document
stringlengths
0
78.8k
summary
stringlengths
1
333
id
stringlengths
8
8
Security forces retook the Naso-Hablod hotel after gunmen stormed it and took hostages, officials said. Those killed are reported to include security guards, civilians and some of the attackers. Al-Shabab militants frequently carry out attacks in the city in their bid to topple the Western-backed government. A suicide bomber first detonated a car with explosives at the gate of the hotel, and the attackers moved in, officials said. Once inside, the gunmen shot randomly at guests, a witness said. "They were shooting at everyone they could see. I escaped through the back door," Ali Mohamud told the Associated Press news agency. A gun battle then erupted between the attackers and security forces. Police said at least four men were involved in the assault. The victims included women working outside the hotel, Capt Mohamed Hussein said. It was not immediately clear if guests had also been killed. The Naso-Hablod hotel, in southern Mogadishu, is often used by politicians and tourists. The group said it targeted a place "frequented by the apostate government members", Reuters news agency reported. Earlier this month at least 10 people were killed and 50 injured in an attack on another hotel in the Somali capital, which was claimed by al-Shabab. The al-Qaeda-linked group was driven from Mogadishu in 2011 but still remains a threat and frequently carries out attacks in the city. The government, with the help of African Union forces, is fighting al-Shabab militants in several parts of the country.
An attack by the Islamist group al-Shabab in a hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu has left at least 14 dead, police say.
36629678
The incident happened on Alfred Street near its junction with Sussex Place shortly before 02:00 BST on Sunday. The victim, who is in his 30s, was taken to hospital for treatment to a deep cut to his face. The suspect, who is described as being about 5'8" (172cm) tall and of stocky build, made off towards Ormeau Avenue. Police have appealed for anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack to contact them on the non-emergency number 101.
A man has been stabbed in the face in an attack in Belfast city centre.
37078074
The Sunweb rider, 22, won the sprint ahead of Frenchmen Arnaud Demare and Bryan Coquard on the 175.5km stage from La Tour-de-Salvagny to Macon. Belgium's Thomas de Gendt retained the overall lead, 27 seconds ahead of Australian Richie Porte. Britain's Chris Froome of Team Sky, the defending champion, is sixth, still one minute four seconds behind. Thursday's stage was the last opportunity for the sprinters before the race heads to the mountains for the final three days. "It feels really good. I'm super happy that everything worked out today," said Bauhaus. "At the Giro d'Italia, I came close to the podium twice. Now with the support of the team, I take the biggest win of my career so far." Stage six takes the riders 147.5km from Villars-les-Dombes to La Motte-Servolex. The Dauphine ends on Sunday and will be the final competitive outing before next month's Tour de France for many of the riders. Froome is aiming to win the Tour for a fourth time this summer, with each of his previous victories in 2013, 2015 and 2016 preceded by winning the Dauphine. 1. Phil Bauhaus (Ger/Sunweb) 4hrs 4mins 32secs 2. Arnaud Demare (Fra/FDJ) same time 3. Bryan Coquard (Fra/Direct Energie) 4. Adrien Petit (Fra/Direct Energie) 5. Nacer Bouhanni (Fra/Cofidis) 1. Thomas De Gendt (Bel/Lotto) 17hrs 1min 25secs 2. Richie Porte (Aus/BMC) +27secs 3. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +51secs 4. Stef Clement (Ned/LottoNL) +55secs 5. Alberto Contador (Spa/Trek) +1min 2secs 6. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) +1min 4secs 14. Simon Yates (GB/Orica) +1min 30secs 29. Peter Kennaugh (GB/Team Sky) +2mins 18secs
German Phil Bauhaus claimed his first World Tour win with victory on stage five of the Criterium du Dauphine.
40206851
He barged the official with his chest in the fourth minute of stoppage time at the end of last Saturday's game. Bacuna, 25, admitted a charge of violent conduct "in circumstances where the standard three-match ban would be clearly insufficient". The Curacao international has made 25 appearances for Villa this season. Born in the Netherlands, he joined the club from Groningen for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2013. His dismissal was the first time he had been sent off while playing for Villa. Speaking after the game, boss Steve Bruce told BBC WM Sport 95.6: "Bacuna's overstepped the line with his antics in the last minute, but I thought he was terrific. "He was everything I would ask for, then he lets himself down." Bacuna has already served one match of his ban, having sat out Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Bristol City.
Aston Villa midfielder Leandro Bacuna has been banned for six games following an altercation with an assistant referee in their home win over Derby.
39152032
Jurors in Los Angeles decided that the 2013 single by Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke breached the copyright of Gaye's 1977 hit Got To Give It Up. The family of the late soul singer has been awarded $7.3m (£4.8m) in damages. Thicke and Williams denied copying the hit, and their lawyer said the ruling set a "horrible precedent". Meanwhile, the Gaye family's lawyer told Rolling Stone he wanted to stop the sales of Blurred Lines. "We'll be asking the court to enter an injunction prohibiting the further sale and distribution of Blurred Lines unless and until we can reach an agreement with those guys on the other side about how future monies that are received will be shared," attorney Richard Busch said. Gaye died in April 1984, leaving his children the copyright to his music. His children - Nona, Frankie and Marvin Gaye III - sued Thicke and Williams in 2013. Nona wept as the verdict was read in court. "Right now, I feel free," she told reporters after the ruling. "Free from... Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke's chains and what they tried to keep on us and the lies that were told." In court, Williams had told jurors that Gaye's music was part of the soundtrack of his youth but he insisted it was not on his mind when he wrote the song. But the musician recognised a likeness between the songs and agreed he was "channelling... that late-70s feeling" when he co-wrote the song. Thicke testified that he had contributed little to the writing of the song. "While we respect the judicial process, we are extremely disappointed in the ruling made today, which sets a horrible precedent for music and creativity going forward," the pair's lawyer Howard E King said. "We are reviewing the decision, considering our options and you will hear more from us soon about this matter." The hit, which earned a Grammy nomination, generated more than $16m (£10.8m) in profits and made more than $5m (£3m) for both stars.
A jury in the United States has ruled that the writers of Blurred Lines - one of the best-selling singles of all time - copied a Marvin Gaye track.
31825059
The trio were among 25 players given therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) during the tournament in South Africa. In its latest leaked documents, the Russian hacking group also claims 160 players failed drugs tests in 2015. Four of the failed tests were registered by UK Anti-Doping (Ukad). Three players tested positive for cocaine, and one for ecstasy. This is the first time Fancy Bears hackers have released details about TUEs in football. Tevez, now 33, was playing for Manchester City during the World Cup in 2010 having moved from Manchester United the previous year. His former Argentina team-mate Heinze, 39, was playing for French club Marseille, having previously spent three seasons at Old Trafford. Dutchman Kuyt, 37, was at Liverpool. There is no suggestion any of these footballers have done anything wrong. The latest hack includes an email from the Football Association's head of integrity, Jenni Kennedy, to the sport's world governing body Fifa. The FA said it was "disappointed that strictly confidential information has been released into the public domain" given the details in the email related to ongoing investigations. It added that whenever doing violations are uncovered, it released full details on its website as a matter of course. Fifa said it condemned "in the strongest terms" the release of material it said was obtained illegally. "The release of such information constitutes a clear violation of the athletes' privacy and puts at risk the ongoing fight against doping," it added. Nicole Sapstead, chief executive of Ukad, echoed Fifa's condemnation adding that "the theft of medical data is completely unacceptable and this leak does not advance the cause of the anti-doping community at all". Tevez, Heinze and former Manchester United and Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron were prescribed betamethasone - a corticosteroid with a variety of uses. It does not feature directly on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (Wada) prohibited list, but is banned depending on the strength of the dose used. Kuyt, who retired from football in May, used dexamethasone, apparently for pain relief because of tooth problems. Germany international Mario Gomez needed salbutamol, which is a common asthma medication. Ex-New Zealand, Blackburn and QPR defender Ryan Nelsen, who is listed as 'Nelson' on the published form, declared the use of prednisone, another corticosteroid. There were no England players among the 25 names released by Fancy Bears. A TUE allows an athlete, for medical reasons, to take a prescribed substance or have treatment that is otherwise prohibited. Athletes must contact their national governing body before applying for a TUE. There are strict criteria for one to be granted: Ukad says it has "a number of robust controls in place to make it as difficult as possible" for athletes to misuse the system. Fancy Bears first hacked the Wada database last year, and in September began revealing athletes' confidential details and information regarding TUEs. British cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins was forced to defend himself in the face of scrutiny following the leak of his medical records. The IAAF - athletics' world governing body - then said in April it was hacked by the group earlier this year. Mo Farah, Helen Glover and Justin Rose were among the British athletes who had their medical files made public. BBC Sport's David Ornstein It was inevitable that Fancy Bears would eventually target the world's biggest sport, perhaps the only surprise being that it took so long. The statement on the Fancy Bears' website promises to prove that players and officials are "lying" when they "unanimously affirm" that football is free of doping. But, while concerning, this release is not exactly earth-shattering. There is no suggestion that any of the World Cup TUEs involve wrongdoing - but it may reignite the debate about whether the system can be abused.
Ex-Premier League players Carlos Tevez, Dirk Kuyt and Gabriel Heinze have been named by hackers Fancy Bears as three of the footballers cleared to use banned medicines at the 2010 World Cup.
41011854
Frank Halai's try helped Wasps to a 11-8 half-time lead, with Johnny Williams crossing in reply for the Exiles. Elliot Daly touched down to extend the lead to 21-8 after the break before Irish hit back through a second try from Williams, which was converted. But Wasps pulled away in the closing stages, with Thomas Young crossing and Halai grabbing his second score. Newcastle's draw at Sale earlier on Saturday means Irish slip to the bottom of the Premiership table. Wasps dominated possession and territory in the opening half but a hard-working defensive display from London Irish denied them a larger advantage at the break. Daly's try nine minutes into the second half then looked to have given Wasps control but Williams chased a kick through from Topsy Ojo to keep the Exiles within a converted score. However, two tries in the last 10 minutes reflected Wasps' overall dominance, and moves the Midlands outfit up to fourth in the Premiership table. London Irish head coach Tom Coventry told BBC Radio Berkshire: Media playback is not supported on this device "I thought it was a tough day for us. We lacked a lot of possession, but defended valiantly at various stages. "It's another tough loss, very frustrating. I walk into the changing room and see a very sad bunch of lads, who are desperate to get what they need to do in the competition which is to get some points. "I thought Wasps were controlled. At various times, I thought we had the wood on them. "But, we certainly played a lot of rugby in the wrong part of the field and failed to get the field position when it was important. "Some promising highlights were young Johnny Williams, I thought he was marvellous scoring a couple of tries. I thought our scrum was good at various stages and some of our counter-attack was good. "But, usually from long distance. So we need to be closer to the poles." London Irish: Ojo; Lewington, Tikoirotuma, Williams, Fowlie; Noakes, Steele; Court, Paice, Franks, Sheriff, Symons (capt), Trayfoot, Cowan, Treviranus. Replacements: Ellis, Smallbone, Halavatau, Sinclair, Narraway, Allinson, Brophy-Clews, Mulchrone. Wasps: Piutau; Tagicakibau, Daly, Jacobs, Halai; Jackson, Simpson; Mullan, Johnson, Cooper-Woolley, Gaskell, Myall, Haskell (capt), Young, Hughes. Replacements: Shervington, McIntyre, Cittadini, Davies, Jones, Robson, Gopperth, Macken. Referee: Wayne Barnes. Attendance: 42,680.
Wasps secured a bonus-point victory at Twickenham to consign London Irish to a fifth Premiership defeat of the season.
34912169
The move will help improve response times in emergencies in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, the charity said. It also means the helicopters will be able to refuel quicker as they will not have to fly back to the main base at Durham Tees Valley Airport. Kevin Hodgson, director of operations, said it will allow the GNAAS to better serve the North East.
The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) has opened a base at Newcastle International Airport.
27429799
The partially dismembered body of David Miller, 56, was found at his flat in Northampton last June. Michael Hallett, 37, Joseph Catlin, 30, and Zena Kane, 35, all of no fixed address, have been jailed for life for murder. Ian Cuthbertson, 49, of no fixed abode, has been sentenced to seven and a half years for manslaughter. LIVE: Updates on this story and other Northamptonshire news All four had denied killing Mr Miller. During the trial at Northampton Crown Court, it was heard Mr Miller, who lived at Patterdale Walk, died after a "sustained attack" with knives, scissors and a rolling pin. His body had been covered in porridge oats as well as the ashes of his own mother. Hallett was told he would serve at least 23 years, Catlin 18 and Kane 20. The family of Mr Miller said they were "devastated" by the "horrific murder" and the "appalling things that happened to his body". In the statement, read at Northampton Crown Court, his family added: "David was a generous, caring, loving person who has never harmed anyone." The attack happened on 10 June 2016. Police forced their way into the flat and found Mr Miller's remains. An angle grinder, which had been borrowed to try and destroy the body, was found at the property, the court heard. A post-mortem examination found Mr Miller had substantial facial injuries and had been stabbed 15 times in the back and in the chest. Det Insp Philip Mills said the force was "satisfied" with the guilty verdicts and sentences. He said: "David was well known and well liked. Those who have been convicted of killing him preyed on those vulnerabilities."
Four homeless street drinkers have been found guilty of killing a "vulnerable" man who was attacked in his own home.
40584245
Tries from Rory Parata and Fionn Carr helped Connacht lead 14-0 but Treviso hit back and Jayden Hayward's last-gasp penalty ensured the home side's win. Scores from Luca Morisi and Braam Steyn cut Connacht's lead to 14-12 by half-time and Treviso then edged ahead with a penalty try on 45 minutes. A Peter Robb try restored Connacht's lead before Hayward's penalty won it. Treviso's players celebrated after a victory which puts them in position to claim the European Champions Cup spot available to Italy as they move above Zebre into 11th spot in the table. Connacht's losing bonus point guaranteed their semi-finals spot as they moved 11 points ahead of fifth-place Scarlets but Glasgow's expected victory over Zebre on Friday will drop the Irish province to third in the table. Next weekend's game in Galway between Connacht and Glasgow is now likely to be a shoot-out to decide who earns a home semi-final. In Friday's game, Connacht poached two tries in the opening 14 minutes as Parata dived over and Carr then latched onto a Jack Carty grubber kick. However, Connacht failed to control their remainder of the first half as Morisi and Steyn scored two tries in the space of five minutes before the break. As the Connacht scrum began to struggle, Treviso notched a penalty try five minutes after the resumption. Following the introduction of Ireland players Robbie Henshaw and Finlay Bealham, Robb dived over in the 52nd minute with John Cooney a third successful conversion. Just before the match entered injury-time, Connacht's replacement scrum-half Caolin Blade conceded possession as he threw a forward pass and a further scrum infringement just short of halfway allowed Hayward to kick the decisive penalty. Connacht: T O'Halloran; N Adeolokun, R Parata, P Robb, F Carr; J Carty, J Cooney; R Loughney, T McCartney (capt), R Ah You; Q Roux, A Browne; S O'Brien, J Heenan, E McKeon. Replacements: D Heffernan for McCartney 79, JP Cooney for Ah You 59, F Bealham for Loughney 44 mins, A Muldowney for Roux 67, J Muldoon for Heenan 57, C Blade for John Cooney 67, AJ MacGinty for Carty 51, R Henshaw for Parata 51. Treviso: J Hayward; A Esposito, L Morisi, A Sgarbi (capt), L Nitoglia; S Christie, E Gori; M Zanusso, O Gega, S Ferrari, F Paulo, T Palmer, F Minto, A Zanni, A Steyn. Replacements: D Giazzon for Gega 70, C Traorè, S Manu for Ferrari 67, M Fuser for Palmer 58, M Lazzaroni for Steyn 70, A Lucchese for Esposito 67, L McLean for Christie 17, T Iannone for Morisi 28.
Connacht's hopes of securing a home semi-final in the Pro12 suffered a blow as they were shocked in Treviso.
36158984
The words of one of the UK's most influential businessman, director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) John Cridland. He said parents, teachers and businesses must take responsibility for tackling the problem. Figures from the ONS show there are 188,000 18 to 24-year-olds who've been unemployed for more than 12 months. While that figure is down 10% in four years it is still lagging behind the fall in long-term unemployment across all other ages - down nearly 25% over the same period. Matty Finnigan, 23, from Lowestoft has been unemployed for around three years. He's had money worries, suffered from anxiety and lost confidence because of it. But he has managed to turn himself around in the last few months after going to charity Tomorrow's People for help. "There [aren't] enough jobs to go around," he says. "Everybody is fighting for the same job and if you haven't got qualifications or even experience you're always going to be looked over. "So some people do find it harder to get a job than other people. "It's definitely depressing, it takes a toll on your self-esteem, confidence and motivation but you have to get to a point where you have to push forward... to better yourself." Matty's still unemployed but much more hopeful of finding work after doing voluntary work and enrolling on a series of training programmes. Along with apprenticeships they are two of the things John Cridland says are vital to try to ensure the cycle of long term youth unemployment is broken. "We've a 10-year story here and I'm afraid, each year, there's a group of youngsters leaving school who, not always, but often, don't have the skills for working life," he explains. "Each summer for every 10 people that leave school I think three have been failed by the system. "The responsibility is everybody's responsibility, its parents... it's schools... it's businesses." He says there is a risk people who end up long term unemployed in their late teens and early 20s could face a life time of unemployment. "I think there's a huge danger that after 12 months of unemployment that you're doomed to a life of inactivity," he says. "My message to those young people is don't give up." The government has launched several programmes over the last few years aimed at tackling the problem - these include the Work Programme and the Youth Contract. While some question how successful these programmes have actually been, Employment Minister Esther McVey says they have definitely helped. "Any young person who hasn't got a job is disappointing and it's sad and we've got to work with them," she says. "But what I can say is youth unemployment is coming down and long-term youth unemployment is coming down." Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter, BBCNewsbeat on Instagram and Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube
"Long-term youth unemployment is a national disgrace that can leave a life-time scar."
31446918
More than 70 researchers based in the frozen continent were able to cast early ballots. Australia's electoral office organised polling booths at each of the country's three Antarctic stations. Opinion polls suggest Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will beat Opposition Leader Bill Shorten when the official poll is held on Saturday. The bases stay connected to the outside world mainly through a low-bandwidth internet connection. Temperatures can drop to as low as minus 40C and casting a vote surrounded by snow and ice proved a novelty. "They spend about six months of the year cut off from the outside world," said a spokeswoman for the Australian Antarctic Division. "It's a bit of fun for them this time of year."
Votes cast at this year's Australia election will come from as far away as Antarctica.
36680724
The Cubans have been stranded in Panama for months, hoping to reach the US under a decades-old law which gives them privileged entry and a fast-track to residency. Officials in Panama said daily flights to Ciudad Juarez would begin on Monday. Panama had organised some flights in March but had insisted the operation would not be repeated. The migrants have been told they have to pay for the flights themselves. Panamanian newspaper reports said long queues had formed at banks and money transfer shops near government migrant shelters in Chiriqui province as Cubans waited to withdraw cash sent by relatives in the United States to buy their tickets. Last year Costa Rica and Nicaragua, which lie to the north of Panama, closed their borders to Cubans trying to head north overland. The move created a new bottleneck in Panama for the migrants who fly to South American countries, and then walk or take buses through Central America north towards the US. Between January and March, Costa Rica provided flights for thousands of Cubans to El Salvador and Mexico to clear a backlog of migrants who had become stuck by Nicaragua's border closure. Panama followed suit by organising flights in March to Ciudad Juarez for 1,300 Cubans. Officials at the time insisted the operation would not be repeated. But since then thousands more have arrived in Panama. The exodus was prompted by President Obama's announcement in December 2014 that the US and Cuba would move towards restoring diplomatic ties. It sparked a wave of rumours in Cuba that US immigration policy regarding Cubans would change soon - leading many migrants to risk the journey through Central America. For decades, Cuban migrants have enjoyed special privileges. The so-called "wet foot, dry foot" policy allows Cubans preferential treatment when they reach US soil.
Panama has agreed to transfer 3,800 Cubans hoping to reach the United States to a town in northern Mexico.
36244632
The 30-year-old from Peebles made history in September as the first person to win showjumping's grand slam. Riding Hello Sanctos, he scooped the sport's biggest individual prize of 1m Euros (£725,000). British Showjumping said they were "naturally extremely disappointed" that he was not nominated for the award. A social media campaign to have the world number one included in the Sports Personality of Year shortlist has won more than 17,000 supporters. Brash was part of the four-man jumping team which won gold at the London Olympics in 2012. This year he had Grand Prix successes in Geneva and Aachen. He went on to claim the grand slam with victory at Calgary, where he was the only competitor to ride a clean second round inside the time limit. A spokeswoman for British Showjumping said: "We are naturally extremely disappointed to see that London 2012 team gold medallist Scott Brash's outstanding achievements have not been recognised, not only for him but for the sport as a whole. "Scott's achievements are unsurpassed; this year alone he has held the world number one spot for eight consecutive months and he has won numerous Grand Prix. "This is in addition to him securing the Rolex Grand Slam, a feat that many thought impossible." The shortlist of 12 contenders for BBC SPOTY 2015 AP McCoy to receive lifetime achievement award How to vote for BBC SPOTY 2015 In an interview with Horse and Hound magazine, Brash said he was "not frustrated" by the decision of the BBC SPOTY panel. He told the publication: "I'm not frustrated about not being nominated. I focus on my job and it's up to people outside of the sport to take notice." A spokeswoman for the BBC said the equestrian will be mentioned during the awards ceremony. She added: "A great many athletes are considered and debated by the panel. The independent, expert panel considered everyone and drew up the shortlist of 12 candidates through consensus agreement." Earlier this month the BBC awards faced criticism for including boxer Tyson Fury in the shortlist. Thousands of people signed a petition calling for him to be removed after he spoke out on his views on women and gay people. BBC director general Tony Hall told the Commons Culture, Media and Sport committee that the shortlist was drawn up by an independent panel and Fury was nominated for his "sporting prowess". Andy Murray is the bookies' favourite to take home the prize, after helping Great Britain win the Davis Cup. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony in Belfast on Sunday.
The governing body of showjumping in the UK has spoken out about a decision to overlook Scott Brash for BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
35131225
The fans were due to fly to Gatwick with Easyjet at 20:00 BST on Friday before travelling on to Paris. However, after a number of delays the flight took off with only a small number of the 160 passengers on board. Dozens of others were left behind. Easyjet has apologised for any inconvenience. Banbridge man Alan Hylands was due to travel on the flight and had booked an overnight bus to Paris. He said there were a number of delays before passengers were told at about midnight that the flight was boarding. Mr Hylands said at this stage, because he had missed his bus connection, he booked a train to Lille online and then another to Paris. However, he said when passengers were at the gate a member of staff told them the flight was cancelled. "It was pandemonium at that stage," he said. "There were families with wee kids in buggies, there were elderly couples - it wasn't just Northern Ireland fans, although there was a good few of us. "Everybody was in good form, surprisingly, up until that point because we thought we were going to get away and then it went nuts." He said another member of staff came out and told them he would escort them back to the EasyJet desk where they would be told what was happening. He said they were taken back through the airport to the desk where one member of staff was on duty. "Everybody was climbing over each other trying to get in, shouting at him," he said. He said that went on for about half an hour before the staff member said the flight had not been cancelled, that they had got a slot and were going to fly. Mr Hylands said everyone calmed down and they were told they would have priority through security. He said the security line was moving very slowly when there was "a bit of a commotion at the front of the queue" and some people came back through. He said they told other passengers "they took the first 20 [passengers] down there and they boarded them and took off". Mr Hylands said he was told by the EasyJet staff member that because the flight had not been cancelled he was not entitled to a refund. He said he and his friend were out about £1,500 between them, but more than this they had missed out on a once in a lifetime trip. He said he understood that flights got delayed or cancelled, but said the lack of staff on duty and the lack of communication was "quite frankly disgusting". Mr Hylands said he was now resigned to watching the match on TV in Banbridge. Another Northern Ireland fan, Alan Roper, told a similar story. He had been due to travel with his 17-year-old son and had booked trains and an overnight ferry. He said people felt let down and angry and there was little assistance at the airport or explanation of what was gong on. Mr Roper said it was particularly disappointing as a father and son trip could not go ahead. In a statement, Easyjet said: "Due to air traffic control restrictions at Belfast International yesterday it was expected that the flight would need to be cancelled and so our ground agents transferred passengers back through security. "However, during this time it was confirmed that the flight could depart in a limited time window. As a result unfortunately not all passengers had time to return through security for the departure." The company added: "Passengers who did not travel yesterday were offered overnight accommodation and transfers on to other flights from Belfast this morning. "We would like to sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused."
A number of Northern Ireland fans have had their dreams of watching their team in the last 16 of the Euros shattered after being left stranded at Belfast International Airport.
36629020
Under the bill, only the government would be allowed to sell marijuana to adults registered on a database. Defence Minister Eleuterio Fernandez Huidobro said this was part of a plan to remove profits from drug dealers and divert users from harder drugs. He said that the recent increase in murder rates was a clear symptom of a rise in drug trafficking crimes. "We believe that the prohibition of certain drugs is creating more problems for society than the drugs themselves... with disastrous consequences," Mr Fernandez Huidobro said, presenting the bill. "Homicides related to settling scores have increased, and that's a clear sign that certain phenomena are appearing in Uruguay that didn't exist before," he said. The authorities blame the rise in crime in Uruguay on hard drugs, specifically crack cocaine. The new bill envisages that some shops would be allowed to sell marijuana cigarettes at a price fixed by the authorities. The government also wants to create a user database to supervise consumption. BBC regional correspondent Vladimir Hernandez says the move is seen as groundbreaking in South America. Several Central American leaders - including the presidents of Guatemala and Costa Rica - have spoken of the need to consider decriminalising some drugs in an attempt to undermine cartels. In Uruguay alone, the illegal marijuana market is estimated to be worth about $75m (£48m) a year. But the new bill has already proved controversial, and the debate in Congress could take several months, our correspondent says.
Uruguay has unveiled a plan to allow state-controlled sales of marijuana to fight a rise in drug-related crime.
18529993
Police found 531 plants at the house in Rockfield Road, Anfield, at about 11:00 GMT on Tuesday. Police said the farm had been set up in three different rooms and the electricity was also found to have been illegally bypassed. Officers said the plants would have had an annual yield of about £2m. No arrests have been made.
A cannabis farm with a street value of £2m has been uncovered at a property in Liverpool following a police raid.
35540171
The cortege left Chatsworth House for St Peter's Church at Edensor, where a service was held. The Prince of Wales, who paid tribute to the last of the Mitford sisters who died aged 94 earlier this week, was there with the Duchess of Cornwall. More than 600 staff from the stately home and hundreds of members of the public lined the route to the church. The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire's body was laid to rest in a wicker coffin among the Cavendish family graves in the village churchyard. Chatsworth Garden has been opened to the public for a celebration of her life. By Aleena NaylorBBC Radio Derby presenter I understand the dowager duchess attended a funeral herself and there was a wicker coffin at it. She was absolutely enthralled by the idea. When someone rather disparagingly said, "Well it looks like a picnic basket," she said, "Well that's what I want." The order of service for the funeral included hymns, as well as Elvis Presley's How Great Thou Art because of the duchess's love of the singer. The duchess transformed Chatsworth House in Derbyshire into a popular tourist attraction. Tributes have been paid all week. Prince Charles said he would "miss her so very much". The dowager duchess's son Peregrine, the current Duke of Devonshire, said this week his mother had always kept the family together. "She never complained much about anything. She gets irritated by things but only briefly. Very much a 'half-full' person, optimistic and really happy," he said. A book of condolences will be available for people to sign in Flora's Temple in Chatsworth Garden. The Helen's Trust, which supports the terminally ill and the Addington Fund, which helps farming families, were supported by the duchess. Donations were collected for the two charities. Chatsworth House, farmyard, stables shops, restaurants and the Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop have been closed for the day.
The funeral of Deborah, the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, has taken place on the Chatsworth estate.
29443935
Opener Lauren Winfield is the only player in the current squad for the upcoming T20 series in South Africa not to be chosen in the 15-strong party. Brunt, 30, will miss the T20s in South Africa after suffering a back spasm in the one-day international series. Her replacement, left-arm seamer Natasha Farrant, is called up for an ICC world event for the first time. "We are all looking forward to testing ourselves against the very best cricketers from across the world," said head coach Mark Robinson. "Tash really impressed during the training camp to Sri Lanka before Christmas, and adds a different dimension to the bowling attack as a left-arm seamer." England, who won the inaugural event in 2009 and have been runners-up on the last two occasions, begin their campaign against Bangladesh in Bangalore on 17 March, followed by matches against hosts India, West Indies and Pakistan. England squad: Tammy Beaumont (Kent), Katherine Brunt (Yorkshire), Charlotte Edwards (Kent, capt), Georgia Elwiss (Sussex), Natasha Farrant (Kent), Lydia Greenway (Kent), Rebecca Grundy (Warwickshire), Jenny Gunn (Nottinghamshire), Danielle Hazell (Yorkshire), Amy Jones (Warwickshire, wk), Heather Knight (Berkshire, vice-capt), Natalie Sciver (Surrey), Anya Shrubsole (Somerset), Sarah Taylor (Sussex, wk), Danielle Wyatt (Nottinghamshire).
Fast bowler Katherine Brunt has been named in England's Women's World Twenty20 squad, despite a back injury.
35592668
4 May 2017 Last updated at 07:16 BST They're the latest thing in school playgrounds. You or your friends have probably got one, whether you're a girl or a boy. They were originally designed to help kids with conditions like autism deal with stress, but have now become a popular toy. But it's not all fun and games for these little gadgets, some schools have banned them and there have been complaints that some are poorly made. Ricky's been finding out what you think about them..
Have you heard of fidget spinners?
39798767
The former MP for Rochester and Strood, who defected from the Conservatives in 2014, replaces MEP Patrick O'Flynn in the reshuffle. Mr O'Flynn was involved in a public dispute with party leader Nigel Farage after the general election. Also in the reshuffle, deputy treasurer Christopher Mills becomes business spokesman, Nathan Gill international development and Julia Reid science. Mr Farage said: "This brings real-world experience into our top team. "Each is an expert in his or her field and will be able to explain how their own sectors will benefit from EU exit. "It all shows how the UKIP story has many more chapters to run". Mr O'Flynn resigned in May and apologised to Mr Farage after calling him "snarling, thin-skinned and aggressive". The former Daily Express political journalist, who was UKIP's chief spokesman during the general election campaign, provoked a row after saying Mr Farage risked turning the party - which won one seat despite getting four million votes - into a "personality cult" and an "absolutist monarchy". Mr Reckless lost his seat to the Conservative party in the election, polling 16,009 votes to Kelly Tolhurst's 23,142.
UKIP has appointed ex-MP Mark Reckless as its economic spokesman, it says.
33870064
Clive Stafford Smith said various US government officials had told him Mr Aamer was going to be released in June. He has never been charged or been on trial and, since 2007, has been cleared for release twice by both President George Bush and Barack Obama. The UK Foreign Office said his case remained "a high priority". Mr Stafford Smith said: "I have heard from various sources, which are very reliable I hope, that he is to be released in June. "But of course we've had promises before and the worst thing one can do is, both for Shaker and for his wife and children, to promise something that may not happen. But there's no good reason why it wouldn't happen." President Obama's pledge to close the high-security prison camp in Cuba is the primary reason behind Mr Aamer's likely release, Mr Stafford Smith said. "And he can't do that unless he gets rid of the 57 people who have been cleared at least - and Shaker has been cleared for eight years now. "But it's also down to the incredibly good work by so many people, like Andrew Mitchell who visited the US with three other MPs. I have letter here with me from Shaker where he's incredibly grateful for that. So many people have done so many great things to help him and I think that's had a great impact." Mr Aamer was detained in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2001. US authorities allege he had led a unit of Taliban fighters and had met former al-Qaeda leader, Osama Bin Laden. But Mr Aamer has maintained he was in Afghanistan with his family doing charity work. The Saudi national has permission to live in the UK indefinitely because his wife is a British national. They have four children and live in London - he has never met his youngest child. Mr Stafford Smith explained: "In Shaker's case, the proof in the pudding is that he was cleared by the Bush administration and cleared by the Obama administration. So if they clear him and all six of the national security agencies say he should be released, then it's quite hard to make the argument that he's guilty of something. "The world is insane. I go to Guantanamo and see a place where still half of the prisoners who are there have been cleared for release. What other prison is there in the world where 50% of the prisoners are told 'you're free to go but you can't go." Earlier this month, four cross-party MPs - former international development secretary Andrew Mitchell, Jeremy Corbyn, David Davis and Andy Slaughter - met senior officials in Washington to try and secure Mr Aamer's release. "We're hopeful we advanced the case. We spoke to a number of senior senators who were as perplexed as we are about why it was taking so long for him to be released for transfer back to the United Kingdom," Mr Mitchell told Victoria Derbyshire. "Our prime minister asked for him to be transferred earlier this year on his visit to the United States and it is incomprehensible that the United States would treat its oldest ally and staunchest friend in this very cavalier way." In a statement the Foreign Office said it continued to raise Mr Aamer's case "at the highest levels". "The US authorities have now prioritised this case for review and we welcome President Obama's continuing commitment to closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay," it added. Watch Victoria Derbyshire on weekdays from 09:15-11:00 BST on BBC Two and BBC News Channel. Follow the programme on Facebook and Twitter, and find all our content online.
The last British resident being held in Guantanamo Bay, Shaker Aamer, could be released "within weeks" his lawyer has told Victoria Derbyshire.
32899003
The RSPCA wants the Dangerous Dogs Act to be changed so dogs are banned on the basis of behaviour not breed. The government said the ban on certain breeds was "crucial", but said any dog can become dangerous with bad owners. Breeds banned under the 1991 act include pitbull terriers, Japanese tosas and Argentine mastiffs. The figures were released to BBC South East following a series of Freedom of Information requests. 4,757 banned breeds seized by police over past three years Met Police seized the most dogs in England and Wales Four breeds banned in UK - pitbull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Argentine mastiff and Brazilian mastiff Ownership of banned breed is illegal unless a specific exemption is granted by a court It comes as the Metropolitan Police prepares to put down 300 illegal dogs seized from owners this year. However, West Yorkshire Police has criticised the law, saying it was not "fair or clear". Samantha Gaines, from the RSPCA, said the assessment process for banned breeds was hugely problematic as it is based on appearance, not genetic heritage. "It does mean that any dog - regardless of its heritage can be [classed as a] pitbull terrier if its appearance is similar enough," she explained. "There is no robust evidence which shows pitbull terriers are any more likely to show aggression than any other breed of dog." This was echoed by Supt Pat Casserley, from West Yorkshire Police, who said: "This piece of legislation - I don't think it is particular fair or clear. "There's an expectation that suddenly police officers will be expert at identify dog genetics and I don't think we are". However Kerry Stevens, from Eastbourne, who was attacked 18 months ago, said all pitbull type dogs should be banned. She said: "I don't trust them at all, the damage done to me could've killed a toddler." The attack happened when she went to drop off an item she had sold to a stranger online. "I thought it was friendly and went to stroke it - basically it bit and bit, and bit around the top of my leg," she said. "It then pushed me to the ground and then I felt it lock its jaws. I knew then I was in trouble. "It has made my leg look deformed and it's something I'll never be able to get back again." Following its seizure, the dog was destroyed by a vet. Since 1997, some dogs can be exempt from the ban if a court deems the animal is not a danger to the public. Samantha Holden's dog Bud was nearly destroyed after it was identified as a pitbull by Kent Police last year. Ms Holden, who believed the dog was a Staffordshire bull terrier, said: "We never had any concerns [over the dog's behaviour]. "It went to court... and we won him back." However, she said she has to comply with strict rules, including muzzling him at all times in public. "As long as I stick to the rules everything should be fine," she said. If a dog is banned but the court thinks it is not a danger to the public, it may put it on the IED enabling its owner to keep it. That dog must be: Source: www.gov.uk A spokesman from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), said: "Dog attacks can have horrific consequences for victims and families. "While any dog can become dangerous if it is kept by irresponsible owners in the wrong environment, the prohibition of certain types of dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act is crucial to help us deal with the heightened risk they pose." Humberside, Merseyside, Lancashire, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire police forces either provided incomplete data or declined the FoI requests.
Almost 5,000 dogs suspected of being banned breeds have been seized by police in England and Wales over the past three years.
36031843
Accounts for Bad Wolf revealed large remuneration packages worth a total of £1.8m over 18-months. Tory AM Suzy Davies said the payments were a "cause for concern". But the firm said the company has brought in millions more in investment to Wales, and says it has just struck deals with HBO and Sky. The two firms have taken a minority stake in the company. Bad Wolf said it would be paying back the loan with interest. The company, which was set up in 2015 by former BBC executives Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter and is based in south Wales and Los Angeles, is currently working on two series, A Discovery Of Witches and His Dark Materials. Accounts for July 2015 to December 2016 show the Welsh Government gave the firm a loan worth just under £4m. The documents says that Ms Tranter received £855,417 while Ms Gardner was given £519,301. A third director, Miles Ketley, received £441,539. He resigned from the company in March 2017. Part of Ms Tranter's pay - £300,000 - was earmarked for relocation expenses. She was also given a loan of £270,645. At the end of 2016 £186,861 of the loan was still owing. The accounts state that the firm achieved a turnover of £1.8m and a gross profit of £519,941, but after administrative expenses of £3.7m it made a loss of £3.1m. Ms Davies, the Welsh Conservative's culture spokeswoman, said while the party hopes that Bad Wolf and its pipeline projects will achieve great success, "there are aspects of its finances which are concerning". She said it was "curious" why the Welsh Government loan was guaranteed against the value of the company's assets, which she said the report showed "are worth a mere fraction relative to the loan's value". "That the three directors are collectively paying themselves an annual income equivalent to nearly half of loan's value is also a cause for concern - especially given that their projects are still in the inchoate stages and are yet to make a return," she said. "The Welsh Government's less-than-stellar record on investment decisions has been well-publicised, and taxpayers will rightly be questioning how ministers have found themselves in this position yet again - especially in a sector where Wales is working hard to promote a strong international offer." A spokesman for Bad Wolf said: "Welsh Government loaned £4 million to Bad Wolf to launch a business that would develop international TV production in Wales - to be repaid with interest. "Since then Bad Wolf has brought in over double that amount in investment from outside companies with further investment from HBO and Sky being announced [on Wednesday]. "The company has just unveiled a new £25m production to be shot in Cardiff - A Discovery Of Witches for Sky 1 - meaning that the loan from Welsh Government has already generated significant new business and new jobs for Wales with more projects to follow in 2018 and beyond." A Welsh Government spokesman said it no comment "on a commercial decision by a private company".
Pay packages for three directors at a television company that received a £4m Welsh Government loan have been criticised by the Welsh Conservatives.
41023024
Tahir Alam from Park View School told BBC Radio 4's Today programme there was no segregation of boys and girls or assemblies supporting Al-Qaeda. "We're shocked by so many false allegations," said Mr Alam. But local MP Khalid Mahmood said schools had changed their practices because of so much scrutiny. "They realise they are being focused on and significantly changed their attitudes, changing the way they hold assemblies," said Mr Mahmood. The MP for Perry Barr said that the conflict had arisen because there had been efforts to turn a non-faith school into a "religious school". Mr Mahmood told BBC WM he had received complaints that in some schools, where there had been allegations of extremism, children were learning radical views that conflicted with their parents. "The real issue here is how you start to groom these young people away from the philosophy of their parents and towards the philosophy that some teachers had - so that when these children went home, slowly they would start to say this or that is wrong because our teachers tell us it is wrong." But Mr Alam, chair of a school that had been in the spotlight over claims of hardline Muslim take-overs of schools in Birmingham, categorically denied that there had been any inappropriate behaviour. He blamed "media hysteria" for the claims about extremism in schools which has prompted four official investigations. He said that the school had an intake that was 99% Muslim, but that it had to cater for children of all faiths and backgrounds. The school's policies on areas such as collective prayer, headscarves and halal meat were "within the legal parameters", he said. "No child has to wear a headscarf or go to prayer... We don't have a policy of segregating pupils in the classroom," he said. And Mr Alam denied claims there had been assemblies with speakers sympathetic to Al-Qaeda. Pressed on whether he believed pupils should be able to swim in the month of Ramadan, he said there were concerns that swallowing water would mean breaking a fast. A pupil at Park View School, Tahira Mohammed, who is about to take her GCSEs, told BBC WM that the dispute was creating unwanted pressure during the exam season. "To be honest, it's added pressure and unwanted pressure to me and my fellow pupils. I just feel that all of this going on is completely unnecessary, it's extra stress and we've got exams - it could affect our future." The investigations into extremism in Birmingham schools had been sparked by an anonymous and unverified letter claiming that there was a "Trojan Horse" conspiracy by a group wanting to impose a more hardline Muslim agenda on schools in the city. This included claims that head teachers were being replaced with staff who were more likely to be sympathetic to these religious beliefs. The authenticity of the letter has been disputed, but the National Association of Head Teachers says there seemed to have been "concerted efforts" to take over six schools in Birmingham. The education watchdog for England, Ofsted, is to publish inspection reports next month into schools where there have been allegations. The Department for Education has commissioned an investigation headed by former counter-terror chief, Peter Clarke.
A Birmingham school at the centre of the "Trojan Horse" allegations has no religious extremism of any kind, says the chair of governors.
27405357
Archaeologists believe the faeces were left by dogs or cats that helped to control vermin towards the end of occupation of the roundhouse on Orkney. The coprolites, fossilised faeces, is thought to be about 2,000 years old. Examinations of the dung could reveal what kinds of scrap foods the animals were thrown by the broch's residents. The coprolites are among several interesting finds made at The Cairns on South Ronaldsay. Other discoveries have included a human lower jaw bone and teeth. The University of the Highlands and Islands is working on The Cairns Project along with others, including the organisation Orkneyjar. Site director Martin Carruthers said the coprolites were not the most photogenic of the discoveries, but added that they were still an important find. He said: "They tend to lose their integrity quite easily when they're just a couple of thousand years old rather than petrified as stony fossils if they're a great deal older. "These are probably from medium-sized mammals like a cat or dog and their significance is two-fold. "They tell us something of the conditions prevailing inside the broch during its use, at least towards the end of its use, in that there were animals probably feeding off the waste products of human food, as well as probably keeping numbers of vermin lower as well. "The other useful thing about these coprolites is that their contents may well give good additional proxy information on the foodstuffs present in the broch as these animals will probably be eating scraps from the human diet."
Fossilised dung unearthed at an Iron Age broch could provide interesting information on the diets of animals and humans that once lived at the site.
36796805
But until a dramatic stunt on 26 June involving a gun and a hardcover book that left Pedro dead, there was little indication in their videos how far they were prepared to go in order to attain online celebrity. The couple from the US state of Minnesota had been uploading videos for less than two months documenting their everyday lives. Though they had filmed some minor pranks - Monalisa dusting a donut with baby powder before feeding it to Pedro, for example - they seemed relatively harmless. In one video filmed in a hospital, they learn their new baby is going to be a boy. "Imagine when we have 300,000 subscribers," Monalisa pondered in a video uploaded at a fun fair on the day Pedro was killed. "People will be like 'oh my god, hi!'" Now she faces a second-degree manslaughter charge over a reckless stunt that was said to be her boyfriend's idea to boost their profile. She fired a Desert Eagle handgun from close range, as he held an encyclopaedia in front of his chest. He had experimented previously and thought the thick book would protect him, but the couple's three-year-old child and nearly 30 onlookers watched as she fired a fatal bullet. Since YouTube launched in 2005, it has attracted people willing to do things on camera for a slice of minor online fame. But in 2012, the company made it easier for contributors to obtain a chunk of the advertising revenue they generate from videos. Studios were created and grants given out to groom a stable of stars who need to make fresh, compelling content to keep the clicks - and advertising dollars - rolling in. They are often media personalities in their own right, with agents and slickly produced videos. Hundreds of thousands of others, like the Minnesota couple, sit below them and are trying to gather followings. Many have little success. But the rewards of becoming one of the few who make it big can be a huge motivation to keep trying. (According to Forbes, the top 12 highest-earning YouTube stars made a combined $70.5m from June 2015 - June 2016.) And while stunts are merely one genre of an extremely diverse landscape of videos made by YouTubers - from cooking to comedy and music to beauty - they do get millions of views. Dr Arthur Cassidy, a British psychologist specialising in social media, says videos of dangerous stunts can inspire teenage copycats who "haven't got the cognitive function to figure out this could be very fatal". "It's perceived as being 'fun' or 'exciting' or 'high-risk'. Anything that is high risk is intriguing, gets adrenaline going and sets up highly competitive game playing within the fraternity of late adolescence." But what the Minnesota couple tried to film is "one of the most horrific cases" he has come across. Fears that young people watching from home could try it, but with a less powerful weapon to see if it could work, are "salient and highly profound", Dr Cassidy says. Doing dangerous things for online attention is nothing new. In 2011, Australian Acton Beale fell to his death after trying to "plank" on the balcony of a seventh floor flat in Brisbane. The planking craze - which involved people lying down straight-bodied in unusual, but mostly safe, places - was largely confined to still images uploaded to Facebook. But the Australian case signalled how a growing internet "stunt" culture for attention could lead to tragedy, and since then several online trends have reportedly caused deaths worldwide. Of course, YouTube has no borders, and stunt videos from anywhere can go viral globally. Russia's Interior Ministry recently launched a "safe selfie" campaign in response to a growing local culture of amateur daredevils filming their stunts. In one video watched by millions of people, Alexander Chernikov lights his trousers on fire and jumps off a nine-storey building into the snow. These kinds of stunts make the antics of TV pranksters from a pre-YouTube era, like those of the MTV reality show Jackass, seem tame. Critics say that YouTube, owned by Google, needs to do more to take down videos of extremely dangerous stunts. The company said it was "horrified to learn of the tragedy in Minnesota" and that its thoughts were with the family. No video of the incident is believed to have been uploaded. A spokesperson told the BBC that it removes content flagged by users that breaks its rules. Its policy on harmful and dangerous content says it draws the line at content "that intends to incite violence or encourage dangerous or illegal activities that have an inherent risk of serious physical harm or death". Examples of what would be banned include videos depicting "bomb making, choking games, hard drug use, or other acts where serious injury may result".
Monalisa Perez, 19, and her boyfriend Pedro Ruiz, 22, wanted to be famous on YouTube.
40459493
However, he denied doing so for "malicious intent" - a practice known as doxxing. Ren Bostelaar apologised for his actions but said the photos had already been posted elsewhere on the net by the women themselves. Toronto Police is investigating but no charges have been made. The allegations were made on social media by several women who claimed they were contacted by men after their photos and details appeared on 4Chan. Some of their stories date back to 2005, they claim. They say the images were never intended for public viewing and were shared in closed groups. It is unclear whether Mr Bostelaar was the original photographer. Under the Canadian Criminal Code it is illegal to distribute images "knowing that the person depicted in the image did not give their consent to that conduct". The photographer issued an apology on Facebook in which he described his behaviour as "reprehensively bad" but has since deleted all his social media accounts. "Mr Bostelaar is deeply remorseful for his actions," said his lawyer Sam Goldstein in a statement. "The photographs he re-posted were photographs that the women themselves had posted on the internet in public forums such as Facebook, Reddit, or Tumblr. "He did not deliberately disseminate private details for malicious intent." Mr Goldstein added that "not every personal moral failing requires judicial intervention". Ren Bostelaar is one of the writers in a successful satire group called Stats Canada. The group tweeted to its 603,000 followers that his behaviour was "completely inexcusable".
A Canadian photographer and comedian has admitted posting explicit images of women along with their names on controversial internet forum 4Chan.
39338006
Police were called to Princess Way at around 03:00 GMT on Sunday. A man, 34, was taken to Morriston Hospital but later died. No weapons were used during the incident, but his death is being treated as suspicious. The 23-year-old arrested man is in custody at Swansea police station. The area remains cordoned off while police examine the scene. The man's family have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a second man after an incident in Swansea city centre.
34692892
Economy Minister Edwina Hart said there was a "significant question around the viability" of the Circuit of Wales project which could bring 6,000 jobs. Her decision has drawn criticism from opposing parties. But Heads of The Valleys Development Company (HOTVDC), said it would try to find a solution. Insurance firm Aviva has been expected to back the project but HOTVDC hoped the Welsh Government would underwrite the private investment. Chief executive Michael Carrick said: "While this was our clear preference and reflective of the negotiations we have held over the past six months, we accept that the project will need to progress on revised terms. "We will continue negotiations with the Welsh Government, the local authorities and Aviva Investors to advance the development on revised terms that will be acceptable to all parties." Mrs Hart suggested in a letter to First Minister Carwyn Jones a guarantee of 80% of the total value of the project may have reduced the Welsh Government's risk to an acceptable level but HOTVDC had not been able to secure "any real private risk capital". However Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said: "Clearly the Welsh Government has to be cautious and careful about the money it spends, but it is ironic that in a week where they've asked for the UK Government to underwrite the future of the steel industry they're unwilling to back what would be an exciting, flagship scheme." A Plaid Cymru spokesman said it was "devastating news" for Blaenau Gwent and called on the Welsh Government to publish the advice it received. Eluned Parrott, the Welsh Liberal Democrat economy spokeswoman said it was the "latest in a long line of Labour economic failures over the past 17 years". And a UKIP Wales spokeswoman accused Labour AMs of being "economically illiterate".
The firm behind plans for a £357m race track in Ebbw Vale is working on revising the project after the Welsh Government refused to underwrite it.
35980268
A suicide car bomber drove into the main gates of the base in Leego, along the main road connecting the capital, Mogadishu and the city of Baidoa. The militant Islamist group al-Shabab says its fighters have taken control of the base but this is not confirmed. Al-Shabab is battling Somalia's government for control of the country. The base is manned by Burundian soldiers from the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom), which has more than 20,000 troops in the country. Amisom confirmed on its Twitter account that an attack was ongoing, but has not given any details on casualties. Leego residents have seen militants burning vehicles, carrying off weapons and removing the bodies of their fighters killed in the attack, reports the BBC's Mohamed Moalimu from Mogadishu. Who are Somalia's al-Shabab? Africa Live: Latest updates The governor of Lower Shabelle province told the BBC that militants had conducted at least three separate attacks in his region but that most had been repelled. Al-Shabab has vowed to intensify attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. On Wednesday, the first day of Ramadan, the United Arab Emirates ambassador survived a suicide attack on his convoy in Mogadishu.
At least 30 people have been killed after gunmen attacked an African Union military base in southern Somalia, witnesses say.
33282778
The Volkswagen scandal underlined the inadequacy of standard lab tests which do not reflect the exhausts produced when driving in the real world. But the University of Heidelberg team is now getting more reliable data by following behind city cars and buses to "sniff" their tailpipe gases. Denis Pöhler described the set-up at the European Geosciences Union meeting. "It's very simple. We've got a small instrument on the back seat of our car. We just suck in the air at the front of our car, taking in this plume from the vehicle in front, and get some values." GPS tracks the location. A camera identifies the type of vehicle - motorcycle, car, lorry or bus - and the manufacturer. The team is particularly interested in oxides of nitrogen, which are produced in the combustion process and can be a serious health hazard. For two years, the Heidelberg scientists have been chasing motor vehicles through the streets of a number of Germany towns, with some often quite surprising results. They have seen a lot of variability in emissions. Yes, the newest models had, by and large, the cleanest plumes, but this was not always so. The group would often come across high-polluting vehicles that had been built to comply with the very latest emissions standards (and before you ask: these were not all VWs). This may indicate faults in the systems installed in these vehicles to clean up tailpipe gases. Typically, many of the worst offenders were buses, in particular some older models. Bizarrely, one of the buses in Mainz producing very high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide was emblazoned with a campaign urging people to get onboard in order to lower emissions. One clear message, however, does seem to come out of the research: a relatively small number of vehicles on the road is responsible for a high fraction of total emissions. In the case of Mainz, the plumes of 7.6% of vehicles contained more than 500 parts per billion by volume (about 1,000 microgram per cubic metre) of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). But if you could somehow take just these vehicles off the road, you would reduce emissions by 45%. "So if you exclude only these high emitters, you have a big impact on air quality," explained Dr Pöhler from Heidelberg's Institute of Environmental Physics. "If you were to do the same just with old cars, you would have a much smaller impact. It is really important that we focus on the small number of vehicles with very high concentrations."
German scientists have developed a smart way to investigate the emissions coming out of vehicles on the road.
36088598
The discovery was made at Capanagh Forest near Larne after two members of the public found suspicious objects in the woods on Saturday evening. Police have removed the items for forensic examination. They are trying to establish if there is a link to a find at Carnfunnock Country Park near Larne in March. Police were at the scene of the find until Monday. Det Insp Adrian Brown said: "I would ask the public to remain vigilant wherever they are and whatever they are doing. "If you see any suspicious activity, or have seen anything unusual in this area, please contact police so that we can act on the given information." In March, police said they had uncovered a "significant terrorist hide" containing bomb-making components and explosives at Carnfunnock.
A "terrorist hide" containing what are believed to be bomb-making components has been found in a forest in County Antrim, police have said.
36308249
6 January 2016 Last updated at 09:34 GMT The teacher, who has been named National Teacher of the Year in the past, started his own Academy in 2007 because he says was inspired by Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels. This week he posted a video of himself and a few of his students rocking out together. Within 14 hours of posting, the video had been viewed more than 1.5 million times and shared more than 44,000 times. It's one of 2016's biggest social media hits so far. Take a look! Footage courtesy of The Ron Clark Academy
American teacher, Ron Clark, has had plenty of attention in the US for his energetic and unique teaching methods, which often involve music.
35240914
Mr Hargreaves, co-founder of investment firm Hargreaves Lansdown, described Bristol as a "sleepy city" with "crazy parking schemes" that drive people out of the centre. He said high commercial rates were destroying many small businesses. The city council has not yet responded to a BBC request for comment. Mr Hargreaves made the comments during a debate on BBC Radio Bristol on whether the city's boundaries should be re-drawn. Mr Hargreaves said: "When I moved to Bristol 30-odd years ago there were lots of businesses coming to Bristol. "It's very rare you hear a big company move to Bristol [now]. I think there's a feeling Bristol's a sleepy city and that the local authority is almost anti-business. All these crazy parking schemes are mad." He said the city was "very difficult to get around". "I don't know why the roads should be so bad, but certainly there isn't any desire to help business here," he said. "Of course the best way you can help business is to reduce the commercial rates which are destroying most of the small businesses in Bristol." The Bristol Democracy Project's Gez Smith, who also took part in the debate, said he had conducted research into "what the shape of Bristol would be" after a mayor was elected for the city in 2012. "It's meant to be this great new thing that's going to bring people together and drive the city forward," he said. "[But] how would that affect the people living in what is technically the city of Bristol really, but not within the mayor's authority?" Deborah White, of Avon Local Councils Association (ALCA), which represents town and parish councils in the unitary authorities around Bristol, also joined the debate. Ms White said Bristol did not have any local councils and ALCA's members would "find the idea of a 'Greater Bristol' preposterous". She said: "What Bristol needs to do is think about creating town and parish councils, so that local people can have a better voice. "Until Bristol addresses its very local governance and looks at how local communities contribute to the debate then we should stay as three unitaries, as we are at the moment."
One of Bristol's leading businessmen, billionaire Peter Hargreaves, has slammed the city council for being "almost anti-business".
29892939
If you have a picture you would like to share, please see below the images for details on how to submit yours. If you have a picture you'd like to share, email us at england@bbc.co.uk, post it on Facebook or tweet it to @BBCEngland. You can also find us on Instagram - use #englandsbigpicture to share an image there. When emailing pictures, please make sure you include the following information: Please note that whilst we welcome all your pictures, we are more likely to use those which have been taken in the past week. If you submit a picture, you do so in accordance with the BBC's Terms and Conditions. In contributing to England's Big Picture you agree to grant us a royalty-free, non-exclusive licence to publish and otherwise use the material in any way that we want, and in any media worldwide. It's important to note, however, that you still own the copyright to everything you contribute to England's Big Picture, and that if your image is accepted, we will publish your name alongside. The BBC cannot guarantee that all pictures will be used and we reserve the right to edit your comments. At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws collecting any kind of media.
Each day we feature a photograph sent in from across England - the gallery will grow during the week.
35630294
Media playback is unsupported on your device 7 September 2015 Last updated at 09:29 BST Many of them are running away from war and poverty in the Middle East, in countries like Syria and Iraq as well as parts of Africa. One country that has taken in more than ten thousand refugees, this weekend alone, is Germany. So what's it like to start a new life in Europe? Here's one family's story...
Tens of thousands of people are coming to Europe in the hope of a better future.
34172115
Perfect Strangers was made as a test run during preparations for making a feature-length romantic comedy, Journey Bound. The 26-minute short will be given its first Scottish screening at Glasgow's Southside Film Festival next month. Perfect Strangers was shot at locations on Rannoch Moor. The comedy was made by Bafta-nominated director Ryan Hendrick and David Newman. With actors Kenny Boyle and Clare Sheerin in the lead roles, the short features music from Scottish-based singer-songwriter Jack Henderson's debut album. Hendrick said: "We are thrilled that our little film is finally returning home for its first Scottish screening after a successful few months on the festival circuit. "We were so incredibly lucky to be able to take Perfect Strangers to the Cannes Film Festival, it has opened so many doors for us." Perfect Strangers tells the story of two people stranded in the Scottish Highlands on Christmas Eve who team up to try and get home in time for Christmas. It was shot on Rannoch Moor over five days days last winter during preparations for Journey Bound, a forthcoming comedy road movie starring Ford Kiernan, Clare Grogan, Sylvester McCoy and Rutger Hauer. Hendrick said: "It is crucial to enable independent filmmakers working with very little resources to get their films out there. "It's incredibly challenging on the festival circuit and you always receive far more rejections than you do acceptance notices." He added: "Independent film festivals like the Southside Film Festival need to be supported."
A Scottish short film screened at festivals in France, the USA, Canada, Ireland, Italy and Cyprus is finally to be shown in Scotland.
34379946
Authorities say around 1,000 migrants will be affected by the eviction plan for the southern part of the camp. Aid agencies say the number of people living there is much higher. Local officials said public areas such as places of worship or schools would not be cleared and said it would be a "humanitarian operation". A deadline had initially been ordered for the southern part of the "Jungle" to be cleared by Tuesday evening but activists appealed to the court to halt the evictions. The judge visited the camp as she considered her ruling. Conditions there are squalid and its sprawling presence has become a controversial issue in both France and the UK. Those living in the camp, mainly from the Middle East, Afghanistan and Africa, hope to cross the Channel to reach Britain. Calais Mayor Natacha Bouchart said the authorities were being cautious to avoid people squatting on the site. "We're relieved by this announcement but we're vigilant." Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve insisted that the evictions would be a humanitarian operation. "There was never any question of the French government sending bulldozers on to the site," he said earlier on Thursday. Neighbouring Belgium this week announced temporary controls on its border with France amid fears of an influx of migrants from the camp. "It's our express intention to avoid tent camps like Calais in our country," Belgian Interior Minister Jan Jambon said. France described the Belgian move as "strange". Mr Cazeneuve said the very idea of Calais migrants heading for Belgium "doesn't correspond to reality". However, Belgian officials say dozens have already been stopped trying to cross the border. Tea, rivalry and ambition at 'Jungle hotel' Jungle migrants prepare to move Migrants resist relocation to containers Under the judge's order, French authorities cannot use force to move the migrants. The BBC's Tomos Morgan at the camp says they hope to "persuade" everyone to leave. Police have indicated no evictions will be happening immediately, according to charity workers. Officials say migrants will have three options: they can move into heated container accommodation at the camp, or similar accommodation elsewhere in France, or they can claim asylum in France. The French government says its aim is to ensure that no-one has to live in undignified conditions any longer. But many residents have told the BBC that they do not want to leave. Save the Children's emergency manager in Calais, Ginny Howells, said the decision would "make a terrible situation for children much worse".
The French government's plan to clear part of the Calais migrant camp known as the "Jungle" has been approved by a court in Lille.
35663225
Jockey Ryan Moore partnered the Sir Michael Stoute-trained favourite to victory from Wicklow Brave and Elidor on his Chester debut. Dartmouth could now represent Stoute - looking for a 10th Hardwicke Stakes victory - at Royal Ascot in June. "I should think he's got to dip his toe into a slightly bigger pool now," said the Queen's racing manager John Warren. "I think the way things are going, he's going to take his chance in an upgrade again." The four-year-old carried a 3lb penalty into the race as a result of victory in the John Porter Stakes last month. Jockey Moore added: "He's done well. He's progressed and I'm really pleased with him. It wouldn't really be his track but he enjoyed himself."
Dartmouth, owned by the Queen, won the Group Three Ormonde Stakes at Chester on Friday.
36230511
The price has jumped from around £40 per megawatt hour to almost £200, the most expensive in a decade. Demand from cranked-up air-conditioning comes on top of a lull in wind power and gas and nuclear power stations going offline. Gas power stations provide over half the UK's electricity. The day-ahead price of electricity, the amount generators charge to put power into the UK network the next day, has rocketed in the past two days. Power stations put electricity into the National Grid's network and it is sold on to household energy suppliers. Around a tenth of UK electricity is bought by suppliers at the day-ahead price. Wholesale electricity costs make up just under half of household electricity bills. The heatwave hitting the south of England means air conditioning units are being turned up. Demand is higher than average for September and at its highest since April, when a cold snap and snow storms led to severe weather warnings in parts of the UK. The unseasonal September weather has also reduced wind power in the system. And adding to the pressure, the number of gas power stations that have been shut down for planned maintenance is at its highest level since 2009. Unplanned outages at other stations have compounded the problem. Glenn Rickson, head of power analysis at Platts, said: "It seems to be the straw that broke the camel's back this week." The surprise rise in demand and a drop in supply has left the UK with less spare power than usual. It comes after concerns about spare capacity going into winter. Usually extra electricity can be drawn in from a connection between the UK's grid and the French network, but the crucial cable is not working properly, limiting transfers. In France, several nuclear power stations are also offline, meaning there is less electricity for the French to sell to the UK. Nick Grogan, an energy industry analyst, said it was "almost the perfect storm". He added: "The price tells you suppliers are looking at the market and saying: 'Is there enough power there?' "It's rare for it to get this bad." National Grid admitted the UK's electricity supply was "a little tight" but said it was "completely manageable". The operator said it was comfortable it had enough power in reserve to keep the lights on. Factories have not been asked to reduce demands on the grid and emergency generating capacity has not been called on. In a statement it said: "Electricity demand is picking up as we head into autumn, and some power stations are still offline for their summer maintenance programme, which is not unusual at this time of year. "We are monitoring the situation and have tools and services we can call on if we need them."
UK wholesale electricity prices for the day ahead shot up as a heatwave in some parts of the country helped push up the demand for power.
37368408
That protein may be responsible for itching, swelling and rashes suffered by people taking a wide range of medicines. Such reactions stop people completing treatments and can sometimes be fatal. Writing in the journal Nature, scientists say they are exploring ways to block the protein and reduce these side-effects. Researchers from the Johns Hopkins University, in Maryland, and the University of Alberta focused on reactions triggered by medicines prescribed for a number of conditions - from diabetes to HIV. These reactions, also seen after some antibiotics or anti-cancer treatments, can spark a range of symptoms from redness to rashes. They are different to the allergic reactions caused by food and those experienced by hay fever sufferers. Scientists tested mice with and without a single protein - named MRGPRB2 - on their cells. Mice without the protein did not suffer any redness, rashes or swelling despite being given drugs known to provoke reactions. And changes in blood pressure and heart rate - hallmarks of potentially dangerous reactions - were reduced. Dr Benjamin McNeil, at John Hopkins University School of Medicine, said: "It's fortunate that all of the drugs turn out to trigger a single receptor - it makes that receptor an attractive drug target." And if a new drug to block the protein receptor could be made, Dr McNeil said, this would help reduce the side-effects many patients currently endured. Maureen Jenkins, clinical director of Allergy UK, said: "Allergic disease affects the immune system and the reactions are often very complex. "All new methods to try and understand these reactions and to develop target treatments are welcomed." Scientists are now investigating whether the same protein could be behind certain skin conditions - such as rosacea and psoriasis. These conditions can result in patches of redness and rashes, but their cause is currently unknown.
Allergic reactions to drugs and injections could stem from one single protein, research in mice suggests.
30517147
The 21-year-old joined the Tigers from London Broncos last September and made 20 appearances in the 2015 season. Tigers coach Daryl Powell told the club website: "Mike has proved last year he is a player with huge potential. "His professionalism is outstanding as are the qualities in his game that we feel will take him to the top of his profession."
Castleford Tigers forward Mike McMeeken has signed a two-year contract extension.
34868930
I simply couldn't resist it after the announcement from the Office of the Gambian President that another title was being added to the already absurd long list of titles held by the president. According to an official release, the Gambian leader will now be known formally as "His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh Babili Mansa". Babili Mansa, we are told, means Bridge Builder, or Conqueror of Rivers, in the Mandika language. Since the figurative building of bridges or making peace is not one of President Jammeh's known characteristics, I take it that it is more the Conqueror of Rivers that the new title of Babili Mansa is meant to indicate. The President of the Republic of the Gambia, Commander in Chief, Sheikh, Professor Alhaji Dr etc etc Yahya AJJ Jammeh might think he is treading new ground; but unfortunately, we have seen it all before. The practice of acquiring a long list of titles started with our earliest presidents as soon as independence came. That, after all, is how our traditional chiefs are addressed and the new presidents saw themselves as big chiefs - that probably explains why they couldn't come to terms with term limits and wanted to be presidents for life. Exactly why the title of "Dr" had to be an obligatory part of that list, I haven't worked out. Ghana was the first sub-Saharan country to gain independence and our first president got himself suitably impressive titles, with the obligatory unearned "Dr" and with that started the practice. He was addressed: Osagyefo, (a chief's title, said to mean Redeemer) Dr Kwame Nkrumah - Life President of the Republic of Ghana. The Life President bit was aborted when he was overthrown in a coup d'etat. The sergeant-major-turned-president of Zaire, now Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Mobutu, took the trend a scale higher. He became Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu Waza Banga, meaning The Warrior who Goes from Conquest to Conquest Leaving Fire in his Wake. Those of us of a certain age can recall that there used to be His Excellency the President, Ngwazi Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda-Life President of the Republic of Malawi. If you missed out a comma, you got into serious trouble. Again, the Life President bit turned out to have been over-optimistic because he was forced out of State House before he died. Then of course there was a certain embarrassment in Uganda; he had to be called: Field Marshall Dr Idi Amin Dada MC DSO CBE (Conqueror of the British Empire)-Life President of Uganda. Once more, the Life President bit turned out to have been optimistic and he was chased out, much to the relief of everybody in 1979. In Zimbabwe, state TV refers to: His Excellency, The President, Robert Gabriel Mugabe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. But at social events, ministers often add: Patron of War Veterans, First Secretary of the Party and Chancellor of State Universities. And even: Supreme Leader, First Citizen of the Nation, Honorary Black Belt and Professor of Diplomacy. He remains in post at the age of 91 and continues to befuddle all his opponents. The obsession with titles as I have pondered in previous columns, is not reserved for only our leaders, it seems to be an African disease. Or so I thought until a friend of mine pointed out to me recently that it is not unlikely that it is something that we inherited from the British colonialists. Indeed who else has all these Sirs, Dukes, Duchess, Baroness, Viscounts, OBEs, CBEs etc etc? We have probably simply been trying to emulate them. The official full title of the Head of State from which we got our independence is: Her Majesty, "Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith". Try matching that! The Bridge Builder or even Conqueror of Rivers doesn't quite have the same ring to it. More from Elizabeth Ohene: Britain's speedy high-drama elections seen through Ghanaian eyes Should Ghanaians be given a three-day-weekend to attend funerals? Taking advantage of a crisis Tolerating fufu made in a microwave
In our series of letters from African journalists, Ghanaian writer Elizabeth Ohene, a former government minister and member of the opposition, returns to one of her favourite subjects: Africa's love of titles.
33245094
Dan Fitchett netted the opener on 17 minutes, meeting Craig Eastmond's cross with a bullet header following a smart one-two out wide with Ross Stearn. Stearn was involved again as Sutton made it two only six minutes later when his corner was met by Nicky Bailey, who headed low into the net. But a Bobby-Joe Taylor penalty on 25 minutes halved the deficit almost immediately, before Jamar Loza levelled on the stroke of half-time with his first goal for Maidstone. Report supplied by the Press Association. Match ends, Sutton United 2, Maidstone United 2. Second Half ends, Sutton United 2, Maidstone United 2. Jamie Collins (Sutton United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Substitution, Maidstone United. Jack Evans replaces Tom Murphy. Substitution, Sutton United. Craig McAllister replaces Ross Stearn. Substitution, Sutton United. George McLennan replaces Brandon Haunstrup. Substitution, Maidstone United. Yemi Odubade replaces Jamar Loza. Substitution, Sutton United. Gomis replaces Adam May. Substitution, Maidstone United. Ben Greenhalgh replaces Liam Enver-Marum. Tom Mills (Maidstone United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Jamar Loza (Maidstone United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Second Half begins Sutton United 2, Maidstone United 2. First Half ends, Sutton United 2, Maidstone United 2. Goal! Sutton United 2, Maidstone United 2. Jamar Loza (Maidstone United). James Rogers (Maidstone United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Nicky Bailey (Sutton United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Goal! Sutton United 2, Maidstone United 1. Bobby-Joe Taylor (Maidstone United) converts the penalty with a. Goal! Sutton United 2, Maidstone United 0. Nicky Bailey (Sutton United). Goal! Sutton United 1, Maidstone United 0. Dan Fitchett (Sutton United). First Half begins. Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Maidstone United came from two goals down to deny Sutton United victory in a 2-2 draw after a remarkable first half at Gander Green Lane.
37686779
It is not clear what caused the death of Abubakar Audu, who is from President Muhammadu Buhari's APC party. The BBC's Chris Ewokor says the 68-year-old was believed to have received the most votes at the time of his death. The result for the weekend's election has not been declared following reports of irregularities. Mr Audu has been buried on Monday according to Islamic rites in his hometown Ogbonicha. Our correspondent says that Mr Audu had been accused of stealing funds when he had previously served as Kogi state governor, something which he denied.
A governorship candidate for Kogi state in central Nigeria has died while the votes were being counted.
34899928
More CCTV cameras would also be installed in cities and major towns to curb crime, he added. Inadequate security has been blamed for the authorities' failure to defeat the militant Islamist group Boko Haram. Last week, President Buhari gave his security commanders three months to defeat the insurgents. The police are part of the national task force fighting the insurgents in the north-east of the country. Although the militants have lost their strongholds this year, they are still active and there has been an upsurge in suicide attacks since Mr Buhari took office. The bombers often target markets and bus stations. A senior officer told the BBC that the police force had an estimated 375,000 officers at the moment. Analysis: Bashir Sa'ad Abdullahi, BBC Abuja editor Nigeria needs much more than an additional 10,000 policemen to rein in crime. The number of police officers compared to the country's population is below the UN's recommended benchmark of one police officer per 400 citizens. The existing police officers lack adequate equipment and training, leaving the force with a very large number of under-trained, ill-equipped and poorly motivated personnel. The decision to assign some of the existing police officers to provide security for VIPs and their families further depletes the capacity of the force to provide security for all. But some Nigerians believe the president's decision to recruit more officers could be a beginning of a total reform of the police force as the president also promised more training and focused on human rights. President Buhari told a police security summit in the capital, Abuja, on Monday that a federal anti-terrorism agency would be established to deal with future conflicts. He said that the government would also train and equip police to address the challenges facing the country. But he urged the officers to respect human rights and other international conventions in carrying out their duties. Rights groups have accused Nigerian police of human rights abuses and corruption - allegations they deny. Nigeria insecurity: The president did not say when the recruitment would start. Apart from the Boko Haram insurgency, Nigeria's security is also being threatened by ethnic conflict mostly between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in central part of the country. Police are also struggling to cope with kidnappings and armed robbery in the south.
Nigeria is to recruit an extra 10,000 police officers to boost security and help tackle youth employment, President Muhammadu Buhari has announced.
33973939
Fr John McManus, from Portaferry, County Down, stepped aside in March 2011 during an investigation. In June 2012, the Public Prosecution Service decided he had no case to answer. Fr McManus told parishioners he was "delighted and privileged" to be joining them in celebrating Mass. "The last time I celebrated Mass in this Church of Saint Patrick was on 9 March 2011, Ash Wednesday, when I informed you that I had requested administrative leave from ministry for the duration of the necessary inquiries. "Since then, I have been very much at home living here among you. "I wish to thank especially my family, my neighbours and friends of all faiths and none for their support and kindness shown to me during this time." Police conducted an inquiry after a complaint was made to the Diocese of Down and Connor's child safeguarding office. Fr McManus was a former press spokesperson for the diocese and a member of its committee that oversees the safeguarding of children. He celebrated Mass in Portaferry on Saturday and Ballygalget on Sunday along with Bishop of Down and Connor Noel Treanor. Bishop Treanor said Fr McManus had co-operated fully with a "thorough investigation by the police and the Public Prosecution Service", as well as an inquiry within the Catholic Church. He told churchgoers that the "canonical judicial inquiry concluded that there were not and are not any safeguarding issues that prevent his return to ministry". "I wish Fr John many happy years of fruitful ministry after the past four and a half years, during which time he has been supported by his family, by friends and by you, his parishioners."
A senior priest who was cleared of abuse allegations more than three years ago has returned to his duties.
35145104
A government spokesman said Mrs Merkel still had confidence in Thomas de Maiziere after he said Syrians would be treated differently in the future. Her government was forced to clarify there had been no change in policy. It has faced strong criticism over the thousands of refugees arriving. Germany says it expects to receive at least 800,000 asylum seekers this year. It has until now maintained an open-door policy for Syrians fleeing their country's civil war, offering a three-year residence permit and family reunification among other benefits. But the interior minister appeared to catch the governing coalition by surprise on Friday when he announced that some Syrians should get a modified refugee status. Instead, he said, they would get a one-year residency permit and they would be barred from bringing in family members. Lawmakers from Mrs Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) backed the plan, but their coalition partners, the Social Democrats (SPD), rejected the proposal. Government spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Twitter on Friday that Germany was "sticking to the practice currently in place". Asked on Monday whether Mr de Maiziere retained the chancellor's confidence, Mr Seibert said "of course he does". The huge influx of asylum seekers has caused political turmoil across the EU, with member states disagreeing about how to deal with the crisis. Last week, Germany's government announced plans to speed up the repatriation of failed asylum seekers, after another coalition rift on the issue. A note on terminology: The BBC uses the term migrant to refer to all people on the move who have yet to complete the legal process of claiming asylum. This group includes people fleeing war-torn countries such as Syria, who are likely to be granted refugee status, as well as people who are seeking jobs and better lives, who governments are likely to rule are economic migrants.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has backed her beleaguered interior minister following a row over restricting the asylum rights of refugees from Syria.
34764406
It sent a tweet with the words "act now before we see a Orlando-style tragedy here before too long". The tweet suggested Islamist extremism was a "real threat to our way of life" and urged people to vote leave "for greater security" on 23 June. The message has been condemned by both Remain and Leave campaigners. Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said it was "really shameful" while Labour's Hilary Benn said it was "cowardly". Home Secretary Theresa May told MPs it was "utterly irresponsible". Leading figures in the Vote Leave campaign, which went head-to-head with Leave.EU to win the battle to become the official Out campaign, also disassociated themselves from the message, which appeared on Leave.EU's official Twitter account. It has since been deleted, although an identical Tweet later appeared on the campaign group's feed. Labour MP Gisela Stuart said it was "inappropriate" and politicians on either side of the debate had a responsibility to "be very careful how we express ourselves". Former Cabinet minister Iain Duncan Smith said it was "completely pointless to make something out of a tragedy in America that has nothing to do with this debate". He told Radio 4's World at One. "I abhor anybody that tries to make capital out of that." Featuring an image of armed militants from the self-styled Islamic State (IS) group, Leave.EU's tweet suggested the "free movement of Kalashnikovs helps terrorists". Leave.EU, which is funded by UKIP donor Arron Banks, has yet to comment on the tweet. Despite failing to become the official Out group, Leave.EU has continued to campaign hard, particularly over the issue of immigration. UKIP leader Nigel Farage said that although it had "nothing to do" with him, he understood the tweet had been approved by an "office junior". "I'm not in any way formally associated with the organisation. I just think generally after a horrible tragedy it's best to wait a bit and keep quiet," he said during a campaign visit to Sittingbourne in Kent. Pressed on Hilary Benn's call for him to apologise, he replied: "I would ask for Hilary Benn to apologise for the crimes of Chairman Mao," adding that "Hilary Benn is as close to Chairman Mao as I am to Leave.EU". The shooting in the Pulse LGBT nightclub in Orlando, in which 49 people were killed and more than 50 injured, was the single worst mass shooting in recent US history. The House of Commons has observed a one minute's silence for the victims of what Speaker John Bercow called "a homophobic terrorist slaughter". A vigil will be held later in Soho, in London, to be attended by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. Gunman Omar Mateen, a US citizen of Afghan descent, was killed by the police after they stormed the club and rescued a number of hostages. He was not on a terrorism watch list but had been spoken to by the FBI in the past over "inflammatory" comments. US authorities say he pledged allegiance to IS shortly before the attack but President Barack Obama said there was no clear evidence that he was directed by the jihaddist group.
The Leave.EU group has been criticised after posting a message on social media linking the fatal shooting in Orlando to its campaign to exit the EU.
36520163
Their forecast is based on actual transactions for the first four months of this year. Official figures showed that prices fell by 0.8% compared to the last quarter of 2016, but were 4.3% higher compared to the same period a year ago. PwC have forecast an average increase of 3.7% in 2017 nationally. Looking forward to 2020, PwC's Economic Outlook forecasts that the average Northern Ireland property will cost £134,000, just under 9% more than the 2016 average of £123,000. That is well below the UK average, where property prices are expected to grow by around 36% between 2016 and 2020. A major factor pointed to by PwC is that real wages and household disposable incomes in Northern Ireland have been slow to recover from the impact of the financial crisis. However there is no consensus - in its most recent forecast the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre said it expects prices to rise by more than 3% in 2017. The centre also forecast a rise of more than 2% in 2018. House prices in Northern Ireland effectively doubled between 2005 and 2007 before suffering a calamitous collapse. Prices bottomed out in 2013 and have been on a gentle upward trend since then.
House prices in NI will rise by just 1% in 2017 and not at all in 2018, financial consultancy firm PwC has predicted.
40637871
The 23-year-old has been handed a two-year contract at Dens Park. Dundee say Teijsse, who scored 31 goals this season, is a player they "monitored closely from the beginning of the 2015-16 season". His twin, left-back Kenny, plays for Go Ahead Eagles, who defeated De Graafschap in their play-off to win promotion to the Dutch top flight. Having begun his senior career with Pancratius, Yordi Teijsse moved to VV Ter Leede before joining Quick Boys in 2014. He becomes Dundee manager Paul Hartley's third summer signing. Inverness Caledonian Thistle midfielders Danny Williams and James Vincent signed pre-contract deals earlier this year.
Dutch striker Yordi Teijsse has signed for Dundee after helping Quick Boys win the fourth tier in the Netherlands.
36414851
Mr Obama cut short a trip to India to make time for the brief visit, during which he met new ruler King Salman. He was accompanied by prominent Republican officials, including former Secretaries of State James Baker and Condoleezza Rice. Saudi Arabia is a key US ally in a region riven by war and rivalries. President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were met at the airport in Riyadh by King Salman and then driven to Erga Palace, the king's private residence, for dinner. Mr Obama and King Salman held an hour-long meeting in which they discussed a range of issues including the campaign against Islamic State (IS), US officials said. Saudi Arabia is among the US-led coalition of Western and Arab nations conducting air strikes against IS in Syria and Iraq. But relations between Washington and Riyadh have been strained by differences over US policy on the Syrian conflict and its nuclear diplomacy with Shia power Iran - a regional rival of Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia. The two countries have been strategic partners for 70 years but recently there have been strains below the surface of their relationship. The Saudis were dismayed when the US called off their proposed missile strikes against the regime of Syria's Bashar al-Assad in response to his alleged role in a chemical weapons attack in 2013. The Saudis, like most of the Gulf Arab states, want Mr Assad gone. While they support the US-led coalition against IS, they believe the group can never be defeated while the Syrian president remains in power. But the Saudi way is to avoid any confrontational talk when hosting a leader of Mr Obama's stature. Instead, they are likely to leave any tough talking to officials in private. The two leaders also discussed the security situation in Yemen as well as stability in the global oil market. Mr Obama stressed the importance of human rights, US officials added, but did not raise the case of Saudi blogger Raif Badawi. Mr Badawi was sentenced to 1,000 lashes and 10 years in prison last May for "insulting Islam through electronic channels" and "going beyond the realm of obedience". The sentence provoked an international outcry. Before his arrival Mr Obama had said one of the main reasons for the visit was to pay respects to the late King Abdullah "who in his own fashion presented some modest reform efforts within the kingdom''. Mr Obama had been due to visit the Taj Mahal in India on Tuesday, but had to cancel to allow for the four-hour visit to Riyadh. Also among the 30-strong US delegation were CIA director John Brennan, John McCain, the Republican chairman of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, and Republican former National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft.
US President Barack Obama has led a large, bipartisan US delegation to Saudi Arabia following the death of King Abdullah.
31001332
The 28-year-old played 23 games to help Bolton win promotion from League One last season, scoring three goals. He previously spent four years with Millwall, where he played alongside recent Dons signing Jimmy Abdou. "They formed an incredible partnership at Millwall a few years back and they complement each other well," boss Neal Ardley told the club website. Trotter is Wimbledon's seventh summer signing. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.
AFC Wimbledon have signed former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Liam Trotter on an undisclosed-length contract.
40686257
Trollope, 44, was sacked by the Bluebirds last month after less than five months in charge. He was part of Wales' coaching set-up at Euro 2016 and previously worked with Hughton at Birmingham and Norwich. He replaces Colin Calderwood, who left the Seagulls to join Championship rivals Aston Villa earlier this week. "I'm delighted to be working with Paul again," Hughton said. "He's an excellent coach, and since his time with me he's gone on to gain great experience at international level with Wales and in club management with Cardiff."
Brighton & Hove Albion have appointed former Cardiff City head coach Paul Trollope as assistant to manager Chris Hughton.
38091462
Col Gen Sergei Karakayev said pontoon technology meant nuclear missiles could now be moved to new areas and "overcome practically any water obstacle". Tensions between Russia and Nato have escalated because of the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Ukraine. However, the two sides have agreed to hold talks in Brussels on Monday. "When tensions run high, as today, it is even more important to have direct dialogue with Russia," said Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Ambassadors from all 28 members of the Western military alliance will join Russia's Alexander Grushko for the first Nato-Russia Council (NRC) meeting since July. Mr Grushko said he planned to have a frank discussion about the security situation, particularly "the consequences of Nato reinforcements on the eastern flank". The announcement of more missile tests and the wider deployment of mobile missile systems highlights the continuing salience of nuclear weaponry in Russia's strategic thinking. For all its military adventures in Ukraine and Syria, Russia's conventional forces are far less modern than those of the West. When asked what the combat experience in eastern Ukraine had demonstrated to Russian commanders, one noted Russian expert said recently that "before we were 25 years behind the West, now we are only 15 years behind them". That is why Russia's nuclear weapons matter so much and that is why they are being modernised at a steady rate. Mobile systems like the RS-24 Yars or Topol (there is also a silo-based version) are seen as essential to providing a retaliatory capability. At a time of crisis they would emerge from their bases and be deployed to pre-surveyed sites. Nato suspended co-operation with Russia after it took over and annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and relations remain frosty. Both sides have staged military exercises and Nato is to beef up its forces to reassure the Baltic states and Poland. The election of Donald Trump to the US presidency has also triggered alarm, as he is widely seen as more friendly to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia deployed nuclear-capable Iskander missiles two months ago in Kaliningrad, an enclave that borders Poland and Lithuania. Mr Putin said last month that Russia had to use its missile systems as "counter-measures" against facilities it saw as threatening. Unconfirmed reports have also suggested that Russia has been looking into transporting its Yars missiles by rail. The chief of Russia's General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, told foreign military attaches in Moscow on Thursday that the idea that Russia's armed build-up in the west was a threat to Nato was "totally groundless". While Russia's forces in its western military district had decreased, he argued, Nato's activities had been stepped up.
A Russian military commander has said the army will expand mobile missile patrols in European regions of the country in 2017.
38333722
In light-hearted comments to reporters, Mr Bush said he had done a "disservice to the French" by using them to mock Marco Rubio's senate voting record. "I made the mistake of saying that the Congress operates on a French work week," he was reported as saying. He said he had since learned that the French work longer hours than the Germans do. "So, my God, I totally insulted an entire country - our first ally - that helped us become free as a nation!" Mr Bush said, according to Time magazine. Mr Bush made the original comments during a Republican presidential debate last week. The former Florida governor asked Mr Rubio whether the Senate ran on French time and if lawmakers only had to show up for three days weekly. His campaign spokesman Tim Miller said he had been inundated with emails from French journalists following the debate. Even Gerard Araud, the French ambassador, responded on Twitter to correct Mr Bush. The French officially work a 35-hour week though many employees put in far longer hours. Mr Bush and Mr Rubio are trailing behind Donald Trump and Ben Carson in the race for the Republican presidential nomination.
US presidential hopeful Jeb Bush has apologised to France for referencing their working week to insult a rival.
34720806
Park Hill is joined on the shortlist by a chapel for a college and religious order in Oxfordshire and a holiday home in a 12th Century Warwickshire castle. The award is the Royal Institute of British Architects' highest accolade. Riba says the finalists proves "creative vision improves our lives". By Will GompertzArts editor The briefest glance at this year's Stirling Prize shortlist tells you modernism is still the name of the architectural awards game. Clean lines, geometric shapes and abstracted details appeal to judges brought up on a strict diet of Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier. Nothing wrong with that per se: there is beauty in architectural simplicity - as demonstrated by the ancient Greeks, Palladio and more recently by the likes of Oscar Niemeyer and Sir David Chipperfield. But, as we know, variety is the spice of life. Which makes this list's lack of anything outré a tad dull. Where are the New Romantics, the neo-Goths or assimilators of non-western aesthetics into the contemporary architecture of multi-cultural Britain? That said, all six buildings are welcome additions to the UK's landscape, a natural canvas that is too often blighted by truly awful buildings that are hopeless in every sense. We know the winner will come from the modernist school, but not which of the six. I think it should go to the building that most successfully obeys the rule Louis Sullivan - a founding father of modernist architecture - established in his essay The Tall Office Building Artistically Considered (1896), in which he famously wrote: "Form ever follows function." Housing features prominently on this year's list, with two of the contenders offering a different approach to new-build development. "The Riba Stirling Prize is awarded to the building that has made the biggest contribution to the evolution of architecture, and nowhere is the need for fresh-thinking needed more than in housing," Riba president Angela Brady said. "The UK is blighted with unimaginative, poor quality houses that people don't want to live in but have little other choice, so I am delighted to see two amazing and highly original housing projects on this year's shortlist. "They shine a light on what the future of UK housing can be," she added. Five of the six architects feature for the first time, beating off competition from previous winners Sir David Chipperfield and Dame Zaha Hadid. It is also the first time in the prize's 18-year history that as many as half of the shortlisted firms have women at the helm. The prize is given to Riba-chartered architects and international fellows of the institute for their work on a building in the UK. Buildings by Riba-chartered architects in the EU are also eligible. The six shortlisted buildings vary in size and purpose, but all will be judged by the same criteria: Their design excellence and their significance to the evolution of architecture and the built environment. They are: Part of one of the UK's most iconic and infamous housing estates and famous for walkways known as "streets in the sky", Park Hill was built in 1961 and was one of the first Brutalist buildings in the UK. Inspired by Le Corbusier's Unite D'habitation, a famous block of flats in Marseille, France, the building divided opinion between some who loved it and many who loathed it. By the 1980s Park Hill had become dilapidated and was no longer a popular place to live. Poor noise insulation, badly lit walkways and plenty of passages and alleys made perfect getaways for muggers. Architects Hawkins Brown and Studio Egret West have kept the structure of the building in place but changed key features, such as interior layout, windows and security. The "streets in the sky" remain, but the external brickwork has been replaced with bright coloured aluminium. A new window in each flat that faces the street has been described as an improvement to the design by the original architect. Judges said the reinvented building "stands as a beacon for imaginative regeneration, quality mass housing and the bold reuse of a listed building". Park Hill, beauty or beast? Listen to Angela Brady, president of Riba, and Sir Simon Jenkins, chairman of the National Trust, debate. Established in 1972 and given formal recognition in 1989, University of Limerick was the first new university to be created since Irish Independence in 1922. The medical school is a collection of buildings, which were required to complement each other forming a public square on the campus located along the River Shannon. Designed by Ireland-based firm Grafton Architects, the project was completed on a "rock bottom budget". It includes the medical faculty, two accommodation blocks and a bus shelter, designed to represent a gateway to the monolithic medical school, which is a three-storey cliff-like building constructed using local blue limestone. Lots of natural light and ventilation flood the internal space and judges said the project "feels like it punches well above its weight". "It transforms simple teaching and study spaces into rich, theatrical spaces, with a generosity that verges on the heroic." Riba Stirling Prize Royal Institute of British Architects Located in Harlow, Essex, Newhall Be housing development is a reconfiguration of the traditional terraced house. A mix of apartments, villas, courtyard and terraced houses, architect Alison Brooks' design of 84 dwellings takes inspiration from the traditional Essex barns and the sculptures of Romanian born artist, Brancusi. Conventional gardens have been replaced by balconies, patios and roof decks, acting as extensions to the living space while capturing sunlight at various times of the day. The angled buildings also feature a high, cathedral-style roof, which can be converted into another bedroom, and have been designed to avoid overlooking by neighbours. Judges said the scheme "raises the bar for suburban developments" adding that if used elsewhere, it could have a "significant impact" on development in the UK. "In the context of much of the UK's new house building it is truly exceptional." Brooks won the Stirling Prize in 2008 for her part in the Accordia development in Cambridge. Serving two groups - Ripon theological college community and a small religious order, the Sisters of Begbroke - the Grade II listed Bishop Edward King Chapel in Cuddleston was praised by judges for being an "exquisite piece of design and craftsmanship". The brief for Niall McLaughlin Architects was to design an uplifting spiritual space of great potency within an extremely small area. Mr McLaughlin described the starting point of the project as the word, nave, which describes the central space of a church but also shares the same origin as navis, a ship. "From these words, two architectural images emerged. The first is the hollow in the ground as the meeting place of the community, the still centre. The second is the delicate ship-like timber structure that floats above in the tree canopy, the gathering place for light and sound." Above a fine stone or ashlar base, the building has been constructed using mainly cream limestone, which has been hand broken and laid criss-cross with the unfinished, raw ends exposed to produce a rich texture. The delicate structure is made from blonde wood while windows allow light to flood the chapel and its ambulatory with even, natural light. Described by judges as a "highly imaginative and sculptural piece of land art," visitors to the centre are given a physical and interactive experience, just like the Giants Causeway it overlooks. Dublin-based Heneghan Peng were selected from 800 entries to design the centre, which was to be both sympathetic to its rugged coastal surroundings including a Unesco World Heritage Site and and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Composed from two folds marked into the ground, rising up to 6m in height, one rises up to accommodate the building while the second folds down to shield a car park from view. Windows between columns made from locally quarried, dark coloured volcanic rock - the same material as the causeway - allow visitors to be aware of the outside despite the building being partially underground. "This one pulls off that difficult trick of being a destination in its own right without upstaging the principal event - the causeway which is set a kilometre apart and invisible from it," commented judges. Dating back to the 12th Century, Astley Castle became a Grade II listed building in 1951. It was converted into a hotel in 1955 but a fire in 1978 left as a ruin. A full restoration of the building was not possible, so the task for Architects Witherford Watson Man was to install a new house within the stabilised ruins. With the aim of adding to the many historical layers of the building, courts and outdoor rooms are formed by both old and new walls, while contemporary materials have been colour matched to the original palette. The layout of the house, which is designed to accommodate up to eight people, is inverted with bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor and the living quarters on the first floor. With its deep-set windows and multiple vistas, it is a solid and practical building. Judges described the house as "a hybrid, grafted thing, whose spaces are made of elements varying between one and 800 years old, acting together".
The renovation of a 1960s concrete housing block in Sheffield, once notorious for crime, drugs and deprivation, is among six architecture projects vying for the Stirling Prize.
23249129
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.
32969336
The number 35 Lothian Bus was travelling along Slateford Road when the incident happened just before 16:00. The bus had been heading to Ocean Terminal. The fire has now been extinguished and the bus has been taken to a depot for a "full inspection". Nobody was hurt. Lothian Buses said it was a "rare" incident. A Lothian Buses spokeswoman said: "Thankfully incidents such as these are rare and our driver responded accordingly. "The fire service attended immediately and the incident was resolved quickly. "We apologise to our passengers for any inconvenience that may have been caused."
A driver has rescued three passengers from a bus after it burst into flames in Edinburgh.
37430798
A new year is upon us and I for one wonder what the fuss is all about - why the fireworks, the endless parties, the resolutions, the yearning to know the future - when in reality the new year for each and everyone should be the day our mothers gave birth to us. But let us run with the herd and pretend there is a new year to celebrate and that making it into 2014 is worthy of raising a glass and that being alive at the beginning of January is somehow worthier of notice than being dead in December. And it is a time to look ahead and speculate about the immediate future of this, our continent. Increasingly, this has become an impossible task - for who could have known that before December was over South Sudan and her precarious peace would have unravelled and the prospect of another war loom large over the long-suffering South Sudanese? Or that more than 100 people would die in the Democratic Republic of Congo as followers of evangelical Christian pastor Joseph Mukungubila attacked state institutions with gunfire on the second last day of 2013? Pastor Mukungubila is known as the "prophet of the eternal" and he issued a press statement on his Facebook and Twitter accounts from "the office of the prophet" saying his followers had spontaneously rebelled against soldiers who had attacked his home. And perhaps it is to these so-called prophets, the seers said to be blessed by holy visions that we should turn in predicting what this year has in store for us all. Not only do these men say they can predict our uncertain future, they are also credited with performing astounding miracles. Prophets are everywhere you look, ministering to the poor, the needy and the rich. In Zimbabwe, Uebert Angel, a young charismatic prophet, arrives to preach to his flock by helicopter and tells them that God wants them to be rich, as rich as he is. In Lagos, TB Joshua receives men and women of influence and presidents of different lands. In Ghana, for these holy men are everywhere, Victor Kusi Boateng replenishes the spiritual needs of other prophets. It would be foolish for anyone to cast aspersions on the acts of the divinely gifted, these miracle workers, these gardeners of the desert. But seeing as so many of Africa's urban populations are filling the churches and the prayer halls in search of signs and miracles and salvation, I thought it wise to spend some time surfing the web in search of 2014 predictions for you from those in the know. For the World Cup, no prophet goes out on a limb to hand the trophy to Africa, although one sees Nigeria's Super Eagles making it to the semi-finals. If you are a Liverpool supporter, you will be disappointed to hear that another prophet has denied recent reports of that he predicted the Reds would win the league this year. Yet another prophet believes there will be an explosion in prostitution in 2014 as the hard times continue to roll. What of more serious issues, I hear you ask. Another man of vision informs us that African politicians who depend on corruption for their wealth will fall by the wayside in 2014. It seems, though, that a principal talent a prophet needs is the ability to foretell a leader's death, or to warn of some kind of attack or natural disaster before it occurs - but without giving us the specifics. So it is possible we may hear a prophecy that a long-serving African leader will leave us in this 14th year of the new century and we, believing our prophets, will cast our roving eyes around to Eritrea, Zimbabwe or Cameroon and wonder where the prophet really wanted us to look. We will watch the explosions in Somalia and the kidnappings in Libya or the murders in northern Nigeria and Mali and understand that the prophets have been telling us for some time that terrorism in Africa has been strengthening its grip and our governments must remain alert. And what of the fate of all Africans all over the world? Despite the Bible and a love of scriptures, the world at large will watch us die in leaking boats in the Mediterranean or killed while crossing deserts as we demonstrate for the right to stay in places like Israel and Saudi Arabia where we are not wanted. One thing you can be sure of is that 2014 will come and go of its own accord regardless of the prophecies - and it may well be more of the same but not necessarily in that order. If you would like to comment on Farai Sevenzo's column, please do so below.
In our series of letters from African journalists, film-maker and columnist Farai Sevenzo looks at the new year predictions of some of Africa's many self-proclaimed prophets.
25640425
Speaker John Bercow, a tennis fan, got two Royal Box tickets for Wimbledon, with an estimated value of £8,590. Labour deputy leader Tom Watson also got two cheaper Wimbledon tickets while Tory Damian Collins and Nigel Adams declared Glastonbury tickets. Meanwhile Theresa May registered a discount card from shoe shop Russell & Bromley. The prime minister, whose love of shoes is well documented, has worn the retailer's shoes to Conservative Party conferences and registered a discount card valid from January 2017 to January 2018 - without details of what it entitled her to. The Labour Party said Mr Watson had received his tickets in his capacity as shadow sport secretary. Conservative Mr Collins is chairman of the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee while Mr Adams is also a committee member. Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn - whose speech on Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage drew thousands - had previously declared two tickets worth £476 but said they were given to a family member. As a speaker at the event, he did not need a ticket. Among other freebies declared by MPs in the latest update to the register are two tickets for the England v South Africa test match at Lords for Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon, while Labour's Richard Burden got two tickets for the Grand Prix at Silverstone. Conservative Mims Davies got a ticket to Royal Ascot while Labour's Stephen Doughty and Tory John Howell got tickets to the Royal International Air Tattoo. Conservative backbencher Philip Davies declared several tickets for horse racing at Royal Ascot and the Coral Eclipse at Sandown as well as the League One football play-offs. Former Labour leader Ed Miliband declared an expected £2,500 payment for hosting Jeremy Vine's BBC Radio 2 show for a week. Conservative backbencher Nadine Dorries declared a £50,000 signing fee for a new book deal - she had previously declared a regular £13,000-per-month payment from her publisher. MPs are required to declare any financial interest which "others might reasonably consider to influence his or her actions or words as a member of Parliament" within 28 days.
MPs have enjoyed free activities from Wimbledon to Glastonbury, according to their latest register of interests.
40821148
New Great British Bake Off host Sandi Toksvig will also appear, along with Graham Norton and Eddie Izzard. The renowned arts and literature festival will host 800 events, including music from Brian May, Will Young and Amy MacDonald. It runs from 25 May to 4 June in the Powys town of Hay-on-Wye. The full programme to mark the 30th anniversary of the 10-day festival was announced on Tuesday, two days before tickets go on sale on Thursday. Sanders, the Vermont Senator who was beaten to the Democratic presidential nomination by Hillary Clinton, will be at Hay along with other names from the political world, including former Home Secretary Alan Johnson. Broadcaster Stephen Fry will be one of those attending to share his philosophy on how to bring about a better world as part of the festival's central 30 Reformations programme. Actors Sir Tony Robinson, Charlotte Rampling, Michael Sheen and Sheila Hancock will appear, along with director Ken Loach. Comedy will be provided by Izzard, as well as Mark Watson, Marcus Brigstocke and Shappi Khorsandi. Meanwhile, artist Tracey Emin and writer Germaine Greer will join discussions investigating the latest topics in art, technology, history and health, and authors will include Helen Fielding and Ian Rankin. There will also be a range of activities aimed at families and younger visitors, including appearances from acclaimed children's authors Jacqueline Wilson and Julia Donaldson. Festival director Peter Florence said it would celebrate 30 years of bringing readers and writers together "to share stories and ideas, to imagine the world - to tell our truths and renew our lives". The border town of Hay-on-Wye, well known for its second hand book shops, has hosted the annual literary event since the spring of 1987. Its birthday in May is being marked by "crowd sourcing" a list of the world's most essential books. Thirty schools will also plant trees over 30 acres (12 hectares) in a partnership with conservation charity, The Woodland Trust.
Former US Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is one of the big names lined up for the 30th Hay Festival.
39481579
The nine were detained at Incheon airport near Seoul and barred from the CISM games. They were then sent home. Police said the group - five men and four women - protested noisily and blocked an aisle after Korean Air cabin crew refused them more alcohol. CISM, in Mungyeong this year, is the world's biggest military sports event. Yoo Ji-hyun, spokesman for the CISM organising committee, said the nine were accused of violating South Korea's aviation security law. The Associated Press news agency said the Russians included two female swimmers, both active duty soldiers. Only eight athletes from Russia are left to compete in the games, Yonhap news agency reports. The games have attracted 7,000 athletes from 117 countries, competing in 24 sports disciplines. They run until 11 October.
South Korea has deported nine Russian athletes, trainers and journalists who allegedly got drunk and rowdy on a flight to the military world games.
34425536
Media playback is not supported on this device It gave the Reds a 3-1 aggregate victory over the Luxembourg side with David McDaid's early strike followed by a second-half Jay Donnelly goal. Differange had Tom Siebenaler sent-off nine minutes before Donnelly made it 2-0 with 15 minutes remaining. Gerard Lyttle's side booked a meeting with AEK Larnaca of Cyprus. McDaid gave Cliftonville the perfect start, latching on to Donnelly's flick and bursting past two defenders before firing into the bottom corner in the second minute. It was a high temp opening from the hosts and Donnelly's acrobatic volley flew just over. Media playback is not supported on this device Differdange went close from a corner when Omar Er Rafik saw his header saved by new Reds keeper Jason Mooney. Devijvid Sinani dragged a shot wide for Differange early in the second half and the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Siebenaler was dismissed for a last-man foul on Donnelly. Chris Curran created the second goal, reaching the byeline before crossing low for Donnelly to slot in at the backpost. Differdange remained a threat and it required a good save from Mooney to keep out Antonio Luisi's strike. Daniel Hughes should have added a third late on but after weaving his way clear the substitute failed to beat keeper Andre Almeida Rodrigues.
Cliftonville are the only Premiership side to make the Europa League second qualifying round after a 2-0 home win over Differdange 03 at Solitude.
36708532
The measles cases during 2012 have been associated with prolonged outbreaks in Merseyside, Surrey and Sussex. There were also several smaller outbreaks in travelling communities. The HPA said parents should ensure their children are fully protected against the disease with the MMR vaccine. Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at the Health Protection Agency, said coverage of the MMR vaccine is now at historically high levels. "But measles is highly infectious and can spread easily among communities that are poorly vaccinated, and can affect anyone who is susceptible, including toddlers in whom vaccination has been delayed." The measles virus can spread through droplets in the air that come out of the nose and mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The initial symptoms include cold-like symptoms, red eyes which are sensitive to light, a fever and greyish white spots in the mouth and throat. Measles is an unpleasant viral illness which can, in some cases, lead to serious complications. The infectious period is from around four days before the appearance of a red-brown rash, to around four days after its appearance. In addition to the rash, abdominal symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Symptoms usually last about 14 days in all. BBC Health - Measles These become a red-brown spotty rash after a few days. Dr Ramsay said older children who were not vaccinated at the routine age, who were now teenagers, were at particular risk of becoming exposed while at school. The only way to prevent outbreaks of measles is to ensure children are being vaccinated, Dr Ramsay said. "Measles is often associated with being a disease of the past and as a result people may be unaware that it is dangerous infection that can lead to death in severe cases. "Parents should ensure their children are fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella with two doses of the MMR vaccine. "Parents of unvaccinated children, as well as older teenagers and adults who may have missed MMR vaccination, should make an appointment with their GP to get vaccinated. Professor Ian Jones, from the University of Reading's School of biological sciences, said that "the current rate of infection, which is inversely related to the level of immunisation in the population, is unacceptably high". "The numbers have been swollen by very localised pockets of infection (eg. an epidemic in Liverpool) and for most counties rates of immunisation of over 90% are the norm, the highest in 13 years." He said the MMR vaccine offered lifelong protection from measles, mumps and rubella. "If the immunisation record is uncertain, for example for travellers, assume it is incomplete and have a booster - you cannot over immunise." Measles continues to circulate in several European countries, popular with holidaymakers. The UK along with France, Italy, Spain and Romania accounted for 87% of the total 7,392 measles cases reported throughout the European Union countries up to the end of November 2012.
Measles cases in England and Wales have risen to 2,016 in 2012, the highest annual total for 18 years, says the Health Protection Agency.
21381274
Solicitor John Owen, 79, stole the money from John Williams after being made executor of his will. He admitted 17 charges of theft and false accounting at Newport Crown Court on Tuesday. Judge Tom Crowther QC said Owen breached trust "of the grossest sort" and said a prison sentence was likely. The court was told no-one knows where the money has gone after it vanished from his firm in Llandeilo. Janet McDonald, prosecuting, said: "The deceased was a long standing client of Mr Owen and he made him the executor of his estate. "Owen would bill for work, charging it to the estate. He would then take the money without doing any work. "The money was then taken out of the law firm's account." Owen, from Llandeilo, was arrested over the offences, which date back to 2003, in 2011 following an investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority after it said it had "reason to suspect dishonesty". He also quit as coroner, a post he had held for 25 years. Leah Pollard, defending, said: "Owen is a man of previous good character. He is currently receiving treatment for prostate cancer." Releasing Owen on bail until sentence on 17 October, Judge Crowther said: "This was very serious, in breach of trust of the grossest sort. It seems to me that a custodial sentence is likely in this case."
A former Carmarthenshire coroner has admitted stealing more than £1m from a farmer's estate to keep his failing law firm afloat.
29127916
Commons, who scored in the 3-1 defeat at the Aker Stadion, said the incident was "something that should never be shown publicly on the field". The 32-year-old's outburst seemed to be directed at assistant manager John Collins and coach John Kennedy. "I was very frustrated at how the night had gone," said Commons on the Celtic website. Media playback is not supported on this device "However, I did not handle this in the right way. My frustration at losing games and my desire to win will never change. "I know we are all part of a team at Celtic and I am proud to be part of this team. I want this team to win and I am sure we can come together, work hard and get the results needed to qualify from this group. "I still have every confidence we can do this and in a fortnight we have the chance to make amends [against Molde at Celtic Park]. That's the motivation now for us all. "I'd like to apologise for my reaction last night, something that should never be shown publicly on the field." Striker Leigh Griffiths revealed on Friday that Commons had apologised to the rest of the squad. Manager Ronnie Deila would not confirm if the former Scotland player would be disciplined but, when asked if Commons would be available for selection against Dundee United on Sunday, the Norwegian said: "Yeah, of course. "It's very important [that Commons apologised] and I'm happy for that," said Deila. "He came to me and did it at once and that's very good. We have dealt with it and now we have to move on. "We have to have discipline and stay together and he really understands that. "I've had many of these situations before - it's not the first time. Different sorts of situations as well. "I'm confident that I have a good relationship with the players. Everybody's disappointed. We have to speak through things and get better." Deila was also asked about the supporters' frustrations following the loss in Norway, which left Celtic bottom of Europa League Group A on two points - five behind leaders Molde. "I understand they're angry," he said "I really understand and I know a lot of people are travelling around with Celtic and have big expectations. We are very, very sorry and disappointed. "We have to move on and make it good again and that starts on Sunday. "You will lose football games. This time it was a bad performance, that's why it's even worse to lose. We have to get back on a good performance and the only thing we can do is look forward and do it on Sunday. "I really believe in what we're doing. The situation is not unbelievably bad. We are top of the league, we are still in both cups, we still have a chance in Europe so there are some positive things."
Kris Commons has apologised for his angry reaction to being substituted in Celtic's loss to Molde on Thursday.
34618147
Tolimir's role in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre was significant enough to justify the genocide conviction, the war crimes tribunal ruled. Parts of his 2012 conviction were overturned, including the expulsion of Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims) from Zepa. More than 7,000 Bosniak men and boys were murdered at Srebrenica. The massacre by Bosnian Serb forces was Europe's worst mass killing since World War Two. Tolimir, 66, was the "right hand man" of Bosnian Serb commander Gen Ratko Mladic, judges ruled in the original trial. Gen Mladic is also on trial in The Hague. "In light of these genocide convictions alone, the appeals chamber considers that Tolimir's responsibility does not warrant a revision of his sentence," Judge Theodor Meron said on Wednesday.
UN judges in The Hague have upheld a life sentence against a former Bosnian Serb officer, Gen Zdravko Tolimir, for genocide committed in the Bosnia war.
32216745
Daniel Jones was caught with the tag his brother Paul had been ordered to wear by a court. Jones, 32, of Great Clifton near Workington, admitted perverting the course of justice when he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court. Judge James Adkin heard the other brother was jailed for eight months for his role in the offence last year. Judge Adkin said the criminal conduct "undermines the authority of the court".
A man who agreed to wear his brother's electronic curfew tag has been jailed for six months.
39770134
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the alert at Triangle Business Park, in Pentrebach was raised just before 04:50 BST. About 30 firefighters initially attended the blaze. Five firefighters and two officers remained at the site using cooling jets to make the machinery safe, a fire service spokesman said.
An investigation has begun into a factory fire in Merthyr Tydfil in the early hours.
33059290
Footage from Queensland Police shows a speeding car erratically crossing lanes on two major Gold Coast roads. After several minutes the car stops due to a flat tyre, and a man emerges holding a large knife and a dog. The man appears to threaten a motorist with the knife before running off the motorway in Thursday's incident. Still clutching the dog, the man rushes into a residential area near Gold Coast Airport and enters a house. Police said they confronted the man and he surrendered to them without incident. A 24-year-old man was charged with a number of offences over the incident, including attempted robbery, dangerous driving and entering a dwelling with intent. Local media named the man as Kayne Selfe and said he had been remanded in custody after a court appearance. Police said the dog was found safe and well.
Australian police have released footage of a man who allegedly threatened a motorist with a knife while carrying a dog.
34864863
The spread of the disease means the funds needed to fight the outbreak have increased ten-fold in the past month, the UN's Ebola co-ordinator said. Ebola has killed 2,461 people this year, about half of those infected, the World Health Organization said. There has been criticism of the slow international response to the epidemic. The outbreak began in Guinea before spreading to its neighbours Sierra Leone and Liberia. Nigeria and Senegal have reported some cases, but seem to have contained the transmission of the virus. "We requested about $100m a month ago and now it is $1bn, so our ask has gone up 10 times in a month," the UN's Ebola co-ordinator, David Nabarro, told a briefing in Geneva. "Because of the way the outbreak is advancing, the level of surge we need to do is unprecedented, it is massive." At the same briefing, World Health Organization (WHO) deputy head Bruce Aylward announced the latest Ebola case figures. The virus has infected at least 4,985 people so far, with about half of those infected dying. "Quite frankly, ladies and gentlemen, this health crisis we're facing is unparalleled in modern times. We don't know where the numbers are going on this," he said. 11,315 Deaths - probable, confirmed and suspected (Includes one in the US and six in Mali) 4,809 Liberia 3,955 Sierra Leone 2,536 Guinea 8 Nigeria When the WHO had said it needed the capacity to manage 20,000 cases two weeks ago "that seemed like a lot", Dr Aylward said. "That does not seem like a lot today," he added. US President Barack Obama is expected to announce plans to send 3,000 American troops to Liberia, one of countries worst affected by the outbreak, to help fight the virus. Officials say the troops will build 17 health care centres, each with 100 beds, deliver health care kits to hundreds of thousands of homes and help train 500 health workers a week. Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) called on other countries to follow the US lead as the response to outbreak continued to fall "dangerously behind". At the Ebola briefing, MSF president Joanne Liu said there needed to be "co-ordinated response, organised and executed under clear chain of command". "The window of opportunity to contain this outbreak is closing," she said. "We need more countries to stand up, we need greater deployment, and we need it now." Sick people in the Liberian capital were banging on the doors of MSF Ebola care centres desperate for a safe place in which to be isolated, she said. "Tragically, our teams must turn them away; we simply do not have enough capacity for them," Dr Liu said. "Highly infectious people are forced to return home, only to infect others and continue the spread of this deadly virus. All for a lack of international response." Earlier on Tuesday, the WHO welcomed China's pledge to send a mobile laboratory team to Sierra Leone, which will include epidemiologists, clinicians and nurses. "The most urgent immediate need in the Ebola response is for more medical staff," WHO head Margaret Chan said in the statement. 'Biological war': A week on the Ebola frontline Ebola: Mapping the outbreak How bad can it get?
More than $1bn (£618m) is needed to fight the West Africa Ebola outbreak, which is a health crisis "unparalleled in modern times", UN officials say.
29224752
The system was introduced in 2007 as a safety measure to reduce the likelihood of head-on collisions on the road. The road will remain as a one-way system until 13 June. The first Isle of Man TT practice session will be held on the Mountain Course on Saturday with the opening Superbike race next week. About 43,000 fans visited the Isle of Man during last year's festival. The full practice and race schedule is available online.
The Isle of Man's A18 Mountain Road has been converted into a one-way system in preparation for the TT fortnight, the government has said.
36389168
Would you include Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart - or would you bring in Mark Noble and Fraser Forster? Is there room for Andy Carroll, or would you stick with Harry Kane? And who would man your defence? Then there is the question of formation - would you stick with a 4-3-3 or revert to 4-4-2? Use our team selector to pick your next England team and slot them into the formation of your choice. And after you've done that, you can share them with your friends or post them on your social media accounts. We will publish your most popular future England team and squad on Friday. Who do you think should start in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup? Become England's new manager and pick your XI - and then share it with your friends using our team selector.
England endured an embarrassing Euro 2016 exit, so who should play in their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign starting in September with a view to making an impact at the finals in Russia?
36666860
The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) produces a monthly "income tracker" for the Asda supermarket chain. It examines spending habits and discretionary incomes across the UK. The report concluded that discretionary incomes in Northern Ireland increased by £4 per week last month to £80. In comparison, it found that during March, the average UK household had £170 a week available to spend after all tax and essential living costs have been deducted. Speaking on Good Morning Ulster, Ian Boyd, a married father of two, said making ends meet is still a struggle. He said: "I actually believe monthly outgoings are up. Nothing is getting cheaper, the cost of everything seems to get higher and higher." He added: "Since we've had our second child we've had to cut our cloth accordingly. Luckily we have had help from parents and family members." Carl Whyte, 34, said he had seen no improvement in his financial situation but there had been a "stabilisation". He said: "A year or two ago you definitely noticed things were getting much tighter in your weekly and monthly spend. "You are not seeing the pressures you did back then on energy, fuel and food. "I can't say I've ever struggled. I'm not married and I don't have children, so I was able to cut back on what you would call discretionary spend." Claire Bailey, a 44-year-old single mother with two teenagers, said: "I think it's a wee bit of a joke to say £4 per week is making you better off. "I wouldn't call £80 per week disposable income. In my house, I call that firefighting." She added that she did not notice any savings in her household income in the past year. "There's no such thing as saving in my house. It's just daily budget management. "If this report is showing we have a disposable income of £80 and the rest of the UK has £170, then I'd encourage my teenagers to maybe go and broaden their horizons elsewhere."
Disposable income in Northern Ireland households is increasing but is less than half of the UK average, according to an economic consultancy.
27133671
Ahmad, a member of the Caf Executive Committee, is currently in his third period of office with Madagascar. The 57-year-old told the BBC that Caf has accepted his candidacy, which the governing body has since confirmed. Hayatou, who has ruled the African game since 1988, is seeking an eighth term. "I took (my decision) after hearing some federation presidents (say they) want change," Ahmad, a former sports minister, told BBC Sport. "After the Africa Cup of Nations, I am going to organise a press conference to show my programme. During the Nations Cup, I (want) to celebrate football." "I expect some federations to support me. Even my head of state supports me for this decision," added the current vice-president of Madagascar's Senate. Hayatou was re-elected unopposed during the last Caf presidential elections in 2013. The Cameroonian had previously stated this term would be his last until a change of regulations altered his stance. In 2015, Caf voted to change the statutes which previously stopped officials serving past the age of 70. This paved the way for Hayatou, who turned 70 last year, to stand in the election. He is already Caf's longest-serving ruler, having led the organisation for 29 years. "In life, there is a limit," said Ahmad of his hopes of dethroning Hayatou. "Typically in politics, everyone has his chance - maybe it is time." The elections will take place in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa as the organisation celebrates its 60th year of existence. Whoever wins the election will be limited to a maximum of three terms in office after Caf amended its rules last year. Only members of the organisation's 15-man executive committee can contest the presidential election.
Ahmad Ahmad, the head of Madagascar's FA, says he will challenge long-standing Confederation of African Football (Caf) ruler Issa Hayatou in March's presidential elections.
38604266
So said Eric Schmidt, Google's chairman, in response to revelations about the activities of the US National Security Agency (NSA) made by whistle-blower Edward Snowden. Special Report: The Technology of Business Stress test: Are you fit for work? 2013: The year we all went 'mobile' The technology aiming to help refugees Retrofit for purpose: New from old Sudan hopes tech will transform farming Schmidt's advice appears to have been heeded by companies that provide internet-based services. Microsoft, for instance, says it will have "best-in-class industry cryptography" in place for services including Outlook.com, Office 365 and SkyDrive by the end of the year, while Yahoo has announced plans to encrypt all of its customers' data, including emails, by the end of the first quarter of 2014. For many smaller businesses too, 2014 is likely to be the year of encryption. That's certainly the view of Dave Frymier, chief information security officer at Unisys, a Pennsylvania-based IT company. But he believes the driving force for this will be different: not government surveillance programmes, but the threat of attacks from hackers. Rather than encrypting everything, Mr Frymier advocates that companies identify what he believes is the 5%-15% of their data that is really confidential, and use encryption to protect just that. He says employees should then be barred from accessing this data using standard desktop and laptop machines or their own smartphones or tablets, which can easily be infected with malware. Access would be restricted to employees using secure "hardened" computers. "When you look at the increasing sophistication of malware, it becomes apparent that you need to establish highly protected enclaves of data. The only way to achieve that is through modern encryption, properly implemented," says Mr Frymier. "You can split your data into diamonds and paperclips, and the important thing is to encrypt the diamonds, and not to sweat the paperclips." Prakash Panjwani, a general manager at Maryland-based data protection company Safenet, also believes that the large number of high-profile data breaches in 2013 - including hacker attacks on US retailer Target, software maker Adobe, and photo messaging service Snapchat - means that 2014 will inevitably be a bumper one for encryption vendors. "Snowden has focused attention on surveillance issues, but the real threat is organised crime and the number of data breaches that are occurring," he says. "Companies are going to come under extreme pressure from boards, customers and regulators in 2014 to take action so that if there is a data breach they can say, 'We didn't lose any data because it was encrypted.'" A large number of companies already use encryption to protect the data they store on their own systems "at rest", as well as data "in flight" as it is sent over networks to customers, other data centres, or for processing or storage in the cloud. But Ramon Krikken, an analyst at Gartner, believes that the way encryption is used by many of these companies is likely to change in 2014. "Companies are certainly going to have to take encryption more seriously thanks to the Snowden revelations," he says. "At the moment many companies are using encryption for compliance reasons, not for security. They are not using it to protect their data, but because it is the easiest way to comply with regulations: encryption is the auditor's and the regulator's favourite check box item." One question that companies will need to consider is which encryption algorithm or cipher to use to best encrypt their data. It's an important question as some older ciphers can now be "cracked" relatively quickly using the computing power in a standard desktop PC. And there is a question mark over whether the NSA may have deliberately used its influence to weaken some encryption systems - or even to introduce "back doors" that provide easy access to encrypted data to anyone who knows of their existence. "The problem is that even if you can inspect the source code, it is certainly not a given that you would be able to spot a back door," Mr Krikken says. He believes it is more important to establish where all the parts of an encryption solution come from. "If you procure software or hardware from overseas, from a country with a government which does not have your best interests at heart, you need to remember that it may not be as secure as you think," Mr Krikken says. "So you have to decide who you trust, and find out where the vendor gets all the parts of its product from." Another thing companies need to consider when they implement encryption is how strong the encryption should be. Using a longer encryption key makes it harder for hackers or governments to crack the encryption, but it also requires more computing power. But Robert Former, senior security consultant for Neohapsis, an Illinois-based security services company, says many companies are overestimating the computational complexity of encryption. "If you have an Apple Mac, your processor spends far more time making OS X looks pretty than it does doing crypto work." He therefore recommends using encryption keys that are two or even four times longer than the ones many companies are currently using. "I say use the strongest cryptography that your hardware and software can support. I guarantee you that the cost of using your available processing power is less than the cost of losing your data because you were too cheap to make the crypto strong enough," he says. "No-one ever got fired for having encryption that was too strong."
"The solution to government surveillance is to encrypt everything."
25670315
Research for the College of Policing suggested that officers were focusing on cases involving violence and overlooking other risk factors. Three unnamed police forces in England and Wales are taking part in a pilot scheme following the study. Coercive or controlling behaviour became a criminal offence last year. The research found that although most domestic abuse incidents were handled in a "professional" way, some officers still displayed "negative and uninformed" attitudes. In particular, police tended to neglect cases where suspects did not use violence but tried to control their victim in other ways such as by making threats. The report said: "A tendency for the police to focus on physical violence and what has occurred at the current incident can result in them missing abuse which is characterised not by physical violence and injury but by continuous coercion and control in other forms." The researchers concluded that if risk was not assessed properly some cases would "slip through the net". In response, the College of Policing is setting up a pilot scheme to help officers identify possible patterns of abusive behaviour. David Tucker, the college's lead for crime and criminal justice, said: "We know in some cases of coercive control that violence is threatened in combination with surveillance and other tactics of intimidation which allow perpetrators to exert almost complete control over a victim's life without recourse to physical violence. "This pilot will assist front-line officers in identifying patterns of abusive behaviour and, in particular, it will help improve officers' understanding of the risks around coercive control. "We want to support the police service to be more effective in protecting people from the devastating impact domestic abuse can have. "We acknowledge the efforts of police and partners in tackling domestic abuse and hope this new tool will help focus attention on a form of abuse that can be less obvious but high-risk." Polly Neate, chief executive of Women's Aid, said it was vital that officers had a thorough understanding of coercive control. BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw says the scheme is unlikely to address the problem of workload highlighted by the researchers. One officer said he had a backlog of 170 domestic abuse cases any of which could result in a murder. Domestic abuse was highlighted recently in BBC Radio 4 soap The Archers when the character of Helen Titchener was found not guilty of attempting to murder and of wounding with intent her abusive husband Rob. The much-debated storyline sparked a national debate about domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, and a flood of donations to women's charity Refuge.
Front-line police officers dealing with domestic abuse incidents are being trained to spot the signs of coercive or controlling behaviour.
37425917
His son told the jury at Swansea Crown Court how his father would go out at night with a shotgun concealed under his coat. He used it on 22 December 1985 at Scoveston Park, first killing Miss Thomas, aged 56, and then Mr Thomas, 58. The prosecution said it was likely Miss Thomas was shot as Cooper was disturbed while breaking in. It is possible she recognised him or his voice as he lived and worked as a farm labourer nearby and was known to her and her brother. Mr Thomas was not there at the time but when he returned he was also shot before Cooper set fire to their three-storey house to cover his tracks. Four years later he confronted holidaymakers Peter and Gwenda Dixon, aged 51 and 52 and from Oxfordshire, on the Pembrokeshire coastal path near Little Haven. Before shooting the couple at point blank range he had tied them up and demanded their bank card, forcing them to disclose the pin number. He then used that to withdraw money at cash machines in the county and on the day their bodies were discovered in undergrowth he sold Mr Dixon's wedding ring to a jeweller for £25. The jury was shown a clip of Cooper appearing on the ITV darts-themed gameshow Bullseye recorded two months before the Dixons were killed. The prosecution said his appearance at the time matched an artist's impression of a man seen outside a bank when the card was used to withdraw money. The jury heard that Cooper, who was born in September 1944, left school at 15 and worked in various trades. He married his late wife Patricia in 1966 and the couple had two children - a boy and a girl. While working as a welder's mate at the old Gulf oil refinery at Milford Haven in 1978 he won £90,000 and a new car on a spot the ball competition and shortly after quit work to set up and run a family smallholding. But, through a series of loss-making house moves and a gambling habit, the prosecution case was Cooper frittered the money away. Certainly by 1983 police said he had started his career in burglary that eventually led to 30 convictions, although he was linked with many more. Cooper was a fisherman who enjoyed the outdoors, and the prosecution said his knowledge of the fields and paths around Milford Haven gave him free rein to target houses in the area. Cooper's son told the court his father was fascinated by survival programmes on television and even kept a copy of the SAS handbook. He would stash coins, jewellery, silverware and photograph frames under lock and key wherever the family was living at the time. It was put to Cooper during his trial he would regularly have bonfires in his back garden on which he would burn jewellery as means of identifying any valuable stones and metal he had stolen. The attempted robberies of five teenagers he cornered in a field near the Mount Estate in Milford Haven in March 2006 occurred at a time he was targeting homes in that area. One of the teenagers was raped at knife point during the terrifying ordeal and another sexually assaulted. It was an armed robbery two years later at a house in the village of Sardis that eventually led to his capture. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison when convicted by a jury in 1998 of 30 counts of burglary and the robbery. While he was still behind bars for those crimes Dyfed-Powys Police started a cold case review of the double murders of the 1980s. Advances in forensic techniques meant they were able to link items used in the Sardis robbery with the killing of the Dixons. These included the double-barrelled shotgun used by Cooper, which was found to have a trace of Mr Dixon's blood under the paintwork Cooper had since added. Shorts found in his bedroom at the time of his arrest in 1998 were also found to have Mr Dixon's DNA on them, along with that of his daughter Julie. Among the many items Cooper had squirreled away in the hedgerows near his house at 34 St Mary's Park, Jordanston, where he lived for much of the 1980s and 90s, was a sock that belonged to Mr Thomas. On 13 May 2009, just a few months after he was released from prison for the burglaries and robbery, Cooper was back in custody for the killing of the Thomases, the Dixons and the attack on the teenagers at the Mount Estate. As he was led into Haverfordwest magistrates court two days later he shouted at waiting photographers and television crews: "You must judge me after the trial and not before." The jury has done just that and Cooper is now likely to be remembered as one of the most notorious killers in modern Welsh history.
When John Cooper murdered brother and sister Richard and Helen Thomas at their house in Pembrokeshire in 1985 he was already a prolific burglar.
13409516
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) said more than 30,000 people in Wales have been diagnosed. Nearly a third of patients admitted to hospital could die within 12 months, the BHF said. Heart failure is most commonly caused by a heart attack which causes irreparable damage, and the charity said more research is urgently needed. More than 500,000 people have been diagnosed with heart failure across the UK - and 75,000 were under 65, the BHF said. The only hope for some with severe heart failure is a transplant. Dawn Bell, 46, from Llansamlet near Swansea, had open heart surgery as a child and was diagnosed with heart failure at 33, and had a cardiac arrest in her sleep two years ago. She said: "My husband thought I was dead and told my two teenage daughters 'mums gone'. Thankfully, I was resuscitated and given a second chance of life. "Every morning I wake up, it's a blessing knowing that I am alive. But I know there is no cure for heart failure. Through medical research I'd like to think that that cure is not far away so that it brings an end to the suffering that it causes for so many people." BHF Cymru has recently been given more than £1m to fund research at Cardiff University to investigate how defects in heart muscle cells can lead to abnormal heart rhythms.
Wales has the highest prevalence of heart failure in the UK, latest figures have shown.
36427444
Some 28 of those he saved as children were among 400 people who attended the event at London's Guildhall, along with Czech, Slovak and UK government representatives. Sir Nicholas organised the "Kindertransport" in which 669 mostly Jewish children came to Britain by train from Czechoslovakia in 1939. He died on 1 July last year, aged 106. The Kindertransport became public knowledge on BBC TV show That's Life in 1988 when presenter Esther Rantzen reunited some of those saved with the person who helped them escape the Nazis. Many of the children went on to have their own families and the number currently alive as a result of the Kindertransport is believed to be about 7,000. Esther Rantzen told the service about the moment two women who were rescued through the Kindertransport met Sir Nicholas on That's Life. She said: "For the only time in my professional life I had to stop, get off my chair, get to behind the scenery, wipe my eyes, come back again and continue with the programme, because the impact of that moment, when people for the first time had the chance to meet their hero." Around 130 rescued children and family members travelled from around the world to be at the service. For part of the service four of them spoke to Esther Rantzen about their experiences of travelling to the UK on the Kindertransport. One of those was Ruth, who was 13 when she travelled to London. She said she ended up looking after a baby that travelled with her group and fed the infant with chocolate after its milk bottle smashed. "My memory of looking out of the window and seeing all of the faces of our relatives, tear-stained and in great worry, will stay with me forever," she said. Ruth said she had regarded Sir Nicholas as a father, adding: "He was the most human exemplar of humanity we shall ever find." Another of those rescued, Hugo, praised the parents who sent their children on the Kindertransport as well as Sir Nicholas. He added that Sir Nicholas had "inspired" parents with his confidence, after which support for the Kindertransport had "spread like fire". by Mario Cacciottolo, BBC News The grand surroundings of the Guildhall buzzed with the warm rumblings of friends, dignitaries and families as people gathered to celebrate the life of the man they knew as "Nicky". While a pianist stroked the keys of a black grand piano, some of those who were on the Kindertransport filed in beneath the hall's grand arches, bringing their sons and daughters with them. All of these people form part of what is known as Sir Nicholas Winton's extended family. When the event began, Sir Nicholas's daughter, Barbara, paid tribute to her father, saying they were all gathered to "squeeze into an hour his long life", which she also said had been one of "love, laughter, passion and commitment". Eva Paddock, 80, who now lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the US, took that life-saving journey with her sister when she was three. "I have my family with me and for us it's a rite of passage. Nicky was an exemplar of a person who acted when something needed to be done. "It's very emotional and very moving to be here. It feels very important to be here with my extended family." One of the Kindertransport children, Hana Isaac-Kleiner, now 88, told the BBC that Nicholas Winton saved their lives. She said: "He was one of the few on the team in Prague who were well-enough informed about what was happening in Germany and Austria to realise that the danger to Jewish people was imminent." Another, Kurt Taussig, 92, from Stanmore, Harrow, said he usually did not come to Kindertransport events but would have "swum an ocean to be here". "What that man did has never been done before or again. He was completely unique in achieving a miracle." Mr Taussig spent seven years in the RAF after coming over on the Kindertransport. How did one Englishman save 669 children from the Holocaust? Others present at the service included Lord Alfred Dubs, Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines and the Rev John Fieldsend, who were all part of the Kindertransport, as well as representatives from the German and Swedish embassies. The service also had contributions from Lord Dubs and former Czech ambassador Michael Zantovsky. Asked what message people should take from Sir Nicholas's life, Lord Dubs said: "I think what they should see is the story the triumph of the human spirit where one individual said he is going to do something and save lives from the Holocaust and he did it." Sir Nicholas continued community work in later life in Maidenhead, Berkshire. His surviving children Nick and Barbara Winton speak at events around the world about how one person can change lives. Barbara Winton wrote his biography If It's Not Impossible, the title of which is taken from his motto: "If something is not impossible there must be a way of doing it." A separate memorial concert is to take place on Friday at St John's Smith Square in central London, including readings by actors Jason Isaacs and Rupert Graves and music from cellist Alexander Baillie, raising funds for current child refugees.
A memorial service has been held for Sir Nicholas Winton, who rescued hundreds of children from the Holocaust in the months before World War Two.
36325187
The home side are looking to win the team title for the second time, while Argentina hope to improve on a record of four final defeats. Marin Cilic plays Federico Delbonis in the opening singles on Friday, followed by Ivo Karlovic against Del Potro. "We are hoping that this long quest for the cup title will come to an end," said Del Potro. "They are at home and have a very strong team, but we are looking forward to a great weekend and we are also very proud to be in another final." Croatia, who won the Davis Cup in 2005, have a significant advantage in terms of singles rankings, with number six Cilic and number 20 Karlovic lining up on day one. Argentina will hope Delbonis can play above his ranking of 41, while Del Potro has been playing at a higher level that his current position of 38 as he makes his way back from several years of wrist injuries. Del Potro was the last man to beat world number one Andy Murray when he helped Argentina defeat reigning champions Great Britain in the semi-finals in September. "I'll have to be focused against Karlovic because one break of serve could cost me the match," added Del Potro before the final, which takes place on an indoor hard court. "It is great to be in the final at this point of my career after so many injuries." Former football World Cup winner Diego Maradona is expected at the Zagreb Arena to see whether Argentina can go one better than the finals of 1981, 2006, 2008 and 2011. "It will be nice to have Maradona here but it makes no difference to us that he will be cheering on his compatriots," said Cilic. "There is little or nothing between the two teams and hence our passionate fans can make all the difference." Media playback is not supported on this device
Croatia are the favourites heading into the Davis Cup final in Zagreb, says Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro.
38094044
The South African, 65, arrived at Murrayfield on a two-year deal in the summer of 2013 and agreed a one-year extension in May. "While we have made good progress over the past two seasons, we still have some way to go," said the former Springboks assistant coach. "I am pleased to be able to continue to build on what we have achieved." Edinburgh made a strong start to the 2015-16 campaign, winning their opening four league matches, and sit sixth in the table after eight fixtures. They have also won both of their group matches in the European Challenge Cup, having finished as runners-up in the tournament last season. "Alan is successfully building on the improved performances achieved by Edinburgh Rugby last season," said Scottish Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson. "The club has made a positive start to the new season and we wanted to ensure Alan was able to continue to develop the vision he started in 2013." Solomons takes Edinburgh to former club Ulster on Friday evening, where he ended a three-year stint in 2004.
Head coach Alan Solomons has extended his Edinburgh contract, keeping him at the Pro12 club until June 2017.
35005238
The victim was found with stab wounds at a property in Hailey Avenue, Chipping Norton, on Monday. She suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital where she remains in a stable condition, Thames Valley Police said. A 44-year-old man arrested on suspicion of GBH on Monday has been re-arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Updates on this story and more from Oxfordshire The force is appealing for witnesses to what it believes is an "isolated incident". Hailey Avenue was closed while house-to-house enquiries took place but has since reopened.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a woman in her 70s was stabbed.
36142600
Media playback is not supported on this device Record scorer Helen Ward notched her 40th and 41st international goals to put Wales in command. Substitute Charlie Estcourt added a third early in the second half for Jayne Ludlow's team who cemented their position in third place in Pool H, but cannot qualify for the finals. Midfielder Jess Fishlock was outstanding, but had a penalty saved. Wales conclude their qualifying campaign at the same venue against second-placed Austria on Tuesday. With Seattle Reign's Fishlock pulling the strings and Reading's Ward a constant threat, Wales established an early dominance which they never relinquished. After seeing their hopes of qualifying for next summer's finals in Poland ended by June's 2-0 home defeat by Norway, manager Ludlow already had an eye on World Cup 2019 qualifying campaign. And the confident display by 18-year-old Estcourt, who replaced Kayleigh Green at half time, would have given her considerable encouragement. Her turn and cool finish, after good work by Fishlock and Natasha Harding, ended the game as a contest. But it was the experienced Ward - who has now scored seven goals during this qualifying campaign - settled any Welsh nerves with two cool finishes against bottom-placed Israel. While Fishlock blotted an otherwise perfect copybook when Merav Shamir saved her penalty. Wales manager Jayne Ludlow said: "It's a great result for us, but the performance even more so. "Where we've been and where we are now is drastically different so the performance is what counts and to get the win at the end of it is fantastic as well. "We have a nice mix, a nice blend of youth and experience and it's a great group to be working with and an exciting group for the future."
Wales outgunned Israel as they coasted to a convincing Uefa Women's Euro 2017 qualifying win in Newport.
37341636
He said his version was underpinned by references to high-suspense films like Ridley Scott's Alien and Steven Spielberg's Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, fuelled by a "sense of anticipation". "Because [Scott and Spielberg] couldn't show the creature constantly, the first half of the movie would be these brief glimpses... you got so many chills and goosebumps - I miss that style of storytelling," he said. "I felt that in modern cinema it's so easy to just throw everything at the screen constantly." Godzilla, which had a reported budget of $160m (£95m) and stars Bryan Cranston, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, Sally Hawkins and Juliette Binoche, has had mixed reviews. Variety said the focus on the human characters left "scarcely enough screen time for the monster itself" while The Independent added Godzilla "still looks as if he has just escaped from a low budget Ray Harryhausen movie, shooting in somebody's garden nearby". The Telegraph described it as a "summer blockbuster that's not just thrilling, but orchestrates its thrills with such rare diligence, you want to yelp with glee". The original Godzilla film, made in Japan in 1954, was a metaphor for the devastation which followed the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by US forces at the end of World War Two, and then 1954's H-bomb testing in the Pacific. Then, Godzilla was played by a man in a reptile suit who caused chaos by trampling on a miniaturised version of Tokyo. The 2014 film, which coincides with Godzilla's 60th birthday, follows the critically panned 1998 version directed by Roland Emmerich and starring Matthew Broderick. There is a degree of pressure on Edwards to get it right this time. Visual effects specialist Edwards, 38, was chosen for Godzilla after he blew critics away with his 2010 debut movie Monsters, made on a micro-budget of about £500,000 and edited at his London home. Having directed, written and orchestrated the special effects, Edwards won best director at the 2011 British Independent Film Awards. Three years later and armed with a budget of millions, Edwards said despite hankering to make "just one" Godzilla special effect shot, he "didn't even get a spare five minutes". "But the beauty of it is that I was surrounded with the best of the best," he said. "The visual effects supervisor was Jim Rygiel who did The Lord of the Rings and we also had John Dykstra, who did the original Star Wars movie. "Working with genuine heroes of mine, handing your baby over to people who can look after it way better than you can, is an easy thing," he added, although he admitted "this film is the hardest thing I've ever had to do". Edwards employed the skills of actor Andy Serkis - who has previously used performance capture to create characters such as Gollum in the Lord of the Rings films and King Kong - to help create Godzilla's movements on screen. The director said Serkis "helped shape the title character's emotional arc" and was key for Godzilla's facial expressions. The director and his team also studied the faces of dogs and bears while developing the monster's head, which incorporated "the nobility of an eagle". Among the human characters battling the monsters and the elements is Breaking Bad TV star Cranston, who plays a nuclear scientist and whistleblower. After his Emmy and Golden Globe-winning performance in the TV drama, he said he knew his next role would be "compared" and wanted it to be "of extremely high quality as far as the writing is concerned". Godzilla ticked all the boxes for him and he said he liked the film's emotional content and focus on relationships and family. "When the offer came in to do Godzilla, at first I thought 'Oh, I probably shouldn't do it, no', and my agent said: 'You might want to take a look at this because it's very different'. "I was like 'Wow, this is fantastic', and then you have this monster movie and I loved Godzilla - he was my favourite monster. I like to keep surprising people." Taylor-Johnson, who plays his army lieutenant son who battles to return to his family, also liked the focus on relationships. "I liked the fact that he was a father and a husband and [the film] had a real strong family element to it, and that it became a fight for survival he had to try and get through in order to reach his family," he said. Olsen, who plays Taylor-Johnson's on-screen wife, said she enjoyed the challenge of playing a mother who has to "figure out how to go through things that are scary but not let on" because her son is witnessing the devastation around him. Cranston said ultimately it would be the fans who determine if the film is a success. Some have already criticised Godzilla for being "too fat" but the actor said he had to "hope for the best". "It's the public - the fans - that create a classic film or TV show," he added. "So it's up to them to decide if it weathers the test of time. And so too will it be for this version of our film." Godzilla opens in UK cinemas on 15 May.
Godzilla director Gareth Edwards has said that despite a huge budget, his monster movie harks back to the '70s and '80s before digital technology existed, with just "brief glimpses" of the creature.
27379962
Ignoring shouted questions about whether he will resign, he reprises his reaction to his shock Commons defeat over Syria in 2013. "The will of the British people is clear," he says, "I get it and I will negotiate accordingly to implement their clear decision." Suppose that, or something like that, happens. What next, for the government and for Parliament? How would MPs deliver the decision the British people had just voted for? The first point to make is that the process cannot easily be separated from the political mayhem that would then unfold. At the very least, David Cameron and his top lieutenants, Chancellor George Osborne and Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond, would be fighting for their political lives - with every action and statement viewed through that prism. Recently I put the prime minister's comment that he would not resign, in the event of a leave vote, to a pro-Brexit Tory backbencher. "He's right," came the response, "of course he won't resign; we'll sack him." There's already speculation that, in the event of a leave vote, the PM would, John Major-like, seek an immediate vote of confidence from his troops and dare a rival to break cover. His pitch would be the need for continuity to get the UK through a difficult patch, a message which would be much more powerful if there was some external crisis under way, at the time. On the other side of the Commons chamber, the interval between referendum day and the Commons summer break represents a window of opportunity for a coup attempt against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, before the rules on leadership challenges might be changed at the party conference, so it is possible both the main parties would embark on the withdrawal process in headless chicken mode. Even so, events might well move very fast. Parliament, due to be in recess until the following Monday, might be recalled for its first Saturday sitting since the Falklands War - that would be at the prime minister's discretion. The key questions MPs will pose, whenever they get to debate the result, would mostly, but not exclusively, revolve around the timetable and mechanism for withdrawal. The question of whether emergency measures will be needed to restrict access at the UK's borders, to stop a wave of migrants trying to get in before withdrawal, might also be raised. Then the process questions would start: when would the government trigger the process by invoking Article 50 of the Treaty of the European Union, which starts a two-year process for leaving? The argument for doing so immediately is that it dispels any hint of prevarication; the argument against is that two years is quite a short time for a long and complex negotiation, so it might be better to open discussion, while the government's finger hovers over the start button, and eke out a year or more before formally starting the process. "There's everything to be said for delaying triggering Article 50, until preliminary talks have made some progress," says Andrew Tyrie, the Conservative chairman of the Commons Treasury Select Committee. "It is absurd to suggest there would be any breach of trust, when everyone knows we would be committed to leaving. "The overwhelming majority of the electorate will accept that, by negotiating for a while before the two-year period, we increase the scope for securing a smooth transition, and minimising the short term economic shock that some commentators warn of," he said. Next comes the question of what the future relationship between the UK and the EU would look like - suddenly all that talk about Swiss, Canadian and Norwegian models would be very important. The debates in Commons and Lords would see a series of speakers putting down markers for the negotiations. But how would they monitor what might be two years of withdrawal talks? Sir Jon Cunliffe, former British permanent representative to the EU, suggested to the Treasury Committee there might be three sets of negotiations: Each of these could have huge implications for interests and individuals. The normal procedure for trade treaties is that they would be laid before Parliament, along with a government explanatory memorandum, for 21 sitting days before being ratified. Were MPs to vote against ratification, the government would have 21 days to change minds and try again - but so wide-ranging are implications of an EU exit, that they would certainly want a much more exhaustive process, complete with real-time monitoring and debate, so that they could breathe down the necks of the negotiators. So expect regular debates on the floor of the Commons, endless select committee inquiries, and possibly the creation of a special committee to ringmaster their efforts - not least because Brexiteers (the name given to those supporting an EU exit) would be very keen to ensure there was no backsliding. Equally critical, who would lead the process? Of course the prime minister would be in ultimate charge of the negotiations, but there would have to be a cabinet-level lead minister, in day-to-day charge of what might be two years of very detailed talks - just as Harold Macmillan dispatched Edward Heath to negotiate UK accession to the EU in the early 1960s. That person (Justice Secretary Michael Gove would be a good bet) would probably have to be an ideologically-pure Brexiteer; there is simply no way the victorious leave side would tolerate a negotiator who was equivocal about UK withdrawal, and even the hard-line Eurosceptics who backed the PM's renegotiation - Business Secretary Sajid Javid, for example - would probably be ruled out. During the negotiating period the chosen person would be the second most important figure in the government, and if the pro-remain David Cameron remained in Downing Street, they might eclipse the prime minister. It could easily become very destabilising for the government. The only parallel I could come up with was Lloyd George trying to take over the running of the First World War from Herbert Henry Asquith - which Asquith resisted on the grounds that the prime minister should be in charge, and he ended up being elbowed out of office. The negotiator, in turn, would need a team behind them - and plenty of Brexiteers would relish the chance (energy minister Andrea Leadsom might be a good bet, having founded the Fresh Start think-tank, which has taken a close look at some of the issues involved). And there might well be a push to have parliamentary observers, as during the abortive attempt to create an EU constitution. While leadership battles and career calculations were under way, MPs and peers would embark on enormous legislative task. Leaving the EU is not as simple as repealing the 1972 European Communities Act. Parliament would have to amend or repeal a series of other Acts, as well as 44 years' worth of EU-derived secondary legislation, especially statutory instruments passed under Section 2(2) of the 1972 Act, which would have no legal effect after it had been repealed. Now, none of this is an argument against Brexit - my point is simply that it cannot be accomplished with a snap of the fingers. Legislating our way out of the EU would be a prolonged task, especially since there does not appear to have been much preparatory work. Take this exchange at a hearing of the powerful Public Accounts Committee in February. Jonathan Black, director, Europe at the Treasury was questioned by the Conservative MP Stephen Phillips: Q: "Mr Black, you can say it: there is no strategic planning going on in the event of a vote by the British people to leave the European Union. That's right, isn't it? A: "The government's position is to remain a member of a reformed European Union. Q: "There is no planning going on within the civil service as to what happens if Britain votes to leave the European Union, is there? A: "The work that we are doing is focused on ensuring that the EU budget, which we are part of as a member of the European Union, is structured and spent as wisely as it can be." It may well be that Parliament has to set up a special sifting mechanism to work through the layers of euro-legislation and decide what should, and should not, be kept. One delicate issue would be the extent to which the consent of the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Assembly might be needed. International relations are supposed to be a matter reserved to Westminster, but EU law does touch on the competences of devolved administrations, so, arguably, leaving the EU would affect their rights and powers. This could prove important if some parts of the UK had voted to remain, even if the majority had voted to leave - and there is, at the very least a strong possibility that a vote for Brexit could trigger a second Scottish independence referendum. And as the process nears its conclusion, might the pro-EU forces strike back, and seek to hold a second referendum on the actual terms of withdrawal - if the deal didn't look too attractive? That would be a bold gamble indeed - and possibly political suicide for those inside an overwhelmingly pro-Leave Conservative Party. *If the EU referendum follows the pattern of the Scottish referendum, the result should start to become clear by 02:00 BST on Friday 24 June, with a BBC projection probably available by 06:00 BST.
Picture the scene: it's 08:00 on Friday 24 June*, and a weary David Cameron marches to the microphones outside Downing Street to react to the referendum vote to leave the EU.
35946617
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the H5N8 strain of avian flu has been found at Grange Farm in Redgrave. Public Health England said the risk to public health from the virus is very low. Gressingham Foods confirmed the birds will be culled, even though none of them currently has avian flu. The strain was detected in the environment, rather than the birds. The discovery follows investigations after avian flu was discovered on a separate poultry farm near Redgrave last month. The premises will be cleansed and disinfected to reduce the risk of further spread, Defra said. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone are already in place following the previous case. The Food Standards Agency said bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.
About 55,000 birds are to be culled after a new case of bird flu was detected on a farm in Suffolk.
39155860
The fire broke out just before 15:00 on Saturday at a semi-detached property on Ravenscraig Road in the town. Firefighters found the body of man inside the property while tackling the blaze. Police have said the man's death was being treated as unexplained. Three crews from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service used a hose reel jet and breathing apparatus to bring the flames under control. Insp Simon Reid of Police Scotland said: "Police along with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service attended a property in Ravenscaig Road, following reports of a fire at a domestic property. "Sadly, the body of a male has been found within the property and the cause of death remains unexplained at this time. "A joint Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances of the fire." A spokeswoman from Police Scotland said there was no other information about the man until a formal identification had taken place.
A man has died following a blaze at a house in Peterhead.
32372174
Two contract employees of the Pogo Mine were attacked on Monday while collecting geological samples. Fatal black bear attacks against humans are very rare, experts say. Around 90% of deaths by bears in Alaska are caused by brown bears or grizzlies. On Sunday a 16-year-old boy was killed by a 250lb (113kg) black bear while running in a trail race. Patrick Cooper was competing in the Robert Spurr Memorial Hill Climb near the city of Anchorage, when he was attacked. Since 1880, only six deaths in the state have been linked to black bears, the Alaska Dispatch News reports. The victim of the latest attack, which unfolded about 340 miles (550km) north of Anchorage, has not yet been identified. Another mine employee suffered "non-life-threatening injuries" in the incident, reports the Daily News-Miner. Employees of the underground mine shot and killed the black bear. After the attack, 24 other mine workers were recalled to the main camp, the newspaper reports. "Right now we have more questions than answers. Everyone on site is concerned for those involved," said Pogo Mine general manager Chris Kennedy. "Our condolences have been shared with our contractor and our hearts go out to the individuals, their colleagues, and their families."
An Alaskan gold miner has died in the second fatal mauling by a black bear in the state in as many days.
40346011
Nearly 70 people have been rescued from floodwaters since the severe weather first lashed Sydney's southern suburbs on Monday. More than 1400 calls for help were made to the State Emergency Service (SES). An SES spokeswoman told the BBC most cases involved rescuing people who had driven through floodwaters. "It's dangerous not only to members of the public but also to our volunteers," she said. The worst hit region has been around the Illawarra and Shoalhaven on the New South Wales south coast. A number of animals, including horses, cattle, and alpaca were also rescued. "They were moved to higher ground by our large animal rescue technicians," the SES said. Twenty-five people were evacuated on Tuesday around the Kiama region, about 120 km south of Sydney, amid fears the walls of a small dam would collapse. Authorities have now assessed the Jerrara Dam as safe and have told residents they can return to their homes.
Hundreds of residents south of Sydney have been force to flee their homes because of rising floodwaters.
34059112
The choir has been put together as part of the Edinburgh Art Festival. About 30 Edinburgh residents, chosen after an open call to the people of the city, have had their complaints gathered and set to music by two local composers. They will perform their complaints at various venues around the city during the festival. Top of the list of the complaints, perhaps unsurprisingly, is the tram project which has blighted the city for the past five years. The £776m project is due to begin running in July 2014, years behind schedule, hundreds of millions over budget and far less extensive than originally envisaged. Meanwhile, the public of Edinburgh has suffered years of road works and traffic congestion. "Huge disruption everywhere/Buses already take us there," is one line of the lyrics to the trams complaint sung by the choir. "Incompetence beyond belief/Digging up the road to Leith. "The trams aren't even going there/The council clearly doesn't care," the song continues. Daniel Padden, co-director of the choir, says the project is meant to be "fun". "It is not people sitting around moaning and being miserable about stuff. There is a joy to it as well," he says. The complaints choir idea dates back to 2005 and two Finnish musicians. Birmingham was one of the first places to embrace the concept and it has been repeated in numerous cities around the world, such as Helsinki, St Petersburg, Chicago and Tokyo. Padden says there are some complaints which are universal, such as dog mess, traffic congestion and recycling arrangements. He says it was difficult to "narrow down" the complaints but one of the songs has a section which is a long list of annoyances which did not make it in to the other pieces. As well as the trams there was one other common complaint which was specific to Edinburgh - the festival itself. Padden appreciates the irony of complaining about a festival in which they are taking part but the choir members think it is useful to be able to speak out about their city being hijacked by thousands of tourists and performers every August. Lorna Hoy says: "Sometimes at festival time I want to wear a badge which says 'I'm not a visitor, I live here', because people from the festival just get in your way when you are trying to get to work." Another choir member Heidi Docherty says the complaints choir gave her a way to take part in a festival which is normally forced upon the people of Edinburgh. She says: "It was a good way to get involved rather than just moan when it plonks itself on your doorstep." "Singing about it is very reassuring. It gets it off your chest and it's a good laugh. "It's a great way to vent your spleen and I think it will cheer the people of Edinburgh up on their way to work."
Instead of singing the praises of Scotland's capital, the Edinburgh Complaints Choir is voicing a chorus of disapproval for all the daily irritations the city offers.
23547222
Oxford's atmosphere breaks European limits for nitrogen dioxide but a government action plan suggests the city will hit targets by 2020. Oxford City Council said it was "surprised" by the estimate and "concerned" at the modelling used. The government said it was committed to improving air quality and cutting harmful emissions. According to a 2016 report from the Royal College of Physicians, air pollution across the UK is linked to around 40,000 premature deaths annually. Last year Oxford was listed by the World Health Organisation as one of 10 urban areas in the UK breaching air pollution safety levels. But the government's Draft Air Quality Action Plan predicted Oxford will meet the European Union's target by 2020, without any further action. Estimates 'incorrect' Oxford City Council said the government's modelling was "excessively optimistic" and did not use the council's own data. Councillor John Tanner said: "These draft proposals find that, without taking any further action, the city will have no problem by 2020. We think this is incorrect." A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said it had set out its plans to improve air quality through its new programme of Clean Air Zones. "We are firmly committed to improving the UK's air quality and cutting harmful emissions," the spokesperson added. The Draft Air Quality Action Plan was described as "weak" by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan when it was released in May, and criticised by the Liberal Democrats and The Green Party. Consultation on the government's plan closes at 23:45 BST, and DEFRA said it would publish its final air quality plan by 31 July.
Government estimates for air pollution in Oxford have been deemed "excessively optimistic" by the city council.
40285184
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) gave Snowdonia Pumped Hydro (SPH) permission to empty standing rainwater from two disused quarries at Glyn Rhonwy into Nant y Betws and Llyn Padarn. But the Snowdonia Society has criticised its assessment of the site. NRW said it was "confident in its permit decision." The plans for the £100m hydro plant are being considered by the UK Planning Inspectorate, with a decision expected this month. The society has written to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Greg Clark to raise concerns over NRW's decision to grant the permits under its statutory powers. The letter, seen by BBC Wales, said: "We believe there is doubt whether NRW has exercised its consultee responsibilities properly in this case." In its decision document NRW said: "A full assessment of the application and its potential to affect the site, protected species and protected habitats has been carried out as part of the permitting process." But the society called this "demonstrably incorrect." It said the developer's assessment of the water to be discharged from the quarries was based on a small number of samples, with none from the silt residues at the bottom of the pits. The Snowdonia Society director, John Harold, said: "We are appalled that the NRW has not required the developer to collect a full suite of samples. "NRW has failed to take a precautionary approach, and also, appears to have ignored concerns expressed by its own internal consultees." Sian Williams, NRW head of operations in north west Wales said they only issue an environmental permit "if they are satisfied that the company's plans prove they will operate safely, without harming the environment or local communities". "We are confident in our permit decision as explained in the decision document found on our website," she said. Ms Williams added: "Llyn Padarn is a vitally important natural asset for the area. It's important for wildlife, for people and the local economy. "We have offered Snowdonia Society an opportunity to discuss this decision with us." There are also concerns that the pits contain unexploded munitions, as the area was home to a former RAF ammunitions store that was cleared in the 1970s. Mr Harold added: "The body which should protect the environment of Wales is in effect passing the buck to planners" and has left the Department for BEIS to "deal with the complex environmental risk assessment for munitions and their residues at Glyn Rhonwy". A BEIS spokesperson said: "The government recognises the potential for storage technologies, including pumped hydro, which is why we have worked with other organisations to invest more than £80m in research and development since 2012, and are actively seeking to remove barriers to the industry.
Concerns have been raised over a decision to award environmental permits to a planned hydro power plant in Llanberis, Gwynedd.
39179194
A statement on a website close to the outlawed Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) said it carried out the attack. The two women died in a shootout with police after hiding in the building in Bayrampasa district, officials said. Two policemen were hurt in the attack. The women had earlier opened fire at a riot police station in Bayrampasa, the Hurriyet newspaper reported. Profile: Turkey's Marxist DHKP-C How dangerous is Turkey's instability? The statement on the website hailed the "brave female liberation fighters". The extreme-left DHKP-C has waged a violent campaign for more than three decades. Turkey says the group has killed dozens of police officers and soldiers along with scores of civilians since it was formed in 1978 with the aim of replacing the Turkish government with a Marxist one. It also opposes what it calls US imperialism and has several times targeted US military personnel and diplomatic missions. Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin said an investigation into Thursday's attack was under way. Both Kurdish rebels and far-left militants have attacked police in Istanbul in the past. Thursday's attack comes amid a rise in violence in Turkey since mid-2015. In November Kurdish PKK rebels said they would resume fighting against the army, ending a unilateral ceasefire that over the past three decades has killed tens of thousands of people.
Two women who attacked police with gunfire and a grenade before hiding in a building in the Turkish city of Istanbul have been killed, the city's governor has said.
35716224
1 December 2015 Last updated at 09:29 GMT This would give local communities more power and control over things like transport and business rates, but it would also involve the election of a Mayor. BBC Look North's political editor Len Tingle takes a look at the future for Yorkshire and how this could work.
In his spending review last Wednesday, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, talked about "the devolution revolution" in which some of the big decisions about where money is spent are made locally instead of centrally.
34970400
The Saffrons had already missed out on promotion before the Ruislip game, which saw the Exiles pull clear after a tight opening 20 minutes. London led 0-15 to 0-11 at the break and ran out two-point winners despite a late Niall McKenna goal for Antrim. Derry are relegated to Division 2B after losing 2-18 to 1-16 against Kildare in Newbridge. Down have progressed to the Division 2B decider thanks to a 2-17 to 1-13 victory over Meath at Ballycran. The Mourne men will meet Armagh in an all-Ulster final, with the Orchard side earning their place following a 1-17 to 1-10 success against Mayo at the Athletic Grounds. Antrim are back in competitive action on 23 April when their Christy Ring Cup campaign starts against Kildare. Allianz Hurling League results Saturday 19 March Division Three A Monaghan 2-13 2-6 Warwickshire Sunday 20 March Division One A Tipperary 2-27 2-15 Cork Waterford 0-24 1-21 Galway Kilkenny 0-23 1-14 Dublin Division One B Offaly 2-17 2-18 Kerry Laois 0-21 0-22 Wexford Clare 0-20 1-15 Limerick Division Two A Kildare 2-18 1-16 Derry London 1-21 1-19 Antrim Carlow 0-20 1-15 Westmeath Division Two B Armagh 1-17 1-10 Mayo Wicklow 2-27 0-17 Donegal Down 2-17 1-13 Meath Division Three A Roscommon 4-13 1-14 Tyrone Louth 5-12 2-8 Fingal Division Three B Leitrim 1-11 2-16 Fermanagh Sligo 5-13 5-21 Longford
Antrim completed their Hurling League Division 2A campaign with a 1-21 to 1-19 defeat by London on Sunday.
35852118
Media playback is not supported on this device Bury's Quigg, WBA super-bantamweight champion, will fight IBF champion Frampton in Manchester on 27 February. But Belfast's Frampton believes he will have more support, despite the fight taking place near Quigg's home town. "I'm a bigger draw. I'm confident I'll have the lion's share of fans on the night," said the 28-year-old. "There will be more Irish in the arena. Whatever it takes for them to get in, they'll get in. But it's not really about Ireland versus England. "Judging by the response I've had so far, people from Ireland, Manchester, Liverpool, London, Wales and Scotland will all be supporting me." Media playback is not supported on this device Frampton and Quigg, 27, have been circling each other for four years, with both camps blaming each other for repeated breakdowns in negotiations. But Quigg denied the fight was only taking place now because of Frampton's under-par performance in his most recent contest, which he won on points despite being knocked down twice by Mexican Alejandro Gonzalez. "They're fooling themselves if they think that's the case, we've been trying to make this fight for years," he said at a spiky news conference in Manchester. "They thought they were going to crack America and if he'd beaten Gonzalez in exciting fashion, he wouldn't be back here fighting me. Instead, they went over there and he was up and down like a yo-yo. "He couldn't go back to Al Haymon [the American adviser and media mogul] and demand big money when he'd almost been upset by a blown-up bantamweight. He knew the only way he could make any money was by fighting me." While Frampton and Quigg have largely been respectful of each other since the fight was officially announced, there has still been plenty of flak flying on their three-city promotional tour, which finishes in Belfast on Wednesday. Frampton called Quigg's promoter Eddie Hearn "the smuggest man I've ever come across", while Frampton's manager and British and Irish boxing legend Barry McGuigan called Quigg's trainer Joe Gallagher "an eejit and a fool". Media playback is not supported on this device For their part, Quigg's team seem convinced they have got under Frampton's skin, with Hearn announcing he had breakfasted on "three pints of banter juice". "Carl's rattled and there are still 100 days to go," said British trainer of the year Gallagher, who also handles Liverpool's title-winning Smith brothers and Anthony Crolla, who fights for a world title on Saturday. "Carl was down twice last time and Scott has just knocked out the best person Carl has beaten [Quigg stopped Spain's Kiko Martinez in two rounds in July, while Frampton beat Martinez on points to claim the IBF belt last September]. "He will have a lot of demons and his camp has a lot of work to do, mentally and physically, to make him believe he's going to win this fight. "I've got the man with the power in either hand to do the damage on the night. As soon as Scott lands, head or body, it will be over." Frampton, who is undefeated in 21 professional fights, replied: "Quigg is a dangerous fighter. But I can make this fight easy and win it, even if I'm not at my best. In every department, I'm just that bit better than him." Responding to Frampton's claims that Quigg was "still eating crayons" when he had his first bout at the age of seven, the Bury boxer, who has 31 wins and two draws from 33 professional fights, said: "I have been in the ring since the age of nine and had 70-odd Thai boxing fights before I started boxing. "I've got just as much experience in the ring as he has. And I've not done bad for somebody who eats crayons. I might start eating some more of them."
Carl Frampton has taunted Scott Quigg before their world title unification fight, saying it will be "Bury versus everywhere else".
34851311
The popular comedy group is known for taking on social issues in its own funny style and their latest video - Honest Indian Weddings - appears to have done justice to its name. It shows the bride's family being under pressure to pay dowry to the groom's relatives. In the video, dowry is discussed between the families and the girl is left with very little choice but to marry the man. The video also makes fun of grand Indian weddings, where the guest list is often long and food is aplenty. The video, which has been viewed more than a million times, has received mixed reviews, with some finding it funny and others seeing it as against Indian traditions. Dowry is a centuries-old South Asian tradition in which the bride's family offers gifts, often in the form of cash, to the groom. India made the dowry system illegal in 1961 but it is still rampant in the country. The video has generated a lot of interest on social media: Meanwhile, some websites exist in India that actually help you calculate your dowry. One website showed the following message in response to some random details I submitted. Matrimonial website shaadi.com launched its dowry calculator on 29 April and since then more than 200,000 people have taken the quiz. Most users took the quiz expecting to find their dowry amount, but they were surprised with the result - instead of the amount, the quiz gave the number of dowry deaths in India. "We wanted to get people's attention on this problem in a unique way and the calculator helped in achieving that goal," explains Aditya Save of shaadi.com. "Dowry is an evil practice, but has unfortunately gained social legitimacy in some parts of the country. So it gets very difficult to make people pay attention to a problem they are already aware of. But the calculator seems to have worked," he says. "Among the people who took the quiz, more than 85% were women and that just shows how concerned they are about this problem," he adds. The initiative has been praised on Twitter. Mr Save denies allegations that the initiative is a "clever marketing initiative". "We are in the business of wedding but are totally against the system of dowry. We want our subscribers to highlight cases of dowry demands, so we can take action and ban such people," he says. BBC Monitoring reports and analyses news from TV, radio, web and print media around the world. You can follow BBC Monitoring on Twitter and Facebook.
The problem of dowry in India is back in the spotlight after comedy group AIB's new video and a unique internet experiment by a matrimonial website.
32732366