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Friendly cat interrupts BBC reporter during live broadcast - BBC News | 2023-08-09 | The inquisitive feline stole the show as Dave Guest reported on a project transforming alleyways in Manchester. | This is the moment a cat stole the limelight from a BBC reporter during a live broadcast from Manchester.
As Dave Guest was reporting for BBC Breakfast on people being encouraged to transform alleyways into "ginnel gardens", the feline ran out of nowhere and jumped onto the bench he was sitting on. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66450510 |
Bibby Stockholm: Migrants changing minds over move to barge - Robert Jenrick - BBC News | 2023-08-09 | A "significant" number who had refused to board have changed their minds, the immigration minister says. | A "significant" number of asylum seekers who had refused to board the Bibby Stockholm have now changed their minds about moving to the barge, the immigration minister has told the BBC.
"A significant number moved yesterday, I suspect more will move in the coming days," Robert Jenrick said.
Asylum seekers already on the vessel have been describing the conditions.
One told the BBC it was like a prison without the room to accommodate up to 500 people, as the government plans.
But others have praised the food, facilities and cleanliness on the barge.
Residents are free to come and go, and ministers said it was safe and decent accommodation.
Two asylum seekers living on the barge, aged 19 and 25, and who the BBC are not identifying, said they arrived in the UK earlier this year by plane after facing religious persecution in their home country.
The 25-year-old said: "The food is good - much better than the hotel. The rooms are small but nice, clean and tidy."
The 19-year-old added there was an IT centre but that it could only be used at allocated times.
"We have indoor games," he said. "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 been housed previously.
"I was happy when I was with my people, with my community," he explained. "Our main purpose is to practice our religion."
Two asylum seekers who spoke to the BBC praised the quality of the food onboard
He said his request not to be moved from his hotel on the south coast alongside his community had been refused.
"They said that you have to go to the barge," he said. "It's basically on a no-choice basis. So you have to come here."
Another asylum seeker, from Afghanistan, 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.
Robert Jenrick has repeatedly defended the government's use of a the migrant barge
Mr Jenrick said the numbers aboard the vessel - moored at Portland Port in Dorset - would increase "in the coming days" from the initial group of about 20, but no date had been set for reaching full capacity.
"We have written to those individuals who have so far declined to travel and, as I understand it, a significant proportion of them have already changed their minds and agreed to move," he said.
Asylum seekers have been told refusing to board the Bibby Stockholm barge could result in them no longer receiving government support.
Mr Jenrick said there was "not a menu of options" for those seeking state-funded help.
"We've got to be fair to the tax payers as well as decent and compassionate to the individuals concerns.
"If you choose to turn down perfectly acceptable accommodation such as the barge, we give those people due notice and if they don't change their mind, we do withdraw their accommodation support."
He said those affected would have to "look after themselves".
There has been considerable local opposition to the barge coming to Portland
Bibby Stockholm is the flagship of the government's latest plan to "stop the boats" and deter dangerous Channel crossings by migrants. Men aged 18-65 will live on the vessel while they await the outcome of asylum applications.
The Care4Calais charity said on Monday it was providing legal support to 20 asylum seekers who had refused to move to Portland and were challenging the decision.
"Housing people fleeing threats and persecution on an overcrowded barge is appalling, and in itself likely to cause extreme distress," it said.
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk said on Tuesday that the Bibby Stockholm is "basically safe and decent accommodation".
"What [the British public] don't expect is that we're spending six million a day on four-star hotel accommodation," he told Sky News.
The 222-room, three-storey barge arrived in Portland Port more than three weeks ago, chartered by the government to reduce the cost of placing asylum seekers in hotels.
Ministers pressed ahead with the plans 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-66447487 |
Lucy Letby verdict: Nurse guilty of murdering seven babies in Chester hospital - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | Letby killed the babies at a Chester hospital in 2015 and 2016 - she is the most prolific killer of babies in the UK in modern times. | At 10 months, the Lucy Letby trial is thought to be Britain’s longest ever murder case.
Its length, and the complexity of the evidence have made it heavy going for all involved.
Most especially, of course, for the parents of the babies.
Some came to court to give harrowing accounts of their experiences, and many sat through hours of upsetting testimony from witnesses.
All remained dignified throughout, and the atmosphere in the courtroom was intense as the verdicts started to come in over the course of several hearings. Some couples held hands, others clutched babies’ toys.
It was striking that Letby’s seat in the dock remained empty at the end, and her parents - who’ve been present throughout - were also absent then.
The judge praised the jurors for their service, and acknowledged that the gruelling process has been difficult for them.
They deliberated for more than 100 hours before confirming that they were unable to deliver any more verdicts.
It was clear that some of them were emotional at the end too. They will be offered support, if they want it, to help them come to terms with the experience of sitting on this jury. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-66180606 |
Thresher shark surprises sightseers on Cardigan Bay boat tour - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | A tour guide says it was a shock when the "huge animal jumped up out of the water". | Guide and photographer Joshua Pedley caught the thresher shark on camera in Cardigan Bay
An estimated 5m (16ft) thresher shark surprised sightseers when it leapt out of the water in front of them.
It happened while they were on a one hour trip to look for dolphins off New Quay, Ceredigion.
Guide and photographer Joshua Pedley said it was a shock when the "huge animal jumped up out of the water".
A thresher sighting is considered uncommon in Cardigan Bay, with another sighting last year.
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"I quickly put my camera up and zoomed in to where it leapt from and leapt again another two times."
Thresher sharks get their name from their thresher-like tails, which can be as long as their total body length.
They are active predators who use their tails as weapons to stun their prey.
They are often found along the continental shelves of North America and Asia. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-66553604 |
Women's World Cup 2023: England's Lionesses 'on brink of defining moment' - BBC Sport | 2023-08-19 | As England prepare to face Spain in the Women's World Cup final, BBC sports editor Dan Roan looks at the impact of the Lionesses' success on, and off, the pitch. | England have not only made sporting history here in Australia. In what is potentially the most significant moment English women's sport has ever enjoyed, they have the opportunity to leave a legacy for years to come.
Whatever happens in Sunday's momentous showpiece against opponents Spain in Sydney, the Lionesses will become the first senior England football team to play in a World Cup final since 1966, and the only one ever to do so on foreign soil.
That in itself is a stunning achievement at this most memorable of tournaments. But the impact of this side extends way beyond the record books.
This is a team which continues to attract new fans, confound the sceptics, shift perceptions, and inspire millions with its blend of talent, spirit and humility.
When set against the cruel injuries that ruled out key players such as captain Leah Williamson, Euro 2022 Player of the Tournament Beth Mead and playmaker Fran Kirby, their slow start to the World Cup, and the disruption caused by the suspension of top scorer Lauren James, England's campaign seems even more remarkable.
Last year, their march to European glory was fuelled by home advantage. This time they have been thousands of miles away, and in the semi-final found themselves in the most intimidating of atmospheres imaginable, taking on inspired co-hosts Australia, buoyed by the will of an entire nation in their national stadium.
But as ever with this team, despite such adversity, England found a way to prevail.
And here at the biggest and most competitive World Cup to date, if they can add the sport's greatest prize to their European crown it will establish them as not only one of Britain's greatest teams in any sport, but as the dominant force in the international women's game - an astounding feat given the much smaller player pool compared with rivals like the United States.
• None The mastermind behind the Lionesses' success
England's success owes most to a golden generation of players. The way they have won graciously, consoling opponents, has reinforced the sense that these are role models the country can truly be proud of.
It underlines the already glittering reputation of their coach Sarina Wiegman, who has taken the side to the next level after arriving in 2021 following the disappointment of semi-final exits at the previous two World Cups.
And it is the latest evidence of the impact of investment in the women's game over the past decade; the FA's establishment of St George's Park as a centre of excellence for national teams in 2012, their talent identification programmes that discovered and then developed these stars, and the professionalisation of the Women's Super League (WSL) in 2018.
For many, the final will feel like the completion of a long journey the sport in England has been on since the FA's 49-year ban on women playing on league grounds was lifted in 1970.
The Lionesses have already achieved much for the game, and for women's rights more widely. Their Euros triumph on home soil last year provided a huge boost to the sport in terms of participation and profile, with the number of registered players and WSL attendances and viewing figures both leaping as a result. The team successfully campaigned for girls in England to get equal access to school sport, with the government subsequently committing £600 million in funding.
And yet, for all the progress that England reaching the final represents, for many, there is still a long way to go. Through their advocacy, the Lionesses have highlighted elements of that themselves: before the tournament began, Mary Earps said it was "hurtful" that fans could not buy a replica of her goalkeeper shirt.
In a separate controversy, it emerged that the players were disappointed by the FA's stance on performance-related bonuses - a dispute yet to be resolved - and part of a wider frustration concerning the governing body's commercial strategy. In a statement, the squad said their fight was driven by "a strong sense of responsibility to grow the game".
The Lionesses have unwittingly sparked discussions in other ways too. While the FA have tried to play it down, there is now a debate over the absence of its president Prince William and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Sunday's final.
There is also scrutiny over the fact Wiegman is paid around a tenth of the salary men's team boss Gareth Southgate enjoys. The FA have said she would be considered for his job in the future, provoking conversations over the lack of female representation off the pitch in the sport.
Of the 32 nations involved at this World Cup, only 12 had a woman as head coach. While the prize money on offer here in Australia and New Zealand has quadrupled since the last tournament, it is still only a quarter of that on offer for players at the men's World Cup. The way Fifa president Gianni Infantino said women must "pick the right battles" to "convince us men what we have to do", seeming to suggest they were responsible for action over equality, has also caused controversy.
Domestically, the review of women's football by former England international Karen Carney recently highlighted how women and girls remain significantly less active than men and boys, with gender stereotypes and facilities still holding girls back from participating. Carney made clear the need for minimum standards in the professional game, calling for much more investment, the urgent tackling of a lack of diversity, a new dedicated broadcast slot, and the professionalisation of the second tier Championship, among a raft of recommendations.
As London 2012 and other landmark British sporting moments have proved, inspiration can only do so much. Opportunities and investment are the other essential ingredients for legacy to be lasting and real.
Twenty years ago, in the very same stadium in which the Lionesses will walk out on Sunday, England's men's rugby union team memorably beat the hosts to win their only World Cup. It was one of English sport's most cherished moments, enjoyed by many millions back home, turning the players involved into legends. But it did not change sport and society in a way that victory for the Lionesses could.
Many will now be hoping that if England can become world champions, generating greater audiences, new players, more respect and fresh sponsors, the momentum needed to tackle the outstanding issues still facing the game will only accelerate. And that this team can become even more transformative, and bring about even more positive change for future generations of Lionesses, than it already has.
• None Go here for all the latest from the Women's World Cup | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66553300 |
Cat and dog influencers help Ukrainians cope with war - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | How animals' accounts have been bringing Ukrainians hope and even practical advice at a time of war. | Patron's social media posts offer advice on dealing with explosives and difficult emotions
From fundraising to detecting explosives, cats and dogs have been helping Ukrainians deal with the devastating impact of Russia's invasion.
Patron, the mine-sniffing dog, is one of them. He works for Ukraine's state emergency service - but his mine-clearance skills and apparently disarming charisma have also earned him hundreds of thousands of followers online.
He and a number of other animals - some real, some cartoon - have been offering emotional support and posting practical advice on their social media accounts.
This ranges from guidance on how to deal with difficult feelings caused by war to tips on what to do when you see an explosive device.
Through his work, Patron has met numerous dignitaries and celebrities visiting Kyiv, including Lord of the Rings star Orlando Bloom, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Ukraine's postal service has printed stamps featuring the canine hero, who has also been awarded a medal for "dedicated service" by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Patron, a Jack Russell terrier, has appeared on postal stamps across Ukraine
Patron's owner and handler, Mykhaylo Ilyev, says his meetings with foreign dignitaries have helped Ukraine's emergencies services secure donations of crucial mine-clearing equipment.
The Jack Russell terrier has been involved in raising funds for people affected by war, particularly his colleagues injured while clearing mines. He has taken part in charity collections for animals too.
"Our little friends are going through a rough time after being abandoned or injured. We realise that they also want to live and that they need help," Mr Ilyev tells the BBC.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met Ukraine's hero mine-hunting dog on a trip to Kyiv last year
Patron's account on Instagram offers not just pictures of the charismatic dog, but also hope, inspiration and advice for Ukrainians facing the horrors of war.
"Hope matters. We hope that this will be over soon. We hope that victory is near. We hope that people won't be killed anymore. Sometimes hope is all we've got," reads one of his posts.
"Don't lose hope, I'm begging you. Now, let me give you a hopeful lick!"
Patron also features in a cartoon series educating children about the dangers posed by unexploded munitions.
Despite his celebrity status, Patron is still doing his mine-sniffing day job, Mr Ilyev says.
Stepan has helped raise thousands to help animals affected by war
Stepan the cat hails from Saltivka, a district in Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv that has been badly damaged by Russian shelling.
Before the war, Stepan was just another incredibly cute cat from the internet. But since Russia's full-scale invasion, his Instagram account started offering more than just pictures - it started to comment on the war.
It has now switched to Ukrainian, too, even though it previously used Russian, which was widely spoken in parts of the east and south. Many people across Ukraine did the same after Russia invaded.
"We've all changed mentally after seeing what sort of thing this 'Russian world' really is," Stepan's owner Anna tells the BBC, referring to a concept promoted by Russia to justify intervention abroad ostensibly in support of Russian speakers.
"Ukrainian is part of my life and the life of my country and nation," she says.
Stepan's account, which has 1.3m followers on Instagram, has used its popularity to help animals who have suffered in the war. Last year, he helped raise almost 15,000 euros (£12,900) which was spent on food, medicine and other care for them.
After the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in southern Ukraine in June, the cat helped collect funds for the evacuation of animals from flooded areas.
His account was also involved in a collection to repair a library damaged by shelling in Kharkiv.
Many animals needed rescuing from flood areas after the Kakhovka Dam was destroyed two months ago
But it is not just about the money for Stepan's account.
"He has been offering support to people, particularly children, so that they can forget the horrors of this war at least for a little while. That's why there is a bit of humour in his posts," Anna says.
Stepan also tackles the realities of war in his posts, including this one: "Oh how I want my country to win as soon as possible! So that there is peace for which people on the front line have sacrificed their lives. So that there are no more missiles, so that people and animals stop dying."
People are more receptive to advice if it looks as though it is coming from a fluffy pet, says Olena Pavlova, who created a cartoon character called Inzhyr the cat.
"A cat picture travels much further than just words. I've seen it many times," she tells me. "Pictures and memes featuring cats can help deliver a lot of important ideas. They're easier to absorb. Cat pictures help us cope."
"Inzhyr the cat is a natural anti-depressant. I created him to make myself and also my readers feel better. He's positive, cuddly and nice, and he's helping people find hope and light inside themselves," Ms Pavlova says.
Inzhyr's accounts on social media encourage Ukrainians to read more books and offer advice on issues such as fundraising, burnout and why everyone should be like a cat.
"Cats waste no effort, but are determined in achieving their goals," one of his posts reads.
Sound words of advice for anyone, whether at war or not.
Inzhyr, the cartoon cat, says: "Dreams come true if you try" | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66509999 |
Tribute paid to 'priceless' girl who died in van crash - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | Millie Gribble died two days after she and two teenagers were struck by a van, police say. | Millie Gribble was described by her family as "funny, clever and energetic"
A six-year-old girl who died after being hit by a van was a "priceless gift" who wanted to be a police officer, her family has said.
Millie Gribble died two days after she and two teenagers were struck in Garstang Road, Barton on Tuesday.
A 59-year-old man, from Nateby, has been released under investigation after he was held on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Millie's family said she was "funny, clever, energetic and full of life".
"In her short six years of life, she brought so much joy to all our hearts and so many smiles to our faces.
"Millie never failed to make us laugh and smile with her mischievous antics and adorable sense of humour."
Police are appealing for information about the crash
They said the six-year-old loved pets, music and sports, adding she "talked about having her own family one day".
"Millie wanted to be a police officer when she grew up so she could help and support those people who needed it."
A 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy are being treated in hospital for their injuries from the crash, which occurred at about 13:15 BST on Tuesday.
Lancashire Police are appealing for anyone with information or footage to contact them.
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-lancashire-66554042 |
Haitians flee homes in Port-au-Prince as gang violence surges - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | More than 5,000 people are forced out in a week as turf war and murders engulf Port-au-Prince. | Residents gather outside a military base demanding help after fleeing Carrefour Feuilles
Thousands of Haitians have fled their homes in Port-au-Prince amid soaring gang violence that has killed more than 2,400 people so far this year.
The UN said 5,000 fled the Carrefour-Feuilles district of the capital this week after gang members took control.
Local aid groups have stopped vital services as government attempts to quell the violence fell flat.
The UN Security Council will decide soon whether to send a multinational force to help restore order.
In Carrefour-Feuilles and surrounding areas where there has been months of gang warfare, a stream of residents were seen carrying suitcases or leaving with belongings strapped to their cars.
Video recorded by Reuters news agency showed women weeping beside the body of a man who gang members had killed.
Reuters said that many of those who managed to escape had gathered at a local military base demanding help against the gangs.
Decades of instability, disasters and economic woes have left Haiti one of the poorest and most-violent countries in the world.
Gang violence has soared since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, which led to much of the country's territory falling out of government control.
Turf wars have since driven a surge in refugees, severe food shortages, murders, kidnappings and sexual violence.
UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said on Friday that at least 2,439 Haitians had been killed, 902 injured and 951 kidnapped this year.
"Reports from Haiti this week have underscored the extreme brutality of the violence being inflicted on the population," she said.
She added that vigilante groups set up to counter the gangs had led to 350 people being lynched since April. Of those, 310 were alleged gang members and one was a police officer.
According to provisional figures released by one local rights group, 30 people were killed and more than a dozen others wounded in attacks in the capital on Thursday.
The US embassy, which has already been evacuated of non-essential staff, closed down on Thursday due to sustained gunfire in the area.
Haiti's government said it would deploy "all its forces" to restore order to Carrefour-Feuilles. However, its poorly equipped police have struggled against heavily armed gangs.
The International Red Cross said that "in a matter of days, violence escalated dramatically", particularly in areas where it worked with local groups.
Roadblocks installed by warring gangs were stopping residents from getting help, it added.
Ann Lee, co-founder of US-based crisis response group CORE, which is still operating in the capital, said that many international groups had left due to increasing intimidation and violence against staff.
"We have a staff member who lost her daughter because she was having a seizure and couldn't get to the hospital," she said. "We have an employee whose brother was beheaded."
Ms Lee said there was not a single member of CORE's 100-strong Haiti team who did not know a victim of the violence.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council in a report on Tuesday that a "robust use of force" by a multinational deployment was needed to restore order and disarm the gangs.
Kenya has expressed willingness to lead such a force. The council is due to consider the matter in the coming weeks. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-66543504 |
Michael Jackson lawsuits alleging sex abuse can be revived, US appeals court says - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | US judges rule Wade Robson and James Safechuck can pursue lawsuits against the singer's companies. | Wade Robson, pictured with Jackson in the 1990s, claims the singer sexually abused him
Two men who allege they were sexually abused as children by Michael Jackson can revive a lawsuit against his companies, judges at a US court ruled.
Wade Robson and James Safechuck, both in their 40s, claim Jackson abused them for years while they were boys.
They can now pursue previously blocked lawsuits against the singer's companies. They say these companies had a responsibility to protect them.
Lawyers for Jackson, who died in 2009, maintain his innocence.
Mr Robson and Mr Safechuck claim they were abused by Jackson in the late 1980s and early 1990s while staying at his Neverland ranch.
The accusations featured in the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, which Jackson's family described as a "public lynching".
In 2020, a Los Angeles judge ruled Mr Safechuck could not sue Jackson's businesses, saying the companies didn't have a duty of care to him.
A year later, the same judge ruled against Mr Robson on similar grounds.
But on Friday, an appeals court in California disagreed, ruling that "a corporation that facilitates the sexual abuse of children by one of its employees is not excused from an affirmative duty to protect those children merely because it is solely owned by the perpetrator of the abuse".
"It would be perverse to find no duty based on the corporate defendant having only one shareholder," the court judgement said. "And so we reverse the judgments entered for the corporations."
Vince Finaldi, a lawyer for Mr Safechuck and Mr Robson, said that the court had overturned previous "incorrect rulings in these cases, which were against California law and would have set a dangerous precedent that endangered children".
Jonathan Steinsapir, a lawyer for Jackson's estate, said he was "fully confident" Jackson was innocent, saying the allegations were "contrary to all credible evidence and independent corroboration". | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66553229 |
Ukraine war: Chernihiv missile strike leaves seven dead, 110 wounded - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | A main square, theatre and university building in Chernihiv were reportedly damaged in the attack. | Oleksandr Lomako, acting mayor of Chernihiv, has told the BBC that Russia’s attack on this town today is a “terrorist attack” and “a war crime against civilians”.
“You can see it’s the centre of the city. There were many people, it was midday," he said. "Today is a religious holiday and people were at the service.
“There is no other way to interpret it than a war crime against civilians, yet another Russian war crime.”
Mr Lomako, who has announced three days of mourning here in the wake of the attack, addressed reports about Russia targeting a drone exhibition in the city.
“I understand that their aim was a military event taking place in the building of the drama theatre and that it was their target,” he said.
“But it is clear that the Russians launching those missiles and those giving them orders in the middle of the day to the civilian city realised that the victims will be primarily civilians.” | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-europe-66555589 |
Canada wildfires: Residents scramble to flee fires in Kelowna and Yellowknife - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | A fast-moving fire in Kelowna, British Columbia forces escaping locals to jump into the local lake. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
An official deadline to evacuate Yellowknife as a wildfire looms on its outskirts has lapsed, as residents scramble to leave by air and road.
About 22,000 people - or roughly half the population in Canada's Northwest Territories - are now displaced in the country's worst fire season on record.
A separate blaze in the west, that threatens Kelowna, British Columbia, has grown one hundredfold in 24 hours.
Officials have warned the fires "are very active and very unpredictable".
"The stress of leaving your home not knowing if it will be there when you return is now a reality faced by thousands," Harjit Sajjan, Canada's minister of emergency preparedness, said at a news conference on Friday.
He said the federal government did not yet know the full extent of the damage wrought in what has been an "incredibly challenging week for Canadians".
The McDougall Creek Wildfire in Kelowna, in the western province of British Columbia, poses a particularly concerning threat to lives and properties after it grew significantly overnight.
The BC Wildfire Service said the fire, which had been mapped at 1,100 hectares early on Thursday evening, was now estimated at 6,800 hectares.
One Kelowna resident told the BBC the fires came over the mountainside like an 'ominous cloud of destruction'
"The winds were very concerning and we didn't know where things are going," Mr Sarjjan told reporters.
Local BC officials declared a state of emergency on Friday morning. More than 2,500 properties have since been evacuated, with thousands more on alert to leave on short notice.
The fast-moving fire is bearing down on a city with a population of about 150,000 people, and officials are already reporting "significant structural loss", including in Trader's Cove in the Okanagan Valley.
"We fought hard last night to protect our community," West Kelowna fire chief Jason Brolund said at a news conference.
He said the actions taken to rescue members of the public and save homes in the area had been akin to "a hundred years of firefighting all at once in one night".
No deaths have yet been reported, but Mr Brolund said the fire remains "dynamic" and "as significant today as it was last night", a preview of what may come in the days ahead.
Juliana Loewen, a Kelowna resident who is not currently under evacuation orders, is huddling with more than a dozen other people at her home on Okanagan Lake as they await updates.
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She told the BBC how locals had watched a plume of smoke coming over the mountainside like an "ominous cloud of destruction" and how some on the Trader's Cove side jumped into the lake as the fire spread and exit routes were blocked.
Her brother and grandmother evacuated and came to her house after "the fire jumped very quickly from one tree to an entire area, threatening an entire residential community".
Roads are jammed up, businesses have shut down and neighbours are on their lawns tossing valuables into their vehicles. "It's very apocalyptic," she said.
Residents are used to the fires because of Kelowna's "California-style climate" but the heat, dryness and wind seen in recent days had created the "perfect conditions for a firestorm", Ms Loewen added.
The airspace around Kelowna International Airport has now been closed to everything other than aerial firefighters.
Some 2,000km (1,240 miles) north-east, winds blowing in the Northwest Territories on Friday and Saturday could push the blaze outside Yellowknife closer towards the city and one of its highways, the Ingraham Trail.
Successful firefighting efforts have made meaningful progress in holding back the fire over the last two days, and it remains about 15km (9 miles) north-west of the city's municipal boundary.
Air tankers are flying missions day and night in an effort to further slow the fire.
The Canadian government has said enough pilots will be made available to man the evacuation flights leaving the city.
Amid accusations that some airlines are inflating prices for evacuation flights, officials have warned there will be zero tolerance on price gouging.
Some essential workers have yet to evacuate the city. Among them is Dr Lori Regenstreif, usually based out of Ontario but who has been working in the Northwest Territories over the last week.
She said it has been surreal watching the territory's capital city go from being a hub for wildfire evacuees from other parts of the Northwest Territories earlier this week to being under its own state of emergency.
"Yellowknife is the go-to. Now Yellowknife is vulnerable," said Dr Regenstreif. "It's like their mothership has gone down."
The streets have been left deserted, and restaurants and businesses have shuttered their doors.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch the treacherous journeys out of wildfire-hit Canada
Patients continue to be airlifted out of hospitals as of Friday. Some of the wards are so empty, according to the doctor, that staff have been sleeping in them overnight as they wait their turn to leave.
Those who remain in the city are mostly firefighters, police officers, doctors and nurses. One pharmacy in town remains open, Dr Regenstreif said, as its owner refuses to close it.
She has also noticed a handful of others who remain in the city. "I can't really speculate on why," she said, adding: "If my home were up here, I probably wouldn't want to go either."
As the weekend nears, the smoke in the air has cleared up, but there is a sense of unease as the wildfire continues to burn nearby.
"There's this calm before the storm," said Dr Regenstreif. "It is a bit nerve-wracking that you know something's going to come, but you don't see any of it now."
Nearly 1,100 active fires are burning across the country.
Experts have pointed to a warmer and drier spring than normal as the reason.
Scientists say climate change increases the risk of the hot, dry weather that is likely to fuel wildfires. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66550759 |
Sara Sharif murder inquiry: Searches continue for father of 10-year-old - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | Two police teams are assigned to find Urfan Sharif in Pakistan, BBC News is told. | Sara Sharif suffered extensive injuries over an extended period of time, police said
Police in Pakistan say they are continuing to search for the father of a 10-year-old girl who was found dead in a house in Surrey.
Sara Sharif's body was found at her family home in Woking, in the early hours of 10 August.
Surrey Police have confirmed they want to speak to Urfan Sharif, along with his partner and brother.
BBC News has been told two police teams in Jhelum, north Punjab in Pakistan, are looking for Mr Sharif.
Mr Nasir Mehmood Bajwa, in Jhelum, told the BBC that after police find Mr Sharif they are likely to take him into custody after receiving the go-ahead from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Islamabad.
Pakistan's foreign ministry and the FIA have not confirmed or shared any verbal or written orders on this case.
Urfan Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool are sought by police
Mr Sharif, his partner Beinash Batool and his brother Faisal Malik all left the UK for Pakistan on 9 August, a day before Sara's body was discovered.
Surrey Police have said Mr Sharif, 41, made a 999 call from Pakistan shortly after landing in Islamabad with his partner, his brother and five children, aged between one and 13.
The call led officers to the house in Woking where they found the body of Sara who had sustained "multiple and extensive injuries", likely to have been caused over a sustained period of time.
Floral tributes were laid at the scene where Sara Sharif was found
BBC News spoke to a Woking travel agent who said he was contacted by Mr Sharif at about 22:00 BST on Tuesday 8 August, saying he wanted to book tickets to Pakistan as soon as possible.
He confirmed that eight one-way tickets - for Mr Sharif, his brother, his wife and five children - were used on a flight on 9 August that landed in Islamabad at about 05:30 local time, on Thursday 10 August.
When police discovered Sara's body at the house in Woking no-one else was there, detectives confirmed.
Det Supt Mark Chapman, from Surrey Police and Sussex Police Major Crime Team, said: "While the post-mortem has not provided us with an established cause of death at this time, the fact that we now know that Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries over a sustained and extended period has significantly changed the nature of our investigation, and we have widened the timescale of the focus of our inquiry."
Police are working with the Crown Prosecution Service, Interpol, the National Crime Agency and the Foreign Office to carry out their investigation and in liaising with Pakistani authorities.
There is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Pakistan.
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The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-66554083 |
West Bank: Two Israelis killed in suspected Palestinian shooting near Hawara - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | A father and son were shot dead near Hawara; the Israeli military is hunting for the gunman. | Israeli soldiers stepped up security at a nearby checkpoint after the deaths
An Israeli father and son have been killed in a suspected Palestinian shooting attack in the occupied West Bank.
It happened near the village of Hawara - which has been the scene of previous deadly attacks on Israelis and rampages by Jewish settlers in retribution.
The shooting took place at a carwash.
The gunman is said to have approached on foot and opened fire with a handgun.
The Israeli ambulance service said the two men aged 28 and 60 were pronounced dead at the scene. Both are said to have been civilians from Ashdod in southern Israel.
Israeli media reported that they had come to the West Bank to fix their car and spent several hours in Hawara.
They say that the attacker spoke to them briefly - maybe to check if they were Jewish Israelis - before shooting them at point blank range.
The weapon was apparently found in a nearby field, and the suspect is still thought to be in the area.
The Israeli military has set up blockades nearby and is hunting for the gunman. It is also said to be on alert for reprisal attacks.
The Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad praised the deadly shooting.
Hawara has long been a flashpoint in the West Bank. It is located on a main road south of Nablus, which is mostly used by Palestinians and Israeli settlers.
In the past, Israelis would sometimes shop there and come for services, which are often cheaper in Palestinian areas of the West Bank. But that has become uncommon after a recent surge in violence.
This year, the village has seen several shooting attacks in which Israeli settlers and soldiers have been targeted - including the killing of two brothers in February.
That triggered a deadly rampage by a large crowd of settlers in one of the worst such acts in years. There have also been other instances of settler violence.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-66558184 |
Albania: Italy pays bill for tourists' dine and dash - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | In a unique act of diplomacy, Italy's prime minister tells her government to settle the unpaid bill. | The incident happened in the historic city of Berat
In a unique act of diplomacy, Italy's government has settled the restaurant bill of four Italian tourists in Albania who left without paying.
The dine and dash in the city of Berat made headlines in both countries.
The chatter prompted Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama to raise it with his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, while she was visiting the country.
She responded by telling her ambassador to "go and pay the bill for these idiots," he told La Stampa newspaper.
Italy's embassy in Albania confirmed in a statement that it had paid the bill, reportedly around €80 (£68), on behalf of its citizens.
"The Italians respect the rules and pay off their debts and we hope that episodes of this kind will not happen again," it said.
Italy's agriculture minister and Ms Meloni's brother-in-law, Francesco Lollobrigida, was also on the trip to Albania and told the Reuters news agency that paying the bill was a matter of pride.
"A few dishonest individuals cannot embarrass a nation of decent people," he said.
It is unclear when the incident happened but security video of the group walking out of the restaurant and wandering into the night has gone viral on social media.
The restaurant owner told Albania's Report TV that it was the first time customers had left his establishment without paying and said the four Italians had even complimented the food.
• None Italians run from the bill in Pamplona | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66548487 |
Lucy Letby: Investigating UK's most prolific child serial killer - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | Detectives who closed the net around Lucy Letby tell of their dealings with the "emotionless" killer. | Lucy Letby has been convicted of killing babies on the neonatal unit where she worked
It was the spring of 2017 when an alarming letter arrived at Cheshire Police's headquarters, addressed to the chief constable.
It was from the chief executive of the Countess of Chester Hospital, which had seen an unexplained surge in deaths and near-fatal collapses of premature babies in its neonatal unit.
Doctors were baffled - the deaths defied explanation and fears were mounting that something sinister could be at play.
The events that followed culminated in one of Britain's darkest criminal trials and the conviction of Lucy Letby, the country's most prolific child serial killer in modern times.
"The overwhelming weight of evidence leads us to know she is a killer and, using her words, she is evil," said senior investigating officer Det Supt Paul Hughes.
Shortly after the letter arrived, Det Supt Hughes met three senior medics at the hospital to discuss their mounting concerns.
"What they explained to me were two words - unexplained and unexpected," he said.
"It was those two words the doctors had been trying to work out."
Det Supt Hughes was at the helm of Operation Hummingbird
Operation Hummingbird was launched and Letby was first arrested at her home in Chester in July 2018.
At its height, the investigation involved nearly 70 officers and civilian staff, with detectives gathering some 32,000 pages of evidence and sifting through reams of medical records and data.
Ahead of Letby's trial in October, about 2,000 people were spoken to and nearly 250 people were identified as potential witnesses.
Time and again, the evidence all led to the softly spoken young nurse from Hereford who was often found working overtime as she made early strides in her career.
"Nice Lucy", as one doctor called her.
Letby was interviewed for about 30 hours over the course of her three arrests in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
While Det Supt Hughes found her to be "co-operative", he recalled how she failed to show any overt signs of either empathy or sympathy. Her answers were often clinical.
"She's a difficult one to work out because she is emotionless," he said. "She doesn't respond [in a way] I would have expected.
"For example, we didn't see any sadness or any passion or anything more like an innocent person banging on the table demanding that we should go and find the proper killer."
Det Ch Insp Evans said Letby's normality gave her a cover to commit the crimes
This was the same for Det Ch Insp Nicola Evans, who found Letby to be "nothing out of the ordinary", describing her as "calm and quiet".
"Lucy Letby, for me, is 'beige' in that she was a normal woman in her 20s with a normal life," she said.
"She had a social life, a circle of friends, a family, and she was embarking on her career. She used that normality to form trust and then abused that trust.
"There was clearly something very deceptive about that. That normality gave her a cover to commit the crimes she did."
As the net closed around Letby, one thing remained unclear - why would a nurse who had dedicated her career to caring for the sickest of babies now want to kill them?
"I don't think we know why Lucy Letby did this and we may never know why and that's really difficult," said Det Ch Insp Evans.
"I can't imagine how a parent must feel accepting that."
Pascale Jones described Letby's time on the witness box as "extremely cold and unemotional"
In the autumn of 2017, Pascale Jones from the Crown Prosecution Service first became involved in the case.
She believes Letby was able to get away with her appalling crimes by varying the subtle ways in which she harmed babies in her care.
"If she'd stuck to one modus operandi, she would have probably been found out sooner," she said.
"But because she diversified the ways in which she was attacking babies she was preying on their vulnerabilities.
"And she was always ready to rationalise [and say] 'look, this can be explained'."
This is a distressing case so if you, or someone you know, need help after reading about it, the details of organisations offering assistance can be found on the BBC Action Line website.
While Letby's precise motives have never been explained, that was not necessarily a problem for prosecutors.
"What we've got to prove is the criminal intent and the ways in which she was inflicting this damage was clearly lethal," Mrs Jones said.
"She was turning innocuous substances into lethal weapons."
Almost four years later, Mrs Jones said she now believed Letby was "all about control".
"I've rarely come across a personality who is as self-centred as she was. All about herself.
"The power she was granting herself of life and death over the babies at her mercy.
Letby was was convicted on Friday of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six others.
Jurors spent more than 110 hours weighing up nine months of often harrowing evidence.
While she awaits her sentencing hearing on Monday, Operation Hummingbird remains active with the force recently recruiting more detectives to join the team.
"I'm sure the public would expect us to look at the entire footprint of Lucy Letby's career," said Det Supt Hughes.
This includes admissions on to the neonatal unit at the Liverpool Women's Hospital while Letby was on placement there.
The families of babies who are a part of this investigation have been informed.
"From 2012 through to 2016, there were more than 4,000 admissions of babies into the neonatal units of both hospitals for us to work through," said Det Supt Hughes.
"This does not mean we are investigating all 4,000.
"It just means that we are committed to a thorough review of every admission from a medical perspective, to ensure that nothing is missed throughout the entirety of her employment as a nurse.
"Only those cases highlighted as concerning medically will be investigated further.
"We want to be confident that when we get to the end of Operation Hummingbird and say we have identified every offence if there are more."
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• None What did Lucy Letby do to babies in her care? | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-66192653 |
Hospital bosses ignored months of doctors' warnings about Lucy Letby - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | Hospital bosses failed to investigate allegations and tried to silence doctors, BBC investigation finds. | Dr Stephen Brearey, lead consultant on the neonatal unit, raised concerns about her in October 2015
Hospital bosses failed to investigate allegations against Lucy Letby and tried to silence doctors, the lead consultant at the neonatal unit where she worked has told the BBC.
The hospital also delayed calling the police despite months of warnings that the nurse may have been killing babies.
The unit's lead consultant Dr Stephen Brearey first raised concerns about Letby in October 2015.
No action was taken and she went on to attack five more babies, killing two.
Letby has been found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others in a neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital, in Cheshire.
The first five murders all happened between June and October 2015 and - despite months of warnings - the final two were in June 2016.
BBC Panorama and BBC News have been investigating how Letby was able to murder and harm so many babies for so long.
We spoke to the lead consultant in the unit - who first raised concerns about Letby - and also examined hospital documents. The investigation reveals a catalogue of failures and raises serious questions about how the hospital responded to the deaths.
Dr Brearey says he demanded Letby be taken off duty in June 2016, after the final two murders. Hospital management initially refused.
Before June 2015, there were about two or three baby deaths a year on the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital. But in the summer of 2015, something unusual was happening.
In June alone, three babies died within the space of two weeks. The deaths were unexpected, so Dr Stephen Brearey, the lead consultant at the neonatal unit, called a meeting with the unit manager, Eirian Powell, and the hospital's director of nursing Alison Kelly.
"We tried to be as thorough as possible," Dr Brearey says. A staffing analysis revealed Lucy Letby had been on duty for all three deaths. "I think I can remember saying, 'Oh no, it can't be Lucy. Not nice Lucy,'" he says.
The three deaths seemed to have "nothing in common". Nobody, including Dr Brearey, suspected foul play.
After the first three deaths in summer 2015, Lucy Letby was identified as a common factor but no-one yet suspected foul play
But by October 2015, things had changed. Two more babies had died and Letby had been on shift for both of them.
By this point, Dr Brearey had become concerned Letby might be harming babies. He again contacted unit manager Eirian Powell, who didn't seem to share his concerns.
In an email, from October 2015, she described the association between Letby and the unexpected baby deaths as "unfortunate". "Each cause of death was different," she said, and the association with Letby was just a coincidence.
Senior managers didn't appear to be worried. In the same month - October 2015 - Dr Brearey says his concerns about Letby were relayed to director of nursing Alison Kelly. But he heard nothing back.
Dr Brearey's fellow consultants were also worried about Letby. And it wasn't just the unexpected deaths. Other babies were suffering non-fatal collapses, meaning they needed emergency resuscitation or help with breathing, with no apparent clinical explanation. Letby was always on duty.
In February 2016, another consultant, Dr Ravi Jayaram, says he saw Letby standing and watching when a baby - known as Baby K - seemed to have stopped breathing.
Dr Brearey contacted Alison Kelly and the hospital's medical director Ian Harvey to request an urgent meeting. In early March, he also wrote to Eirian Powell: "We still need to talk about Lucy".
Three months went by, and another two babies almost died, before - in May that year - Dr Brearey got the meeting with senior managers he had been asking for. "There could be no doubt about my concerns at that meeting," he says.
But others at the meeting appeared to be in denial. Dr Brearey said Mr Harvey and Ms Kelly listened passively as he explained his concerns about Letby. But she was allowed to continue working.
By early June, yet another baby had collapsed. Then, towards the end of the month, two of three premature triplets died unexpectedly within 24 hours of each other. Letby was on shift for both deaths.
After the death of the second triplet, Dr Brearey attended a meeting for traumatised staff.
He says while others seemed to be "crumbling before your eyes almost", Letby brushed off his suggestion that she must be tired or upset. "No, I'm back on shift tomorrow," she told him. "She was quite happy and confident to come into work," he says.
For Dr Brearey and his fellow consultants, the deaths of the two triplets were a tipping point. That evening, Dr Brearey says he called duty executive Karen Rees and demanded Letby be taken off duty. She refused.
Dr Brearey says he challenged her about whether she was making this decision against the wishes of seven consultant paediatricians - and asked if she would take responsibility for anything that might happen to other babies the next day. He says Ms Rees replied "yes".
The following day, another baby - known as Baby Q - almost died, again while Letby was on duty. The nurse still worked another three shifts before she was finally removed from the neonatal unit - more than a year after the first incident.
The suspicious deaths and collapses then stopped.
Instead, she was moved to the hospital's risk and patient safety office. Here she is believed to have had access to sensitive documents relating to the hospital's neonatal unit. She also had access to some of the senior managers whose job it was to investigate her.
On 29 June 2016, one of the consultants sent an email under the subject line: "Should we refer ourselves to external investigation?"
"I believe we need help from outside agencies," he wrote. "And the only agency who can investigate all of us, I believe, is the police."
But hospital managers thought otherwise. "Action is being taken," wrote medical director Ian Harvey in his reply. "All emails cease forthwith."
Two days later, the consultants attended a meeting with senior management. They say the head of corporate affairs and legal services, Stephen Cross, warned that calling the police would be a catastrophe for the hospital and would turn the neonatal unit into a crime scene.
Rather than go to the police, Mr Harvey invited the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Heath (RCPCH) to review the level of service on the neonatal unit.
In early September 2016, a team from the Royal College visited the hospital and met the paediatric consultants.
The RCPCH completed its report in November 2016. Its recommendations included: "A thorough external independent review of each unexpected neonatal death."
In October 2016, Ian Harvey also contacted Dr Jane Hawdon, a premature baby specialist in London, and asked her to review the case notes of babies who had died on the neonatal unit.
The result was a highly caveated report. According to Dr Hawdon, her report was "intended to inform discussion and learning, and would not necessarily be upheld in a coroner's court or court of law".
It was not the thorough review the consultants had wanted - or the thorough external independent review that the RCPCH had recommended. But even the limited case-note report by Dr Hawdon recommended that four of the baby deaths be forensically investigated.
Rather than calling police, Ian Harvey asked the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health to review the neonatal unit
In early January 2017, the hospital board met and Mr Harvey presented the findings of the two reviews. Both had recommended further investigation of some of the baby deaths - and yet that message did not reach board members.
Records of the meeting show Mr Harvey saying the reviews concluded the problems with the neonatal unit were down to issues with leadership and timely intervention.
A few weeks later, in late January 2017, the seven consultants on the neonatal unit were summoned to a meeting with senior managers, including Mr Harvey and the hospital's CEO Tony Chambers.
Dr Brearey says the CEO told them he had spent a lot of time with Letby and her father and had apologised to them, saying Letby had done nothing wrong. Mr Chambers denies saying Letby had done nothing wrong. He said he was paraphrasing her father.
According to the doctor's account, the CEO also insisted the consultants apologise to Letby and warned them that a line had been drawn and there would be "consequences" if they crossed it.
Dr Brearey says he felt managers were trying to "engineer some sort of narrative" that would mean they did not have to go to the police. "If you want to call that a cover-up then, that's a cover-up," he says now.
Managers also ordered two of the consultants to attend mediation sessions with Letby, in March 2017. One of the doctors did sit down with the nurse to discuss her grievance, but Dr Brearey did not.
Yet, the consultants didn't back down. Two months after the apology, the hospital asked the police to investigate. It was the consultants who had pushed them into it.
Dr Brearey and his colleagues finally sat down with Cheshire Police a couple of weeks later. "They were astonished," he says.
The next day, Cheshire Police launched a criminal investigation into the suspicious baby deaths at the Countess of Chester Hospital. It was named Operation Hummingbird.
Mr Chambers told the Panorama his comments to consultants had been taken out of context and that prompt action had been taken after he was first told of serious concerns in June 2016 - including reviews of deaths.
Letby had not yet been arrested and was still working at the hospital's risk and patient safety office. But Operation Hummingbird was in full swing and Dr Brearey was helping the police with their investigation.
Late one evening, he was going through some historic medical records when he discovered a blood test from 2015 for one of the babies on his unit. It recorded dangerous levels of insulin in the baby's bloodstream.
The significance of the test result had been missed at the time.
The body produces insulin naturally, but when it does, it also produces a substance called C-Peptide. The problem with the insulin reading that Dr Brearey was looking at was that the C-Peptide measurement was almost zero. It was evidence the insulin had not been produced naturally by the baby's body and had instead been administered.
"It made me feel sick," Dr Brearey recalls. "It was quite clear that this baby had been poisoned by insulin."
Dr Susan Gilby, who became medical director after Letby's arrest, says files revealed serious issues with the hospital's response
A few months later, Letby was finally arrested and suspended by the hospital. But three years had passed since Dr Brearey had first sounded the alarm.
When a new medical director and deputy chief executive, Dr Susan Gilby, began work the month after Letby's arrest, she was shocked at what she found.
She says her predecessor, Mr Harvey, had warned her she would need to pursue action with the General Medical Council, the doctor's regulator, against the neonatal unit's consultants - those who had raised the alarm. Mr Harvey denies this.
However, inside a box of files left in his office, Dr Gilby found evidence the problems lay elsewhere. Marked with the word "neonates", the files revealed how a meeting of the executive team in 2015 had agreed to have the first three deaths examined by an external organisation. That never happened.
The management team had also failed to report the deaths appropriately. It meant the wider NHS system could not spot the high fatality rates. The board of the hospital trust was also unaware of the deaths until July 2016.
Dr Gilby says the trust's refusal to call police appeared to be heavily influenced by how it would look. "Protecting their reputation was a big factor in how people responded to the concerns raised," she says.
Later in 2018, after Tony Chambers resigned, Dr Gilby was appointed chief executive and she stayed in post until 2022. She is now suing the trust for unfair dismissal.
The rate of baby deaths at the Countess of Chester Hospital's neonatal unit has now fallen
Dr Brearey, says hospital managers had been "secretive" and "judgemental" throughout the period leading up to the nurse's arrest.
"There was no credibility given to our opinions. And from January 2017, it was intimidating, and bullying to a certain extent," he tells BBC News. "It just all struck me as the opposite of a hospital you'd expect to be working in, where there's a safe culture and people feel confident in speaking out."
Letby would ultimately be charged with seven murders and 15 attempted murders between June 2015 and June 2016. She was found guilty of all seven murders and seven attempted murders.
She was found not guilty of two counts of attempted murder. The jury also failed to reach a verdict on a further six counts of attempted murder, including all charges related to Baby K and Baby Q.
In a statement, Tony Chambers, the former CEO, said: "All my thoughts are with the children at the heart of this case and their families and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. I am truly sorry for what all the families have gone through.
"The crimes that have been committed are appalling and I am deeply saddened by what has come to light. As chief executive, my focus was on the safety of the baby unit and the wellbeing of patients and staff. I was open and inclusive as I responded to information and guidance."
He added: "I will co-operate fully and openly with any post-trial inquiry."
Ian Harvey said in a statement: "At this time, my thoughts are with the babies whose treatment has been the focus of the trial and with their parents and relatives who have been through something unimaginable and I am sorry for all their suffering.
"As medical director, I was determined to keep the baby unit safe and support our staff. I wanted the reviews and investigations carried out, so that we could tell the parents what had happened to their children. I believe there should be an inquiry that looks at all events leading up to this trial and I will help it in whatever way I can."
The Countess of Chester Hospital is now under new management and the neonatal unit no longer looks after such sick babies.
The current medical director at the hospital, Dr Nigel Scawn, said the whole trust was "deeply saddened and appalled" by Letby's crimes.
He said "significant changes" had been made at the hospital since Letby worked there and he wanted to "provide reassurance to every patient who accesses our services that they can have confidence in the care that they will receive".
Since Letby left the hospital's neonatal unit, there has been only one death in seven years.
Watch the full investigation, Panorama - Lucy Letby: The Nurse Who Killed - on BBC iPlayer | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66120934 |
Storm Betty brings damage and disruption with 66mph gusts - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | The second named storm in a month has caused "mayhem" for holidaymakers, a campsite owner says. | Campers didn't get much sleep at Newgale, Pembrokeshire, due to the weather, says site owner
The second named storm in a month has caused "mayhem" for holidaymakers, a campsite owner has said.
About a dozen tents were damaged and a car windscreen smashed by flying debris at Newgale Campsite in Pembrokeshire.
A tree has also fallen on the rail line at Porthmadog, Gwynedd, while restrictions have been imposed on a road bridge.
A Met Office wind warning for parts of west and north-west Wales was in place until noon due to Storm Betty.
BBC Wales weather forecaster Derek Brockway said 66mph wind gusts were recorded near Capel Curig in Eryri, also known as Snowdonia, while gusts of 57mph (91km/h) were recorded on the coast at Mumbles Head, Swansea.
Gusts of 57mph were recorded at Mumbles Head, Swansea, on Saturday
Mike Harris, owner of Newgale Campsite, said neither staff nor campers had "much sleep" overnight due to the weather.
"The combination of rain and wind caused mayhem last night," he told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.
"About 12 tents were written off or damaged [and] one windscreen was smashed from flying debris."
About a dozen tents were flattened at Newgale, says the campsite owner
He said weather conditions this summer had been the worst in the six years he has run the site, adding: "It makes me feel sorry for those who've been waiting for their family holiday."
Travel analysts Inrix said a fallen tree on the rail line was affecting Transport for Wales trains between Pwllheli, Gwynedd, and Machynlleth, Powys.
Traffic Wales said restrictions were in place for bikes, motorcycles and caravans on the A55 Britannia Bridge, linking Anglesey to the mainland.
The weather warning covered Anglesey, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd and Pembrokeshire until noon.
Betty is the second storm named in August, following Storm Antoni which occurred earlier this month.
• None Storm Betty to bring very strong winds to Wales | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-66553602 |
At Home With The Furys: Critics praise mental health depiction in Netflix show - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | Critics broadly welcome the Fury family's new docu-series, released on Netflix earlier this week. | Known as the Gypsy King, heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury retired from boxing last year
Critics have praised Tyson Fury's new docu-series for shining a light on his mental health issues.
While most reviews agreed Netflix's At Home With The Furys was lightweight overall, many highlighted its depiction of the boxer's day-to-day struggles.
In a four-star review, the Evening Standard said: "There are too many silly moments to count, but there are also unexpectedly profound ones."
The Times said it was "multi-layered, flipping between light and dark".
The nine-episode reality series, released earlier this week, follows the heavyweight world champion as he retires from boxing and embraces family life.
Filmed primarily in Fury's flashy family home in Morecambe, it's an often-revealing look at the sportsman, his wife Paris and their six children.
Fury was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2017, and has struggled with depression, anxiety, alcohol addiction and cocaine abuse.
The show follows Fury, his wife Paris (pictured) and their six children
The Independent's Rachel McGrath awarded the series three stars, writing: "Netflix don't seem to have realised that the lead star being bored isn't the best starting point for a series about family life.
"And yet, as At Home With The Furys unfolds, I found myself unexpectedly empathising with Fury. But the show has a long way to go before reaching the dramatic heights of its reality TV predecessors."
She continued: "His existence is one of wild juxtapositions. Fury likes taking the kids camping near his house. When he travels on a budget airline, he's mobbed by fans within seconds of stepping off a plane. But Netflix's focus is on the banal; between Selling Sunset-style shots of Morecambe, the boxer picks up dog poo, works out with dad John, and unwraps socks on his birthday.
"Bubbling below every scene are Fury's mental health struggles... His issues were at their peak when he had suicidal thoughts during his first retirement in 2015, and the show documents the underlying fear that this could happen again."
Fury's brother Tommy and his influencer partner Molly-Mae Hague, who he met on Love Island, also make appearances in the show.
Love Island stars Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury, Tyson's brother, also appear in the series
There was less enthusiasm for the series from the Guardian's Jack Seale, who described it as "sappingly dull" in a two-star review.
"Like a middling journeyman boxer, the series suffers on account of its sluggish reaction time," he suggested. "Two of the later episodes focus on Tyson's attempt to lure Anthony Joshua into an all-British title fight, in a rehash of what was a major boxing story when it happened.
"The long time lag and the known outcome - a deal will never be struck - make those scenes stale, but they come after the halfway point in the season, by which point At Home With the Furys is starting to run out of material."
But Carol Midgley of the Times praised the docu-series, writing: "One of the reasons it works is because it is multi-layered, flipping between light and dark, with no one taking themselves too seriously.
"But at the same time there is a serious point: Tyson's mental health."
In her four-star review Midgley suggested the show occasionally "feels scripted", noting the Furys know that "the cameras are on them and perhaps act up for them".
The show follows Tyson as he adapts to family life at home following his retirement from boxing
"Apparently there were points when he wanted to cancel the documentary. But ultimately they are an extraordinary family who have managed to remain ordinary. Fury has a net worth of £51 million and they're still drinking Echo Falls. I like them for that."
Generally, the Furys "come across as a likeable couple", according to the Telegraph's Anita Singh.
"There are flashes of something deeper when Paris talks about her husband's mental health," she wrote in her three-star review.
"The series doesn't shy away from his mood swings and sometimes erratic behaviour - Paris refers to him as 'a giant 6 foot 9 child' - but the show prefers to keep things light.
"Occasionally, scenarios feel manufactured. Fury proposes to his wife in a restaurant in the South of France but they're already married, and you suspect this is simply a ruse to give the programme-makers something to film."
Elsewhere, the series was described as "nine episodes of absolute gold" by the Evening Standard's Vicky Jessop.
"That is mostly because every member of said family is absolutely bonkers," she said in her four-star review.
"The six kids (three of whom are named Prince) swear like absolute troupers, long-suffering wife Paris is left to keep everything on the road and there's more gilt on the family casa than the Sistine Chapel."
At Home With the Furys was released on Netflix earlier this week
She said some of the footage is "both howl-inducingly funny and wincingly awkward".
"The show intersperses the action with straight-to-camera pieces where the family open up about the effect Tyson's mental health has had on them, and on him.
"This isn't the Kardashians, but it's arguably more compelling: Fame with the varnish stripped off, rough and unfiltered. It's the perfect type of trash: Give it to me straight. I love it."
Fury, 35, is also known as the Gypsy King and was born in Manchester to an Irish Traveller family.
Last year, the boxer called on the government to introduce stronger punishments for knife crime after his cousin was killed in a stabbing.
Ahead of the 2022 World Cup, Fury released his debut single, a cover of Neil Diamond's classic Sweet Caroline, to raise money for men's mental health charity Talk Club.
Writing about his Netflix series, Emily Watkins of iNews concluded: "In ancient Rome, Tyson might have been a gladiator; in 6th-century Britain, someone like Beowulf.
"In 2023, whether he's helping his kids on the monkey bars or training to knock out a nemesis, Tyson is as complex as he is charismatic - just the way we've always liked our heroes." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-66546155 |
Victims' parents: 'Letby is a hateful human being who took everything from us' - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | The mum and dad whose two boys were victims of nurse Lucy Letby have spoken exclusively to the BBC. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch: Twins' parents: "They passed him to us and he died"
The parents of twin brothers who were among Lucy Letby's 13 victims have told the BBC the nurse is a "hateful human being" who has taken "everything" from them. Letby murdered one of their baby boys, and tried to kill the other twin the following day.
Letby has been found guilty of murdering seven babies, and trying to kill six others, at the Countess of Chester Hospital. There were six more attempted murder charges. She was found not guilty of two and the jury was undecided on the remaining four.
To protect the identities of the babies and their parents, the twins are referred to as Baby E and Baby F.
"We were actually told we would never have our own children," the babies' mother says, speaking to BBC Panorama. She found out she was having twins on Valentine's Day, in 2015, after several failed IVF attempts.
It had not been the plan to have the babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital, where Letby worked. It wasn't their nearest hospital, but when the time came that was where there was space.
The twins were born prematurely, in the summer of 2015, and despite them needing specialist care in the neonatal unit, their father remembers the joy he felt as a new dad.
"There was just a sheer elation and happiness that I'd never felt before, or since," he says now.
Warning: This article contains details some readers may find upsetting
After the birth, the babies' mother would come down from the maternity ward where she was recovering from a Caesarean section to drop off breast milk.
Her babies, who lay side-by-side in incubators, were doing well and the family was waiting to be transferred to a hospital closer to home. But as she approached their room one evening, she could hear intense crying that sounded like screaming.
"I've never heard anything like it since," the mother says. "I was like, 'What's the matter with him?'"
"It was a sound that should not come from a tiny baby," she said while giving evidence at Letby's trial, in November.
Walking into the room she discovered it was one of her babies - Baby E - making the noise. He had blood around his mouth. Rushing to comfort him, she gently put her hand on his tummy to give him a reassuring sign that she was there.
She'd been taught this in hospital - and normally it worked. But the baby continued screaming and she could feel her panic rising.
Letby was the only other person in the room. The child's mother remembers she wasn't near her baby and didn't look at him while she was in there.
"You know when it feels like somebody wants to look busy, but they're not actually doing anything?" she says now.
She asked Letby what was wrong with her son. The nurse told her the baby's feeding tube must have been rubbing the back of his throat. She said she had already called a registrar, who would be there soon.
Letby, an experienced nurse who the mother trusted, told her not to worry, to go back to her ward and that she'd be contacted if there was a problem. "She has this really calm demeanour about her," the mother told the BBC. "She's very softly spoken."
The parents had struck up a rapport with Letby - they were all on first name terms. They'd shared their story with the neonatal staff; their journey to starting a family, and the obstacles they'd faced. Letby had told them about her life. She was happy being single, she told them, and was hoping to buy a house.
When the baby's condition deteriorated later on, his mother rushed back to the unit, where she watched through the glass as medics crowded around his incubator, attempting to resuscitate her son.
She remembers Letby was there but didn't make eye contact with them.
By the time the baby's father arrived, a priest had been called, and the parents were taken to be with their child. "We were told to talk to him, and hold his hand," says the mother, "and then he was christened."
Eventually, the consultant told them there was nothing more that could be done. "She said: 'It's no good. We want him to die in your arms rather than being worked on'," she says through tears.
"And they passed him to us, and he died."
The parents remember Letby looking visibly upset. The nurse then took control of the situation.
"She bathed him and then she dressed him in a little woollen gown and gave him back to us," says the mother, "and we held him for a little bit longer."
Doctors decided the cause of Baby E's death was a bowel condition, and that his premature birth was a factor. The death wasn't initially considered suspicious, so no post-mortem examination was carried out.
In court, the mother said she had been "totally surprised" when Letby presented her and her husband with a memory box containing a lock of the baby's hair and his hand and footprints. Letby had also taken photos of him, without their knowledge, and presented those to the parents too.
The mother said the nurse had given both twins a cuddly toy and later showed her a photo of her surviving baby, Baby F, holding his twin brother's teddy.
"She said: 'He rolled over and hugged his bear - I thought it was so amazing I took a picture for you,'" the mother remembers Letby saying.
At the time, this anecdote was comforting to the parents. But soon they realised new born babies can't roll over - their neck and arm muscles aren't strong enough - and it became one of many disturbing things they now view very differently.
During the trial, medical experts concluded that Baby E had not died as a result of his premature birth or a bowel condition, as previously thought.
His cause of death was internal bleeding and an injection of air into his bloodstream.
He was the fourth of seven babies murdered by Lucy Letby between June 2015 and June 2016. She attempted to murder another six infants - including Baby E's twin brother, Baby F, who suddenly deteriorated and became critically ill within 24-hours of his sibling's death.
Having just lost one child, the parents did not want to leave the side of their surviving baby. They were told his heart rate had become dangerously high.
"I said to my husband: 'Please, not again, we - we can't do this again, this can't be happening.'" She remained by his cot all night.
Medics managed to save Baby F and the parents were told their son had an infection. It was only two years later that they learned that his intravenous feedbag had been poisoned with insulin.
They say their child, who is now seven years old, was badly harmed by Letby and has been left with severe learning difficulties and "a lot of complex needs". "There's a consequence," his mother says, "and he's living with it."
Letby has "taken everything from us - absolutely everything," she says. "I think she's a hateful human being."
In 2018, when Letby was first arrested, Baby E and F's parents found it difficult to believe that she was the suspect. "Never in a million years did I think it would be someone that we felt we had a connection with," says the mother now.
"She had everything going for her, and then starts killing babies. What happened?" she asks. "It's something that we'll never know."
In court, the couple discovered the nurse had repeatedly searched their names on Facebook - including on Christmas Day.
Letby maintained she was simply checking how Baby F was doing - the baby whose heart she'd deliberately sent soaring with dangerous amounts of insulin, and whose twin brother she had killed just 24 hours before.
The babies' mother now believes Letby should spend the rest of her life behind bars. "What she's done has changed the course of our life forever."
Watch Panorama's full investigation - Lucy Letby: The Nurse Who Killed - on BBC iPlayer
If you, or someone you know, have been affected by the issues raised here, there are details of organisations that may be able to offer support on the BBC Action Line | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66108747 |
Bibby Stockholm: Hoax listing for asylum barge on travel website - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | A man has admitted his listing for the Bibby Stockholm craft on Booking.com was done as "a joke". | The Bibby Stockholm barge was evacuated last week after the discovery of legionella bacteria in the on-board water system
The government's Bibby Stockholm barge for asylum seekers has appeared as a hoax listing on a travel website.
The barge, in Portland Port, Dorset, was advertised on Booking.com a week after it was evacuated following the discovery of Legionella bacteria on board the craft.
The man behind the listing, which has since been removed from the site, told the BBC he had done it "as a joke".
Booking.com has been contacted for a comment.
Last week, 39 asylum seekers were taken off the barge after Legionella bacteria was found in its water system.
The barge, moored in Portland Port, was advertised on Booking.com before later being removed
The hoax listing on the website described the Bibby Stockholm as having a garden and offering views of Dorset's Jurassic coast.
It also said towels and bed linen were included on board the craft, as well as a continental, American or vegetarian breakfast "every morning at the property".
It added that residents had access to a sauna and swimming pool.
A BBC journalist was able to book a double room on the barge for Monday night for a total of £93.78, though that payment has yet to be processed.
The Home Office confirmed it had not made the vessel available for public bookings.
The man who made the listing on Booking.com, who did not give his name, told the BBC it was "definitely a joke" and he "did not think they would take it seriously".
The floating hotel, intended to hold 500 men, remains empty while further tests are carried out on its water 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-66550863 |
'Lucy Letby is a hateful human being' - twins' parents - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | The nurse was found guilty of murdering one of their babies and attempting to murder the other the following day. | The parents of twin brothers who were among Lucy Letby's 13 victims have told the BBC the nurse is a "hateful human being" who has taken "everything" from them.
Letby murdered one of their baby boys, and tried to kill the other twin the following day.
The nurse was found guilty of murdering a total of seven babies who were being looked after on a neonatal ward at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016.
She was also found guilty of attempting to murder another six babies, with the jury undecided on the attempted murder of a further four. She was found not guilty of two counts of attempted murder.
If you, or someone you know, need help after reading this story, details of organisations offering assistance can be found on the BBC Action Line website.
Panorama - Lucy Letby: The Nurse Who Killed - will be on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 20:00 BST (UK only) on Friday 18 August. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66382674 |
Women's World Cup final: How England became good at women’s football - BBC Sport | 2023-08-19 | More than 50 years after a ban on women's football was lifted, England are in to the World Cup final - but how did we get here? | Anyone over the age of 53 today lived at a time when women were banned from playing football in England.
It's a fact that, given the context of this history-making weekend, is almost laughable.
"The game of football is quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged," read a statement from the Football Association in 1921, announcing the ban that would stand for almost 50 years.
Another half century on, the story tells of a remarkably different time. Already European champions, England's Lionesses stand on the cusp of global glory with a Women's World Cup final against Spain coming up on Sunday.
So how did we get here?
It perhaps feels strange to start in 1966, the year England won the men's World Cup, but a young Patricia Gregory was watching that match on television.
Caught up in the excitement of that, and Tottenham's FA Cup win the following year, the 19-year-old wondered why women couldn't play the game too.
She put a notice in her local paper to ask for players and was inundated with replies, but the council said she could not legally rent a pitch for matches against other women's football teams.
Undaunted, Gregory eventually managed to get a pitch and ended up running both it and a women's football league, as well as founding the Women's FA as the game's governing body in 1969 - the year before the FA rescinded its ban on women.
Hope and change in the 90s
It was in 1972 that the first official England women's side played an international match - beating Scotland 3-2 - but another 26 years passed until a full-time head coach was put in post. Enter Hope Powell.
The 1990s brought many firsts for women's football. In England, it saw the first Centres of Excellence, the first national league, and the women's game being brought under the control of the FA. On a global scale, the 90s brought the first official Fifa Women's World Cup.
But when Powell took charge of England in 1998, it would mark the start of a 15-year reign in which she led England to two World Cups and four European Championships, and cemented her place as a pioneer of women's football in the country, playing a substantial part in the successes we see today.
The Women's Euros came to England for the first time in 2005, held in Blackburn, Blackpool, Manchester, Preston and Warrington with Germany lifting the trophy at Ewood Park.
It was a tournament that offered a glimpse in to the future. Fans wearing replica shirts with players' names on the back flocked to games, an average attendance of 23,160 accompanied by more than two million people tuning in to England's games on the BBC. Yes, interest diminished after Powell's side failed to get out of their group, but it was a start.
But after the tournament, then Uefa president Lennart Johansson provoked an angry reaction when he said sponsors of women's football could cash in by promoting the players' physical attributes. "Companies could make use of a sweaty, lovely looking girl playing on the ground, with the rainy weather," he said.
Four years later, another step in the right direction. Seventeen players, including the likes of Casey Stoney, Steph Houghton, Jill Scott and Rachel Yankey, were awarded central contracts by the FA, receiving salaries of £16,000 each.
Those contracts, lasting four years, took the pressure off those players needing employment outside of football - though they could still work for up to 24 hours per week - and required them to be available for all training camps, matches and tournaments, as well as personal appearances.
At the time, Powell said: "We hope this will allow our girls time to concentrate on helping England qualify for major tournaments on a consistent basis and competing at the very top level against the best teams in the world."
The start of the Women's Super League
The year 2011 saw the launch of the Women's Super League, featuring eight predominantly semi-professional sides who received licenses from the FA after meeting a strict criteria.
The clubs were given £70,000 from the FA for each of the first two seasons - to be spent on infrastructure - and signed up to a salary cap, meaning no more than four players in each side could be paid more than £20,000 in a bid to ensure star players were spread fairly across teams.
The opening fixture, held at Tooting & Mitcham's Imperial Fields in south London, saw Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 in front of some 2,500 paying fans, though a bobbly pitch caused issues for both sides.
Poor pitch standards - where have we heard that before?
Wembley Stadium. The Home of Football. Well, men's football - until 2014 that is, when England women played their first headline international match at the new Wembley.
England women had played there before, in 1989, but that was as a curtain-raiser ahead of a men's match against Chile.
Mark Sampson's side lost 3-0 against Germany, watched by a then-England record crowd of 45,619. That number should have been higher, given all 55,000 tickets were sold, but almost 10,000 fans did not turn up with transport problems in London and the weather to blame.
In 2019, their next appearance at the national stadium which also ended in defeat by the Germans, 77,768 were in the crowd, but that number had grown to 87,192 by 2022, when England exacted their revenge on Germany in the Euros final.
More on that later.
Sampson was England head coach from 2013 until his sacking in 2017, leading the Lionesses to third place at the 2015 Women's World Cup.
But a lengthy, messy dispute resulted in two of his England players, Eniola Aluko and Drew Spence, eventually receiving an apology from the FA for Sampson's racially discriminatory remarks, after an independent barrister ruled he made unacceptable "ill-judged attempts at humour" on two occasions.
Sampson was actually dismissed over safeguarding issues after evidence emerged of "inappropriate and unacceptable" behaviour with female players in a previous role. He later brought an unfair dismissal case against the FA, which was settled "confidentially" in 2019.
At the time, the FA was criticised for its handling of the Sampson case and, at a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee session hearing in 2017, questions were raised about the management culture around the England team and the FA's duty of care towards its women's team.
The summer of 2018 saw huge change for the WSL, transitioning to full-time professional status with a restructured one-tier, 11-team league.
The FA brought in new licence criteria for clubs, meaning all teams had to re-apply for their places, with a requirement to offer a minimum of 16 contact hours per week for players and an academy.
In 2022, BBC analysis suggested the average WSL player now earns £47,000 a year, and after the Lionesses' Euros success, WSL attendances increased by 267%, helped by big games being held at the country's biggest stadia, including Old Trafford, Emirates Stadium, Anfield and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Former Manchester United player Phil Neville was appointed in January 2018, despite no previous experience in the women's game. He won the SheBelieves Cup in 2019 and England came fourth in that year's World Cup in France.
But a dip in results followed, with seven defeats in his last 11 games amid some fixture disruption due to the Covid pandemic, left Neville's record and England progress being questioned - especially against the best sides.
When he left for Inter Miami in January 2021, six months before his contract was due to end, Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA's director of women's football, praised his "significant contribution" to raising the "profile" and "championing" the women's game.
But when the FA announced Sarina Wiegman would succeed Neville as England's head coach in September 2021, they knew they were bringing in a "proven winner".
Having led the Netherlands to the European title in 2017, and the World Cup final two years later, she had the track record of "building a winning team".
And so it has proved. In her 38 games in charge, England have lost just once. Of her 30 wins, the biggest to date came little more than 12 months ago, when the Lionesses created history by winning Euro 2022, a first major title that catapulted many of the players to household name status.
Victory on Sunday, in a maiden World Cup final for the Lionesses, would be even bigger.
And so to that final.
On Sunday, the Lionesses have a golden opportunity to become the first senior England side to win the World Cup since 1966, a year in which women like them were prohibited from playing the sport.
Maybe, just maybe, football is suitable for females after all.
• None Go here for all the latest from the Women's World Cup | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66533140 |
PSNI data breach: Man charged over documents linked to FoI - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | A 50-year-old man is charged with possessing documents or records likely to be useful to terrorists. | A 50-year-old man has been charged with possessing documents or records likely to be useful to terrorists following a major police data breach 11 days ago.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) mistakenly released details on 10,000 of its employees in response to a Freedom of Information (FoI) request.
The man was also charged with having articles for use in terrorism and is due in court in Coleraine on Monday.
The FoI details were published online after being released by the PSNI.
They were taken down from a website at the PSNI's direction a short time later.
Police have confirmed the list is in the hands of dissident republicans, amongst others.
It was one of three separate PSNI data breach incidents being examined by police.
On 6 July, in an unrelated incident, a police-issue laptop and radio, as well as a document containing the names of more than 200 staff, were stolen from a private vehicle in Newtownabbey, County Antrim.
In another incident, on Thursday 17 August, a PSNI laptop and a police officer's notebook fell from the roof of a moving car on the M2 in Belfast.
The incident happened on the M2 motorway on Thursday
It happened on the Foreshore stretch of the motorway in the north of the city.
The PSNI confirmed that this notebook contained details of 42 officers and staff and sections of the book still have not been found.
They said the laptop that fell off the vehicle on the M2 was recovered and "immediately deactivated".
On Friday, a police spokesperson said the PSNI would be contacting the Information Commissioner about the M2 incident.
They added that Stormont's Department of Justice and the Northern Ireland Policing Board, which holds the PSNI to account, had already been informed about the breach. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-66553837 |
UK weather: Storm Betty brings more August wind and rain - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | It's just the second time since 2015 that the UK has has seen two named storms in August. | Gusts of 57mph were recorded at Mumbles Head, Swansea, on Saturday
Storm Betty has brought heavy downpours and high winds to much of the country as the UK's unpredictable August weather continues.
It is the second time since 2015 the UK has seen two named storms in August.
Windspeeds topping 60mph were recorded in Wales, and parts of Northern Ireland had more than their average rainfall for the month in a single night.
While conditions are expected to improve for most, this week's outlook is mixed, according to BBC Weather.
Betty is the second named storm to hit the UK this month, following Storm Antoni.
It is only the second time that two August storms have been significant enough to name since the system was adopted in 2015. The other year was August 2020 with Storm Ellen and Storm Francis.
Areas around the Irish Sea saw the strongest winds, with gusts between 50-60mph being recorded late on Friday and early on Saturday morning.
The strongest gusts (66mph) were recorded on high ground at Capel Curig in north-west Wales, while Aberdaron in the same region and Pembrey Sands in south Wales also saw speeds around the 60mph mark.
Cornwall also saw strong gusts, with speeds of around 55mph being recorded in some places,
Northern Ireland saw the worst of the rain, with many areas experiencing downpours of 25-35mm in a matter of hours.
Katesbridge, a small hamlet in County Down, was the wettest place in the UK, with 45mm of rain in 12 hours - which is over half the August average in just one night.
There has been travel disruption in Scotland, with some localised road flooding and rail cancellations.
Cars negotiated a flooded section of the A921 between Inverkeithing and Aberdour, as Scotland experienced heavy rain last December
Widows' Row in Newcastle with high tides following Storm Betty
George Goodfellow, senior meteorologist at BBC Weather, said Storm Betty is now moving away so conditions are improving.
The forecaster added: "The next few days will see low pressure close to the north of the UK, so whilst it isn't going to be as wet and windy as [Friday] night, we do still expect showers and perhaps some longer spells of rain across the north of the UK.
"There could also be some spells of very breezy, locally windy weather across Scotland and perhaps Northern Ireland and parts of northern England, but again we're not expecting winds as strong as last night.
"The south should remain relatively dry through the rest of the weekend and first half of next week.
"Temperatures are currently a little above average and are expected to remain so for the next few days too, although the next few nights should be a little cooler and fresher."
Storm Betty also brought some dramatic weather to Ireland, especially in coastal areas.
In Dungarvan, County Waterford, a boat broke free from its berth was thrown onto the harbour by powerful waves.
Are you personally affected by Storm Betty? You can get in touch 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-66554592 |
England v Spain Women's World Cup final: 'England have to play game of our lives' - Millie Bright - BBC Sport | 2023-08-19 | England have to "play the game of our lives" if they are to win the Women's World Cup, says captain Millie Bright. | England have to "play the game of our lives" if they are to win the Women's World Cup, says captain Millie Bright.
The European champions face Spain in Sunday's final at Stadium Australia, with the game kicking off at 11:00 BST and being shown live on BBC One.
Both teams are in their first Women's World Cup final, with England chasing a second major trophy in 13 months having won Euro 2022 on home soil last summer.
"It has been players' dreams for years," said Chelsea defender Bright.
"We have got a game plan that we have to go out and execute. Everyone knows how big this is. We know how passionate our nation is back home and how much they want us to win.
"But for us, there is a process. We need to play the game of our lives. It's important our process remains the same. Mentality-wise everyone is super excited to get out there and put a show on."
• None Go here for all the latest from the Women's World Cup
• None How England became good at women's football
Bright, who was named captain for the tournament following injury to Arsenal's Leah Williamson, said it will be an "honour" to become the first woman to lead England out in a World Cup final.
"It's massive but it's massive for the team. It's 'we' before 'me.' It's a huge privilege and honour. It will be the biggest moment in our careers. Nothing is individual," said Bright.
"It's a dream come true to be in the World Cup final. Leading the girls out is a special feeling."
Asked what her younger self would have thought at the prospect, the 29-year-old added: "She would have probably said you were being silly, and it was never going to happen, but I guess dreams come true.
"We are finally getting a shot at the trophy, like we always wanted."
'It's so much more than just playing football'
England's success on a global stage has led to increased support, growing viewing figures and record attendances in the past year.
Manager Sarina Wiegman said it is "incredible what happens" when they do well at major tournaments.
"We have felt support here but also from the other side of the world in the UK. That is something that you dream of," said Wiegman.
"We just hope we play our best game ever and that everyone who is watching in the stadium and in the UK also, can support us and enjoy it.
"It's really exciting and of course we are really eager to win it. This shows how football unites. It brings people together. When you go so far in the tournament people get excited. It's very special. It's so much more than just playing football."
Bright also reflected on how far the game has come and how the Lionesses have bounced back from a ban which started in 1921 and lasted almost 50 years where women were prevented from playing football in England.
"It shows our [mental] strength. We never want that to happen again. We have been very open about that and we wouldn't let that happen again," said Bright.
"To know we're in a World Cup final is incredible. We don't want to stop here and we're always pushing for more."
'It was not our space'
Spain centre-back Irene Paredes said "it was not our space" in football for many years but they have the opportunity to showcase themselves in the World Cup final.
"Spain has always been a football loving country but it was not our space, or at least that's how they made us feel," added Paredes.
"We want to play football and [those who came before us] pushed so they invested more in women's football.
"We have the opportunity to play in a final of a World Cup. It is the time to enjoy it and do what we've been doing up to now which is to play football."
Manager Jorge Vilda, who dismissed questions regarding unrest within the Spain camp following a dispute among players and the nation's football federation, is expecting a "tactical match" against England.
"It's a final. We will fight with everything. I think it will be the match that everyone is waiting for," he added. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66553411 |
Lucas Paqueta: West Ham midfielder under investigation over potential betting breaches - BBC Sport | 2023-08-19 | West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is being investigated by the Football Association for potential betting rule breaches, sources confirm to the BBC. | Last updated on .From the section West Ham
Lucas Paqueta is being investigated by the Football Association for potential betting rule breaches, sources have confirmed to the BBC.
The West Ham midfielder, 25, has been linked with a move to Manchester City.
On Friday, Paqueta was omitted from Brazil's squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers "for him to sort out his problems".
Sky Sports reported Paqueta as saying he had not placed any bets himself and was shocked by the reports.
The investigation, which is also said to involve world governing body Fifa, is believed to centre around bets placed in Brazil on yellow cards awarded against Paqueta.
Speaking on Friday, Brazil's interim coach Fernando Diniz said Paqueta had been left out of his squad for qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru next month.
"Paqueta was on the list, he's a player I like a lot. It's a time for him to resolve these issues," Diniz told reporters.
"People need time to sort these issues out. He's a player I love, I have the best impressions of him."
BBC Sport has approached the FA and West Ham for comment.
Paqueta joined the Hammers from Lyon for £36.5m last summer and was instrumental in the club winning the Europa Conference League.
He made 28 Premier League appearances last season, scoring four goals and assisting three.
City boss Pep Guardiola said in a news conference on Friday that Paqueta "is a West Ham player" and would not comment on a potential transfer.
In May, Brentford forward Ivan Toney was suspended from football for eight months for 232 breaches of the FA's betting rules.
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Who is baby serial killer Lucy Letby? - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | Her trial spanned 10 months, but what is known about the nurse who murdered seven newborn babies? | Lucy Letby has been convicted of killing babies on the neonatal unit where she worked
Early one morning in July 2018, Lucy Letby was led away from her home in handcuffs after being arrested for the first time.
The neonatal nurse, 28 at the time, was to be questioned about truly unthinkable crimes that, upon conviction, would make her the UK's most prolific child serial killer in modern times.
Her arrest followed a painstaking investigation by Cheshire Police that, at its height, involved nearly 70 officers and civilian staff.
The sole focus of Operation Hummingbird was to investigate the alarming and unexplained rise in deaths and near-fatal collapses of premature babies in the Countess of Chester Hospital's neonatal unit.
Within hours, news of Letby's arrest was making headlines around the world.
She was initially released on police bail but was subsequently arrested twice more and then ultimately charged in November 2020.
Since October, the now 33-year-old has been on trial at Manchester Crown Court, accused of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder 10 others between June 2015 and June 2016.
She steadfastly denied all of the 22 charges against her but was found guilty of seven counts of murder and seven of attempted murder, involving six babies.
Letby was acquitted on two counts of attempted murder while jurors were unable to reach verdicts on six further attempted murder charges.
The jury of seven women and four men had deliberated for more than 110 hours after hearing nine months of harrowing evidence.
But what have we learned about the woman who murdered and attempted to kill babies she was trusted to care for?
Lucy Letby wiped away tears as she gave evidence for the first time during her trial
Letby was born on 4 January 1990 and grew up in Hereford with her mother and father, John and Susan, who since October have watched their daughter's trial unfold from the public gallery.
She attended a local school and sixth-form college, selecting subjects she believed would help her achieve her goals and aspirations.
"I have always wanted to work with children," she told the jury, adding she had chosen A-levels "which would best support that career".
This is a distressing case so if you, or someone you know, need help after reading about it, the details of organisations offering assistance can be found on the BBC Action Line website.
Letby, who was the first person in her family to go to university, studied nursing for three years at the University of Chester.
During her studies, she completed numerous work placements. The majority were based at the Countess of Chester Hospital, either on the children's ward or the neonatal unit.
She qualified as a Band 5 nurse in September 2011 and went on to start working full-time at the hospital from January 2012 before qualifying to work with intensive care babies in the spring of 2015.
Letby told the court her workload from that time was "predominately" spent looking after the sickest babies on the unit.
She also revealed how she mentored five or six student nurses and estimated that she had cared for hundreds of new-born babies during 2015 and 2016.
Inside the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital
In September 2016, Letby was officially informed in a letter from the Royal College of Nursing that she was under investigation over the deaths of babies.
Earlier that year, she had been removed from clinical duties and given a clerical role in the risk and patient safety office by hospital management.
At the time, she believed this was to check staff were competent to do their jobs and hoped to return to the job she loved.
But six years later Letby - who had no previous convictions, reprimands or cautions recorded against her - found herself sitting in the dock behind a glass screen as the prosecution labelled her a "calculating and devious" opportunist who "gaslighted" colleagues to cover her "murderous assaults".
Letby spent 14 days in the witness box giving evidence during her trial
Her defence team argued the deaths and collapses were due to "serial failures in care" in the unit and she was the victim of a "system that wanted to apportion blame when it failed".
During the trial, jurors were given a glimpse into Letby's life outside of work, with her once-private WhatsApp and social media messages read to the court.
"I had quite an active social life," she told the jury.
"I used to regularly attend salsa class, go out with friends, go on holidays with friends. Gym."
She started to cry as pictures of her home - where she was first arrested - were shown to the jury.
Her home in Chester was searched following her first arrest
Letby lived in staff accommodation at Ash House before moving to a flat in Chester for about six months.
She moved back into Ash House in June 2015 before moving into the house she bought on Westbourne Road, Chester, in April 2016.
A photo of a noticeboard in the kitchen was covered in pictures and letters and featured a poster, drawn by her godson, which read: "No.1 Godmother awarded to Lucy Letby".
On her bed, she had Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore cuddly toys while a drawer in the living room contained various documents and medical notes for her two cats, named Tigger and Smudge.
Letby has been remanded in custody since November 2020 and has spent time in four different prisons.
Her trial has gripped readers from around the world, many unable to fathom how a neonatal nurse could carry out such heinous acts.
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Ukraine war: US allows transfer of Danish and Dutch F-16 war planes to Kyiv - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | US-made jets in Denmark and the Netherlands can be sent to Ukraine when its pilots are fully trained. | Ukraine has long been pushing its allies to provide advanced fighter jets to defends its skies from Russian attacks
The US has approved the transfer to Ukraine of American-made F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands when Ukrainian pilots are fully trained to operate them.
"This way, Ukraine can take full advantage of its new capabilities," a US state department spokesman said.
Ukraine praised the decision it had been pushing hard for since last year.
But it is expected to be months before Kyiv will be able to use F-16s to try to counter Russia's air superiority.
The Dutch are thought to have about 42 operational F-16s which are scheduled to be taken out of service and replaced by more advanced war planes.
Denmark is also planning an upgrade of its fleet of some 30 F-16s.
The US and its allies had earlier ruled out providing F-16s to Ukraine, fearing that this would lead to further escalation with a nuclear-armed Russia.
Russia - which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 - has so far made no public comment on the issue.
Both Denmark and the Netherlands had been given "formal assurances" for the transfer of their multi-role F-16 war planes, the US state department spokesman said.
The spokesman added that this would happen "as soon as the first set of pilots complete their training".
Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra welcomed the US decision, saying that "this marks a major milestone for Ukraine to defend its people and its country".
"Now we will further discuss the subject with our European partners," he wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"The government has said several times that a donation is a natural next step after training. We are discussing it with close allies," he told Denmark's Ritzau news agency.
In Ukraine, Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov described the US decision as "great news".
"Our military has proven it is filled with fast learners. We will soon prove that Ukraine's victory is inevitable. Thank you to all our partners and friends in the United States, the Netherlands and Denmark. Onward to Victory!" he wrote on X.
An 11-member coalition of Ukraine's allies in the West is due to start training Ukrainian pilots later this month and they are expected to be ready next year.
Earlier this week, Ukraine's Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat admitted that Kyiv would not be able to operate F-16s this coming autumn and winter.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is widely considered one of the world's most reliable fighter jets.
It can be armed with precision-guided missiles and bombs and is able to fly at 1,500mph (2,400km/h), according to the US Air Force.
The F-16's targeting capabilities would allow Ukraine to attack Russian forces in all weather conditions and at night with greater accuracy.
Ukraine is believed to have dozens of combat aircraft - mostly MiGs - all dating from the Soviet era, and the country is currently badly outgunned by Russia in the air.
Kyiv needs modern war planes to help protect its skies from regular deadly Russian missile and drone attacks, and also to support its counter-offensive in southern and eastern Ukraine that has so far yielded limited results.
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 Ukraine's growing use of sea drones | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66551478 |
Michel Roux Jr announces closure of Le Gavroche - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | The chef is closing his two Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair after 56 years. | Michel Roux Jr said the Mayfair restaurant will close in January
Chef Michel Roux Jr is closing his two Michelin-starred restaurant Le Gavroche after 56 years.
Roux Jr, who has appeared on multiple TV cooking shows, said he made the decision to spend "more time with his family".
Le Gavroche, in Mayfair, central London, was opened in 1967 by French restaurateur brothers Albert and Michel Roux Sr.
At the time it was the only French restaurant of its kind in London.
In an Instagram post on Friday, Roux Jr said that the restaurant would be closing in January 2024.
He said he had "very mixed emotions" about the decision to close, but that the restaurant's name would "live on".
"This decision has not been made lightly. Le Gavroche means so much, not just to myself and the Roux family, but to the wider Gavroche team and you, our guests, who have become our family over so many years," Roux Jr wrote.
"I have always felt that should Le Gavroche ever close, it must be on a high.
"Le Gavroche continues to be fully booked, week in, week out, but I have known for a while that I must make time for a better work/life balance, so I can spend more time with my family and on my other business ventures."
Roux Jr, son of Albert Roux, has run the restaurant since 1991, earning two Michelin stars — one of the most prestigious accolades in the restaurant business.
Chefs Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White "earned their stripes" at Le Gavroche, the restaurant's website said.
Roux Jr added that from November, a series of "celebratory dinners" would be held until the restaurant's closure.
Roux Jr has starred on the judging panel of MasterChef: The Professionals and was a guest chef on MasterChef Australia. He has also presented two series of Michel Roux's French Country Cooking.
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A week of ups and downs in the UK economy - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | It could be a while before the economy can regain its rhythm, recent data suggests. | Can the UK's economy get back in the groove?
Turning points in the economy can be a little messy.
Just over two decades ago, the then Bank of England deputy governor Mervyn King said new economic figures had the air of John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever: "Old-fashioned disco dancing - sharp movements in unpredictable directions creating much excitement accompanied by a good deal of noise."
It is again an apt description of the British economy.
This week should have been a reliable staging post on a path of disinflation, and a sign that three years of inflationary crises and shocks were now washing out of the economy. The household energy shock that forced inflation above 11% went into reverse, bringing inflation below 7% in July.
But the figures had a significant sting in the tail.
Measures of underlying inflation, such as core inflation, which strips out the direct impact of energy and food, remained stuck at June's rate. Services inflation actually went back up, to a joint 31-year high.
It is these measures of more enduring forms of inflation that the experts setting interest rates are most focused on, not the predictable fall in the headline rate, as the household energy cap gradually lowers gas and electricity bills. And this came on top of some punchy rises in wages (in cash terms).
So, by the end of this week, yet again, the financial markets were arching their eyebrows at UK government borrowing.
Ten-year gilt yields, a measure of the cost of decade-long loans to the government, shot up to their highest levels since the 2008 financial crisis.
Two-year yields, which underpin fixed mortgage rates, were also back up, having come down after similar market jitters in June.
The markets are again starting to assume the UK is more inflation-prone than it was and than other similar countries, and that higher interest rates will also linger for longer. Indeed a further rate rise next month now looks very likely, with more to follow.
Those disco-dancing figures can be seen across the economy too. On the High Street, Wilko is in administration, whereas at the same time Marks & Spencer has said it is making more profits than expected.
Travel firms, some hotels and restaurants are booming as a certain section of the population spend heavily on leisure. In contrast, construction firms - even those working on prestigious Premier League football stadiums - are facing administration because of spiralling costs.
Harjit Singh (right) revises all prices at his store on a weekly basis
In some supermarkets such as H & Jodie's Nisa Local in Walsall, the owners tell me they are planning to subsidise hot water bottles for customers who still cannot afford their energy bills.
The £1 chocolate bars. that became £1.25 bars in spring, have now increased to £1.35, proprietor Harjit Singh shows me. Those moves, and the fact they are not returning to the £1 price point, are entirely consistent with the rate of inflation slowing to 7%.
Harjit revises all prices on a weekly basis. On average, they are still going up. Milk prices may be falling, he says, but food price inflation overall is still set to remain in double digits for the rest of this year, meaning the cost of living crisis is far from over.
In the central banking cliche, the job of the Bank of England governor is to remove the punch bowl before the party gets out of hand. But there is no boom or party right now across the economy.
There do seem to be pockets of froth that could justify higher interest rates. But interest rate rises are a blunt tool, affecting a different section of the economy - those with large mortgage borrowing and indebted companies.
It could create a perception of unfairness, that those enjoying pockets of frothy inflationary spending are forcing higher rates on everyone else. Others might say that excessive low interest rates have until recently subsidised massive borrowing at the expense of prudent savers.
The rising cost of borrowing is worrying PP Control & Automation
What could be happening is that rates are being forced higher to help temper economic demand, to keep it in line with a fall in the supply potential of the economy.
Fewer workers in certain sectors, more trade barriers with Europe, and a fall in investment mean the UK can produce less.
The nation's productivity has been hit by the aftermath of the pandemic, an energy shock and post-Brexit policy choices.
The government has changed policy to try to get sick workers back into the labour force and has lowered trade barriers with some Asian markets, but these will take time to have an effect.
Indeed, other efforts to improve the economy's productivity may well be hit by rising interest rates. At Walsall-based PP Control & Automation, there are boxes with wires controlling everything from airport security, to Formula 1 metal stamping, to cow milking.
It's exactly where the UK has lagged and could improve growth without igniting inflation. Boss Tony Hague tells me: "I think UK manufacturing generally is managing inflation as best it can. It's obviously having a big impact on the end user, the consumer, but I think from a manufacturing perspective... the cost of borrowing is quite a concern."
Right now, the medicine is more concerning here than the disease.
House prices are falling but there are hopes the market will avoid a crash
The housing market seems to be in a holding pattern. Rises in interest rates are being managed by banks in the form of longer mortgage terms for borrowers. Repossessions and arrears are still surprisingly low.
There is some stress among mortgaged landlords, and prices have fallen from their peak, but for now Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey will not call it a "correction". As he told me earlier this month: "It's an adjustment but I think we should avoid... preaching crisis. It's not that."
For now, the market reaction does seem to lurch in response to every small turn in the data. The Bank of England has noted the UK now appears especially sensitive, amid perceptions of particularly persistent inflation. As it also noted, there are some "highly unusual" features of the UK economy right now.
Even as inflation falls, and real wages begin to rise again, cuts to interest rates seem some way off, and the path to a more normal economic situation remains especially bumpy. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66543759 |
Lucy Letby: Hospital bosses were misled, former chair claims - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | NHS trust board was told there was 'no criminal activity pointing to any one individual', he says. | The nurse was found guilty of murdering seven babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital
The former chairman of the NHS trust where serial killer Lucy Letby worked believes the board was "misled" by hospital executives.
The nurse was convicted on Friday of murdering seven babies and trying to murder another six at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Sir Duncan Nichol, who was the board's chair, said it was told there was "no criminal activity pointing to any one individual" despite concerns.
An inquiry has been ordered.
Letby targeted the babies between June 2015 and June 2016, when they were dying or suddenly collapsing at five times the average annual rate at the hospital's neonatal unit.
However the board was not alerted to the problems until July 2016, by which time 13 babies had died.
At a meeting, the board then agreed to ask for the deaths to be externally investigated.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Police arrested Lucy Letby at her home in 2018
The trust initially turned to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, who conducted a review of the unit but told the hospital executives they should conduct a separate "thorough external independent review of each unexpected neonatal death".
Ian Harvey, who was then medical director at the hospital, contacted London-based neonatologist Dr Jane Hawdon.
The doctor, who specialises in the care of newborns, did a brief review of each baby's medical notes.
However she told the trust she did not have the time to conduct the thorough investigation the Royal College had recommended.
It is understood Dr Hawdon did not speak directly to the board but sent her report and it was up to executives to brief the board on its findings.
In a statement to the BBC, Sir Duncan said: "I believe that the board was misled in December 2016 when it received a report on the outcome of the external, independent case reviews.
"We were told explicitly that there was no criminal activity pointing to any one individual, when in truth the investigating neonatologist had stated that she had not had the time to complete the necessary in-depth case reviews."
In response to Sir Duncan's statement, the hospital's then chief executive Tony Chambers - who went on to lead three other NHS trusts on an interim basis after leaving Chester in 2018 - said that "what was shared with the board was honest and open and represented our best understanding of the outcome of the reviews at the time".
Inside the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital
In a BBC interview, Dr Susan Gilby - another former chief executive at the hospital - said she also had concerns the board may have been misled.
When she joined the trust shortly after Letby's arrest in 2018, she examined internal information about the nurse's actions.
"The documents that I have seen from the neonatologist [Dr Hawdon] and the briefing and the papers that were presented to the board are diametrically opposed.
"It's hard to understand - unless there is something that I haven't seen - how the board were led to believe that a comprehensive review had taken place."
Mr Harvey, who was medical director at the hospital trust until 2018, said: "The statements I gave to the board were true to the best of my knowledge."
Three years ago, Sir Duncan, who stepped down in 2019, and Dr Gilby commissioned an external review by the health consultancy Facere Melius into how the hospital trust had handled the allegations.
It has not been published.
Both have welcomed the public inquiry into the events at the trust and said they would cooperate.
Paediatric consultants who raised concerns about Letby's conduct have recently told the BBC of being bullied, ignored and forced to send her a letter of apology.
Letby was charged in November 2020 with murder and attempted murder
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Werder Bremen 0-4 Bayern Munich: Harry Kane scores and assists on Bundesliga debut - BBC Sport | 2023-08-19 | 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 |
Britney Spears on Sam Asghari divorce: 'I couldn't take the pain anymore' - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | Writing after her husband filed for divorce, the singer says she "couldn't take the pain anymore". | Britney Spears has spoken for the first time since her husband Sam Asghari announced their split, saying she "couldn't take the pain anymore".
Mr Asghari, 29, cited "irreconcilable differences" in a divorce petition filed in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
He asks that spousal support and payment of legal fees be paid by Ms Spears, the documents state.
Ms Spears, 41, said she was "a little shocked" that her six-year relationship with Mr Asghari had come to an end.
Discussing their breakup in an Instagram post, the singer wrote: "I'm not here to explain why because it's honestly nobody's business."
"I've been playing it strong for way too long and my Instagram may seem perfect but it's far from reality and I think we all know that," she added.
"I would love to show my emotions and tears on how I really feel but for some reason I've always had to hide my weaknesses."
Ms Spears said she would be "as strong as I can" and she was "actually doing pretty damn good".
Mr Asghari, an Iranian-American actor, model and fitness trainer, met Ms Spears while she was shooting the video for her song Slumber Party in 2016.
He was a vocal supporter of her efforts to end her father Jamie's conservatorship; a fight she won just months before their marriage.
The couple got engaged in September 2021 and were married in a small ceremony last June.
Rumours of their marital struggles were reported in US tabloids this year. The two had recently been seen without their wedding rings in public.
In his own post on Instagram, Mr Asghari said: "After 6 years of love and commitment to each other my wife and I have decided to end our journey together.
"We will hold onto the love and respect we have for each other and I wish her the best always."
He added: "Asking for privacy seems rediculous [sic] so I will just ask for everyone including media to be kind and thoughtful." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-66553230 |
Lucy Letby: Families of victims call for greater powers in inquiry - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | Families of some of the babies attacked said a non-statutory inquiry was 'inadequate'. | Lucy Letby has been convicted of killing babies on the neonatal unit where she worked
Families of some of the babies attacked by Lucy Letby have said the inquiry into the case should have powers to compel witnesses to come forward.
An independent inquiry was ordered on Friday after the nurse's conviction for the crimes at a hospital in Chester.
But lawyers for two of the families said this inquiry does not go far enough and needs to be statutory to have "real teeth".
The government said the inquiry aimed to ensure lessons were learned.
Letby was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015-16, following a 10-month trial.
She was found not guilty on two attempted murders and the jury could not reach verdicts on six others. She will be sentenced on Monday.
Separately an inquiry will now look into the circumstances surrounding the events leading up to the murders and attempted murders of the babies by the neonatal nurse.
The announcement of the non-statutory inquiry has divided opinion on how effective it will be in examining the case.
Slater and Gordon, the law firm representing two of the families, said a non-statutory inquiry "is not good enough" and lessons had to be learned by the hospital, NHS and wider medical profession.
"As a non-statutory inquiry, it does not have the power to compel witnesses to provide evidence or production of documents and must rely on the goodwill of those involved to share their testimony," the firm said in a statement.
Labour's City of Chester MP Samantha Dixon told the BBC a judge should lead the inquiry, also highlighting how that as it stood the inquiry would rely on "the goodwill of witnesses to attend".
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch: Twins' parents: "They passed him to us and he died"
In contrast Conservative MP, Dr Caroline Johnson, said she agreed with the current approach.
Dr Johnson, a consultant paediatrician and MP who sits on the health select committee, said lessons needed to be learned quickly and the government could decide to order a statutory inquiry at a later date if extra powers were needed.
"I appreciate that people can't be compelled in quite the same way, I would hope that people would still nevertheless come forward," she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
Dr Bill Kirkup, who has led non-statutory reviews for other maternity units, said non-compliance had not been a problem in his experience and people were "ready and willing to cooperate".
The patient safety investigator told the BBC he had identified common features between the Letby case and the reviews he had conducted - including managers accused of "protecting reputations" above listening to staff concerns.
After the verdict, Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said it was "extremely sorry" the crimes happened in its hospital and it had since made "significant changes" to their services.
Former chief executive of the hospital Tony Chambers and former medical director Ian Harvey, who were in charge at the time Letby was working at the hospital, have said they will co-operate fully with the inquiry.
If you, or someone you know, have been affected by the issues raised here, there are details of organisations that may be able to offer support on the BBC Action Line.
• None Warnings ignored as Letby killed more babies | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66553245 |
Sara Sharif murder inquiry: Father of girl, 10, sought over her death - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | 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.
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• 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 |
Flat Holm: The man who lives alone on an island - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | Simon Parker gave up engineering to preserve wildlife on an island four miles off the Welsh coast. | Simon Parker gave up his career as an engineer to live alone on a remote island
An old saying goes: "No man is an island", but in the case of Simon Parker, you might just disagree.
After the death of a close friend, the ex-Royal Air Force aircraft engineer needed a change.
Little did he know it would lead to him being a warden of Flat Holm, an island off the Welsh coast, and, inadvertently, the landlord of its only pub.
"It is an offer I couldn't pass up," he said.
Four miles off the coast of Cardiff, in the middle of the Bristol Channel, Flat Holm Island has no mains power or water and is exposed to the worst of the weather.
As a warden, the 38-year-old works to help preserve the island but also lends his hand to being a handyman, barman and occasional tour guide.
He spends his days birdwatching and preparing the island for the different seasons.
The former Red Arrows avionics engineer said the opportunity came at a good time.
Simon says the island has helped him through difficult times
It was the death of his friend that pushed Simon to make a change.
"I had bad couple of years. I went through a rough patch where I did struggle and I lost myself.
"I was searching for somewhere that felt like home when, really, it wasn't a place as such, loss was inside and I needed to find that again."
He added that the change had been "rewarding and so beautiful".
Since the Dark Ages, Flat Holm has been a retreat for monks and has also acted as a sanctuary for Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, silver miners, smugglers and cholera victims.
Fortified in Victorian times and again in World War Two, it is famous for its role in the invention of radio, as well as being home to unique lizards, flowers and birds.
It is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its gull colony, which makes up 20% of the Welsh population.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. A group of wardens describe what it's like living all year round on a tiny island
For Simon, who has lived on the island since March, it has become a way of life: "I'm no longer a filthy mainlander, I am a filthy islander.
"Not many people get to say they live somewhere as cool as this. I'm kind of on my own so there is some apprehension there but I just love challenges."
While Simon is sometimes joined by tourists and volunteers helping with preservation and gull ringing, it is usually just him.
He said the view from his farm house, was "pretty good if you like gulls" and the pints at the Gull and Leek, Wales' most southerly pub,"taste better than on the mainland".
Flat Holm is just four miles away from Cardiff, but can "feel like a million" says Simon
After six months, Simon has learnt a lot about the island and its wildlife and, perhaps more importantly, something about himself too.
"Being able to walk out my front door and be met with all this noise from the birds gives me boost.
"I know for my own personal wellbeing I need time in nature.
"I've always loved being in remote places, although I'm only four miles from Cardiff, sometimes it can seem like a million."
He said the island was "all or nothing" and urged others to make the jump as well.
"Life is short so I put out to anyone thinking of doing something like this - just to do it," he said.
"Feed your inner child and you might end up a place like this."
A big part of Simon's role is preservation, using the land and the rainwater to keep the island going.
"On the mainland we just take everything for granted. If you need food you just go to the shop. If you need water, you just turn on a tap.
"Living on an island the sustainability of all this is quite tricky. For me, Flat Holm is kind of like microcosm for how I look at the world.
"We have to move away from this idea that we have an infinite number of resources, it is just not sustainable.
"We can do it, its not impossible and there solutions are all there, if there is a will to change." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-66382816 |
Chernihiv: Russian missile strike kills seven and injures 144, Ukraine says - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | A Russian missile strike hits the heart of the northern city of Chernihiv, Ukraine says. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch: At the scene of missile strike on Ukrainian theatre
Seven people, including a six-year-old girl, were killed when a Russian missile struck a theatre in the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv on Saturday morning, officials have said.
Fifteen children were among 144 people wounded, the police said. At least 25 people were in hospital.
Among the victims were people who had been celebrating an Orthodox Christian holiday at church.
A main square and a university building were also damaged in the attack.
The UN called it "heinous", while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed a firm response by Ukrainian soldiers to a "terrorist attack".
Chernihiv is located about 50km (31 miles) south of Ukraine's border with Belarus. It was besieged by Russian troops in the first few months of President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion launched in February 2022.
The city's imposing theatre was hit directly. Tiles were blown off the roofs of neighbouring buildings with one catching fire 100 metres away.
The theatre was hosting a gathering of drone manufacturers, the acting mayor of Chernihiv told the BBC.
"I understand that their aim was a military event taking place in the building of the drama theatre and that it was their target," Oleksandr Lomako said.
"But it is clear that the Russians launching those missiles and those giving them orders in the middle of the day to the civilian city realised that the victims will be primarily civilians.
"There is no other way to interpret it than a war crime against civilians, yet another Russian war crime," he added.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko later said all those inside the theatre had managed to reach shelter in time.
He said that "most of the victims were in their vehicles or crossing the road at the time of the rocket strike, as well as returning from a church".
The city centre of Chernihiv is a popular area for people to stroll around, especially on the weekend, locals told the BBC.
Anna Zahreba, the manager of a Crimean Tatar restaurant just across the street from the theatre, said her staff were getting ready for a busy day when the missile hit.
"I ran outside to see what was going on," she said. "There were two 12-year-old girls here and a lot of blood. One had her leg badly wounded. Another girl was screaming.
"We applied a tourniquet and waited for an ambulance. It was taking a long time to get here, but some man stopped his car and we took a girl to a hospital."
Anna says staff rushed to help injured people with medical kit and blankets.
"There are always many people walking around here, with children and baby strollers. Many restaurants and cafes in the area," she tells us.
"We did not expect a day like this."
In his video address late on Saturday, President Zelensky said the child killed in the Russian strike was a girl named Sofia.
Earlier, he said that Russia had turned an "ordinary Saturday" into "a day of pain and loss".
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
The UN said it was "extremely disturbed" by the attack.
"It is heinous to attack the main square of a large city, in the morning, while people are out walking, some going to the church to celebrate a religious day for many Ukrainians," Denise Brown, the current head of the UN in Ukraine, said in a statement.
"Attacks directed against civilians or civilian objects are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law," she said. "It must stop."
Three days of mourning have been announced in the city.
Moscow is yet to comment.
Elsewhere, Russia has claimed that a Ukrainian drone hit a military airfield in the northwest Novgorod region, causing a fire that was quickly put out.
One plane was damaged but no casualties have been reported, it added.
Ukraine has not commented on the alleged drone attack.
Meanwhile, Kyiv's air force said the Ukrainian military had shot down 15 out of 17 Iranian-made Shahed drones launched by Moscow in an overnight strike. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66554412 |
Man in hospital after fall from cruise ship at Port of Cromarty Firth - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | 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 |
Storm Betty: Disruption due to flooding and fallen trees - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | One village in County Down had more than half a month's worth of rain in under 12 hours. | Anna Hannan took this picture of a fallen tree in Upper Ballinderry, County Antrim
Storm Betty has brought wind and rain across Northern Ireland with flooding and fallen trees on some roads.
Police advised drivers to be cautious on the roads as high winds and rain would make conditions difficult.
Met Office wind and rain warnings for Northern Ireland were in place on Friday and ended on Saturday morning.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) urged the public to "heed any road closure signage".
"Motorists should continue to proceed carefully and at lower speeds, bearing in mind the impact of this weather on stopping distances and braking," a police spokeswoman said.
In south Belfast, a number of roads and surrounding areas were flooded overnight:
The M1 Motorway had been closed to traffic at Lisburn due to a fallen tree but has since reopened.
Fallen trees caused problems for walkers in Drumbeg, County Down
Translink and NI Railways said that due to "exceptional weather" there were delays and cancellations across the network.
Katesbridge in County Down had more than half a month's worth of rain in under 12 hours overnight.
The weather station there recorded 45.4mm since 19:00 BST on Friday until 06:00 on Saturday.
The River Roe has flooded due to the large rainfall from Storm Betty
The average rainfall for the entire month of August there is 84mm.
Severe gusts of wind of 90km/h (56mph) were recorded at Ballypatrick in County Antrim, while Orlock Head in County Down saw gusts of 85km/h (53mph).
The strongest gusts were recorded in the Republic with Johnstown Castle in Wexford having 96km/h (60mph) winds overnight.
Widows' Row in Newcastle with high tides following Storm Betty
Conditions were forecast to improve through Saturday with sunny spells and some scattered blustery showers.
Advice and help for those affected by flooding or those who have seen a fallen tree or blocked road can be found on NI Direct's website.
Previous waterlogging at the Oval stadium in east Belfast
Irish Premiership game between Glentoran and Crusaders was postponed on Saturday after heavy rain affected the pitch conditions.
But despite the weather, other Irish premiership games continued as planned.
In the Republic of Ireland, Storm Betty left hundreds of homes without electricity across the country.
There has also been extensive flooding and fallen trees on roads.
RTÉ reported that a taxi driver escaped injury in Templeogue in south Dublin when a tree crashed on to his car as he was driving.
All Met Éireann weather alerts for the country have been lifted.
Members of the Irish Coast Guard inspect a boat that broke free from its berth and crashed into the harbour in County Waterford
In County Waterford a boat, which had been berthed, crashed into the harbour in Dungarvan
Members of the Irish Coast Guard and the Royal National Lifeboat Association (RNLI) assisted. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-66553551 |
Rochdale grooming: How another gang went under the radar - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | One of the victims, who suffered four years of sickening abuse, had to wait eight years for justice. | One of the victims faced an eight-year wait for justice (photograph used for illustration only)
Rochdale is "synonymous" with grooming - that was what one of the defence lawyers told a jury that has just convicted five people of committing 22 sexual offences against two girls as young as 12.
They were worried the Greater Manchester town had become so linked with the serial sexual exploitation of young girls that they felt they had to warn jurors to "rid yourselves of preconceptions".
That warning came more than a decade after the conviction of the notorious Rochdale grooming ring in 2012 - a story the whole country became acquainted with five years later in the BBC series Three Girls.
It showed how the gang, comprising men of mostly Pakistani and Afghan heritage, plied girls as young as 13 with alcohol and drugs and passed them around for sex.
This latest trial has revealed there was another grooming gang operating in Rochdale, also made up of mostly south Asian men.
The conviction of five men has come 20 years after the gang committed their sickening crimes and eight years after one of the victims was interviewed by police about her full ordeal.
For legal reasons the victims, now women in their 30s, are known as Girl A and Girl B.
Warning: This article contains details some readers may find upsetting
Whistleblower Maggie Oliver quit Greater Manchester Police after saying abuse victims were being let down
The prosecutions came "better late than never", according to Maggie Oliver, one of the women who blew the whistle on grooming in the Greater Manchester town.
The former detective resigned from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) after she tried to get the force to take evidence of grooming gangs in Rochdale more seriously.
She said that, at the time, "hundreds of victims" were turned away by the force while the perpetrators were "allowed to continue and abuse other children".
Two of those victims, we now know, were the girls whose evidence was heard in this latest trial.
Disturbingly, Girl A said that, for many years, she did not even realise she had been a victim, telling the court: "I thought these men were my friends."
It was only in 2014, when she read a book which told the story of one of the women featured in Three Girls, that she realised the truth.
She turned to her sister and told her: "This happened to me."
The following year, as a young mother, she went to a parenting course in Rochdale where she prepared a written presentation that shocked the course leaders so much that they called the police.
In her presentation, she wrote: "I was abused daily for six years.
"I was 12 when they began to abuse me, feeding me alcohol and drugs, abuse me and pass me on to their friends.
"I had no choice but to do what they say or I would be beaten and raped.
"They did as they pleased, they made videos of me to use as blackmail.
"If I told anyone they would share the videos. They sent the video around Rochdale anyway and I was branded a slag for it."
The trial was held over three months at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court
Later that year, she agreed to be interviewed by police.
She told them how her life between 2002 and 2006 had been dominated by the sickening abuse, which took place mostly in a flat above a shop on the edge of Rochdale.
It also happened in parks and beauty spots, a field next to a primary school and on some of the moors above the town.
She described to the jury how her ordeal began.
She said she had been walking along Drake Street in the town centre when a Honda Civic pulled up and the man inside sweet-talked her into swapping numbers.
They met for sex and she thought this older man had feelings for her until he started asking her, and then telling her, to have sex with his friends.
This is a distressing case so if you, or someone you know, need help after reading about it, the details of organisations offering assistance can be found on the BBC Action Line website.
She told the trial: "He used me like a piece of meat. I thought I was in a relationship before he passed me on to his friends."
In police interviews she spoke of "being on demand" for her abusers every day, sometimes having multiple men on hold when they rang her at the same time.
She knew what would happen if she refused their sexual demands.
On one occasion she described being told to stay in a bedroom "like a prisoner" for hours while the group "took it in turns" to force her into sexual acts.
She said she worried she would "get a black eye" if she refused.
The court was also told she was urinated on by a group of men for refusing to perform oral sex on someone she had been "offered out" to.
Her humiliation was also compounded by being filmed.
She described how she was shown a video of what some of her abusers had done to her when she had blacked out following a "drinking contest" in which, as a 14-year-old, she had had to drink as much neat vodka as possible.
The court was told the video showed her being sexually assaulted with a brandy bottle, while the group could be heard "laughing".
The bottle, the court was told, had been kept in the bathroom of the flat where it happened "like some sort of trophy". The video was then "widely circulated" around Rochdale.
To further secure her compliance, they even threatened to send the footage to her mother.
The defendants claimed they thought the girls were over 16 or 18 because they wore make-up or smoked cannabis.
The women pointed out that they were often wearing their school uniforms when the abuse occurred, often having been picked up by a gang member from their school.
The trial also heard how Girl A had already suffered sexual abuse as a child. Two men had already been convicted in a separate trial of raping her.
This was used by one of the defence teams to imply that the trauma of that initial abuse had caused her to misremember what had happened in this case.
This was flatly denied by Girl A.
Jurors in this latest trial also heard Girl A say she had been the victim not only of the eight in the dock, but of a total of 50 men.
She had told friends "what happened was so much worse than Three Girls, trust me".
This claim was used by one of the defence teams to imply tat she was out to maximise a compensation claim - something that was also denied by Girl A.
BBC drama Three Girls was based on the first Rochdale abuse scandal
The wheels of justice moved very slowly for Girl A, with eight years passing between her first going to police and the trial getting under way.
She told the trial there had been times when "I'd had enough and didn't want to carry on".
"If I'd known it would have been eight years I wouldn't even have started," she said. "I wouldn't have bothered because all this has messed with my mental health."
But "there's no point in starting something and stopping", she went on.
Ms Oliver said the eight-year gap was "barbaric" and "inhumane".
"This young woman has had her life on hold for eight years," she said.
Another similarity with previous grooming cases was inaction by the authorities who were meant to keep vulnerable children safe.
Girl A said GMP and Rochdale Borough Council's social services had turned her away "like I was a naughty child".
GMP declined to comment on that specific point, but following Thursday's convictions Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jackson praised the victims who "demonstrated such bravery in testifying against these offenders on their journey to justice".
Rochdale Borough Council has been invited to comment but has not yet responded.
On Thursday, director of children's services Sharon Hubber said: "These were sickening crimes committed against two vulnerable young girls, whose strength and determination was instrumental in bringing this case forward."
As for Girl A's life now, the trauma and stigma she suffered since the age of 12 shows no sign of letting up.
"I can't even really go into Rochdale anymore," she told the trial. "It's like my life's been ruined.
"To this day people still talk about what happens in my childhood but they still don't see the grooming side of it."
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The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-66416549 |
Prostate cancer: Incontinence bins call in male toilets - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | One prostate cancer patient says he was forced to carry used "nappies" around in a backpack. | Raymond Starr is taking part in Prostate Cancer UK's Boys Need Bins campaign
Prostate cancer patients have described the "horrendous" experience of urinary incontinence, which some men undergo as a result of surgery.
Raymond Starr, 68, described being "like a running tap" and feeling "agitated and embarrassed".
Charity Prostate Cancer UK wants legislation to ensure sanitary bins are available in all male toilets.
The Welsh government said it had already introduced legislation to improve toilet facilities.
Mr Starr, a retired public servant from Abergele, Conwy county, was diagnosed in 2017 after a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test offered to over-55s identified abnormal levels.
He opted for a radical prostatectomy, after which patients are fitted with a catheter which is later removed, commonly followed by urinary incontinence.
"You're aware of it, but I don't think you really take on board what's likely to happen," said Mr Starr.
"I was literally like a running tap. It was horrendous."
Prostate Cancer UK said early stages of the disease often had no symptoms, so the side effects of treatments had the biggest effect on people's quality of life.
The charity said one in eight men got prostate cancer in their lifetime - one in four for black men - and stressed the importance of knowing the risks.
The incontinence was so bad that Mr Starr said he "couldn't see a way out".
"I thought, 'if I'm going to be like this for the rest of my life, I wish I'd never gone ahead with this'.
"I got quite agitated about it, I felt embarrassed. Every time I'd get up from a chair there would be leakage. If I tried to go upstairs to the toilet, by the time I got to the top I was wet through."
Nigel Rowland from Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, had a similar experience last year, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and opted for surgery in September.
The 65-year-old tow boat captain said: "I was aware that incontinence could well be a side effect, as well as erectile dysfunction, but I thought 'I want it out and that's it, I don't want to be playing around'."
Mr Rowland said the incontinence was "sort of OK" at home, but problematic when he was ready to get out again.
"Whenever we went out for a walk, or even when I went with my mates for a drink, I had to take a backpack with me.
"Basically you put the soaking wet nappy into the plastic bag. At the start it might even be two. You'd have to walk around and find a bin somewhere, or take it home with you."
Mr Rowland recalled one occasion when he visited a National Trust site with his family and ended up rushing to the toilet while his daughter's partner went to retrieve his bag from the car.
"By the time I got to the toilets, it was so wet it was pouring down the inside of my shorts. I felt so embarrassed, uncomfortable," he said.
"To put it bluntly, I'd drastically wet myself and it's not a nice feeling."
Nigel Rowland says carrying a "soaking wet nappy" around is "embarrassing"
Prostate Cancer UK's Boys Need Bins campaign hopes to prompt legislation to mandate sanitary disposal bins in all men's toilets.
Mr Rowland continued: "It's psychological as well, you don't want to be walking around with what's just happened inside your bag."
Mr Starr added that the "unpleasantness of it all" put him off leaving his home and the NHS-supplied pads were "quite a big, bulky thing".
"Where do you dispose of that? It's impossible. It takes a toll on mental health and it limits the freedom of actually moving from home."
Mr Rowland added: "I made a bit of a joke about it with my friends, because that's the way I dealt with it, eventually.
"I tried to relate it to cars doing so many miles per gallon, so when I was out with my mates it was how many pints per pad."
Both men have had successful outcomes from their surgeries and no longer suffer from regular incontinence, but hope that speaking out will raise awareness about the need for bins.
Mr Starr added: "It's up to the Senedd to be one of the leaders on this. I hope Wales could be the first to roll it out."
Nick Ridgman of Prostate Cancer UK said there were hundreds of thousands of men with urinary incontinence and it was "deeply unfair" that many men felt anxious about leaving the house.
He added: "It's frustrating, it creates worry and it doesn't allow those men or their families to go about their day with dignity."
Prostate Cancer UK has worked with Phs group to create a suitable sanitary bin for men's toilets
The awareness raising efforts of charities have recently seen a prostate cancer storyline introduced for Shane Richie's EastEnders character Alfie Moon.
In May, male incontinence was debated in the Senedd, with Labour's Carolyn Thomas admitting that she had been "naïve" to the issue before a "chance meeting" with a prostate cancer patient on a train who explained his wife often had to put his used pads in her handbag until they found a bin.
The Welsh government said: "In Wales, local authorities are legally required to produce local toilet strategies and, in doing so, they should take every opportunity to talk to the public and representative groups about the challenges they face in accessing local toilet facilities, listening to their concerns and delivering potential solutions.
"We have issued guidance to local authorities and this highlights that accessible toilets are more important for those with conditions such as incontinence, urgency and prostate problems." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-66458778 |
Russia sanctions UK politicians and journalists - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | Those on the list include Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer and BBC News chief executive Deborah Turness. | BBC News chief executive Deborah Turness (left) and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lucy Frazer (right) are on the sanctions list
Russia has banned 54 British nationals and people working for UK organisations from entering the country in retaliation for UK sanctions on its citizens, its foreign ministry says.
A number of journalists from the BBC, the Daily Telegraph and the Guardian are also on the list.
The BBC said it would "continue to report independently and fairly".
The Russian foreign ministry said the move was in response to "the aggressive implementation by London of a hostile anti-Russian course".
Ms Frazer was sanctioned for "actively lobbying for the international sports isolation of Russia", while Minister of State for Defence Annabel Goldie was described as being "responsible for the supply of weapons to Ukraine".
In March the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of the war crime of illegally deporting children from Ukraine, which Moscow denies.
Mr Khan told the BBC at the time: "Children can't be treated as the spoils of war, they can't be deported."
The BBC journalists include chief executive Deborah Turness, presenter and analysis editor Ros Atkins and disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring.
The Russian foreign ministry said it would continue to expand its "stop list".
Russia has already barred a number of British journalists and defence figures as well as hundreds of elected British MPs.
In June last year, the BBC's Clive Myrie and Orla Guerin were among journalists who have reported from Ukraine to be banned. BBC director general Tim Davie was also on the list.
The UK is among Western countries to have sanctioned Russia in response to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
These include a ban on the import of goods from Russia such as diamonds, oil and gas.
Earlier this month, the British government announced what it described as the "largest ever UK action" targeting Russia's access to foreign military supplies..
More than 1,000 Russian businesses and individuals have been sanctioned by the US, EU, UK and other countries. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66548488 |
Colombia earthquake: Guests leave as live TV broadcast disrupted - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | The news anchor remained calm and went to a commercial break. | An earthquake with a 6.1 magnitude has interrupted a live TV broadcast in Bogota, Colombia.
The tremor was followed by a series of aftershocks, estimated at 5.6 and 4.8 magnitudes. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-66553771 |
Spain v England: Jorge Vilda - the divisive Spain coach targeting Women's World Cup glory - BBC Sport | 2023-08-19 | Spain face England in the Women's World Cup with their boss Jorge Vilda dividing opinion after he survived a player revolt to keep his job. | Having survived a player revolt less than 12 months ago, Spain boss Jorge Vilda is one match away from guiding his team to glory at the Women's World Cup.
Spain face England on Sunday having reached their first final despite a backdrop of unrest and disharmony, and though it seemed unthinkable a few months ago, Vilda could end up with his hands on the trophy.
On 22 September, two months after a 2-1 quarter-final defeat by eventual winners England at Euro 2022, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) released a statement revealing that 15 players had submitted identical emails saying they would not play for Vilda unless "significant" concerns over their "emotional state" and "health" were addressed.
"Las 15", as the players became known, denied claims they had asked for Vilda to be sacked, but tension followed amid reports of concern over training methods and inadequate game preparation.
At the time, Vilda said: "I wouldn't wish what I'm going through on anyone. I'm with those players who want to be part of this national team."
Vilda has always maintained the support of RFEF president Luis Rubiales and it was the rebel players, rather than the coach, who were axed from the squad.
The players involved have avoided talking publicly about the situation but discussions did happen behind the scenes in a bid to find a resolution before the World Cup.
Only three of the 15 who were frozen out of the set-up - forward Mariona Caldentey, midfielder Aitana Bonmati and defender Ona Batlle - were picked for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Goalkeeper Sandra Panos, defender Mapi Leon, midfielder Patri Guijarro and forward Claudia Pina, who all helped Barcelona win the Champions League in June, were among those not recalled. Manchester City defenders Leila Ouahabi and Laia Aleixandri also missed out, as did Manchester United forward Lucia Garcia.
• None Spain reach final as boss Vilda says family have 'suffered'
'I don't know how much Vilda is doing'
The issues surrounding the players and Vilda have never been far from the surface despite Spain's impressive progress.
Vilda, along with his coaching staff, has been noticeably absent from the immediate on-pitch celebrations with his players following their wins in the knockout stages.
After his side's semi-final win over Sweden, Vilda said: "The support of [RFEF president] Luis Rubiales and everyone at the federation means so much and will always stay with me, as well as that of my family because they have suffered this year."
The 42-year-old became head coach in 2015, but until this summer his team had failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals of a major tournament, while a Barcelona side comprising mainly Spanish players has sparkled in club football.
Former Spain captain Veronica Boquete, who retired from international football in 2017, believes the dispute has caused some Spanish fans to turn against the team.
Speaking to the World Football at the Women's World Cup podcast, Boquete said: "In Spain people have half of their hearts wanting Spain to go all the way and beat everyone and half of their hearts saying 'if we lose, it's OK because we don't believe some people there deserve to be world champions'.
"The players on the field have been fantastic and everyone would be happy for them, [but] not that happy for the rest.
"It's not easy to be in an environment that's not a happy place. The players should be really proud of what they are doing. You have to give credit to everyone, but a little bit more to the players."
Spain started their World Cup with 3-0 and 5-0 wins against Costa Rica and Zambia respectively, before a 4-0 thrashing by Japan in the group stage gave more ammunition to 42-year-old Vilda's critics.
However, a 5-1 victory over Switzerland followed as Spain won a knockout match at a World Cup for the first time, before they defeated 2019 runners-up Netherlands 2-1 in the quarter-final and a Sweden side ranked third in the world by the same score in the semi-final.
"I don't know how much Jorge Vilda is doing," says Boquete. "In the game against Japan, everyone was criticising tactical decisions and player choices. The game was really bad.
"Now they are winning, we don't know who chooses everyone on the field or if he has an impact on the performances of the players."
Spain did not qualify for the first six Women's World Cups, went out in the group stages in 2015, and only made it to the last 16 four years later.
Former Barcelona manager Lluis Cortes feels Vilda should receive more praise for what his team have managed to achieve during this summer's tournament.
"I think he deserves all the credit," Cortes told BBC World Service.
"It's true that Jorge has been criticised by journalists and analysts for his match plan or how he lines up the team, but if we focus only on the tournament, Jorge's doing well.
"He's been brave because he's making good decisions in terms of line-ups, substitutions. After the defeat against Japan, he changed four or five players, also the goalkeeper - a brave move.
"In the last match against Sweden, the key of that victory was to put Salma [Paralluelo] as a nine [centre-forward].
"She was attacking the back of the defence all the time, it created more space between the lines, then Jenni [Hermoso] and Aitana had more time to play between the lines. It was a clever move."
Cortes feels the coaching staff and players have put their personal differences behind them for the good of their country.
He added: "It's true the team were divided, but they were so professional because they hit the reset button before the World Cup started, and were able to play as a team.
"You don't need to be the best friend of your team-mate, you have to be the best team-mate and play as a team. You don't need to go party with her, you need to play at your best level with her.
"If they are in the final it means they respect and believe the coach.
"The players understood this is the only way to go altogether to the same direction. They are trusting and believing Jorge, at least during this tournament."
Spanish radio reporter Sara Gutierrez says Spain's progress to the final is a blow to those who wanted to see Vilda lose his job.
She told World Football at the Women's World Cup podcast: "If people wanted Jorge Vilda out, he needed to be at home right now, not in a final.
"For the decisions he has made during the tournament, with the changes that he has made, now we are not able to say that Jorge Vilda shouldn't be the coach of this team. Right now, Vilda is doing really well in the tournament."
However, she says she feels conflicted ahead of the final because of the absence of some "great" players who should be part of the World Cup.
"It's great that Spain are in the final, but the problems are still there. You fight against yourself - the one that wants Spain to win the final game and the one that is like 'there are some players at home watching the game through the TV [who deserve to be playing]' - it's complicated."
But she is delighted that a generation of young girls in Spain now have role models to look up to.
"I think of them and I'm so happy that this team could be in the final," she adds.
• None Go here for all the latest from the Women's World Cup | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66539272 |
Hurricane Hilary weakens but could still be deadly - US - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | The storm is expected to hit Mexico's Pacific coast and then move towards southern California. | Residents of Seal Beach, California, filling up sand bags to help fortify their homes on Saturday
Hurricane Hilary has weakened as it heads towards Mexico's Pacific coast and California but could still cause "life-threatening" flooding, US meteorologists warn.
With winds of 85 mph (140 km/h), it has been downgraded to a Category 1 storm.
Heavy rain lashed parts of Mexico's Baja California peninsula and the south-western US overnight.
One man died after being swept away while crossing a stream in Baja California, an official said.
The man had been travelling in a car with his three children and a woman. The others all survived, local media reported.
Hilary is expected to weaken further to a tropical storm before it reaches southern California. Even still, it would be the first tropical storm to hit the US state in more than 80 years.
In its latest update at 06:00 GMT on Sunday, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Hilary was roughly 90 miles (145km) south of Baja California's westernmost point of Punta Eugenia.
Its centre will "move close to the west-central coast of the Baja California peninsula" on Sunday morning and will then move across southern California on Sunday afternoon, the NHC said.
"Hilary appears to be weakening quickly," John Cangialosi, a senior hurricane specialist at the NHC, told the Associated Press news agency on Saturday.
"The eye is filling and the cloud tops in the eyewall and rainbands have been warming during the past several hours," he added.
Hilary was earlier a powerful Category 4 storm with winds up to 130mph.
Rainfall could reach 10in (25cm) in some areas of southern California and southern Nevada, the NHC said it Sunday morning's update. "Dangerous to catastrophic flooding is expected."
Heavy rain and winds hit Cabo San Lucas in Baja California, Mexico, on Saturday
In San Diego, the National Weather Service (NWS) earlier issued a warning for the "high potential" of flash flooding. Nearly 26 million people in the south-western US were under flood watch.
On Friday, US President Joe Biden said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) had "pre-positioned personnel and supplies in the region".
"I urge everyone in the path of the storm to take precautions and listen to the guidance from state and local officials," he said.
Parts of Mexico are under a tropical storm watch and its government has placed 18,000 soldiers on standby to assist in rescue efforts.
As the storm approached, Major League Baseball rescheduled three games in southern California, while SpaceX delayed the launch of a rocket from its base on the central California coast until at least Monday.
The National Park Service also closed Joshua Tree National Park and Mojave National Preserve, both in California, to prevent visitors from being stranded in the event of flooding.
Local officials in cities across the region, including in Arizona, have offered sandbags to residents seeking to safeguard their properties against potential floodwaters.
Hurricanes and tropical storms are reasonably common in Mexico. But the last time a tropical storm made landfall in southern California was in Long Beach in 1939.
Experts say the abnormal weather events plaguing the US - and several areas across the globe - are being influenced by human-caused climate change.
In the wake July 2023 - the hottest month on record according to Nasa - the deadliest wildfire in modern US history spread across Hawaii on 8 August, killing at least 111 people.
The damage was escalated by hurricane winds passing through the area. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66499946 |
Lucy Letby's first police interview - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | 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 |
Recreating the face of Bonnie Prince Charlie - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | A model of the face of Bonnie Prince Charlie had been created using images taken from death masks. | A model of the face of Bonnie Prince Charlie had been created using hundreds of images taken from death masks.
A team at the University of Dundee's Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification used the masks to recreate the Scottish prince's looks.
After his death in 1788, a cast of the prince's face was taken, which was common for notable figures at the time.
This was painstakingly photographed and mapped along with software allowing the experts to "de-age" the prince to the year 1745, the time of the Jacobite rising. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-66547219 |
Mela parade brings colour to Belfast city centre - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | Despite the grey skies, some 1000 people take to the city's streets in traditional clothes. | Organisers said about 1000 people took part in the annual Mela parade
Despite the grey skies, Belfast was awash with colour on Saturday as the annual Mela event kicked off with a parade through the city centre.
It has been running for 17 years, and the carnival parade for two years.
About 1000 people representing more than 20 different groups took part in their traditional clothes.
Founder and Chief Executive of ArtsEkta and The Belfast Mela Nisha Tandon said it was important to celebrate Northern Ireland's cultural diversity.
She is also hopeful to break last year's record of 60,000 people attending all events featured across the Mela.
A combination of world music, dance, food and art, the Mela is well known for attracting people of all backgrounds and ages.
Groups brought colour and music to Belfast's Cathedral Quarter on Saturday
The nine-day event is a celebration of global cultures which sees tens of thousands of visitors come together.
The festival finale next weekend will see Botanic Gardens transformed into a magical global garden filled with the sights, sounds and aromas of nations right around the world. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-66554555 |
Canada wildfires: The past 2 days in 75 seconds - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | As Canada's northern and western provinces battle historic wildfires, thousands have been displaced. | This video can not be played
To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66552817 |
Lucy Letby: Government orders independent inquiry - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | The inquiry will investigate the circumstances around the deaths, as well as the handling of concerns. | Letby killed the babies at a Chester hospital in 2015 and 2016
The government has ordered an independent inquiry into the circumstances behind serial killer Lucy Letby's "horrific" baby murders.
The Department of Health said it would look at how clinicians' concerns were handled, as a BBC investigation found hospital bosses ignored doctors' warnings about Letby.
Letby was found guilty of murdering seven babies at a hospital in Chester.
She was also found guilty of attempting to murder another six babies.
On two counts of attempted murder, she was found not guilty. The jury could not reach verdicts on six counts of attempted murder.
Detectives are reviewing the care of all babies admitted to hospital while Letby was working as a neonatal nurse. The review includes her work placements at Liverpool Women's Hospital in 2012 and 2015, although police say this did not involve any deaths.
Detective superintendent Paul Hughes said: "We would be foolish if we were to think we have gathered all cases that Lucy Letby could have touched in one go.
"So we are committed to doing an overarching investigation looking at every single baby's admission into neonatal unit for the entire footprint that Lucy Letby has been employed."
Cheshire Police stressed that only cases highlighted as medically concerning would be further investigated.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health said the independent inquiry aimed to provide answers to the parents of babies she murdered or attempted to murder, and make sure lessons are learnt.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay said: "I am determined their voices are heard, and they are involved in shaping the scope of the inquiry should they wish to do so.
"It will help us identify where and how patient safety standards failed to be met and ensure mothers and their partners rightly have faith in our healthcare system."
The inquiry will not have the power to summon evidence or witnesses, as it is not a statutory inquiry, such as the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
Health Minister Helen Whately said this meant it could be conducted "at pace", adding that there were "definitely" questions to be answered around doctors repeatedly raising concerns about Letby.
But City of Chester MP Samantha Dixon has written to the health secretary asking why the government has skipped a statutory inquiry.
And former Crown Prosecution Service chief in north-west England Nazir Afzal, who prosecuted nurse Victorino Chua found guilty of murdering patients in Stockport in 2015, described the decision as "hugely disappointing".
"You have to compel people... I really don't think a non-traditional inquiry has the powers to hold people to account, which is important here," he told BBC Radio 4's PM programme. "It's not just a fact-finding [mission] which is what I think this inquiry will do, people need to be held to account for their failures."
Lord Bichard, who chaired the inquiry into the Soham murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman by Ian Huntley, said he was surprised the government did not take advantage of the powers of a statutory inquiry.
"Too many inquiries take too long to make a conclusion and make too many recommendations and don't follow them up," he added. "It's really, really important we start making better use of inquiries in this country and that we follow up their conclusions."
In a statement following the verdict, Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said it was "extremely sorry" the crimes happened in its hospital and it has since made "significant changes" to their services.
Meanwhile, former chief executive of the hospital Tony Chambers and former medical director Ian Harvey, who were in charge at the time Letby was working at Countess of Chester Hospital, have said they will co-operate fully with the inquiry into the case.
A lead consultant at the neonatal unit where Letby worked told the BBC hospital bosses failed to investigate allegations and tried to silence doctors.
Dr Stephen Brearey first raised concerns about Letby in October 2015. No action was taken and she went on to attack five more babies, killing two.
The hospital also delayed calling the police despite months of warnings that the nurse may have been killing babies.
Letby, 33, was not in the dock when the final verdicts were given at Manchester Crown Court on Friday. She will be sentenced on Monday.
If you, or someone you know, have been affected by the issues raised here, there are details of organisations that may be able to offer support on the BBC Action Line. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66547863 |
What I learned about Lucy Letby after 10 months in court - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | The nurse was questioned for nearly 60 hours - the BBC's Judith Moritz watched it all. | I've spent ten months in the presence of Lucy Letby, and I still don't understand her. I'm not sure what you'd expect Britain's most prolific child killer to look like. But I'm pretty sure it's not this.
Photos on social media chart Letby's old life - nights out with friends, dressed up and goofing about for the camera. She doesn't look like that now - her dyed blonde hair has returned to its natural brown.
Behind the glass screen of the dock she cut a feeble figure, flanked by prison officers and clutching a pink scarf like a comforter. A severe expression replaced the smiles from her photos.
The families of the murdered babies filled the public gallery. Across the aisle, most of the seats were empty. But the nurse's mother and father, Susan and John, showed up, day after day. They were sometimes joined by one of their daughter's friends - the only one to come.
My berth on the press bench was no more than five metres away from Letby's seat. Every so often I'd look across at the nurse, to try to catch a glimpse of character. As bereaved parents recounted the horrors of watching their children die, the nurse maintained a neutral expression. No matter how emotionally charged the evidence was, she sat passively.
Very rarely, as she was brought in and out, she'd look up and catch my eye, but just as quickly, she'd look away again. I tried to look into her soul. I drew a blank. I started to question whether we'd ever see the real Lucy Letby.
The trial began in October and as the court broke up for the holidays, I wondered what sort of Christmas she was having, behind bars in prison in Yorkshire.
It wasn't until February that I first saw a hint of emotion from Letby. It wasn't prompted by an upsetting piece of evidence, or harrowing testimony. It was the voice of a doctor that caused the nurse to break.
She couldn't see him - he was hidden behind screens to protect his identity - but she could hear him speak, and his voice seemed to trigger feelings we hadn't seen before.
Later, Letby admitted she had "loved him like a friend". We were shown flirty texts between the two, which suggested that although the doctor was married, it might have been more than that. The prosecution painted him as her boyfriend.
I found it interesting that while the nurse remained composed throughout months of evidence relating to the terrible suffering of tiny babies, her first sign of emotion seemed to be borne out of pangs of longing for this doctor.
There were only a handful of other occasions when tears came to the surface. During evidence about being taken off nursing duty, when excerpts of her post-arrest interviews were read out, and when it was mentioned she'd had suicidal thoughts.
Much later, when lead prosecutor Nick Johnson KC got to his feet to start cross-examining Letby, his first question was one I'd been wondering too.
"Is there any reason that you cry when you talk about yourself," he asked, "but you don't cry when talking about these dead and seriously injured children?"
"I have cried when talking about some of those babies," Letby replied.
The first buds of spring arrived, and the trial trundled on.
The dense evidence was hard going. Blood gas records. Fluid balance charts. Clinical notes. The glossary of medical terms handed to the media at the start of the trial had become redundant. By now we were all fluent in the terminology of neonatal medicine.
The prosecution's case was carefully built on data and documentation, but it wasn't evidence that gave any clue about Letby's character. As the case progressed without any insight into her possible motives, the nurse's personality remained the elephant in the room.
Occasionally, something would cast a shard of light on Letby's life. The jury saw photos of her house taken by police after her arrest. Art covered in clichéd quotes hung on the walls. A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes. Sparkles Wherever You Go. Shine Bright Like A Diamond.
There were teddy bears on the bed. Artificial flowers. A fluffy pink dressing gown hanging on the back of her bedroom door. Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit. A Mrs Doubtfire DVD.
Two books sat by Letby's bedside. In Shock, a doctor's memoir about being dangerously ill after a miscarriage, and Never Greener, a novel about a young woman who had an affair with a married man.
In the autumn, the case had opened with a flourish when the prosecution produced a green post-it note discovered by police after Letby's arrest. Covered in a desperate scrawl, it included phrases like, I AM EVIL I DID THIS, I killed them on purpose because I'm not good enough, I don't deserve to live, I am an awful person.
The prosecution held it up as a confession. The defence argued it was an anguished cri de coeur written by the wrongly accused.
Either way, it was the most significant insight we had into Letby's state of mind. I wrote to the judge to ask for permission to make it public. He agreed.
Several months on, the trial returned to the note. It turned out it wasn't the only scribbled memo police had found - Letby had covered all sorts of pieces of paper with her ramblings. Tightly packed lines of handwriting laid bare her mindset as she was taken off duty as a nurse and the net closed in.
Please help me, I can't do this any more, Hate my life, I want someone to help me but they can't were all scrawled alongside the names of friends, colleagues and the married doctor, whose name was embellished with love heart doodles.
The names of her cats, Tigger and Smudge, appeared frequently.
One of the notes was found inside Letby's 2016 diary, a journal with a cartoon bear on its cover and the tagline, "Have a lovely year!"
We were shown a week in which she'd noted a reminder to pay her council tax, and diarised a night out at a Mexican restaurant and a salsa class. This was the same week she murdered two brothers. The baby boys were triplets.
I tried to get my head around the possibility of this double life.
WhatsApp and Facebook messages Letby had sent to friends and colleagues were shown to the court every so often, but it was hard to build up a picture of the nurse's character through individual texts.
I spent time compiling them and started to spot some interesting themes. Quite often she'd text other nurses to tell them about her involvement with babies who had collapsed - it looked like she was fishing for sympathy.
Certain messages hinted at a possible God complex.
Other texts sent a chill down my spine - including one written the night before she returned to work after a holiday.
And one she sent about two brothers.
It was particularly fascinating to read Letby's texts as she began to realise she was under suspicion.
We were deep into the prosecution case, and I still couldn't marry up Letby's apparent normality with the enormity of the allegations she was facing - but the case against her was beginning to stack up.
Dawn didn't feature in the trial, but she and Letby go way back - they grew up together and are still in touch.
Dawn was immediately warm and likeable. We went for a drive and she pointed out the cathedral green where she and Letby used to hang out, and their favourite restaurants.
"That's where we used to spend lunch times, away from all the popular kids," Dawn told me as we drove past the geography block of their old school.
She laughed. "No, we were the nerdy ones that concentrated on our studies, and didn't mess around in the lessons."
The friends had moved on to sixth form college together, and while most of their circle had no firm career plans, Dawn told me Letby was clear about her path.
"It was always her aspiration - her dream - to become a nurse and to help babies," Dawn said. "She told me she'd had quite a difficult birth herself and was quite poorly, and I think that's affected a lot of her life.
"She feels that's what she was called to do - to help children who might have been born in similar circumstances."
Unwavering in her loyalty and belief that her friend was incapable of murder, was it possible that Letby had pulled the wool over her eyes?
Dawn let out a long sigh, before answering.
"The only way I'd ever believe that she's guilty is if she tells me she's guilty," she said.
I was struck by Dawn's certainty, but my own mind was far less settled. Like Dawn, I needed to hear directly from the nurse herself.
Professor David Wilson, a criminologist with an interest in healthcare serial killers, told me Letby was facing a "crucial decision" about whether to give evidence at the trial - or not.
"I've seen people do it and they unravel within the first five minutes," he said. "They might be clever, they might actually hold their own, but their entire attitude in the witness box can really prejudice what the jury thinks about them."
Professor Wilson said the outcome of the entire case might hinge on whether or not Letby decided to take the stand herself - which she finally did, at the start of May.
I came into court one morning, and Letby was sitting just in front of me, staring straight ahead. She looked tense and kept her hands clasped below the counter.
She was asked to stand, gave her name, and swore to tell the truth. I was gripped.
The nurse's defence barrister, Ben Myers KC, got to his feet. He started gently, with questions about Letby's childhood and school days - benign stuff, but I hung on every word - after seven months it was captivating just to hear her speak.
Letby came across as well-spoken and unflustered, thoughtful and co-operative.
I started to detect certain phrases she had on repeat. Asked about the Facebook searches she made for the babies' parents she replied: "That was a normal pattern of behaviour for me."
And asked about taking nursing documents home with her, and storing them? "That was a normal pattern of behaviour for me," she said. It sounded rehearsed.
After five days of relatively tame questioning from her own barrister, the prosecutor, Nick Johnson KC, bore down on Letby. The easy ride was over.
What followed was the court at its most compelling. At first, Letby coped well. She clearly felt equal to her interrogator, and her knowledge of neonatal medicine was obvious - sometimes it veered on cocky.
She disagreed with established nursing guidelines, senior doctors, and medical experts. There were even moments when she tried to outsmart Johnson. Those never ended well.
The prosecutor picked holes in her testimony, pointing out the differences between what she'd told the police after her arrest, and what she was saying in court. He found examples of her disagreeing with herself - highlighting evidence she had previously agreed and was now disputing.
"You're lying aren't you, Lucy Letby?" he'd ask her. "You enjoyed what was going on didn't you, Lucy Letby?"
"No," she'd answer, meekly. It was clear he was getting to her.
The defendant's delivery started to change. She became staccato and monosyllabic. Her voice level dropped to a whisper, and even though I was just a few metres away, it was becoming harder and harder to hear her.
And then, for the first time, Letby asked to stop.
Nick Johnson had been asking her about each baby in the order they appeared on the charge sheet. We were only four babies in - I remember wondering how on earth she was going to manage to get through the remaining 13.
The jury was asked to leave the room, and we were told Letby's welfare officer had visited her. The court finished early for the day and the prosecution team walked out looking jubilant.
They had her on the ropes.
In total, Letby spent 14 days in the witness box and faced nearly 60 hours of questioning - but did I feel any clearer about her true self? No.
She returned to the glass walled dock for the rest of the trial. June turned to July. The lawyers closed their cases, and the judge summed up the evidence.
Now the nurse's future was in the jury's hands. They had nine months of evidence, and 22 charges to work through. Was Letby evil personified, or a victim herself? How they felt about her would determine the rest of her life.
The smiling nurse with the sing-song name who went to salsa classes is now Britain's most prolific child murderer. Can anyone make sense of that? I know I can't.
If you, or someone you know, need help after reading this story, details of organisations offering assistance can be found on the BBC Action Line website. | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66104004 |
Sweden 2-0 Australia: Kosovare Asllani stunner secures World Cup bronze for Sweden - BBC Sport | 2023-08-19 | Kosovare Asllani's stunning second-half strike seals victory for Sweden as they beat Australia to finish third at the Women's World Cup at Brisbane Stadium. | Last updated on .From the section Women's World Cup
Kosovare Asllani's stunning second-half strike sealed victory for Sweden as they beat Australia to finish third at the Women's World Cup.
She rifled in a shot from the edge of the area to add to Fridolina Rolfo's first-half penalty as Sweden won the bronze medal match for the second World Cup in succession.
Despite the defeat, this represents co-hosts Australia's best ever World Cup finish but the Matildas were unable to end on a high.
Rolfo's penalty gave Peter Gerhardsson's side the lead after a video assistant referee (VAR) check confirmed that Claire Hunt had clipped Stina Blackstenius in the box after 26 minutes.
And on the hour mark, Blackstenius played a superb square ball to Asllani, who stroked in a first-time shot to double their lead.
"It was an incredibly important match and the final 10 minutes were really tough," said Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson.
"So when that final whistle went and we had won, there was a great sense of relief and it was a wonderful feeling.
"It's great to win a match of this magnitude - there's been a lot of attention paid to this tournament back in Sweden."
The Matildas' achievement in finishing fourth cannot be understated in a country where football is not the number one sport.
Their 3-1 semi-final defeat by England was the most watched TV event in Australian history with 11.15 million viewers tuning in.
But they seemed deflated on Saturday and put in a tired performance, with even their talisman Sam Kerr struggling to make an impact on the game - in fact, she had the fewest touches of any player on the pitch in the first half.
Their best chances fell to Hayley Raso and Clare Polkinghorne, but they were both denied by Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic.
"We wanted to have some hardware to take home, it wasn't to be," said captain Kerr.
"We've proved to the world - and also within Australia - that we are a footballing nation."
Australia, who had only ever reached the quarter-finals once previously, in 2015, were the first hosts to reach the semi-finals since United States in 2003.
Their efforts in this tournament have certainly captured the hearts of the fans in green and gold and the hope will be that that leaves a lasting legacy.
"We have a massive amount of work to do now to capitalise on this," said Australia's coach Tony Gustavsson.
"Now there needs to be long-term investment to really make sure we really benefit from this crossroads moment in women's football in this country."
Sweden have plenty of experience of playing in the third-fourth place match, having reached the semi-finals on five occasions but only making the final once - in 2003, when they were beaten by Germany.
And they dominated the game to win bronze for a fourth time.
They were already on on top before Rolfo beat the dive of Australia keeper Mackenzie Arnold with a well-placed penalty into the bottom left corner to give them the lead.
And Asllani's super strike secured victory in a game of a few clear cut chances.
It has been another fine tournament for the Scandinavians who topped their group with maximum points before knocking out defending champions the United States in the last 16.
An impressive victory over Japan followed, but their failure to successfully negotiate a semi-final once again after their dramatic exit at the hands of Spain, will be their lasting memory of this tournament.
• None Attempt missed. Caitlin Foord (Australia) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right.
• None Lina Hurtig (Sweden) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
• None Alex Chidiac (Australia) wins a free kick on the right wing.
• None Attempt missed. Emily van Egmond (Australia) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
• None Attempt missed. Kyra Cooney-Cross (Australia) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
• None Elin Rubensson (Sweden) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
• None Alex Chidiac (Australia) wins a free kick on the right wing. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66543416 |
Nurse Lucy Letby guilty of murdering seven babies on neonatal unit - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | The 33-year-old is convicted of killing babies at the hospital neonatal unit where she worked. | Lucy Letby, 33, targeted babies when she was working as a neonatal nurse
Nurse Lucy Letby has been found guilty of murdering seven babies on a neonatal unit, making her the UK's most prolific child serial killer in modern times.
The 33-year-old has also been convicted of trying to kill six other infants at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016.
Letby deliberately injected babies with air, force fed others milk and poisoned two of the infants with insulin.
She refused to appear in the dock for the latest verdicts.
They have been delivered by the jury over several hearings but they were not reportable until jurors were discharged.
Letby broke down in tears as the first set of guilty verdicts were read out by the jury's foreman on 8 August after 76 hours of deliberations.
She cried with her head bowed as the second set were returned on 11 August.
Her mother sobbed loudly and was heard to say "this can't be right - you can't be serious" while the families of the babies cried and gasped.
Letby, originally from Hereford, was found not guilty of two counts of attempted murder.
The jury was unable to reach verdicts on six further attempted murder charges.
Nicholas Johnson KC, prosecuting, asked the court for 28 days to consider whether a retrial would be sought for these remaining six counts.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Watch the moment police arrest Lucy Letby at her home
During the trial, which started in October 2022, the prosecution labelled Letby as a "calculating and devious" opportunist who "gaslighted" colleagues to cover her "murderous assaults".
She was convicted following a lengthy investigation by Cheshire Police into the alarming and unexplained rise in deaths and near-fatal collapses of premature babies at the hospital.
Before June 2015, there were fewer than three baby deaths per year on the neonatal unit.
Her defence team argued the deaths and collapses were the result of "serial failures in care" in the unit and she was the victim of a "system that wanted to apportion blame when it failed".
The trial lasted for more than 10 months and it is believed to be the longest murder trial in the UK.
Letby was charged in November 2020 with murder and attempted murder
One of the babies' family members left the courtroom when the jury foreman said it was not possible to return verdicts on the remaining six counts, while a couple of jurors appeared upset.
As the judge discharged the jury, he told the panel of four men and seven women that it had "been a most distressing and upsetting case" and they were excused from serving on juries in the future.
Letby will be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Monday.
She has indicated - via her legal team - that she does not want to attend her sentencing hearing or follow proceedings via a videolink from prison.
The reasons for her non-attendance have not yet been disclosed by the judge.
The Ministry of Justice said the Lord Chancellor had been clear that he wanted victims to see justice delivered and for all those found guilty to hear society's condemnation at their sentencing hearing.
"Defendants can already be ordered by a judge to attend court with those who fail facing up to two years in prison," the spokesman added.
Legislation to force convicted criminals to appear in court for their sentencing is currently being examined.
The jury was shown a note, found at her home, which read: "I am evil I did this"
The parents of twin brothers who were among Letby's 13 victims have told the BBC the nurse was a "hateful human being" who had taken "everything" from them.
Letby murdered one of their baby boys, and tried to kill the other twin the following day.
They said their child, who is now seven years old, was badly harmed by Letby and has been left with severe learning difficulties and "a lot of complex needs".
"There's a consequence and he's living with it," his mother said.
Janet Moore, Cheshire Police's family liaison officer, speaking on behalf of the babies' families, said it had been a "long, torturous and emotional journey".
"We are heartbroken, devastated, angry and feel numb," she said.
"We may never truly know why this has happened."
Senior Crown Prosecutor Pascale Jones said the nurse "did her utmost to conceal her crimes, by varying the ways in which she repeatedly harmed babies in her care".
She said Letby "sought to deceive her colleagues and pass off the harm she caused as nothing more than a worsening of each baby's existing vulnerability".
"She perverted her learning and weaponised her craft to inflict harm, grief and death."
Detectives are continuing to review the care of some 4,000 babies admitted to hospital while Letby was working as a neonatal nurse.
The period covers her spell at the Countess of Chester Hospital from January 2012 to the end of June 2016, and includes two work placements at Liverpool Women's Hospital in 2012 and 2015.
Cheshire Police emphasised that only those cases highlighted as medically concerning would be investigated further.
They added that the review at Liverpool Women's Hospital did not involve any deaths.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
The lead consultant at the neonatal unit where Letby worked has told the BBC that hospital bosses failed to investigate allegations against the nurse and tried to silence doctors.
Dr Stephen Brearey first raised concerns about Letby in October 2015 but he said no action was taken and she went on to attack five more babies, killing two.
BBC Panorama and BBC News have been investigating how Letby was able to murder and harm so many babies for so long.
Dr Ravi Jayaram, a consultant paediatrician at the hospital, wrote on social media that the truth of what happened would "shock you to the core".
"There are bad people in all walks of life and many of them are very good at hiding in plain sight," he said.
"There are also people in highly paid positions of responsibility in healthcare whose job it is to ensure patient safety."
He said he felt relief that the "often-maligned criminal justice system" had "properly worked" this time.
But he said there were "things that need to come out about why it took several months from concerns being raised to the top brass before any action was taken to protect babies".
He added: "And why from that time it then took almost a year for those highly-paid senior managers to allow the police to be involved."
The government has since ordered an independent inquiry into the circumstances behind Letby's killing spree following her conviction.
The Department of Health said the inquiry would investigate the wider circumstances around what happened at the hospital, including the handling of concerns and governance, and would also look at what actions were taken by regulators and the wider NHS.
Prior to the government's announcement, Dr Nigel Scawn, executive medical director from the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said he was "deeply saddened and appalled" at Letby's crimes.
He said the trust was committed to learning lessons and would support its staff who had been "devastated" by what happened.
"We are grateful for the cooperation of our staff, especially those who have maintained the utmost professionalism whilst giving evidence in the trial, sometimes on multiple occasions," he added.
Ian Harvey, a former medical director at the hospital, said he would help the inquiry "in whatever way I can".
"As medical director, I was determined to keep the baby unit safe and support our staff.
I wanted the reviews and investigations carried out, so that we could tell the parents what had happened to their children," he said.
Inside the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital
Tony Chambers, former chief executive of the hospital, said he was "truly sorry" for what the families had gone through and he would "co-operate fully and openly" with any post-trial inquiry.
"As chief executive, my focus was on the safety of the baby unit and the wellbeing of patients and staff," said Mr Chambers, who served six years in his post before he resigned in September 2018.
"I was open and inclusive as I responded to information and guidance.
"The trial, and the lengthy police investigation, have shown the complex nature of the issues raised.
"There are always lessons to be learnt and the best place for this to be achieved would be through an independent inquiry."
Operation Hummingbird was launched in 2017 by Cheshire Police and Letby was first arrested at her home in Chester in July 2018.
Detectives gathered 32,000 pages of evidence, sifting through reams of medical records, and interviewed 2,000 people, with 250 identified as potential witnesses.
Det Supt Paul Hughes, who was the senior investigating officer (SIO) in the case said it had "been an investigation like no other - in scope, complexity and magnitude".
Det Ch Insp Nicola Evans, who was the deputy SIO, described the case as "truly crushing", adding there were "no winners".
"The compassion and strength shown by the parents - and wider family members - has been overwhelming," she said.
This is a distressing case so if you, or someone you know, need help after reading about it, the details of organisations offering assistance can be found on the BBC Action Line website.
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The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-65960514 |
Watch moment police arrest nurse Lucy Letby - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | The nurse who was found guilty of murdering seven babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital is led from her home into a police car. | Cheshire police has released video of the moment Lucy Letby was arrested at her home and taken away in a police car.
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-66534712 |
Twitter, now X, to remove blocking feature - Musk - BBC News | 2023-08-19 | 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 |
The Irish Light: Woman abused by paper which falsely said vaccine killed her son - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | Promoting a Covid conspiracy theory, the Irish Light's editor accuses the mum of "massive fraud". | A grieving mother and her lawyer have been targeted by an extreme campaign of abuse after suing a conspiracy theory newspaper which falsely claimed her son died from a Covid vaccine.
The Irish Light repeatedly abused Edel Campbell online and its supporters have threatened her lawyer with "execution".
Conspiracy theorists worldwide have used dozens of tragic deaths to spread vaccine misinformation.
This case is thought to be the first where a relative has sued.
The Irish Light included Ms Campbell's son, Diego Gilsenan, and 41 others in an article last year which suggested the "untested and dangerous" Covid vaccine was to blame for the deaths. In fact, the BBC has been told Diego had taken his own life in August 2021, aged 18, and had not been vaccinated.
The campaign of abuse following her legal case has been "nothing short of shocking" and may explain why other relatives have not taken action, Ms Campbell's solicitor, Ciaran Mulholland, told BBC Radio 4's Marianna in Conspiracyland podcast.
"You can understand why a lot of people were incredibly reluctant to go to a solicitor when they saw the backlash with Edel Campbell," he said.
Ms Campbell told the BBC that the Irish Light has "made my life hell" and said she's now fearful of speaking out.
The BBC has agreed not to use a photo of Ms Campbell - or her son - for this story to protect her.
In frequent social media posts over several weeks, the Irish Light and its editor, Gemma O'Doherty, have accused Ms Campbell of "outrageous lies", being "mentally unstable" and involved in a "massive fraud". There are also extreme references to suicide about Ms Campbell.
According to Mr Mulholland, people who support the Irish Light have called for him to be executed or shot, as well as anonymously calling his office and threatening other members of staff.
Ms Campbell and her solicitor decided to bring a civil case against Ms O'Doherty for harassment with defamation, after the paper published a photo of her son Diego Gilsenan and others on the front page under the headline "Died Suddenly".
This tagline has been widely used across social media by conspiracy theory activists to suggest unexpected deaths of young people are related to the Covid-19 vaccine.
In the article that featured Ms Campbell's son, the Irish Light claims that the establishment is not questioning the "mysterious deaths" because "they know exactly what it is: the untested and dangerous injection they forced into the Irish people".
Ciaran Mulholland, Ms Campbell's lawyer, said the level of abuse she has received may be preventing others from speaking out
Deaths from Covid vaccines are extremely rare. UK figures record 55 deaths where the vaccine was given as the underlying cause, out of more than 50m people who have had at least one dose.
Among some of the other young people featured by the Irish Light, one died in a swimming pool accident, another from a head injury and a third from meningitis, according to their families.
Ms Campbell says the Irish Light did not contact her for comment about Diego before publication. The BBC also understands that the Irish Light did not contact several other family members of young people featured.
Mr Mulholland said the aim of the legal case is not "retribution" or compensation. "All Edel Campbell wanted was to protect the integrity of Diego, and her family as a whole," he said.
Ms Campbell's legal case has been funded through donations and her lawyer's pro-bono work.
He told the BBC the legal proceedings were launched after various attempts to ask Gemma O'Doherty to remove the images of Diego Gilsenan failed and resulted in an escalation in online abuse.
In July, the High Court in Dublin granted a restraining order that prohibits the Irish Light editor from contacting Ms Campbell and from using or publishing the image of her son for any purpose without his mother's consent.
Abusive posts about Ms Campbell have continued on social media, including from the Irish Light account on X, formerly known as Twitter, which Gemma O'Doherty has admitted to running.
Ms Campbell made reports of harassment to the police - but Mr Mulholland says they are yet to contact or question Gemma O'Doherty about these.
Garda Síochána - the Republic of Ireland's national police service - told the BBC that it "does not comment on named individuals" or "specifics of on-going investigations". It says it continues to "actively investigate the alleged harassment of an individual in the North Western Region" of Ireland.
Ms O'Doherty and the Irish Light have not responded to the BBC's request for comment. However, on social media the Irish Light says the BBC will "do a character assassination" on Gemma O'Doherty because "she exposed the vaccine genocide".
In its gallery of recent front pages, the Irish Light shows the one featuring Diego as "censored" after a restraining order
In online posts, Ms O'Doherty denies harassing Edel Cambell and continues to suggest her son's death was sinister or mysterious in some way. She has instructed a solicitor to defend the case brought against her.
The Irish Light is a sister paper of its namesake in the UK, the Light, although they are editorially independent of each other. The BBC previously revealed the UK paper has called for the execution of politicians and doctors. It has links to the British far-right and a German publication connected to a failed coup attempt.
As well as more innocuous features, the Irish Light has published stories promoting conspiracy theories such as "Pfizer knew the vaccine would kill", "Water fluoridation is lowering Irish IQ", "Why manmade climate change is a fraud" and "Irish to become a minority in Ireland".
While Ms Campbell is thought to be the first to sue over a false claim about a vaccine death, the case has parallels with other victims of conspiracy theorists.
Manchester Arena bomb survivors are suing over claims the attack was faked and parents of Sandy Hook mass shooting victims won a landmark ruling against Infowars host Alex Jones.
Listen to the bonus episode of BBC Radio 4's Marianna in Conspiracyland on BBC Sounds. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66424582 |
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City (4-1 on pens): Gunners win shootout to secure Community Shield - BBC Sport | 2023-08-06 | Arsenal give their hopes of beating Manchester City to the Premier League title a psychological boost by winning the Community Shield on penalties. | Last updated on .From the section Football
Arsenal gave their hopes of beating Manchester City to the Premier League title a psychological boost as they defeated Pep Guardiola's side on penalties to win the Community Shield.
After a largely forgettable 70 minutes in the season curtain-raiser, Cole Palmer looked to have won it for City when the substitute curled home a stunning strike.
But Leandro Trossard equalised in the 101st minute when his shot deflected into the back of the net.
That took the game to spot-kicks, where substitute Kevin de Bruyne struck the crossbar before Rodri saw his effort saved and then Fabio Vieira converted to secure the silverware for Arsenal.
• None Guardiola says injury-time 'big brains' never consulted them
• None Read reaction to the Community Shield here
• None How did you rate Arsenal's performance? Have your say here
• None What did you make of Manchester City's display? Send us your views here
Arsenal led the Premier League for 248 days last season but their challenge fell apart in the closing stages as City overtook them to claim the title as part of a Treble, along with the Champions League and FA Cup.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta admitted in the build-up to this game that the end of last season still hurt, and was clearly desperate to get one over City, who beat his side home and away last season.
Arsenal's big summer signings Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber were all handed their competitive debuts at Wembley, but it looked like it was going to be a familiar story as Havertz failed to convert two big opportunities in the first half, before Palmer's stunner put City ahead.
But Arteta's side showed impressive spirit to battle to the end and got their reward when substitute Trossard struck before keeping their cool to come out on top in the shootout.
Few people put great stock in a Community Shield win and history tells us that it does not often lead to a Premier League title win - only once since 2011 has the winning side gone on to secure the league title.
But that will not concern Arsenal for now as they revel in a positive result after such a disappointing end to last season.
Guardiola said in the build up to this game that Arsenal's transfer business in the summer has moved them to another level, and while neither Rice or Havertz particularly excelled, there is little doubt their arrival has strengthened the core of Arteta's team.
The Gunners lost 4-1 and 3-1 in the Premier League to City last season but this was a much closer affair with Arsenal having the better chances of a cagey first half, but Havertz was twice denied from close range by Stefan Ortega.
While the pressure of a title race is nowhere near the same of a Community Shield match, it will still have been encouraging for Arteta to see his side battle back after going behind, particularly after the manner of their capitulation towards the end of last season.
This is familiar territory for City. They have now played in the last three Community Shields and lost them all, but City fans will not care if the ultimate outcome is the same as in previous campaigns - winning the Premier League.
After winning three major trophies last season, Guardiola did not need to significantly strengthen in the summer, although Mateo Kovacic - one of their two big summer signings along with Josko Gvardiol - started in this game.
He slotted in well to City's midfield and for large parts of this game they looked to have picked up from where they left off last season, controlling play and dominating possession.
Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland, who scored 52 goals in all competitions last season, had an off day in front of goal but did so when he made his debut in last year's Community Shield loss to Liverpool and both he and City went on to enjoy an exceptional campaign.
• None Goal! Arsenal 1(4), Manchester City 1(1). Fábio Vieira (Arsenal) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the top left corner.
• None Penalty saved! Rodri (Manchester City) fails to capitalise on this great opportunity, right footed shot saved in the bottom left corner.
• None Goal! Arsenal 1(3), Manchester City 1(1). Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom right corner.
• None Goal! Arsenal 1(2), Manchester City 1(1). Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the top left corner.
• None Goal! Arsenal 1(2), Manchester City 1. Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom right corner.
• None Penalty missed! Still Arsenal 1(1), Manchester City 1. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) hits the bar with a right footed shot.
• None Goal! Arsenal 1(1), Manchester City 1. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom left corner.
• None Goal! Arsenal 1, Manchester City 1. Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) left footed shot from the right side of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Bukayo Saka following a corner.
• None Delay over. They are ready to continue.
• None Delay in match because of an injury Kyle Walker (Manchester City).
• None Delay in match because of an injury Thomas Partey (Arsenal). Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66352143 |
New DNA sparks appeal hope for Salford rape conviction - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | Andrew Malkinson spent 17 years in jail for raping a woman but has always maintained his innocence. | Andrew Malkinson says he finally has the chance to prove his innocence
A man who spent 17 years in jail for a rape he says he did not commit has had his convictions referred to the Court of Appeal following new DNA evidence.
Andrew Malkinson, from Grimsby, was convicted in 2004 of strangling and raping a woman in Greater Manchester.
The now 57-year-old said he "finally has the chance to prove his innocence".
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has sent his file to the Court of Appeal after a "breakthrough" in evidence and a new potential suspect.
The victim, who had been walking home alone in the early hours of 19 July 2003 in Little Hulton, Salford, was sexually assaulted after being throttled until she was unconscious.
She also suffered a broken neck and a fractured cheekbone in the attack.
There was no DNA or other forensic evidence linking Malkinson to the crime, however, and the prosecution case relied mainly on identification evidence.
Following a trial at Manchester Crown Court, he was convicted by majority verdict in February 2004 and jailed for life.
Malkinson was released from prison in December 2020 on licence and has always maintained his innocence, insisting it was a case of mistaken identity.
He twice had applications to the CCRC rejected.
The CCRC said new tests on the victim's clothing had revealed a match to another man on the national DNA database.
In light of new information, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed last month it had arrested a 48-year-old man from Exeter on suspicion of rape. He has since been released under investigation.
CCRC chairwoman Helen Pitcher said: "The new results raise concerns about the safety of these serious convictions. It is now for the Court of Appeal to decide whether they should be quashed.
"New evidence can come to light years after a conviction.
"In the ever-changing world of forensic science, it is crucial an independent body can undertake these enquiries and send cases of concern back to court.
"Following Mr Malkinson's application, we used our special powers and expertise to re-examine this case, instructing experts to undertake state-of-the-art DNA testing."
The CCRC also stressed the new DNA evidence did not prove the man on the database had committed any offences.
In a statement issued by legal charity Appeal, Malkinson said: "I am innocent. Finally, I have the chance to prove it thanks to the perseverance of my legal team at Appeal.
"I only have one life and so far 20 years of it has been stolen from me. Yesterday I turned 57 years old. How much longer will it take?"
The charity, which submitted new DNA evidence to the CCRC in April 2021, said the new DNA analysis had only been possible because samples had been kept by the government-owned company Forensic Archive Ltd.
It accused GMP of having destroyed or lost exhibits.
GMP said it would continue to assist the CCRC's review.
When his lawyers first confirmed the DNA discovery, Malkinson told The Guardian: "My life is on hold until I can overturn the conviction. I can't get a decent job. I'm having to scrape by on the scraps of minimum-wage jobs that nobody really wants."
Greater Manchester Police arrested a man last month on suspicion of rape in light of the new evidence
Appeal said it was a "huge but long overdue step on the path to justice for Andy".
Director Emily Bolton said: "The battle for justice is not yet over.
"The Court of Appeal will now form its own view of the fresh evidence and we hope they will agree that Andy's conviction cannot now be regarded as safe."
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-manchester-64384132 |
Clintons set to close around a fifth of its shops - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | The greeting cards firm is reportedly facing financial difficulties and its third rescue since 2012. | Clintons, the greeting cards retailer, is set to shut around 20% of its shops in an effort to keep the company afloat.
Reports suggest that if the firm is not able to strike a deal it faces insolvency.
It would be the third time in 11 years that Clintons has faced acute financial difficulties - it had to be rescued in 2012 and again in 2019.
Clintons has been contacted by the BBC for comment.
The retailer has appointed restructuring experts FRP Advisory, which has declined to comment.
According to The Times, Clintons has 179 shops and wants to close 38 of its outlets. It employs around 1,400 people.
It is the second High Street company facing financial difficulties. Last week, Wilko warned that it is on the brink of collapse, putting 12,000 jobs at risk.
The homewares company, which has been trading for 93 years, said that it had filed a "notice of intention" (NOI) to appoint administrators.
Wilko's chief executive Mark Jackson said that Wilko has been working to secure funding for a turnaround plan and had received "an indicative offer that would meet all financial criteria".
"However, this offer could not be executed in the timelines required, which is why we took the difficult decision this week to file an NOI," Mr Jackson added.
At its height, Clintons had nearly 800 shops and employed 8,000 staff.
However, in 2012 it was forced to file for administration and was rescued by American Greetings, a supplier owned by the US-based Weiss family.
At that point, 350 shops were shut and nearly 3,000 employees lost their jobs.
The family rescued Clintons from administration again in 2019. More stores were shuttered and job cuts continued.
Clintons was founded in 1968 by Don Lewin, the son of an East End chimneysweep.
The business made Mr Lewin a multi-millionaire, earned him an OBE and inspired his autobiography "Think of a Card".
The same year that Mr Lewis founded Clintons in Epping, Essex, two students Judith Cash and Eddie Pond set up Paperchase, a rival greeting cards and stationery specialist.
However, Paperchase filed for administration in 2021 after Covid lockdowns forced many non-essential retailers to close their doors.
Tesco eventually bought Paperchase's brand and intellectual property. The chain's 106 shops in the UK and Ireland were not acquired and hundreds of people lost their jobs. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66421173 |
Women's World Cup 2023: Keira Walsh could return for England's last-16 tie with Nigeria - BBC Sport | 2023-08-06 | England midfielder Keira Walsh could be available for their Women's World Cup last-16 tie with Nigeria on Monday if she "recovers well", says manager Sarina Wiegman. | Last updated on .From the section Women's World Cup
Coverage : Watch on BBC One, listen on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds and follow on the BBC Sport website & app.
England midfielder Keira Walsh could make their Women's World Cup last-16 tie with Nigeria on Monday if she "recovers well" from Sunday's training session, manager Sarina Wiegman says.
Walsh, 26, was taken off on a stretcher during the 1-0 win over Denmark on 28 July with a knee injury, which Wiegman confirmed was "not ligament damage".
The Barcelona midfielder trained with the squad at Central Coast Stadium before flying to Brisbane on Sunday.
"Keira's doing well," said Wiegman.
"She started her rehabilitation straight after we knew what was going on. She has been on the pitch training today and now we will wait to see how she recovers.
"If she does well, then she will be available for [Monday]."
• None Go here for all the latest from the Women's World Cup
There were initial fears that Walsh had suffered a serious knee injury, but scans then ruled out anterior cruciate ligament damage.
"Everyone was in shock of course," said Wiegman. "But then really quickly, the day after, we knew things weren't as bad as it looked and that people had thought."
England have won all three matches at the Women's World Cup and face Nigeria for a place in the quarter-finals in Brisbane at 08:30 BST on Monday.
For last Tuesday's 6-1 win over China, Manchester United captain Katie Zelem made her first start in midfield and impressed alongside regular Georgia Stanway.
"Of course we want every player to be fit and available," added Wiegman. "Keira wasn't available for the last match and we know what options we have in that position.
"Katie [Zelem] did really well against China and now Keira is back ,so that's really nice for the team. We know we have other options too. Keira is exceptional but other players can solve that."
'We have two formation options now'
England defender Alex Greenwood said Walsh had been "fine" in camp during the last week despite having to miss their final group match.
"We obviously spent a few days apart when we played but she's Keira and was focused on her rehab," said Greenwood.
"She always had a smile on her face and we just supported her as team-mates as best we could."
There was plenty of speculation in the build-up to England's win over China about how they might replace Walsh, a key figure in their Euro 2022-winning side.
Wiegman switched formations, opting to play a back three, and included Zelem in midfield. It was hugely successful but the Dutchwoman would not give any clubs as to how England might set up against Nigeria.
"We have two options now - the way we have played and what we did against China, so we will take that into consideration. You will see tomorrow what we will do," said Wiegman.
Greenwood added: "In both formations, we're able to express ourselves. I think for the game and the challenge that lay ahead [against China], the back three worked. That proved in the game.
"Whatever formation we play, we're strong in all areas and we'll prepare for anything. But no, sorry, I'm not going to give you the answer."
Nigeria manager Randy Waldrum said his side had to prepare for both possible formations, which makes his "job a little more challenging".
"As a coach, I expect [Wiegman] to go with a back three as they played so well and I don't know why they would change that," said Waldrum.
"But we have to be prepared for both systems. It makes the job a little challenging as you don't have that much time and I'm sure England would have worked at both systems quite extensively." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66419943 |
Wales 20-9 England: Warren Gatland's side defeat disappointing England in warm-up - BBC Sport | 2023-08-06 | 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 |
Philippines accuses China of firing water cannon at boats in South China Sea - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | Saturday's stand-off was near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, the Philippines says. | There have recently been a number of similar naval stand-offs - like this one in June - between the Philippines and China
The Philippine Coast Guard has accused its Chinese counterpart of firing water cannon at its vessels and blocking them in the disputed South China Sea.
It said this happened when its ship was escorting boats carrying supplies for Filipino soldiers stationed on one of the contested Spratly Islands.
The US condemned Beijing's "dangerous actions", also blaming Chinese "maritime militia" for the incident.
China has not publicly commented on the reported incident.
Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the Spratlys, which is also claimed in part by the Philippines.
There are also competing claims by Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan.
In a statement, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the incident happened on Saturday as its vessels were heading to Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands.
It described China's actions as "excessive and unlawful", adding that they also violated international law.
Meanwhile, the US Department of State voiced its support for "our Philippine allies".
"Firing water cannons and employing unsafe blocking manoeuvres, PRC [China's] ships interfered with the Philippines' lawful exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and jeopardised the safety of the Philippine vessels and crew," the department said in a statement.
China ignores an international arbitration court's ruling that its claim to almost the entire South China Sea is ill-founded.
In April, a BBC team aboard a PCG ship witnessed Chinese harassment at first hand.
The South China Sea is now one of the world's biggest flashpoints, especially as US-China tensions have soared in recent years.
Access to these waters is key to defending Taiwan at a time when China's claims over the self-governed island have intensified.
The waterways also host $5tn (£4tn) of global trade every year, raising concerns that Beijing's increasing footprint could restrict commerce. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-66419333 |
Typhoon Doksuri: Alarming pictures show floods in China, Philippines - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | The volume of rain over the past week has broken a 140-year-old record in China. | Storms bearing unusually torrential rain and ferocious winds this early in the north Pacific typhoon season have flooded large swathes of East Asia, with China among the countries worst hit.
In the capital of Beijing alone, the amount of rain over the past week has broken a 140-year-old record.
People in Beijing and neighbouring Hebei province fled their homes on inflatable boats and lorries as Doksuri, a former super typhoon, drenched China's north-east.
At least 10 people have died and 18 are missing, and officials have evacuated millions of people.
People stand on a front loader after the rains and floods in Zhuozhou, Hebei province, China
The floods damaged roads and bridges, submerged cars and destroyed construction sites.
Doksuri slammed into China last weekend and drenched the north-east for most of the week. The region had barely recovered from typhoon Talim the week prior.
Then, there's the threat of typhoon Khanun out at sea off China's east coast, which threatens to intensify rains in areas hit by Doksuri.
In areas where the floods have subsided, residents have started shovelling mud out of their homes. The following three photos were also taken in Beijing.
The waterlogged scenes also played out in the Philippines, where Khanun, Doksuri and Talim exacerbated seasonal monsoon rains.
While storm-weary Filipinos went about with as much of their daily routines as they could, the typhoons highlighted perennial problems of flooding in the capital, Manila, and its suburbs of Bulacan and Pampanga.
A man collects washed up rubbish along the shore of Manila Bay, Philippines
Slow-moving Khanun lashed Okinawa in the middle of the week and threatens to curve back to mainland Japan while intensifying rains in China.
It cut power to one-third of Okinawa in its wake and shut the airport for a day during peak tourism season.
Typhoon Khanun led to offices and schools being shut for a day in Taiwan.
Most stores are closed in this residential area of Taipei, Taiwan
Meanwhile, India is in the middle of a heavy monsoon season that has waterlogged parts of the country.
In the first two weeks of July alone, floods and landslides there have killed almost 100 people in the north. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-66400905 |
Virgin Atlantic pilots consider strike over fatigue - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | Members of the Balpa union have "serious concerns" over schedules put in place during Covid. | Pilots at Virgin Atlantic have indicated they would consider going on strike following "serious concerns" about fatigue and their wellbeing.
Union Balpa said that in a recent vote, 96% of Virgin Atlantic pilots supported a ballot on industrial action.
At issue are scheduling and rostering arrangements that were put in place during Covid which will come to an end in December.
Virgin said it was willing to enter into talks in the coming weeks.
The airline said the existing pay and lifestyle agreement was "agreed, developed and supported by Balpa pilot representatives within Virgin Atlantic, and our pilot community".
A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic said: "We continue to honour all agreements and have offered to enter formal pay and lifestyle negotiations with Balpa's pilot union representatives in the coming weeks, well in advance of the agreement expiring in December."
Airlines were one of the worst hit industries during the pandemic after international travel came to a standstill to stop the spread of Covid.
Virgin Atlantic employs 835 pilots and it is believed the majority are members of the Balpa pilots' union.
A spokesperson for Balpa said: "Our members have registered a trade dispute with Virgin Atlantic arising out of serious concerns relating to pilot fatigue and wellbeing around scheduling and rostering arrangements, implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic."
It said that 81% of its Virgin Atlantic union members voted in the ballot which its said gave Balpa "an overwhelming mandate to pursue this dispute".
The maximum flying time for a commercial pilot is 900 hours per calendar year, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.
It is understood that the rostered average for Virgin Atlantic pilots is around 750 hours.
Virgin Atlantic is part of Virgin Group, which was founded by Sir Richard Branson.
The billionaire recently told the BBC that he feared losing his entire business empire, which also include gyms and hotels, during the pandemic. He said the shutdowns cost him £1.5bn personally.
Sir Richard had asked the UK government for help in 2020 but was rejected. In the end, Virgin Group injected £200m into the airline and secured other investment to keep the business afloat.
At the time, it cut 3,500 staff, leaving it with 6,500 employees.
On Sunday, a spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic said that the airline "underwent a radical transformation as a result of the impact of Covid-19, which was possible due to the collective effort of our amazing people".
They said: "This was fundamental to our survival and our steadfast commitment to returning to sustainable profitability. We're grateful to them all, including our pilots who play a pivotal role in the success of our operation."
Balpa said its members "feel very strongly" about pilot fatigue and wellbeing.
The union said it prefers to address matters through "negotiation and industrial compromise and will only countenance industrial action as a last resort".
It added: "We remain ready to commence negotiations to find an acceptable way forward and urge Virgin Atlantic to listen to its staff and put forward an acceptable offer that our members could support." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66421175 |
Andy Malkinson: Living costs deduction scrapped for wrongly convicted - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | 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 |
Simone Biles makes winning return in US Classic after two-year break - BBC Sport | 2023-08-06 | Four-time Olympic champion Simone Biles wins the US Classic as she makes a triumphant return to gymnastics after a two-year break. | Simone Biles is the most decorated US gymnast of all-tme
Four-time Olympic champion Simone Biles has made a triumphant return to gymnastics after a two-year break. The 26-year-old American thrilled the Chicago crowd with a stunning display to win the US Classic in her first event since the Tokyo Olympics. Biles announced in 2021 she was taking a break to work on her mental health. "Everyone that was cheering - made posters, all of that in the crowd - it just made my heart melt that they still believe in me," Biles said. "It means the world because after everything that transpired in Tokyo, I worked on myself a lot. "I still do therapy weekly and it has just been so exciting to come out here and have the confidence I had before. Biles was given a rapturous reception at the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and won with an all-around score of 59.100 points. "Everything has fallen into place. I feel really good about where I am now mentally and physically," she said. "I still think there are some things to work on in my routine but, for the first meet back, I would say it went pretty well. I'm very shocked and surprised. I'm very happy now that it is out of the way."
Biles earned top scores for three of her four routines
She began on the uneven bars, where her score of 14.000 points was the third-best overall before claiming the meet's top score on the balance beam with 14.800. Biles drew cheers during and after every tumbling run on the floor exercise, her flips and landings bringing roars that were rewarded with a top score of 14.900 points. She finished on vault, soaring high to notch another leading mark of 15.400. Leanne Wong, 19, finished second, five points off the pace on 54.100, with 17-year-old Joscelyn Roberson third on 54.050. It was Biles' first competition since pulling out of five of her six finals at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021. She later explained she had been suffering from the 'twisties' - a mental block where gymnasts can lose their sense of space in the air. Biles has yet to indicate whether she will aim to make next year's Olympics in Paris. She has qualified for the US national championships, which start on 24 August, and is hoping to compete for a world title in Antwerp in October. "I always kind of knew [I'd return] as soon as everything happened in Tokyo," she said. "This time I'm doing it for me. "I worked a lot on myself and I believe in myself a little bit more. It's just coming back out here and starting those first steps again."
Biles was all smiles as she was cheered on by a sellout crowd
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/gymnastics/66420361 |
Barbie film hits $1bn mark at global box office - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | Greta Gerwig becomes the first woman as a solo director of a film to reach the milestone. | The Barbie film has hit the billion-dollar mark just 17 days after it was released, according to distributor Warner Bros.
The movie will finish the weekend with $1.03bn (£808m) in ticket sales at the global box office, it said in a statement on Sunday.
It means Greta Gerwig has become the first woman to reach the milestone as a solo director.
Warner Bros described it as a "watershed moment".
Jeff Goldstein, president of domestic distribution in the US, said: "No-one but Greta Gerwig could have brought this cross-generational icon and her world to life in such a funny, emotional and entertaining story... literally turning the entire world pink."
He said that long lines in cinemas and repeat viewings "prove that movies are back" after the cinema industry suffered due to pandemic lockdowns and competition from streamers.
Other female directors have helmed films that have surpassed the $1bn-mark but working with others. Frozen, the animated blockbuster, and its sequel have generated more than $1.4bn in box office takings and were co-directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck.
Meanwhile, Captain Marvel, starring Brie Larson and co-directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, generated more than $1.1bn in takings.
The pink-hued film has received praise from critics and inspired scores of selfies at doll boxes installed in cinemas across the UK too.
Starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, it has drawn in $459m so far in the US and $572m internationally.
Achieving "Barbillion" - as described by Warner Bros - is no mean feat. Just five other films have done so since the pandemic, including The Super Mario Brothers Movie earlier this year, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Top Gun: Maverick, Jurassic World Dominion and the Avatar sequel.
Cinema-goers have often paired a viewing of Barbie, which tells a coming-of-age story of the iconic doll, with Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer - a story about the development of the first atomic bomb.
Greta Gerwig previously directed well-acclaimed films such as Little Women and Lady Bird
UK-based cinema chain Vue recently said both films had led to the firm seeing its busiest weekend in four years.
Ms Robbie also served as one of the producers on Barbie. According to an interview with Collider, she banked on making a billion dollars in early meetings.
"I think I told them that it'd make a billion dollars, which maybe I was overselling, but we had a movie to make, okay?!" she told the publication.
The film's marketing campaign has been huge, with pink billboards installed in cities around the world while a pink Tardis also appeared at Tower Bridge.
Toy-maker Mattel is hoping to repeat the same success with other films.
Other Mattel brands - including Barney, Hot Wheels and Polly Pocket - are set to feature in upcoming Hollywood movies.
It released a soundtrack album and entered into more than 165 consumer product partnerships for the Barbie film, although it recently reported that its sales fell by 12% for the three months to end of June. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66424359 |
Ukrainian sea drone targets Russian tanker - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | The unverified footage was shared with the BBC by a source at Ukraine's security service. | This is the moment a naval drone purportedly heads directly towards a Russian tanker in the Kerch Strait, south of the Crimean Bridge.
Unverified footage shared by a source at Ukraine's security service shows what they say is the drone moving across the Black Sea, as it approaches the Russian vessel.
Russian maritime officials said the Sig tanker's engine room was damaged in an attack, but no-one on board was injured.
A Ukrainian security service source told the BBC the operation was conducted jointly with the Ukrainian navy and that 450kg of TNT explosive had been used. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66414547 |
Pakistan passenger train derails killing 30 - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | Several coaches of the Hazara Express overturned near the Sahara station in the south of the country. | Police officials inspect the carriages at the accident site following the derailment of the train
At least 30 people have been killed and 100 injured when a train derailed in southern Pakistan, a police spokesman has confirmed.
Several carriages of the Hazara Express overturned near Sahara railway station in Nawabshah, about 275km (171 miles) from the largest city Karachi.
Wounded passengers were moved to nearby hospitals. Rescue teams are trying to free people from the twisted wreckage.
Accidents on Pakistan's antiquated railway system are not uncommon.
Videos posted on social media showed dozens of people at the site of the accident, with some passengers climbing out of the overturned carriages.
One passenger who survived told BBC Urdu he had seen many women and children lying on the ground.
"They were shouting and screaming. I didn't know what to do. I filled my hands with water from this canal nearby and poured it on the faces of those who were unconscious, hoping they would regain consciousness," Naseer Ahmed said.
Nasser said he survived the accident because he "fell out of the window when the train derailed".
Aslam, who was on the train with his son, said: "We were sleeping when suddenly the carriage came down and [it felt like] an apocalypse."
Railway Minister Saad Rafiq said initial investigations showed the train was travelling at normal speed and they were trying to establish what led to the derailment. It could be the result of a mechanical fault or sabotage, he added.
Authorities have dismissed reports the track was flooded.
A railways spokesperson in Karachi said at least eight carriages went off the track.
He said military and paramilitary troops along with rescue workers were on the scene and helped to rescue passengers trapped inside the train carriages.
The most seriously injured passengers were transported to distant, better-equipped hospitals in military helicopters.
Officials said rescue operations were completed in the early evening on Sunday.
Paramilitary rangers and volunteers inspect the carriages at the accident site following the derailment
An emergency has been declared in the main hospitals in Nawabshah and neighbouring districts of Sindh.
Train services to the interior districts of Sindh have been suspended.
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon told BBC News that the government's top priority was "the rescue work, which we are totally focused on".
In 2021, two trains travelling in Sindh province collided, killing at least 40 people and injuring dozens.
Between 2013 and 2019, 150 people died in such incidents, according to local media reports.
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Bibby Stockholm: Barge arrivals expected in coming days - minister - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | The immigration minister insists the barge at Portland is safe and will not be hit by more delays. | The first 50 asylum seekers had originally been expected to move into the barge on Tuesday
Asylum seekers will begin arriving on the UK's first migrant barge "in the coming days", the immigration minister has said.
Robert Jenrick said about 50 men would board the Bibby Stockholm, moored at Portland in Dorset, later this week.
The first tranche of arrivals were due last week but safety issues, including the suggestion the vessel was a "death trap", caused a delay.
The minister said he considered the barge a "safe facility".
Mr Jenrick told Sky News: "We hope that the first migrants will go on to the boat in the coming days, I'm not going to give you an exact date - but very soon.
"For security reasons we prefer not to give the dates on which individuals arrive.
"You won't have long to wait. This is an important step forwards."
Portland councillors and campaign groups had argued against the barge ahead of its arrival in July
He added that increasing the numbers on the barge to the capacity of 500 was still the plan despite concerns from the Fire Brigades Union that the vessel had originally been designed to house 200 people.
The barge is seen as a key part of the government's strategy to deter migrants from arriving on UK shores in small boats.
Ministers have said it would help cut the £6m-a-day cost of housing asylum seekers in hotels while their claims are processed.
Labour said it would use barges to house asylum seekers for a "very short" period while the cases backlog is tackled.
Stephen Kinnock, shadow immigration minister, said barges would continue to be used by a Labour government.
He said former military bases would also continue to be used for a period of possibly around six months during work to bring down claims delays from a record high.
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper has previously indicated she would not be able to immediately shut down the sites but declined to be explicit about the policy.
On Sunday, Mr Kinnock told BBC Breakfast: "The reality is that we've got tens of thousands of people in hotels, we need to get them out of hotels and we need to get them off the barges and out of the military camps too.
"Because of the complete and utter chaos and shambles of the Tory asylum crisis, we are going to have to continue in a very short-term period to use the infrastructure that is there, including the barges and the hotels."
After an initial delay while works were carried out in Cornwall, the Bibby Stockholm was met by opposition from some residents when it arrived in Portland on 18 July over fears it could put a strain on local services.
Human rights groups have also described the decision to house migrants on a barge as "inhumane".
The rooms on the barge were first converted to house asylum seekers in Germany in the 1990s
Reporters were invited to look inside the barge last month, with pictures showing a TV room with a big screen and sofas, a multi-faith prayer room and a classroom that can be used for meetings and activities.
There is a gym and outdoor recreational space in the two courtyards in the centre of the barge.
The men will also have access to the dockside, within a fenced off area, and they will be provided with 24-hour security and healthcare provision.
The Home Office has repeatedly insisted the barge meets all safety standards.
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The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-66421538 |
Lostprophets' Ian Watkins stabbed in jail - reports - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | The disgraced musician was reportedly stabbed at HMP Wakefield, where he is serving a 29-year sentence. | Former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has been attacked in prison while serving a 29-year sentence for child sex offences.
The Mirror newspaper reports that the disgraced rock star, who is being held in HMP Wakefield, was stabbed.
A Prison Service spokesperson said police were investigating an incident that took place at the prison on Saturday.
They added: "We are unable to comment further while the police investigate".
Watkins was jailed in December 2013 for a string of child sex offences, including the attempted rape of a baby.
While not wanting to comment specifically about the attack on Watkins, Prison Officers' Association vice-chair Dave Todd said he was concerned for staff and prisoners over the rising number of incidents they are being exposed to in jails.
Watkins was sentenced to 29 years in prison with a further six years on licence, but he will be eligible for parole after serving two thirds of the prison term.
His two co-defendants, the mothers of children he abused, were jailed for 14 and 17 years.
During sentencing, Mr Justice Royce said the case broke "new ground" and "plunged into new depths of depravity".
Watkins admitted the attempted rape and sexual assault of a child under 13 but pleaded not guilty to rape.
Judges rejected an appeal by Watkins in 2014 to reduce the length of his jail term.
As a rock star in his 20s, he sold millions of albums around the world and commanded huge arena crowds.
Formed in 1997, Welsh rock band Lostprophets released five studio albums in total, including a number one album in the UK and two Top 10 singles. They also saw some success in the US, where their second and third albums both reached the Top 40. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66419302 |
Zuckerberg 'not holding breath' over Musk cage fight - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | The tech billionaires have also been going head to head over their rival platforms, X and Threads. | Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg has said he is "not holding his breath" over a proposed cage fight with rival Elon Musk.
In a post on the new social media app Threads, Mr Zuckerberg said he had proposed 26 August for the showdown.
Following a post on X in which Mr Musk claimed he was training "throughout the day", Mr Zuckerberg wrote: "I'm ready today... but he hasn't confirmed."
The two became direct competitors in July with the launch of Threads.
Asked by a Threads user whether the fight had been mutually agreed upon, Mr Zuckerberg responded that is was more like "funding secured," in an apparent reference to posts made by Mr Musk in 2018 when he said the same about plans to take electric car company Tesla into private hands.
That deal never happened and led to Mr Musk paying a $20m (£15.7m) fine to the US financial markets watchdog, stepping back from being Tesla's chairman and limits put on what he can tweet about Tesla.
Mr Musk cast further doubt about the potential bout, saying that the "Exact date is still in flux", as he may need surgery on his neck and upper back.
The social media moguls have been egging each other on in recent months, with Mr Musk claiming on Sunday that their fight would be broadcast live on his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
He said that any proceeds from a match would go to veterans charities.
When asked what the point of the bout was by one X user, Mr Musk responded: "It's a civilized form of war. Men love war."
Mr Zuckerberg also shot back at the suggestion that the fight would be streamed on X, posting: "Shouldn't we use a more reliable platform that can actually raise money for charity?"
The stakes are seemingly high after Meta, which also owns Instagram and Facebook, launched Threads in early July, drawing in more than 100 million sign-ups within days.
However, Mr Zuckerberg later said the platform had lost more than half of its users by the end of last month.
Rival social media platform X has faced criticism on several occasions since Mr Musk took over the firm and made a number of changes, such as forcing users to log in to view posts. He also carried out mass firings at the company.
Mr Musk posted a message on the social media platform in June claiming he was "up for a cage fight" - a fight which typically involves few rules.
Mr Zuckerberg then posted a screenshot Mr Musk's tweet with the caption "send me location", while Musk responded with: "Vegas Octagon."
The Octagon is the competition mat and fenced-in area used for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bouts. The UFC is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Mr Musk, 52, also wrote: "I have this great move that I call 'The Walrus', where I just lie on top of my opponent & do nothing."
He later tweeted videos of walruses, perhaps suggesting his challenge to the Facebook founder may not have been entirely be serious.
Mr Zuckerberg is a martial arts enthusiast and said on Sunday: "I love this sport and will continue competing with people who train no matter what happens here." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66424364 |
Netball World Cup final 2023: England 45-61 Australia - Roses miss out on historic title - BBC Sport | 2023-08-06 | England's wait for a first Netball World Cup title continues after Australia defeat the Roses to win the event for a 12th time. | Last updated on .From the section Netball
England's wait for a first Netball World Cup title continues after Australia defeated the Roses to win the event for a 12th time.
The Roses were gradually overwhelmed by a dominant Australia, who pulled away to win 61-45.
England were appearing in their first World Cup final, following a group-stage win over Australia and a semi-final victory against New Zealand.
However, they had to settle for leaving Cape Town with silver.
A dejected England may have missed out on the trophy, but have equalled the nation's best result at the tournament - previously achieved in 1975 after a round-robin event.
However, they will be left to rue some of the sloppy play that allowed the Diamonds to strengthen their grasp on the trophy, particularly in the final quarter.
"We are obviously gutted with a losing margin like that but such is the difference between seasoned finalists and a team in their first final," said England head coach Jess Thirlby.
"Today was always going to be a tough ask, you just can't throw ball like that against Australia in a final.
"If we do that, we need to find a way to win it back. Unfortunately both of those things eluded us for long periods during the match."
• None Best clips and analysis from Australia's win over England
'Disappointment' for Roses in first final
England claimed a thrilling 56-55 win against the Diamonds earlier in the week but repeating that feat against the nation that has featured in every World Cup final was ultimately a step too far.
Some of Australia's aura had been diminished after England claimed Commonwealth gold against them on the Gold Coast in 2018.
But the Diamonds took revenge to end England's Commonwealth challenge at the semi-final stage in Birmingham last year, with this final the latest twist in a growing rivalry that so often swings Australia's way.
"We are really grateful for that silver medal and over time I'm sure that it will sink in," said Thirlby.
"The disappointment [we feel] is a measure of the belief we had in ourselves."
Despite Australia maintaining their status at the top of world netball, England's presence in the final and Jamaica's bronze-medal victory against New Zealand earlier on Sunday shows the strength of the chasing pack.
"We had the better of them the other day and they had the better of us today," said England shooter Eleanor Cardwell.
"There's so many positives. This is the first World Cup final for every name on the team sheet and a lot of those Diamonds players have a whole lot of experience.
"I am super proud of us making history. Last year at the Commonwealth Games we came fourth and were gutted. This year we've got a silver medal."
Since winning Commonwealth gold five years ago England have beaten Australia just twice in 11 meetings, but will hope to use this final as a platform to push to greater heights.
England mid-courter Imogen Allison, who has often produced the key moment for the Roses at this tournament, said she was "super proud" of the team.
"We have to take this and run with it. If this is the first time in a final, the next time we are getting the gold," she added.
England took confidence from their victory over the Diamonds on Thursday but Australia were powered by anger from an uncharacteristic defeat.
Keen to reassert themselves as the dominant force in world netball, Australia head coach Stacey Marinkovich used all her trump cards to keep England on the back foot throughout the final.
The tone was set when the Roses lost the ball on their first centre pass, but they battled to keep the scores level at 13-13 after the first quarter.
The Diamonds started to build their lead and England struggled to cope with a dynamic attack circle, which was boosted by the arrival of shooters Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin.
England coach Thirlby tried multiple combinations in defence in an attempt to prevent the goal tally from running away, but a four-goal lead quickly became six before the wheels came off in the final quarter.
Even after half-time a comeback seemed unlikely as England seemed to lack the belief that had powered them through the tournament.
Australia capitalised on wayward passes and sloppy play in key areas as the Roses struggled to win the ball - something they have excelled at in previous matches.
The Australia players on the court and on the bench sensed victory was close even with several minutes remaining, as a Roses side who seemed overwhelmed by their first foray into a World Cup final looked increasingly out of sorts.
Questions will be asked over the choice and timing of Thirlby's substitutions but in the end England were over-awed by a side who are, quite simply, so used to winning the big finals. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/netball/66423459 |
The remarkable recovery of Syria's earthquake baby - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | Six months ago today, Afraa was pulled from rubble, still attached to her umbilical cord and barely alive. | Six months after her rescue, Afraa is healthy and happy
When Afraa was found in the rubble of a collapsed building in Syria, her umbilical cord was still attached to her mother, who had died just after giving birth. The video of the baby's rescue from the earthquake in February captivated the world. Since then she has made a remarkable recovery.
Today, Afraa is six months old - a typical happy, healthy baby.
Her aunt and uncle are raising her along with their seven children in the Syrian town of Jindayris, not far from the Turkish border.
"She's still very young but she reminds me of her dad and her sister Nawara, especially her smile. They passed away in the earthquake too," says her uncle, Khalil al-Sawadi, rocking the smiling baby girl in her swing. "They would often spend time at ours."
On 6 February, a devastating earthquake ripped through south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria, killing more than 44,000 people. Just after the devastating quake hit Jindayris, Afraa's mother went into labour and gave birth under the rubble of her home. She died before rescuers found them. Baby Afraa was the only member of her immediate family to survive - her father, Abu Rudaina, and her four siblings died, along with her mother.
"We saw that Abu Rudaina's house had collapsed," says Khalil. "My wife started screaming: 'My brother, my brother'."
Khalil recalls vividly the moment he pulled Afraa from under the rubble: "The roof had fallen over them. Someone called me and said they found a woman's body. As soon as I arrived, I started digging, then I heard a voice. It was baby Afraa still attached to her mother. We were determined to save her, we knew she would be the only memory left of her family."
A dramatic video of the rescue was shared on social media and went viral. The baby was taken to hospital and was initially given the name Aya, which means miracle in Arabic.
Afraa was treated in hospital after rescuers saved her from under the rubble
The doctor looking after her said she had bumps and bruises and was barely breathing. Six months on, those injuries are no longer visible.
"Immediately after the earthquake she had some chest problems because of the dust from the rubble, but now her health is 100%," says Khalil.
But the past six months have been tough. When Afraa was in hospital, thousands of people around the world offered to adopt her, so Khalil and his wife Hala had to prove they really were related before they were allowed to take care of her. "I felt that they didn't want to hand Afraa to us," he says.
Hala had to do a DNA test and waited "almost 10 days" to hear back.
There had been so much interest in Afraa's story that Khalil and his family worried as they waited for the DNA results, that someone might try to kidnap her. They spent as much time as they could at the hospital and took extra precautions. "Both the civil and military police helped us protect her," he says. "There were lots of them. They stayed in the room next to Afraa and watched over her day and night."
Eventually, the DNA results confirmed Hala was a blood relative - the sister of Afraa's father - and the little girl was discharged from hospital.
Afraa is now living with her aunt, uncle and seven cousins
One of the first things Khalil and Hala did was to give her a new name: Afraa, after her mother.
"She is one of my children now," says Khalil. "I can't spend too much time away from her.
"When she grows up, I will tell her what happened and show her the pictures of her mother, father and her siblings. We buried them the next day in a nearby village called Hajj Iskandar, where the Civil Defence had dug mass graves."
Hala had been pregnant at the same time as Afraa's mum and three days after Afraa was born, Hala also gave birth to a baby girl. They called her Ataa after another auntie who died in the earthquake.
But their home in Jindayris was so badly damaged that they couldn't live there any more. "It has big cracks and is not safe," says Khalil. "I lost my home and my car, it was like going back to square one. I can't even afford to send my kids to school."
They lived in a tent in a camp for two months where life was "extremely difficult, it was very hot and we had two babies to take care of".
Khalil has found a new home for his family, but is worried as he cannot stay in the house for long
The family finally managed to find a house to rent where they now live, but they are afraid they won't be able to stay for long. "It is very expensive and I don't know if we will be able to keep it much longer as the owner needs it," says Khalil.
People have offered to help them move to the UAE or the UK but he has turned them down. "Honestly, I was still worried [if I go abroad] they might take Afraa away from us."
He reminds us that "there are people living under worse conditions in Jindayris".
Drone footage shows the extent of the devastation in Jindayris
His hometown was one of the worst-hit by the earthquake and thousands of other families found themselves in a similar predicament.
At least 4,500 were killed in north-west Syria, where an estimated 50,000 families were also displaced, according to the UN.
Delivering aid to the four million people living in this rebel-held area of Syria is extremely difficult, where most of the residents have already been displaced by the country's 12-year war. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-66398976 |
Elon Musk says X will fund legal bills if users treated unfairly by bosses - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | Elon Musk says X will support those treated "unfairly" by bosses due to behaviour on Twitter - now X. | Mr Musk criticised the platform's policies on moderating content prior to his takeover
Elon Musk has said X, formerly known as Twitter, will pay the legal bills of anyone who is treated unfairly by their employer for their activity on his social media platform.
On Sunday, Mr Musk told users that financial assistance from his platform would have "no limits".
He asked users to "let us know" if they had experienced unfair treatment for posting or liking something.
Formerly known as Twitter, the social media platform was renamed last month.
Mr Musk is a self-described "free speech absolutist" and has been vocal in his criticisms of the platform's policies on moderating content prior to his takeover.
When he announced that he was taking over Twitter in April last year, Mr Musk said "free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated".
More recently, the firm that owns Twitter announced that it was suing an anti-hate organisation whose research criticised the platform.
The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) had done research that showed hate and disinformation was "spreading like wildfire on the platform under Musk's ownership".
X Corp accused CCDH of "unlawful acts" to "improperly gain access" to its data. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-66420177 |
Italian fugitive Vincenzo La Porta caught in Greece thanks to football photo - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | Vincenzo La Porta has been on the run for 11 years but was tracked down to Greece by police. | Napoli won their first Serie A title for 33 years in May as they drew with Udinese - stock photo from match
One of Italy's most dangerous fugitives has been caught in Greece after a photo of him cheering on his football team gave away his whereabouts.
Vincenzo La Porta, 60, is thought to have close ties to the Camorra organised crime gang in Naples.
He has been on the run for 11 years - but earlier this year was spotted in a photo of fans celebrating in Greece.
The Naples Carabinieri police said: "What betrayed him was his passion for football and for the Napoli."
Officers said the photos were taken after Napoli won its first Italian championship in over three decades earlier this year.
"With the championship victory, La Porta couldn't resist celebrating," police said.
La Porta has already been convicted in absentia in Italy for criminal association, tax evasion and fraud.
Police finally arrested him on Friday while he was riding his moped on the Greek island of Corfu and he is now currently in a jail awaiting extradition to Italy.
If he is extradited to Italy, he is due serve a prison sentence of 14 years and four months.
La Porta's lawyer told AP news agency: "He has started a new family in Greece... He has a nine-year-old boy and is working as a cook to get by. He suffers from heart ailments. If he's extradited, he and his family will be ruined."
The authorities were relentless in their pursuit of La Porta, tracking his financial and online movements closely and "waited for him to make a misstep".
Back in May, La Porta could not contain his excitement when Napoli won its first Serie A title after 33 years.
The police spotted him in a photo outside a Corfu restaurant among Napoli fans donning a baseball cap and waving the team's sky blue and white colours.
The investigators knew they had their man and followed him to Greece.
With a little help from their Greek colleagues, they arrested him on Friday, the Greek police said.
In January, this year, an Italian mafia boss who was on the run for decades was arrested after a Google Maps sighting. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66416101 |
Wrexham's Football League return watched by Hugh Jackman - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | The Hollywood actor joined celebrity owners to watch Wrexham's defeat to MK Dons. | Wrex-Men: Club co-owner Ryan Reynolds and guest Hugh Jackman - who play superheroes in Marvel movies - helped cheer on Wrexham's own on-pitch heroes
Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman joined Wrexham fans to watch the club's return to the Football League after 15 years.
The Wolverine star joined celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham AFC's first game in football's fourth tier since 2008.
The return has been a dream come true for long-suffering fans.
However, celebrations were short-lived as the club was on the receiving end of a 5-3 defeat to MK Dons.
Speaking before the match, Sandy Domingos-Shipley, from Toronto in Canada, said: "I'm continuing the party I had at the last game in Wrexham and ended at 4am."
She added: "We're here for the first game of the season and I wanted to party with some of the locals again - we've been here a few times last season so hopefully it will be a good win today and we can do some more partying later."
Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds posed for pictures with fans before kick-off
Sandy said she had lived in the UK for a few years and liked to "get some Canadians together and use Wrexham as a meeting place".
She said the group started with about 60 people and now has 180, with members from "around the world".
"The community have been very welcoming," she said.
Wrexham won the National League title last season with 111 points, while Saturday's opponents, MK Dons, were relegated from League One.
Fans gathered outside the gates at Wrexham's ground early to try to get a glimpse of any celebrity rivals - and they weren't disappointed with Jackman pausing to wave to them.
Hugh Jackman was also at the Wrexham game with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney
In February, Jackman told the BBC that many of Wrexham's rival teams offered him co-ownership when Ryan Reynolds bought the Welsh club.
The two celebrities have had a comedic feud for several years.
Sandy Domingos-Shipley (second left) is one of Wrexham's many international fans
Mandy and Harry Robinson, from Wrexham, have been coming to the stadium for in excess of 20 years.
Mandy said she had seen "really bad times" to the point where die-hard fans had to hold bucket collections in town to save the club.
"It was a bit upsetting but hey, we're here now."
Long-time Wrexham fans the Collins family said they hoped to get a glimpse of the club's celebrity owners at Saturday's game
The Collins family are season ticket holders and have been revelling in Wrexham's success since the take over by Reynolds and McElhenney.
"I think they've done an astonishing thing in terms of unlocking the potential of the club and the town and it all started with their investment," said Dan Collins.
Community groups have also been given plenty to shout about too as many have been given free tickets to matches to make the club as accessible as possible.
Sam Jones from Dynamic Wrexham, a charity that works with young people with disabilities, said: "It's absolutely fantastic. I think it's 56 different community groups that they've reached with the ticket scheme, so that's about 5,000 tickets in total."
Celebrations were short-lived for Wrexham as the team suffered a 5-3 defeat in their league opener
The "Wrex-factor" has encouraged fans to look back at the city's footballing history.
The Football Museum for Wales has launched a guided heritage tour to highlight the places in Wrexham where significant sporting moments occurred, including the founding of the FAW in 1876.
It also looks at the impact women and diverse communities have had on the sport.
Football coach Anne-Marie Withers, who has taken part in the tour, said: "I found it all really interesting and it gave me a massive insight into the history of football in Wrexham."
Delwyn Derrick, one of the tour guides, said re-joining the Football League was another huge moment for Wrexham fans.
"I think that's a huge point of pride for everyone who supports the club or just generally from the town to see Wrexham back in the Football League where we have always believed they belong." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-66407289 |
Jamie Foxx apologises and deletes Instagram post - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | The actor says he never intended to cause offence after his post was accused of being antisemitic. | Actor Jamie Foxx has apologised for an Instagram post that was accused of being antisemitic.
Foxx, 55, has deleted the post, which read: "They killed this dude name Jesus... what do you think they'll do to you???! #fakefriends #fakelove".
Some social media users said Foxx's post echoed an antisemitic belief that Jewish people were collectively responsible for Jesus Christ's death.
The Roman Catholic Church officially repudiated the idea in 1965.
On Saturday, Foxx addressed the criticism in a new Instagram post which said: "I want to apologise to the Jewish community and everyone who was offended by my post.
"I now know my choice of words have caused offense and I'm sorry. That was never my intent.
"To clarify, I was betrayed by a fake friend and that's what I meant with 'they' not anything more," the Ray star said in an Instagram post.
Jennifer Aniston also faced criticism after she appeared to "like" Foxx's original post before it was deleted. The Friends actor then released a statement on Instagram, saying she did not support any form of antisemitism. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-66420841 |
The Crooked House: Fire rips through famed 'wonky' pub - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | The popular Crooked House at Himley, near Dudley, is completely destroyed by a blaze. | Flames ripped through the property on Saturday night
A famed 18th Century building once known as "Britain's wonkiest pub" has been completely gutted by a fire.
Smoke was reported coming from The Crooked House at Himley, near Dudley, at about 22:00 BST on Saturday.
Pictures from scene showed the property, which drastically subsided in the 19th Century, engulfed by flames.
Last month, it was confirmed the owners, Marston's, had sold the popular Black Country landmark to a private buyer for "an alternative use".
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said no-one was believed to be inside the building at the time and no injuries had been reported.
An investigation has been launched by Staffordshire Police and the fire service to determine the cause of the blaze.
Six fire crews tackled the flames overnight and by Sunday morning the fire was largely extinguished.
The building has been completely gutted
The Crooked House was a popular attraction in the West Midlands 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.
It 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.
In March, Marston's listed it for sale with a guide price of £675,000 but thousands of people signed a petition in the hope of keeping it as a pub.
A petition to save the pub had amassed nearly 4,000 signatures
Watch commander Chris Green, from Tipton fire station, said: "The crews had to roll out 40 lengths of hose from the Himley Road which was the nearest hydrant."
The area around the fire site remains closed from High Arcal Road to Brick Kiln Lane.
Local residents have flocked to social media sites to express their "heartbreak" at the loss of the "iconic" building.
Conservative MP for Wolverhampton North East, Jane Stevenson, tweeted: "Really sad to see - this pub is part of our local history. I hope nobody was hurt and our firefighters are all safe.
She added: "Many of us in the Black Country are fiercely proud of our heritage and I hope the Crooked House will be rebuilt as was."
A petition to save the pub had amassed nearly 4,000 signatures
Author Miranda Dickinson, from Wolverhampton, said: "This is so sad. The Crooked House was a Black Country landmark, recently controversially sold and now suddenly gutted by fire.
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-66421163 |
Storm Antoni: Strong winds and heavy rain set to clear - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | The first storm to be named by the Met Office this year has brought "unseasonably" strong winds. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
Winds and heavy rain are set to ease across the UK as the first Met Office-named storm of the year clears.
Storm Antoni hit several parts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland between Friday and Saturday.
Some residents were evacuated due to flooding and events such as Brighton's Pride were also hit.
Yellow rain warnings in Northern Ireland and amber wind warnings in Wales and southwest England ended on Saturday.
The yellow warnings for thunderstorms in south-east England, including Brighton and London, ended at 22:00 BST, along with the yellow wind warnings in western areas including Cardiff and Bath.
The Met Office said winds would continue to ease overnight into Sunday, with "a few showers" persisting near coasts.
Storm Antoni hit late on Friday, with gusts of up to 65mph affecting exposed coastal areas.
The Met Office issued warnings for affecting areas encompassing Plymouth, Bristol and Bath in England and Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire in Wales.
It warned that danger to life from flying debris were possible and "large waves and beach material being thrown on to sea fronts, coastal roads and properties".
On Saturday, Cleveland Police said residents in Loftus and Carlin How, North Yorkshire were evacuated due to flooding. The force warned people not drive to the homes of relatives or make unnecessary journeys.
Trees fell on the road to Veryan on the Roseland Peninsula in Cornwall on Saturday
Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Willington previously said the storm has the potential to bring "potentially disruptive" weather as it moved from west to east.
Mr Willington said Northern Ireland would see some of the highest rainfall totals, with 40-60mm falling in some spots.
Meanwhile, Brighton's Pride still went ahead, despite the challenges from the weather and industrial action on the railways.
This person braved the wind and rain to head down to Brighton seafront
However, a Pride festival in Devon was scaled back due to concerns over strong winds.
Plymouth Pride 2023 said a "rainbow village" featuring up to 80 traders would be cancelled because of the potential for "flying gazebos".
Storm worries have seen the annual Stompin' on the Quomps festival cancelled for the first time in its 30-year history in Christchurch. Around 10,000 people had been expected to attend on Saturday.
Waves crashed against the shore in Portland, Dorset
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66413946 |
Ukraine war: Russia hits blood transfusion centre, says Zelensky - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as a "war crime" and perpetrators as "beasts". | President Zelensky posted a photo purportedly showing Kupiansk's blood transfusion centre on fire after the Russian attack
A Russian "guided bomb" has hit a blood transfusion centre in north-eastern Ukraine, killing two people and injuring four, Ukrainian officials say.
Volodymyr Zelensky posted an image of the building on fire as a result of Saturday night's attack around Kupiansk, in the Kharkiv region.
"This war crime alone says everything about Russian aggression," he said.
Russia has not commented. It has previously denied all allegations of targeting civilians - or war crimes.
The city of Kupiansk and nearby settlements were seized by Russian troops in the first few days of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022.
The area was liberated during a Ukrainian counter-offensive last September, but comes under missiles and shelling daily.
In a post on social media, Mr Zelensky described the perpetrators as "beasts".
"Defeating terrorists is a matter of honour for everyone who values life," he added.
Mr Zelensky did not give details of the casualties. But local officials later posted the same image adding details about the attack on what they described as a non-residential building.
President Zelensky also said that on Saturday Russia separately carried out a missile attack, targeting an aeronautical company run by group Motor Sich in the western Khmelnytskyi region.
On Sunday, Russia's air defences destroyed a drone as it approached Moscow, the city's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, said.
Last week, an office block on a Moscow skyscraper was hit two days in a row by Ukrainian drones, Russian authorities said.
Ukraine has not publicly admitted carrying out such attacks.
Moscow has also accused Ukraine on Saturday of hitting a Russian tanker with 11 crew members in the Black Sea - the second such sea drone attack in as many days.
Russian maritime officials said the engine room of the Sig tanker was damaged in the attack in the Kerch Strait. No-one was injured.
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.
Ukraine has not publicly commented. But a Ukrainian security service source told the BBC a sea drone had been used.
In another development, the Chonhar road bridge linking mainland Ukraine to Crimea was hit by a Ukrainian missile strike on Sunday, according to Russia's RIA news agency.
This is the second time Ukrainian missiles have hit the bridge after an earlier attack in June forced it to close for repairs.
Moscow-installed Kherson regional governor Vladimir Saldo wrote on Telegram that another small bridge, connecting the port city of Henichesk and the narrow Arabat Spit on Crimea's north-east coast, had been shelled.
A civilian driver was hurt and a gas pipeline was damaged, leaving 20,000 people without gas.
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 | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66419331 |
Donald Trump says he will ask election judge to step aside - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | Former US President Trump says that his lawyers will ask for a recusal of the judge on his election fraud case. | Donald Trump has said he will ask the judge in his alleged election fraud case to step aside on what he called "very powerful grounds".
He claimed that "there is no way I can get a fair trial" unless he has a different judge.
His call came after the prosecution requested a court order that would limit what he can publicly say about the case.
The judge, Tanya Chutkan, was appointed by former President Barack Obama.
Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, on Sunday morning, describing the case as "the ridiculous freedom of speech/fair elections case" and saying that his legal team would immediately be asking for recusal of the judge.
He gave no details of his grounds for asking her to step down.
Judge Chutkan, appointed in 2014, previously ruled against Mr Trump's efforts to shield evidence from the House January 6 Committee.
The 61-year-old judge has won a reputation for harsh sentences for those convicted of participation in the riots. According to Associated Press news agency she is one of the toughest punishers.
Under US federal law, any judge of the United States must disqualify themselves in any proceeding in which their impartiality might reasonably be questioned.
Recusal of the judge was not the only thing Mr Trump said he would request. He also said he wanted a "venue change" and for his case to be moved out of Washington.
He previously said there would be "no way I can get a fair trial, or even close to a fair trial, in Washington", which he describes as "anti-Trump", and has previously described the Department of Justice as "highly partisan and very corrupt".
Mr Trump's lawyer, John Lauro, said on Sunday that the former president "believed in his heart of hearts" that he had won the 2020 election - and that prosecutors will not be able to prove that Mr Trump did not believe this.
Speaking to US TV networks, Mr Lauro said Mr Trump was being attacked for exercising his constitutional First Amendment right to free speech.
Earlier this week, Mr Trump wrote in capital letters, "If you go after me, I am coming after you!" on Truth Social, just a day after he pleaded not guilty to four charges in the alleged election fraud case.
And the same night, the prosecutors said they feared there was a chance Mr Trump might disclose confidential evidence and asked for a protective order to prevent "the improper dissemination or use of discovery materials, including to the public".
Judge Chutkan gave Mr Trump's legal team until 17:00 local time on Monday to respond to the submission. Mr Trump's lawyers asked for three more days, but the judge denied their request.
Judge Chutkan is expected to call in attorneys from both sides on 28 August to discuss setting a trial date.
The charges - which include conspiracy to defraud the US and conspiracy against the rights of citizens - stem from the former president's actions in the wake of the 2020 election.
Mr Trump now faces five upcoming trials - three criminal trials which include his alleged mishandling of classified documents, accounting fraud and these election charges; and two civil trials over business practices and alleged defamation of a woman who accused him of rape. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66422516 |
Porton Down: Can this laboratory help stop the next pandemic? - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | James Gallagher meets the scientists who work at one of the most secretive research bases in the UK. | One of the UK's most secretive centres of scientific research - Porton Down - is aiming to stop the next pandemic "in its tracks".
I have passed through the incredibly tight security at this remote facility to get rare access to its scientists.
They are based in the shiny new Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre.
Their work builds on the response to Covid, and aims to save lives and minimise the need for lockdowns when a new disease next emerges.
"Covid, of course, is not a one-off," says Prof Dame Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which runs these laboratories.
"We say it [Covid] was the biggest public health incident for a century, but I don't think any of us think it'll be a century before the next," she adds.
The combination of climate change, urbanisation and people living closer to animals - the source of many new diseases which transfer to people - means we're facing a "rising tide of risk", she says.
Dame Jenny Harries is clear Covid was not "a one-off" public health incident
Porton Down - located in the tranquil Wiltshire countryside, near Salisbury - is one of the few places in the world equipped to research some of the nastiest viruses and bacteria you could imagine. The freezers here contain the likes of Ebola.
Neighbouring buildings include the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (part of the Ministry of Defence), where it was confirmed the nerve agent Novichok has been used in the Salisbury poisonings.
The vaccine laboratories - housed in dark green buildings - were hastily constructed as part of the emergency response to Covid.
But, as the intense demands of the pandemic have waned, the focus has shifted.
The new vaccine research centre is concentrating on three types of threat:
The aim is to work with the pharmaceutical industry, scientists and doctors to support all stages of vaccine development.
Porton Down scientists are working on the first vaccine against Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, which is spread by ticks and kills about a third of those infected.
The disease is found in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East and in Asia - and could spread further with climate change.
At the other end of the process, vaccine effectiveness is evaluated. It was scientists here who spotted that the Omicron variant could bypass some of the protection afforded by Covid vaccines.
And they are still monitoring new Covid variants by growing them in the laboratory, exposing them to antibodies taken from blood samples and seeing if new variants are still able to infect.
Antibodies taken from blood samples are being tested at the lab to see if they still offer protection against new Covid variants
Meanwhile machines - unofficially named Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, BB8 and Palpatine - are part of the front line monitoring the threat posed by the world's largest flu outbreak in birds.
The H5N1 avian flu virus has devastated bird populations, and routine testing of farmworkers has found the first, symptomless, cases in people in the UK.
The difference is, before the pandemic the teams here were able to test just 100 samples a week - now it is more than 3,000.
The work here feeds into the "100 Days Mission" - a hugely ambitious vision to develop a vaccine against a new threat in 100 days.
Historically, it has taken a decade to design and test new vaccines. The unique circumstances of the pandemic meant the first Covid vaccines were produced within a year, with the vaccine rollout starting in December 2020.
Estimates suggest Covid vaccines saved more than 14 million lives in just the first 12 months they were used.
"Imagine if those vaccines had been available just a bit earlier," said Prof Isabel Oliver, chief scientific officer for UKHSA.
"They were available more rapidly than ever before in history, [but] we could have saved many more lives and we could have returned to greater normality much more quickly."
The hope here is the lessons of the Covid pandemic will mean we are better prepared next time.
Prof Harries says in the past we have been simply reacting to events, but in the future we need to be on the front foot and "try and stop" any pandemic before it even begins.
And if a new disease does occur, she adds, we need to "stop it in its tracks" in its earliest stage. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-66396585 |
My 40 years of guide dogs and good friends - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | The BBC's Ian Hamilton has had seven guide dogs who have all been good friends and a way of breaking down barriers. | Ian still remembers getting Stella, his first guide dog, 40 years ago
It's been 40 years since I started training with my very first guide dog but the memories are still vivid.
Back then I was a slim 20-year-old student at the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford.
I travelled up to Forfar for four weeks at the guide dog training centre, where I stayed with 11 other blind people.
We were a diverse bunch, strangers brought together by our shared journey of sight loss and desperation to maintain our independence.
I knew this training would change how I navigated the world.
No more would I have to gingerly manoeuvre my way down the streets with a white cane, desperately hoping to avoid collisions with lampposts, rubbish bins, and cars parked on pavements.
The accommodation at the centre in August 1983 was far from luxurious but clean and comfortable.
Ian, who has worked for the BBC for 23 years, with his latest guide dog Major
There was an empty dog bed and bowl waiting for my new companion but I wouldn't meet the dog for another four days.
The Guide Dog Association for the Blind was incredibly secretive back then, resembling something akin to MI5.
We weren't told anything about the dog's breed, name, or sex at the beginning, and the human trainer played the role of the dog, demonstrating the correct way to guide and give commands.
It felt a bit like "Strictly Come Dancing" without the sparkly tights and harsh judging.
The trainer would say: "Ian, put your left foot back and turn. Now, bring both feet back together and pirouette to the right. Slap your right thigh simultaneously and turn, all in one move.
"Oh, and don't forget to tell me what a good dog I am."
What a sight it must have been, the trainer and I mincing in unison around the centre's car park with me exclaiming: "Who's a good boy?"
When the time came to meet my new dog, I'd grown impatient.
The tension in the room was palpable as we were all called to gather in the large sitting room.
One by one, trainers read aloud our names and matched them with the dogs' names.
Ian's third dog, Tim, was a seven-stone German Shepherd with a personality to match
I sat there, silently praying that they wouldn't give me a dog with a stupid name.
After what felt like an eternity, I was told I'd be getting a crossbreed Labrador Retriever bitch called Ursula.
I slumped in my seat, dejected, wondering why they would give a 20-year-old lad from deepest, darkest Lanarkshire a dog with a name like that.
Before we met our dogs, we were given strict instructions about what to do and what not to do.
We were told to sit quietly in our chairs and let the dog come to us.
It was imperative that we remained calm and, under no circumstances, chase the dog frantically around the room.
There's a story about a far too excitable trainee who ignored this instruction and couldn't find their dog.
They pressed the call bell for assistance, and when the trainer returned, they found the dog sitting in the sink, hiding from its new blind owner.
Moss, Ian's fifth guide dog, had a natural talent for stealing the limelight
Luckily for me, when Ursula was brought into my room, she bounded in and leaped straight on to my lap.
Not long afterwards, I changed her name to Stella, which I considered a much more acceptable option for a young man.
Day by day, our training expanded from basic house drills, which included walking the dog around the building on a lead, to venturing outside into the wider world and encountering various obstacles.
Initially, the trainer would always be nearby, but as the weeks passed, they would observe from a distance, scrutinising our every move.
We had cars driven at us to see how the dog and I would react, and obstacles were strategically placed in our path to test our problem-solving skills.
A lot has changed in the four decades since I was trained with my first guide dog.
Major is my seventh dog and his training required just one week in a local hotel followed by three weeks at home.
What's more, I had the chance to meet him before the training began, to see if we were a good match. Spoiler alert, we were.
Matching dogs and owners is important but the way trainers describe dogs is a bit like how estate agents talk about houses.
It took me a couple of dogs before I fully grasped this code.
When an instructor says: "This dog is a keen worker", it really means it is likely to pull you down the street at top speed.
"This dog has great initiative," translates to it will go wherever it wants, regardless of how much you protest.
From the moody and officious to the joker and the Buddhist, every canine companion I have worked with brought a distinct character to our partnership.
For example, Stella would sulk and walk slower if we ventured somewhere she didn't fancy.
She would take revenge by skilfully avoiding puddles, delicately tiptoeing along the edges to keep her paws dry, while I found myself splashing through the deep end.
Independent by nature, Leo showed little interest in playing with other dogs and preferred the company of humans.
Although he carried out his guiding duties, he lacked enthusiasm, doing only what was necessary to keep us both alive.
My third dog, Tim, was a seven-stone German Shepherd with a personality to match.
Tim effortlessly commanded attention during train rides, his mere presence persuading passengers to vacate their seats.
He would fixate his intense gaze on people until they relented, creating a space for both of us to sit.
Weaver, my fourth dog, tended to go on strike, defiantly throwing himself to the ground and refusing to move.
Moss, my fifth guide dog, had a natural talent for stealing the limelight. He would confidently stare down TV camera lenses like a seasoned professional, becoming a familiar face on numerous television reports.
Renton, my sixth companion, also a large German Shepherd, had a unique approach to guiding. Instead of manoeuvring around people, he would gently lean on pedestrians, encouraging them to step aside and allow us to pass.
Ian's current guide dog Major takes his job very seriously
Lastly, Major, my seventh and current guide dog, takes his job very seriously.
Out of all the dogs I've had, Major demonstrates an exceptional level of understanding.
It never ceases to amaze me how much he understands.
Our interactions often feel like one-sided conversations, as I know he absorbs every word I say.
Stella lived a long and fulfilling life until she was nearly 16, and every dog I've had since has been not just a good friend but a way of breaking down barriers.
In two or three years it'll be time for Major to retire and I don't know how long it will take to get another dog.
At the moment, many people are waiting as long as two years after their previous dog retired, which is far too long to be without a reliable form of mobility.
It's difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for this, and Covid is often blamed, but many blind people believe the issues began before the pandemic.
Some attribute it to a change in training methods, which has led to a high rejection rate of dogs. A shortage of staff has also been said to be a factor.
The Guide Dogs Association says its training methods for guide dogs are in line with international standards and prioritise welfare and safety.
They say the Covid pandemic led to a pause in its breeding programme and also caused a dip in guide dog training success rates due to limited socialisation opportunities for the dogs.
They say the average wait is currently 15 months and they are taking action to address waiting times.
I hope they are because I know that guide dog training has been a lifeline for blind people for decades and will continue to be, no matter how it evolves. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-66324130 |
German city hit by massive hail storm - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | Hail formed 30cm drifts in Reutlingen requiring snowploughs to be deployed, at the height of summer. | A storm with hail and heavy rain has hit the southwest German city of Reutlingen.
City officials have said the hail formed 30cm (12 inches) drifts in some areas and snowploughs were deployed.
About 250 firefighters took part in the clean up, in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66418007 |
Fines hiked for firms employing illegal migrants - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | Companies who repeatedly employ illegal migrants face fines up to £60,000 per breach under new rules. | Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said new fines targeting employers would help to deter dangerous Channel crossings
Fines for businesses and landlords who knowingly support illegal migrants are set to triple under new rules announced by the government.
Firms who are found to have repeatedly employed illegal migrants could face fines of up to £60,000 per breach.
The Home Office argues "illegal working and renting are significant pull factors" for illegal migration.
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said the move would help deter perilous channel crossings by small boats.
Under the new punishments, which come into force at the beginning of 2024, businesses will see the civil penalty for employing illegal migrants rise from £15,000 for the first offence to £45,000.
Repeat offenders will see fines triple from £20,000 to £60,000.
Meanwhile, landlords will have fines hiked from £80 per lodger and £1,000 per occupier for a first breach to up to £5,000 per lodger and £10,000 per occupier.
Further breaches could result in penalties of to £10,000 per lodger and £20,000 per occupier, up from £500 and £3,000 respectively.
"Unscrupulous landlords and employers who allow illegal working and renting enable the business model of the evil people smugglers to continue," Mr Jenrick said in a statement.
"There is no excuse for not conducting the appropriate checks and those in breach will now face significantly tougher penalties."
It is unknown how many people reside in the UK illegally. A 2020 study conducted by the Greater London Authority estimated that between 594,000-745,000 undocumented people were living in the country - about 1% of the total population.
Since 2018 some 4,000 civil penalties have been issued to employers for employing undocumented workers, raising more than £74m.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made tackling the number of migrants making the dangerous crossing across the channel one of his government's five main priorities.
But Labour's shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said penalties issued to firms employing workers illegally had actually fallen by two-thirds since 2016, noting that arrests had also fallen.
"Strengthening penalties must be combined with stronger enforcement action if the government is serious about tackling the problems," the Ms Cooper said.
The Liberal Democrats' home affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael called the move "another pointless announcement on the asylum system which will make no meaningful difference".
"A bolder fix is required by ministers, yet they are too arrogant to admit it," Mr Carmichael added.
More than 45,000 people entered the UK via Channel crossings last year, up from about 300 in 2018.
Last month, a controversial new bill was approved by Parliament which will see people removed from the UK being blocked from returning or seeking British citizenship in future.
The home secretary has also been given the duty to detain and remove those arriving in the UK illegally to Rwanda or a "safe" third country.
The move, which could see up to £6bn spent a year on detention and removal, attracted an unusually strong response from the United Nations.
In a joint statement, UN human rights chief Volker Turk and the UN refugees head Filippo Grandi said the bill "will have profound consequences for people in need of international protection".
"This new legislation significantly erodes the legal framework that has protected so many, exposing refugees to grave risks in breach of international law," Mr Grandi said.
The Home Office defended the bill and said the government took its international obligations seriously - noting that nothing in the bill required the government to act in a way which was incompatible with international law.
The UK had the fifth highest number of asylum applications in Europe, behind Germany, France, Spain and Austria in 2022.
With 217,735 applications, Germany had a quarter of all first-time asylum applications within the EU. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66422763 |
Sweden 0-0 USA (pens: 5-4): World Cup holders knocked out on penalties - BBC Sport | 2023-08-06 | Sweden progress to the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup thanks to a penalty shootout win over the USA. | 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.
Reigning champions the USA are out of the Women's World Cup after being stunned by Sweden on penalties on a night of incredible drama in Melbourne.
USA dominated the 120 minutes but were denied by an inspired goalkeeping performance from Zecira Musovic as the match finished goalless.
The drama only ratcheted up further in the shootout. Three USA players missed, including their footballing icon Megan Rapinoe on her last appearance on the world stage, before Sweden won in remarkable circumstances.
USA keeper Alyssa Naeher appeared to have saved Lina Hurtig's effort at the second attempt, having pushed the initial effort up before clawing it out.
But after checking with the video assistant referee (VAR), referee Stephanie Frappart awarded the goal and sparked wild Sweden celebrations.
USA manager Vlatko Andonovski was not convinced the ball had crossed the line, despite technology confirming the goal.
"It's a tough moment," he said. "It's a moment where it's hard to go through, where you hope it didn't cross the line. I see pictures and I still can't see it now, but proves how cruel this game can be."
Sweden go through to face Japan in the quarter-finals.
• None Reaction as Sweden beat the USA on penalties
They were indebted to Musovic, who made 11 saves in a game where the USA looked more like the team which won the World Cup in 2015 and 2019 than the one which snuck through the group stage.
But they could not score and in the shootout Rapinoe, Sophia Smith and Kelley O'Hara all missed, Rapinoe with what is her final action at a World Cup as she has announced she will retire at the end of the year.
It condemns the USA to their worst performance at the tournament. They had never previously failed to make it to the semi-finals.
USA had not turned up to the World Cup party before Sunday. Flat and uninspired as they finished second in Group E while failing to win two first-stage matches for the first time in this competition, they have been subject to fierce criticism back home.
Manager Vlatko Andonovski had to make changes - especially as key midfielder Rose Lavelle was suspended for this game - and switched from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1 with two holding midfielders.
It worked a treat in the first half as they dominated play and were only denied the lead by Musovic and the crossbar.
Trinity Rodman twice stung the gloves of Musovic before Lindsey Horan came even closer by rattling the woodwork with a header from a corner.
USA looked like a proud side stung into action by external criticism and internal knowledge that they have not been good enough so far. A ball recovery time of just six seconds in the first half was evidence of that.
They continued to make chances after the break, Horan and Alex Morgan denied by superb Musovic saves and Emily Sonnett shooting over from the edge of the area.
But they needed a goal to make their dominance count and, as they toiled for it, the crowd which had followed them to Melbourne were becoming more nervous as the game rolled on into extra time.
They continued to be denied by Musovic in the extra period as she saved from Morgan, Lynn Williams and Sophia Smith, with Andonovski sending on Rapinoe shortly before the 100th minute.
The 38-year-old has long been the team's defining symbol and inspiration - but here she blazed the fourth USA penalty wildly over the bar.
Smith put well wide when the USA would have advanced if she scored, before O'Hara struck the post.
The dreams of the USA being the first nation to win three successive World Cups is over. Their reign as undisputed queens of the global women's game is also finished.
Sweden breezed through Group G with a 100% record. However, the four-time world champions are a big step up from South Africa, Italy and Argentina.
Sweden were reliant on Musovic, who spent most of last season as back-up for Women's Super League champions Chelsea - but she proved why she is number one for her country here.
In the 53th minute Horan's first-time shot following a low cross from the right seemed destined for the bottom corner, only for Musovic to make a brilliant low one-handed stop to her left despite being unsighted by Trinity Rodman stood in front of her.
Even better came in the final seconds of normal time as Morgan headed down from point-blank range, only for Musovic to palm the ball way.
"I had a really good feeling before the game, there was a good feeling among the squad," said the 27-year-old afterwards.
"During the game you have to have each others' backs, we knew we were facing a really good team. I am extremely proud."To be able to perform in that way, it takes a lot of hard work that nobody sees. The reason I am a goalkeeper is to give our team the best chance to win the game. You just do what you do, it feels natural."
Sweden did get more of a measure of their opponents as the game wore on, but still had to defend deep as waves of USA attacks crashed upon them. They did not have their first shot on target until the 85th minute, Sofia Jakobsson firing straight at Naeher.
Ultimately they were reliant on Musovic to get them to penalties - when the greatest drama played out, and the once unbeatable USA were toppled.
• None Goal! Sweden 0(5), USA 0(4). Lina Hurtig (Sweden) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner.Goal awarded following VAR Review.
• None Penalty missed! Still Sweden 0(4), USA 0(4). Kelley O'Hara (USA) hits the right post with a right footed shot.
• None Goal! Sweden 0(4), USA 0(4). Magdalena Eriksson (Sweden) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the top right corner.
• None Goal! Sweden 0(3), USA 0(4). Alyssa Naeher (USA) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the high centre of the goal.
• None Goal! Sweden 0(3), USA 0(3). Hanna Bennison (Sweden) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the high centre of the goal.
• None Penalty missed! Bad penalty by Sophia Smith (USA) right footed shot is close, but misses to the right. Sophia Smith should be disappointed.
• None Penalty saved! Rebecka Blomqvist (Sweden) fails to capitalise on this great opportunity, right footed shot saved in the bottom right corner.
• None Penalty missed! Bad penalty by Megan Rapinoe (USA) right footed shot is too high. Megan Rapinoe should be disappointed.
• None Penalty missed! Bad penalty by Nathalie Björn (Sweden) right footed shot is too high. Nathalie Björn should be disappointed.
• None Goal! Sweden 0(2), USA 0(3). Kristie Mewis (USA) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the top left corner.
• None Goal! Sweden 0(2), USA 0(2). Elin Rubensson (Sweden) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner.
• None Goal! Sweden 0(1), USA 0(2). Lindsey Horan (USA) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner.
• None Goal! Sweden 0(1), USA 0(1). Fridolina Rolfö (Sweden) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom right corner.
• None Goal! Sweden 0, USA 0(1). Andi Sullivan (USA) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66414350 |
Netball World Cup 2023 final: England chasing history against Australia - BBC Sport | 2023-08-06 | England will be in "new territory" when they face Australia in their maiden World Cup final, says former captain Serena Kersten. | Last updated on .From the section Netball
Coverage: Watch live coverage on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app from 16:45 BST. Listen to commentary on BBC 5 Sports Extra & BBC Sounds and follow text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.
England must embrace "new territory" when they face 11-time winners Australia in their first World Cup final, says former captain Serena Kersten.
The Roses beat defending champions New Zealand in the semi-finals and will look to write a new chapter in their history as they go for gold on Sunday.
England have won bronze six times, including at the last three World Cups.
By contrast, there has never been a World Cup final without Australia.
After finishing fourth at the Commonwealth Games last year, the Roses have faced questions over their inconsistent form but have responded with a perfect record at the World Cup, as well as going further than any England team before them.
The final in Cape Town takes place at 17:00 BST on Sunday and will be live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.
"Now there is expectation [on England]," Kersten said on BBC TV.
"Everyone will expect them to get that gold medal, but that is still new territory."
• None The forgetful one, the joker and the DJ - meet the England Roses
'We've already gone where no Roses team has gone before'
When England pipped Australia to Commonwealth Games gold on the Gold Coast five years ago, expectations on the Roses increased.
They have undergone a period of transition since then under head coach Jess Thirlby, who replaced Tracey Neville after the 2019 World Cup, and it has taken time for them to settle.
Thirlby turned her attention to developing the next generation of players, with Kersten, defender Eboni Usoro-Brown and prolific shooter Jo Harten all calling time on their England careers.
But, while it may have taken time for the strategy to reap rewards, Thirlby has always believed in the team and hopes people are now "super proud" of them.
"We've already gone where no Roses team has gone before," Thirlby said.
"In August 2019 I had a call with most of these girls, congratulated them on 2018 but said that we wanted to do different, and the World Cup still eluded us.
"We've ticked the box [getting to the final], and I hope that now will let us go out there and play with freedom."
England won silver at the 1975 World Cup, but that tournament was played as a round robin, meaning they did not play in a final.
They will now challenge for a first world title, five years after they captured the nation's attention at the Commonwealth Games.
"People said once certain players retire then England will fall away," said former England captain Ama Agbeze.
"But for Thirlby to manage an injection of new young talent and to make a World Cup final for the first time is just phenomenal."
Before Thursday, England had never beaten Australia at a World Cup. A 56-55 comeback win put that to bed and ensured the Roses topped their pool in stunning style.
Including that victory, though, England have beaten the team from down under just twice since their Gold Coast triumph in 2018 - losing seven and drawing one.
The Roses will take confidence from that performance, but Australia's Diamonds are no stranger to overcoming adversity, having lost their final pool match against Jamaica at the Commonwealth Games last year before going on to win gold.
After losing the last World Cup final to New Zealand, Australia have spoken of "unfinished business" at this tournament.
England know that despite their good form and having knocked out the defending champions, they will need to harness all of their experience and execute the perfect game plan to triumph over Australia again.
• None How to follow the Netball World Cup on the BBC | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/netball/66416324 |
Donald Trump social media post flagged by prosecutors in court filing - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | Prosecutors ask for limits on what Donald Trump is allowed to publicly say about the election fraud case. | Prosecutors in Donald Trump's upcoming trial have asked for limits on what the ex-president can publicly say about the case, after he shared a threatening message online.
In a filing late on Friday night, the prosecutors said they feared Mr Trump might disclose confidential evidence.
They justified the move citing a post by Mr Trump shared on Friday, saying it targeted people involved in the case.
But Mr Trump's team insisted the post was directed at political opponents.
On the Truth social network Mr Trump wrote "IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I'M COMING AFTER YOU!" on Friday afternoon, just a day after he pleaded not guilty to four charges in the alleged election fraud case.
The charges - which include conspiracy to defraud the US, tampering with a witness and conspiracy against the rights of citizens - stem from the former president's actions in the wake of the 2020 election, including around the 6 January Capitol riot.
In their filing, the office of Special Counsel Jack Smith said the post raised concerns that Mr Trump could publicly reveal secret material, including grand jury transcripts obtained from prosecutors.
Noting that Mr Trump has a history of attacking judges, attorneys and witnesses against him, Mr Smith's office warned that his behaviour could have "a harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case".
The Republican has already hit out against the special counsel, telling a crowd of supporters in Alabama on Friday that Mr Smith was a "deranged human being" and "a bad guy".
The filing added that Friday's post "specifically or by implication" referred to those involved in the criminal case against him.
It added the order which they are seeking - known as a protective order - would not be "overly restrictive", saying that it did not prevent Mr Trump and his team discussing the case in the media and would allow him to access discovery materials for use in his defence.
"All the proposed order seeks to prevent is the improper dissemination or use of discovery materials, including to the public," the filing said.
Judge Tanya Chutkan gave Mr Trump's legal team until 17:00 local time on Monday to respond to the submission. Mr Trump's lawyers asked for three more days, but the judge denied their request.
In a statement shortly after the filing, a spokesperson for Mr Trump defended the social media post and insisted that he had been targeting political opponents.
"The Truth post cited is the definition of political speech," the statement said, adding that it was in response to "dishonest special interest groups" and political action committees attacking him.
Speaking later at a campaign rally in South Carolina, Mr Trump said he regards his indictment as a "great badge of honour".
He told the event that he was being indicted "because they're afraid of all of us", and wanted to silence him and his supporters - but America would be free again if he returned to the White House.
Judge Chutkan, a noted hardliner on cases against those accused of participation in the Capitol riots, is expected to call in attorneys from both sides on 28 August to discuss setting a trial date.
Prosecutors have already said that the case would benefit from a speedy trial.
But Mr Trump's defence attorney John Lauro has said his team will need more time to prepare. He said the prosecution's timeline was "somewhat absurd" given that the investigation itself had taken three years.
Mr Trump now faces five upcoming trials - three criminal trials which include the classified documents case, the hush money case, and these election charges; and two civil trials over business practices and alleged defamation of a woman who accused him of rape.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66417168 |
Five arrested as protest halts elite UCI cycling race - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | The UCI world championship men's road race from Edinburgh to Glasgow is stopped for 50 minutes near the Carron Valley Reservoir. | This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
Five people have been arrested after a protest halted the Men's Elite Road Race at the UCI Cycling World Championships in Scotland.
The event was paused with just over 190km (118 miles) of the 271km (168 miles) remaining, with the Edinburgh to Glasgow route blocked west of Falkirk.
The demonstration took place on a narrow stretch of the B818 near the Carron Valley Reservoir.
Police said five people were arrested after the protesters were removed.
Environmental group This Is Rigged claimed responsibility for the demonstration and said four of its activists were involved.
It was reported that protesters glued themselves to the road.
The race, which was won by Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel, was paused for about 50 minutes before restarting.
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This Is Rigged has recently targeted the Scottish Parliament and Grangemouth oil and gas petrochemical plant.
In a statement posted on social media, This Is Rigged activist Cat said: "The fact that Ineos has been allowed to sponsor a team in the race around the Campsie Fells - which were engulfed in wildfires last month - is a disgrace and an insult to the both cycling community and the people of Scotland.
"We cannot continue with business as usual while our country burns and our futures are ruined. Time is of the essence and we need to act like it."
The group called on the Scottish government to "stand up to Westminster and oppose all new oil and gas, and implement a fair transition now".
It comes after Rishi Sunak announced last week that he would back licences for 100 new oil and gas projects in the North Sea.
Elite cyclists were stopped by a demonstration in the Carron Valley area
Graham Simpson, the Scottish Conservatives net zero and transport spokesman said: "This was a dangerous act of disruption which put both the protesters and athletes in this race at risk.
"It's utterly nonsensical for a group which claims to stand for environmental protection to target an event promoting active, green travel like cycling - and raises a huge question mark about this publicity-seeking group's true motives."
Before the protest, Welsh cyclist Owain Doull and Ireland's Rory Townsend were part of a nine-strong breakaway that had gone seven minutes clear of the main peloton. The lead group set away ahead of the other riders when the demonstration was cleared.
The race ended with 10 laps of a Glasgow city centre circuit.
The race was restarted after protesters were removed and a white powder was laid on the road
Van der Poel won the race despite falling while coming round a bend in the rain-soaked Glasgow city centre.
He saw off competition from two-time Tour De France winner Tadej Pogacar, as well as Wout van Aert and Mads Pedersen.
Road cycling commentator Phil Liggett earlier told the BBC's Drivetime programme the event was the "pinnacle of the world of cycling".
"The Tour De France is for the multi-day cyclist and the world championship is for the one-day expert," he said. "They are the two highest rewards in the world of cycling."
The race started at 09.30 near the Scottish Parliament before heading through Edinburgh city centre towards the Queensferry Crossing.
The cyclists had set off from Edinburgh on the 168 mile route
It then went through south Fife and across the Clackmannan Bridge into the Falkirk area.
The cyclists then headed west towards the Carron Valley - where the protest stopped the race - before continuing over Crow Road into East Dunbartonshire.
The race then descended through Glasgow's west end into the city centre.
Riders completed 10 laps of a 14.3km (8.9 mile) Glasgow City Circuit before finishing in George Square.
A rolling road closure was in operation across the event route, with roads closed for about 30-45 minutes.
Roads around the Glasgow City Circuit were closed completely.
There was heavy rain in Glasgow city centre during the closing stages of the race
Mathieu van der Poel is the new men's road race world champion
After the event, Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said: "It was great to see the streets of Glasgow provide the backdrop for such a stunning sporting occasion.
"The city turned out in force to watch the men's road race and spectators were rewarded with an incredible display of skill, stamina and bravery.
"The crowds generated a superb atmosphere to spur the riders on and there was drama right to the end.
"This an event that will have been viewed all across the world and Glasgow has again shown its passion for sport before a global audience."
The race is part of the UCI Cycling World Championships which sees the world's best cyclists compete across a range of disciplines being brought together for the first time in one "mega event".
It will see action across the country - from mountain biking in the Tweed Valley to elite track cycling in Glasgow's Sir Chris Hoy velodrome.
There will also be time trials around Stirling and para-cycling road races in Dumfries.
The Women's Elite Road Race on Sunday 13 August follows a 154km (96 mile) route from Loch Lomond to Glasgow via the Stirling countryside. It ends with six laps of Glasgow city centre. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-66404777 |
Mother and baby among 13 dead after migrant boats sink off Italian coast - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | A mother and her one-year-old baby, from the Ivory Coast, are among the dead. | The Italian coastguard recovered the bodies of a one-year-old baby and a woman from the Ivory Coast
Thirteen people have drowned after the migrant ships carrying them sank in the Mediterranean Sea at the weekend.
A ship sank off Tunisia's Kerkennah Islands, with 11 bodies recovered on Sunday. A further 44 are still missing, and only two were rescued.
Separately, two ships sank off the Italian island of Lampedusa, leading to the deaths of a woman from Ivory Coast and her one-year-old baby.
More than 30 are thought to be missing who had been on those two vessels.
They had reportedly left from the Tunisian port city of Sfax carrying 48 and 42 people respectively. They sank on Saturday, with Italian coastguards rescuing 57 people.
The migrants in all three of the sinkings are said to be from sub-Saharan African countries. Italian authorities are investigating the incidents.
Tunisian officials also said they found the bodies of 10 migrants on a beach near Sfax.
They were found between Friday and Saturday during a windstorm which may have sunk their boat, the official told the AFP news agency.
Tunisian authorities say Sfax, a port city about 80 miles (130km) from Lampedusa, is a popular gateway for migrants seeking a better life in Europe.
The tragedies follow June's Greek boat disaster which left at least 78 dead and hundreds missing.
State-run Tunisian TV channel Al Arabiya reported that another 34 migrants found stranded on a rocky area near Lampedusa on Sunday had been rescued.
In recent days, Italian patrol boats and charity groups have rescued another 2,000 people who have arrived on the island.
The Red Cross has provided some of the migrants with food, water, clothes and emergency thermal blankets.
But the coastguard said bad weather and the poor quality of the boats continue to hinder the rescue operations.
In some instances, the engines are stolen from the boats at sea, so that traffickers can reuse them.
Police chief Emanuele Ricifari urged the traffickers to halt the crossings, saying: "Rough seas are forecast for the next few days. Let's hope they stop. It's sending them to slaughter with this sea."
NGOs say Italy's far-right government has made their task more difficult by passing laws that have the effect of forcing rescue ships to use faraway ports.
Charities have warned that this increases their navigation costs and reduces the amount of time ships can patrol the areas of the Mediterranean where such sinkings are common.
The Italian interior ministry said migration figures by sea had doubled this year to 92,000, compared with 42,600 recorded in the same period in 2022.
Since March this year, crossing attempts from Sfax to Lampedusa have increased after Tunisian President Kais Saied accused sub-Saharan migrants of trying to change the nature of Tunisian society.
More than 1,800 people have lost their lives in the central Mediterranean crossing from North Africa to Europe.
The International Organization for Migration said the actual figures were likely to be much higher.
"Lots of bodies are being found at sea, suggesting there are many shipwrecks we never hear about," said spokesman Flavio Di Giacomo. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66421693 |
M62: Boy, 12, killed in hit-and-run crash on motorway - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | The boy was struck on the eastbound carriageway of the M62 but the driver did not stop, police say. | A 12-year-old boy has died after being hit by a vehicle on the M62 in West Yorkshire, police said
A 12-year-old boy has died in a hit-and-run crash on a motorway in West Yorkshire.
The child was struck by a vehicle on the eastbound carriageway of the M62 near Cleckheaton shortly before 22:00 BST on Saturday.
West Yorkshire Police said he had been trying to make his way from the central reservation to the hard shoulder when he was fatally injured.
Officers have appealed for the driver involved to come forward.
Just after 21:30 police received reports of a single-vehicle crash on the slip road to Hartshead Moor Services.
Officers then received further reports of two people walking along the motorway, shortly before the subsequent crash in which the boy died.
Emergency crews responding to the calls found a man on the hard shoulder and he was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries.
A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing or allowing the death of a child and is currently in custody.
Det Ch Supt Sarah Jones, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "This is an absolutely tragic incident that has resulted in the death of a young boy.
"We understand that he was trying to make his way from the central reservation to the hard shoulder when he has been hit by a vehicle.
"The driver of this vehicle has not stopped at the scene or reported this collision to the police, and I would urge them to come forward now.
"We are also asking anyone who was driving along the M62 between Hartshead Moor and the M606 last night between 21:30 and 21:50 to please check any dashcam footage you may have of this incident."
The stretch of motorway between junctions 25 and 26 was closed overnight, but has since reopened.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the force's major collision inquiry team.
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-66421853 |
Imran Khan: Pakistan ex-PM given three-year jail sentence - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | The ousted prime minister was given a three-year jail sentence in a case of corruption he denies. | Ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for nationwide protests after he was handed a three-year jail sentence over corruption allegations.
Mr Khan was found guilty of not declaring money earned from selling gifts he received in office. He denies the charges and says he will appeal.
After the verdict, Mr Khan was taken into custody from his home in Lahore.
In a pre-recorded statement posted after the verdict, he urged supporters to fight against the ruling.
"I have only one appeal, don't sit at home silently," he said in a video address posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. "I am struggling for you and the country and your children's future," he added.
The former cricketer-turned-politician, 70, was elected in 2018, but was ousted in a no-confidence vote last year after falling out with Pakistan's powerful military.
Mr Khan is facing more than 100 cases brought against him since his removal - charges he says are politically motivated.
However, the government has adamantly denied that there was any political motivation in Mr Khan's arrest or disqualification. Marriyum Aurangzeb, Pakistan's minister of information and broadcasting, told the BBC: "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."
Saturday's verdict centred on charges that Mr Khan 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 cuff links.
"His dishonesty has been established beyond doubt," Judge Humayun Dilawar wrote in his ruling. Outside the courthouse, some pro-government demonstrators chanted "your show is over Khan".
Judge Dilawar said police had been instructed to arrest Mr Khan immediately. Within 15 minutes of the verdict, footage began to circulate on social media showing a line of police cars and trucks taking him away.
Imran Khan's lawyer, Intazar Hussain Panjutha, told the BBC the trial had been conducted by "a kangaroo-type court" in which "the accused was never given the opportunity to defend himself".
Police officers outside Mr Khan's home after he was handed a three-year jail sentence
"As a consequence of today's conviction, he has been barred to take part in the politics for five years," Mr Panjutha said.
"But if the sentence and the conviction is suspended as we are hoping by the superior courts, he will then be able to come back to politics."
Mr Khan has been sent to Attock jail, a small facility in Punjab province with historical ties to the military, about 85km (52 miles) from the capital Islamabad. A number of members of Mr Khan's party have previously been held at the compound, local media reported.
For months he had avoided arrest, with his supporters at times fighting pitched battles with police to keep him out of custody.
In May, Mr Khan was arrested for not appearing at court as requested. He was then released, with the arrest declared illegal.
When he was last arrested on 9 May, there were protests across Pakistan. Thousands of his supporters arrested were alleged to have been involved in the protests.
Since then, Mr Khan and his political party have faced a dramatic crackdown, with many of his senior leadership arrested, before announcing they were leaving the party. Many vocal supporters of Mr Khan - who would previously post regularly about him on social media - now feel nervous to express their opinion or even have quietly deleted their previous comments.
Some of those arrested supporting Mr Khan will face trial in military courts, despite an outcry from many in human rights groups.
Indeed, several hours after Mr Khan's arrest, there had not been the kind of mass political protests seen in May. In Lahore, the BBC Urdu team saw some supporters who had gathered outside his home chanting and waving flags picked up by police. Around Islamabad, there's no evidence of increased security.
When questioned by BBC HARDTalk as to whether he had created an atmosphere of hostility to the military resulting in violence, Mr Khan said he and his party had never advocated the use of violence and had a record of peaceful protest.
Mr Khan said the army in Pakistan was "petrified" of elections which his party would win "hands down" and, for that reason, "they're dismantling a democracy".
Pakistan's army plays a prominent role in politics, sometimes seizing power in military coups and, on other occasions, pulling levers behind the scenes.
Many analysts believe Mr Khan's election win in 2018 happened with the help of the military.
In opposition, he has been one of its most vocal critics, and analysts say the army's popularity has fallen.
Since being ousted, Mr Khan has been campaigning for early elections, but Saturday's ruling means he will be disqualified from running in the much anticipated poll.
Ms Aurangzeb insisted that there was "no correlation" between Saturday's ruling and he prospect of elections.
"Just because there are elections down the road doesn't mean that you can't arrest him," she told the BBC. She accused Mr Khan of sidestepping and evading the law.
Pakistan's parliament will be dissolved on August 9, leaving a caretaker government to take over in the run up to the elections.
No election date has been announced, although constitutionally they should take place by early November.
However, on Saturday the country's law minister said the new elections would have to take place after the results of a new census were implemented.
Azam Nazeer Tarar told Geo News TV that it could take about four months to produce new constituency boundaries based from the count, potentially delaying the election by several months. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-66414696 |
Smuggled spider monkeys found in backpack in Texas - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | 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 |
Stradey Park asylum seeker uncertainty fuels fear in Furnace - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | Many people in Furnace believe they have been kept in the dark over who will arrive and when. | Theresa is one of a group of campaigners who have vowed to remain outside the hotel until the plans are dropped
A mist of uncertainty has fallen over a small village in Carmarthenshire, with locals unclear what the future holds as they await the arrival of 240 asylum seekers.
Some have fitted extra security to their homes, with the lack of information fuelling fears on the streets in Furnace.
All most people know is that the four-star Stradey Park Hotel closed last month with the loss of 100 jobs, following a deal with the Home Office.
Many feel helpless and in the dark, but others say they are determined to make their point.
Theresa, 58, is among those who have set up a camp outside the hotel to try to put a stop to the plans, and said she would stay in place "for the long run, as long as it takes".
"It's the nicest hotel in Carmarthenshire. Everyone comes here. Rugby teams stay here, people going to Ffos Las Racecourse. I did before I lived here," she said.
The camp set up outside the hotel's gates has about 20 people who swap shifts around the clock. The flurry of beeping horns from passing motorists suggests their cause is backed by many in the wider community.
Last week, hotel owner Gryphon Leisure won a High Court injunction to limit the activities of protestors, and in a letter seen by the BBC they threatened to appoint enforcement agents to stop blocking of the entrance.
The company has refused to address the change of use for Stradey Park, but the Home Office said asylum seekers were costing the taxpayer too much and the plans were necessary because the system was under "incredible" strain.
In the face of this, those against the plans remain resolute.
Protesters have been chatting to PCSOs who have kept a regular presence nearby
Theresa said she arrives at the camp every morning around 9am, and will stay until 11:30 before returning at 4pm for another three hours.
"I do the early [shift]. These (other protesters) stay awake all night."
Those gathered have been angered by media reports linking them to far-right groups. They say they are just concerned locals, and there is no political agenda behind their stance.
This becomes clear when they start nostalgically reminiscing about what has been lost - the Sunday lunches, so popular it was hard to book a table, afternoon teas, a James Bond night, international rugby sides staying, as well as golf groups.
Also, the sadness at seeing French and Dutch visitors turn up with their suitcases recently, having not realised it's closed.
It's not just a hotel, but a focal point of the community, from where everyone has memories.
That's the simple reason there are about 20 people who, like Theresa, are "here for the long run".
They talk to PCSOs and hand out bread rolls that a resident has delivered, with Theresa adding: "The donations are amazing, food, water, loads of Welsh cakes.
"The ladies do a lot of baking. There was pavlova the other day, I missed that one. Also, curry and rice."
Barman Geraint Phillips said no advice has been given about the new imminent new arrivals to the village.
There are many questions - when will the asylum seekers finally arrive? Where will they be from? How will they integrate?
Down the road at Furnace RFC, head barman Geraint Phillips, 58, said he is simply concerned about a move that will add significantly to the local population.
"We've been in the dark since day one. It's just not knowing who and what are coming here," he said.
"There's no more than 400 people here, and one corner shop."
It is also fuelling rumours and in some cases fear. Susan Davies, 64, has had a bell fitted to her front door for extra security.
She was a bridesmaid at the hotel, and believe it is "such a shame it's being used this way".
Looking at work being carried out to ready the hotel for the arrivals, she said: "A lot of people are struggling in this area, it's a really poor area. A lot more could be done to help local people [with the money] instead."
Rachel Peregrine says the lack of information has made her concerned
Rachel Peregrine, 33, said while pushing her children on the swings in Parc Howard: "I don't really know what to think.
"If it was all men, I wouldn't be too happy. But we have no information."
Allan Edwards, 72, and John Bennett, 74, said it's all everyone has been talking about.
Allan Edwards and John Bennett say the plans are all people in the village have been talking about in recent weeks
"He [the owner] is from London, he doesn't give a monkey's about Llanelli," said John.
"It's a rural community, a way of life, and he's cashing in."
Allan questioned whether the Conservative UK government were intentionally placing the asylum seekers in a Labour-voting area for political reasons, and whether the situation could have been avoided if people around the UK had been asked to take them in, like with Ukrainian refugees.
He also wondered if there will be tensions among asylum seekers who have to share rooms, saying: "In my school, there were 240 boys, there was fighting, some were tidy, some were not.
"Here, you are going to have four blokes in one room, one toilet, different religions, backgrounds."
He added: "It's all about money for the owner."
Tattiana Alfaia and Simon Elliot, who were walking dog Kobe in Parc Howard, believe many of the issues have been caused by a lack of information given to locals
Many of the issues stem from a lack of explanation and understanding of the dire situations many of the people will be coming from, believes Tattiana Alfaia, 46.
"I see posters that say 'Wales belongs to the Welsh'. I am from Portugal, how many British people are there?" she said.
"It's the same in Spain. It just makes them look silly, it's not a good message."
Simon Elliot, 43, said he understands the concerns about people being housed in such close proximity to the community.
But he said he wondered if there could be more empathy, adding: "You hear so many stories [about asylum seekers], good and bad. But bad things happen with people who live here too."
Residents could have been forgiven for thinking the days of Stradey Park making the headlines ended when the famous old rugby ground was bulldozed in 2010.
It was less than a mile from the hotel, and where Llanelli beat the 1972 All Blacks.
The Stradey Arms is just down the road from the hotel and benefitted with trade from guests
Max Boyce wrote a song about pubs running dry on that famous day - the Felinfoel Brewery is just up the road, and there are many watering holes scattered around Furnace.
One is called the Stradey Arms and licensee Wayne Stephens lamented the loss of custom from golf groups staying at the hotel, as well as raising concerns about a change to his clientele.
"Are they [the asylum seekers] going to wander out or stay at the hotel?," he said.
"If they are all in the pub, will it put people off? Most probably, yes. We are stuck in the middle, people will be put off coming to drink with us."
However, he said the issue had brought with it some positivity in bringing everyone together.
Police have been keeping a presence in the community in recent weeks
"These days, people don't go out to socialise together, people are on their phones or tablets," he said.
"One positive, people are all out there together, all religions, ages, backgrounds."
But while he said the protestors have been peaceful and respectful, he warned there could be a flashpoint if the hotel owner tries to remove "people or infrastructure" from outside. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-66383583 |
Tourism: Overseas visitors to Wales drop by 33% - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | One business owner says the school summer holiday makes up more than half of his turnover. | The Federation of Small Businesses wants the Welsh government to rethink the introduction of a planned tourism tax
The number of overseas visitors to Wales dropped by a third in three years, new figures show.
International Passenger Survey data, released by the Welsh government, shows there were 33% fewer inbound visitors to Wales in 2022 than 2019.
The amount they spent also dropped by 24%.
Businesses said that while wet weather could deter holidaymakers, a bigger factor was the cost of living crisis.
Sean Taylor, founder and president of Zip World based in Llanrwst, Conwy county, said the six-week school summer holiday was "absolutely essential" for the business.
He added: "The 49 days of summer holidays, including the Scottish holidays, accounts for about 55% of our turnover during the year - it's that important.
"We've had 13 consecutive interest rate rises - it's going to hit people in the pocket."
Mr Taylor said the business, which employs about 850 people across centres in Wales and England, has noted that people are still spending on the daring rides, but are cutting back in cafes and shops.
"We were forecasting probably a 10% (increase) on last year, [but] at the moment, if we can come in where we were last year, it will be a real result," he said.
It is at the cafes and shops at attractions like Zip World where visitors are said to be cutting back
The poor weather has meant a reduction in day-trippers, with Mr Taylor saying it has affected people who would usually have travelled from Liverpool, Manchester and Wirral.
It is a similar story in the middle of the country, according to Roland Rees-Evans, director of Penrhos Park holiday park in Llanrhystyd and chairman of Mid Wales Tourism Cymru.
He said there was "no doubt" he had seen "a bit of a slow down" and, while bookings were on a par with last year, "people are looking for the bargains".
He added that the main issue for businesses was rising costs.
"The cleaning costs, the rates, everything associated with it is actually going up which is obviously squeezing on margins," said Mr Rees-Evans.
"People with mortgages are already struggling and it has its challenges for all of us, not just for the businesses but for everyone in rural Wales and across Wales as a whole."
Office for Nation Statistics data released in May 2023 and published by the Welsh government last week indicated that visitor spend in Wales was estimated to be £391m in 2022, down on the £515m spent in 2019.
Ben Francis of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said the organisation has called on the Welsh government to rethink the introduction of the planned tourism tax.
"We feel now isn't the time for another barrier to be added in circumstances where we're seeing far lower numbers visiting Wales," he said.
He added that FSB was pleased to see the Welsh Affairs Select Committee back calls for both the UK and Welsh government to improve the marketing of Wales as a holiday destination for overseas visitors.
"We're seeing far lower numbers visiting Wales," says Ben Francis from the FSB
The Welsh government said it was aware of the challenges facing the tourism sector and is working closely with the industry.
It defended the planned visitor levy, adding that it could "make a real difference" by generating revenue.
A spokesman added: "Our focus is on spreading tourism benefits throughout Wales, encouraging increased spend through the year.
"The impact of the economic choices taken by the UK government is having a negative impact on Welsh tourism. The Welsh government is using all the levers at its disposal to support people, families, businesses and communities through these difficult times." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-66417213 |
Andrew Malkinson: Why are some wrongfully convicted prisoners charged jail living costs? - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | Money for "board and lodging" in jail is sometimes deducted from former prisoners' compensation. | 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
"Even if you fight tooth and nail and gain compensation, you have to pay the Prison Service for so-called 'board and lodging'," said Andrew Malkinson, after his first night as a free man.
Mr Malkinson - who was formally cleared of a rape he did not commit by the Court of Appeal on Wednesday - explained the rules which govern any financial claim he has to make.
The rules were originally imposed by judges in the case of men wrongly convicted of the murder of paperboy Carl Bridgewater in 1978.
"It's kind of sick," said Mr Malkinson, who served 17 years in prison before eventually being released in 2020.
The rules date back to a decision made in 2007 by the House of Lords, when it was the UK's highest court.
Cousins Vincent and Michael Hickey, two of those convicted of the murder of Carl Bridgewater at a farm near Stourbridge in 1978, were freed by the Court of Appeal.
Their convictions were found to be fundamentally flawed in 1997, and the then home secretary Jack Straw decided that they and their co-defendant James Robinson were entitled to compensation.
Michael Hickey was awarded £1.02m and Vincent Hickey received £550,000 but, in each case, a 25% deduction was made from the section of their compensation which reflected their loss of earnings while in prison.
This was because of the living expenses they had not had to fund while in prison.
The men appealed to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) but the court ruled in favour of the law lords' decision.
Mr Malkinson's compensation also depends on whether the justice secretary decides "a new or newly discovered fact shows beyond reasonable doubt that he did not commit the offence".
The maximum payment in cases where someone has been in jail for more than 10 years is £1m.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
Michael O'Brien spent 11 years in prison before his conviction for the murder of Cardiff businessman Phillip Saunders in 1987 was overturned, and he is campaigning to change the law.
He told the BBC's World at One programme: "I remember my solicitor phoning me up, and she said, 'They're going to charge you bed and board'.
"What's the logic in this? They don't charge guilty people, they only charge innocent people.
"It was the final insult, as far as I was concerned, to an innocent man."
The Ministry of Justice said deductions from compensation were sometimes made when there had been "substantial savings" made on living costs while a person was in custody.
Mortgage or rental costs might be considered.
A ministry source said: "There's a big difference between bed and board and living costs.
"There's a big difference between a deduction and being required to pay money back." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66324801 |
Strictly Come Dancing 2023: Entertainer Les Dennis completes line-up - BBC News | 2023-08-06 | 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.
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Ukraine claims Crimea landing for 'special operation' on Independence Day - BBC News | 2023-08-24 | Kyiv claims Russia suffered personnel losses during a firefight in the annexed peninsula's west. | Ukraine has marked Independence Day with a 'special operation' in Crimea
Ukraine has claimed its troops briefly landed overnight in the occupied Crimea peninsula, as the country marks 32 years of its independence.
All objectives of the "special operation" were achieved without any casualties, the defence ministry said.
It added that during a firefight in Olenivka and Mayak, western Crimea, "the enemy suffered losses".
Russia illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, eight years before Moscow launched a full-scale invasion.
The Kremlin has so far made no public comments on the reported Ukrainian operation.
In a post on Telegram, the main intelligence department of Ukraine's defence ministry claimed responsibility for Thursday's operation. It said the Ukrainian Navy provided the support.
It said that "special units on watercraft landed on the shore" before engaging in combat with Russian troops stationed in the area.
"Also, the state flag was flying again in the Ukrainian Crimea," the statement added.
The intelligence department posted a short video purportedly showing Ukrainian soldiers raising the national flag. Gunfire sounds can be heard in the footage.
Ukraine's Suspilne television channel reported that the skirmish involved aircraft and navy ships. A Russian Telegram channel had also reported of fighting in that area.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released an Independence Day message on X, formerly known as Twitter, rallying his countrymen to help maintain the country's independence.
"In this fight, everyone counts. Because the fight is for something that is important to everyone," Mr Zelensky said.
Independence Day has gained increased significance among Ukrainians since Russia's full-scale invasion started in February 2022, according to a poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. It is now the country's third most important holiday, behind only Easter and Christmas.
Ukraine launched its counter-offensive in June, attempting to expel the Russians from land they had captured in the east and south of the country.
An analysis by BBC Verify showed the gains in terms of reclaimed land size have been small.
However, analysts at the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) say the advances near Robotyne and Urozhaine are "likely tactically significant because of the structure of Russian defensive lines". They also note that Russian forces have dedicated significant effort to hold the settlements.
Russia has also accused Ukraine of drone attacks, the most recent of which was on 23 August. It hit a skyscraper under construction in Moscow.
Ukraine's claim of landing its troops in Crimea came a day after it emerged that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the mercenary group that fought with Russia in the war, was on the passenger list of a private jet that crashed after taking off from Moscow.
Mr Prigozhin had led a failed mutiny against Russian President Vladimir Putin in June. | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66603644 |
Drivers face tougher sentences for killing pedestrians - BBC News | 2023-08-24 | Deaths of cyclists and other vulnerable road users could also incur longer sentences under new guidelines. | Robyn Fryar was walking home when she was knocked down by a 20-year-old drink-driver
Drivers who kill pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists on Scotland's roads are likely to receive tougher sentences under new guidance for judges.
The guidelines would see taking the life of a vulnerable road user as an "aggravating factor" when sentencing.
A tougher penalty might also be imposed if the death resulted from aggressive driving, such as tailgating.
The new Scottish Sentencing Council guidance is subject to approval by the High Court.
However, it could come into force towards the end of the year or early next year.
It will be the first guideline of its kind in Scotland covering a specific offence.
The sentencing council said it aimed to bring greater consistency and assist public understanding of how highly complex and sensitive cases were dealt with by the courts.
The changes have been welcomed as a step forward by the father of a 15-year-old girl killed in a hit-and-run in 2019.
Iain Fryar's daughter Robyn was walking home when she was knocked down by a 20-year-old drink-driver in Paisley.
Shaun Gatti was speeding on the wrong side of the road when he struck the teenager and drove off.
Police traced Gatti at his home later that day and found his badly damaged car covered by a tarpaulin.
Gatti admitted causing death by dangerous driving and was jailed for five years and three months.
Prosecutors challenged the sentence on the grounds that it was unduly lenient but the jail term was upheld by the appeal court.
Under the new guideline, the fact that Robyn was a pedestrian could have resulted in a longer sentence and Gatti's inexperience as a driver would not have been taken into account.
Mr Fryar, who now lives in Banchory in Aberdeenshire, said: "He's out already. He only served two-and-a-half years.
"If they don't toughen up the sentences, it's not going to stop. Ten or 15 years would be a far more of a deterrent.
"I wouldn't want any other family to go through what we've gone through."
The guideline sets out a range of sentences going up to 12 years.
As well as dangerous driving, it also covers causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs and and causing death by driving while unlicensed, uninsured or disqualified.
The guideline is not mandatory and judges can choose to go outside the suggested range of sentences.
But they must take the guidelines into account and give reasons if they do not follow them.
The maximum sentence for death by dangerous driving is life.
Flowers left at the scene of Robyn's death
Prosecutors can also choose to treat the most serious offences involving death by driving as culpable homicide or murder.
When passing sentence, judges have to determine the seriousness of the offence by deciding how much the driver was to blame.
A number of changes have been made to a draft version of the guideline following a public consultation.
Driving inexperience has been removed as a mitigating factor for all offences apart from causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving, meaning it can't be put forward as a reason for a more lenient sentence.
Causing a death by dangerous driving while knowingly suffering from a medical or physical condition or failing to follow medical advice or take prescribed medication will result in a sentence in the middle of the range.
Robyn Fryar was 15 when she was knocked down and killed
The chair of the sentencing council is Scotland's second most senior judge, the Lord Justice Clerk Lady Dorrian.
She explained that the guideline is intended to help judges and provide clarity for bereaved families.
"The guideline has been strengthened in a number of areas such as the inclusion of aggressive driving in the highest level of seriousness for death by dangerous driving offences," she said.
"A number of factors have also been added to the list of aggravations, while sentencing ranges have been increased for certain offences."
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