's legal costs as part of agreed terms, which involved no admission of liability.
The financial terms of the settlements in both cases were undisclosed.
The Belfast Telegraph subsequently submitted a freedom of information (FoI) request to BBC Northern Ireland asking for the BBC's legal costs in both cases.
In response, the BBC provided "the fees incurred on legal advice and counsel fees which have been invoiced to and paid by the BBC to date" for both Ms Traynor's and Ms Ferguson's cases.
The figures also included "amounts which have been invoiced but not yet verified and paid," according to the BBC response, and do not include VAT.
In Ms Traynor's case, the BBC said the total legal costs it incurred in respect of claims in both the Industrial Tribunal and High Court were £256,231.
Those costs were incurred between April 2020 and the date of the Belfast Telegraph's FoI request on 16 June 2023.
In Ms Ferguson's case, the BBC said that the legal costs it had incurred since April 2020 to the date of the FoI request were £207,884.
That meant the BBC's total legal bill to date for the two cases came to £464,115.
In a statement, a BBC spokesperson said that the corporation was "committed to resolving employee relations issues without external legal support, whenever that is possible".
"When legal actions are initiated by others against the BBC or important considerations of law are engaged, we may decide to draw on external legal advice and representation to ensure that the BBC's position is properly protected," they added.
"Such expenditure is only incurred to the extent that is necessary and after careful consideration.
"It may also, in a local context, reflect the requirements of Northern Irish law and the absence of in-house legal expertise in this area." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-66426207 |
PSNI: Major data breach identifies thousands of officers and civilian staff - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | A top officer apologises for the breach affecting police and employees in Northern Ireland. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has apologised for mistakenly revealing details of all its 10,000 staff.
NI's Police Federation said the breach could cause "incalculable damage".
In response to a Freedom of Information (FoI) request, the PSNI had shared names of all police and civilian personnel, where they were based and their roles.
The details were then published online, before being removed.
Apologising to officers, Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd said the error was "unacceptable".
He added: "We operate in an environment, at the moment, where there is a severe threat to our colleagues from Northern Ireland-related terrorism and this is the last thing that anybody in the organisation wants to be hearing this evening.
"I owe it to all of my colleagues to investigate this thoroughly and we've initiated that."
Northern Ireland police have been the targets of republican paramilitaries - the latest attack was in February.
The threat to officers means they must be extremely vigilant about their security.
Many, especially from nationalist communities, keep their employment secret, in some cases even from many family members.
The FoI request had asked the PSNI for a breakdown of all staff rank and grades.
But as well as releasing a table containing the number of people holding positions such as constable, the PSNI included a spreadsheet.
This contained the surnames of more than 10,000 individuals, their initials and other data.
It appears to cover everyone within the PSNI, from Chief Constable Simon Byrne down.
It does not include any private addresses.
The scale of this error is enormous.
It is probably the worst data breach in the organisation's 22-year history.
The consequences are a little more difficult to evaluate.
Had this contained addresses, it would have been catastrophic in terms of assisting terrorist groups to target officers.
But the release of employee names could still expose individuals, many of whom take great care to keep who they work for a secret, even, in some cases, from friends and family.
That the information was published on a website for more than two hours will add to concerns within the workforce.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said he was "deeply concerned" by the data breach and that senior PSNI officers were keeping him updated.
The Police Federation of Northern Ireland, which represents officers' interests, expressed dismay and anger at the incident, calling it a "breach of monumental proportions".
Police officers in Northern Ireland were regularly attacked by republican paramilitary groups during the Troubles and members of the PSNI have also been targeted in gun and bomb attacks in the years following the Good Friday Agreement.
In February this year, senior PSNI officer Det Ch Insp John Caldwell was seriously injured in a shooting in Omagh, County Tyrone.
The following month, the terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland was raised from substantial to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.
The Police Federation has called for an urgent inquiry.
Its chairman Liam Kelly said: "Rigorous safeguards ought to have been in place to protect this valuable information which, if in the wrong hands, could do incalculable damage.
"The men and women I represent are appalled by this breach. They are shocked, dismayed and justifiably angry. Like me, they are demanding action to address this unprecedented disclosure of sensitive information."
Mr Kelly added that it was fortunate that the PSNI spreadsheet had not given home addresses, saying that would have been a "potentially calamitous situation".
BBC News NI understands the contents of the FoI have been seen by current and former PSNI staff.
It is understood the sensitive information was published online, on the What Do They Know website, before being removed.
Senior police personnel have been meeting to discuss the breach, which is being attributed to human error.
One person briefed told BBC News NI they were "very alarmed" by what had happened, describing it as "a major breach".
Stormont politicians will attend an emergency meeting on Thursday of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, which oversees the work of the PSNI.
Sinn Féin assembly member Gerry Kelly confirmed the meeting, at which he said he would be "asking why safeguards were not in place to prevent such a breach happening and how quickly measures can be put in place to ensure it won't happen again".
"In circumstances where the level of threat is at severe after the attempted murder of DCI John Caldwell there will be huge concern among members of the PSNI and their families and the wider community at this revelation," Mr Kelly added.
Trevor Clarke from the Democratic Unionist Party said: "Any data breach is unacceptable but more so when it discloses personal information identifying rank-and-file officers.
"This not only jeopardises the safety of officers but will further undermine morale within the organisation at a time when staff are holding the line amid unprecedented budget cuts."
The Alliance Party leader and former Justice Minister Naomi Long said: "This level of data breach is clearly of profound concern, not least to police officers, civilian staff and their families, who will be feeling incredibly vulnerable and exposed tonight and in the days ahead.
"That such sensitive information could ever have been held in a manner open to such a breach is unconscionable and will require serious investigation; however, the most urgent issue is supporting those whose security has been compromised."
Mike Nesbitt from the Ulster Unionist Party, who sits on the Policing Board, asked why there was "no 'fail safe' mechanism to prevent this information being uploaded".
He added that his "thoughts are with those whose names have been released into the public domain, who had a reasonable expectation this would never happen".
Social Democratic and Labour Party leader Colum Eastwood tweeted: "The level of incompetence involved here is staggering. So dangerous." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-66445452 |
M62 crash: Man in court over death of boy, 12, on motorway - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Callum Rycroft died after being hit by a car while crossing the M62 in West Yorkshire. | Callum Rycroft was "unique, great fun and larger than life", his mother said
A man has appeared in court over the death of a 12-year-old boy who was hit by a car while crossing a motorway.
Callum Rycroft, from Leeds, died after being hit on the M62 near Cleckheaton at about 21:50 BST on Saturday.
Matthew Rycroft, 36, appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court charged with causing or allowing the death of a child, dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Leeds Crown Court on 5 September.
During a short hearing, Mr Rycroft, of Nowell View, Leeds, spoke only to confirm his name and address.
He was not asked to enter a plea to any of the three charges and an application for bail was denied.
The crash happened on the eastbound carriageway of the M62 following a separate collision on the slip road to Hartshead Moor services, West Yorkshire Police said.
Investigators said they did not believe any other vehicles were involved in the first crash.
Another man, 47, from Bolton, who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, had been released on bail pending further inquiries, West Yorkshire Police previously said.
Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-66437283 |
Women's World Cup: England ride luck and stumble to victory after Lauren James sees red - BBC Sport | 2023-08-08 | England go agonisingly close to an early exit from the Women's World Cup but find a way to win as the Lionesses' title dream lives on. | The outcome was testament to the resilience England have built under Sarina Wiegman's management, but the European champions were also reliant on a whole load of luck in their last-16 victory over Nigeria.
Twenty-four hours earlier, England supporters watched on eagerly as back-to-back champions and long-standing rivals the USA were stunned in a shootout defeat by Sweden, blowing the Women's World Cup wide open.
That result put the Lionesses right up there as one of the heavy favourites to go all the way. Therefore, few would have imagined the excruciating experience that was to come in Brisbane against a Nigeria side who had battled the odds to reach the knockout round.
England came agonisingly close to following the USA on a plane home but clung on to their World Cup dreams by the skin of their teeth, doing what some of their rivals could not and managing to find a way - even if it did involve penalties.
• None Go here for all the latest from the Women's World Cup
"A win is a win" was the motto from England's players as they moved through the group stages with 1-0 victories over Haiti and Denmark to open proceedings.
They had underwhelmed and stumbled along, not really imposing themselves on their opponents or the competition itself.
An injury to instrumental midfielder Keira Walsh cast further doubts until England finally turned up, thrashing China 6-1 in their final match of Group D, cementing their status as Europe's best.
All of a sudden, concerns over England's slow start evaporated and instead praise was showered on Wiegman's tactical masterclass, where a rarely seen back three allowed England to express themselves in a free-flowing and highly entertaining display.
Lauren James was the star of the show, netting twice and assisting three goals as England's stature grew overnight in the competition.
But six days later when they made their second appearance in Brisbane, it was not the China performance that was reproduced but the one we have become accustomed to seeing in recent months.
Wiegman had warned her players of complacency and defender Alex Greenwood had made it clear in a media conference they would ignore any external noise.
Nigeria, aiming to become the first African team to win a knockout match at the Women's World Cup, were certainly no easy opponents.
The nine-time African champions had beaten co-hosts Australia and finished above Olympic gold medallists Canada in the group stages. They were here for a giant-killing and almost succeeded.
England were lacklustre and predictable, struggling to create chances and growing frustrated as each minute passed, feeling as if they were repeating the same things to no avail.
They had been there before against Haiti and Denmark, but this time it was even more noticeable given how much of a drop-off in performance it was from the one that sliced open China.
By half-time England had faced more shots (nine) than they had ever done in an opening 45 minutes under Wiegman.
After 120 minutes, Nigeria had attempted 405 passes - their highest in this year's tournament - while England only had 12 shots, their lowest since arriving in Australia.
But nothing was more unexpected during England's struggling performance than the lack of perceived ideas from Wiegman, a coach who usually has an answer to everything but did not seem to come up with anything to counteract Nigeria's growing control on the game.
Frustration was building, the drums brought by Nigeria's faithful in the stands were getting louder, and audible groans from England fans behind the goal were becoming more frequent.
Georgia Stanway's corner floated straight out for a goal kick after an hour, summing up England's performance, and then a moment of wild emotion saw James sent off. After the latest instance of her being dispossessed, the Chelsea forward snapped - standing on Michelle Alozie's back.
It was a deserved red card and it made England's job a whole lot tougher as they faced extra time a player down.
However, it was from this moment that the real England - Wiegman's England - turned up.
Faced with adversity, the odds stacked up against them given Nigeria's stranglehold on the game and a player advantage, England seemed to spark into gear and Wiegman finally found an answer.
The Dutchwoman took off striker Alessia Russo and introduced Chloe Kelly as part of a reshuffle as England returned to a back four with one up front.
It worked. Nigeria's momentum faded and England ground out half an hour of unattractive hardball to take it to a deciding shootout.
Stanway stepped up first and struck wide. Surely England had not just pushed through 30 minutes of extra time with 10 players to lose now?
Then Nigeria missed... twice. Goalkeeper Mary Earps did not need to make a save as the rest of England's chosen penalty takers delivered.
"I don't know what my heart rate is, I just know I'm 10 years older," Wiegman said afterwards.
"I have never experienced so many problems, but of course that's my job to think of things that can happen. You try to turn every stone and today we got totally tested on those stones!"
This game was perhaps the scare England needed. They got one in Euro 2022 when Spain took them to extra time having outplayed them for large periods in the quarter-final.
England do not always make it easy and they may not be so lucky next time.
But they are three games from glory now, and as the theory goes, the best teams find a way to win, even when they don't play well. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66429239 |
Shoppers desert High Street after record rain storms - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The number of people heading out to the shops fell for the first July in 14 years, new data suggests. | The number of people heading out to the shops fell for the first July in 14 years as the UK grappled with one of the wettest months on record.
Overall footfall was down by 0.3% in the first drop in July since 2009, said retail analysis firm Springboard.
High Streets were hit hardest but shopping centres and retail parks got a boost in visitor numbers.
Aside from the rain, the rising cost of living and rail disruption were also behind the fall, Springboard said.
It warned that shoppers could continue to stay away even if the weather picked up.
"It is inevitable that consumers' attention will now turn towards planning for Christmas spending, which may well dampen footfall further in the latter part of the summer," said Springboard's Diane Wehrle.
Shoppers have been battling with one of the wettest Julys on record, according to provisional data.
Ms Wehrle said High Street footfall declined in part "due to the rain, as shoppers tend to gravitate towards either the covered environments of shopping centres or retail parks as they are easier to access by car."
She added that High Streets in coastal towns were especially hard hit, with footfall dropping 4.6%, as the rain kept people away from beaches.
Ms Wehrle said July's figures also appeared to "demonstrate the harsh reality of the impact of interest rate rises on consumers, combined with rain and a rail overtime ban".
The Bank of England has been raising interest rates to cool down the economy amidst record rises in consumer costs.
A rise in mortgage rates has begun to "seep into people's finances", she added, "putting a serious squeeze on everyone".
The Bank is tomorrow expected to raise interest rates for the 14th time since December 2021 in an effort to squeeze spending and slow price rises.
But the wet weather appears to have benefited other sectors, including cinemas which saw a spike in sales in July.
Vue Box Office revenue is up 36% on the same month in 2022, and 56% on June 2023.
Much of the gain was due to the success of the Barbie and Oppenheimer films but a spokesman from the cinema chain said the "wet weather had undoubtedly played its part".
Sylvie, assistant manager at Rio, an independent cinema in Hackney, London, said: "When it's sunny in the UK everyone wants to be outside and so the rain is good for us", adding that Barbie and Oppenheimer contributed to a "big" boost in visitors.
Pete Terry, managing director of Disco Bowl, which owns a chain of bowling alleys across the UK, including in Nottingham and Worcester, said: "July was an excellent month for us. This time last year we were struggling with 40-degree heat, which meant no one wanted to go bowling, but this year that's all changed and we've had a much better July than I can remember. Rain is good for business."
Meanwhile Jon Skelding, the owner of two indoor play centres in the West Midlands called Scallywags, told the BBC that July had been their busiest month since the first site opened 19 years ago.
"Customers have said the wet weather has been driving them inside," he said, with some reportedly making bookings online after checking the weather forecast for the week.
With admission ranging between £2.50 and £5.25 per child, he adds that he is conscious of parents' budgets being stretched when looking for weather-proof activities.
"We are trying to keep it affordable for parents because of the cost of living and summer holidays can be expensive as well - we are trying to be mindful," Mr Skelding added.
Are you affected by issues covered in this story? Do you have any questions about interest rates? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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Here are five suggestions for rainy-day activities during the summer holidays if you are looking to keep costs down:
1. Visit a museum or gallery: There are lots of brilliant, free, attractions across the UK, with many activities aimed at children. Check out the newly-renovated National Portrait Gallery in London, the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, or St Fagan's National Museum of History in Cardiff.
2. Watch a movie: Instead of venturing out, why not settle into the sofa with your favourite film? Many streaming services offer free trials if you're looking for something new.
3. Board game fun: Dig out old games for some traditional fun.
4. Indoor work-out: On YouTube and other video platforms, there are all kinds of work-outs available for free no matter your ability.
5. Go to the library: Look up your local library and pay a visit. Many host activities such as craft sessions for kids too.
Sign up for our morning newsletter and get BBC News in your inbox. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66384409 |
Smuggled spider monkeys found in backpack in Texas - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The US Border Patrol seized seven animals as a person was arrested in Fort Brown, Texas. | Border Patrol agents found seven spider monkeys in a backpack when they detained a man trying to smuggle the animals into the US from Mexico.
At least six spider monkey species living in Central and South America are considered endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
The monkeys were handed over to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66420623 |
Ukraine war: Seven killed in Russian missile strike on eastern town of Pokrovsk - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Two missiles hit the town of Pokrovsk, the second as rescuers were searching for victims of the first. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
At least seven people have been killed in a Russian missile attack on residential buildings in the eastern Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk, officials say.
Two missiles hit the town - the second as rescuers were searching for victims of the first.
Dozens of people were injured, including police officers and rescuers. Two children were among more than 30 civilians who were hurt.
Pokrovsk lies about 70km (43 miles) north-west of Donetsk city, which is occupied by Russian forces. Before the war it had a population of around 60,000 people.
Pavlo Krylenko, the head of the Donetsk region, said the first strike killed five civilians, and that an official from the emergency services was killed in the second strike. A person who works in the military also died.
He added that the buildings which were "destroyed and damaged" were "high-rise buildings, private houses, administrative buildings, catering establishments [and] a hotel".
"Russia is a terrorist state. And she must be punished for her crimes!" he added in a post on Telegram.
According to other Ukrainian officials, the second missile struck 40 minutes after the first, killing and wounding rescuers as they searched for survivors in the ruins of what Mr Zelensky described as an "ordinary residential building".
He publishing a video of a five-storey building that had its top floor destroyed.
Amid scenes of general chaos and confusion it showed civilians clearing away rubble, and rescuers helping people into ambulances.
A day after the strikes, Russia claimed that its forces had also hit a Ukrainian military command post in Pokrovsk. Ukraine offered no comment on Tuesday's reported strike.
Kateryna, a resident who who was injured in the first attack, told the Reuters news agency she was at home when the missile struck.
"The flame filled up my eyes. I fell down on the floor, on the ground. My eyes (hurt) a lot, otherwise I am ok, just the shrapnel in my neck."
Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, said at least two civilians were also killed when Russian guided bombs hit "private houses" in the Kharkiv Region on Monday evening.
Five people were injured in those strikes, he said.
We were in Pokrovsk in May reporting on the thousands of people returning there to live close to the front line.
They continue to ignore warnings from local authorities to stay away because of the real risks.
The sights of rescue teams sifting through rubble are a reminder of how enduring those hazards are.
It is a town constantly on a war footing, where civilians mingle with soldiers. Our team have stayed in the Hotel Druzbha and eaten in the mafia-themed Corleone restaurant.
Both are prominent hubs in this eastern community. Both are now gutted from the impact of a Russian missile.
The attacks came a day after a Russian "guided bomb" hit a blood transfusion centre in north-eastern Ukraine, killing two people, according to Ukrainian officials.
Ukraine has been trying to regain territory occupied by Russia but has made modest gains since launching a counter-offensive two months ago.
On Sunday Mr Zelensky sought to justify attacks on Russian ships in the Black Sea, telling Argentine newspaper La Nacion that Ukraine "has to find another method to end the blockade of our water".
"If Russia continues to dominate its territory in the Black Sea and blockading, firing missiles, then Ukraine will do the same, which is a fair protection of our chances," he said.
Russia withdrew from a deal allowing the export of Ukrainian grain and warned ships in the Black Sea they could face military action, prompting Ukraine to issue a similar declaration.
Last week, a Russian tanker with 11 crew members was hit by what Moscow said was a Ukrainian attack in the Black Sea. Although Ukraine did not comment publicly, a security service source told the BBC a sea drone had been used.
That followed a similar sea drone attack on a Russian naval ship near the Russian port of Novorossiysk, which is a major hub for Russian exports.
Naval drones, or sea drones, are small, unmanned vessels which operate on or below the water's surface. Research by BBC Verify suggests Ukraine has carried out several attacks with sea drones.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. WATCH: BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner looks at three key pieces of video evidence | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66429344 |
William Friedkin: Director of The Exorcist and The French Connection dies aged 87 - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | His Oscar-winning career spanned six decades and also included crime thriller The French Connection. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
William Friedkin, director of the classic horror film The Exorcist, died on Monday at the age of 87.
His widow Sherry Lansing told the BBC through tears: "He had a wonderful life. He was almost 88 - he has a new movie coming out.
"He was the most wonderful husband in the world. He was the most wonderful father in the world. He had a big wonderful, life. There was no dream unfulfilled."
No cause of death has yet been confirmed. The director was said to have suffered health issues in recent years.
His other famous films included crime thriller The French Connection, which won five Academy Awards including best director.
Tributes from celebrities and fans began pouring in over social media.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, actor Elijah Wood wrote: "Aww man…a true cinematic master whose influence will continue to extend forever. So long, William Friedkin."
Friedkin died before his latest movie, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, could hit screens at the Venice Film Festival beginning on 30 August.
Though his career started in the early 1960s, his most notable success came in the following decade with the release of 1971's The French Connection.
The film's five Oscars included best picture, and best actor for Gene Hackman.
The Exorcist, released in 1973, had audiences horrified and entranced by the story of a 12-year-old girl possessed by the devil.
News media at the time reported cinemagoers fainting and vomiting in their seats, and people leaving the theatre shaking and screaming.
William Friedkin on set alongside lead actress from The Exorcist, Linda Blair
The film is reported to have grossed $500m (£391m) worldwide. It was nominated for 10 Oscars, winning two, and spawned multiple sequels.
The latest, titled The Exorcist: The Believer, is scheduled for release in October this year. It was directed by David Gordon Green, who helmed the most recent three films in the Halloween franchise.
Friedkin, for his part, was historically not a fan of remakes of the film.
At one point he said: "All of them are ridiculous... what I've seen of them, they want to make me vomit as the little girl vomits in the movie."
When told by the interviewer that his version of The Exorcist was the best, Friedkin replied: "By far the best? The others don't even exist."
Friedkin suffered a decline in form just a few years after The Exorcist, his biggest box office success.
Sorcerer, released in 1977, had an estimated budget of $22m but drew barely $6m in box office sales. US media called it a "flop".
Still, his wider filmmaking legacy remains cherished by critics and audiences alike.
Simpsons producer Mike Reiss remembered how the show made "a parody of his film Sorcerer", and that Friedkin "charmed everyone, and even wound up as a guest star".
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 Mike Reiss 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.
The director is survived by his widow, Ms Lansing - a former studio chief at Paramount Pictures who was his fourth wife - and two sons.
"The family is obviously very upset," Stephen Galloway, a friend of Friedkin's and the dean of Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, told the BBC. "He literally just finished making a new movie."
"His mind was just so sharp, always. And mixed with a kind of wicked mischievous humour. The films that he made in the 70s, they still stand out." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66434077 |
M62 crash: Man charged over death of 12-year-old on motorway - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Callum Rycroft, 12, from Leeds, was killed on the M62 in West Yorkshire on Saturday. | Callum Rycroft, 12, was "unique, great fun and larger than life", his mother says
A man is due in court over the death of a "beautiful happy" boy who was hit by a car while crossing a motorway.
The mother of Callum Rycroft, from Leeds, has paid tribute following his death on the M62 near Cleckheaton at 21:50 BST on Saturday.
He and a man were walking on the road after an earlier crash, police believe.
Matthew Rycroft, 36, of Leeds, will appear at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Tuesday charged with causing or allowing the death of a child.
He has also been charged with failing to provide a specimen.
West Yorkshire Police previously said it believed Callum was trying to make his way from the central reservation to the hard shoulder when he was hit.
The fatal crash happened on the eastbound carriageway after a separate crash on the slip road to Hartshead Moor services.
Investigators said they did not believe any other vehicles were involved in the first crash.
In a statement released by West Yorkshire Police, the boy's mother said: "Callum was a beautiful happy soul who was unique, great fun and larger than life.
"He brought light, laughter and noise into any room.
"Callum had a massive impact on everyone who met him. The house is so quiet without him here.
"We are devastated at what has happened and request that people respect our wish for privacy at this difficult time.
"We are very grateful for the support and kind comments we have received."
Another man, 47, from Bolton, who had previously been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, had been released on bail pending further inquiries, West Yorkshire Police said.
Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-66434750 |
Operation Seal Bay: How village nosiness uncovered drug ring - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | A master of disguise and a secret bunker were uncovered in a major drugs bust on the coast. | Forty years ago "the man with the rubber face" was caught in rural west Wales after misjudging the power of local curiosity.
Operation Seal Bay in 1983 broke up an international drug smuggling ring after discovering a secret bunker.
The ringleaders were Robin Boswell, and a Danish actor, Soeren Berg-Arnbak. The Dane had been on the run for 11 years.
Known as a master of disguise, Berg-Arnbak was one of Europe's most wanted drug dealers.
His arrest followed reports from farmers and fishermen of unusual activity at the bay.
In 1983, the 35-year-old lived a millionaire lifestyle on a luxury yacht, and owned villas in Italy and Switzerland. But on the run, he relocated to Pembrokeshire.
Don Evans was a detective chief inspector with Dyfed-Powys Police, and jointly led the incident room for Operation Seal Bay - the code name given to the investigation - with Det Supt Derek Davies.
Speaking 40 years later, Mr Evans said the the gang's downfall came from the inquisitive nature of the people of the Pembrokeshire coastal town of Newport.
"These villains totally underestimated the local people and how observant they were," he said. "In all we took 540 statements from people living in the area."
Soeren Berg-Arnbak was one of Europe's most wanted drug dealers
Sue Warner and her parents, who lived on a farm overlooking the coast near Newport, informed police of suspicious activity close to the bay, as the gang first drew attention to themselves by spending large amounts of money in a local pub.
"There were guys staying in Dinas Cross and spending an awful lot of money," she said.
"Paying for drinks with £50 notes and lots of partying going on. Lots of money and nice big cars - people just started to put things together.
Sue Warner and her family informed the police of suspicious activity close to the bay
"So, one night my dad decided to camp on the cliff top with neighbours. They found two men sleeping close to the site of where the gang were planning on keeping the drugs and then things started to unravel."
Lobster fishermen also spotted activity at the bay, and informed the Newport inshore rescue crew, fearing the people on the beach might be poachers.
The drug gang members told the boat crew they were training for an expedition to Greenland to film whales and seals. But when the crew did not believe them, they returned with Dyfed-Powys Police officers.
The police carried out a search of the bay with a farmer, who picked up a stone and threw it into the cave. It hit the ground and made a hollow sound.
Officers cleared the ground of pebbles and rocks, and discovered a hatch leading to an underground bunker.
Don Evans could not believe what they had found.
The hatch leading to the underground bunker
"It had obviously taken a long time to build. It was held up with timber and totally lined with fibre glass resin," he said.
"It would have taken ages to dig out the sand and rock and build and they would have brought all the materials in by boat."
At first officers thought it could have been linked to the IRA and gun running, but months earlier a large bale of cannabis resin had washed up on the beach in Newport.
Therefore, police believed it must be linked to the bunker.
The Operation Seal Bay team believed the waterproof bunker would be able to store about £7m-worth of drugs.
Working alongside Berg-Arnbak was Robin Boswell, from London, who was described as the mastermind of the drugs ring.
Police caught Boswell after a stranger matching his description was spotted by two young boys and their mother.
"Robin Boswell was arrested: a man who gave us 17 false names and addresses, he was a mystery man and clearly not up to any good," said retired detective Mr Evans.
"It transpired after arresting Boswell, that he wasn't going to tell us anything. But what was unique, he was wearing walking boots with specks of fibre glass resin.
"We thought that's what we needed to link him to the bunker at the cave."
Berg-Arnbak was also arrested the next day after being spotted by police officers on patrol near Fishguard.
When he spotted the police, he ditched his rucksack and fled across fields. He then jumped over a hedge and barbed wire fence, without realising there was a 70ft (21m) drop into a quarry on the other side.
He only survived by grabbing a protruding tree root to break his fall and was arrested at the bottom of the old quarry. This ended his 11 years on the run.
Police seized his rucksack, containing a high-powered radio which was being used as part of the huge drug smuggling operation.
On a hunch, officers then set up the radio on a cliff top that night. After hours of waiting, they finally heard a communication.
"The radio equipment came to life and the words 'Mother, mother. I want to come in to get the dirt off my hands' were heard," said Mr Evans.
"That communication was enough. We knew there was a vessel out in the bay wanting to come in to get rid of the drugs that were on board."
Police officers said they never thought Operation Seal Bay would stretch so far.
"It was a global operation. From the findings on the beach, it became a tapestry that spread from Newport, across London, across France, Spain, and Scandinavia," said former Det Sgt John Daniels.
"It was clear we had netted the major drugs trafficking team operating at that time.
"We didn't get to the yacht but it's like the classic case of solving a murder without a body. To prove something when you haven't got the physical evidence.
"It was a coup for the smallest police force in the country to take on the biggest drugs gang at the time."
Don Evans said he is "honoured and privileged" to have been part of the drugs bust
The Operation Seal Bay team followed the money Boswell had been banking all the way to the Isle of Man.
"In December 1982, Boswell carried two suitcases into a bank on the Isle of Man and banked £757,000, all in notes," recalled Mr Evans.
"We asked the bank manager why didn't he think of reporting it to the authorities? His face reddened and he said, 'Mr Evans it's not unusual for people to come in carrying a shopping bag with £50,000 in cash.'"
Police also seized cars worth £100,000 in 1983 including a Ferrari, a Range Rover, and a Rolls-Royce.
Berg-Arnbak was sentenced to eight years and Boswell to 10 years in prison. Six other members of the gang were also jailed.
The trial judge commended the police and the people of Newport for bringing the gang to justice.
And keeping a keen eye out for unusual goings on was praised by the prosecution, who said: "These greedy schemes were brought to light because of the neighbourliness or nosiness of local people, the interest and curiosity shown by decent people." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-66427790 |
Carbon credits - land grab or the Amazon’s future? - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Brazil's President Lula urges the nations who share the Amazon to resume cooperation. | Indigenous people of different ethnic groups marched in Belém for land demarcation ahead of the summit
This week, delegates arriving in Belém's international airport are being welcomed with a lively "Boi de mascara" folkloric dance routine. In fact, the whole city is celebrating being in the spotlight, playing host to the Amazon Summit.
It also feels like a bit of a warm-up for 2025 when the city will host COP30. These two events are a big deal for this part of Brazil - a region that often feels forgotten. Belém is well placed too, as the capital of Pará, the state with the highest deforestation rate in Brazil.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called this summit to bring together the eight South American countries who share a slice of the Amazon.
As it opened, he asked those nations to resume cooperation and agree on common policies to tackle deforestation and illegal mining.
Meanwhile Colombian president Gustavo Petro called for the creation of an international court to punish environmental crimes committed in the Amazon. He also defended a total ban on oil exploration in the region - a proposal backed by indigenous leaders.
Representatives from the eight countries which share the Amazon will attend
It is the first time in years that there has been a meeting like this, ensuring a regional response to combat crime and deforestation as well as climate change.
"I think the world needs to look at this meeting in Belém as a milestone," President Lula told the BBC last week.
"I've participated in several meetings and many times they talk, talk, talk, approve a document and nothing happens. This meeting is the first great opportunity for people to show the world what we want to do."
President Lula has promised to reverse rising deforestation seen under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. In July this year, deforestation fell 66% compared with the same month in 2022, and Lula says he is committed to zero deforestation by 2030.
"You have no idea how much pressure there was in our community from the Bolsonaro government," says Robson Gonçalves Machado, a resident of a community by the Acangatá river. "Landowners circling in planes, soya farmers wanting to buy the land to deforest it."
Robson lives on the banks of one of hundreds of waterways that wind their way through Ilha do Marajó.
Marajó is the world's largest river island and sits on the northern coast of Brazil near Belém - the easternmost part of the Amazon.
The only way to get to Robson's community is by boat - 13 hours overnight from Belém. It may feel isolated, but he is definitely aware of the demand there is for their land from outsiders.
While Pará is well known as the epicentre of Brazil's deforestation, more recently it has also become an appealing prospect for another burgeoning forest industry - carbon credits.
The way it works is this: an organisation that pollutes can buy a credit which is worth one tonne of carbon dioxide.
The money paid by the organisation is meant to go towards carbon-lowering schemes, so for every tonne of CO2 emitted, the credit represents a tonne of CO2 that was captured.
Those credits are bought and sold and their prices are determined like any other market. With the World Bank estimating the carbon credit market in the forest is worth $210bn (£165bn) a year, there is huge potential.
While the summit is a diplomatic event, the run-up to the meeting included several days of discussions on issues including the carbon market.
Robson's community of Acangatá recently signed a statement of intent with one of the carbon credit companies working in the area.
It has not kicked off in earnest, but the community has agreed to undertake courses that include sustainable forestry management, chicken rearing and biogas projects.
Robson Gonçalves Machado lives on the banks of the River Acangatá
"At the beginning there were lots of doubts," says Robson. "In the municipality there was a huge land grab worth millions of reais [Brazilian currency] of carbon that was sold and that didn't get passed down to the community."
Carbon credit companies operating in Ilha do Marajó have been accused of harassing people into contracts, pressuring people to be a part of their projects, without actually giving them much detail about the investment they will receive in return.
Pará's public prosecutor has since got involved to halt projects that have caused concern. The market still remains unregulated although President Lula has promised to address this.
Teacher Bianca Teles and her family make their living from cassava flour in a community which is a two-hours' boat ride from Robson's. The $200 (£157) they earn a week is not enough.
When a carbon credit company offered to help build a school and health centre, even that was not enough to convince her.
"It's not that transparent," she said. "We can't see how it would give us a secure life. We're always on the back foot, fearing the consequences. Because of these stories we heard, we decided not to sign a contract."
Many of the problems arise because the state is so absent in the Amazon - public services are weak, people feel abandoned. And that is when companies often come in to fill that gap - for good and bad.
"When the state isn't there, it creates a no man's land where anything can happen," says prosecutor Eliane Moreira.
On the other side of Ilha do Marajó, Hernandez Pantoja proudly shows off his açai and cacao plantation. The machinery and training were provided for by Carbonext, a Brazilian carbon credit company that has received investment funding from Shell. The community will also get a share of the credits.
"Just last year we chucked out five illegal sawmills from our land," Mr Pantoja says.
The community knows that defending their territory from illegal logging is a challenge on their own. But partnering with a company with the funds behind it, and a plan to ensure sustainable forestry, is the only way forward, he argues.
"We want support to look after our forest - we don't want to cut down trees anymore."
For Carbonext, empowering the communities to look after their land is important. So, too, is empowering the region as a whole.
Janaína Dallan is CEO of Carbonext, which works on carbon capture projects
"When the global north comes to the global south and says, 'I have the solution,' we're like, 'Really? Have you been to the Amazon?'" says CEO Janaína Dallan.
"How can you solve that problem if you've never been there? You don't have your boots on the ground. So it's very easy to say, 'I have the solution.'"
People on the ground in the Amazon - and those at the summit this week - are determined to make South America's voice heard when it comes to climate change. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-66435166 |
Crooked House pub near Dudley demolished - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The Crooked House pub, once known as "Britain's wonkiest", is demolished two days after a fire. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
A landmark pub in the Black Country has been demolished two days after fire ripped through the building.
The Crooked House in Himley near Dudley, once known as "Britain's wonkiest pub", caught fire on Saturday night.
Staffordshire Police and the fire service are trying to establish the cause.
In the meantime, the mayor of the West Midlands has called for it to be rebuilt "brick by brick".
The mayor of the West Midlands has called for the pub to be rebuilt
Before it was felled, campaigners were petitioning for the damaged building to be restored as a pub, as while the fire had gutted the property, the exterior was largely left standing.
But on Monday afternoon, shocked local residents and former customers gathered at the site to see the large pile of rubble where the pub once stood.
It is not yet clear who demolished the building, which was sold by previous owner Marston's to a private buyer in March.
The property was built in 1765 as a farmhouse but, due to mining in the area during the early 19th Century, one side of the building began to sink, causing its distinct, sloping appearance.
Mayor Andy Street said he had asked South Staffordshire Council to ensure the pub was rebuilt "and any attempt to change its use blocked".
"We will not let the Crooked House be consigned to history," he said.
"We believe that great pubs have immense cultural and historical value here in the West Midlands and we should be taking steps to protect and preserve their heritage."
Flowers and sympathy cards have been left at the scene
Mr Street's letter to council leader Roger Lees, was also signed by West Midlands night-time economy adviser Alex Claridge.
"Whilst we do not yet know the cause of the fire or the outcome of any investigation being conducted by Staffordshire Police or Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, it is clear that we should not allow such a tragic act to be the end of The Crooked House," the correspondence said.
Former Labour MP for Dudley North, Lord Ian Austin, an independent peer, called the destruction of the landmark a tragedy.
"Set on fire and now demolished," he wrote on social media. "Very interested to see what happens to the site now."
He had earlier highlighted how lanes leading up to the pub were found blocked on Saturday, hampering efforts of firefighters to reach the flames.
Station commander Liam Hilton of Staffordshire Fire Service said on Monday "[there were] mounds of mud and soil placed in the centre of the road and covering the whole of [it]".
What remained of the building had been deemed unsafe, the fire service said.
A second letter from Mr Street and Mr Claridge has been sent to Staffordshire Police's chief constable Chris Noble and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue chief fire officer Rob Barber.
It repeated Mr Street's concerns of Monday, stating "clearly there are major questions to be answered" as to what had happened on Saturday, and also raised the issue of dirt mounds hampering firefighters' efforts.
On Sunday, the exterior of the building was left standing, but within 24 hours, it was reduced to rubble
The property was a popular attraction for decades after Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries bought it and converted it into a pub in the 1940s.
Visitors flocked to see the distinctive building and witness the illusion of coins and marbles appearing to roll uphill along the bar.
Marston's listed it for sale with a guide price of £675,000 - a move that was met with a petition to keep the site as a pub.
The new owners would be spoken to as part of inquiries, police said.
Lord Austin said he did not understand why the owners were yet to identify themselves, adding the information would become public eventually via the Land Registry.
There are calls to rebuild the site brick by brick
Marston's said it was "shocked and disappointed" to learn about the fire.
A spokesperson explained: "We know the significance that the building has within the local community and we are working alongside our colleagues in the police to investigate what happened."
Det Insp Richard Dancey, of Staffordshire Police, said on Monday: "This incident has caused a great deal of speculation locally and we understand the significance of the building within the local community."
The force encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. The BBC's Nationwide programme spent an afternoon inside The Crooked House in 1974
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-66434719 |
Sinead O'Connor: Crowds gather to view funeral cortege - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The Irish singer died in July at the age of 56. | Emotional crowds of people gathered to see the funeral cortege for Sinead O'Connor, as it passed through the town of Bray, Ireland.
The Irish singer died in July at the age of 56. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-66436816 |
SQA exam results: Higher pass rate down from last year - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Over 77% of students achieved A to C grades, which is down from last year's figure of 79.8%. | If you're just joining us here's a reminder that the pass rate for exams in Scotland has fallen - but it remains higher than before the Covid pandemic.
More than 144,000 young people across Scotland are receiving their grades for National 4s and 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers.
The proportion of pupils awarded an A, B or C at Higher has fallen from 78.9% in 2022 and 89.3% in 2020 to 77.1% this year. The pass rate was 74.8% in 2019.
It was a similar picture for National 4s and 5s and for Advanced Highers.
The pass rate for National 5 qualifications was 78.8%, which was down from 80.8% in 2022 and 85.8% in 2021 but up from 78.2% in 2019.
At Advanced Higher level, 79.8% passed. That was down from 81.3% in 2022 and 93.1% in 2020. The pass rate was 79.4% in 2019.
Thank you for joining us during our live coverage of Scottish results day.
This page was edited by Jamie Whitehead and Craig Hutchison, and written by Sam Hancock and Andre Rhoden-Paul.
You can read more on Scottish results day in our main story that will continue to be updated. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-scotland-66429105 |
Colombia 1-0 Jamaica: South Americans set up England quarter-final at Women's World Cup - BBC Sport | 2023-08-08 | Colombia set up a Women's World Cup quarter-final against England with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Jamaica thanks to Catalina Usme's goal. | Last updated on .From the section Women's World Cup
Coverage : Live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website & app.
Colombia set up a Women's World Cup quarter-final against England with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Jamaica.
Catalina Usme, who captained Colombia in Melbourne, curled home the decisive strike in the 51st minute.
It was the first goal Jamaica had conceded at the tournament after 321 minutes of play, but they could not find a response.
This is the first time Colombia have reached the last eight of the Women's World Cup.
They will face European champions England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Saturday, kick-off at 11.30 BST.
• None Women's World Cup quiz: What do you know about the past 24 hours?
• None World Football podcast at the World Cup: Colombia and France end Jamaica and Morocco's dreams
This was the final match in Melbourne at this World Cup, and the Rectangular Stadium has claimed many traditional names of women's football as victims.
Olympic champions Canada were eliminated by hosts Australia, Brazil icon Marta saw her World Cup dreams dashed, and the once unbeatable four-time world champions the United States were humbled.
This game was about the new generation, two sides re-writing their football history.
Both seemed weighed down by the opportunity early on, with a first half more about fouls than shots.
The clearest first-half chance came on 38 minutes, as Linda Caicedo shot over on the turn from six yards.
But this young, vibrant Colombia side is near impossible to contain. And, while Caicedo has made the headlines this tournament, it was another 18-year-old who set the winner in motion.
Ana Maria Guzman was making her first World Cup start in place of suspended full-back Manuela Vanegas.
The absence of Vanegas, who scored the winner in the victory over Germany, was the cause of much pre-match worry among Colombian media.
But they need not have worried as Guzman produced a moment of magic, a brilliant deep cross from the left which Usme brought down and buried in the far corner.
Colombia should have made the game safe but Caicedo was denied by Jamaica keeper Becky Spencer following a counter-attack before Leicy Santos hit the post late on.
But they saw the job through - and face the Lionesses next.
While much attention has been placed on Colombia and Caicedo and co, Jamaica's impressive World Cup has been built on their watertight defence.
On debut in 2019, they let in 12 goals in three matches. In 2023, they went into this match as the only side yet to concede.
The first Caribbean nation to play in the knock-outs of any Fifa World Cup since Cuba in 1938 and the sole remaining Concacaf representative after the eliminations of Canada and USA, they did not allow Colombia to easily build any attacking tempo.
Drew Spence drew the ire of the partisan Colombia fans, who made up the vast majority of the crowd in Melbourne, when she threw Caicedo to the ground late in the first half, the former England international getting a yellow card.
But Jamaica struggled to create, with striker Khadija Shaw - scorer of 31 goals in 30 games for Manchester City last season - feeding off scraps.
Their best chance came almost immediately after Usme's goal, Jody Brown striking the post with a close-range header. They also came close with eight minutes remaining as Spence headed narrowly wide.
• None Offside, Jamaica. Deneisha Blackwood tries a through ball, but Atlanta Primus is caught offside.
• None Attempt missed. Diana Ospina (Colombia) right footed shot from long range on the right is high and wide to the right.
• None Leicy Santos (Colombia) hits the right post with a header from the centre of the box. Assisted by Catalina Usme with a cross following a corner.
• None Delay over. They are ready to continue.
• None Delay in match because of an injury Catalina Pérez (Colombia).
• None Attempt missed. Drew Spence (Jamaica) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Tiffany Cameron with a cross. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66424838 |
As it happened: Tory Lanez jailed for 10 years for shooting Megan Thee Stallion - live updates - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The Canadian rapper will spend 10 years in prison for shooting and injuring hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion. | During the trial, the jury heard that during the drive home from Kylie Jenner’s pool party on the night of July 11, 2020, Megan Thee Stallion insulted Tory Lanez‘s musical talent.
As the argument escalated, she demanded to be let out of the car. Megan testified that she heard Lanez shout “dance" before he fired five rounds at her.
The court heard she left a trail of blood at the scene, before getting back into the vehicle, which was stopped minutes later by police.
A gun that was still warm to the touch was found near where Lanez had been sitting.
Megan testified Lanez had offered her $1m (£780,000) to keep quiet about the attack because he claimed to be on probation for a weapons offence.
Minutes after the shooting, another passenger texted Megan Thee Stallion's security detail, saying: "Help... Tory shot meg." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-us-canada-66431305 |
Watch: Fiery ‘meteor’ over Australia probably Russian space rocket - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Flaming debris was seen blazing across the night sky in Melbourne on Monday evening. | Flaming debris was seen blazing across the night sky in Melbourne on Monday, sparking a flurry of social media posts questioning if it was a meteor.
The Australian Space Agency said in a statement that the flashes of light were probably remnants of a Russian Soyuz-2 rocket re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere.
The rocket had been used to launch a satellite earlier in the evening. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-66436211 |
Lucy Letby jury can return majority verdicts, judge rules - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The nurse is accused of killing seven babies and attempting to kill 10 others at a hospital. | Lucy Letby, 33, is accused of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill 10 others
Jurors deliberating in the murder trial of nurse Lucy Letby can return majority verdicts, a judge has ruled.
Ms Letby is accused of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill 10 others at Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016.
The jury has heard nine months of evidence, including claims Ms Letby deliberately injected babies with air and poisoned some with insulin.
The seven women and four men have been deliberating for 15 days.
Judge Mr Justice James Goss said the new direction means they will have to agree by 10-1 on any counts that are not unanimous.
A 12th juror was previously unable to continue and discharged for "good personal reasons".
Ms Letby, 33, originally from Hereford, has denied all the charges against her.
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The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-66220792 |
Mobility scooter shed must go, Colwyn Bay woman, 83, told - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The retired nurse says she needs the shed by her flat, but housing firm says it's had complaints. | Dot Slater has been told to take the shed down
A woman who had a shed built near her flat for her mobility scooter has been told to take it down after complaints.
Dot Slater, 83, had the storage unit placed in the corner of a car park at a block of flats in Colwyn Bay, Conwy.
She said it would store her mobility scooter and that of another resident.
But now Emeritus Homes plc, which runs the block, has told her in writing that it has had complaints and she did not have advance permission, so it must go. The company has been asked to comment.
The former nurse said she had a verbal agreement from a member of site staff that she was allowed to install the 8ft x 6ft (2.43m x 1.83m) shed on her parking bay.
The company, which operates the site as an independent living facility for the over-55s, said she could have a replacement structure if plans are formally submitted and approved, according to the letter.
Mrs Slater, who worked at Llandudno Hospital, has three children and three grandchildren
She said: "I was told verbally I could put the shed there but then they denied saying it and I got a letter asking me to remove it.
"I'm 83 and I need it there.
"My scooter had been under a sheet outside for 12 months before then and this shed has been up for five weeks.
"Two of us use it and it has a padlock." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-66437438 |
Bibby Stockholm: Asylum seekers describe life on barge - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Fifteen men boarded the government's new accommodation barge for asylum seekers in Dorset on Monday. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch: Inside the housing barge after first asylum seekers board
Some of the first group of men to board the Bibby Stockholm have described their first days on the barge.
One asylum seeker told the BBC it was like a prison and felt there was not enough room to accommodate up to 500 people onboard, as the government plans.
Another person on board praised the food and called the barge "quite a nice place" with small but "clean and tidy rooms".
The Home Office says the barge will provide better value for the taxpayer as pressure on the asylum system from small boats arrivals continues to grow.
Moored in Portland Port, Dorset, it is the first barge secured under the government's plans to reduce the cost of asylum accommodation.
Monday saw the first 15 asylum seekers board the Bibby Stockholm after a series of delays over safety concerns. It will house men aged 18 to 65 while they await the outcome of their asylum applications.
An Afghan asylum seeker, whom the BBC is not identifying, said: "The sound of locks and security checks gives me the feeling of entering Alcatraz prison.
"My roommate panicked in the middle of the night and felt like he was drowning. There are people among us who have been given heavy drugs for depression by the doctor here."
He said he had been given a small room, and the dining hall had capacity for fewer than 150 people.
"Like a prison, it [the barge] has entrance and exit gates, and at some specific hours, we have to take a bus, and after driving a long distance, we go to a place where we can walk. We feel very bad," the man added.
There is 24/7 security in place on board the Bibby Stockholm and asylum seekers are issued with ID swipe cards and have to pass through airport-style security scans to get on and off.
Asylum seekers are expected to take a shuttle bus to the port exit for security reasons. There is no curfew, but if they aren't back there will be a "welfare call".
The Home Office has said it would support their welfare by providing basic healthcare, organised activities and recreation.
The first group of men arrived on Monday. The Care4Calais charity said it was providing legal support to a further 20 asylum seekers who refused to move to Portland and are challenging the decision.
On Tuesday, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffiths, said that moving to the barge was "not a choice" and if people choose not to comply "they will be taken outside of the asylum support system".
"Many of us entered Britain nine to 11 months ago, by airplane. Some of us applied for asylum at the airport. We did not come by boat," the Afghan man said.
"It has been two weeks since we received a letter in which they threatened that if we do not agree to go, our aid and NHS will be cut off.
"There are people among us who take medicine. We accepted. We waited for two weeks and didn't even have time to bring clean clothes."
Two other asylum seekers on board the barge said the "food is good" and described the rooms as "small, but nice, clean and tidy".
The men, aged 19 and 25, said they had arrived in the UK earlier this year by plane, not on a small boat crossing the Channel.
They said they faced religious persecution in their home country, which the BBC is not identifying to protect their anonymity.
They also described a gym and a TV lounge on board.
"The food is good, much better than the hotel," the 25-year-old told BBC News.
The 19-year-old added there is an IT centre inside but they can only use it at allocated times.
"We have indoor games. We have a football ground, small basketball hoops and some board games - it's quite a nice place."
However he said he was not happy on board because he had been removed from a religious community where he had previously been housed.
"I don't say I am happy. But it's okay because I have to be here. I was happy when I was with my people, with my community," he said.
"Our main purpose is to practice our religion."
He added he had requested not to be moved from his hotel on the south coast to the barge, but his request was refused.
"They said that you have to go to the barge. It's basically on a no-choice basis, so you have to come here."
The 19-year-old said he hoped to complete his studies in the UK and become a software developer. The 25-year-old said he wanted to work in international relations.
The government says it is spending £6m per day housing more than 50,000 migrants in hotels.
A Home Office spokesperson said: "This marks a further step forward in the government's work to bring forward alternative accommodation options as part of its pledge to reduce the use of expensive hotels and move to a more orderly, sustainable system which is more manageable for local communities."
"This is a tried-and-tested approach that mirrors that taken by our European neighbours, the Scottish government and offers better value for the British taxpayer," they added.
The Home Office says that by the autumn, they aim to house about 3,000 asylum seekers in places that aren't hotels - such as the barge, and former military sites Wethersfield, in Essex, and Scampton, in Lincolnshire. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66444120 |
Amazon rainforest: Deforestation in Brazil at six-year low - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Data shows a 66% drop in deforestation rates in July 2023 compared to the same month last year. | The fines imposed on illegal logging have increased since President Lula came into office
The rate of deforestation in Brazil's Amazon has dropped to its lowest in six years, space agency data suggests.
In July of this year, 500 sq km (193 sq miles) of rainforest were cleared in Brazil - 66% less than in July of last year, national space agency Inpe said.
The drop is a welcome boost for the government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who pledged to end deforestation by 2030 when he took office in January.
Rainforest destruction had surged under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.
The far-right leader promoted mining in indigenous lands in the Amazon and forest clearances soared at the same time as resources to protect the forest were cut.
The Amazon rainforest is a crucial buffer in the global fight against climate change and 60% of it is located in Brazil.
Lula came to power promising to halt the damage done during Mr Bolsonaro's four-year term and the figures released by the satellite agency show that things are improving.
Inpe said that the area of forest cut down in the first seven months of 2023 was smaller than that razed in the same period in 2022.
The drop is substantial and makes for an impressive turnaround just days before an Amazon summit with leaders from countries that share the world's largest rainforest.
On Wednesday, Lula told the BBC that the meeting next week was something the whole world should watch.
He argued that all too often, promises made at global summits were not met, but he insisted that "where there's a will, there's a way".
Data released by Inpe also shows that the authorities are going after those engaging in illegal logging.
The fines imposed in the first seven months of this year have topped $400m (£315m), a rise of almost 150%.
Reversing the damage done in the Amazon remains challenging but the deforestation drop announced by Inpe on Thursday will send a reassuring message to the world that progress has been made in a relatively short time.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Climate activist: The Earth tells us we have no more time | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-66393360 |
Bryan Randall: Sandra Bullock praised for 'amazing' way she cared for partner - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The actress has been praised for the "amazing" way she cared for Bryan Randall in his final years. | Sandra Bullock and Bryan Randall pictured at the Ocean's 8 premiere in 2018
Actress Sandra Bullock has been praised for the "amazing" way she cared for her long-term partner in his final years.
Bryan Randall died aged 57 after being diagnosed three years ago with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
In a statement, Randall's family said they were "immensely grateful to the tireless doctors who navigated the landscape of this illness".
Bullock was also praised for her care by her sister Gesine Bullock-Brado in a tribute she posted on Instagram.
"ALS is a cruel disease," she wrote, "but there is some comfort in knowing he had the best of caretakers in my amazing sister and the band of nurses she assembled who helped her look after him in their home."
"I'm convinced that Bry has found the best fishing spot in heaven and is already casting his lure into rushing rivers teaming [sic] with salmon."
Randall's death was first announced in a statement his family released to People.
The family said the photographer "chose early to keep his journey with ALS private", adding: "Those of us who cared for him did our best to honour his request."
ALS is the most common form of motor neurone disease (MND).
Bullock was praised by her sister for the "amazing" way she cared for Randall in his final years
The family's statement continued: "We are immensely grateful to the tireless doctors who navigated the landscape of this illness with us and to the astounding nurses who became our roommates, often sacrificing their own families to be with ours.
"At this time we ask for privacy to grieve and to come to terms with the impossibility of saying goodbye to Bryan."
Sandra Bullock is best-known for films such as Speed, Gravity and Miss Congeniality, and won an Oscar in 2010 for her performance in The Blind Side.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease after a famous New York baseball player who died from it, is a progressive disease for which there is no cure.
It is caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control the movement of muscles that we control consciously.
The disease often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg, trouble swallowing or slurred speech, but as it progresses it profoundly impacts on the ability to move, talk and even breathe.
Most people die within two years of being diagnosed.
The exact cause of the disease is still not known. A small number of cases are inherited. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-66437720 |
Mushroom poisoning deaths: Family lunch mystery grips Australia - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Said to have been poisoned by wild mushrooms, three in a tight-knit town are dead, with another critical. | Two Saturdays ago, five people sat down for a family meal in a tiny Australian town.
Within a week, three would be dead, a fourth fighting for life, and the fifth under investigation for potentially poisoning her guests with wild mushrooms.
But the 48-year-old woman who cooked the lunch says she has no idea what happened, and that she loved her family and wouldn't hurt them.
The peculiar case has captured national attention, puzzled police, and left a tight-knit community reeling.
The unusual tale began when Gail and Don Patterson stopped for lunch at their daughter-in-law Erin Patterson's home in Leongatha - a two-hour drive south-east of Melbourne.
With them were the Wilkinsons - Heather, Gail's sister, and her husband Ian.
All four were much-loved members of the nearby town of Korumburra, where Ian was the local Baptist church pastor.
But it was no ordinary lunch. Hours after the meal, all four guests took themselves to the local hospital with what they first believed was severe gastro.
It quickly became clear it was something far worse, and they were transferred to a hospital in Melbourne to receive the best medical care the state had to offer.
Despite that, Heather, 66, and Gail, 70, died on Friday, and Don, 70, on Saturday. Ian, 68, remains in a critical condition in hospital, awaiting a liver transplant.
Ian and Heather Wilkinson are among those who became sick
Police say they believe the four ate death cap mushrooms - which are highly lethal if ingested. Oddly, Erin is fine.
But beyond that, little is clear.
Investigators say they are unsure if Erin ate the same food as her guests, or even if the mushrooms were in the dish that she served.
They also pointed out that she was separated from her husband - who is the Pattersons' son - but described it as an "amicable" split.
"Nefarious activity" has not yet been ruled out though.
"At this point in time, the deaths are unexplained," the homicide squad's Dean Thomas told reporters on Monday.
"It could be very innocent, but we just don't know."
Ms Patterson says she "can't fathom what has happened".
Crying as she spoke to reporters outside of her home, she declined to answer questions about what meals were served to which guests or where the mushrooms had come from.
But she did profess her innocence.
"I didn't do anything; I loved them."
As news of the incident spread through the local area, so did horror.
"No-one would ever expect that to happen here," the regional mayor Nathan Hersey told the BBC.
"Who in their right mind would expect that they would lose... people who contribute and give so much... in such a way?
In a statement, the victims' families paid tribute to them as "pillars of faith" within the community.
"Their love, steadfast faith, and selfless service have left an indelible mark on our families, the Korumburra Baptist Church, the local community, and indeed, people around the globe," the statement published in the South Gippsland Sentinel Times said.
But also distraught, is Erin.
"Gail was the mum I didn't have," she said.
"They were some of the best people I've ever known... I'm devastated they are gone."
It isn't the first time the state of Victoria has been rocked by mushroom poisonings, and as foraging expands in popularity, death caps are increasingly mistaken for edible fungus.
They are found in cool, humid climates all over the world, and look far more innocent than a lot of other deadly varieties. Responsible for 90% of lethal mushroom poisoning globally, a piece the size of a coin is enough to kill an adult if eaten.
In 2020 a spate of poisonings in Victoria put eight people in hospital, one of whom died.
Authorities have again asked people not to eat wild mushrooms they have foraged.
"If you haven't purchased them from a supermarket, perhaps stay clear of them," said Dean Thomas, of the homicide squad. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-66391325 |
Kanye West performs at Travis Scott Utopia gig after antisemitism scandal - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | It's the first public performance since the rapper caused controversy with a series of antisemitic posts. | Kanye West has not performed in public since sharing antisemitic posts online
Kanye West made a surprise appearance on stage when he joined Travis Scott at his concert in Rome.
It's Kanye's first public performance since he caused controversy by posting a series of antisemitic remarks online.
Fellow US rapper Travis was performing the first gig since his Utopia album - which is currently top of the album charts - was released.
He said his music had been inspired by Kanye, telling the crowd: "There is no Travis Scott without Kanye West."
Kanye, who's legally changed his name to Ye, was dropped by brands and banned from social media in October over a string of antisemitic posts.
He had accused rapper Diddy of being controlled by Jewish people on Instagram, appearing to reference an antisemitic conspiracy theory that a secret cabal of Jewish people is trying to control governments, banks and the media.
Kanye then tweeted he would go "death con 3 Oon Jewish people", getting him banned there too.
Brands like Adidas also sought to distance themselves from him - although last week they revealed they had made millions selling his Yeezy trainers.
Kanye has previously spoken about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and his mental health struggles.
His account was re-instated on X, formerly known as Twitter, last week - but he hasn't posted yet.
Travis Scott's new album Utopia has recently topped the charts
Kanye's surprise appearance with Travis at the Circus Maximus stadium on Monday night marked his first on-stage performance since the controversy.
The pair performed Kanye's songs Praise God and Can't Tell Me Nothing together.
In footage shared from the concert on social media, Travis told the 60,000 fans: "It's been a long journey before we could get here.
"There is no Utopia without Kanye West. There is no Travis Scott without Kanye West. There is no Rome without Kanye West. Make some noise for Ye."
The concert followed a last-minute cancellation of Travis' planned live show in front of the pyramids in Egypt.
Egyptian authorities said they had safety concerns about the concert following the death of 10 fans in a crowd surge at his 2021 Astroworld gig in Houston in the United States.
Travis has insisted the Egypt gig will still go ahead, promising to share a new date soon.
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-66437674 |
Sinéad O'Connor obituary: A talent beyond compare - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The shaven-headed Irish singer's turbulent life often threatened to overwhelm her music. | Sinéad O'Connor saw music as the therapy to escape a turbulent childhood.
Her rebellious nature was mainly driven by resentment at the abuse she suffered as a child and her experience in a Dublin reformatory.
It was music that rescued her, unleashing a creative talent that made her a worldwide music star - but also a rebel prepared to be controversial and never play the game of being an image-led pop star.
With her elfin features and skinhead look she was one of pop music's most recognisable figures.
Sinéad Marie Bernadette O'Connor was born on 8 December 1966 in the affluent Glenageary suburb of Dublin.
She was the third of five children of Sean O'Connor and his wife Marie. The couple had married young and their relationship, often stormy, ended when O'Connor was eight.
Her brother, Joseph, once described their mother as deeply unhappy and disturbed and prone to physical and emotional abuse of her children.
O'Connor eventually moved out to go and live with her father but she often played truant to go shoplifting.
Eventually she was placed in Dublin's An Grianan Training Centre, once one of the notorious Magdalene laundries, originally set up to incarcerate young girls deemed to be promiscuous.
One nun discovered that the only way to keep this rebellious teenager in check was by buying her a guitar and setting her up with a music teacher. It was to be the saving of her.
The success of her first album made her a huge concert draw
A volunteer at the institution had a brother who played in the Irish band In Tua Nua. She did record a song with them but they felt she was too young to become a full-time member.
At 16 her father moved her to a boarding school in Waterford where a teacher recognised her talent and helped her produce a demo tape featuring two of her own compositions.
A meeting with the producer and composer Colm Farrelly saw them come together with other musicians to form the band Ton Ton Macoute.
They made an immediate impact and, when they relocated to Dublin, O'Connor dropped out of school to go with them.
Her second album won her a Grammy
Eventually she moved to London and found herself an experienced manager in Fachtna Ó Ceallaigh, who had previously worked for U2.
As well as guiding her musically, Ó Ceallaigh imbued her with his own brand of republican politics. She caused a stir when she praised the Provisional IRA, although she later apologised.
Ever the rebel, she firmly rejected attempts by her record company to change her punk look and become more girly.
"What they were describing," O'Connor later told the Daily Telegraph, "was actually their mistresses. I pointed that out to them which they didn't take terribly well."
She also fell out with the producer who had been brought in to mastermind her first album. After much persuasion, the record company allowed her to produce it herself. By this time she was seven months pregnant by her session drummer, John Reynolds, whom she went on to marry.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Sinéad O'Connor: In her own words
The Lion and the Cobra, released in 1987, was a storming success. It featured what would become the typical O'Connor sound, overdubbed harmonies and atmospheric backgrounds held together by her distinctive voice. It earned a Grammy nomination for best female rock vocal performance.
One single, Mandinka, did well in the US and was the song she chose to sing on Late Night with David Letterman, her first American primetime TV appearance.
She topped this with her follow-up album, the Grammy-winning I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got, which featured her most successful single, a cover of the Prince song Nothing Compares 2 U.
It was helped to the top of the charts in the UK, Ireland and the US by a striking video that largely featured a close-up of her face as she sang.
She cried during the making of the video and later said she found it difficult to sing the song because it reminded her of the loss of her mother, who had died in a car accident in 1985.
But controversy was never far away. She refused to perform at a concert venue in New Jersey unless it dropped its normal practice of playing the US national anthem before she went on.
The venue reluctantly agreed but it led to a boycott of her songs by a number of US radio stations.
A month after the release of I'm Not Your Girl, a collection of jazz standards, O'Connor performed a version of Bob Marley's War on NBC's Saturday Night Live, substituting some of the words so it became a protest against child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.
To the horror of the producers she held up a photo of Pope John Paul II to the camera and tore it in half. NBC received more than 4,000 complaints from viewers and many destroyed copies of her records.
At a subsequent live appearance she was booed so much she couldn't perform. At the end of 1992 she returned to live in Dublin.
Her fourth album, Universal Mother, featuring writing contributions from Germaine Greer and Kurt Cobain, failed to emulate the success of her earlier work. It was to be her last studio album for six years.
Having split from her husband, she found herself locked in a long custody battle with the journalist John Waters, who had fathered her second child, a daughter named Roisin. The stress caused her to attempt suicide in 1999.
In one of the stranger turns of her life she was ordained a priest in the Latin Tridentine Church, an independent Catholic church, not in communion with Rome. Despite her disdain for the Church hierarchy, O'Connor always maintained she was a practising Christian and a devout Catholic.
She went back into the studio in 2000 to record the album Faith and Courage. Largely self-penned, it failed to break into the Top 20 in all but the Australian album charts.
There was a brief second marriage with the journalist Nick Sommerlad before she had a third child, Shane, with the musician Donal Lunny.
She surprised many by being ordained as a priest
The 2002 album Sean-Nos Nua featured a reworking of traditional Irish folk songs. A year later she released a compilation of previously unheard tracks and demos before announcing she was retiring from music.
Both her mental and physical health were suffering, Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she was also battling the painful condition of fibromyalgia.
A spell in Jamaica resulted in her seventh studio album, Throw Down Your Arms, a collection of reggae-flavoured covers that met with positive reviews.
She gave birth to her fourth child, Yeshua Francis Bonadio in 2006, fathered by her then partner Frank Bonadio. The following year she released yet another album, Theology. It failed to ignite the charts.
A third marriage in 2010 to long-time friend Steve Cooney lasted less than a year.
She came back to musical form with How About I Be Me (and You Be You) released in 2012, which reached number five in Ireland and 33 in the UK charts.
There was a very public spat with the singer Miley Cyrus in 2013 after O'Connor published a letter on her website, criticising Cyrus for her overtly sexual videos. Cyrus responded by describing O'Connor as "crazy".
At her best she was an artist of real talent
O'Connor proved she could still deliver the goods with the release of her 2014 album I'm Not Bossy, I'm the Boss. She appeared on the cover wearing a wig and figure-hugging black dress while caressing a guitar.
But her mental health was still precarious. In November 2015, after recovering from a hysterectomy, she posted a message on Facebook announcing she was staying at a hotel and contemplating suicide. She was found safe and well and received medical treatment.
Converting to Islam in 2018, she changed her name to Shuhada' Sadaqat, but continued to perform under her birth name.
She released a memoir, Rememberings, in June 2021 and took part in media interviews to promote it, some of them fraught. The singer said she felt "badly triggered" by an interview on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour about her mental health struggles and the media's coverage of it.
More trauma came in January 2022, when her 17-year-old son Shane took his own life. The musician posted a series of concerning tweets in the wake of his death, indicating she was considering suicide and telling followers she had been admitted to hospital.
Sinéad O'Connor was a precocious talent who used music as a means of dealing with the demons inside her. A contradictory figure in many ways, she always refused to toe the establishment line, something that saw her achieve less success than she deserved.
The singer though was unapologetic and unrepentant for those life choices. "I always say, if you live with the devil, you find out there's a god."
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can visit the BBC Action Line for help. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35031186 |
Spending power to surge in London but plunge in other regions - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The West Midlands, the South East and the East of England will be hit hardest by inflation, warns think tank. | The spending power of workers in some parts of the UK will still be below the level it was before the pandemic by the end of 2024, a think tank has warned.
Pay, after accounting for rising prices, is set to fall between 2019 and 2024 in regions like the West Midlands and East of England, said Niesr.
By contrast, it said London and parts of the South were "steaming ahead".
The Treasury said the UK economy had "proven resilient... heading off predictions of a recession this year".
Over the last few years inflation - the rate at which prices rise - has soared, driving up the cost of living for millions.
Wages have also climbed, but not as fast as prices, leaving households across the UK feeling squeezed.
The National Institute for Economic and Social Research (Niesr), which is one of the UK's oldest economic forecasting bodies, said that Brexit, Covid and the Ukraine war had badly affected the economy, resulting in five years of "lost" growth.
It added that the surging cost of living meant people's spending power in some parts of the UK would still not be back to 2019 levels by late next year.
The regions set to see the biggest squeeze are the East of England, parts of the South East and the West Midlands, where pay, when inflation is accounted for, is forecast to fall by between 0.5% and 5% in the period.
By contrast, people's "real wages" in London are forecast to jump by 7%, while in Wales they will rise by 4.6% and in Northern Ireland by 4%. However, the think tank said there were disparities within these regions.
Prof Stephen Millard, deputy director for macroeconomic modelling and forecasting at Niesr, told the BBC's Today programme that London was "steaming ahead" but added the capital was "lucky".
"It's full of industries that are traded, highly competitive, where productivity growth has been high, whereas other areas of country have been much more affected by Brexit," he added.
"The industries there are either struggling to import and export or they are non-traded industries in the first place so they don't tend to grow as fast."
Niesr said the UK's "stuttering" economic growth had widened the gap between the wealthier and poorer parts of the country.
It forecast the amount of money made by the UK economy - its gross domestic product (GDP) - is not forecast to return to 2019 levels until the second half of next year.
It predicted that inflation, the rate at which prices rise, will remain continually above the Bank of England's 2% target until early 2025, meaning the cost of living will also continue to rise. Inflation is currently 7.9% annually.
The Bank, which is tasked with keeping inflation under control, said last week it expected to meet its own target of 2% by early 2025.
In its efforts to bring down inflation, it has put up interest rates 14 times in a row. It hopes that by increasing borrowing costs, people will spend less money, prices for goods will not rise as fast and the inflation rate will come down.
However, higher rates are also driving up the cost of loans and mortgages, putting further pressure on households.
Last week, the Bank signalled it would keep interest rates higher for longer to get inflation under control. But some economists warn raising rates too aggressively could push the UK into recession, which is defined typically as when the economy shrinks for two three-month periods - or quarters - in a row.
Niesr said it expected the UK to avoid going into a recession this year, but said there was a "60% risk" of one by the end of 2024.
The Bank of England, by contrast, does not expect the UK to enter a recession, but has forecast that growth will be limited and unemployment will rise over the next few years.
Prof Millard said the answer to the UK's economic woes was "public investment".
"The government needs to think beyond next few years by investing in public infrastructure, education, healthcare, in the green transition. The result will eventually be higher growth, but it takes a while, at least a couple of parliaments," he added.
In response to the report, the Treasury said the UK economy had "proven resilient in the face of global challenges, heading off predictions of a recession this year unlike some of our neighbours in Europe".
It said the Bank of England's forecast for falling inflation would "create the right conditions for growth".
"That's alongside record investment in infrastructure and major reforms to bring more than 100,000 people into the workforce while driving further business investment," it added. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66436792 |
China exports see biggest drop for three years - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Global demand for Chinese goods has fallen as the cost of living and rising interest rates bite. | China's exports and imports have fallen sharply
China's imports and exports fell more sharply than expected last month as weaker global demand threatened the recovery prospects of the world's second-largest economy.
Official figures show that exports fell by 14.5% in July compared with a year earlier, while imports dropped 12.4%.
The grim trade figures reinforce concerns that the country's economic growth could slow further this year.
It will increase pressure on Beijing to help boost the post-pandemic recovery.
China's economy grew just 3% last year - apart from the slowdown when Covid struck, the weakest rate since 1976 - reflecting the toll from coronavirus restrictions that remained some of the most stringent in the world, long after many other countries had resumed more normal patterns.
A full lockdown was imposed for two full months from March 2022 in the financial hub of Shanghai, home to around 25 million people, with the government delivering food packages to residents confined in their home.
Though officials loosened restrictions in November, recovery has remained lacklustre.
The unemployment rate among China's youth exceeded 20% in May and a crisis in the housing sector has damaged confidence.
Weaker economic growth overseas has also reduced foreign demand for Chinese goods, while geopolitical tensions between China and the US and others have taken a further toll on trade, encouraging international firms to shift investments out of the country.
July was the third month in a row that China's shipments overseas have declined, marking the sharpest fall since February 2020 at the height of the pandemic.
Exports to the US, one of China's biggest buyers, fell 23.1% year-on-year.
The European Union also bought 20.6% less from China.
Louise Loo from Oxford Economics warned that the pressures on foreign trade will linger, as higher borrowing costs and rising living costs weigh on economic activity in other parts of the world, eroding demand for goods.
"The backdrop for China's external demand could become considerably more challenging in the coming quarters," she said.
China's position as a major importer also means its sluggish trade performance is likely to have a knock-on effect on the global economy, said Steve Clayton, head of equity funds for investment firm Hargreaves Lansdown.
Prices for commodities from oil to copper slipped in response to the news, while shares in luxury goods producers such as LVMH - which have long looked to China for growth - also dropped.
"A weaker China means lower demand in the wider global economy too," Mr Clayton said. "China's woes may well be felt beyond its own shores, underlining the interlinkage of the world's leading economies."
China's central bank has cut interest rates in recent months in a bid to boost the economy and regulators have also relaxed their scrutiny of key sectors such as the tech industry. But officials have so far resisted major measures to stimulate the economy.
Weak growth means China is not facing the rising prices that have rattled many other countries and prompted central bankers elsewhere to sharply increase borrowing costs. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66436582 |
Shops offering discounts to tempt hard-hit customers - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Wet weather stopped shoppers splashing out in July prompting shops to ramp up promotions. | Retailers are ramping up promotions to try to persuade shoppers to spend more after July's wet weather hit business.
Sales of clothing and shoes declined last month, which is usually a busy month for fashion, as shoppers held back from updating their summer wardrobes.
But a report on retail sales said there was a "big rise" in offers designed to persuade shoppers back.
The higher cost of living and rising interest rates are squeezing spending.
"We are starting to see a big rise in the number of promotions that retailers are putting in place in order to get shoppers through the door, as they battle to keep market share," said Paul Martin, UK head of retail at consultancy firm KPMG.
"Price conscious consumers are shopping more carefully, more aware of where bargains can be found and what they are getting for their money."
According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG, spending in July was dented by the damp weather, which "did no favours" to sales of clothing, and other seasonal goods.
The value of retail sales was 1.5% higher in July compared to a year ago, but volumes were lower once inflation, which is currently 7.9%, was taken into account.
"Both consumers and retailers are finding that they are having to get used to doing more with less as conditions remain incredibly challenging," Mr Martin added.
It was not just High Streets impacted last month, online sales also continued to slide, falling nearly 7% year-on-year, the report said.
However, sales of furniture, health and beauty goods held up.
"While consumer confidence is generally improving, it remains below longer-term levels," said Helen Dickinson, boss of the BRC, which represents some 5,000 businesses.
Inflation - the rate at which prices rise - fell to 7.9% in June, which is its lowest level in more than a year but still high by historical standards.
This is due to energy bills and food prices starting to fall, official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest.
The BRC-KPMG retail statistics are not as extensive as the ONS figures. However, reports of larger-than-usual summer discounts still suggest there could be an impact on inflation when the July data is released next week.
Economists are predicting inflation to drop to 6.8% due to energy prices falling.
Samuel Tombs, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said the 17% fall in households' energy bills will have "boosted disposable incomes", adding it appeared the cost of goods was now rising less quickly than wages.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch: Is this it for summer in the UK?
Last week, the Bank of England put up interest rates for the 14th time in a row in a bid to make borrowing more expensive, dampen demand and therefore slow price rises.
This is driving up mortgage rates, something Ms Dickinson said was squeezing household budgets.
Economist Michael Hewson from CMC Markets said the slowdown in the pace of consumer spending was "not surprising", considering interest rate rises.
"This is what rate hikes are designed to do," he said.
But Mr Hewson said there was a "looming cliff edge" as there is a lag before the effect of such rises is fully felt in the economy.
He said consumers were now saving more to mitigate a sharp rise in mortgage costs as their fixed rate deals come up for renewal.
New figures from Barclays, which monitors about half of credit and debit card spend in Britain, also suggest there has been an overall slowdown in spending.
But there were a few bright spots, with more being spent on takeaways and streaming services as people stayed indoors away from the rain. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66429307 |
Italian banks hit with surprise windfall tax - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The potential one-off tax on the profits banks earn from higher interest rates has seen shares plummet. | The Porta Nuova business district seen from the terrace of Duomo Cathedral in Milan
Italy has passed a one-off 40% tax on the profits banks earn from higher interest rates, in a shock move that has seen shares plummet.
A hike in official interest rates has resulted in record profits for Italian banks, prompting the government's move.
Proceeds will be used to help mortgage holders and to cut taxes, the government says.
But Italian banks have said the tax on their profits will be "substantially negative" for the sector.
The surprise move was agreed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's ministers at a cabinet meeting late on Monday. They vowed to invest the funds raised into helping households and businesses struggling with the cost of borrowing.
"One has only to look at banks' first-half profits to realise that we are not talking about a few millions, but of billions," Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini told a news conference in Rome late on Monday.
The tax will apply to the net interest income that comes from the gap between the banks' lending and deposit rates.
Around €2bn (£1.7bn) is reportedly expected to be generated from the levy, which will be used to fund support for families hit by higher interest rates.
Italy's parliament now has 60 days to pass the tax decree into law.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told the Corriere della Sera newspaper the tax was not against the banks, "but a measure to protect families" and those struggling to pay mortgages.
But some European banks have said the surprise move is bad news for the sector.
Equity Research Analyst at Citi, Azzurra Guelfi, said: "We see this tax as substantially negative for banks given both the impact on capital and profit as well as for cost of equity of bank shares."
Shares in the country's two largest banks, Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit, dropped by 8% and 6.5% respectively on Tuesday morning following the announcement.
Shares in Banco BPM, the country's third-largest bank dropped 8.2%, while the state-owned Monte dei Paschi di Siena dipped by 7.4%. Other banks including BPER Banca, Banca Generali and Mediobanca were also down.
The fallout has had ramifications for other banks, with shares dropping at Germany's Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank, and France's BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole.
"The tax that Italy has levied on the excess profits that banks are perceived to be making has come as a surprise and is likely raising concerns that other countries could follow Italy's example," said Stuart Cole, chief macro economist at Equiti Capital.
Other European countries including Hungary and Spain have imposed similar windfall taxes on banks.
In May, Lithuanian lawmakers backed a temporary windfall tax on banks to fund defence spending, while Estonia is planning to raise the tax level on banks to 18%, up from 14% this year.
A windfall tax is a levy imposed by a government on companies that have benefited from something they were not responsible for - in other words, a windfall. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66440335 |
Cyber-attack on UK's electoral registers revealed - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The Electoral Commission warns the public to be vigilant for unauthorised use of their personal data. | The UK's elections watchdog has revealed it has been the victim of a "complex cyber-attack" potentially affecting millions of voters.
The Electoral Commission said unspecified "hostile actors" had managed to gain access to copies of the electoral registers, from August 2021.
Hackers also broke into its emails and "control systems" but the attack was not discovered until October last year.
The watchdog has warned people to watch out for unauthorised use of their data.
In a public notice, the commission said hackers accessed copies of the registers it was holding for research purposes, and for conducting checks on political donors.
Chief executive officer Shaun McNally said the commission knew which of its systems were accessible to the hackers, but could not "conclusively" identify which files may have been accessed.
The watchdog said the information it held at the time of the attack included the names and addresses of people in the UK who registered to vote between 2014 and 2022.
This includes those who opted to keep their details off the open register - which is not accessible to the public but can be purchased, for example by credit reference agencies.
The data accessed also included the names - but not the addresses - of overseas voters, it added.
However, the data of people who qualified to register anonymously - for safety or security reasons - was not accessed, the watchdog said.
The commission says it is difficult to predict exactly how many people could be affected, but it estimates the register for each year contains the details of around 40 million people.
The personal data held on the registers - name and address - did not itself present a "high risk" to individuals, it added, although it is possible it could be combined with other public information to "identify and profile individuals".
It has not said when exactly the hackers' access to its systems was stopped, but said they were secured as soon as possible after the attack was identified in October 2022.
Explaining why it had not made the attack public before now, the commission said it first needed to stop the hackers' access, examine the extent of the incident and put additional security measures in place.
Defending the delay, commission chair John Pullinger said: "If you go public on a vulnerability before you have sealed it off, then you are risking more vulnerabilities."
He said the "very sophisticated" attack involved using "software to try and get in and evade our systems".
He added that the hackers were not able to alter or delete any information on the electoral registers themselves, which are maintained by registration officers around the country.
Information about donations and loans to political parties and registered campaigners is held in a system that is not affected by this incident, the notice added.
Mr McNally said he understood public concern, and would like to apologise to those affected.
The commission added that it had taken steps to secure its systems against future attacks, including by updating its login requirements, alert system and firewall policies.
The Information Commissioner's Office, which is responsible for data protection in the UK, said it was urgently investigating.
Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner said: "This serious incident must be fully and thoroughly investigated so lessons can be learned."
On paper, this is about as serious as it gets.
Hackers interfering in elections is one of the biggest fears of the democratic world.
Luckily, the commission says in this case the cyber intruders did not have an impact on any elections, or anyone's registration status.
But make no mistake - this is still a serious breach and the nature of the attack is telling.
For supporters of the UK's manual voting system, the attack will bolster the case against using e-voting in future.
"Pen and paper can't be hacked" is often what supporters say when debates about modernisation come about.
The fact the hackers were inside the Electoral Commission systems from August 2021 indicates this was not a criminal hacking operation looking to make a quick buck through extortion.
This was a patient and skilled adversary to have been inside undetected for so long.
This operation looks like a probing one seeking out information about the UK's democratic process to search for weaknesses.
The Electoral Commission isn't saying who it was (if they know). | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66441010 |
Man jailed for raping Amber Gibson months before her murder - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The rape took place five months before the teenager was sexually assaulted and killed by her brother. | Amber Gibson's body was found in Caddo Glen in Hamilton days after she was last seen
A man who raped a teenager five months before she was murdered by her brother has been jailed.
Jamie Starrs, 20, assaulted and raped Amber Gibson while she was asleep or unconscious at a property in Bothwell in June 2021.
He was found guilty at the High Court in Lanark in July, and on Tuesday he was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison.
He was also convicted of raping another teenage girl in Bothwell in May 2021.
Amber, 16, was sexually assaulted and murdered in November 2021 by her brother Connor Gibson.
He was convicted last month following a separate trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
Det Con Ross McCaig told the jury at Starrs' trial he had taken a statement from Amber about the attack.
She said she met Starrs, who was a stranger to her, and two others before heading to Bothwell.
The court heard that Amber revealed she had been attacked while in a supported accommodation unit in Blantyre.
Jamie Starrs has been sentenced to ten and a half years
Amber told officers: "The reason I think I was raped was that I woke up in a bed with no clothes on my bottom half with a boy I had only met naked under the covers.
"I can't remember hugging him or kissing him at all."
Amber identified her attacker after being shown a board of photographs by police.
Det Insp Lorraine Wilson, of Lanarkshire division's rape investigation unit, said Amber's evidence was "key in securing his conviction".
The other victim told the court she had been attacked by Starrs while she was drunk and unable to give consent.
The court heard that Starrs attempted to pervert the course of justice by sending threatening messages on Facebook to a boy linked to the second girl.
He tried to get this boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, to pressure the female into withdrawing her evidence.
As well as his prison sentence, Judge Thomas Welsh ordered Starrs to be supervised for two years on release.
At the High Court in Edinburgh the judge said: "You have been convicted of appalling crimes against two innocent teenage girls and you have been assessed as being of very high risk of sexual violence on release.
"I am required to take into account your age and difficult upbringing - however, the crimes remain serious and grave, and I will impose an extended sentence."
He said he would have ordered 11 years to be served in custody but reduced this to 10-and-a-half years to take into account the time that Starrs had spent on remand.
Starrs, who appeared via video link from custody, has been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
He was also found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice and a breach of bail conditions.
Michael Meehan KC, who represented Starrs, highlighted that the sentence must take into account sentencing guidelines for under-25s.
The guidelines state that people aged under 25 in Scotland should be given lesser sentences because of their emotional immaturity and the fact that that they have a greater chance of rehabilitation.
Mr Meehan said a report identified that Starrs showed "cognitive and emotional immaturity".
Mr Meehan also urged the judge to consider his client's adverse childhood experiences.
He told the court that Starrs was removed from parental care at the age of three and developed addiction issues from the age of nine.
"He has a traumatic background from a young age which perhaps gives some degree of explanation," the lawyer said.
He added that Starrs was "vulnerable to negative influences" and had a "chaotic lifestyle".
The sentencing comes a fortnight after Connor Gibson, 20, was convicted of attacking his sister Amber in Caddo Glen, Hamilton in November 2021.
He was found guilty of removing her clothes, sexually assaulting her with the intention of raping her, inflicting blunt force trauma to her head and body, and strangling her.
Amber was reported missing on the evening of Friday 26 November and her body was discovered in Caddo Glen on 28 November.
Stephen Corrigan - who was unknown to both Amber and Connor Gibson - found her body, but rather than alert police, he inappropriately touched her and then concealed her remains.
The 45-year-old was found guilty of attempting to defeat the ends of justice and breach of the peace.
The two men will be sentenced on 4 September at the High Court in Livingston. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-66438515 |
Simon & Schuster: Publisher to be sold for $1.6bn - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Finding a buyer has been a lengthy saga for the owner of the publisher, Paramount Global. | Publishing giant Simon & Schuster is to be sold to a private equity giant for $1.6bn (£1.27bn) in cash.
The deal with investor KKR marks the likely end of a years-long saga for owner Paramount Global, which had been looking for a buyer for the book company since 2020.
Competition concerns had scuppered a previous deal, which valued the firm at more than $2bn.
KKR said the publisher would continue to operate independently.
Simon & Schuster, founded in the US in 1924, employs more than 1,600 people globally.
Its first book was filled with crossword puzzles. Titles released since include Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People; Joseph Heller's military satire Catch-22 and best-selling mysteries by Stephen King.
KKR, which counts digital books platform Overdrive among its earlier investments, said it saw an opportunity to expand the company's distribution "across mediums and markets".
It said it would also create a plan to provide employees shares of the firm, to help create an "ownership culture".
Simon & Schuster's roster of writers includes former US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton
Simon & Schuster is the fourth largest of the US's "big five" publishing companies, which also include HarperCollins, Hachette Book Group USA, Penguin Random House and Macmillan Publishers.
A tentative deal to sell the company to Penguin Random House for $2.2bn was blocked due to regulatory concerns late last year.
A US judge ruled in favour of the US government, which had attempted to block the takeover, arguing that the tie-up would reduce pay and opportunities for writers.
Author Stephen King was among the big names to testify against the sale on behalf of the US government, which has taken a harder line on competition under US President Joe Biden.
But on Monday, the boss of Paramount Global, Bob Bakish, said in a statement that the money raised by Simon & Schuster's sale would give the entertainment firm greater "financial flexibility".
It will also boost the cash available for content on its streaming service Paramount+ as competition from the likes of Disney and Netflix shows no sign of slowing.
On Monday, Paramount reported sales of $7.62bn in the three months to 30 June - down compared to $7.8bn in the same period a year before.
It reported an overall loss after ad sales at its TV networks fell by 10% and the firm couldn't follow up with a film that was as big as Top Gun: Maverick last year. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66434690 |
Zoom orders workers back to the office - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The company says staff living near offices should work in person at least twice a week. | Zoom, the video communications company whose name became synonymous with remote work during the pandemic, has ordered staff back to the office.
The firm said it believed a "structured hybrid approach" was most effective and people living within 50 miles (80km) of an office should work in person at least twice a week.
It is the latest push by a major firm to row back flexible working policies.
Amazon and Disney are among the firms that have reduced remote work days.
Surveys suggest that workers are still holding onto the ability to work from home to some degree.
About 12% of workers in the US, where Zoom is headquartered, were fully remote in July, while another 29% had hybrid policies, according to a survey by researchers at Stanford University and others that has been conducted monthly since the pandemic.
That is similar to patterns recorded by the Office for National Statistics in the UK earlier this year.
Earlier research by the Stanford team has found remote work is more common in English-speaking countries, and far less common in Asia and Europe.
Before the pandemic, the share of days worked from home in the US was only about 5%. Globally, workers consistently desire more flexible working arrangements than employers see as optimal.
Zoom at one point said staff would be able to work remotely indefinitely.
The tech firm said the new policy would be rolled out in August and September, on a staggered timeline that varied by country.
It said it would continue to "hire the best talent, regardless of location". At the end of January, the company employed about 8,400 people, more than half of whom were based in the US.
About 200 people currently work for Zoom in the UK, where it just opened a new London office.
Zoom said that the new policy, which was first reported by Business Insider, would put the company in a "better position to use our own technologies, continue to innovate, and support our global customers".
"We'll continue to leverage the entire Zoom platform to keep our employees and dispersed teams connected and working efficiently," Zoom said.
Only about 1% of the company's workers had "regular office presences" in September 2022, while 75% lived remotely and the remainder had hybrid arrangements, the Wall Street Journal reported at the time.
But Zoom is under mounting pressure as the expansion of remote work prompts rivals, such as Microsoft, to upgrade their video offerings.
Growth has slowed sharply since the pandemic. Earlier this year, it announced it was cutting 15% of its staff and top executives would take major pay cuts.
Its shares are worth about $68 apiece today, down from more than $500 at the peak in October 2020. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66432173 |
Galliagh disorder: Mum speaks of daughter's facial injury - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | A 19-year-old is awaiting plastic surgery after she was struck in the face by debris from a car fire. | Police said a male driver was dragged from his car before it was set on fire.
A mother has said her daughter now has a "hole in her face" after debris from a car fire struck her in Londonderry.
Molly was walking near the burning car on her way to a friends house in the Galliagh area when she was injured.
The trouble in the area followed the removal of wood and other materials from a bonfire site earlier on Monday.
The 19-year-old's mother said those responsible for Molly's injury need to think of the serious consequences that their actions have had on their family.
"Her jaw is broken in two places and she had to get two plates put in her face," Patricia - who, like her daughter, only wanted her first name used - told BBC News NI.
"She has a hole in her face on her cheek and she needs plastic surgery - they couldn't even operate today because there was so much swelling around her face."
The police have said Molly was injured around the same time a man was dragged out of his car, beaten and the vehicle set alight in Galliagh.
They said buses and a delivery driver's van also came under attack and attempts were made to burn a van during the disorder.
Patricia said her daughter described the car being on fire and making a sort of hissing noise before she was struck by the debris.
"Whatever it was, it must have hit her at some force because her jaw was broken in two places," she said.
Patricia said Molly spent the night in hospital and remains there awaiting further surgery.
Speaking directly to those who caused her injury, Patricia appealed for calm and said that she does not want to to see any other family go through what they are going through.
Contractors removed the material from the site of the bonfire on Monday morning
For several months, young people in Galliagh have been collecting material for a bonfire on 15 August - a date when bonfires have been lit for a number of years in nationalist areas of Derry.
On Monday, Stormont's Department for Communities (DfC) said it had cleared the site due to "public safety concerns".
The material was being gathered close to homes on a large green space owned by the department.
Bins, tyres and pallets were dragged onto roads in Galliagh and set on fire throughout the evening, police said.
Police said the man was dragged from his vehicle at about 22:30 BST on Monday.
He was struck on the head before his car was set on fire.
Earlier in the day, at about 16:30, a delivery driver's van was attacked by two masked men in Knockalla Park.
At about 17:50, a brick was thrown at a bus on the Upper Galliagh Road, damaging a window, while at 19:15 petrol bombs were thrown at a bus parked at a community centre in Bracken Park.
At about the same time, police said, there was an attempt by a group of young people to set fire to a van that was parked at a local playschool.
Bins, tyres and pallets were dragged onto roads in Galliagh and set on fire throughout the evening.
She said she was disappointed by the "unacceptable scenes" and appealed to those responsible "to bring it to an end now before they cause any more damage and upset to their community".
Sinn Féin councillor for Galliagh Sandra Duffy told BBC News NI that the same issues occurred in the area last year when an "unregulated fire" caused major safety concerns,
"An illegal fire can't be regulated, so once it's lit, the behaviour is - well, it's no man's land," she said. "So we had young people assaulted, we had a young person that nearly died from falling in the fire, we had another young person who nearly died from an overdose. We couldn't get ambulances into the area because of the crowds that were here.
"All of these things just added to the issues that were already there and residents here were very afraid if this fire went ahead this year we were going to be faced with the same issues and we could be possibly facing a loss of life."
In 2012 the removal of material at a bonfire site in Galliagh sparked three nights of riots.
The previous year Father Michael Canny, a senior priest in Derry, condemned bonfires across the city, including in the Galliagh area, as "a nuisance".
This month it was announced that a controversial bonfire in the city's Bogside on 15 August could be cancelled and replaced with a music event. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-66437029 |
Bibby Stockholm: First asylum seekers board housing barge in Dorset - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The Home Office says "a small group" of about 20 people refused to board the Bibby Stockholm. | People were seen boarding the vessel on Monday
The first small group of asylum seekers has boarded the controversial Bibby Stockholm housing barge after a series of delays over safety concerns.
Up to 500 men will eventually live on the vessel in Dorset while they await the outcome of asylum applications.
Some human rights groups have called the scheme "inhumane", but ministers insist it is safe and will save money.
The Home Office said 15 people had successfully got on to the vessel, but a group of about 20 refused to board.
Asked about the refusal, the department's director for asylum accommodation Cheryl Avery said she could not go into details "of the legal proceedings for each individual".
"But we are continuing to bring people on board... later this week and then over the coming weeks as well," she added.
There has been considerable local opposition to the barge coming to Portland
Video footage showed people carrying bags being escorted on to the barge by staff in high-vis jackets and coaches were also seen arriving at Portland Port.
However a number of asylum seekers due to be sent on to the vessel did not board following legal challenges, refugee charity Care4Calais said.
Some had been expected to be transferred from a Bournemouth hotel, but a BBC reporter at the scene saw a large blue coach leave at about 12:40 BST with just one - or possibly two - passengers on board.
Care4Calais chief executive Steve Smith said: "None of the asylum seekers we are supporting have gone to the Bibby Stockholm today as legal representatives have had their transfers cancelled."
Among them were people who are "disabled, who have survived torture and modern slavery and who have had traumatic experiences at sea", he added.
Bibby Stockholm is the flagship of the government's latest plan to "stop the boats" and deter dangerous Channel crossings by migrants.
Home Office minister Sarah Dines said it would provide "basic but proper accommodation" and would send "a forceful message that there will be proper accommodation but not luxurious".
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The number of asylum seekers being housed in hotels has gone up by 3,000 since the end of March. Interim figures released by the Home Office show a record 50,546 were in so-called contingency accommodation at the end of June.
The 222-room, three-storey barge arrived in Portland Port three weeks ago, chartered by the government to reduce what it says is the £6m-a-day cost of placing asylum seekers in hotels.
Ministers plan to increase the numbers aboard up to 500, despite safety warnings from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) which has raised concerns over narrow exits and possible overcrowding.
The Home Office says the men aged 18-65, from various countries, could spend nine months on board the barge, which it views as safe and has previously been used to accommodate homeless people and asylum seekers in Germany and the Netherlands.
At the end of July the number of asylum decision-makers employed by the Home Office was 1,729, up from 1,556 a month earlier. The backlog of cases awaiting an initial decision is at 136,779, slightly down on the previous month when it was 138,700.
Ms Dines also said "all possibilities" were being examined on tackling the migrant crisis amid reports the government is looking at flying illegal migrants to the British overseas territory Ascension Island, in the middle of the southern Atlantic.
Amnesty International compared the Bibby Stockholm to "prison hulks from the Victorian era", saying it was an "utterly shameful way to house people who've fled terror, conflict and persecution".
TV crews film as a coach believed to be carrying asylum seekers arrives at Portland Port
Freedom from Torture, which provides therapeutic care for survivors of torture seeking protection in the UK, said the government should stop "forcing refugees to live in unsafe and undignified accommodation".
Senior ministers hope to confirm the use of further barges in the coming months but they have struggled to find ports prepared to host them so far.
A site next to London City airport and another on the River Mersey in Wirral were among those rejected.
However, the government believes a successful scheme in Dorset will help encourage other areas to sign up.
It said there were currently about 51,000 "destitute migrants" in hotels across the UK, costing the taxpayer more than £6m a day.
The Home Office said its plans for alternative accommodation - including two more barges and three ex-military bases in East Sussex, Essex and Lincolnshire - offered better value.
A spokesman said it had produced a factsheet to answer common questions about the Bibby Stockholm.
However, the full costs of the barge have not been disclosed, with refugee campaign group Reclaim The Sea claiming it would cost more than hotels.
The vessel - chartered for an initial 18-month trial - includes catering, a TV room, a multi-faith prayer room and a gym.
Migrants will be free to leave on hourly buses to Weymouth and Portland, although they are encouraged to return by 23:00 each night.
The Home Office said the barge occupants would undergo security screening and Dorset Police has said it does not expect any impact.
Dorset Council is receiving £3,500 per occupied bedspace on the barge, with additional funding provided to the local NHS and police.
The council has also received almost £380,000 in a one-off grant to help support local charity and voluntary organisations provide services, it is understood.
The Labour Party has been repeatedly pressed on whether it would continue to use the barge to house asylum seekers if it was in power.
Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said barges would continue to be used in the short term due to what he described as "the complete and utter chaos and shambles of the Tory asylum crisis".
On Tuesday the government is formally launching a new team tasked with tackling what Home Secretary Suella Braverman described as "crooked immigration lawyers", a small minority of law firms accused of encouraging illegal migrants to make false asylum claims.
The Home Office said the Professional Enablers Taskforce had begun "preliminary work" in recent months and featured representatives of legal regulatory bodies, law enforcement and government departments.
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk said it would "hold to account unscrupulous lawyers who aid and abet" people making false asylum claims.
Separately, it said the Solicitors Regulation Authority had suspended three law firms last week who were offering to help with bogus claims.
Labour's shadow justice secretary, Steve Reed, said the government was "setting up a talking shop instead of cracking down on those who abuse our immigration system".
Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-66289857 |
Niger coup: US envoy holds 'difficult' talks with junta - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland met Niger's military leaders for over two hours. | Members of the military attend a rally in Niamey on 6 August
A senior US official has held face-to-face talks with Niger's military leaders following last month's coup.
Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland said the conversations had been "extremely frank and at times quite difficult".
Washington has said the coup can still be ended diplomatically and President Mohamed Bazoum reinstated, but has suspended aid payments in the meantime.
West African countries are set to meet on Thursday to discuss the crisis.
Ecowas - a trading bloc of 15 West African states - had issued a 23:00 GMT Sunday deadline to Niger's junta leaders to stand down and restore the elected president.
The coup leaders responded to a threat of military action from the bloc by closing Niger's airspace.
Speaking to reporters from capital Niamey, Ms Nuland said that, in talks lasting more than two hours, the US had offered its help "if there is a desire on the part of the people who are responsible for this to return to the constitutional order".
"I would not say that we were in any way taken up on that offer," she said.
Ms Nuland said she had met the new military chief of staff, Brigadier General Moussa Salaou Barmou, but not with Niger's self-proclaimed new leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, or with Mr Bazoum.
Mr Bazoum remains in detention but has previously spoken to US officials by phone.
Ms Nuland said she also raised concerns over claims the coup leaders had asked Russia's Wagner mercenary group for help in maintaining control of the country.
"The people who have taken this action here understand very well the risks to their sovereignty when Wagner is invited in," she said.
Gen Tchiani, a former chief of the presidential guard to Mr Bazoum, seized power on 26 July, saying he wanted to avert "the gradual and inevitable demise" of Niger.
The growing instability in the region compelled former colonial power France on Monday to warn its citizens against travelling to the Sahel region, and for those still there to be cautious due to anti-France sentiment.
"It is essential to limit travel, to stay away from any gatherings and to keep themselves regularly informed of the situation," read a statement from the foreign ministry.
The junta in Niger on Sunday said it had information that "a foreign power" was preparing to attack the country, following reports that military chiefs from Ecowas had drawn up a detailed plan for use of force.
Earlier, Abdel-Fatau Musah, Ecowas' commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, said that while "all the elements" had been worked out about an "eventual intervention", the body wanted "diplomacy to work".
Over the weekend Nigeria's Senate discussed the situation in Niger after President Bola Tinubu wrote to it about the Ecowas resolutions imposing sanctions and the possible use of military force.
Local media report there was strong opposition to military intervention, especially from senators representing states near the long border the two countries share.
President Tinubu has been especially vocal in demanding that the Niger military leave power and has threatened to use force if they do not - but he needs approval from the National Assembly for any foreign military intervention.
The coup leaders seem to be showing no sign of willingness to cede power, and on Sunday thousands of their supporters rallied defiantly at a stadium in the capital Niamey.
Niger is a significant uranium producer - a fuel that is vital for nuclear power - and under Mr Bazoum was a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in West Africa's Sahel region.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Niger coup: More trouble for the Sahel region?
Where is Niger? It's a vast country in West Africa, and one of the poorest countries in the world.
Why was there a coup? The military said it seized power because of insecurity and the economic situation, but there have been suggestions it came after reports the coup leader was about to be sacked.
What next? It's feared the military may seek to switch allegiance to Russia and close French and US bases there; for their part, Niger's neighbours have threatened to use force to end the coup.
Are you in the region? If it is safe to do so, 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.
• None Africa Daily podcast: What’s behind the coup in Niger? | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-66424858 |
South Korea: 1,000 buses evacuate scouts from disaster-hit World Jamboree - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Scout contingents are leaving the international event in South Korea due to an incoming tropical storm. | Buses wait in a long line to transport participants leaving the campsite
More than 1,000 buses have begun ferrying scouts at an international event in South Korea out of a campsite due to an incoming tropical storm.
Helicopters and police cars were escorting the buses from the disaster-hit jamboree.
The threat of the storm comes just days after hundreds at the camp fell ill in temperatures of 35C (95F).
South Korea's president has cut short his holiday to help manage the fallout from the gathering.
Attended by more than 40,000 young people from 155 countries, the World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum has been marred by illness and criticism of its organisation and facilities from the start.
"This is the first time in more than 100 years of World Scout Jamborees that we have had to face such compounded challenges," Ahmad Alhendawi of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, said in a statement.
Scouts board a bus to leave the campsite in Saemangeum
The massive event had been "very unlucky with the unprecedented heatwave" and the incoming storm, he said.
The bus convoy began moving the scouts from Saemangeum at 09:00 local time (01:00 BST) on Tuesday to inland locations, including Seoul and its surrounding province of Gyeonggi.
Scout groups from the UK, Singapore and the US had left the event early - with the British group citing poor sanitation and food quality among their reasons for leaving.
Most of the remaining scouts will be ferried from the camp to 128 accommodation sites across eight provinces and cities around Seoul, interior minister Lee Sang-min on Tuesday morning.
He said the government would ensure participants could be "safe and comfortable" at their new lodgings, which include university halls and hotels.
He vowed the Jamboree would continue and said he hoped the scouts could "finish their schedules with a happy heart".
More than 1,000 buses are being used to transport the scouts
In an effort to mitigate the national embarrassment surrounding the event, a South Korean lawmaker has appealed to the military to give three members of seven-strong super K-pop group BTS leave from their mandatory military service so as to entertain the stranded scouts.
The now-empty schedules of these "precious guests" needed filling with "the power of Korean culture," Sung Il-jong wrote on his Facebook page.
A closing ceremony will now be held on Saturday at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, followed by the K-pop concert, South Korea's culture ministry said on Tuesday.
Korean media have described the event as "a national disgrace," saying authorities had six years to prepare for a site plagued by poor drainage, rudimentary showers and toilets.
Government organisers admitted there had been "shortcomings" in the area of hygiene, with the scout chief acknowledging the event had a "bumpy start with... services and facilities" in a LinkedIn post.
Severe Tropical Storm Khanun, which has already forced evacuations and cut off power to thousands in Japan, is forecast to reach South Korea's southern Jeolla province on Thursday.
Originally classified as a typhoon, the weather system has weakened but is still bringing high winds and torrential rain to the region.
Heatwaves like the one that hit the campsite become more frequent, more intense, and last longer because of human-induced climate change. Increased sea surface temperatures also mean storms are likely to be more intense and bring more extreme rainfall.
The jamboree's organisers had insisted the event would continue despite the weather forecast, but on Monday they confirmed the scouts would be evacuated and the campsite closed due to the approaching typhoon.
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences 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-asia-66438588 |
Five people killed in Cape Town taxi strike violence - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | A police officer and a British national are among those killed since the strikes began, police say. | Five people have died in violent protests relating to a taxi strike in Cape Town, South Africa, officials say.
The victims include a 40-year-old British national whose family is being supported by the UK Foreign Office.
The week-long strike was called in response to what drivers said was "heavy-handed tactics" by law enforcement authorities.
The taxi drivers and owners said their vehicles were being targeted and impounded for minor offences.
Infringements included not wearing a seatbelt and illegally driving in the emergency lane, drivers said. They claimed others doing the same only faced fines.
Minibus taxi operators across Cape Town also aired frustrations that the government was impounding taxis they claimed were not roadworthy.
On Tuesday, South Africa's transport minister Sindisiwe Chikunga ordered the immediate release of the minibus taxis impounded by the City of Cape Town.
Ms Chikunga said the legislation used by the city had been "executed and implemented wrongly" and added that "it doesn't exist" under current laws.
The South African Ministry of Police said 120 people had been arrested since the strikes began on 3 August and they were aware of incidents of looting, stone throwing and arson.
Police Minister Bheki Cele also confirmed a police officer was among those who died.
On Tuesday, residents in the Masiphumelele township set up barricades, preventing other residents from leaving. Many of those barricades were set alight.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Mr Cele called for co-operation between the Cape Town government and taxi operators. He said those affected by the strike included children who could no longer get to school.
"People must swallow their pride, come together and resolve this issue", he said.
The UK has issued a travel warning after the strike was listed as a high security threat for tourists visiting South Africa. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-66445019 |
Welsh job fears over delayed defence radio project Morpheus - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Ministry of Defence says plan to develop new communications system for military is delayed. | Morpheus will allow commanders to view and direct their forces on the battlefield
There are fears over jobs at a defence manufacturer in Wales after it emerged a project to develop a new military communications system has been delayed.
The £330m Morpheus programme is being designed at General Dynamics in Oakdale, in Caerphilly county.
Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials admitted progress on the scheme has "fallen short" and was under review.
Local Labour MP Chris Evans said he was "extremely worried" about jobs at the valleys company.
General Dynamics said it is "proud of the capability we deliver".
Morpheus was supposed to be operational by 2025, but does not have a new date.
It created 125 highly-skilled engineering jobs and secured a further 125 when the contract was awarded to the American-owned firm in April 2017.
Morpheus will allow commanders to view and direct their forces on the battlefield and for their vehicles to communicate with each other. It integrates radios, apps and other systems.
Mr Evans is calling for reassurance from both the MoD and the company.
"I am extremely worried about the jobs," the shadow defence minister and MP for Islwyn said.Welsh job fears over delayed defence radio project
"I am also extremely worried about whether the MoD is going to be reticent about further contracts. If they don't award further contracts those jobs are not going to be here."
Mr Evans has submitted a series of written questions in Parliament to defence ministers, but has been told that the information is commercially sensitive and that it would be inappropriate to comment.
"I have spoken to the company, they told me there were problems and that they were dealing with them," he said.
"Yes it is commercially sensitive, but for those workers there - very motivated workers - to be labelled as failing to meet targets it is a real concern for them as well."
It's a company that many would not have heard of which employs hundreds in the kind of highly skilled roles vital to its base in the south Wales valleys.
But General Dynamics has been in the headlines lately for the wrong reasons after its multi-million defence equipment projects for the UK government hit delays.
GDUK employs 900 people across its sites in Merthyr Tydfil and Oakdale, and a further 200 at Hastings.
Its history dates back decades to the merger of two firms in North America that made submarines - Electric Boat - and military aircraft - Canadair.
The American company bought the firm that became its UK subsidiary, a company called Computing Devices which made electronic systems for fighter jets, in the 1990s.
It opened its huge Oakdale site by the early 2000s, having been awarded a £1.9 billion contract for Bowman - an Army radio system and the predecessor to the Morpheus project.
Its most controversial project came later, in 2010, when it was commissioned to build a new generation of armoured vehicles.
The vehicles, assembled in Merthyr, were meant to be first delivered by 2017 but it was hit with serious noise and vibration issues. More than 300 soldiers had to to assessed for hearing loss.
It has been beset by delays, and is now due to deliver 589 vehicles by 2029.
A review of the troubled £5.5bn armoured vehicle programme highlighted "systemic, cultural and institutional problems" at the Ministry of Defence.
Mr Evans said he was worried about the implications for the armed forces at a time of increased global threat, especially since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"My concern about this is that our equipment is ageing," he said.
"Most importantly is the soldier on the ground getting what they need to stay protected? The last thing we want is for our soldiers to have out of date equipment."
The delay means the armed forces' existing Bowman system - which is also a product of the Oakdale site - will have to continue in operation.
The Ajax vehicle programme was previously at serious risk.
Although the Morpheus project is struggling, there could be hope from another General Dynamics project in Merthyr Tydfil, which at one point was at serious risk.
The Ajax armoured vehicle programme struggled for years after soldiers were injured by noise and vibration problems during testing, and at one stage there was intense speculation that it might be scrapped.
But despite lengthy delays and several critical reports from MPs and the National Audit Office, Ajax is now back on track.
In a statement a MoD spokesperson said: "As ministers have made clear, we remain committed to the Morpheus project.
"While we continue to meet all operational requirements, progress on the Morpheus project has fallen short and we are reviewing next steps on how to best achieve our objectives."
A spokeswoman for General Dynamics UK (GDUK) said it is "working collaboratively with the MoD on the continued support and delivery of the highly regarded Bowman capability, the system Morpheus will supersede".
"The first phase of Morpheus is underway, where we are delivering the foundations for the subsequent phase which the MoD is expected to complete (the details of which are yet to be published).
"We are proud of the capability we deliver and the significant advantage it will give to the British Army." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-66428025 |
Brick Lane: Chinese political slogans appear on London street art wall - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Communist Party slogans were painted over popular wall art - but the creators' motive is unclear. | The big red Chinese characters appeared overnight at the start of the weekend
London's Brick Lane, well known for its street art, has become a talking point after one of its walls was covered by slogans extolling Chinese Communist Party ideology.
Online videos showed a group of people had spray painted the big red Chinese characters on a white background overnight at the weekend.
The "core socialist values", composed of 12 two-character words, are some of the most common political slogans under President Xi Jinping's rule. Political propaganda in the form of red block characters on a white wall are a familiar sight in China.
The Brick Lane slogans have sparked debate online over whether they count as street art and how freedom of expression and political propaganda interact.
The wall has also become an arena for competing narratives - people swiftly added new graffiti criticising the Chinese government.
Some added "no" in front, or posted other messages or images taking issue with the spray-painted words. One picture shows an £800 fine issued on Saturday, citing "graffiti & flyposting" as offences.
Others were upset that the slogans covered up older works, including a tribute to a well-known street artist who died.
The socialist slogans, first revealed by President Xi's predecessor Hu Jintao in 2012, include prosperity, democracy, civility, harmony, freedom, equality, justice, the rule of law, patriotism, dedication, integrity and friendship.
Although the slogans have attracted negative comment, it's not clear if the people who painted them were being serious or ironic.
Wang Hanzheng, one of the creators who also goes by the name Yi Que for his art works, claimed the piece "didn't have much political meaning".
In an Instagram photo post, Mr Wang wrote in Chinese saying the group used the political elements as a coat "to discuss different environments".
"In the name of freedom and democracy, it illustrates the cultural centre of the West, this is London's freedom… Decolonize the false freedom of the West with the construction of socialism, let's see what happens," the post reads.
"Needless to say what's the situation on the other side," he added.
Mr Wang told the BBC "there is no question" that the 24 characters are "not only goals of China, but common goals for the world".
Pictures of the wall immediately sparked strong reactions among Chinese speakers on social media.
Many inside China, mostly those who also defend the government, argued that what had been done in Brick Lane was freedom of expression and should be protected. Some said they were proud of this kind of "cultural export".
But some nationalists also questioned whether it was a form of "high-level black", a term often used by state media and social media users to describe people who use veiled language to criticise and satirise the Communist Party regime.
Outside China, the work has seen a flood of criticism.
"Obstructing freedom of speech is not a part of freedom of speech. The jargons you used cannot justify your brutal destruction of other people's art," a top-liked comment under Mr Wang's Instagram post reads.
"Do you dare to go to Beijing and write democracy and freedom? If you dare, the home country you love will dare to arrest you," another top comment wrote.
Mr Wang admitted the reaction had been more intense than he expected. He told the BBC he had been doxed and his parents harassed. "More and more people are using this subject for their own purposes and displaying maliciousness, this is not my intention," he added.
Comments under his Instagram post of the work were no longer visible on Monday morning.
"This piece is not finished yet," wrote another creator Gino Huang on Instagram.
"Like any other graffiti, being covered and discussed will be this wall's final ending. We wish it… to turn into a part of this neighbourhood that can be seen every day when people pass it by, and to be included into a bigger narrative." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-66391605 |
New Troubles inquests ordered into five UVF murders - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The attorney general orders a re-examination into the shootings of five Catholic men over 30 years ago. | Relatives of the five men held photographs of them outside a court in Belfast after the announcement of the new inquests
New inquests are to be held into the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) murders of five Catholic men in Mid-Ulster more than 30 years ago.
The move was ordered by Attorney General Dame Brenda King, who took account of "deficiencies" in the original investigations and inquests.
Sean Anderson, Thomas Armstrong, Dwayne O'Donnell, Thomas Casey and Phelim McNally died in four separate attacks.
Their families suspect soldiers were involved in the killings.
In a letter to their solicitor, the attorney general's office stated there was new information not considered at the first inquests.
That included intelligence "as to whether state agents/bodies played a role in the deaths" and "wider evidence suggestive of collusion".
Gavin Booth, the solicitor acting for the men's families, said the cases were linked "through suspects, geography and ballistics".
Thomas Armstrong and Dwayne O'Donnell were killed in a gun attack at a bar in Cappagh
Under the government's Troubles legacy bill which is going through Parliament, inquests linked to the conflict must reach a conclusion by May of next year.
Those which have not reached that stage will be ended.
Mr Booth said the cases had to be listed for hearing "urgently" and he called for Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to ensure the inquests can go ahead.
"We are under the pressure of the legacy bill - that bill is pending, we believe it's going to come into law," he said.
"We believe that all these inquests should take place and should take place before April.
"For too long these families have sought answers as to what happened.
"New evidence raises serious questions, not only about the 8th Battalion of the Ulster Defence Regiment, but also the failure of the police to prosecute these individuals."
The UK government said its plan to end Troubles-era inquests next year would provide "better outcomes for families" and allow police and the judicial system could "focus on contemporary issues".
Dozens of families have good reason to fear their relatives' inquests may never be heard due to a UK government deadline.
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill will end all Troubles-related inquests in May unless they have reached the point of delivering findings.
But more than 20 others have yet to be heard, including the shooting of eight IRA men by the SAS at Loughgall in 1987.
The latest cases referred by the attorney general, and several others recently, are joining a lengthy queue.
They have just seven months to be dealt with.
That is a very tall order - and one which may ultimately deprive bereaved families of a long-awaited day in court.
Seventeen-year-old Mr O'Donnell, a member of the IRA, was killed at Boyle's Bar in Cappagh, County Tyrone, in 1991.
Mr Armstrong, who was 52, died in the same incident.
Mr McNally, 28, was murdered in a gun attack on the home of his brother, a Sinn Féin councillor, near Coagh, County Tyrone, in 1988.
Mr Casey, 57, was shot at a friend's house in Cookstown, County Tyrone, in 1990.
Mr Anderson, who was 32 and had served a prison sentence for IRA offences, was killed behind the wheel of his car in Pomeroy, County Tyrone, in 1991.
Phelim McNally's daughter said she was robbed of her father
Phelim McNally's daughter Davina Bolton said it was an important day for the families as they were finally getting closer to the truth.
"We've been waiting a long time for this - 35 years is a long time - and we just need the truth and justice," she said.
She said it was "heart-breaking" trying to explain to her children why their grandfather had died.
"They only go to a grave, that's all they know," she said.
"For us as a family, we were robbed of a father; our mother was robbed of a husband; our children were robbed of a grandfather.
"It's about closure for us and the truth and justice for Daddy."
Dwayne O'Donnell's sister Shauna Quinn said she did not expect to ever see anyone prosecuted in relation to her brother's death.
"However, what I'm looking [for] is that there is an acknowledgement that there was collusion - and a very high level of collusion - within the Cappagh case.
"If that's the result we get, that will satisfy us. We deserve the truth.
"Dwayne would have [turned] 50 last week. He died at 17 years of age. My mum was 39 when he passed away, her eldest child, and my daddy was 41.
"We just really all deserve the truth… all of the families that have been granted inquests today." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-66424040 |
New York City beach closed after woman suffers shark bite - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Officials say this is the first confirmed shark bite on the popular Rockaway Beach in recent memory. | New York City's Rockaway Beach will remain closed to surfers and swimmers on Tuesday
New York City closed its popular Rockaway Beach on Tuesday after a 50-year-old woman was bitten by a shark Monday evening, officials said.
The woman was swimming near Beach 59th Street when a shark bit her leg, New York City Parks officials said.
Lifeguards took the woman out of the water and gave her first aid before she was taken to the hospital.
Officials said she is in critical but stable condition, with a deep cut in her thigh.
The incident marks the first confirmed shark bite on Rockaway Beach in recent memory, the parks department said.
"We hope for a full recovery for this swimmer," the parks department said in a statement. "Though this was a frightening event, we want to remind New Yorkers that shark bites in Rockaway are extremely rare."
The state of New York has seen a spate of human encounters with sharks off its Long Island beaches this summer. Experts say more sharks are swimming closer to the shore due to warming waters from climate change and a recent law in New York protecting sharks' primary food source, bunker fish.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has been sending more drones to local officials to scan for sharks near the shore so lifeguards can take precautions if needed.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch: Joanna Steidle's footage reveals an underwater world hidden just out of sight.
After the shark bite on Monday, helicopters searched the waters for sharks but did not find any, the parks department said. New York City's fire and police departments will continue to search the waters, and the beach will remain closed to both surfers and swimmers on Tuesday.
Experts say shark attacks are extremely infrequent. According to the International Shark Attack File, New York state had only 8 unprovoked bites in 2022, and none proved fatal. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66443919 |
Strictly Come Dancing 2023: Entertainer Les Dennis completes line-up - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The showbiz star and actor is "thrilled" to join the show as he approaches his 70th birthday. | Actor and entertainer Les Dennis is the 15th and final celebrity contestant to be announced for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
He said he was "thrilled" to join the show, as his 70th birthday approaches.
He will join Annabel Croft, Nigel Harman, Bobby Brazier, Jody Cundy, Zara McDermott, Ellie Leach, Nikita Kanda, Adam Thomas and Eddie Kadi on the show.
Angela Rippon, Layton Williams, Angela Scanlon, Amanda Abbington and Krishnan Guru-Murthy will also appear.
Dennis, whose career spans more than 50 years, was host of ITV's Family Fortunes for 16 years.
He has also had roles in ITV's Coronation Street, Extras and Death in Paradise; and has appeared on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the English National Opera, and in such plays and musicals as Hairspray, Legally Blonde The Musical and 42nd Street.
"In my career I've always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one!" he said. "Can't wait."
This year's series will arrive on screens in the autumn and will be judged by Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.
Here are the other contestants who have been announced for this year's Strictly Come Dancing so far:
Former tennis player and broadcaster Annabel Croft said she was looking forward to "swapping tennis balls for glitter balls" and was "looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process".
Croft became the youngest British player to compete at Wimbledon for 95 years when she was just 15 years old.
She continues to play a role in the coverage of the tournament and other tennis events, as a presenter, commentator and pundit for the BBC, Sky, Amazon Prime, ITV and Discovery.
Croft has also presented entertainment shows such as Treasure Hunt and Inceptor.
Ex-EastEnders star Nigel Harman, known for playing Dennis Rickman on the soap, said he was "amazed, excited, and terrified" to be joining the line-up.
"As an armchair fan of the show, I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen," he said. "And now it's my turn... gulp!"
Screen and stage actor and director Harman won awards, including most popular newcomer at the National Television Awards, for his role as the roguish Rickman. He has also appeared on TV in Downton Abbey and in the film Blood Diamond, as well as on London's West End in Guys and Dolls and Shrek the Musical - for which he won an Olivier award.
Harman recently joined the cast of the BBC hospital drama Casualty, as clinical lead Max Cristie.
Current EastEnders actor and model Bobby Brazier, son of the late Big Brother star Jade Goody, plays Freddie Slater in the BBC soap.
He said he was "excited" to join the Strictly line-up. "I can't wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker," he added.
Away from Walford, Brazier has modelled for the major fashion house Dolce & Gabbana at Milan Fashion Week.
Jody Cundy has represented Great Britain at seven Paralympics, winning eight gold medals in swimming and cycling events.
"[Strictly is] so far away from what I'm used to, but I'm looking forward to the challenge and pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I'm always last onto the dance floor," he said. "Can't wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins!"
Cundy has also competed in multiple World Championships, winning 23 world titles, the most recent of which added at the recent World Cycling Championships in Glasgow.
In 2021, he became the first man in Paralympics GB history to win medals at seven different games, and was last year made a CBE for services to cycling.
Ellie Leach is best known for her 12 years playing Faye Windass on ITV soap Coronation Street.
She has been nominated for multiple British Soap Awards and Inside Soap Awards for her role in hard-hitting storylines, which have included being pregnant at 13 and later reconnecting with the child she gave up.
"It still doesn't feel real that I'm going to be doing Strictly!" she said.
"It's always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!" added the actress, who left the soap earlier this year.
Nikita Kanda hosts the BBC Asian Network radio station's breakfast show, and also reports regularly on TV on the BBC's The One Show.
"I don't think it will properly sink in until I step on to the dancefloor," she said. "I can't wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!"
In her day job, the presenter - recently nominated for presenter of the year at the Asian Media Awards - has interviewed stars including Killing Eve's Sandra Oh, Bridgerton's Simone Ashley and Charithra Chandran and Marvel actress Awkwafina.
Her TV work has seen her look into the rise of cashless businesses and government support for female sport.
Thomas is best known for playing Adam Barton in ITV soap Emmerdale, winning the TV Choice award for best soap newcomer in 2010.
"I can't dance to save my life but I'm buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor... I can't wait!" he said.
After appearing the 2016 edition of ITV's I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, Thomas went on to co-host the spin-off-I'm a Celebrity: Extra Camp, and recently reprised his role as Donte Charles in BBC One drama Waterloo Road.
In 2020, the soap star teamed up with his brothers and fellow Mancs on the Mic podcasters Ryan and Scott, for six-part ITV travel series Absolutely India: Mancs in Mumbai, where they traced their family heritage alongside their father.
Rip-Off Britain presenter Rippon, 78, will be the series' oldest contestant, after Johnny Ball took part in 2012 aged 74.
Rippon said: "Why didn't they ask me 10 years ago? Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me."
She was the first female journalist to permanently present the BBC national television news, and was also one of the presenters of the BBC's original Come Dancing series.
She hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 1977, presented ITV breakfast show TV-am and famously appeared in a dancing sketch with comedy duo Morecambe and Wise.
Guru-Murthy is the lead anchor for Channel 4 News. He joined the programme in 1998 and is its second-longest-serving presenter after Jon Snow.
"I'm surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of 'you only live once!" he said.
The broadcaster has also fronted Channel 4's Paralympics coverage and was one of the original presenters of the BBC News channel, then called BBC News 24, in 1997.
Last year, Guru-Murthy was briefly suspended after he was heard using an expletive to describe a Conservative minister, something for which he apologised "unreservedly".
Abbington is known for starring in TV series including Sherlock and Mr Selfridge, as well as stage plays such as The Son.
The actress said: "I'm thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I'm actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things! Plus I get to learn to dance, which I am incredibly excited about."
However, some fans have claimed they will boycott the show after Abbington stirred controversy earlier this year with comments about drag performances, questioning whether young children should watch or partake in sexually-charged drag shows.
In a recent Instagram video, Abbington explained she "loved drag" and was not transphobic, adding: "Personally speaking, I don't think 12-year-olds should be performing in drag shows in overtly sexual ways because they're 12 and they need a childhood."
Williams has performed in London's West End in Billy Elliot, Thriller Live and Everyone's Talking About Jamie. He has also appeared in TV series Bad Education and I Hate Suzie.
The actor said: "So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!"
Williams most recently provided the voiceover for the BBC Three gay dating show I Kissed A Boy.
The actor said he would be happy as long as he is paired with a male professional dancer so he can be lifted up during the performances.
Angela Scanlon presents Your Home Made Perfect on BBC Two
Irish TV star Angela Scanlon hosts the BBC Two series Your Home Made Perfect as well as a Saturday night chat show on RTÉ.
"I'm terrified, I'm excited and I have so many questions. Will they make me tan? How itchy are sequins?! Do they do flesh coloured sports bras? Well - there's only one way to find out, right?!" she said.
Scanlon has appeared on TV shows including The One Show and Robot Wars, and presented a Sunday morning programme on BBC Radio 2.
She previously worked as a print journalist, writing for magazines including Grazia, Tatler and the Sunday Times Style supplement.
Kadi is a stand-up comic who became the first black British comedian to headline London's 02 Arena.
He announced his participation on BBC Radio 1Xtra's Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show on Sunday, which he presents.
"I'm so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 team," Kadi said.
"I promise you, I'm going to give it everything I've got. This is going to be a vibe."
Zara McDermott worked as a government policy advisor before joining ITV reality show Love Island in 2018, and since leaving the villa has presented a series of documentaries.
"I grew up watching Strictly every year with my nan and she was the biggest fan," she said. "We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.
"I even remember the first ever series, and being mesmerised by all the beautiful dresses! I can't wait to throw myself into this experience and start training. It's going to be incredible."
Since leaving Love Island, McDermott has presented BBC documentaries including Revenge Porn, Uncovering Rape Culture, Disordered Eating, and Gaia: A Death on Dancing Ledge.
Sign up for our morning newsletter and get BBC News in your inbox. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-66408141 |
Megan Thee Stallion 'will never be the same' after being shot by Tory Lanez - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Tory Lanez is set to be sentenced for shooting fellow hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion in the feet. | Megan Thee Stallion said she had been "tormented and terrorised"
Megan Thee Stallion has said she will "never be the same" after being shot in the feet by fellow rap star Tory Lanez, as a judge prepares to sentence him.
Megan, a triple Grammy Award winner, wrote a victim impact statement that was read in court on the first day of the sentencing hearing on Monday.
She told his trial last year that Lanez shot her in an argument while leaving a party at Kylie Jenner's home in 2020.
Prosecutors have asked the judge to give Lanez a 13-year jail sentence.
His lawyers argued he should just get probation and a drug treatment programme. He is expected to be sentenced later on Tuesday.
On Monday, Megan's statement was read in court by Los Angeles County's deputy district attorney. "Since I was viciously shot by the defendant, I have not experienced a single day of peace," it said, according to US media.
"Slowly but surely, I'm healing and coming back, but I will never be the same."
The star said she struggled with whether to give the statement in person, but "simply could not bring myself to be in a room with Tory again".
Tory Lanez's lawyers plan to appeal against his conviction
Megan, 28, said she had been "tormented and terrorised", adding that she "spiralled to a dark, angry place" when Lanez mocked her trauma. "His crime warrants the full weight of the law," she said.
Lanez, real name Daystar Peterson, has had seven US top 10 albums in the past seven years. Megan told the trial that Lanez opened fire after she mocked his musical talents.
Other witnesses who spoke on Monday included Lanez's father, who talked emotionally about the effect on his son of the death of his mother when he was 11, and a prison chaplain, who said Lanez had been leading daily prayer groups.
The 31-year-old has been in custody since being found guilty in December of assault with a semi-automatic firearm; having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle; and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.
The judge said he had received more than 70 letters in support of Lanez from his family and friends, including rapper Iggy Azalea, who called for a sentence that would be "transformative, not life-destroying".
The shooting happened when the pair left Jenner's home with his bodyguard and her friend and assistant Kelsey Harris in an SUV in the early hours of 12 July 2020.
Megan, real name Megan Pete, told the court she got into an argument with Lanez over their previous sexual relationship. The row escalated and led to the pair insulting each other's careers.
She said she demanded to be let out of the vehicle, at which point Lanez started shooting at the ground and shouted at her to "dance".
But Lanez has maintained his innocence, with his lawyers suggesting Ms Harris may have shot her friend after discovering the relationship because she had a "crush" on him and was jealous.
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Ms Harris denied that. However, on the witness stand she backtracked on previous statements that Lanez was the shooter, instead telling the trial she did not see who shot Megan.
Megan initially told police she injured her feet by stepping on broken glass but later revealed she had been shot, and the dispute continued on social media and in the pair's songs.
Fans of the two stars - and some famous names in the hip-hop world - also took sides as they disagreed about who was telling the truth.
In Elle magazine in April, Megan called the guilty verdict "a victory for every woman who has ever been shamed, dismissed, and blamed for a violent crime committed against them".
"We can't control what others think, especially when the lies are juicier than the truth," she said. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-66428109 |
Homes evacuated after hazardous substances alert - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | About 80 residents were taken to an emergency rest centre after the discovery in a Glasgow flat. | Emergency services at the scene of the alert in Shettleston, Glasgow
About 80 residents were evacuated and four roads closed after police discovered "potentially hazardous substances" in a Glasgow flat.
Emergency services were called to a property on Altyre Street, Shettleston, just after 17:00 on Monday.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers were called to the scene.
Evacuated residents were taken to an emergency rest centre at Tollcross International Swimming Centre but have now been allowed to return home.
Altyre Street, Dalness Street, Ard Street and Trainard Avenue were all closed while investigations were carried out but have since reopened.
Ch Supt Alan Waddell of Police Scotland said: "Our enquiries into the incident are ongoing, and there will be a continued police presence in the area. We are working closely with our partners.
"I would like to thank residents and motorists for their patience whilst we dealt with this incident. There was no danger to the wider public."
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said a hazmat unit and three appliances were sent to the incident. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-66434529 |
Cost of living: Beyond Meat hit as inflation squeezes shoppers - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The vegan food firm's revenues fell by 30.5% as inflation impacts household budgets. | A Beyond Meat burger is prepared at COP25 in Madrid, Spain in 2019
Vegan food firm Beyond Meat has seen its sales plunge by almost a third as the rising cost of living squeezes shoppers.
The plant-based meat substitute maker says net revenues fell by 30.5% for the three months to the end of June, compared to a year earlier.
Shares of the company fell by almost 12% in extended trading in New York.
Last year, it announced plans to cut almost a fifth of its workforce to save around $39m (£30.6m) of costs.
On Monday, the company said it had been affected by "softer demand in the plant-based meat category, high inflation, rising interest rates, and ongoing concerns about the likelihood of a recession".
It added that it now expected annual revenue of between $360m to $380m, down from earlier estimates of as much as $415m.
Demand has also been hit by an increased scrutiny of the health benefits of vegan products, Beyond Meat's chief executive Ethan Brown said.
"This change in perception is not without encouragement from interest groups who have succeeded in seeding doubt and fear around the ingredients and process used to create our and other plant-based meats," Mr Brown added during an earnings call.
For the same three-month period Beyond Meat's net loss narrowed to $53.5m, down from $97.1m a year earlier.
In October, the company said it would cut around 200 jobs to save an estimated $39m in costs over 12 months.
Beyond Meat - which makes plant-based burgers, sausages and nuggets - made its stock market debut on New York's Nasdaq exchange in May 2019.
Its shares ended their first day of trading up by more than 160%, making it one of the most successful initial public offerings (IPOs) in recent years.
However, the company now faces competition from the likes of food giants Kellogg and Tyson Foods.
It is not alone in its struggles, with other food makers seeing falling demand for meat alternatives.
In June, vegan food company Meatless Farm stopped trading and let its staff go, while sausage producer Heck recently reduced its vegan range citing lack of consumer demand.
The Vegan Society has said the cost-of-living crisis in the UK is having a "big impact" on people's purchasing choices, while Meatless Farm said the market for alternative meat had become crowded.
Beyond Meat's shares are currently valued at around $15 each, well below its $25 IPO price. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66435863 |
Education staff could strike in September - union - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Unite members in 10 Scottish council areas will take industrial action when schools return after the summer break. | Staff working in education and early years could take targeted industrial action as early as September, a union has warned.
Unite members in 10 Scottish councils have voted to strike over pay when schools resume after the summer break.
It will involve thousands of workers including janitors, cleaners, caterers, classroom assistants and admin staff.
Council body Cosla said the "strong offer" raised the local government living wage by 99p to £11.84 per hour.
The 10 councils affected are: Argyll and Bute, Clackmannanshire, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Dundee, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Fife, Glasgow City, Inverclyde and Orkney.
The development follows talks with Cosla last week. No improved pay offer was put on the table.
The current 5% offer for 2023 was rejected by 84% in a consultative ballot held by Unite in May. The current rate of broader inflation (RPI) stands at 10.7%.
Unite has also called for First Minister Humza Yousaf to intervene directly in the pay dispute following what it describes as a "collapse" in negotiations.
The trade union has repeatedly criticised Cosla for failing to approach the Scottish government to financially support a fairer pay offer for council workers, saying that both bodies are in danger of repeating the "same mistakes" of last summer's pay dispute.
Last week, support staff in GMB Scotland also voted for strike action.
This will affect councils in Aberdeen, Clackmannanshire, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, Dundee, East Dunbartonshire, Falkirk, Glasgow City, Orkney, Renfrewshire and South Ayrshire.
Unison has yet to announce the results of its strike ballot to members.
Graham McNab, regional officer for Unite in Scotland, told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme that it was awaiting the outcome of Unison's strike ballet before confirming dates.
"Along with our sister unions, It could potentially be thousands of union members taking action on this," he said.
He claimed that some members were forced to turn to foodbanks and universal credit.
The union is pushing for a £2,000 uplift for its lowest paid members - the same offer that was made last year.
"I don't think they are taking us seriously enough," he said. "We're treated like second class citizens.
"We had a meeting last week with Cosla and I said to them it's just like groundhog day, it's going back to when they made the original offer to us.
"Nothing has changed, nothing has improved."
Mr McNab urged the Scottish government and Cosla to get back to negotiations and make an improved offer.
The union representative added: "There's an offer been made down south to our colleagues in England and Wales by a Conservative government that puts this Scottish government to shame and that's just not right."
A Cosla spokesman said the offer compared favourably to other sectors, responded to the cost of living crisis and would help to protect jobs and services.
"While the offer value in-year is 5.5%, the average uplift on salaries going into the next financial year is 7%," he said.
"Those on the Scottish local government living wage would get 9.12% and those at higher grades, where councils are experiencing severe recruitment challenges, would see 6.05%.
"It is an offer which recognises both the vital role of the people who deliver our essential services across councils every day and the value that we, as employers, place on them."
The spokesman added that the offer would also raise the Scottish local government living wage by 99p to £11.84 per hour and included a commitment to working towards a £15 per hour pay deal.
The Scottish government said it had provided a further £155m to support a "meaningful pay rise for local government workers".
Education secretary Jenny Gilruth told BBC Scotland News that the Scottish government would continue to work with Cosla to reach a "suitable and an affordable deal for the dispute".
When asked if school support staff were valued, she said: "Absolutely. In every school I've ever worked in, school janitors, classroom assistants, people who work in our office are all hugely valued and schools can't operate without them - they are absolutely pivotal to our school communities.
"It's really important that we secure a pay deal that is recognised by the trade unions and by Cosla as one that is fair and affordable.
"And of course we'd continue to support efforts in that endeavour, making sure that we can hopefully avert further strike action in our schools."
There is a real possibility of strikes closing schools in the new term.
Members of Unite and the GMB working in schools could strike in 14 of Scotland's 32 council areas between them.
Although teachers would not be on strike, action involving staff like janitors could mean schools would be unable to open.
The largest council union Unison is currently balloting its members on possible action.
No strike dates have been announced and action is unlikely before September.
But this also means there is time to avoid action.
Last year, action by council workers led to rubbish piling up in Edinburgh and some other towns and cities. The action was set to spread to school staff.
The Scottish government made money available to help councils fund an improved pay offer to resolve the dispute.
After the disruption of the pandemic and the teachers strike, some parents and students will be nervous about the possibility of further school closures.
The unions will be hoping that even the prospect of disruption will lead to an improved pay offer. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-66411340 |
Labour launches expert team to increase crime-solving - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The party launches an expert team to help police and prosecutors bring more criminals to justice. | Labour says reforms are needed to bring more criminals to justice
Labour is setting up an expert commission tasked with drawing up reforms to increase the number of crimes solved.
The Charging Commission will propose ways to help police and prosecutors bring more criminals to justice.
Home Office data show 2.4 million cases were dropped over evidential difficulties in the year ending March 2023.
The government said it was determined to bring all offenders to justice.
But shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the Conservative government's record on law and order was one of "damaging decline and collapsing confidence in the criminal justice system".
Ms Cooper said Labour's expert commission would help "turn things around" and "deliver on our pledge to make Britain safer".
She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the partnership between the police and the prosecution had "crumbled", with each side blaming the other instead of working together.
"We've got to cut some of the excess bureaucracy the police are facing and that prosecutors are facing and properly get new partnerships in place," she added.
Labour said the commission would be chaired by the former Victims' Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird, and include former chief constable Stephen Otter, former chief crown prosecutor Drusilla Sharpling, and West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe, on the panel.
The party said the panel would make recommendations in key areas for improvement across the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The panel would seek to find ways to cut paperwork, boost digital forensics, and speed up the work of police and prosecutors.
Labour said the commission will meet for the first time in September this year.
The party is concerned about the number of suspects not being identified, victims not wanting to press charges, increasing difficulties getting evidence, and the speed of cases slowing.
It pointed to recent Home Office figures showing that, in the year to March 2023, there were "evidential difficulties" with 2.4 million out of 5.4 million recorded crimes.
Labour says this amounts to "a decade of dereliction" by the Tory government on crime.
Dame Vera said the "woeful collapse in charging rates" meant victims were "giving up on the criminal justice system altogether".
"This Commission will bring together voices from across policing and prosecutions to forensically investigate the causes of this charging crisis, and set out robust recommendations for recovery," Dame Vera said.
A Home Office spokesperson claimed "communities are safer" since the Conservatives took power 13 years ago.
They said "neighbourhood crime including burglary, robbery and theft down 51% and serious violent crime down 46%".
"The government has also delivered more police officers than ever before in England and Wales and the home secretary has been clear she expects the police to improve public confidence by getting the basics right - catching more criminals and delivering justice for victims," the spokesperson added.
But they also acknowledged the criminal justice system "needs to work better together - including the current levels of cases being investigated and converted into charges and subsequent prosecutions". | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66443821 |
Three climbers found dead in Glen Coe - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The bodies of two men and a woman were discovered after they failed to return from the Aonach Eagach. | The ridge in Glen Coe is popular with climbers
Three climbers have been found dead after failing to return from a trip into Glen Coe.
Police Scotland said the bodies of two men and a woman were discovered during a search of Aonach Eagach, a ridge popular with climbers.
A spokeswoman confirmed the alarm was raised shortly after 21:05 on Saturday.
An initial search involving Inverness coastguard helicopter was made in mist and fog in difficult terrain, before the bodies were found on Sunday.
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Police said Glencoe and RAF mountain rescue teams also assisted with the search and recovery operation.
The police spokeswoman added: "There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal."
The coastguard said it was alerted at 22:50 on Saturday, and its Inverness search and rescue helicopter assisted in a search of the ridge.
A spokeswoman said a coastguard helicopter from Prestwick provided further support to police and mountain rescue teams on Sunday morning.
Kate Forbes, SNP MSP for MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, described the deaths as "horrendous news".
She said: "My thoughts are with the families. My sincere appreciation to mountain rescue, as always, and the emergency services."
Angus MacDonald, a local Highland councillor who grew up in the Clachaig Inn below the ridge, said: "This is a tragedy for those who died and their families.
"I know everyone in the area will feel for them."
The high, narrow, exposed ridge runs almost the length of Glen Coe and links two summits - 953m (3,127ft) Meall Dearg and 967m (3,172ft) Sgòrr nam Fiannaidh.
Its name means "notched ridge", a reference to its jagged, rocky terrain.
Traversing - crossing - Aonach Eagach involves about six miles (9km) and can take up to nine hours to complete, according to mountaineering guides.
Much of the route involves scrambling - a mountaineering term meaning climbers using their hands to help keep their balance on steep, difficult terrain.
The ridge is popular with keen and experienced climbers and many traverse Aonach Eagach safely every year.
But it has been the site of fatalities, and recent previous deaths in the area have included a 63-year-old woman in September 2014 and a 44-year-old man in July 2016.
Last September, the body of Alan Taylor, from Dundee, was found in a gully near the ridge. The 57-year-old had been missing since September 2021.
David Whalley, a veteran mountaineer and former RAF mountain rescue team leader known in the climbing community by his nickname "Heavy", said conditions could change quickly on Aonach Eagach.
He told BBC radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "It is one of the best ridges in Scotland. It's a wonderful thing and I have done it quite a few times, and done quite a few rescues on it.
"There are a few tricky bits, with greasy rocks. The weather is always changing - one minute it is clear and the next the mist is down.
"The big problem is if it all goes wrong there are very few places to get off, so you have to keep going or go back the way you came."
Mr Whalley added: "We mustn't forget we are talking about people and grief going on in (families') lives."
"Mountaineering is wonderful but it is a risk sport and we all live with that when we are out in the mountains."
"The Glencoe is an extremely professional team with a great history," he said.
"They are unpaid volunteers and have to go back to work the next day, but someone has to do it and they do a wonderful job." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-66427686 |
British Museum: Man arrested after man stabbed nearby - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The British Museum was evacuated of visitors after a man was stabbed in the arm nearby. | Officers put up a tent on Great Russell Street next to the British Museum
A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) after a man was stabbed close to the British Museum.
The man was stabbed in the arm at the junction of Great Russell Street and Museum Street at about 10:00 BST. He was taken to hospital by paramedics.
An eyewitness told the BBC he had seen an "angry man" taking out a knife "like a machete" and "hitting a young man".
The museum was evacuated but has reopened with "raised" security.
Police said there was "no outstanding risk to the public" and it was not being treated as terror-related.
A Metropolitan Police cordon includes streets close to the museum, and tape was seen blocking off The Plough pub on the junction of Little Russell Street and Museum Street.
People stand behind a police cordon at the museum
The building was evacuated of visitors who filed out of the exit
The eyewitness said: "All the people there started to run scared.
"We started to run to the museum gate to tell the people there what was happening and to call the police.
"Everybody was telling them 'call the police, call the police, a man is stabbing a man'."
Visitors stood outside the museum during the police response
A 27-year-old American woman said she was about to enter the queue at the British Museum when she was told to leave by police because someone had been stabbed.
The visitor, from New York, was leaving a Starbucks directly across from the museum on Great Russell Street when police approached her.
"A cop directly in front of us told us we needed to leave and that the crime scene was large," she said.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Police closed the road outside the famous attraction following the attack
"I heard that someone was stabbed and the ambulance was parked inside, near the grass area, and then rushed down the street, right by me, with police following behind," she added.
London Ambulance Service said: "We treated a man at the scene for an arm injury before taking him to a major trauma centre as a priority."
A police cordon was seen around The Plough pub on Little Russell Street
The museum spokesperson added: "The museum was closed this morning due to an incident following a member of the public being attacked nearby.
"Visitors were evacuated as a precaution, and we wish the victim a swift recovery."
They added the museum's security team had supported people until emergency services arrived.
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Pakistan: Imran Khan barred from politics for five years - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The ruling means Pakistan's former prime minister will not be able to run in the November election. | A file photo of Imran Khan before his arrest in Lahore, Pakistan, March 2023.
The former prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has been barred from holding public office for five years by the country's electoral authorities.
The decision was announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan three days after Mr Khan was sentenced to three years in prison for corruption.
Tuesday's announcement also means Mr Khan will be dismissed as an MP.
He maintains the charges are politically motivated, but the Pakistani government denies this.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, Pakistan's minister of information and broadcasting, told the BBC before the announcement: "You have to be accountable for your deeds in law. This has nothing to do with politics. A person who has been proven guilty by the court has to be arrested."
Mr Khan, 70, was elected as Pakistan's leader in 2018, but was ousted in a no-confidence vote last year after falling out with the country's powerful military.
His guilty verdict on Saturday was centred on charges he incorrectly declared details of presents from foreign dignitaries and proceeds from their alleged sale.
The gifts - reported to be worth more than 140m Pakistani rupees ($635,000; £500,000) - included Rolex watches, a ring and a pair of cufflinks.
Local media reported that Mr Khan's disqualification from running in any elections for five years was in line with that guilty ruling.
Under Pakistani laws, a convicted person cannot run for public office for a period set out by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
His legal team has challenged the guilty verdict and the case will be heard in the Islamabad High Court on Wednesday.
The former prime minister is currently being held in a prison near Islamabad. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-66445010 |
Pelican missing after being scared by gulls at Blackpool Zoo - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The fledgling is missing from Blackpool Zoo after taking to the air when it was startled by seagulls. | Anyone who spots the pelican has been asked to contact the zoo
A pelican has gone missing from a zoo after taking to the air when it was scared by a flock of gulls.
Blackpool Zoo said the 14-week-old fledgling flew on to the flamingo house on Friday afternoon after being startled by the squawking birds.
It said the pelican was then "taken on a gust of wind" and keepers lost sight of it at about 16:00 BST as it headed towards South Shore.
A representative said anyone who spots it should contact the zoo.
They said the brown-feathered bird was about 4ft (1.2m) tall with a 5ft (1.5m) wingspan and had been "seen in the area" since it flew off.
They said keepers were "following up all sightings" and searches were "continuing from dawn to dusk every day".
"We remain hopeful that it will be found," they said.
In April, the zoo advertised for people to dress in bird costumes and scare gulls
They said pelicans were "beautiful, docile creatures" and there was "no threat to the public", but anyone who spots it should not approach it.
They added that the zoo had "housed this magnificent species for many years" and had the only collection that had "successfully bred... which makes the youngster very special".
"This is the first time we have had an incident like this, which was down to the ever-growing problems we, and the town, continue to have with seagulls," they said.
In April, the zoo advertised for "seagull deterrents", a role which would see successful applicants dressed up in bird costumes to scare away the nuisance birds.
It later said almost 200 people had applied for the roles.
Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-66438826 |
Sex education: 'False information' being spread about lessons - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Some parents contacted schools over a leaflet which made claims about curriculum changes. | Some principals have received messages from concerned parents during the summer holidays
A "false information campaign" is circulating about relationship and sex education (RSE) in Northern Ireland, the Department of Education has said.
The department has taken the highly unusual step of writing to principals during the school holidays about RSE.
BBC News NI understands some principals have received a number of messages from concerned parents over the summer.
Some concerns were in response to a leaflet recently circulated about changes to the RSE curriculum.
The leaflet was also seen by BBC News NI.
In June, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris laid new regulations in Parliament on RSE.
They will make it compulsory for all post-primary schools in Northern Ireland to teach pupils about access to abortion and prevention of early pregnancy.
The legislation was introduced by the Northern Ireland Secretary in June
Each school in Northern Ireland is currently required by the department to develop its own RSE policy and to teach RSE.
However what is actually taught to pupils about RSE has been a matter for each school to decide, based on their school ethos.
Mr Heaton-Harris's move, though, meant post-primaries would have to teach pupils about issues such as how to prevent a pregnancy, the legal right to an abortion in Northern Ireland, and how relevant services may be accessed.
The change is due to come into effect in schools from 1 January, but the department has now written to principals to clarify some matters about RSE and the new regulations.
"I appreciate that schools are currently closed for the summer, but that you may be receiving communications from a false information campaign that is circulating to parents in relation to RSE," the department's letter said.
"The change to legislation brought in by the secretary of state does not apply to primary schools.
"It applies only to specific elements of the RSE curriculum at post-primary."
The letter also said the new regulations "make provision for, at the request of a parent, a pupil to be excused from RSE lessons".
"In keeping with the design principles of the Northern Ireland curriculum, schools have flexibility to decide on the content of their taught RSE programme and how to deliver it," the letter continued.
The letter also said that the department would hold a "full public consultation that will address specifically the secretary of state's regulations."
The consultation will also reflect recent reports into RSE from the Education and Training Inspectorate and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC).
Both of those reports were critical of aspects of the RSE curriculum and how it was taught in some schools in Northern Ireland.
The department said that it would write again to principals at the end of August to advise them when the consultation would be launched and would publish new guidance on RSE following that process. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-66432411 |
Two hurt after concrete slab thrown at moving taxi in Glenrothes - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | The car was struck after the slab was thrown from a pedestrian flyover near Glenrothes. | The taxi was hit on the B921 towards Kinglassie in Fife
Two people have been taken to hospital after a concrete slab was thrown from a pedestrian flyover and struck a moving taxi.
The slab struck the car on the B921 towards Kinglassie, Fife, at about 00:30 on Sunday.
A man and a woman, both 37-years-old, were taken to Glenrothes Hospital.
In July, two vehicles were struck by wheelie bins from the same flyover. No one was injured in either incident but both cars were damaged.
The first incident was at about 01:00 on Sunday 16 July and the second happened at about 03:55 on Wednesday 19 July.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact them.
Insp Kirk Donnelly from Glenrothes Police Station said: "Two people have suffered injuries as a result of these reckless actions and there could easily have been far more serious consequences."
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-66438520 |
Niger coup: Wagner taking advantage of instability - Antony Blinken - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | There are concerns the Russian mercenary group may be gaining influence in the country. | The US Secretary of State warned that "every single place that this Wagner group has gone, death, destruction and exploitation have followed"
Russia's Wagner mercenary group is "taking advantage" of instability in Niger, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told the BBC.
The country has been ruled by a junta following the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum nearly two weeks ago.
There have been suggestions the coup leaders have asked for help from Wagner, which is known to be present in neighbouring Mali.
Mr Blinken said he did not think Russia or Wagner instigated Niger's coup.
However the US was worried about the group "possibly manifesting itself" in parts of the Sahel region, he told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme
"I think what happened, and what continues to happen in Niger was not instigated by Russia or by Wagner, but... they tried to take advantage of it.
"Every single place that this Wagner group has gone, death, destruction and exploitation have followed," said Mr Blinken.
"Insecurity has gone up, not down".
He added that there was a "repeat of what's happened in other countries, where they brought nothing but bad things in their wake".
Both the US and France operate military bases in Niger as part of operations to disrupt jihadist groups operating in the wider region. Niger became the main base for French troops after they were told to leave Mali following a coup there.
Wagner is believed to have thousands of fighters in countries including the Central African Republic (CAR) and Mali, where it has lucrative business interests but also bolsters Russia's diplomatic and economic relations.
The group's fighters have been accused of widespread human rights abuses in several African countries.
Despite this, there has been speculation Niger's army has asked Wagner for assistance as the country faces the possibility of military intervention.
On Monday, US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland held what she described as "difficult and frank" talks with the coup leaders, whom she said understood the risks of working with the mercenaries.
Mr Bazoum, who is currently being detained, has also spoken of his concerns about Wagner's influence in Africa.
"With an open invitation from the coup plotters and their regional allies, the entire central Sahel region could fall to Russian influence via the Wagner Group, whose brutal terrorism has been on full display in Ukraine," he wrote in an opinion piece for the Washington Post published last week.
It is currently unclear if Wagner fighters have entered the country but the prominent Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel Grey Zone said on Monday that some 1,500 of its fighters had recently been sent to Africa.
It did not specify where on the continent they had allegedly been deployed.
Wagner's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin has urged the junta to "give us a call" in a voice message uploaded to Telegram on Tuesday.
"We are always on the side of the good, on the side of justice, and on the side of those who fight for their sovereignty and for the rights of their people," he said.
Niger is a former French colony and the coup has led to a wave of anti-France and pro-Russian sentiment in the country - similar to that experienced by neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, which have both pivoted towards Moscow since their own coups.
The two countries, which are both suspended from West African regional bloc Ecowas, sent a delegation to Niamey to reassure the coup leaders they will come to their defence against the other West African nations and their Western allies if needed.
"I would like to remind you that Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have been dealing for over 10 years with the negative... consequences of Nato's hazardous adventure in Libya," Mali government spokesperson Abdoulaye Maiga said during the visit.
"One thing is certain, [Mali's] President Goita and [Burkina Faso's] President Traoré have clearly said no, no and no. We will not accept military intervention in Niger. They are coming for our survival."
Meanwhile Niger's junta has refused to receive a delegation of representatives from West African regional bloc Ecowas, the African Union and UN, which was due to arrive in the capital Niamey on Tuesday.
In a letter seen by AFP on Tuesday, the coup leaders said the group's security could not be guaranteed because of "public anger and revolt" over sanctions imposed by Ecowas.
Ecowas had given Niger's coup leaders until Sunday to stand down and restore Mr Bazoum to the presidency and are now due to meet on Thursday to decide what to do next.
Niger's junta has appointed the country's former finance minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, as the country's new prime minister following the coup.
Mr Zeine replaces Mahamadou Ouhoumoudou, who was in Europe during the coup. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-66436797 |
Lauren James: England forward apologises for Women's World Cup red card - BBC Sport | 2023-08-08 | England forward Lauren James apologises for her red card during the Women's World Cup last-16 win over Nigeria. | Last updated on .From the section England
England forward Lauren James has apologised for her red card during the Women's World Cup last-16 win over Nigeria and says she will learn from the experience.
She was sent off following a VAR review for stamping on Michelle Alozie's back in a tie England won on penalties.
James will be suspended for Saturday's quarter-final against Colombia.
"All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened," she said on social media to Alozie.
"Also, for our England fans and my team-mates, playing with and for you is my greatest honour and I promise to learn from my experience."
The 21-year-old was one of the stars of England's group games, with three goals and three assists.
England also released a statement: "Lauren is really sorry for her actions which led to the red card and is full of remorse. It is wholly out of character for her. "
Fifa has not put a time frame on when a decision will be made but could extend her ban to more than one game - which could see her miss the rest of the tournament even if England go all the way.
England added: "We will be supporting Lauren throughout and will be putting forward representation on her behalf.
"We fully respect Fifa's disciplinary process and will not be making any further comment until after any decision has been made."
• None 'England's bond will be even stronger now' - Ellen White column
• None All the latest news from the Women's World Cup
Nigeria's Alozie, who plays for Houston Dash in the US, had posted: "We are playing on the world's stage.
"This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments. All respect for Lauren James."
After the game, England boss Sarina Wiegman said: "She is inexperienced on this stage and in a split-second lost her emotions. It isn't something she did on purpose. She apologised and felt really bad.
"She would never want to hurt someone. She is the sweetest person I know." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66438007 |
Sinéad O'Connor funeral: Cortege passes through streets of Bray as fans say farewell - BBC News | 2023-08-08 | Fans sing Nothing Compares 2 U as the star's funeral cortege passes through the Irish town of Bray. | You could have heard a pin drop when Sinéad O’Connor’s funeral cortege first stopped outside her former home.
Then people clapped for more than a minute, many crying, rubbing each other’s backs.
Thousands of people walked behind the hearse, some throwing flowers, some with their heads bowed.
Choruses of her iconic hit Nothing Compares 2 U could be heard all around.
Shortly after the vehicles passed, the applause continued with Strand Road was eight deep in parts.
The busiest area was outside O’Connor’s former home, which overlooks the seafront.
One man told the BBC she could often be seen outside her house, watching the waves from one of her pink chairs.
He says the rumour in Bray is that, in recent days, a pink chair washed up on the beach and that's the one which is now outside her former home.
People have been bobbing along to music played from phones and speakers, singing, crying and embracing each other. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-66432558 |
Russia says tanker hit in Ukrainian attack near Crimea - BBC News | 2023-08-05 | The attack is the second in as many days involving sea drones, Ukrainian security sources tell the BBC. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch the sea drone hitting the tanker, according to Ukraine security sources
A Russian tanker with 11 crew members has been hit in a Ukrainian attack in the Black Sea, Russian officials say.
They said the vessel's engine room was damaged in the overnight strike in the Kerch Strait. No-one was hurt.
Ukraine has not publicly commented. But a Ukrainian security service source told the BBC a sea drone had been used.
Saturday's attack is the second in as many days involving such weapons. Russia, however, has not admitted any damage during Friday's attack.
Naval drones, or sea drones, are small, unmanned vessels which operate on or below the water's surface. Research by BBC Verify suggests Ukraine has carried out several attacks with sea drones.
The Kerch Strait connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, separating Crimea - Ukraine's peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014 - and Russia's Taman peninsula.
The Ukrainian security service source told the BBC Saturday's operation was also conducted jointly with the Ukrainian navy and that 450kg of TNT explosive had been used.
The tanker was loaded with fuel, they said so the "fireworks" were visible from afar.
Russia's maritime transport agency says the Sig tanker was located 17 miles (27km) south of the Crimean Bridge.
Russia's state-run Tass news agency quoted an official from the country's regional Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) as saying that two tugs had already arrived at the scene of the attack - just to the south of the Kerch Strait.
"The engine room was damaged. Not much, but it was damaged," the official said.
Russia's maritime transport agency RosMorRechFlot later said the vessel had a hole "in the area of [the] engine room near the waterline from the starboard side, presumably as a result of an attack by a sea drone".
"The ship is afloat," it added.
Russian state-run media also reported that lights on the Crimean Bridge - further north - were turned off and all traffic halted amid warnings of an imminent attack.
On Saturday, Ukraine said it had designated six Russian black sea ports as being in "war risk" areas, indicating that it could be preparing further attacks on Moscow's territory.
Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, warned that Kyiv was preparing to the expand the "scale" and "range of combat operations" in Russia.
On Friday, a Russian naval ship suffered a serious breach in a Ukrainian naval drone strike near Russia's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, Ukrainian security sources told the BBC.
Footage later emerged purportedly showing the drone hitting the Olenegorsky Gornyak large landing ship. Another unverified video showed a heavily listing vessel being towed to port.
Russia's defence ministry said it had repelled a Ukrainian attack on its naval base in Novorossiysk which involved two sea drones, but did not admit any damage.
Novorossiysk, a major hub for Russian exports, lies to the south-east of the Kerch Strait.
Clashes in the sea have increased in recent weeks, after Russia abandoned a major UN deal that enabled grain to be safely exported across the Black Sea.
Ukrainian ports have been pummelled by Russian drones and missiles, and Kyiv has threatened to retaliate.
"It is clear that it is impossible to win the war if you are not actively attacking," said Ukraine's presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak, when asked about Western allies who may be becoming nervous about this war spilling well beyond its borders.
He believes the apparent images of damaged Russian vessels will make Moscow "think twice about using the Black Sea for blackmail".
While Kyiv denies drone strikes deeper inside Russia, it says it sees threats on occupied territories and surrounding waters as fair game.
Russia enjoys complete control of the Black Sea and Sea of Azov and two reportedly damaged ships are unlikely to change that.
But previous Ukrainian counter-offensives have been fuelled by their ability to cut off major Russian supply lines.
If it has indeed been able to immobilise a large Russian warship and oil tanker in two days, it will hope more will follow.
This war's footprint seems to be getting bigger.
In a separate development, talks started in Saudi Arabia on Saturday on ways to end the war in Ukraine. Invitations have been sent to about 40 countries - but not Russia - to attend the meeting in the Red Sea city of Jeddah.
Western leaders have been keen to downplay to potential for any major breakthrough at the conference, but China has agreed to send its special representative for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66412842 |
Netball World Cup 2023: England beat New Zealand and will face Australia in final - BBC Sport | 2023-08-05 | England will face Australia in their first Netball World Cup final after their historic victory over defending champions New Zealand. | Last updated on .From the section Netball
Coverage: Watch live coverage on BBC TV and BBC iPlayer, listen to commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra & BBC Sounds and follow text commentary of selected matches on BBC Sport website and app.
England will face Australia in their first Netball World Cup final after their historic victory over defending champions New Zealand.
The match was level after every quarter but England pulled away in dramatic fashion in the last to win 46-40.
There were jubilant scenes on the court as England wound down the clock to edge out the Silver Ferns and reach Sunday's showpiece in Cape Town.
Australia, who lost to England in the group stage, beat Jamaica 57-54.
The final takes place at 17:00 BST and will be live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.
There has never been a World Cup final without 11-time world champions Australia, who also won Commonwealth gold in Birmingham last year.
However, they will face a stern test in England, who overcame some shaky shooting with solid defence against New Zealand.
They will now compete for their biggest title since the 2018 Commonwealth Games, when they beat Australia to win gold.
An emotional Layla Guscoth, Roses defender and co-captain, told BBC Sport: "I can't believe it.
"We've had so much criticism over the last year [after no medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games].
"We are so grateful to get the chance to play in a World Cup final. We celebrate, we rest and we come back tomorrow."
• None How to follow the Netball World Cup on the BBC
England have faced a year of criticism after they failed to follow up on gold in 2018 and did not win a medal at the Games in Birmingham last year.
When Jess Thirlby took the reins from former coach Tracey Neville after England had won World Cup bronze in 2019, having been beaten in the semi-final by New Zealand, she said some things would need to change.
Focus went on developing a full squad of 12 dependable players and at this tournament England are getting their just reward.
"I know it is predictable but I just feel just pride," Thirlby said after the win.
"Sometimes you just have to sit tight through the ups and downs, the wins and the losses, and we have done that.
"I think the mental side of our game has massively shifted. Sometimes it takes 58 minutes before you get the reward but they kept at it and got it in the end."
Co-captain Natalie Metcalf agreed, saying it had been a "tough year" but they had "left no stone unturned" in pursuit of World Cup glory.
"It is just pure pride to wear the red dress and line up alongside the girls every day," she said.
"We've got to celebrate and enjoy the moment, what a moment it is for England netball. But we need to make sure we stick to the processes and remain consistent as we have done the entire tournament."
Until their final group match against Australia, England had gone under the radar - securing wins but with plenty still to work on.
However, they have now beaten the top two sides at the tournament, having defeated world number one-ranked Australia on Thursday and the Silver Ferns in the last four.
An evenly contested and low-scoring match saw momentum shifts in both directions as two impenetrable defences faced off.
Roses' stalwarts Geva Mentor and Guscoth worked tirelessly in defence to win the ball as England's attackers were made to look hesitant and static against an equally impressive Kelly Jury and Phoenix Karaka in the other circle.
England's shooters also struggled at times, with Helen Housby and Eleanor Cardwell uncharacteristically missing eight of their 54 shots.
Patience was key as neither side could break the deadlock and, with the score poised at 32-32 going into the final quarter, it was clear a moment of brilliance would be required to prevent extra time.
That came when Fran Williams, who also produced the game-changing moment against Australia, leapt from nowhere to snatch the ball away from Gina Crampton, setting up Housby to score and give England a slender lead.
England's bench were on their feet with a minute remaining after Imogen Allison produced another superb intercept and the wheels came off for New Zealand.
Fans in the crowd sensed a place in the final was England's and as the buzzer sounded the players flooded the court, with many in tears as they processed their historic achievement.
Later on Saturday, Australia overcame Jamaica to give themselves a chance of winning a record-extending 12th world title on Sunday.
A tense first half ended in stalemate before Australia garnered a slim lead in the third, pulling away by just two goals.
Jamaica clawed back an advantage in the final quarter but a crucial tip from defender Courtney Bruce provided the Diamonds with enough momentum to go on and take victory, setting up a mouth-watering final against England. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/netball/66415133 |
Maine woman, 87, fights off then feeds hungry burglar - BBC News | 2023-08-05 | Marjorie Perkins woke to find an intruder standing over her. Neither of them expected what happened next. | When an intruder broke into the home of retired 87-year-old Marjorie Perkins, he might have thought an older woman would not put up much of a fight.
"That was the worst part - to wake up in the dark and have this man standing over you," the former primary school teacher of 35 years told the BBC.
"I'm going to cut you," the young burglar said to her during the break-in at Brunswick, Maine.
Though she was terrified, Ms Perkins leapt into action and fought back.
The 17-year-old suspect has been charged with burglary, criminal threatening, assault and consuming liquor as a minor and is being held at a juvenile detention centre.
"I thought if I'm going to be cut," Ms Perkins told the BBC, "I'm going to kick. So I jumped into my shoes as fast as I could."
She used a lawn chair that was near her bed to defend herself as he came towards her.
He punched her cheek and forehead and kept knocking her against the wall.
Though it's a quiet neighbourhood, she said, Ms Perkins' house is situated on an intersection where people are often coming and going, so she "hollered out the window for help".
Her town has about 21,000 residents.
They "had the chair fight for quite a while" before "he got tired and headed for the kitchen", she said.
"I kept telling him to get out," Ms Perkins recalled.
Suddenly he became "limp looking" and said he was "awfully hungry".
When she told him he needed help, he said: "I've had help before but it hasn't done much good."
So Ms Perkins gave him a box of crackers with peanut butter and honey, two protein shakes and two tangerines.
"He didn't touch any of those - he ate one cracker," she said.
While he was eating, she called the emergency line 911 on her old rotary phone.
He fled the scene, out the front door.
By the time police arrived at Ms Perkins' home they told her they already had the unidentified teenager in custody.
A police sniffer dog had tracked him to a nearby street where his grandmother lives.
All of the doors and windows of her mobile home were locked, but they discovered he had managed to break in near a window unit air conditioner.
During the altercation, he told her he had mowed her lawn "a long time ago".
She remembers a "little boy coming here" maybe eight years ago, she said.
In another odd twist of fate, Ms Perkins was eating at a diner following the incident when a waitress sat down at her booth and said: "I know who the boy was, who did this to you - he's my nephew."
According to the woman, he has committed previous offences.
Since the break-in happened, she has received a lot of support from her neighbours, those in her line-dancing group and even reunited with half-sisters she has not spoken to in half a century.
Her story has been widely picked up by other international outlets.
Ms Perkins is surprised that people have taken such an interest in her story when there is so much else going on in the world.
But she said: "I think it does bring some hope or positivity.
"A lot of people have been quite amazed that I was brave enough to pick up a chair and fend him off." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66410846 |
Brighton Pride: Train cancellations and wind and rain - BBC News | 2023-08-05 | All rail services in and out of Brighton are cancelled, while Storm Antoni will bring wind and rain. | Ali and Machaella braving the weather on the seafront in Brighton
Brighton's Pride event celebrates its 50th birthday this weekend, with revellers facing challenges from transport and the weather.
Govia Thameslink (GTR) has cancelled all trains to and from Brighton on Saturday.
The event, which attracts hundreds of thousands of people, is also set to be hit by wind and rain from Storm Antoni.
Organisers said the weather "wouldn't stop us from having a great celebration".
The parade went ahead from 11:00 BST despite forecasts of strong winds and rain across the UK, with amber warnings for gusts of up to 65mph (105km/h) in coastal areas.
Paul Kemp, managing director of Brighton Pride, said: "We've encouraged people to wear ponchos so it might be a little bit Glastonbury.
"That wouldn't stop us from having a great celebration and a great Pride in our city."
Revellers vowed the wet weather would not stop them celebrating
The annual celebration is the city's largest single event, expected to boost the economy by more than £20m over the weekend.
The headliners at this year's event are the Black Eyed Peas on Saturday and Steps on Sunday.
The theme of 2023 was Dare to be Different
Ali and Jo Hood-Green made the seven-hour drive from Bolton, Lancashire, to be in Brighton, but said: "It was worth it".
Connor Charles, 30, and Alex Fire drove down from London and stayed overnight.
Mr Charles refused to allow the murky conditions to dampen his spirits, saying: "It's good the weather, it hasn't been as bad as what the forecast said. It's been showering."
The parade was full of colourful floats
Jamie Sanders, 36, travelled from Hastings, East Sussex, as one of the organisers for Sainsbury's parade group.
While he was able to book a hotel overnight, out of 100 colleagues expecting to take part in the company's parade, only 60 were able to make it due to the travel disruption.
But he said the buses "were brilliant", picking people up across other locations to help them get there.
Leo Gonzales, 54, an NHS nurse, said despite getting "drenched" everybody was having fun.
Brighton Pride was hit by wet and windy weather from Storm Antoni
An overtime ban by the drivers union Aslef meant fewer trains could run, raising safety concerns because of the extra passengers expected.
GTR said it had previously relied on train drivers volunteering to run extra services to cope with the huge crowds travelling to and from Brighton on Pride weekend, which can total 85,000 extra passengers in a day, with up to 20,000 in the busiest hours of the evening.
This year marks half a century of Pride marches in Brighton
The company said, without extra drivers, there was "a clear risk of stranding tens of thousands of people overnight without accommodation".
Its statement added: "We have looked at every available option but ultimately the safety of customers and our colleagues must come first. This has been an exceptionally difficult decision to make."
The trains cancellation was condemned by the leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, Bella Sankey.
She said: "I think this is an appalling decision not to run any services at all."
Coach operator National Express has laid on extra services to Brighton for Saturday.
Enrico Dannunzio was taking the coach to get to Brighton Pride this year
Australian Enrico Dannunzio, who lives in South London, usually travels to Brighton Pride from London Bridge, but was able to book a coach from Victoria.
"We had to get up earlier," he said, "because it's three and a half hours compared to the hour and a bit.
"We booked the coach early but it's changed timings because there's more people, so we're arriving two hours later than planned. Hopefully we still get there in time for the parade."
Keiron Pearce travelled from Barcelona but nearly did not make it because of the train disruption
Keiron Pearce travelled from Barcelona for the event but nearly cancelled because of the industrial action.
"I almost didn't go, but because I knew a coach was available I booked a ticket," he said.
He believes train drivers should have run services this weekend.
"The public do understand, they've certainly made their point" Mr Pearce, who is originally from Maidenhead, said.
"But enough is enough, they're ruining people's lives. The argument's with the government, not with us."
Pride events are continuing despite wet and windy weather in Brighton
The trains cancellation have also created problems for Sussex Police.
"The big challenge for a big change like that is it introduces an unknown," said Ch Supt Jerry Westerman.
"We adapt and learn every year, and get better and better as we do it, now a significant change is going to change the dynamic of the event and that brings an element of risk to us."
This year's Pride, which has the theme of Dare to be Different. is celebrating 50 years since the first gay liberation protest march in the city in 1973.
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-sussex-66415209 |
Thousands at Scout camp move into hotels after S Korea heatwave - BBC News | 2023-08-05 | Over 4,000 UK Scouts are withdrawing from a World Jamboree over extreme heat and worries about facilities. | British Scouts have started arriving at a hotel in Seoul after being taken by coach from the campsite
UK Scouts are being moved to hotels in Seoul after an international event in South Korea was hit by extreme heat.
Hundreds have fallen ill at the outdoor World Scout Jamboree, which is attended by more than 40,000 young people from around the world, amid 35C (95F) heat.
The British group of 4,500, the largest in attendance, is moving from a camp site at Saemangeum to Seoul, the Scout Association confirmed.
The US and Singaporean teams are also pulling their members out of the event.
South Korea's government said it was sending 60 more medics and 700 service workers to maintain the toilets and showers, with many countries staying at the site for the next week.
The jamboree, described as the world's largest youth camp, gathers Scouts from around the world every four years, each time in a different country.
Most of those attending are aged between 14 and 18, and 155 countries are represented in South Korea.
This is the first jamboree since the pandemic and is due to run until 12 August.
Coaches of British teenagers have started arriving back in Seoul - about 120 miles (197km) from the campsite - and they will spend the next week in hotels.
The UK Scout Association said young people and adult volunteers had begun "settling into their accommodation" and the Jamboree experience would continue in the city before returning to the UK on 13 August as planned.
The BBC has been told that some scouts are sharing five to a room, while up to 250 are sleeping in the ballroom of one Seoul hotel due to a lack of available accommodation.
One of the UK team told BBC's Seoul correspondent Jean Mackenzie the decision to pull out was not based just on the extreme heat but was also down to the facilities and food.
They described the campsite toilets as a "health risk" and said children's dietary needs were not being met.
The UK team monitored conditions for a number of days, they said, giving the organisers the opportunity to improve them, but had lost confidence they could keep everyone safe.
Many of the parents the BBC has spoken to have said their children spent years preparing to attend the event, often raising thousands of pounds to do so.
Thunderstorms are forecast for the region in which it is taking place, while temperatures will feel hotter than 40C due to high humidity, according to AccuWeather.
The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), the largest international Scouting organisation, said it had asked the Korean Scout Association, which is hosting the event, to consider ending early.
The movement said that the host "decided to go ahead with the event" and assured participants that it was doing "everything possible to address the issues caused by the heatwave".
UK Scouts, the country's largest scouting organisation, said its volunteers and others had worked to give members "enough food and water... shelter from the unusually hot weather... and toilets and washing facilities appropriate for an event of this scale."
The UK and US teams have the money and resources to relocate thousands of people at short notice but there are plenty of countries at the event which do not.
Buses at the camp site of the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Buan, South Korea
The US is taking its participants to Camp Humphreys army base in Pyeongtaek, citing safety concerns.
Parents of children at the campsite told the BBC that no activities were taking place due to the heat.
Others have defended the event, saying their children were disappointed that they had to leave.
One mother from north-east England said what was meant to be a "great life experience" had turned into a "survival mission" for her 16-year-old daughter.
"She knew it would be hot but not as hot as it is. They cannot cool down, their tents are too hot," said the mother, who did not wish to be named.
Her daughter had told her that the showers and toilets were "appalling and unsafe", with "floating rubbish, plasters and hair" blocking drains.
Another parent said the situation was so bad they put their daughter on a plane back to the UK on Friday.
However Peter Naldrett told the BBC that his two children were "frustrated, upset and angry" about having to leave.
"My kids have said that the toilets are a bit grim but it's manageable," he said.
Shannon Swaffer, whose 15-year-old daughter is at the event, said the children were "all devastated that it's ended early".
"By all accounts the heat is intolerable and adults and kids alike can't continue there," she said, adding that her family were "lifelong Scout people" and that the leaders had been "absolutely phenomenal".
Rebecca Coldwell said her 17-year-old daughter had received "outstanding" medical care for an infected wound, and that she was "heartbroken" about having to move to hotels.
Kristin Sayers from Virginia in the US, paid $6,500 (£5,100) for her 17-year-old son Corey to go to the jamboree but said his dream had turned into a "nightmare".
"He's very aware of how much money that is and the sacrifices we made as a family to send him. We could've done so much with that money," she told Reuters news agency.
Some Scouts from Spain, Belgium, and France, told the BBC they were happy to still be at the campsite and disappointed the British had left.
Blanca, a 16-year-old from Spain, said her sister was taken to hospital on the first day because of the heat, but she has recovered and so have the conditions.
"Now the situation is better. They give us cold water and fans and let us go inside places to get shade," she said.
"I am sad the British didn't stay. They're really cool people and I enjoyed spending time with them," she added.
The event has been described as the world's biggest youth camp
South Korea's authorities have issued the country's highest hot weather warning for the first time in four years.
South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced that aid was being sent to the site amid criticism from some that authorities failed to plan for extreme heat.
"The government will use all its resources to ensure that the jamboree can end safely amid the heatwave," he said.
Air-conditioned buses, water trucks and medical staff were being dispatched.
Are you or your relative at the World Scout Jamboree? Email your experiences: 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/uk-66407392 |
Imran Khan: The cricket hero bowled out as Pakistan's PM - BBC News | 2023-08-05 | Imran Khan was elected on promises to fix corruption and the economy but struggled to deliver. | Imran Khan is a former international cricket star turned politician who became the first prime minister in Pakistan's history to be ousted in a vote of no confidence.
He was elected in July 2018 promising to fight corruption and fix the economy. But those pledges went unmet and the world's second largest Muslim country was gripped by financial crisis.
Just under four years after being elected, he was ousted as prime minister by his opponents in parliament. As well as the economy tanking, reports said he had fallen out of favour with the powerful military, a crucial behind-the-scenes player in nuclear-armed Pakistan.
Mr Khan, 70, shows no signs of wanting to leave politics and has spent his time out of power addressing large rallies of supporters angry at his removal from office. He still commands considerable support - tens of thousands took to the streets in cities across Pakistan on the night he was ejected from power.
In November 2022, he was shot and wounded in an attack on a protest rally he was leading in the eastern city of Wazirabad. Aides said it was an attempt on his life, but police did not immediately confirm he had been the target.
The former PM had been leading a march on the capital, Islamabad, to demand snap elections.
The previous month, he'd suffered another setback when the election commission disqualified him from holding public office in a case he described as politically motivated. He'd been accused of incorrectly declaring details of presents from foreign dignitaries and proceeds from their alleged sale.
In May, Mr Khan was arrested on corruption charges, sparking widespread protests that plunged Pakistan deeper into political turmoil at a time when its economy is on life support and food prices are soaring.
The arrest was declared illegal, but in August he was taken into custody again after being found guilty of not declaring money earned from selling gifts he received in office.
He was sentenced to three years in jail, but denies the charges and says he will appeal.
Mr Khan's conviction has diminished any chance of a resolution between the former PM and the establishment, be it the government or the army.
Imran Khan had hoped to see out a full, five-year term, something no other prime minister had ever done in Pakistan - which has a history of coups and military rule.
But by late March 2022, a series of defections had deprived him of his parliamentary majority and the opposition pounced, tabling a motion of no confidence.
Mr Khan sought to circumvent the move by having parliament dissolved and calling a snap election, but the Supreme Court ruled this was in breach of the constitution. On 10 April the vote of no confidence took place and Imran Khan lost, his opponents having secured 174 votes in the 342-member house.
Opposition supporters celebrated outside the Supreme Court after the court ruled the move to block a no-confidence vote was unconstitutional
He claimed that his political opponents were colluding with the US to bring about regime change because of his policies on Afghanistan, Russia and China. But he provided no evidence of this and Washington strongly denied any foreign interference.
Back in 2018 the populist Mr Khan had painted a vision of a "new Pakistan" as he swept to power after years playing second fiddle to more established parties.
The former cricket captain, now styling himself as a pious anti-poverty reformer, spoke of his dream of building an "Islamic welfare state" where wealth was shared. He made ambitious promises that included reforming the country's tax system and bureaucracy.
Instead, inflation soared, the rupee plummeted and the country became crippled by debt, stoking anger and criticism that Mr Khan had mishandled the economy.
He vowed not to seek International Monetary Fund (IMF) help but ended up negotiating a $6bn (£4.75bn) rescue bailout to address a balance of payments crisis. However, the first payment of $1.1bn (£872m) has not been released, pending the passage of what the Pakistani government called "painful reforms".
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Five things to know about Imran Khan (from 2018)
Long one of Pakistan's best-known faces internationally, Mr Khan struggled for years to turn popular support into electoral gains.
He launched his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in 1996 but it wasn't until the 2013 general election that it emerged as a serious player nationally.
Five years later a swing of epic proportions propelled him to power.
The PTI made huge gains in his rivals' Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif's bastion, Punjab province, which holds more than half of the 272 directly-elected National Assembly seats.
Mr Khan was seen as a "change" candidate, whose promise to raise a whole new class of clean politicians chimed with voters disillusioned with the old political order.
Military chief Gen Bajwa (left) and Imran Khan were reportedly at odds over Russia's invasion of Ukraine
But he was also widely viewed as the favoured candidate of the military which - despite denials from both sides - was accused of meddling to turn opinion against his rivals.
Many observers now say his biggest problem is that he has lost the support of the generals who have dominated Pakistan since independence in 1947.
Civilian leaders who have sought to tackle some of Pakistan's root problems have found themselves on a collision course with the establishment in the past.
The PTI leader also found himself short of political friends. Far from cleaning up "dynastic politics", he is accused of sidelining opponents, with many jailed on corruption charges during his tenure. His enemies united to remove him.
Imran Khan was born in 1952, the son of a civil engineer. He and his four sisters had a privileged upbringing in Lahore where he was schooled, before he studied at Oxford University.
His talent for cricket emerged during these years and led to an illustrious international career which spanned two decades, culminating in World Cup victory in 1992.
Imran Khan led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 cricket World Cup
In his youth he also developed a reputation as a playboy on the London nightclub circuit, although he denies he ever drank alcohol.
After he led Pakistan to victory in 1992 he retired from cricket and went on to raise millions of dollars to fund a cancer hospital in his mother's memory.
That foray into philanthropy spawned a career in politics - and he shed his celebrity image.
His pin-up looks and private life have made him a favourite of the world's media for decades.
Imran Khan married Jemima Goldsmith, seen here with Princess Diana, in 1995
In 1995, at the age of 43, he married the 21-year-old British heiress, Jemima Goldsmith - the daughter of one of the world's richest men at the time, Sir James Goldsmith. The marriage produced two boys but was dissolved in 2004.
A second marriage in 2015, to journalist Reham Khan, lasted less than a year. The former BBC weather presenter alleges she was bullied by his supporters and wrote a tell-all memoir.
Mr Khan married again in a low-profile ceremony in 2018. His third wife Bushra Watto, a mother of five, was described as his spiritual adviser, and observers say the match plays well with his public shows of devotion to Islam.
Ms Watto later set up a trust that allegedly received land as a bribe from one of Pakistan's top real estate developers. This eventually led to the corruption charge that saw Mr Khan arrested this year.
Mr Khan was so conscious of reforming his playboy image that during his 2018 campaign, he cancelled an interview with a female Pakistani journalist on his jet. This was in order to avoid being seen with her when he disembarked.
As a politician Imran Khan publicly upholds liberalism, but at the same time appeals to Islamic values and anti-West sentiment.
On his watch, there was a significant rise in Islamist militancy in Pakistan, and religious extremists strengthened their position.
He has been criticised as sympathetic towards the Taliban, and branded "Taliban Khan" by opponents. In 2020 there was an outcry after he called Osama Bin Laden a martyr.
Pakistan - a long-time ally of the West, however reluctant in the "war on terror" - continued strengthening ties with China under his leadership. It abstained in the UN vote on Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
Tense relations with neighbouring India, Pakistan's historic rival, did not improve during his tenure.
Mr Khan can point to some successes.
Pakistan's Covid record has been the best in South Asia, and a poverty-alleviation programme made progress. He has also provided universal healthcare in two provinces - perhaps his most notable achievement.
While this could help Mr Khan in elections due by late this year, all eyes are on the corruption allegations against him. A conviction could disqualify him from running for public office, possibly for life. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-19844270 |
Northern Ireland weather: Storm Antoni brings heavy rain and strong winds - BBC News | 2023-08-05 | The Met Office issued a yellow warning for rain on Saturday which ended at 11:00 BST. | The weather warning is in place until 11:00 on Saturday
Storm Antoni has brought some unseasonably wet and windy weather to parts of Northern Ireland on Saturday.
A Met Office yellow weather warning for rain was in place overnight and ended at 11:00 BST.
Up to 30mm of rain had been expected to fall widely, with areas to the south and east expected to get even more.
In the Republic of Ireland, some homes and cars were damaged by flash flooding in Clontarf in Dublin.
The Met Office said Belfast and parts of County Down were expected to get up to 60mm of rain.
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It added up to 70mm of rain could fall over the Mourne Mountains.
As well as the rain there were some unseasonably strong winds with gusts up to 55km/h (35mph).
There was a risk in some areas, especially along the east coast, with gusts of up to 80km/h (50mph).
The latest warning comes after Northern Ireland had its wettest July on record
The heaviest and most persistent rain was through the early hours of Saturday morning but gradually improved later in the morning.
It is expected to stay unsettled through the day with sunny spells and some heavy, and blustery showers.
The Met Office has issued guidance on what people can expect during Storm Antoni, including:
Met Éireann also issued a status yellow weather warning for parts of the Republic of Ireland as the Irish bank holiday weekend begins.
It ended at 13:00 local time on Saturday for counties in the south and west.
Heavy rain fell in parts of Connacht and counties Tipperary, Clare, Leinster, Monaghan and Cavan.
In Clontarf, eight people had to be taken from their homes by the fire service with inflatable rescue sleds after 17 houses in one development flooded.
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Northern Ireland had its wettest July on record, with figures going back to 1836, according to the Met Office.
Provisional figures showed more than double the normal amount of rain fell during the month, with 185.4mm recorded.
The previous record was 185.2mm, set back in July 1936.
The bad weather has already contributed to a drop in footfall according to business owners on the north coast.
Sean McLaughlin said the wet weather and rising cost of living hit trade on the north coast in July
Sean McLaughlin owns a fish and chip restaurant and said the weather had added to a "perfect storm".
"We've just come off the back of a really tough winter with price increases, energy costs, all those things," he said.
"We were expecting a bumper summer with decent weather and more people coming around, but sadly we've hit the wettest July we've ever seen."
Tanya Gillen, who owns a café in the seaside hotspot, said she also experienced a particularly poor season.
"Where we're located, people are not coming off the main drag to the Arcadia if the weather's not good," she said.
"Maybe it is a combination of the weather and the cost-of-living crisis everyone is talking about."
Tanya Gillen said businesses in the north coast normally relied on a busy July
She said seasonable businesses on the north coast normally rely on a busy July but this year has been different.
"July is normally the month we see our tills go up, but our tills are down by 50%," Ms Gillen continued.
"Our problem is we guarantee our workers so many hours a week so regardless of whether we're busy or not, we're still paying for staff." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-66388874 |
Travel disruption set to worsen with climate change, warns government adviser - BBC News | 2023-08-05 | The UK must invest in rail and road networks or accept more extreme weather disruption, a government advisor says. | Stranded rail passengers at London's King's Cross station during the July 2022 heatwave
Travel disruption will be worsened by climate change unless more money is spent on the UK's transport networks, a government advisor has warned.
Intense rainfall and heatwaves have hit road and rail travel with flash floods, landslips and equipment failures.
Sir John Armitt said the UK must either accept more travel disruption or spend more money on maintenance and upgrades.
Network Rail's safety and engineering director Martin Frobisher said companies were "racing to catch up".
He insisted more was being spent than ever and technology was improving, but "every year we...break records on heat, on rain, on wind".
Sir John, chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, said leaders including himself may previously have "underestimated the impact of climate change and the rate at which we're seeing those changes".
The former chief executive of Network Rail also believes there are societal and political choices ahead, when it comes to keeping our transport networks running as reliably.
Climate change is already affecting how we get around. Transport bosses are trying to react, to keep things running smoothly.
Last summer's heatwaves caused widespread train cancellations, caused by issues including buckled rails and fallen overhead power lines.
Railway tracks are engineered to cope with a certain range of temperatures, but when it gets very hot they can bend. When overhead power lines sag in the heat, they can get snagged in train equipment and be pulled down.
Hot, dry weather followed by heavy rain can trigger landslips, or flash flooding.
Network Rail, which is responsible for maintaining thousands of miles of railway across Britain, is trying to adapt.
Spending on drainage has increased, and technology is being deployed to remotely monitor rail temperature. Simple measures like painting rails white are still used to try and prevent over-heating.
A huge section of embankment in Hook, Hampshire, collapsed earlier this year
After three people died in August 2020 when a train hit a landslip near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, Network Rail has developed new software to predict sudden, torrential rainfall.
Nicola Morgan, who works for Network Rail in its Wales and Borders region, said there had been "significant changes in recent years", with stronger weather fronts and powerful storms.
Her colleagues in the Cardiff operations centre use heat sensors and cameras to keep track of conditions around the region. This won't necessarily prevent disruption to services, but can flag anything unsafe.
Measures like speed restrictions can be introduced, and maintenance teams alerted. Drones can now be sent to see what's going on.
Major roads can also be severely affected by extreme weather.
Angela Halliwell, who works for National Highways, said "we had some instances last year where some pockets of the road did soften or in some cases melt."
At the same time, "we have noticed an increase in surface water flooding through the intense rainfall".
On the M4 motorway, drainage is being improved as part of roadworks to update the central reservation
New drainage standards have been brought in "in line with future climate projections", Ms Halliwell said.
To try and make roads more resilient to heat, different surfacing is being introduced which would not "melt or rut, potentially crack or joint",
Sir John Armitt says ultimately, "we get the infrastructure we pay for".
While Network Rail's Martin Frobisher thinks the changing climate will be "the biggest challenge for this century". | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66386617 |
Dillian Whyte out of Anthony Joshua fight after adverse test - BBC Sport | 2023-08-05 | Dillian Whyte returns "an adverse finding" from a doping test, causing his heavyweight rematch against Anthony Joshua to be cancelled. | Last updated on .From the section Boxing
Dillian Whyte has returned "an adverse finding" from a doping test, causing his heavyweight rematch against Anthony Joshua on 12 August to be cancelled.
The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) informed promoters Matchroom and boxing authorities of the test result.
"In light of this news, the fight will be cancelled and a full investigation will be conducted," said a Matchroom statement.
A "devastated" Whyte, 35, says he is "completely innocent".
Joshua, 33, could still fight at London's O2 Arena if a new opponent can be found.
"I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by Vada of adverse findings relating to me," Whyte wrote in a statement released on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"I only learned of it this morning and am still reacting to it.
"I have also just seen that the fight is being cancelled without having any chance to demonstrate my innocence before the decision was taken.
"I can confirm without a shadow of doubt that I have not taken the reported substance, in this camp or at any point in my life.
"I am completely innocent and ask to be given the time to go through the process of proving this without anybody jumping to conclusions or a trial by media."
The fight between Joshua and Whyte, a rematch of their 2015 bout, was announced a month ago.
Joshua knocked out Whyte in the seventh round of their heated British title fight eight years ago, which also took place at the O2, as he avenged a loss to his rival on the amateur circuit.
Whyte, who lost his only world title challenge to Tyson Fury in 2022, beat Joshua by decision as an amateur in 2009 to start what became a bitter rivalry.
Olympic gold medallist Joshua went on to become a two-time world champion.
Joshua gained revenge when the pair met again as professionals in December 2015, being rocked in the second round but recovering to force a stoppage in the seventh.
Whyte had a doping violation charge dropped in 2019 after UK Anti-Doping said the levels of a banned steroid were "very low" and he was not at fault.
He served a two-year suspension from 2012 to 2014 for taking an illegal supplement.
A tribunal accepted Whyte's claim he did not knowingly take methylhexaneamine (MHA) but said he did not do enough to check the supplement's ingredients.
• None Enjoy a selection of classic songs and new tunes from the iconic band
• None Why would you want to avoid red ropes? Take a journey back to Ancient Greece to find out... | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/66416584 |
Moment sea drone approaches Russian ship on the Black Sea - BBC News | 2023-08-05 | The footage was shared with the BBC by a source at Ukraine's security service. | This is the moment a sea drone heads directly towards a Russian ship near the port of Novorossiysk, where explosions have been heard overnight.
Footage shared by a source at Ukraine's security service shows the drone moving across the Black Sea, as it approaches the Russian vessel.
Russia's defence ministry said it had repelled a Ukrainian attack on its naval base there with two sea drones.
While the ministry did not comment on any damage, Ukrainian intelligence sources have told various news outlets the Olenegorsky Gornyak, a "landing ship" designed to carry equipment and personnel for beach landings, was hit. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66405081 |
Wales 20-9 England: Warren Gatland's side defeat disappointing England in warm-up - BBC Sport | 2023-08-05 | Wales enjoy victory in the opening World Cup warm-up game against England in Cardiff to leave Steve Borthwick mulling over Monday's tournament selection. | Last updated on .From the section Welsh Rugby
Gareth Davies and George North scored tries, with Leigh Halfpenny kicking 10 points on his 100th Wales appearance.
Victory was the perfect start for new captain Jac Morgan, while Marcus Smith kicked three penalties for England.
Head coach Steve Borthwick will name his final 33-man World Cup squad on Monday, while Wales' Warren Gatland will wait a couple more weeks.
After a poor year, Gatland had promised Wales would "surprise people" and "do something special" at the World Cup.
It is early days but this performance provided some optimism before the return warm-up fixture at Twickenham next Saturday.
Wales' first-half display will be remembered for a dogged defensive effort with centre North proving crucial in denying England two tries and Aaron Wainwright shining at number eight.
Borthwick will be concerned with England's inability to profit on their first-half dominance and the manner in which they allowed a second-half revival from the hosts as the visitors conceded 22 turnovers.
• None Defeat will be a positive in long term - Borthwick
• None Gatland pleased with win but 'still lots to work on'
This was the last chance for England players to shine before Borthwick announces his final selection - and not many will have made an impression.
The England coach indicated the majority of his squad has been finalised with only "one or two places" still to be decided.
Borthwick chose to rest key personnel and gave opportunities to new faces, with flanker Tom Pearson making his debut and uncapped forwards Theo Dan and Tom Willis coming off the bench.
With Borthwick indicating he will take three scrum-halves and three fly-halves to France, Harlequins half-backs Danny Care and Marcus Smith started in the knowledge they are almost certain to travel, while wing Joe Cokanasiga and centre Joe Marchant were looking to impress.
Borthwick will be concerned at how England failed to convert a couple of chances and spurned two attacking line-outs.
They might have a settled World Cup squad earlier than most but they will have to develop a distinctive style of play before the tournament starts in France.
Full-back Freddie Steward at least proved imperious again in Cardiff under the high ball just as he had in the Six Nations match in February.
In contrast to England, Wales have three warm-up matches. Gatland is due to announce his squad after the final game against South Africa, having said this week he only knew one of his squad and places were up for grabs.
A turbulent 12 months had seen Wales lose nine out of 12 games as Gatland returned for a second stint in place of Wayne Pivac.
A fifth-placed finish in the Six Nations was followed by the loss of the experienced Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric, Rhys Webb and Ken Owens and off-the-field controversy with players threatening to strike over contractual injuries.
Gatland has spoken about changing the negative narrative surrounding Welsh rugby and he will hope this win starts that process.
After tough training camps in Switzerland and Turkey, there were Test debuts for centre Max Llewellyn and Cardiff props Corey Domachowski and Keiron Assiratti.
The prop duo struggled in the scrums in the first half with three set-piece penalties conceded between them, but they will have learned from the experience and Gatland believes some of the decisions against them were unjustified.
Flanker Taine Plumtree and former England prop Henry Thomas also impressed as they made their Wales debuts off the replacements bench.
Fly-half Sam Costelow made his first start and provided a threat to the English defence typified by almost releasing Louis Rees-Zammit for a first half try. Wing Rees-Zammit was also denied a late try after almost creating a brilliant individual score for himself.
Costelow's clever cross-kick also set up a try for Scarlets scrum-half Davies. Aaron Wainwright gathered possession before feeding Morgan who released Davies to score.
The fly-half might have proved suspect under the high ball on a couple of occasions, but that will be balanced by his attacking ability that will offer extra options to the experience of Dan Biggar and Gareth Anscombe.
Wales honoured legend Clive Rowlands, who died at the age of 85 last Sunday, with a minute's applause at the start of the game. He was the only man to coach, captain and manage Wales and made his debut against England in 1963.
Sixty years on, flanker Morgan - who played junior rugby for Rowlands' home village of Cwmtwrch -captained Wales for the first time in what was effectively the first of three World Cup leadership auditions.
With Jones, Tipuric and Owens unavailable, Gatland is looking for a new leader and planning to appoint a different skipper for each warm-up Test before announcing his final squad and captain.
Others in the captaincy frame include Biggar, Dewi Lake, Will Rowlands and Adam Beard, but 23-year-old Morgan impressed against England, especially in the second half along with Wainwright, who demonstrated there is a number eight alternative to the currently injured Taulupe Faletau.
He played a crucial part in Wales' opening try for North and produced a crunching second-half tackle on opposite number Pearson.
It was not Morgan who led the side out though. That honour fell to full-back Halfpenny who, almost 15 years after his debut, became the ninth man to play 100 internationals for Wales.
He followed in the footsteps of Alun Wyn Jones, Gethin Jenkins, North, Biggar, Stephen Jones, Gareth Thomas, Martyn Williams and Faletau.
Injuries were always going to create problems and Wales hooker Ryan Elias and lock Dafydd Jenkins will provide Gatland with some concern.
Elias was forced off the field after just six minutes with a hamstring injury. He had already missed the Six Nations because of an Achilles problem.
Another Scarlets hooker, Owens, has already been ruled out of at least the tournament group stages with a back problem leaving Elliot Dee, Lake and Sam Parry as the three remaining hookers in the squad.
Jenkins limped off in the second half which forced a major reshuffle with centre Mason Grady slipping into the back row because all forward replacements had been used before North later switched to the flank.
Wales were not hampered, though, and Grady almost scored with his first touch before being denied by England captain Ellis Genge in the corner.
That resourcefulness typified Wales' second-half display and set up their success. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/66412166 |
Anna Netrebko: Top Russian soprano fired over war sues Met Opera - BBC News | 2023-08-05 | Anna Netrebko was dropped by the Met Opera last year after refusing to denounce Russia's president. | Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko is suing New York City's Metropolitan Opera, after she was dropped following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The internationally renowned soprano is suing the opera house and its manager for $360,000 in damages.
Ms Netrebko has previously supported President Vladimir Putin - but did condemn the invasion after pressure from the Met.
The opera has responded in a statement, saying the lawsuit had no merit.
Opera star Ms Netrebko's lawsuit - against both the Met and its manager, Peter Gelb - was filed in the US District Court in Manhattan on Friday.
She is alleging defamation, breach of contract and other violations, and is demanding hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages for lost performance and rehearsal fees.
The 51-year-old claims the Met caused her "severe mental anguish and emotional distress", including "depression, humiliation, embarrassment, stress and anxiety, and emotional pain and suffering".
Ms Netrebko, who also has Austrian citizenship, has previously expressed support for President Putin. In 2014, she donated money to a theatre in the rebel-held city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, and was pictured holding a pro-Russian rebel flag.
After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, she was urged to speak out against Mr Putin and the war.
She did eventually accede to the demands to condemn the conflict - but stopped short of denouncing the Russian president and was dropped by the Met in all future performances a month after the invasion.
Her lawsuit alleges that the Met and Mr Gelb "harmed Netrebko's relationship among audiences, including by encouraging protests against her performances", and that her criticism of the war lost her contracts with Russian theatre companies, AP news agency reported.
The Met said in a statement: "Ms Netrebko's lawsuit has no merit."
Ms Netrebko posed next to rebel leaders and held a rebel flag
Earlier this year, Ms Netrebko filed a separate complaint through the union representing opera performers, the American Guild of Musical Artists.
An arbitrator in that dispute ruled in February that the Met had violated a contractual agreement when it cancelled some performances, and awarded her compensation more than $200,000.
Since being dropped by the Met - who she had been singing with for 20 years - Ms Netrebko has performed elsewhere including in Italy in June, and is scheduled for upcoming performances in Buenos Aires, Berlin, Vienna, Milan and Paris.
She is also due to perform in Prague in October, but last month the city's deputy mayor urged the concert hall to cancel the show.
Jiri Pospisil said he had met with Ukrainian officials and said Ms Netrebko was on Ukraine's sanctions list. The producer organising the event said Ms Netrebko had condemned the war and she did not understand efforts to cancel the event, which is almost sold out. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66413874 |
Travis Scott in chart Utopia with first UK number one album - BBC News | 2023-08-05 | The US star enjoys a perfect week, while fellow rappers Dave and Central Cee set a new chart record. | Texan rapper Travis Scott has two children with Kylie Jenner
Travis Scott has fended off Anne-Marie to secure his first UK number one album for his digital-only release, Utopia.
Fellow rappers Dave and Central Cee remained at the top of the singles chart, claiming the longest-running UK rap number one with Sprinter.
Sinéad O'Connor's biggest hit, Nothing Compares 2 U, re-entered the top 40 on Friday for the first time since 1990, following her death last week.
Lizzo's song Pink shot up 12 places to 27, amid allegations of misconduct.
The singer, whose latest offering features on the Barbie movie soundtrack, is being sued by three of her former dancers over claims of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment, which she denies.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch: Crystal Williams, Arianna Davis and Noelle Rodriguez say Lizzo "needs to be held accountable"
Like Lizzo, Travis Scott, 32, was raised in Houston, and his first UK number one album also saw the biggest streaming week for an LP so far this year.
Despite narrowly landing in second place, Essex pop singer Anne-Marie's LP, Unhealthy, still claimed the fastest-selling album of the year so far by a UK female solo artist.
Scott's album arrived a week after he told fans that his cancelled live show in front of Egypt's pyramids will one day go ahead. The sold-out desert gig - timed to coincide with the record's release - was cancelled at the last minute due to "complex production issues", organisers said.
Travis Scott has performed a handful of live shows since his Astroworld tour in 2021
His new concept album includes the singles K-pop - featuring Bad Bunny and The Weeknd, as well as Delresto (Echoes) and Meltdown - this week's highest new entry at number 10. Two more Utopia tracks, FE!N ft. Playboi Carti and HYAENA also charted on Friday.
The album dropped last week, accompanied by a film called Circus Maximus. The Roman chariot-racing stadium of the same name is now set to play host to Scott next week in lieu of the planned Pyramids of Giza concert.
Music critics agreed his new album was far from perfect, however, with the Guardian's Shaad D'Souza saying the "rap superstar" was "lost amid sublime soundworld".
"Scott's rhyming isn't strong enough to distinguish him from his A-list guests," D'Souza noted in a two-star review.
Andre Gee, reviewing the album for Rolling Stone magazine, described it as an "empty paradise". "He's a brilliant curator, but doesn't have anything interesting to say."
"In an attempt to give the world a true blockbuster rap album, the Houston rapper delivers a shiny, empty spectacle loaded with pop superstars who rarely make an impact," said Pitchfork's Alphonse Pierre.
Meanwhile, the NME's Nathan Evans offered three-stars, saying it was a "lofty concept" but with "shaky execution".
"The Houston rapper's first album since 2018 teases a brave new sonic world, but has little to say about what might happen if we get there," he said.
Going the distance: Sprinter is the first number one for Central Cee (left) and the third by Mercury Prize-winner Dave
Elsewhere on Friday, Scott's fellow rappers Dave and Central Cee remained at the top of the UK singles chart for a ninth straight week, setting a new record for the longest-running UK rap number one in the process with their collaboration Sprinter.
If the Londoners can keep up the pace at the top for another week, they will equal Miley Cyrus's 10-week run with Flowers - 2023's longest-running number one single overall.
This is the second time Dave has entered the chart record books, after last year's track Starlight became the country's longest-running solo rap number one, with four weeks at the summit.
Charli XCX's appearance on the Barbie soundtrack - alongside the likes of Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj - helped her to race to her first top 10 finish in nearly a decade with the song Speed Drive. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-66408144 |
Assembly Festival 'could collapse' over £1.5m City of Culture debt - BBC News | 2023-08-05 | One of the Edinburgh Fringe's biggest venue operators says it is owed money from an event in Coventry. | William Burdett-Coutts is the founder and artistic director of Edinburgh's Assembly Festival
The boss of one of the Edinburgh Fringe's biggest venue operators has warned the company may not survive another year due to a £1.5m debt.
William Burdett-Coutts said the Assembly Festival was surviving on a short-term loan.
He said Assembly organised a festival for Coventry's City of Culture year in 2021, but it has still not been paid by the trust in charge.
The Coventry City of Culture Trust went into liquidation in February.
UK City of Culture is a competition run by UK government's Department for Digital, Culture and Sport (DCMS).
Mr Burdett-Coutts, Assembly's founder and artistic director, criticised Coventry City Council and the DCMS for trying to "wash their hands of the situation".
And he said Assembly could be "dragged down in the trust's wake unless those responsible take action."
It comes as the Edinburgh Fringe launched on Friday.
Speaking to BBC Scotland, Mr Burdett-Coutts said: "Assembly has been presenting shows since 1981 and is an integral part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
"The company is of local, national and international significance working with arts organisations from around the world.
"We have played a significant role in the development of many world-class shows throughout the years and have helped launch the careers of countless household names, from Graham Norton to French and Saunders and many more.
"Assembly on its own plays to an audience equivalent to the live audience of Wimbledon and larger than Glastonbury - to lose that presence would be disastrous for the Fringe."
A DCMS spokesman said Coventry had delivered a successful City of Culture programme that had helped the city secure £172.6 million of investment.
He said: "We continue to back Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and at the spring budget we announced an additional £7m of support for this iconic event, which a number of partners, including Assembly, play an important role in delivering."
Coventry City Council has been contacted for a response.
Assembly Festival Garden returned to Coventry in 2022 for the City of Culture finale
Mr Burdett-Coutts said Assembly's short-term loan would run out at the end of the year.
He said the Coventry festival - Assembly Festival Garden - had been very successful and the city had campaigned to have the event return in 2022.
However, he said that the trust had still not paid Assembly for months after the second festival ended.
"They kept on reassuring us that they would pay their bills and the money was coming," he said.
"But then come January or February we found out that the trust that ran the Coventry City of Culture went into liquidation owing us about £1.5m.
"So it's caused a massive hole in our finances - we're a small organisation so it's not something we can absorb. So we've got to find some way and somebody has to take responsibility."
Crowds flocked to the Royal Mile to welcome the start of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Mr Burdett-Coutts added Assembly was in a "very precarious" position for future events. He said the Scottish government had written to DCMS urging it to step in.
"We're in a position where we basically run out of money at the end of the year," he said.
"We can get through this festival and look after everybody from this festival, but the next festival is in question. It depends on if we can find a solution."
He urged stakeholders to support the Fringe as it faced financial challenges from Covid, rising inflation, accommodation costs, and ticket prices struggling to cover outgoing costs.
The DCMS spokesman said it would respond to the Scottish government in due course.
Coventry City Council said it agreed to be the accountable body for the City of Culture 2021, but this did not commit the Council to meet any financial liabilities as it was not a guarantor.
It said the council was the largest creditor of the trust, which was set up as an independent charity. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-66410958 |
Andy Malkinson: Living costs deduction scrapped for wrongly convicted - BBC News | 2023-08-05 | Andy Malkinson, who cleared his name after 17 years in jail, tells the BBC more still needs to be done. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
A controversial rule which deducted living costs from compensation paid to wrongly jailed people has been scrapped.
The government rethink follows the case of Andrew Malkinson, who spent 17 years in jail for a rape he did not commit.
He welcomed the move but said he still faces a two-year wait for his payment.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Malkinson said: "It's a step in the right direction. But there's much more that needs changing too.
"You know, you don't want to just put a sticking plaster on something that's mortally wounded."
He has described it as "sickening, abhorrent, repugnant" that a percentage of his compensation could have been reduced before Sunday's announcement.
People who are wrongly jailed for more than 10 years can be paid up to £1m under a government compensation scheme.
But since a House of Lords ruling in 2007, that total figure can be reduced to take into account "savings" individuals made on things like housing and food while imprisoned.
However, the Ministry of Justice said its independent assessors who make the deductions have not done this in the last 10 years.
MPs said individuals whose payments were reduced should now be reimbursed.
Mr Malkinson has been calling for the living costs rule to be removed since the Court of Appeal cleared him last month of a 2003 rape in Salford.
He was convicted by a jury on the basis of a prosecution which relied solely on identification evidence but a new DNA investigation has now linked another suspect to the crime.
Mr Malkinson was originally sentenced with a seven-year minimum term but was held for much longer because he refused to admit to a crime he knew he did not commit.
He was released in 2020 having always maintained his innocence and could now be in line for compensation after his conviction was formally quashed after his latest appeal.
Greater Manchester Police apologised to him last month and admitted their investigation resulted in a "grave miscarriage of justice".
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk confirmed the rule would be scrapped, calling it a "common sense change which will ensure victims do not face paying twice for crimes they did not commit".
He said: "Fairness is a core pillar of our justice system and it is not right that victims of devastating miscarriages of justice can have deductions made for saved living expenses."
But the government has not committed to reimbursing wrongly convicted people who have had the deduction applied to their compensation since the rule was introduced.
Mr Malkinson called for an overhaul of the jury and appeals system to give wrongly convicted people more protections, and said he believes "there should be consequences" for those who secured his imprisonment.
He said even with the living costs rule removed, he expects to wait two years for any compensation while the independent board which determines how much he is entitled to makes its decision.
He continued: "I'm struggling. I'm living on benefits. I'm jobless, I'm homeless pretty much... I'm pretty much bereft of everything."
Calling for the system to be speeded up and requirements to be simplified, he said: "It's a silly barrier that's been artificially erected... it's inexcusable. It's not justified."
A House of Commons library document from 2015 describes compensation as "the exception rather than the rule" in miscarriage of justice cases.
Emily Bolton, director of the charity Appeal and Mr Malkinson's solicitor, said some wrongly convicted people are "denied compensation altogether because of a restrictive test which flies in the face of the presumption of innocence".
She added: "The state robbed [Mr Malkinson] of the best years of his life. Changing this one rule is not an adequate response.
"We need a complete overhaul of the appeals system, which took two decades to acknowledge this obvious miscarriage of justice."
There have been calls from some MPs for the government to review cases where compensation payments have had living costs deducted, and to reimburse those individuals if necessary.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch: Andrew Malkinson speaks to Radio 4's Today programme about his first night of freedom
The chair of the Commons Justice Committee, Conservative MP Sir Bob Neill, told the BBC: "I'm very glad that the government have listened to what I think was the overwhelming reaction from the public and politicians about this."
He continued: "There is a bigger piece of work that needs to be done about reforming compensation, both for victims of crime and for victims of miscarriages of justice, because the process is long-winded."
In a separate interview with the PA news agency, Sir Bob said: "I wonder if the government could consider ex-gratia payments on a case-by-case basis to make up for that if people can demonstrate they fulfil all the criteria."
Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Alistair Carmichael echoed that sentiment, calling on the government to review past cases and "compensate these individuals fully". | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66417103 |