Rachel Fee, 32, argued the judge in her 2016 trial misdirected the jury about the lesser charge of culpable homicide before they considered their verdict. Two-year-old Liam Fee died at his home near Glenrothes on 22 March 2014. Fee, also known as Trelfa, and her civil partner Nyomi Fee, 30, were both convicted of abusing and murdering the toddler. He had suffered fatal heart injuries similar to those found on road crash victims and spent the last few days of his short life in agony from an untreated broken leg and fractured arm. The pair - originally from Ryton, Tyne and Wear - were also convicted of being behind a catalogue of cruelty against two boys in their care, one of whom they tried to blame for Liam's death. Judge Lord Burns last year handed both women life sentences and ordered Rachel Fee to serve a minimum of 23-and-a-half years behind bars while "domineering" Nyomi Fee was sentenced to spend at least 24 years in prison. Senior judges at the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh heard arguments from Fee's legal team and the Crown last month, and have now rejected the appeal in a written opinion. Fee's appeal centred on what her defence team said was a misdirection by the trial judge during his legal summing-up at the High Court in Livingston in May. Defence QC Brian McConnachie told the court the judge did not present to the jury with "the possibility that they could convict Nyomi Fee of murder and convict the appellant (Rachel Fee) of culpable homicide". The lawyer submitted there was a case, on the evidence, for the jury to identify co-accused Nyomi Fee as having been the main "actor" in committing the murder. Advocate depute Alex Prentice QC, for the Crown, argued it was a "clear case in which the Crown had established concert for murder". The appeal verdict, delivered by Lord Turnbull, concluded: "There is therefore no basis upon which it could be said that the appellant did anything less than actively associate herself with a common criminal purpose which included the taking of human life, or carried the obvious risk that human life would be taken, in the carrying-out of which murder was committed. "In the circumstances of this case the evidence led by the Crown clearly established that the appellant had associated herself with a purpose which carried with it the obvious risk that life would be taken. "We therefore agree with the trial judge and the advocate depute that the directions argued for by the appellant were correctly omitted. "For the reasons which we have given, the appeal against conviction is refused."

Summary: A mother jailed for life for murdering her toddler son in Fife has had her appeal against conviction rejected.


18 March 2017 Last updated at 13:49 GMT All sorts of wonderful kite designs have been on show including among others wolves, wheels and butterflies. The kite which drew the most attention was a huge "Chinese dragon" shaped one. It was 48 meters long and took the owner around three months to make. Have a look at this.

Summary: The Seventh International Kite Festival has taken place in Chengdu, a city in the southwest of China.


The 64-year-old minister, who has a history of chronic diabetes, was admitted to a hospital in Delhi earlier this month. She tweeted to her followers on Wednesday that she was currently on dialysis. Ms Swaraj is one the most high-profile ministers in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet. Officials at the hospital told the PTI news agency that "chronic diabetes has affected her kidney functioning but her condition was stable". She is known for reacting quickly to calls for help from Indians living or travelling abroad. Earlier this month, she helped a Pakistani bride get a visa to attend her wedding in India.

Summary: Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that she is undergoing tests for a kidney transplant.


The appointment of the chairman of energy supplier SSE and engineering firm Weir Group came as the bank was formed as a public company. His deputy will be Sir Adrian Montague, who has led the bank's advisory group. The green bank is being set up with Â£3bn of public money to help firms finance early-stage renewable energy schemes. Its headquarters will be based in Edinburgh after the city beat off competition from 31 other bids. The newly formed board will begin recruiting other directors and senior executives with a view to the bank becoming fully operational this autumn, subject to state aid approval from the European Commission. The advisory group, led by 3i and Anglian Water Group chairman Sir Adrian, will be disbanded after the appointments. In addition to his roles at the Weir Group and SSE, Lord Smith of Kelvin is chairman of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games organising committee and director of Standard Bank Group. Sir Adrian was previously chairman of Friends Provident Group and British Energy Group. Mr Cable said the Green Investment Bank was a "major new innovation", vital to securing investment in the decarbonisation of the UK's energy supply. "It has found two candidates of outstanding calibre well suited to leading the bank through its important early phase," he added. Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said: "This is a UK institution headquartered in Edinburgh supported by a strong team in London and the news that Lord Smith and Sir Adrian Montague have been appointed is another step towards the bank opening for business. "They bring a wealth of experience to the roles and will bring that to bear as we look to encourage private sector investment in key energy projects." Although the headquarters of the bank will be in Edinburgh, its main transaction team will be based in London.

Summary: Lord Smith of Kelvin will chair the UK Green Investment Bank (GIB), Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced.


Revenue Scotland is responsible for the administration and collection of Land and Building Transaction Tax (LBTT) and Scottish Landfill Tax (SLfT). It collected £425m through LBTT and £147m from SLfT in the year from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016. The Scottish government had originally forecast revenues of £498m in 2015-16, which was later increased to £508m. Almost all (98%) of the 115,000 tax returns were submitted through the new online Scottish Electronic Tax System, exceeding an initial target of 90%. Revenue Scotland's operating costs for administering the collection of taxes was £4.67m - lower than the Scottish government's original £4.81m budget allocation for the organisation. Revenue Scotland's chairman, Dr Keith Nicholson, said the agency's first year had been "hugely successful", with the online tax system having "exceeded expectations and received widespread praise". He added: "These achievements are a clear signal to the Scottish taxpayer that Revenue Scotland is operating efficiently and effectively as Scotland's devolved tax authority." Welcoming the figures, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: "The scale of the challenge of introducing the first Scottish taxes in more than 300 years should not be underestimated, and it's encouraging to see this has been done so effectively." LBTT and SLfT came into effect on 1 April 2015, replacing their UK equivalents (Stamp Duty Land Tax and UK Landfill Tax respectively) in Scotland. The revenue collected is transferred to the Scottish Consolidated Fund to support the delivery of public services in Scotland. Revenue Scotland will also collect a Scottish replacement for Air Passenger Duty when it is introduced, but will not administer the Scottish Rate of Income Tax, which will continue to be the responsibility of HMRC.

Summary: Scotland's new tax agency has collected £572m in its first year - well above the amount that had been expected.


The National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) said donations had come from as far afield as Los Angeles and Hong Kong to raise £4m to secure the painting. Public donations totalled more than £260,000, with the biggest donor the Heritage Lottery Fund, who gave £2.65m. The work, which was being sold by drinks giant Diageo, will be hung in the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh before going on tour. The fundraising bid was launched in February after Diageo announced their intention to sell it. The 163.8cm x 169cm painting, which features a Highlands red deer stag with 12 points on its antlers, has been in private or corporate hands since it was painted in 1851. NGS said it was overwhelmed by the public response to the campaign, with donations made from across the world, including from Anchorage and Queensland. Private trusts and foundations also gave £634,000, while the Art Fund donated £350,000 and the Scottish government £100,000. Sir John Leighton, director-general of the National Galleries of Scotland said: "We are thrilled that we have been able to secure this iconic work for the national collection. "The enormous support from the public has been incredible with donations coming from all over the world and from the length and breadth of Scotland and the rest of the UK. "Thank you so much to everyone who has donated. Your gift has helped to ensure that this magnificent work will be enjoyed by millions of people for generations to come." The National Lottery and Scottish government have also given £175,000 to enable the painting to go on tour across Scotland. NGS said plans were being for the tour to a "number of venues across Scotland", starting later this year. Diageo first said it was selling the painting in November, leading to speculation it could fetch in excess of £10m on the global art market. The drinks firm later agreed to reduce its selling price from £8m to £4m to help it remain in public view in Scotland. The Monarch of the Glen, which features a "royal stag", is thought to be set in Glen Affric. The NGS describe the work as "an important Victorian picture that has taken on various layers of meaning, which include its use in advertising and as a Romantic emblem of the Highlands of Scotland."

Summary: Sir Edwin Landseer's iconic Monarch of the Glen has been saved for the nation.


After nearly 40 years of being a housewife, she launched her business at the age of 64. She designs bespoke children's furniture which all come with an individual story book. The products are manufactured in Poland. Zandra lives with her husband in a comfortable, leafy suburb, in Hertfordshire. She says she was not forced into self-employment financially - she simply wanted to unleash her creative side. "I suppose it was all the ideas I had, they were so different and there were so many of them," she enthuses. "I did a lot of market research and the response I got was, 'Yes that's great, we'd sell that.' So I progressed from there." She launched Fairytale Furniture at the onset of the recession and has survived the downturn. Now in its sixth year of trading, she hopes to finally turn a profit. Zandra is already exporting to South Africa, Dubai and Singapore and has her eye on cracking the US market. She buys in expertise, when needed, including a marketing expert and an export adviser. She loves the flexibility of being self-employed. "I can work at midnight if I want to, I can take a longer lunch if I want to - especially when the weather is good - and I can make the time up later. I just love it, I love all of it. It's fun." Self-employment is one of the big stories of the recovery. One in seven workers in the UK are now working for themselves. The latest jobs figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that there are now 4.54 million self-employed people. That is about 8% higher than a year ago. In fact, there are now 780,000 more people in employment than there were this time last year, and 40% of those are self-employed. Over the longer term, the biggest rise in self-employment has been seen in the number of older workers. According to the ONS, self-employment among the over-50s is up 36% on 10 years ago. The independent think tank the Resolution Foundation believes the main reason for this is the fact that self-employment seems to be growing as an alternative to retirement. It says that more than a quarter (28%) of the rise in the number of people working for themselves is due to a decline in the rate at which people leave self-employment. Through analysis of data from the ONS, the Resolution Foundation also found that more than half of self-employed people aged 60 or over now work part-time, that is up from 46% in 2005. In other words, self-employment is increasingly an option that allows older people to keep earning but by working less. This trend helps explain the big growth in overall part-time self-employment seen in recent years. The proportion of women joining these ranks is also growing. Source: Labour Force Survey, ONS But for many people, self-employment has often been a last resort, especially as the recession took hold. Akbar Vindhani was forced into working for himself after being unemployed for three months with no sign of a job,

Summary: Zandra Johnson is living proof that it is never too late to start your own business.


The soap star confirmed her living situation on Twitter, saying that she's had a tough year and had "lost" her home. "I have the love of my kids and a few good friends," she said. She last appeared in the BBC One soap in 2010, playing the role of Sam Mitchell. Ms Westbrook says she spoke out because someone was trying to sell a story about it to a magazine. The 41-year-old first appeared on Albert Square in 1990 but left in 1996. She had a brief second stint in the show between 1999 and 2000. In 2002, she was replaced in the role by another actress, Kim Medcalf, who left EastEnders in 2005. Ms Westbrook then returned to the role in 2009. Ms Westbrook has previously dealt with cocaine addiction. She was one of the contestants in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2003 but left the competition because she feared it was interfering with her recovery. "I was living hour to hour in a world of hurt and thought, 'I've got to go to an AA meeting and centre myself'," she said in a later interview. Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter and Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube

Summary: Danniella Westbrook, who is best known for her role in EastEnders, has confirmed she is homeless, living in "sheltered housing".


Johnson was found guilty of sexual touching but cleared of one charge relating to another sexual act following a trial at Bradford Crown Court. The court was told the grounds for appeal had been lodged on Thursday. The former Sunderland winger is in court awaiting sentencing. Johnson previously admitted grooming the girl and one charge of sexual activity. Judge Jonathan Rose previously warned him he faced a "substantial prison sentence".

Summary: Ex-England footballer Adam Johnson is to appeal against his conviction of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.


The Tigers, who have not won a major trophy since 1986, finished fifth in Super League last year. "We want to be competing in finals and we've shown that we can do that," Powell told BBC Radio Leeds. "I think we're capable of winning something. I'm pretty confident that we have got what we need and we have to believe that we can win something." He added: "We'd like to think that we will be there or thereabouts. All my communications to the players have been that it is time to take the next step. We'll find out in a month or so if we are going to do that. "I think you see pretty quickly what you have got in your ranks and we have got good depth, balance and we can play a bit. Whether we can defend tough enough to be able to win something is what we'll find out." Powell took over the Tigers in May 2013 after the departure of Ian Millward. The team are preparing to go on a pre-season camp in Lanzarote and Powell is hopeful the change of scenery will be beneficial for the players. "The start of the season does give you tough conditions and soft pitches so you need to train in that to get you ready but it'll be great to get a different environment," he added. "It's not something we've done in my time here and hopefully it can give us that extra push to help us crack that top four."

Summary: Castleford Tigers coach Daryl Powell believes he has the squad in place to compete for silverware this season.


Storms and tornadoes have lashed the region in recent days, swelling rivers and causing flash flooding. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon said 13 people in the state had died. Another seven have died in Illinois, where there is a disaster proclamation in seven counties. Mr Nixon said the National Guard had been called in to help local authorities. Aerial footage showed water from the Mississippi River engulfing buildings in the evacuated town of West Alton, north of St Louis, on Tuesday. In the town of Union, about 50 miles (80km) west of St Louis, buildings were partly submerged by severe flooding from the Missouri, Meramec and Bourbeuse rivers. Coast Guard spokesman Capt Martin Malloy said the high water levels and fast currents had led them to close the section of the Mississippi near St Louis - a busy route for commercial shipping. River levels are forecast to peak on Thursday and Mr Nixon warned that the situation could get worse before it gets better. He said the National Guard would provide security in evacuated areas and direct traffic away from closed roads. "These citizen soldiers will provide much-needed support to state and local first responders, many of whom have spent the last several days working around the clock responding to record rainfall and flooding," he said in a statement. Nr Nixon added that three new flood-related deaths had been discovered on Tuesday, raising the death toll in the state since the storms began over the weekend to 13. Many of the victims have been trapped in vehicles swept off flooded roads. South-west of St Louis, a section of Interstate 44 was closed by flooding near the town of Rolla while part of Interstate 70 was also closed in the neighbouring state of Illinois. Many other smaller roads were also closed across the two states, where flood warnings were in effect. Floods also inundated a wastewater treatment plant south of St Louis on Monday, causing sewage to flow directly into rivers and streams. The flooding in Missouri and southern Illinois began over the weekend after as much as 10ins (25cm) of rain fell in some areas in a matter of hours. It came after severe storms over the Christmas holiday claimed at least 49 lives across southern and western states of the US. Parts of eastern Oklahoma, Arkansas and Illinois are still subject to flood warnings.

Summary: A five-mile (8km) section of the Mississippi River near St Louis, Missouri, has been closed to vessels as rising water levels caused "hazardous conditions", the US Coast Guard said.


The tie will be played on Saturday 2 July at 15:00 BST in Portlaoise. Laois brought on seven replacements at O'Moore Park, one more than permitted. The Central Competitions Control Committee released a statement on Tuesday night, adding that Laois had accepted the proposal. Shane Murphy came on as the seventh substitute in added time as Laois took a 1-10 to 0-10 win in Portlaoise. Conor Meredith scored the decisive goal and Laois were subsequently drawn to face Clare in the second round of the qualifiers. However, Murphy's introduction as a black card sub for Brendan Quigley could prove costly for the Leinster side if Armagh were to triumph in the re-playing of the game. Saturday 2 July Round 1A All-Ireland SFC qualifier refixture Laois v Armagh, 15:00 BST, O'Moore Park, Portlaoise Round 2A Sligo v Leitrim, 18:00 BST, Markievicz Park, Sligo Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July Round 2A Clare v Laois/Armagh, Cusack Park, Ennis, Time tbc. Derry v Dublin/Meath, Details tbc. Cavan or Tyrone v Carlow, Details tbc.

Summary: Armagh are set to replay their All-Ireland qualifier Round 1A game after Laois were found to have used too many substitutes in their victory over the Orchard County on Saturday.


The 23-year-old, who started his career at Carlisle, has signed a three-year dealt with an option of a further year. Head coach Paul Heckingbottom said: "He brings something different to our midfield with his height and strength. "He's shown real progression and ability throughout his time in football and is someone we have wanted to bring to the club for a while." Barnsley begin their Championship season with a trip to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City on Saturday. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Midfielder Brad Potts has joined Championship side Barnsley from Blackpool for an undisclosed fee.


Scuffles broke out between Mr Zuma's supporters and opponents, resulting in all speeches being cancelled. The main labour federation, Cosatu, called on Mr Zuma to step down last month after he sacked his widely respected finance minister. Mr Zuma's allies say he will remain in office until his term ends in 2019. He was seen on live television hastily leaving the podium and being whisked away in a motorcade from the rally in Bloemfontein city, Reuters news agency reports. Mr Zuma attended the rally despite the fact that powerful affiliates of Cosatu, the Congress of South African Trade Unions, had opposed his presence. Cosatu is part of a formal alliance with the governing African National Congress (ANC). Earlier, sections of the crowd sang a song which, loosely translated, means: "Have you heard the good news? Zuma is going", South Africa's privately owned News24 site reports. Cosatu leader Sdumo Dlamini said the rally had been marred by "chaos", forcing its cancellation. The protest required "thorough reflection" on the part of the country's leaders, he said. Senior ANC officials were also booed at a May Day rally in Durban city, the political heartland of Mr Zuma. Pressure on Mr Zuma to resign has been mounting since he sacked Pravin Gordhan as finance minister in March. It led to global rating agencies downgrading South Africa to junk status. The reshuffle was condemned by trade unions, big business, the opposition and and senior members of the government, including Deputy President Cyril Rampahosa. The opposition has repeatedly accused Mr Zuma of being corrupt, and says the reshuffle was aimed at giving him and his allies greater access to government money. Mr Zuma said the reshuffle was aimed at promoting "radical economic transformation" to benefit the poor black majority. South Africa's president has been dogged by allegations of corruption for more than a decade. Last year, a court ruled that he should face corruption charges over a 1999 arms deal. Mr Zuma is appealing against the ruling. In a separate case last year, South Africa's highest court ruled that he had breached his oath of office by failing to repay government money used to upgrade his private residence. He repaid the money, but rejected calls to step down. Mr Zuma is due to step down as leader of the ANC in December, and as South Africa's president in 2019. His ex-wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Mr Rampahosa are vying to succeed him in both positions.

Summary: South Africa's scandal-hit President Jacob Zuma has abandoned a May Day rally after he was booed by workers demanding his resignation.


Prime Minister David Cameron said last week that money was "no object" in the effort to aid households and businesses flooded in England in recent weeks. Parts of Dumfries and Galloway were hit by flooding over the festive period. Councillor Colin Smyth has called on Scottish ministers to ensure the region gets a share of any additional cash. He said: "What we are asking is, if there is funding being made available in the south of England will Scotland receive some of that as part of the Barnett formula? "And secondly we want to know from the Scottish government, if this is the case, will they make sure that money is spent in the areas that actually suffered from flooding." Dumfries and Galloway was one of the Scottish areas hardest hit by flooding at the end of last year and over the new year period, with residents of Kirkconnel, Carsphairn and Moniaive having to be evacuated. One family was rescued by helicopter after their farm house beside the River Nith near Closeburn was cut off by rising water. Just days later, coastal communities along the Solway bore the brunt of more severe flooding as high tides, storm surges and gale force winds combined to overwhelm sea defences. In January, Scotland's Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse said flood risk management was a "priority". He said Cosla and the Scottish government had a "pot" of Â£42m available to local authorities to bid for to help tackling flooding issues.

Summary: Dumfries and Galloway Council has said flood victims in the area should receive a share of UK government money to help those hit by severe weather.


James Calveley Evans, 33, from Maes Pennant, Mostyn, Flintshire, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Friday. He also pleaded guilty to three charges of distributing child sex images and three charges of possessing child sex images. He has been further remanded in custody pending a pre-sentence report and will be sentenced in September. Evans, who has been suspended as a North Wales Police constable, thought he was corresponding with a child by email, but it was an undercover police officer. He admitted to the court he had attempted to arrange or facilitate a child sex offence in February. But he denied a second similar offence in March, which the prosecution had agreed to lie on file. Evans was also found to be downloading and distributing child sex abuse images and was found to have 607 photographs and 16 video images. Judge Rhys Rowlands told him custody was inevitable and that it would "simply be a matter of the length of the sentence".

Summary: A North Wales Police officer has admitted trying to arrange a child sex offence over the internet.


The 111 service, replacing NHS Direct, is due to launch in England on Monday. The British Medical Association's letter to Sir David Nicholson follows reported problems in trial areas. Health Minister Lord Howe has said some areas will have more time to go live with 111 while "thorough testing" to ensure reliability is carried out. Lord Howe has already admitted the new 111 telephone advice service - which the government has said will ease pressure on emergency 999 phone lines - had run into "teething problems". But the BMA said that in several areas it seemed to have been completely unable to cope with call volumes or suffered severe IT failures. It said patient safety was being put at risk. Dr Laurence Buckman, chairman of the the BMA's GP committee, said: "There have been widespread reports of patients being unable to get through to an operator or waiting hours before getting a call back with the health information they have requested, "In some areas, such as Greater Manchester, NHS 111 effectively crashed because it was unable to cope with the number of calls it was receiving. The quality of advice being given out has also been questionable in some instances." He said the "chaotic mess" of 111 was "placing strain" on overstretched parts of the NHS, such as the ambulance service, and potentially placing patients at risk. "The BMA has been warning the government about the problems with NHS 111 for almost two years. They must finally act to ensure that patient safety is guaranteed," he added. The BMA said it had written to NHS chief executive Sir David Nicholson to call for a delay to the launch of 111 until it was "fully safe for the public". Dr Buckman said: "We cannot sacrifice patient safety in order to meet a political deadline for the launch of a service that doesn't work properly." The Department of Health has already sanctioned an extension of up to six months of the original 1 April 2013 deadline for regions struggling to set up the new service. The NHS Direct 0845 4647 service will continue to be available to callers in areas where the NHS 111 service is not yet available, Lord Howe has said. These include: North of Tyne and Tees, North Essex, Bedfordshire and Luton, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Leicestershire and Rutland, Berkshire, Cornwall and Devon.

Summary: The organisation representing British doctors has written to NHS bosses to call for a delay in the launch of a new non-emergency telephone advice line.


Addressing vice chancellors, he said he was shocked by how little teaching was valued in lecturers' promotions. Universities that relegated the importance of teaching risked "losing sight" of their mission, he said. Earlier, he defended plans unveiled on Wednesday to "raise the bar" on science research funded by the taxpayer. On Thursday, during a speech on the future of higher education, Mr Willetts said: "It remains hard to shift the impression that what really counts in higher education is research. This needs to change." He told the Universities UK annual conference he had found a report "shocking" that suggested only one in 10 senior promotions in top universities was influenced by teaching. Mr Willetts said the focus in research was due to the incentives created by successive governments' policies. "We have strengthened the incentives for everyone to carry out research with no change in the regime for teaching," he said. His comments come a day after Business Secretary Vince Cable said research funding should "screen out mediocrity" in the projects backed by the taxpayer. Universities and scientists reacted angrily to his assertion that only research that was commercially useful or academically outstanding should be funded. Tom Feilden, BBC Science Correspondent It's actually quite hard to calculate the financial return on individual research grants - how do you decide what proportion of the global market in, say, mobile phones is down to a specific study on transistors at UCL in 1973? Having said that, a recent report on the value of medical research compiled by the MRC, the Wellcome Trust, and the Academy of Medical Sciences, concluded that every pound spent on public or charitably funded research yielded a return of 30p per year - in perpetuity - from direct or indirect gains to GDP. According to the Higher Education Funding Council the number of patents granted to UK universities between 2000 and 2008 rose by 136%, and consultancy income over the same period rose by 222%. University bioscience departments have spawned over 200 spin-out companies over the past decade, and in 2007 alone these spin-outs employed nearly 14,000 people and had a combined turnover of Â£1.1 bn. There does seem to be a compelling argument that investment in scientific research can generate wealth and boost economic activity. In defence of the policy, Mr Willetts told the BBC's Today programme public spending was "running way ahead of what we can afford" and taxpayers should only fund the highest quality research. Universities are expecting budget cuts in the Comprehensive Spending Review scheduled for October. But scientific and academic leaders say funding less research would threaten the UK's status as a world leader in science. Former chief executive of the British Medical Research Council Professor Colin Blakemore questioned how research quality would be defined. "Some of it doesn't produce the results that were expected. That is the nature of research. Sometimes it doesn't work," he told the BBC. Mr Willetts said one way the government could focus spending would be to concentrate on research that scored the highest ratings in assessments by the UK funding

Summary: Science Minister David Willetts has said the research-teaching balance has "gone wrong" in universities, after defending cuts to science research.


Kerry McCarthy, who is a vegan and has spoken out about the environmental impact of farming, said there would be "violent disagreements at times". But in an interview with the BBC's Farming Today, she said she had a "real passion" for the subject. Ms McCarthy was appointed by new Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. She has spoken out against the environmental impact of meat production as well as saying the meat, dairy and egg industries "cause immense suffering to more than a billion animals every year in the UK alone". The Bristol East MP is also vice president of the League against Cruel Sports and has been a fierce critic of the government's badger cull. Her appointment drew criticism from some in the farming community, with the Countryside Alliance saying it looked forward to seeing how the Vegan Society patron and critic of animal farming "intends to re-engage the Labour Party with the rural community". "I do a lot of work on conservation issues so it's something I have got a real passion for," Ms McCarthy said. "I think it's important to have someone in the role who doesn't see it as a stepping stone to a different post but actually is really keen to get engaged in the issues that there are in that portfolio." Ms McCarthy, who campaigns on food waste, said she was concerned about the relationship between farms and supermarkets and the "push towards ever more intensive industrialised forms of farming". Asked about her previous criticism of the farming industry, she said: "I have my own personal views on what I choose to eat, but I accept that we have a livestock industry in this country. "What I want is for the industry to have the best welfare standards possible, to be sustainable as well as economically viable." She said her urban constituency had "pretty close links" with surrounding countryside, and that "the world is not going to turn vegan because I am in post". Her new job would be "very much about meeting with as many people as possible, visiting as many places as possible", she said. "There will be different viewpoints, there will be violent disagreements at times, but it's about trying to listen to the evidence, approach things with an open mind and I am very much prepared to do that."

Summary: Labour's environment spokeswoman says she will approach her new job with an "open mind" despite her strong views on meat consumption and farming.


The White House says a US attack on al-Qaeda in the border region of Pakistan and Afghanistan killed the 36-year-old, who frequently appeared in al-Qaeda videos. He was known to the US for some years. In 2006, Gadahn became the first US citizen to be charged with treason since World War II. The indictment said he had "knowingly adhered to an enemy of the United States... with intent to betray the United States". A $1m bounty was placed on his head. He was home schooled and raised as a Christian in California before converting to Islam at 17. Following his conversion, he moved in 1998 to Pakistan and married an Afghan refugee. Gadahn performed translations for al-Qaeda and become associated with al-Qaeda's captured field commander, Abu Zubaydah. He is also thought to have later trained at a militant camp in Afghanistan. In 2004, the US justice department named him as one of seven al-Qaeda operatives planning imminent attacks on the US. Shortly afterwards, he appeared in a video on behalf of al-Qaeda, identifying himself as "Azzam the American". In September 2006, he appeared in a video with Ayman al-Zawahiri and exhorted his fellow Americans to convert to Islam and support al-Qaeda. In 2011, he appeared in a video exulting in the new information revealed about US global interests through the Wikileaks publication of classified documents, according to prosecutors at the trial of Pte Bradley Manning. He has also appeared in multiple other videos urging Muslims in the West to carry out attacks. Analysts say Gadahn is not part of al-Qaeda's senior leadership, and does not hold any operational or ideological significance.

Summary: Before his apparent death at the hands of the US military in a probable drone strike, Adam Gadahn had risen to be one of the US government's most wanted men as he became a high profile al-Qaeda propagandist.


Canon Jeremy Pemberton was refused a licence to work as a hospital chaplain by the then acting bishop of Southwell and Nottingham. Mr Pemberton brought a discrimination case which started in June. The Nottingham Employment Tribunal heard final submissions from both parties earlier on Tuesday. Although Mr Pemberton was employed by the NHS, a required licence from the diocese to work at King's Mill Hospital in Mansfield was refused by the Rt Revd Richard Inwood. He argued that the marriage was against the Church of England's teachings. Thomas Linden QC, representing the church, said: "The state should not be saying to a religious organisation you can or can't choose this person as your priest. "The tribunal should say it's clear on the evidence what the church thinks of same sex marriage." He argued Mr Pemberton went against the doctrine of the church when he entered his same-sex marriage in "a blaze of publicity". Sean Jones, representing Mr Pemberton, suggested the church would not have had an issue with Mr Pemberton if he was in a civil partnership, even though he claimed they were nearly the same. He added that nothing stopped clergy from entering into civil partnerships and questioned why it should be different now another type of "civil union which the state calls marriage" has been introduced. A final conclusion is not expected until next year.

Summary: A clergyman may have to wait until next year to find out whether a decision to remove his right to officiate after he married another man was discriminatory.


Bananas were a staple then - for family consumption and as a mainstay of the local economy - and they still are today. But the 50,000 or so people who live in this hilly district of small trading centres and scattered homesteads have been part of a high-profile aid initiative over the past nine years. It is one of the locations across Africa chosen by the US economist Jeffrey Sachs to establish Millennium Villages - intended to be a model for accelerating the end of global poverty. The Millennium Villages concept has been backed by the United Nations, preparing a string of summits this year as the world marks a transition from the Millennium Development Goals to broader and more ambitious Sustainable Development Goals. The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, says the Millennium Villages are "showcasing how effective an integrated strategy for education, health care, agriculture and small business can be". It is when you reach the ridge where Ruhiira's main trading centre has developed that you get a sense of how the area is changing. Clustered around a crossroads, there are now several small grocery stores, shops selling medicines, hardware stores and eating places. There is a bar with a well-used billiards table on the veranda. There are shops where you can draw money with a mobile phone. And there is a co-operative bank with customers queuing up for loans but, for now, with all too little capital to meet the demand. There was scarcely any electricity in this area a few years ago. Then solar power started to make an appearance and now the grid is extending into the area too. A large water tank at the Ruhiira trading centre - fed by piped water - shows progress, too, in the critical area of providing more people with access to clean and safe water. Mr Sachs said that at the peak, the Ruhiira project was investing around $60 (£40) per person per year on health, education, water, sanitation, agriculture etc. (Source: Millennium Village project) Life in a town called Mongo The funding is due to drop down to zero by the end of this year. But Mr Sachs believes even modest resources, if very well directed, can make a "huge" difference. But the Ugandan government is stepping up its spending in the area, with the help of some funding from Islamic Development Bank and they are negotiating with other agencies. Some people say they have seen far-reaching change in their lives during the period of the Millennium Village project. Take Robert Nkunda, a 35-year-old farmer. He has been able to build a more substantial home and has wooden sheds for his livestock. In the fields around he grows maize, bananas, coffee and beans. But he could have felt that he had no future in this part of Uganda. "My father died when I was still very young," he says. "We didn't have enough land. Only a plot where we lived. "That is the reason I didn't go far in education. But I worked hard to buy this land where I am

Summary: As you climb up the winding reddish-coloured gravel road to Ruhiira - past endless dense plantations of matoke bananas - it can feel at first sight as if it is a world largely unchanged from when I was first working in Uganda close to 50 years ago.


Former Aberdeen and Manchester United manager Sir Alex and the Aberdeen-born singer featured in almost 2,000 public responses. Their achievements will be celebrated at Provost Skene's House. The building will reopen following the completion of the Marischal Square development this summer. The Hall of Heroes: The 10 were picked from 50 candidates during a three-week vote. Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing said: "The public's contribution has been tremendously valuable and will help ensure the attraction has widespread appeal. "The stories and achievements of our heroes - indeed all the candidates - clearly resonated with residents." Percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie said: "I am hugely honoured to have been selected."

Summary: Sir Alex Ferguson and Annie Lennox are among the famous names chosen in a poll to feature in a new Hall of Heroes tourist attraction in Aberdeen.


Harry Davis gave the visitors a shock lead before goals from Mikael Lustig, Scott Sinclair, Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths saw Celtic home. "St Mirren are at the bottom of the Championship, but they are the best team we have played domestically," Rodgers said. "They are well organised." Celtic trailed 1-0 at the break and could have been 2-0 down early in the second half when Moussa Dembele's mishit clearance rebounded off his own crossbar. "I wasn't worried at half-time, but I knew we hadn't played as well as we could have," the Celtic manager told BBC Scotland. "Second half, we just had to stay calm and up the tempo a bit. "Once we got the first goal we really opened up and we end up getting four goals in the second half. "I think what was very good today was that again it was another good demonstration of the players under pressure. The players and the supporters stayed calm, stayed behind the team and that's what you have to do. We had a great second half but we'll learn from the first half." St Mirren manager Jack Ross was proud of his side's display and felt the final score was not an accurate reflection of the match. "We understood how we had to play and we did that in the first half," Ross said. "But, once they get that momentum in the game, Celtic are difficult to stop. "They recognised they had to do something different and they brought on Leigh Griffiths. "I don't think my players deserved that scoreline. The focus is now on the next game and it would be a bigger achievement to escape relegation than if we had won here today." Rodgers, who confirmed goalkeeper Craig Gordon should complete the "formalities" on a new contract with the club next week, is relishing taking his team back to Hampden for the cup semi-final. "I'm really looking forward to going back to Hampden again. We've been there twice for the League Cup, semi-final and final, and the team were magnificent in the games. "We just wanted to get there and we got there so that's the most important thing."

Summary: Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for St Mirren after Celtic were forced to rally from a goal down to make the last four of the Scottish Cup.


Natalia Kills and husband Willy Moon were fired by broadcaster TV3 after the pair laid into singer Joe Irvine. He'd just performed his version of Michael Buble's Cry Me A River. "A lot goes on behind-the-scenes of a reality show and what you see isn't always the whole story," said Kills in a statement on her Twitter account. "The show brought me on to bring my passion, dramatic expression and perspective. I was encouraged to be outspoken and things got out of hand. "Joe, I hope you can forgive me and I wish you all the best! Be natural, unconventional and be you! Love, Natalia Kills." During the show Kills criticised Irvine saying: "As an artist who respects artists' integrity and intellectual property I am disgusted at how much you have copied my husband. "From the hair, to the suit, do you not have any value or respect for originality? "You're a laughing stock. It's cheesy, it's disgusting. I personally found it absolutely artistically atrocious. "I am embarrassed to be sitting here in your presence, even having to dignify you with an answer of my opinion." Moon joined in the tirade, saying it felt cheap and absurd and "like Norman Bates dressing up in his mother's clothing". The audience mostly booed the judges' commentary and Irvine said he thought "he looked good". Willy Moon also released a statement on his Twitter account saying: "The reality of 'reality' TV is that there's a lot the viewer doesn't see. "The show encourages judges to be forthright and highly opinionated. It went too far and I never intended to single anyone out. "I wish the contestants, crew, and particularly Joe, all the best. With love, Willy Moon." Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Shelton Woolright have been announced as the new The X Factor NZ judges joining Mel Blatt and Stan Walker. Bassingthwaighte, 39, used to play Izzy in Neighbours and fronted Australian electro-pop band, Rogue Traders, until 2008 when she went solo. "I am thrilled to be joining The X Factor New Zealand family and I can't wait to begin mentoring my boys," she said. "We are going to have the so much fun and I'm so excited to see their talents evolve. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I hope will see them through to the very end of the competition." Woolright is the drummer in I Am Giant and has previously played in Blindspott. He said: "I am absolutely stoked to be involved in X Factor NZ and I'm especially looking forward to working with the Groups. "I've been working with labels, filmmakers and publishers as well as producing I Am Giant and other bands for years and I can't wait to share my expertise with fresh eager minds. This is going to be awesome, and we are going to win." Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter, BBCNewsbeat on Instagram and Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube

Summary: Two X Factor New Zealand judges, who were sacked for making abusive comments to a contestant, have apologised.


Resuming on 329-3, in reply to Middlesex's 98 all out on day one, Tom Fell went early for 171. But Kohler-Cadmore, 97 overnight, went on to finish on 130, with Ben Cox on 53, when the hosts declared on 431-5. Middlesex were then bowled out for 205 after a 72-run last-wicket stand from Tim Murtagh and John Simpson (50 no). Having initially looked comfortable second time around on 44-0, three wickets went down in eight balls when a double breakthrough for Ed Barnard got rid of ex-England openers Sam Robson and Nick Compton before Jack Shantry removed Paul Stirling. After a brief break for rain, Dawid Malan and Neil Dexter briefly shored things up in a stand of 48, but Shantry made another breakthrough, West Indian signing Shannon Gabriel struck twice and another collapse, this time of six wickets for 31, was under way. Having delayed the scheduled tea interval for half an hour, the last-wicket rearguard action between Simpson and Murtagh looked like extending the third day into a third session. But, right on the stroke of tea, already relegated Worcestershire completed their season with victory when Murtagh was last out for 24 - the second of successive Middlesex run-outs. Middlesex's defeat - only their second of the Championship season - could cost them second place to Nottinghamshire in the Division One table and their best finish since the introduction of two divisions in 2000. It would mean an £81,000 disparity in prize money if third-placed Notts can pip them for second by beating relegation battlers Hampshire. Worcs coach Steve Rhodes told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "We're relegated but the players have tried so hard all season, they had a lot of pride and purpose and really showed what they can do. "There have been a lot of frustrations during this year but we shan't get too down. We've now beaten three First Division teams by an innings. "Tom Fell and Tom Kohler-Cadmore batted really well in this match. We have a lot of young players who are only going to get better and, I'm delighted to say, going to get better playing for us." Middlesex coach Richard Scott told BBC London 94.9: "To come here and lose to a side already relegated is disappointing. "It will probably take a couple of weeks' reflection to find out what went wrong. But we have a lot to be proud of. "We won seven games, did the double over Durham and Sussex, which is no mean feat, and there was the game at Lord's against Yorkshire, the highlight of the season."

Summary: Worcestershire youngster Tom Kohler-Cadmore made his maiden first-class century at New Road as Middlesex were beaten by an innings and 128 runs.


James Duddridge, who has tabled a no confidence motion in Mr Bercow, said he had used his job to "pontificate" on international issues and had spoken publicly against Brexit. The Speaker, who recently criticised US President Donald Trump, told students on 3 February he had voted Remain. Lib Dem chief whip Tom Brake said Mr Bercow was "even-handed" in his job. And the Speaker's spokeswoman said he had been "scrupulous in ensuring that both sides of the argument are always heard". But speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Duddridge said: "Enough is enough. "We need a new more impartial Speaker." Although Mr Duddridge is currently the only signatory to his motion, he said he had received calls from ministers and MPs from different parties saying they too would vote to oppose Mr Bercow if it was debated. He said Mr Bercow had done "some very good things" during his time in the chair, but added: "One of the key roles of the Speaker is you must not speak on policy issues. "He's broken that rule, he's broken his employment contract effectively with members of Parliament - he should resign, and if he doesn't, the vote of no confidence will go ahead." He claimed there would have to be a vote to "resolve" his motion, although Early Day Motions tabled by MPs rarely make it as far as a Commons debate. Mr Brake, a member of the House of Commons commission, said there had been a longstanding campaign by some Conservative MPs to get rid of Mr Bercow. He said the Speaker's style "may feel like Marmite to some but in practice he is balanced". On his blog, UKIP MP Douglas Carswell criticised Mr Bercow's "morally perverse" stance against President Trump but said he would not back an attempt to unseat him. Mr Carswell pointed to Commons debates to come as the UK leaves the EU, adding: "Brexiteers should be exclusively focused on winning those fights - not picking others." Before the recording of his Brexit comments emerged, Mr Bercow, who was a Conservative MP before becoming Speaker, was already facing calls for him to be replaced for voicing his opposition to US President Donald Trump addressing Parliament on his UK state visit. Talking to Reading students, Mr Bercow said: "Personally, I voted to remain. I thought it was better to stay in the European Union than not." He said this was "partly for economic reasons - being part of a big trade bloc - and partly because I think we're in a world of power blocs. "I think for all the weaknesses and deficiencies of the European Union, it's better to be part of that big power bloc in the world than thinking you can act as effectively on your own." He also said immigration was a good thing and expressed concern Labour had not done more to strike a "very clear, resonant Remain note". When he was elected Speaker in 2009, Mr Bercow said he would serve for no more than nine years. Responding to the row over his

Summary: A Conservative MP who is attempting to oust Speaker John Bercow says he should quit or face a vote of no confidence.


The first minister told BBC Scotland she would set out her next steps to the Scottish Parliament after Easter. Ms Sturgeon has already said she does not intend to take the issue of a second vote on independence to court. It follows the UK government's rejection of SNP plans to hold a referendum before Spring 2019. Prime Minister Theresa May has argued that the focus of Brexit negotiations should be on getting the best deal for the whole of the UK. Ms Sturgeon wants a referendum to take place between autumn 2018 and spring 2019. She said: "I'm absolutely clear that the position of Theresa May, I just don't think is politically sustainable. "If the Scottish Parliament is of the position, as it is because it has voted in this way, that Scotland should be given a choice - not now, but when the time is right, when there is clarity about Brexit and obviously when there is clarity also about independence - that we should have a choice about our future. "I will set out, having written to Theresa May on the back of the Scottish Parliamentary vote, I've said sometime after the Easter recess, I've said I will set out what I consider the next steps to be, but I will set that out to parliament. Responding to the possibility of court action or a snap election, Ms Sturgeon added: "These are not the kinds of things I am thinking of. I've got a responsibility to lead the country. "I was elected as first minister less than a year ago. I've got a responsibility to lead this country. "We are very focused on getting growth in our economy and transforming education. These are things that continue to be my priorities - these sort of scenarios that are put to me are not the ones I am thinking [of], but I do have an idea of how I progress the will of parliament." The Scottish Conservatives said the first minister was "distracted" by the issue of a new referendum. A party spokesman said: "Never mind a snap election, Nicola Sturgeon needs to go further and take the threat of an unwanted second referendum off the table. "If the first minister's priority is really the economy and education, then we need to see some clear action on both fronts. "While she has been distracted by constitutional wrangling, GDP figures have shown that Scotland is halfway to a recession while education reforms have been kicked into the long grass." Scottish Labour also called for talk of another referendum to end. The party's leader, Kezia Dugdale said: "Scotland is divided enough, we don't need, and don't want, another referendum on independence. "Holding another referendum on leaving the UK is the wrong thing to do for Scotland's economy, especially when there is so much economic uncertainty from the Tories' reckless plans for a hard Brexit. "The Labour Party I lead will never support independence and the unprecedented levels of austerity it would mean for our public services. We believe that together we're stronger."

Summary: Nicola Sturgeon has dismissed talk of a snap election at Holyrood to break the deadlock over a second independence referendum.


Mr Yildirim, who is currently transport minister, is seen as a leading aide to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Outgoing Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu had apparently objected to Mr Erdogan's plan to beef up his own power. The president was known to be seeking a more "closely aligned" prime minister. And, in a speech on Thursday, Mr Yildirim made clear he would work "in total harmony" with the president and all other levels of the AKP. Mr Yildirim, 60, will be confirmed as the new leader of the AKP at an extraordinary party congress on Sunday. The party leader automatically takes on the role of prime minister. Although Mr Erdogan's son-in-law, Energy Minister Berat Albayrak, had been mentioned as a possible candidate, his name did not feature among the top three men in a survey of MPs and party members. President Erdogan is hoping to move Turkey from a parliamentary to a presidential system, with greater executive powers. The choice of Binali Yildirim as frontrunner for the AKP's leadership has surprised few in Turkey, as he has been an Erdogan favourite for years. He has remained loyal in the most troubling times, and that loyalty appears to have paid off. He has served as transport minister for many years, and did not hesitate to resign from his post to run for the mayoral elections in the western city of Izmir, a secular stronghold, at Mr Erdogan's request. His name had come up as a possible candidate for the party leadership at last year's AKP congress. And that forced Mr Davutoglu to concede some of his powers within the party. One AKP MP had to apologise after suggesting that the next prime minister would be a "low-profile" name. However, many in Turkey believe he will pose little threat to Mr Erdogan. Among the reforms planned by the AKP is a proposal going before parliament on Friday to lift the immunity of MPs who are under investigation. The measure is seen as targeting the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) as well as the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). The HDP fears its 59 MPs could face prosecution and expulsion from parliament on charges of backing Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants. The large number of pro-Kurdish MPs in parliament has also hindered Mr Erdogan's aim of pushing through increased presidential powers. A ceasefire between Turkey and the PKK ended weeks after elections in June 2015 and the renewed conflict has claimed hundreds of lives on both sides, particularly in Turkey's south-east. Mr Erdogan has called for pro-Kurdish MPs to face terrorism charges and Friday's vote could be a first step towards making that happen. If the government secures the support of 367 of parliament's 550 MPs, it will go through directly. If 330 MPs back the measure, then it could be put to a popular vote. A referendum is seen as more likely because 348 MPs supported the plan in a preliminary vote earlier this week.

Summary: The ruling AK Party in Turkey has picked Binali Yildirim as candidate for leader, a fortnight after a reported dispute with the president prompted the prime minister to quit.


The criticisms concern some members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), accused of doing favours for Azerbaijan. The oil-rich ex-Soviet state has cracked down on political dissidents. There are suspicions that Azerbaijan influenced PACE's rejection of a report on Azeri political prisoners in 2013. Azerbaijan is among the 47 member nations of the Strasbourg-based Council of Europe. The council - not part of the EU - monitors compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights, and judges in Strasbourg enforce it. In January 2013 PACE rejected a report by German Social Democrat MP Christoph Strässer, which deplored human rights abuses in Azerbaijan and urged the authorities there to release political prisoners. The Azeri government denies that charges against opposition activists are politically motivated. Opponents of President Ilham Aliyev have been jailed on various charges, including tax evasion, spying and weapons possession. Three top international human rights lawyers will investigate the PACE corruption allegations and will report their findings by the end of 2017. They can recommend action against any PACE members implicated in corruption. The investigators are: PACE elects the judges at the ECHR, whose human rights rulings are binding on Council of Europe states. As part of the inquiry, PACE plans to revise its code of conduct. An investigation published in December by the European Stability Initiative (ESI), a human rights think-tank, alleged that some parliamentarians in PACE had engaged in political lobbying for Azerbaijan. There were claims that some received Azeri payments. Council of Europe profile Azerbaijan bans online insults to leader In March a top Council of Europe official, Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland, wrote to PACE President Pedro Agramunt, urging him "to establish an independent external investigation body without any further delay". A large group of European MPs in PACE made a similar plea in January. They said PACE's integrity was threatened by "recent, serious and credible allegations of grave misconduct" by some fellow MPs. Civil society groups in Europe sent an open letter to PACE in April, saying an independent investigation must "shed light on hidden practices that favour corruption".

Summary: Europe's top human rights watchdog, the Council of Europe, has launched an investigation into alleged corruption at the council involving Azerbaijan.


9 October 2016 Last updated at 10:18 BST But one of them, Donald Trump, has landed himself in some big trouble after comments he made about women 11 years ago were released. In the past Donald Trump has used words like "pig", "fat" and "ugly" to describe women he disagreed with. Now a 2005 video has come out, in which he said even worse things about women. Since the recording was made public, Donald Trump has released a video statement where he apologised for the comments. But Hillary Clinton has said that Trump should not be president after what he has said. She says that his words will have a negative effect on women and girls. People in Donald Trump's own party have said they strongly disagree with the things he has said. Some of them have said they will no longer be supporting him in the election. The president of the United States is one of the most powerful and important jobs in the world, and the winner of this year's election will take over from current president Barack Obama. These big presidential debates are shown on TV to try to help people make their mind up about who they want to vote for in the election.

Summary: A big debate takes place on Sunday night in America between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, the two people trying to become the next US president.


Cumhuriyet newspaper's editor-in-chief Can Dundar and its Ankara representative Erdem Gul have been charged with espionage. Prosecutors accuse them of working with a US-based cleric to discredit the government. The harsh punishment being sought has intensified press freedom concerns. EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said he was "shocked" at the severity of the sentence sought by prosecutors. Human Rights Watch said the two "were doing their job as journalists and no more than that". In its report last May, Cumhuriyet published video of police finding weapons in trucks that it said were linked to Turkish intelligence. The Turkish authorities insisted the trucks, which had been intercepted near the Syrian border, were in fact bringing aid to Syria's Turkmen minority. But the report caused uproar and prompted President Reccep Tayyip Erdogan to file a lawsuit against the journalists. Mr Erdogan said the video footage was a state secret and vowed on TV that the journalists "would pay a heavy price". The pair were detained in November and told the BBC they were kept in solitary confinement for 40 days before being allowed to share a cell. The government accuses them of helping the Hizmet movement led by Fethullah Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania. Mr Erdogan has accused Mr Gulen of plotting against him, although Mr Gulen denies this. Mr Dundar and Mr Gul are accused of working with Hizmet to create the impression that the Turkish government was helping terror groups, thus weakening its ability to rule. They face charges of espionage, attempting to overthrow the government and support for a terror organisation, Hurriyet reported. If convicted, they will receive an "aggravated life sentence", which includes tougher conditions and restricted leisure hours, the Dogan news agency reported. Turkey has come under mounting criticism for its treatment of journalists. Last week, US Vice-President Joe Biden called on Turkey to protect freedom of expression during a visit to the country and also met with Mr Dundar's wife in a show of support. Press freedom 'a major concern'

Summary: Two Turkish journalists face life in prison over a story alleging that the Turkish government was arming Islamist militants in Syria.


More than 220 million people were immunised across 16 countries in the continent's meningitis belt. In 2013 there were just four cases across the entire region, which once faced thousands of deaths each year. However, there are fresh warnings from the World Health Organization that "huge epidemics" could return unless a new vaccination programme is started. The meningitis belt stretches across sub-Saharan Africa from Gambia in the west to Ethiopia in the east. In the worst epidemic recorded, in 1996-97, the disease swept across the belt infecting more than a quarter of a million people and led to 25,000 deaths. Unlike other vaccines, the MenAfriVac was designed specifically for Africa and in 2010 a mass vaccination campaign was started. Laboratory-confirmed cases of meningitis A have been falling ever since: "The disease has virtually disappeared from this part of the world," said Dr Marie-Pierre Preziosi from the World Health Organization. The mass immunisation programme was aimed at people under 30. However, routine vaccination will be needed to ensure that newborns are not vulnerable to the disease. Projections, published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, showed the disease could easily return. Dr Preziosi told the BBC News website: "What could happen is a huge epidemic that could sweep the entire area, that could target hundreds of thousands of people with 5-10% deaths at least. "There will be major epidemics in 10 to 15 years, so the call to countries now is, 'Do not stop your efforts - you need to introduce the vaccine into routine immunisation programmes.'" A new vaccine has been approved for children between nine and 18 months old. Ghana is introducing the jab and eight more countries are lining up to do so next year. Dr Mark Alderson, from the global non-profit healthcare organisation Path, told the BBC: "It is a remarkable success story." However, he warned other types of meningitis - C, Y, W and X - were also a threat. He added: "Outbreaks of other sera groups are unpredictable and meningitis C is Niger is a case in point. "If meningitis A is gone there will continue to be outbreaks in the other sera groups. If we really want to eliminate meningitis from the meningitis belt then the best way is to introduce a polyvalent vaccine [against A, C, Y, W and X]." Meningitis A strikes in the the dry season in Africa and while it starts like a cold with headache and fever it can soon lead to convulsions, coma and death. Follow James on Twitter.

Summary: A mass vaccination programme against meningitis A in Africa has been a "stunning success", say experts.


Carl Bildt suggested a "Yes" vote would lead to the "Balkanisation of the British Isles" and set off "unforeseen chain reactions". Mr Salmond said the use of the word "Balkanisation" was insulting to the democratic process in Scotland. But a spokesman for Mr Bildt said the politician stood by his comments. The people of Scotland go to the polls on 18 September when they will be asked the "Yes/No" question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?" Mr Salmond said the Swede's remarks, made in the Financial Times newspaper, were not only insulting to Scotland but to the Balkan countries that had joined the EU. Both Croatia and Slovenia have become EU member states since the bloody wars that tore Yugoslavia apart in the 1990s. Mr Bildt is a former prime minister of Sweden who also served as the UN's special envoy to the Balkans between 1999 and 2001. The FT quoted him saying that Scottish independence would have "more profound implications than people think". He added in the piece: "The Balkanisation of the British Isles is something we are not looking forward to. It opens up a lot, primarily in Scotland but also in the UK. "What are the implications for the Irish question?" he asked. "What happens in Ulster?" In a BBC interview, the Mr Salmond took exception to these remarks. He said: "I think the term Balkanisation was very foolish. "Insulting to this democratic process in Scotland but also insulting to the new European member states from the Balkans who are now part of the democracy of the European Union." Slovenia has been in the EU for 10 years and Croatia became the newest member state last year. Montenegro, Serbia and the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia are all candidates for EU membership. UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, was in Sweden for talks on the future of the EU with other centre-right leaders. At a news conference with Mr Cameron, Swedish Prime Minister, Fredric Reinfeldt, chose not to echo his foreign minister's remarks. He said: "We also have a lot of experiences in referendums throughout Europe and we have learned to respect the results and not to speculate in advance." Sweden's shadow foreign minister, Urban Ahlin, said "unfortunately we have a foreign minister with a specialty in insulting other nations. "I think he's insulting the people of Scotland by comparing a democratic referendum with 'Balkanisation'." However, Mr Bildt is said to be standing by his remarks. The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, Willie Rennie, said the comments reflected wider international concern. He explained: "Balkanisation is not a term that I would use but it's quite clear that leaders across the world are expressing concern about the United Kingdom because the UK is a force for good across the globe." The SNP often draws inspiration from Scandinavian countries - including Sweden - for its vision of what an independent Scotland could achieve. Mr Bildt is not the only international figure to have commented on Scotland's future in recent days. Last Thursday, the US president Barack Obama said that America had a "great

Summary: Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said comments by Sweden's foreign minister on Scottish independence were "very foolish".


The man was killed in the incident in Fairfield Road, near to the junction of Lightwood Road, in Buxton at 17:45 GMT on Thursday. Derbyshire Police said a 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving. Officers said the man was due to be interviewed later on Friday.

Summary: A 79-year-old man has died after being hit by a lorry.


Philip Garvey, 56, his wife Ann, 55, and their children Emily, 23, and Daniel, 20, died when their plane came down in Somerset in November 2015. They were flying from Surrey to Devon. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it was possible Mr Garvey tried to manually start landing while the autopilot was still on. Mr Garvey had taken off from Fairoakes Airport, close to the family home in Woking, and was heading to Dunkeswell Aerodrome. The AAIB's report said it was an overcast and rainy day and all planned flights at Dunkeswell had been cancelled because of the weather. Several witnesses told investigators they heard a sound like a plane doing "aerobatics" before the Piper Malibu Mirage appeared from the clouds and hit the ground near Churchinford, south of Taunton. The AAIB said: "The evidence from the autopilot examination system suggested that, as the pilot turned on to the final approach and started to descend, the autopilot may not have been disengaged due to a mental lapse, incorrect button selection or a technical fault." The plane was seen to quickly climb into cloud before coming down. The AAIB concluded it was "unable to determine with certainty the reason for the initial rapid climb" but said attempting to override the autopilot would have caused the plane to go "nose up" as it would fight to maintain its set height. While the aircraft could still have been controllable, it said "recovery may have been beyond his capabilities". Mr Garvey had been a pilot since 2012 and had flown to Dunkeswell 25 times since 2013, including 14 times from Fairoaks. His instructors told investigators he was "less able than average pilots at multi-tasking and poor at prioritising especially when under pressure". Another instructor said Mr Garvey "would often have difficulty dealing with an unusual or unexpected condition".

Summary: A pilot who died along with his family when the plane he was flying crashed was "poor under pressure", his instructors have told investigators.


The 25-year-old joined the Shrimpers in the summer after a trial, having not played a first-team game since November 2014 while at Blackpool. The former Newcastle and Swindon forward has since scored twice in nine Southend appearances. Phil Brown's side are undefeated in any match Ranger has started, winning five and drawing three of the eight games.

Summary: Southend United striker Nile Ranger has signed a new three-and-a-half year contract with the League One club.


The 22-year-old played five songs, including Only Girl (In The World) and Cheers, which she dedicated to "all the semi-alcoholics in the world". Rihanna said the album had been recorded late at night after she came off stage on her Last Girl On Earth world tour. "I'd be doing vocals at 4am with a raspy voice," she joked. The record, Rihanna's fifth in six years, marks a return to the singer's pop roots after the bleak nihilism of last year's Rated R. That album, recorded in the wake of the star's assault by then-boyfriend Chris Brown, had a much darker tone - presaged by single Russian Roulette, which talked about a subservient, violent relationship. One track from the new album, S&M, revisits those themes, with Rihanna declaring, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but whips and chains excite me". But most of the new material presented a more carefree side to the Barbadian star. Fizzing synths, club beats and sing-along chants featured heavily, with three songs - Only Girl, What's My Name and S&M - produced by Norwegian team Stargate. The duo previously collaborated with Rihanna on dance tracks like Don't Stop The Music and Rude Boy. Cheers, which the singer also referred to by its working title, Drink It Up, was a funky, loping guitar groove dedicated to a night on the town. Despite its lyrical content, Rihanna confessed she was "too busy" to drink alcohol, and "hardly ever gets any sleep". The night concluded with a strummed, acoustic ballad called California King Bed, about a couple who sleep beside each other but feel "10,000 miles apart". Dressed in a figure-hugging white dress with a bold floral print, Rihanna sang along while her new music played, and chatted bashfully to a small audience of invited fans and journalists. She revealed that the new album would also contain a duet with R&B star Drake and a collaboration with hotly-tipped rapper Nicki Minaj on a track called Raining Men. "Thanks for coming along tonight, this really means a lot to me," she said. "Thank you for coming to hear my silly music." Loud is due for release in the UK in November.

Summary: Pop star Rihanna has unveiled tracks from her forthcoming album, Loud, at a club in London.


Here is a selection of their comments: "I am disappointed that Martin McGuinness has chosen to take the position he has today. "His actions have meant that, at precisely the time we need our government to be active, we will have no government and no way to resolve the RHI problems. "It is clear that Sinn Féin's actions are not principled, they are political. "Let me make it clear, the DUP will always defend unionism and stand up for what is best for Northern Ireland and it appears from the deputy first minister's resignation letter that is what annoys Sinn Féin the most." "The UK government has a primary role to provide political stability in Northern Ireland and we'll be doing all we can over the coming days to work with the parties to find a solution to the current situation. "The position is very clear. If Sinn Féin does not nominate a replacement to the role of deputy first minister, then I'm obliged to call and election of the assembly within a reasonable period. "I would urge the leaders of the political parties to come together and work together to find a solution to current situation and we'll be doing all that we can with the political parties and the Irish government to that end." "A reasonable resolution could have been achieved which leads me to believe that this crisis goes beyond RHI and points to a more intractable situation. "The DUP and Sinn Féin's inability to work together is a fundamental flaw not envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement and will continue to burden the people of Northern Ireland as long as their best interests come second to entrenched party politics. "Today is a dark day for Northern Ireland. I am truly fearful for our future." "If this was just about RHI, Sinn Féin would hang in, they would hold the DUP and the first minister to account, they'd take steps to introduce cost controls and they'd support a public inquiry into what went wrong. "But this is not about RHI - it's about Sinn Féin. We've now had 10 years characterised by disappointment, debacles and scandals. "They are incapable of governing this country. They cannot see the greater good. The Ulster Unionists fought hard in 1998 to get these institutions up and running. We saw devolution as being for the benefit of the people. "I don't know what Sinn Féin and the DUP have in mind [following the resignation], but it's very clear they'll do what's good for the parties, not what's good for the electorate." "It looks like we're heading towards an election and that's happening because of Arele Foster's arrogance. "But if people want an election, let's have it, because people need to hear that we still have no programme for government and now we have costs spiralling out of control with RHI. "We also now won't have a public inquiry into all of this. We agree with Martin McGuinness when he tells us the DUP have disrespected the nationalist community. But some people wanted to stand

Summary: Politicians, public bodies and the business community have been reacting to the news that Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has resigned in protest at the handling of a botched heating scheme that is likely to cost the taxpayer £490m.


William Carlin, 52, did not return to Castle Huntly prison near Dundee after a period of temporary release. He was last seen near the city's King's Cross Hospital at about 09:00 on 5 November. He has connections in Ayrshire and Newcastle, and Northumbria Police are helping with the search. Carlin was jailed in 2013 after being caught with a security box containing Â£40,000 from a Sainsbury's in Prestwick. He is described as 5ft 11in, with a slim build, short brown or grey hair and blue-grey eyes. Police Scotland have warned members of the public not to approach him.

Summary: Police in Scotland and England are searching for a convicted armed robber who has been missing from prison for nearly two weeks.


Mark Munro, 31, and James Robertson, 27, pushed Russell Robertson over railings at Bainsford Bridge, Falkirk, on 29 May last year. Mr Robertson, 27, suffered a skull fracture caused by his head hitting a metal stanchion as he fell. The two men, who were accused of murder, were convicted of the lesser charge of culpable homicide. The High Court in Glasgow heard that Mr Robertson would have been unconscious when he went into the water. His body was recovered from the canal more than an hour later. The court heard that all three men had been at the Warehouse nightclub in Falkirk and were making their way home after 03:00 when an incident occurred. James Robertson was approached by Russell Robertson and they began fighting, before Munro, who had been on the phone, became involved. The trial heard the men tipped Mr Robertson into the canal and then ran off without a backward glance. Both accused blamed each other during the trial. Robertson admitted being in an initial struggle with Russell Robertson, but claimed he was walking away towards Falkirk when he went into the water. Nightclub security manager Kevin Gibney said he saw Russell Robertson disappear off the bridge as he struggled with Munro and Robertson. Mr Gibney said: "One minute he was there and the next he was gone. The two gentlemen ran across the road." Judge Lady Carmichael deferred sentence until 23 August at the High Court in Edinburgh and detained both men in custody.

Summary: Two men have been convicted of killing a stranger by throwing him over a bridge into a canal.


Media playback is not supported on this device In a repeat of the 2015 quarter-final, McGill gained revenge despite falling 5-4 behind after the first session. A high-quality encounter saw world number 30 McGill and 2005 champion Murphy make two centuries each. Five-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan opened up a 6-3 lead over qualifier David Gilbert in the first round. O'Sullivan made breaks of 82, 74 and 71, but world number 22 Gilbert showed his ability with a superb 125 clearance. They play to a finish on Monday from 10:00 BST. Alan McManus progressed with a 10-7 victory over fellow Scot Stephen Maguire, who lost in the first round for the fourth consecutive year. McManus will face Ali Carter in the second round on Thursday. In Sunday's evening session, Welshman Mark Williams took a 7-2 lead over fellow former champion Graeme Dott of Scotland, while England's Sam Baird led Michael White of Wales 5-4. Both matches resume on Monday (19:00 BST). Murphy, 33, becomes the third world champion after Peter Ebdon and Stuart Bingham to exit the competition. This is only the second time that the previous year's finalists have both fallen at the first hurdle. The last occasion was in 1980 when Terry Griffiths and Dennis Taylor both lost in the second round after receiving first-round byes. McGill, 25, comes up against Ebdon's conqueror Marco Fu in the next round. "I'm obviously disappointed but having a child on the way has change my perspective on things," said Murphy. "It is just a game of snooker. "My preparation could not have been better. My game was in better shape than last year. "If Anthony can keep his composure, keep himself under wraps and play with enjoyment, he will take some stopping." McGill made his debut at the event last year, beating Stephen Maguire and ousting then defending champion Mark Selby, before falling to Murphy in the last eight. Despite making only his second appearance at the Crucible, the Scot showed no sign of nerves and looked comfortable around the table. His ruthlessness among the balls - managing breaks of 119, 117, 97 and 85 - underlined his quality. "When I came here last year, I had no ambitions of winning and I just wanted to enjoy it," said McGill. "It is an honour for me to play here and a lot of people around the world want to do it. It is a privilege."

Summary: Last year's finalist Shaun Murphy suffered a shock 10-8 first-round loss to qualifier Anthony McGill at the World Championship in Sheffield.


The company posted net income of $4.9bn (Â£3.4bn) for the fourth quarter, an increase from $4.7bn a year ago. The announcement sent its share price up 9% in after-hours trading. That means that Alphabet is now worth around $568bn, compared with Apple which has a value of $535bn. It is the first time that Alphabet has stripped out the results of its Google business - which includes the search engine and YouTube - from its "Other Bets" business, which includes more experimental ventures such as self-driving cars and internet balloon programs. The figures show that the "Other Bets" lost $3.6bn in 2015. But advertising revenue for Google rose by 17% to $19.1bn, in the three months to December as the number of ads, or paid clicks, rose. Alphabet's claiming of the most value company title has been seen by some as a passing of the technology baton. Google apps and devices compete for market share against Apple iPhones. The title of most value company in the US has been passed between technology companies for several decades. Apple became the United States' most valuable company in 2010, when it dislodged Microsoft. Microsoft in turn overtook IBM two decades earlier.

Summary: Alphabet- Google's parent company- has surpassed Apple as the world's most valuable company after its latest earnings report.


The claim: Air pollution in London last week was worse than it was in Beijing. Reality Check verdict: Some one-off readings were higher in London last week, but this was an unrepresentative snapshot and Beijing is generally far worse. Ruth Cadbury is the Labour MP for Brentford and Isleworth, a part of London that has seen unusually high levels of air pollution recently. Last week saw the highest level recorded in the capital since April 2011. The spike was attributed to cold, calm and settled weather, meaning winds were not dispersing local pollutants. Different countries measure air pollution in different ways. The UK government uses a one (lowest) to 10 (highest) scale. Last week's levels in London were a 10. Another measure is the Air Quality Index (AQI). Last Monday, according to this measure, some parts of London showed particulate levels a bit higher than in Beijing. But this was just a snapshot and not the case for most of the week. On Wednesday afternoon, the overall AQI level in Beijing was about three times higher than in London, and recordings were even higher on the Chinese city's industrial outskirts. The World Health Organization gathers average particulate levels from cities around the world. They suggest that Beijing's levels are about five times worse than London's. The cities with the dirtiest air are Zabol in Iran and Onitsha in Nigeria. In the UK, overall emissions of all types of air pollution have fallen dramatically since 1970. Pollution in Beijing is much worse than in London - or in Stockholm, where the same claim was made this week. Read more from Reality Check

Summary: On 22 January, recordings of particulate air pollution were higher in London than in Beijing.


With the Brandywell being redeveloped in 2017, Derry City's home domestic games will be played at Maginn Park in the Inishowen town of Buncrana. However, with Maginn Park not equipped to stage European ties, Derry will have to find another Europa League venue. Derry have made overtures about staging Europa ties in the GAA venue Celtic Park but this is highly unlikely. While Croke Park staged rugby and football internationals between 2007 and 2010 on a temporary basis as the new Aviva Stadium was being built at Lansdowne Road, GAA rules still forbid other of the association's grounds being used for sports other than gaelic games. Clare club St Joseph's Milton Malbay attempted to change this rule at this year's GAA Congress but their proposal was overwhelmingly rejected. Derry's first home League game at Maginn Park will take place on Sunday, 5 March. Sunday is Derry's prepared choice for home fixtures and in all, they will play nine Sunday home fixtures. The Candystripes will open their season with an away game against Bohemians at Dalymount Park on Friday, 24 February.

Summary: Sligo's Showgrounds is emerging as the most likely venue to stage Derry City's Europa League games next summer.


Griffiths won a trio of player of the year awards after scoring 40 goals last season but has started only 10 league games this campaign. He missed Sunday's win over Hearts with a calf injury and Rodgers made it clear the striker must improve his fitness. "What I've said to him is about making sure the talent is a working talent," said the Celtic manager. "Because talent's not good enough on its own. "You have to work at it - and it's a cycle. It's one where, when he's playing and fit, Leigh's very good but can still work harder in training. "The problem is if you're not getting the games and then if you're not quite on it in training then you're losing fitness. "But then the moment you're asked to come in and get up to speed in a real high-tempo, intense game, the moments that are there for you to risk injury are far greater." Rodgers named Dedryck Boyata and Callum McGregor as examples of players who have shown great professionalism to work hard and force their way into his plans. "You have to work tirelessly every day or unfortunately you'll get left behind," he said. Rodgers echoed the words of his predecessor, Ronny Deila, who spoke of the need to be a "24-hour athlete". "It's a difficult period for him with that injury," the Celtic manager said of Griffiths, who has lost his place to summer signing Moussa Dembele. "But the only way you can overcome that is by working 24 hours a day for your profession, for your life. "He's a good kid, a great boy, but he understands where he's at. We all know the talent, but it won't be good enough on its own. "We speak a lot and it's not easy because he hasn't played maybe as much as he did last year. The reasons are simple for that. "He's a player I really admire, a player we really want to have here. "He's part of the squad, but I want him fit and available. He knows that and it's something he's working harder now to try to achieve."

Summary: Brendan Rodgers has urged Leigh Griffiths to work harder if he is to force his way back into Celtic's team.


Saintfiet said Adebayor and two other Togo players - Kossi Agassa and Floyd Ayite - had shown a lack of discipline after they failed to join up with the squad on time as they prepared for their opening Africa Cup of Nations qualifier next weekend. "I have no problem with the players as individuals," Saintfiet told BBC Sport from Accra. At the moment they are not part of it, but they have not been suspended and I have no problem with them. The doors are never closed for me because these are players with exceptional quality "It's their choice not to come to the hotel, not to be part of the group, and that makes the choice for me very easy to say these players are now not able to be part of the national team. "We ask only to be as one team together, to prepare us for these important games," Saintfiet explained. Togo take on Liberia in Lome on Sunday 14 June in a Group A fixture that marks the start of their qualifying campaign for the 2017 Nations Cup finals. The fixture against Ghana on Monday will be a big test for Togo against the recent Nations Cup runners-up as they prepare for the Liberia game. The absence of Tottenham striker Adebayor, Stade de Reims goalkeeper Agassa and Bastia midfielder Ayite will be a big loss for Togo but Saintfiet claims he was left with little choice saying all three players were absent for much of last week. "Floyd Ayite and [Kossi] Agassa were only one time in training and Emmanuel [Adebayor] came twice, but for the rest of the time I never saw him. "So I'm very sad about that because these three players were in my squad of 23, they are important players for the country and I was looking forward to working with them. "But if they are not able to be part of it and commit to the national team as all the other players - and we have many more players who play in Europe - the rules are the same for everyone." Despite removing all three players from the squad, Saintfiet - who previously coached Ethiopia, Namibia and Malawi - insists the trio have not been suspended and could still have a future with Togo. "At the moment they are not part of it, but they have not been suspended and I have no problem with them. The doors are never closed for me because these are players with exceptional quality. Adebayor's club Tottenham Hotspur gave him compassionate leave twice last season to return to Africa to deal with a personal family feud that the striker has discussed on social media. Saintfiet , who was appointed last month as coach of the west African nation, acknowledged Adebayor's importance to the Togo set-up. "A player like Emmanuel Adebayor is unique in Togolese football with his quality and he's a very strong player. "But again, if a player wants to be part of the team, he has to be with the team, following the rules

Summary: New Togo coach Tom Saintfiet has removed captain Emmanuel Adebayor from the squad to face Ghana in an international friendly on Monday.


The research says the Trojan exploited a previously unknown vulnerability embedded in Word files, allowing Duqu to modify computers' security protection. The code is believed to have been designed to gather intelligence from industrial control-systems. Microsoft says it is preparing a software patch to address the issue. The Laboratory of Cryptography and Systems Security (Crysys) at Budapest University made the discovery. "We carefully analysed the available forensics data from the original incident where Duqu was uncovered," Dr Boldizsar Bencsath, who led the investigation, told the BBC. "We found suspicious files that we further analysed, and in one case, we were able to prove that the file contains the installer of Duqu and it uses a zero-day exploit." A zero-day exploit is a computer threat that make use of a previously unknown software error to allow the attacker to gain permissions they should not have. Dr Bencsath added that it is possible that Duqu may also be installed by other means, but he had not found any evidence to suggest it. The news is being publicised by the internet security firm Symantec. It says that it has confirmed the Duqu infection at six different computer networks belonging to unidentified organisations across a total of eight countries. They include Iran, India, France and Ukraine. In addition other security firms have reported suspected infections in a further four countries, including the UK. Duqu has been compared to last year's Stuxnet worm attack, but Symantec says they operate in two distinct ways. "Stuxnet was about spreading as far and as wide as possible to hunt down systems that could pass on control of industrial organisations - such as nuclear power plants," said Greg Day, Symantec's director of security strategy. "Duqu has specifically targeted a number of organisations looking to scan across their internal systems, gather intelligence and pass it back out. "The sort of things it's collecting are design documents and other information that could be the reconnaissance for a further attack." So far neither Symantec nor Crysys have been able to trace who is receiving the data. Efforts to address the exploit are ongoing. "Microsoft is working with our partners to provide protections for a vulnerability used in targeted attempts to infect computers with the Duqu malware," a company statement said. "We will be providing a security update for customers through our update process." Experts say these types of focused attacks appear to be on the rise. Earlier this week Symantec reported that 29 chemicals firms had been targeted by a separate Trojan named PoisonIvy. "Industrial espionage is the natural evolution from cybercrime," said Mr Day. "Cybercrime is like pick pocketing. But these latest threats are like great train robberies, where the attackers have taken time to understand the intended victim and have a carefully constructed plan to rob them."

Summary: The Duqu computer infection was spread with the help of an infected Microsoft Word document, according to a report.


The self-employed and those with more than one source of income must submit their self-assessment forms online by 31 January, Data from returns made last year showed that men were most likely to file late. Those aged between 18 and 20 and living in London were the worst offenders, the tax authority said. So far, 6.45 million returns have been submitted ahead of the deadline at the end of the month, with about another 4.5 million outstanding. "Whatever your gender, age, occupation or location, if you haven't sent in your 2013-14 tax return, you need to take action now. Don't leave it until the last minute to contact us. Do it now, and avoid a last-minute rush to beat the deadline," said Ruth Owen of HM Revenue and Customs. The figures from a year ago showed that the over-65s were the most punctual. Interestingly, lawyers and accountants were not the most punctual - with 219 late filers per 10,000 submitted. Those in agriculture, fishing and forestry were more efficient, with 109 per 10,000 filing late.

Summary: Young men working in the communications industry are the most likely to miss the looming tax return deadline, HM Revenue and Customs figures suggest.


The Bolivian authorities earlier said the pontiff had requested to chew coca to help him cope with the effects of the high altitude in La Paz. The Pope made the remark when questioned by a journalist as to the secret of his energy during his South American tour, which ended yesterday. Pope Francis said that mate, the traditional tea popular in his native Argentina, helped to keep him going. "You wanted to ask me what is my drug of choice? Well, mate helps me. But I haven't tried coca, I want to make that clear," said the Pope during the flight from the Paraguayan capital, Asuncion, to Rome. Coca leaves, which are the raw ingredient for cocaine, are used legally for medical and religious purposes in Bolivia. The leaves are chewed or brewed in teas and work as a mild stimulant, helping also to alleviate nausea caused by high altitudes. Bolivia's left-wing President Evo Morales began his political life as the leader of the cocaleros, traditional coca leaf producers. The pontiff, who had part of a lung removed when he was young, only stayed in the La Paz area - which lies 3,650m (12,000ft) above sea level - for about four hours. The pontiff returned to Rome this morning after an eight-day trip to Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay, some of Latin America's poorest countries. Pope Francis addressed inequality, poverty and indigenous rights during his South American tour. The pontiff's visit to Bolivia was marked by controversy when Mr Morales gave him a crucifix sculpted in the shape of a hammer and sickle. The Pope looked visibly surprised and it was rumoured that the crucifix had been left behind in Bolivia. But Pope Francis has now clarified that he took it back with him to the Vatican. The crucifix was based on a design by Luis Espinal, a Jesuit Priest assassinated in 1980 by right-wing militia. "It was a surprise indeed. I didn't know that Father Espinal was also a poet and a sculptor," he said. "He was killed in 1980, a time when the [Catholic Church's] Liberation Theology embraced so many different groups and one of them adopted Marxist views." Pope Francis also shared his views on the popularity of selfies: "Today a policeman, a man in his forties, asked to take a selfie with me. I told him: But are you a teenager? "It is a different culture. I respect it but I feel like a great-grandfather," said Pope Francis.

Summary: Pope Francis has said he did not chew coca during his recent trip to Bolivia.