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All three have joined the Championship side until the end of the season.
Oxford, 18, made his Hammers debut in the Europa League when he was just 16 and signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal with his parent club in December.
Mutch, 25, has played eight times for Palace this season while Grabban, 29, has made just six appearances.
All three players could feature for the Championship promotion hopefuls against Ipswich on Saturday.
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page or visit our Premier League tracker here. | Reading have signed Bournemouth striker Lewis Grabban, West Ham defender Reece Oxford and Crystal Palace midfielder Jordon Mutch on loan. | all three have joined the championship side until the end of the season oxford 18 made his hammers debut in the europa league when he was just 16 and signed new four-and-a-half-year deal with his parent club in december mutch 25 has played eight times for palace this season while grabban 29 has made just six appearances all three players could feature for the championship promotion hopefuls against ipswich on saturday find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page or visit our premier league tracker here. | _START_ Reading have signed Bournemouth striker Lewis Grabban, West Ham defender Reece Oxford and Crystal Palace midfielder Jordon Mutch on loan. _END_ |
Andrew Ridgeley took to social media on Thursday to criticise the show, titled The Last Days of George Michael.
The former Wham! star said the channel had been "insensitive, contemptuous and reprehensible" and should have waited until after his friend's funeral.
But Channel 5 said it was "a measured account" of Michael's life and death.
"George Michael was a high-profile public figure and there has been legitimate public interest in the circumstances surrounding his death," the broadcaster said in a statement.
It said the documentary, which aired at 21:00 GMT on Thursday, had been "based on contributions from those who knew him and reported on him over many decades".
Ridgeley, who paid an emotional tribute to Michael at last month's Brit Awards, had called the programme a "piece of voyeurism" that should only have been aired "after a respectful period".
It was confirmed earlier this month that Michael - who was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou - died on Christmas Day as a result of heart and liver disease.
Fans of the late singer called Channel 5's programme "pathetic", "disrespectful" and "utter trash" on Twitter.
One who complained directly to the broadcaster received a reply saying it was not the show's intention "to upset or cause any offence".
Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk. | Channel 5 has defended broadcasting a documentary about George Michael after the singer's former bandmate dubbed it "sensationalist and mucky". | andrew ridgeley took to social media on thursday to criticise the show titled the last days of george michael the former wham star said the channel had been insensitive contemptuous and reprehensible and should have waited until after his friend funeral but channel said it was measured account of michael life and death george michael was high-profile public figure and there has been legitimate public interest in the circumstances surrounding his death the broadcaster said in statement it said the documentary which aired at 21:00 gmt on thursday had been based on contributions from those who knew him and reported on him over many decades ridgeley who paid an emotional tribute to michael at last month brit awards had called the programme piece of voyeurism that should only have been aired after respectful period it was confirmed earlier this month that michael who was born georgios kyriacos panayiotou died on christmas day as result of heart and liver disease fans of the late singer called channel programme pathetic disrespectful and utter trash on twitter one who complained directly to the broadcaster received reply saying it was not the show intention to upset or cause any offence follow us on facebook on twitter @bbcnewsents or on instagram at bbcnewsents if you have story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk. | _START_ Channel 5 has defended broadcasting a documentary about George Michael after the singer's former bandmate dubbed it "sensationalist and mucky". _END_ |
Dover District Councillor Bob Frost appeared to make comments about black people during an online conversation about the recent riots.
Mr Frost, a teacher, has apologised "unreservedly" and deleted the posts.
Deputy Council Leader Sue Chandler said: "There is no place in our society for this kind of language."
She added: "We have therefore suspended Councillor Frost from the Conservative Group pending investigation."
The comment was made while Mr Frost was having a conversation on the social-networking site, alluding to the London riots while he was on holiday.
On his status he wrote: "I'm missing the vibrant and multi-cultural society which I normally celebrate here in Sicily! Not!"
It was then suggested by someone else on Facebook that he take a trip to north London.
He replied: "All the bunnies here are of the woodland variety rather than the jungle."
Sola Afuape, chair of the equality charity Afiya Trust, said: "You don't expect somebody in a position of power, in a leadership position, to make comments like this.
"They're clearly offensive - racist in fact."
In a statement, Mr Frost said: "What I said was wrong and I apologise unreservedly.
"I am mortified by the offence that I have caused and have deleted these comments.
"I am very sorry." | A councillor in Kent has been suspended from the Conservative Party while it investigates an apparently racist comment he made on Facebook. | dover district councillor bob frost appeared to make comments about black people during an online conversation about the recent riots mr frost teacher has apologised unreservedly and deleted the posts deputy council leader sue chandler said there is no place in our society for this kind of language she added we have therefore suspended councillor frost from the conservative group pending investigation the comment was made while mr frost was having conversation on the social-networking site alluding to the london riots while he was on holiday on his status he wrote missing the vibrant and multi-cultural society which normally celebrate here in sicily not it was then suggested by someone else on facebook that he take trip to north london he replied all the bunnies here are of the woodland variety rather than the jungle sola afuape chair of the equality charity afiya trust said you don expect somebody in position of power in leadership position to make comments like this they re clearly offensive racist in fact in statement mr frost said what said was wrong and apologise unreservedly am mortified by the offence that have caused and have deleted these comments am very sorry | _START_ A councillor in Kent has been suspended from the Conservative Party while it investigates an apparently racist comment he made on Facebook. _END_ |
Current drugs help manage the symptoms, but do not prevent brain cells dying.
The trial on 62 patients, published in the Lancet, hints the medicine halted the progression of the disease.
The University College London (UCL) team is "excited", but it urges caution as any long-term benefit is uncertain and the drug needs more testing.
"There's absolutely no doubt the most important unmet need in Parkinson's is a drug to slow down disease progression, it's unarguable," Prof Tom Foltynie, one of the researchers, told the BBC.
In Parkinson's, the brain is progressively damaged and the cells that produce the hormone dopamine are lost.
It leads to a tremor, difficulty moving and eventually memory problems.
Therapies help manage symptoms by boosting dopamine levels, but the death of the brain continues and the disease gets worse.
No drug stops that happening.
In the trial, half of patients were given the diabetes drug exenatide and the rest were given a placebo (dummy treatment). All the patients stayed on their usual medication.
As expected, those on just their usual medication declined over 48 weeks of treatment. But those given exenatide were stable.
And three months after the experimental treatment stopped, those who had been taking exenatide were still better off.
Prof Foltynie told the BBC News website: "This is the first clinical trial in actual patients with Parkinson's where there has been anything like this size of effect.
"It gives us confidence exenatide is not just masking symptoms, it's doing something to the underlying disease.
"We have to be excited and encouraged, but also cautious as we need to replicate these findings."
They also need to trial the drug for much longer periods of time.
An effective drug would need to hold back the disease for years in order to make a significant difference to patients.
Parkinson's progresses slowly and the difference in this 60-week trial was definitely there, but was "trivial" in terms of the impact on day-to-day life, say the researchers.
The drug helps control blood sugar levels in diabetes by acting on a hormone sensor called GLP-1.
Those sensors are found in brain cells too. It is thought the drug makes those cells work more efficiently or helps them to survive.
It is why the drug is being tested in other neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's.
David Dexter, the deputy director of research at Parkinson's UK, said: "The findings offer hope that drugs like exenatide can slow the course of Parkinson's -  something no current treatment can do.
"Because Parkinson's can progress quite gradually, this study was probably too small and short to tell us whether exenatide can halt the progression of the condition, but it's certainly encouraging and warrants further investigation."
Dr Brian Fiske, from the The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, said: "The results from the exenatide studies justify continued testing, but clinicians and patients are urged not to add exenatide to their regimens until more is known about their safety and impact on Parkinson's." | It may be possible to stop the progression of Parkinson's disease with a drug normally used in type 2 diabetes, a clinical trial suggests. | current drugs help manage the symptoms but do not prevent brain cells dying the trial on 62 patients published in the lancet hints the medicine halted the progression of the disease the university college london ucl team is excited but it urges caution as any long-term benefit is uncertain and the drug needs more testing there absolutely no doubt the most important unmet need in parkinson is drug to slow down disease progression it unarguable prof tom foltynie one of the researchers told the bbc in parkinson the brain is progressively damaged and the cells that produce the hormone dopamine are lost it leads to tremor difficulty moving and eventually memory problems therapies help manage symptoms by boosting dopamine levels but the death of the brain continues and the disease gets worse no drug stops that happening in the trial half of patients were given the diabetes drug exenatide and the rest were given placebo dummy treatment all the patients stayed on their usual medication as expected those on just their usual medication declined over 48 weeks of treatment but those given exenatide were stable and three months after the experimental treatment stopped those who had been taking exenatide were still better off prof foltynie told the bbc news website this is the first clinical trial in actual patients with parkinson where there has been anything like this size of effect it gives us confidence exenatide is not just masking symptoms it doing something to the underlying disease we have to be excited and encouraged but also cautious as we need to replicate these findings they also need to trial the drug for much longer periods of time an effective drug would need to hold back the disease for years in order to make significant difference to patients parkinson progresses slowly and the difference in this 60-week trial was definitely there but was trivial in terms of the impact on day-to-day life say the researchers the drug helps control blood sugar levels in diabetes by acting on hormone sensor called glp-1 those sensors are found in brain cells too it is thought the drug makes those cells work more efficiently or helps them to survive it is why the drug is being tested in other neurodegenerative diseases including alzheimer david dexter the deputy director of research at parkinson uk said the findings offer hope that drugs like exenatide can slow the course of parkinson ‚something no current treatment can do because parkinson can progress quite gradually this study was probably too small and short to tell us whether exenatide can halt the progression of the condition but it certainly encouraging and warrants further investigation dr brian fiske from the the michael fox foundation for parkinson research said the results from the exenatide studies justify continued testing but clinicians and patients are urged not to add exenatide to their regimens until more is known about their safety and impact on parkinson | _START_ It may be possible to stop the progression of Parkinson's disease with a drug normally used in type 2 diabetes, a clinical trial suggests. _END_ |
Shadow Europe minister Pat Glass made the comments after an interview with BBC Radio Derby in Sawley, Derbyshire.
She said: "The very first person I come to is a horrible racist. I'm never coming back to wherever this is."
She later said the comments were "inappropriate" but UKIP said it showed "contempt" for people's concerns.
Updates on this story and more from Derbyshire
The man Ms Glass is believed to have been referring to said he had spoken to her about to a Polish family in the area who he believed were living on benefits, describing them as "spongers", but denied being racist.
The North West Durham MP said: "The comments I made were inappropriate and I regret them.
"Concerns about immigration are entirely valid and it's important that politicians engage with them.
"I apologise to the people living in Sawley for any offence I have caused."
But those campaigning for the UK to leave the EU criticised her remarks.
Conservative MP Peter Bone, one of the founders of Grassroots Out, said: "It is disappointing that a member of the Remain campaign called a voter a 'horrible racist' for raising perfectly valid concerns about the impact uncontrolled migration is having on the UK."
And Steven Woolfe MEP, UKIP's migration spokesman, said her comments showed "the contempt Labour has for ordinary workers' concerns".
"It is in the DNA of the Labour Party. We have had Gordon Brown calling a Labour supporter a bigot, Emily Thornberry ridiculing a white van man displaying an English flag - and now this."
Brendan Chilton, the general secretary of the Labour group campaigning for Brexit - Labour Leave - criticised Ms Glass's comments as "shocking". "A significant number of Labour voters want to leave the EU, and have justified concerns with immigration.
"Pat Glass's comments do not reflect the views of a large number of Labour voters."
Conservative MP for Erewash Maggie Throup had urged Ms Glass "to make a full apology to my constituent at the earliest opportunity" and to return to the area "to see for herself just how great a place it is to live, work and raise a family".
In April 2010, then PM Gordon Brown apologised after being recorded describing a 65-year-old voter as a "bigoted woman".
Labour MP Ms Thornberry quit the shadow cabinet in 2014 after a photo she tweeted of a house with three England flags and a white van parked outside, during the Rochester by-election, was criticised as "disrespectful".
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper, who is campaigning for the UK to remain in the EU, told BBC One's Question Time: "Pat has apologised and of course it's not racist to want to leave the European Union, it's not racist to be worried about immigration - there are concerns particularly about dodgy employers who exploit low skilled migration to undercut wages and jobs and I think something should be done about that."
But she accused Leave campaigners of offering "false promises" that if the UK left the EU there would be a "substantial" change on migration policy. | A Labour MP campaigning for the UK to remain in the EU has apologised after being recorded calling a voter a "horrible racist". | shadow europe minister pat glass made the comments after an interview with bbc radio derby in sawley derbyshire she said the very first person come to is horrible racist never coming back to wherever this is she later said the comments were inappropriate but ukip said it showed contempt for people concerns updates on this story and more from derbyshire the man ms glass is believed to have been referring to said he had spoken to her about to polish family in the area who he believed were living on benefits describing them as spongers but denied being racist the north west durham mp said the comments made were inappropriate and regret them concerns about immigration are entirely valid and it important that politicians engage with them apologise to the people living in sawley for any offence have caused but those campaigning for the uk to leave the eu criticised her remarks conservative mp peter bone one of the founders of grassroots out said it is disappointing that member of the remain campaign called voter horrible racist for raising perfectly valid concerns about the impact uncontrolled migration is having on the uk and steven woolfe mep ukip migration spokesman said her comments showed the contempt labour has for ordinary workers concerns it is in the dna of the labour party we have had gordon brown calling labour supporter bigot emily thornberry ridiculing white van man displaying an english flag and now this brendan chilton the general secretary of the labour group campaigning for brexit labour leave criticised ms glass comments as shocking significant number of labour voters want to leave the eu and have justified concerns with immigration pat glass comments do not reflect the views of large number of labour voters conservative mp for erewash maggie throup had urged ms glass to make full apology to my constituent at the earliest opportunity and to return to the area to see for herself just how great place it is to live work and raise family in april 2010 then pm gordon brown apologised after being recorded describing 65-year-old voter as bigoted woman labour mp ms thornberry quit the shadow cabinet in 2014 after photo she tweeted of house with three england flags and white van parked outside during the rochester by-election was criticised as disrespectful shadow home secretary yvette cooper who is campaigning for the uk to remain in the eu told bbc one question time pat has apologised and of course it not racist to want to leave the european union it not racist to be worried about immigration there are concerns particularly about dodgy employers who exploit low skilled migration to undercut wages and jobs and think something should be done about that but she accused leave campaigners of offering false promises that if the uk left the eu there would be substantial change on migration policy. | _START_ A Labour MP campaigning for the UK to remain in the EU has apologised after being recorded calling a voter a "horrible racist". _END_ |
In the other group, qualification will go down to the final day of matches, after bottom side Al Ahly finally recorded a win - beating leaders Wydad Casablanca 1-0.
Zambia's Zesco are tied with Wydad after being held 1-1 by Asec Mimosas of Ivory Coast, who have the same number of points as Ahly.
The loss led to the resignation of Zamalek coach Mohamed Helmi, while captain Hazem Emam has been suspended over an altercation with a team member.
Zamalek chairman accepted Helmi's resignation and has appointed Mohamed Salah as interim coach.
An own-goal from Zamalek's Ali Gabr in the 79th minute secured Sundowns' qualification to complete a remarkable turnaround for the South Africans in the Champions League.
Sundowns had been eliminated in the final qualifying round for the Champions League last April by AS Vita Club from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Demoted to the second-tier Confederation Cup, Sundowns were beaten by Medeama of Ghana in a play-off to suffer further African disappointment.
But on the eve of the June draw for the Champions League groups, the organisers kicked out Vita Club for using a banned player and Sundowns were reinstated.
The victory over Zamalek puts Sundowns top of Group B on nine points - six ahead of Zamalek in second.
We still have to do the business
"The gap is getting closer and closer between us and the north Africans," Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane said after the win.
But he cautioned that Sundowns' hard work could come to nothing if they fail to win the title.
"There's a little bit of bragging rights in beating Zamalek, but we still have to do the business," he said.
Bottom side Enyimba of Nigeria are yet to register a point after two matches in this group which is reduced to three teams following Entente Setif's disqualification.
Enyimba and Zamalek play in the final round of group matches to decide which of them will join Sundowns in the last four.
In Group A, Wydad Casablanca of Morocco and Zesco United of Zambia also had the chance to secure semi-finals places if they both won their matches on Wednesday.
However, Zesco United were held to a draw away to Asec Mimosas in Abidjan to open up the group and keep ASEC's faint hopes of progressing alive.
Asec piled on the pressure on Zesco with a 75th minute strike from Nabi Kone, but the visitors responded five minutes later with an equaliser from Jackson Mwanza.
The result left Zesco level on seven points with leaders Wydad Casablanca who were beaten at home by bottom-of-the-table Al Ahly of Egypt in the late match.
Asec are a further three points behind.
Ahly had managed just one point from their first three games but Rami Rabia's goal early in the second half in Morocco gave them a fine away win.
Ahly play Zesco and Asec take on Wydad in the final round of matches, so all four teams from Group A still have hopes of going through to the last four. | Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa continued their impressive run in the African Champions League with a 1-0 win over Zamalek on Wednesday which put them into the semi-finals. | in the other group qualification will go down to the final day of matches after bottom side al ahly finally recorded win beating leaders wydad casablanca 1-0 zambia zesco are tied with wydad after being held 1-1 by asec mimosas of ivory coast who have the same number of points as ahly the loss led to the resignation of zamalek coach mohamed helmi while captain hazem emam has been suspended over an altercation with team member zamalek chairman accepted helmi resignation and has appointed mohamed salah as interim coach an own-goal from zamalek ali gabr in the 79th minute secured sundowns qualification to complete remarkable turnaround for the south africans in the champions league sundowns had been eliminated in the final qualifying round for the champions league last april by as vita club from the democratic republic of congo demoted to the second-tier confederation cup sundowns were beaten by medeama of ghana in play-off to suffer further african disappointment but on the eve of the june draw for the champions league groups the organisers kicked out vita club for using banned player and sundowns were reinstated the victory over zamalek puts sundowns top of group on nine points six ahead of zamalek in second we still have to do the business the gap is getting closer and closer between us and the north africans sundowns coach pitso mosimane said after the win but he cautioned that sundowns hard work could come to nothing if they fail to win the title there little bit of bragging rights in beating zamalek but we still have to do the business he said bottom side enyimba of nigeria are yet to register point after two matches in this group which is reduced to three teams following entente setif disqualification enyimba and zamalek play in the final round of group matches to decide which of them will join sundowns in the last four in group wydad casablanca of morocco and zesco united of zambia also had the chance to secure semi-finals places if they both won their matches on wednesday however zesco united were held to draw away to asec mimosas in abidjan to open up the group and keep asec faint hopes of progressing alive asec piled on the pressure on zesco with 75th minute strike from nabi kone but the visitors responded five minutes later with an equaliser from jackson mwanza the result left zesco level on seven points with leaders wydad casablanca who were beaten at home by bottom-of-the-table al ahly of egypt in the late match asec are further three points behind ahly had managed just one point from their first three games but rami rabia goal early in the second half in morocco gave them fine away win ahly play zesco and asec take on wydad in the final round of matches so all four teams from group still have hopes of going through to the last four. | _START_ Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa continued their impressive run in the African Champions League with a 1-0 win over Zamalek on Wednesday which put them into the semi-finals. _END_ |
Is there something you have seen or heard that you would like us to investigate?
It could be a burning issue or something you have always wondered about the area or its people.
Use the tool below to send us your questions.
We could be in touch and your question could make the news. | Have you got a question about Coventry & Warwickshire? | is there something you have seen or heard that you would like us to investigate it could be burning issue or something you have always wondered about the area or its people use the tool below to send us your questions we could be in touch and your question could make the news. | _START_ Have you got a question about Coventry & Warwickshire? _END_ |
But six years after he stepped down, the public response to news that he has now been freed from detention has been remarkably quiet.
Earlier this month, a top appeals court cleared Mubarak of involvement in killing some of the 900 protesters who died during the country's uprising.
Egypt's prosecutor ruled there was no reason to hold him, as he had already served a three-year sentence for embezzling public funds.
After the first legal decision, the ex-president gave a rare telephone interview to an Egyptian journalist, who offered her congratulations.
He told her that, at the age of 88, he was "in good health" and would be "staying at home" in his family's property in Heliopolis, eastern Cairo.
A former general, Mubarak was one of the Arab world's most well known leaders. A close ally of the United States, he long kept an iron grip on power, despite claims of corruption and cronyism.
Recently, as Egypt has gone through waves of political and economic upheaval, many have come to look back at the Mubarak era as a time of relative calm and prosperity.
Karim Hussein set up a Facebook page called "We're Sorry Mr President," which has more than 1.8m likes.
"It was my greatest wish in life to see President Mubarak finish with his legal case," says Mr Hussein, who visited the former leader in the military hospital where he spent most of his time in custody.
"I knew he was innocent from day one, because a man who once fought for the freedom of this country, would never kill its youth," he goes on.
"We won in the end. It's a great victory for a great man."
The first elected successor to President Mubarak was an Islamist, Mohammed Morsi, who was then overthrown in mass protests.
Seeking stability, Egyptians next voted in Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, another military strongman, who has led a crackdown on Islamists and pro-democracy activists.
Tens of thousands of people have been detained.
"I think we've gone a complete cycle around," says journalist, Shahira Amin, who rose to prominence when she resigned from state TV over its coverage of the 2011 uprising.
She has since been tried and acquitted of charges of posing a threat to national security.
Ms Amin is unsurprised by Mubarak's release or the muted reaction to it.
"Most Egyptians are just busy trying to make ends meet with the economic pressures: soaring prices, inflation, unemployment," Ms Amin says.
"The activists who started this revolution, many of them are behind bars. People have been silenced or intimidated and there are no more outspoken critics of the government. "
For those who made sacrifices in Tahrir Square, the crucible of Egypt's popular revolt, the fact that Mubarak is now free, while so many protesters remain in jail, is hard to bear.
It raises questions about whether any of their calls for reforms and freedom were ever really answered.
"His release is a sign of the corruption in the country," comments Randa Sami, who worked as a nurse at a field hospital in 2011.
She has life-long injuries and can only walk with crutches after police beat her.
"I put up a Facebook post saying: "Oh God where are my rights, the rights of those killed and injured?" Many people sympathised," she says.
However, she insists she has no regrets.
"It was worth it to go to the streets," she reflects. "Ok, Mubarak was not fully punished for his deeds but he was the first president to go to jail."
"At least we got him to go through this." | In 2011, millions of Egyptians took to the streets demanding the removal of their autocratic president of 30 years, Hosni Mubarak. | but six years after he stepped down the public response to news that he has now been freed from detention has been remarkably quiet earlier this month top appeals court cleared mubarak of involvement in killing some of the 900 protesters who died during the country uprising egypt prosecutor ruled there was no reason to hold him as he had already served three-year sentence for embezzling public funds after the first legal decision the ex-president gave rare telephone interview to an egyptian journalist who offered her congratulations he told her that at the age of 88 he was in good health and would be staying at home in his family property in heliopolis eastern cairo former general mubarak was one of the arab world most well known leaders close ally of the united states he long kept an iron grip on power despite claims of corruption and cronyism recently as egypt has gone through waves of political and economic upheaval many have come to look back at the mubarak era as time of relative calm and prosperity karim hussein set up facebook page called we re sorry mr president which has more than 1.8m likes it was my greatest wish in life to see president mubarak finish with his legal case says mr hussein who visited the former leader in the military hospital where he spent most of his time in custody knew he was innocent from day one because man who once fought for the freedom of this country would never kill its youth he goes on we won in the end it great victory for great man the first elected successor to president mubarak was an islamist mohammed morsi who was then overthrown in mass protests seeking stability egyptians next voted in abdul fattah al-sisi another military strongman who has led crackdown on islamists and pro-democracy activists tens of thousands of people have been detained think we ve gone complete cycle around says journalist shahira amin who rose to prominence when she resigned from state tv over its coverage of the 2011 uprising she has since been tried and acquitted of charges of posing threat to national security ms amin is unsurprised by mubarak release or the muted reaction to it most egyptians are just busy trying to make ends meet with the economic pressures soaring prices inflation unemployment ms amin says the activists who started this revolution many of them are behind bars people have been silenced or intimidated and there are no more outspoken critics of the government for those who made sacrifices in tahrir square the crucible of egypt popular revolt the fact that mubarak is now free while so many protesters remain in jail is hard to bear it raises questions about whether any of their calls for reforms and freedom were ever really answered his release is sign of the corruption in the country comments randa sami who worked as nurse at field hospital in 2011 she has life-long injuries and can only walk with crutches after police beat her put up facebook post saying oh god where are my rights the rights of those killed and injured many people sympathised she says however she insists she has no regrets it was worth it to go to the streets she reflects ok mubarak was not fully punished for his deeds but he was the first president to go to jail at least we got him to go through this | _START_ In 2011, millions of Egyptians took to the streets demanding the removal of their autocratic president of 30 years, Hosni Mubarak. _END_ |
The Great Tapestry of Scotland is officially the world's largest embroidered tapestry, at 469ft (143m) long.
It uses 300 miles (483km) of yarn to show everything from the Battle of Bannockburn and the Act of Union to Andy Murray winning at Wimbledon.
The tapestry is on show in the castle's Great Hall until 8 March.
Stirling Castle is featured on a number of panels in the tapestry, including one of former resident Mary Queen of Scots.
The castle's Great Hall of James IV is one of the few places where the enormous tapestry can be displayed in its entirety.
Lorna Ewan, head of visitor experience, content and learning for Historic Scotland, which runs Stirling Castle, said: "To date more than 200,000 people have had the chance to view The Great Tapestry of Scotland on its national tour.
"Now, through a carefully designed exhibition, the public will see the full extent of the tapestry - all 160 hand-embroidered panels - in the surroundings of Stirling Castle's Great Hall.
"This exhibition will allow visitors to follow the journey of Scotland's history, and we look forward to welcoming people to Stirling Castle to view this impressive piece of art." | A massive tapestry depicting millions of years of Scottish history has gone on show at Stirling Castle. | the great tapestry of scotland is officially the world largest embroidered tapestry at 469ft 143m long it uses 300 miles 483km of yarn to show everything from the battle of bannockburn and the act of union to andy murray winning at wimbledon the tapestry is on show in the castle great hall until march stirling castle is featured on number of panels in the tapestry including one of former resident mary queen of scots the castle great hall of james iv is one of the few places where the enormous tapestry can be displayed in its entirety lorna ewan head of visitor experience content and learning for historic scotland which runs stirling castle said to date more than 200 000 people have had the chance to view the great tapestry of scotland on its national tour now through carefully designed exhibition the public will see the full extent of the tapestry all 160 hand-embroidered panels in the surroundings of stirling castle great hall this exhibition will allow visitors to follow the journey of scotland history and we look forward to welcoming people to stirling castle to view this impressive piece of art | _START_ A massive tapestry depicting millions of years of Scottish history has gone on show at Stirling Castle. _END_ |
They said Brexit "consequences are likely to be significant".
Highlighting Britain's role in the global financial system, they warn Brexit could affect jobs in the financial industry and beyond.
In a June referendum, the UK voted to leave the EU causing global uncertainty over the fallout of the separation.
In their letter, the bankers also said US companies in the UK rely on "passporting rights" between the UK and the remaining EU member states to allow UK-based firms to operate freely across the economic bloc.
They added that millions of people in the US are employed by UK and EU companies and called for a "smooth" transition period to give firms time to get used to changes in trade and investment.
All you need to know about Brexit
UK's Brexit vote: what has actually happened so far?
Brexit: 'No substantive talks for 12 months'
In the months since the UK vote to leave the European Union, markets around the globe have seen increased volatility with investors nervous about uncertainty in Europe.
The pound plunged on the day after the vote and has remaining at record low levels since then.
In their letter, the bankers stress that "for the prosperity of the US and world economies" it was vital that uncertainly was "kept to a minimum" and that existing trade ties were "disrupted as little as possible."
The signatories ask for:
The letter is signed by the chiefs of the American Bankers Association, the Financial Services Forum, the Financial Services Roundtable and the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.
Exit negotiations between London and Brussels have not yet begun and the uncertainty of the timeline has added to business uncertainty.
Substantive Brexit talks between the UK and the rest of the EU are unlikely to start much before the end of 2017, a former European Council president earlier this month told the BBC.
Herman Van Rompuy said negotiations were unlikely until a new German government was formed after next September's election. | US bankers have written to Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew asking him to push for transparent Brexit negotiations in the interests of market stability. | they said brexit consequences are likely to be significant highlighting britain role in the global financial system they warn brexit could affect jobs in the financial industry and beyond in june referendum the uk voted to leave the eu causing global uncertainty over the fallout of the separation in their letter the bankers also said us companies in the uk rely on passporting rights between the uk and the remaining eu member states to allow uk-based firms to operate freely across the economic bloc they added that millions of people in the us are employed by uk and eu companies and called for smooth transition period to give firms time to get used to changes in trade and investment all you need to know about brexit uk brexit vote what has actually happened so far brexit no substantive talks for 12 months in the months since the uk vote to leave the european union markets around the globe have seen increased volatility with investors nervous about uncertainty in europe the pound plunged on the day after the vote and has remaining at record low levels since then in their letter the bankers stress that for the prosperity of the us and world economies it was vital that uncertainly was kept to minimum and that existing trade ties were disrupted as little as possible the signatories ask for the letter is signed by the chiefs of the american bankers association the financial services forum the financial services roundtable and the securities industry and financial markets association exit negotiations between london and brussels have not yet begun and the uncertainty of the timeline has added to business uncertainty substantive brexit talks between the uk and the rest of the eu are unlikely to start much before the end of 2017 former european council president earlier this month told the bbc herman van rompuy said negotiations were unlikely until new german government was formed after next september election. | _START_ US bankers have written to Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew asking him to push for transparent Brexit negotiations in the interests of market stability. _END_ |
Members of the GMB union voted strongly in favour of the deal, but it was rejected by Unite members.
The dispute is over plans to move staff from a final salary pension scheme.
Both unions voted last month to take industrial action at Diageo sites in Scotland, as well as other locations in Northern Ireland and Cheshire.
A deal appeared to have been struck following further talks with the company.
Members of the GMB union, which has 1,200 members working with Diageo in Scotland, voted by almost 3-1 in favour of accepting the deal.
But Unite members rejected it by a margin of 62% to 38%.
Diageo, which is the world's largest producer of Scotch whisky, said it awaited confirmation from Unite of its position.
Unite, which has more than 700 members at Diageo sites around the UK, has yet to comment on the the outcome of its ballot.
However, it is understood union officials will be speaking to Unite representatives at Diageo in the coming days.
The GMB union's Scotland organiser, Louise Gilmour said: "After a long campaign our members have voted strongly to accept this deal which means they will continue to have a pension scheme that ranks among the very best in the UK private sector.
"We will now sit down with Diageo and talk about the future to ensure the interests of our members are at the very heart of this hugely profitable global company that is so vital to the Scottish economy."
In a statement, the company said it was committed to "providing competitive and sustainable pensions".
It said: "In the last decade we have invested an additional £1.1bn into the final salary scheme over and above our normal employer contributions.
"With the costs of this scheme escalating, it is simply no longer sustainable."
Diageo said it had held "extensive talks" since February with UK employees on proposed changes to the final salary scheme.
It added: "The GMB trade union membership, our majority union, has accepted the company proposal.
"The minority union membership, Unite, has rejected the proposal and we await confirmation of their position.
"We will seek to engage in discussions with the GMB trade union and other employee representative forums to move forward on this proposal."
In Scotland, Diageo runs 29 distilleries and two bottling plants at Leven in Fife and Shieldhall, Glasgow.
Its brands include Johnnie Walker, Bells, Talisker and Dalwhinnie. | Drinks giant Diageo could face industrial action after one of the two unions representing workers rejected a deal to end a dispute over pensions. | members of the gmb union voted strongly in favour of the deal but it was rejected by unite members the dispute is over plans to move staff from final salary pension scheme both unions voted last month to take industrial action at diageo sites in scotland as well as other locations in northern ireland and cheshire deal appeared to have been struck following further talks with the company members of the gmb union which has 200 members working with diageo in scotland voted by almost 3-1 in favour of accepting the deal but unite members rejected it by margin of 62% to 38% diageo which is the world largest producer of scotch whisky said it awaited confirmation from unite of its position unite which has more than 700 members at diageo sites around the uk has yet to comment on the the outcome of its ballot however it is understood union officials will be speaking to unite representatives at diageo in the coming days the gmb union scotland organiser louise gilmour said after long campaign our members have voted strongly to accept this deal which means they will continue to have pension scheme that ranks among the very best in the uk private sector we will now sit down with diageo and talk about the future to ensure the interests of our members are at the very heart of this hugely profitable global company that is so vital to the scottish economy in statement the company said it was committed to providing competitive and sustainable pensions it said in the last decade we have invested an additional â£1.1bn into the final salary scheme over and above our normal employer contributions with the costs of this scheme escalating it is simply no longer sustainable diageo said it had held extensive talks since february with uk employees on proposed changes to the final salary scheme it added the gmb trade union membership our majority union has accepted the company proposal the minority union membership unite has rejected the proposal and we await confirmation of their position we will seek to engage in discussions with the gmb trade union and other employee representative forums to move forward on this proposal in scotland diageo runs 29 distilleries and two bottling plants at leven in fife and shieldhall glasgow its brands include johnnie walker bells talisker and dalwhinnie. | _START_ Drinks giant Diageo could face industrial action after one of the two unions representing workers rejected a deal to end a dispute over pensions. _END_ |
The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), which covers the North East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire, started the scheme in January 2015.
Since then, medics have performed 60 transfusions, a third of which were deemed to have been of critical importance to survival.
Many others have had their outcomes improved by having the intervention.
Dr Rachel Hawes, who is also a doctor on the air ambulance, used her experiences as officer in the Army Reserve - including deployment in Afghanistan - as the basis for the idea for the scheme.
She said: "About half of people with traumatic injuries who die, die from bleeding.
"Previously, stopping the bleeding could only be done in hospital, but one of the ways to buy yourself time is to replace the blood they're losing."
Volunteers from Cumbria and Northumbria Blood Bikes deliver the blood in cool boxes to the helicopters daily.
Of those receiving transfusion, 83% were injured as a result of road traffic accidents, and the rest by incidents involving crushing and assaults, or heavy falls.
The Major Trauma Centre at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary received 60% of cases, with 30% going to 30% to Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital, and 10% to the Royal Preston Hospital. | Eighteen lives have been saved as a result of air ambulances carrying blood on board, the charity has said. | the great north air ambulance service gnaas which covers the north east cumbria and north yorkshire started the scheme in january 2015 since then medics have performed 60 transfusions third of which were deemed to have been of critical importance to survival many others have had their outcomes improved by having the intervention dr rachel hawes who is also doctor on the air ambulance used her experiences as officer in the army reserve including deployment in afghanistan as the basis for the idea for the scheme she said about half of people with traumatic injuries who die die from bleeding previously stopping the bleeding could only be done in hospital but one of the ways to buy yourself time is to replace the blood they re losing volunteers from cumbria and northumbria blood bikes deliver the blood in cool boxes to the helicopters daily of those receiving transfusion 83% were injured as result of road traffic accidents and the rest by incidents involving crushing and assaults or heavy falls the major trauma centre at newcastle royal victoria infirmary received 60% of cases with 30% going to 30% to middlesbrough james cook university hospital and 10% to the royal preston hospital. | _START_ Eighteen lives have been saved as a result of air ambulances carrying blood on board, the charity has said. _END_ |
After Brexit, that would obviously exclude London where the vast majority is currently done.
That has always been a major grievance for other European capitals who sense an opportunity to restart an old fight for a big prize.
London's financial district - or "The City" - is like a coral reef. It has grown into a complex ecosystem over hundreds of years with lots of specialist organisms feeding off each other.
The coral is home to plants and anemones which in turn are home to fish, and crustacea of dazzling variety.
Bankers and traders may be the apex predators but there are lawyers, accountants, insurance brokers and tech workers swimming around them.
It's very hard to replicate but that doesn't mean it can't be damaged. If you chip a bit off - you lose a few of the resident clownfish too.
That rather extended metaphor is perhaps one way to think about the subject of euro clearing. It's a very basic, boring and yet incredibly important bit of the reef.
Clearing is the process by which a third party organisation acts as an intermediary for both buyer and seller.
They deal with the clearing "house" rather than each other which centralises everything and makes the whole complex business easier and quicker. 75% of all everything bought and sold in euros - anywhere in the world - is cleared in London - some 850 billion euros EVERY DAY.
Clearing houses also bear the risks that once side of the transaction doesn't cough up.
In return for that risk, buyers and sellers have to keep money in a special account with the clearing house in case there are problems. The more business you do with them, the less money proportionately of your trading volumes you need to keep in that account. Bigger clearing houses are therefore cheaper for their customers.
If you start chipping bits off the reef and carting them off to Europe those costs could rise. Some estimates put the cost of fragmenting this bit of the reef at an additional 77bn euros to the people that use them.
It would cost UK jobs too. An Ernst and Young study last year estimated that over 80,000 UK jobs would go if euro-clearing moved from London.
Other financial centres have tried for years to steal this business. In fact, the European Central Bank in Frankfurt tried to insist that all euro trades in the EU were done inside the eurozone. A policy it had to scrap when the European Court of Justice ruled in 2015 it discriminated against non-eurozone countries who are part of the EU.
If that court case is run again once the UK is outside the EU, that defence no longer works.
This new raiding party is led by the EU Financial Services Commissioner Valdis Dombrovkis who is arguing that either the EU has greater policing powers over clearing in London (a cup of cold sick in political and regulatory terms) or, the business has to relocate to the EU (two cups).
It's not clear, however, that a defeat for London would be a victory for the EU. Some euro clearing also happens in the US and many think that the way firms will minimise the cost of disruption and fragmentation will be to do their business in New York - another big reef - which would only serve to weaken Europe as a whole in the global financial power league.
That is what Chancellor Philip Hammond was getting at when he warned that the UK and Europe "should be careful of any proposals which might disrupt growth, raise the cost of investment in Europe and the UK or weaken financial stability".
New York is watching closely on the sidelines as the battle for Britain's finance industry starts in earnest. | The EU Commission is mounting another attempt to steal trillions in trading business from London by insisting that euro denominated deals should be settled in the EU. | after brexit that would obviously exclude london where the vast majority is currently done that has always been major grievance for other european capitals who sense an opportunity to restart an old fight for big prize london financial district or the city is like coral reef it has grown into complex ecosystem over hundreds of years with lots of specialist organisms feeding off each other the coral is home to plants and anemones which in turn are home to fish and crustacea of dazzling variety bankers and traders may be the apex predators but there are lawyers accountants insurance brokers and tech workers swimming around them it very hard to replicate but that doesn mean it can be damaged if you chip bit off you lose few of the resident clownfish too that rather extended metaphor is perhaps one way to think about the subject of euro clearing it very basic boring and yet incredibly important bit of the reef clearing is the process by which third party organisation acts as an intermediary for both buyer and seller they deal with the clearing house rather than each other which centralises everything and makes the whole complex business easier and quicker 75% of all everything bought and sold in euros anywhere in the world is cleared in london some 850 billion euros every day clearing houses also bear the risks that once side of the transaction doesn cough up in return for that risk buyers and sellers have to keep money in special account with the clearing house in case there are problems the more business you do with them the less money proportionately of your trading volumes you need to keep in that account bigger clearing houses are therefore cheaper for their customers if you start chipping bits off the reef and carting them off to europe those costs could rise some estimates put the cost of fragmenting this bit of the reef at an additional 77bn euros to the people that use them it would cost uk jobs too an ernst and young study last year estimated that over 80 000 uk jobs would go if euro-clearing moved from london other financial centres have tried for years to steal this business in fact the european central bank in frankfurt tried to insist that all euro trades in the eu were done inside the eurozone policy it had to scrap when the european court of justice ruled in 2015 it discriminated against non-eurozone countries who are part of the eu if that court case is run again once the uk is outside the eu that defence no longer works this new raiding party is led by the eu financial services commissioner valdis dombrovkis who is arguing that either the eu has greater policing powers over clearing in london cup of cold sick in political and regulatory terms or the business has to relocate to the eu two cups it not clear however that defeat for london would be victory for the eu some euro clearing also happens in the us and many think that the way firms will minimise the cost of disruption and fragmentation will be to do their business in new york another big reef which would only serve to weaken europe as whole in the global financial power league that is what chancellor philip hammond was getting at when he warned that the uk and europe should be careful of any proposals which might disrupt growth raise the cost of investment in europe and the uk or weaken financial stability new york is watching closely on the sidelines as the battle for britain finance industry starts in earnest. | _START_ The EU Commission is mounting another attempt to steal trillions in trading business from London by insisting that euro denominated deals should be settled in the EU. _END_ |
The dead woman, who has not been named but is believed to be in her 50s, was found at a house in Holmfield Avenue on Saturday.
Mohammed Member, 25, Shafiq Member, 29, and Fatima Patel, 27, all of Holmfield Avenue, were remanded in custody ahead of a crown court appearance.
Formal identification of the dead woman has yet to take place.
Updates on this story and more from Leicestershire | Three people have appeared in court charged with murdering a woman at a house in Leicester. | the dead woman who has not been named but is believed to be in her 50s was found at house in holmfield avenue on saturday mohammed member 25 shafiq member 29 and fatima patel 27 all of holmfield avenue were remanded in custody ahead of crown court appearance formal identification of the dead woman has yet to take place updates on this story and more from leicestershire | _START_ Three people have appeared in court charged with murdering a woman at a house in Leicester. _END_ |
The department was subject to a Serious Case Review after the death of five-year-old Tyler Whelan, murdered by his mother's former partner in March 2011.
Ofsted found no children "inadequately protected or at risk of significant harm" and praised "rapid improvements".
Service director Sue Westcott said there was "no room for complacency".
The Conservative-led council had been subject to an Ofsted "notice to improve" since June 2010, following an inspection in March of that year.
A re-inspection of children's services in August 2011 again found the overall effectiveness of the department to be inadequate.
The review of the Tyler Whelan case, published in May last year, found it was one of many agencies that missed "numerous opportunities" for "more rigorous and incisive" interventions.
Elvis Lee, 34, kicked and bit Tyler Whelan, who died in hospital after collapsing at his home in Sheepwalk, Paston, near Peterborough.
The new rating of adequate by the education standards authority means the service "meets minimum requirements".
It follows an eight-day unannounced inspection of the department by five Ofsted officers in January.
"They found the lessons of the past had been taken very seriously and [the council] had invested considerably in additional social workers," Mrs Westcott said.
Investing in more staff meant the use of agency workers had been reduced and social workers' caseloads were now "more manageable", she added.
Nick Sandford, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the city council, said: "There were some really important issues surrounding child safety but the council has recognised those significant failures and addressed them."
He described the improvements as "encouraging" but questioned whether the council could maintain the required level of investment.
Earlier this week city councillors agreed ??17m worth of cuts, including to children's play centres and adult social care services.
Mrs Westcott said: "The money that's been invested [in children's services] has been absolutely worthwhile."
Services are rated by Ofsted as inadequate, adequate, good or outstanding. | Children's services at Peterborough City Council have been rated as adequate by Ofsted, after two consecutive years of "poor" ratings. | the department was subject to serious case review after the death of five-year-old tyler whelan murdered by his mother former partner in march 2011 ofsted found no children inadequately protected or at risk of significant harm and praised rapid improvements service director sue westcott said there was no room for complacency the conservative-led council had been subject to an ofsted notice to improve since june 2010 following an inspection in march of that year re-inspection of children services in august 2011 again found the overall effectiveness of the department to be inadequate the review of the tyler whelan case published in may last year found it was one of many agencies that missed numerous opportunities for more rigorous and incisive interventions elvis lee 34 kicked and bit tyler whelan who died in hospital after collapsing at his home in sheepwalk paston near peterborough the new rating of adequate by the education standards authority means the service meets minimum requirements it follows an eight-day unannounced inspection of the department by five ofsted officers in january they found the lessons of the past had been taken very seriously and the council had invested considerably in additional social workers mrs westcott said investing in more staff meant the use of agency workers had been reduced and social workers caseloads were now more manageable she added nick sandford leader of the liberal democrat group on the city council said there were some really important issues surrounding child safety but the council has recognised those significant failures and addressed them he described the improvements as encouraging but questioned whether the council could maintain the required level of investment earlier this week city councillors agreed 17m worth of cuts including to children play centres and adult social care services mrs westcott said the money that been invested in children services has been absolutely worthwhile services are rated by ofsted as inadequate adequate good or outstanding. | _START_ Children's services at Peterborough City Council have been rated as adequate by Ofsted, after two consecutive years of "poor" ratings. _END_ |
Wales beat Argentina 24-20 in a rugby autumn series game at the Principality Stadium, which kicked off at 17:30 GMT.
Chris Coleman's side drew 1-1 with Serbia in a football World Cup qualifier at Cardiff City Stadium.
Trains between Cardiff and Swansea are now running as normal, after earlier disruption.
Westgate Street, Park Street and Scott Road were closed from 15:30 to 20:30.
Following the Wales v Argentina match, Cowbridge Road East from its junction with Cathedral Road to the junction with Westgate Street, along with Castle Street, Duke Street, Wood Street and St Mary Street were all shut.
Cardiff council said train services into the city would be busy all day, with extra capacity on Marches, north Wales and Ebbw Vale lines after 21:30.
Cardiff Queen Street station closed at 18:45 and queues at Cardiff Central after the match are expected to exceed two hours.
After the Wales v Serbia match, Grangetown station will be for people travelling on Penarth, Barry and Vale of Glamorgan services only while Ninian Park Station will be for people travelling to Waun-gron Park, Fairwater and Danescourt.
For valleys and main line services, fans must use Cardiff Central.
Buses will be diverted away from city centre stops and will relocate to Churchill Way for those travelling east, Greyfriars Road for the north and Tudor Street for the west.
St Mary Street taxi rank was closed from 15:00 until 21:30 but the Mill Lane rank is open as normal.
Check if this is affecting your journey | People visiting Cardiff were warned to expect delays on the road and rail with Wales' rugby and football teams are both in action on Saturday. | wales beat argentina 24-20 in rugby autumn series game at the principality stadium which kicked off at 17:30 gmt chris coleman side drew 1-1 with serbia in football world cup qualifier at cardiff city stadium trains between cardiff and swansea are now running as normal after earlier disruption westgate street park street and scott road were closed from 15:30 to 20:30 following the wales argentina match cowbridge road east from its junction with cathedral road to the junction with westgate street along with castle street duke street wood street and st mary street were all shut cardiff council said train services into the city would be busy all day with extra capacity on marches north wales and ebbw vale lines after 21:30 cardiff queen street station closed at 18:45 and queues at cardiff central after the match are expected to exceed two hours after the wales serbia match grangetown station will be for people travelling on penarth barry and vale of glamorgan services only while ninian park station will be for people travelling to waun-gron park fairwater and danescourt for valleys and main line services fans must use cardiff central buses will be diverted away from city centre stops and will relocate to churchill way for those travelling east greyfriars road for the north and tudor street for the west st mary street taxi rank was closed from 15:00 until 21:30 but the mill lane rank is open as normal check if this is affecting your journey | _START_ People visiting Cardiff were warned to expect delays on the road and rail with Wales' rugby and football teams are both in action on Saturday. _END_ |
The personal tale came a week after Labour MP Jon Ashworth spoke in parliament about his experience of having an alcoholic father.
The NSPCC says it receives a call every hour from an adult concerned about drug or alcohol use around children, and it believes up to a million young people could be living with an alcoholic or drug dependent parent.
So how does it feel to grow up with an addicted parent? And what impact does it have beyond childhood?
Three people shared their stories with the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme.
Josh Connolly was nine when his father, an alcoholic, died.
Now 29, he says the experience left him full of anger, which he would often direct at other people, feeling shame at his father's behaviour but guilt for not standing by him.
"I tend to only remember a lot of the bad things and also the feelings," he said.
"That is what stayed with me through my life and is still tangible today; the way that my dad's drinking and everything that comes with that made me feel."
Josh's experience led him to develop his own problems with drinking during his teenage years.
"I desperately wanted more than anything else in my life not to be an alcoholic, but when I was 12 or 13 and found alcohol, it just became the perfect escape route for me.
"I was never really able to look after my dad. At school I acted the clown, at home I am trying to be the best possible me that I could be, so alcohol gave me an escape from that."
Jade Bailey's father was a heroin addict who took drugs around her from as far back as she could remember.
He began with cannabis and ecstasy, taking it with friends and telling his daughter it was "medicine."
But as she got older, he moved onto harder drugs.
"I knew it was never right and never their medicine," said the 25-year-old.
"I remember them going into the bathroom, I can even picture it now, and doing it, coming out and all being off their faces.
"When he went on to heroin, I was about ten years old and he was a mess. Our fun time on the weekend was going to the skip and trying to find toys.
"At that age, I thought it was amazing as my dad was always my hero."
When Jade told her mother what had been happening when she went to visit, she stopped her from going and only let Jade contact her father by phone.
"I have never had that answer from him of why wasn't I enough to make [him] stop," she said. "Why do you not love me enough to stop and be my dad?
"He knew how much I adored him and I knew he adored me, I knew I was the only thing he cared about, apart from the drug.
"It makes you feel very alone and abandoned by them, but you love them so much you can't ever leave them, no matter what they do."
Sarah was brought up by her father, who is an alcoholic.
She said the drinking changed her relationship with him so much she had to walk away.
"In my early years, it was happy," she said. "It made it harder when he turned to alcohol because I couldn't understand and it made it harder to walk away.
"I missed the old dad he was and always wished I could have the old dad back."
Sarah never told anyone about his problem so had to deal with it alone.
She thinks the experience made her "stronger, braver and more resilient to life's challenges", but it affected her attitude towards alcohol.
"I always feel anxious when I am around drunk people," she said.
"It reminds me of the time I was looking after my dad, the feelings I got from that and the embarrassment, shame and sadness." | Accepting a Bafta award for leading actor, Manchester by the Sea star Casey Affleck revealed to the audience he had grown up with an alcoholic parent. | the personal tale came week after labour mp jon ashworth spoke in parliament about his experience of having an alcoholic father the nspcc says it receives call every hour from an adult concerned about drug or alcohol use around children and it believes up to million young people could be living with an alcoholic or drug dependent parent so how does it feel to grow up with an addicted parent and what impact does it have beyond childhood three people shared their stories with the bbc victoria derbyshire programme josh connolly was nine when his father an alcoholic died now 29 he says the experience left him full of anger which he would often direct at other people feeling shame at his father behaviour but guilt for not standing by him tend to only remember lot of the bad things and also the feelings he said that is what stayed with me through my life and is still tangible today the way that my dad drinking and everything that comes with that made me feel josh experience led him to develop his own problems with drinking during his teenage years desperately wanted more than anything else in my life not to be an alcoholic but when was 12 or 13 and found alcohol it just became the perfect escape route for me was never really able to look after my dad at school acted the clown at home am trying to be the best possible me that could be so alcohol gave me an escape from that jade bailey father was heroin addict who took drugs around her from as far back as she could remember he began with cannabis and ecstasy taking it with friends and telling his daughter it was medicine but as she got older he moved onto harder drugs knew it was never right and never their medicine said the 25-year-old remember them going into the bathroom can even picture it now and doing it coming out and all being off their faces when he went on to heroin was about ten years old and he was mess our fun time on the weekend was going to the skip and trying to find toys at that age thought it was amazing as my dad was always my hero when jade told her mother what had been happening when she went to visit she stopped her from going and only let jade contact her father by phone have never had that answer from him of why wasn enough to make him stop she said why do you not love me enough to stop and be my dad he knew how much adored him and knew he adored me knew was the only thing he cared about apart from the drug it makes you feel very alone and abandoned by them but you love them so much you can ever leave them no matter what they do sarah was brought up by her father who is an alcoholic she said the drinking changed her relationship with him so much she had to walk away in my early years it was happy she said it made it harder when he turned to alcohol because couldn understand and it made it harder to walk away missed the old dad he was and always wished could have the old dad back sarah never told anyone about his problem so had to deal with it alone she thinks the experience made her stronger braver and more resilient to life challenges but it affected her attitude towards alcohol always feel anxious when am around drunk people she said it reminds me of the time was looking after my dad the feelings got from that and the embarrassment shame and sadness | _START_ Accepting a Bafta award for leading actor, Manchester by the Sea star Casey Affleck revealed to the audience he had grown up with an alcoholic parent. _END_ |
The Rushden Lakes development is due to open in spring 2017, with the 12-screen cinema completed a few months later.
LXB Properties have been granted permission for a bowling alley, climbing structure, cycle hire business and restaurants to replace a planned garden centre.
Local councils had objected, saying it threatened their town centres.
The Rushden Lakes plans have been criticised amid fears the development is could poach shoppers from towns as far away as Kettering, Corby, Northampton and Bedford.
Councils in Kettering and Bedford objected to the cinema and bowling alley.
The amended plans were considered and approved by East Northamptonshire District Council planners on Wednesday night.
A public inquiry in 2013 heard concerns about the development's impact on shops in nearby town centres.
However, council officers recommended that the plans should be approved.
Work on building the main shopping complex, given permission in June 2014 by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles, has already begun. | A cinema and bowling alley are to be added to a £140m shopping and leisure complex in Northamptonshire. | the rushden lakes development is due to open in spring 2017 with the 12-screen cinema completed few months later lxb properties have been granted permission for bowling alley climbing structure cycle hire business and restaurants to replace planned garden centre local councils had objected saying it threatened their town centres the rushden lakes plans have been criticised amid fears the development is could poach shoppers from towns as far away as kettering corby northampton and bedford councils in kettering and bedford objected to the cinema and bowling alley the amended plans were considered and approved by east northamptonshire district council planners on wednesday night public inquiry in 2013 heard concerns about the development impact on shops in nearby town centres however council officers recommended that the plans should be approved work on building the main shopping complex given permission in june 2014 by communities secretary eric pickles has already begun. | _START_ A cinema and bowling alley are to be added to a £140m shopping and leisure complex in Northamptonshire. _END_ |
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Wada says Ukad will take control of drug-testing in Russia as long as the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (Rusada) remains non-compliant with Wada's code.
Rusada was declared non-compliant in November following allegations it was involved in widespread doping.
Its athletes remain banned from international competition.
That suspension was imposed on 13 November after the publication of an independent Wada report that alleged "state-sponsored doping".
The ban will remain in place until Russia convinces athletics authorities it has sufficiently changed its practices.
Wada's statement said Ukad would be responsible for co-ordinating testing with the appropriate sport federations in the country.
It added: "Results management of all cases will be managed by a designated independent body, with full oversight by Wada." | UK Anti-Doping will provide "targeted and intelligence-led testing" on Russian athletes after signing a deal with the World Anti-Doping Agency. | media playback is not supported on this device wada says ukad will take control of drug-testing in russia as long as the russian anti-doping agency rusada remains non-compliant with wada code rusada was declared non-compliant in november following allegations it was involved in widespread doping its athletes remain banned from international competition that suspension was imposed on 13 november after the publication of an independent wada report that alleged state-sponsored doping the ban will remain in place until russia convinces athletics authorities it has sufficiently changed its practices wada statement said ukad would be responsible for co-ordinating testing with the appropriate sport federations in the country it added results management of all cases will be managed by designated independent body with full oversight by wada | _START_ UK Anti-Doping will provide "targeted and intelligence-led testing" on Russian athletes after signing a deal with the World Anti-Doping Agency. _END_ |
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The Black Cats' 10-season spell in the top flight ended when they lost 1-0 at home to Bournemouth on Saturday and Hull City drew 0-0 at Southampton.
Moyes, who took charge at Sunderland in July last year, has faced calls from supporters to step down.
"I think it's a question for two or three weeks' time," said the Scot.
"I think we all need to reflect and look at everything from top to bottom."
Chairman Ellis Short, who has been trying to sell the club, apologised to Sunderland fans, and admitted mistakes had been made.
Since Short bought the club in 2009 - he became chairman in 2011 - the Black Cats have had seven full-time managers, but have faced the threat of relegation in almost every season.
"We need to improve both on and off the field, and despite the bitter disappointment there is a strong determination to do so throughout the club," said the American.
"There is significant work to be done over the summer and when the season is concluded, we intend to share our plans to move forward with our supporters."
Listen as fans react to Sunderland's relegation on 606
This is the first time Moyes has been relegated as a manager, and he warned fans just two games into the the season that he thought they would struggle.
"I feel for the supporters because they're the people who pay their hard-earned cash to come and watch and we've not given them enough this season," said the former Everton and Manchester United manager.
"I've had 400-odd games in the Premier League and I've got an idea of what a good squad looks like.
"My feeling at the start of the season was it was going to be a hard graft, and I'd rather be up front with people than tell them something different."
The defeat by Bournemouth was the ninth time Sunderland have failed to score in their past 10 games, and the 18th time they have failed to do so this season.
Jermain Defoe, the team's top scorer this season with 14, has not found the net in more than 15 hours of Premier League football.
"We've needed Jermain's goals," said Moyes.
"At times we haven't given him enough quality supply. But there has been other times, like today, when a couple of chances came. In the early part of the season he was getting them and finishing them."
Moyes was given the Sunderland job after Sam Allardyce left for his brief stint as England manager.
He has not been helped by injuries, with Jan Kirchhoff, Lee Cattermole, Duncan Watmore, Jordan Pickford, Paddy McNair and Victor Anichebe among the first-team players to have had lengthy spells on the sidelines.
Short said: "I acknowledge that during my ownership mistakes have been made, particularly in the area of player recruitment, and as a result we have found ourselves struggling to survive in recent seasons.
"We had massive disruption during the summer transfer window, and an unprecedented number of injuries throughout the season.
"These are difficulties which we have been unable to overcome and we are paying the price for that now."
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Match of the Day pundit and former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer:
David Moyes has got to take responsibility as has the owner. It's been a disastrous season from start to finish. Mismanagement at all levels and they've signed some poor players. They've been flirting with relegations for a number of seasons and it was inevitable it was going to happen.
A £28m net spend in the last three transfer windows is comparable with teams in and around them, but I worry for Sunderland. There are two players that are assets in that team [Jordan Pickford and Jermain Defoe]. Other than that there's not too much in that squad that's worth a lot of money.
Match of the Day commentator John Motson:
A club badly managed from above for the last four years. At least three managers have got them out of it at the end of the season.
The rot set in at Sunderland a long time ago and it came right from the top.
I have no sympathy with them - they deserved to do down. I just hope somebody, whether it's David Moyes - a new owner perhaps - has got the opportunity to bring them back.
They have been a great club, they've got great fans but I'm afraid the way the club has been run, they've deserved what they got.
Former Premier League striker Jason Roberts:
Those Sunderland fans are seeing a team and a club that I think has lacked leadership from the boardroom.
That's why they have skipped from manager to manager with no real plan or identity.
Maybe they need to go down, refocus, bring in some young hungry players and give a new "project" to the Premier League because Sunderland are a huge club and if they come back up next season, they will be a club many will fear. | Sunderland manager David Moyes said it was "too soon" for him to commit to the club for next season, following their relegation from the Premier League. | media playback is not supported on this device the black cats 10-season spell in the top flight ended when they lost 1-0 at home to bournemouth on saturday and hull city drew 0-0 at southampton moyes who took charge at sunderland in july last year has faced calls from supporters to step down think it question for two or three weeks time said the scot think we all need to reflect and look at everything from top to bottom chairman ellis short who has been trying to sell the club apologised to sunderland fans and admitted mistakes had been made since short bought the club in 2009 he became chairman in 2011 the black cats have had seven full-time managers but have faced the threat of relegation in almost every season we need to improve both on and off the field and despite the bitter disappointment there is strong determination to do so throughout the club said the american there is significant work to be done over the summer and when the season is concluded we intend to share our plans to move forward with our supporters listen as fans react to sunderland relegation on 606 this is the first time moyes has been relegated as manager and he warned fans just two games into the the season that he thought they would struggle feel for the supporters because they re the people who pay their hard-earned cash to come and watch and we ve not given them enough this season said the former everton and manchester united manager ve had 400-odd games in the premier league and ve got an idea of what good squad looks like my feeling at the start of the season was it was going to be hard graft and rather be up front with people than tell them something different the defeat by bournemouth was the ninth time sunderland have failed to score in their past 10 games and the 18th time they have failed to do so this season jermain defoe the team top scorer this season with 14 has not found the net in more than 15 hours of premier league football we ve needed jermain goals said moyes at times we haven given him enough quality supply but there has been other times like today when couple of chances came in the early part of the season he was getting them and finishing them moyes was given the sunderland job after sam allardyce left for his brief stint as england manager he has not been helped by injuries with jan kirchhoff lee cattermole duncan watmore jordan pickford paddy mcnair and victor anichebe among the first-team players to have had lengthy spells on the sidelines short said acknowledge that during my ownership mistakes have been made particularly in the area of player recruitment and as result we have found ourselves struggling to survive in recent seasons we had massive disruption during the summer transfer window and an unprecedented number of injuries throughout the season these are difficulties which we have been unable to overcome and we are paying the price for that now media playback is not supported on this device match of the day pundit and former newcastle striker alan shearer david moyes has got to take responsibility as has the owner it been disastrous season from start to finish mismanagement at all levels and they ve signed some poor players they ve been flirting with relegations for number of seasons and it was inevitable it was going to happen £28m net spend in the last three transfer windows is comparable with teams in and around them but worry for sunderland there are two players that are assets in that team jordan pickford and jermain defoe other than that there not too much in that squad that worth lot of money match of the day commentator john motson club badly managed from above for the last four years at least three managers have got them out of it at the end of the season the rot set in at sunderland long time ago and it came right from the top have no sympathy with them they deserved to do down just hope somebody whether it david moyes new owner perhaps has got the opportunity to bring them back they have been great club they ve got great fans but afraid the way the club has been run they ve deserved what they got former premier league striker jason roberts those sunderland fans are seeing team and club that think has lacked leadership from the boardroom that why they have skipped from manager to manager with no real plan or identity maybe they need to go down refocus bring in some young hungry players and give new project to the premier league because sunderland are huge club and if they come back up next season they will be club many will fear. | _START_ Sunderland manager David Moyes said it was "too soon" for him to commit to the club for next season, following their relegation from the Premier League. _END_ |
The incident happened in the Sighthill area of Glasgow at about 13:00 on Tuesday.
The officer had been speaking to the driver of a red Vauxhall Astra when he suddenly threw the car into reverse.
He then got out of his car in Alford Street and fled on foot. The police officer was unhurt.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: "The officer did not require medical treatment and resumed duty following the incident. The man in the car then ran off.
"Police are following a positive line of inquiry."
The Scottish Police Federation has been made aware of the incident. | An attempted murder inquiry has been launched after a driver reversed, dragging a police officer down the street. | the incident happened in the sighthill area of glasgow at about 13:00 on tuesday the officer had been speaking to the driver of red vauxhall astra when he suddenly threw the car into reverse he then got out of his car in alford street and fled on foot the police officer was unhurt police scotland spokesman said the officer did not require medical treatment and resumed duty following the incident the man in the car then ran off police are following positive line of inquiry the scottish police federation has been made aware of the incident. | _START_ An attempted murder inquiry has been launched after a driver reversed, dragging a police officer down the street. _END_ |
The largest shareholder in Hafren Power has previously been declared bankrupt three times during a lengthy business career.
Another businessman has been declared bankrupt twice but said it should not detract from the project's legitimacy.
Backers claim the £25bn barrage could generate 5% of Britain's electricity.
Hafren Power wants to build an 11 mile (17.7km) barrage between Lavernock Point near Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, and Brean near Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.
Richard Bazley - the largest shareholder in Hafren Power - was declared bankrupt in 1977, 1994 and 2005.
Mr Bazley, described by Hafren Power as its founder and "the visionary" behind the barrage, describes himself as a "serial entrepreneur".
He declined to be interviewed but Hafren Power chief executive Tony Pryor denied Mr Bazley's background undermined the credibility of the project.
Another founder Idwal Stedman, who sits on Hafren Power's regional committee, has been declared bankrupt twice: in 1994 while working as an architect and in 2006 while working as an antiques dealer.
Although Hafren Power describes Mr Stedman as having run "a highly regarded architecture firm," he is currently barred from calling himself an architect.
He was struck off by the Architects Registration Board last year after complaints about unpaid bills.
The board removed him from the register for "conduct that is fundamentally incompatible with continuing to be an architect".
Mr Stedman has also been the subject of seven separate county court judgements totalling more than £20,000 between 2009 and 2011.
He told BBC Wales in a statement: "Richard Bazley and I originated the idea of a privately funded barrage seven years ago and have worked tirelessly since because we recognised the enormous value of the economic regeneration and clean energy. Without us, there would be no proposal.
"Today the project is maturing and growing, led by a new team of outside business talent. We are still involved and are shareholders.
"Past bankruptcies or mistakes, unconnected to the project, are of course painful for everyone involved. But they should not detract from the legitimacy of the barrage and its importance to Wales and the West of England."
Supporters of the barrage say the privately-financed project could generate up to 5% of Britain's energy needs by using more than 1,000 turbines and tidal power.
But the project cannot go ahead without UK government support. Ministers say they want to see more detailed proposals before they allocate parliamentary time for a bill to allow the project to go ahead.
Neath Labour MP Peter Hain resigned from the shadow cabinet to campaign for the barrage. He declined to comment.
Supporters say the scheme would be financed by sovereign wealth funds and not require taxpayers' cash.
A similar project was rejected by the UK government in 2010 on grounds of cost, but Hafren Power says the revised barrage would overcome that issue and also be more environmentally friendly.
Backers say a barrage would create jobs and help tackle climate change, but opponents warn it would harm the local environment and endanger wildlife. | Serious questions about two of the founders of a project to build a barrage across the Severn estuary have been raised by a BBC investigation. | the largest shareholder in hafren power has previously been declared bankrupt three times during lengthy business career another businessman has been declared bankrupt twice but said it should not detract from the project legitimacy backers claim the £25bn barrage could generate 5% of britain electricity hafren power wants to build an 11 mile 17.7km barrage between lavernock point near penarth vale of glamorgan and brean near weston-super-mare somerset richard bazley the largest shareholder in hafren power was declared bankrupt in 1977 1994 and 2005 mr bazley described by hafren power as its founder and the visionary behind the barrage describes himself as serial entrepreneur he declined to be interviewed but hafren power chief executive tony pryor denied mr bazley background undermined the credibility of the project another founder idwal stedman who sits on hafren power regional committee has been declared bankrupt twice in 1994 while working as an architect and in 2006 while working as an antiques dealer although hafren power describes mr stedman as having run highly regarded architecture firm he is currently barred from calling himself an architect he was struck off by the architects registration board last year after complaints about unpaid bills the board removed him from the register for conduct that is fundamentally incompatible with continuing to be an architect mr stedman has also been the subject of seven separate county court judgements totalling more than £20 000 between 2009 and 2011 he told bbc wales in statement richard bazley and originated the idea of privately funded barrage seven years ago and have worked tirelessly since because we recognised the enormous value of the economic regeneration and clean energy without us there would be no proposal today the project is maturing and growing led by new team of outside business talent we are still involved and are shareholders past bankruptcies or mistakes unconnected to the project are of course painful for everyone involved but they should not detract from the legitimacy of the barrage and its importance to wales and the west of england supporters of the barrage say the privately-financed project could generate up to 5% of britain energy needs by using more than 000 turbines and tidal power but the project cannot go ahead without uk government support ministers say they want to see more detailed proposals before they allocate parliamentary time for bill to allow the project to go ahead neath labour mp peter hain resigned from the shadow cabinet to campaign for the barrage he declined to comment supporters say the scheme would be financed by sovereign wealth funds and not require taxpayers cash similar project was rejected by the uk government in 2010 on grounds of cost but hafren power says the revised barrage would overcome that issue and also be more environmentally friendly backers say barrage would create jobs and help tackle climate change but opponents warn it would harm the local environment and endanger wildlife. | _START_ Serious questions about two of the founders of a project to build a barrage across the Severn estuary have been raised by a BBC investigation. _END_ |
It said the move was part of the Sustainability and Transformation Plan for Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group said community services were being "reviewed".
It added: "What this means for community hospitals needs more work".
In a motion to Oxford City Council, the Green Party said the community hospitals could be replaced by four hubs including one at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
The party's spokesperson for health, Larry Sanders, said: "This is not a decision, this is part of the process, but it does look like they may be in for the chop.
"One of the problems is they [Oxfordshire CCG] are not giving us a lot of information. We do fear that it's going to happen because the size of the cuts are enormous."
In November it was revealed, the part of the Sustainability and Transformation Plan affecting community hospitals will be outlined after next May.
Oxfordshire CCG said: "We will be engaging clinicians, patients, and the public as we develop these plans and proposed changes to services will be subject to consultation."
The CCG has estimated it will face a funding gap of £200m in 2020 unless action is taken.
Mark Dayan, from the Nuffield Trust, said funding pressures across the NHS meant "very tough decisions are going to have to be made in nearly every area of the country." | The "elimination" of Oxfordshire's nine community hospitals is being considered by health bosses, according to the Green Party. | it said the move was part of the sustainability and transformation plan for buckinghamshire berkshire and oxfordshire oxfordshire clinical commissioning group said community services were being reviewed it added what this means for community hospitals needs more work in motion to oxford city council the green party said the community hospitals could be replaced by four hubs including one at the john radcliffe hospital in oxford the party spokesperson for health larry sanders said this is not decision this is part of the process but it does look like they may be in for the chop one of the problems is they oxfordshire ccg are not giving us lot of information we do fear that it going to happen because the size of the cuts are enormous in november it was revealed the part of the sustainability and transformation plan affecting community hospitals will be outlined after next may oxfordshire ccg said we will be engaging clinicians patients and the public as we develop these plans and proposed changes to services will be subject to consultation the ccg has estimated it will face funding gap of â£200m in 2020 unless action is taken mark dayan from the nuffield trust said funding pressures across the nhs meant very tough decisions are going to have to be made in nearly every area of the country | _START_ The "elimination" of Oxfordshire's nine community hospitals is being considered by health bosses, according to the Green Party. _END_ |
Since 2005, he has worked from home on Wednesday mornings and then taken the rest of the day off.
Simmons and Simmons offers flexible working to all staff and makes this clear in recruitment ads.
It is a stance employers' organisation the CBI wants other firms to emulate, arguing it will improve diversity.
In a report aimed at encouraging employers to hire a broader range of people from varied social backgrounds, age groups, races and gender the CBI suggests advertising flexible working at the outset.
Just one in ten job adverts mention flexible working, despite more than half of employers offering it, meaning they miss out on a wider pool of applicants, according to the report.
The CBI also suggests that firms remove candidates' names from job applications in a bid to reduce "unconscious bias" in hiring decisions.
The organisation argues that firms with a broader pool of staff will perform better.
CBI president Paul Drechsler says: "Inclusive workplaces give firms the chance to get ahead of their competitors by making better decisions, through diverse teams which draw on a wider range of ideas and experiences."
Since 2014, Simmons & Simmons has allowed almost all its staff to work remotely one day a week of their choice without having to request permission from their boss.
It says the move was aimed at making "flexible working a right rather than an exception" and has seen a "significant increase" in the number of people who have taken up flexible working.
Mr Taylor says in 2005 when he asked to work flexibly it was "quite unusual", but said he was granted permission in just three weeks. Being at home one day a week has enabled him to spend more time with his three children now aged 14, 12 and 9.
"At the time [when I asked] I was a relatively new partner and also a relatively new dad and had two young children and was worried i was not seeing a huge amount of them during the week."
Now the children are older, he says he can pick them up from school as well as drop them off at activities. "I haven't done anything particularly dramatic with the time, but it's nice to be there day-to-day and talk about what's going on at school."
The change has also enabled Mr Taylor's partner to work later on a Wednesday, helping her progress at work, as well as make him feel loyal to the firm.
It is these sorts of factors that the CBI wants companies to be aware of. Mr Drechsler argues that flexible working should no longer be seen as "a bonus for staff", but instead as something that also has clear benefits for employers.
Other recommendations in the report include:
The report said data from earlier this month showing the UK's productivity still lags well behind other major economies meant employing a broader range of people was now more crucial than ever, and would help create more engaged employees.
"The economic and social challenges that the UK faces have been thrown into sharp relief by Brexit, in particular around issues like productivity, inclusion and opportunity," Mr Drechsler says.
"As businesses, it is up to us to seize the opportunities that exist to make some positive changes, becoming firms that will be competitive into the middle of the 21st century. If we get it right, business growth and greater opportunity will go hand in hand." | "I didn't want to be a weekend dad," is how Julian Taylor, partner at law firm Simmons and Simmons, explains what drove him to ask for flexible working. | since 2005 he has worked from home on wednesday mornings and then taken the rest of the day off simmons and simmons offers flexible working to all staff and makes this clear in recruitment ads it is stance employers organisation the cbi wants other firms to emulate arguing it will improve diversity in report aimed at encouraging employers to hire broader range of people from varied social backgrounds age groups races and gender the cbi suggests advertising flexible working at the outset just one in ten job adverts mention flexible working despite more than half of employers offering it meaning they miss out on wider pool of applicants according to the report the cbi also suggests that firms remove candidates names from job applications in bid to reduce unconscious bias in hiring decisions the organisation argues that firms with broader pool of staff will perform better cbi president paul drechsler says inclusive workplaces give firms the chance to get ahead of their competitors by making better decisions through diverse teams which draw on wider range of ideas and experiences since 2014 simmons simmons has allowed almost all its staff to work remotely one day week of their choice without having to request permission from their boss it says the move was aimed at making flexible working right rather than an exception and has seen significant increase in the number of people who have taken up flexible working mr taylor says in 2005 when he asked to work flexibly it was quite unusual but said he was granted permission in just three weeks being at home one day week has enabled him to spend more time with his three children now aged 14 12 and at the time when asked was relatively new partner and also relatively new dad and had two young children and was worried was not seeing huge amount of them during the week now the children are older he says he can pick them up from school as well as drop them off at activities haven done anything particularly dramatic with the time but it nice to be there day-to-day and talk about what going on at school the change has also enabled mr taylor partner to work later on wednesday helping her progress at work as well as make him feel loyal to the firm it is these sorts of factors that the cbi wants companies to be aware of mr drechsler argues that flexible working should no longer be seen as bonus for staff but instead as something that also has clear benefits for employers other recommendations in the report include the report said data from earlier this month showing the uk productivity still lags well behind other major economies meant employing broader range of people was now more crucial than ever and would help create more engaged employees the economic and social challenges that the uk faces have been thrown into sharp relief by brexit in particular around issues like productivity inclusion and opportunity mr drechsler says as businesses it is up to us to seize the opportunities that exist to make some positive changes becoming firms that will be competitive into the middle of the 21st century if we get it right business growth and greater opportunity will go hand in hand | _START_ "I didn't want to be a weekend dad," is how Julian Taylor, partner at law firm Simmons and Simmons, explains what drove him to ask for flexible working. _END_ |
A proposed scheme would have scrapped upfront relief, worth an estimated £21bn to savers, but made pension pot withdrawals tax free.
An alternative option was to set a flat rate of tax relief, which may have been unpopular with higher earners.
Labour's shadow chancellor John McDonnell said Mr Osborne was "yet again ducking a big decision".
Campaigners said he had missed a "huge opportunity" to tackle pension inequality and help the lower paid.
But others said he was right to protect existing reliefs, and that radical reforms would have created new risks and imposed new administrative burdens on employers.
Mr Osborne had been expected to unveil changes in the Budget on 16 March, but a Treasury source said it was "not the right time" to make changes to pension tax relief.
The relief allows some of a person's earnings that would have been taken by government in tax to go into their pension instead.
Under the current system, pension savers receive tax relief at the same rate as their income tax - meaning basic rate taxpayers receive relief at 20% and higher rate taxpayers at 40 or 45%.
The proposal to introduce arrangements similar to an Isa, with no tax relief on contributions but with withdrawals free of tax, would have given a significant short-term boost to the government at the expense of lower tax revenue later.
An alternative option considered by the Treasury was for flat rate relief, which would have benefited basic rate taxpayers and cut reliefs for higher earners.
BBC business correspondent Joe Lynam
So a policy which hadn't been announced will now not be announced.
And the big winners of this non-announcement will be wealthy people. At the moment not only do they earn more, they also get a proportionately bigger tax top-up from the government when they save for their retirement.
If the chancellor had scrapped the tax relief entirely on pensions savings and created instead a new pensions Isa, that would have cost the better off (40p and 45p taxpayers) billions of pounds collectively.
The other proposal which had been reported was to create a new pension tax relief rate of 25p or even 33p. That would have punished higher earners as well but not by as much as the Isa-style option.
It would also have encouraged saving for retirement by the less well off (20p taxpayers) by, in effect, giving a pound for every four they saved.
Mick McAteer, co-director of the Financial Inclusion Centre, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme he was "very disappointed" that the government had stepped away from tackling the "clear inequality in our pension system".
Dot Gibson, general secretary of the National Pensioners Convention, Britain's biggest pensioner organisation, said: "The chancellor has wasted a golden opportunity to not only reform the unfair system of pension tax relief, but at the same time solve the funding crisis in social care."
Conservative MP Mark Garnier, who sits on the Treasury select committee, acknowledged that the present system "massively favours those people who are earning more money" and told Today he favoured "a fundamental rehash of the pension system".
However, he said a flat rate relief would have been "quite difficult to administer" and more thought should be given to what reforms would work best.
Mr McDonnell said the chancellor was "putting the interests of his party ahead of those of our country".
"The big test for this Budget is whether it can start to lay the secure foundations for the economy of the future. This decision suggests George Osborne is only interested in securing the future leadership of his party."
Former Liberal Democrat pensions minister Steve Webb, who now works in the pensions industry, said Mr Osborne had been right to resist changes.
He called for a "period of stability" in pensions policy in the interest of encouraging people to save for the long term.
Savers pay no tax on money they put into a pension but they do pay tax on what they take out each year beyond the personal allowance.
The government also allows pensioners to withdraw 25% of their pot tax free as a lump sum.
The way the relief works is that some of a person's earnings that would have been taken by government in tax can be contributed to their pension instead.
Pension savers receive tax relief at the highest rate of income tax they pay.
This means that the cost of a £10,000 pension contribution would, in effect, be £8,000 for a basic rate taxpayer because otherwise £2,000 would have gone in tax. For a 40% taxpayer the saving would be £4,000, and £4,500 for those at the 45% rate. So present arrangements favour the better off.
The amount anyone can save into a pension and receive tax relief on is capped at £40,000 annually and £1.25m in their lifetime.
Mr Osborne was warned ahead of the Budget that introducing Isa-style arrangements could prompt a mass withdrawal from pension funds.
Conservative MPs had also become concerned about the impact on their constituents of any move to flat rate relief, which would have reduced breaks for higher rate taxpayers.
BBC political correspondent Eleanor Garnier said Mr Osborne's decision was also a recognition of how fragile the EU referendum campaign is and removed the risk of upsetting voters ahead of the vote on 23 June.
An ally of the chancellor told the Times that Mr Osborne did not want to put people off saving. "Now isn't the right time, with uncertainty in the global economy and reforms such as auto-enrolment still bedding in, to turn things on their head.
The prospect of radical reform had also been opposed by the pensions industry.
Changes to the pensions system in recent years have included automatic enrolment into workplace pensions in 2012, and people aged 55 and over being allowed to take their retirement pots how they want rather than being required to buy an annuity retirement income - introduced in 2015. | Chancellor George Osborne has dropped plans to end or alter tax relief on pension contributions. | a proposed scheme would have scrapped upfront relief worth an estimated £21bn to savers but made pension pot withdrawals tax free an alternative option was to set flat rate of tax relief which may have been unpopular with higher earners labour shadow chancellor john mcdonnell said mr osborne was yet again ducking big decision campaigners said he had missed huge opportunity to tackle pension inequality and help the lower paid but others said he was right to protect existing reliefs and that radical reforms would have created new risks and imposed new administrative burdens on employers mr osborne had been expected to unveil changes in the budget on 16 march but treasury source said it was not the right time to make changes to pension tax relief the relief allows some of person earnings that would have been taken by government in tax to go into their pension instead under the current system pension savers receive tax relief at the same rate as their income tax meaning basic rate taxpayers receive relief at 20% and higher rate taxpayers at 40 or 45% the proposal to introduce arrangements similar to an isa with no tax relief on contributions but with withdrawals free of tax would have given significant short-term boost to the government at the expense of lower tax revenue later an alternative option considered by the treasury was for flat rate relief which would have benefited basic rate taxpayers and cut reliefs for higher earners bbc business correspondent joe lynam so policy which hadn been announced will now not be announced and the big winners of this non-announcement will be wealthy people at the moment not only do they earn more they also get proportionately bigger tax top-up from the government when they save for their retirement if the chancellor had scrapped the tax relief entirely on pensions savings and created instead new pensions isa that would have cost the better off 40p and 45p taxpayers billions of pounds collectively the other proposal which had been reported was to create new pension tax relief rate of 25p or even 33p that would have punished higher earners as well but not by as much as the isa-style option it would also have encouraged saving for retirement by the less well off 20p taxpayers by in effect giving pound for every four they saved mick mcateer co-director of the financial inclusion centre told bbc radio today programme he was very disappointed that the government had stepped away from tackling the clear inequality in our pension system dot gibson general secretary of the national pensioners convention britain biggest pensioner organisation said the chancellor has wasted golden opportunity to not only reform the unfair system of pension tax relief but at the same time solve the funding crisis in social care conservative mp mark garnier who sits on the treasury select committee acknowledged that the present system massively favours those people who are earning more money and told today he favoured fundamental rehash of the pension system however he said flat rate relief would have been quite difficult to administer and more thought should be given to what reforms would work best mr mcdonnell said the chancellor was putting the interests of his party ahead of those of our country the big test for this budget is whether it can start to lay the secure foundations for the economy of the future this decision suggests george osborne is only interested in securing the future leadership of his party former liberal democrat pensions minister steve webb who now works in the pensions industry said mr osborne had been right to resist changes he called for period of stability in pensions policy in the interest of encouraging people to save for the long term savers pay no tax on money they put into pension but they do pay tax on what they take out each year beyond the personal allowance the government also allows pensioners to withdraw 25% of their pot tax free as lump sum the way the relief works is that some of person earnings that would have been taken by government in tax can be contributed to their pension instead pension savers receive tax relief at the highest rate of income tax they pay this means that the cost of £10 000 pension contribution would in effect be £8 000 for basic rate taxpayer because otherwise £2 000 would have gone in tax for 40% taxpayer the saving would be £4 000 and £4 500 for those at the 45% rate so present arrangements favour the better off the amount anyone can save into pension and receive tax relief on is capped at £40 000 annually and £1.25m in their lifetime mr osborne was warned ahead of the budget that introducing isa-style arrangements could prompt mass withdrawal from pension funds conservative mps had also become concerned about the impact on their constituents of any move to flat rate relief which would have reduced breaks for higher rate taxpayers bbc political correspondent eleanor garnier said mr osborne decision was also recognition of how fragile the eu referendum campaign is and removed the risk of upsetting voters ahead of the vote on 23 june an ally of the chancellor told the times that mr osborne did not want to put people off saving now isn the right time with uncertainty in the global economy and reforms such as auto-enrolment still bedding in to turn things on their head the prospect of radical reform had also been opposed by the pensions industry changes to the pensions system in recent years have included automatic enrolment into workplace pensions in 2012 and people aged 55 and over being allowed to take their retirement pots how they want rather than being required to buy an annuity retirement income introduced in 2015. | _START_ Chancellor George Osborne has dropped plans to end or alter tax relief on pension contributions. _END_ |
Kilty, James Ellington, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Dwain Chambers are coached by Rana Reider, while Steve Fudge trains James Dasaolu and Adam Gemili.
"There were a couple of clashes of egos between the coaches and the athletes in both groups," said Kilty.
I know there is still tension between the other athletes in our group and their group and the two coaches
"That's the nature of the sport - there are always rivalries, so it's going to happen."
Kilty won gold at the World Indoor Championships in Poland in March and will be making his first appearance on British soil since then when he takes part in the 100m at the BT Great CityGames in Manchester on Saturday.
The 24-year-old did not give details of how the friction started but said there had been "a bit of tension" and "a few words exchanged" at the British Athletics Indoor Championships in Sheffield in February.
"In one group you've got me, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and James Ellington, who are ranked first, second and third in the country at the moment, which is great," Kilty said.
"And then the other group has got Adam Gemili and James Dasaolu, who were the top best sprinters last year, so it's a massive rivalry."
However, Kilty hopes the differences between the two camps can be settled for the benefit of the relay team, which will compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and European Championships in Zurich this summer.
"I try to keep it as professional as I can," added Kilty. "They are all part of the British relay team and I think we all need to get along because, if the quickest relay team were to be put out there, you'd have two members of one group and two members of the other group.
"And we can smash the British record if we do. We can challenge the Jamaicans and the Americans with that squad as long as we can work together. It's a bit of a shame on that point, but hopefully we can work together.
"I'm on speaking terms and friendly with the others, but I know there is still tension between the other athletes in our group and their group and the two coaches."
Dasaolu and Gemili will not be competing at the World Relay Championships in Bahamas on 24 and 25 May as the former is building his fitness after a hamstring injury and the latter has university exams. | World indoor 60m champion Richard Kilty says there is a rift between Britain's two male sprinting camps. | kilty james ellington harry aikines-aryeetey and dwain chambers are coached by rana reider while steve fudge trains james dasaolu and adam gemili there were couple of clashes of egos between the coaches and the athletes in both groups said kilty know there is still tension between the other athletes in our group and their group and the two coaches that the nature of the sport there are always rivalries so it going to happen kilty won gold at the world indoor championships in poland in march and will be making his first appearance on british soil since then when he takes part in the 100m at the bt great citygames in manchester on saturday the 24-year-old did not give details of how the friction started but said there had been bit of tension and few words exchanged at the british athletics indoor championships in sheffield in february in one group you ve got me harry aikines-aryeetey and james ellington who are ranked first second and third in the country at the moment which is great kilty said and then the other group has got adam gemili and james dasaolu who were the top best sprinters last year so it massive rivalry however kilty hopes the differences between the two camps can be settled for the benefit of the relay team which will compete at the commonwealth games in glasgow and european championships in zurich this summer try to keep it as professional as can added kilty they are all part of the british relay team and think we all need to get along because if the quickest relay team were to be put out there you have two members of one group and two members of the other group and we can smash the british record if we do we can challenge the jamaicans and the americans with that squad as long as we can work together it bit of shame on that point but hopefully we can work together on speaking terms and friendly with the others but know there is still tension between the other athletes in our group and their group and the two coaches dasaolu and gemili will not be competing at the world relay championships in bahamas on 24 and 25 may as the former is building his fitness after hamstring injury and the latter has university exams. | _START_ World indoor 60m champion Richard Kilty says there is a rift between Britain's two male sprinting camps. _END_ |
John Lumsden Donaldson, 61, is well aware of what those organisations have been going through.
His business was "virtually closed down for 24 hours" when he was the victim of a similar attack.
And it was only the efforts of his computer programmer son Mark which got his business back up and running.
"It's not just the big companies that have been attacked," John told the BBC.
"We were attacked on Thursday 4 May."
When John opened his doors that day as usual, he had little idea of the problems that lay in store.
He runs an auction company in Spain, where he lives in Formentera del Segura. It is a small business, employing fewer than ten people.
"None of the software would work on our network of computers in the office," he said.
"I thought my son might be updating the network."
He rang his son to check.
"Within five minutes he rang back and told me to unplug the servers and close down the system.
"He said we were being hacked."
John's business had been targeted with ransomware - software which infects vulnerable machines, locks data away and demands payment to unencrypt those files.
"They didn't take anything from us. They just wanted $500 (£390)," John said.
"I said we should just pay. But my son said there was no guarantee they would unencrypt the files after we had paid and they might ask for more money."
John's business uses two servers in England and two physical servers in Spain. All four use Windows operating systems - those in England running the newer Windows 10; those in Spain using an older iteration of Windows Server.
"They locked up our system files so we couldn't run any of our software or access customer data. We could not pay our customers.
"I was worried about the security of our clients but they didn't access any of that part. It was our physical servers in Spain.
"They found a backdoor in Windows Server through our telephone line."
John and Mark worked overnight to resolve the problem.
"Even now we still have issues," John said. "According to my son it's all linked to old Windows software.
"I really felt for our customers. It was a bit embarrassing to say the least.
"Thank God I had my son."
By UGC and Social News team | Organisations worldwide have been scrambling to get systems back online after a massive ransomware cyber-attack. | john lumsden donaldson 61 is well aware of what those organisations have been going through his business was virtually closed down for 24 hours when he was the victim of similar attack and it was only the efforts of his computer programmer son mark which got his business back up and running it not just the big companies that have been attacked john told the bbc we were attacked on thursday may when john opened his doors that day as usual he had little idea of the problems that lay in store he runs an auction company in spain where he lives in formentera del segura it is small business employing fewer than ten people none of the software would work on our network of computers in the office he said thought my son might be updating the network he rang his son to check within five minutes he rang back and told me to unplug the servers and close down the system he said we were being hacked john business had been targeted with ransomware software which infects vulnerable machines locks data away and demands payment to unencrypt those files they didn take anything from us they just wanted $500 â£390 john said said we should just pay but my son said there was no guarantee they would unencrypt the files after we had paid and they might ask for more money john business uses two servers in england and two physical servers in spain all four use windows operating systems those in england running the newer windows 10 those in spain using an older iteration of windows server they locked up our system files so we couldn run any of our software or access customer data we could not pay our customers was worried about the security of our clients but they didn access any of that part it was our physical servers in spain they found backdoor in windows server through our telephone line john and mark worked overnight to resolve the problem even now we still have issues john said according to my son it all linked to old windows software really felt for our customers it was bit embarrassing to say the least thank god had my son by ugc and social news team | _START_ Organisations worldwide have been scrambling to get systems back online after a massive ransomware cyber-attack. _END_ |
Economic nationalists like senior adviser Steve Bannon view withdrawal as visible way for the US to demonstrate that it's putting its own economic interests ahead of the concerns of the "international community".
Movement conservatives, including Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt, are keen to strike a blow to the environmentalist coalition, which they view as creeping socialism cloaked in an earth-friendly guise.
Meanwhile Mr Trump's working-class supporters - particularly those in the economically distressed coal-producing regions of West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania that delivered an Electoral College victory to the president - are more concerned about jobs and their way of life, rather than the distant, amorphous threat of rising sea levels or shifting climate patterns.
Ivanka Trump, along with her husband (and senior White House adviser) Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defence James Mattis, were reportedly strong advocates for remaining in the agreement - for a range of environmental, diplomatic and national security reasons.
The president's daughter even arranged for her father to meet politician-turned-activist Al Gore to discuss the issue during the presidential transition.
The efforts always figured to be an uphill battle, however, given the issues and interests that formed the heart of Mr Trump's presidential campaign.
Mr Trump once notably called global warming a "hoax" perpetrated by the Chinese, but over the course of last year's campaign he was largely silent on environmental issues.
He spoke early and often about jobs, the economy and government overregulation, however, and will likely frame any move to abandon the Paris agreement as evidence that his presidency is taking action to put more money in American pockets.
If such a move angers the international elite, US liberals and media talking heads, so much the better. | While a presidential decision to pull out of the Paris Agreement would roil the international community and frustrate White House advocates of addressing climate change - including Donald Trump's own daughter - there are formidable forces within the administration in favour of such a move. | economic nationalists like senior adviser steve bannon view withdrawal as visible way for the us to demonstrate that it putting its own economic interests ahead of the concerns of the international community movement conservatives including environmental protection agency head scott pruitt are keen to strike blow to the environmentalist coalition which they view as creeping socialism cloaked in an earth-friendly guise meanwhile mr trump working-class supporters particularly those in the economically distressed coal-producing regions of west virginia ohio and pennsylvania that delivered an electoral college victory to the president are more concerned about jobs and their way of life rather than the distant amorphous threat of rising sea levels or shifting climate patterns ivanka trump along with her husband and senior white house adviser jared kushner secretary of state rex tillerson and secretary of defence james mattis were reportedly strong advocates for remaining in the agreement for range of environmental diplomatic and national security reasons the president daughter even arranged for her father to meet politician-turned-activist al gore to discuss the issue during the presidential transition the efforts always figured to be an uphill battle however given the issues and interests that formed the heart of mr trump presidential campaign mr trump once notably called global warming hoax perpetrated by the chinese but over the course of last year campaign he was largely silent on environmental issues he spoke early and often about jobs the economy and government overregulation however and will likely frame any move to abandon the paris agreement as evidence that his presidency is taking action to put more money in american pockets if such move angers the international elite us liberals and media talking heads so much the better. | _START_ While a presidential decision to pull out of the Paris Agreement would roil the international community and frustrate White House advocates of addressing climate change - including Donald Trump's own daughter - there are formidable forces within the administration in favour of such a move. _END_ |
Last year the authorities learned of 946 victims, compared with 710 in 2010, the inter-departmental ministerial group on human trafficking said.
Trafficking gangs in China, Vietnam, Nigeria and eastern Europe now pose the biggest threat to the UK , it said.
The government said better co-ordination between its departments and with authorities abroad was key.
But anti-slavery groups warned government "failures" had led to "significant steps back" in the fight.
By Tom SymondsHome Affairs correspondent
In Ilford, East London, the police moved in at 05:15 BST, smashing through the door of an end of terrace house, but without result. It was empty.
The Met says it carries out two such raids every week, on average.
Two miles away in a second house, they found a Lithuanian family living in one room. A stack of mail showed that a large number of people have stayed there before.
They questioned the Lithuanians who said they were being paid below minimum wage to work in a recycling depot and building firm.
The room costs £140 a week. There was a CCTV camera watching the door of the house.
Are they victims of people trafficking? It's not clear, and often those involved haven't asked themselves the same question.
But police say those who try to run are often subject to violence.
There is currently no official figure for the number of victims trafficked into the country each year.
However, the report said 712 adult victims and 234 child victims were reported last year to the National Referral Mechanism, the official body that identifies and looks after those caught up in trafficking.
Of the victims referred in 2010, 524 were adults and 186 were children.
It is thought the increase could be explained by improvements in identifying victims, although campaigners say the figures of those being trafficked could be far higher as many victims choose not to come forward for fear of being deported.
The report suggested an increase in the number of children being forced into crime, including street begging.
The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre estimates there are about 300 child trafficking victims in the UK every year.
The report also detailed two cases of people trafficked for illegal organ removals, but they were detected and stopped before the operations were carried out.
One involved the planned sale of a victim's kidneys.
Det Insp Kevin Hyland, of London's Metropolitan Police - which sees the UK's highest rates of trafficking - said some victims travelled to the UK in lorries or containers but the majority arrived lawfully, often accompanied by their traffickers.
"The vast majority of them think they're coming to a better life in the UK," he said.
Mr Hyland said it was often "almost impossible" for border guards to spot victims because they often did not even know they were being trafficked.
Many victims are promised jobs in the hotel or leisure industry, or as interpreters, but when they arrive they are "groomed or threatened" and used for sexual exploitation, forced labour or both, he said.
In London, police deal with more than 100 cases of trafficking a year. Some will involve more than 400 victims but the majority involve about 10 to 15 people.
The report revealed the largest number of referrals of potential victims of trafficking were Nigerian nationals. From within Europe, Romanian nationals were the biggest group referred.
There are an estimated 92 organised crime groups in the UK with known involvement in human trafficking, it said.
And 142 defendants were charged with offences related to human trafficking in 2011/12.
By Philippa RoxbyHealth reporter, BBC News
The two potential victims of organ trafficking in the UK in 2011 are the first people identified as being forced into giving up their internal organs for transplant.
But it's still a small problem, with organ trafficking making up only 1% of all potential victims of trafficking last year, according to the Serious Organised Crime Association.
Cases of illegal organ trading are rare in the UK because of safeguards in place.
The Human Tissue Authority sees 1,200 cases a year of living organ donation - 95% involve kidneys and 5% liver lobes.
These cases include people making altruistic organ donations and those coming from abroad to donate organs to family members.
The HTA interviews all potential donors to make sure they are consenting freely and to ensure there is no reward or payment.
The process can take up to six months with the donor required to sign a form stating no coercion was involved.
Only when the HTA is satisfied would the operation be allowed to go ahead.
Advice is being drafted for NHS staff to help them identify potential cases of organ trafficking.
The report concluded intelligence sharing with international police forces was already "proving effective".
Immigration minister Mark Harper said the results demonstrated UK professionals were getting better at "spotting" the crime due to "cross-government" cooperation.
"We're doing a better job of cracking down people involved in the vile trade," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
But the number of those prosecuted was "not enough," he said.
"One of the things we do is to prosecute people for the most serious offences we can, and sometimes that's not a trafficking offence."
Mr Harper also said agencies needed to "make sure victims who are trafficked are treated as victims and not as offenders, which has happened in the past".
Dr Aidan McQuade, director of Anti-Slavery International, said Mr Harper "must face up to the fact" that the problem was worsening "because of fundamental policy failures".
He said the government viewed the problem "through the lens of immigration" and had allowed rights for migrant workers to slip from "best practice".
"It would be helpful if the government appointed a national commissioner on trafficking to make sure policy on this issue was unimpeded by politics."
The report revealed thousands of "front-line" workers, including border staff, police and healthcare workers, have been trained to better identify, support and protect victims over the past two years.
Some airlines, including Virgin Atlantic and Thomas Cook, are also training cabin crew to identify those who engaged in trafficking and their potential victims.
And a 24-hour confidential line has been set up for crew to report concerns to border officials before a plane lands in the UK. | The number of people being trafficked into the UK is rising, latest government estimates suggest. | last year the authorities learned of 946 victims compared with 710 in 2010 the inter-departmental ministerial group on human trafficking said trafficking gangs in china vietnam nigeria and eastern europe now pose the biggest threat to the uk it said the government said better co-ordination between its departments and with authorities abroad was key but anti-slavery groups warned government failures had led to significant steps back in the fight by tom symondshome affairs correspondent in ilford east london the police moved in at 05:15 bst smashing through the door of an end of terrace house but without result it was empty the met says it carries out two such raids every week on average two miles away in second house they found lithuanian family living in one room stack of mail showed that large number of people have stayed there before they questioned the lithuanians who said they were being paid below minimum wage to work in recycling depot and building firm the room costs â£140 week there was cctv camera watching the door of the house are they victims of people trafficking it not clear and often those involved haven asked themselves the same question but police say those who try to run are often subject to violence there is currently no official figure for the number of victims trafficked into the country each year however the report said 712 adult victims and 234 child victims were reported last year to the national referral mechanism the official body that identifies and looks after those caught up in trafficking of the victims referred in 2010 524 were adults and 186 were children it is thought the increase could be explained by improvements in identifying victims although campaigners say the figures of those being trafficked could be far higher as many victims choose not to come forward for fear of being deported the report suggested an increase in the number of children being forced into crime including street begging the child exploitation and online protection centre estimates there are about 300 child trafficking victims in the uk every year the report also detailed two cases of people trafficked for illegal organ removals but they were detected and stopped before the operations were carried out one involved the planned sale of victim kidneys det insp kevin hyland of london metropolitan police which sees the uk highest rates of trafficking said some victims travelled to the uk in lorries or containers but the majority arrived lawfully often accompanied by their traffickers the vast majority of them think they re coming to better life in the uk he said mr hyland said it was often almost impossible for border guards to spot victims because they often did not even know they were being trafficked many victims are promised jobs in the hotel or leisure industry or as interpreters but when they arrive they are groomed or threatened and used for sexual exploitation forced labour or both he said in london police deal with more than 100 cases of trafficking year some will involve more than 400 victims but the majority involve about 10 to 15 people the report revealed the largest number of referrals of potential victims of trafficking were nigerian nationals from within europe romanian nationals were the biggest group referred there are an estimated 92 organised crime groups in the uk with known involvement in human trafficking it said and 142 defendants were charged with offences related to human trafficking in 2011/12 by philippa roxbyhealth reporter bbc news the two potential victims of organ trafficking in the uk in 2011 are the first people identified as being forced into giving up their internal organs for transplant but it still small problem with organ trafficking making up only 1% of all potential victims of trafficking last year according to the serious organised crime association cases of illegal organ trading are rare in the uk because of safeguards in place the human tissue authority sees 200 cases year of living organ donation 95% involve kidneys and 5% liver lobes these cases include people making altruistic organ donations and those coming from abroad to donate organs to family members the hta interviews all potential donors to make sure they are consenting freely and to ensure there is no reward or payment the process can take up to six months with the donor required to sign form stating no coercion was involved only when the hta is satisfied would the operation be allowed to go ahead advice is being drafted for nhs staff to help them identify potential cases of organ trafficking the report concluded intelligence sharing with international police forces was already proving effective immigration minister mark harper said the results demonstrated uk professionals were getting better at spotting the crime due to cross-government cooperation we re doing better job of cracking down people involved in the vile trade he told bbc radio live but the number of those prosecuted was not enough he said one of the things we do is to prosecute people for the most serious offences we can and sometimes that not trafficking offence mr harper also said agencies needed to make sure victims who are trafficked are treated as victims and not as offenders which has happened in the past dr aidan mcquade director of anti-slavery international said mr harper must face up to the fact that the problem was worsening because of fundamental policy failures he said the government viewed the problem through the lens of immigration and had allowed rights for migrant workers to slip from best practice it would be helpful if the government appointed national commissioner on trafficking to make sure policy on this issue was unimpeded by politics the report revealed thousands of front-line workers including border staff police and healthcare workers have been trained to better identify support and protect victims over the past two years some airlines including virgin atlantic and thomas cook are also training cabin crew to identify those who engaged in trafficking and their potential victims and 24-hour confidential line has been set up for crew to report concerns to border officials before plane lands in the uk. | _START_ The number of people being trafficked into the UK is rising, latest government estimates suggest. _END_ |
The final annual report from the Independent Monitoring Board for HMP Birmingham described staff morale as "palpably low" during the process.
After nearly three years, G4S Care and Justice Services took over the prison in October last year.
However, the board has also welcomed the new owner and "looks forward to innovations" that will help the prison.
The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) was concerned that the privatisation process, with promised announcements, was continually delayed.
It felt that the implementation, from the initial announcement on 31 March to the new owners taking over on 1 October, took too long.
The report praised prison staff who continued to cope with increasing problems, such as gang culture.
During the process, the Prison Service was also bidding to retain the contract and inmates were said to be concerned about the privatisation.
The IMB has recommended that "lessons be learned from HMP Birmingham's experience" and that similar processes should be shortened.
Nine other prisons will go through the market-testing process.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said: "We will formally respond to the IMB report on HMP Birmingham in due course.
"The public have a right to expect continuing improvement in the quality and efficiency of public services, without compromising public safety.
"The competition strategy and adjustments to the prison estate will help ensure that this is the case, while achieving best value for taxpayers." | A report has highlighted concerns over the process in which a prison became the first in the UK to be privatised. | the final annual report from the independent monitoring board for hmp birmingham described staff morale as palpably low during the process after nearly three years g4s care and justice services took over the prison in october last year however the board has also welcomed the new owner and looks forward to innovations that will help the prison the independent monitoring board imb was concerned that the privatisation process with promised announcements was continually delayed it felt that the implementation from the initial announcement on 31 march to the new owners taking over on october took too long the report praised prison staff who continued to cope with increasing problems such as gang culture during the process the prison service was also bidding to retain the contract and inmates were said to be concerned about the privatisation the imb has recommended that lessons be learned from hmp birmingham experience and that similar processes should be shortened nine other prisons will go through the market-testing process spokesperson for the ministry of justice said we will formally respond to the imb report on hmp birmingham in due course the public have right to expect continuing improvement in the quality and efficiency of public services without compromising public safety the competition strategy and adjustments to the prison estate will help ensure that this is the case while achieving best value for taxpayers | _START_ A report has highlighted concerns over the process in which a prison became the first in the UK to be privatised. _END_ |
He has been Lille's first choice keeper since 2013 and has made 130 appearances for the club in all competitions.
The 33-year-old, whose previous deal ran until next year, says he is very settled at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
"I am very happy to extend my contract with Lille, a club I call home," Enyeama told BBC Sport.
"I love the family atmosphere here and would like to thank the club for the incredible confidence they have placed in me since I joined five years ago.
"Despite receiving interesting offers from elsewhere, I never thought for a second that money comes before happiness hence my decision to stay here.
"I will continue to give my all, along with my teammates, to bring joy and success to our supporters who have all passionately stood by us."
This season Enyeama's Lille, beaten in the Coupe de la Ligue final by Paris St-Germain, leapfrogged Saint-Etienne to finish fifth at the end of the 2015-2016 season to seal a place in next season's Europa League.
With 17 clean sheets from 35 league games this term Lille official Jean-Michel Van Damme is delighted to tie the Nigerian down to a new deal.
"Vincent is an exceptional lad both on and off the field," said Van Damme.
"To continue to work with a player of his calibre and a man of his quality is something fantastic for the club.
"He still has bright future and showed again this season, the full extent of his immense qualities. He is happy here and feels at home.
"He brings so much with his talent, his state of mind and ability to motivate the group, we could not afford to lose the opportunity to extend his contract.
"I also think that his presence will be important in the progression of young understudy Mike Maignan. We are happy that Enyeama is able to finish his career at Lille." | Vincent Enyeama has extended his deal with French club Lille by two years tying the former Nigeria international goalkeeper to the club until 2019. | he has been lille first choice keeper since 2013 and has made 130 appearances for the club in all competitions the 33-year-old whose previous deal ran until next year says he is very settled at stade pierre-mauroy am very happy to extend my contract with lille club call home enyeama told bbc sport love the family atmosphere here and would like to thank the club for the incredible confidence they have placed in me since joined five years ago despite receiving interesting offers from elsewhere never thought for second that money comes before happiness hence my decision to stay here will continue to give my all along with my teammates to bring joy and success to our supporters who have all passionately stood by us this season enyeama lille beaten in the coupe de la ligue final by paris st-germain leapfrogged saint-etienne to finish fifth at the end of the 2015-2016 season to seal place in next season europa league with 17 clean sheets from 35 league games this term lille official jean-michel van damme is delighted to tie the nigerian down to new deal vincent is an exceptional lad both on and off the field said van damme to continue to work with player of his calibre and man of his quality is something fantastic for the club he still has bright future and showed again this season the full extent of his immense qualities he is happy here and feels at home he brings so much with his talent his state of mind and ability to motivate the group we could not afford to lose the opportunity to extend his contract also think that his presence will be important in the progression of young understudy mike maignan we are happy that enyeama is able to finish his career at lille | _START_ Vincent Enyeama has extended his deal with French club Lille by two years tying the former Nigeria international goalkeeper to the club until 2019. _END_ |
Here's a look back at some of the show's most memorable moments:
The birth of one of pop music's biggest beefs all started when Kanye West jumped on stage in the middle of Taylor Swift accepting her award for best female video.
When Swift's video for You Belong With Me beat Beyonce's Single Ladies, the rapper headed for the stage and took Taylor's microphone.
He said: "Taylor, I'm really happy for you, and I'ma let you finish... but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time."
Kanye was booed by he audience, and when Beyonce herself accepted the award for video of the year later in the ceremony, she invited Swift back onstage to finish her speech.
Although Britney Spears was already a global superstar, this moment cemented her status as a pop culture icon as she performed her hit song I'm a Slave 4 U whilst draped with a seven-foot Burmese python.
Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and several other animal rights groups weren't too thrilled about this.
Recalling the performance last year, Britney said: "Oh my goodness, why did I do that? That was so dumb," adding that she would "never" do it again.
Lady Gaga is no stranger to shocking the world with crazy outfits, and this one surely topped the list.
In 2010, the pop star accepted her video of the year award in a dress made from raw beef.
The dress was condemned by several animal rights groups but went on to be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
In an interview with American news anchor Anderson Cooper, Gaga explained that her dress was in protest against the US military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, a rule that banned open homosexuality in the armed forces.
Beyonce announced her pregnancy with Blue Ivy in the most Beyonce way ever.
After delivering a killer performance of Love On Top, she unbuttoned her blazer, dropped her microphone on the floor (we're sure the sound engineers were big fans of that) and began rubbing her tummy.
The audience (and her fanbase) went suitably crazy.
Madonna isn't a stranger to delivering crazy performances - from hanging on a crucifix to rocking up in a ball gown as a French royal, we've seen it all.
And whilst her 1984 performance at the VMAs would be considered quite tame by today's standards, at the time it was pretty groundbreaking.
From her wedding dress costume, to the massive cake she emerged from to her hip thrusting on stage, critics suggested Madonna had set the standard for other artists performing at the VMAs to match.
Britney and VMA stunts go hand-in-hand, so it's perhaps unsurprising she features more on our list than anybody else.
The singer started her 2000 performance in a tuxedo whilst singing I Can't Get No (Satisfaction). All very formal and elegant.
But then the whole world watched Britney rip off her clothes to reveal a skin-tone, bedazzled body suit as she began to sing Oops... I Did It Again.
Critics cited this moment as a turning point for Britney's career - between the song and the costume, she did a pretty good job of trying to shed that Mickey Mouse Club image and show the world she was growing up.
One of the most jaw dropping moments of VMA history was when Nicki Minaj called out Miley Cyrus.
It all started when the rapper criticised MTV for leaving Anaconda out of the video of the year category, implying that she would have been nominated if she was white.
Taylor Swift took this as a jab directed at her and responded on Twitter, after which the two engaged in a war of words. And then Miley weighed in on the topic.
"What I read sounded very Nicki Minaj, which, if you know Nicki Minaj, is not too kind," Miley said.
"It's not very polite. I think there's a way you speak to people with openness and love. You don't have to start this pop star against pop star war."
As Nicki accepted her award on stage and handed back to Miley, who was hosting the ceremony, she said: "And now, back to this [girl] that had a lot to say about me the other day in the press. Miley, what's good?"
Nicki later explained to The New York Times Magazine: "I saw [Miley] just looking at me, with her face screwed up, and I thought, 'What the...?'"
"The fact that you feel upset about me speaking on something that affects black women makes me feel like you have some big balls."
And while we're on the subject of Miley Cyrus...
After finishing her performance of We Can't Stop in 2013, the singer was joined on stage by Robin Thicke and that's when things got a little... R-rated.
As Thicke began singing the controversial Blurred Lines, Cyrus began stroking him with a foam finger and doing her own interpretation of "twerking" in her latex beige bikini.
After Twitter melted, the singer defended it and claimed that she wanted to make history (mission accomplished) - but now it seems she regrets it.
Natia Kirkland - commonly known as Lil Mama - seemed to have got caught up in the moment when Jay-Z and Alicia Keys were performing their ode to New York, Empire State of Mind.
As the song came to a close, Kirkland who is also a native New Yorker, jumped on stage and posed next to the two superstars with Jay-Z trying his hardest to ignore her.
In the middle of performing a mash-up of hits in 2003, Madonna surprised the world by kissing Britney Spears onstage.
After cutting to the confused look on Justin Timberlake's face, Madonna then kissed Christina Aguilera.
At a time where both Spears and Aguilera were still trying to shake off their innocent teen-idol images, the kiss was an unforgettable VMA moment.
Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk | The MTV Video Music Awards are known for showcasing some of the biggest and wildest moments in pop culture history - from outrageous twerking to drama-filled feuds. | here look back at some of the show most memorable moments the birth of one of pop music biggest beefs all started when kanye west jumped on stage in the middle of taylor swift accepting her award for best female video when swift video for you belong with me beat beyonce single ladies the rapper headed for the stage and took taylor microphone he said taylor really happy for you and ma let you finish but beyoncã had one of the best videos of all time kanye was booed by he audience and when beyonce herself accepted the award for video of the year later in the ceremony she invited swift back onstage to finish her speech although britney spears was already global superstar this moment cemented her status as pop culture icon as she performed her hit song slave whilst draped with seven-foot burmese python peta people for the ethical treatment of animals and several other animal rights groups weren too thrilled about this recalling the performance last year britney said oh my goodness why did do that that was so dumb adding that she would never do it again lady gaga is no stranger to shocking the world with crazy outfits and this one surely topped the list in 2010 the pop star accepted her video of the year award in dress made from raw beef the dress was condemned by several animal rights groups but went on to be inducted in the rock and roll hall of fame in 2011 in an interview with american news anchor anderson cooper gaga explained that her dress was in protest against the us military don ask don tell policy rule that banned open homosexuality in the armed forces beyonce announced her pregnancy with blue ivy in the most beyonce way ever after delivering killer performance of love on top she unbuttoned her blazer dropped her microphone on the floor we re sure the sound engineers were big fans of that and began rubbing her tummy the audience and her fanbase went suitably crazy madonna isn stranger to delivering crazy performances from hanging on crucifix to rocking up in ball gown as french royal we ve seen it all and whilst her 1984 performance at the vmas would be considered quite tame by today standards at the time it was pretty groundbreaking from her wedding dress costume to the massive cake she emerged from to her hip thrusting on stage critics suggested madonna had set the standard for other artists performing at the vmas to match britney and vma stunts go hand-in-hand so it perhaps unsurprising she features more on our list than anybody else the singer started her 2000 performance in tuxedo whilst singing can get no satisfaction all very formal and elegant but then the whole world watched britney rip off her clothes to reveal skin-tone bedazzled body suit as she began to sing oops did it again critics cited this moment as turning point for britney career between the song and the costume she did pretty good job of trying to shed that mickey mouse club image and show the world she was growing up one of the most jaw dropping moments of vma history was when nicki minaj called out miley cyrus it all started when the rapper criticised mtv for leaving anaconda out of the video of the year category implying that she would have been nominated if she was white taylor swift took this as jab directed at her and responded on twitter after which the two engaged in war of words and then miley weighed in on the topic what read sounded very nicki minaj which if you know nicki minaj is not too kind miley said it not very polite think there way you speak to people with openness and love you don have to start this pop star against pop star war as nicki accepted her award on stage and handed back to miley who was hosting the ceremony she said and now back to this girl that had lot to say about me the other day in the press miley what good nicki later explained to the new york times magazine saw miley just looking at me with her face screwed up and thought what the the fact that you feel upset about me speaking on something that affects black women makes me feel like you have some big balls and while we re on the subject of miley cyrus after finishing her performance of we can stop in 2013 the singer was joined on stage by robin thicke and that when things got little r-rated as thicke began singing the controversial blurred lines cyrus began stroking him with foam finger and doing her own interpretation of twerking in her latex beige bikini after twitter melted the singer defended it and claimed that she wanted to make history mission accomplished but now it seems she regrets it natia kirkland commonly known as lil mama seemed to have got caught up in the moment when jay-z and alicia keys were performing their ode to new york empire state of mind as the song came to close kirkland who is also native new yorker jumped on stage and posed next to the two superstars with jay-z trying his hardest to ignore her in the middle of performing mash-up of hits in 2003 madonna surprised the world by kissing britney spears onstage after cutting to the confused look on justin timberlake face madonna then kissed christina aguilera at time where both spears and aguilera were still trying to shake off their innocent teen-idol images the kiss was an unforgettable vma moment follow us on facebook on twitter @bbcnewsents or on instagram at bbcnewsents if you have story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk | _START_ The MTV Video Music Awards are known for showcasing some of the biggest and wildest moments in pop culture history - from outrageous twerking to drama-filled feuds. _END_ |
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also advised against packing the phones into any checked-in luggage.
Samsung recalled the phone last week after reports emerged of the device exploding during or after charging.
Qantas and Virgin Australia have also told customers not to charge or use the phone during flights.
Samsung said it would speed up shipments of replacement Galaxy Note 7 phones to ease safety concerns.
Earlier this week, US TV channel Fox 10 reported claims that a faulty Galaxy Note 7 had set fire to a family's Jeep.
Samsung has said that battery problems were behind the phones catching fire, but that it was difficult to work out which phones were affected among those sold.
"In light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices, the Federal Aviation Administration strongly advises passengers not to turn on or charge these devices on board aircraft and not to stow them in any checked baggage," the FAA said.
Following Samsung's recall of its Galaxy Note 7, Qantas said on Thursday it was "requesting that passengers who own [the devices] do not switch on or charge them in-flight."
The phone was launched last month and has been otherwise generally well-received by consumers and critics.
Some 2.5 million Note 7s have been shipped globally.
Samsung has said customers who have already bought the phone will be able to swap it for a new one and that it would take about two weeks to prepare replacement devices.
Analysis: Dave Lee, BBC North America technology reporter
This is precautionary advice and not understood to be in reaction to any incident on a plane.
But it does continue the headache for Samsung - even once the company goes through the motions of getting the device recalled, the Note 7 will forever be the exploding smartphone.
This is not the first time the FAA has warned about the dangers of lithium batteries on flights. Earlier this year, it urged airlines to assess the risk of transporting lithium batteries as cargo.
And the administration also insists that any spare lithium battery be kept with the passenger rather than kept with luggage in the hold - though as a person who regularly travels with big lithium batteries for camera equipment, I can tell you this is inconsistently enforced.
What makes lithium batteries catch fire?
The US trade group Airlines for America said it was "closely monitoring" the Note 7 issue and that carriers in the US would make their own ruling over the use of the phone on board.
"Each individual carrier makes determinations, in compliance with FAA safety rules and regulations, as to what is permitted to be carried on board and in the cargo hold," an Airlines for America spokesperson said in a statement.
South Korea-listed shares of Samsung Electronics were down close to 3% in early Friday trade. | Airline passengers have been warned by US authorities not to switch on or charge their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones when on board the plane. | the federal aviation administration faa also advised against packing the phones into any checked-in luggage samsung recalled the phone last week after reports emerged of the device exploding during or after charging qantas and virgin australia have also told customers not to charge or use the phone during flights samsung said it would speed up shipments of replacement galaxy note phones to ease safety concerns earlier this week us tv channel fox 10 reported claims that faulty galaxy note had set fire to family jeep samsung has said that battery problems were behind the phones catching fire but that it was difficult to work out which phones were affected among those sold in light of recent incidents and concerns raised by samsung about its galaxy note devices the federal aviation administration strongly advises passengers not to turn on or charge these devices on board aircraft and not to stow them in any checked baggage the faa said following samsung recall of its galaxy note qantas said on thursday it was requesting that passengers who own the devices do not switch on or charge them in-flight the phone was launched last month and has been otherwise generally well-received by consumers and critics some 2.5 million note 7s have been shipped globally samsung has said customers who have already bought the phone will be able to swap it for new one and that it would take about two weeks to prepare replacement devices analysis dave lee bbc north america technology reporter this is precautionary advice and not understood to be in reaction to any incident on plane but it does continue the headache for samsung even once the company goes through the motions of getting the device recalled the note will forever be the exploding smartphone this is not the first time the faa has warned about the dangers of lithium batteries on flights earlier this year it urged airlines to assess the risk of transporting lithium batteries as cargo and the administration also insists that any spare lithium battery be kept with the passenger rather than kept with luggage in the hold though as person who regularly travels with big lithium batteries for camera equipment can tell you this is inconsistently enforced what makes lithium batteries catch fire the us trade group airlines for america said it was closely monitoring the note issue and that carriers in the us would make their own ruling over the use of the phone on board each individual carrier makes determinations in compliance with faa safety rules and regulations as to what is permitted to be carried on board and in the cargo hold an airlines for america spokesperson said in statement south korea-listed shares of samsung electronics were down close to 3% in early friday trade. | _START_ Airline passengers have been warned by US authorities not to switch on or charge their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones when on board the plane. _END_ |
First Minister Arlene Foster said the terms for an independent inquiry were worked out in consultation with the attorney general.
She said they were sent to Sinn Féin who, so far, had not responded.
However, Sinn Féin's MLA Conor Murphy said they were "insufficient".
"There has been no agreement with the DUP on the terms of reference of an independent investigation," he said.
"In order to restore public confidence in the political institutions we need an independent investigation, which is robust, transparent, timeframed and led by a senior judicial figure from outside the jurisdiction and with the power to compel witnesses and subpoena documents.
"Arlene Foster should step aside to facilitate that investigation pending a preliminary report."
Set up in November 2012, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme was an attempt by the Northern Ireland Executive to help to increase consumption of heat from renewable sources.
It is approximately £490m over budget as businesses were receiving more in subsidies than they were paying for renewable fuel and the scheme became heavily oversubscribed. | Sinn Féin has said terms of reference drawn up by the head of the civil service for an investigation into the RHI debacle are short of what is required. | first minister arlene foster said the terms for an independent inquiry were worked out in consultation with the attorney general she said they were sent to sinn féin who so far had not responded however sinn féin mla conor murphy said they were insufficient there has been no agreement with the dup on the terms of reference of an independent investigation he said in order to restore public confidence in the political institutions we need an independent investigation which is robust transparent timeframed and led by senior judicial figure from outside the jurisdiction and with the power to compel witnesses and subpoena documents arlene foster should step aside to facilitate that investigation pending preliminary report set up in november 2012 the renewable heat incentive rhi scheme was an attempt by the northern ireland executive to help to increase consumption of heat from renewable sources it is approximately £490m over budget as businesses were receiving more in subsidies than they were paying for renewable fuel and the scheme became heavily oversubscribed. | _START_ Sinn Féin has said terms of reference drawn up by the head of the civil service for an investigation into the RHI debacle are short of what is required. _END_ |
The Ivorian left the Swans for the Etihad Stadium on a four-year contract in 2015 for a fee worth up to £28m.
Bony, 28, managed only eight goals in 46 appearances for City - more than half of which came as a substitute - and spent last season on loan at Stoke.
His potential return to Wales could depend on the future of Swansea's top scorer last season, Fernando Llorente.
The 32-year-old, who is currently sidelined with an arm injury, has been a transfer target for Chelsea, having worked with the Premier League champions' manager, Antonio Conte, at Juventus.
Swansea have yet to receive a bid this summer for the Spain international, who scored 15 goals last season to help the Welsh club avoid relegation from the top flight.
The Swans did reject offers for Llorente during the January transfer window, and a move for Bony could be seen as insurance should Llorente leave.
Swansea signed England Under-21 striker Tammy Abraham on a season-long loan from Chelsea earlier this summer.
But with club record signing Borja Baston on loan at Malaga, the Swans could be short of forward options if Llorente was to leave.
Before Baston's arrival, Bony was Swansea's record signing when he joined from Vitesse Arnhem for £12m in 2013.
He scored 34 goals in all competitions for the Swans before his move to City.
Bony's high wages at City were thought to be a stumbling block for a potential return to the Liberty Stadium, though Swansea could soon have more money if midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson joins Everton. | Swansea City are weighing up a move to re-sign striker Wilfried Bony from Manchester City. | the ivorian left the swans for the etihad stadium on four-year contract in 2015 for fee worth up to £28m bony 28 managed only eight goals in 46 appearances for city more than half of which came as substitute and spent last season on loan at stoke his potential return to wales could depend on the future of swansea top scorer last season fernando llorente the 32-year-old who is currently sidelined with an arm injury has been transfer target for chelsea having worked with the premier league champions manager antonio conte at juventus swansea have yet to receive bid this summer for the spain international who scored 15 goals last season to help the welsh club avoid relegation from the top flight the swans did reject offers for llorente during the january transfer window and move for bony could be seen as insurance should llorente leave swansea signed england under-21 striker tammy abraham on season-long loan from chelsea earlier this summer but with club record signing borja baston on loan at malaga the swans could be short of forward options if llorente was to leave before baston arrival bony was swansea record signing when he joined from vitesse arnhem for £12m in 2013 he scored 34 goals in all competitions for the swans before his move to city bony high wages at city were thought to be stumbling block for potential return to the liberty stadium though swansea could soon have more money if midfielder gylfi sigurdsson joins everton. | _START_ Swansea City are weighing up a move to re-sign striker Wilfried Bony from Manchester City. _END_ |
Ricciardo has a contract until the end of 2018 but there have been doubts about the future of Kvyat after an up-and-down first season with the team.
Team principal Christian Horner said: "Ricciardo's contract is fixed and all the options are on our side with Kvyat.
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"He's doing great. So long as we're here, he'll be in the car next year."
Horner's comments seem to end speculation that Toro Rosso's Max Verstappen might be promoted to the senior team after an impressive debut season for the 18-year-old Dutchman.
Red Bull's participation is still in doubt because they have not yet confirmed whether they have an engine for 2016.
The team were last month close to concluding negotiations to terminate their contract with Renault a year early due to growing tensions between the two.
But those talks stopped when it became clear Mercedes would not supply Red Bull and Ferrari said they could not supply them their 2016 engine next season.
Insiders say that Red Bull are now likely to continue with Renault but with the engine given a different name so it does not appear to casual audience as if the relationship has continued.
Renault are on the verge of taking control of the Lotus team and returning as a team owner and constructor.
However, Horner suggested there was still another possibility for Red Bull: "There may be something else. We'll see."
Red Bull have had talks with Honda about a supply, but works partner McLaren's chairman Ron Dennis has exercised his contractual veto to block the Japanese company supplying them.
Toro Rosso are expected to use 2015 Ferrari engines next season. | Red Bull say they will retain their driver line-up of Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat next season - as long as the team is on the grid. | ricciardo has contract until the end of 2018 but there have been doubts about the future of kvyat after an up-and-down first season with the team team principal christian horner said ricciardo contract is fixed and all the options are on our side with kvyat media playback is not supported on this device he doing great so long as we re here he ll be in the car next year horner comments seem to end speculation that toro rosso max verstappen might be promoted to the senior team after an impressive debut season for the 18-year-old dutchman red bull participation is still in doubt because they have not yet confirmed whether they have an engine for 2016 the team were last month close to concluding negotiations to terminate their contract with renault year early due to growing tensions between the two but those talks stopped when it became clear mercedes would not supply red bull and ferrari said they could not supply them their 2016 engine next season insiders say that red bull are now likely to continue with renault but with the engine given different name so it does not appear to casual audience as if the relationship has continued renault are on the verge of taking control of the lotus team and returning as team owner and constructor however horner suggested there was still another possibility for red bull there may be something else we ll see red bull have had talks with honda about supply but works partner mclaren chairman ron dennis has exercised his contractual veto to block the japanese company supplying them toro rosso are expected to use 2015 ferrari engines next season. | _START_ Red Bull say they will retain their driver line-up of Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat next season - as long as the team is on the grid. _END_ |
You try harder, you do better. You feel the pressure and you respond to it. You impose yourself upon rivals through physical dominance and force of personality.
In a sport like rugby union, where players have never been bigger, faster, or hit harder for longer, might is right like never before. Which makes the continual influence of Dan Carter not just illogical but something close to miraculous.
On Saturday evening in Lyon, Carter - the leading points scorer in Test history, reigning World Rugby player of the year, World Cup winner for a second time seven months ago - will, in characteristically undemonstrative fashion, lead Racing 92's charge as they take on Saracens in the Champions Cup final.
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The All Blacks great is not only a physical throw-back in a game increasingly for the outsized and enormous. At 5ft 10in and 14 stone, the 34-year-old plays an old-fashioned way: finding space where others seek contact, appearing unhurried when fly-halves have never had less time, still managing to play on instinct when set moves and patterns are everywhere you look.
It's not that Carter doesn't do the nasty stuff. In Racing's semi-final win over Leicester Tigers he made 16 tackles.
It's how he does it. Whereas Jonny Wilkinson, the original big-hitting number 10, stopped opposition runners like a rogue flanker and brought gasps from the stands and lungs of the victim alike, Carter tackles like he does everything else - with economy rather than anger, with perfect yet undemonstrative technique, with efficiency over ostentation.
Carter is not quite the player he was. The outside break and sudden acceleration that defined so many of his early masterclasses have quietly been lost to the years. It doesn't really matter. In his swansong he appears to worry less about what he lacks than utilise what he does.
If it wasn't the sort of thing that in his home town of Southbridge would trigger disbelief - expressed, because this is the South Island of New Zealand, by something as flamboyant as a raised eyebrow or muted cough - you'd say it was all rather Zen: the impossible calm in a sporting storm, the balance between self and team, equanimity in even the biggest occasions.
There is the ritual of his relentless kicking practice, whether at the posts that his father put up next to the family home or on the foreign fields of France; the meditation brought about by those repeated simple actions; the carefully constructed humility of an All Blacks environment where 100-cap heroes like Carter and retired captain Richie McCaw were expected to clean up the dressing room like backroom juniors.
And it is all done in the most unobtrusive way. Wilkinson kicked from the tee with such exaggerated movements that half-cut punters in pubs could do impressions. Dan Biggar has his little soft-shoe shuffle, the 'Biggarena'. Owen Farrell, Carter's opposite number on Saturday, has the laser eyes and robotic head-turn.
Carter? Even after so many penalties and conversions, it's still hard to remember exactly how he looks in sweet motion. The fact that he has been the same with ball in hand - perfectly timed passes or offloads, but all done in the most discreet and understated way - have sometimes made it hard for people to understand what has made him so special. He doesn't always stand out, so how can he be outstanding?
"He's fascinating," admits Ronan O'Gara, arguably Ireland's finest fly-half and now, in early retirement, assistant coach at Carter's Racing.
"He's just extremely humble, extremely respectful. He smiles, he always finds a way of getting the job done.
"He doesn't stress, he's always polite, he's a breath of fresh air. You can learn an awful lot by just watching him."
Carter isn't the only sporting great who can appear to be operating in slow-motion and fast-forward at the same time, but he maintains that composure longer than most.
Tennis' Roger Federer at his best was both unhurried and unflustered, but at the moment of victory all that held-back emotion would come crashing out. In cricket, Chris Gayle remains expressionless when thrashing unfortunate bowlers for six after six, but will dance with his top off when victory has been won.
Lionel Messi, for all the gossamer touches with that left foot, is all beautiful bustle and obvious energy, Cristiano Ronaldo all strut and preen on the football pitch.
Even Tiger Woods, who before his fall could hold his form and nerve in the final-round meltdown like no other golfer, would spit and cuss his way round the course when the mojo left his side.
Carter, in the biggest moments he has faced, has looked as perturbed as if he were back at Christchurch Boys' High School, from the second Test against the Lions in 2005, when he turned in a performance that led to him being described as "the perfect 10", all the way through to last October's World Cup final.
Against the Wallabies at Twickenham that day, there was a moment to epitomise so much of what had come before: the All Blacks suddenly under huge pressure, their 17-point lead cut to just four with 15 minutes to go.
In his first 110 Tests Carter had landed a total of just six drop-goals. A week after adding another to put away South Africa in the semi-finals, he took a pass flat with the defence charging, his feet and eyes set for the short pass to Sonny Bill Williams on his outside shoulder.
Forty metres out, the game's greatest prize in the balance, chaos all around. Not for Carter. Instead, a little pocket of space and tranquillity and time where no-one else could see it, a turn of the shoulders and hips, a perfect contact with his left boot to send the ball arcing between the sticks.
Wilkinson was also touched by Eastern philosophy, first by Buddhism as cruel injuries kept keeping him out, later by a Japanese school of thought called Kaizen.
Because of the man that Wilkinson is, that was more about a tortured form of self-improvement. "You imagine being watched by a video 24/7 to help you get better each day and make good decisions," he has said.
For Farrell, who shares much of Wilkinson's dedication, Saturday is also about a particular kind of personal development.
After his yellow card in the critical World Cup group match against Australia and the two-week ban for a dangerous tackle after Saracens' Champions Cup semi-final win over Wasps, he will be watching Carter not just to keep his influence in check but to learn from the old master too.
"It's just how calm he is, how much he is in control of what he does that stands out," the fiery Farrell says.
"Trying to be calmer on the pitch, it's definitely something I'm always trying to do. The more you're calm, the more you're in control and the more you're thinking about the right things."
Carter in control. The career moves on, but the philosophy remains the same.
For the latest rugby union news follow @bbcrugbyunion on Twitter. | Sport at the elite level, even for those few geniuses who can routinely do what others can only dream of, typically appears to be about obvious effort and relentless industry. | you try harder you do better you feel the pressure and you respond to it you impose yourself upon rivals through physical dominance and force of personality in sport like rugby union where players have never been bigger faster or hit harder for longer might is right like never before which makes the continual influence of dan carter not just illogical but something close to miraculous on saturday evening in lyon carter the leading points scorer in test history reigning world rugby player of the year world cup winner for second time seven months ago will in characteristically undemonstrative fashion lead racing 92 charge as they take on saracens in the champions cup final media playback is not supported on this device the all blacks great is not only physical throw-back in game increasingly for the outsized and enormous at 5ft 10in and 14 stone the 34-year-old plays an old-fashioned way finding space where others seek contact appearing unhurried when fly-halves have never had less time still managing to play on instinct when set moves and patterns are everywhere you look it not that carter doesn do the nasty stuff in racing semi-final win over leicester tigers he made 16 tackles it how he does it whereas jonny wilkinson the original big-hitting number 10 stopped opposition runners like rogue flanker and brought gasps from the stands and lungs of the victim alike carter tackles like he does everything else with economy rather than anger with perfect yet undemonstrative technique with efficiency over ostentation carter is not quite the player he was the outside break and sudden acceleration that defined so many of his early masterclasses have quietly been lost to the years it doesn really matter in his swansong he appears to worry less about what he lacks than utilise what he does if it wasn the sort of thing that in his home town of southbridge would trigger disbelief expressed because this is the south island of new zealand by something as flamboyant as raised eyebrow or muted cough you say it was all rather zen the impossible calm in sporting storm the balance between self and team equanimity in even the biggest occasions there is the ritual of his relentless kicking practice whether at the posts that his father put up next to the family home or on the foreign fields of france the meditation brought about by those repeated simple actions the carefully constructed humility of an all blacks environment where 100-cap heroes like carter and retired captain richie mccaw were expected to clean up the dressing room like backroom juniors and it is all done in the most unobtrusive way wilkinson kicked from the tee with such exaggerated movements that half-cut punters in pubs could do impressions dan biggar has his little soft-shoe shuffle the biggarena owen farrell carter opposite number on saturday has the laser eyes and robotic head-turn carter even after so many penalties and conversions it still hard to remember exactly how he looks in sweet motion the fact that he has been the same with ball in hand perfectly timed passes or offloads but all done in the most discreet and understated way have sometimes made it hard for people to understand what has made him so special he doesn always stand out so how can he be outstanding he fascinating admits ronan gara arguably ireland finest fly-half and now in early retirement assistant coach at carter racing he just extremely humble extremely respectful he smiles he always finds way of getting the job done he doesn stress he always polite he breath of fresh air you can learn an awful lot by just watching him carter isn the only sporting great who can appear to be operating in slow-motion and fast-forward at the same time but he maintains that composure longer than most tennis roger federer at his best was both unhurried and unflustered but at the moment of victory all that held-back emotion would come crashing out in cricket chris gayle remains expressionless when thrashing unfortunate bowlers for six after six but will dance with his top off when victory has been won lionel messi for all the gossamer touches with that left foot is all beautiful bustle and obvious energy cristiano ronaldo all strut and preen on the football pitch even tiger woods who before his fall could hold his form and nerve in the final-round meltdown like no other golfer would spit and cuss his way round the course when the mojo left his side carter in the biggest moments he has faced has looked as perturbed as if he were back at christchurch boys high school from the second test against the lions in 2005 when he turned in performance that led to him being described as the perfect 10 all the way through to last october world cup final against the wallabies at twickenham that day there was moment to epitomise so much of what had come before the all blacks suddenly under huge pressure their 17-point lead cut to just four with 15 minutes to go in his first 110 tests carter had landed total of just six drop-goals week after adding another to put away south africa in the semi-finals he took pass flat with the defence charging his feet and eyes set for the short pass to sonny bill williams on his outside shoulder forty metres out the game greatest prize in the balance chaos all around not for carter instead little pocket of space and tranquillity and time where no-one else could see it turn of the shoulders and hips perfect contact with his left boot to send the ball arcing between the sticks wilkinson was also touched by eastern philosophy first by buddhism as cruel injuries kept keeping him out later by japanese school of thought called kaizen because of the man that wilkinson is that was more about tortured form of self-improvement you imagine being watched by video 24/7 to help you get better each day and make good decisions he has said for farrell who shares much of wilkinson dedication saturday is also about particular kind of personal development after his yellow card in the critical world cup group match against australia and the two-week ban for dangerous tackle after saracens champions cup semi-final win over wasps he will be watching carter not just to keep his influence in check but to learn from the old master too it just how calm he is how much he is in control of what he does that stands out the fiery farrell says trying to be calmer on the pitch it definitely something always trying to do the more you re calm the more you re in control and the more you re thinking about the right things carter in control the career moves on but the philosophy remains the same for the latest rugby union news follow @bbcrugbyunion on twitter. | _START_ Sport at the elite level, even for those few geniuses who can routinely do what others can only dream of, typically appears to be about obvious effort and relentless industry. _END_ |
Extra patrols have been launched to deal with an increase in anti-social behaviour fuelled by the drug, said to leave users in a "zombie-like" state.
Officers were called to 58 incidents related to Spice in the city centre between Friday and Sunday.
"We cannot afford" for the problem to get worse, Ch Supt Wasim Chaudhry said.
Effects of the synthetic drug can be extreme, causing hallucinations, psychosis, muscle weakness and paranoia.
Ch Supt Chaudhry said officers were doing all they could to tackle the issue but "a multi-agency approach is the only way we can fight this battle".
"The truth is, tackling the issues caused by Spice is putting pressure on public services and is taking up a lot of our resources, particularly in Manchester city centre," he said.
"Those who take Spice are often left incapacitated or seriously ill and need the help of our partners in the NHS and ambulance service.
"They can also become aggressive and become a danger to themselves and others."
He said it was "a problem that we cannot afford to get any worse".
The Greater Manchester force has increased the number of specially-trained officers dealing with the issue.
It has also been working with Manchester City Council's adults and children's services, rough sleeper and outreach teams, local charities, as well as North West Ambulance Service and the NHS, he said.
Councillor Pat Karney said he wanted to discuss the problem with Home Secretary Amber Rudd because "the experience in Manchester is going to spread up and down this country".
"What is happening in Manchester will happen nationally so the next steps we're taking is to see the chief constable and review the situation, and then we're going to be seeking a meeting with the home secretary," he said.
Daniel Gerrard, Founder of Addiction Helper and Family Interventionist, believes that the term 'Legal High' is where the problem really started, as it stigmatised the drugs in such a way that it made them more widespread and acceptable to use.
"Illegal Highs like Spice should be classed as Category A Drugs. This will allow us to educate those using and those thinking of trying it for the first time that extremely serious consequences are attached with this drug.
"My experience with those addicted to Spice is that they can be very volatile and present with mental health issues, often without mental health being an issue prior to using Spice.
"The fact of the matter is that more and more addicts are dying and the addiction problem continues to rise. Addiction treatment should not be reduced because of austerity, as the recent crisis with this drug should make quite clear." | A rise in the use of former legal high Spice in Manchester is putting pressure on public services, police say. | extra patrols have been launched to deal with an increase in anti-social behaviour fuelled by the drug said to leave users in zombie-like state officers were called to 58 incidents related to spice in the city centre between friday and sunday we cannot afford for the problem to get worse ch supt wasim chaudhry said effects of the synthetic drug can be extreme causing hallucinations psychosis muscle weakness and paranoia ch supt chaudhry said officers were doing all they could to tackle the issue but multi-agency approach is the only way we can fight this battle the truth is tackling the issues caused by spice is putting pressure on public services and is taking up lot of our resources particularly in manchester city centre he said those who take spice are often left incapacitated or seriously ill and need the help of our partners in the nhs and ambulance service they can also become aggressive and become danger to themselves and others he said it was problem that we cannot afford to get any worse the greater manchester force has increased the number of specially-trained officers dealing with the issue it has also been working with manchester city council adults and children services rough sleeper and outreach teams local charities as well as north west ambulance service and the nhs he said councillor pat karney said he wanted to discuss the problem with home secretary amber rudd because the experience in manchester is going to spread up and down this country what is happening in manchester will happen nationally so the next steps we re taking is to see the chief constable and review the situation and then we re going to be seeking meeting with the home secretary he said daniel gerrard founder of addiction helper and family interventionist believes that the term legal high is where the problem really started as it stigmatised the drugs in such way that it made them more widespread and acceptable to use illegal highs like spice should be classed as category drugs this will allow us to educate those using and those thinking of trying it for the first time that extremely serious consequences are attached with this drug my experience with those addicted to spice is that they can be very volatile and present with mental health issues often without mental health being an issue prior to using spice the fact of the matter is that more and more addicts are dying and the addiction problem continues to rise addiction treatment should not be reduced because of austerity as the recent crisis with this drug should make quite clear | _START_ A rise in the use of former legal high Spice in Manchester is putting pressure on public services, police say. _END_ |
The "virtual orchestra" included everything from bell ringers to cellists, all of whom had uploaded their performance to the BBC.
A video combining all 1,200 performances was shown at Proms in the Park events around the UK and as part of BBC Two's coverage of the event.
The Prom also featured an unusual rendition of Rule Britannia.
Peruvian Juan Diego Florez chose to sing the anthem in B Major - the highest pitch ever chosen by a tenor at the event.
"I think it's more comfortable, more exciting, more fun," he told the BBC. "I'm glad that I'm the first one doing it."
The musician stole the show by performing the song in the colourful costume of Manco Capac, governor and founder of the Inca civilization.
Earlier, the dashing tenor had serenaded a cuddly toy of fellow Peruvian Paddington Bear during a performance of Guantanamera - part of a medley of popular Latin songs.
"He is as Peruvian as me," he told the audience. "You know, he was found in Paddington Station... [but] nobody in Peru knows about this.
"Anyway, I know him, I love him."
The build-up to the Last Night was marked by an attempt to hijack the concert's tradition of flag-waving for political means.
Anti-Brexit campaigners handed out EU flags outside the Royal Albert Hall, hoping for a wave of support from Prommers, who more usually wave union flags during the last night.
The organisers, who wanted to remain anonymous, said in a statement: "Music doesn't recognise borders, religion, gender, age, status or creed and most orchestras, shows and music schools rely heavily on talented musicians from inside and outside the EU."
They added: "Accordionist Romano Viazzani summed it up perfectly when he said: 'Music is the universal language. It builds bridges and tears down walls.'"
Prominent Brexit backer Aaron Banks retaliated by pledging to hand out five times as many union jacks as the Brexit team.
In the end, neither side prevailed - as the Royal Albert Hall sported flags from all around the world, including the German, Australian, Danish, Welsh and Cornish flags.
There was also a distinctly international flavour to the programme, conducted by Sakari Oramo, the Finnish music director of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
He led the musicians through works by French, German, Russian and Italian composers; while Anne Dudley contributed a special arrangement of Fiesta Caribena!
Perhaps in response to the planned protest, Oramo told the audience: "Listening to music in a concentrated way gives us the chance… to find resolution, peace and unity.
"Music enables us to be in dialogue with each other, and our innermost selves. A dialogue which is more necessary in these days than ever before."
The concert also included Michael Torke's Javelin, which was originally performed at the opening ceremony of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and a hand-picked selection of young singers performing Vaughan Williams' Serenade to Music - a tribute to Henry Wood, whose name is synonymous with the Proms.
In keeping with tradition, the concert - and the 2016 season - closed with Rule Britannia, Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem.
Around the UK, classical music fans were able to join in the celebrations at Proms in the Park events; with special appearances by pianist Ruth McGinley and soprano Lesley Garret in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Thirteen-year-old Gwydion Rhys was given the opportunity to conduct the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in a performance of Ride of the Valkyries at the Welsh Prom, in Colwyn Bay.
Britain's Got Talent winners Collabro appeared at the Scottish leg, in Glasgow Green; while London's line-up included Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Rick Astley, Sir James Galway, Tim Minchin and the cast of Matilda The Musical.
The events brought the two month-long Proms season to a close, after more than 100 concerts.
Highlights included the Simón Bolivar Orchestra, from Caracas, who put on a colourful, exotic evening, full of evocations of Latin America; and a spine-tingling programme of Steve Reich, performed on the roof of a Peckham car park.
A late night Prom paid tribute to the life and music of David Bowie, with mixed results; while Quincy Jones and Strictly Come Dancing were also honoured with their own programmes.
Follow us on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, on Instagram at bbcnewsents, or if you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk. | More than 1,000 amateur musicians have played Bizet's Toreador song, from Carmen, at the Last Night of the Proms. | the virtual orchestra included everything from bell ringers to cellists all of whom had uploaded their performance to the bbc video combining all 200 performances was shown at proms in the park events around the uk and as part of bbc two coverage of the event the prom also featured an unusual rendition of rule britannia peruvian juan diego florez chose to sing the anthem in major the highest pitch ever chosen by tenor at the event think it more comfortable more exciting more fun he told the bbc glad that the first one doing it the musician stole the show by performing the song in the colourful costume of manco capac governor and founder of the inca civilization earlier the dashing tenor had serenaded cuddly toy of fellow peruvian paddington bear during performance of guantanamera part of medley of popular latin songs he is as peruvian as me he told the audience you know he was found in paddington station but nobody in peru knows about this anyway know him love him the build-up to the last night was marked by an attempt to hijack the concert tradition of flag-waving for political means anti-brexit campaigners handed out eu flags outside the royal albert hall hoping for wave of support from prommers who more usually wave union flags during the last night the organisers who wanted to remain anonymous said in statement music doesn recognise borders religion gender age status or creed and most orchestras shows and music schools rely heavily on talented musicians from inside and outside the eu they added accordionist romano viazzani summed it up perfectly when he said music is the universal language it builds bridges and tears down walls prominent brexit backer aaron banks retaliated by pledging to hand out five times as many union jacks as the brexit team in the end neither side prevailed as the royal albert hall sported flags from all around the world including the german australian danish welsh and cornish flags there was also distinctly international flavour to the programme conducted by sakari oramo the finnish music director of the bbc symphony orchestra he led the musicians through works by french german russian and italian composers while anne dudley contributed special arrangement of fiesta caribena perhaps in response to the planned protest oramo told the audience listening to music in concentrated way gives us the chance… to find resolution peace and unity music enables us to be in dialogue with each other and our innermost selves dialogue which is more necessary in these days than ever before the concert also included michael torke javelin which was originally performed at the opening ceremony of the 1996 atlanta olympics and hand-picked selection of young singers performing vaughan williams serenade to music tribute to henry wood whose name is synonymous with the proms in keeping with tradition the concert and the 2016 season closed with rule britannia land of hope and glory and jerusalem around the uk classical music fans were able to join in the celebrations at proms in the park events with special appearances by pianist ruth mcginley and soprano lesley garret in belfast northern ireland thirteen-year-old gwydion rhys was given the opportunity to conduct the bbc national orchestra of wales in performance of ride of the valkyries at the welsh prom in colwyn bay britain got talent winners collabro appeared at the scottish leg in glasgow green while london line-up included frankie valli and the four seasons rick astley sir james galway tim minchin and the cast of matilda the musical the events brought the two month-long proms season to close after more than 100 concerts highlights included the simã³n bolivar orchestra from caracas who put on colourful exotic evening full of evocations of latin america and spine-tingling programme of steve reich performed on the roof of peckham car park late night prom paid tribute to the life and music of david bowie with mixed results while quincy jones and strictly come dancing were also honoured with their own programmes follow us on twitter @bbcnewsents on instagram at bbcnewsents or if you have story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk. | _START_ More than 1,000 amateur musicians have played Bizet's Toreador song, from Carmen, at the Last Night of the Proms. _END_ |
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The midfielder revealed he had spoken first to the Celtic striker before signing his four-year contract.
"Moussa told me the club was good, it was fun here," said his fellow 21-year-old, who spent the last two seasons on loan with Genoa in Serie A.
"I'm very happy to be here and it's a new challenge for me."
Ntcham never made the breakthrough into the senior side at the Etihad but did make 41 appearances during his two-year spell in Italy, 22 of them starts.
Genoa finished 11th in his first campaign in Serie A, but the Frenchman made only 10 starts as the Red and Blues ended last season in 16th place, two spots above the relegation zone.
He now hopes to mirror the success of compatriot Dembele, whose stunning debut season in Scottish football following his transfer from Fulham has led to him being linked with a move to some of European football's biggest clubs.
The France Under-21 striker was a team-mate of Ntcham's earlier in their international age-grade careers, recalling: "I was maybe 14 when we played together."
And the new arrival hopes Dembele sticks around to help him adapt to life in Scotland.
"He knows not all clubs are in the Champions League, so if you play in the Champions League, it's always good to stay," said Ntcham.
"That's why I chose to come here."
Ntcham revealed he held talks with Celtic back in January and says a desire to play regular first-team football was a key factor in his decision to leave England's top flight and join Brendan Rodgers' squad.
"I spoke with Brendan before," he said. "In January, Celtic was already there for me when I was in Italy, so that's why I came here.
"He said to me: 'You have to play because, if you don't play, you don't improve. You have to play because in Italy you don't play a lot'.
"It wasn't a tough decision for me. It was a normal decision because at Manchester City I play three years there and sometimes it is better to leave. Football is like this sometimes."
Ntcham moved to City's youth ranks in 2012 from the Le Havre academy in his homeland and has represented France at every youth level from under-16s upwards.
Asked what kind of player Celtic fans can expect, he said: "I am a powerful player and technical as well I think."
Ntcham becomes Rodgers' third summer signing following the arrival of Jonny Hayes from Aberdeen and Kundai Benyu from Ipswich Town.
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. | Olivier Ntcham says fellow Frenchman Moussa Dembele helped convince him to make his move from Manchester City as he joined Celtic for around £4.5m. | media playback is not supported on this device the midfielder revealed he had spoken first to the celtic striker before signing his four-year contract moussa told me the club was good it was fun here said his fellow 21-year-old who spent the last two seasons on loan with genoa in serie very happy to be here and it new challenge for me ntcham never made the breakthrough into the senior side at the etihad but did make 41 appearances during his two-year spell in italy 22 of them starts genoa finished 11th in his first campaign in serie but the frenchman made only 10 starts as the red and blues ended last season in 16th place two spots above the relegation zone he now hopes to mirror the success of compatriot dembele whose stunning debut season in scottish football following his transfer from fulham has led to him being linked with move to some of european football biggest clubs the france under-21 striker was team-mate of ntcham earlier in their international age-grade careers recalling was maybe 14 when we played together and the new arrival hopes dembele sticks around to help him adapt to life in scotland he knows not all clubs are in the champions league so if you play in the champions league it always good to stay said ntcham that why chose to come here ntcham revealed he held talks with celtic back in january and says desire to play regular first-team football was key factor in his decision to leave england top flight and join brendan rodgers squad spoke with brendan before he said in january celtic was already there for me when was in italy so that why came here he said to me you have to play because if you don play you don improve you have to play because in italy you don play lot it wasn tough decision for me it was normal decision because at manchester city play three years there and sometimes it is better to leave football is like this sometimes ntcham moved to city youth ranks in 2012 from the le havre academy in his homeland and has represented france at every youth level from under-16s upwards asked what kind of player celtic fans can expect he said am powerful player and technical as well think ntcham becomes rodgers third summer signing following the arrival of jonny hayes from aberdeen and kundai benyu from ipswich town find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. | _START_ Olivier Ntcham says fellow Frenchman Moussa Dembele helped convince him to make his move from Manchester City as he joined Celtic for around £4.5m. _END_ |
Ilkeston in Derbyshire is one of the largest towns in the UK without a rail station after its previous one closed in 1967, due to Dr Beeching's cuts.
However, the project suffered several delays, notably because of newts that had to be trapped and relocated.
The station, off Millership Way, is due to open later this year.
Plans to dismantle the old bridge were postponed after foundation work on the new platforms took longer than expected.
It is the latest delay to the project which first got the go-ahead in January 2014 - work was due to start six months later.
However, the rare newts - a species protected by law - were found during a routine ecological site survey and work was ordered not to begin until they were removed.
Flooding concerns at the site delayed the project further, and again in February 2015 when even more newts were found, prompting some to question the species' rarity.
The delays "disappointed" local councillors and "frustrated" the then transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin.
Work finally started to demolish the old station in March 2015.
Councillor Dean Collins, from the county council, said: "The new station will be a great boost to the area.
"Large-scale engineering projects like this can often unearth unforeseen issues and while we've had a few setbacks, we're working hard to get the station up and running as soon as we can."
A number of road closures will be in place while the old footbridge is taken down and the new one erected.
Once the station opens, services to Chesterfield, Sheffield, Leeds and Nottingham will begin with 160,000 passengers expected to pass through the station. | Work has started on a footbridge at the site of a £10m railway station where construction efforts stalled due to concerns over rare great crested newts. | ilkeston in derbyshire is one of the largest towns in the uk without rail station after its previous one closed in 1967 due to dr beeching cuts however the project suffered several delays notably because of newts that had to be trapped and relocated the station off millership way is due to open later this year plans to dismantle the old bridge were postponed after foundation work on the new platforms took longer than expected it is the latest delay to the project which first got the go-ahead in january 2014 work was due to start six months later however the rare newts species protected by law were found during routine ecological site survey and work was ordered not to begin until they were removed flooding concerns at the site delayed the project further and again in february 2015 when even more newts were found prompting some to question the species rarity the delays disappointed local councillors and frustrated the then transport secretary patrick mcloughlin work finally started to demolish the old station in march 2015 councillor dean collins from the county council said the new station will be great boost to the area large-scale engineering projects like this can often unearth unforeseen issues and while we ve had few setbacks we re working hard to get the station up and running as soon as we can number of road closures will be in place while the old footbridge is taken down and the new one erected once the station opens services to chesterfield sheffield leeds and nottingham will begin with 160 000 passengers expected to pass through the station. | _START_ Work has started on a footbridge at the site of a £10m railway station where construction efforts stalled due to concerns over rare great crested newts. _END_ |
The blaze caused thousands of pounds of damage to Bishopbriggs Cultural Centre, in the town's Auchinairn Road, at about 02:20 on 17 November 2015.
The CCTV footage shows the man pouring liquid around and setting it alight.
He is about 5ft 10in tall and was wearing a blue tracksuit, a hat with an luminous rear band and dark shoes.
Det Con Stephen Cooke, of Police Scotland, said: "This was a deliberate and dangerous act which has caused extensive damage to the centre.
"I would appeal to anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV images to contact police as he may hold information vital to our inquiry." | Police have released CCTV footage of a man setting fire to a cultural centre in East Dunbartonshire that is used as a mosque by the Muslim community. | the blaze caused thousands of pounds of damage to bishopbriggs cultural centre in the town auchinairn road at about 02:20 on 17 november 2015 the cctv footage shows the man pouring liquid around and setting it alight he is about 5ft 10in tall and was wearing blue tracksuit hat with an luminous rear band and dark shoes det con stephen cooke of police scotland said this was deliberate and dangerous act which has caused extensive damage to the centre would appeal to anyone who recognises the man in the cctv images to contact police as he may hold information vital to our inquiry | _START_ Police have released CCTV footage of a man setting fire to a cultural centre in East Dunbartonshire that is used as a mosque by the Muslim community. _END_ |
But the "You Stink" campaign said the decision did not mean it was giving up.
The move comes after two days of demonstrations in the capital descended into clashes in which dozens of protesters and police were hurt.
Prime Minister Tammam Salam has appealed for calm and threatened to resign over the crisis.
In a televised address on Sunday, he warned that Lebanon was heading towards collapse, with the country's "political garbage" crippling his unity cabinet.
Thousands of people gathered outside the prime minister's office in central Beirut on Sunday to protest against the government's failure to have the large piles of rubbish which have been building up in the capital for weeks removed.
Chanting "the people want the downfall of the regime", some protesters threw rocks and sticks at riot police and lit fires. Officers responded by firing water cannon and tear gas.
The clashes left at least 44 demonstrators and 30 police officers injured, officials said. Dozens of people were also injured on Saturday, when police fired rubber bullets.
Like the issue of electricity in Iraq, the failure of a public utility in Lebanon - rubbish collection - has brought to a head simmering, chronic public indignation over a deadlocked political system riddled with corruption, inefficiency and sectarianism.
As the embattled Prime Minister Tammam Salam pointed out, it is this issue that threw the spotlight on the "political rubbish" that is the real problem - one that has paralysed his own cabinet and the twice-prorogued parliament from taking effective decisions on any issue.
Behind the political stagnation is the unbending stand-off between the two major political blocs, divided primarily over attitudes to the Syrian regime - the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and its mainly Shia allies on one side, and the Saudi-backed, mainly Sunni pro-Western 14 March movement.
Mr Salam's warning of an imminent collapse should be a wake-up call to those blocs that it is time to collaborate on solutions, not least to the 15-month vacancy at the country's presidency. That seems unlikely, with regional struggles as unresolved as they are.
Protesters are also broadening their demands to include an end to the pervasive sectarian political system, something that is even harder to imagine.
But public pressure is mounting. If it can at least get the rubbish collected and safely disposed of, that will be a start.
Lebanon wracked by dysfunction
Lebanon cartoons vent anger at rubbish crisis
On Monday, the campaign announced that the demonstration planned for Monday evening had been postponed.
"The movement has not and will not stop," a statement on its Facebook page said. "Postponing from today to another date this week is not a retreat. We need to reassess and organise our demands."
You Stink leader Hassan Shams earlier blamed "infiltrators" for the violence over the weekend. "We started peacefully, and we will continue peacefully," he told New TV.
The protests have been largely co-ordinated by You Stink, which was formed when rubbish began piling up on the streets of Beirut and neighbouring areas after the country's largest landfill was closed last month, with no ready alternative.
Activists blame political paralysis and corruption for the failure to resolve the crisis.
Fouad al-Hassan, a 65-year-old actor, told the New York Times that he had decided to attend Sunday's rally because he wanted to "change the system".
"We want new blood or the country will stay the same," he added.
Lebanon has been without a president for more than a year, while members of parliament have extended their own terms until 2017 after failing to agree on a law to govern fresh elections.
The conflict in neighbouring Syria has also exacerbated political and sectarian divisions, and resulted in the arrival of 1.1 million refugees, putting a strain on the economy and public services.
Mr Salam said that if a cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday was not productive on several issues, including the rubbish crisis, "there would be no necessity for the government after it".
"I warn that we are going towards collapse if matters continue," he added.
"Frankly, I have not and will not be a partner in this collapse. Let all officials and political forces bear their responsibilities."
The prime minister also warned that the government, which brings together all the main Lebanese parties, would be unable to pay civil servants' salaries next month and risked being classified a "failing state".
If Mr Salam were to resign it could trigger a constitutional crisis because his replacement has to be appointed by the president. | Organisers of protests over the failure of Lebanon's government to clear rubbish from the streets of Beirut have postponed a rally planned for Monday. | but the you stink campaign said the decision did not mean it was giving up the move comes after two days of demonstrations in the capital descended into clashes in which dozens of protesters and police were hurt prime minister tammam salam has appealed for calm and threatened to resign over the crisis in televised address on sunday he warned that lebanon was heading towards collapse with the country political garbage crippling his unity cabinet thousands of people gathered outside the prime minister office in central beirut on sunday to protest against the government failure to have the large piles of rubbish which have been building up in the capital for weeks removed chanting the people want the downfall of the regime some protesters threw rocks and sticks at riot police and lit fires officers responded by firing water cannon and tear gas the clashes left at least 44 demonstrators and 30 police officers injured officials said dozens of people were also injured on saturday when police fired rubber bullets like the issue of electricity in iraq the failure of public utility in lebanon rubbish collection has brought to head simmering chronic public indignation over deadlocked political system riddled with corruption inefficiency and sectarianism as the embattled prime minister tammam salam pointed out it is this issue that threw the spotlight on the political rubbish that is the real problem one that has paralysed his own cabinet and the twice-prorogued parliament from taking effective decisions on any issue behind the political stagnation is the unbending stand-off between the two major political blocs divided primarily over attitudes to the syrian regime the iranian-backed hezbollah and its mainly shia allies on one side and the saudi-backed mainly sunni pro-western 14 march movement mr salam warning of an imminent collapse should be wake-up call to those blocs that it is time to collaborate on solutions not least to the 15-month vacancy at the country presidency that seems unlikely with regional struggles as unresolved as they are protesters are also broadening their demands to include an end to the pervasive sectarian political system something that is even harder to imagine but public pressure is mounting if it can at least get the rubbish collected and safely disposed of that will be start lebanon wracked by dysfunction lebanon cartoons vent anger at rubbish crisis on monday the campaign announced that the demonstration planned for monday evening had been postponed the movement has not and will not stop statement on its facebook page said postponing from today to another date this week is not retreat we need to reassess and organise our demands you stink leader hassan shams earlier blamed infiltrators for the violence over the weekend we started peacefully and we will continue peacefully he told new tv the protests have been largely co-ordinated by you stink which was formed when rubbish began piling up on the streets of beirut and neighbouring areas after the country largest landfill was closed last month with no ready alternative activists blame political paralysis and corruption for the failure to resolve the crisis fouad al-hassan 65-year-old actor told the new york times that he had decided to attend sunday rally because he wanted to change the system we want new blood or the country will stay the same he added lebanon has been without president for more than year while members of parliament have extended their own terms until 2017 after failing to agree on law to govern fresh elections the conflict in neighbouring syria has also exacerbated political and sectarian divisions and resulted in the arrival of 1.1 million refugees putting strain on the economy and public services mr salam said that if cabinet meeting scheduled for thursday was not productive on several issues including the rubbish crisis there would be no necessity for the government after it warn that we are going towards collapse if matters continue he added frankly have not and will not be partner in this collapse let all officials and political forces bear their responsibilities the prime minister also warned that the government which brings together all the main lebanese parties would be unable to pay civil servants salaries next month and risked being classified failing state if mr salam were to resign it could trigger constitutional crisis because his replacement has to be appointed by the president. | _START_ Organisers of protests over the failure of Lebanon's government to clear rubbish from the streets of Beirut have postponed a rally planned for Monday. _END_ |
The Colin Tizzard-trained seven-year-old ranged up alongside Willie Mullins' Un De Sceaux (10-11 fav) at the final fence and pulled clear on the run-in.
Fox Norton (5-2), who also won the Melling Chase at Aintree, got home by a length and three quarters.
God's Own (7-1), last year's winner, was just half a length away in third.
The victory gave jockey Robbie Power a seventh Grade One win of the campaign.
Fox Norton has been a model of consistency since joining the Tizzard team, and was a close second to Special Tiara in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
He was not inconvenienced by the return to two miles, with the strong pace set by Un De Sceaux and Rock The World playing to his strengths.
"Robbie was cool. He didn't get involved in any battles until he had to," said Tizzard. "The horse made a few mistakes and Robbie said he was going flat out the whole time.
"If you saw this horse on the gallops you'd never think he was a champion two-miler. Honestly, slow three-milers would beat him.
"This is why we get up in the morning and why we go looking at horses, to come and win at places like Punchestown. It's fantastic."
Asked if Fox Norton could step up in trip next season, Tizzard added: "I think there's every temptation.
"That was his minimum and if there had been a two-and-a-half-miler here he would have been in that.
"He'd get three miles, but of course Sizing John is there. I think he'd get two and a half or three."
Mullins said of Un De Sceaux: "We've had a fantastic season with him and will put him away now.
"The faster pace over two miles on better ground didn't suit him."
BBC horse racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght
Robbie Power continues to live up to his surname in great style, adding this prize to a string of big-race success at Cheltenham, Aintree and Fairyhouse.
We've long known he's an excellent rider, but the confidence he must be feeling is being transmitted down the reins to his mounts.
Fox Norton took the notable scalp of Un De Sceaux, who has only previously been beaten in completed races in Ireland and Britain by the great Sprinter Sacre, and continues to live up to the type of expectations the Tizzard team has for him.
Meanwhile, whether it will be enough we don't know, but the second-place prize money and an earlier 1-2 means Willie Mullins put quite a dent in Gordon Elliott's lead in the trainers' championship. | Fox Norton followed up his Aintree success by beating Un De Sceaux in the Champion Chase at Punchestown on Tuesday. | the colin tizzard-trained seven-year-old ranged up alongside willie mullins un de sceaux 10-11 fav at the final fence and pulled clear on the run-in fox norton 5-2 who also won the melling chase at aintree got home by length and three quarters god own 7-1 last year winner was just half length away in third the victory gave jockey robbie power seventh grade one win of the campaign fox norton has been model of consistency since joining the tizzard team and was close second to special tiara in the queen mother champion chase he was not inconvenienced by the return to two miles with the strong pace set by un de sceaux and rock the world playing to his strengths robbie was cool he didn get involved in any battles until he had to said tizzard the horse made few mistakes and robbie said he was going flat out the whole time if you saw this horse on the gallops you never think he was champion two-miler honestly slow three-milers would beat him this is why we get up in the morning and why we go looking at horses to come and win at places like punchestown it fantastic asked if fox norton could step up in trip next season tizzard added think there every temptation that was his minimum and if there had been two-and-a-half-miler here he would have been in that he get three miles but of course sizing john is there think he get two and half or three mullins said of un de sceaux we ve had fantastic season with him and will put him away now the faster pace over two miles on better ground didn suit him bbc horse racing correspondent cornelius lysaght robbie power continues to live up to his surname in great style adding this prize to string of big-race success at cheltenham aintree and fairyhouse we ve long known he an excellent rider but the confidence he must be feeling is being transmitted down the reins to his mounts fox norton took the notable scalp of un de sceaux who has only previously been beaten in completed races in ireland and britain by the great sprinter sacre and continues to live up to the type of expectations the tizzard team has for him meanwhile whether it will be enough we don know but the second-place prize money and an earlier 1-2 means willie mullins put quite dent in gordon elliott lead in the trainers championship. | _START_ Fox Norton followed up his Aintree success by beating Un De Sceaux in the Champion Chase at Punchestown on Tuesday. _END_ |
Media playback is not supported on this device
Kriss Akabusi, BBC Sport
"You are going to get the best of British competing cheek-by-jowl against the best of the rest of the world. The track and field is the centrepiece of the Olympics and is the main event. I think Team GB are set for their best Olympics ever, as not only are they wonderfully talented, but they'll be competing in front of a partisan crowd. Dai Greene and Mo Farah will be going for gold. Christine Ohuruogu is the defending 400m champion and is raring to go. After all the controversy surrounding South Africa's Caster Semenya, it is going to be great to see her put that all behind her in London. She is definitely the woman to beat in the 800m."
That athletics event remains the Games' ultimate showstopper and all eyes will be trained on Usain Bolt in the men's final on Sunday 5 August.
But athletics is not just about the track events; there are 47 medal events in all and just over half of these (24) are on the track. The field events, such as the triple jump and javelin, are also popular and have provided Great Britain with Olympic medals in recent years.
For those unable to get tickets for the Olympic Stadium, there are five road races being held on the streets of central London and finishing at the Mall. The women's marathon will see British world record holder Paula Radcliffe attempt to win gold at the third time of asking.
The athletics concludes with the relay races on 11 August, which should provide a fascinating finale. The men's 4x100m has been dominated by the USA but Jamaica - led by that man Bolt - broke the world record to win gold in Beijing.
Athletics offer the widest range of choice of any Olympic sport as its various disciplines provide the opportunity to throw, run or jump.
Media playback is not supported on this device
Immense core physical strength is required to throw a shot put that weighs 16 pounds for men and 8.8 pounds for women.
The test of endurance posed by the marathon sees athletes burn up to 3593 calories running a 26.2 mile course.
For those looking to follow in Bolt's footsteps, research has found sprinting offers a harder workout than slow and steady cardiovascular work such as long-distance running.
It is also an efficient way to reduce body fat and strengthen the heart muscles.
As training sessions are often carried out in groups, it is an excellent way to develop communication skills and learn to work effectively with other people. Clubs also offer a variety of social events beyond simply playing the sport.
Great Britain's Kelly Holmes became the oldest winner of the women's 800m when clinching gold in 2004. The 34-year-old had plenty more to give though - five days later she produced a memorable sprint finish to win the 1500m.
If you want to run, jump or throw, athletics provides the perfect platform to compete. The United Kingdom Athletics Grassroots scheme provides information on how you can begin taking part whether as an athlete, coach, official or volunteer.
Take the first step by finding your local club on the UKA website, with over 1,400 throughout the country.
Your local club will also be able to tell you what equipment you will need for the event you wish to try.
The UKA Academy provides a great source of schemes, with qualified coaches on hand to put on a variety of training courses aimed to excite and challenge people of all ages and abilities. A packed calendar of events happening in stadiums and running tracks throughout the UK can be found on the Academy's website.
Further information is also available on the England Athletics,Athletics Northern Ireland,Scottishathletics and Welsh Athletics websites.
More on the UK Athletics website
'Join In Local Sport' aims to get as many people as possible to turn up and take part in activities at their local sports facilities on 18/19 August, 2012 - the first weekend between the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The aim of the initiative is for every sports club and community group in the UK to put on a special event in a bid to encourage more people to get involved as members, supporters or volunteers.
More than 4,000 local sports clubs will be opening their doors to host events and show people just how they can get involved.
As well as tips on playing sport there will be information on coaching, supporting and how to help out.
Find an event near you.
Media playback is not supported on this device
More on the London 2012 website
The regulations across 40 different disciplines are many and varied, with governing body the International Association of Athletics Federations responsible for standardised rules, technical equipment and world records.
More on the IAAF website
Get your performance under pressure analysed in just 20 minutes by four-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson
Start the experiment
Team GB head coach Charles van Commenee has targeted eight medals, a figure unmatched by a British Olympic team since 1988.
Leading the way on the track are world champions Mo Farah and Dai Greene, while heptathlete Jessica Ennis and triple jumper Phillips Idowu have the motivation and talent to get gold.
Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt has a pretender to his crown - training partner Yohan Blake. The younger Blake won the world 100m title last year after Bolt false-started, and weeks later he ran the second-fastest 200m in history.
Australian world 100m hurdles champion Sally Pearson will be expected to upgrade her Olympic silver medal from 2008.
The word athletics is derived from the Greek word 'athlos,' which means "contest" or "task," and the sport was first run in an Olympic format in that part world.
Before then, running, walking, jumping, and throwing-based sports had all been performed in a variety of different guises far back into antiquity. Ancient Egyptian tombs dated to approximately 2250 BC have been found that contained depictions of running and high jump competitions.
Discus thrower Jules Noël of France was denied a medal in 1932 when the judges were distracted watching the pole vault and didn't see where his best throw had landed; it would likely have won him gold. Noël, who sneaked off to drink champagne during the competition, was awarded an extra throw but was unable to improve on fourth place.
The first event contested in the ancient Olympic Games was the "stadium" race, a sprint of about 192 metres, with recorded winners dating back as far as 776 BC.
The modern format of athletics, competed at a single meeting involving numerous disciplines, evolved in the late 19th century, with the earliest recorded meeting in 1840 in Shropshire, England.
The formation of the Amateur Athletic Association in England in 1880 provided the sport with its first national governing body.
The American Amateur Athletic Union and French Union des sociétés françaises de sports athlétiques followed before the end of that decade.
Athletics has been on the programme of each edition of the Games since 1896, with women's events appearing for the first time at the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam.
More on the IOC website | It is perhaps fitting that the very first race of the modern Olympics in 1896 was the men's 100 metre sprint. | media playback is not supported on this device kriss akabusi bbc sport you are going to get the best of british competing cheek-by-jowl against the best of the rest of the world the track and field is the centrepiece of the olympics and is the main event think team gb are set for their best olympics ever as not only are they wonderfully talented but they ll be competing in front of partisan crowd dai greene and mo farah will be going for gold christine ohuruogu is the defending 400m champion and is raring to go after all the controversy surrounding south africa caster semenya it is going to be great to see her put that all behind her in london she is definitely the woman to beat in the 800m that athletics event remains the games ultimate showstopper and all eyes will be trained on usain bolt in the men final on sunday august but athletics is not just about the track events there are 47 medal events in all and just over half of these 24 are on the track the field events such as the triple jump and javelin are also popular and have provided great britain with olympic medals in recent years for those unable to get tickets for the olympic stadium there are five road races being held on the streets of central london and finishing at the mall the women marathon will see british world record holder paula radcliffe attempt to win gold at the third time of asking the athletics concludes with the relay races on 11 august which should provide fascinating finale the men 4x100m has been dominated by the usa but jamaica led by that man bolt broke the world record to win gold in beijing athletics offer the widest range of choice of any olympic sport as its various disciplines provide the opportunity to throw run or jump media playback is not supported on this device immense core physical strength is required to throw shot put that weighs 16 pounds for men and 8.8 pounds for women the test of endurance posed by the marathon sees athletes burn up to 3593 calories running 26.2 mile course for those looking to follow in bolt footsteps research has found sprinting offers harder workout than slow and steady cardiovascular work such as long-distance running it is also an efficient way to reduce body fat and strengthen the heart muscles as training sessions are often carried out in groups it is an excellent way to develop communication skills and learn to work effectively with other people clubs also offer variety of social events beyond simply playing the sport great britain kelly holmes became the oldest winner of the women 800m when clinching gold in 2004 the 34-year-old had plenty more to give though five days later she produced memorable sprint finish to win the 1500m if you want to run jump or throw athletics provides the perfect platform to compete the united kingdom athletics grassroots scheme provides information on how you can begin taking part whether as an athlete coach official or volunteer take the first step by finding your local club on the uka website with over 400 throughout the country your local club will also be able to tell you what equipment you will need for the event you wish to try the uka academy provides great source of schemes with qualified coaches on hand to put on variety of training courses aimed to excite and challenge people of all ages and abilities packed calendar of events happening in stadiums and running tracks throughout the uk can be found on the academy website further information is also available on the england athletics athletics northern ireland scottishathletics and welsh athletics websites more on the uk athletics website join in local sport aims to get as many people as possible to turn up and take part in activities at their local sports facilities on 18/19 august 2012 the first weekend between the olympic and paralympic games the aim of the initiative is for every sports club and community group in the uk to put on special event in bid to encourage more people to get involved as members supporters or volunteers more than 000 local sports clubs will be opening their doors to host events and show people just how they can get involved as well as tips on playing sport there will be information on coaching supporting and how to help out find an event near you media playback is not supported on this device more on the london 2012 website the regulations across 40 different disciplines are many and varied with governing body the international association of athletics federations responsible for standardised rules technical equipment and world records more on the iaaf website get your performance under pressure analysed in just 20 minutes by four-time olympic gold medallist michael johnson start the experiment team gb head coach charles van commenee has targeted eight medals figure unmatched by british olympic team since 1988 leading the way on the track are world champions mo farah and dai greene while heptathlete jessica ennis and triple jumper phillips idowu have the motivation and talent to get gold jamaican sprint king usain bolt has pretender to his crown training partner yohan blake the younger blake won the world 100m title last year after bolt false-started and weeks later he ran the second-fastest 200m in history australian world 100m hurdles champion sally pearson will be expected to upgrade her olympic silver medal from 2008 the word athletics is derived from the greek word athlos which means contest or task and the sport was first run in an olympic format in that part world before then running walking jumping and throwing-based sports had all been performed in variety of different guises far back into antiquity ancient egyptian tombs dated to approximately 2250 bc have been found that contained depictions of running and high jump competitions discus thrower jules noël of france was denied medal in 1932 when the judges were distracted watching the pole vault and didn see where his best throw had landed it would likely have won him gold noël who sneaked off to drink champagne during the competition was awarded an extra throw but was unable to improve on fourth place the first event contested in the ancient olympic games was the stadium race sprint of about 192 metres with recorded winners dating back as far as 776 bc the modern format of athletics competed at single meeting involving numerous disciplines evolved in the late 19th century with the earliest recorded meeting in 1840 in shropshire england the formation of the amateur athletic association in england in 1880 provided the sport with its first national governing body the american amateur athletic union and french union des sociétés françaises de sports athlétiques followed before the end of that decade athletics has been on the programme of each edition of the games since 1896 with women events appearing for the first time at the 1928 olympics in amsterdam more on the ioc website | _START_ It is perhaps fitting that the very first race of the modern Olympics in 1896 was the men's 100 metre sprint. _END_ |
Members of the EIS union will raise the prospect of industrial action at their annual general meeting this week.
Teachers will also consider action if workload issues remain unresolved after a survey claimed the average teacher worked 46.5 hours a week.
EIS general secretary Larry Flanagan, said: "These issues must be tackled."
A Scottish government spokesman said they were working with teachers' representatives, local authorities and other partners "to address concerns around workload".
EIS members in Dundee have said that the union's council must "campaign for a restorative pay deal for teachers which does not link an increased salary with detrimental changes to conditions of service".
Their motion adds: "If no satisfactory outcome is forthcoming, members are to be balloted for industrial action up to and including strike action."
Other motions to be debated at the conference, which will take place in Perth from Thursday to Saturday, could lead to industrial action as a result of changes to the exam system.
The East Ayrshire local association has put forward a motion calling for a "ballot for a boycott of all SQA-related work unless SQA assessment can be managed within the 35-hour working week."
Mr Flanagan said: "Despite the fine words of politicians on the need to support schools and teachers, the evidence from both the recent EIS workload survey - which highlighted an average teacher working week of 46.5 hours - and the range of motions to this year's AGM indicate that excessive workload remains a huge issue for teachers and, therefore, for our schools and our pupils."
He insisted: "The message to the Scottish government, to local authorities and national education bodies could not be clearer - you must take action, now, to lighten the load on our schools and our teachers."
A call for the EIS to "investigate and report on the impact of teacher shortages" will also be discussed at the conference, along with a motion condemning "budget cuts which have been inflicted on Scottish education in recent years".
A Scottish government spokesman said: "We are committed to making sure councils have the right number and highest quality of teachers in our schools, which is why we have offered councils £51m, including an additional £10m over and above last year's settlements to support teacher numbers.
"Education and closing the gap in attainment between children from the most and least deprived communities is a top priority for this government." | Teachers could be set to strike if they fail to get a "satisfactory outcome" in talks over pay, union leaders have warned. | members of the eis union will raise the prospect of industrial action at their annual general meeting this week teachers will also consider action if workload issues remain unresolved after survey claimed the average teacher worked 46.5 hours week eis general secretary larry flanagan said these issues must be tackled scottish government spokesman said they were working with teachers representatives local authorities and other partners to address concerns around workload eis members in dundee have said that the union council must campaign for restorative pay deal for teachers which does not link an increased salary with detrimental changes to conditions of service their motion adds if no satisfactory outcome is forthcoming members are to be balloted for industrial action up to and including strike action other motions to be debated at the conference which will take place in perth from thursday to saturday could lead to industrial action as result of changes to the exam system the east ayrshire local association has put forward motion calling for ballot for boycott of all sqa-related work unless sqa assessment can be managed within the 35-hour working week mr flanagan said despite the fine words of politicians on the need to support schools and teachers the evidence from both the recent eis workload survey which highlighted an average teacher working week of 46.5 hours and the range of motions to this year agm indicate that excessive workload remains huge issue for teachers and therefore for our schools and our pupils he insisted the message to the scottish government to local authorities and national education bodies could not be clearer you must take action now to lighten the load on our schools and our teachers call for the eis to investigate and report on the impact of teacher shortages will also be discussed at the conference along with motion condemning budget cuts which have been inflicted on scottish education in recent years scottish government spokesman said we are committed to making sure councils have the right number and highest quality of teachers in our schools which is why we have offered councils â£51m including an additional â£10m over and above last year settlements to support teacher numbers education and closing the gap in attainment between children from the most and least deprived communities is top priority for this government | _START_ Teachers could be set to strike if they fail to get a "satisfactory outcome" in talks over pay, union leaders have warned. _END_ |
It is urging them to "keep trying" the emergency phone numbers instead, although some have pointed out that mobile phone batteries are running low.
One expert said it could be because social media posts can be hard to verify.
Many people are tweeting their addresses and asking to be rescued.
However it is possible that not all the requests will be spotted - and they may not all be genuine.
"The web is messy and unpredictable," said Euan Semple, who advises on the impact of social media on businesses and society.
"You have to be able to judge signal from noise."
Mr Semple added that persuading people to follow the Coast Guard's advice would be challenging.
"If you're in an extreme situation, and you can't get access through formal channels, and there is the prospect of help from somewhere else helping your signal to be seen, it would be tough not to."
Residents of a care home were rescued after an image of them waist-deep in floodwater went viral on Twitter.
Facebook has activated its safety check-in in Texas so that affected members can mark themselves safe. | The US Coast Guard is asking people not to seek help via social media if they need assistance during Storm Harvey. | it is urging them to keep trying the emergency phone numbers instead although some have pointed out that mobile phone batteries are running low one expert said it could be because social media posts can be hard to verify many people are tweeting their addresses and asking to be rescued however it is possible that not all the requests will be spotted and they may not all be genuine the web is messy and unpredictable said euan semple who advises on the impact of social media on businesses and society you have to be able to judge signal from noise mr semple added that persuading people to follow the coast guard advice would be challenging if you re in an extreme situation and you can get access through formal channels and there is the prospect of help from somewhere else helping your signal to be seen it would be tough not to residents of care home were rescued after an image of them waist-deep in floodwater went viral on twitter facebook has activated its safety check-in in texas so that affected members can mark themselves safe. | _START_ The US Coast Guard is asking people not to seek help via social media if they need assistance during Storm Harvey. _END_ |
Bow Street station, on the Cambrian line north of Aberystwyth, was closed in 1965 as part of the Beeching cuts.
The Welsh Government is seeking £6.8m from the UK government to cover three quarters of the cost of a new station.
Mid and West Wales AM Eluned Morgan said there was a "very strong" economic case for the project, with a new university campus opening up.
"Rail infrastructure is crucial to opening up the connections to Aberystwyth and beyond," she said.
"There is a welcome upturn in economic activity in the area, including the new Aberystwyth University campus nearby.
"This rail stop will cut down on traffic, promote business, reduce pollution, provide a vital transport system for commuters and the elderly."
The Welsh Government has applied for a £6.8m grant for part funding from the UK government for the project which would include a new train station and interchange plus car parking and bus stops.
Economy Secretary Ken Skates said he had submitted a "strong" application for 75% of the cost of the new station - the maximum the UK Government could cover.
He said the Welsh Government would provide the remaining 25% of the funding - £1.7m.
Proposals for a new station at Bow Street have been shown at a public event and, if approved, is hoped will open in 2019.
It would be built a short distance south of the original station, which is now the site of a builders' merchants.
A spokesman for Ceredigion council said it had found "considerable support" for the scheme in consultation.
The authority expected to hear the outcome of the funding application early in 2017.
Ms Morgan said she also hoped Welsh ministers would also consider reopening Carno station, also on the Cambrian line, in Powys, which closed in 1963. | A new railway station in Ceredigion would have a big impact on the regional economy, a Labour AM member says. | bow street station on the cambrian line north of aberystwyth was closed in 1965 as part of the beeching cuts the welsh government is seeking £6.8m from the uk government to cover three quarters of the cost of new station mid and west wales am eluned morgan said there was very strong economic case for the project with new university campus opening up rail infrastructure is crucial to opening up the connections to aberystwyth and beyond she said there is welcome upturn in economic activity in the area including the new aberystwyth university campus nearby this rail stop will cut down on traffic promote business reduce pollution provide vital transport system for commuters and the elderly the welsh government has applied for £6.8m grant for part funding from the uk government for the project which would include new train station and interchange plus car parking and bus stops economy secretary ken skates said he had submitted strong application for 75% of the cost of the new station the maximum the uk government could cover he said the welsh government would provide the remaining 25% of the funding £1.7m proposals for new station at bow street have been shown at public event and if approved is hoped will open in 2019 it would be built short distance south of the original station which is now the site of builders merchants spokesman for ceredigion council said it had found considerable support for the scheme in consultation the authority expected to hear the outcome of the funding application early in 2017 ms morgan said she also hoped welsh ministers would also consider reopening carno station also on the cambrian line in powys which closed in 1963. | _START_ A new railway station in Ceredigion would have a big impact on the regional economy, a Labour AM member says. _END_ |
A selection of photos from across the African continent this week: | Images courtesy of AP, EPA, PA and Reuters | a selection of photos from across the african continent this week: | _START_ Images courtesy of AP, EPA, PA and Reuters _END_ |
Anthony Fuggle was a classics master at Colet Court, Barnes, south-west London.
He admitted six counts of possessing indecent images of children, and seven of making indecent images of children on or before 10 September 2013.
He was found to be in possession of more than 1,000 still and moving images of children.
The 58-year-old was a teacher at the school, which is a junior division of St Paul's Preparatory School.
Alumni include Chancellor George Osborne.
Investigations also revealed he had downloaded almost 2,000 images of youngsters, some of whom were as young as 12, and which included topless boys in shorts, boys on a beach, and some who were naked.
Four counts of making indecent images of the most severe level, Category A, were left to lie on file after he pleaded not guilty to them.
Fuggle appeared at Kingston Crown Court and the case was adjourned until 5 June for sentencing.
Jane Humphryes QC said he had been seeking help and was attending weekly therapy sessions.
Fuggle was released on bail on the conditions that he does not go to Colet Court school, or be in the company of anyone under the age of 16 unless supervised.
The former teacher from Sutton in Surrey is understood to have resigned from his post at the school after he was arrested in September 2013.
He was the first person to be charged under the Metropolitan Police's Operation Winthorpe.
The investigation was set up to investigate allegations of historical sexual abuse and misconduct at St Paul's and Colet Court. | A former teacher at an elite boys' school has pleaded guilty to possessing and making thousands of indecent images of children. | anthony fuggle was classics master at colet court barnes south-west london he admitted six counts of possessing indecent images of children and seven of making indecent images of children on or before 10 september 2013 he was found to be in possession of more than 000 still and moving images of children the 58-year-old was teacher at the school which is junior division of st paul preparatory school alumni include chancellor george osborne investigations also revealed he had downloaded almost 000 images of youngsters some of whom were as young as 12 and which included topless boys in shorts boys on beach and some who were naked four counts of making indecent images of the most severe level category were left to lie on file after he pleaded not guilty to them fuggle appeared at kingston crown court and the case was adjourned until june for sentencing jane humphryes qc said he had been seeking help and was attending weekly therapy sessions fuggle was released on bail on the conditions that he does not go to colet court school or be in the company of anyone under the age of 16 unless supervised the former teacher from sutton in surrey is understood to have resigned from his post at the school after he was arrested in september 2013 he was the first person to be charged under the metropolitan police operation winthorpe the investigation was set up to investigate allegations of historical sexual abuse and misconduct at st paul and colet court. | _START_ A former teacher at an elite boys' school has pleaded guilty to possessing and making thousands of indecent images of children. _END_ |
AMC chief executive Adam Aron had suggested the idea might encourage so-called millennials to visit the cinema.
But the plan was badly received on social media, where cinema-goers bombarded AMC with messages.
"We have heard loud and clear that this is a concept our audience does not want," the company said in a statement.
AMC operates almost 400 cinemas in the United States, with more than 5,000 screens. The chain also has a UK multi-screen complex in Manchester.
While many cinemas display messages before films asking people to switch off their mobile devices, Mr Aron had suggested that allowing mobile phone use during a film might appeal to young adults.
"When you tell a 22-year-old to turn off the phone, don't ruin the movie, they hear please cut off your left arm above the elbow," he had explained in an interview with Variety magazine.
But the cinema chain has now admitted the idea had not gone down well with audiences.
"In this age of social media, we get feedback from you almost instantaneously," it said in a statement.
"This is an idea we have relegated to the cutting room floor... there will be no texting allowed in any of the auditoriums at AMC Theatres."
Delighted film fans welcomed the news online.
"Bravo for making the right decision," said one tweeter called Kristin.
"Thank you so much. I love you guys for this," added Shavonne.
Others remained critical of AMC.
"The idea shouldn't have been floated publicly in the first place, though. It was a horrible idea from the beginning," tweeted Geoff. | US cinema chain AMC has reversed a controversial plan to let customers use their mobile phones during films in some venues. | amc chief executive adam aron had suggested the idea might encourage so-called millennials to visit the cinema but the plan was badly received on social media where cinema-goers bombarded amc with messages we have heard loud and clear that this is concept our audience does not want the company said in statement amc operates almost 400 cinemas in the united states with more than 000 screens the chain also has uk multi-screen complex in manchester while many cinemas display messages before films asking people to switch off their mobile devices mr aron had suggested that allowing mobile phone use during film might appeal to young adults when you tell 22-year-old to turn off the phone don ruin the movie they hear please cut off your left arm above the elbow he had explained in an interview with variety magazine but the cinema chain has now admitted the idea had not gone down well with audiences in this age of social media we get feedback from you almost instantaneously it said in statement this is an idea we have relegated to the cutting room floor there will be no texting allowed in any of the auditoriums at amc theatres delighted film fans welcomed the news online bravo for making the right decision said one tweeter called kristin thank you so much love you guys for this added shavonne others remained critical of amc the idea shouldn have been floated publicly in the first place though it was horrible idea from the beginning tweeted geoff. | _START_ US cinema chain AMC has reversed a controversial plan to let customers use their mobile phones during films in some venues. _END_ |
Francis used his "Urbi et Orbi" address to call for peace in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and across the globe.
He singled out "dear Syria", saying: "How much blood has been shed! And how much suffering must there still be before a political solution is found?"
Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar and pilgrims have attended church across the world.
By David WilleyBBC News, Rome
In past years there have been two parts to the Pope's Easter message - a heartfelt appeal for peace in the world's trouble spots, and multilingual greetings to the crowds thronging St Peter's Square.
There were 250,000 people from more than 100 countries present this morning.
But Pope Francis decided to cut the vernacular greetings.
He is, of course, most comfortable speaking his native Spanish, and he is also completely fluent in Italian as his family is from Piedmont in northern Italy.
Pope Francis was, however, almost incomprehensible when he tried out a few words in English to the crowds in St Peter's Square last week.
So he decided not to read out the "Happy Easter" greetings that had been prepared for him in 65 different languages including difficult-to-pronounce oriental tongues.
Popes John Paul II and Benedict used to struggle to pronounce even a short phrase in Burmese, Chinese or Korean, Pope Francis chose not even to try.
But his body language spoke volumes. He was completely at ease saluting families, kissing babies and tenderly embracing a young disabled man, as the Pope was driven in an open jeep around the packed square.
Pope Francis also speaks when he remains silent.
Pope Francis, formerly Buenos Aires Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected on 13 March, becoming the first non-European pope for almost 1,300 years.
He replaced Benedict XVI, who held the office for eight years and became the first pontiff in more than 700 years to resign, saying he no longer had the physical strength to continue.
In his Urbi et Orbi (To the city and the world) speech, Pope Francis began with a simple "Happy Easter!"
The 76-year-old Pope, who has begun his tenure by emphasising humility, went on: "Christ has risen! What a joy it is for me to announce this message... I would like it to go out to every house and every family, especially where the suffering is greatest, in hospitals, in prisons."
Later in his speech, Pope Francis said: "We ask the risen Jesus, who turns death into life, to change hatred into love, vengeance into forgiveness, war into peace."
The Pope then mentioned troubled regions of the world in turn.
In pictures: Easter festivities
"Peace for the Middle East, and particularly between Israelis and Palestinians, who struggle to find the road of agreement, that they may willingly and courageously resume negotiations to end a conflict that has lasted all too long.
"Peace in Iraq, that every act of violence may end, and above all for dear Syria, for its people torn by conflict and for the many refugees who await help and comfort."
For Africa, the Pope referred to Mali, Nigeria - "where attacks sadly continue" - the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic.
He added: "Peace in Asia, above all on the Korean peninsula: may disagreements be overcome and a renewed spirit of reconciliation grow."
Profile: Pope Francis
Pope Francis concluded by saying: "Peace in the whole world, still divided by greed looking for easy gain, wounded by the selfishness which threatens human life and the family, selfishness that continues in human trafficking, the most extensive form of slavery in this 21st Century."
BBC Rome correspondent, Alan Johnston, says the Pope has reinforced his image as a man of simple, down-to-earth tastes, not wearing the more ostentatious of papal costumes and, for the moment, not moving into the grandiose papal apartments.
One pilgrim in Rome on Sunday, Briton Tina Hughes, said that Francis represented a "new beginning".
"I think he brings something special. He connects with people. I feel good about him," she told Reuters.
In the days before Easter, the Pope had reached out to women and Muslims.
During a Holy Thursday Mass at a youth detention centre he washed and kissed the feet of 12 people, including two girls and two Muslims, and in a Good Friday procession referred to the "friendship of our Muslim brothers and sisters" in the Middle East.
But our correspondent says that, after Easter, the Pope will have to begin tackling the key issues facing the Catholic Church, such as reforming a Vatican bureaucracy riven by infighting and allegations of corruption, and tackling the issue of clerical sexual abuse.
Vatican watchers will also be keeping a keen eye on new appointments to key positions.
In his Easter homily, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal, invited the Pope to visit.
The patriarch, the most senior Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land, also urged the international community to take "concrete and effective decisions to find a balanced and just solution for the Palestinian cause, which lies at the heart of all the Middle East's troubles". | Pope Francis has delivered a passionate plea for peace in his first Easter Sunday message since being elected. | francis used his urbi et orbi address to call for peace in africa asia the middle east and across the globe he singled out dear syria saying how much blood has been shed and how much suffering must there still be before political solution is found easter is the most important festival in the christian calendar and pilgrims have attended church across the world by david willeybbc news rome in past years there have been two parts to the pope easter message heartfelt appeal for peace in the world trouble spots and multilingual greetings to the crowds thronging st peter square there were 250 000 people from more than 100 countries present this morning but pope francis decided to cut the vernacular greetings he is of course most comfortable speaking his native spanish and he is also completely fluent in italian as his family is from piedmont in northern italy pope francis was however almost incomprehensible when he tried out few words in english to the crowds in st peter square last week so he decided not to read out the happy easter greetings that had been prepared for him in 65 different languages including difficult-to-pronounce oriental tongues popes john paul ii and benedict used to struggle to pronounce even short phrase in burmese chinese or korean pope francis chose not even to try but his body language spoke volumes he was completely at ease saluting families kissing babies and tenderly embracing young disabled man as the pope was driven in an open jeep around the packed square pope francis also speaks when he remains silent pope francis formerly buenos aires archbishop jorge mario bergoglio was elected on 13 march becoming the first non-european pope for almost 300 years he replaced benedict xvi who held the office for eight years and became the first pontiff in more than 700 years to resign saying he no longer had the physical strength to continue in his urbi et orbi to the city and the world speech pope francis began with simple happy easter the 76-year-old pope who has begun his tenure by emphasising humility went on christ has risen what joy it is for me to announce this message would like it to go out to every house and every family especially where the suffering is greatest in hospitals in prisons later in his speech pope francis said we ask the risen jesus who turns death into life to change hatred into love vengeance into forgiveness war into peace the pope then mentioned troubled regions of the world in turn in pictures easter festivities peace for the middle east and particularly between israelis and palestinians who struggle to find the road of agreement that they may willingly and courageously resume negotiations to end conflict that has lasted all too long peace in iraq that every act of violence may end and above all for dear syria for its people torn by conflict and for the many refugees who await help and comfort for africa the pope referred to mali nigeria where attacks sadly continue the democratic republic of congo and the central african republic he added peace in asia above all on the korean peninsula may disagreements be overcome and renewed spirit of reconciliation grow profile pope francis pope francis concluded by saying peace in the whole world still divided by greed looking for easy gain wounded by the selfishness which threatens human life and the family selfishness that continues in human trafficking the most extensive form of slavery in this 21st century bbc rome correspondent alan johnston says the pope has reinforced his image as man of simple down-to-earth tastes not wearing the more ostentatious of papal costumes and for the moment not moving into the grandiose papal apartments one pilgrim in rome on sunday briton tina hughes said that francis represented new beginning think he brings something special he connects with people feel good about him she told reuters in the days before easter the pope had reached out to women and muslims during holy thursday mass at youth detention centre he washed and kissed the feet of 12 people including two girls and two muslims and in good friday procession referred to the friendship of our muslim brothers and sisters in the middle east but our correspondent says that after easter the pope will have to begin tackling the key issues facing the catholic church such as reforming vatican bureaucracy riven by infighting and allegations of corruption and tackling the issue of clerical sexual abuse vatican watchers will also be keeping keen eye on new appointments to key positions in his easter homily the latin patriarch of jerusalem fouad twal invited the pope to visit the patriarch the most senior roman catholic cleric in the holy land also urged the international community to take concrete and effective decisions to find balanced and just solution for the palestinian cause which lies at the heart of all the middle east troubles . | _START_ Pope Francis has delivered a passionate plea for peace in his first Easter Sunday message since being elected. _END_ |
Cheshire East Council said "deliberate and systematic manipulation" took place from 2012 to 2014.
Cheshire Police is investigating whether any crimes were committed.
The council has apologised and said the falsified figures had caused "serious problems" in assessing applications for new developments.
"Serious" errors in the council's air quality data readings, from 2012 to 2014, made them appear lower than they really were, an external investigation has revealed.
Falsified data "may have affected" decisions made on planning applications in Nantwich, Congleton, Crewe, Holmes Chapel and Sandbach, it concluded.
Emails seen by the BBC last month showed that auditors believed the number and nature of the inaccuracies meant human error was "unlikely" to have been responsible.
Sean Hannaby, the council's director of planning and sustainable development, said: "We would like to assure everyone that we have done everything we can to rectify these failings.
"There are no immediate health protection measures needed as a result of these errors."
Councillors have to decide if a development will:
All UK local authorities are obliged to monitor local air quality and submit their findings to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Defra said the data provided "an overview of pollution in locations where people are likely to be present and reveals historic trends which indicate whether policies to improve air quality are having the desired effect".
Air pollutants include nitrogen dioxide from exhaust emissions which the government has been ordered to cut.
If a council does not meet national objectives it is obliged to declare an Air Quality Management Area and publish an action plan.
An internal review by Cheshire East Council auditors in 2016 found the air quality data submitted was different to the original data provided by the laboratory that analysed readings from the council's monitoring equipment.
The falsified data was from testing stations "spread over a wide geographical area, which implies that the manipulation was not motivated by a wish to favour specific sites", the council's report summary said.
Cheshire East Council has not commented on any potential disciplinary action.
A Defra spokesperson said: "We are aware of this issue and understand the local authority is now considering its response to the investigation." | Hundreds of planning applications are to be reviewed after a council admitted its air pollution data was "falsified" to make it look cleaner. | cheshire east council said deliberate and systematic manipulation took place from 2012 to 2014 cheshire police is investigating whether any crimes were committed the council has apologised and said the falsified figures had caused serious problems in assessing applications for new developments serious errors in the council air quality data readings from 2012 to 2014 made them appear lower than they really were an external investigation has revealed falsified data may have affected decisions made on planning applications in nantwich congleton crewe holmes chapel and sandbach it concluded emails seen by the bbc last month showed that auditors believed the number and nature of the inaccuracies meant human error was unlikely to have been responsible sean hannaby the council director of planning and sustainable development said we would like to assure everyone that we have done everything we can to rectify these failings there are no immediate health protection measures needed as result of these errors councillors have to decide if development will all uk local authorities are obliged to monitor local air quality and submit their findings to the department for environment food and rural affairs defra defra said the data provided an overview of pollution in locations where people are likely to be present and reveals historic trends which indicate whether policies to improve air quality are having the desired effect air pollutants include nitrogen dioxide from exhaust emissions which the government has been ordered to cut if council does not meet national objectives it is obliged to declare an air quality management area and publish an action plan an internal review by cheshire east council auditors in 2016 found the air quality data submitted was different to the original data provided by the laboratory that analysed readings from the council monitoring equipment the falsified data was from testing stations spread over wide geographical area which implies that the manipulation was not motivated by wish to favour specific sites the council report summary said cheshire east council has not commented on any potential disciplinary action defra spokesperson said we are aware of this issue and understand the local authority is now considering its response to the investigation | _START_ Hundreds of planning applications are to be reviewed after a council admitted its air pollution data was "falsified" to make it look cleaner. _END_ |
It follows claims the social media giant had not done enough to tackle cyberbullies or extremists in the past.
In a blog, the firm said the new language emphasised it would "not tolerate behaviour intended to harass or intimidate".
It also said it had clarified what it considered to be "abusive behaviour and hateful conduct".
This includes:
The firm promised to suspend or close the accounts of users who "cross the line into abuse".
Pressure is growing on social media firms to tackle issues such as online extremism and cyberbullying, which are said to affect millions of young Britons every year.
The Times reported last week that the Home Secretary Theresa May had suggested that new surveillance powers - unveiled under the Investigatory Powers Bill - could be used to help police to unmask anonymous cyberbullies.
In a letter to MP James Cartlidge, seen by the paper, Ms May said: "Internet connection records would update the capability of law enforcement in a criminal investigation to determine the sender and recipient of a communication."
This could include "a malicious message such as those exchanged in cyberbullying".
Twitter has been criticised for not doing enough to tackle online abuse, and in February, then-chief executive Dick Costolo admitted the company "sucks" at dealing with trolling.
In its update, however, the firm said it had introduced a range of new protections in 2015, including new tools for reporting abusive behaviour and a ban on the "promotion of terrorism".
A spokesperson for the NSPCC, a child protection charity, said Twitter's new rules were "a long overdue but very welcome step".
"We have been urging social media companies to take decisive action to curb cyberbullying, which damages the lives of many children who tell us it is almost impossible to find a safe haven from it.
"Industry is now waking-up to this pernicious behaviour and it's good to some are taking a more proactive approach to dealing with it." | Twitter has updated its rules to highlight it is taking a tougher stance against abuse. | it follows claims the social media giant had not done enough to tackle cyberbullies or extremists in the past in blog the firm said the new language emphasised it would not tolerate behaviour intended to harass or intimidate it also said it had clarified what it considered to be abusive behaviour and hateful conduct this includes the firm promised to suspend or close the accounts of users who cross the line into abuse pressure is growing on social media firms to tackle issues such as online extremism and cyberbullying which are said to affect millions of young britons every year the times reported last week that the home secretary theresa may had suggested that new surveillance powers unveiled under the investigatory powers bill could be used to help police to unmask anonymous cyberbullies in letter to mp james cartlidge seen by the paper ms may said internet connection records would update the capability of law enforcement in criminal investigation to determine the sender and recipient of communication this could include malicious message such as those exchanged in cyberbullying twitter has been criticised for not doing enough to tackle online abuse and in february then-chief executive dick costolo admitted the company sucks at dealing with trolling in its update however the firm said it had introduced range of new protections in 2015 including new tools for reporting abusive behaviour and ban on the promotion of terrorism spokesperson for the nspcc child protection charity said twitter new rules were long overdue but very welcome step we have been urging social media companies to take decisive action to curb cyberbullying which damages the lives of many children who tell us it is almost impossible to find safe haven from it industry is now waking-up to this pernicious behaviour and it good to some are taking more proactive approach to dealing with it | _START_ Twitter has updated its rules to highlight it is taking a tougher stance against abuse. _END_ |
The event, entitled Shifting the Curve - Sharing the Challenge, is aimed at addressing the relatively static rates of breastfeeding in Scotland over the last decade.
Figures show 48.4% of babies were breastfed at around ten days old in 2013/14, compared with 44.4% in 2004/05.
The data shows a trend towards babies being fed both breast and formula milk, as well as a decline in breastfeeding by the six to eight week stage.
Experts in the field will come together to share the latest evidence on the benefits of breastfeeding, review what is working well and identify ways to drive up rates.
A key focus will be on increasing rates of breastfeeding in the most deprived areas in order to help reduce health inequalities.
Mothers in the wealthiest areas are nearly three times as likely to exclusively breastfeed at six to eight weeks, compared with those in the most deprived areas.
Public health minister Maureen Watt said: "Breastfeeding has major health benefits, in the short and longer term, for both mother and baby. That is why the Scottish Government continues to promote it as the best source of nutrition for babies.
"We know it is important to understand the factors which influence a mother's infant feeding decision and develop effective strategies to encourage more women to breastfeed.
"Research shows that women who know about the health benefits of breastfeeding are more likely to start, therefore it's essential that in the antenatal period the health benefits of breastfeeding are discussed and explained to all women."
Earlier this month, a study by Unicef concluded increasing the time women breastfeed could save the NHS millions of pounds by improving the health of mother and baby.
The summit will be held on 24 February at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. | Encouraging more women to breastfeed their babies will be the focus of a Scottish Government summit in the New Year. | the event entitled shifting the curve sharing the challenge is aimed at addressing the relatively static rates of breastfeeding in scotland over the last decade figures show 48.4% of babies were breastfed at around ten days old in 2013/14 compared with 44.4% in 2004/05 the data shows trend towards babies being fed both breast and formula milk as well as decline in breastfeeding by the six to eight week stage experts in the field will come together to share the latest evidence on the benefits of breastfeeding review what is working well and identify ways to drive up rates key focus will be on increasing rates of breastfeeding in the most deprived areas in order to help reduce health inequalities mothers in the wealthiest areas are nearly three times as likely to exclusively breastfeed at six to eight weeks compared with those in the most deprived areas public health minister maureen watt said breastfeeding has major health benefits in the short and longer term for both mother and baby that is why the scottish government continues to promote it as the best source of nutrition for babies we know it is important to understand the factors which influence mother infant feeding decision and develop effective strategies to encourage more women to breastfeed research shows that women who know about the health benefits of breastfeeding are more likely to start therefore it essential that in the antenatal period the health benefits of breastfeeding are discussed and explained to all women earlier this month study by unicef concluded increasing the time women breastfeed could save the nhs millions of pounds by improving the health of mother and baby the summit will be held on 24 february at murrayfield stadium in edinburgh. | _START_ Encouraging more women to breastfeed their babies will be the focus of a Scottish Government summit in the New Year. _END_ |
In a speech on Tuesday, Royal College of Physicians president Prof Jane Dacre will warn ministers the issue must be addressed if their policy is to work.
She will highlight research that shows vacant posts are not being filled and gaps in rotas are being seen.
It comes as ministers are locked in a dispute with junior doctors over their plans for improving weekend care.
Last week thousands of medics went on strike over the government's decision to impose a new contract on them, designed to make it cheaper to rota on staff at weekends.
Prof Dacre will raise her own concerns at the RCP's annual conference in Harrogate, saying NHS trusts are struggling to find enough staff to cope with existing demands.
Physicians are doctors who focus on diagnosis and treatment as opposed to surgery. They cover a whole range of areas including stroke and heart disease to the care of the elderly.
Research by the RCP showed last year there were just over 13,000 consultant physicians across the UK - one in four of all consultants.
But four in 10 vacant posts advertised last year went unfilled, while one in five consultants reported gaps in their junior doctor rotas.
Meanwhile, one in 10 consultants say they often have to carry out junior jobs to ensure patients' care is not harmed.
Prof Dacre will tell delegates: "I feel sorry for NHS trusts, I really do. Across the country, they have created a raft of new posts to meet the rising demands for patient care, only to find that there is no-one to fill them.
"If we have neither enough trainees nor consultants to run the service now, how are we going to implement a safe seven-day service?"
She will go on to set out the case for extra funding, pointing out hospitals are racking up deficits and that funding lags behind other countries such as France and Germany.
"It is time to revisit our national contribution to healthcare," she will say.
But a Department of Health spokeswoman pointed out extra money was being invested during this Parliament - £8bn more by 2020.
She said this would help "make sure the right staff and support is available to create a safe NHS seven days a week".
Read more from Nick
Follow Nick on Twitter | There are not enough doctors to run a seven-day NHS in England, according to a leading doctor. | in speech on tuesday royal college of physicians president prof jane dacre will warn ministers the issue must be addressed if their policy is to work she will highlight research that shows vacant posts are not being filled and gaps in rotas are being seen it comes as ministers are locked in dispute with junior doctors over their plans for improving weekend care last week thousands of medics went on strike over the government decision to impose new contract on them designed to make it cheaper to rota on staff at weekends prof dacre will raise her own concerns at the rcp annual conference in harrogate saying nhs trusts are struggling to find enough staff to cope with existing demands physicians are doctors who focus on diagnosis and treatment as opposed to surgery they cover whole range of areas including stroke and heart disease to the care of the elderly research by the rcp showed last year there were just over 13 000 consultant physicians across the uk one in four of all consultants but four in 10 vacant posts advertised last year went unfilled while one in five consultants reported gaps in their junior doctor rotas meanwhile one in 10 consultants say they often have to carry out junior jobs to ensure patients care is not harmed prof dacre will tell delegates feel sorry for nhs trusts really do across the country they have created raft of new posts to meet the rising demands for patient care only to find that there is no-one to fill them if we have neither enough trainees nor consultants to run the service now how are we going to implement safe seven-day service she will go on to set out the case for extra funding pointing out hospitals are racking up deficits and that funding lags behind other countries such as france and germany it is time to revisit our national contribution to healthcare she will say but department of health spokeswoman pointed out extra money was being invested during this parliament â£8bn more by 2020 she said this would help make sure the right staff and support is available to create safe nhs seven days week read more from nick follow nick on twitter | _START_ There are not enough doctors to run a seven-day NHS in England, according to a leading doctor. _END_ |
Several sportswomen have raised the issue, including tennis player Heather Watson who blamed "girl things" on her exit from the 2015 Australian Open.
Dr Richard Burden, senior physiologist at the English Institute of Sport, told the BBC in January that menstrual cycle research in sport was "limited".
The new study has been conducted by two London universities.
The Female Athlete Health Group - a collaborative project between St Mary's University and University College London - worked on two surveys, including one of London Marathon competitors.
Of the 1,862 women surveyed, including 90 who were considered elite level, 41.7% said their menstrual cycle affected their performance.
Nearly 44% met the criteria for heavy menstrual bleeding, but only 22.3% had sought help for period problems.
PhD student Georgie Bruinvels, who is leading the study, told BBC Sport: "We feel like there are many unanswered questions when it comes to periods in sport.
"As a female athlete myself, I can see how much it impacts. So many elite coaches are male and it's hard for them to understand.
"It's this big taboo. I found that awareness is so poor and people don't know anything about it.
"By doing this research, we hope to raise more awareness and to encourage further examination of the subject."
Bruinvels is using crowdfunding to aid the next stage of her research, which will focus on heavy menstrual bleeding and the possible increase of iron deficiency. | A research group is hoping to increase awareness of the "taboo" subject of period problems in sport. | several sportswomen have raised the issue including tennis player heather watson who blamed girl things on her exit from the 2015 australian open dr richard burden senior physiologist at the english institute of sport told the bbc in january that menstrual cycle research in sport was limited the new study has been conducted by two london universities the female athlete health group collaborative project between st mary university and university college london worked on two surveys including one of london marathon competitors of the 862 women surveyed including 90 who were considered elite level 41.7% said their menstrual cycle affected their performance nearly 44% met the criteria for heavy menstrual bleeding but only 22.3% had sought help for period problems phd student georgie bruinvels who is leading the study told bbc sport we feel like there are many unanswered questions when it comes to periods in sport as female athlete myself can see how much it impacts so many elite coaches are male and it hard for them to understand it this big taboo found that awareness is so poor and people don know anything about it by doing this research we hope to raise more awareness and to encourage further examination of the subject bruinvels is using crowdfunding to aid the next stage of her research which will focus on heavy menstrual bleeding and the possible increase of iron deficiency. | _START_ A research group is hoping to increase awareness of the "taboo" subject of period problems in sport. _END_ |
President Rodrigo Duterte has said he wants to "walk the extra mile" to achieve peace, in a conflict which has claimed an estimated 30,000 lives since the 1960s. BBC Monitoring's Mark Wilson examines the challenges ahead.
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) began its armed struggle in the late 1960s. Its aim has been to overthrow the government through guerrilla warfare. The insurgency was established by academic, author and poet Jose Maria Sison.
The CPP's armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), is believed to number around 4,000 fighters, down from a peak of 26,000 in the 1980s during the martial law era.
The NPA has engaged in killings, bombings and hostage-taking across the archipelago, collecting "revolutionary taxes" from businesses in the areas it controls.
Both the CPP and NPA were designated foreign terrorist organisations by the US government in 2002.
The rebels strongly oppose the US military presence in the Philippines and have in the past killed American service personnel stationed in the country.
Since the 1980s they have entered into talks with successive governments, but a peace deal has remained elusive.
Mr Duterte wants to end the insurgency and has said he is willing to "walk the extra mile" for peace.
He has tried to revive the peace process and has already held two rounds of formal discussions with the rebels since he took office last year.
The president has attempted to win the rebels' trust through a series of confidence-building measures. These include appointing rebel sympathisers to his cabinet, releasing high-ranking rebels from prison and offering land to NPA members if talks succeed.
The rebels have reciprocated by releasing police officers they were holding hostage.
Both sides have also separately declared a series of unilateral ceasefires, but are yet to agree a joint ceasefire deal.
The ceasefires have been marred by the killings of soldiers and rebels.
Government officials accused the CPP of being unable to control its armed wing after four soldiers were killed in an NPA landmine attack in July.
The attack led Mr Duterte to temporarily lift the government ceasefire.
Days later, an NPA rebel was killed in a battle with the military in Surigao del Norte province.
The rebels, who say they will not give up arms even if a deal is reached, have accused the military of using Mr Duterte's drug war as a pretext to mount operations in rebel areas amid the ceasefire.
A real sticking point in recent months has been the issue of freeing around 400 detained rebels.
The CPP demands that the government grant a general amnesty to these rebels as part of negotiations.
After Mr Duterte refused, insisting that the rebels must first agree to a joint ceasefire deal, the rebels accused him of "capriciously changing his mind" on the issue.
Since the last round of talks in October, the rebels have also taken issue with some of Mr Duterte's policies at home and abroad.
They have criticised both his warming relations with Russia and China and his move to allow a hero's burial for late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
At the forthcoming talks on 18 January, to be held in Rome, the two sides will aim to reach a bilateral ceasefire deal.
That the talks have got this far demonstrates the desire for peace on both sides, but delays in granting amnesties to detained rebels is threatening to derail negotiations.
Wide ranging rebel-proposed social and economic reforms, which the CPP has described as the core of the talks, are also still to be agreed. | The Philippines government is due to begin peace talks with communist rebels on 18 January which could end one of Asia's longest insurgencies. | president rodrigo duterte has said he wants to walk the extra mile to achieve peace in conflict which has claimed an estimated 30 000 lives since the 1960s bbc monitoring mark wilson examines the challenges ahead the communist party of the philippines cpp began its armed struggle in the late 1960s its aim has been to overthrow the government through guerrilla warfare the insurgency was established by academic author and poet jose maria sison the cpp armed wing the new people army npa is believed to number around 000 fighters down from peak of 26 000 in the 1980s during the martial law era the npa has engaged in killings bombings and hostage-taking across the archipelago collecting revolutionary taxes from businesses in the areas it controls both the cpp and npa were designated foreign terrorist organisations by the us government in 2002 the rebels strongly oppose the us military presence in the philippines and have in the past killed american service personnel stationed in the country since the 1980s they have entered into talks with successive governments but peace deal has remained elusive mr duterte wants to end the insurgency and has said he is willing to walk the extra mile for peace he has tried to revive the peace process and has already held two rounds of formal discussions with the rebels since he took office last year the president has attempted to win the rebels trust through series of confidence-building measures these include appointing rebel sympathisers to his cabinet releasing high-ranking rebels from prison and offering land to npa members if talks succeed the rebels have reciprocated by releasing police officers they were holding hostage both sides have also separately declared series of unilateral ceasefires but are yet to agree joint ceasefire deal the ceasefires have been marred by the killings of soldiers and rebels government officials accused the cpp of being unable to control its armed wing after four soldiers were killed in an npa landmine attack in july the attack led mr duterte to temporarily lift the government ceasefire days later an npa rebel was killed in battle with the military in surigao del norte province the rebels who say they will not give up arms even if deal is reached have accused the military of using mr duterte drug war as pretext to mount operations in rebel areas amid the ceasefire real sticking point in recent months has been the issue of freeing around 400 detained rebels the cpp demands that the government grant general amnesty to these rebels as part of negotiations after mr duterte refused insisting that the rebels must first agree to joint ceasefire deal the rebels accused him of capriciously changing his mind on the issue since the last round of talks in october the rebels have also taken issue with some of mr duterte policies at home and abroad they have criticised both his warming relations with russia and china and his move to allow hero burial for late dictator ferdinand marcos at the forthcoming talks on 18 january to be held in rome the two sides will aim to reach bilateral ceasefire deal that the talks have got this far demonstrates the desire for peace on both sides but delays in granting amnesties to detained rebels is threatening to derail negotiations wide ranging rebel-proposed social and economic reforms which the cpp has described as the core of the talks are also still to be agreed. | _START_ The Philippines government is due to begin peace talks with communist rebels on 18 January which could end one of Asia's longest insurgencies. _END_ |
The 22-year-old had been released by Accrington Stanley, and is the third new signing this summer.
"He is young and keen to do well. I have been impressed with his attitude and I am looking forward to working with him," Morecambe boss Jim Bentley told the club website.
"We look forward to welcoming him into the squad."
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. | Right-back Liam Wakefield has signed for League Two side Morecambe on a one-year deal. | the 22-year-old had been released by accrington stanley and is the third new signing this summer he is young and keen to do well have been impressed with his attitude and am looking forward to working with him morecambe boss jim bentley told the club website we look forward to welcoming him into the squad find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. | _START_ Right-back Liam Wakefield has signed for League Two side Morecambe on a one-year deal. _END_ |
Powys council's cabinet said the loss of £1.6m over the next three years has affected the number of classes it could afford and it was launching a review.
It will look at whether its sixth forms are financially viable and educationally sustainable.
The Welsh government said it is working with Powys to minimise the impact of cuts to learning.
The council launched a similar review three years ago but eventually decided not to shut any sixth forms in the county.
Since then, the council has backed the takeover of the struggling John Beddoes School in Presteigne by Newtown High School, meaning the number of sixth forms in the county will drop from 13 to 12 from April.
Council cabinet member for learning Myfanwy Alexander said: "Changes to the way post-16 funding is delivered and a decline in pupil numbers have had a severe impact on Powys sixth forms.
"Learner choice will be hit hard and the sustainability of Powys sixth forms will be seriously affected."
In September 2012, the council was able to fund 232 further education classes across the authority area.
But according to the council, the decline in pupil numbers and changes to post-16 education budgets means only 181 classes will be funded in September 2014.
Ms Alexander said she feared a "reduced menu of subjects" for pupils, leading to some students travelling outside of Powys to study.
She said the education authority had made "strong representations" to the Welsh government on the funding changes, and had asked for a rethink on funding levels or risk "damaging changes in Powys".
Responding to the council's comments, the Welsh government's deputy minister for skills and technology Ken Skates said: "We have been open about the stark reality of the financial challenges ahead and the difficult decisions that we are facing.
"The post-16 sector remains a key priority for this government and we are working closely with colleagues in Powys and across Wales to minimise the impact of any reductions on learning."
Controversial plans to save around £20m was approved by councillors in Powys last week. The decision also means about 400 posts will be lost at the authority. | Some secondary school sixth forms in Powys could be at risk following a 10% cut in post-16 education funding. | powys council cabinet said the loss of £1.6m over the next three years has affected the number of classes it could afford and it was launching review it will look at whether its sixth forms are financially viable and educationally sustainable the welsh government said it is working with powys to minimise the impact of cuts to learning the council launched similar review three years ago but eventually decided not to shut any sixth forms in the county since then the council has backed the takeover of the struggling john beddoes school in presteigne by newtown high school meaning the number of sixth forms in the county will drop from 13 to 12 from april council cabinet member for learning myfanwy alexander said changes to the way post-16 funding is delivered and decline in pupil numbers have had severe impact on powys sixth forms learner choice will be hit hard and the sustainability of powys sixth forms will be seriously affected in september 2012 the council was able to fund 232 further education classes across the authority area but according to the council the decline in pupil numbers and changes to post-16 education budgets means only 181 classes will be funded in september 2014 ms alexander said she feared reduced menu of subjects for pupils leading to some students travelling outside of powys to study she said the education authority had made strong representations to the welsh government on the funding changes and had asked for rethink on funding levels or risk damaging changes in powys responding to the council comments the welsh government deputy minister for skills and technology ken skates said we have been open about the stark reality of the financial challenges ahead and the difficult decisions that we are facing the post-16 sector remains key priority for this government and we are working closely with colleagues in powys and across wales to minimise the impact of any reductions on learning controversial plans to save around £20m was approved by councillors in powys last week the decision also means about 400 posts will be lost at the authority. | _START_ Some secondary school sixth forms in Powys could be at risk following a 10% cut in post-16 education funding. _END_ |
Brent crude ended Thursday 0.4% higher at $49.94 a barrel.
Prices initially fell but then reversed course when figures showed that US crude stockpiles had fallen in the past week.
In a statement, Opec said its members were committed to a "stable and balanced oil market".
Speaking after the meeting, Saudi Arabia pledged that it would not flood the market by increasing production.
The country's energy minister, Khalid Al-Falih, said: "We will be very gentle in our approach and make sure we don't shock the market in anyway."
Opec members produce 40% of the world's crude oil.
A meeting of most Opec members, along with other oil exporters including Russia, similarly failed to cap output following a meeting in Qatar in April.
John Hall, an oil analyst with alfaenergy, said: "Now that there is a realisation that Opec will not be restricting output, traders are caught long with too much oil in a falling market and so once $50 had been reached, there was a general mood to sell off rapidly."
After peaking at about $115 a barrel in the summer of 2014, the price of oil fell steadily to a low of about $27 in January this year due to a combination of weaker demand and increased supply.
Opec secretary-general Abdulla al-Badri denied that the failure to cap output meant that the cartel was dead: "Opec will be powerful, will be strong. Opec is alive."
Bob Minter, analyst at Aberdeen Asset Management Investment, said: "This should have been an easy meeting to re-establish Opec relevance, but they missed the opportunity."
The oil ministers did agree that Nigeria's Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo would become Opec's new secretary-general from 1 August.
The decision ended years of dispute between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which had put forward their own candidates and refused to agree on a compromise.
The ministers also agreed to admit Gabon as the 14th member of Opec from next month. | The price of oil rose slightly despite a meeting of the Opec oil producers' group failing to set a cap on the amount of oil the group produces. | brent crude ended thursday 0.4% higher at $49.94 barrel prices initially fell but then reversed course when figures showed that us crude stockpiles had fallen in the past week in statement opec said its members were committed to stable and balanced oil market speaking after the meeting saudi arabia pledged that it would not flood the market by increasing production the country energy minister khalid al-falih said we will be very gentle in our approach and make sure we don shock the market in anyway opec members produce 40% of the world crude oil meeting of most opec members along with other oil exporters including russia similarly failed to cap output following meeting in qatar in april john hall an oil analyst with alfaenergy said now that there is realisation that opec will not be restricting output traders are caught long with too much oil in falling market and so once $50 had been reached there was general mood to sell off rapidly after peaking at about $115 barrel in the summer of 2014 the price of oil fell steadily to low of about $27 in january this year due to combination of weaker demand and increased supply opec secretary-general abdulla al-badri denied that the failure to cap output meant that the cartel was dead opec will be powerful will be strong opec is alive bob minter analyst at aberdeen asset management investment said this should have been an easy meeting to re-establish opec relevance but they missed the opportunity the oil ministers did agree that nigeria mohammed sanusi barkindo would become opec new secretary-general from august the decision ended years of dispute between saudi arabia and iran which had put forward their own candidates and refused to agree on compromise the ministers also agreed to admit gabon as the 14th member of opec from next month. | _START_ The price of oil rose slightly despite a meeting of the Opec oil producers' group failing to set a cap on the amount of oil the group produces. _END_ |
With the game pointless, England hooker Hartley lashed out at Tigers' Matt Smith with just 17 minutes gone.
Tigers registered a penalty try, but after the break Alex Waller and Ben Foden went over for the champions and Niki Goneva scored two of his own.
But with three minutes left Jamie Elliott touched down to win an epic derby at Franklin's Gardens.
It was all in spite of Saints captain Hartley's indiscretion, the latest on a growing rap sheet throughout his career which will raise questions about his credentials to represent England, regardless of whether his inevitable ban stretches into next year's Six Nations.
With two separate brawls having broken out on the pitch, replays showed that Hartley's elbow connected with Smith's chin during a scuffle, and referee JP Doyle took the advice of the television match official to send off the 28-year-old.
After missing last year's British & Irish Lions tour of Australia with an 11-week ban after being dismissed for swearing at referee Wayne Barnes in the 2013 Premiership final - also against the Tigers - Hartley, by his own admission, was in the last chance saloon when it came to his England career.
The New Zealand-born forward, who rejected a big-money move to Montpellier to sign a new Saints deal this week, can also count a 26-week ban in 2007 for eye gouging and eight-week and two-week bans in 2012, for biting and striking respectively, among his misdemeanours.
With just 17 minutes having passed when he trudged off the field, Saints, like in the 2013 final, were once again without their captain and facing an uphill battle.
Immediately after Hartley's sending off, which inevitably overshadowed a typically ferocious East Midlands derby, things got worse for Saints who, still trying to regroup, conceded a penalty try for impeding three consecutive scrums.
Owen Williams slotted the conversion and Stephen Myler put over a penalty for Saints, before Tigers' Tom Croft was sin-binned moments before the break for a high tackle.
Myler collected the points off the tee and after the interval Saints capitalised on Croft's absence, pinning Tigers back into their 22 and freeing up Salesi Ma'afu to pass on to Waller for the score.
Tom Youngs, who may be eyeing up Hartley's place in Stuart Lancaster's England side, lasted less than 50 minutes as he continued his return from injury, but Tigers were able to reassert themselves when they were back up to their full quota.
Replacement Freddie Burns's break down the middle had Saints scrambling under their posts and Leicester quickly recycled as Goneva crossed after taking a pass from Williams, who skewed his conversion wide.
Fourteen-man Saints once again validated their status as champions and Premiership leaders, though, when Luther Burrell, who was a powerhouse all afternoon, burst forward, allowing the ball to go through the hands to Foden for a superb finish from 35 metres.
It looked like it might be to no avail as Tigers, unbeaten in four Premiership games coming into the match, turned it over in midfield through Julian Salvi and put Goneva over in the corner.
But, remarkably, Saints found time for one more push and, from a line-out, swept the ball across the pitch for Elliott to clinch an unlikely and thrilling victory.
Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder:
Media playback is not supported on this device
"At half-time Tom Wood said 'let's do it for Dylan'.
"It was a tremendous, spirited performance. Not just relying on spirit and guts but also a lot of technical and tactical work.
"In terms of the red card it is disappointing. Dylan has to keep his arms down but he's being held and I don't think there is any malice in it. The nature of the game didn't justify a red card. I think Smith went down pretty easily, which was disappointing.
"I think the referee's initial decision of a yellow card would have been the correct decision.
"I thought Luther Burrell was outstanding. After 20 minutes we said we were still going to take them on and what we needed from Luther was to stay strong and on his feet and he did that brilliantly."
Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill:
"I'm frustrated with how we managed that second half. We got what we deserved. You have to control that field position and get that forward pack into the right areas of the field so we can have opportunities to create attacks.
"We were defensively poor. We were too narrow. It will be interesting on Monday morning when we look back and see a side with one less back creating opportunities.
"Saints outplayed us. They took advantage of our naivety in defence. We seemed to go AWOL at times in defence."
Northampton Saints: Wilson; K. Pisi, Stephenson, Burrell, North; Myler, Fotuali'i; A Waller, Hartley (capt), Ma'afu; Lawes, Day; Clark, Wood, Manoa.
Replacements: Haywood, E. Waller, Denman, Dickinson, Dowson, Dickson, Elliott, Foden.
Sent Off: Hartley (17).
Leicester Tigers: Tait; Scully, Smith, Allen, Goneva; Williams, B Youngs (capt); Ayerza, T Youngs, Cole, Kitchener, Parling; Croft, Salvi, Crane.
Replacements: Ghiraldini, Rizzo, Balmain, De Chaves, Barbieri, Harrison, Burns, Benjamin.
Sin Bin: Croft (39).
Att: 13,591
Ref: JP Doyle (RFU). | Dylan Hartley was sent off in the first half but Northampton edged to victory over East Midlands rivals Leicester. | with the game pointless england hooker hartley lashed out at tigers matt smith with just 17 minutes gone tigers registered penalty try but after the break alex waller and ben foden went over for the champions and niki goneva scored two of his own but with three minutes left jamie elliott touched down to win an epic derby at franklin gardens it was all in spite of saints captain hartley indiscretion the latest on growing rap sheet throughout his career which will raise questions about his credentials to represent england regardless of whether his inevitable ban stretches into next year six nations with two separate brawls having broken out on the pitch replays showed that hartley elbow connected with smith chin during scuffle and referee jp doyle took the advice of the television match official to send off the 28-year-old after missing last year british irish lions tour of australia with an 11-week ban after being dismissed for swearing at referee wayne barnes in the 2013 premiership final also against the tigers hartley by his own admission was in the last chance saloon when it came to his england career the new zealand-born forward who rejected big-money move to montpellier to sign new saints deal this week can also count 26-week ban in 2007 for eye gouging and eight-week and two-week bans in 2012 for biting and striking respectively among his misdemeanours with just 17 minutes having passed when he trudged off the field saints like in the 2013 final were once again without their captain and facing an uphill battle immediately after hartley sending off which inevitably overshadowed typically ferocious east midlands derby things got worse for saints who still trying to regroup conceded penalty try for impeding three consecutive scrums owen williams slotted the conversion and stephen myler put over penalty for saints before tigers tom croft was sin-binned moments before the break for high tackle myler collected the points off the tee and after the interval saints capitalised on croft absence pinning tigers back into their 22 and freeing up salesi ma afu to pass on to waller for the score tom youngs who may be eyeing up hartley place in stuart lancaster england side lasted less than 50 minutes as he continued his return from injury but tigers were able to reassert themselves when they were back up to their full quota replacement freddie burns break down the middle had saints scrambling under their posts and leicester quickly recycled as goneva crossed after taking pass from williams who skewed his conversion wide fourteen-man saints once again validated their status as champions and premiership leaders though when luther burrell who was powerhouse all afternoon burst forward allowing the ball to go through the hands to foden for superb finish from 35 metres it looked like it might be to no avail as tigers unbeaten in four premiership games coming into the match turned it over in midfield through julian salvi and put goneva over in the corner but remarkably saints found time for one more push and from line-out swept the ball across the pitch for elliott to clinch an unlikely and thrilling victory northampton saints director of rugby jim mallinder media playback is not supported on this device at half-time tom wood said let do it for dylan it was tremendous spirited performance not just relying on spirit and guts but also lot of technical and tactical work in terms of the red card it is disappointing dylan has to keep his arms down but he being held and don think there is any malice in it the nature of the game didn justify red card think smith went down pretty easily which was disappointing think the referee initial decision of yellow card would have been the correct decision thought luther burrell was outstanding after 20 minutes we said we were still going to take them on and what we needed from luther was to stay strong and on his feet and he did that brilliantly leicester tigers director of rugby richard cockerill frustrated with how we managed that second half we got what we deserved you have to control that field position and get that forward pack into the right areas of the field so we can have opportunities to create attacks we were defensively poor we were too narrow it will be interesting on monday morning when we look back and see side with one less back creating opportunities saints outplayed us they took advantage of our naivety in defence we seemed to go awol at times in defence northampton saints wilson pisi stephenson burrell north myler fotuali waller hartley capt ma afu lawes day clark wood manoa replacements haywood waller denman dickinson dowson dickson elliott foden sent off hartley 17 leicester tigers tait scully smith allen goneva williams youngs capt ayerza youngs cole kitchener parling croft salvi crane replacements ghiraldini rizzo balmain de chaves barbieri harrison burns benjamin sin bin croft 39 att 13 591 ref jp doyle rfu . | _START_ Dylan Hartley was sent off in the first half but Northampton edged to victory over East Midlands rivals Leicester. _END_ |
The Markit/CIPS services purchasing managers' index (PMI) stood at 52.6, down from August's 52.9, but above the 50 level which indicates expansion.
On Monday, the manufacturing sector recorded its best PMI for two years.
Markit said the latest findings cast doubt on the need for more stimulus action from the Bank of England.
The surveys, which are calculated by speaking to purchasing professionals and business decision-makers across a range of companies, are seen as an early indication of how the economy is performing, since they are released before official GDP data.
"The survey results suggest that the economy has regained modest growth momentum since the EU referendum, with especially strong growth appearing in manufacturing," said Markit's chief business economist Chris Williamson.
"The risk of recession in the second half of 2016 has therefore all but evaporated, and the solid PMI readings for September will cast doubt on the need for any further stimulus from the Bank of England in coming months."
July's survey had shown a steep drop in business activity in the immediate wake of the referendum, but that started to recover in August. In addition, September's survey indicated that new business in services rose at the fastest pace since February and that the rate of job creation had picked up.
However, Mr Williamson pointed out that the pace of expansion had cooled since the beginning of the year, "reflecting widespread concern about the potential future impact of Brexit".
Official growth figures for the second quarter were revised up to 0.7% last week, by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), from an initial reading of 0.6%.
Pantheon Economics agreed that the Bank of England would probably refrain from cutting rates in November but predicted growth would continue to slow in the coming months, "as firms hold back from hiring and investment due to 'hard' Brexit risk and households' real incomes are squeezed by rising inflation".
The PMI survey showed that services firms reported the fastest rate of input price inflation since February 2013 in September, with providers subsequently raising their charges at the fastest rate since January 2014.
The services industry - which includes everything from financial advice to retailers - accounts for about three-quarters of the UK economy. | The UK services sector continued to recover last month, after a sharp drop in activity following the Brexit vote, according to a closely watched survey. | the markit/cips services purchasing managers index pmi stood at 52.6 down from august 52.9 but above the 50 level which indicates expansion on monday the manufacturing sector recorded its best pmi for two years markit said the latest findings cast doubt on the need for more stimulus action from the bank of england the surveys which are calculated by speaking to purchasing professionals and business decision-makers across range of companies are seen as an early indication of how the economy is performing since they are released before official gdp data the survey results suggest that the economy has regained modest growth momentum since the eu referendum with especially strong growth appearing in manufacturing said markit chief business economist chris williamson the risk of recession in the second half of 2016 has therefore all but evaporated and the solid pmi readings for september will cast doubt on the need for any further stimulus from the bank of england in coming months july survey had shown steep drop in business activity in the immediate wake of the referendum but that started to recover in august in addition september survey indicated that new business in services rose at the fastest pace since february and that the rate of job creation had picked up however mr williamson pointed out that the pace of expansion had cooled since the beginning of the year reflecting widespread concern about the potential future impact of brexit official growth figures for the second quarter were revised up to 0.7% last week by the office for national statistics ons from an initial reading of 0.6% pantheon economics agreed that the bank of england would probably refrain from cutting rates in november but predicted growth would continue to slow in the coming months as firms hold back from hiring and investment due to hard brexit risk and households real incomes are squeezed by rising inflation the pmi survey showed that services firms reported the fastest rate of input price inflation since february 2013 in september with providers subsequently raising their charges at the fastest rate since january 2014 the services industry which includes everything from financial advice to retailers accounts for about three-quarters of the uk economy. | _START_ The UK services sector continued to recover last month, after a sharp drop in activity following the Brexit vote, according to a closely watched survey. _END_ |
A blue Citroen C3 hit a house near the Conrah Hotel on the A487 in Chancery at about 02:15 BST on Friday.
Firefighters had to cut three people free from the wreckage - one suffered minor injures, two serious.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the house was considerably damaged in the crash and a 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.
The road was closed for about three hours. | Three people have been injured, two seriously, after a car crashed into a house in Ceredigion. | a blue citroen c3 hit house near the conrah hotel on the a487 in chancery at about 02:15 bst on friday firefighters had to cut three people free from the wreckage one suffered minor injures two serious dyfed-powys police said the house was considerably damaged in the crash and 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving the road was closed for about three hours. | _START_ Three people have been injured, two seriously, after a car crashed into a house in Ceredigion. _END_ |
The Welsh government pays the majority of Welsh students' tuition fees, wherever they choose to go in the UK.
On Monday, Universities Wales will publish its manifesto ahead of next year's Assembly elections calling for the current tuition fee grant to be replaced by a means tested grant.
The Welsh government said its policy was an "investment in young people".
University Wales's chairman Prof Colin Riordan said means testing would be fairer.
He told BBC Wales' Sunday Politics programme: "You could decide to spend the resource equally and thinly or you can say 'let's focus on the areas of most need' - so those people who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, perhaps, or areas which need support such as expensive subjects".
Universities have long argued the grant means tens of millions of pounds leaves the higher education sector in Wales and goes to the coffers of their counterparts in England.
Prof Riordan added: "Means testing would mean that those students who really need support would get it.
"Those who are more able to support themselves would be able to do that. That's surely fair."
Earlier this month the UK government's Universities Minister Jo Johnson said institutions in England would be allowed to raise their fees in future if they can demonstrate a high quality of teaching.
But Prof Riordan said it "would add cost to the tuition fee grant in ways that could become quite unsustainable".
The tuition fee grant has faced criticism from many involved with Higher Education in Wales.
Earlier this year, the head of the body responsible for allocating funding to universities in Wales said the Welsh government needs to change how it funds students from Wales to avoid universities here falling behind their English counterparts.
In 2013, BBC Wales revealed the body representing universities here had concerns they were losing out compared to their counterparts in England because of the tuition fee grant.
BBC Wales has also revealed concerns expressed by the finance directors of universities in Wales that the grant left the sector "with an uncertain financial future".
In November 2013, the Welsh government announced a review of higher education funding and student finance arrangements in Wales, which is chaired by the Scottish academic, Professor Ian Diamond.
Prof Diamond will make some of his thoughts public later this year, with the full review expected to be published after the Assembly elections in May next year.
A Welsh government spokesperson said: "Our tuition fee policy is an investment in young people.
"Over the course of a three year undergraduate degree, current students from Wales are around £17,000 better off than their English counterparts.
"The Diamond review of higher education and student finance in Wales is ongoing. Once published, it will inform the next steps for higher education funding in Wales." | The way Welsh students are funded is unsustainable, the body representing universities in Wales has said. | the welsh government pays the majority of welsh students tuition fees wherever they choose to go in the uk on monday universities wales will publish its manifesto ahead of next year assembly elections calling for the current tuition fee grant to be replaced by means tested grant the welsh government said its policy was an investment in young people university wales chairman prof colin riordan said means testing would be fairer he told bbc wales sunday politics programme you could decide to spend the resource equally and thinly or you can say let focus on the areas of most need so those people who come from disadvantaged backgrounds perhaps or areas which need support such as expensive subjects universities have long argued the grant means tens of millions of pounds leaves the higher education sector in wales and goes to the coffers of their counterparts in england prof riordan added means testing would mean that those students who really need support would get it those who are more able to support themselves would be able to do that that surely fair earlier this month the uk government universities minister jo johnson said institutions in england would be allowed to raise their fees in future if they can demonstrate high quality of teaching but prof riordan said it would add cost to the tuition fee grant in ways that could become quite unsustainable the tuition fee grant has faced criticism from many involved with higher education in wales earlier this year the head of the body responsible for allocating funding to universities in wales said the welsh government needs to change how it funds students from wales to avoid universities here falling behind their english counterparts in 2013 bbc wales revealed the body representing universities here had concerns they were losing out compared to their counterparts in england because of the tuition fee grant bbc wales has also revealed concerns expressed by the finance directors of universities in wales that the grant left the sector with an uncertain financial future in november 2013 the welsh government announced review of higher education funding and student finance arrangements in wales which is chaired by the scottish academic professor ian diamond prof diamond will make some of his thoughts public later this year with the full review expected to be published after the assembly elections in may next year welsh government spokesperson said our tuition fee policy is an investment in young people over the course of three year undergraduate degree current students from wales are around â£17 000 better off than their english counterparts the diamond review of higher education and student finance in wales is ongoing once published it will inform the next steps for higher education funding in wales | _START_ The way Welsh students are funded is unsustainable, the body representing universities in Wales has said. _END_ |
Channel 4 has also fined Glasspool an undisclosed sum which he will give to a domestic violence charity.
"I am truly sorry to anyone I have upset or offended," he said.
"I would never condone domestic violence in any way and on reflection see that my video was insensitive and inappropriate."
The 24-year-old, who plays Harry Thompson, joined the soap to play student Harry last year and was nominated for best newcomer at this year's National Television Awards.
The clip was posted to the actor's Instagram account in June and featured him waving a knife in front of the camera.
He took on the role of a woman warning her boyfriend about talking to other girls, saying: "I would kill you if you did... With this knife I know exactly how to.
"Done it before and I'll do it again so don't even think about it."
The video has now been deleted.
A Hollyoaks spokesperson said: "Parry Glasspool has apologised and will begin an immediate two-week suspension from Hollyoaks. He will also be donating a fee to a domestic violence charity."
Follow us on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, on Instagram, or email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk. | Hollyoaks actor Parry Glasspool has been suspended after posting a video in which he mimicked a woman threatening to stab her boyfriend to death. | channel has also fined glasspool an undisclosed sum which he will give to domestic violence charity am truly sorry to anyone have upset or offended he said would never condone domestic violence in any way and on reflection see that my video was insensitive and inappropriate the 24-year-old who plays harry thompson joined the soap to play student harry last year and was nominated for best newcomer at this year national television awards the clip was posted to the actor instagram account in june and featured him waving knife in front of the camera he took on the role of woman warning her boyfriend about talking to other girls saying would kill you if you did with this knife know exactly how to done it before and ll do it again so don even think about it the video has now been deleted hollyoaks spokesperson said parry glasspool has apologised and will begin an immediate two-week suspension from hollyoaks he will also be donating fee to domestic violence charity follow us on twitter @bbcnewsents on instagram or email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk. | _START_ Hollyoaks actor Parry Glasspool has been suspended after posting a video in which he mimicked a woman threatening to stab her boyfriend to death. _END_ |
In an emergency statement at Holyrood, he apologised to rail passengers who have been affected by disruption.
It came on the day commuters faced severe disruption after overhead wiring problems affected services in Glasgow.
ScotRail declared a major incident after finding a broken insulator between Partick and Glasgow Central.
The rail operator said the issue caused disruption and cancellations between Glasgow Central and Dalmuir, Milngavie and Maryhill.
There has been widespread criticism of the reliability of ScotRail trains since Abellio took over the franchise.
Abellio has said the terms of the contract meant government ministers were responsible for overcrowding on the network.
In the Scottish Parliament, Mr Yousaf admitted that ScotRail's performance was not "up to scratch" but he said it was higher than the UK average.
He also outlined a series of actions and investments Scotrail will make.
They include an earlier commuter service between Inverness and the central belt, which will begin in mid-December, and the addition of carriages to peak services on the Borders Railway in a bid to reduce overcrowding.
The minister said: "Everyone rightly expects a railway network that operates effectively. So when things go wrong I fully understand the dissatisfaction of passengers and the inconvenience that is caused.
"Although there are no guarantees major failures won't happen, I give my reassurance that ScotRail has learned lessons and is far better prepared for contingencies, including communication with passengers, when such incidents do take place."
He added: "I know about the work that is required and the service that is to be delivered. I am taking action and a plan is now in place. This government has a track record of delivering for our railways and it is my firm intention that we will continue to do so."
In his statement, Mr Yousaf also highlighted:
ScotRail was ordered to produce a performance improvement plan in September after punctuality and reliability fell below the expected standard.
At Holyrood, the minister faced calls to publish the plan in full from Liberal Democrat Mike Rumbles.
Mr Yousaf agreed to speak to ScotRail about its publication in the interests of "accountability and transparency".
Scottish Labour's transport spokesman Neil Bibby said the rail service has become worse since the improvement plan was demanded.
He added: "His handling of the rail crisis has seen him fall out with Abellio, Network Rail and the transport unions.
"Humza Yousaf claims he's not a transport expert - and he's right. Humza Yousaf must ditch the spin and publish his 246 point improvement plan in full."
Murdo Fraser, of the Scottish Conservatives, said it was time the government started taking responsibility for the railways' poor performance.
The latest performance data showed 86% of ScotRail trains were on time or less than five minutes late between 16 October and 12 November, with wide variations in reliability across the country.
ScotRail's figures remained better than the average for all UK train operators - with the company also enjoying better than average customer satisfaction figures when the latest data was published earlier this year.
But Abellio's contract to run the ScotRail franchise requires the company to ensure 91.3% of trains arrive within five minutes of schedule.
The Scottish government can cancel the contract if performance drops to 84.3% for three months in a row. | Transport Minister Humza Yousaf has told MSPs that "ScotRail has learned lessons" following a series of problems on Scotland's railways. | in an emergency statement at holyrood he apologised to rail passengers who have been affected by disruption it came on the day commuters faced severe disruption after overhead wiring problems affected services in glasgow scotrail declared major incident after finding broken insulator between partick and glasgow central the rail operator said the issue caused disruption and cancellations between glasgow central and dalmuir milngavie and maryhill there has been widespread criticism of the reliability of scotrail trains since abellio took over the franchise abellio has said the terms of the contract meant government ministers were responsible for overcrowding on the network in the scottish parliament mr yousaf admitted that scotrail performance was not up to scratch but he said it was higher than the uk average he also outlined series of actions and investments scotrail will make they include an earlier commuter service between inverness and the central belt which will begin in mid-december and the addition of carriages to peak services on the borders railway in bid to reduce overcrowding the minister said everyone rightly expects railway network that operates effectively so when things go wrong fully understand the dissatisfaction of passengers and the inconvenience that is caused although there are no guarantees major failures won happen give my reassurance that scotrail has learned lessons and is far better prepared for contingencies including communication with passengers when such incidents do take place he added know about the work that is required and the service that is to be delivered am taking action and plan is now in place this government has track record of delivering for our railways and it is my firm intention that we will continue to do so in his statement mr yousaf also highlighted scotrail was ordered to produce performance improvement plan in september after punctuality and reliability fell below the expected standard at holyrood the minister faced calls to publish the plan in full from liberal democrat mike rumbles mr yousaf agreed to speak to scotrail about its publication in the interests of accountability and transparency scottish labour transport spokesman neil bibby said the rail service has become worse since the improvement plan was demanded he added his handling of the rail crisis has seen him fall out with abellio network rail and the transport unions humza yousaf claims he not transport expert and he right humza yousaf must ditch the spin and publish his 246 point improvement plan in full murdo fraser of the scottish conservatives said it was time the government started taking responsibility for the railways poor performance the latest performance data showed 86% of scotrail trains were on time or less than five minutes late between 16 october and 12 november with wide variations in reliability across the country scotrail figures remained better than the average for all uk train operators with the company also enjoying better than average customer satisfaction figures when the latest data was published earlier this year but abellio contract to run the scotrail franchise requires the company to ensure 91.3% of trains arrive within five minutes of schedule the scottish government can cancel the contract if performance drops to 84.3% for three months in row. | _START_ Transport Minister Humza Yousaf has told MSPs that "ScotRail has learned lessons" following a series of problems on Scotland's railways. _END_ |
Former France Under-21 international Amavi cost £7.7m when he joined Villa from Nice in July 2015 on a five-year deal.
The 23-year-old had looked set to move to Sevilla last month but that deal fell through.
Villa winger Leandro Bacuna is also on the verge of leaving the club, manager Steve Bruce confirmed on Wednesday.
Speaking to BBC WM 95.6 after his side's 2-1 EFL Cup win over Colchester, Bruce said: "We've agreed a fee with Marseille [for Amavi].
"There's a Championship club after Bacuna, that looks close to being over the line too."
Curacao international Bacuna, who can also play at right-back, has been with the club since 2013 and has scored eight goals in 129 appearances.
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. | Aston Villa left-back Jordan Amavi has signed for Marseille on loan with a view to a permanent move. | former france under-21 international amavi cost £7.7m when he joined villa from nice in july 2015 on five-year deal the 23-year-old had looked set to move to sevilla last month but that deal fell through villa winger leandro bacuna is also on the verge of leaving the club manager steve bruce confirmed on wednesday speaking to bbc wm 95.6 after his side 2-1 efl cup win over colchester bruce said we ve agreed fee with marseille for amavi there championship club after bacuna that looks close to being over the line too curacao international bacuna who can also play at right-back has been with the club since 2013 and has scored eight goals in 129 appearances find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. | _START_ Aston Villa left-back Jordan Amavi has signed for Marseille on loan with a view to a permanent move. _END_ |
Tim Robinson, 54, slipped while walking under Golden Cap, east of Lyme Regis on the Jurassic Coast on Saturday.
After crawling for three-quarters of a mile (1.2km), he was found by his wife who had become concerned for his welfare.
A coastguard statement said it was "quite an ordeal" for Mr Robinson.
The coastguard said Mr Robinson had been walking on rocks on the western end of the beach at about 16:30 GMT when he slipped and injured his leg.
With no means of calling for help, he dragged himself off the rocks back on to the beach and then crawled in the darkness towards Seatown.
He was eventually discovered by his wife who had gone to look for him and she raised the alarm. The couple, from the Derby area, were on holiday in Bridport.
The coastguard rescue team saw "faint torch lights" on the beach and crew from an RNLI lifeboat swam ashore to reach Mr Robinson.
With a rescue helicopter unavailable due to fog, he was transferred on to the lifeboat and taken to Lyme Regis from where he was taken by ambulance to hospital in Dorchester.
Mr Robinson, who is a full-time member of the Territorial Army, said: "I just slipped on a rock and have two fractures of the right leg. Everyone who helped me was just terrific."
RNLI helmsman Jon Broome said: "His military background came to the fore. He found some sticks and used them to get to the beach. He then crawled on his hands and knees for a good two hours.
"The position he was in wasn't easy to get to. It was tricky, but you want to look after the guy as best as possible."
The coastguard statement said people should take a fully charged smartphone when walking on the coast. | A man crawled and staggered with a broken leg for more than two hours after falling from rocks on the Dorset coast. | tim robinson 54 slipped while walking under golden cap east of lyme regis on the jurassic coast on saturday after crawling for three-quarters of mile 1.2km he was found by his wife who had become concerned for his welfare coastguard statement said it was quite an ordeal for mr robinson the coastguard said mr robinson had been walking on rocks on the western end of the beach at about 16:30 gmt when he slipped and injured his leg with no means of calling for help he dragged himself off the rocks back on to the beach and then crawled in the darkness towards seatown he was eventually discovered by his wife who had gone to look for him and she raised the alarm the couple from the derby area were on holiday in bridport the coastguard rescue team saw faint torch lights on the beach and crew from an rnli lifeboat swam ashore to reach mr robinson with rescue helicopter unavailable due to fog he was transferred on to the lifeboat and taken to lyme regis from where he was taken by ambulance to hospital in dorchester mr robinson who is full-time member of the territorial army said just slipped on rock and have two fractures of the right leg everyone who helped me was just terrific rnli helmsman jon broome said his military background came to the fore he found some sticks and used them to get to the beach he then crawled on his hands and knees for good two hours the position he was in wasn easy to get to it was tricky but you want to look after the guy as best as possible the coastguard statement said people should take fully charged smartphone when walking on the coast. | _START_ A man crawled and staggered with a broken leg for more than two hours after falling from rocks on the Dorset coast. _END_ |
The 7% rate was slower than the previous quarter's rate of 7.4%, but beat analysts' expectations of 6.4%.
Economists had expected the economy to suffer from the government's decision to withdraw high-denomination banknotes as part of an anti-corruption drive.
The federal statistics office retained its growth forecast for the year ending in March 2017 at 7.1%.
The figures surprised economists, who had expected the economy to take a bigger hit from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision last November to withdraw old 500-rupee and 1,000-rupee banknotes, taking 86% of the currency out of circulation virtually overnight.
"Perhaps this data is not capturing the impact of demonetisation," said Aneesh Srivastava, chief investment officer at IDBI Federal Life Insurance.
"I am totally surprised and stunned to see this number... I believe that, with a lag, we will see an impact on GDP numbers."
Saugata Bhattacharya, a chief economist at Axis Bank, said "big rises" in agriculture and manufacturing "show that the impact from demonetisation on growth has been less than expected".
However, Rupa Rege Nitsure, chief economist at L&T Holdings, said the current year's growth "appears to be overstated as our National Accounts Statistics does not adequately capture activities from the unorganised sector".
"While the numbers make sense in terms of direction of change, their actual magnitude appears to be overstated," she said.
The so-called "unorganised sector" - made up of informal workers - is believed to account for about 40% of India's economy. | India's economic growth slowed in the December quarter of 2016, but the pace of expansion still beat expectations. | the 7% rate was slower than the previous quarter rate of 7.4% but beat analysts expectations of 6.4% economists had expected the economy to suffer from the government decision to withdraw high-denomination banknotes as part of an anti-corruption drive the federal statistics office retained its growth forecast for the year ending in march 2017 at 7.1% the figures surprised economists who had expected the economy to take bigger hit from prime minister narendra modi decision last november to withdraw old 500-rupee and 000-rupee banknotes taking 86% of the currency out of circulation virtually overnight perhaps this data is not capturing the impact of demonetisation said aneesh srivastava chief investment officer at idbi federal life insurance am totally surprised and stunned to see this number believe that with lag we will see an impact on gdp numbers saugata bhattacharya chief economist at axis bank said big rises in agriculture and manufacturing show that the impact from demonetisation on growth has been less than expected however rupa rege nitsure chief economist at holdings said the current year growth appears to be overstated as our national accounts statistics does not adequately capture activities from the unorganised sector while the numbers make sense in terms of direction of change their actual magnitude appears to be overstated she said the so-called unorganised sector made up of informal workers is believed to account for about 40% of india economy. | _START_ India's economic growth slowed in the December quarter of 2016, but the pace of expansion still beat expectations. _END_ |
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Selby's IBF featherweight world title defence against Jonathan Victor Barros in Las Vegas was called off on Friday.
The Welshman has said Carl Frampton and Abner Mares, the regular WBA champion, could be future opponents.
"Selby's not really had that one big fight which can make him that name," Khan told BBC Wales Sport.
"I think beating someone like Abner Mares or someone like [Leo] Santa Cruz or Frampton would definitely take him to a different level.
"They're big names in the world of boxing and [some] have titles so, definitely by beating one of those big names, Selby would be right up there.
"I think Selby has the talent to do it. He's a prospect to keep an eye on in the future."
Selby's third defence of his IBF world title was meant to take place on the undercard of Frampton's WBA featherweight title bout with Mexico's Leo Santa Cruz at the MGM Grand.
If he had beaten Barros, Selby was planning to challenge Frampton - with the Northern Irishman saying he would like the fight to take place at Belfast's Windsor Park.
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The abandonment of Selby's fight against Barros could delay those plans but, whenever it may happen, it is a fight Khan would like to see materialise.
"I like Selby. Selby is a very good fighter. He's a world champion himself, having that IBF title," the 2004 Olympic lightweight silver medallist added.
"The fight between Santa Cruz and Frampton is for a world title so unifying it and to have it [a Selby-Frampton fight] in the UK would be massive.
"Two British fighters fighting for two world titles in the same division would be huge. I think that could happen in the future."
The featherweight division is one of boxing's most competitive and open at the moment, and a bout between Selby and three-time world champion Mares would also excite Khan.
"It makes sense. Us fighters will fight anyone, whoever they put us in front of," he said.
"I think that Abner - I know him, I've trained with him - is a good fighter. I think that would be a good fight for Abner to have.
"And the winner of that could go on and fight the winner of the Frampton fight." | Lee Selby needs a high-profile fight to take his career to the next level, according to former light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan. | media playback is not supported on this device selby ibf featherweight world title defence against jonathan victor barros in las vegas was called off on friday the welshman has said carl frampton and abner mares the regular wba champion could be future opponents selby not really had that one big fight which can make him that name khan told bbc wales sport think beating someone like abner mares or someone like leo santa cruz or frampton would definitely take him to different level they re big names in the world of boxing and some have titles so definitely by beating one of those big names selby would be right up there think selby has the talent to do it he prospect to keep an eye on in the future selby third defence of his ibf world title was meant to take place on the undercard of frampton wba featherweight title bout with mexico leo santa cruz at the mgm grand if he had beaten barros selby was planning to challenge frampton with the northern irishman saying he would like the fight to take place at belfast windsor park media playback is not supported on this device the abandonment of selby fight against barros could delay those plans but whenever it may happen it is fight khan would like to see materialise like selby selby is very good fighter he world champion himself having that ibf title the 2004 olympic lightweight silver medallist added the fight between santa cruz and frampton is for world title so unifying it and to have it selby-frampton fight in the uk would be massive two british fighters fighting for two world titles in the same division would be huge think that could happen in the future the featherweight division is one of boxing most competitive and open at the moment and bout between selby and three-time world champion mares would also excite khan it makes sense us fighters will fight anyone whoever they put us in front of he said think that abner know him ve trained with him is good fighter think that would be good fight for abner to have and the winner of that could go on and fight the winner of the frampton fight | _START_ Lee Selby needs a high-profile fight to take his career to the next level, according to former light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan. _END_ |
The 28-year-old, who has played 27 of Barcelona's 32 games this season, left the pitch on a stretcher in the eighth minute of the match following a challenge from Nicolas Escalante.
The club did not give a timeframe for the Spain international's return.
Barcelona are already without injured midfielder Andres Iniesta.
They host Real Sociedad on Thursday in the Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg, holding a 1-0 advantage from the first-leg.
Barcelona, who are third in La Liga, travel to Real Betis on Sunday and face Paris St-Germain on 14 February in the Champions League last 16. | Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has been sidelined after spraining his right ankle in Sunday's 4-0 win at Eibar. | the 28-year-old who has played 27 of barcelona 32 games this season left the pitch on stretcher in the eighth minute of the match following challenge from nicolas escalante the club did not give timeframe for the spain international return barcelona are already without injured midfielder andres iniesta they host real sociedad on thursday in the copa del rey quarter-final second leg holding 1-0 advantage from the first-leg barcelona who are third in la liga travel to real betis on sunday and face paris st-germain on 14 february in the champions league last 16. | _START_ Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has been sidelined after spraining his right ankle in Sunday's 4-0 win at Eibar. _END_ |
George Calombaris, a MasterChef Australia judge, said the money would be repaid at "the highest priority".
His company, MAdE Establishment, said 162 current employees at its Melbourne eateries had already been repaid, and former employees were being contacted.
On average each staff member was owed more than A$16,000, the group said.
"I am sorry we have messed up and let you down on a fundamental issue, which is to ensure our people are paid their full entitlements," Mr Calombaris said in a statement to staff.
"I am devastated by what has happened and we have been working extremely hard to fix this."
The company said the errors, dating back to 2011, were caused by miscalculating overtime pay rates.
Mr Calombaris said the group was first alerted to the issue in 2015 by Australia's Fair Work Ombudsman.
"Regrettably, our attention to detail at that time wasn't at a level it should have been," he said.
The underpayments affected staff at high-profile restaurants The Press Club, Gazi and Hellenic Republic.
Former staff have been encouraged to contact the company. | An Australian celebrity chef has apologised after his restaurant group underpaid staff A$2.6m (£1.6m; $2m). | george calombaris masterchef australia judge said the money would be repaid at the highest priority his company made establishment said 162 current employees at its melbourne eateries had already been repaid and former employees were being contacted on average each staff member was owed more than a$16 000 the group said am sorry we have messed up and let you down on fundamental issue which is to ensure our people are paid their full entitlements mr calombaris said in statement to staff am devastated by what has happened and we have been working extremely hard to fix this the company said the errors dating back to 2011 were caused by miscalculating overtime pay rates mr calombaris said the group was first alerted to the issue in 2015 by australia fair work ombudsman regrettably our attention to detail at that time wasn at level it should have been he said the underpayments affected staff at high-profile restaurants the press club gazi and hellenic republic former staff have been encouraged to contact the company. | _START_ An Australian celebrity chef has apologised after his restaurant group underpaid staff A$2.6m (£1.6m; $2m). _END_ |
NHS Health Scotland found that a ban on multi-buy drinks promotions was among a number of successful initiatives.
However, it warned that more needed to be done to ensure the improvements continued, including the introduction of a minimum price for alcohol.
The report is the final review of the Scottish government's alcohol strategy, which was introduced in 2009.
Before then, high and increasing levels of alcohol consumption were closely linked to increasing alcohol harm.
Studies had shown that alcohol may have caused the deaths of one in 20 of the Scots who died in 2003.
And half of Scotland's prisoners said they were drunk when they committed their offence.
The government's "framework for action" outlined 41 steps to reduce alcohol consumption, and support families and communities.
A key policy - a minimum price for alcohol - has not been introduced because it is subject to a legal challenge by the Scotch Whisky Association.
Clare Beeston, from NHS Health Scotland, said the country continued to "pay a heavy price" for high levels of alcohol consumption.
She added: "The picture has improved but levels of alcohol-related harm remain high - on average 22 people in Scotland die every week because of alcohol."
She warned that the decline in alcohol consumption and harm may have slowed or stalled recently.
"We need to continue to push for the most effective ways to reduce the amount of alcohol Scotland drinks," she said.
"These are to reduce the affordability, availability and promotion of alcohol.
"A minimum unit price for alcohol is one of the best ways to reduce drinking in the heaviest drinkers and tackle the alcohol related health inequalities."
The report highlighted the success of several parts of the strategy:
It also found that external factors, such as a fall in disposable income, were likely to have had an impact on alcohol trends.
Public Health Minister Maureen Watt said: "We have seen reductions in alcohol-related harm and this is of course welcome.
"However, harm rates are still higher than they were 20 years ago and higher than in England and Wales, so now is not the time to be complacent."
She added: "The report also recognises that a key element of the alcohol framework - minimum unit pricing - has yet to be implemented due to a legal challenge from parts of the alcohol industry and this has impacted on the progress made.
"Given the link between consumption and harm, and evidence that affordability is a key driver of increased consumption, addressing price is an important element of any long-term strategy to tackle alcohol misuse and, as such, we remain committed to introducing minimum unit pricing." | A new report has found that government policies have had a positive impact on alcohol consumption in Scotland. | nhs health scotland found that ban on multi-buy drinks promotions was among number of successful initiatives however it warned that more needed to be done to ensure the improvements continued including the introduction of minimum price for alcohol the report is the final review of the scottish government alcohol strategy which was introduced in 2009 before then high and increasing levels of alcohol consumption were closely linked to increasing alcohol harm studies had shown that alcohol may have caused the deaths of one in 20 of the scots who died in 2003 and half of scotland prisoners said they were drunk when they committed their offence the government framework for action outlined 41 steps to reduce alcohol consumption and support families and communities key policy minimum price for alcohol has not been introduced because it is subject to legal challenge by the scotch whisky association clare beeston from nhs health scotland said the country continued to pay heavy price for high levels of alcohol consumption she added the picture has improved but levels of alcohol-related harm remain high on average 22 people in scotland die every week because of alcohol she warned that the decline in alcohol consumption and harm may have slowed or stalled recently we need to continue to push for the most effective ways to reduce the amount of alcohol scotland drinks she said these are to reduce the affordability availability and promotion of alcohol minimum unit price for alcohol is one of the best ways to reduce drinking in the heaviest drinkers and tackle the alcohol related health inequalities the report highlighted the success of several parts of the strategy it also found that external factors such as fall in disposable income were likely to have had an impact on alcohol trends public health minister maureen watt said we have seen reductions in alcohol-related harm and this is of course welcome however harm rates are still higher than they were 20 years ago and higher than in england and wales so now is not the time to be complacent she added the report also recognises that key element of the alcohol framework minimum unit pricing has yet to be implemented due to legal challenge from parts of the alcohol industry and this has impacted on the progress made given the link between consumption and harm and evidence that affordability is key driver of increased consumption addressing price is an important element of any long-term strategy to tackle alcohol misuse and as such we remain committed to introducing minimum unit pricing | _START_ A new report has found that government policies have had a positive impact on alcohol consumption in Scotland. _END_ |
Charlotte Foster, from Telford, died in January after a thrombosis caused a "massive" embolism in her lungs.
A GP who saw her three weeks before noted no signs of thrombosis.
Miss Foster's mother told the coroner the GP thought the problem was "mechanical" and recommended a massage.
The 23 year old died in hospital three days after collapsing at her workplace.
Celia Foster told the inquest at Shropshire Coroner's Court, her daughter had heart palpitations and had messaged her family on New Year's Eve to say her ribs hurt and that she could not lie down or breathe properly.
She said she accompanied her daughter to an appointment with GP Sunil Simon at his practice in Newport on 4 January.
She said her daughter was angry after the consultation, as he "did not seem to listen to her" and suggested she go for a massage or a spa day, despite her complaining of leg and back pain and tightness in her chest.
In his evidence to the hearing, Dr Simon said he had "no concerns" during the appointment that Miss Foster had been suffering from a pulmonary embolism.
"When I observed Miss Foster during that day, I did not note any signs of respiratory distress or shortness of breath. She did not display any signs of a pulmonary embolism of a deep vein thrombosis," he said.
Miss Foster went into cardiac arrest at work and died at Telford's Princess Royal Hospital on 25 January.
She had been given a three-month prescription of Dianette as a contraceptive and to combat acne in August 2015, having advised her GP of a family history of pulmonary embolism and breast cancer.
She then returned to see a different GP at her surgery in Newport in October and was given a continuing prescription for the drug, having reported no side effects.
Dr Nigel Tuft, a consultant at the Princess Royal Hospital, told the hearing that CT scans had shown she was not suffering from any tumours likely to have caused the pulmonary embolism.
He said he had multiple discussions with her family following her death, and had concluded her only risk factor was that she was taking the oral contraceptive.
Dr Tuft told the inquest: "The most likely site for the pulmonary embolism to arise is in the veins of the pelvis and the upper leg. These can cause no symptoms whatsoever or they can cause symptoms or deep vein thrombosis."
Shropshire coroner, John Ellery, is due to return his conclusion on Miss Foster's death next week. | A woman who died from a blood clot five months after taking the combined contraceptive pill, had reported breathing difficulties and leg pain to her GP, an inquest heard. | charlotte foster from telford died in january after thrombosis caused massive embolism in her lungs gp who saw her three weeks before noted no signs of thrombosis miss foster mother told the coroner the gp thought the problem was mechanical and recommended massage the 23 year old died in hospital three days after collapsing at her workplace celia foster told the inquest at shropshire coroner court her daughter had heart palpitations and had messaged her family on new year eve to say her ribs hurt and that she could not lie down or breathe properly she said she accompanied her daughter to an appointment with gp sunil simon at his practice in newport on january she said her daughter was angry after the consultation as he did not seem to listen to her and suggested she go for massage or spa day despite her complaining of leg and back pain and tightness in her chest in his evidence to the hearing dr simon said he had no concerns during the appointment that miss foster had been suffering from pulmonary embolism when observed miss foster during that day did not note any signs of respiratory distress or shortness of breath she did not display any signs of pulmonary embolism of deep vein thrombosis he said miss foster went into cardiac arrest at work and died at telford princess royal hospital on 25 january she had been given three-month prescription of dianette as contraceptive and to combat acne in august 2015 having advised her gp of family history of pulmonary embolism and breast cancer she then returned to see different gp at her surgery in newport in october and was given continuing prescription for the drug having reported no side effects dr nigel tuft consultant at the princess royal hospital told the hearing that ct scans had shown she was not suffering from any tumours likely to have caused the pulmonary embolism he said he had multiple discussions with her family following her death and had concluded her only risk factor was that she was taking the oral contraceptive dr tuft told the inquest the most likely site for the pulmonary embolism to arise is in the veins of the pelvis and the upper leg these can cause no symptoms whatsoever or they can cause symptoms or deep vein thrombosis shropshire coroner john ellery is due to return his conclusion on miss foster death next week. | _START_ A woman who died from a blood clot five months after taking the combined contraceptive pill, had reported breathing difficulties and leg pain to her GP, an inquest heard. _END_ |
Konstandinos Erik Scurfield, 25, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, is thought to be the first British person killed fighting Islamic State extremists.
He is said to have gone to Syria because he was "horrified by the atrocities being carried out" there.
His family has paid tribute to his "courage, conviction and honour".
Mr Scurfield, an expert in battlefield medicine, is believed to have travelled to Syria three or four months ago.
Kurdish commander Redor Khalil said Mr Scurfield was killed on Monday while fighting alongside Kurdish forces in the frontline village of Tel Khuzela.
In a statement, his family said: "We are devastated to confirm the death of our son Konstandinos Erik Scurfield in Syria where he went to support the forces opposing Islamic State.
"His flame might have burned briefly but it burned brightly with love, courage, conviction and honour and we are very proud of him."
The family's friends and neighbours described news of Mr Scurfield's death as "heartbreaking".
"It doesn't surprise me that he went because he seemed to do everything 100% and he seemed to have deep feelings. He was very conscientious, he was a lovely person," neighbour Mary Jane Hemmings said.
"He was a very strong-willed man, I would say, and he knew what he was about. I am sure he knew what he was doing."
The family's local MP Dan Jarvis said they had approached him a few weeks ago worried about their son's safety.
"Erik was an experienced former Royal Marine who was horrified by the atrocities being carried out by Isis [Islamic State]," he said.
"His family's understanding was that he travelled to Syria hoping to provide medical and humanitarian support as an expert in battlefield medicine."
by Guney Yildiz, BBC Newshour
Kurdish military sources in north-eastern Syria told me that Mr Scurfield was killed when the armoured vehicle he was in was hit by a missile launched by the Islamic State militants.
The special mobile guerrilla unit which Mr Scurfield was part of came under attack during an offensive against IS to recapture areas around Til Hamis town in Hasakah province.
Kurdish Popular Protection Units (YPG) forces have recovered his body along with other casualties, and brought the body to Derik, a town in north-eastern corner of Syria, close to Iraqi border.
He joined the YPG, a secular group that has proven to be very effective against IS in Syria and Iraq, on 7 December. The Kurdish sources say that in a video, which is not publicly available yet, Mr Scurfield says he "joined the YPG to fight against IS".
Mr Jarvis, who is Labour MP for Barnsley Central, called on the government to monitor all British citizens who travel to Iraq and Syria to join the fight against IS.
"There have been several reports of other British civilians doing the same thing, but the government confirmed when I recently raised this issue in Parliament that there is currently no system to monitor or record people going to the region with the aim of joining the fight against Isis," he said.
"I wrote to the Foreign Office regarding this issue some weeks ago and will be now following up that letter."
In a statement, the Foreign Office said: "The UK has advised for some time against all travel to Syria, where all UK consular services are suspended.
"As we do not have any representation in Syria it is extremely difficult to get any confirmation of deaths or injuries and our options for supporting British nationals there are extremely limited."
The Home Office says there are about 600 people in the region "of interest" but have not given a breakdown of what groups they may be associated with.
The BBC understands about 100 Western volunteers - including some Britons - are fighting with the 30,000-strong Kurdish forces.
More than 500 Britons are believed to have travelled to join IS.
BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner said the UK government's position was "probably going to lead to accusations of double standards".
He said if Britons went to Syria and were suspected of trying to join IS they would get their "collar felt at Heathrow" - but there "seems to be a silence about people going to fight on the other side". | The family of an ex-Royal Marine killed while fighting with Kurdish forces in Syria have paid tribute, saying his flame burned "briefly but brightly". | konstandinos erik scurfield 25 from barnsley south yorkshire is thought to be the first british person killed fighting islamic state extremists he is said to have gone to syria because he was horrified by the atrocities being carried out there his family has paid tribute to his courage conviction and honour mr scurfield an expert in battlefield medicine is believed to have travelled to syria three or four months ago kurdish commander redor khalil said mr scurfield was killed on monday while fighting alongside kurdish forces in the frontline village of tel khuzela in statement his family said we are devastated to confirm the death of our son konstandinos erik scurfield in syria where he went to support the forces opposing islamic state his flame might have burned briefly but it burned brightly with love courage conviction and honour and we are very proud of him the family friends and neighbours described news of mr scurfield death as heartbreaking it doesn surprise me that he went because he seemed to do everything 100% and he seemed to have deep feelings he was very conscientious he was lovely person neighbour mary jane hemmings said he was very strong-willed man would say and he knew what he was about am sure he knew what he was doing the family local mp dan jarvis said they had approached him few weeks ago worried about their son safety erik was an experienced former royal marine who was horrified by the atrocities being carried out by isis islamic state he said his family understanding was that he travelled to syria hoping to provide medical and humanitarian support as an expert in battlefield medicine by guney yildiz bbc newshour kurdish military sources in north-eastern syria told me that mr scurfield was killed when the armoured vehicle he was in was hit by missile launched by the islamic state militants the special mobile guerrilla unit which mr scurfield was part of came under attack during an offensive against is to recapture areas around til hamis town in hasakah province kurdish popular protection units ypg forces have recovered his body along with other casualties and brought the body to derik town in north-eastern corner of syria close to iraqi border he joined the ypg secular group that has proven to be very effective against is in syria and iraq on december the kurdish sources say that in video which is not publicly available yet mr scurfield says he joined the ypg to fight against is mr jarvis who is labour mp for barnsley central called on the government to monitor all british citizens who travel to iraq and syria to join the fight against is there have been several reports of other british civilians doing the same thing but the government confirmed when recently raised this issue in parliament that there is currently no system to monitor or record people going to the region with the aim of joining the fight against isis he said wrote to the foreign office regarding this issue some weeks ago and will be now following up that letter in statement the foreign office said the uk has advised for some time against all travel to syria where all uk consular services are suspended as we do not have any representation in syria it is extremely difficult to get any confirmation of deaths or injuries and our options for supporting british nationals there are extremely limited the home office says there are about 600 people in the region of interest but have not given breakdown of what groups they may be associated with the bbc understands about 100 western volunteers including some britons are fighting with the 30 000-strong kurdish forces more than 500 britons are believed to have travelled to join is bbc security correspondent frank gardner said the uk government position was probably going to lead to accusations of double standards he said if britons went to syria and were suspected of trying to join is they would get their collar felt at heathrow but there seems to be silence about people going to fight on the other side . | _START_ The family of an ex-Royal Marine killed while fighting with Kurdish forces in Syria have paid tribute, saying his flame burned "briefly but brightly". _END_ |
Morrisons had agreed to rent the 73,000 sq ft store but the site developer said its lawyers were now attempting to "terminate the agreement".
Augur Buchler Partners (ABP) Ltd said it had received notice from Morrisons on 16 December and the matter was "being dealt with by our lawyers".
Morrisons has so far declined to comment on their plans for the site.
On Tuesday, the supermarket giant said its chief executive was to leave after five years in charge, and it would be closing 10 loss-making stores during 2015.
Cheltenham Borough Council, which sold the land to ABP in 2011, had wanted to develop the car park since 2008 with previous ideas including a new library, flats, homes and retail space.
But the plans were put on hold due to the recession.
Councillor Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member responsible for built environment, said the latest setback was "certainly disappointing news".
He added: "It's important to say at this stage we're not going to do anything too quickly because, until the dust settles and we know exactly what the situation is, I think it would be unwise.
"Clearly, we need to get the Morrisons legal situation resolved before we can move forward on any other potential plans."
The construction of the £60m redevelopment was originally expected to be completed in late 2015.
The council's pay-and-display car park was shut last year and work has already begun to dig up the ground. | A major project to redevelop a Cheltenham town centre car park into a new supermarket has been suspended. | morrisons had agreed to rent the 73 000 sq ft store but the site developer said its lawyers were now attempting to terminate the agreement augur buchler partners abp ltd said it had received notice from morrisons on 16 december and the matter was being dealt with by our lawyers morrisons has so far declined to comment on their plans for the site on tuesday the supermarket giant said its chief executive was to leave after five years in charge and it would be closing 10 loss-making stores during 2015 cheltenham borough council which sold the land to abp in 2011 had wanted to develop the car park since 2008 with previous ideas including new library flats homes and retail space but the plans were put on hold due to the recession councillor andrew mckinlay cabinet member responsible for built environment said the latest setback was certainly disappointing news he added it important to say at this stage we re not going to do anything too quickly because until the dust settles and we know exactly what the situation is think it would be unwise clearly we need to get the morrisons legal situation resolved before we can move forward on any other potential plans the construction of the £60m redevelopment was originally expected to be completed in late 2015 the council pay-and-display car park was shut last year and work has already begun to dig up the ground. | _START_ A major project to redevelop a Cheltenham town centre car park into a new supermarket has been suspended. _END_ |
Goals from Rhys Browne, Danny Whittaker and Jack Mackreth did the job for the Silkmen, who move to within six points of the top five, with five games left to play.
They needed only 58 seconds to get the ball rolling as Browne drove home from the edge of the area, with Whitaker, Chris Holroyd and John McCombe all having good chances to extend their lead before the break.
Moments after Macclesfield goalkeeper Craig Ross made a double save from Joe Piggot and Yemi Odoubade, the hosts made the game safe with two goals in the final four minutes.
Whittaker finally got on the scoresheet when he converted from the spot in the 86th minute and then Mackreth added a third by finishing a fine counter-attacking move.
Report supplied by the Press Association.
Match ends, Macclesfield Town 3, Maidstone United 0.
Second Half ends, Macclesfield Town 3, Maidstone United 0.
Goal! Macclesfield Town 3, Maidstone United 0. Jack Mackreth (Macclesfield Town).
Substitution, Maidstone United. George Oakley replaces Bobby-Joe Taylor.
Goal! Macclesfield Town 2, Maidstone United 0. Danny Whitaker (Macclesfield Town) converts the penalty with a.
Bobby-Joe Taylor (Maidstone United) is shown the yellow card.
Substitution, Macclesfield Town. Luke Summerfield replaces Danny Whitehead.
Tom Mills (Maidstone United) is shown the yellow card.
Substitution, Maidstone United. Jamar Loza replaces Alex Flisher.
Substitution, Maidstone United. Yemi Odubade replaces Jack Paxman.
Second Half begins Macclesfield Town 1, Maidstone United 0.
First Half ends, Macclesfield Town 1, Maidstone United 0.
Goal! Macclesfield Town 1, Maidstone United 0. Rhys Browne (Macclesfield Town).
First Half begins.
Lineups are announced and players are warming up. | Macclesfield kept their National League play-off hopes alive with an easy 3-0 win over Maidstone. | goals from rhys browne danny whittaker and jack mackreth did the job for the silkmen who move to within six points of the top five with five games left to play they needed only 58 seconds to get the ball rolling as browne drove home from the edge of the area with whitaker chris holroyd and john mccombe all having good chances to extend their lead before the break moments after macclesfield goalkeeper craig ross made double save from joe piggot and yemi odoubade the hosts made the game safe with two goals in the final four minutes whittaker finally got on the scoresheet when he converted from the spot in the 86th minute and then mackreth added third by finishing fine counter-attacking move report supplied by the press association match ends macclesfield town maidstone united second half ends macclesfield town maidstone united goal macclesfield town maidstone united jack mackreth macclesfield town substitution maidstone united george oakley replaces bobby-joe taylor goal macclesfield town maidstone united danny whitaker macclesfield town converts the penalty with bobby-joe taylor maidstone united is shown the yellow card substitution macclesfield town luke summerfield replaces danny whitehead tom mills maidstone united is shown the yellow card substitution maidstone united jamar loza replaces alex flisher substitution maidstone united yemi odubade replaces jack paxman second half begins macclesfield town maidstone united first half ends macclesfield town maidstone united goal macclesfield town maidstone united rhys browne macclesfield town first half begins lineups are announced and players are warming up. | _START_ Macclesfield kept their National League play-off hopes alive with an easy 3-0 win over Maidstone. _END_ |
Jonathan Dowdall was on trial with his father, Patrick, who was jailed for eight years for his role in the attack.
The victim, Alexander Hurley, had come to Jonathan Dowdall's Dublin home to buy a motorcycle in January 2015 when he was tortured.
The attack was filmed on a mobile phone and played in court.
Mr Hurley was filmed tied to a chair in the Dowdalls' garage as Jonathan Dowdall, who was wearing a balaclava, put a tea towel on his face and poured buckets of water over him.
Patrick Dowdall took out pliers and threatened to pull off the victim's fingers, starting with the smallest.
The victim is heard pleading for his life as the Dowdalls threatened to chop him up and feed him to the dogs.
He was tied with cable ties and told "one more twist and you're dead".
It is believed Dowdall and his father believed the victim was a fraudster after researching him online.
The victim said he was tortured to the point of "death's door" and in a statement said the psychological injuries would never completely heal.
The court heard that he was also told he was "stupid" to "mess with the IRA" and that Jonathan Dowdall was a good friend of the party's president Gerry Adams and his deputy, Mary Lou McDonald.
The Special Criminal Court said it could not see how Mr Dowdall's friendships could form a threat, Irish national broadcaster RTE reported.
Ms McDonald welcomed Jonathan Dowdall's conviction last month, and said he had left the party "some years ago". | An ex-Sinn Féin councillor has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for interrogating, threatening and waterboarding a man in January 2015. | jonathan dowdall was on trial with his father patrick who was jailed for eight years for his role in the attack the victim alexander hurley had come to jonathan dowdall dublin home to buy motorcycle in january 2015 when he was tortured the attack was filmed on mobile phone and played in court mr hurley was filmed tied to chair in the dowdalls garage as jonathan dowdall who was wearing balaclava put tea towel on his face and poured buckets of water over him patrick dowdall took out pliers and threatened to pull off the victim fingers starting with the smallest the victim is heard pleading for his life as the dowdalls threatened to chop him up and feed him to the dogs he was tied with cable ties and told one more twist and you re dead it is believed dowdall and his father believed the victim was fraudster after researching him online the victim said he was tortured to the point of death door and in statement said the psychological injuries would never completely heal the court heard that he was also told he was stupid to mess with the ira and that jonathan dowdall was good friend of the party president gerry adams and his deputy mary lou mcdonald the special criminal court said it could not see how mr dowdall friendships could form threat irish national broadcaster rte reported ms mcdonald welcomed jonathan dowdall conviction last month and said he had left the party some years ago . | _START_ An ex-Sinn Féin councillor has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for interrogating, threatening and waterboarding a man in January 2015. _END_ |
Mr Morales said its aim included the study of imperialism and its consequences.
He said it would counteract the Army School of the Americas in Georgia which trained US allies during the Cold War.
Some of its graduates committed serious human rights abuses in the region.
The new academy is based in the city of Santa Cruz in eastern Bolivia and will initially take 100 recruits.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bolivia's Defence Minister Reymi Ferreira said: "The School of Anti-Imperialism is a school that seeks to preserve life, unlike the School of the Americas, which brainwashed military officers into believing that the enemy was our people."
He said the training centre would seek to help soldiers identify key threats to the country's national sovereignty.
Since his inauguration in 2005, President Morales has had a relationship with the US which has been at times very tense.
In 2008 he expelled the US ambassador and counter-narcotics agent and more recently he has accused accusing Washington of encouraging "congressional coups" such as the impending impeachment trial of suspended President Dilma Rousseff in Brazil.
He has also accused the US of promoting global terrorism through military interventions, citing the rise of the Islamic State group as an example.
In Latin America, some officers trained at the US-based School of the Americas went on to commit some of the worse human rights abuses in the region.
They include two of the Argentinean military officers who led the junta in the late 1970s. Human rights organisations say the military government killed around 30,000 left-wing opponents during their administration.
The former Guatemalan President, General Efraim Rios Montt, also trained at the School of the Americas in the 1950s.
Two Truth Commissions documented widespread human rights abuses by his regime including rape, torture, executions and acts of genocide against the populace, including indigenous population through a scorched earth campaign.
In 2000, the academy at Fort Benning, Georgia, was renamed the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation. | The Bolivian President Evo Morales has opened a new military defence academy, which he says will offer courses to counter the influence of the United States in the developing world. | mr morales said its aim included the study of imperialism and its consequences he said it would counteract the army school of the americas in georgia which trained us allies during the cold war some of its graduates committed serious human rights abuses in the region the new academy is based in the city of santa cruz in eastern bolivia and will initially take 100 recruits speaking at the opening ceremony bolivia defence minister reymi ferreira said the school of anti-imperialism is school that seeks to preserve life unlike the school of the americas which brainwashed military officers into believing that the enemy was our people he said the training centre would seek to help soldiers identify key threats to the country national sovereignty since his inauguration in 2005 president morales has had relationship with the us which has been at times very tense in 2008 he expelled the us ambassador and counter-narcotics agent and more recently he has accused accusing washington of encouraging congressional coups such as the impending impeachment trial of suspended president dilma rousseff in brazil he has also accused the us of promoting global terrorism through military interventions citing the rise of the islamic state group as an example in latin america some officers trained at the us-based school of the americas went on to commit some of the worse human rights abuses in the region they include two of the argentinean military officers who led the junta in the late 1970s human rights organisations say the military government killed around 30 000 left-wing opponents during their administration the former guatemalan president general efraim rios montt also trained at the school of the americas in the 1950s two truth commissions documented widespread human rights abuses by his regime including rape torture executions and acts of genocide against the populace including indigenous population through scorched earth campaign in 2000 the academy at fort benning georgia was renamed the western hemisphere institute for security cooperation. | _START_ The Bolivian President Evo Morales has opened a new military defence academy, which he says will offer courses to counter the influence of the United States in the developing world. _END_ |
The woman was attacked between Main Street and Cross Arthurlie Street, Barrhead, sometime between 22:00 on Friday and 22:00 on Saturday.
Police Scotland said she was not physically injured but was left very badly shaken. They have appealed for witnesses.
The suspect was described as being tall, well built and had a beard.
Det Insp Graeme McLachlan said: "This was obviously a very traumatic incident for anyone to endure and as such I urge anyone who can provide information that could assist our investigation to contact police immediately.
"Did you see this man hanging around the area over the weekend or see him following a woman into the wooded area between Main Street and Cross Arthurlie Street?" | A 57-year-old woman has been sexually assaulted in a wooded area in East Renfrewshire. | the woman was attacked between main street and cross arthurlie street barrhead sometime between 22:00 on friday and 22:00 on saturday police scotland said she was not physically injured but was left very badly shaken they have appealed for witnesses the suspect was described as being tall well built and had beard det insp graeme mclachlan said this was obviously very traumatic incident for anyone to endure and as such urge anyone who can provide information that could assist our investigation to contact police immediately did you see this man hanging around the area over the weekend or see him following woman into the wooded area between main street and cross arthurlie street | _START_ A 57-year-old woman has been sexually assaulted in a wooded area in East Renfrewshire. _END_ |
Richard Tutt, head of Magna Academy in Poole, told the BBC the technique would only be used in cases where pupils are on the verge of permanent exclusion.
It was part of a much wider system, he said, where pupils are rewarded with points which they can use to buy items.
But some parents accused the school of humiliating or bullying pupils.
Mr Tutt, who took over the secondary modern four years ago, said his students were rewarded far more than they were punished.
"This needs to be taken in a far wider context. We have a very well established behaviour sanction and reward system," he said, adding that behaviour was impeccable at the academy.
This included an online reward system, where students received points for good behaviour, which could be used to buy things like nail manicures or footballs.
Pupils at the school, 40% of whom are classed as disadvantaged, are also rewarded with free coffees or by being allowed to go to the front of the lunch queue, Mr Tutt said, as well as usual status positions, such as being made prefects.
One Facebook post, from Jodi Taylor, said: "My god-daughter goes to this school and this is just a few of the things they threaten.
"She is frightened to go to school and she is a good girl. It is nothing short of bullying, the good kids are being treated as bad and been threatened on a daily basis.
"School is meant to be a fun part of growing up?"
A parent, also writing on Facebook, said that the idea was an "absolute disgrace", adding: "My boys go to this school. If they try that with my boys I will seek legal action."
Mr Tutt said the assembly apology sanction was reserved for extreme cases and had not yet been used.
"It is to deal with repeat offenders who have received fixed term exclusions. The type of behaviour being punished might include being in complete defiance of a teacher or physical violence.
"And bear in mind we are a school in a challenging environment and we want them to learn."
He said there had been a very small minority of parents who did not sign up to the idea.
A letter to parents said: "Any student whose behaviour disrupts the learning of others will be expected to stand up at the front in their faculty assembly, face their peers, and apologise to the whole faculty for letting them down.
It also says: "As from now, if any student receives a repeat fixed term external exclusion then, as part of our reintegration process, their parent(s)/carer(s) will be expected to sit next to them in lessons and to supervise them at break and lunchtime, for the day following the exclusion.
"This will help students, whose poor behaviour has caused them to be excluded, settle back into lessons and academy life."
Mr Tutt said students at risk of being excluded were offered a range of support and given pastoral care, because the school did everything it could to avoid permanent exclusions.
The school was in the top 7% of for academic progress across eight GCSEs in England during the 2015/16 academic year.
Join the conversation - find us on Facebook | The principal of a Dorset academy which is planning to require poorly behaved pupils to apologise to classmates in assembly has defended the policy. | richard tutt head of magna academy in poole told the bbc the technique would only be used in cases where pupils are on the verge of permanent exclusion it was part of much wider system he said where pupils are rewarded with points which they can use to buy items but some parents accused the school of humiliating or bullying pupils mr tutt who took over the secondary modern four years ago said his students were rewarded far more than they were punished this needs to be taken in far wider context we have very well established behaviour sanction and reward system he said adding that behaviour was impeccable at the academy this included an online reward system where students received points for good behaviour which could be used to buy things like nail manicures or footballs pupils at the school 40% of whom are classed as disadvantaged are also rewarded with free coffees or by being allowed to go to the front of the lunch queue mr tutt said as well as usual status positions such as being made prefects one facebook post from jodi taylor said my god-daughter goes to this school and this is just few of the things they threaten she is frightened to go to school and she is good girl it is nothing short of bullying the good kids are being treated as bad and been threatened on daily basis school is meant to be fun part of growing up parent also writing on facebook said that the idea was an absolute disgrace adding my boys go to this school if they try that with my boys will seek legal action mr tutt said the assembly apology sanction was reserved for extreme cases and had not yet been used it is to deal with repeat offenders who have received fixed term exclusions the type of behaviour being punished might include being in complete defiance of teacher or physical violence and bear in mind we are school in challenging environment and we want them to learn he said there had been very small minority of parents who did not sign up to the idea letter to parents said any student whose behaviour disrupts the learning of others will be expected to stand up at the front in their faculty assembly face their peers and apologise to the whole faculty for letting them down it also says as from now if any student receives repeat fixed term external exclusion then as part of our reintegration process their parent /carer will be expected to sit next to them in lessons and to supervise them at break and lunchtime for the day following the exclusion this will help students whose poor behaviour has caused them to be excluded settle back into lessons and academy life mr tutt said students at risk of being excluded were offered range of support and given pastoral care because the school did everything it could to avoid permanent exclusions the school was in the top 7% of for academic progress across eight gcses in england during the 2015/16 academic year join the conversation find us on facebook | _START_ The principal of a Dorset academy which is planning to require poorly behaved pupils to apologise to classmates in assembly has defended the policy. _END_ |
The move follows the bloc's decision to label goods from Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "ordered suspension of diplomatic contacts with the institutions of the European Union on this issue", a foreign ministry statement said.
The EU says the settlements are illegal, but Israel disputes this.
Mr Netanyahu, who is also the foreign minister, told the ministry to carry out "a reassessment of the involvement of EU bodies in everything that is connected to the diplomatic process with the Palestinians", the statement said.
Just over two weeks ago the European Commission issued new guidelines for the labelling of some products made in Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian and Syrian land.
The guidelines stipulate that agricultural produce and cosmetics sold in EU member states must have clear labels showing their place of origin.
The EU considers settlements built on territories occupied by Israel in 1967 to be illegal under international law, but Israel disputes this position.
The EU says settlements constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict impossible. | Israel has said it is suspending contact with EU officials involved in peace efforts with the Palestinians. | the move follows the bloc decision to label goods from jewish settlements in the west bank prime minister benjamin netanyahu ordered suspension of diplomatic contacts with the institutions of the european union on this issue foreign ministry statement said the eu says the settlements are illegal but israel disputes this mr netanyahu who is also the foreign minister told the ministry to carry out reassessment of the involvement of eu bodies in everything that is connected to the diplomatic process with the palestinians the statement said just over two weeks ago the european commission issued new guidelines for the labelling of some products made in israeli settlements on occupied palestinian and syrian land the guidelines stipulate that agricultural produce and cosmetics sold in eu member states must have clear labels showing their place of origin the eu considers settlements built on territories occupied by israel in 1967 to be illegal under international law but israel disputes this position the eu says settlements constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make two-state solution to the israeli-palestinian conflict impossible. | _START_ Israel has said it is suspending contact with EU officials involved in peace efforts with the Palestinians. _END_ |
An Ipsos MRBI opinion poll for The Irish Times suggests the odds of a hung Dáil (parliament) are increasing.
The survey indicates a drop in support for Labour and Sinn Féin, with Fianna Fáil and Independents improving their position.
The figures would mean an indecisive result if it was replicated on polling day.
The poll shows no change in Fine Gael support since the election campaign began and a drop in Labour Party support to just 6%.
Fianna Fáil has moved up two percentage points to 23%, Sinn Féin is down four points to 15%, according to the poll.
There appear to be significant gains for independents and smaller parties, who are up three points to 28%.
With four days campaigning to go, RTE reports that there is no sign of momentum for the Taoiseach (Irish prime minister), Enda Kenny.
It adds that Labour will be "deeply worried at a fall-off in party support at this stage".
For Fianna Fáil, the figures will confirm what the party described on Sunday as an increasingly positive response on the doorsteps.
The Irish broadcaster suggests that Sinn Féin will be disappointed by a major slide in the numbers backing the party. | Politicians in the Irish Republic are in the final stages of campaigning ahead of Friday's general election. | an ipsos mrbi opinion poll for the irish times suggests the odds of hung dáil parliament are increasing the survey indicates drop in support for labour and sinn féin with fianna fáil and independents improving their position the figures would mean an indecisive result if it was replicated on polling day the poll shows no change in fine gael support since the election campaign began and drop in labour party support to just 6% fianna fáil has moved up two percentage points to 23% sinn féin is down four points to 15% according to the poll there appear to be significant gains for independents and smaller parties who are up three points to 28% with four days campaigning to go rte reports that there is no sign of momentum for the taoiseach irish prime minister enda kenny it adds that labour will be deeply worried at fall-off in party support at this stage for fianna fáil the figures will confirm what the party described on sunday as an increasingly positive response on the doorsteps the irish broadcaster suggests that sinn féin will be disappointed by major slide in the numbers backing the party. | _START_ Politicians in the Irish Republic are in the final stages of campaigning ahead of Friday's general election. _END_ |
The 29-year-old Georgian has featured twice for the Blues since joining on a short-term contract.
In the second of those games, he bit Ospreys back-rower Rob McCusker and was sent off.
Peikrishvili's ban has been back-dated to 22 November and he is free to play from 2 January, 2017.
The former Agen, Castres, Brive and Bayonne prop made his Blues debut in their 62-25 Anglo-Welsh Cup defeat by Exeter Chiefs before the game against Ospreys.
Prior to joining Cardiff Blues, Peikrishvili was on a short-term contract with Ulster as injury cover, but did not appear for the province.
The Rugby Football Union judged the case as the competition comes under their jurisdiction.
The panel also banned Scarlets' back-rower Jack Condy for punching during their 36-21 win over Newport Gwent Dragons on the night Peikrishvili saw red. | Cardiff Blues prop Anton Peikrishvili has been banned for six weeks for biting an opponent in their Anglo-Welsh Cup defeat by Ospreys on 18 November. | the 29-year-old georgian has featured twice for the blues since joining on short-term contract in the second of those games he bit ospreys back-rower rob mccusker and was sent off peikrishvili ban has been back-dated to 22 november and he is free to play from january 2017 the former agen castres brive and bayonne prop made his blues debut in their 62-25 anglo-welsh cup defeat by exeter chiefs before the game against ospreys prior to joining cardiff blues peikrishvili was on short-term contract with ulster as injury cover but did not appear for the province the rugby football union judged the case as the competition comes under their jurisdiction the panel also banned scarlets back-rower jack condy for punching during their 36-21 win over newport gwent dragons on the night peikrishvili saw red. | _START_ Cardiff Blues prop Anton Peikrishvili has been banned for six weeks for biting an opponent in their Anglo-Welsh Cup defeat by Ospreys on 18 November. _END_ |
Carwyn Edwards, 39, has been in hospital in Tucson, Arizona, since the start of the year after an illness led to the partial amputation of both legs.
His family fear they could face substantial medical costs.
Medical insurer Cigna said it was addressing Mr Edwards' concerns.
A campaign to raise funds for Mr Edwards, who has lived in the US for 13 years, has raised £38,000, however the latest news that the benefit payments will stop in a fortnight has created more uncertainty about his future treatment.
Mr Edwards' brother, Aled Edwards, will be flying to Arizona shortly to try to resolve the issue.
He also hopes to find out what arrangements can be made to transport his brother to the UK continue his recovery.
Cigna said it could not discuss the case at length because of confidentiality laws.
A spokesman said: "We can say that our case workers have been in communication with this individual and will continue to address his concerns directly with him." | The family of an Anglesey man who is seriously ill in the United States have said they are concerned about his future treatment after insurers said his medical benefits would be stopped. | carwyn edwards 39 has been in hospital in tucson arizona since the start of the year after an illness led to the partial amputation of both legs his family fear they could face substantial medical costs medical insurer cigna said it was addressing mr edwards concerns campaign to raise funds for mr edwards who has lived in the us for 13 years has raised â£38 000 however the latest news that the benefit payments will stop in fortnight has created more uncertainty about his future treatment mr edwards brother aled edwards will be flying to arizona shortly to try to resolve the issue he also hopes to find out what arrangements can be made to transport his brother to the uk continue his recovery cigna said it could not discuss the case at length because of confidentiality laws spokesman said we can say that our case workers have been in communication with this individual and will continue to address his concerns directly with him | _START_ The family of an Anglesey man who is seriously ill in the United States have said they are concerned about his future treatment after insurers said his medical benefits would be stopped. _END_ |
Lawand Hamadamin came to the UK after a year in a refugee camp in France.
The family has appealed against the decision to deport them and the case will be heard in the High Court.
The Home Office said it would not "shoulder the burden" of other country's asylum claims.
Live updates and more from Derbyshire
If the appeal is unsuccessful Lawand and his family will be deported to Germany, as the government says this is where they should have claimed asylum, says the boy's school in Derby.
The family made it to the UK after they fled northern Iraq when IS threatened to kill disabled children.
After travelling via Greece, Germany and France, the family hid in the back of a lorry to get to the UK and ended up in Derby.
Lawand now receives specialist education at the city's Royal School for the Deaf.
The school's head teacher, Helen Shepherd, told the BBC in December he had made "exceptional progress".
"Lawand's family are understandably devastated that they are being deported," she said after the latest decision.
A Home Office spokesman said: "It is only fair that we do not shoulder the burden of asylum claims that should rightly be considered by other countries.
"Asylum seekers should claim in the first safe country they arrive in.
"Where there is evidence that an asylum seeker is the responsibility of another European country we will seek to return them there."
It is not yet known when the case will be heard by the High Court. | A six-year-old deaf boy who fled Iraq with his family to escape the so-called Islamic State (IS) group has had his application to stay in the UK turned down by the government. | lawand hamadamin came to the uk after year in refugee camp in france the family has appealed against the decision to deport them and the case will be heard in the high court the home office said it would not shoulder the burden of other country asylum claims live updates and more from derbyshire if the appeal is unsuccessful lawand and his family will be deported to germany as the government says this is where they should have claimed asylum says the boy school in derby the family made it to the uk after they fled northern iraq when is threatened to kill disabled children after travelling via greece germany and france the family hid in the back of lorry to get to the uk and ended up in derby lawand now receives specialist education at the city royal school for the deaf the school head teacher helen shepherd told the bbc in december he had made exceptional progress lawand family are understandably devastated that they are being deported she said after the latest decision home office spokesman said it is only fair that we do not shoulder the burden of asylum claims that should rightly be considered by other countries asylum seekers should claim in the first safe country they arrive in where there is evidence that an asylum seeker is the responsibility of another european country we will seek to return them there it is not yet known when the case will be heard by the high court. | _START_ A six-year-old deaf boy who fled Iraq with his family to escape the so-called Islamic State (IS) group has had his application to stay in the UK turned down by the government. _END_ |
Russian state media reported that the USS Ross was acting "aggressively".
The US Department of Defense, however, said the ship was "well within international waters at all times, performing routine operations".
The US Navy released video on Monday of a Russian plane passing as close as 500 metres to the USS Ross.
"The crew of the ship acted provocatively and aggressively, which concerned the operators of monitoring stations and ships of the Black Sea Fleet," according to a military source quoted by Russian state media.
"Su-24 attack aircraft demonstrated to the American crew readiness to harshly prevent a violation of the frontier and to defend the interests of the country."
Pentagon spokesman Col Steve Warren said on Monday that the Russian planes were not armed with weapons and the USS Ross maintained its course.
The ship's deployment to the Black Sea had been publicly announced, the Pentagon added.
Russia's Defence Ministry would not comment on the reports.
The Black Sea encounters are the latest sign of military tension between Russian and the West, amid hostilities in eastern Ukraine.
Last month, the UK and Sweden scrambled fighters to intercept Russian bombers near their borders. | Russian warplanes have made several close passes in recent days over a US destroyer sailing in the Black Sea, the Pentagon said. | russian state media reported that the uss ross was acting aggressively the us department of defense however said the ship was well within international waters at all times performing routine operations the us navy released video on monday of russian plane passing as close as 500 metres to the uss ross the crew of the ship acted provocatively and aggressively which concerned the operators of monitoring stations and ships of the black sea fleet according to military source quoted by russian state media su-24 attack aircraft demonstrated to the american crew readiness to harshly prevent violation of the frontier and to defend the interests of the country pentagon spokesman col steve warren said on monday that the russian planes were not armed with weapons and the uss ross maintained its course the ship deployment to the black sea had been publicly announced the pentagon added russia defence ministry would not comment on the reports the black sea encounters are the latest sign of military tension between russian and the west amid hostilities in eastern ukraine last month the uk and sweden scrambled fighters to intercept russian bombers near their borders. | _START_ Russian warplanes have made several close passes in recent days over a US destroyer sailing in the Black Sea, the Pentagon said. _END_ |
The team's technique involves building a 3D image of a patient's brain in a matter of minutes.
Strokes occur about 152,000 times a year in the UK, according to the Stroke Association.
In Scotland, NHS Scotland considers strokes to be the third commonest cause of death.
When a stroke happens speed is of the essence. First in diagnosing what kind of stroke it is, then treating it.
That is because there are two main types - ischemic and haemorrhagic - and two very different ways of treating them.
Both MRI and CT scanners can provide an image of the brain and the damage done, but are big and expensive. Patients have to come to them.
The mathematicians envisage a new type of detector small enough to ride in an ambulance.
It will be a helmet containing microwave antennae, and will fire the microwave through the patient's brain and receive the resulting signals.
The results will be sent to a supercomputing centre, which is where the maths comes in.
The techniques developed at Strathclyde and on the continent can produce a 3D image of the brain - and its injury - within 15 minutes.
The sensor hardware is being developed by the Austrian imaging company EMTensor.
At the moment it exists as two prototypes in a hospital in Vienna.
Each is a cylindrical chamber consisting of five rings, each of 32 antennae.
The next step will be to make the device portable.
One of the mathematics team is Dr Victorita Dolean, a Reader in Strathclyde's Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
"Our aim will be to produce a portable and less expensive device that can detect strokes in real time," she says.
"The idea would be that we'd send these electromagnetic waves into the brain and then the properties of the tissues - which will be healthy or sick - will be detected by measurements of the data on this helmet.
"The data will be sent to a supercomputing centre.
"We have designed some open source software that is able to reconstruct, precisely and in real time, an image of the brain and then send it back to the doctors to interpret this data and make the diagnosis."
The team's mathematical approach has already won the team the Bull-Joseph Fourier Prize for excellence in numerical simulation and data processing.
"We could not have done this a few years ago because we needed powerful advances in electronics, in computer science, in algorithms, in mathematics," Dr Dolean says.
She now expects the sensor helmets to be in the field in two to four years - not just in ambulances, but anywhere they might be needed.
"They'll be cheap and portable and able to act as an emergency device," she says.
And that quick, on the spot diagnosis could mean survival for stroke victims. | An international team of mathematicians, including one from Strathclyde University, has developed a method to speed up stroke diagnosis. | the team technique involves building 3d image of patient brain in matter of minutes strokes occur about 152 000 times year in the uk according to the stroke association in scotland nhs scotland considers strokes to be the third commonest cause of death when stroke happens speed is of the essence first in diagnosing what kind of stroke it is then treating it that is because there are two main types ischemic and haemorrhagic and two very different ways of treating them both mri and ct scanners can provide an image of the brain and the damage done but are big and expensive patients have to come to them the mathematicians envisage new type of detector small enough to ride in an ambulance it will be helmet containing microwave antennae and will fire the microwave through the patient brain and receive the resulting signals the results will be sent to supercomputing centre which is where the maths comes in the techniques developed at strathclyde and on the continent can produce 3d image of the brain and its injury within 15 minutes the sensor hardware is being developed by the austrian imaging company emtensor at the moment it exists as two prototypes in hospital in vienna each is cylindrical chamber consisting of five rings each of 32 antennae the next step will be to make the device portable one of the mathematics team is dr victorita dolean reader in strathclyde department of mathematics and statistics our aim will be to produce portable and less expensive device that can detect strokes in real time she says the idea would be that we send these electromagnetic waves into the brain and then the properties of the tissues which will be healthy or sick will be detected by measurements of the data on this helmet the data will be sent to supercomputing centre we have designed some open source software that is able to reconstruct precisely and in real time an image of the brain and then send it back to the doctors to interpret this data and make the diagnosis the team mathematical approach has already won the team the bull-joseph fourier prize for excellence in numerical simulation and data processing we could not have done this few years ago because we needed powerful advances in electronics in computer science in algorithms in mathematics dr dolean says she now expects the sensor helmets to be in the field in two to four years not just in ambulances but anywhere they might be needed they ll be cheap and portable and able to act as an emergency device she says and that quick on the spot diagnosis could mean survival for stroke victims. | _START_ An international team of mathematicians, including one from Strathclyde University, has developed a method to speed up stroke diagnosis. _END_ |
City had a second bid - worth £18m - for the Northern Irish centre-back, 29, rebuffed last week.
And Pulis believes City have not been in contact "for a couple of days".
"We are hoping to get this situation resolved and move on. But whether Jonny goes or not, centre-half is one of four areas we need to fill," he said.
Pulis said last week that, while West Brom "don't need or want to sell" captain Evans, "every player is for sale at the right price".
Evans, who has two years left on his contract, missed West Brom's opening two Premier League games against Bournemouth and Burnley with a hamstring injury and is expected to miss for Saturday's visit of Stoke.
BBC Sport football reporter Simon Stone
Transfers at this time of year can be complicated.
Manchester City want Jonny Evans. West Brom are willing to sell, if the price is right. However, City need to create space in Pep Guardiola's squad, and that means offloading Eliaquim Mangala.
Inter Milan are keen on the French defender but, given Mangala has a lucrative contract that runs to 2019, his agent Jorge Mendes has no incentive to push a deal through.
So Evans must wait for his move for a little while yet. | West Brom boss Tony Pulis wants the future of Manchester City target Jonny Evans to be resolved so he can focus on strengthening his squad. | city had second bid worth £18m for the northern irish centre-back 29 rebuffed last week and pulis believes city have not been in contact for couple of days we are hoping to get this situation resolved and move on but whether jonny goes or not centre-half is one of four areas we need to fill he said pulis said last week that while west brom don need or want to sell captain evans every player is for sale at the right price evans who has two years left on his contract missed west brom opening two premier league games against bournemouth and burnley with hamstring injury and is expected to miss for saturday visit of stoke bbc sport football reporter simon stone transfers at this time of year can be complicated manchester city want jonny evans west brom are willing to sell if the price is right however city need to create space in pep guardiola squad and that means offloading eliaquim mangala inter milan are keen on the french defender but given mangala has lucrative contract that runs to 2019 his agent jorge mendes has no incentive to push deal through so evans must wait for his move for little while yet. | _START_ West Brom boss Tony Pulis wants the future of Manchester City target Jonny Evans to be resolved so he can focus on strengthening his squad. _END_ |
The Welsh government is more than halfway through a £4.6m five-year programme to immunise badgers in north Pembrokeshire.
Infection rates have fallen across Wales, but Christianne Glossop said it was too early to say whether it has had "additional benefit".
Dr Glossop was speaking ahead of a worldwide conference on TB control.
It will be held in Cardiff on Monday.
"The programme is for five years," she told BBC's Sunday Politics Wales.
"We've completed two years and we're now well into year three, and so the results are by no means available yet."
TB infection rates fell across Wales over the last 12 months, she said.
"The reduction in north Pembrokeshire is in line with the national reduction, so right now, we have no evidence that the vaccination programme in badgers is delivering an additional benefit - and we wouldn't expect to see any evidence at this stage either," she said.
In 2012 and 2013, 2,776 badgers were trapped and vaccinated in the Intensive Action Area (IAA), which also takes in parts of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, at a cost of more than £1.8m.
But Dr Glossop said that the wider TB eradication programme cost £28m last year alone, most of which was spent on testing cattle, biosecurity and compensating farmers.
"You've always got to have the balance here between all the different elements of the programme, making sure that you're tackling all sources of infection," she said.
The vaccination programme was announced by Labour ministers in 2012 when they abandoned the previous coalition government's intention to cull badgers in the IAA. | It is unclear whether vaccinating badgers in west Wales has cut TB in cattle, the chief vet has said. | the welsh government is more than halfway through £4.6m five-year programme to immunise badgers in north pembrokeshire infection rates have fallen across wales but christianne glossop said it was too early to say whether it has had additional benefit dr glossop was speaking ahead of worldwide conference on tb control it will be held in cardiff on monday the programme is for five years she told bbc sunday politics wales we ve completed two years and we re now well into year three and so the results are by no means available yet tb infection rates fell across wales over the last 12 months she said the reduction in north pembrokeshire is in line with the national reduction so right now we have no evidence that the vaccination programme in badgers is delivering an additional benefit and we wouldn expect to see any evidence at this stage either she said in 2012 and 2013 776 badgers were trapped and vaccinated in the intensive action area iaa which also takes in parts of ceredigion and carmarthenshire at cost of more than £1.8m but dr glossop said that the wider tb eradication programme cost £28m last year alone most of which was spent on testing cattle biosecurity and compensating farmers you ve always got to have the balance here between all the different elements of the programme making sure that you re tackling all sources of infection she said the vaccination programme was announced by labour ministers in 2012 when they abandoned the previous coalition government intention to cull badgers in the iaa. | _START_ It is unclear whether vaccinating badgers in west Wales has cut TB in cattle, the chief vet has said. _END_ |
Scotland and Ireland are in Pool A, along with the hosts.
Wales will face Australia in a repeat of the 2015 tournament, at which both beat hosts England to qualify from the group stage. Georgia join them in Pool D.
Defending champions New Zealand will take on South Africa and Italy in Pool B.
The 2019 World Cup runs from 20 September to 2 November.
"It's massively exciting, a unique country and unique culture," said England head coach Eddie Jones, who led Japan at the last World Cup.
England will face Argentina in two Tests in June - both of which will be broadcast live on the BBC - and Jones will use the series to "practise a little bit" against the Pumas.
Speaking of England's other pool opponent, the Australian added: "France have really improved over the past two years and are certainly a dangerous team."
England failed to advance from their "group of hell" in 2015, becoming the first hosts to exit before the knockout stage.
The 12 teams who automatically qualified by finishing in the top three of their groups at the last World Cup have been drawn.
The eight remaining teams have had their slots allocated and will be determined by the qualification process that ends in 2018.
England have also drawn the top North and South America qualifier (either USA or Canada), as well as the second-best Oceania qualifier, which will be one of Fiji, Samoa or Tonga.
Pool A: Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Europe 1, play-off winner (Europe 2 v Oceania 3)
Pool B: New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Africa 1, repechage winner
Pool C: England, France, Argentina, Americas 1, Oceania 2
Pool D: Australia, Wales, Georgia, Oceania 1, Americas 2
England head coach Eddie Jones: "We want to win the World Cup in 2019, and to win it, we need to be ready to play and beat anyone.
"Our pool will be highly competitive and full of intensity, as a World Cup group should be. History shows you need to win seven games to win the tournament and we will greatly respect every team we play."
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend: "Obviously there's an excitement playing the host nation, and it probably guarantees a sell-out game in that fixture. I'm sure there will be a lot of buzz around Japan around the group we're involved in.
"Whether it's better for us or Ireland that we know each other so well, we will find out in a couple of years' time."
Ireland vice-captain Jamie Heaslip: "Getting to avoid South Africa, France and Wales is a big thing for us.
"We're happy with it, there are some tougher groups, but you've seen what Japan have done in the past 18 months and Scotland we've struggled with as well."
Wales head coach Warren Gatland: "We've got Australia and it looks like we could get Fiji again, so a couple of teams from 2015, but we're happy with the draw.
"It's going to be tough and competitive, but that's what you want."
World Rugby has confirmed the structure for the knockout stages of the 2015 tournament will remain in place in 2019. That means:
Teams who played each other in the pool stages cannot meet again in the semi-finals.
So England and Wales could meet in the quarter-finals, with the winner potentially facing a semi-final against New Zealand.
The All Blacks could face either Ireland or Scotland in the quarter-finals. | England have been drawn with France and Argentina in a tough Pool C for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. | scotland and ireland are in pool along with the hosts wales will face australia in repeat of the 2015 tournament at which both beat hosts england to qualify from the group stage georgia join them in pool defending champions new zealand will take on south africa and italy in pool the 2019 world cup runs from 20 september to november it massively exciting unique country and unique culture said england head coach eddie jones who led japan at the last world cup england will face argentina in two tests in june both of which will be broadcast live on the bbc and jones will use the series to practise little bit against the pumas speaking of england other pool opponent the australian added france have really improved over the past two years and are certainly dangerous team england failed to advance from their group of hell in 2015 becoming the first hosts to exit before the knockout stage the 12 teams who automatically qualified by finishing in the top three of their groups at the last world cup have been drawn the eight remaining teams have had their slots allocated and will be determined by the qualification process that ends in 2018 england have also drawn the top north and south america qualifier either usa or canada as well as the second-best oceania qualifier which will be one of fiji samoa or tonga pool ireland scotland japan europe play-off winner europe oceania pool new zealand south africa italy africa repechage winner pool england france argentina americas oceania pool australia wales georgia oceania americas england head coach eddie jones we want to win the world cup in 2019 and to win it we need to be ready to play and beat anyone our pool will be highly competitive and full of intensity as world cup group should be history shows you need to win seven games to win the tournament and we will greatly respect every team we play scotland head coach gregor townsend obviously there an excitement playing the host nation and it probably guarantees sell-out game in that fixture sure there will be lot of buzz around japan around the group we re involved in whether it better for us or ireland that we know each other so well we will find out in couple of years time ireland vice-captain jamie heaslip getting to avoid south africa france and wales is big thing for us we re happy with it there are some tougher groups but you ve seen what japan have done in the past 18 months and scotland we ve struggled with as well wales head coach warren gatland we ve got australia and it looks like we could get fiji again so couple of teams from 2015 but we re happy with the draw it going to be tough and competitive but that what you want world rugby has confirmed the structure for the knockout stages of the 2015 tournament will remain in place in 2019 that means teams who played each other in the pool stages cannot meet again in the semi-finals so england and wales could meet in the quarter-finals with the winner potentially facing semi-final against new zealand the all blacks could face either ireland or scotland in the quarter-finals. | _START_ England have been drawn with France and Argentina in a tough Pool C for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. _END_ |
Besik Kudukhov, who won freestyle 60kg silver at London 2012, died in 2013.
He was found to have taken the steroid turinabol when the World Anti-Doping Agency re-tested samples this year.
An International Olympic Committee (IOC) disciplinary committee said the case has "now terminated its investigation with no action taken".
Indian wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt - who finished third in London - tweeted in August on hearing of the failed test: "If possible he must be allowed to keep the medal. It will keep his family's honour intact. For me humanity is above everything else."
Vice-president of United World Wrestling, Georgy Bryusov said: "The IOC will not deprive Besik Kudukhov of his silver medal". | A Russian wrestler who died in a car crash will not be stripped of his Olympic medal despite his sample testing positive for a banned steroid. | besik kudukhov who won freestyle 60kg silver at london 2012 died in 2013 he was found to have taken the steroid turinabol when the world anti-doping agency re-tested samples this year an international olympic committee ioc disciplinary committee said the case has now terminated its investigation with no action taken indian wrestler yogeshwar dutt who finished third in london tweeted in august on hearing of the failed test if possible he must be allowed to keep the medal it will keep his family honour intact for me humanity is above everything else vice-president of united world wrestling georgy bryusov said the ioc will not deprive besik kudukhov of his silver medal . | _START_ A Russian wrestler who died in a car crash will not be stripped of his Olympic medal despite his sample testing positive for a banned steroid. _END_ |
Johnson confirmed his departure and the Scottish Rugby Union announced that he will be available for the June tour to Australia, Fiji and Samoa.
"I will not be looking to renew [my contract] at the end of the season," said the 49-year-old Australian.
Scotland coach Andy Robinson has been seeking an experienced coach.
Johnson added: "When I joined the region I had a remit to help set-up systems that would enable us to bring through home grown talent, coaches and players, a challenge I've thoroughly enjoyed getting my teeth into over the last three years.
"I feel that now is the right time for me to move on to other challenges but I remain 100% committed to the Ospreys between now and the end of the season."
The real legacy he [Johnson] will leave is the systems and structures he has helped to develop that will allow us to continue leading the way in Wales
Johnson's role with Scotland is thought to also include some involvement with Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Ospreys chief operations officer Andrew Hore said: "It is a huge disappointment for us to be losing Scott at the end of the season, but we understand that he feels it is the right time for him to move on to other challenges having served the three years he committed himself to us for originally."
Hore added: "By informing us of his intentions at this early stage, it allows us to use this time to consider our next course of action and the options available to us as we plan for the future."
Managing director Roger Blyth said: "While he has brought silverware to the Liberty Stadium and we hope that will be the case once again this season, the real legacy he will leave is the systems and structures he has helped to develop that will allow us to continue leading the way in Wales."
Johnson joined the Ospreys ahead of the 2009-10 season, leaving the role of USA Eagles national coach to do so.
He first arrived in Wales as a skills coach during 2011 World Cup winning coach Graham Henry's reign and was assistant coach during the Steve Hansen and Mike Ruddock eras.
Wales won their first Grand Slam in 27 years under Ruddock in 2005 and many credited Johnson with playing a key role in that achievement.
Johnson became Wales caretaker coach during the 2006 Six Nations following Ruddock's controversial departure.
In March 2006 Johnson became one of John Connolly's assistant coaches and selectors ahead of the Wallabies' 2007 World Cup campaign.
In 2008 he became USA coach and left the following year to return to Wales with the Ospreys.
During his time at the Liberty Stadium, they reached the 2009-10 Heineken Cup quarter-finals where they were defeated 29-28 by Biarritz.
A year later they bowed out after a tough pool stage featuring Munster, Toulon and London Irish and this term are struggling in the competition having drawn 26-26 in Treviso and lost back-to-back games against Saracens in Pool Five.
In what was the Magners League, the Ospreys' greatest triumph came in Johnson's first Ospreys term, a 17-12 win over Leinster in Dublin in the tournament's inaugural Grand Final.
Ahead of the 2011-12 season they lost high-profile players James Hook, Lee Byrne, Jerry Collins, Marty Holah and Mike Phillips and were without a glut of Test stars playing for Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Samoa at the World Cup.
But after a strong start in what is now the Pro12 League, the Ospreys lie second to Leinster with eight wins from 11 games.
Wasps coach Dai Young and Johnson coached the Barbarians when they beat Wales in June, 2011.
Johnson was Wales' observer of Sir Clive Woodward's British and Irish Lions back-room staff during the ill-fated 2005 tour to New Zealand.
Scotland coach Robinson was a Woodward assistant on that tour and has sought someone of the right calibre to be his right-hand man.
"I am delighted Scott has agreed to join the Scotland coaching team. I have huge respect for him as a coach and a person having coached against him on numerous occasions," Robinson said.
At the 2011 World Cup Scotland failed to reach the quarter-finals for the first time and Robinson is keen to emulate the template that brought the All Blacks success at the tournament.
Graham Henry had Test-hardened coaches in former Wales coach Steve Hansen and ex-All Blacks head coach Wayne Smith as his assistants.
Johnson's solicitor, Duncan Sandlant, of Esportif international, had indicated that Scotland was not his only option, saying: "Scott has a number of options which he is seriously considering."
The Australian had been linked in reports in New Zealand with a role as assistant to new All Blacks head coach Hansen.
But Ian Foster's appointment as one of Hansen's back-room staff made such a move unlikely for Johnson. | Coaching director Scott Johnson will leave the Ospreys at the end of the season to take up the role of Scotland senior assistant coach. | johnson confirmed his departure and the scottish rugby union announced that he will be available for the june tour to australia fiji and samoa will not be looking to renew my contract at the end of the season said the 49-year-old australian scotland coach andy robinson has been seeking an experienced coach johnson added when joined the region had remit to help set-up systems that would enable us to bring through home grown talent coaches and players challenge ve thoroughly enjoyed getting my teeth into over the last three years feel that now is the right time for me to move on to other challenges but remain 100% committed to the ospreys between now and the end of the season the real legacy he johnson will leave is the systems and structures he has helped to develop that will allow us to continue leading the way in wales johnson role with scotland is thought to also include some involvement with glasgow and edinburgh ospreys chief operations officer andrew hore said it is huge disappointment for us to be losing scott at the end of the season but we understand that he feels it is the right time for him to move on to other challenges having served the three years he committed himself to us for originally hore added by informing us of his intentions at this early stage it allows us to use this time to consider our next course of action and the options available to us as we plan for the future managing director roger blyth said while he has brought silverware to the liberty stadium and we hope that will be the case once again this season the real legacy he will leave is the systems and structures he has helped to develop that will allow us to continue leading the way in wales johnson joined the ospreys ahead of the 2009-10 season leaving the role of usa eagles national coach to do so he first arrived in wales as skills coach during 2011 world cup winning coach graham henry reign and was assistant coach during the steve hansen and mike ruddock eras wales won their first grand slam in 27 years under ruddock in 2005 and many credited johnson with playing key role in that achievement johnson became wales caretaker coach during the 2006 six nations following ruddock controversial departure in march 2006 johnson became one of john connolly assistant coaches and selectors ahead of the wallabies 2007 world cup campaign in 2008 he became usa coach and left the following year to return to wales with the ospreys during his time at the liberty stadium they reached the 2009-10 heineken cup quarter-finals where they were defeated 29-28 by biarritz year later they bowed out after tough pool stage featuring munster toulon and london irish and this term are struggling in the competition having drawn 26-26 in treviso and lost back-to-back games against saracens in pool five in what was the magners league the ospreys greatest triumph came in johnson first ospreys term 17-12 win over leinster in dublin in the tournament inaugural grand final ahead of the 2011-12 season they lost high-profile players james hook lee byrne jerry collins marty holah and mike phillips and were without glut of test stars playing for wales ireland scotland and samoa at the world cup but after strong start in what is now the pro12 league the ospreys lie second to leinster with eight wins from 11 games wasps coach dai young and johnson coached the barbarians when they beat wales in june 2011 johnson was wales observer of sir clive woodward british and irish lions back-room staff during the ill-fated 2005 tour to new zealand scotland coach robinson was woodward assistant on that tour and has sought someone of the right calibre to be his right-hand man am delighted scott has agreed to join the scotland coaching team have huge respect for him as coach and person having coached against him on numerous occasions robinson said at the 2011 world cup scotland failed to reach the quarter-finals for the first time and robinson is keen to emulate the template that brought the all blacks success at the tournament graham henry had test-hardened coaches in former wales coach steve hansen and ex-all blacks head coach wayne smith as his assistants johnson solicitor duncan sandlant of esportif international had indicated that scotland was not his only option saying scott has number of options which he is seriously considering the australian had been linked in reports in new zealand with role as assistant to new all blacks head coach hansen but ian foster appointment as one of hansen back-room staff made such move unlikely for johnson. | _START_ Coaching director Scott Johnson will leave the Ospreys at the end of the season to take up the role of Scotland senior assistant coach. _END_ |
He will start 10th, with Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg on pole, after crashing out following a series of mistakes through the hour-long session.
The Briton, 31, told BBC Sport: "Not a good day for me. Probably the worst session I've ever had in qualifying."
Hamilton, who is defending the drivers' title, said he would "have to think about" what had gone wrong.
Sunday's race is live on the BBC Sport website and radio 5 live from 14:00 BST.
"These kind of things do happen," he added. "I did not feel comfortable in the car. Ultimately, it was only me, nothing to do with the team or car. I just wasn't feeling good.
"I was 0.4secs up on both laps so there is no question of whether I was quick enough. I just didn't finish the laps. The car was very good yesterday. We made some changes and it wasn't as good today. I wasn't able to brake in the same places and I made too many mistakes."
Hamilton faces a race of damage limitation to his title hopes, as Rosberg, who is nine points ahead in the championship, is likely to run away in the lead, such is the level of Mercedes' dominance around the demanding new 3.7-mile street track in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku.
"P10 is going to be horrible as it always is around street circuits," Hamilton said.
"I don't know what I can do from there but I need to try to get as many points as I can.
"Finishing the race is important and not allowing Nico to pull too far away. Hopefully I can stay out of trouble.
"If I don't get caught up in other people's mistakes, good points are still possible. It's not impossible I could win."
Hamilton has a potential problem for the race because it is unclear whether he has a set of tyres in good enough condition to start.
Media playback is not supported on this device
The rules say a driver must start the race on the set of tyres on which he set his fastest time in Q2, but Hamilton's were damaged because he locked them up.
If there is a safety issue they can be changed at the FIA's discretion, which would almost certainly be granted.
Hamilton said: "All my tyres are flat-spotted so I have no idea what they are going to do."
However, he said he was optimistic he could still have a good race.
"If I don't get caught up in other people's mistakes, good points are still possible. It's not impossible I could win."
Hamilton's string of mistakes at one point affected Rosberg, as the German had to abandon his first flying lap in the final session because the other Mercedes had gone off in front of him.
Rosberg said: "One of the more challenging sessions out there but everything worked out well.
"There was a bit of reorganising because in Q3 Lewis had an off in front of me and I had to abort that lap and do one more at the end. But it worked out great.
"I have been building towards it and qualifying felt really optimum."
Rosberg anticipates an action-packed race on the new Baku street track.
He said: "They have done a great job up to now with the track.
"We have seen one of the most exciting sessions for a long time and that is down to the track and I am sure the race is going to be very exciting.
"It is one of the easiest places to overtake so a lot of places changing and probably some safety cars."
Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox. | Lewis Hamilton said his error-strewn qualifying session at the Grand Prix of Europe was the worst of his career. | he will start 10th with mercedes team-mate nico rosberg on pole after crashing out following series of mistakes through the hour-long session the briton 31 told bbc sport not good day for me probably the worst session ve ever had in qualifying hamilton who is defending the drivers title said he would have to think about what had gone wrong sunday race is live on the bbc sport website and radio live from 14:00 bst these kind of things do happen he added did not feel comfortable in the car ultimately it was only me nothing to do with the team or car just wasn feeling good was 0.4secs up on both laps so there is no question of whether was quick enough just didn finish the laps the car was very good yesterday we made some changes and it wasn as good today wasn able to brake in the same places and made too many mistakes hamilton faces race of damage limitation to his title hopes as rosberg who is nine points ahead in the championship is likely to run away in the lead such is the level of mercedes dominance around the demanding new 3.7-mile street track in the azerbaijani capital baku p10 is going to be horrible as it always is around street circuits hamilton said don know what can do from there but need to try to get as many points as can finishing the race is important and not allowing nico to pull too far away hopefully can stay out of trouble if don get caught up in other people mistakes good points are still possible it not impossible could win hamilton has potential problem for the race because it is unclear whether he has set of tyres in good enough condition to start media playback is not supported on this device the rules say driver must start the race on the set of tyres on which he set his fastest time in q2 but hamilton were damaged because he locked them up if there is safety issue they can be changed at the fia discretion which would almost certainly be granted hamilton said all my tyres are flat-spotted so have no idea what they are going to do however he said he was optimistic he could still have good race if don get caught up in other people mistakes good points are still possible it not impossible could win hamilton string of mistakes at one point affected rosberg as the german had to abandon his first flying lap in the final session because the other mercedes had gone off in front of him rosberg said one of the more challenging sessions out there but everything worked out well there was bit of reorganising because in q3 lewis had an off in front of me and had to abort that lap and do one more at the end but it worked out great have been building towards it and qualifying felt really optimum rosberg anticipates an action-packed race on the new baku street track he said they have done great job up to now with the track we have seen one of the most exciting sessions for long time and that is down to the track and am sure the race is going to be very exciting it is one of the easiest places to overtake so lot of places changing and probably some safety cars subscribe to the bbc sport newsletter to get our pick of news features and video sent to your inbox. | _START_ Lewis Hamilton said his error-strewn qualifying session at the Grand Prix of Europe was the worst of his career. _END_ |
The club say the 32-year-old wants to return north in order to spend more time with his daughter.
Berra, who has 35 caps, moved to England in 2009 to join Wolves, then managed by Mick McCarthy, who also took him to Ipswich in 2013.
"It's a situation we have been aware of for some time," McCarthy told the Ipswich website.
Ipswich had the option to extend Berra's deal for a further 12 months, but agreed not to take it up to allow him to return closer to home.
The centre-back made 185 appearances for Ipswich, scoring 14 goals.
"He is not doing anything devious, he just wants to spend more time with his daughter and anyone with family can respect that," McCarthy added.
"Christophe has been fantastic for us. He has been one of the best defenders in the Championship over the last four years and I didn't want to lose him, but I understand fully why he wants to go back closer to home and we wish him well." | Scotland defender Christophe Berra is to leave Ipswich Town when his contract expires in the summer. | the club say the 32-year-old wants to return north in order to spend more time with his daughter berra who has 35 caps moved to england in 2009 to join wolves then managed by mick mccarthy who also took him to ipswich in 2013 it situation we have been aware of for some time mccarthy told the ipswich website ipswich had the option to extend berra deal for further 12 months but agreed not to take it up to allow him to return closer to home the centre-back made 185 appearances for ipswich scoring 14 goals he is not doing anything devious he just wants to spend more time with his daughter and anyone with family can respect that mccarthy added christophe has been fantastic for us he has been one of the best defenders in the championship over the last four years and didn want to lose him but understand fully why he wants to go back closer to home and we wish him well | _START_ Scotland defender Christophe Berra is to leave Ipswich Town when his contract expires in the summer. _END_ |
Four St Peter Port parishioners have put themselves forward for election, but with five seats up for grabs there will be a vacancy.
Parish constable Dennis Le Moignan said it was the first time there had not been enough candidates.
He blamed a "lack of interest" and little understanding of the role.
However, others believe criticism of the douzaine over the appointment of a town centre manager may be behind the lack of volunteers for the unpaid position.
Shane Langlois, chairman of the Douzaine Council, said: "Obviously there's been a lot of controversy over the town centre manager, but that's just guesswork."
He said another possible reason for a lack of interest from parishioners was because the parish system was confusing, although the picture around the rest of the island was more encouraging.
Mr Langlois said: "There are far more contested elections than I've ever seen... it's very unusual and encouraging. There's normally not more than one or two."
He has called for an end to electors' meetings where elections are uncontested - as currently parishioners can vote for ballots to take place - describing them as unnecessary.
Mr Le Moignan said the St Peter Port Douzaine would have to advertise the fifth position again and hold another election at a later date.
He said there was also a chance the election could be thrown out at the electors' meeting and it would not go ahead until another candidate comes forward. | A "lack of interest" in parish politics is being blamed for a shortfall in the number of candidates needed to serve in a Guernsey parish. | four st peter port parishioners have put themselves forward for election but with five seats up for grabs there will be vacancy parish constable dennis le moignan said it was the first time there had not been enough candidates he blamed lack of interest and little understanding of the role however others believe criticism of the douzaine over the appointment of town centre manager may be behind the lack of volunteers for the unpaid position shane langlois chairman of the douzaine council said obviously there been lot of controversy over the town centre manager but that just guesswork he said another possible reason for lack of interest from parishioners was because the parish system was confusing although the picture around the rest of the island was more encouraging mr langlois said there are far more contested elections than ve ever seen it very unusual and encouraging there normally not more than one or two he has called for an end to electors meetings where elections are uncontested as currently parishioners can vote for ballots to take place describing them as unnecessary mr le moignan said the st peter port douzaine would have to advertise the fifth position again and hold another election at later date he said there was also chance the election could be thrown out at the electors meeting and it would not go ahead until another candidate comes forward. | _START_ A "lack of interest" in parish politics is being blamed for a shortfall in the number of candidates needed to serve in a Guernsey parish. _END_ |
Paramedics outside the Queen Alexandra Hospital said they are "spending hours sat waiting to off-load patients".
They said it is having a "massive effect on staff morale" and the "public are not getting the ambulances that they require and that they deserve".
Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust said there was an "extremely high demand" at A&E on Monday night.
There were 16 ambulances in the queue at 16:00 GMT, one third of the 46 on duty in Hampshire at the time.
One paramedic for South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) described the situation as "chaos".
He said: "We're seeing it pretty much on a daily basis and it's having a massive effect on staff morale."
Another, who did not want to be identified, said: "I love my job but every time I log on I know there's potential that I could be put back in that same situation where I'm stuck with a patient at their own home and I can't do anything for them and it's too much, it's too much stress."
A Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust spokeswoman said there had been "15 per cent more attendances in the Emergency Department compared to this time last year".
She added: "Last year we received 2,154 more ambulances than any other hospital in the area."
The trust said it had been working with health system partners in an emergency care improvement programme.
Mark Ainsworth, director of operations for SCAS, said he is "increasingly concerned" about ambulances being held at the hospital.
He said patients were waiting for more than two hours outside the hospital. | One third of ambulances on duty in Hampshire waited for up to two hours outside a hospital on Monday. | paramedics outside the queen alexandra hospital said they are spending hours sat waiting to off-load patients they said it is having massive effect on staff morale and the public are not getting the ambulances that they require and that they deserve portsmouth hospitals nhs trust said there was an extremely high demand at on monday night there were 16 ambulances in the queue at 16:00 gmt one third of the 46 on duty in hampshire at the time one paramedic for south central ambulance service scas described the situation as chaos he said we re seeing it pretty much on daily basis and it having massive effect on staff morale another who did not want to be identified said love my job but every time log on know there potential that could be put back in that same situation where stuck with patient at their own home and can do anything for them and it too much it too much stress portsmouth hospitals nhs trust spokeswoman said there had been 15 per cent more attendances in the emergency department compared to this time last year she added last year we received 154 more ambulances than any other hospital in the area the trust said it had been working with health system partners in an emergency care improvement programme mark ainsworth director of operations for scas said he is increasingly concerned about ambulances being held at the hospital he said patients were waiting for more than two hours outside the hospital. | _START_ One third of ambulances on duty in Hampshire waited for up to two hours outside a hospital on Monday. _END_ |
Sir Philip had put a "substantial" recovery plan in place to resolve the deficit in pension schemes at Top Shop owner Arcadia, Mr Field said.
However, the original fix for the BHS scheme had been "inadequate", he said.
Sir Philip owned BHS for 15 years before selling it in March 2015.
It was bought for £1 by Dominic Chappell, a former bankrupt with little experience in retailing, and went into administration a year later.
There followed a lengthy and often rancorous investigation by the Work and Pensions Committee into the handling of the BHS pension fund.
Sir Philip promised to "sort" the problem and after months of negotiations with the Pensions Regulator, he agreed, in February, to pay £363m to bolster the BHS scheme.
The Work and Pensions Committee also sought information about the pension schemes of Arcadia, the owner of Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge, and controlled by Sir Philip.
Over the weekend, documents published by the committee showed that Arcadia had a deficit in its pension schemes of almost £565m in March 2016.
That is up from almost £456m, when the previous assessment was made in March 2013.
To address that shortfall Arcadia has doubled its annual contribution to the two main funds to £50m.
"This is a credible plan for tackling a giant deficit and great news for Arcadia pensioners who must have been concerned," said Mr Field.
"It is though clear from these figures that Sir Philip was long favouring the Arcadia schemes over their BHS counterparts, which have more members," he said.
In 2012, while BHS was under the ownership of Sir Philip, a 23-year plan to fix the pension deficit was agreed.
Mr Field described that plan as "ludicrous" and contrasted it with a 13-year recovery plan for Arcadia pension schemes, which included much bigger contributions to cover the deficit.
"I imagine Sir Philip would say that Arcadia could afford it because it was profitable, whereas BHS was not," Mr Field said.
Sir Philip has not responded to Mr Field's comments. | Sir Philip Green has been "long favouring" the pension schemes of Arcadia over those of BHS, according to the chairman of the Commons Work and Pensions Committee, Frank Field. | sir philip had put substantial recovery plan in place to resolve the deficit in pension schemes at top shop owner arcadia mr field said however the original fix for the bhs scheme had been inadequate he said sir philip owned bhs for 15 years before selling it in march 2015 it was bought for £1 by dominic chappell former bankrupt with little experience in retailing and went into administration year later there followed lengthy and often rancorous investigation by the work and pensions committee into the handling of the bhs pension fund sir philip promised to sort the problem and after months of negotiations with the pensions regulator he agreed in february to pay £363m to bolster the bhs scheme the work and pensions committee also sought information about the pension schemes of arcadia the owner of dorothy perkins and miss selfridge and controlled by sir philip over the weekend documents published by the committee showed that arcadia had deficit in its pension schemes of almost £565m in march 2016 that is up from almost £456m when the previous assessment was made in march 2013 to address that shortfall arcadia has doubled its annual contribution to the two main funds to £50m this is credible plan for tackling giant deficit and great news for arcadia pensioners who must have been concerned said mr field it is though clear from these figures that sir philip was long favouring the arcadia schemes over their bhs counterparts which have more members he said in 2012 while bhs was under the ownership of sir philip 23-year plan to fix the pension deficit was agreed mr field described that plan as ludicrous and contrasted it with 13-year recovery plan for arcadia pension schemes which included much bigger contributions to cover the deficit imagine sir philip would say that arcadia could afford it because it was profitable whereas bhs was not mr field said sir philip has not responded to mr field comments. | _START_ Sir Philip Green has been "long favouring" the pension schemes of Arcadia over those of BHS, according to the chairman of the Commons Work and Pensions Committee, Frank Field. _END_ |
Swansea council said it was contacted by South Wales Evening Post after readers reported the problem in Townhill and Mayhill to the paper.
A council spokesman said a potential source of the sound had been located.
Members of the public were asked to contact the local authority's noise pollution team with information. | A mystery siren-like noise which is keeping Swansea residents awake at night has triggered an investigation by the council. | swansea council said it was contacted by south wales evening post after readers reported the problem in townhill and mayhill to the paper council spokesman said potential source of the sound had been located members of the public were asked to contact the local authority noise pollution team with information. | _START_ A mystery siren-like noise which is keeping Swansea residents awake at night has triggered an investigation by the council. _END_ |