There is a buoyancy about the Labour campaign at the moment, his public performances have improved, and his team believe he has more to gain than to lose from taking part in this big set-piece campaign event. And for today at least, it gives Labour a tactical advantage, ammunition to portray Theresa May as cowering and afraid of making her arguments. Tory sources say there is no chance that she will change her mind and join him in the last minute dash to the debate. One source said: "This election isn't about who can squabble with six other politicians - it's about who can negotiate against 27 other nations." But it makes her vulnerable to the charge that she is evading scrutiny, despite the fact that, like the other leaders, she has been taking regular questions from journalists and will take part in another big public Q&A on Friday night. It's the direct head-to-head debate with Jeremy Corbyn that she, just like David Cameron in 2015, has refused to take part in. Exactly as in the wider election campaign, the incumbent, the frontrunner has everything to lose, the insurgent opponent, everything to gain. Earlier I wrote that Jeremy Corbyn had nothing to lose in taking part in tonight's big debate, he is clearly enjoying being the insurgent in this campaign, with some of the polls tightening and his message getting a wider hearing. He has indeed, a lot to less to lose than the incumbent, Theresa May who is the frontrunner. But Labour sources also suggest he had an additional motivation. I'm told that Mr Corbyn and his team wanted to move on from a day of damaging headlines about his lack of grip on his childcare policy, "quick fast". His decision to take part after weeks of refusing to do so has certainly changed the subject. That's denied by sources close to the Labour leader, who say their feeling from Tuesday morning was to take part, but logistical issues meant that the team and Mr Corbyn weren't able to make the final decision until this morning.

Summary: After flirting with the idea for the last few weeks, Jeremy Corbyn's confirmed he will take part in the seven-way party leaders' debate tonight in Cambridge.


Higgins found the net near the end of the second period and Steve Saviano made it 2-0 in the third period, Higgins then completing the scoring. The victory completed a good weekend for the Giants, who beat Nottingham Panthers 7-4 in Belfast on Saturday. Derrick Walser's side now prepare for a busy schedule of Christmas fixtures. That sequence begins with the second leg of their Challenge Cup quarter-final against Manchester Storm at the SSE Arena on Tuesday evening, the score standing at 3-3 after the first leg. Edinburgh Capitals are the visitors to Belfast for back-to-back games on Thursday and Friday. Sunday's triumph saw the Giants close the gap on league leaders Cardiff Devils to eight points, with Belfast having two games in hand. Stephen Murphy started in the Giants net while Ryan Martinelli sat out the game through injury. Media playback is not supported on this device Three goals in the third period saw the Giants take victory on Saturday, with Colin Shields, Blair Riley and Chris Higgins all on target. The Giants led 3-2 after the first period but the Panthers were level at 4-4 after the second period of play. Brandon Benedict, Jim Vandermeer, Alex Foster and Riley were the Giants' scorers in the opening two periods. Jeff Brown grabbed a double for the visitors, with Brian McGrattan and Dan Spang also finding the net for Nottingham.

Summary: Chris Higgins scored twice as the Belfast Giants kept up their Elite League title challenge by defeating Coventry Blaze 3-0 on Sunday night.


Duckett, 21, is in England's winter tour squad to Bangladesh after scoring 1,338 Championship runs this summer. Chris Woakes was named England Test Player of the Summer and Tammy Beaumont was voted Women's Player of the Summer. Duckett said the awards are "probably the highlight of my summer". He added: "I got my England call-ups and so many other things have happened. If someone had said at the start of the season that all this would happen I wouldn't have believed it. "What makes the PCA awards so special is that you are voted for by your peers. People who you play against vote for you and that means a lot to me. I can't keep the smile off my face. I wasn't expecting this." Beaumont scored centuries in her three England one-day internationals against Pakistan and helped Kent complete a Championship and T20 double. She beat Natalie Sciver and Lauren Winfield to the award, voted for by her fellow England players. "It's been a bit of a breakthrough summer for me. I hadn't really cemented my place before so to have a season like that was unbelievable," Beaumont said. Team of the Year Adam Lyth (Yorkshire), Keaton Jennings (Durham), Ben Duckett (Northamptonshire), Joe Root (c) (Yorkshire & England), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire & England), Liam Dawson (Hampshire & England), Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire & England), Keith Barker (Warwickshire), Toby Roland-Jones (Middlesex) and Jeetan Patel (Warwickshire) Sixes Award Colin Ingram (Glamorgan) One-Day Cup Player of the Year Graeme White (Northamptonshire) T20 Blast Player of the Year Colin Ingram (Glamorgan) PCA Special Merit Award Marcus Trescothick ECB Special Award Mike Selvey Overall PCA County MVP Jeetan Patel (Warwickshire) Harold Goldblatt Award for the PCA Umpire of the Year Michael Gough PCA England Masters MVP Mal Loye

Summary: Northamptonshire opener Ben Duckett has become the first cricketer to win the Professional Cricketers' Association Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards in the same year.


As well as allowing robots to quickly respond to potential damage to their systems, it could also protect humans who are increasingly working alongside them. The scientists plan to base the system on "insights from human pain research". To test it, they fitted a robotic arm with a fingertip sensor that could detect pressure and temperature. The researchers, from Leibniz University in Hannover, are developing a system that would allow a robot to "be able to detect and classify unforeseen physical states and disturbances, rate the potential damage they may cause to it and initiate appropriate countermeasures, ie reflexes", they explained. Just as human neurons transmit pain, the artificial ones will pass on information that can be classified by the robot as either light, moderate or severe pain. Researcher Johannes Kuehn told IEEE Spectrum: "Pain is a system that protects us. When we move away from the source of pain, it helps us not get hurt." Teaching robots about a range of stimulus is important, robotics expert from Cambridge University Prof Fumiya Iida told the BBC. "Getting robots to learn is one of the most challenging things but is fundamental because it will make them more intelligent," he said. "Learning is all about trial and error. When a child learns that falling over causes pain, it then learns to do it with more skill."

Summary: Researchers from Germany are developing an artificial nervous system aimed at teaching robots how to feel pain.


Despite all the talk about the challenges he faces in trying to catch Hillary Clinton, it's still a remarkable achievement given how far back he started from the former secretary of state when the race began last year. The Vermont senator wasn't in Wisconsin to relish the win, however. He chose to spend primary night instead at a rally in Wyoming, which holds its Democratic caucus on Saturday. For Mr Sanders every delegate counts if he wants to catch Mrs Clinton - a formidable task given the sizable lead she built up by routing the Vermont senator in contests across the South last month. But even if it doesn't give him much of a delegate boost, this Wisconsin result does offer Mr Sanders that most precious of political commodities - momentum. He'll likely post another victory in Wyoming, and then all eyes turn to New York in two weeks - where Mr Sanders grew up and Mrs Clinton served as a senator for six years. Mr Sanders, if his recent string of victories is to be anything more than a political footnote, will need to attract black and Hispanic votes in numbers he has yet achieve. If he can do that, then the narrative in this race stops being Mrs Clinton's inevitability and becomes a question of whether the front-runner can hang on. If New York is the key, however, Mr Sanders's campaign there may be stumbling out of the gate. Today he received a raft of negative press for an interview he gave with the editorial board of the Daily News, a New York City newspaper, that critics say exposes his thin grasp on the issues - and foreign policy in particular. When asked about Israeli-relations, the senator said he didn't know the answer to some questions and wasn't qualified to respond to others. He said he hasn't thought much about where so-called Islamic State leaders captured by the US should be held and didn't know whether President Barack Obama has the right policy to deal with IS. He even demurred on questions about whether the US government has the authority to order the breakup of banks that the president determines are too powerful. "If a bank is too big to fail, it is too big to exist," he said. "And then you have the secretary of treasury and some people who know a lot about this, making that determination." Gloves come off for Clinton and Sanders - It's crunch time in the Democratic race and nerves are starting to fray #BernieMadeMeWhite: Minority supporters of Sanders speak out - Supporters push back against "all-white" narrative Trump, Clinton and the 'None of the Above' era - Rarely have those running for high office been held in such low esteem Full US election coverage from the BBC The headlines following the interview were scathing. "This New York Daily News interview was pretty close to a disaster for Bernie Sanders," read the Washington Post. "Even on bread-and-butter matters like breaking up the big banks, the Democratic presidential hopeful came across as tentative, unprepared or

Summary: Bernie Sanders can now boast four wins in a row and victories in six of the last seven contests for the Democratic presidential nomination.


There is no scientific way of accurately measuring how many people will be so incensed by President Trump's executive order on immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries that they feel compelled to carry out a violent act against a US or Western target. Perhaps dozens, perhaps none. There is also no scientific way of measuring how many potential violent extremists have now been shut out of the US because of the order. But one thing is clear: in the ever-shifting ideological battle to win hearts and minds, this is one-nil to the extremists of so-called Islamic State (IS). Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, whose country is currently helping Iraqi forces drive out IS, said the US move would "be recorded in history as a great gift to extremists and their supporters". He added that it "only serves to provide a fertile ground for more terrorist recruitment by deepening the ruptures and fault-lines which have been exploited by extremist demagogues". In Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, a foreign ministry spokesman said it deeply regretted the move "because we believe it would affect the global fight against terrorismâ€¦ It is wrong to link radicalism and terrorism with one particular religion". Even America's closest ally, Britain, has been critical. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson tweeted that in his personal view the move "is divisive, discriminatory and wrong". Behind the scenes, where the ideological battle against violent extremism is fought in internet chatrooms, over anti-terrorist hotlines, and with tip-offs from the public, one effect of the immigration order will be to, at least temporarily, inhibit co-operation between the US and the very countries whose help it needs in fighting Islamic extremism. Iraq, whose forces have undergone an extensive retraining programme with help from US advisers, has been quick to retaliate by imposing similar restrictions on US visitors. At street level, anything that portrays the US government as being anti-Muslim - and that is exactly how this is going down in much of the Middle East - makes it harder to fight the narrative of IS and other extremists. Largely obscured by the tumult and confusion over President Trump's Executive Order is one simple, compelling fact: the people whose actions bear the original blame for much of the mistrust and negative stereotyping of Muslims, on both sides of the Atlantic, are not the mainstream Muslim populations themselves. It is the extremists from al-Qaeda, IS, al-Shabab and other affiliate groups who have waged violent jihad in the name of their common religion. Through their actions, these extremists are looking to separate Muslims from non-Muslims and to create a gulf between them. They crave a return to a time when much of the inhabited world was divided into Dar al-Islam (lands inhabited and ruled by Muslims according to Sharia, Islamic law) and Dar al-Harb (literally "the House of War", meaning all the other lands). Anything that helps polarise the world's populations further down this path of segregation and an "us and them" mentality is welcomed by the extremists. When refugees surged out of Syria and headed west towards Europe

Summary: Yes, in a word.


Prices in November were 4.4% higher than a year earlier, compared with a 4.6% increase in October. The building society said prices rose by 0.1% from the month before, with the average cost of a home now Â£204,947. Nationwide said there were signs that demand for houses had picked up in the past few months. "There are some signs that, despite the uncertain economic outlook, demand conditions have strengthened a little in recent months, reflecting the impact of solid labour market conditions and historically low borrowing costs," said Robert Gardner, Nationwide's chief economist. "Mortgage approvals increased in October, and surveyors report that new buyer enquiries have increased modestly. "The relatively low number of homes on the market and modest rates of housing construction are likely to keep the demand/supply balance fairly tight in the quarters ahead, even if economic conditions weaken, as most forecasters expect." Where can I afford to live?

Summary: Annual house price growth has slowed to its lowest rate since January, according to the UK's second largest mortgage lender, the Nationwide.


George Monteith, 59, was last seen at his home in the Tillydrone area of the city on Thursday. Formal identification of the body has still to take place but the family of Mr Monteith have been informed. The death is currently being treated as unexplained and inquiries are continuing. A spokesman for Police Scotland said a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Summary: Police searching for a missing man in Aberdeen have found a body.


It cost Charles Clarke his job as home secretary when back in 2006 it emerged that more than 1,000 foreign prisoners who should have been deported hadn't been. It's also been the subject of several select committee inquiries. And it continues to vex the Conservative MP for Kettering, Philip Hollobone. Throughout his time as an MP he has raised concerns about the number of foreigners in our prisons and our failure to send them back home to serve their sentences. Now a government minister not only praised him for his campaign, but admitted that he too shares Mr Hollobone's frustration. Mike Penning, minister for policing and criminal justice, told Parliament that while being briefed by officials he was "very surprised... about some of the things that are being done" and found it "mind bogglingly difficult to work out why, in many cases, things do not happen." He was replying to a debate called by Mr Hollobone who had come up with some new figures about the extent of the problem. There are, he told MPs, 10,837 foreign national offenders in our prisons which make up 13% of the prison population. The highest number of offenders (938) come from Poland, followed by Ireland (779) and Jamaica (737). The cost of looking after them, he said was "north of £300m" a year. "Such people need to serve their sentences in secure detention in prisons in their own country," he said. "At a time of severe constraints on public expenditure, that is far too large a bill to ask British taxpayers to pay." Mr Hollobone is particularly angry that many of these countries do not have prisoner transfer agreements with the UK. A compulsory agreement with Jamaica is still awaiting ratification by the Jamaican government, there is "only" a voluntary agreement with Pakistan and India and no agreement with Somalia or Bangladesh or several EU countries including Poland. "Poland, which is top of the list with almost 1,000 of its nationals in our prisons, has a specific derogation from accepting prisoner transfers under that EU agreement until the end of December 2016," said Mr Hollobone. "That is an absolute outrage. Poland should be securing those people in secure detention back in Poland, at the expense of Polish taxpayers." He is also calling for the British government to use "the huge and increasing international aid budget to build suitable prisons in countries that provide us with a large number of prisoners." He has discovered that in 2012 we gave £973m in aid to Jamaica, Pakistan, Nigeria, Somalia, India and Bangladesh who have a total of 2,900 of their citizens in British jails. "It costs this country more than £100m a year to incarcerate these people in our jails. "It would be a good idea to spend some of that £973m on building prisons in those six countries," he argued. Mr Penning admitted that he had been briefed by his officials "to ensure that I stuck to the line and read the speech, which I will not do". He went on to admit that he agreed with

Summary: The issue of foreign prisoners in England's jails has long been a contentious one.


Motorists who persistently share dashcam video could be accused of voyeurism, according to the motoring organisation. It said too many drivers post videos on social media without considering the impact on the motorists shown. In many cases drivers are pilloried for actions that are not their fault, the AA said. As many as 15% of British motorists now use a dashcam, according to a poll of AA members, with one in a hundred planning to share their footage on social media like YouTube. Edmund King, the AA president, told The Times: "While most drivers with dashcams fit them to protect themselves from 'crash for cash' fraudsters or dangerous drivers, there is an element of vehicular voyeurism from some individuals." The motoring organisation said it was not in favour of banning dashcam use, but said the next government should consider tighter rules, like those in force in other European countries: On the other hand, the AA said sharing footage of bad driving can have its advantages. Such publicity can send a warning to stupid and irresponsible drivers, it said. The organisation recommends sending such footage to the police, who can investigate any incident fairly.

Summary: New rules may be needed to control the use of video taken by dashboard cameras, the AA has warned.


Airbus UK Broughton's Ryan Wade, 28, was banned for three "approved competition" matches from 21 April. A hearing on 5 April found he "brought the game of association football or the association into disrepute". Johnson, 28, was jailed for six years for grooming and sexual activity with a girl aged 15. The former Sunderland player has lodged an appeal against his sentence. BBC Wales understands the nature of the tweets was deemed offensive and were sympathetic towards Johnson. The Welsh Premier League said the three-man panel sat at the headquarters of the Football Association of Wales. Wade has been suspended from all football-related activity and fined Â£150, as well as a Â£50 contribution towards costs. The club, based in Broughton, Flintshire, said in a statement: "The club carried out our own investigation and disciplinary process at the time and that has now concluded." Wade signed for Airbus almost four years ago and has made 28 appearances this season, scoring four times.

Summary: A Welsh Premier League footballer has been banned for tweets he posted after the trial of ex-England international Adam Johnson.


The BBC understands that both companies are keen to sign a so-called "statement of intent" before the week Geneva Motor show starts on 6 March to prevent ongoing speculation overshadowing the release of new models. Events that will determine the future of Vauxhall in the UK have been moving very quickly. Since last week's surprise announcement that GM was considering a sale, senior management from both companies have met with politicians and unions in Germany and the UK. They fear that PSA, partially owned by the French government, may cut jobs outside France. In a call with Prime Minister Theresa May last night, the PSA boss "expressed willingness to develop the iconic Vauxhall brand for its faithful customers". That's not quite the same as guaranteeing the future of 4,500 Vauxhall workers at Luton, Ellesmere Port and throughout the UK. An outline deal will signal the start months of intense lobbying across Europe. Progress after any deal is signed will be slower. It doesn't make much financial sense to stop production of a car before a new model is introduced and the Astra produced at Ellesmere Port is not due for an update till 2020. At that point, Ellesmere Port is considered particularly vulnerable to competition from a PSA plant in Sochaux in France. The cost and complexity of moving car production at any point is formidable. Supply chains, logistics and IT platforms would require years of modifying. For example, I'm told that at the Jaguar Land Rover plants in the UK, computers still briefly show a Ford prompt when users log in - and Ford sold JLR to Tata a decade ago. Nevertheless, one thing all industry experts appear to agree on is that the 24 plants in Europe that a combined company would have is too many. With only two factories of those 24 - and those plants soon to be outside the EU - the UK is considered the lightweight in this manufacturing tug-of-war. The government here has stressed its support for the automotive sector with particular emphasis on new electric vehicles and battery technology - something considered key in convincing Nissan to promise increased investment in the UK.

Summary: A draft agreement to sell General Motors' European business to PSA, the owner of Peugeot and Citroen, could be signed as early as next week.


Naomi Barrett, 53, went on a spending spree while working for Viscount Petersham at Crimonmogate, Aberdeenshire, between 2015 and 2016. Barrett, of Branscombe, Devon, admitted the offence at Peterhead Sheriff Court. She was ordered to carry out a community payback order with supervision and to repay the money. Barrett had bought kitchen appliances and art works while having access to a company credit card as part of her role. Sheriff Andrew Milligan told her: "You have pled guilty to this serious offence."

Summary: A viscount's former personal assistant who embezzled almost £23,000 has been ordered to repay the money or face going to jail.


Can he pull off a far bigger ask of actually beating him, and demolishing Mr Corbyn's mountain of membership support? On his side is, finally perhaps, unity among the vast majority of Labour MPs and MEPs. Angela Eagle dropped out with dignity so that there would be only one candidate. Owen Smith was warm in his tribute to her tonight and dropped heavy hints about campaigning side by side with her in the next two months to smooth the way for senior MPs to work together. It's understood that he has promised her the position of shadow chancellor if he wins the post. And despite some disquiet inside the party about not fielding a female candidate, in most quarters there is relief and a new focus now there is only one candidate and the race is under way. Yet if the contest were held tomorrow it's highly likely that Mr Corbyn would win again, setting off an unpredictable chain of events that might lead to the party's end. MPs have withdrawn their support, made it clear that they don't think he is up to the job, former ministers, former party leaders, some of his former supporters have made it abundantly clear they don't think he is up to the job. Yet still he has hung on, and his team are as determined to battle on through a long, hot summer. As I write, they feel sure the core of the membership is on their side. There is however from MPs and even from some union sources, anecdotal evidence that his party support is shakier than it once was. One union boss told me "it has to be Owen". But last summer Mr Corbyn and his team set off something not seen for many years, a political excitement among some people on the left that propelled him into office. Turning that around, not least without causing resentment and disillusionment, is a massive task. But by manoeuvring himself onto the ballot Mr Smith has shown he has the energy and ambition to give it a damn good try.

Summary: In the last two weeks Owen Smith has gone from someone who one MP described as "just playing games" to being the official challenger to Jeremy Corbyn.


The four-time Tour de France winner made his breakthrough when finishing second in 2011's race to equal the then-best finish by a British rider in a Grand Tour. Will he go one better this year and become the third man to complete the Tour-Vuelta double in the same year - and first since the Spanish race was switched from early to late in the season 22 years ago? Froome goes into the race as favourite but with six of the top 10 from this year's Tour and the likes of five-time Grand Tour winner Vincenzo Nibali and Britain's Adam Yates in the mix, the Vuelta promises to be as tough as they come. The race starts in Nimes in France on Saturday, 19 August and concludes in Madrid on Sunday, 10 September. The youngest of the three annual Grand Tours, the Vuelta, like its cousins the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France, is a three-week race made up of 21 stages, raced over 23 days. Prior to 1995 the race took place earlier in the season but often clashed with other major races so was switched to after May's Giro and July's Tour. It was first raced in 1935, and aside from pauses for the Spanish Civil War and World War II, it has been contested continuously since 1955. The 72nd edition of the race is starting outside of Spain for just the third time after Lisbon, Portugal in 1997 and Assen, Netherlands in 2009. It is often an unpredictable race with riders racing who have suffered injuries or health problems earlier in the season, or those trying to rescue a failed season, while riders like Froome are trying to maintain their form from the Tour de France. The route is notoriously mountainous, as evidenced by this year's race, which features nine summit finishes. "It's vicious," is Froome's take on it, while 2015 champion Fabio Aru says it will be the "usual horrendous race" and the "toughest stage race of the 2017 season". The summit finishes are spread evenly across the three weeks with a mix of short, sharp climbs such as stage five's 3.5km ascent of Ermita Santa Lucia. It features gradients of 20%, while stage 15 finishes at an altitude of 2,510m in Sierra Nevada. The penultimate stage pits the riders against the infamous Alto de Angliru, where Sky lost the 2011 Vuelta when Froome waited for team leader Bradley Wiggins as Juan Jose Cobo launched a race-winning attack. An opening team time trial in Nimes should not be long enough to create any significant time gaps between those chasing the overall victory but crucial seconds will be won and lost. Race organisers will hope the 40km individual time trial on stage 16 will help balance out the climbs but it could just serve to strengthen Froome's grip on the title. Sprinter-friendly stages are few, although those that make it to the finale are rewarded with a chance of glory in Madrid. In a nutshell, he can climb with the best in the race and is a better time-trial rider.

Summary: Chris Froome heads into the Vuelta a Espana looking to create more history by becoming the first British winner of the three-week race.


The £175m footbridge would link Temple with the Southbank, but has been criticised over its location and cost. Already approved by Lambeth Council, it is the idea of actress Joanna Lumley and has been designed by London 2012 cauldron creator, Thomas Heatherwick. The Mayor of London will make the final decision. Westminster councillors voted 3-1 in favour of the bridge which will cost £3.5m in annual maintenance. At a planning meeting concerns were raised about the potential loss of views, with heritage groups worried the sight of St Paul's Cathedral will be lost for some. Civil engineers have also called it "the most expensive footbridge in the world". Bridge consultant Simon Bourne told BBC London the cost is "five to 10 times more than you'd expect a footbridge to be". He said that is because of its copper cladding. By Tom EdwardsTransport correspondent, London Campaigners feared the planning committees were just a formality as both Lambeth and tonight Westminster had nothing financially to lose with a garden bridge. In a hot, packed room on the 17th floor there were shouts of "shame" and "you're turning it into a theme park" from some in the audience. Supporters kept quiet. And while both councils gave planning permission to the garden bridge, both committees have attached strings to the project. Westminster said Transport for London must act as guarantor on the £3.5m annual maintenance costs or the project won't get built. Will TfL like that? Will the mayor tell them to underwrite maintenance or could there be another solution like a surety? The Garden Bridge Trust will be delighted at gaining permission. This is a big step for them but campaigners will already be plotting other ways to stop the bridge. He said: "One has to view this bridge to a certain extent not as a piece of infrastructure, but as a piece of art. It's not value for money and I don't think it's good design." But Lord Mervyn Davies, chairman of the Garden Bridge Trust, said: "I think it's a reasonable cost for what is going to be an iconic bridge and I think the cladding is important because it needs to be visually beautiful. "It needs to be able to stand the test of time." Robert Davis, deputy leader of Westminster Council, chaired the planning committee and said: "This is something that is iconic and absolutely unique, and will be recognised right across the world. "I understand the concerns about potential loss of views, but there is no doubting that this bridge will bring substantial and significant benefits to London." Transport for London has agreed to pay £30m in enabling costs to be matched by the Treasury. The Garden Bridge Trust says it has raised about £120m which will go towards running costs as well. As the bridge is a major infrastructure project, the Mayor of London will have the option to call it in for further scrutiny, or allow the bridge to go ahead as set out in the applications that were put before Lambeth and Westminster councils.

Summary: Plans to build a garden bridge across the River Thames are a step closer after Westminster City Council approved planning permission.


Willie Boy O'Neill, three, and Tojo O'Neill, two, formerly of Caldon Road, were last seen on 3 August. They are believed to be in the company of their parents, Claire Watson, 32 and 39-year-old Robert O'Neill (39). The children were reported missing after council officials became concerned for their welfare after failing to contact the family. Willie Boy is described as being of slim build with fair hair, whilst Tojo is stocky with fair hair. Since being reported missing to police last week, officers have made extensive inquiries in England - where there are family connections - to trace the family. So far, there have been no positive sightings of the children, except for the whole family being seen together within the Rivergate Shopping Centre in Irvine at 14:45 on Sunday 3 August. Police have appealed for anyone with information about the children's whereabouts to contact them urgently.

Summary: Police are attempting to trace two children who have been missing from the Irvine area of North Ayrshire.


It was not immediately clear what had happened, with spokeswoman Heather Nauert saying there were no "definitive answers about the source or cause". But Ms Nauert refused to be drawn further on what the symptoms were. But one source told the Associated Press news agency the symptoms reported included hearing loss. It was suggested the hearing loss could have been caused by some kind of sonic device placed outside the diplomats' homes, emitting inaudible sound waves that can cause deafness. Staff began complaining of the strange symptoms late last year, Ms Nauert said. While they were not life-threatening, she revealed a number of people had been brought home to the US as a result. Ms Nauert said the government was taking it "very seriously, and there is an investigation currently under way". It is understood that the two expelled Cuban diplomats left Washington DC in May, the BBC's Will Grant reports from Havana. So far, their government has not responded to the reports. Washington and Havana only re-established ties in 2015, following 50 years of hostilities between the two countries.

Summary: Washington has expelled two Cuban diplomats after US embassy staff in Havana suffered mysterious physical symptoms, the US state department said.


The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the blaze in the ground floor flat in Alpha Drive at about midnight. The 26-year-old was given oxygen at the scene. The fire is understood to have broken out in the kitchen of the property.

Summary: A man has been rescued from a fire in a flat in Glenrothes in Fife.


Her name features in everyday transactions in every town and city whenever a person goes to a cash dispenser, buys bread at a shop, pays a restaurant bill or a cab driver. But only those who carefully study the banknotes will realise who Ms Gumataotao Rios is. This Californian woman of Mexican descent has been treasurer of the United States since 2009. Since then, her signature has been printed on some 27 billion dollar notes. "Currency and coins are the way we touch the American public every day," she tells BBC Mundo in her Washington DC office, just a few steps from the White House. "We are part of history." Women have left their mark on that history in a very special way, because they have held the position of US treasurer since 1949. Six of the past 10 treasurers have also been of Hispanic descent. Ms Gumataotao Rios says that the first woman treasurer, Georgia Neese Clark, was appointed just after the Second World War, when women's participation in the workforce increased considerably. "It was just very courageous and probably very symbolic for President Harry S Truman to make that appointment," she says. Since then, every US president has chosen a woman's signature to appear alongside that of the US secretary of treasury on one of the most popular currencies in the world. Ms Gumataotao Rios explains that having women treasurers is not something that is institutionalised or has been done in order to fill a quota. "They look at the individuals more than anything," she says. "Clark, for instance, was a banker." She also rejects the notion that her Hispanic heritage might influence her daily activities: "Of course I am very proud to be Mexican-American, but in my role today I am an administration official." The treasurer believes that her own previous experience in areas such as economic development, real estate and investments made her a good choice for the post at a time when the recent global financial crisis was at its height. She also stresses that her work does not only consist of signing US banknotes, where her Mexican surname - Rios - appears next to her husband's Guamanian name, Gumataotao. Although Treasury Secretary Jack Lew makes the final financial decisions at the treasury department, Ms Gumataotao Rios supervises the nearly 4,000 employees who work at the US Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. She also oversees the gold reserves at Fort Knox. Her position has historic importance: it is the only office in the treasury department that is older than the department itself. Michael Hillegas, the first US treasurer, took up his post in 1775, even before the United States acquired its name a year later on 9 September. Ms Gumataotao Rios is aware of that historic weight, but she also knows that her real link with most Americans is created through dollar banknotes. "My signature is all over the world", she says. "It's a sense of professional pride and of personal pride for my family." The first time she saw her name stamped on

Summary: Rosa Gumataotao Rios is one of the United States' most ubiquitous political figures, yet many people will probably have never heard of her.


The Scottish Daily Mail describes the Glasgow-born killer as the "monster of the moors". It reports that he died at 18:00 on Monday at the secure psychiatric hospital where he had been receiving end-of-life care. The Scottish Sun says Brady took to his grave the secret of where he buried 12-year-old Keith Bennett - the only victim whose remains are undiscovered. Brady lived for more than 50 years after being jailed for his catalogue of crimes but he never showed any remorse, says The Daily Record. The Herald reports that Jeremy Corbyn will make his "pitch for power" later, and he will use his manifesto launch to promise to campaign against a second Scottish independence referendum. The Labour leader will also announce a "tax grab on the rich", according to the i newspaper. It says he will outline multi-billion pound spending plans, funded by higher taxes on top earners. The Scotsman also leads with a political story, reporting that Ruth Davidson launched an "unprecedented attack" on the SNP as it marks the 10th anniversary of seizing power in Scotland. A disabled woman who lost her appeal for a Motability car features on the front page of The National. It reports that Anne Meikle, who suffers from a series of illnesses including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is now confined to her house. The Times leads with claims that drugs company Aspen Pharmacare is facing a fine of up to Â£220m for increasing the cost of cancer medicines, after the EU launched an investigation into alleged price hiking. The Scottish Daily Express says the SNP's currency plan for an independent Scotland has been branded a "shambles" by critics. Calls for radical action to fight drug addiction problems in Dundee, and across Scotland, feature on the front page of The Courier. A nursery assistant has admitted picking up a two-year-old girl by the ankles and dropping her, according to the north east edition of The Press and Journal. And the front page of the Daily Star features BBC presenter Zoe Ball, photographed for the first time since the death of her partner.

Summary: The death of Ian Brady, who killed five children with Myra Hindley, features on the front pages of many of today's newspapers.


The birds kill sticklebacks by striking them against their perches, which softens the spines of the fish, making them easier to swallow. But a kingfisher at Montrose Basin appears to have gone a step further by using the spines to pin three sticklebacks to its branch. The bird's unusual behaviour was captured by photographer Ron Mitchell. Anna Cheshier, Angus ranger at Scottish Wildlife Trust's Montrose Basin wildlife reserve, said the kingfisher visited every day. She said: "The photographer who took the images didn't realise what he had captured until he took them into the visitor centre the following day. "It's hard to tell if the kingfisher has hung the fish on the branch accidentally or on purpose, but this is really unusual behaviour that no-one seems to be able to explain. "We'd like anyone who has seen anything like this before to get in touch." Kingfishers are found around lochs, ponds and rivers and rely on clean water to be able to dive for small fish and aquatic insects. There are around 5,000 breeding pairs in the UK.

Summary: Photographs showing a kingfisher appearing to hang fish out to dry has baffled experts at a wildlife reserve.


Peter Whittle, the party's culture spokesman, was selected over deputy chair of UKIP Suzanne Evans. In a BBC interview he said his priority would be to encourage people to stay in London rather than being forced to leave the city for financial reasons. He also said he was opposed to the expansion of Heathrow airport. And Mr Whittle believes people in the City of London would not be concerned if UKIP won, claiming many in the financial sector want to leave the EU. When Mr Whittle was asked if Ms Evans would have made a stronger candidate than him, he insisted it had been a robust and fair selection process, and he was good friends with Ms Evans. He denied she was not chosen because of disagreements she had had with party leader Nigel Farage. Mr Farage said: "Peter has been an asset to UKIP for many years, and I am delighted to learn that the party has elected him as our candidate in the battle to become London Mayor." Mr Whittle was born in Peckham, grew up in Shooters Hill and has lived and worked in the capital his whole life. He also set up the New Culture Forum think tank. UKIP also announced Ms Evans would stand as a candidate in the London Assembly elections. The radio DJ Mike Read will also stand as a candidate for the party in the London Assembly elections. Tooting MP Sadiq Khan has been selected as Labour's mayoral candidate, the Lib Dems have chosen Caroline Pidgeon, the Green Party has Sian Berry and George Galloway will represent The Respect Party. The Conservative Party has not yet selected a candidate. The party's Boris Johnson, who was elected as an MP in May's general election, has been mayor since 2008.

Summary: UKIP has chosen its candidate to stand for London Mayor at next year's election.


Liverpool boss Klopp counselled the player through a difficult time when they were at Borussia Dortmund in 2013. Earlier this season, Mkhitaryan did not play in the league for 10 weeks and remembered Klopp's previous advice. "I am thankful to Klopp. He worked on my personality and the psychological part," 28-year-old Mkhitaryan said. The Armenian spent two seasons working under Klopp in Germany before the coach quit, later taking over at Liverpool in October 2015. Within eight months, the playmaker was following his old boss to the Premier League, joining United for a reported £26.3m. However, after being substituted at half-time during United's 2-1 home defeat by Manchester City on 10 September, he did not play in the Premier League again until 27 November. "At Dortmund, I was very stressed after a few games when we were playing really bad," added Mkhitaryan, who has scored five times this season. "Klopp showed me the way. He supported me and told me I had to keep my head up because good things were coming. He helped me to become a player." The move to the Premier League was another step on a remarkable journey for Mkhitaryan, who speaks six languages - including English - and is the son of one of Armenia's most famous footballers. Father Hamlet was also an Armenian international and one of the first players from the country to play outside of the old Soviet Union. He died of a brain tumour when Mkhitaryan was seven. "He was my drive, my goal, my dream," he said. "I did not feel the true impact when he died but I knew that he was watching me from the sky. He has to be very proud." Mkhitaryan is now one of the most famous - and most wealthy - Armenians in the world. But his background is unconventional in United's multi-national squad. He comes from a country that had a five-year conflict with neighbours Azerbaijan between 1989 and 1994 over disputed territory and still does not have normal relations with Turkey due to the treatment it received under Ottoman rule in World War One. So Mkhitaryan had to carry out a period of national service before he was allowed to move abroad, initially to Ukraine's Metalurh Donetsk, in 2009. "It was very hard growing up in Armenia because at that time we had a lot of problems with our neighbours and we had war, so it was a bad situation," said Mkhitaryan, speaking at a Manchester United Foundation #SchoolsUnited event in Moss Side. "Before I could leave and be a football player I had to go to the military. I did that when I was 20. After that I was allowed to change my club."

Summary: Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has thanked Jurgen Klopp for the advice that helped him through a tough start to his Old Trafford career.


Sutton, who can play at centre-half or full-back, has made 25 appearances for Rovers this season. The 29-year-old joined the club last July following his release by League Two side Mansfield Town. Barrow are currently 17th in the National League table, six points above the relegation zone.

Summary: Barrow have signed versatile defender Ritchie Sutton on loan from National League rivals Tranmere Rovers until the end of the season.


The police ombudsman confirmed that the spray was used during the parade on the Ormeau Road on Tuesday evening. The PSNI said two officers received minor injuries during a "minor disturbance". A 26-year-old man has been charged with assault. The parade's organiser said children suffered swollen eyes and lips. Noel Liggett told Good Morning Ulster said the CS spray was "indiscriminately" used after police confronted the parade. He said police believed cars were being damaged as the parade made its way up the road, an allegation he described as "completely false". "Around 20 children were on parade with us yesterday, the average age would be six, seven, eight and nine. Around that age group," he said. "I was quite shocked to see many young children in a state of shock. "Five of them had suffered the effect of CS gas and a number of young children in the band had also suffered the effects of the gas." Mr Liggett said a "very frank meeting where both sides put their case" was held with police after the parade and that he would "question the common sense" of police. "The police knew this was a parade for juniors, there was a lot of young children in the area," he said. Writing on Twitter, Mrs Foster said she would be meeting senior police over the incident. Police said a PSNI motorcycle had also been damaged in the incident. A man will appear at Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 26 April charged with disorderly behaviour and two counts of assault on police.

Summary: First Minister Arlene Foster has said she has spoken to the chief constable after police used CS spray during a junior Orange Order parade in Belfast.


The 24-year-old, signed in January for the rest of the season from Sheffield United, was injured in the 2-1 home defeat by Southend on 2 February. "We've seen what a talent the lad is," Town boss Micky Mellon told BBC Sport. "But he goes in for a tackle and he's picked up an injury." Mellon added: "He's gutted as he came here to play and to get himself going again." Wallace, who came on as substitute in Town's fourth round win over Sheffield Wednesday, has been limited by injuries to just 20 appearances for the Blades since signing from Tranmere Rovers in June 2014. The former Everton trainee is on his second loan at Shrewsbury, having spent two months on loan in Shropshire during the 2011-12 season when he was still on the books at Goodison Park. Shrewsbury have won just once in six league matches since the turn of the year, going into Saturday's key away game against fellow strugglers Blackpool, one of Town manager Micky Mellon's former clubs. Mellon has the option of bringing in Elliot Grandin for his debut against his former club, the former Blackpool winger having signed last week until the end of the season. It is the final time Shrewsbury will be in action before the meeting with Louis van Gaal's United. The League One club have so far sold 6,000 tickets for their tie against the 11-times FA Cup winners on Monday, 22 February (19:45 GMT).

Summary: On-loan Shrewsbury Town midfielder James Wallace has been forced out of action with a knee injury that will cause him to miss the FA Cup fifth-round tie with Manchester United.


The 21-time Grand Slam singles champion lost 6-7 (3-7) 6-1 6-2 to Russian 15th seed Svetlana Kuznetsova. It was the 34-year-old American's joint earliest exit from the tournament, which she has won eight times. "The players come out and play me like they've never played before in their lives," said Williams, who had not lost in Miami since 2012. She has now not won a tournament since August, when she claimed the 69th title of her career, in Cincinnati. "I don't think it's appropriate to criticise my movement right now," she added, in response to questions from reporters. "I did the best that I could. I can't win every match." Kuznetsova said she was "really thrilled" but apologised to fans who hoped to see more of Williams at this tournament. She added: "I tried to stay at a good level the whole game. I think I did that pretty well and I'm happy with the way I served." Poland's third seed Agnieszka Radwanska also lost, beaten 2-6 6-4 6-2 by 19th seed Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland. Also on Monday, British number one Johanna Konta beat 32nd seed Monica Niculescu 6-2 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals, while Heather Watson was defeated 6-3 6-4 by Romania's Simona Halep.

Summary: World number one and defending champion Serena Williams suffered a shock defeat in the fourth round of the Miami Open.


Media playback is not supported on this device Hamilton was running second to Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg when the German ran into problems with his throttle early in the race and had to retire. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel took second to pass Rosberg in the title standings. Force India's Sergio Perez was a fine third after Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen dramatically collided with Williams' Valtteri Bottas on the final lap. Hamilton's ninth win this season means he needs nine more points than Vettel and two more than Rosberg at the next race in the USA to clinch the title. Raikkonen's eventual fifth place turned to eighth when he was given a 30-second time penalty after the race for causing the crash. Media playback is not supported on this device The result meant Mercedes claimed the Formula 1 constructors' title after securing enough of a difference in points from Hamilton's 25 for the win. With Russian President Vladimir Putin watching from the stands, and later greeting the drivers before they went onto the podium, the second running of this race was a dramatic contrast to the soporific first last year. Two safety car periods - the second following a high-speed crash for Lotus's Romain Grosjean in the long Turn Three - meant drivers went into the final part of the race on divergent tyre strategies. The second safety car was introduced on lap 13, several laps before the window opened for the ideal pit stop on a one-stop strategy, but several teams decided to take the gamble of stopping for tyres and trying to make it to the end of the race. At the head of them, Force India's Perez and Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo went into the closing laps in third and fourth places, with the fresher-tyred cars of Bottas and Raikkonen closing them down. Bottas stopped 13 laps after Perez and Raikkonen a massive 18. Media playback is not supported on this device The Williams driver found a way past Ricciardo on lap 45, with eight laps to go, and quickly closed onto Perez's tail, while Raikkonen passed the Red Bull three laps later and closed the three-second gap to the Force India and Mercedes. Bottas was told by his team to go to "mode one" on his engine on the final two laps - the most powerful setting. That enabled Bottas to pass Perez around the outside of Turn 13 on the penultimate lap, with Raikkonen following him through to demote the Mexican to fifth in the space of just two corners. But the action was not finished - Raikkonen then tried an optimistic move on Bottas into Turn Four on the final lap and the two collided. The Williams retired as a result of the damage from the accident but Raikkonen limped around the final lap with sparks cascading from the car to take fifth after being passed by Williams's Felipe Massa and give Ferrari just enough points to keep the constructors' championship open for one more race. Ricciardo retired with what he said he thought was a suspension failure and

Summary: Lewis Hamilton took an easy win in the Russian Grand Prix to move to the brink of his third world championship.


Michael Whinfrey, 42, from Wickersley in Rotherham, died after the explosion at the Sterecycle waste plant on Sheffield Road on Tuesday. The father-of-three was airlifted to Leeds General Hospital but later died. Peter Lindon Davis, 51, from Barnsley, remains in hospital with "potentially life-changing injuries". South Yorkshire Police said Mr Davis received injuries to his head and body and was in a serious but stable condition in the Northern General Hospital. An investigation into the explosion was under way. Sterecycle chief executive officer Tom Shields said: "We will urgently investigate the causes of the incident and ensure that all necessary actions are taken." Operations at the plant have been suspended. Police said the explosion caused damage to parked cars on Sheffield Road, which was closed for nearly three hours.

Summary: Two men involved in an explosion at a waste recycling plant in Rotherham in which one of them died were "best friends", police have revealed.


In October 2016 the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation began test excavations at the site in Tuam. The commission was established following allegations about the deaths of 800 babies in Tuam and the manner in which they were buried. It said it was "shocked" by the discovery. The Tuam home was one of 10 institutions in which about 35,000 unmarried pregnant women are thought to have been sent. A child died nearly every two weeks between the mid-1920s and 1960s. In a statement on Friday, the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation said the remains were found in "at least 17 of the 20 underground chambers which were examined earlier this year". It added: "These remains involved a number of individuals with age-at-death ranges from approximately 35 foetal weeks to two-three years." The home operated from 1925 to 1961 and a number of the samples are likely to date from the 1950s, the commission said. The commission said it is continuing its investigation into who was responsible for the disposal of human remains in this way and has asked that the relevant state authorities take responsibility for the appropriate treatment of the remains. The coroner has been informed.

Summary: "Significant quantities" of human remains have been discovered at the site of a former mother and baby home in County Galway.


Wayne Esmonde, 35, had his face put on South Wales Police's Facebook appeal over an alleged assault. But the picture shows shaven-headed Mr Esmonde posing for the camera looking wide-eyed and staring intently. Mr Esmonde, who asked for officers to take the post down, handed himself in at Swansea Central police station on Thursday. He had written on their Facebook page: "I am him. Not a very flattering mugshot. "I'd appreciate it if you'd take this post down. Innocent until proven guilty and all that. "I've spoken to my solicitor and they will advise me what to do next. Thanks." Mr Esmonde, of Fforestfach, Swansea, was wanted in connection with an assault on 18 July and South Wales Police have since updated their Facebook post.

Summary: A man who asked police to take his mugshot off their wanted appeal because it was unflattering has been arrested.


According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the insect group is the most threatened of those assessed so far in Europe. Europe harbours more than 1,000 species of grasshopper and cricket. If we don't act now the sound of crickets could become a thing of the past, said the IUCN. Crickets, bush crickets and grasshoppers - a group known as Orthoptera - live on grassland. They are an important food source for birds and reptiles, and their decline could affect entire ecosystems. Their habitat is being lost due to wildfires, intensive agriculture and tourism development. Jean-Christophe ViÃ©, deputy director, IUCN Global Species Programme, said to bring these species back from the brink of extinction, more needs to be done to protect and restore their habitats. "This can be done through sustainable grassland management using traditional agricultural practices, for example," he said. "If we do not act now, the sound of crickets in European grasslands could soon become a thing of the past." The assessment took place over two years and involved more than 150 scientists. Axel Hochkirch is chair of the IUCN invertebrate conservation sub-committee and lead author of the report. "If we lose grasshoppers and other Orthoptera like crickets and bush crickets, we will lose diversity," he told BBC News. "They are very good indicators of biodiversity in open ecosystems." The experts are particularly concerned about species that occupy small ranges, such as the Crau plain grasshopper, which lives only on the Crau plain in the South of France. Some populations are also being lost through wildfires, particularly in Greece and on the Canary Islands. "The results from this IUCN Red List are deeply worrying," said Luc Bas, director of the IUCN European Regional Office. The report recommends the setting up of a monitoring programme across Europe to obtain information on population trends. Follow Helen on Twitter.

Summary: The first comprehensive assessment of Europe's crickets and grasshoppers has found that more than a quarter of species are being driven to extinction.


The 27-year-old was named Yorkshire captain in December. "The new deal has come at the perfect time for me," Ballance told the club website. "I can now purely focus on the captaincy, batting and scoring runs." The Zimbabwe-born left-hander has played 21 Tests for England, the last of them against Bangladesh in October. After being recalled to the Test team for last summer's home series against Pakistan, Ballance made just 24 runs in four innings during England's drawn series in Bangladesh and did not feature in the 4-0 defeat in India at the end of 2016. Ballance will captain Yorkshire in all three formats in 2017 having replaced Andrew Gale, who retired to become Yorkshire head coach in November.

Summary: England batsman Gary Ballance has signed a new contract with Yorkshire which will keep him at Headingley until the end of the 2019 season.


The 18-year-old centre-back came through the youth system at Stoke City and impressed during a trial with the Latics. The contract also includes the option of an extra year that Oldham can take up after this season. "He is really athletic, only 18 and definitely one for the future," boss David Dunn told the club website. "He has a lot of very good attributes and we spoke to Mark Bowen at Stoke City about him so we have decided he is a good young signing for us." Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: League One side Oldham Athletic have signed defender Theo Vassell on a deal until the end of the season.


The boys, aged 13, 15, and 16, are among those charged with possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply. Fifteen people have been remanded in custody and are due to appear in court on Thursday. Gwent Police raided 35 addresses in the city and made 25 arrests. Three people have been released with no charge and two are awaiting questioning.

Summary: Twenty people, including three teenage boys, have been charged following a drugs raid in Newport on Wednesday.


The group, branded the "Budgie Nine", were charged with public nuisance, which carries a fine but no jail time. The men were detained after posing in swimwear decorated with the Malaysian flag to celebrate Australian Daniel Ricciardo's win in Sunday's race. In a letter read out in court, they apologised and expressed their "deepest regret". They said the incident was "purely an error of judgement" on their behalf. Budgie is the abbreviated name of the budgerigar, a small Australian parrot, and budgie-smuggler is a slang term for tight swimming trunks worn by men. Among the men was Jack Walker, an aide to Australian Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne. His father John Walker addressed the media outside the court after the hearing, saying that his son and the other eight were "good boys". One of the men, Thomas Whitworth, fainted during the proceedings and had to be given water. Many Australians took to social media to express anger and embarrassment at the men's antics, while others saw their actions as nothing more than foolish hijinks. Earlier, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told the Nine Network that what may be seen as a foolish prank in Australia could be viewed very differently in other countries. "I don't know that it will be seen as a lapse of judgment," she said. "It was clearly premeditated. They were wearing the budgie smugglers and had bought them in Australia." Malaysia has strict rules on any display of public indecency and foreign offenders are typically issued a fine before being deported. Last year four foreign tourists were jailed for taking naked photographs at the peak of Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia. The maximum fine for public nuisance is RM400 (Â£76; $96). It was not immediately clear what the men will have to pay. Their lawyer, Shafie Abdullah, had argued that his clients were part-time lifeguards, so stripping down came quite naturally to them. A spokesperson from Budgy Smuggler, the swimwear company behind the swimwear, said it would not produce the Malaysian flag design again. "We've produced for about 50 countries around the world and this is the first time it's caused an international incident," Jarrod Allen, head of research and development, told the BBC. "We'd never set out to intentionally disrespect."

Summary: Nine Australians arrested for stripping off at the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix have walked free from a court.


The Turkish government said the bill is not intended to pardon rapists, but to address underage marriage. The law would allow the release of men who assaulted a minor "without force" and later married the victim. The controversial bill has already sparked protests across the country. However, the bill faces opposition from both public and political opposition, and may be withdrawn or changed before the vote in parliament. In its current form, the bill applies to men who had sexual relations with girls under the age of 18. It allows the indefinite postponement of sentences for sexual abuse committed "without force, threat or trick". The government said the aim was to exonerate men imprisoned for marrying an underage girl, apparently with her or her family's consent. Marriage under the age of 18 is illegal in Turkey, but is practised in some parts of the large, predominantly Muslim country. However, critics say that children cannot give consent, especially in a male-dominated culture, and the bill legitimises rape. On Saturday, about 3,000 protesters gathered in Istanbul to oppose the legislation. Protesters clapped and chanted: "We will not shut up. We will not obey. Withdraw the bill immediately!" "A rape can't be justified," protester Fadik Temizyurek told the BBC. "What does it mean to ask a child if they're OK? Until they're 18, a child remains a child, that is why this has to be condemned. We are here so that this law can't pass." The bill follows a previous controversy after Turkey's constitutional court in July annulled part of the criminal code which classified all sexual acts with children under 15 as sexual abuse. The UN children's fund has said it is "deeply concerned" about the bill. "These abject forms of violence against children are crimes which should be punished as such, and in all cases the best interest of the child should prevail," said spokesman Christophe Boulierac.

Summary: Men who had sex with underage girls could have their convictions overturned if they marry their victims, under a bill due before Turkey's parliament on Tuesday.


The Christmas Day meals will take place in Manchester, Leeds and London after Mr Sissay, who is Chancellor of Manchester University, raised Â£38,000. The poet, who was in a Wigan children's home from the age of 12 to 18, said he wanted to create happy memories. A group of volunteers has sourced the venues, transport, food and presents. The dinners are being provided for care leavers in the three cities who are aged between 18 and 30. "At its most simple the Christmas dinner offers a memory so next year the person can look back and think I was worth something then," Mr Sissay said. "Christmas Day actually exposes the inadequacies of a system which treats children as if they are a problem because that day the child stands alone thinking 'I must be a problem, I'm obviously not worth anything because there is nobody here'." The 48-year-old said his own early Christmas memories were "without family in virtually empty children's homes with staff who didn't want to be there". "You have this secret room inside yourself and as Christmas approaches you draw back to that room. Each time you hear or feel the nature of family you are reminded of what you just do not have." Mr Sissay said he believes people continue to feel isolated at Christmas after leaving care. The first Christmas dinner took place in Manchester in 2013 and was extended to a second city, London, in 2014. The money has been raised through crowd funding.

Summary: Young people who have spent part of their childhood in care have been invited to special Christmas dinners by Manchester poet Lemn Sissay.


Rowe, 24, has signed a contract until 2020 but will not available to play for the Suffolk club until Tuesday's league game against Derby County. He has scored six goals in 25 National League appearances for Macclesfield this season and helped the Silkmen to the second round of the FA Cup. Rowe is the fifth new addition made by boss Mick McCarthy in January. Striker Kieffer Moore, defender Jordan Spence and centre-back Steven Taylor have all signed full-time deals, while midfielder Toumani Diagouraga has joined on loan from Leeds until the end of the season. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page or visit our Premier League tracker here.

Summary: Championship club Ipswich Town have signed Macclesfield Town winger Danny Rowe for an undisclosed fee.


Uncapped McCarthy, 26, was called up after Forster, 28, returned to his club for treatment on an arm injury. The ex-Crystal Palace keeper has played three times for England's Under 21s. Joe Hart, on loan at Torino from Manchester City, and Burnley's Tom Heaton are the other goalkeepers named in Sam Allardyce's first England squad. McCarthy joined Saints in the summer as deputy to Forster but has yet to feature in a game. Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley), Alex McCarthy (Southampton). Defenders: Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur). Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Michail Antonio (West Ham United), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal). Strikers: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City). Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox.

Summary: Injured Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster has been replaced by club-mate Alex McCarthy for England's World Cup qualifier in Slovakia on Sunday.


They have put up wanted posters in hostels around the town, which is hosting the Winter Olympics next month. The woman, 23-year-old Ruzanna Ibragimova from Dagestan in the North Caucasus region, is believed to be the widow of an Islamist militant. She is thought to have slipped into Sochi earlier this month, bypassing tight security ahead of the Games. At least two other potential female suicide bombers are also at large in the region, other police posters state. Russian President Vladimir Putin has launched one of the biggest security operations in Olympic history, and has personally inspected the sites. More than 30,000 police and interior ministry troops have been deployed and access to the area limited. Security fears were heightened after two suicide bomb attacks killed 34 people in the southern city of Volgograd on 29 and 30 December. US President Barack Obama, in a telephone conversation with the Kremlin on Tuesday, offered America's "full assistance" in making the Olympics "safe and secure", the White House said. Two US warships will be on standby in the Black Sea when the Games begin on 7 February. Washington has also offered to supply Russia with hi-tech equipment to help detect improvised explosives. Islamist militants from Dagestan and nearby republics of Ingushetia and Chechnya are considered by Moscow to be a major threat to the Games. Several national Olympic associations have reported being sent an email threatening athletes with attack, but it was widely dismissed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and national bodies as not credible. The IOC said it appeared to be "a random message from a member of the public," and posed no threat, but repeated that it "takes security very seriously". Officials at the British Olympic Association said they "receive correspondence of every type and it is not uncommon to come across something like this that lacks credibility". "It is extremely important in matters such as this that everyone maintains a level head and a sensible perspective," said spokesman Darryl Seibel.

Summary: Russian police in Sochi are hunting for a woman they fear may be planning to carry out a suicide bomb attack.


The trumpet-shaped work, called Dirty Corner, has been vandalised three times since it was installed in June. Sir Anish had said he would not remove the graffiti in order to highlight intolerance in society. But a tribunal in Versailles ruled over the weekend that the graffiti must be erased and an alarm installed. After that, the artist chose to gild the slogans into obscurity - calling it his "royal response" to the vandalism. Dirty Corner, which has been dubbed the "Queens Vagina" in French media, was splattered with yellow paint shortly after its installation in June. That was hastily cleaned off but, the following month, it was daubed with graffiti, some of it anti-Semitic, on two separate occasions. After the tribunal ruling Sir Anish posted a picture of the sculpture on Instagram of the graffiti covered up by black sheets. Next to the image, he said: "The racists in France have won a court judgement forcing the racist graffiti to be covered, blaming the artist and Versailles for inseminating racist propaganda. "It is as if a woman is raped and blamed for her own rape. We will fight this. The racists cannot win. Join us!" Speaking after ruling, Sir Anish told Le Figaro: "This decision breaks my heart." He said he could not remove the graffiti because that would deny the fact that it had happened. He said covering the sculpture in gold would ensure the slogans remained, transforming his original vision into "something else, a room still with a painful past, but a piece that first claims the beauty of art". Speaking to The Art Newspaper, Sir Anish added that the gilding would be "an act of transformation which turns the nastiness into something else. "I want something active, not reactive," he said. The artist has recently distanced himself from earlier comments comparing the sculpture to "the vagina of the queen who took power", saying the work was open to interpretation.

Summary: A controversial sculpture by Sir Anish Kapoor in the Versailles Palace gardens has been covered in gold leaf to mask anti-Semitic graffiti.


For a start, they do not have to wait for the new year. Many retailers started advertising cut-price deals well before Christmas. Despite the advance of internet shopping, the image of snaking queues outside department stores is still how we picture the sales season. Yet, it is not just High Street retailers that are offering bargains for cash-strapped consumers. And, with the looming prospect of a hefty credit card bill arriving in January, people are trying to save money by looking for cheaper options. So what discounts and money-saving tactics are around in the first month of the year? Love is blind to everything but the calendar. Official statistics show there are usually about a sixth of the number of weddings in January that there are in August. With only about 6,000 or so weddings in England and Wales in the first month of the year, there is room to haggle for good deals on venues, photography and cars. Civil partnerships are a little more spread out over the year, according to quarterly data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Yet, overall, good offers are available for these events, according to Sandy Moretta, director of the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners. "Suppliers who only work in the wedding industry will come up with good offers in January, and they expect people to negotiate and haggle now," she says. Although there is a specific cost to some services, such as food or a wedding dress, there are often deals available as "some work is better than no work", she adds. Table displays can be cheaper if there is a winter feel of sprayed twigs, rather than much more expensive flowers. The cost of drinks is also generally lower, with couples often choosing to serve mulled wine and hot chocolate to guests rather than champagne. And Mrs Moretta says that January weddings can be great fun for guests. "January is one of those months where people are not doing a lot, they might need a lift after Christmas, and they are less likely to be shattered or hungover as they are in December," she says. Cut-price tickets are available for West End shows from the start of January to mid-February, The Get Into London Theatre scheme, an annual promotion that has run for more than 10 years, sees discounts of between 25% and 55% on the face value of 45 productions. "We want to make theatre as inclusive as possible. We want to see people who have not necessarily been to the theatre before," a spokesman for the scheme says. There is no booking fee or packaging charges for these tickets. However, theatregoers may have to be flexible over which show they want to see and when. Each theatre production decides individually what proportion of tickets will be made available for the cut-price promotion. It may be the quietest time of year for the theatre, but some shows are still very popular. As a result, it is extremely unlikely that the cheaper tickets will be available for shows on a Friday or Saturday

Summary: Gone are the days when the January sales season offered a welcome but narrow window for shopaholics to hunt for bargains on the High Street.


Rob Lawrie, 49, from Leeds, admitted to a court in Boulogne that he tried to get Bahar - known as Bru - into the UK. He faced smuggling charges but was found guilty of a lesser charge of 'endangering life' because he hid the girl in an unsafe way in a van. Lawrie will have to pay the 1,000-euro (Â£754) fine if convicted of another offence. The decision was met with applause from supporters in the courtroom. The former carpet cleaner, who disclosed he had bipolar disorder and Tourette's Syndrome, said he acted "stupidly". Before the case started he appeared with the child on his lap at a media conference in the French town. Lawrie said he feared "being made an example of" by the court. He told the assembled media: "They see the media attention I have been getting and I think it could go one of two ways. "France has an opportunity to show, as I know they are, a compassionate country." Lawrie said he regretted his actions and would not repeat the effort. He told the court he had acted stupidly and irrationally in hiding Bru in the sleeping compartment. Speaking via an interpreter, he told the judge: "I saw the little girl and her father in the work that I was doing. That night I just could not leave her there any more. "It was wrong. It was the most stupid conceived plan." Lawrie rejected the idea that he was trafficking for money, telling the judge: "Her father is a farmer from Afghanistan. He doesn't have any money whatsoever." The aid worker was stopped in Calais as he returned home in October 2015. The former Army physical training instructor said he was helping build shelters in The Jungle camp when he got to know Bru and her father asked him to help get her to close family members living legally in Leeds. He said he was not a hero but "an unemployed carpet cleaner from Leeds" who wanted to help and had never been in trouble before. He told reporters his actions had left him penniless and on the edge of bankruptcy after giving up to Â£8,000 of his own money as well as collecting donations for the refugees. He was caught when British sniffer dogs found two Eritrean men who, unbeknown to him, had also stowed in the back of his van. Speaking outside the courtroom, Lawrie said that he had had a heavy weight on his shoulders but now felt "light" and would continue fighting to get help for child refugees in The Jungle. He said: "I'm going to have a few days off and then I'm going to raise the profile (of refugees) even more because we cannot simply leave these children. "We need to get these children now and into our education system because these guys are going to be doctors and lawyers and teachers if we get them now and educate them correctly. "Or we can leave them in The Jungle to rot and die of cold."

Summary: A former soldier caught trying to bring a child into the UK has been given a suspended fine by a French court.


Her condition is stable and she has been advised to rest, doctors at Delhi's Ganga Ram Hospital said. Mrs Gandhi, 69, is the widow of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. She is the head of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, which has mostly governed India since independence in 1947. Mrs Gandhi was admitted earlier this month after suffering from dehydration, fever and sustaining an injury during a campaign event in the city of Varanasi. She underwent surgery to repair the shoulder injury, and was discharged from hospital on Sunday. "Sonia Gandhi's medical condition at the time of discharge from the hospital is stable. She has been advised rest and continuation of medicines," DS Rana of Ganga Ram Hospital was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency. "Mrs Gandhi is likely to visit the hospital for further evaluation of her condition in the coming week." Her party lost the 2014 general elections to Mr Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In 2011 Mrs Gandhi went to the US to receive surgery for an undisclosed medical condition. In 2013, she was taken to a hospital for a few hours after she fell ill in parliament. And in 2014, she was admitted to a Delhi hospital for treatment of an infection.

Summary: The leader of India's main opposition Congress party, Sonia Gandhi, has been discharged from hospital where she had surgery to repair a shoulder injury, doctors say.


Machetes, a knuckle duster and axes were recovered as part of a probe into the rival gangs, known as "Moorclose" and "Mandem" in west Cumbria. Cumbria Police said it had "nipped the problem in the bud" but still needed help to arrest more suspects. It set up Operation Rodeo to tackle the disorder in Workington and Whitehaven. Forty-three people have been arrested, aged between 13 and 40, who are all going through the court system, police said. Det Insp Dan St Quintin said: "The criminality our communities have experienced is totally unacceptable and police have nipped this in the bud. "I would like to reassure the public that we have a team of dedicated detectives working full time to detect and prosecute anyone found committing criminal behaviour."

Summary: More than 40 suspected gang members have been arrested on suspicion of a string of offences including possessing weapons and assault, police said.


Carr left his post as Newcastle United's chief scout in June after seven years with the club. The 72-year-old previously worked for Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in scouting roles. He played for Northampton in the 1960s and as manager led them to the Fourth Division title in 1987 during a five-year spell in charge of the team. "When he retired from Newcastle it seemed an obvious move to get him on board with us," said Cobblers chairman Kelvin Thomas. "His knowledge and experience will be beneficial in general and I'm sure he will also be helping (head of recruitment) Andy Melville along the way too, watching some games here and there."

Summary: Former Northampton Town manager Graham Carr has returned to the club as an associate director.


A BBC freedom of information request to the force revealed 4,789.27 days were recorded in 2010, compared to 12,198.48 in 2014, an increase of 155%. Overall sickness went up by 60% in the same period. The force employs 1,939 officers and 1,568 staff. West Mercia Police Federation said the figures suggest a link to funding cuts. The number of employees off with anxiety and stress in 2010 was 134 but rose to 229 last year, representing a 70% increase. Days lost because of sickness and ill health overall totalled 24,419.89 in 2010 compared with 39,022.75 in 2014, a 60% rise. The force has not said how much the absences have cost. West Mercia Police and Warwickshire Police announced plans to form an alliance in 2011, which came into effect in 2013. They two forces started a three-year plan to cut spending by Â£30m in 2012. Russell Yeomans, chairman of the West Mercia Police Federation, said: "On the face of it, it's difficult to say but the figures suggest that there is a direct link to the cuts and the extra responsibilities police officers have faced but it could be difficult to say that based purely on these figures." He said police numbers had dropped over the past five years, a trend which was going to continue. An ongoing recruitment campaign would only replace officers leaving, he said. "Policing is and always will be a stressful profession," he added. West Mercia Police said it recognised the figures showed a rise in sickness absence, particularly for anxiety and stress and a number of measures were already in place to provide support. "A new action plan has been implemented in the past year and additional training has recently become available for line managers to help them support their staff," the force said.

Summary: The number of days lost by West Mercia Police employees through depression or anxiety problems has more than doubled between 2010 and 2014, figures show.


The app is the latest development by Mikeysline, a charity set up following the deaths of two friends. Michael "Mikey" Williamson and Martin Shaw, who were both 23 and living in Inverness, were found dead within days of each other in October last year. Family and friends fear the young men took their own lives. Mr Williamson was found dead only hours after returning from a night out to remember his friend Mr Shaw. Launched in December last year, Mikeysline already offers support via text messages and is staffed by volunteers.

Summary: A smartphone app designed to help young people who are dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts has been launched in Inverness.


Holders Dundalk made eight changes after Thursday's superb Europa Cup win over Maccabi Tel-Aviv but they led 2-0 at the break with clinical finishing. A header from Dean Shiels was followed by Ciaran Kilduff's composed volley. Rory Patterson poked in before substitute Curtis rifled home to set up a Brandywell replay on Tuesday. Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny rung the changes after Dundalk beat Maccabi 1-0 to become to the first Irish side to secure a group stage victory in European football. Derry hoped to take advantage of any tiredness and the visitors made an impressive start with Patterson's glancing header bringing out out an excellent save from Gabriel Sava. City were on top but Dundalk netted with their first meaningful attack on 21 minutes - Alan Keane jinked through on the right and his cross was met by Shiels with a diving header. Shiels, the son of Derry boss Kenny, suffered an elbow injury as he scored and he was forced off with former Candystripes midfielder Patrick McEleney his replacement. McEleney created the second goal in first-half added time, a dinked pass finding Kilduff and striker flicked the ball beyond keeper Gerard Doherty. The two players combined again five minutes after the restart with Kilduff, who netted the goal against Macabbi, seeing his header smash against the woodwork from a McEleney cross. Derry kept battling and they were rewarded when Patterson pounced to tap in after Sava failed to hold Aaron McEnuff's deflected shot on 65 minutes. Curtis netted a deserved leveller, a fine first touch setting him up to blast low inside the post from 20 yards. Dundalk had a chance to to win it in injury-time winner but the unmarked David McMillan sent his effort high and wide.

Summary: Ronan Curtis scored an 86th minute equaliser as Derry fought back from two goals down to draw with Dundalk in the FAI Cup semi-final at Oriel Park.


The four-match contest should have begun in Brisbane on Thursday, but that Test will now start on 17 December. The traditional Melbourne Boxing Day Test is unchanged, but the Sydney Test is put back three days to 6 January. The changes have been made because of welfare concerns for Australia's players grieving for Hughes, 25, whose funeral will take place on Wednesday. The left-handed Australia opener died on Thursday after being struck on the neck by a ball during a domestic Sheffield Shield match. The funeral service will take place in the sports hall of Macksville High School, which Hughes attended, and will be broadcast live in Australia and on big screens at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Adelaide Oval. "Nobody should underestimate just what these players are going through right now," said Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland. "These are difficult days and we need to support them in dealing with their grief. It's very clear that playing a Test right now is just too soon and we are reacting accordingly. "While this wasn't done by design, it is somewhat fitting that the first Test will take place in Adelaide at Phillip's adopted home ground where we hope the match can be a seen as a celebration of his life." The India squad, currently in Adelaide, were supposed to fly to Brisbane on Monday but missed their flight. Their two-day warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI in Adelaide, scheduled for Friday and Saturday last week, was cancelled. It has been reported that the Indians may now play a tour game in Adelaide on Thursday and Friday. After the Test series with India, Australia then face the tourists in a triangular one-day international series that also involves England. Two of those games have already been switched. Australia and England will now open the series in Sydney on 16 January, with the Aussies taking on India in Melbourne two days later.

Summary: Australia's Test series with India will now begin in Adelaide on 9 December following the death of Phillip Hughes.


The body of 13-year-old Quinlan Pringle, of Colchester, was found on 21 August after he was swept away by the sea at Boulogne 15 August. He had been with his two younger brothers at the water's edge when all three ended up in the sea. His brothers were rescued and treated for shock while an unsuccessful search for Quinlan got under way. His body was found between rocks by fishermen. He was described as "a quiet, sensitive and considerate boy" by Philip Morant School in Colchester. LIVE: For more on this and other Essex stories College principal Catherine Hutley said: "Quinlan was an aspirational and hardworking young man with a cheeky, endearing side to him which we all loved. "He will be sorely missed by the school community and our thoughts are with his family.' "We are working closely with Essex County Council to ensure students, their families and our staff have all the support they need at this devastating time. "Quinlan was a quiet, sensitive and considerate boy with a delightfully playful, yet unobvious, sense of humour." It is understood Quinlan and his family arrived in Boulogne on the day of his death. Pascal Marconville, le Procureur de la RÃ©publique Ã Boulogne, who confirmed the cause of death was accidental drowning, said: "Three children got into difficulties in Boulogne. Two were rescued. "One couldn't be rescued and was swept away in the current." The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was providing support to Quinlan's family.

Summary: A boy who drowned on a family holiday in France has been named.


Johnstone opened the scoring with a close-range tap-in on eight minutes. The 21-year-old slotted Bobby Barr's cross into the bottom corner for his 14th goal of the season to make it 2-0, before Paul McMullan added a third. Dale Hilson and Gary Oliver hit back for the visitors but Morton held on for the win.

Summary: Denny Johnstone netted a first-half brace as Morton returned to winning ways with victory over Queen of the South.


The United boss has signed Harry Lewis on loan from Southampton and Deniz Mehmet from Port Vale and negotiations have taken place with Kilmarnock, with Bell keen to return to Rugby Park. "There is no situation," McKinnon told BBC Scotland ahead of a 2-0 League Cup win over Raith Rovers at Tannadice. "Cammy has an injury and we wanted to make sure we had plenty of cover." Paul McMullen and James Keatings scored their first United goals in the Group C tie. McMullan broke the deadlock when he curled a shot high into the corner to beat Raith goalkeeper Aaron Lennox. Keatings' scored from the penalty spot in the second half to make the points safe for the home side. However, it is Cowdenbeath who occupy top spot in the group, on goals scored, after they won 4-2 against Highland League champions Buckie Thistle. United's best effort in the first half came in the opening minute when McMullan hit a low shot with the right foot after cutting in from the left to test Lennox, who fumbled but held the ball at the second attempt. Raith should have gone ahead when Mehmet mishit a clearance straight at Greig Spence who squared to Liam Buchanan, but his 20-yard effort towards an open goal was headed off the line by Mark Durnan. Keatings' shot after the restart brought a save from Lennox and the tempo of the game went up a notch, then a touch of class from McMullan from the left of the box saw him pick out the top corner for United's opener. Keatings made it 2-0 from the spot when Ian Davidson bundled on-loan midfielder Sam Stanton off the ball to concede a penalty. Billy King fired a low shot which Raith keeper Lennox saved at full stretch, then Buchanan missed a chance to pull one back for Raith from 14 yards. At Central Park, Craig Dorrat gave Buckie Thistle the lead but David Syme scored the first of two goals to equalise. Cameron Muirhead rounded the goalkeeper to put the home side ahead, and though Drew Copeland levelled Syme's second restored the lead. Ryan Connelly's fantastic solo goal rounded off the win for Billy Brown's side. Match ends, Dundee United 2, Raith Rovers 0. Second Half ends, Dundee United 2, Raith Rovers 0. Corner, Raith Rovers. Conceded by Mark Durnan. Scott Robertson (Raith Rovers) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Samuel Stanton (Dundee United). Corner, Raith Rovers. Conceded by Mark Durnan. Substitution, Dundee United. Archie Thomas replaces James Keatings. Attempt missed. Liam Buchanan (Raith Rovers) header from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the left. Corner, Raith Rovers. Conceded by Paul McMullan. Corner, Raith Rovers. Conceded by Deniz Dogan Mehmet. Attempt saved. Liam Buchanan (Raith Rovers) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Foul by Patrick Nkoyi (Dundee United). Kyle Benedictus (Raith Rovers) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Corner, Dundee United. Conceded by Aaron Lennox. Attempt saved. Billy King

Summary: Ray McKinnon played down suggestions that goalkeeper Cammy Bell is on his way from Dundee United to Kilmarnock.


The supermarket giant said its overseas division had sold 8.6% of its Lazada stake to Chinese internet giant Alibaba for $129m (£90.6m). Tesco will retain an 8.3% holding in the South East Asia-focused business. The move comes the day before Tesco's annual results, in which it is expected to announce further disposals. The supermarket group is planning to sell off some of its side businesses, including Dobbies Garden Centres chain, coffee shop chain Harris & Hoole and restaurant chain Giraffe, so that it can focus on the main supermarket business, according to media reports. Last September, Tesco sold its South Korean business, Homeplus, for £4.2bn to help shore up its balance sheet and revitalise its UK business. There has been speculation about possible disposals since chief executive Dave Lewis took the helm in September 2014, charged with reviving the group's fortunes. Mr Lewis was parachuted in after the supermarket reported it had overstated its profits by some £263m. Alongside this, like its "big four" peers - Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons - Tesco has been hit by competition from discount rivals Lidl and Aldi. The UK has also seen a broad change in shopping habits, with many customers preferring to shop little and often at small convenience stores, instead of doing a once-a-week "big shop". In April last year, the company reported a record pre-tax loss of £6.4bn for the year to February, marking the biggest loss reported to date by a British retailer. Mr Lewis has focused on price cuts and putting more staff in stores in an attempt to revive sales. On Wednesday, he is expected to report a rise in underlying fourth-quarter sales, the group's first quarterly increase for more than three years. Tesco declined to comment on the sale of its side businesses.

Summary: Tesco has fired the starting gun on an expected sell-off of non-core assets, with the sale of some of its stake in Asian online business Lazada.


The 39-year-old is Pakistan's leading run-scorer in Test cricket, having made 9,977 runs in 115 Tests since his international debut in 2000. He has an average of 53.06, with 34 centuries and a highest score of 313. "I will be retiring from international cricket after the West Indies series with my head held high," said Younus. "I think this is the right time as every sportsman has to take this decision in his career." He previously captained Pakistan in all three formats of the game and led them to their only World Twenty20 title in England in 2009. He also had a spell in county cricket with Yorkshire in 2007. Younus' announcement comes two days after Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, 42, announced that he will also retire from internationals after the Windies Test series. The veteran duo were also named among Wisden's five Cricketers of the Year last week.

Summary: Pakistan batsman Younus Khan has announced he will retire after their three-match Test series against West Indies, which starts on 22 April.


The 6-1 priced John Gosden-trained filly saw off favourite Rhododendron to win in the driving rain. Rhododendron finished second while her trainer Aidan O'Brien also saddled Alluringly in third. "In the back of my mind I thought we had a chance," said Dettori. "The rain spoiled it a bit as I was concentrating on my game plan so I didn't have much time to celebrate crossing the line." Thunder and lightning closed in before the race, with Daddys Lil Darling withdrawn after hurtling towards the starting stalls rider Olivier Peslier deciding to jump out of the saddle. BBC Sport horse racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght A tremendous horse race in which the two main protagonists asserted inside the final half-mile before the winner came out on top in great style, and in a fast time. And it was a performance of extra quality because of conditions. Dettori seemed to only semi-joke when saying that the thunder and lightning scared him let alone the horses. Although both trainer and jockey said they wanted to concentrate on celebrating today's achievement now, this clearly puts them in a fabulous place for tomorrow when they have Cracksman in the Derby. After this, Cracksman is practically sure to be favourite.

Summary: Jockey Frankie Dettori rode Enable to victory in the Oaks at Epsom on Friday.


A multi-storey church hostel collapsed last September in Lagos killing 116 people, many of them South Africans. The authorities said it had more floors than its foundation could hold. "The church was culpable because of criminal negligence resulting in the death of the victims," coroner Oyetade Komolafe said at the inquest in Lagos. Mr Komolafe said Mr Joshua's Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN), had not obtained proper approval before putting up the structure. Those who built the hostel should also be investigated, he said. Africa news updates TB Joshua, referred to by his followers as a "prophet", had blamed last year's incident on a small plane which he said had been circling the building, a claim dismissed by the court. Straight after the building collapsed, emergency teams complained that church officials had blocked access to the site. The coroner also criticised the fact that the preacher had not appeared as a witness during the inquest. "Among the individuals and organisations summoned, only Prophet TB Joshua refused to testify," the AFP news agency quotes Mr Komolafe as saying. The BBC's Will Ross in Lagos says the preacher went to another court arguing that the coroner did not have the right to summon him. Mr Joshua's services, at a mega-church in Lagos's Ikotun district, are known for attracting thousands of people. Followers in Nigeria and abroad believe he has the gifts of healing and prophecy. Our correspondent says the coroner's verdict is really a recommendation and now it will now be up to Lagos state's director of public prosecutions to decide what legal action to take. Profile: Nigerian preacher TB Joshua In pictures: TB Joshua's ministry in 2005

Summary: A church run by the popular Nigerian evangelist TB Joshua should be prosecuted after the collapse of one of its buildings, a coroner has ruled.