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Tanveer Ahmed, from Bradford in Yorkshire, attacked Asad Shah outside his store in the Shawlands area on 24 March. Mr Shah later died in hospital.
The 40-year-old was stabbed after publishing hundreds of videos about his spiritual beliefs online.
Mr Shah was an Ahmadiyya, a group known for its peaceful interfaith concerns. Ahmed said he had "disrespected" Islam.
He pled guilty to the murder at a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow. Sentence was deferred until 9 August and Ahmed was remanded in custody.
The judge, Lady Rae, said he would face a very lengthy period of imprisonment.
She told Ahmed: "This was a truly despicable crime, motivated, it seems, by your sense of offence at a man's expression of his religious beliefs, which differ from yours.
"Let me be clear - there's no justification whatsoever for what you did."
The court heard Ahmed, a cab driver, was in Glasgow a couple of days before the murder with a friend who knew Mr Shah and who showed Ahmed Mr Shah's Facebook page.
The shopkeeper had uploaded hundreds of videos about his spiritual beliefs to Facebook and YouTube, most of which were filmed behind the counter of his shop.
The court was told Mr Shah had posted some videos which could be seen as him claiming that he was a prophet.
Advocate depute Iain McSporran, prosecuting, said: "The accused's consistent and repeated account as to his motivation for murdering Asad Shah was that Shah claimed to be a prophet, which so offended his feelings and his faith that he had to kill him."
Ahmed, a Sunni Muslim, returned to Bradford but then drove to Glasgow on the day of the murder. On the journey, he watched online footage of Mr Shah and said: "Listen to this guy, something needs to be done, it needs nipped in the bud."
He arrived at the shop at about 21:00 where Mr Shah was working with an assistant, Stephen McFadyen.
After walking around the shop, Ahmed approached the counter and began speaking to Mr Shah.
Mr McSporran said: "The accused having apparently not received the response he was looking for, reaches into the robes he is wearing and removes a knife which which he attacks Asad Shah, moving behind the counter to do so.
"Stephen McFadyen, approaches and attempts to assist but the incident is fast moving and he is unable to prevent the attack, involving repeated stab wounds aimed at the head and upper body, continuing.
"Asad Shah attempted to flee his assailant and moved outside the shop but the accused kept hold of him and continued striking him with the knife."
Mr Shah was taken to hospital in Glasgow, but despite CPR and surgery he could not be saved and was pronounced dead at about 22:00.
He suffered multiple broken bones and the base of his skull was fragmented in a way more commonly seen in victims of road traffic accidents, with "numerous powerful blows" to his head and back, the court heard.
To many in Pakistan, Mumtaz Qadri was a cold-blooded murderer. But to the tens of thousands of his supporters he was a hero who defended Islam and its prophet.
Mumtaz Qadri was hanged in February for killing the governor of Punjab Salman Taseer in 2011. Mr Taseer had spoken out against the country's blasphemy law.
Riots broke out after Qadri's funeral with many vowing to carry on the cause. One banner said: "We're all Mumtaz Qadri".
I met Qadri's brother, Dilpazeer Awan, in their family home in Rawalpindi. He said Tanveer Ahmed was one of his brother's biggest supporters.
I asked him if he thought he killed Asad Shah because his brother inspired him.
He told me: "Yes no doubt he was very much impressed by Mumtaz, he used to send him messages in jail. Let me tell you it's only Mumtaz Qadri's body which was hanged but his spirit still lives on."
Blasphemy is a capital crime here in Pakistan and while no one has ever been executed for it, dozens have been killed before their cases even made it to court.
Human rights groups have long called for a change of the law which they say is used mainly against religious minorities.
But it's a very sensitive and often life threatening subject that many people especially politicians prefer to avoid.
Mr McSporran said the nature of the attack was such that "only death could possibly have been the intended outcome".
Ahmed then calmly walked to a bus shelter and sat "head bowed as if in prayer" and made no attempt to escape.
He told the police officers who found him: "I respect what you do and I have nothing against you and so I am not going to hurt you.
"I have broken the law and appreciate how you are treating me."
Ahmadiyya Muslims are persecuted in many parts of the world and are banned by the constitution of Pakistan from referring to themselves as Muslims.
Mr Shah was born in Rabwah, Pakistan, but moved to Scotland after he and his family were persecuted for their faith. They were granted asylum by the UK.
On the day Mr Shah died, he had posted a message on Facebook which read: "Good Friday and a very happy Easter, especially to my beloved Christian nationx."
However, Mr McSporran stressed this specific post had no bearing on the crime.
After being arrested, Ahmed released a statement through his lawyer saying he had killed Mr Shah as he had falsely claimed to be a prophet.
The statement was immediately condemned by Ahmadiyya Muslim leaders, who said killing for "blasphemy" was "completely against the teachings of Islam".
"We must not let the same mindset of hate and violence take root here in Glasgow, and for that matter, the UK and anywhere in the world," they added.
The court heard Ahmed was not motivated by malice towards Ahmadiyya Muslims as a group, but by his offence at Mr Shah's comments.
However, a victim statement from the shopkeeper's family - his wife, parents and six siblings - said they could no longer live normal lives and some intended to leave Scotland.
His parents said: "We brought our children to this country to seek refuge from Pakistan in 1991 fleeing persecution, religious hatred, discrimination and a danger to our lives because we were Ahmadis.
"We never thought that we could be in danger here. We feel imprisoned by our pain and suffering and we have little hope of ever having a normal life again.
"Most of the family, unable to live with this turmoil, pain and fear, has taken a decision to leave Scotland forever."
The murder of Mr Shah, who was well-known in the area, shocked the local community, with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon among those to pay their respects to him.
Asst Ch Con Steve Johnson, from Police Scotland, said Mr Shah had been a "peaceful family man" who was well-liked in the community.
He added: "Mr Shah's murder was the result of an extreme act of violence; an attack which was concluded within the space of four minutes. It is clear that the actions of Tanveer Ahmed were motivated by his religious beliefs.
"There is a consensus across all of our communities that there is no place in Scotland for religious or cultural intolerance which generates crimes of hatred, intimidation or violence. Religious or cultural beliefs, no matter how strongly held, do not entitle anyone to commit murder or acts of aggression." | A 32-year-old man has admitted murdering a Glasgow shopkeeper in a religiously motivated attack. | tanveer ahmed from bradford in yorkshire attacked asad shah outside his store in the shawlands area on 24 march mr shah later died in hospital the 40-year-old was stabbed after publishing hundreds of videos about his spiritual beliefs online mr shah was an ahmadiyya group known for its peaceful interfaith concerns ahmed said he had disrespected islam he pled guilty to the murder at hearing at the high court in glasgow sentence was deferred until august and ahmed was remanded in custody the judge lady rae said he would face very lengthy period of imprisonment she told ahmed this was truly despicable crime motivated it seems by your sense of offence at man expression of his religious beliefs which differ from yours let me be clear there no justification whatsoever for what you did the court heard ahmed cab driver was in glasgow couple of days before the murder with friend who knew mr shah and who showed ahmed mr shah facebook page the shopkeeper had uploaded hundreds of videos about his spiritual beliefs to facebook and youtube most of which were filmed behind the counter of his shop the court was told mr shah had posted some videos which could be seen as him claiming that he was prophet advocate depute iain mcsporran prosecuting said the accused consistent and repeated account as to his motivation for murdering asad shah was that shah claimed to be prophet which so offended his feelings and his faith that he had to kill him ahmed sunni muslim returned to bradford but then drove to glasgow on the day of the murder on the journey he watched online footage of mr shah and said listen to this guy something needs to be done it needs nipped in the bud he arrived at the shop at about 21:00 where mr shah was working with an assistant stephen mcfadyen after walking around the shop ahmed approached the counter and began speaking to mr shah mr mcsporran said the accused having apparently not received the response he was looking for reaches into the robes he is wearing and removes knife which which he attacks asad shah moving behind the counter to do so stephen mcfadyen approaches and attempts to assist but the incident is fast moving and he is unable to prevent the attack involving repeated stab wounds aimed at the head and upper body continuing asad shah attempted to flee his assailant and moved outside the shop but the accused kept hold of him and continued striking him with the knife mr shah was taken to hospital in glasgow but despite cpr and surgery he could not be saved and was pronounced dead at about 22:00 he suffered multiple broken bones and the base of his skull was fragmented in way more commonly seen in victims of road traffic accidents with numerous powerful blows to his head and back the court heard to many in pakistan mumtaz qadri was cold-blooded murderer but to the tens of thousands of his supporters he was hero who defended islam and its prophet mumtaz qadri was hanged in february for killing the governor of punjab salman taseer in 2011 mr taseer had spoken out against the country blasphemy law riots broke out after qadri funeral with many vowing to carry on the cause one banner said we re all mumtaz qadri met qadri brother dilpazeer awan in their family home in rawalpindi he said tanveer ahmed was one of his brother biggest supporters asked him if he thought he killed asad shah because his brother inspired him he told me yes no doubt he was very much impressed by mumtaz he used to send him messages in jail let me tell you it only mumtaz qadri body which was hanged but his spirit still lives on blasphemy is capital crime here in pakistan and while no one has ever been executed for it dozens have been killed before their cases even made it to court human rights groups have long called for change of the law which they say is used mainly against religious minorities but it very sensitive and often life threatening subject that many people especially politicians prefer to avoid mr mcsporran said the nature of the attack was such that only death could possibly have been the intended outcome ahmed then calmly walked to bus shelter and sat head bowed as if in prayer and made no attempt to escape he told the police officers who found him respect what you do and have nothing against you and so am not going to hurt you have broken the law and appreciate how you are treating me ahmadiyya muslims are persecuted in many parts of the world and are banned by the constitution of pakistan from referring to themselves as muslims mr shah was born in rabwah pakistan but moved to scotland after he and his family were persecuted for their faith they were granted asylum by the uk on the day mr shah died he had posted message on facebook which read good friday and very happy easter especially to my beloved christian nationx however mr mcsporran stressed this specific post had no bearing on the crime after being arrested ahmed released statement through his lawyer saying he had killed mr shah as he had falsely claimed to be prophet the statement was immediately condemned by ahmadiyya muslim leaders who said killing for blasphemy was completely against the teachings of islam we must not let the same mindset of hate and violence take root here in glasgow and for that matter the uk and anywhere in the world they added the court heard ahmed was not motivated by malice towards ahmadiyya muslims as group but by his offence at mr shah comments however victim statement from the shopkeeper family his wife parents and six siblings said they could no longer live normal lives and some intended to leave scotland his parents said we brought our children to this country to seek refuge from pakistan in 1991 fleeing persecution religious hatred discrimination and danger to our lives because we were ahmadis we never thought that we could be in danger here we feel imprisoned by our pain and suffering and we have little hope of ever having normal life again most of the family unable to live with this turmoil pain and fear has taken decision to leave scotland forever the murder of mr shah who was well-known in the area shocked the local community with scottish first minister nicola sturgeon among those to pay their respects to him asst ch con steve johnson from police scotland said mr shah had been peaceful family man who was well-liked in the community he added mr shah murder was the result of an extreme act of violence an attack which was concluded within the space of four minutes it is clear that the actions of tanveer ahmed were motivated by his religious beliefs there is consensus across all of our communities that there is no place in scotland for religious or cultural intolerance which generates crimes of hatred intimidation or violence religious or cultural beliefs no matter how strongly held do not entitle anyone to commit murder or acts of aggression | _START_ A 32-year-old man has admitted murdering a Glasgow shopkeeper in a religiously motivated attack. _END_ |
The survey taken at polling stations across the UK suggests the Tories could get 314 MPs when all the results have been counted in Thursday's election.
Labour would get 266, the Lib Dems 14, UKIP none and the SNP 34, the GFK/Ipsos MORI poll for BBC/ITV/Sky suggests.
Early results are suggesting a small swing to Labour but it is too early to say if the exit poll is accurate.
Turnout is so far up by 3 points on the 2015 general election, which means it could be close to 70% by the end of the night, the highest since 1997.
Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson, who held his West Bromwich East seat, said the "hours to come look very uncertain", but added: "Theresa May's authority has been undermined by this election. She is a damaged prime minister and her reputation may never recover."
Labour saw off a Conservative challenge to hold Darlington and took Stockton South back from the Conservatives, denting Theresa May's hopes of a revival in the North East of England and a landslide victory.
Labour gained Rutherglen and Hamilton West from the SNP, with an 8.9% swing, suggesting, said polling expert John Curtice, that the SNP "are going to suffer quite substantial losses". The SNP has also lost Angus, in North East Scotland, to the Conservatives.
Labour also held Wrexham, a top Conservative target in Wales and took the Vale of Clwyd from the Conservatives, it's first gain of the night from Mrs May's party.
Labour also took Battersea, in South London, from the Conservatives, with Treasury Minister Jane Ellison losing her seat.
Labour's Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry told BBC News: "It is possible that we will form the next government."
She ruled out a coalition, saying Labour would form a minority government in the event of a hung parliament, asking the smaller parties such as the Lib Dems and the SNP to support its programme in a Queen's Speech.
But veteran Conservative Ken Clarke said he believed his party would have a "small overall majority" when all the votes have been counted, although we might not know the result until much later on Friday.
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To get an overall majority, one party needs to get 326 seats.
The exit poll suggests the Conservatives would be 12 short of an overall majority.
It suggests Labour would gain 34 seats, the Conservatives would lose 17 seats, the Lib Dems would gain six and the SNP lose 22 seats.
The Green Party would be unchanged with one seat and Plaid Cymru would still have three MPs, according to the poll.
In total, 30,450 people were interviewed as they exited 144 polling stations across the UK.
If these numbers are correct, Theresa May played a high risk political game and has lost it - she didn't have to call this election, and only did so in order to give herself a mandate and breathing space during the bumpy ride of Brexit.
Just a few weeks ago at the start of all of this she seemed unassailable, but a shaky campaign and an insurgent Labour Party may have dashed the Tories' hopes.
This exit poll result is not what either parties were predicting privately - this would be another political surprise - the public again defying the expectations of both the main sides.
The Conservatives do look set to be the largest party, it's not clear on these numbers if they will be able to govern alone - Theresa May's promise throughout was to offer her catchphrase "strong and stable leadership" - instead she may end diminished - but only of course, your votes, and the real results, will determine through the course of the night what really happens next.
Evening Standard editor George Osborne, who was sacked as chancellor last year by Theresa May, said, if borne out by actual results, the "catastrophic" exit poll figures would put Mrs May's future as Conservative leader in doubt.
SNP Deputy Leader Stewart Hosie said it would be an "extraordinary thing" for Theresa May "to call this election for narrow party advantage and then, if these numbers are correct, to blow it incredibly".
He said the SNP would still win the election in Scotland, despite the exit poll forecasting substantial losses.
A Lib Dem source said it was "too early" to comment on the exit poll, but added: "In this election holding our own is a good night."
The party ruled out going into coalition with either the Conservatives or Labour.
Green co-leader Caroline Lucas said she could "hardly dare hope" that the exit poll was right, adding: "To be clear, Greens will never support a Tory government."
UKIP leader Paul Nuttall said: "If the exit poll is true then Theresa May has put Brexit in jeopardy. I said at the start this election was wrong. Hubris."
The Conservatives could still secure an overall majority if, as the exit poll suggests, they perform relatively well in constituencies that Labour are defending where a majority of all voters voted Leave in last year's EU referendum.
They would also need to do better in marginal seats they are defending.
If neither of these patterns materialises, but the exit poll's estimate of the overall levels of support for the parties is correct, then the Conservatives could lose their overall majority.
In addition, there is some evidence from the exit poll that the Conservatives will perform relatively well in Wales.
If the exit poll is correct the SNP could suffer heavier losses than was widely anticipated in advance of polling day.
Indeed this, together with clear evidence of a Conservative revival north of the border, may yet provide the Tories with the extra seats that they might need to secure an overall majority.
A total of 650 Westminster MPs will be elected, with more than 45 million people entitled to vote.
Some votes had been cast before Thursday through postal voting, which accounted for 16% of the total electorate at the 2015 general election, when the overall turnout was 66%. | The Tories will be the largest party but may not have a majority, according to the general election exit poll. | the survey taken at polling stations across the uk suggests the tories could get 314 mps when all the results have been counted in thursday election labour would get 266 the lib dems 14 ukip none and the snp 34 the gfk/ipsos mori poll for bbc/itv/sky suggests early results are suggesting small swing to labour but it is too early to say if the exit poll is accurate turnout is so far up by points on the 2015 general election which means it could be close to 70% by the end of the night the highest since 1997 labour deputy leader tom watson who held his west bromwich east seat said the hours to come look very uncertain but added theresa may authority has been undermined by this election she is damaged prime minister and her reputation may never recover labour saw off conservative challenge to hold darlington and took stockton south back from the conservatives denting theresa may hopes of revival in the north east of england and landslide victory labour gained rutherglen and hamilton west from the snp with an 8.9% swing suggesting said polling expert john curtice that the snp are going to suffer quite substantial losses the snp has also lost angus in north east scotland to the conservatives labour also held wrexham top conservative target in wales and took the vale of clwyd from the conservatives it first gain of the night from mrs may party labour also took battersea in south london from the conservatives with treasury minister jane ellison losing her seat labour shadow foreign secretary emily thornberry told bbc news it is possible that we will form the next government she ruled out coalition saying labour would form minority government in the event of hung parliament asking the smaller parties such as the lib dems and the snp to support its programme in queen speech but veteran conservative ken clarke said he believed his party would have small overall majority when all the votes have been counted although we might not know the result until much later on friday sorry your browser cannot display this content enter postcode or seat name to get an overall majority one party needs to get 326 seats the exit poll suggests the conservatives would be 12 short of an overall majority it suggests labour would gain 34 seats the conservatives would lose 17 seats the lib dems would gain six and the snp lose 22 seats the green party would be unchanged with one seat and plaid cymru would still have three mps according to the poll in total 30 450 people were interviewed as they exited 144 polling stations across the uk if these numbers are correct theresa may played high risk political game and has lost it she didn have to call this election and only did so in order to give herself mandate and breathing space during the bumpy ride of brexit just few weeks ago at the start of all of this she seemed unassailable but shaky campaign and an insurgent labour party may have dashed the tories hopes this exit poll result is not what either parties were predicting privately this would be another political surprise the public again defying the expectations of both the main sides the conservatives do look set to be the largest party it not clear on these numbers if they will be able to govern alone theresa may promise throughout was to offer her catchphrase strong and stable leadership instead she may end diminished but only of course your votes and the real results will determine through the course of the night what really happens next evening standard editor george osborne who was sacked as chancellor last year by theresa may said if borne out by actual results the catastrophic exit poll figures would put mrs may future as conservative leader in doubt snp deputy leader stewart hosie said it would be an extraordinary thing for theresa may to call this election for narrow party advantage and then if these numbers are correct to blow it incredibly he said the snp would still win the election in scotland despite the exit poll forecasting substantial losses lib dem source said it was too early to comment on the exit poll but added in this election holding our own is good night the party ruled out going into coalition with either the conservatives or labour green co-leader caroline lucas said she could hardly dare hope that the exit poll was right adding to be clear greens will never support tory government ukip leader paul nuttall said if the exit poll is true then theresa may has put brexit in jeopardy said at the start this election was wrong hubris the conservatives could still secure an overall majority if as the exit poll suggests they perform relatively well in constituencies that labour are defending where majority of all voters voted leave in last year eu referendum they would also need to do better in marginal seats they are defending if neither of these patterns materialises but the exit poll estimate of the overall levels of support for the parties is correct then the conservatives could lose their overall majority in addition there is some evidence from the exit poll that the conservatives will perform relatively well in wales if the exit poll is correct the snp could suffer heavier losses than was widely anticipated in advance of polling day indeed this together with clear evidence of conservative revival north of the border may yet provide the tories with the extra seats that they might need to secure an overall majority total of 650 westminster mps will be elected with more than 45 million people entitled to vote some votes had been cast before thursday through postal voting which accounted for 16% of the total electorate at the 2015 general election when the overall turnout was 66%. | _START_ The Tories will be the largest party but may not have a majority, according to the general election exit poll. _END_ |
But 2015 has unquestionably been the year of the migrant.
The news was dominated for months by pictures of vast crowds shuffling through the borders of yet another European country, being treated with brutality in some places and given a reluctant welcome in others.
In some places - Germany, in particular - the warmth of the welcome they were accorded by some groups compared with the hostility from others.
In researching a report for radio and television about the migrant phenomenon, I was struck again and again by the realisation that there was nothing new about it.
BBC Archive: Migrant crises through history
For 100 years, waves of displaced and frightened people have broken over Europe again and again and the images have been strikingly similar each time.
In August 1914, cinema audiences across Britain, many of whom had probably thought this kind of thing would never happen in Europe again, watched jerky black and white newsreel pictures of a million or more Belgians trudging along the roads to the Netherlands or France.
They carried their children and their most treasured possessions, escaping the German soldiers who had invaded their country.
Britain, for its part, took in 250,000 of these Belgian refugees.
During the inter-war years we saw similar pictures from Abyssinia, from Spain, from China and elsewhere, as the future Axis powers sought empire and Lebensraum (territorial expansion).
And then, in 1945, there were exactly the same sort of pictures of the fearful and the homeless, only this time they were of ethnic Germans, 12m of them, forced out of their homes in Poland and Czechoslovakia and Russia and obliged to seek shelter in a shattered and divided Germany.
Closer to our own time, the pictures are in colour, yet they show the identical problem: terrified Vietnamese refugees escaping from the American bombing, or - after the war had been lost - from the victorious North Vietnamese.
The boat people, fleeing Communism and racial persecution, flooded into Hong Kong and other safe ports, packed on to frail craft that looked like the ones we've seen this year in the waters off Greece, Italy and Turkey.
In the 1970s, Britain took in thousands of the Asian population of Kenya and Idi Amin's Uganda, thrown out of their homes and countries by governments which thought they saw an advantage in driving them away.
There was a bit of antagonism to them in Britain as some people greeted them with placards that read "We Don't Want You" or, more puzzlingly, "Go Home".
But the East African Asians received a fairly generous official welcome and quickly helped to transform British life by setting up small businesses - particularly the corner stores which stayed open in the evenings and weekends, long after the traditional shops closed. The following generation went on to be scientists and teachers and economists - and members of the House of Lords.
More recently, in video of a clarity that makes it look as though it was shot yesterday, we can see floods of ethnic Albanian refugees escaping from the ethnic cleansing of the Serbian forces in Kosovo in 1998 and 1999.
In the footage they come pouring down the steep hillsides, looking like the Belgians of 1914 and the Germans of 1945, with the dull stare of fear and exhaustion in their eyes.
Yet there is one major difference between these waves of migrants in the past and the one we have seen in 2015.
Professor Alex Betts, director of the Refugee Studies Centre at Oxford University, explains: "What's dramatic about today is that this is the first time Europe has faced people coming in from the outside in large numbers as refugees.
"The fact that many are Muslims is perceived as challenging Europe's identity."
European societies are changing very fast indeed as a result of immigration.
In London, for instance, more than 300 languages are now spoken, according to a recent academic study and the city's mayor, Boris Johnson.
The influx of migrants reinforces people's sense that their identity is under threat.
But how can the world deal conclusively with the problem?
The former UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Sir John Holmes, blames poor global governance.
"Other powers are rising," he says. "And the United States doesn't have the influence it once did - Syria is an example of this - so the problem's not being fixed, no-one's waving the big stick and we're having to pick up the pieces."
We have endured an entire century of exile and homelessness and the cause is almost always the same - conflict and bad government.
Unless these are dealt with, the flow of migrants will never be stopped. | As winter has approached, the apparently ceaseless flow of migrants heading for Western Europe has eased off. | but 2015 has unquestionably been the year of the migrant the news was dominated for months by pictures of vast crowds shuffling through the borders of yet another european country being treated with brutality in some places and given reluctant welcome in others in some places germany in particular the warmth of the welcome they were accorded by some groups compared with the hostility from others in researching report for radio and television about the migrant phenomenon was struck again and again by the realisation that there was nothing new about it bbc archive migrant crises through history for 100 years waves of displaced and frightened people have broken over europe again and again and the images have been strikingly similar each time in august 1914 cinema audiences across britain many of whom had probably thought this kind of thing would never happen in europe again watched jerky black and white newsreel pictures of million or more belgians trudging along the roads to the netherlands or france they carried their children and their most treasured possessions escaping the german soldiers who had invaded their country britain for its part took in 250 000 of these belgian refugees during the inter-war years we saw similar pictures from abyssinia from spain from china and elsewhere as the future axis powers sought empire and lebensraum territorial expansion and then in 1945 there were exactly the same sort of pictures of the fearful and the homeless only this time they were of ethnic germans 12m of them forced out of their homes in poland and czechoslovakia and russia and obliged to seek shelter in shattered and divided germany closer to our own time the pictures are in colour yet they show the identical problem terrified vietnamese refugees escaping from the american bombing or after the war had been lost from the victorious north vietnamese the boat people fleeing communism and racial persecution flooded into hong kong and other safe ports packed on to frail craft that looked like the ones we ve seen this year in the waters off greece italy and turkey in the 1970s britain took in thousands of the asian population of kenya and idi amin uganda thrown out of their homes and countries by governments which thought they saw an advantage in driving them away there was bit of antagonism to them in britain as some people greeted them with placards that read we don want you or more puzzlingly go home but the east african asians received fairly generous official welcome and quickly helped to transform british life by setting up small businesses particularly the corner stores which stayed open in the evenings and weekends long after the traditional shops closed the following generation went on to be scientists and teachers and economists and members of the house of lords more recently in video of clarity that makes it look as though it was shot yesterday we can see floods of ethnic albanian refugees escaping from the ethnic cleansing of the serbian forces in kosovo in 1998 and 1999 in the footage they come pouring down the steep hillsides looking like the belgians of 1914 and the germans of 1945 with the dull stare of fear and exhaustion in their eyes yet there is one major difference between these waves of migrants in the past and the one we have seen in 2015 professor alex betts director of the refugee studies centre at oxford university explains what dramatic about today is that this is the first time europe has faced people coming in from the outside in large numbers as refugees the fact that many are muslims is perceived as challenging europe identity european societies are changing very fast indeed as result of immigration in london for instance more than 300 languages are now spoken according to recent academic study and the city mayor boris johnson the influx of migrants reinforces people sense that their identity is under threat but how can the world deal conclusively with the problem the former un under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs sir john holmes blames poor global governance other powers are rising he says and the united states doesn have the influence it once did syria is an example of this so the problem not being fixed no-one waving the big stick and we re having to pick up the pieces we have endured an entire century of exile and homelessness and the cause is almost always the same conflict and bad government unless these are dealt with the flow of migrants will never be stopped. | _START_ As winter has approached, the apparently ceaseless flow of migrants heading for Western Europe has eased off. _END_ |
The ministry said the claims were "completely untrue and intended to harm Syria's reputation".
Amnesty said mass hangings took place every week at Saydnaya prison between September 2011 and December 2015.
It said executions had been authorised at the highest levels of the Syrian government.
The human rights group interviewed 84 people, including former guards, detainees and officials at the prison, north of Damascus, for its report.
In a statement carried by the official Sana news agency, the justice ministry dismissed the claims as "baseless" and said that all executions in Syria followed due process.
"The justice ministry denies and condemns in the strongest terms what was reported because it is not based on correct evidence but on personal emotions that aim to achieve well-known political goals," the statement said.
Amnesty said the Syrian government had not responded to its request for comment ahead of the report's publication.
The government has previously denied killing or mistreating detainees.
In its report, Amnesty said that every week, and often twice a week, groups of between 20 and 50 people, mostly opposition supporters, were executed in total secrecy at the facility.
Before their execution, detainees were brought before a "military field court" in the capital's Qaboun district for "trials" lasting only a few minutes, the report says.
A former military court judge quoted by Amnesty said detainees would be asked if they had committed crimes. "Whether the answer is 'yes' or 'no', he will be convicted... This court has no relation with the rule of law," he said.
On the basis of the testimony of witnesses, Amnesty estimates that between 5,000 and 13,000 people were executed at Saydnaya over five years.
The group said such practices amounted to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Last August, Amnesty reported that an estimated 17,723 people had died in custody as a result of torture and the deprivation of food, water and medical care between March 2011 - when the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began - and December 2015. That figure did not include those allegedly hanged at Saydnaya.
Also last year, UN human rights experts said witness accounts and other evidence strongly suggested that tens of thousands of people were being detained and that "deaths on a massive scale" were occurring in custody. | Syria's justice ministry has rejected a report by Amnesty International that alleged as many as 13,000 people have been executed at a government prison. | the ministry said the claims were completely untrue and intended to harm syria reputation amnesty said mass hangings took place every week at saydnaya prison between september 2011 and december 2015 it said executions had been authorised at the highest levels of the syrian government the human rights group interviewed 84 people including former guards detainees and officials at the prison north of damascus for its report in statement carried by the official sana news agency the justice ministry dismissed the claims as baseless and said that all executions in syria followed due process the justice ministry denies and condemns in the strongest terms what was reported because it is not based on correct evidence but on personal emotions that aim to achieve well-known political goals the statement said amnesty said the syrian government had not responded to its request for comment ahead of the report publication the government has previously denied killing or mistreating detainees in its report amnesty said that every week and often twice week groups of between 20 and 50 people mostly opposition supporters were executed in total secrecy at the facility before their execution detainees were brought before military field court in the capital qaboun district for trials lasting only few minutes the report says former military court judge quoted by amnesty said detainees would be asked if they had committed crimes whether the answer is yes or no he will be convicted this court has no relation with the rule of law he said on the basis of the testimony of witnesses amnesty estimates that between 000 and 13 000 people were executed at saydnaya over five years the group said such practices amounted to war crimes and crimes against humanity last august amnesty reported that an estimated 17 723 people had died in custody as result of torture and the deprivation of food water and medical care between march 2011 when the uprising against president bashar al-assad began and december 2015 that figure did not include those allegedly hanged at saydnaya also last year un human rights experts said witness accounts and other evidence strongly suggested that tens of thousands of people were being detained and that deaths on massive scale were occurring in custody. | _START_ Syria's justice ministry has rejected a report by Amnesty International that alleged as many as 13,000 people have been executed at a government prison. _END_ |
After Chester's Sam Hughes had headed against the bar, Moors led on 17 minutes when Jamey Osborne fired home through a crowded box after Liam Daly's header had hit the post.
Chester then hit the woodwork again from Evan Horwood's left-foot free kick before home striker James Alabi had a close-range header saved.
But Solihull doubled their lead from big centre-half Daly's thunderous right-foot volley from a free-kick, following Jordan Chapell's challenge on Shepherd Murumbedzi.
Home keeper Alex Lynch denied Harry White from close range before Daly headed against the bar.
But White got the Moors' third from the spot, crashing home right-footed off the underside of the bar after referee Peter Wright had harshly awarded a penalty when Murumbedzi's fierce 25-yard shot struck Chester defender Luke George's arm.
Chester drop to ninth, seven points shy of the play-offs, nine points ahead of 16th-placed Solihull, who had won 3-2 at Damson Park against City's 10 men on Boxing Day.
Match ends, Chester FC 0, Solihull Moors 3.
Second Half ends, Chester FC 0, Solihull Moors 3.
Substitution, Solihull Moors. Pearson Mwanyongo replaces Omari Sterling-James.
George Carline (Solihull Moors) is shown the yellow card.
Substitution, Solihull Moors. Akwasi Asante replaces Harry White.
Goal! Chester FC 0, Solihull Moors 3. Harry White (Solihull Moors) converts the penalty with a.
Tom Shaw (Chester FC) is shown the yellow card.
Substitution, Solihull Moors. Curtis Obeng replaces Jack Byrne.
Goal! Chester FC 0, Solihull Moors 2. Liam Daly (Solihull Moors).
Substitution, Chester FC. Theo Vassell replaces Evan Horwood.
Second Half begins Chester FC 0, Solihull Moors 1.
First Half ends, Chester FC 0, Solihull Moors 1.
Goal! Chester FC 0, Solihull Moors 1. Jamey Osborne (Solihull Moors).
Evan Horwood (Chester FC) is shown the yellow card.
First Half begins.
Lineups are announced and players are warming up. | Solihull Moors further eased their National League relegation fears with a second Yuletide win over play-off hopefuls Chester inside seven days. | after chester sam hughes had headed against the bar moors led on 17 minutes when jamey osborne fired home through crowded box after liam daly header had hit the post chester then hit the woodwork again from evan horwood left-foot free kick before home striker james alabi had close-range header saved but solihull doubled their lead from big centre-half daly thunderous right-foot volley from free-kick following jordan chapell challenge on shepherd murumbedzi home keeper alex lynch denied harry white from close range before daly headed against the bar but white got the moors third from the spot crashing home right-footed off the underside of the bar after referee peter wright had harshly awarded penalty when murumbedzi fierce 25-yard shot struck chester defender luke george arm chester drop to ninth seven points shy of the play-offs nine points ahead of 16th-placed solihull who had won 3-2 at damson park against city 10 men on boxing day match ends chester fc solihull moors second half ends chester fc solihull moors substitution solihull moors pearson mwanyongo replaces omari sterling-james george carline solihull moors is shown the yellow card substitution solihull moors akwasi asante replaces harry white goal chester fc solihull moors harry white solihull moors converts the penalty with tom shaw chester fc is shown the yellow card substitution solihull moors curtis obeng replaces jack byrne goal chester fc solihull moors liam daly solihull moors substitution chester fc theo vassell replaces evan horwood second half begins chester fc solihull moors first half ends chester fc solihull moors goal chester fc solihull moors jamey osborne solihull moors evan horwood chester fc is shown the yellow card first half begins lineups are announced and players are warming up. | _START_ Solihull Moors further eased their National League relegation fears with a second Yuletide win over play-off hopefuls Chester inside seven days. _END_ |
Pete Barnes, 50, was killed when the helicopter struck a crane on St George Wharf Tower on 16 January 2013.
The day before the pilot told a colleague he faced "extreme pressure" to pick up a client but "he didn't really want to fly", it was said.
RotorMotion staff have said there was no pressure from the client.
Southwark Coroner's Court heard he took off from Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey and was due to pick up restaurateur Richard Caring from Elstree in Hertfordshire, a regular client of RotorMotion. But the pilot diverted the Agusta 109 helicopter to Battersea heliport because of bad weather.
The day before the fatal crash Mr Barnes, a father-of-two from Berkshire, had flown for East Midlands air ambulance and in a handover phone conversation told pilot Shaun Tinkler-Rose that he was under "extreme pressure" to pick up Mr Caring.
Mr Tinkler-Rose said: "Probably 80% of the conversation was that he wasn't going to fly - 20% of the conversation regarding the weather was that, in his exact words, he may 'give it a go' and go up to Elstree and make some noise.
"The overall gist I got from the conversation was that he didn't really want to fly."
He added that the experienced pilot, who was called "the guru" in the industry, wanted to fly private jets as he was tired of the pressures of flying private helicopter clients.
"He did actually say that he was under pressure on the day to fly. He wasn't showing outward signs of worry, but he was a little bit cheesed off," Mr Tinkler-Rose said.
The inquest also heard from Susan Smith, an operations manager at RotorMotion, who said the businessman's staff never put undue pressure as safety concerns were "very clearly" understood.
"His PA (personal assistant) has never put pressure on us to fly. The pressure would be, 'please let me know in time', so that they can make alternative arrangements," Ms Smith said.
On Tuesday the pilot's partner, Rebecca Dixon, told jurors Mr Barnes had been worried about the fog but felt "a need to give it a go".
The hearing is also examining the death of pedestrian Matthew Wood, 39, from Sutton, south London, who was killed when the aircraft plunged to the ground.
The inquest continues. | A "very experienced" pilot who died when his helicopter crashed in Vauxhall in south London was "under pressure on the day to fly", an inquest has heard. | pete barnes 50 was killed when the helicopter struck crane on st george wharf tower on 16 january 2013 the day before the pilot told colleague he faced extreme pressure to pick up client but he didn really want to fly it was said rotormotion staff have said there was no pressure from the client southwark coroner court heard he took off from redhill aerodrome in surrey and was due to pick up restaurateur richard caring from elstree in hertfordshire regular client of rotormotion but the pilot diverted the agusta 109 helicopter to battersea heliport because of bad weather the day before the fatal crash mr barnes father-of-two from berkshire had flown for east midlands air ambulance and in handover phone conversation told pilot shaun tinkler-rose that he was under extreme pressure to pick up mr caring mr tinkler-rose said probably 80% of the conversation was that he wasn going to fly 20% of the conversation regarding the weather was that in his exact words he may give it go and go up to elstree and make some noise the overall gist got from the conversation was that he didn really want to fly he added that the experienced pilot who was called the guru in the industry wanted to fly private jets as he was tired of the pressures of flying private helicopter clients he did actually say that he was under pressure on the day to fly he wasn showing outward signs of worry but he was little bit cheesed off mr tinkler-rose said the inquest also heard from susan smith an operations manager at rotormotion who said the businessman staff never put undue pressure as safety concerns were very clearly understood his pa personal assistant has never put pressure on us to fly the pressure would be please let me know in time so that they can make alternative arrangements ms smith said on tuesday the pilot partner rebecca dixon told jurors mr barnes had been worried about the fog but felt need to give it go the hearing is also examining the death of pedestrian matthew wood 39 from sutton south london who was killed when the aircraft plunged to the ground the inquest continues. | _START_ A "very experienced" pilot who died when his helicopter crashed in Vauxhall in south London was "under pressure on the day to fly", an inquest has heard. _END_ |
The BMW mounted the pavement and broke through the store front of Hackney Pirates charity in Dalston's Kingsland High Street.
The charity's education centre and shop was open at the time but no injuries have been reported.
Witnesses said the crash, at about 12:40 GMT on Sunday, sparked "mayhem" in the area.
"It was a busy day in the run-up to Christmas" when the car hit, Catriona Maclay from the charity said.
"We're extremely grateful everyone is OK."
A Met Police spokesman said the driver of the car was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and road closures remained in place into the afternoon.
Hackney Pirates runs educational activities to "develop the literacy confidence and perseverance of young people in Hackney".
The building in Dalston includes meeting spaces, coffee facilities and a book shop.
Ms Maclay said the damage would take days to fix, but the store was hoping to re-open before Christmas.
"The front of the shop doesn't look like the front of a shop any more" she said.
"We won't leave it shipwrecked because the windows are broken and we need to make sure it's safe for kids."
Twitter user @PaulieTandoori said the crash had led to "traffic mayhem" in Dalston. | A man has been arrested after a car crashed into a charity's building in a busy high street in north-east London. | the bmw mounted the pavement and broke through the store front of hackney pirates charity in dalston kingsland high street the charity education centre and shop was open at the time but no injuries have been reported witnesses said the crash at about 12:40 gmt on sunday sparked mayhem in the area it was busy day in the run-up to christmas when the car hit catriona maclay from the charity said we re extremely grateful everyone is ok met police spokesman said the driver of the car was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and road closures remained in place into the afternoon hackney pirates runs educational activities to develop the literacy confidence and perseverance of young people in hackney the building in dalston includes meeting spaces coffee facilities and book shop ms maclay said the damage would take days to fix but the store was hoping to re-open before christmas the front of the shop doesn look like the front of shop any more she said we won leave it shipwrecked because the windows are broken and we need to make sure it safe for kids twitter user @paulietandoori said the crash had led to traffic mayhem in dalston. | _START_ A man has been arrested after a car crashed into a charity's building in a busy high street in north-east London. _END_ |
The world governing body this week confirmed its wish to expand the World Cup finals to a 48-team competition, comprising 16 groups of three.
Guardiola, 45, says adding games to a busy schedule will "kill the players".
"They are focusing on more and more and more - it affects the quality," the Spaniard added.
"I am thinking just for the players. They need to breathe, to [have a] break, to enjoy.
"It's just three substitutions now - why can you not make four, five or six? All the players [would be] involved more than before, the coaches can use different tactics."
Guardiola says increasing the number of substitutes available would lead to fewer injuries and more open games.
"Everything would be better," he said.
A decision on whether to expand the World Cup will be made in January and any change would be unlikely to take effect before 2026, but Guardiola is unconvinced by the idea.
"This kind of thing is impossible because we are going to finish [the season], then after one week the World Cup then after three weeks we go to the pre-season, we go to China, the States, Australia," he said.
"You play against Milan, Juventus, Madrid and you have to win. People demand you have to play good [with] no preparation. Then you come back and it's 11 months again and it's the European Cup."
Media playback is not supported on this device | Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says Fifa should consider allowing "four, five or six" substitutes to combat the threat of burnout among players. | the world governing body this week confirmed its wish to expand the world cup finals to 48-team competition comprising 16 groups of three guardiola 45 says adding games to busy schedule will kill the players they are focusing on more and more and more it affects the quality the spaniard added am thinking just for the players they need to breathe to have break to enjoy it just three substitutions now why can you not make four five or six all the players would be involved more than before the coaches can use different tactics guardiola says increasing the number of substitutes available would lead to fewer injuries and more open games everything would be better he said decision on whether to expand the world cup will be made in january and any change would be unlikely to take effect before 2026 but guardiola is unconvinced by the idea this kind of thing is impossible because we are going to finish the season then after one week the world cup then after three weeks we go to the pre-season we go to china the states australia he said you play against milan juventus madrid and you have to win people demand you have to play good with no preparation then you come back and it 11 months again and it the european cup media playback is not supported on this device | _START_ Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says Fifa should consider allowing "four, five or six" substitutes to combat the threat of burnout among players. _END_ |
The proposal would see the carrier docked next to aquarium The Deep, for Hull's City of Culture celebrations in 2017.
The 20,000-tonne carrier is due to be retired, after 32 years of service.
Mr Johnson, the Hull West Labour MP, said there was a "pressing need" to secure the future of the vessel.
As part of the plans, the 700ft long (215m) ship would be based on the River Tyne, at the former Holburn Dock, for the "next two years" before berthing in Hull for two years, from 2017.
A statement on the MP's website said if the plans were a success, HMS Illustrious would be available as an "immersive, inspiring and exciting visitor experience" during 2017 and 2018.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "HMS Illustrious has a long and proud history with the Royal Navy.
"During her 32 years of service she has protected our nation's interests in the Falklands, Bosnia, Iraq, Sierra Leone and most recently the Philippines."
The ministry was considering bids to re-home HMS Illustrious and preserve the carrier as a "lasting tribute" to the personnel who served on all three of the Invincible-class aircraft carriers, introduced in the 1980s, the spokesperson added.
It is a condition of sale that HMS Illustrious must remain in the UK, the ministry said.
Last month, the ship returned to its home port in Portsmouth for the final time. | Plans to turn the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious into a tourist attraction in Hull have been backed by MP Alan Johnson. | the proposal would see the carrier docked next to aquarium the deep for hull city of culture celebrations in 2017 the 20 000-tonne carrier is due to be retired after 32 years of service mr johnson the hull west labour mp said there was pressing need to secure the future of the vessel as part of the plans the 700ft long 215m ship would be based on the river tyne at the former holburn dock for the next two years before berthing in hull for two years from 2017 statement on the mp website said if the plans were success hms illustrious would be available as an immersive inspiring and exciting visitor experience during 2017 and 2018 ministry of defence spokesperson said hms illustrious has long and proud history with the royal navy during her 32 years of service she has protected our nation interests in the falklands bosnia iraq sierra leone and most recently the philippines the ministry was considering bids to re-home hms illustrious and preserve the carrier as lasting tribute to the personnel who served on all three of the invincible-class aircraft carriers introduced in the 1980s the spokesperson added it is condition of sale that hms illustrious must remain in the uk the ministry said last month the ship returned to its home port in portsmouth for the final time. | _START_ Plans to turn the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious into a tourist attraction in Hull have been backed by MP Alan Johnson. _END_ |
The visitors moved ahead when Tom Rogic volleyed in Kieran Tierney's cross.
Inverness equalised when Billy King cut inside from the left to send an impressive shot into the far corner.
Scott Sinclair punished Gary Warren's mistake with Celtic's second and though they dominated thereafter, Alex Fisher headed Inverness back on terms.
Brendan Rodgers' side, who have a game in hand, extend their lead over Hearts and St Johnstone to three points, while Caley Thistle move a point above Partick Thistle, who slip to bottom again.
The result completed a mixed week for Celtic, who beat Rangers 5-1 last week before losing 7-0 to Champions League opponents Barcelona on Tuesday.
Media playback is not supported on this device
Celtic are simply irresistible at times on the front foot.
For the opener, Tierney broke clear down the left, measured a lovely ball with the outside off his boot and Rogic converted. Simple, ruthless, effective.
Celtic's second was executed beautifully. Sinclair seized on a defensive error, roared into open space and produced a magnificent curling finish.
Sinclair - with a goal in each of Celtic's five league games - could not have dreamed of a better start following his move from Aston Villa.
The visitors should certainly have added to their tally but goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams was inspirational in deflecting shot after shot away from his net.
He produced strong saves to deny Tierney, Moussa Dembele and Callum McGregor, whose effort was tipped on to the bar and over.
Sinclair saw another tremendous curling effort tipped away, Erik Sviatchenko nodded against the post and McGregor's chip was blocked by Fon Williams.
Tierney whacked another off the bar and Stuart Armstrong fired wide. It was punishing at times at the back for the home side.
On this form, Celtic will take some stopping but Inverness somehow managed to recover.
It would have been easy for the home side to wilt but they got back into the game in the first half thanks to a tremendous King shot.
Celtic keeper Dorus de Vries might have done better than touch the ball into the corner, though King deserves all the plaudits.
A crucial moment in the match arrived soon after. Ross Draper nicked possession off McGregor and raced clear. On the edge of the box he went to ground under Sviatchenko's challenge.
It seemed inevitable referee Don Robertson would blow his whistle for a foul but play continued.
It was a pivotal moment which went in Celtic's favour but they could not fully take advantage.
Inverness held on and equalised when substitute Fisher headed in Greg Tansey's delivery to make it three games unbeaten for Richie Foran's side.
Inverness will be content with how their back-line coped with Celtic's onslaught.
Rodgers may be less so with his own sides' defensive performance as for the fifth straight Premiership match they failed to earn a clean sheet.
Kolo Toure was rested. Sviatchenko looked less than sharp. Jozo Simunovic appeared as a second-half substitute for a long-awaited run-out following long-term injury.
On another day their front men would have had the match won but it's an area that arguably cost Celtic two points in the Highlands.
Match ends, Inverness CT 2, Celtic 2.
Second Half ends, Inverness CT 2, Celtic 2.
Attempt saved. Moussa Dembele (Celtic) header from very close range is saved in the bottom right corner.
Foul by Jake Mulraney (Inverness CT).
Mikael Lustig (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Attempt missed. Greg Tansey (Inverness CT) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left from a direct free kick.
Erik Sviatchenko (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Aaron Doran (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Erik Sviatchenko (Celtic).
Goal! Inverness CT 2, Celtic 2. Alex Fisher (Inverness CT) header from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Greg Tansey with a cross.
Corner, Inverness CT. Conceded by Dorus de Vries.
Attempt saved. Aaron Doran (Inverness CT) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
Billy King (Inverness CT) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Kieran Tierney (Celtic).
Attempt missed. Stuart Armstrong (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left.
Substitution, Celtic. Stuart Armstrong replaces Tomas Rogic.
Kieran Tierney (Celtic) hits the bar with a right footed shot from the left side of the box.
Substitution, Inverness CT. Alex Fisher replaces Lonsana Doumbouya.
Attempt missed. Callum McGregor (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is too high.
Tomas Rogic (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Gary Warren (Inverness CT).
Attempt missed. James Forrest (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left.
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Owain Fon Williams.
Attempt saved. Callum McGregor (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top right corner.
Aaron Doran (Inverness CT) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Callum McGregor (Celtic).
Substitution, Celtic. James Forrest replaces Patrick Roberts.
Aaron Doran (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
Erik Sviatchenko (Celtic) hits the left post with a header from the centre of the box following a corner.
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Carl Tremarco.
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Jake Mulraney.
Foul by Greg Tansey (Inverness CT).
Callum McGregor (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Substitution, Inverness CT. Jake Mulraney replaces Liam Polworth.
Substitution, Celtic. Jozo Simunovic replaces Cristian Gamboa.
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Owain Fon Williams.
Attempt saved. Scott Sinclair (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner.
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Owain Fon Williams.
Attempt saved. Tomas Rogic (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. | Celtic dropped points in the Scottish Premiership for the first time this season as Inverness Caledonian Thistle netted a late leveller. | the visitors moved ahead when tom rogic volleyed in kieran tierney cross inverness equalised when billy king cut inside from the left to send an impressive shot into the far corner scott sinclair punished gary warren mistake with celtic second and though they dominated thereafter alex fisher headed inverness back on terms brendan rodgers side who have game in hand extend their lead over hearts and st johnstone to three points while caley thistle move point above partick thistle who slip to bottom again the result completed mixed week for celtic who beat rangers 5-1 last week before losing 7-0 to champions league opponents barcelona on tuesday media playback is not supported on this device celtic are simply irresistible at times on the front foot for the opener tierney broke clear down the left measured lovely ball with the outside off his boot and rogic converted simple ruthless effective celtic second was executed beautifully sinclair seized on defensive error roared into open space and produced magnificent curling finish sinclair with goal in each of celtic five league games could not have dreamed of better start following his move from aston villa the visitors should certainly have added to their tally but goalkeeper owain fon williams was inspirational in deflecting shot after shot away from his net he produced strong saves to deny tierney moussa dembele and callum mcgregor whose effort was tipped on to the bar and over sinclair saw another tremendous curling effort tipped away erik sviatchenko nodded against the post and mcgregor chip was blocked by fon williams tierney whacked another off the bar and stuart armstrong fired wide it was punishing at times at the back for the home side on this form celtic will take some stopping but inverness somehow managed to recover it would have been easy for the home side to wilt but they got back into the game in the first half thanks to tremendous king shot celtic keeper dorus de vries might have done better than touch the ball into the corner though king deserves all the plaudits crucial moment in the match arrived soon after ross draper nicked possession off mcgregor and raced clear on the edge of the box he went to ground under sviatchenko challenge it seemed inevitable referee don robertson would blow his whistle for foul but play continued it was pivotal moment which went in celtic favour but they could not fully take advantage inverness held on and equalised when substitute fisher headed in greg tansey delivery to make it three games unbeaten for richie foran side inverness will be content with how their back-line coped with celtic onslaught rodgers may be less so with his own sides defensive performance as for the fifth straight premiership match they failed to earn clean sheet kolo toure was rested sviatchenko looked less than sharp jozo simunovic appeared as second-half substitute for long-awaited run-out following long-term injury on another day their front men would have had the match won but it an area that arguably cost celtic two points in the highlands match ends inverness ct celtic second half ends inverness ct celtic attempt saved moussa dembele celtic header from very close range is saved in the bottom right corner foul by jake mulraney inverness ct mikael lustig celtic wins free kick in the defensive half attempt missed greg tansey inverness ct right footed shot from outside the box is close but misses to the left from direct free kick erik sviatchenko celtic is shown the yellow card for bad foul aaron doran inverness ct wins free kick in the attacking half foul by erik sviatchenko celtic goal inverness ct celtic alex fisher inverness ct header from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner assisted by greg tansey with cross corner inverness ct conceded by dorus de vries attempt saved aaron doran inverness ct right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner billy king inverness ct wins free kick on the right wing foul by kieran tierney celtic attempt missed stuart armstrong celtic right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left substitution celtic stuart armstrong replaces tomas rogic kieran tierney celtic hits the bar with right footed shot from the left side of the box substitution inverness ct alex fisher replaces lonsana doumbouya attempt missed callum mcgregor celtic left footed shot from outside the box is too high tomas rogic celtic wins free kick in the defensive half foul by gary warren inverness ct attempt missed james forrest celtic right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left corner celtic conceded by owain fon williams attempt saved callum mcgregor celtic right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top right corner aaron doran inverness ct wins free kick on the right wing foul by callum mcgregor celtic substitution celtic james forrest replaces patrick roberts aaron doran inverness ct wins free kick in the attacking half foul by scott brown celtic erik sviatchenko celtic hits the left post with header from the centre of the box following corner corner celtic conceded by carl tremarco corner celtic conceded by jake mulraney foul by greg tansey inverness ct callum mcgregor celtic wins free kick on the right wing substitution inverness ct jake mulraney replaces liam polworth substitution celtic jozo simunovic replaces cristian gamboa corner celtic conceded by owain fon williams attempt saved scott sinclair celtic right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner corner celtic conceded by owain fon williams attempt saved tomas rogic celtic left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. | _START_ Celtic dropped points in the Scottish Premiership for the first time this season as Inverness Caledonian Thistle netted a late leveller. _END_ |
Cleveland Fire Brigade said it attended almost 600 alarm calls between 08:00 and 17:00 in one year but only 12 were actual fires.
The brigade said the onus was on businesses to make sure their systems were working properly.
Crews will still always attend residential automatic alarms.
The change will start on 2 October and applies to commercial premises, schools, public buildings and leisure complexes in a "bid to reduce time-wasting call-outs", the brigade said.
During the day when these premises are staffed confirmation of a fire must be made through a 999 call.
Phil Lancaster from the brigade said automatic alarms can often be triggered by cooking fumes, cigarette smoke, dust or other minor causes.
He said: "Our new policy will mean crews are not detracted from real emergencies where lives could be at risk."
The brigade will still respond to "high risk" properties such as hospitals and chemical sites at all times.
Heritage sites such as Ormesby Hall, Preston Park Hall and Wynyard Hall are also exempt from the new policy due to their "special risk". | A fire service has said it will no longer "waste time" attending automatic alarms at businesses during opening hours. | cleveland fire brigade said it attended almost 600 alarm calls between 08:00 and 17:00 in one year but only 12 were actual fires the brigade said the onus was on businesses to make sure their systems were working properly crews will still always attend residential automatic alarms the change will start on october and applies to commercial premises schools public buildings and leisure complexes in bid to reduce time-wasting call-outs the brigade said during the day when these premises are staffed confirmation of fire must be made through 999 call phil lancaster from the brigade said automatic alarms can often be triggered by cooking fumes cigarette smoke dust or other minor causes he said our new policy will mean crews are not detracted from real emergencies where lives could be at risk the brigade will still respond to high risk properties such as hospitals and chemical sites at all times heritage sites such as ormesby hall preston park hall and wynyard hall are also exempt from the new policy due to their special risk . | _START_ A fire service has said it will no longer "waste time" attending automatic alarms at businesses during opening hours. _END_ |
Graham's The Family Dairy has revealed plans to build a new dairy, research and training facility at Craigforth.
The 150,000 sq ft facility would include production lines for milk, cream, cheese and butter as well as a research centre for developing new products.
The Graham family has been farming in Stirlingshire for five generations.
It currently operates a dairy at Airthrey Kerse in Bridge of Allan, a processing plant in Nairn and depots throughout Scotland.
The firm, which had a turnover of £85m in 2014, hopes to finance the new facility via a development of 600 houses, community amenities and a primary school on their land at Airthrey Kerse, which drew some local opposition and is currently awaiting planning permission from the council.
The new centre would see 400 new jobs across sectors including processing, research, design, logistics, marketing, administration and management, as well as creating 50 apprenticeships locally.
It could produce 350 million litres of milk every year, with the fast-expanding firm already churning out more than 700,000 pints a day.
Robert Graham, managing director of the dairy and grandson of its founder, said there was "so much potential" in the Scottish dairy industry.
He said: "Investing in Stirling runs through my family's history and our business. That is why we want to build the new dairy processing, research and training centre in Stirling.
"Stirling is our home. It is where we farm, live and, from our dairy at Airthrey Kerse, employ more than 500 people throughout Scotland.
"Stirling has the key attributes a business needs; a high quality education system, accessibility, dynamic business culture, an outstanding environment and an ambitious and inspiring city economic strategy.
"Our research forecasts that by combining a new, modern dairy processing facility with a research and training centre that has strong links into the local education system and a proactive local recruitment policy, Graham's can significantly strengthen the Stirling economy and place the city at the forefront of the Scottish food and drink sector."
Scottish government rural affairs, food and environment secretary Richard Lochhead said the dairy plan was "fantastic news" both for the industry and the local economy.
He said: "This is a real vote of confidence in the future of the Scottish dairy sector and I've no doubt this exciting project will help Graham's the family dairy cement their reputation as one of our leading dairy companies and brands.
"I particularly welcome the development of new research and development facilities which will put Scotland at the forefront of developing innovative new dairy products and in the right place to respond to changes in consumer behaviour."
A planning application for the new dairy will be lodged with Stirling Council in June 2015, following a public consultation. | A Scottish family dairy firm plans to build a £20m new facility in Stirling, creating 450 new jobs. | graham the family dairy has revealed plans to build new dairy research and training facility at craigforth the 150 000 sq ft facility would include production lines for milk cream cheese and butter as well as research centre for developing new products the graham family has been farming in stirlingshire for five generations it currently operates dairy at airthrey kerse in bridge of allan processing plant in nairn and depots throughout scotland the firm which had turnover of £85m in 2014 hopes to finance the new facility via development of 600 houses community amenities and primary school on their land at airthrey kerse which drew some local opposition and is currently awaiting planning permission from the council the new centre would see 400 new jobs across sectors including processing research design logistics marketing administration and management as well as creating 50 apprenticeships locally it could produce 350 million litres of milk every year with the fast-expanding firm already churning out more than 700 000 pints day robert graham managing director of the dairy and grandson of its founder said there was so much potential in the scottish dairy industry he said investing in stirling runs through my family history and our business that is why we want to build the new dairy processing research and training centre in stirling stirling is our home it is where we farm live and from our dairy at airthrey kerse employ more than 500 people throughout scotland stirling has the key attributes business needs high quality education system accessibility dynamic business culture an outstanding environment and an ambitious and inspiring city economic strategy our research forecasts that by combining new modern dairy processing facility with research and training centre that has strong links into the local education system and proactive local recruitment policy graham can significantly strengthen the stirling economy and place the city at the forefront of the scottish food and drink sector scottish government rural affairs food and environment secretary richard lochhead said the dairy plan was fantastic news both for the industry and the local economy he said this is real vote of confidence in the future of the scottish dairy sector and ve no doubt this exciting project will help graham the family dairy cement their reputation as one of our leading dairy companies and brands particularly welcome the development of new research and development facilities which will put scotland at the forefront of developing innovative new dairy products and in the right place to respond to changes in consumer behaviour planning application for the new dairy will be lodged with stirling council in june 2015 following public consultation. | _START_ A Scottish family dairy firm plans to build a £20m new facility in Stirling, creating 450 new jobs. _END_ |
The FAs will let players wear black armbands with poppy emblems and are willing to accept any punishment.
Fifa general secretary Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura told BBC Sport "any kind of sanction" could follow.
World football's governing body prohibits political, religious or commercial messages on shirts.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May has called the rule "outrageous".
Britain is not the only country that has been suffering from the result of war
English FA chief executive Martin Glenn told BBC Sport that players from both sides would wear black armbands carrying the poppy symbol - traditionally used to remember those who died during World War One - "as a point of principle".
The SFA also confirmed it "intends to pay appropriate tribute by having the Scotland national team wear black armbands bearing poppies".
England play Scotland at Wembley on 11 November in a World Cup 2018 qualifier.
The Football Association of Wales has also written to Fifa requesting permission to wear poppies on armbands during their game against Serbia in Cardiff on 12 November but has not yet committed to defying the ban.
However, Glenn said: "We are standing shoulder to shoulder with the other home nations on this, we all feel very strongly. It's not a political symbol and I think most people would agree with us."
A points deduction could be one option open to Fifa should it decide to punish the FAs for flouting its ban, but Glenn does not believe it will come to that.
He explained: "We don't think we are breaking their law - we think they are misinterpreting it. I'm confident it won't come to anything draconian."
When the issue arose in 2011, a compromise was reached in which players were allowed to wear armbands with the poppy symbol.
The FAs of England and Scotland had asked Fifa for permission to do the same next week, but have been told that would breach the laws of the game.
Both FAs say they are continuing to negotiate with Fifa and are hopeful of finding an amicable solution, but Samoura questioned why an exception should be made for England, Scotland and Wales.
"We have to apply uniformly and across the 211 member associations the laws of the game," she said.
"Britain is not the only country that has been suffering from the result of war. The only question is why are we doing exceptions for just one country and not the rest of the world?"
Asked if the teams could be punished for defying the ban, she said: "It is not really my ambition to punish anybody.
"They just have to recognise themselves that they are part of the rules of the game and they should be ready to face any kind of sanctions or measures."
She added any potential punishment could depend on whether a complaint is made.
A petition urging Fifa not to uphold the ban has attracted more than a quarter of a million signatories.
Earlier on Wednesday, the issue was raised in Parliament.
"Before they start telling us what to do, they jolly well ought to sort their own house out," said Mrs May, citing the recent Fifa corruption claims which have seen dozens of former officials prosecuted or banned from the sport.
"Our football players want to recognise and respect those who have given their lives for our safety and security. It is absolutely right they should be able to do so."
Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, Mrs May said the wearing of poppies was a matter for the English and Scottish football associations to resolve, but there was a "clear message" from the House of Commons that "we want our players to be able to wear those poppies".
Media playback is not supported on this device
The International Football Association Board (Ifab) - made up of the four British FAs and Fifa - is responsible for formulating the laws of the game, which are then upheld by Fifa.
The laws cover everything from the field of play to the equipment used and how the result of a game is determined.
A section of law four, which deals specifically with players' equipment, reads: "Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images.
"Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer's logo.
"For any infringement the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or to be justified by Fifa."
It does not specify what the sanctions are for breaching those rules.
Fifa has been accused of double standards after it emerged Republic of Ireland players wore a political symbol on their shirts in a friendly against Switzerland on 25 March to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising.
Damian Collins MP, chairman of the Commons' Culture, Media and Sport select committee, said he had called on Fifa to "clarify the issue".
The Easter Rising was an Irish rebellion against British rule, which lasted from 24 to 29 April 1916 and resulted in 485 deaths.
"That appears to be an absolutely classic example of leniency being shown to other countries," Collins said.
The Ifab meets on Thursday, where the Scottish and English FA chiefs Stewart Regan and Glenn have said they will be hoping to convince officials to allow players to wear poppies. FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford will also be at the meeting.
FA chairman Greg Clarke told ITV News that English football's governing body was "negotiating in good faith with Fifa to try and find a solution".
"My personal opinion, and that as chair of the FA, is that of course we should wear poppies," said Clarke.
"That is our plan. There will be poppies at Wembley."
Former Culture, Media and Sport Secretary John Whittingdale MP said the England team should wear poppies - even if a points deduction is possible.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live's Emma Barnett, he said: "For [Fifa] to try and brand the poppy as a political symbol shows a total misunderstanding.
"There are a number of reasons why we are already profoundly unhappy with Fifa's behaviour and conduct and this adds to that list."
A motion has been lodged at the Scottish Parliament calling for Fifa's poppy ban to be scrapped.
England are top of their 2018 World Cup qualifying group with seven points - two more than Lithuania and Slovenia - after three games, with Scotland fourth on four points.
Only the top team qualifies automatically for the World Cup in Russia, with the second-placed side possibly entering a play-off.
Wales are third in Group D with five points, two behind Serbia and the Republic of Ireland.
Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie has confirmed the England players will wear poppies on their shirts for the autumn Test against South Africa at Twickenham on 12 November.
World governing body World Rugby has been "very supportive", according to Ritchie.
"We are commemorating and remembering all people who have died in conflict. This is not a partisan thing or a political statement," Ritchie told BBC Radio 5 live.
"This is something that is just right as an act of remembrance, and it is right to do it on the weekend when we play South Africa."
Wales' rugby team will also wear a commemorative poppy on their shirt in their Test against Argentina on the same day. | The Football Associations of England and Scotland say they will defy a ban on players wearing poppies when the teams meet on Armistice Day. | the fas will let players wear black armbands with poppy emblems and are willing to accept any punishment fifa general secretary fatma samba diouf samoura told bbc sport any kind of sanction could follow world football governing body prohibits political religious or commercial messages on shirts uk prime minister theresa may has called the rule outrageous britain is not the only country that has been suffering from the result of war english fa chief executive martin glenn told bbc sport that players from both sides would wear black armbands carrying the poppy symbol traditionally used to remember those who died during world war one as point of principle the sfa also confirmed it intends to pay appropriate tribute by having the scotland national team wear black armbands bearing poppies england play scotland at wembley on 11 november in world cup 2018 qualifier the football association of wales has also written to fifa requesting permission to wear poppies on armbands during their game against serbia in cardiff on 12 november but has not yet committed to defying the ban however glenn said we are standing shoulder to shoulder with the other home nations on this we all feel very strongly it not political symbol and think most people would agree with us points deduction could be one option open to fifa should it decide to punish the fas for flouting its ban but glenn does not believe it will come to that he explained we don think we are breaking their law we think they are misinterpreting it confident it won come to anything draconian when the issue arose in 2011 compromise was reached in which players were allowed to wear armbands with the poppy symbol the fas of england and scotland had asked fifa for permission to do the same next week but have been told that would breach the laws of the game both fas say they are continuing to negotiate with fifa and are hopeful of finding an amicable solution but samoura questioned why an exception should be made for england scotland and wales we have to apply uniformly and across the 211 member associations the laws of the game she said britain is not the only country that has been suffering from the result of war the only question is why are we doing exceptions for just one country and not the rest of the world asked if the teams could be punished for defying the ban she said it is not really my ambition to punish anybody they just have to recognise themselves that they are part of the rules of the game and they should be ready to face any kind of sanctions or measures she added any potential punishment could depend on whether complaint is made petition urging fifa not to uphold the ban has attracted more than quarter of million signatories earlier on wednesday the issue was raised in parliament before they start telling us what to do they jolly well ought to sort their own house out said mrs may citing the recent fifa corruption claims which have seen dozens of former officials prosecuted or banned from the sport our football players want to recognise and respect those who have given their lives for our safety and security it is absolutely right they should be able to do so speaking at prime minister questions mrs may said the wearing of poppies was matter for the english and scottish football associations to resolve but there was clear message from the house of commons that we want our players to be able to wear those poppies media playback is not supported on this device the international football association board ifab made up of the four british fas and fifa is responsible for formulating the laws of the game which are then upheld by fifa the laws cover everything from the field of play to the equipment used and how the result of game is determined section of law four which deals specifically with players equipment reads equipment must not have any political religious or personal slogans statements or images players must not reveal undergarments that show political religious personal slogans statements or images or advertising other than the manufacturer logo for any infringement the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser national football association or to be justified by fifa it does not specify what the sanctions are for breaching those rules fifa has been accused of double standards after it emerged republic of ireland players wore political symbol on their shirts in friendly against switzerland on 25 march to mark the centenary of the easter rising damian collins mp chairman of the commons culture media and sport select committee said he had called on fifa to clarify the issue the easter rising was an irish rebellion against british rule which lasted from 24 to 29 april 1916 and resulted in 485 deaths that appears to be an absolutely classic example of leniency being shown to other countries collins said the ifab meets on thursday where the scottish and english fa chiefs stewart regan and glenn have said they will be hoping to convince officials to allow players to wear poppies faw chief executive jonathan ford will also be at the meeting fa chairman greg clarke told itv news that english football governing body was negotiating in good faith with fifa to try and find solution my personal opinion and that as chair of the fa is that of course we should wear poppies said clarke that is our plan there will be poppies at wembley former culture media and sport secretary john whittingdale mp said the england team should wear poppies even if points deduction is possible speaking to bbc radio live emma barnett he said for fifa to try and brand the poppy as political symbol shows total misunderstanding there are number of reasons why we are already profoundly unhappy with fifa behaviour and conduct and this adds to that list motion has been lodged at the scottish parliament calling for fifa poppy ban to be scrapped england are top of their 2018 world cup qualifying group with seven points two more than lithuania and slovenia after three games with scotland fourth on four points only the top team qualifies automatically for the world cup in russia with the second-placed side possibly entering play-off wales are third in group with five points two behind serbia and the republic of ireland rugby football union chief executive ian ritchie has confirmed the england players will wear poppies on their shirts for the autumn test against south africa at twickenham on 12 november world governing body world rugby has been very supportive according to ritchie we are commemorating and remembering all people who have died in conflict this is not partisan thing or political statement ritchie told bbc radio live this is something that is just right as an act of remembrance and it is right to do it on the weekend when we play south africa wales rugby team will also wear commemorative poppy on their shirt in their test against argentina on the same day. | _START_ The Football Associations of England and Scotland say they will defy a ban on players wearing poppies when the teams meet on Armistice Day. _END_ |
After a scrappy game the defender rose highest to power in Max Power's corner and move the Latics into 22nd place, just two points from safety.
Wolves went close through Dave Edwards, but Wigan goalkeeper Matt Gilks produced a great save to palm the Wales midfielder's header away.
The hosts have now lost three straight Championship matches and stay 18th.
Going into the fixture Wolves had won just one of their last five league games at Molineux against Wigan and struggled to fashion chances despite enjoying 59% possession.
Bright Enobakhare threatened, but Paul Lambert's side lacked cutting edge in the final third and were punished late on from a set-piece.
Buxton headed in a first goal since February 2015 to put Wigan ahead from just their second shot on target and Gilks tipped over Connor Ronan's 30-yard effort to make sure of the points.
The victory sees Wigan move up one place past Blackburn Rovers, who suffered a 2-1 defeat by Sheffield Wednesday.
Wolves boss Paul Lambert:
"I'm like everyone else, disappointed and angry with the way that we performed.
"We never did enough, that's for sure; it wasn't good enough. We were too passive, we never dominated the ball and were not aggressive enough with or without the ball.
"Normally my teams come out of the traps and that is the disappointing thing. If you don't do things right then you will get beat. We have to be better than that."
Wigan manager Warren Joyce:
"It was a tough game against a good side and the game could have gone either way, but in the end we have ended up with three points and we have got that really through effort, endeavour, bravery and guts.
"We have had a few kicks in the teeth and it shows a lot of character to come to a place like Wolves and stand up to them with the backing that they have got from the supporters and the stadium here."
Match ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, Wigan Athletic 1.
Second Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, Wigan Athletic 1.
Corner, Wigan Athletic. Conceded by Carl Ikeme.
Attempt saved. Gabriel Obertan (Wigan Athletic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top right corner. Assisted by William Grigg.
Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Matthew Gilks.
Attempt saved. Connor Ronan (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Hélder Costa.
Sam Morsy (Wigan Athletic) is shown the yellow card.
Offside, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Jón Dadi Bödvarsson tries a through ball, but David Edwards is caught offside.
Attempt missed. Hélder Costa (Wolverhampton Wanderers) left footed shot from the right side of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Conor Coady.
Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, Wigan Athletic 1. Jake Buxton (Wigan Athletic) header from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Max Power with a cross following a corner.
Corner, Wigan Athletic. Conceded by Richard Stearman.
Foul by Morgan Gibbs-White (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
Callum Connolly (Wigan Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Andreas Weimann (Wolverhampton Wanderers) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Foul by Andreas Weimann (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
Stephen Warnock (Wigan Athletic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Substitution, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Andreas Weimann replaces Bright Enobakhare.
Attempt missed. Bright Enobakhare (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Hélder Costa.
Attempt blocked. William Grigg (Wigan Athletic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Max Power.
Attempt blocked. Callum Connolly (Wigan Athletic) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by William Grigg.
Attempt missed. Jón Dadi Bödvarsson (Wolverhampton Wanderers) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Conor Coady with a cross.
Danny Batth (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Gabriel Obertan (Wigan Athletic).
Attempt missed. Max Power (Wigan Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Jamie Hanson.
Substitution, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conor Coady replaces Ben Marshall.
Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jamie Hanson.
Attempt saved. David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Connor Ronan with a cross.
Dan Burn (Wigan Athletic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Hélder Costa (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Dan Burn (Wigan Athletic).
Foul by David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
Callum Connolly (Wigan Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Attempt blocked. Danny Batth (Wolverhampton Wanderers) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Connor Ronan with a cross.
Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Sam Morsy.
Attempt blocked. Dan Burn (Wigan Athletic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Max Power with a cross.
Corner, Wigan Athletic. Conceded by Connor Ronan.
Corner, Wigan Athletic. Conceded by Richard Stearman.
Substitution, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Morgan Gibbs-White replaces Lee Evans.
Substitution, Wigan Athletic. Gabriel Obertan replaces Omar Bogle.
Lee Evans (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the attacking half. | Jake Buxton headed in a late winner to earn Wigan a vital league win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. | after scrappy game the defender rose highest to power in max power corner and move the latics into 22nd place just two points from safety wolves went close through dave edwards but wigan goalkeeper matt gilks produced great save to palm the wales midfielder header away the hosts have now lost three straight championship matches and stay 18th going into the fixture wolves had won just one of their last five league games at molineux against wigan and struggled to fashion chances despite enjoying 59% possession bright enobakhare threatened but paul lambert side lacked cutting edge in the final third and were punished late on from set-piece buxton headed in first goal since february 2015 to put wigan ahead from just their second shot on target and gilks tipped over connor ronan 30-yard effort to make sure of the points the victory sees wigan move up one place past blackburn rovers who suffered 2-1 defeat by sheffield wednesday wolves boss paul lambert like everyone else disappointed and angry with the way that we performed we never did enough that for sure it wasn good enough we were too passive we never dominated the ball and were not aggressive enough with or without the ball normally my teams come out of the traps and that is the disappointing thing if you don do things right then you will get beat we have to be better than that wigan manager warren joyce it was tough game against good side and the game could have gone either way but in the end we have ended up with three points and we have got that really through effort endeavour bravery and guts we have had few kicks in the teeth and it shows lot of character to come to place like wolves and stand up to them with the backing that they have got from the supporters and the stadium here match ends wolverhampton wanderers wigan athletic second half ends wolverhampton wanderers wigan athletic corner wigan athletic conceded by carl ikeme attempt saved gabriel obertan wigan athletic right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top right corner assisted by william grigg corner wolverhampton wanderers conceded by matthew gilks attempt saved connor ronan wolverhampton wanderers right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal assisted by hélder costa sam morsy wigan athletic is shown the yellow card offside wolverhampton wanderers jón dadi bödvarsson tries through ball but david edwards is caught offside attempt missed hélder costa wolverhampton wanderers left footed shot from the right side of the box is high and wide to the left assisted by conor coady goal wolverhampton wanderers wigan athletic jake buxton wigan athletic header from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner assisted by max power with cross following corner corner wigan athletic conceded by richard stearman foul by morgan gibbs-white wolverhampton wanderers callum connolly wigan athletic wins free kick in the defensive half andreas weimann wolverhampton wanderers is shown the yellow card for bad foul foul by andreas weimann wolverhampton wanderers stephen warnock wigan athletic wins free kick on the left wing substitution wolverhampton wanderers andreas weimann replaces bright enobakhare attempt missed bright enobakhare wolverhampton wanderers right footed shot from outside the box is too high assisted by hélder costa attempt blocked william grigg wigan athletic right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked assisted by max power attempt blocked callum connolly wigan athletic left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked assisted by william grigg attempt missed jón dadi bödvarsson wolverhampton wanderers header from the centre of the box misses to the left assisted by conor coady with cross danny batth wolverhampton wanderers wins free kick in the defensive half foul by gabriel obertan wigan athletic attempt missed max power wigan athletic right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right assisted by jamie hanson substitution wolverhampton wanderers conor coady replaces ben marshall corner wolverhampton wanderers conceded by jamie hanson attempt saved david edwards wolverhampton wanderers header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal assisted by connor ronan with cross dan burn wigan athletic is shown the yellow card for bad foul hélder costa wolverhampton wanderers wins free kick on the right wing foul by dan burn wigan athletic foul by david edwards wolverhampton wanderers callum connolly wigan athletic wins free kick in the defensive half attempt blocked danny batth wolverhampton wanderers header from the centre of the box is blocked assisted by connor ronan with cross corner wolverhampton wanderers conceded by sam morsy attempt blocked dan burn wigan athletic right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked assisted by max power with cross corner wigan athletic conceded by connor ronan corner wigan athletic conceded by richard stearman substitution wolverhampton wanderers morgan gibbs-white replaces lee evans substitution wigan athletic gabriel obertan replaces omar bogle lee evans wolverhampton wanderers wins free kick in the attacking half. | _START_ Jake Buxton headed in a late winner to earn Wigan a vital league win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. _END_ |
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) owns a 50% stake in the region and has said it may take over if the Dragons fail to attract new investment.
But Davies says new investment could help the Dragons become a fully independent region.
"There's a lot of interest and a lot of work going on around that," he told BBC Radio Wales Sport.
"We're at a point now where we have investors interested. They've tabled the terms on which they're prepared to come on board, and now we have to consider if they're acceptable.
"In effect, that would amount to a handing of the reins to a new collective of investors.
"It's important the current board are happy to hand over the reins based on the terms of the prospective investors."
The Dragons' future has been under scrutiny recently, with former captain Michael Owen saying the "mediocre" region should move elsewhere in Wales if any new investors want them to.
The ex-Wales skipper suggested the region could move to Pontypridd or north Wales, while WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips said the Dragons are "in a difficult spot at the minute".
The criticism comes despite Dragons' management unveiling plans to establish themselves as an independent region.
"Whether it's as governors or joint-owners of the Dragons, the union [WRU] have been very close to this process all along," said Davies.
"They've been shoulder to shoulder with us on this.
"But the model and the aspiration in terms of an independent Dragons - new investment, new ownership - all that remains." | Newport Gwent Dragons are attracting interest from new investors, says chief executive Stuart Davies. | the welsh rugby union wru owns 50% stake in the region and has said it may take over if the dragons fail to attract new investment but davies says new investment could help the dragons become fully independent region there lot of interest and lot of work going on around that he told bbc radio wales sport we re at point now where we have investors interested they ve tabled the terms on which they re prepared to come on board and now we have to consider if they re acceptable in effect that would amount to handing of the reins to new collective of investors it important the current board are happy to hand over the reins based on the terms of the prospective investors the dragons future has been under scrutiny recently with former captain michael owen saying the mediocre region should move elsewhere in wales if any new investors want them to the ex-wales skipper suggested the region could move to pontypridd or north wales while wru chief executive martyn phillips said the dragons are in difficult spot at the minute the criticism comes despite dragons management unveiling plans to establish themselves as an independent region whether it as governors or joint-owners of the dragons the union wru have been very close to this process all along said davies they ve been shoulder to shoulder with us on this but the model and the aspiration in terms of an independent dragons new investment new ownership all that remains | _START_ Newport Gwent Dragons are attracting interest from new investors, says chief executive Stuart Davies. _END_ |
Leigh Nairn said his drone was badly damaged in the incident at Binnu, 550km (340 miles) north of Perth.
The drone, used to monitor barley-seeding equipment on his property, was sent off to be repaired.
He said he was "100% lucky" that the drone managed to capture an image of the bird as it swooped.
"That's the only photo I have of it," he said.
"I'm not sure where it came from, but I was obviously in the wrong spot and [it] wanted to let me know that."
The eagle flew off unscathed, he said.
He said the species, Australia's largest bird of prey, sometimes attacked lambs on the 7,500-acre (3,000-hectare) farm.
Despite being a nuisance the birds were "fantastic to look at", he said.
"They are protected, as they should be, but they do give you a lot of trouble during lambing season," Mr Nairn told the BBC.
It is not uncommon for the species to take down drones. In November, an Australian mining company lost nine surveying drones to bird attacks at a total cost of more than A$100,000 (£60,000; $75,000).
But in "a low-tech solution to a high-tech problem", Dutch police have trained eagles to take down unauthorised drones. | A farmer in Western Australia has described the moment a wedge-tailed eagle attacked his drone and sent it crashing to the ground. | leigh nairn said his drone was badly damaged in the incident at binnu 550km 340 miles north of perth the drone used to monitor barley-seeding equipment on his property was sent off to be repaired he said he was 100% lucky that the drone managed to capture an image of the bird as it swooped that the only photo have of it he said not sure where it came from but was obviously in the wrong spot and it wanted to let me know that the eagle flew off unscathed he said he said the species australia largest bird of prey sometimes attacked lambs on the 500-acre 000-hectare farm despite being nuisance the birds were fantastic to look at he said they are protected as they should be but they do give you lot of trouble during lambing season mr nairn told the bbc it is not uncommon for the species to take down drones in november an australian mining company lost nine surveying drones to bird attacks at total cost of more than a$100 000 â£60 000 $75 000 but in low-tech solution to high-tech problem dutch police have trained eagles to take down unauthorised drones. | _START_ A farmer in Western Australia has described the moment a wedge-tailed eagle attacked his drone and sent it crashing to the ground. _END_ |
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The Blues finished as Group G winners with a 2-0 win against Porto, meaning they will be pitted against one of six group runners-up in Monday's draw.
Either Paris St-Germain, Juventus, PSV Eindhoven, Benfica, Roma or Gent await.
"Every team finishing second wants to play us or Zenit St Petersburg," said 52-year-old Mourinho.
The reigning Premier League champions have struggled domestically, losing eight of their 15 top-flight matches this season to leave them in 14th position.
But they have fared better in European competition, winning four and drawing one of their six group games to reach the knockout phase.
The Blues secured their last-16 spot through Ivan Marcano's first-half own goal and Willian's sweet strike after the break.
"Every team doesn't want to play Barcelona, they don't want to play Real Madrid, they don't want to play Atletico, they don't want to play Bayern Munich," added Mourinho.
Mourinho is aiming to become the first manager to win the Champions League with three different clubs, having led Porto and Inter Milan to the trophy in 2004 and 2010 respectively.
And the Portuguese boss says the Blues, despite their disappointing domestic form, can upset the favourites.
"A team which is struggling as we are is obviously not a candidate to win the Champions League because you have the best teams in Europe," said Mourinho, who also managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.
"But when we won it with Porto we were not candidates. When we won it with Inter we were not candidates.
"When we were candidates with Real Madrid we lost two semi-finals, and we lost two semi-finals with Chelsea as well.
"So let's see, you never know."
Mourinho summoned Diego Costa back into his starting XI after leaving the Spain striker on the bench against Tottenham and Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Costa, 27, scored 20 goals in a productive debut campaign as the Blues won the Premier League title last season, but has struggled to replicate that form this term.
However, he impressed the Chelsea manager on his recall against Porto, helping create both goals but missing some goalscoring chances.
"He could have scored two or three goals today," Mourinho said.
"His lack of confidence? Yes, clearly. But his attitude was very good and his movement was much better.
"The first goal was an own goal but his movement is great, the pass arrives. Last season he would score immediately. This season he couldn't.
The eight group winners will be drawn against the eight runners-up, although teams from the same country cannot play each other.
Teams who faced each other in the group stage also cannot be drawn together.
It means Chelsea cannot face Arsenal or Dynamo Kiev in the last 16. | Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes all of his side's potential Champions League opponents want to be drawn against them in the last 16. | media playback is not supported on this device the blues finished as group winners with 2-0 win against porto meaning they will be pitted against one of six group runners-up in monday draw either paris st-germain juventus psv eindhoven benfica roma or gent await every team finishing second wants to play us or zenit st petersburg said 52-year-old mourinho the reigning premier league champions have struggled domestically losing eight of their 15 top-flight matches this season to leave them in 14th position but they have fared better in european competition winning four and drawing one of their six group games to reach the knockout phase the blues secured their last-16 spot through ivan marcano first-half own goal and willian sweet strike after the break every team doesn want to play barcelona they don want to play real madrid they don want to play atletico they don want to play bayern munich added mourinho mourinho is aiming to become the first manager to win the champions league with three different clubs having led porto and inter milan to the trophy in 2004 and 2010 respectively and the portuguese boss says the blues despite their disappointing domestic form can upset the favourites team which is struggling as we are is obviously not candidate to win the champions league because you have the best teams in europe said mourinho who also managed real madrid between 2010 and 2013 but when we won it with porto we were not candidates when we won it with inter we were not candidates when we were candidates with real madrid we lost two semi-finals and we lost two semi-finals with chelsea as well so let see you never know mourinho summoned diego costa back into his starting xi after leaving the spain striker on the bench against tottenham and bournemouth in the premier league costa 27 scored 20 goals in productive debut campaign as the blues won the premier league title last season but has struggled to replicate that form this term however he impressed the chelsea manager on his recall against porto helping create both goals but missing some goalscoring chances he could have scored two or three goals today mourinho said his lack of confidence yes clearly but his attitude was very good and his movement was much better the first goal was an own goal but his movement is great the pass arrives last season he would score immediately this season he couldn the eight group winners will be drawn against the eight runners-up although teams from the same country cannot play each other teams who faced each other in the group stage also cannot be drawn together it means chelsea cannot face arsenal or dynamo kiev in the last 16. | _START_ Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes all of his side's potential Champions League opponents want to be drawn against them in the last 16. _END_ |
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Williams development driver Susie Wolff sent these mocking words to her husband (and Mercedes motorsport boss) Toto Wolff during Sunday's British Grand Prix.
The playful text message was fired off after Mercedes' failed attempt to sell Williams 'a dummy' early in the race, gathering their mechanics in the pit lane for a pit stop that would never happen, in the hope Williams would panic and call their drivers in to do the same.
It was an attempt to unsettle Williams, but was it wily tactics or rank bad sportsmanship?
Arguably the most exciting race of the season got off to a stunning start as Williams driver Felipe Massa accelerated past pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton and the sister Mercedes of Nico Rosberg to take an early lead.
A few laps later there was another twist when, after the appearance of the safety car, Hamilton found himself behind the second Williams of Valtteri Bottas after a failed attempt to pass Massa at the restart.
Mercedes, clearly rattled, needed to regain the initiative so they tried to catch out their rivals.
On lap 14, Mercedes mechanics rushed out to prepare for a pit stop, with the intention of scaring Williams into calling their drivers in earlier than planned in response.
Williams, though, did not blink.
"It was a bit of a game that didn't work," conceded Wolff.
"We know Williams has difficulty making the tyres last and we knew that taking an early pit stop might trigger them into a pit stop that would cause them problems.
"At least it was a bit of entertainment."
The fact that Williams did not take the bait ultimately mattered little as Hamilton fought back to secure a superb victory, while Massa and Bottas both struggled in the rain that fell later in the race, coming home fourth and fifth.
"It was a dummy run, trying to force Williams," BBC pundit David Coulthard said in the race commentary. "I think Williams chief technical officer Pat Symonds acknowledged there is a regulation. I don't quite know, I'd need to check.
"From a safety point of view you are not supposed to have mechanics out there just in case other cars are around.
"They are not systematically allowed to keep dummying to try and force the hand of others."
Symonds was bemused by Mercedes' antics.
"You have to try and out-think them," he said. "I think coming out in the pit lane is against the rules if it is not a genuine call. We didn't fall for that one."
Formula 1's sporting regulations are a little vague on this subject, so it may be a stretch to say Mercedes broke a hard-and-fast rule.
Here's the rule in question:
Is it possible to hang a penalty on this, especially as it's so hard to prove intent? It certainly appears to be a grey area and one open to interpretation by the race stewards.
It would seem Mercedes gambled and got lucky.
Of course it has. It's all in the game.
Two teams battling for victory in one of the most pressured environments in world sport? You'd be more surprised if these guys didn't push the boundaries of what's legal every now and then.
Ferrari and McLaren routinely engaged in such tactics during their epic battles in the late 1990s and early 2000s, to take just one example.
It was a part of the game then, it is part of the game now.
Formula 1 would be a duller place without such moments, would it not? | "You guys think you can fool us, ha, ha, ha." | media playback is not supported on this device williams development driver susie wolff sent these mocking words to her husband and mercedes motorsport boss toto wolff during sunday british grand prix the playful text message was fired off after mercedes failed attempt to sell williams dummy early in the race gathering their mechanics in the pit lane for pit stop that would never happen in the hope williams would panic and call their drivers in to do the same it was an attempt to unsettle williams but was it wily tactics or rank bad sportsmanship arguably the most exciting race of the season got off to stunning start as williams driver felipe massa accelerated past pole-sitter lewis hamilton and the sister mercedes of nico rosberg to take an early lead few laps later there was another twist when after the appearance of the safety car hamilton found himself behind the second williams of valtteri bottas after failed attempt to pass massa at the restart mercedes clearly rattled needed to regain the initiative so they tried to catch out their rivals on lap 14 mercedes mechanics rushed out to prepare for pit stop with the intention of scaring williams into calling their drivers in earlier than planned in response williams though did not blink it was bit of game that didn work conceded wolff we know williams has difficulty making the tyres last and we knew that taking an early pit stop might trigger them into pit stop that would cause them problems at least it was bit of entertainment the fact that williams did not take the bait ultimately mattered little as hamilton fought back to secure superb victory while massa and bottas both struggled in the rain that fell later in the race coming home fourth and fifth it was dummy run trying to force williams bbc pundit david coulthard said in the race commentary think williams chief technical officer pat symonds acknowledged there is regulation don quite know need to check from safety point of view you are not supposed to have mechanics out there just in case other cars are around they are not systematically allowed to keep dummying to try and force the hand of others symonds was bemused by mercedes antics you have to try and out-think them he said think coming out in the pit lane is against the rules if it is not genuine call we didn fall for that one formula sporting regulations are little vague on this subject so it may be stretch to say mercedes broke hard-and-fast rule here the rule in question is it possible to hang penalty on this especially as it so hard to prove intent it certainly appears to be grey area and one open to interpretation by the race stewards it would seem mercedes gambled and got lucky of course it has it all in the game two teams battling for victory in one of the most pressured environments in world sport you be more surprised if these guys didn push the boundaries of what legal every now and then ferrari and mclaren routinely engaged in such tactics during their epic battles in the late 1990s and early 2000s to take just one example it was part of the game then it is part of the game now formula would be duller place without such moments would it not | _START_ "You guys think you can fool us, ha, ha, ha." _END_ |
The world number four and Elkington engaged in a public spat on Twitter after McIlroy missed the cut at the US Open for the second year running.
The Australian said McIlroy, having won four majors and with "100mill in bank", was bored playing without Tiger Woods.
McIlroy responded with: "More like 200mill, not bad for a 'bored' 28-year-old. Plenty more where that came from."
Speaking on the eve of his defence of the Irish Open at Portstewart, McIlroy revealed he regretted reacting to Elkington and was avoiding social media for the foreseeable future.
"I must have wrote that tweet and deleted it about five times before I actually sent it," McIlroy said on Wednesday.
"I sort of regret sending it at the end but I actually gave my wife, Erica, my phone and my Twitter and told her, 'Change my password to something else and don't tell me what it is'.
"So as of the time being, I'm off social media just because of that reason. I don't need to read it. It's stuff that shouldn't get to you and sometimes it does.
"It is not what was said. It was who said it and anyone who has been in that environment should realise how hard golf is at times. That is the thing that got to me more than anything else.
"If it was written by a member of the media or something I could let it slide, because I can sort of say to myself, they don't really know how it is and they don't know what you have to deal with.
"But a former player that has won a major and been successful, that's sort of why it got to me and that's why I sort of retaliated a little bit."
McIlroy has recorded five top-10 finishes in majors since his last victory in the 2014 US PGA without seriously contending, but is optimistic about adding to his tally despite an injury-hit campaign with The Open Championship at Birkdale at the end of July.
"I am close," the Northern Irishman added. "I have got two big opportunities coming up this summer.
"Birkdale is a golf course I feel I can do well at. Then Quail Hollow for the PGA, I have won there two times, my first win on the PGA Tour and last time I won by seven.
"I think they are two opportunities for me to get back on the major ladder and start to win those again."
After missing the cut in the Irish Open for three years running, McIlroy won the title at the K Club 12 months ago.
And he believes he has learnt how to handle all the off-course distractions which come with his charity, the Rory Foundation, being the tournament hosts. | Rory McIlroy says he has stopped using social media following his row with former US PGA champion Steve Elkington. | the world number four and elkington engaged in public spat on twitter after mcilroy missed the cut at the us open for the second year running the australian said mcilroy having won four majors and with 100mill in bank was bored playing without tiger woods mcilroy responded with more like 200mill not bad for bored 28-year-old plenty more where that came from speaking on the eve of his defence of the irish open at portstewart mcilroy revealed he regretted reacting to elkington and was avoiding social media for the foreseeable future must have wrote that tweet and deleted it about five times before actually sent it mcilroy said on wednesday sort of regret sending it at the end but actually gave my wife erica my phone and my twitter and told her change my password to something else and don tell me what it is so as of the time being off social media just because of that reason don need to read it it stuff that shouldn get to you and sometimes it does it is not what was said it was who said it and anyone who has been in that environment should realise how hard golf is at times that is the thing that got to me more than anything else if it was written by member of the media or something could let it slide because can sort of say to myself they don really know how it is and they don know what you have to deal with but former player that has won major and been successful that sort of why it got to me and that why sort of retaliated little bit mcilroy has recorded five top-10 finishes in majors since his last victory in the 2014 us pga without seriously contending but is optimistic about adding to his tally despite an injury-hit campaign with the open championship at birkdale at the end of july am close the northern irishman added have got two big opportunities coming up this summer birkdale is golf course feel can do well at then quail hollow for the pga have won there two times my first win on the pga tour and last time won by seven think they are two opportunities for me to get back on the major ladder and start to win those again after missing the cut in the irish open for three years running mcilroy won the title at the club 12 months ago and he believes he has learnt how to handle all the off-course distractions which come with his charity the rory foundation being the tournament hosts. | _START_ Rory McIlroy says he has stopped using social media following his row with former US PGA champion Steve Elkington. _END_ |
Rose has seen his red card, given in County's 3-2 defeat at Cambridge, overturned, but he could be punished for the incident involving Trevor Kettle.
The brother of Tottenham defender, Danny Rose, has requested a personal hearing, scheduled for next week.
"I've never seen a red card issued like it," boss Graham Westley explained.
"It was issued in his face, in a way he had to step back to avoid the referees elbow.
"He is going to have to explain that, for sure." | Newport midfielder Mitch Rose has been charged by the Football Association with misconduct after knocking a red card out of the hands of a referee. | rose has seen his red card given in county 3-2 defeat at cambridge overturned but he could be punished for the incident involving trevor kettle the brother of tottenham defender danny rose has requested personal hearing scheduled for next week ve never seen red card issued like it boss graham westley explained it was issued in his face in way he had to step back to avoid the referees elbow he is going to have to explain that for sure | _START_ Newport midfielder Mitch Rose has been charged by the Football Association with misconduct after knocking a red card out of the hands of a referee. _END_ |
David Samson, a mentor to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, could be sentenced to up to two years in prison.
United Airlines ended the money-losing route from Newark, New Jersey, to Columbia, South Carolina, three days after Samson resigned.
United CEO Jeff Smisek quit after an investigation into the route.
Mr Smisek has not been charged with any criminal wrongdoing.
Samson was the chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees New York City-area airports.
At the time the route operated, United Airlines was lobbying for improvements at Newark Liberty International Airport, which the Port Authority owns.
Samson told prosecutors that he used the "chairman's flight"' 27 times between October 2011 and January 2014.
He owned a vacation home in Aiken, about 60 miles (96km) south west of Columbia.
After Samson pleaded guilty on Thursday, federal prosecutors also charged Jamie Fox, a former lobbyist for United in the scheme.
Governor Christie named Mr Fox as New Jersey's transportation commissioner in 2014. He resigned in October 2015. | A former New Jersey airport official has pleaded guilty to using his position to get a weekly direct flight to his holiday home. | david samson mentor to new jersey governor chris christie could be sentenced to up to two years in prison united airlines ended the money-losing route from newark new jersey to columbia south carolina three days after samson resigned united ceo jeff smisek quit after an investigation into the route mr smisek has not been charged with any criminal wrongdoing samson was the chairman of the port authority of new york and new jersey which oversees new york city-area airports at the time the route operated united airlines was lobbying for improvements at newark liberty international airport which the port authority owns samson told prosecutors that he used the chairman flight 27 times between october 2011 and january 2014 he owned vacation home in aiken about 60 miles 96km south west of columbia after samson pleaded guilty on thursday federal prosecutors also charged jamie fox former lobbyist for united in the scheme governor christie named mr fox as new jersey transportation commissioner in 2014 he resigned in october 2015. | _START_ A former New Jersey airport official has pleaded guilty to using his position to get a weekly direct flight to his holiday home. _END_ |
Jairo Medina, 62, a professional carer from Chelsea, was found near Speakers' Corner on the morning of 12 August by a member of the public.
A post-mortem examination did not find a cause of death, but showed that he had been assaulted, police said.
Hani Khalaf, 21, of no fixed address, will appear before magistrates in Wimbledon on Saturday. | A man has been charged with the murder of a carer who was found dead in London's Hyde Park. | jairo medina 62 professional carer from chelsea was found near speakers corner on the morning of 12 august by member of the public post-mortem examination did not find cause of death but showed that he had been assaulted police said hani khalaf 21 of no fixed address will appear before magistrates in wimbledon on saturday. | _START_ A man has been charged with the murder of a carer who was found dead in London's Hyde Park. _END_ |
The EBU light-heavyweight champion failed a drugs test on 12 March, following his unanimous points victory over Frenchman Patrick Bois in Paris.
Mikhalkin has been stripped of the belt he successfully defended three times, according to the European Boxing Union.
Meldonium was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list in January.
Over 100 athletes have tested positive for the drug, including former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova.
On 25 March, Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko confirmed 27 Russian sportspeople had tested positive for meldonium this year.
The EBU's general secretary Enza Merchionne Jacoponi said: "Igor Mikhalkin tested positive for an illegal substance last month and, in accordance with the rules of the EBU, he was stripped of his belt.
"The illegal substance in question was meldonium, which is now on Wada's banned list but was not on the list until January of this year.
"We asked him if he had taken the drug, and he confirmed it. That is why no counter-analysis of a B sample has taken place." | Russia's Igor Mikhalkin has been suspended for two years after testing positive for banned substance meldonium. | the ebu light-heavyweight champion failed drugs test on 12 march following his unanimous points victory over frenchman patrick bois in paris mikhalkin has been stripped of the belt he successfully defended three times according to the european boxing union meldonium was added to the world anti-doping agency banned list in january over 100 athletes have tested positive for the drug including former wimbledon champion maria sharapova on 25 march russian sports minister vitaly mutko confirmed 27 russian sportspeople had tested positive for meldonium this year the ebu general secretary enza merchionne jacoponi said igor mikhalkin tested positive for an illegal substance last month and in accordance with the rules of the ebu he was stripped of his belt the illegal substance in question was meldonium which is now on wada banned list but was not on the list until january of this year we asked him if he had taken the drug and he confirmed it that is why no counter-analysis of sample has taken place | _START_ Russia's Igor Mikhalkin has been suspended for two years after testing positive for banned substance meldonium. _END_ |
Officers found the body at the house in Barrack Hill when they responded to a call in the area shortly after 05:30 local time on Wednesday.
The dead man was believed to be from eastern Europe.
A man in his 50s was arrested at the scene and is being questioned at Roxboro Road garda (police) station. | Police have made an arrest after the body of a 39-year-old man was found at a house in Limerick in the Republic of Ireland. | officers found the body at the house in barrack hill when they responded to call in the area shortly after 05:30 local time on wednesday the dead man was believed to be from eastern europe man in his 50s was arrested at the scene and is being questioned at roxboro road garda police station. | _START_ Police have made an arrest after the body of a 39-year-old man was found at a house in Limerick in the Republic of Ireland. _END_ |
The 22-year-old had looked set to take the first major of the season at the ANA Inspiration last month, before a rules breach cost her victory.
Thompson was was given a four-stroke penalty when a TV viewer spotted an infringement and emailed officials.
But she carded a final round 65 in Virginia to take a five-shot victory.
In Gee Chun of South Korea earned her third runner-up finish of the season with a bogey-free 67 on Sunday.
Thompson, ranked fifth in the world, started her final round three shots ahead of the field and recorded six birdies to card a record 264 for the tournament.
It was her first victory on the LPGA Tour since a 2016 victory in Thailand.
Meanwhile New Zealand's Lydia Ko held on to her world number one ranking despite a disappointing final day as a two-over par 73 left her in a four-way tie for 10th. | American Lexi Thompson earned her first victory of the year with a tournament record 20-under-par score at the LPGA Kingsmill Championship in Virginia. | the 22-year-old had looked set to take the first major of the season at the ana inspiration last month before rules breach cost her victory thompson was was given four-stroke penalty when tv viewer spotted an infringement and emailed officials but she carded final round 65 in virginia to take five-shot victory in gee chun of south korea earned her third runner-up finish of the season with bogey-free 67 on sunday thompson ranked fifth in the world started her final round three shots ahead of the field and recorded six birdies to card record 264 for the tournament it was her first victory on the lpga tour since 2016 victory in thailand meanwhile new zealand lydia ko held on to her world number one ranking despite disappointing final day as two-over par 73 left her in four-way tie for 10th. | _START_ American Lexi Thompson earned her first victory of the year with a tournament record 20-under-par score at the LPGA Kingsmill Championship in Virginia. _END_ |
Saad Dawabsha, 32, died in an Israeli hospital where he was being treated for second-degree burns to most of his body.
His son Ali, 18 months, died in the attack in the village of Duma in the occupied West Bank on 31 July.
His mother and his four-year-old brother remain in critical condition.
Hundreds of people turned out as Saad Dawabsha was buried in Duma on Saturday.
In last week's attack the family's small home was firebombed in the night, and daubed with slogans in Hebrew, including the word "revenge".
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the attack an act of terrorism. Israel has vowed to catch the arsonists.
Palestinian officials said they held Israel "fully responsible".
The incident may have been a so-called "price tag" attack.
Such attacks usually involve acts of vandalism or arson by Jewish extremists as retribution for actions taken by the Israeli government against Jewish settlements or unauthorised outposts in the West Bank, or for violence by Palestinians.
Hossam Badran, spokesman for the Palestinian Islamic movement Hamas, said on Saturday that nothing would stop the "murderous settler attacks".
"Our people in the West Bank have only one choice: that of open and comprehensive confrontation against the occupation," he wrote in a message posted on Facebook.
The UN's Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, called for the perpetrators to be brought swiftly to justice.
"Political, community and religious leaders on all sides should work together and not allow extremists to escalate the situation and take control of the political agenda," he said in a statement.
Palestinians regard settlements as a major obstacle to building a sought-after state in contiguous territory in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
About 500,000 Jews live in more than 100 settlements built since Israel's 1967 occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The settlements are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this. | A Palestinian man whose child was killed in an arson attack blamed on Jewish settlers has died of his injuries. | saad dawabsha 32 died in an israeli hospital where he was being treated for second-degree burns to most of his body his son ali 18 months died in the attack in the village of duma in the occupied west bank on 31 july his mother and his four-year-old brother remain in critical condition hundreds of people turned out as saad dawabsha was buried in duma on saturday in last week attack the family small home was firebombed in the night and daubed with slogans in hebrew including the word revenge israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu called the attack an act of terrorism israel has vowed to catch the arsonists palestinian officials said they held israel fully responsible the incident may have been so-called price tag attack such attacks usually involve acts of vandalism or arson by jewish extremists as retribution for actions taken by the israeli government against jewish settlements or unauthorised outposts in the west bank or for violence by palestinians hossam badran spokesman for the palestinian islamic movement hamas said on saturday that nothing would stop the murderous settler attacks our people in the west bank have only one choice that of open and comprehensive confrontation against the occupation he wrote in message posted on facebook the un special coordinator for the middle east peace process nickolay mladenov called for the perpetrators to be brought swiftly to justice political community and religious leaders on all sides should work together and not allow extremists to escalate the situation and take control of the political agenda he said in statement palestinians regard settlements as major obstacle to building sought-after state in contiguous territory in the west bank and east jerusalem about 500 000 jews live in more than 100 settlements built since israel 1967 occupation of the west bank and east jerusalem the settlements are considered illegal under international law though israel disputes this. | _START_ A Palestinian man whose child was killed in an arson attack blamed on Jewish settlers has died of his injuries. _END_ |
Selby, who also beat Ding in the World Championship final at Sheffield's Crucible in May, won eight of the first nine frames as the Chinese number one managed a top break of just 47.
The 33-year-old cleared to pink having trailed 54-0 in what turned out to be the penultimate frame.
He then sealed victory with a 78 break.
Ding, 29, who won the title in 2013, was looking to build on September's Shanghai Masters win, where he beat Selby 10-6 in the final.
Sign up to My Sport to follow snooker news and reports on the BBC app. | England's world number one Mark Selby comfortably beat home favourite Ding Junhui 10-1 to win the International Championship in Daqing, China. | selby who also beat ding in the world championship final at sheffield crucible in may won eight of the first nine frames as the chinese number one managed top break of just 47 the 33-year-old cleared to pink having trailed 54-0 in what turned out to be the penultimate frame he then sealed victory with 78 break ding 29 who won the title in 2013 was looking to build on september shanghai masters win where he beat selby 10-6 in the final sign up to my sport to follow snooker news and reports on the bbc app. | _START_ England's world number one Mark Selby comfortably beat home favourite Ding Junhui 10-1 to win the International Championship in Daqing, China. _END_ |
Six out of seven hospital trusts in the region with A&E departments have been judged either inadequate or requiring improvement.
Prime Minister David Cameron admitted the record at Kent's Medway Maritime was "not good enough".
Last year, the hospital had some of the worst A&E treatment times in England.
The Gillingham hospital has been in special measures since July 2013.
"That's why we sent in the turn-around team," said Mr Cameron.
"Under this government, we have seen hospitals going into special measures when they have problems but coming out the other end with better management and better results."
The leaders spoke to BBC South East about problems facing the NHS during campaigning visits to the region.
Other hospitals under pressure include Eastbourne District General, which in March was judged inadequate by the Care Quality Commission.
Green leader Natalie Bennett said her party was against concentrating specialist services on one site as had happened in Eastbourne and at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings.
"People want services close to where they live," she said.
"If you have a few big centralised centres you have both economic impacts and real impacts on communities that are losing services they need."
Labour leader Ed Miliband said his party would fund 20,000 more nurses and 8,000 more doctors by raising £2.5bn from a mansion tax on properties above £2m and raising money from tobacco companies and hedge funds.
"It is a real rescue plan," he said.
"It is big money. The money will flow within months of a Labour government."
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg said the NHS was under considerable pressure .
"There are lots of complex reasons for that - the main one is we have lots of elderly folk who are spending much longer in hospital because of age-related conditions.
"We need to make sure that when they are ready to be discharged there is a place in the community ready for them to be looked after."
UKIP leader Nigel Farage said he wanted to change the way hospitals were run and managed by having elected boards.
"We are not getting value for money," he said.
"The other problem is that our population has risen massively over the last few years.
"We how have fewer GPs per capita than any other country in Europe." | Leaders of the five main parties in England have set out their plans for the NHS in Kent and East Sussex, where many hospital trusts are struggling. | six out of seven hospital trusts in the region with departments have been judged either inadequate or requiring improvement prime minister david cameron admitted the record at kent medway maritime was not good enough last year the hospital had some of the worst treatment times in england the gillingham hospital has been in special measures since july 2013 that why we sent in the turn-around team said mr cameron under this government we have seen hospitals going into special measures when they have problems but coming out the other end with better management and better results the leaders spoke to bbc south east about problems facing the nhs during campaigning visits to the region other hospitals under pressure include eastbourne district general which in march was judged inadequate by the care quality commission green leader natalie bennett said her party was against concentrating specialist services on one site as had happened in eastbourne and at the conquest hospital in hastings people want services close to where they live she said if you have few big centralised centres you have both economic impacts and real impacts on communities that are losing services they need labour leader ed miliband said his party would fund 20 000 more nurses and 000 more doctors by raising â£2.5bn from mansion tax on properties above â£2m and raising money from tobacco companies and hedge funds it is real rescue plan he said it is big money the money will flow within months of labour government lib dem leader nick clegg said the nhs was under considerable pressure there are lots of complex reasons for that the main one is we have lots of elderly folk who are spending much longer in hospital because of age-related conditions we need to make sure that when they are ready to be discharged there is place in the community ready for them to be looked after ukip leader nigel farage said he wanted to change the way hospitals were run and managed by having elected boards we are not getting value for money he said the other problem is that our population has risen massively over the last few years we how have fewer gps per capita than any other country in europe | _START_ Leaders of the five main parties in England have set out their plans for the NHS in Kent and East Sussex, where many hospital trusts are struggling. _END_ |
So dolphins have developed elaborate behaviours to turn larger prey into more bite-size pieces, according to marine biologists in Australia.
The researchers filmed dolphins shaking octopuses and tossing them through air in preparation for consumption.
The findings, compiling years of observations, have been described in the journal Marine Mammal Science.
"Everyone relates it to seafood preparation," lead author Dr Kate Sprogis told the BBC.
"They've got skills to prepare their meal."
The authors said the technique is one way dolphins have managed to thrive in waters around Australia.
"They bite off the head first then they shake and toss the rest of the body," Dr Sprogis said.
"They have to do this because they are such large octopus they can't just swallow them in one piece."
The technique also prevents octopus tentacles from latching on to dolphins, she said.
The study involved researchers from Murdoch University and Monash University. | Octopuses can be a perfect meal for dolphins, but they can also pose a deadly choking hazard. | so dolphins have developed elaborate behaviours to turn larger prey into more bite-size pieces according to marine biologists in australia the researchers filmed dolphins shaking octopuses and tossing them through air in preparation for consumption the findings compiling years of observations have been described in the journal marine mammal science everyone relates it to seafood preparation lead author dr kate sprogis told the bbc they ve got skills to prepare their meal the authors said the technique is one way dolphins have managed to thrive in waters around australia they bite off the head first then they shake and toss the rest of the body dr sprogis said they have to do this because they are such large octopus they can just swallow them in one piece the technique also prevents octopus tentacles from latching on to dolphins she said the study involved researchers from murdoch university and monash university. | _START_ Octopuses can be a perfect meal for dolphins, but they can also pose a deadly choking hazard. _END_ |
Pyotr Pavlensky set the door of the Lubyanka building alight and was pictured standing in front of the blaze holding a petrol can.
Mr Pavlensky was arrested in 2013 after he nailed his scrotum to the floor of Moscow's Red Square in protest.
The Lubyanka building is the historical home of Russia's security services.
The imposing building was used by the country's secret police and later KGB - the forerunner to the FSB - and contains a prison.
Mr Pavlensky has been questioned on suspicion of vandalism, a charge that carries a jail sentence of up to three years.
Two journalists who filmed the performance were taken in for questioning, Russian media reported.
The performance artist released a video of the stunt, and said in a statement: "The FSB acts using a method of uninterrupted terror and maintains power over 146 million people.
"Fear turns free people into a sticky mass of uncoordinated bodies," he added.
"The threat of inevitable reprisal hangs over everyone who can be tracked with devices, have their conversations listened to, or at borders with passport checks."
Inspired or crazy, creative artist or cheap stunt man, Pyotr Pavlensky divides opinion but rarely leaves Russians indifferent. Thanks to the shock factor of his art he is well known here and his latest work is perhaps his most audacious. On social media, some have praised his challenge to the powerful FSB as "courageous" and "heroic" - a fellow performance artist of Pussy Riot fame proclaimed Pavlensky the "mind, conscience and balls" of the age.
But there's criticism too. State TV anchorman Vladimir Solovyov dismissed all talk of the fire as art. If someone set fire to an opposition leader's office, not the FSB, that would instantly be seen as a "terrorist act against freedom", he said.
Surprisingly perhaps, Mr Pavlensky has only been prosecuted once before. That trial for vandalism is still ongoing but it clearly hasn't deterred him. When prosecutors tried to force him to undergo psychiatric testing, the artist stripped naked, mounted the wall of a famous psychiatric institute and lopped-off part of his ear lobe.
Mr Pavlensky hit the headlines in 2013 after nailing his scrotum to the cobblestone of Red Square to protest against tight police control.
He has previously sewed his lips shut to protest against the arrest of the band Pussy Riot, cut off part of his earlobe in a protest over the forced psychiatric treatment of dissidents, and wrapped his naked body in a "cocoon" of barbed wire outside Russia's parliament building.
The artist is facing three years in prison over a 2014 performance in St Petersburg, in which activists set fire to tyres and waved a Ukrainian flag to simulate the Maidan protests that led to the ousting of Ukraine's pro-Moscow leader, Viktor Yanukovych. | A Russian artist and political activist has been arrested after setting fire to the Moscow headquarters of the country's security service, the FSB. | pyotr pavlensky set the door of the lubyanka building alight and was pictured standing in front of the blaze holding petrol can mr pavlensky was arrested in 2013 after he nailed his scrotum to the floor of moscow red square in protest the lubyanka building is the historical home of russia security services the imposing building was used by the country secret police and later kgb the forerunner to the fsb and contains prison mr pavlensky has been questioned on suspicion of vandalism charge that carries jail sentence of up to three years two journalists who filmed the performance were taken in for questioning russian media reported the performance artist released video of the stunt and said in statement the fsb acts using method of uninterrupted terror and maintains power over 146 million people fear turns free people into sticky mass of uncoordinated bodies he added the threat of inevitable reprisal hangs over everyone who can be tracked with devices have their conversations listened to or at borders with passport checks inspired or crazy creative artist or cheap stunt man pyotr pavlensky divides opinion but rarely leaves russians indifferent thanks to the shock factor of his art he is well known here and his latest work is perhaps his most audacious on social media some have praised his challenge to the powerful fsb as courageous and heroic fellow performance artist of pussy riot fame proclaimed pavlensky the mind conscience and balls of the age but there criticism too state tv anchorman vladimir solovyov dismissed all talk of the fire as art if someone set fire to an opposition leader office not the fsb that would instantly be seen as terrorist act against freedom he said surprisingly perhaps mr pavlensky has only been prosecuted once before that trial for vandalism is still ongoing but it clearly hasn deterred him when prosecutors tried to force him to undergo psychiatric testing the artist stripped naked mounted the wall of famous psychiatric institute and lopped-off part of his ear lobe mr pavlensky hit the headlines in 2013 after nailing his scrotum to the cobblestone of red square to protest against tight police control he has previously sewed his lips shut to protest against the arrest of the band pussy riot cut off part of his earlobe in protest over the forced psychiatric treatment of dissidents and wrapped his naked body in cocoon of barbed wire outside russia parliament building the artist is facing three years in prison over 2014 performance in st petersburg in which activists set fire to tyres and waved ukrainian flag to simulate the maidan protests that led to the ousting of ukraine pro-moscow leader viktor yanukovych. | _START_ A Russian artist and political activist has been arrested after setting fire to the Moscow headquarters of the country's security service, the FSB. _END_ |
The 21-year-old will replace on-loan Charlton keeper Dillon Phillips, who will miss at least six weeks after tearing a medial knee ligament.
Flatt has yet to make his debut for Wolves, but featured in five games on loan at Wrexham last season.
"He's a good lad and he's known by a few of our lads as well," manager Gary Johnson told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.
"Dillon's been fantastic for us, and that's the disappointing side of it that you wanted him to be part of the end game.
"If there's a miraculous recovery come the end the season, then there might be a few games for Dillon."
Cheltenham are one point clear of local rivals Forest Green Rovers at the top of the National League table. | National League side Cheltenham Town have signed goalkeeper Jonathan Flatt on a one-month loan deal from Wolves. | the 21-year-old will replace on-loan charlton keeper dillon phillips who will miss at least six weeks after tearing medial knee ligament flatt has yet to make his debut for wolves but featured in five games on loan at wrexham last season he good lad and he known by few of our lads as well manager gary johnson told bbc radio gloucestershire dillon been fantastic for us and that the disappointing side of it that you wanted him to be part of the end game if there miraculous recovery come the end the season then there might be few games for dillon cheltenham are one point clear of local rivals forest green rovers at the top of the national league table. | _START_ National League side Cheltenham Town have signed goalkeeper Jonathan Flatt on a one-month loan deal from Wolves. _END_ |
Firms that have not implemented a quota of female directors will have to leave some vacancies unoccupied.
Some leading German business figures have criticised the new legislation.
Similar measures have been introduced in other European countries including Norway, Italy and the Netherlands.
"This law is an important step for equality because it will initiate cultural change in the workplace," Chancellor Angela Merkel, who initially was against the reforms, told parliament on Wednesday.
"It has been decided and it is coming. We can't afford to do without the skills of women."
Women's Affairs Minister Manuela Schwesig told public radio on Wednesday that she did not expect many positions to go unfilled because of a shortage of female candidates.
"There are enough women who are qualified to do these very important jobs," she said.
Correspondents say that the new rules will affect about 100 listed companies with employee representatives on non-executive supervisory boards. Another 3,500 firms will in future have to publish gender-equality targets.
While quota supporters welcomed Wednesday's developments as groundbreaking, critics including German Industries Federation chief Ulrich Grillo said that a quota system was counter-productive.
He argued that voluntary schemes were far more effective in getting more women into top jobs.
More than 80% of German boardroom positions are occupied by men, Deutsche Welle reported, even though roughly 40% of the federal cabinet is female.
Of the the 160 most important publicly traded companies, women make up 17.4% of supervisory boards and only 6.1% of management boards, Spiegel Online reported.
It says however that Germany's laws on 'co-determination', which guarantee employees seats on supervisory boards, have made some progress in narrowing the gender gap.
Chancellor Merkel's cabinet is due to approve the quota bill on 11 December, and subsequent parliamentary approval is expected to be a formality.
Last year the EU Commission said that it was considering forcing companies to increase the number of women on their boards. | Germany's biggest companies have been ordered to ensure that 30% of supervisory board positions are held by women from 2016 under a law agreed late on Tuesday by the governing coalition. | firms that have not implemented quota of female directors will have to leave some vacancies unoccupied some leading german business figures have criticised the new legislation similar measures have been introduced in other european countries including norway italy and the netherlands this law is an important step for equality because it will initiate cultural change in the workplace chancellor angela merkel who initially was against the reforms told parliament on wednesday it has been decided and it is coming we can afford to do without the skills of women women affairs minister manuela schwesig told public radio on wednesday that she did not expect many positions to go unfilled because of shortage of female candidates there are enough women who are qualified to do these very important jobs she said correspondents say that the new rules will affect about 100 listed companies with employee representatives on non-executive supervisory boards another 500 firms will in future have to publish gender-equality targets while quota supporters welcomed wednesday developments as groundbreaking critics including german industries federation chief ulrich grillo said that quota system was counter-productive he argued that voluntary schemes were far more effective in getting more women into top jobs more than 80% of german boardroom positions are occupied by men deutsche welle reported even though roughly 40% of the federal cabinet is female of the the 160 most important publicly traded companies women make up 17.4% of supervisory boards and only 6.1% of management boards spiegel online reported it says however that germany laws on co-determination which guarantee employees seats on supervisory boards have made some progress in narrowing the gender gap chancellor merkel cabinet is due to approve the quota bill on 11 december and subsequent parliamentary approval is expected to be formality last year the eu commission said that it was considering forcing companies to increase the number of women on their boards. | _START_ Germany's biggest companies have been ordered to ensure that 30% of supervisory board positions are held by women from 2016 under a law agreed late on Tuesday by the governing coalition. _END_ |
RTÉ reports that Mr Molloy, 24, had been detained along with two British citizens for allegedly crossing into Iraq illegally.
Mr Molloy is from Ballylinan.
It was reported that he had been fighting with Kurdish forces opposing the so-called Islamic State group.
Mr Molloy is a former Royal Irish Regiment soldier.
Charlie Flanagan said arrangements were being put in place which should see Mr Molloy rejoined with his family in the coming days.
"I would like to thank all those who helped to make this early release happen," he added.
"My department will continue to provide consular assistance in this case."
Declan Molloy, Joshua's father, told RTÉ that Mr Flanagan broke the news to him in a phone call late on Saturday night.
"We are all delighted here," he added.
"We are jumping with joy to know that he is out.
"You know that Christmas morning feeling, it's a bit like that, when you find your most sought-after present under the tree, the dream present. That's how we feel."
Mr Molloy spoke to his son on Sunday via Facebook and reported that he was "fine", but felt that he would need some time alone after his ordeal.
He has repeatedly stressed that his son is not a mercenary or a freedom fighter, and that he had travelled to Syria last year for humanitarian reasons.
The two British citizens, Jac Holmes from Bournemouth and Joe Ackerman from Halifax have also been freed in Iraq.
The three men were held for more than a week in a prison in the Kurdish city, Erbil. | The Irish Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan has confirmed that County Laois man Joshua Molloy has been released from custody in Iraq. | rt㉠reports that mr molloy 24 had been detained along with two british citizens for allegedly crossing into iraq illegally mr molloy is from ballylinan it was reported that he had been fighting with kurdish forces opposing the so-called islamic state group mr molloy is former royal irish regiment soldier charlie flanagan said arrangements were being put in place which should see mr molloy rejoined with his family in the coming days would like to thank all those who helped to make this early release happen he added my department will continue to provide consular assistance in this case declan molloy joshua father told rt㉠that mr flanagan broke the news to him in phone call late on saturday night we are all delighted here he added we are jumping with joy to know that he is out you know that christmas morning feeling it bit like that when you find your most sought-after present under the tree the dream present that how we feel mr molloy spoke to his son on sunday via facebook and reported that he was fine but felt that he would need some time alone after his ordeal he has repeatedly stressed that his son is not mercenary or freedom fighter and that he had travelled to syria last year for humanitarian reasons the two british citizens jac holmes from bournemouth and joe ackerman from halifax have also been freed in iraq the three men were held for more than week in prison in the kurdish city erbil. | _START_ The Irish Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan has confirmed that County Laois man Joshua Molloy has been released from custody in Iraq. _END_ |
It's a battle that Greg Stewart, executive director of the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential library in Biloxi, has fought before. And it's one he's convinced the defenders of the flag that has flown over Mississippi for more than 100 years will win again.
Sitting inside a massive, million-dollar monument to Southern history - built on the post Civil War home of the Confederate president with federal disaster relief funds provided after 2005's Hurricane Katrina - Stewart explains that Mississippi is most definitely not South Carolina.
If the national media and liberal agitators think his state is going to be quick to follow suit and renounce its Confederate heritage, he says, they're mistaken.
According to Stewart, "the stars all lined up" in South Carolina. A tragic event combined with national Republicans who wanted to defuse the debate over the Confederate flag before the South Carolina presidential primary next February.
"They are desperate to get the flag issue off the table before the presidential hopefuls have to show up and face those questions," he said.
Stewart already bears the political battle scars from a 2001 fight to prevent what he saw as a pending back-room deal to change the flag. He pushed for Mississippi to hold a public vote on the issue - and when they did, they opted by a nearly two-to-one margin to make no change.
At that point Stewart thought the issue was settled. And it seemed to be - until Charleston.
Given the events of the past week, it now appears as if a tidal wave of public opinion about the Confederacy and the place of Confederate imagery in modern society is sweeping across the South.
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has publicly called for the Confederate flag to be removed from her statehouse grounds. Legislative action making her recommendation a reality is likely only a matter of time.
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced his state would stop issuing licence plates with the rebel flag on it. Mega-retailers Walmart, Sears and Amazon.com are halting the sale of flag-themed merchandise. Online auction website eBay will no longer list Confederate flags - and the same goes for the craft site Etsy.
It was only a matter of a few hours, minutes even, after Ms Haley announced her support for removal of the flag that attention turned to Mississippi.
"This is not a horribly offensive relic of history that flies on/near state buildings," tweeted Mother Jones editor Clara Jeffrey. "It is the actual flag of the state of Mississippi."
Jennifer Gunter, a Mississippi native who now lives in South Carolina, started a moveon.org petition calling for state officials "to change the flag of Mississippi to reflect the present, not the past". It received more than 18,000 signatures.
Philip Gunn, the Republican speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives, also came out firmly in favour of change.
"We must always remember our past, but that does not mean we must let it define us," he said in a statement. "As a Christian, I believe our state's flag has become a point of offence that needs to be removed."
According to Stewart, however, Mr Gunn will soon be isolated among state leaders.
"Gunn has made a huge mistake," he said. "He was not here in 2000. The woods are on fire."
He says he sees the same look in the eyes of country-dwelling Mississippians angry about changes to the flag that he saw back then.
"If you do something to them that really bothers them, they will climb off that tractor and come into the town and vote," he adds.
Early evidence from other Republican leaders seems to bear this out.
The governor, Republican Phil Bryant, pointed to the flag referendum in his only public comments so far.
"A vast majority of Mississippians voted to keep the state's flag, and I don't believe the Mississippi Legislature will act to supersede the will of the people on this issue," he told a local television station.
Another state legislator, Melanie Soujourner, wrote on her Facebook page that calls to take down the flag in South Carolina are what's wrong with US society.
"The flag was no more the 'source' of horrible acts against mankind than a gun is the 'source' of someone's death," she wrote. "We all have a responsibility to make certain that it is the 'source' we address and not place blame on something that alone could do no harm."
Then again, many South Carolina politicians were saying the same thing in the days just after the Charleston shooting. Could the ground shift in Mississippi equally quickly?
Even within the walls of the Jefferson Davis museum, visitors gave a mixed reaction to the flag issue.
"You have to be proud of the state where you're from, and that's part of their history," said Elizabeth Hahs, visiting from Missouri. "I think it's a good representation of what the state's gone through and been through."
Kim Sine of Wymer, Texas disagreed.
"I think they need to take it down," she said. "Put it in a museum. Quit flying it around and causing trouble."
Just a few miles away, outside a local Walmart - now devoid of Confederate merchandise - feelings were similarly divided.
"It's like the shooting in Ferguson had nothing to do with racism, but they made it a racist thing," said Rick, a Biloxi resident who declined to give his last name. "The shooting in South Carolina was purely racist, but it had nothing to do with the Confederate flag."
"It's time to take it down," said Effie Hudson Barrett, a local Mississippian who asserts she is a "black American", not an "African-American". "The flag has always been against us. The 50 stars on the US flag is the only thing that should represent us."
At a tattoo parlour down the street, artist Travis Wade says he's probably drawn hundreds of Confederate flag tattoos - and he wouldn't be surprised if he sees an uptick in business from those willing to push back against the criticisms. "We're in the South, after all."
Personally, he says, he doesn't know what the big deal is.
"Who cares?" he asks. "It's like somebody shoots someone with a gun and they want to ban guns. Somebody that did something bad likes a flag, but that doesn't mean that everybody who likes that flag is bad."
Fellow employee Tom Donovan adds that if any patrons want to get their old flag tattoos covered up, they can do that too.
"Something dark that will cover the colours - like a black panther or a grim reaper," he says.
It doesn't seem likely that the Mississippians who cherish their Confederate past are going to be quick to renounce it, however. As Stewart explains, to do so means turning their backs on their ancestors.
"Implicit in the argument that the flag represents evil is for me to have to say, yeah, you're right, my people were evil," he says. "And that's just not true."
A short walk away from the Jefferson Davis museum is a graveyard filled with tombstones of Confederate war veterans. Many lived out their final days on Davis's estate, which was converted to an old soldier's home following his death.
Fresh Confederate flags are scattered among the headstones, which bear the names and military ranks of those interred beneath the ground.
It's been more than 150 years since Robert E Lee, the general who led these men into battle, laid down his sword at a courthouse in Appomattox, Virginia.
But in Mississippi, the echoes of the war have yet to fade. | A battle is brewing in Mississippi, as the growing animosity directed against Confederate symbols following the church shooting in Charleston has led to calls to remove the rebel pattern from the state's flag. | it battle that greg stewart executive director of the jefferson davis home and presidential library in biloxi has fought before and it one he convinced the defenders of the flag that has flown over mississippi for more than 100 years will win again sitting inside massive million-dollar monument to southern history built on the post civil war home of the confederate president with federal disaster relief funds provided after 2005 hurricane katrina stewart explains that mississippi is most definitely not south carolina if the national media and liberal agitators think his state is going to be quick to follow suit and renounce its confederate heritage he says they re mistaken according to stewart the stars all lined up in south carolina tragic event combined with national republicans who wanted to defuse the debate over the confederate flag before the south carolina presidential primary next february they are desperate to get the flag issue off the table before the presidential hopefuls have to show up and face those questions he said stewart already bears the political battle scars from 2001 fight to prevent what he saw as pending back-room deal to change the flag he pushed for mississippi to hold public vote on the issue and when they did they opted by nearly two-to-one margin to make no change at that point stewart thought the issue was settled and it seemed to be until charleston given the events of the past week it now appears as if tidal wave of public opinion about the confederacy and the place of confederate imagery in modern society is sweeping across the south south carolina governor nikki haley has publicly called for the confederate flag to be removed from her statehouse grounds legislative action making her recommendation reality is likely only matter of time virginia governor terry mcauliffe announced his state would stop issuing licence plates with the rebel flag on it mega-retailers walmart sears and amazon.com are halting the sale of flag-themed merchandise online auction website ebay will no longer list confederate flags and the same goes for the craft site etsy it was only matter of few hours minutes even after ms haley announced her support for removal of the flag that attention turned to mississippi this is not horribly offensive relic of history that flies on/near state buildings tweeted mother jones editor clara jeffrey it is the actual flag of the state of mississippi jennifer gunter mississippi native who now lives in south carolina started moveon.org petition calling for state officials to change the flag of mississippi to reflect the present not the past it received more than 18 000 signatures philip gunn the republican speaker of the mississippi house of representatives also came out firmly in favour of change we must always remember our past but that does not mean we must let it define us he said in statement as christian believe our state flag has become point of offence that needs to be removed according to stewart however mr gunn will soon be isolated among state leaders gunn has made huge mistake he said he was not here in 2000 the woods are on fire he says he sees the same look in the eyes of country-dwelling mississippians angry about changes to the flag that he saw back then if you do something to them that really bothers them they will climb off that tractor and come into the town and vote he adds early evidence from other republican leaders seems to bear this out the governor republican phil bryant pointed to the flag referendum in his only public comments so far vast majority of mississippians voted to keep the state flag and don believe the mississippi legislature will act to supersede the will of the people on this issue he told local television station another state legislator melanie soujourner wrote on her facebook page that calls to take down the flag in south carolina are what wrong with us society the flag was no more the source of horrible acts against mankind than gun is the source of someone death she wrote we all have responsibility to make certain that it is the source we address and not place blame on something that alone could do no harm then again many south carolina politicians were saying the same thing in the days just after the charleston shooting could the ground shift in mississippi equally quickly even within the walls of the jefferson davis museum visitors gave mixed reaction to the flag issue you have to be proud of the state where you re from and that part of their history said elizabeth hahs visiting from missouri think it good representation of what the state gone through and been through kim sine of wymer texas disagreed think they need to take it down she said put it in museum quit flying it around and causing trouble just few miles away outside local walmart now devoid of confederate merchandise feelings were similarly divided it like the shooting in ferguson had nothing to do with racism but they made it racist thing said rick biloxi resident who declined to give his last name the shooting in south carolina was purely racist but it had nothing to do with the confederate flag it time to take it down said effie hudson barrett local mississippian who asserts she is black american not an african-american the flag has always been against us the 50 stars on the us flag is the only thing that should represent us at tattoo parlour down the street artist travis wade says he probably drawn hundreds of confederate flag tattoos and he wouldn be surprised if he sees an uptick in business from those willing to push back against the criticisms we re in the south after all personally he says he doesn know what the big deal is who cares he asks it like somebody shoots someone with gun and they want to ban guns somebody that did something bad likes flag but that doesn mean that everybody who likes that flag is bad fellow employee tom donovan adds that if any patrons want to get their old flag tattoos covered up they can do that too something dark that will cover the colours like black panther or grim reaper he says it doesn seem likely that the mississippians who cherish their confederate past are going to be quick to renounce it however as stewart explains to do so means turning their backs on their ancestors implicit in the argument that the flag represents evil is for me to have to say yeah you re right my people were evil he says and that just not true short walk away from the jefferson davis museum is graveyard filled with tombstones of confederate war veterans many lived out their final days on davis estate which was converted to an old soldier home following his death fresh confederate flags are scattered among the headstones which bear the names and military ranks of those interred beneath the ground it been more than 150 years since robert lee the general who led these men into battle laid down his sword at courthouse in appomattox virginia but in mississippi the echoes of the war have yet to fade. | _START_ A battle is brewing in Mississippi, as the growing animosity directed against Confederate symbols following the church shooting in Charleston has led to calls to remove the rebel pattern from the state's flag. _END_ |
David Cameron made his case to MPs for launching air strikes against Islamic State militants on Thursday.
He said targeting IS in Syria would make "us safer" and that the UK could not "outsource our security to allies".
But on Saturday Plaid's Leanne Wood said Mr Cameron had "failed to deliver" a comprehensive plan.
"Dropping bombs from the air will not lead to the defeat of IS," she said.
"Neither will it the secure peace for the people of Syria or bring stability to the wider region."
Welsh assembly member Ms Wood argued that UK military intervention in Syria could only be considered as part of an internationally-agreed peace plan.
"Plaid Cymru has also insisted that a framework backed fully by the UN is essential, including a Chapter VII resolution. The Prime Minister has failed to deliver this," she added.
"Unless the prime minister addresses all unanswered questions and brings forward a more comprehensive plan, Plaid Cymru cannot support military action."
Plaid Cymru has three MPs in the House of Commons.
A Commons vote authorising action against IS militants could take place next week if the prime minister gains enough support to win.
UK government ministers are expected to phone members of the opposition over the weekend in a bid to get them to support possible air strikes over Syria.
It follows the decision by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to write to his MPs saying he opposes action - which is supported by some members of his own front bench team. | Plaid Cymru will not support UK military action in Syria unless the prime minister can address "outstanding questions", says the party leader. | david cameron made his case to mps for launching air strikes against islamic state militants on thursday he said targeting is in syria would make us safer and that the uk could not outsource our security to allies but on saturday plaid leanne wood said mr cameron had failed to deliver comprehensive plan dropping bombs from the air will not lead to the defeat of is she said neither will it the secure peace for the people of syria or bring stability to the wider region welsh assembly member ms wood argued that uk military intervention in syria could only be considered as part of an internationally-agreed peace plan plaid cymru has also insisted that framework backed fully by the un is essential including chapter vii resolution the prime minister has failed to deliver this she added unless the prime minister addresses all unanswered questions and brings forward more comprehensive plan plaid cymru cannot support military action plaid cymru has three mps in the house of commons commons vote authorising action against is militants could take place next week if the prime minister gains enough support to win uk government ministers are expected to phone members of the opposition over the weekend in bid to get them to support possible air strikes over syria it follows the decision by labour leader jeremy corbyn to write to his mps saying he opposes action which is supported by some members of his own front bench team. | _START_ Plaid Cymru will not support UK military action in Syria unless the prime minister can address "outstanding questions", says the party leader. _END_ |
He founded the Pakistani-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant group in the 1990s and, when that was banned, revived a much older organisation, Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) in 2002.
Mr Saeed maintains JuD is a Islamic welfare organisation, but the US says it is a front for LeT.
In 2012 Washington announced a $10m (£8m) bounty for information leading to his arrest and conviction but, despite periods of detention over the years, he has remained free.
Now, however, he is under house arrest in Lahore, in a move seen as a response to actions by Donald Trump's White House against nations deemed linked to terrorism.
In a rare interview in 2014, Hafiz Saeed told the BBC he had nothing to do with the Mumbai attacks, calling evidence against him "just propaganda" by India.
"The people of Pakistan know me and they love me. No-one has tried to approach the American authorities to get this bounty. My role is very clear, and God is protecting me."
Delhi accuses Mr Saeed and his organisation of carrying out several militant attacks on its territory and has been highly critical of the freedom he enjoys in Pakistan.
But to date, Pakistan has maintained there is no evidence to arrest him and put him on trial.
He was detained for three months after LeT was accused of carrying out the attack on the Indian parliament in 2001. In August 2006, he was detained for activities which the government said were "detrimental" to its relations with other governments, but released in December.
Two years later he was again put under house arrest, this time following the Mumbai attacks of November 2008.
The Pakistani government later acknowledged that "part" of the conspiracy to attack Mumbai did take place on its soil, and that LeT had been involved.
Several arrests were made in Pakistan in connection with the attacks, but no criminal charges were brought against Mr Saeed. He was freed some six months later.
Significantly, these detentions came at a time of mounting international pressure on Pakistan to rein in the LeT.
Pakistan's actions against the group as a whole have also been tentative, apparently taken under outside pressure.
It banned LeT in January 2002 after the US put it on its list of terrorist organisations. Likewise, the US placed JuD on a national watch list in December 2008 after the UN imposed sanctions on the controversial charity.
This raised eyebrows in Pakistan, where the links between the militant and social welfare wings of some groups are often not clear.
Since 9/11, some organisations banned by the US or Pakistan have continued to operate under different aliases, portraying themselves as welfare rather than militant outfits.
In some cases it appears that the authorities have turned a blind eye and the LeT-turned-JuD would appear to be one such example.
LeT was an offshoot of Jamaat-ud-Dawa wal-Irshad, a preaching, publishing and propaganda network set up by Hafiz Saeed for jihad (holy war) in Afghanistan in 1985.
Abdullah Uzzam, a Palestinian scholar and one of the earliest Arab ideologues of jihad in Afghanistan, was a co-founder.
Mr Saeed formed LeT as the militant wing of Jamaat-ud-Dawa wal-Irshad in the early 1990s, when many militant groups started to move from Afghanistan to Kashmir after the Soviet Union pulled out of Afghanistan.
LeT's rise as a major Pakistani group operating in Kashmir has been widely credited to Mr Saeed's close links to the Pakistani military and intelligence services.
The group also had access to huge funds from Middle Eastern mosques and a countrywide network to raise donations.
After 9/11 LeT came under increasing international pressure, principally because of its involvement in high-profile attacks in Indian-administered Kashmir and cities in India.
India blamed the group for attacks in Mumbai and Delhi in 2003, 2005 and 2008. It was also named in connection with armed raids on Delhi's Red Fort in December 2000 and on the Indian parliament a year later.
Days before LeT was banned in January 2002, Hafiz Saeed revived the group's parent organisation, Jamaat-ud-Dawa wal-Irshad, and amended its name.
But there was no significant change in the nature of its activities. JuD offices continued to recruit fighters for militant training camps in Pakistani-administered Kashmir.
The presence of those militants enabled them to start early rescue missions in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit the Kashmir region in October 2005.
That allowed the government to portray JuD as an efficient relief organisation working closely with the Pakistan army as well as UN agencies in quake-hit areas.
Since it was banned, LeT has experienced some defections from its ranks by elements not happy with Pakistan's policy of easing tensions with India.
But independent observers believe the bulk of the organisation has remained united under the clandestine leadership of Hafiz Saeed.
In 2015, Pakistan placed JuD on its watch list, but stopped short of a ban. Hafiz Saeed is also associated with another charity by the name of Falah-e-Insaniyat (Welfare of Humankind), which is on a US blacklist.
His ongoing freedom has been a major irritant to both Delhi and Washington.
Earlier this month, speaking to JuD activists in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, he indicated that he had inside knowledge of a recent deadly raid on India's military in disputed Kashmir.
He told his audience that jihad was the only way to liberate Kashmir from India, and that it was the religious duty of people in Kashmir and Pakistan to take part.
It is not yet clear how long Pakistan plans to keep him under house arrest, and to what end.
"My detention orders are unlawful and we will challenge them in the court," he told reporters before he was led away by police. "These orders have come from Washington."
Additional reporting by M Ilyas Khan in Islamabad | Hafiz Saeed, the cleric accused by the US and India of masterminding the 2008 Mumbai attacks, is one of Pakistan's best-known hardliners. | he founded the pakistani-based lashkar-e-taiba let militant group in the 1990s and when that was banned revived much older organisation jamaat-ud-dawa jud in 2002 mr saeed maintains jud is islamic welfare organisation but the us says it is front for let in 2012 washington announced $10m â£8m bounty for information leading to his arrest and conviction but despite periods of detention over the years he has remained free now however he is under house arrest in lahore in move seen as response to actions by donald trump white house against nations deemed linked to terrorism in rare interview in 2014 hafiz saeed told the bbc he had nothing to do with the mumbai attacks calling evidence against him just propaganda by india the people of pakistan know me and they love me no-one has tried to approach the american authorities to get this bounty my role is very clear and god is protecting me delhi accuses mr saeed and his organisation of carrying out several militant attacks on its territory and has been highly critical of the freedom he enjoys in pakistan but to date pakistan has maintained there is no evidence to arrest him and put him on trial he was detained for three months after let was accused of carrying out the attack on the indian parliament in 2001 in august 2006 he was detained for activities which the government said were detrimental to its relations with other governments but released in december two years later he was again put under house arrest this time following the mumbai attacks of november 2008 the pakistani government later acknowledged that part of the conspiracy to attack mumbai did take place on its soil and that let had been involved several arrests were made in pakistan in connection with the attacks but no criminal charges were brought against mr saeed he was freed some six months later significantly these detentions came at time of mounting international pressure on pakistan to rein in the let pakistan actions against the group as whole have also been tentative apparently taken under outside pressure it banned let in january 2002 after the us put it on its list of terrorist organisations likewise the us placed jud on national watch list in december 2008 after the un imposed sanctions on the controversial charity this raised eyebrows in pakistan where the links between the militant and social welfare wings of some groups are often not clear since 9/11 some organisations banned by the us or pakistan have continued to operate under different aliases portraying themselves as welfare rather than militant outfits in some cases it appears that the authorities have turned blind eye and the let-turned-jud would appear to be one such example let was an offshoot of jamaat-ud-dawa wal-irshad preaching publishing and propaganda network set up by hafiz saeed for jihad holy war in afghanistan in 1985 abdullah uzzam palestinian scholar and one of the earliest arab ideologues of jihad in afghanistan was co-founder mr saeed formed let as the militant wing of jamaat-ud-dawa wal-irshad in the early 1990s when many militant groups started to move from afghanistan to kashmir after the soviet union pulled out of afghanistan let rise as major pakistani group operating in kashmir has been widely credited to mr saeed close links to the pakistani military and intelligence services the group also had access to huge funds from middle eastern mosques and countrywide network to raise donations after 9/11 let came under increasing international pressure principally because of its involvement in high-profile attacks in indian-administered kashmir and cities in india india blamed the group for attacks in mumbai and delhi in 2003 2005 and 2008 it was also named in connection with armed raids on delhi red fort in december 2000 and on the indian parliament year later days before let was banned in january 2002 hafiz saeed revived the group parent organisation jamaat-ud-dawa wal-irshad and amended its name but there was no significant change in the nature of its activities jud offices continued to recruit fighters for militant training camps in pakistani-administered kashmir the presence of those militants enabled them to start early rescue missions in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit the kashmir region in october 2005 that allowed the government to portray jud as an efficient relief organisation working closely with the pakistan army as well as un agencies in quake-hit areas since it was banned let has experienced some defections from its ranks by elements not happy with pakistan policy of easing tensions with india but independent observers believe the bulk of the organisation has remained united under the clandestine leadership of hafiz saeed in 2015 pakistan placed jud on its watch list but stopped short of ban hafiz saeed is also associated with another charity by the name of falah-e-insaniyat welfare of humankind which is on us blacklist his ongoing freedom has been major irritant to both delhi and washington earlier this month speaking to jud activists in muzaffarabad in pakistan-administered kashmir he indicated that he had inside knowledge of recent deadly raid on india military in disputed kashmir he told his audience that jihad was the only way to liberate kashmir from india and that it was the religious duty of people in kashmir and pakistan to take part it is not yet clear how long pakistan plans to keep him under house arrest and to what end my detention orders are unlawful and we will challenge them in the court he told reporters before he was led away by police these orders have come from washington additional reporting by ilyas khan in islamabad | _START_ Hafiz Saeed, the cleric accused by the US and India of masterminding the 2008 Mumbai attacks, is one of Pakistan's best-known hardliners. _END_ |
The 23-year-old suspect was detained in Rochester under section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000 by Sectu officers working with Kent Police colleagues.
He is being held at a police station in the Kent area following what officers said was a "pre-planned" operation.
It is not linked to any immediate threat in the UK, they said.
Det Ch Insp Keith Roberts, of Kent Police, said: "I would like to reassure the community that this investigation should have very little impact on local residents.
"Our officers will continue to maintain a presence in the area, offering reassurance to the local community." | Anti-terrorism officers have arrested a man in Kent on suspicion of supporting a banned organisation, the South East Counter-Terrorism Unit (Sectu) said. | the 23-year-old suspect was detained in rochester under section 12 of the terrorism act 2000 by sectu officers working with kent police colleagues he is being held at police station in the kent area following what officers said was pre-planned operation it is not linked to any immediate threat in the uk they said det ch insp keith roberts of kent police said would like to reassure the community that this investigation should have very little impact on local residents our officers will continue to maintain presence in the area offering reassurance to the local community | _START_ Anti-terrorism officers have arrested a man in Kent on suspicion of supporting a banned organisation, the South East Counter-Terrorism Unit (Sectu) said. _END_ |
Harbinder Khatkar, from Sinfin, in Derby, was found guilty of a string of attacks in the Pear Tree and Normanton areas of the city between midnight on February 1 and 9:00 the next day.
The 37-year-old was also convicted of the rape of a woman in 2011 for which he had previously been acquitted.
Derbyshire police said they were some of the "worst crimes imaginable".
Khatkar, whose charges included rape, robbery, causing actual bodily harm, assault, sexual assault and trespass with the intent to commit a sexual offence, is expected to be sentenced at Derby Crown Court on Friday.
One victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the hearing her life had been "completely devastated" by what Khatkar had done to her in her own home.
Det Insp Douglas Naden said: "This has been one of the largest and most complex investigations undertaken by my team of detectives - and in terms of serial offending has been one of the worst cases they have ever dealt with.
"The court has heard evidence of some of the worst crimes imaginable which have had a devastating impact on the victims and their families."
Khatkar had previously been acquitted of raping a woman in 2011 but the Crown Prosecution Service successfully overturned the verdict at the Court of Appeal so he could be tried again.
It is the first retrial in Derbyshire under the amended double jeopardy law. | A man has been found guilty of 18 offences, including five rapes, after attacking six women in one night. | harbinder khatkar from sinfin in derby was found guilty of string of attacks in the pear tree and normanton areas of the city between midnight on february and 9:00 the next day the 37-year-old was also convicted of the rape of woman in 2011 for which he had previously been acquitted derbyshire police said they were some of the worst crimes imaginable khatkar whose charges included rape robbery causing actual bodily harm assault sexual assault and trespass with the intent to commit sexual offence is expected to be sentenced at derby crown court on friday one victim who cannot be named for legal reasons told the hearing her life had been completely devastated by what khatkar had done to her in her own home det insp douglas naden said this has been one of the largest and most complex investigations undertaken by my team of detectives and in terms of serial offending has been one of the worst cases they have ever dealt with the court has heard evidence of some of the worst crimes imaginable which have had devastating impact on the victims and their families khatkar had previously been acquitted of raping woman in 2011 but the crown prosecution service successfully overturned the verdict at the court of appeal so he could be tried again it is the first retrial in derbyshire under the amended double jeopardy law. | _START_ A man has been found guilty of 18 offences, including five rapes, after attacking six women in one night. _END_ |
Media playback is not supported on this device
Instead, now 41, he provides free classes to hundreds of young people at his Nottingham School of Boxing, with some of his charges even harbouring dreams of reaching the Olympics.
His work has won him the BBC East Midlands Get Inspired Unsung Hero award for 2016, and he will now be among the finalists for the national competition, with the winner to be announced at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony on BBC One on Sunday, 18 December.
Find out how to get into boxing with our special guide.
"I was brought up in an area of deprivation and my role models were people who were involved in crime. I got myself into gangs and I was going down the wrong pathway," he told BBC East Midlands Today.
"I've seen people like me who were lost and thought that they were stuck in this bubble where you've got a criminal record, so you can't get a job.
"You try to get a job, you can't get a job so you go back into crime again, this vicious circle. So I thought, you know what, I want to break this."
Baz, who was praised by the judging panel for his "immeasurable" impact on breaking the cycle of crime, commits 30 hours a week to provide boxing classes, transport to competitions, and to teach valuable life skills.
Having seen his career ended in a violent incident, he holds training sessions in areas with rival gangs to try to prevent more conflict.
"While I am working with them, I am integrating the young people with each other," he continued.
"By the time they get to an age where there could be conflict, they actually know each other.
"We are giving kids an opportunity to aspire to do phenomenal things."
Bryer Wheatley, who became English national champion in the Class B under-54kg category as a 16-year-old in 2014, is one of those the coach has helped.
"Baz has got me into college, got me a part-time job and really put me on the right track," he explained.
"I have even become a national boxing champion, and have aspirations of going to the Olympics one day.
"If it wasn't for Baz, my mum and dad would have thrown me out and I would have ended up in prison."
Marcellus Baz and Bryer Wheatley were speaking to BBC East Midlands Today sports editor Natalie Jackson | Having seen his hopes of a professional boxing career ended at the age of 23 when he was stabbed through the hand by a rival gang member, Marcellus Baz could have carried on down the wrong path. | media playback is not supported on this device instead now 41 he provides free classes to hundreds of young people at his nottingham school of boxing with some of his charges even harbouring dreams of reaching the olympics his work has won him the bbc east midlands get inspired unsung hero award for 2016 and he will now be among the finalists for the national competition with the winner to be announced at the bbc sports personality of the year ceremony on bbc one on sunday 18 december find out how to get into boxing with our special guide was brought up in an area of deprivation and my role models were people who were involved in crime got myself into gangs and was going down the wrong pathway he told bbc east midlands today ve seen people like me who were lost and thought that they were stuck in this bubble where you ve got criminal record so you can get job you try to get job you can get job so you go back into crime again this vicious circle so thought you know what want to break this baz who was praised by the judging panel for his immeasurable impact on breaking the cycle of crime commits 30 hours week to provide boxing classes transport to competitions and to teach valuable life skills having seen his career ended in violent incident he holds training sessions in areas with rival gangs to try to prevent more conflict while am working with them am integrating the young people with each other he continued by the time they get to an age where there could be conflict they actually know each other we are giving kids an opportunity to aspire to do phenomenal things bryer wheatley who became english national champion in the class under-54kg category as 16-year-old in 2014 is one of those the coach has helped baz has got me into college got me part-time job and really put me on the right track he explained have even become national boxing champion and have aspirations of going to the olympics one day if it wasn for baz my mum and dad would have thrown me out and would have ended up in prison marcellus baz and bryer wheatley were speaking to bbc east midlands today sports editor natalie jackson | _START_ Having seen his hopes of a professional boxing career ended at the age of 23 when he was stabbed through the hand by a rival gang member, Marcellus Baz could have carried on down the wrong path. _END_ |
And you'd be forgiven for thinking the same about UK airport expansion. We always seem to have been here before.
Ever since Gatwick and Heathrow airports opened for business in the Thirties and Forties, arguments have raged over how best to cater for Britain's burgeoning demand for air travel.
The debates seem endless and progress has been bedevilled by politics.
Recent history is littered with inquiries, commissions, consultations, studies and reports resulting in very little, but costing taxpayers millions.
Here's a reminder of UK aviation's chequered history.
The Wilson government sets up the Roskill Commission to look into the pros, cons and costs of a third London airport. Two years and many hundreds of pages later, the Commission recommends Cublington in rural Buckinghamshire as the best location for a new airport. The burghers of Bucks are not best pleased: beacons burn on hilltops and church bells peal across the county in protest. Ironically, Roskill dismisses Stansted as a location.
The recommendation is roundly dismissed by the new Heath government, which instead plumps for another Roskill option, Maplin Sands, Foulness - mudflats in the Thames Estuary near Southend-on-Sea, Essex. The idea was to build on the reclaimed land, but it was the most expensive of Roskill's four recommendations.
The Maplin Sands idea slides into the sea. The previous year's embargo by Arab oil producers - known as the 1973 oil crisis - sends shockwaves through the global economy and fuel costs rocketing. The need to reduce costs becomes a priority. Good news for wading birds; bad news for ousted prime minister Ted Heath. Meanwhile, France opens its shiny new Charles-de-Gaulle four-runway airport near Paris. Sacre bleu.
The Callaghan government's aviation white paper identifies Heathrow capacity as "restricted", and the following year the incoming Thatcher government decides against building a new international airport, despite acknowledging that "Heathrow capacity is virtually exhausted…" Instead, it envisages developing regional airports and expanding Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted "as the traffic develops". Heathrow Terminal 4 opens in 1986.
The government commissions a new study into airports called the Runway Capacity in the South East Study. Three long years later it concludes that expanding Heathrow "would afford the greatest benefits" and British Airways backs the idea of an extra runway. No extra runway materialises.
Secretary of State for Transport Brian Mawhinney rejects proposed new runways for Gatwick and Heathrow but says the government will explore how to squeeze more capacity out of the existing runways.
New Blair government, new aviation policy. A Transport White Paper says the government will "prepare a UK airports policy looking some 30 years ahead". This inevitably entails another time-consuming inquiry - the South East of England Regional Air Services Study - exploring how increasing demand for air travel will affect airport capacity. The Department for Transport begins a three-year consultation on The Future of Aviation.
This results in the government's Future of Air Transport White Paper which recommends a third runway at Heathrow - sound familiar? - greater use of Heathrow's existing two runways and possibly an extra three runways at Stansted. Oh, and the previous Tory government's aspiration to expand regional airports. As the UK chases its tail, Amsterdam's Schiphol airport opens its fifth runway.
"Heathrow expansion plans unveiled" the BBC reports on 22 November 2007. Guess what? They include a third runway and a sixth terminal at Heathrow. With Terminal 5 due to open the following year, it seems we're better at building terminals than runways. Announcing the consultation, the government says any expansion would have to conform to noise and pollution limits - the perennial sticks with which to beat the developers.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson proposes a new airport far out in the Thames Estuary at Shivering Sands, subsequently nicknamed Boris Island. Will it fare any better than the other Estuary proposals, normally rejected on cost and environmental grounds?
Gordon Brown's Labour government backs a third runway at Heathrow, but this is opposed by the Conservatives, despite the fact that the first Thatcher government originally supported the idea.
Politics intervenes once again as the new Tory-Liberal Democrat coalition government puts Gordon Brown out to grass. It immediately rules out new runways at Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted. Back to square one.
What happens when there's a new government? A new consultation, this time called a "scoping document" on how to develop a "sustainable framework for UK aviation". Meanwhile, Heathrow is full to bursting, operating at 99.2% capacity. Frankfurt airport opens its fourth runway.
The government launches yet another consultation on the "draft aviation policy framework", and sets up the Airports Commission chaired by economist Sir Howard Davies. The Commission is tasked with assessing what extra capacity UK airports will need and inevitably publishes consultation documents. It's like Groundhog Day.
The Airports Commission shortlists three options to increase capacity, and we're back to the Gatwick and Heathrow new or extended runways idea. The next year, the Boris Island idea is sunk.
Sir Howard publishes his final recommendations. Will the new Conservative government finally grasp the nettle and make a decision or, as history suggests, kick the can further down the road?
As Yogi Berra had it: "The future ain't what it used to be." | "It's like deja vu, all over again," baseball coach Yogi Berra once famously said. | and you be forgiven for thinking the same about uk airport expansion we always seem to have been here before ever since gatwick and heathrow airports opened for business in the thirties and forties arguments have raged over how best to cater for britain burgeoning demand for air travel the debates seem endless and progress has been bedevilled by politics recent history is littered with inquiries commissions consultations studies and reports resulting in very little but costing taxpayers millions here reminder of uk aviation chequered history the wilson government sets up the roskill commission to look into the pros cons and costs of third london airport two years and many hundreds of pages later the commission recommends cublington in rural buckinghamshire as the best location for new airport the burghers of bucks are not best pleased beacons burn on hilltops and church bells peal across the county in protest ironically roskill dismisses stansted as location the recommendation is roundly dismissed by the new heath government which instead plumps for another roskill option maplin sands foulness mudflats in the thames estuary near southend-on-sea essex the idea was to build on the reclaimed land but it was the most expensive of roskill four recommendations the maplin sands idea slides into the sea the previous year embargo by arab oil producers known as the 1973 oil crisis sends shockwaves through the global economy and fuel costs rocketing the need to reduce costs becomes priority good news for wading birds bad news for ousted prime minister ted heath meanwhile france opens its shiny new charles-de-gaulle four-runway airport near paris sacre bleu the callaghan government aviation white paper identifies heathrow capacity as restricted and the following year the incoming thatcher government decides against building new international airport despite acknowledging that heathrow capacity is virtually exhausted… instead it envisages developing regional airports and expanding heathrow gatwick and stansted as the traffic develops heathrow terminal opens in 1986 the government commissions new study into airports called the runway capacity in the south east study three long years later it concludes that expanding heathrow would afford the greatest benefits and british airways backs the idea of an extra runway no extra runway materialises secretary of state for transport brian mawhinney rejects proposed new runways for gatwick and heathrow but says the government will explore how to squeeze more capacity out of the existing runways new blair government new aviation policy transport white paper says the government will prepare uk airports policy looking some 30 years ahead this inevitably entails another time-consuming inquiry the south east of england regional air services study exploring how increasing demand for air travel will affect airport capacity the department for transport begins three-year consultation on the future of aviation this results in the government future of air transport white paper which recommends third runway at heathrow sound familiar greater use of heathrow existing two runways and possibly an extra three runways at stansted oh and the previous tory government aspiration to expand regional airports as the uk chases its tail amsterdam schiphol airport opens its fifth runway heathrow expansion plans unveiled the bbc reports on 22 november 2007 guess what they include third runway and sixth terminal at heathrow with terminal due to open the following year it seems we re better at building terminals than runways announcing the consultation the government says any expansion would have to conform to noise and pollution limits the perennial sticks with which to beat the developers mayor of london boris johnson proposes new airport far out in the thames estuary at shivering sands subsequently nicknamed boris island will it fare any better than the other estuary proposals normally rejected on cost and environmental grounds gordon brown labour government backs third runway at heathrow but this is opposed by the conservatives despite the fact that the first thatcher government originally supported the idea politics intervenes once again as the new tory-liberal democrat coalition government puts gordon brown out to grass it immediately rules out new runways at heathrow gatwick or stansted back to square one what happens when there new government new consultation this time called scoping document on how to develop sustainable framework for uk aviation meanwhile heathrow is full to bursting operating at 99.2% capacity frankfurt airport opens its fourth runway the government launches yet another consultation on the draft aviation policy framework and sets up the airports commission chaired by economist sir howard davies the commission is tasked with assessing what extra capacity uk airports will need and inevitably publishes consultation documents it like groundhog day the airports commission shortlists three options to increase capacity and we re back to the gatwick and heathrow new or extended runways idea the next year the boris island idea is sunk sir howard publishes his final recommendations will the new conservative government finally grasp the nettle and make decision or as history suggests kick the can further down the road as yogi berra had it the future ain what it used to be | _START_ "It's like deja vu, all over again," baseball coach Yogi Berra once famously said. _END_ |
McCormack has signed a four-year contract with the Cottagers, with the option of a further 12 months.
The 27-year-old told BBC Radio Leeds he felt he had been "hung out to dry" over the move.
Leeds said last week they were under no pressure to sell their captain after he handed in a transfer request.
McCormack, the subject of a failed bid from West Ham in January, was last season's top scorer in the Championship, netting 28 goals as Leeds finished 16th.
He said the Elland Road club would "always have a special place in my heart" but was "no longer the Leeds United I fell in love with".
The Glasgow-born forward started his career at Rangers, before spells at Motherwell and Cardiff City prior to his switch to Leeds in 2010.
McCormack has been capped 11 times by Scotland and has scored twice for his country.
He is Fulham's fifth summer signing following their relegation last season after a 13-year stay in the Premier League.
Cottagers manager Felix Magath has already recruited former Schalke defender Tim Hoogland, Australia striker Adam Taggart, defender Kay Voser from Basel and Motherwell defender Shaun Hutchinson. | Leeds United's Scotland international striker Ross McCormack has joined Championship rivals Fulham for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £11m. | mccormack has signed four-year contract with the cottagers with the option of further 12 months the 27-year-old told bbc radio leeds he felt he had been hung out to dry over the move leeds said last week they were under no pressure to sell their captain after he handed in transfer request mccormack the subject of failed bid from west ham in january was last season top scorer in the championship netting 28 goals as leeds finished 16th he said the elland road club would always have special place in my heart but was no longer the leeds united fell in love with the glasgow-born forward started his career at rangers before spells at motherwell and cardiff city prior to his switch to leeds in 2010 mccormack has been capped 11 times by scotland and has scored twice for his country he is fulham fifth summer signing following their relegation last season after 13-year stay in the premier league cottagers manager felix magath has already recruited former schalke defender tim hoogland australia striker adam taggart defender kay voser from basel and motherwell defender shaun hutchinson. | _START_ Leeds United's Scotland international striker Ross McCormack has joined Championship rivals Fulham for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £11m. _END_ |
Swansea University research over eight years has now been published in the British Medical Journal.
New certifications for severe sight impairment have fallen from 31.3 to 15.8 per 100,000 people.
Diabetics aged over 12 are offered annual screening and health experts said the study shows a "clear benefit".
Retinopathy is damage to the retina in the back of the eye and is a complication which can affect people with diabetes. Persistent high levels of glucose can lead to eye damage.
The research shows:
However, 20% of those offered the screening - which began in 2003 and was rolled out across Wales by 2007 - do not take it up.
Dr Quentin Sandifer, medical director of Public Health Wales, said: "We would encourage people living with diabetes to take up the offer when they receive their invitation.
"This is a great example of the NHS working together to improve outcomes for our population and is especially impressive as sight loss has reduced even through the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in Wales has increased over this time."
WHAT IS DIABETES?
People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin. No-one knows exactly what causes it, but it is not to do with being overweight and it is not currently preventable. It usually affects children or young adults, starting suddenly and getting worse quickly. Type 1 diabetes is treated by daily insulin doses, a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce does not work properly (known as insulin resistance). They might get diabetes because of their family history, age and ethnic background. They are also more likely to get type 2 diabetes if they are overweight. Type 2 diabetes is treated with a healthy diet and increased physical activity.
How many have diabetes? Diabetes Wales estimates there are 183,000 people in Wales living with diabetes, while at least another 70,000 people could have it but are unaware or undiagnosed.
Diabetic retinopathy or "retinopathy" when it is spotted it can be treated and deterioration prevented, whether controlled through medication or laser treatment.
Robert Lee, 65, from Cardiff, has been having screenings since 2004 and runs a patient support group.
"I've seen people with serious eye problems and I've heard people say, if they'd known earlier it could have prevented these complications," he said.
"If by screening we can make sure we don't progress to that level, it's very important and it's a great service."
Prof David Owens, from the Diabetes Research Unit Cymru at Swansea University Medical School, said with the proportion of the population with diabetes expected to double in the next 25 years, the screening had already made a "major difference" and was the most dramatic seen anywhere in the UK.
"If you have long-term diabetes - high blood sugar for a very long time - you will have damage to the small blood vessels at the back of the eye which supply all the blood and nutrition to the retina, which is essential," he said.
"The essence of the screening is diagnosing it early before it has a huge impact on vision and it can be treated relatively simply and successfully."
Public Health Minister Rebecca Evans said the research showed the significance of earlier diagnosis, alongside improved diabetes management, referral and newer treatments. | The proportion of diabetics who go blind or suffer sight loss has almost halved since a new national retinopathy screening programme started in 2007. | swansea university research over eight years has now been published in the british medical journal new certifications for severe sight impairment have fallen from 31.3 to 15.8 per 100 000 people diabetics aged over 12 are offered annual screening and health experts said the study shows clear benefit retinopathy is damage to the retina in the back of the eye and is complication which can affect people with diabetes persistent high levels of glucose can lead to eye damage the research shows however 20% of those offered the screening which began in 2003 and was rolled out across wales by 2007 do not take it up dr quentin sandifer medical director of public health wales said we would encourage people living with diabetes to take up the offer when they receive their invitation this is great example of the nhs working together to improve outcomes for our population and is especially impressive as sight loss has reduced even through the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in wales has increased over this time what is diabetes people with type diabetes cannot produce insulin no-one knows exactly what causes it but it is not to do with being overweight and it is not currently preventable it usually affects children or young adults starting suddenly and getting worse quickly type diabetes is treated by daily insulin doses healthy diet and regular physical activity people with type diabetes do not produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce does not work properly known as insulin resistance they might get diabetes because of their family history age and ethnic background they are also more likely to get type diabetes if they are overweight type diabetes is treated with healthy diet and increased physical activity how many have diabetes diabetes wales estimates there are 183 000 people in wales living with diabetes while at least another 70 000 people could have it but are unaware or undiagnosed diabetic retinopathy or retinopathy when it is spotted it can be treated and deterioration prevented whether controlled through medication or laser treatment robert lee 65 from cardiff has been having screenings since 2004 and runs patient support group ve seen people with serious eye problems and ve heard people say if they known earlier it could have prevented these complications he said if by screening we can make sure we don progress to that level it very important and it great service prof david owens from the diabetes research unit cymru at swansea university medical school said with the proportion of the population with diabetes expected to double in the next 25 years the screening had already made major difference and was the most dramatic seen anywhere in the uk if you have long-term diabetes high blood sugar for very long time you will have damage to the small blood vessels at the back of the eye which supply all the blood and nutrition to the retina which is essential he said the essence of the screening is diagnosing it early before it has huge impact on vision and it can be treated relatively simply and successfully public health minister rebecca evans said the research showed the significance of earlier diagnosis alongside improved diabetes management referral and newer treatments. | _START_ The proportion of diabetics who go blind or suffer sight loss has almost halved since a new national retinopathy screening programme started in 2007. _END_ |
Moira Anderson vanished aged 11 during a trip to the shops in Coatbridge.
Bus driver and convicted child rapist Alexander Gartshore, who died in 2006, has been linked to her disappearance, which police are treating as murder.
On Thursday, a sheriff granted a request from Moira's relatives to open a grave at the Old Monkland cemetery where they believe she is buried.
Police will now search the family plot of Sinclair Upton, an acquaintance of Gartshore's, in a bid to draw the 55-year mystery to a close.
A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said: "Following a court hearing, Strathclyde Police has been instructed to undertake an exhumation of a burial plot within Old Monkland Cemetery.
"A detailed strategy, endorsed by the Crown Office, has been prepared.
"This process is expected to take several days and will involve highly skilled personnel trained in the techniques required for this type of work.
"This is a very sensitive issue and we have been liaising with the families to ensure they are kept informed."
Moira went missing after getting on a bus as she ran an errand to the Co-op for her family.
Her body was never found and Scotland's Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland ordered cold case detectives to reopen the case as a murder earlier this year.
Gartshore's daughter Sandra Brown has written a book detailing her suspicions that her late father was Moira's killer.
Moira's sister Janet Hart, who lives in Australia, launched a petition to get Mr Upton's grave exhumed, believing that Gartshore may have dumped her body there in the days before Mr Upton was laid to rest. | Police are to exhume a family grave in the search for the body of a schoolgirl who disappeared in 1957. | moira anderson vanished aged 11 during trip to the shops in coatbridge bus driver and convicted child rapist alexander gartshore who died in 2006 has been linked to her disappearance which police are treating as murder on thursday sheriff granted request from moira relatives to open grave at the old monkland cemetery where they believe she is buried police will now search the family plot of sinclair upton an acquaintance of gartshore in bid to draw the 55-year mystery to close spokeswoman for strathclyde police said following court hearing strathclyde police has been instructed to undertake an exhumation of burial plot within old monkland cemetery detailed strategy endorsed by the crown office has been prepared this process is expected to take several days and will involve highly skilled personnel trained in the techniques required for this type of work this is very sensitive issue and we have been liaising with the families to ensure they are kept informed moira went missing after getting on bus as she ran an errand to the co-op for her family her body was never found and scotland lord advocate frank mulholland ordered cold case detectives to reopen the case as murder earlier this year gartshore daughter sandra brown has written book detailing her suspicions that her late father was moira killer moira sister janet hart who lives in australia launched petition to get mr upton grave exhumed believing that gartshore may have dumped her body there in the days before mr upton was laid to rest. | _START_ Police are to exhume a family grave in the search for the body of a schoolgirl who disappeared in 1957. _END_ |
The governing body has launched a 'Clean Athletics' brand, a year after its 14-point manifesto that aimed to create a new era of clean athletics.
The sport has been dogged by damaging headlines and reports highlighting Russian state-sponsored doping.
Warner noted a "seismic change" in athletics' response to doping in 2016, but said "too much denial" remained.
He said the "pace of change remains too slow".
Warner said the stances taken by athletics' governing body, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) could be seen as a "turning point".
Russians have been banned by the IAAF from competing since November 2015, while the IPC banned Russia from taking part in the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) left decisions on whether Russians could compete at the Rio Olympics to individual sporting federations.
"There is still much to do," Warner added.
"There remains too much denial in too many quarters, but we will continue to work to make progress in the areas we can."
Last year, Warner said it was time for "radical reform".
Among UK Athletics' (UKA) proposals were plans to reset world records, introduce longer bans for drug cheats and a public register of tested athletes.
UKA highlighted steps that have since been taken:
As part of its rebrand, UKA's anti-doping department will be renamed 'Clean Athletics' and the sport's governing body suggests other anti-doping agencies should do the same to "emphasise the ultimate purpose of their activities".
Warner added Clean Athletics "would urge other sports to follow suit to remain focused on what they want to achieve".
Media playback is not supported on this device
At the time of UKA's proposals last year, authorities were already aware of alleged widespread doping in Russia with the country provisionally suspended from international competition.
Since then, in an investigation commissioned by Wada, reports from Professor Richard McLaren found more than 1,000 Russians - including Olympic medallists - benefited from a state-sponsored doping programme between 2011 and 2015.
As a result, Wada recommended all Russian athletes be banned from competing from the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics.
On Tuesday, leaders of 19 national anti-doping organisations said Russia should be banned from both competing in and hosting international sporting events.
The IOC has set up two commissions looking into the McLaren report findings and is awaiting the findings of these before deciding what steps it will take next.
Meanwhile, head of world athletics Lord Coe will be recalled by the Culture, Media and Sport select committee after MPs heard evidence that "undermined" his comments in 2015 regarding specific cases of corruption. | UK Athletics (UKA) chairman Ed Warner says the sport must do more to commit to providing doping-free competition. | the governing body has launched clean athletics brand year after its 14-point manifesto that aimed to create new era of clean athletics the sport has been dogged by damaging headlines and reports highlighting russian state-sponsored doping warner noted seismic change in athletics response to doping in 2016 but said too much denial remained he said the pace of change remains too slow warner said the stances taken by athletics governing body the international association of athletics federations iaaf and the international paralympic committee ipc could be seen as turning point russians have been banned by the iaaf from competing since november 2015 while the ipc banned russia from taking part in the 2016 rio paralympics the international olympic committee ioc left decisions on whether russians could compete at the rio olympics to individual sporting federations there is still much to do warner added there remains too much denial in too many quarters but we will continue to work to make progress in the areas we can last year warner said it was time for radical reform among uk athletics uka proposals were plans to reset world records introduce longer bans for drug cheats and public register of tested athletes uka highlighted steps that have since been taken as part of its rebrand uka anti-doping department will be renamed clean athletics and the sport governing body suggests other anti-doping agencies should do the same to emphasise the ultimate purpose of their activities warner added clean athletics would urge other sports to follow suit to remain focused on what they want to achieve media playback is not supported on this device at the time of uka proposals last year authorities were already aware of alleged widespread doping in russia with the country provisionally suspended from international competition since then in an investigation commissioned by wada reports from professor richard mclaren found more than 000 russians including olympic medallists benefited from state-sponsored doping programme between 2011 and 2015 as result wada recommended all russian athletes be banned from competing from the rio 2016 olympics and paralympics on tuesday leaders of 19 national anti-doping organisations said russia should be banned from both competing in and hosting international sporting events the ioc has set up two commissions looking into the mclaren report findings and is awaiting the findings of these before deciding what steps it will take next meanwhile head of world athletics lord coe will be recalled by the culture media and sport select committee after mps heard evidence that undermined his comments in 2015 regarding specific cases of corruption. | _START_ UK Athletics (UKA) chairman Ed Warner says the sport must do more to commit to providing doping-free competition. _END_ |
Force India and Sauber say the way revenues are divided and rules decided is "unfair" and have asked the EU's Competition Commission to investigate.
Formula 1 generates £1.1bn of income, of which 63% goes to the teams.
The Competition Commission told BBC Sport it would now decide whether the complaint merited a full investigation.
In a statement, Force India said: "Sahara Force India is one of two teams to have registered a complaint with the European Union questioning the governance of Formula 1 and showing that the system of dividing revenues and determining how Formula 1's rules are set is both unfair and unlawful.
"Due to the ongoing legal discussions, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."
F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone had previously said he would welcome such an investigation because he feels the sport has nothing to hide.
Ecclestone also asked why teams had signed contracts with F1 if they had cause for complaint.
Earlier this year, Labour MEP Anneliese Dodds said she had "real concerns" about the plight of smaller teams in the sport, but added that the Competition Commission would only investigate after the teams themselves had submitted a formal complaint.
"At Force India I saw just what a great role F1 can play in creating the kind of high-quality jobs in science and engineering that we want to see much more of as a country," she said. "We simply cannot afford to lose those kinds of jobs."
Last season saw hundreds of jobs go with the collapse of the Caterham F1 team, while Marussia also went into administration before new investors intervened to create the Manor Marussia outfit.
Renault this week announced that it was taking the first steps towards a buy-out of cash-strapped F1 team Lotus.
However, Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne, a trained lawyer, said he believed there was "limited scope" for the commission to intervene.
The Italian team receive special payments to reflect their status as the oldest and most successful outfit in F1.
"These things are incredibly clear deals, they are evident and they have been publicised," he said. "If it happens, we'll deal with it but I doubt very much that it will go very far." | Two of Formula 1's smallest teams have accused the sport of being run "unlawfully" in a complaint to the European Union. | force india and sauber say the way revenues are divided and rules decided is unfair and have asked the eu competition commission to investigate formula generates £1.1bn of income of which 63% goes to the teams the competition commission told bbc sport it would now decide whether the complaint merited full investigation in statement force india said sahara force india is one of two teams to have registered complaint with the european union questioning the governance of formula and showing that the system of dividing revenues and determining how formula rules are set is both unfair and unlawful due to the ongoing legal discussions it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time f1 chief executive bernie ecclestone had previously said he would welcome such an investigation because he feels the sport has nothing to hide ecclestone also asked why teams had signed contracts with f1 if they had cause for complaint earlier this year labour mep anneliese dodds said she had real concerns about the plight of smaller teams in the sport but added that the competition commission would only investigate after the teams themselves had submitted formal complaint at force india saw just what great role f1 can play in creating the kind of high-quality jobs in science and engineering that we want to see much more of as country she said we simply cannot afford to lose those kinds of jobs last season saw hundreds of jobs go with the collapse of the caterham f1 team while marussia also went into administration before new investors intervened to create the manor marussia outfit renault this week announced that it was taking the first steps towards buy-out of cash-strapped f1 team lotus however ferrari president sergio marchionne trained lawyer said he believed there was limited scope for the commission to intervene the italian team receive special payments to reflect their status as the oldest and most successful outfit in f1 these things are incredibly clear deals they are evident and they have been publicised he said if it happens we ll deal with it but doubt very much that it will go very far | _START_ Two of Formula 1's smallest teams have accused the sport of being run "unlawfully" in a complaint to the European Union. _END_ |
The Lib Dem leader said coalition government was good for the UK but did not indicate whether he favoured partnership with the Tories or Labour.
He refused to spell out his red lines - the policies he would "die in a trench for" in coalition negotiations.
But he said tax fairness would continue to be the party's "signature tune".
Mr Clegg told the BBC's Andrew Marr programme coalition governments would be more likely in future rather than "these slam-dunk results where one or the other of the two major parties always get a majority"
Speaking from the Lib Dem annual conference in Glasgow, he said political parties needed to be "up-front with the British people about those issues which we really will die in the trench for and those which clearly will depend on political and economic circumstance".
He declined to say, more than 18 months ahead of the election, which policies would be his "red lines" in any coalition talks.
But he said: "I can give you a clue that... tax fairness will of course be one of the signature tunes for the Liberal Democrats."
By Nick RobinsonPolitical editor
Before the summer Lib Dem MPs debated their economic policy. Vince made his case and lost.
"We are committed as a party - and I am committed to this - to raising the allowance further such that... everybody on the minimum wage pays no income tax."
The personal allowance rose to ??9,205 in April and to ??10,000 in 2014, fulfilling a key Lib Dem demand in negotiations over the coalition agreement. Ensuring all those on the minimum wage paid no income tax would mean increasing the threshold to ??11,400.
Mr Clegg said the UK needed Lib Dems in government because they would act as a moderating influence on the bigger parties, telling Andrew Marr: "If we go back to the bad old days, not of coalition or balanced politics, but of either the left or the right dominating government on their own, you will get a recovery which is neither fair nor sustainable.
"I think Labour would wreck the recovery, and under the Conservatives - who don't have the same commitment to fairness which we do - you would get the wrong kind of recovery.
By Vicki YoungPolitical correspondent, BBC News
From now until the election Nick Clegg knows there's one question he'll be asked over and over again.
Tory or Labour?
Which party will he do a deal with if there's another hung Parliament?
In his Andrew Marr interview he was careful to dish out criticism of both, while making the point that it depends what hand he's dealt by the voters.
Hopping into bed with Miliband or Cameron after the next election will bring its problems.
But it's clear Mr Clegg believes that's better than being all alone in a cold bed.
He's also making a stronger case for the merits of coalition government and is trying to push back against criticism that voters don't know what they'll get if the Lib Dems are again the junior partners in power.
So when he says tax fairness will be his signature tune, he's making it obvious that raising the personal allowance further will be a priority in any coalition talks with other parties.
"Our message is that coalition is good, for the Liberal Democrats to stay in government is good, let us finish the job but let us finish it fairly."
He said Labour needed to "spell out" what they believed in.
But he added that he was "absolutely not" already discussing a second coalition deal with the Tories, because, "you have to let the British people have their say first."
He said his party's commitment to a "mansion tax" on properties over ??2m, raising ??2bn, sent a signal that "even though we are committed to deficit reduction" that would not be achieved entirely through spending cuts.
Mr Clegg also rejected fears - expressed by Business Secretary Vince Cable - a government scheme to back mortgages would lead to another unsustainable house price bubble but admitted ministers would have to be "vigilant" to ensure that did not happen.
He also attacked Home Secretary Theresa May's immigration policies, describing an advertising van urging illegal immigrants to "go home" as "silly" and ineffective.
He said talks were still going on behind the scenes about plans for a cash bond to be paid by some overseas visitors to ensure they returned home when their visas expired.
Mr Clegg wants the bond to be set at ??1,000 and be offered to visitors from "high-risk" countries who have been refused a visa as a "discretionary tool" for immigration officers.
Ms May wants a ??3,000 bond for all visitors from so-called "high-risk" countries.
Also at the party conference on Sunday, Liberal Democrats voted to support the building of a new generation of nuclear power plants - a policy U-turn which marks an important victory for the party's leadership.
Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey had urged activists to drop their traditional opposition to nuclear energy.
Delegates also approved changes to party rules on bullying, harassment and intimidation.
It comes in the wake of a report into allegations of sexual impropriety by the Lib Dems' former chief executive Lord Rennard. He has denied the allegations.
The new rules state party members must not "bully, harass or intimidate", but Tessa Munt, parliamentary aide to Mr Cable, said reforms did not go far enough and suggested party members should have a "duty to take action" if they witnessed harassment.
Labour dismissed Mr Clegg's talk of more new homes saying the UK had seen the biggest fall in housebuilding in 30 years under the coalition
Deputy leader Harriet Harman said: "Nick Clegg is desperately trying to distance himself from the failures of David Cameron's government.
"The truth is that he has broken his promises, and backed the Tories all the way. Nick Clegg and his party must take responsibility for their government's failure which has caused the cost of living crisis families are facing." | Nick Clegg says he will push to ensure no one on the minimum wage pays income tax if the Lib Dems are in government after the next election. | the lib dem leader said coalition government was good for the uk but did not indicate whether he favoured partnership with the tories or labour he refused to spell out his red lines the policies he would die in trench for in coalition negotiations but he said tax fairness would continue to be the party signature tune mr clegg told the bbc andrew marr programme coalition governments would be more likely in future rather than these slam-dunk results where one or the other of the two major parties always get majority speaking from the lib dem annual conference in glasgow he said political parties needed to be up-front with the british people about those issues which we really will die in the trench for and those which clearly will depend on political and economic circumstance he declined to say more than 18 months ahead of the election which policies would be his red lines in any coalition talks but he said can give you clue that tax fairness will of course be one of the signature tunes for the liberal democrats by nick robinsonpolitical editor before the summer lib dem mps debated their economic policy vince made his case and lost we are committed as party and am committed to this to raising the allowance further such that everybody on the minimum wage pays no income tax the personal allowance rose to 205 in april and to 10 000 in 2014 fulfilling key lib dem demand in negotiations over the coalition agreement ensuring all those on the minimum wage paid no income tax would mean increasing the threshold to 11 400 mr clegg said the uk needed lib dems in government because they would act as moderating influence on the bigger parties telling andrew marr if we go back to the bad old days not of coalition or balanced politics but of either the left or the right dominating government on their own you will get recovery which is neither fair nor sustainable think labour would wreck the recovery and under the conservatives who don have the same commitment to fairness which we do you would get the wrong kind of recovery by vicki youngpolitical correspondent bbc news from now until the election nick clegg knows there one question he ll be asked over and over again tory or labour which party will he do deal with if there another hung parliament in his andrew marr interview he was careful to dish out criticism of both while making the point that it depends what hand he dealt by the voters hopping into bed with miliband or cameron after the next election will bring its problems but it clear mr clegg believes that better than being all alone in cold bed he also making stronger case for the merits of coalition government and is trying to push back against criticism that voters don know what they ll get if the lib dems are again the junior partners in power so when he says tax fairness will be his signature tune he making it obvious that raising the personal allowance further will be priority in any coalition talks with other parties our message is that coalition is good for the liberal democrats to stay in government is good let us finish the job but let us finish it fairly he said labour needed to spell out what they believed in but he added that he was absolutely not already discussing second coalition deal with the tories because you have to let the british people have their say first he said his party commitment to mansion tax on properties over 2m raising 2bn sent signal that even though we are committed to deficit reduction that would not be achieved entirely through spending cuts mr clegg also rejected fears expressed by business secretary vince cable government scheme to back mortgages would lead to another unsustainable house price bubble but admitted ministers would have to be vigilant to ensure that did not happen he also attacked home secretary theresa may immigration policies describing an advertising van urging illegal immigrants to go home as silly and ineffective he said talks were still going on behind the scenes about plans for cash bond to be paid by some overseas visitors to ensure they returned home when their visas expired mr clegg wants the bond to be set at 000 and be offered to visitors from high-risk countries who have been refused visa as discretionary tool for immigration officers ms may wants 000 bond for all visitors from so-called high-risk countries also at the party conference on sunday liberal democrats voted to support the building of new generation of nuclear power plants policy u-turn which marks an important victory for the party leadership climate change secretary ed davey had urged activists to drop their traditional opposition to nuclear energy delegates also approved changes to party rules on bullying harassment and intimidation it comes in the wake of report into allegations of sexual impropriety by the lib dems former chief executive lord rennard he has denied the allegations the new rules state party members must not bully harass or intimidate but tessa munt parliamentary aide to mr cable said reforms did not go far enough and suggested party members should have duty to take action if they witnessed harassment labour dismissed mr clegg talk of more new homes saying the uk had seen the biggest fall in housebuilding in 30 years under the coalition deputy leader harriet harman said nick clegg is desperately trying to distance himself from the failures of david cameron government the truth is that he has broken his promises and backed the tories all the way nick clegg and his party must take responsibility for their government failure which has caused the cost of living crisis families are facing | _START_ Nick Clegg says he will push to ensure no one on the minimum wage pays income tax if the Lib Dems are in government after the next election. _END_ |
These establishments selling alcohol are along a road in the Sabon Gari suburb, an area set aside for non-Muslim residents of the bustling commercial centre.
Here Sharia does not apply, so these beer parlours, as they are called, are tolerated by the Hisbah - the city's Islamic police force.
"Business is booming," says barman Paul Bini.
"It gets very full - both men and women come and people from outside Sabon Gari."
He is referring to those from the Hausa community, the Muslims who come to Sabon Gari to secretly enjoy its nightlife.
The bars here stay open until the early hours of the morning most days of the week.
Loud music plays and football matches are often shown on small TV sets; and in the early evening prostitutes gather on the other side of the ditch between the beer parlours and the road.
"Without the Hausa community, the beer business in Sabon Gari would collapse," says Dr Patrick Ayelangbe, the leader of Kano's Non-Indigenes Community Leaders Association (Nicola) - representing the city's residents who originally come from other parts of Nigeria.
And on a visit to the bars one evening many of the drinkers are Hausa Muslims: Two men sitting at an outside table with bottles of beer agree to talk but refuse to have their photos taken - as is the case with most drinkers.
They say that they do not want to be recognised by their families - and they add that many Muslims chose to come here in the safety of darkness to drink.
"Sometimes three times in a week I come," says businessman Mohammed Abdul.
His companion Tanko Ali Aware says if a Muslim is arrested for drinking alcohol by the Sharia police in Kano, the punishment is to humiliate their family.
"When you are caught, you are shown on the TV: 'Look at this person, he's the son of this, the grandfather of this,'" he says.
But the Hisbah tend not to raid the bars, so the drinkers are safe.
"I have seen the Hisbah passing by, but they never come to disturb us," says Victor Akpan, who manages what he says is Old School Bar - though some of his regular customers dispute the name - most of the ramshackle buildings only having posters from breweries as signage.
It is known for showing Chelsea matches, as Mr Akpan is a fan of the Blues.
The small beer parlour does a roaring trade, making up to 60,000 naira ($300; £200) a night - that works out at more than 200 bottles of beer.
"But we give our customers what they want, so my customer if he is a Barcelona fan - definitely I'll put Barcelona match on because I want money - that's entertainment," says Mr Akpan.
Two of his customers squeeze inside by the bar counter, where a television is showing an English Premiership match, chatting politics ahead of the elections later this month.
"We've been coming here for 10 years drinking comfortably," says Adams Mohammed, a 55-year-old technician.
He and his friend - who did not want to be identified - said that there was no tension between Kano's different communities - and their only complaint was that occasionally the beer was not cold enough.
Antonia John, beer parlour owner:
"Now only God can protect us"
The one problem the beer parlours sometimes face is getting the alcohol into Kano as trucks carrying the boxes of bottles are often stopped by the Hisbah.
"You have to pay, then they will allow you [to go] - if they don't allow, they take you to station, they seize the goods," explains Mr Bini.
When this happens it leads to a scarcity of popular beers and stouts but this generally just means higher prices - the bars of Sabon Gari never run dry, says Mr Bini.
However, confiscations, and the public destruction of the bottles, occur rarely, perhaps once a year - the last shortage he says he can remember was in November.
The beer parlours of Sabon Gari have been targeted several times in the past by the Boko Haram Islamist militants - the last attack was in May 2014 at a nearby bar.
"It affects all our business," says Antonia John, who has been running her successful bar and restaurant in Sabon Gari for 17 years - she started just before Sharia was introduced in Kano state in 2000.
Drinkers tend to stay away for about a month but they crowd back, she says.
However, there are no security checks and although she recognises many of her customers, strangers do come by to drink- so it would be hard to identify a prospective attacker.
"Now only God can protect us," she says.
The regular police though do often put in an appearance, to arrest prostitutes.
"The girls run down back here [to the bars] and sit, the police won't come here, but if they catch them over there [on the road] then they will arrest them," says Mr Abdul.
But the barmen say it tends to be a money-making operation as the police usually let the women go if they are paid some money.
Femi Mohammed, a fitness instructor who has lived in Sabo Gari for seven years, says the suburb is too much of a magnet, especially for the Hausa community, for people to stay away from the bars.
"I notice people love drinking... and will drink despite the bombing." | Beer is officially banned in Kano but as the sun sets in the northern Nigerian city, the outside seating at bars quickly begins to fill with drinkers, Christian and Muslims alike. | these establishments selling alcohol are along road in the sabon gari suburb an area set aside for non-muslim residents of the bustling commercial centre here sharia does not apply so these beer parlours as they are called are tolerated by the hisbah the city islamic police force business is booming says barman paul bini it gets very full both men and women come and people from outside sabon gari he is referring to those from the hausa community the muslims who come to sabon gari to secretly enjoy its nightlife the bars here stay open until the early hours of the morning most days of the week loud music plays and football matches are often shown on small tv sets and in the early evening prostitutes gather on the other side of the ditch between the beer parlours and the road without the hausa community the beer business in sabon gari would collapse says dr patrick ayelangbe the leader of kano non-indigenes community leaders association nicola representing the city residents who originally come from other parts of nigeria and on visit to the bars one evening many of the drinkers are hausa muslims two men sitting at an outside table with bottles of beer agree to talk but refuse to have their photos taken as is the case with most drinkers they say that they do not want to be recognised by their families and they add that many muslims chose to come here in the safety of darkness to drink sometimes three times in week come says businessman mohammed abdul his companion tanko ali aware says if muslim is arrested for drinking alcohol by the sharia police in kano the punishment is to humiliate their family when you are caught you are shown on the tv look at this person he the son of this the grandfather of this he says but the hisbah tend not to raid the bars so the drinkers are safe have seen the hisbah passing by but they never come to disturb us says victor akpan who manages what he says is old school bar though some of his regular customers dispute the name most of the ramshackle buildings only having posters from breweries as signage it is known for showing chelsea matches as mr akpan is fan of the blues the small beer parlour does roaring trade making up to 60 000 naira $300 â£200 night that works out at more than 200 bottles of beer but we give our customers what they want so my customer if he is barcelona fan definitely ll put barcelona match on because want money that entertainment says mr akpan two of his customers squeeze inside by the bar counter where television is showing an english premiership match chatting politics ahead of the elections later this month we ve been coming here for 10 years drinking comfortably says adams mohammed 55-year-old technician he and his friend who did not want to be identified said that there was no tension between kano different communities and their only complaint was that occasionally the beer was not cold enough antonia john beer parlour owner now only god can protect us the one problem the beer parlours sometimes face is getting the alcohol into kano as trucks carrying the boxes of bottles are often stopped by the hisbah you have to pay then they will allow you to go if they don allow they take you to station they seize the goods explains mr bini when this happens it leads to scarcity of popular beers and stouts but this generally just means higher prices the bars of sabon gari never run dry says mr bini however confiscations and the public destruction of the bottles occur rarely perhaps once year the last shortage he says he can remember was in november the beer parlours of sabon gari have been targeted several times in the past by the boko haram islamist militants the last attack was in may 2014 at nearby bar it affects all our business says antonia john who has been running her successful bar and restaurant in sabon gari for 17 years she started just before sharia was introduced in kano state in 2000 drinkers tend to stay away for about month but they crowd back she says however there are no security checks and although she recognises many of her customers strangers do come by to drink so it would be hard to identify prospective attacker now only god can protect us she says the regular police though do often put in an appearance to arrest prostitutes the girls run down back here to the bars and sit the police won come here but if they catch them over there on the road then they will arrest them says mr abdul but the barmen say it tends to be money-making operation as the police usually let the women go if they are paid some money femi mohammed fitness instructor who has lived in sabo gari for seven years says the suburb is too much of magnet especially for the hausa community for people to stay away from the bars notice people love drinking and will drink despite the bombing | _START_ Beer is officially banned in Kano but as the sun sets in the northern Nigerian city, the outside seating at bars quickly begins to fill with drinkers, Christian and Muslims alike. _END_ |
They have been fighting to take the city, about 30km (20 miles) south of Turkey, from IS since late 2016.
Ten Turkish soldiers have been killed since Wednesday in the fighting.
It is part of a broader offensive by Turkey to push IS and Kurdish fighters away from Turkey's southern border.
Syrian forces meanwhile have closed in on al-Bab from the south, where there is reported to be fierce fighting.
Syrian troops and the pro-Turkish rebels supported by Turkish soldiers are now within 3km of each other on opposite sides of al-Bab, the Associated Press news agency says.
Although Turkey opposes Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the war, reports suggest the two sides have reached an accommodation over al-Bab, orchestrated by Syria's key ally, Russia.
Syria is expected to be high on the agenda when the new director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Mike Pompeo, holds with Turkish officials in Ankara on Thursday.
The visit is Mr Pompeo's first trip abroad since taking office. While the US and Turkey are part of the same anti-IS coalition, Turkey objects to US support for the predominantly Kurdish Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), whose People's Protection Units (YPG) contingent is regarded as a terrorist group by Turkey.
Turkish and rebel sources, and a UK-based monitoring group, said their forces had taken areas in the western outskirts of al-Bab on Wednesday.
A rebel commander told Reuters news agency that fighters from a pro-Turkish division of the Free Syrian Army were moving forward on Thursday from territory they had taken the day before.
The advances come after Syrian forces cut the main IS supply route into al-Bab, the group's last major stronghold in Aleppo province, earlier this week.
Five Turkish soldiers were killed on Thursday, and five the previous day, Turkish media say. | Turkish-backed Syrian rebels have captured the western outskirts of the Syrian city of al-Bab, held by so-called Islamic State (IS), reports say. | they have been fighting to take the city about 30km 20 miles south of turkey from is since late 2016 ten turkish soldiers have been killed since wednesday in the fighting it is part of broader offensive by turkey to push is and kurdish fighters away from turkey southern border syrian forces meanwhile have closed in on al-bab from the south where there is reported to be fierce fighting syrian troops and the pro-turkish rebels supported by turkish soldiers are now within 3km of each other on opposite sides of al-bab the associated press news agency says although turkey opposes syrian president bashar al-assad in the war reports suggest the two sides have reached an accommodation over al-bab orchestrated by syria key ally russia syria is expected to be high on the agenda when the new director of the us central intelligence agency cia mike pompeo holds with turkish officials in ankara on thursday the visit is mr pompeo first trip abroad since taking office while the us and turkey are part of the same anti-is coalition turkey objects to us support for the predominantly kurdish syria democratic forces sdf whose people protection units ypg contingent is regarded as terrorist group by turkey turkish and rebel sources and uk-based monitoring group said their forces had taken areas in the western outskirts of al-bab on wednesday rebel commander told reuters news agency that fighters from pro-turkish division of the free syrian army were moving forward on thursday from territory they had taken the day before the advances come after syrian forces cut the main is supply route into al-bab the group last major stronghold in aleppo province earlier this week five turkish soldiers were killed on thursday and five the previous day turkish media say. | _START_ Turkish-backed Syrian rebels have captured the western outskirts of the Syrian city of al-Bab, held by so-called Islamic State (IS), reports say. _END_ |
Fiona Parry, 40, was airlifted to hospital in Stoke-on-Trent and is in a coma with life-threatening injuries.
Sylvan Parry, 46, was remanded in custody at Caernarfon Magistrates' Court and is due at the town's crown court on 14 September.
The alleged incident took place at about 09:00 BST on Thursday.
There was no application for bail at the 11-minute hearing. | A husband has appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of his wife, who was found with head injuries when taking her children to school. | fiona parry 40 was airlifted to hospital in stoke-on-trent and is in coma with life-threatening injuries sylvan parry 46 was remanded in custody at caernarfon magistrates court and is due at the town crown court on 14 september the alleged incident took place at about 09:00 bst on thursday there was no application for bail at the 11-minute hearing. | _START_ A husband has appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of his wife, who was found with head injuries when taking her children to school. _END_ |
The tooth, dug up at Blick Mead in Wiltshire, is believed to be evidence of the earliest journey in British history.
It is thought to be from a pet Alsatian-type dog that travelled 250 miles from York with its owner.
Archaeologist David Jacques said it was significant as it was not known people travelled so far 7,000 years ago.
The shape and size show the tooth was from a domestic dog, he said.
It also suggests people were visiting Stonehenge 2,000 years before the monument was built.
"The fact that a dog and a group of people were coming to the area from such a long distance away further underlines just how important the place was four millennia before the circle was built," Mr Jacques said.
"Discoveries like this give us a completely new understanding of the establishment of the ritual landscape and make Stonehenge even more special than we thought we knew it was."
You can find more stories about archaeology on our Pinterest board
Bones found near the tooth suggest the dog would have feasted on salmon, trout, pike, wild pig and red deer.
Researchers at Durham University used carbon dating to discover the age of the tooth and isotope analysis on the enamel.
Mr Jacques, a senior research fellow at the University of Buckingham, said: "We know it was probably born in the area of York.
"It was drinking from the area when it was young, it went on a journey of about 250 miles to the Stonehenge area with people and it ate what the people were eating on this site at Blick Mead.
"You would not get a wolf travelling 250 miles but you're much more likely to get a dog doing that because it's travelling with its people."
Previous excavations have uncovered tools from Wales and the Midlands and evidence people lived near Stonehenge for long periods of time, near the natural springs used hollowed out tree trunks for shelter. | A tooth unearthed near Stonehenge shows dogs were man's best friend even in prehistoric times, it has been claimed. | the tooth dug up at blick mead in wiltshire is believed to be evidence of the earliest journey in british history it is thought to be from pet alsatian-type dog that travelled 250 miles from york with its owner archaeologist david jacques said it was significant as it was not known people travelled so far 000 years ago the shape and size show the tooth was from domestic dog he said it also suggests people were visiting stonehenge 000 years before the monument was built the fact that dog and group of people were coming to the area from such long distance away further underlines just how important the place was four millennia before the circle was built mr jacques said discoveries like this give us completely new understanding of the establishment of the ritual landscape and make stonehenge even more special than we thought we knew it was you can find more stories about archaeology on our pinterest board bones found near the tooth suggest the dog would have feasted on salmon trout pike wild pig and red deer researchers at durham university used carbon dating to discover the age of the tooth and isotope analysis on the enamel mr jacques senior research fellow at the university of buckingham said we know it was probably born in the area of york it was drinking from the area when it was young it went on journey of about 250 miles to the stonehenge area with people and it ate what the people were eating on this site at blick mead you would not get wolf travelling 250 miles but you re much more likely to get dog doing that because it travelling with its people previous excavations have uncovered tools from wales and the midlands and evidence people lived near stonehenge for long periods of time near the natural springs used hollowed out tree trunks for shelter. | _START_ A tooth unearthed near Stonehenge shows dogs were man's best friend even in prehistoric times, it has been claimed. _END_ |
But using the diminutive vehicle to study penguins, researchers have found, has has much less impact on their behaviour than being approached by a human.
Scientists say the unusual approach provides "a less invasive and stressful way to collect data on these species".
These findings are published in the journal Nature Methods.
In part of their study, the researchers even disguised one rover as a penguin chick in order to access a colony of notoriously nervous emperor penguins.
Dr Yvon Le Maho from the National Centre for Scientific Research in Strasbourg, France, led the study. He first decided to test the rover after he found that traditional flipper tags compromised the health of penguins.
To avoid these "unethical" flipper tags, the researchers began using tiny transponders - tags implanted under the birds' skin - to monitor a colony of king penguins on Possession Island in the South Indian Ocean.
But - just like the microchips often used to "identichip" pets - reading data from these tags requires them to be scanned up close using a receiver.
"I wondered if it might be possible to use a technological device to do this, and I thought about a rover," Dr Le Maho told BBC News.
He and his colleagues measured penguins' heart rates when the vehicle approached and when a human researcher approached.
"There was a very high increase in heart rate with the human - much more than in a rover," he explained.
This reaction to people is exacerbated by the fact that, when the birds are incubating eggs, "they won't move".
The approach of the little vehicle certainly seemed to irritate the birds, which - as footage revealed - waited until the rover came close, then lunged and snapped with their beaks and flippers.
"But when the rover stops, even within the territory of the birds, they don't pay any attention to it," said Dr Le Maho.
In fact when the team measured the increase in the birds' heart rate when the rover approached, the found it was about the same as when another bird passed by.
"It's very much higher when a person [approaches]," said Dr Le Maho
"Even if the human is motionless, they still have a very high heart rate. And [it only returns to normal] more than five minutes after the human has left."
In the second part of their research, Dr Le Maho and his colleagues wanted to see if they could use their rover to study the very shy emperor penguin.
"Emperors huddle together, because they have no [other] territorial defence," the scientist explained. "So when they see the rover approaching, they get very stressed.
"So we thought, what if you camouflage the rover - disguise it as a chick."
The researchers worked with the team of nature filmmakers, who produced the penguin documentary Spy in the Huddle.
This resulted in an even more a comical-looking rover, with a fake chick sitting on top, which the researchers used to infiltrate the colony.
But the disguise was effective; the emperor penguins allowed the rover to approach close enough to read their tags. Some birds even interacted with it - vocalising at the fake chick.
"Scientists do not generally speak about disturbance they cause," Dr Le Maho told BBC News.
"But I have always been very concerned with that - it relates to both science and ethics."
Follow Victoria on Twitter | It looks comical - a remote controlled car zipping around a penguin colony dodging irritated snaps from the birds. | but using the diminutive vehicle to study penguins researchers have found has has much less impact on their behaviour than being approached by human scientists say the unusual approach provides less invasive and stressful way to collect data on these species these findings are published in the journal nature methods in part of their study the researchers even disguised one rover as penguin chick in order to access colony of notoriously nervous emperor penguins dr yvon le maho from the national centre for scientific research in strasbourg france led the study he first decided to test the rover after he found that traditional flipper tags compromised the health of penguins to avoid these unethical flipper tags the researchers began using tiny transponders tags implanted under the birds skin to monitor colony of king penguins on possession island in the south indian ocean but just like the microchips often used to identichip pets reading data from these tags requires them to be scanned up close using receiver wondered if it might be possible to use technological device to do this and thought about rover dr le maho told bbc news he and his colleagues measured penguins heart rates when the vehicle approached and when human researcher approached there was very high increase in heart rate with the human much more than in rover he explained this reaction to people is exacerbated by the fact that when the birds are incubating eggs they won move the approach of the little vehicle certainly seemed to irritate the birds which as footage revealed waited until the rover came close then lunged and snapped with their beaks and flippers but when the rover stops even within the territory of the birds they don pay any attention to it said dr le maho in fact when the team measured the increase in the birds heart rate when the rover approached the found it was about the same as when another bird passed by it very much higher when person approaches said dr le maho even if the human is motionless they still have very high heart rate and it only returns to normal more than five minutes after the human has left in the second part of their research dr le maho and his colleagues wanted to see if they could use their rover to study the very shy emperor penguin emperors huddle together because they have no other territorial defence the scientist explained so when they see the rover approaching they get very stressed so we thought what if you camouflage the rover disguise it as chick the researchers worked with the team of nature filmmakers who produced the penguin documentary spy in the huddle this resulted in an even more comical-looking rover with fake chick sitting on top which the researchers used to infiltrate the colony but the disguise was effective the emperor penguins allowed the rover to approach close enough to read their tags some birds even interacted with it vocalising at the fake chick scientists do not generally speak about disturbance they cause dr le maho told bbc news but have always been very concerned with that it relates to both science and ethics follow victoria on twitter | _START_ It looks comical - a remote controlled car zipping around a penguin colony dodging irritated snaps from the birds. _END_ |
Jia Li Huang, 63, was discovered in a property on Atkinson Road in Urmston, Greater Manchester, after officers were called amid concerns for a woman's safety at 12.30 BST on Monday.
Police said a man Tasered at the scene was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Mr Huang's family said he was "a good man" who would now be at peace.
A statement said: "My father was an amazing person, he was brave and he thought he was invincible, but sadly his life was taken away.
"We never thought we would lose our father this way. It is such a horrible way to die, he never deserved this, he was a good man."
The woman suffered head injuries and was taken to hospital, Greater Manchester Police said. | A man who was found dead with head injuries was "amazing and brave and thought he was invincible", his family has said. | jia li huang 63 was discovered in property on atkinson road in urmston greater manchester after officers were called amid concerns for woman safety at 12.30 bst on monday police said man tasered at the scene was arrested on suspicion of murder mr huang family said he was good man who would now be at peace statement said my father was an amazing person he was brave and he thought he was invincible but sadly his life was taken away we never thought we would lose our father this way it is such horrible way to die he never deserved this he was good man the woman suffered head injuries and was taken to hospital greater manchester police said. | _START_ A man who was found dead with head injuries was "amazing and brave and thought he was invincible", his family has said. _END_ |
But three days later, they realised it wasn't typhoid - it was the deadly Ebola virus.
This delay, says Dr Jude Senguku, meant that his flatmate - the hospital's senior surgeon - caught the disease from the woman and died, along with two nursing staff.
It was a harsh lesson in the crucial importance of fast - and accurate - diagnostics.
Mis-diagnosis, panic and misinformation led to people in Liberia staying away from hospital, he says. Some would misrepresent their symptoms to avoid being sent to Ebola isolation units.
"To rule out - and rapidly screen for - Ebola became important," says Dr Senguku.
Fortunately, Redemption Hospital received one of the first machines for Ebola testing - a piece of kit called GeneXpert that could provide a cheap and accurate diagnosis within 90 minutes.
Given that Liberia had only 50 doctors for 4.3 million people at the outbreak of the epidemic, such easy-to-use equipment proved crucial in the fight to contain the disease.
As it was, Liberia was hit hard, officially recording 4,809 deaths from Ebola, the most anywhere in the disease's 2014-2016 outbreak.
Since then, Dr Senguku says the diagnostic technology has been "very critical" in reducing false Ebola scares and restoring confidence among the people of Monrovia.
Dr David Persing, who created the rapid diagnostic test, is executive vice president of Cepheid, a Silicon Valley-based biotechnology company. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation contributed $3.5m (£2.7m) to the project.
Simply put, the machine measures the nucleic acid in a patient's specimen - spit, say - and detects a disease's signature DNA sequence. This method, called a nucleic acid amplification test, can detect extremely low levels of a pathogen, along with drug-resistant variants.
The test cartridge costs $10 for poorer countries, while the machine itself costs about $17,000.
Portable, low-energy diagnostic kits that are easy to operate are particularly important in areas with limited access to power or expensive laboratory equipment.
Simple malaria tests detecting antigens, and HIV tests which look for antibodies - like those developed by Massachusetts-based medical technology company Alere - can test "rapidly far from a lab", says Dr Megan Coffee, an infectious disease specialist and technical advisor at the International Rescue Committee.
She says many of these "point of care" tests - most of which consist of a membrane in a plastic cassette - are as "easy to use as a pregnancy test stick, which require no electricity, no refills, and can be carried and used by mobile community health workers."
This is useful for big mining companies and other major employers.
For example, gold miner Randgold Resources' Loulo-Gounkoto mine is a five or six hour drive away from the nearest Ebola assessment centre, says Dr Haladou Mahaman Manirou, who works for the company.
An on-site clinic monitors employees and people from neighbouring villages. Along with Ebola, other infectious diseases, like malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis, are the "main burden" on his employees' health, says Dr Manirou.
Malaria affected 39% of Randgold's workforce in 2015. The figure was 69% in 2011. A 15-minute diagnostic test, developed by Flow, a US biotechnology company, has helped quickly identify and treat cases, he says.
And now the next step for diagnostic technology is to "test for multiple causes of, say, a fever", she says.
For example, Singapore-based medical technology company STMicroelectronics has developed a "Lab-on-Chip" platform, which is the size of a fingernail and can test for multiple tropical diseases in a single blood sample.
The lab on a chip is slightly more expensive than a GeneXpert cartridge - roughly $100 - but doesn't require a machine.
As well as on-the-spot testing, diagnoses can also take place thousands of miles away, thanks to internet technology.
Global Health Telemedicine, for example, run by Dr Michelangelo Bartolo, director of telemedicine at San Giovanni Hospital in Rome, has connected doctors in 19 health centres in Africa with 100 volunteer specialists in Europe.
The average response time is "about three hours", says Dr Bartolo. In two years of operation, there have been 3,500 "tele-consultations", including 1,300 electrocardiograms.
His software includes a feature to allow African doctors to fill out information when offline, too, which is a useful feature in areas with patchy connectivity.
But battling the next epidemic after Ebola will require being faster off the block, says Dr Persing.
"To get started on test development in the middle of an epidemic just doesn't work," he says, adding his company doesn't have test cartridges for Zika, Lassa Fever, or "all the things that could come up".
A "just-in-time delivery" model would work better, he says.
If world health officials designated a list of critical infectious diseases, businesses like his could pre-manufacture and pre-validate agents for the test, and get regulatory approval for them, he believes.
"If you have an epidemic, you don't want to wait for six months or a year to have a test available," says Dr Persing.
Speedy diagnostics can also help measure the effectiveness of health campaigns, argues Prof David Alland, chief of infectious diseases at Rutgers Medical School.
"In some parts of Africa, it was thought major malaria intervention programmes weren't working," he says.
But it turned out doctors were incorrectly diagnosing malaria based on patients' clinical symptoms. More accurate diagnostic technology showed anti-malaria programmes were actually more effective than people believed.
So the more we know, and the quicker we know it, the more lives we can save.
Follow Technology of Business editor Matthew Wall on Twitter
Click here for more Technology of Business features | When a nurse at Monrovia's Redemption Hospital in Liberia fell ill, the doctors thought she had typhoid fever. | but three days later they realised it wasn typhoid it was the deadly ebola virus this delay says dr jude senguku meant that his flatmate the hospital senior surgeon caught the disease from the woman and died along with two nursing staff it was harsh lesson in the crucial importance of fast and accurate diagnostics mis-diagnosis panic and misinformation led to people in liberia staying away from hospital he says some would misrepresent their symptoms to avoid being sent to ebola isolation units to rule out and rapidly screen for ebola became important says dr senguku fortunately redemption hospital received one of the first machines for ebola testing piece of kit called genexpert that could provide cheap and accurate diagnosis within 90 minutes given that liberia had only 50 doctors for 4.3 million people at the outbreak of the epidemic such easy-to-use equipment proved crucial in the fight to contain the disease as it was liberia was hit hard officially recording 809 deaths from ebola the most anywhere in the disease 2014-2016 outbreak since then dr senguku says the diagnostic technology has been very critical in reducing false ebola scares and restoring confidence among the people of monrovia dr david persing who created the rapid diagnostic test is executive vice president of cepheid silicon valley-based biotechnology company the bill and melinda gates foundation contributed $3.5m â£2.7m to the project simply put the machine measures the nucleic acid in patient specimen spit say and detects disease signature dna sequence this method called nucleic acid amplification test can detect extremely low levels of pathogen along with drug-resistant variants the test cartridge costs $10 for poorer countries while the machine itself costs about $17 000 portable low-energy diagnostic kits that are easy to operate are particularly important in areas with limited access to power or expensive laboratory equipment simple malaria tests detecting antigens and hiv tests which look for antibodies like those developed by massachusetts-based medical technology company alere can test rapidly far from lab says dr megan coffee an infectious disease specialist and technical advisor at the international rescue committee she says many of these point of care tests most of which consist of membrane in plastic cassette are as easy to use as pregnancy test stick which require no electricity no refills and can be carried and used by mobile community health workers this is useful for big mining companies and other major employers for example gold miner randgold resources loulo-gounkoto mine is five or six hour drive away from the nearest ebola assessment centre says dr haladou mahaman manirou who works for the company an on-site clinic monitors employees and people from neighbouring villages along with ebola other infectious diseases like malaria hiv and tuberculosis are the main burden on his employees health says dr manirou malaria affected 39% of randgold workforce in 2015 the figure was 69% in 2011 15-minute diagnostic test developed by flow us biotechnology company has helped quickly identify and treat cases he says and now the next step for diagnostic technology is to test for multiple causes of say fever she says for example singapore-based medical technology company stmicroelectronics has developed lab-on-chip platform which is the size of fingernail and can test for multiple tropical diseases in single blood sample the lab on chip is slightly more expensive than genexpert cartridge roughly $100 but doesn require machine as well as on-the-spot testing diagnoses can also take place thousands of miles away thanks to internet technology global health telemedicine for example run by dr michelangelo bartolo director of telemedicine at san giovanni hospital in rome has connected doctors in 19 health centres in africa with 100 volunteer specialists in europe the average response time is about three hours says dr bartolo in two years of operation there have been 500 tele-consultations including 300 electrocardiograms his software includes feature to allow african doctors to fill out information when offline too which is useful feature in areas with patchy connectivity but battling the next epidemic after ebola will require being faster off the block says dr persing to get started on test development in the middle of an epidemic just doesn work he says adding his company doesn have test cartridges for zika lassa fever or all the things that could come up just-in-time delivery model would work better he says if world health officials designated list of critical infectious diseases businesses like his could pre-manufacture and pre-validate agents for the test and get regulatory approval for them he believes if you have an epidemic you don want to wait for six months or year to have test available says dr persing speedy diagnostics can also help measure the effectiveness of health campaigns argues prof david alland chief of infectious diseases at rutgers medical school in some parts of africa it was thought major malaria intervention programmes weren working he says but it turned out doctors were incorrectly diagnosing malaria based on patients clinical symptoms more accurate diagnostic technology showed anti-malaria programmes were actually more effective than people believed so the more we know and the quicker we know it the more lives we can save follow technology of business editor matthew wall on twitter click here for more technology of business features | _START_ When a nurse at Monrovia's Redemption Hospital in Liberia fell ill, the doctors thought she had typhoid fever. _END_ |
Richard Harris, 38, who has Swastika tattoos, smashed a bottle over Zahoor Hussain's head at the Mornington Lodge in Blackwood in July 2013.
Newport Crown Court heard he got angry after spotting his victim talking to an "attractive white woman" colleague.
Harris, of Blackwood, was found guilty of racially aggravated wounding.
Harris, who said he was a member of a fascist "white pride" movement and had pictures of Hitler in his living room, shouted at the woman: "What are you doing drinking with terrorists?"
He then told the British Asian Mr Hussain: "You are all animals. This is not your country".
Harris then smashed a full beer bottle over Mr Hussain's head knocking him unconscious and leaving his left ear nearly severed from his scalp.
Harris told his trial "Hitler's views are common sense on a lot of things" and claimed there "needs to be more research done" into whether the Holocaust took place.
He was found guilty of the attack, which left his victim with hearing problems and severe lacerations to his left ear and neck.
Sentencing him, Judge Jonathan Ferris said was a "dangerous extremist who is capable of extreme violence".
Speaking after the case, Supt Mark Warrender, who is in charge of hate crime at Gwent Police, said the attack was a "disgusting assault" which had life-changing effects for the victim.
"The majority of people find his behaviour, which was fuelled by racism, abhorrent. There is no place for racism or any hate crime within our communities," he said. | A neo-Nazi has been jailed for five years for attacking an Asian man on the day of Fusilier Lee Rigby's funeral. | richard harris 38 who has swastika tattoos smashed bottle over zahoor hussain head at the mornington lodge in blackwood in july 2013 newport crown court heard he got angry after spotting his victim talking to an attractive white woman colleague harris of blackwood was found guilty of racially aggravated wounding harris who said he was member of fascist white pride movement and had pictures of hitler in his living room shouted at the woman what are you doing drinking with terrorists he then told the british asian mr hussain you are all animals this is not your country harris then smashed full beer bottle over mr hussain head knocking him unconscious and leaving his left ear nearly severed from his scalp harris told his trial hitler views are common sense on lot of things and claimed there needs to be more research done into whether the holocaust took place he was found guilty of the attack which left his victim with hearing problems and severe lacerations to his left ear and neck sentencing him judge jonathan ferris said was dangerous extremist who is capable of extreme violence speaking after the case supt mark warrender who is in charge of hate crime at gwent police said the attack was disgusting assault which had life-changing effects for the victim the majority of people find his behaviour which was fuelled by racism abhorrent there is no place for racism or any hate crime within our communities he said. | _START_ A neo-Nazi has been jailed for five years for attacking an Asian man on the day of Fusilier Lee Rigby's funeral. _END_ |
The 31-year-old originally arrived at Liberty Stadium on a short-term deal in summer, 2016.
But after leading them three times in 11 appearances last season, the six-times capped player has now signed a two-year contract extension.
McCusker made 133 appearances for Scarlets before moving to London Irish, where he played 17 games in 2015-16.
He initially joined Ospreys after signing for the Welsh Premiership's Carmarthen Quins. | Ospreys will keep former Scarlets and Wales back-rower Rob McCusker until the end of the 2018-19 season. | the 31-year-old originally arrived at liberty stadium on short-term deal in summer 2016 but after leading them three times in 11 appearances last season the six-times capped player has now signed two-year contract extension mccusker made 133 appearances for scarlets before moving to london irish where he played 17 games in 2015-16 he initially joined ospreys after signing for the welsh premiership carmarthen quins. | _START_ Ospreys will keep former Scarlets and Wales back-rower Rob McCusker until the end of the 2018-19 season. _END_ |
The Bectu union said industrial action was "the only option left open" and that strike dates would be publicised to avoid inconveniencing visitors.
According to The Stage, 38 tour guides at the venue are Bectu members.
A Globe spokeswoman told the paper the venue had "made all reasonable efforts to avert industrial action".
According to The Stage, tour guides had been seeking a pay increase that would have raised their hourly rate from £11.24 to £13.50 an hour.
The two parties met at Acas - the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service - earlier this month but were unable to reach agreement.
"We had hoped that management would take seriously the opportunity we offered to them to avoid conflict," said Bectu's Pat Styles.
"Unfortunately, management representatives failed to grasp this opportunity, preferring instead to first offer our members what was effectively an insulting cut in pay and then refusing to accept various solutions we offered to them."
"The Globe maintains that a benchmarking exercise is the only viable means of establishing an appropriate rate of pay for guides that is consistent with our organisational policy to pay at industry median levels," the popular tourist attraction's spokeswoman told The Stage.
"We are still open to further consultation... and will in any case be undertaking a salary benchmarking exercise for all Globe staff, including the guides, over the summer as originally planned."
The Globe's representative is quoted as saying that audio guides will be made available on days when there is a strike.
The news follows an announcement on Tuesday that workers at the Royal Opera House in London are to vote on whether to take strike action over pay. | Tour guides at Shakespeare's Globe in London are to take industrial action after talks to resolve a pay dispute broke down. | the bectu union said industrial action was the only option left open and that strike dates would be publicised to avoid inconveniencing visitors according to the stage 38 tour guides at the venue are bectu members globe spokeswoman told the paper the venue had made all reasonable efforts to avert industrial action according to the stage tour guides had been seeking pay increase that would have raised their hourly rate from £11.24 to £13.50 an hour the two parties met at acas the advisory conciliation and arbitration service earlier this month but were unable to reach agreement we had hoped that management would take seriously the opportunity we offered to them to avoid conflict said bectu pat styles unfortunately management representatives failed to grasp this opportunity preferring instead to first offer our members what was effectively an insulting cut in pay and then refusing to accept various solutions we offered to them the globe maintains that benchmarking exercise is the only viable means of establishing an appropriate rate of pay for guides that is consistent with our organisational policy to pay at industry median levels the popular tourist attraction spokeswoman told the stage we are still open to further consultation and will in any case be undertaking salary benchmarking exercise for all globe staff including the guides over the summer as originally planned the globe representative is quoted as saying that audio guides will be made available on days when there is strike the news follows an announcement on tuesday that workers at the royal opera house in london are to vote on whether to take strike action over pay. | _START_ Tour guides at Shakespeare's Globe in London are to take industrial action after talks to resolve a pay dispute broke down. _END_ |
The visitors lost the Test series 2-0 and the one-day international series 3-0 with only Tuesday's Twenty20 left.
The closest they have come to a win was in the opening ODI at Trent Bridge where England secured a tie by hitting the last ball of the match for six.
"There will be some who will hate us, some will still love us. Sorry for letting you down," Mathews tweeted.
"It is tough times but will come back hard."
After losing Saturday's final ODI in Cardiff, Sri Lanka also slipped to sixth in the International Cricket Council's world rankings, with England moving a place above them.
Having drawn their warm-up games against Essex and Leicestershire, the tourists' only victories have come in their two ODIs against Ireland in Dublin, shortly after the Tests in England.
Their tour has also been marked by a raft of injuries, with pace bowlers Dhammika Prasad (shoulder) and Dushmantha Chameera (lower back stress fracture) and batsman Lahiru Thirimanne (lower back strain), all flying home injured.
Several others have played on despite injury - Mathews and vice-captain Dinesh Chandimal suffered hamstring niggles, while Farveez Maharoof suffered a fractured finger on his left hand. | Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews has apologised for his team's disappointing tour of England. | the visitors lost the test series 2-0 and the one-day international series 3-0 with only tuesday twenty20 left the closest they have come to win was in the opening odi at trent bridge where england secured tie by hitting the last ball of the match for six there will be some who will hate us some will still love us sorry for letting you down mathews tweeted it is tough times but will come back hard after losing saturday final odi in cardiff sri lanka also slipped to sixth in the international cricket council world rankings with england moving place above them having drawn their warm-up games against essex and leicestershire the tourists only victories have come in their two odis against ireland in dublin shortly after the tests in england their tour has also been marked by raft of injuries with pace bowlers dhammika prasad shoulder and dushmantha chameera lower back stress fracture and batsman lahiru thirimanne lower back strain all flying home injured several others have played on despite injury mathews and vice-captain dinesh chandimal suffered hamstring niggles while farveez maharoof suffered fractured finger on his left hand. | _START_ Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews has apologised for his team's disappointing tour of England. _END_ |
In 1988, Pitchfork admitted raping and murdering two 15-year-old girls, Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, after his DNA matched samples found at the scene of both crimes.
The former baker was caught after the world's first mass screening for DNA, in which 5,000 men in three villages in Leicestershire were asked to volunteer blood or saliva samples; he'd initially evaded capture by getting a friend to take the test for him.
As Pitchfork approaches the end of his 28-year minimum jail term, the ITV drama-documentary, Code of a Killer, was a timely reminder of the debt we owe to the inventor of DNA, Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, and Detective Chief Superintendent David Baker, the investigating officer who had the determination and courage to ensure the technique was applied in the case.
Now, of course, DNA evidence is almost taken for granted.
But over the past two years the operation of the database, and the techniques underpinning it, have altered dramatically in a way that is only just beginning to be understood.
In 2013, as part of the Protection of Freedoms Act, the database was pruned in order to remove the details of innocent people - 1.7 million profiles of children and of adults who hadn't been convicted of any crime were deleted.
That Act was the result of a battle by civil liberty campaigners and others after the European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2008 that the then UK Government's "blanket and indiscriminate" policy of storing DNA profiles indefinitely failed to strike "a fair balance" between an individual's right to privacy and the state's interest in tackling crime.
Under the Act, a complicated system of retention rules was introduced to differentiate between adults and those under 18; between people who have been cautioned or convicted and those who haven't; and between low-level offences and crimes such as burglary, rape, murder and terrorism.
The new arrangements are so convoluted that even the man responsible for overseeing them, Alastair MacGregor, the Biometrics Commissioner, has cast doubt as to whether they can work effectively and fairly.
In a little-publicised report in December 2014, Mr MacGregor says compliance with the regime, by programming the Police National Computer so that DNA profiles are retained and deleted as they should be, is "an impossible task".
He says "thousands of profiles" that should have been deleted are retained on the database and about 30 have been inadvertently removed.
Kerri Allen, a DNA specialist who used to work for the Forensic Science Service, is also concerned about the new system.
"It's immensely complicated," she says. "The administration involved in removing a profile is far greater than you might imagine.
"I don't know if it's workable."
Of course, it may take time for the new procedures to bed in: there were always likely to be bumps on the road.
But Mr MacGregor has further concerns - about the use of DNA profiles from foreign offenders.
It seems that various legislative hurdles are blocking police forces from holding profiles from foreign nationals known to have committed offences overseas, a problem that may also affect some offenders convicted in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
It's an "unsatisfactory state of affairs," he writes, "which might well be putting the UK public at unnecessary risk."
The new Home Secretary, whoever it is after 7 May, will surely take note.
The other key development is the scientific method now used to obtain DNA profiles.
It is known as DNA 17, because it looks at 17 areas of a person's DNA.
In July 2014, it replaced the previous technique, SGM+, which examined 11 areas, bringing England and Wales in line with other European countries, though Scotland is already now moving to an advanced version - DNA 24.
DNA 17 is a more sensitive test than its predecessor, which means it is possible to produce a profile from smaller, poorer quality and older cell samples.
It provides the tantalising prospect of helping police to solve crimes, particularly "cold cases", previously thought to be impossible to crack.
But among the forensic scientific community there are growing doubts about DNA 17's usefulness in criminal trials.
"DNA 17 is a victim of its own sensitivity," says Duncan Woods, a forensic scientist with Keith Borer Consultants.
He says the new test is so much more sensitive than the earlier techniques that it can pick up fragments of DNA that may be unconnected to a crime.
For instance, testing a door handle at a house burglary using DNA 17 may increase the chance of finding the intruder's DNA, but it also increases the chance of finding the DNA of a neighbour who had popped in for a cup of tea, the policeman who responded to the 999 call, and a passer-by who had innocently transferred their DNA to the homeowner when they stood next to each other at a bus stop.
In its advice for its caseworkers and lawyers, the Crown Prosecution Service says: "Whilst the sensitivity of DNA-17 is such as to increase the risk of DNA contamination from the handling of the samples by the Scenes of Crime Officer and the Forensic Science Provider, it also means that contamination is more easily detected.
"There is also an increased risk of detecting background DNA, which may have been deposited before and after the deposition of the target DNA."
Duncan Woods says every week he is dealing with cases in which DNA 17 has been used to detect a profile from such a small number of cells that he can't reach a conclusion as to its significance.
"That's a pretty regular occurrence," he says.
DNA 17 undoubtedly has huge benefits, in providing police with intelligence that might lead them to a suspect and identifying missing people and human remains. It's also compatible with European DNA databases.
But, together with the new retention rules, there's a sense that the landscape of DNA has changed fundamentally.
With change comes the risk of mistakes, missed opportunities and injustice, as cases work their way through the courts in the years to come. | Earlier this month, a compelling TV programme revisited the case of Colin Pitchfork - the first person to be convicted because of DNA evidence. | in 1988 pitchfork admitted raping and murdering two 15-year-old girls lynda mann and dawn ashworth after his dna matched samples found at the scene of both crimes the former baker was caught after the world first mass screening for dna in which 000 men in three villages in leicestershire were asked to volunteer blood or saliva samples he initially evaded capture by getting friend to take the test for him as pitchfork approaches the end of his 28-year minimum jail term the itv drama-documentary code of killer was timely reminder of the debt we owe to the inventor of dna professor sir alec jeffreys and detective chief superintendent david baker the investigating officer who had the determination and courage to ensure the technique was applied in the case now of course dna evidence is almost taken for granted but over the past two years the operation of the database and the techniques underpinning it have altered dramatically in way that is only just beginning to be understood in 2013 as part of the protection of freedoms act the database was pruned in order to remove the details of innocent people 1.7 million profiles of children and of adults who hadn been convicted of any crime were deleted that act was the result of battle by civil liberty campaigners and others after the european court of human rights ruled in 2008 that the then uk government blanket and indiscriminate policy of storing dna profiles indefinitely failed to strike fair balance between an individual right to privacy and the state interest in tackling crime under the act complicated system of retention rules was introduced to differentiate between adults and those under 18 between people who have been cautioned or convicted and those who haven and between low-level offences and crimes such as burglary rape murder and terrorism the new arrangements are so convoluted that even the man responsible for overseeing them alastair macgregor the biometrics commissioner has cast doubt as to whether they can work effectively and fairly in little-publicised report in december 2014 mr macgregor says compliance with the regime by programming the police national computer so that dna profiles are retained and deleted as they should be is an impossible task he says thousands of profiles that should have been deleted are retained on the database and about 30 have been inadvertently removed kerri allen dna specialist who used to work for the forensic science service is also concerned about the new system it immensely complicated she says the administration involved in removing profile is far greater than you might imagine don know if it workable of course it may take time for the new procedures to bed in there were always likely to be bumps on the road but mr macgregor has further concerns about the use of dna profiles from foreign offenders it seems that various legislative hurdles are blocking police forces from holding profiles from foreign nationals known to have committed offences overseas problem that may also affect some offenders convicted in scotland and northern ireland it an unsatisfactory state of affairs he writes which might well be putting the uk public at unnecessary risk the new home secretary whoever it is after may will surely take note the other key development is the scientific method now used to obtain dna profiles it is known as dna 17 because it looks at 17 areas of person dna in july 2014 it replaced the previous technique sgm+ which examined 11 areas bringing england and wales in line with other european countries though scotland is already now moving to an advanced version dna 24 dna 17 is more sensitive test than its predecessor which means it is possible to produce profile from smaller poorer quality and older cell samples it provides the tantalising prospect of helping police to solve crimes particularly cold cases previously thought to be impossible to crack but among the forensic scientific community there are growing doubts about dna 17 usefulness in criminal trials dna 17 is victim of its own sensitivity says duncan woods forensic scientist with keith borer consultants he says the new test is so much more sensitive than the earlier techniques that it can pick up fragments of dna that may be unconnected to crime for instance testing door handle at house burglary using dna 17 may increase the chance of finding the intruder dna but it also increases the chance of finding the dna of neighbour who had popped in for cup of tea the policeman who responded to the 999 call and passer-by who had innocently transferred their dna to the homeowner when they stood next to each other at bus stop in its advice for its caseworkers and lawyers the crown prosecution service says whilst the sensitivity of dna-17 is such as to increase the risk of dna contamination from the handling of the samples by the scenes of crime officer and the forensic science provider it also means that contamination is more easily detected there is also an increased risk of detecting background dna which may have been deposited before and after the deposition of the target dna duncan woods says every week he is dealing with cases in which dna 17 has been used to detect profile from such small number of cells that he can reach conclusion as to its significance that pretty regular occurrence he says dna 17 undoubtedly has huge benefits in providing police with intelligence that might lead them to suspect and identifying missing people and human remains it also compatible with european dna databases but together with the new retention rules there sense that the landscape of dna has changed fundamentally with change comes the risk of mistakes missed opportunities and injustice as cases work their way through the courts in the years to come. | _START_ Earlier this month, a compelling TV programme revisited the case of Colin Pitchfork - the first person to be convicted because of DNA evidence. _END_ |
The Celtic great and Lisbon Lion, who won 18 Scotland caps, died on 2 March after a long illness.
The funeral procession left Celtic Park in the east end of Glasgow shortly after 11:30.
It travelled down the Celtic Way, then on to London Road and towards Daldowie Crematorium for the service.
Fellow members of the Celtic team which won the European Cup in Lisbon in 1967 were among the pallbearers.
They included Bobby Lennox, Bertie Auld, John Clark and Jim Craig, alongside former Rangers and Scotland winger Willie Henderson.
Other former Celtic players at the funeral included Danny McGrain, Andy Walker, Davie Provan and Frank McGarvey, as well as current manager Brendan Rodgers and former boss David Hay.
Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson attended on behalf of the Ibrox club.
Jim Craig spoke at the service of how his former team-mate remained inspirational despite declining health in recent years.
Choking back tears, he said: "That once powerful frame began to weaken and Tam was confined to his bed, a situation such a strong athlete must have found really difficult to cope with.
"Yet, as his strength waned, I never once heard him complain and, frankly, the way he dealt with whatever came his way was a lesson to us all."
Of their playing days together, Jim Craig said: "Tam could be accused of being noisy, argumentative, flamboyant - he had the flashy suits and the car with the Colonel Bogey horn - and even cocky.
"But he also delivered - his scoring record an excellent one for a fullback, and his ability to drive home a penalty a great bonus.
"Probably his most famous goal was the equaliser in the European Cup Final, although with great modesty might I point out that he received such a perfect pass along the 18-yard line that his granny could have knocked that one in." | Former footballer Tommy Gemmell, who died last week aged 73, has been described as "an inspiration" at his funeral service. | the celtic great and lisbon lion who won 18 scotland caps died on march after long illness the funeral procession left celtic park in the east end of glasgow shortly after 11:30 it travelled down the celtic way then on to london road and towards daldowie crematorium for the service fellow members of the celtic team which won the european cup in lisbon in 1967 were among the pallbearers they included bobby lennox bertie auld john clark and jim craig alongside former rangers and scotland winger willie henderson other former celtic players at the funeral included danny mcgrain andy walker davie provan and frank mcgarvey as well as current manager brendan rodgers and former boss david hay rangers managing director stewart robertson attended on behalf of the ibrox club jim craig spoke at the service of how his former team-mate remained inspirational despite declining health in recent years choking back tears he said that once powerful frame began to weaken and tam was confined to his bed situation such strong athlete must have found really difficult to cope with yet as his strength waned never once heard him complain and frankly the way he dealt with whatever came his way was lesson to us all of their playing days together jim craig said tam could be accused of being noisy argumentative flamboyant he had the flashy suits and the car with the colonel bogey horn and even cocky but he also delivered his scoring record an excellent one for fullback and his ability to drive home penalty great bonus probably his most famous goal was the equaliser in the european cup final although with great modesty might point out that he received such perfect pass along the 18-yard line that his granny could have knocked that one in | _START_ Former footballer Tommy Gemmell, who died last week aged 73, has been described as "an inspiration" at his funeral service. _END_ |
Shazib Khan, 23, told Kingston Crown Court he was moved by the plight of innocent civilians.
Mr Khan said he told friends he wanted to help "by any means" but he meant by providing money and food not violence.
He and nephew Junead Khan, 25, both from Luton, deny engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts.
This is alleged to have happened between 1 August 2014 and 15 July 2015.
A series of messages exchanged between Shazib Khan and friends on WhatsApp in early 2014 were read to the court.
In one, he said there was more to be done for the people of Syria than pray, suggesting they should "get out there and help".
He also said: "I want to go abroad and help the brothers and sisters by any means."
Asked by defence counsel Michael Ivers QC if this meant fighting, Mr Khan replied: "No."
He told the jury: "I never had a physical fight in my life. The closest I get is computer games."
Junead Khan also denies making preparations for attacking military personnel in the UK between 10 May and 14 July 2015.
The trial continues. | A man accused of making preparations to travel to Syria to fight for so-called Islamic State simply wanted to carry out aid work, a court has heard. | shazib khan 23 told kingston crown court he was moved by the plight of innocent civilians mr khan said he told friends he wanted to help by any means but he meant by providing money and food not violence he and nephew junead khan 25 both from luton deny engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts this is alleged to have happened between august 2014 and 15 july 2015 series of messages exchanged between shazib khan and friends on whatsapp in early 2014 were read to the court in one he said there was more to be done for the people of syria than pray suggesting they should get out there and help he also said want to go abroad and help the brothers and sisters by any means asked by defence counsel michael ivers qc if this meant fighting mr khan replied no he told the jury never had physical fight in my life the closest get is computer games junead khan also denies making preparations for attacking military personnel in the uk between 10 may and 14 july 2015 the trial continues. | _START_ A man accused of making preparations to travel to Syria to fight for so-called Islamic State simply wanted to carry out aid work, a court has heard. _END_ |
The 33-year-old ex-Everton forward has been training with the National League side since the summer.
The free agent has not signed a deal, but has been teaching younger players.
"Yak is courteous, he comes and watches the games, he pays entrance. He's fully on board with what I'm doing and what the club are doing," Garrard said.
Garrard initially got in touch with Yakubu, who lives close to Wood's Hertfordshire ground, through a mutual friend after the forward returned to England following a spell in the Turkish top flight with Kayserispor.
While Garrard has been as yet unable to convince him to sign, Yakubu has been giving advice to 21-year-old Morgan Ferrier - a striker who has scored seven goals in 13 matches this term.
"I'm trying my hardest to get him to sign a contract," Garrard told BBC Three Counties Radio. "But as it stands I don't know where he's going or what he has planned.
"No disrespect to Morgan, Yak has been taking him under his wing the last three or four weeks and as long as he comes in and does that I'm happy to have Yak at the club.
"He teaches things I haven't seen because he's played at the highest level and in fairness to Morgan he's all eyes and ears." | Yakubu is paying for entry to Boreham Wood matches according to boss Luke Garrard, who is "trying his hardest" to sign the former Nigeria striker. | the 33-year-old ex-everton forward has been training with the national league side since the summer the free agent has not signed deal but has been teaching younger players yak is courteous he comes and watches the games he pays entrance he fully on board with what doing and what the club are doing garrard said garrard initially got in touch with yakubu who lives close to wood hertfordshire ground through mutual friend after the forward returned to england following spell in the turkish top flight with kayserispor while garrard has been as yet unable to convince him to sign yakubu has been giving advice to 21-year-old morgan ferrier striker who has scored seven goals in 13 matches this term trying my hardest to get him to sign contract garrard told bbc three counties radio but as it stands don know where he going or what he has planned no disrespect to morgan yak has been taking him under his wing the last three or four weeks and as long as he comes in and does that happy to have yak at the club he teaches things haven seen because he played at the highest level and in fairness to morgan he all eyes and ears | _START_ Yakubu is paying for entry to Boreham Wood matches according to boss Luke Garrard, who is "trying his hardest" to sign the former Nigeria striker. _END_ |
The 302ft (92m) long aircraft - which is part plane and part airship - was damaged during a flight from Cardington Airfield in Bedfordshire.
The flight deck is now back in place after major repairs and testing has begun inside a hangar at the airfield.
Engineers will then be able to restart their flight test programme.
The developer, Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), claims the aircraft could be used for a variety of functions such as surveillance, communications, delivering aid and even passenger travel.
It says it will be able to stay airborne for about five days during manned flights.
The aircraft's cockpit was badly damaged when it nosedived at the end of its second test flight on 24 August.
In a statement a spokesman for HAV said the repairs had gone well.
He added: "The mission module build team has been turning their attention to the large number of tasks that will be required before hangar exit and recommencement of the Flight Test Programme.
"With the equipment installed, power on was achieved and on-aircraft testing has now begun."
The company hopes to be building 10 Airlanders a year by 2021.
Airlander 10 in numbers | It is hoped that the world's longest aircraft - the £25m Airlander 10 - will return to the skies this year after crash landing in August. | the 302ft 92m long aircraft which is part plane and part airship was damaged during flight from cardington airfield in bedfordshire the flight deck is now back in place after major repairs and testing has begun inside hangar at the airfield engineers will then be able to restart their flight test programme the developer hybrid air vehicles hav claims the aircraft could be used for variety of functions such as surveillance communications delivering aid and even passenger travel it says it will be able to stay airborne for about five days during manned flights the aircraft cockpit was badly damaged when it nosedived at the end of its second test flight on 24 august in statement spokesman for hav said the repairs had gone well he added the mission module build team has been turning their attention to the large number of tasks that will be required before hangar exit and recommencement of the flight test programme with the equipment installed power on was achieved and on-aircraft testing has now begun the company hopes to be building 10 airlanders year by 2021 airlander 10 in numbers | _START_ It is hoped that the world's longest aircraft - the £25m Airlander 10 - will return to the skies this year after crash landing in August. _END_ |
Striker Lee Miller came off the bench to score a late winner for the Bairns, who leapfrog Morton into second place.
The goal was no more than Falkirk's play merited, having long bombarded Rovers goalkeeper Pavol Penska.
The Fife side drop to eighth, two points clear of the relegation play-off spot, and have won only two league matches since October.
Penska made impressive saves to deny Lewis Kidd and John Baird in the first half, as the Bairns started brightly.
Bob McHugh had the ball in the net after neat play from Luke Leahy and Craig Sibbald, but the striker was flagged offside.
The hosts' dominance continued after the break, and Slovakian stopper Penska did brilliantly to prevent what looked like a certain own goal, before McHugh rattled his crossbar with a shot on the turn.
Replacement Miller finally broke Rovers' resistance 19 minutes from time, when he was left unmarked to guide home a sweeping cross from fellow substitute James Craigen - the veteran's ninth goal of the season.
Once the Bairns had hit the front, there was little prospect of the Kirkcaldy club rescuing a point. No Rovers striker has scored an away goal in the Championship since October.
To add insult to injury, Lewis Vaughan, the Raith forward on loan at Dumbarton, scored the winner for their relegation rivals against Morton, moving the Sons above them in the table, although that deal was done before John Hughes replaced Gary Locke as manager.
Falkirk manager Peter Houston: "We finished second last year but we didn't deal well with the play-off final second leg against Kilmarnock, or we might already be in the top league, but I have no doubt we will have learned from that.
"The players, backroom staff and myself will know how to go about it if we get in that position again and handle it better.
"We certainly know what is at stake and we are in a good position now, but there's lots to play for as we go to Tannadice next weekend, so we won't take anything for granted."
Raith Rovers manager John Hughes: "To me, Lewis (Vaughan) is one of the best players at the club and he should never have gone on loan.
"But we just have to get on with it, even if I'm going to strangle him when he comes into training on Monday.
"He is a professional who is doing his job for Dumbarton, that is his club at this moment, even though it's come back to bite us on the backside. We have to look after ourselves."
Match ends, Falkirk 1, Raith Rovers 0.
Second Half ends, Falkirk 1, Raith Rovers 0.
Peter Grant (Falkirk) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Ryan Hardie (Raith Rovers).
Jordan Thompson (Raith Rovers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Craig Sibbald (Falkirk).
Foul by Lee Miller (Falkirk).
Iain Davidson (Raith Rovers) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Foul by Robert McHugh (Falkirk).
Craig Barr (Raith Rovers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Attempt saved. Ryan Hardie (Raith Rovers) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
Corner, Falkirk. Conceded by Scott Roberts.
Attempt blocked. Robert McHugh (Falkirk) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
Foul by Lee Miller (Falkirk).
Iain Davidson (Raith Rovers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Luca Gasparotto (Falkirk) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Ryan Hardie (Raith Rovers).
Peter Grant (Falkirk) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Iain Davidson (Raith Rovers).
Foul by Myles Hippolyte (Falkirk).
Iain Davidson (Raith Rovers) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Substitution, Raith Rovers. Scott Roberts replaces Kyle Benedictus because of an injury.
Craig Barr (Raith Rovers) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Lee Miller (Falkirk) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Craig Barr (Raith Rovers).
Lee Miller (Falkirk) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Foul by Jean-Yves Mvoto (Raith Rovers).
Foul by Myles Hippolyte (Falkirk).
Declan McManus (Raith Rovers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Lewis Kidd (Falkirk) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Chris Johnston (Raith Rovers).
Jordan Thompson (Raith Rovers) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Tom Taiwo (Falkirk) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Jordan Thompson (Raith Rovers).
Goal! Falkirk 1, Raith Rovers 0. Lee Miller (Falkirk) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Lewis Kidd.
Lewis Kidd (Falkirk) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Ryan Hardie (Raith Rovers).
Myles Hippolyte (Falkirk) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Kyle Benedictus (Raith Rovers).
Foul by Lee Miller (Falkirk). | Falkirk climbed within nine points of Scottish Championship leaders Hibernian with a deserved win over Raith Rovers. | striker lee miller came off the bench to score late winner for the bairns who leapfrog morton into second place the goal was no more than falkirk play merited having long bombarded rovers goalkeeper pavol penska the fife side drop to eighth two points clear of the relegation play-off spot and have won only two league matches since october penska made impressive saves to deny lewis kidd and john baird in the first half as the bairns started brightly bob mchugh had the ball in the net after neat play from luke leahy and craig sibbald but the striker was flagged offside the hosts dominance continued after the break and slovakian stopper penska did brilliantly to prevent what looked like certain own goal before mchugh rattled his crossbar with shot on the turn replacement miller finally broke rovers resistance 19 minutes from time when he was left unmarked to guide home sweeping cross from fellow substitute james craigen the veteran ninth goal of the season once the bairns had hit the front there was little prospect of the kirkcaldy club rescuing point no rovers striker has scored an away goal in the championship since october to add insult to injury lewis vaughan the raith forward on loan at dumbarton scored the winner for their relegation rivals against morton moving the sons above them in the table although that deal was done before john hughes replaced gary locke as manager falkirk manager peter houston we finished second last year but we didn deal well with the play-off final second leg against kilmarnock or we might already be in the top league but have no doubt we will have learned from that the players backroom staff and myself will know how to go about it if we get in that position again and handle it better we certainly know what is at stake and we are in good position now but there lots to play for as we go to tannadice next weekend so we won take anything for granted raith rovers manager john hughes to me lewis vaughan is one of the best players at the club and he should never have gone on loan but we just have to get on with it even if going to strangle him when he comes into training on monday he is professional who is doing his job for dumbarton that is his club at this moment even though it come back to bite us on the backside we have to look after ourselves match ends falkirk raith rovers second half ends falkirk raith rovers peter grant falkirk wins free kick in the attacking half foul by ryan hardie raith rovers jordan thompson raith rovers wins free kick in the defensive half foul by craig sibbald falkirk foul by lee miller falkirk iain davidson raith rovers wins free kick on the left wing foul by robert mchugh falkirk craig barr raith rovers wins free kick in the attacking half attempt saved ryan hardie raith rovers right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal corner falkirk conceded by scott roberts attempt blocked robert mchugh falkirk right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked foul by lee miller falkirk iain davidson raith rovers wins free kick in the attacking half luca gasparotto falkirk wins free kick in the attacking half foul by ryan hardie raith rovers peter grant falkirk wins free kick in the attacking half foul by iain davidson raith rovers foul by myles hippolyte falkirk iain davidson raith rovers wins free kick on the left wing substitution raith rovers scott roberts replaces kyle benedictus because of an injury craig barr raith rovers is shown the yellow card for bad foul lee miller falkirk wins free kick in the defensive half foul by craig barr raith rovers lee miller falkirk wins free kick on the left wing foul by jean-yves mvoto raith rovers foul by myles hippolyte falkirk declan mcmanus raith rovers wins free kick in the attacking half lewis kidd falkirk wins free kick in the attacking half foul by chris johnston raith rovers jordan thompson raith rovers is shown the yellow card for bad foul tom taiwo falkirk wins free kick in the defensive half foul by jordan thompson raith rovers goal falkirk raith rovers lee miller falkirk right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner assisted by lewis kidd lewis kidd falkirk wins free kick in the attacking half foul by ryan hardie raith rovers myles hippolyte falkirk wins free kick in the defensive half foul by kyle benedictus raith rovers foul by lee miller falkirk . | _START_ Falkirk climbed within nine points of Scottish Championship leaders Hibernian with a deserved win over Raith Rovers. _END_ |
The Hammers will pay £2.5m rent annually but will not have to fund police, stewarding, heating, pitch maintenance, or even corner flags.
"My dog could have negotiated a better deal for the taxpayer," said Hearn.
West Ham said it was "a great deal" for the club and the public.
The Premier League club move to the 60,000-seater stadium from the Boleyn Ground, which has a 35,000 capacity, at the end of this season.
Olympic Stadium bosses, the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), fought a ruling that the deal should be published, but the appeal was rejected this week.
On Thursday, full details of the 207-page contract were published for the first time, including that:
West Ham have paid £15m towards the £272m costs of transforming the stadium into a football venue.
Hearn, who unsuccessfully tried to get the Hammers to groundshare with Orient at the Olympic Stadium, told BBC Sport: "It's a hugely beneficial deal to West Ham and good luck to them.
"They've negotiated a good deal. I can't say the same for the LLDC who should go back to negotiation school.
"Frankly it was a hot potato that [London mayor] Boris Johnson and the LLDC wanted to get rid of. They wanted to close a deal at any price and they will say 'quite rightly because we didn't have anyone else'."
The LLDC fought publication on the grounds of commercial sensitivity and fear the decision to publish will cost it million of pounds in lost revenue.
"The stadium needs to be a profitable and successful commercial operation, otherwise it will rely on public subsidy," said a spokesperson.
West Ham insist the club have nothing to hide and believe their position as anchor tenant helps ensure the stadium does not become a "white elephant".
"We were unanimously chosen as the anchor tenant, above others, including football clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Leyton Orient, as we offered the best deal and the only option for a true and lasting legacy," said a Hammers statement.
The deal was published after a lengthy legal battle following an initial freedom of information request from an alliance of 14 supporters' groups.
"This is a victory for the power of football supporters - organised, focused and willing to work together to achieve a collective goal," said a coalition statement.
Aside from West Ham, who will rent the venue for 25 days a year, the venue will host concerts and other sporting events, including the IAAF and IPC Athletics World Championships next year. | Former Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn says his dog could have negotiated better than venue bosses after details of West Ham's Olympic Stadium contract were published. | the hammers will pay £2.5m rent annually but will not have to fund police stewarding heating pitch maintenance or even corner flags my dog could have negotiated better deal for the taxpayer said hearn west ham said it was great deal for the club and the public the premier league club move to the 60 000-seater stadium from the boleyn ground which has 35 000 capacity at the end of this season olympic stadium bosses the london legacy development corporation lldc fought ruling that the deal should be published but the appeal was rejected this week on thursday full details of the 207-page contract were published for the first time including that west ham have paid £15m towards the £272m costs of transforming the stadium into football venue hearn who unsuccessfully tried to get the hammers to groundshare with orient at the olympic stadium told bbc sport it hugely beneficial deal to west ham and good luck to them they ve negotiated good deal can say the same for the lldc who should go back to negotiation school frankly it was hot potato that london mayor boris johnson and the lldc wanted to get rid of they wanted to close deal at any price and they will say quite rightly because we didn have anyone else the lldc fought publication on the grounds of commercial sensitivity and fear the decision to publish will cost it million of pounds in lost revenue the stadium needs to be profitable and successful commercial operation otherwise it will rely on public subsidy said spokesperson west ham insist the club have nothing to hide and believe their position as anchor tenant helps ensure the stadium does not become white elephant we were unanimously chosen as the anchor tenant above others including football clubs such as tottenham hotspur and leyton orient as we offered the best deal and the only option for true and lasting legacy said hammers statement the deal was published after lengthy legal battle following an initial freedom of information request from an alliance of 14 supporters groups this is victory for the power of football supporters organised focused and willing to work together to achieve collective goal said coalition statement aside from west ham who will rent the venue for 25 days year the venue will host concerts and other sporting events including the iaaf and ipc athletics world championships next year. | _START_ Former Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn says his dog could have negotiated better than venue bosses after details of West Ham's Olympic Stadium contract were published. _END_ |
US media reports that two threats made by a male caller proved unfounded.
The flight, carrying 206 passengers and 13 crew, landed at Newark Liberty International Airport at around 13:00 local time (17:00 GMT).
Passengers were evacuated from the plane and luggage removed. Police at the airport later said nothing harmful was found on board.
Customs officials continued checking the luggage but the aircraft was given the all-clear.
A spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the airport's operator, said they had released the plane to British Airways.
Port Authority received the threat about the plane at around 10:00 local time (14:00 GMT), when it was already in the air.
ABC television reports that the two separate threats now appear to have come from the same person.
No arrests are reported to have been made and the investigation is ongoing. | A security alert over an unspecified threat to a British Airways flight from London to Newark has been lifted. | us media reports that two threats made by male caller proved unfounded the flight carrying 206 passengers and 13 crew landed at newark liberty international airport at around 13:00 local time 17:00 gmt passengers were evacuated from the plane and luggage removed police at the airport later said nothing harmful was found on board customs officials continued checking the luggage but the aircraft was given the all-clear spokesman for the port authority of new york and new jersey the airport operator said they had released the plane to british airways port authority received the threat about the plane at around 10:00 local time 14:00 gmt when it was already in the air abc television reports that the two separate threats now appear to have come from the same person no arrests are reported to have been made and the investigation is ongoing. | _START_ A security alert over an unspecified threat to a British Airways flight from London to Newark has been lifted. _END_ |
The 47-year-old was later released but had to surrender his passport to stop him returning to Syria.
Prosecutors said that Dutch law did not allow the use of force apart from in exceptional circumstances.
"Killing an IS fighter therefore could mean being prosecuted for murder," a statement from prosecutors said.
Even though the Netherlands is part of the international coalition against the so-called Islamic State (IS), the prosecutors said there was "an important difference between Dutch nationals who travel to Syria on their own to fight against IS and Dutch soldiers who train Iraqi and Kurdish forces".
The Dutch military presence was legal and took place "at the request of the Iraqi government", they added.
The man's name cannot be released under Dutch privacy law and it was unclear when he left the military.
Prosecutors said further investigation into the soldier's involvement was required to decide whether charges would be brought.
The BBC understands that about 100 Western volunteers have joined Kurdish forces in the region - including some Britons.
In some instances they have faced legal troubles on their return to their home countries.
One British former Royal Marine, Konstandinos Erik Scurfield, and one Canadian ex-soldier, John Gallagher, died in northern Syria in 2015 fighting Syria against IS militants. | A former Dutch soldier has been arrested on suspicion of killing Islamic State militants while fighting alongside Kurdish militiamen in Syria. | the 47-year-old was later released but had to surrender his passport to stop him returning to syria prosecutors said that dutch law did not allow the use of force apart from in exceptional circumstances killing an is fighter therefore could mean being prosecuted for murder statement from prosecutors said even though the netherlands is part of the international coalition against the so-called islamic state is the prosecutors said there was an important difference between dutch nationals who travel to syria on their own to fight against is and dutch soldiers who train iraqi and kurdish forces the dutch military presence was legal and took place at the request of the iraqi government they added the man name cannot be released under dutch privacy law and it was unclear when he left the military prosecutors said further investigation into the soldier involvement was required to decide whether charges would be brought the bbc understands that about 100 western volunteers have joined kurdish forces in the region including some britons in some instances they have faced legal troubles on their return to their home countries one british former royal marine konstandinos erik scurfield and one canadian ex-soldier john gallagher died in northern syria in 2015 fighting syria against is militants. | _START_ A former Dutch soldier has been arrested on suspicion of killing Islamic State militants while fighting alongside Kurdish militiamen in Syria. _END_ |
George Osborne toured the NGI with Nobel Laureate Professor Sir Kostya Novoselov, who discovered the material.
Graphene consists of single atoms arranged in a honeycomb structure. It has been called a "wonder material" because of its potential uses.
It was first isolated by Sir Kostya and Sir Andre Geim in 2004.
Mr Osborne said the centre would "bring together leading academics, scientists and business leaders to help develop the applications of tomorrow, putting the UK in pole position to lead the world in graphene technology".
More than 35 companies worldwide have already partnered with the university to develop graphene projects.
The university's president and vice-chancellor Prof Dame Nancy Rothwell said the "state-of-the-art institute is an incredible asset, not only to this university and to Manchester, but also to the UK".
The government provided £38m for the construction of the institute via the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, with the remaining £23m from the European Regional Development Fund. | The Chancellor of the Exchequer has officially opened the £61m National Graphene Institute (NGI) at the University of Manchester. | george osborne toured the ngi with nobel laureate professor sir kostya novoselov who discovered the material graphene consists of single atoms arranged in honeycomb structure it has been called wonder material because of its potential uses it was first isolated by sir kostya and sir andre geim in 2004 mr osborne said the centre would bring together leading academics scientists and business leaders to help develop the applications of tomorrow putting the uk in pole position to lead the world in graphene technology more than 35 companies worldwide have already partnered with the university to develop graphene projects the university president and vice-chancellor prof dame nancy rothwell said the state-of-the-art institute is an incredible asset not only to this university and to manchester but also to the uk the government provided £38m for the construction of the institute via the engineering and physical sciences research council with the remaining £23m from the european regional development fund. | _START_ The Chancellor of the Exchequer has officially opened the £61m National Graphene Institute (NGI) at the University of Manchester. _END_ |
The failed scheme could cost taxpayers £400m.
On Thursday, the whistleblower said it was evident there were "opportunities for fraud" in the scheme.
She said she contacted Arlene Foster, the then enterprise minister, in 2013 to warn about the issue.
Speaking on BBC's The View, Simon Hamilton expressed regret that the woman's complaint was not taken seriously by Stormont civil servants.
"I want to thank [her] for her contribution and to apologise to her for the fact that her complaint was not taken seriously by government. It was taken seriously, however, by Arlene Foster, who passed the information on to her officials, and that's absolutely the right thing."
He defended the first minister, saying she has "shown leadership" and has nothing to hide.
"The communication from the whistleblower was not specific about what the alleged abuse of the scheme was and it was appropriately passed on by Arlene to her officials, who were tasked to investigate it," he said.
"It was they who didn't take the complaint seriously."
1, 946 applications were approved under the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme - a 98% approval rate.
984 of them were received in just three months - September, October and November 2015 - after officials announced plans to cut the subsidy but before the change took effect.
The assembly's Public Accounts Committee was told that a subsequent independent audit had found issues at half the 300 installations inspected.
14 of these fell into the most serious category where fraud was suspected.
Payments to five of these 14 sites have been suspended.
He added that "no recommendation was brought forward to bring in cost control measures and the issue hadn't actually crystalised during her time in the department".
"People are asking should she resign. She absolutely should not resign as she has done nothing wrong," he said.
"Arlene, like me, sees the importance of getting to grips with this incredibly serious issue. I'm not going to sit here and say anything other than that this is a shocking situation and one that needs to be dealt with."
Mr Hamilton said he and the first minister are working on a plan that will reduce the cost to Northern Ireland taxpayers.
"This issue is the number one priority for my department and I hope to bring forward the details of that plan early in the new year." | The Northern Ireland economy minister has said he wants to apologise to a whistleblower who raised concerns about the financial cost of the failed renewable heat incentive scheme. | the failed scheme could cost taxpayers £400m on thursday the whistleblower said it was evident there were opportunities for fraud in the scheme she said she contacted arlene foster the then enterprise minister in 2013 to warn about the issue speaking on bbc the view simon hamilton expressed regret that the woman complaint was not taken seriously by stormont civil servants want to thank her for her contribution and to apologise to her for the fact that her complaint was not taken seriously by government it was taken seriously however by arlene foster who passed the information on to her officials and that absolutely the right thing he defended the first minister saying she has shown leadership and has nothing to hide the communication from the whistleblower was not specific about what the alleged abuse of the scheme was and it was appropriately passed on by arlene to her officials who were tasked to investigate it he said it was they who didn take the complaint seriously 946 applications were approved under the non-domestic renewable heat incentive scheme 98% approval rate 984 of them were received in just three months september october and november 2015 after officials announced plans to cut the subsidy but before the change took effect the assembly public accounts committee was told that subsequent independent audit had found issues at half the 300 installations inspected 14 of these fell into the most serious category where fraud was suspected payments to five of these 14 sites have been suspended he added that no recommendation was brought forward to bring in cost control measures and the issue hadn actually crystalised during her time in the department people are asking should she resign she absolutely should not resign as she has done nothing wrong he said arlene like me sees the importance of getting to grips with this incredibly serious issue not going to sit here and say anything other than that this is shocking situation and one that needs to be dealt with mr hamilton said he and the first minister are working on plan that will reduce the cost to northern ireland taxpayers this issue is the number one priority for my department and hope to bring forward the details of that plan early in the new year | _START_ The Northern Ireland economy minister has said he wants to apologise to a whistleblower who raised concerns about the financial cost of the failed renewable heat incentive scheme. _END_ |
Jonathan Thomson-Glover, 53, of Wadebridge, pleaded guilty to making the films at Clifton College, Bristol, and also at an address in Cornwall.
Taunton Crown Court heard the victims aged between 12 and 17 were secretly filmed over a 16-year period.
Judge David Ticehurst jailed Thomson-Glover for three years and nine months.
He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely and banned from working with children.
"You are a man looking at a life that is now in ruins. That life was a good life and you have made a positive contribution," Judge Ticehurst said.
"It is a life now reduced to rubble as a result of your fatal flaw. You are the author of your own misfortune and there can be little sympathy for you.
"It is impossible to calculate the harm and damage you may have caused to those who trusted you or were in your care."
Thomson-Glover had pleaded guilty to 36 counts of making, taking and possessing indecent images of children.
But the court heard there is no evidence the footage was shared or that Thomson-Glover behaved "improperly" to any child.
Clifton College said it was "shocked and appalled" at the findings... which amount to an "unforgivable breach of trust".
"The college has taken considerable steps to ensure... nothing like this can ever happen again," a spokesman said.
"As part of this we have carried out a series of specific reviews, including an external review of safeguarding and related polices; and a review of our IT systems.
"We have also carried out physical searches of college buildings and no hidden cameras were found fixed to college property.
"We are committed to ensuring the safety of our pupils... if there are any further lessons to be learned, we will learn them."
'Extreme anger'
The court was told police found more than 300 VHS tapes, which included more than 2,500 hours of covert video footage.
The prosecution claimed the material involved more than 130 young victims.
Det Insp Andrea Kingdon, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said some of the images were of girls, boys and adults showering, changing, using the toilet, and in some cases "conducting private acts".
"The way he's behaved is abhorrent, it's a massive breach of trust, an invasion of privacy... and when you imagine the position he's in in relation to his victims he's captured them doing the most private of acts," she said.
"When we had to approach these victims, it's something that's come out the blue and they've acted in a variety of ways from extreme anger to bitter disappointment."
A parent of a 14-year-old victim said Thomson-Glover gave the impression he was "illiterate" when it came to technology, "but obviously he wasn't".
"He was absolutely charming. He was Mr Chips, he lived and breathed the college," she said.
"But there was the general feeling he was too close to the boys."
Dr Lauren Devine, a senior lecturer in law at the University of the West of England, said the case questioned the level of safeguarding that exists in schools.
"The fact this has gone on for 16 years is quite extraordinary and unusual in the level of subterfuge that would have had to have taken place to remain undetected," she said.
Howard Phillips, from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said, Thompson-Glover was an educated and intelligent man who "used and abused his position to further his abuse of children in his care.
"I hope the sentence passed will bring some closure to the victims and deter others from acting in a similar way," Mr Phillips said.
The NSPCC said Thomson-Glover collected a decade-worth of indecent images and videos of pupils he worked with every day at Clifton College - young people who looked up to and trusted him.
"Any allegation of child sexual offence made against a teacher is of course a cause for concern and it's vital that it is properly investigated," a spokesman for the children's charity said.
"And staff must be trained to take action to investigate any suspected inappropriate behaviour between a colleague and a child."
Thomson-Glover was arrested in August 2014 after the National Crime Agency discovered his computer IP address had been used to download indecent images of children.
Officers seized four computers, discs and a number of Hi-8 camcorder tapes, with 330 VHS video tapes from three address they searched.
Clifton College was founded in 1862 and describes itself on its website as "a leading independent public school". The fee for boarders is about £30,000 a year. | A former teacher has been jailed after admitting making indecent films of more than 120 pupils using hidden cameras at a boarding school. | jonathan thomson-glover 53 of wadebridge pleaded guilty to making the films at clifton college bristol and also at an address in cornwall taunton crown court heard the victims aged between 12 and 17 were secretly filmed over 16-year period judge david ticehurst jailed thomson-glover for three years and nine months he was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely and banned from working with children you are man looking at life that is now in ruins that life was good life and you have made positive contribution judge ticehurst said it is life now reduced to rubble as result of your fatal flaw you are the author of your own misfortune and there can be little sympathy for you it is impossible to calculate the harm and damage you may have caused to those who trusted you or were in your care thomson-glover had pleaded guilty to 36 counts of making taking and possessing indecent images of children but the court heard there is no evidence the footage was shared or that thomson-glover behaved improperly to any child clifton college said it was shocked and appalled at the findings which amount to an unforgivable breach of trust the college has taken considerable steps to ensure nothing like this can ever happen again spokesman said as part of this we have carried out series of specific reviews including an external review of safeguarding and related polices and review of our it systems we have also carried out physical searches of college buildings and no hidden cameras were found fixed to college property we are committed to ensuring the safety of our pupils if there are any further lessons to be learned we will learn them extreme anger the court was told police found more than 300 vhs tapes which included more than 500 hours of covert video footage the prosecution claimed the material involved more than 130 young victims det insp andrea kingdon from devon and cornwall police said some of the images were of girls boys and adults showering changing using the toilet and in some cases conducting private acts the way he behaved is abhorrent it massive breach of trust an invasion of privacy and when you imagine the position he in in relation to his victims he captured them doing the most private of acts she said when we had to approach these victims it something that come out the blue and they ve acted in variety of ways from extreme anger to bitter disappointment parent of 14-year-old victim said thomson-glover gave the impression he was illiterate when it came to technology but obviously he wasn he was absolutely charming he was mr chips he lived and breathed the college she said but there was the general feeling he was too close to the boys dr lauren devine senior lecturer in law at the university of the west of england said the case questioned the level of safeguarding that exists in schools the fact this has gone on for 16 years is quite extraordinary and unusual in the level of subterfuge that would have had to have taken place to remain undetected she said howard phillips from the crown prosecution service cps said thompson-glover was an educated and intelligent man who used and abused his position to further his abuse of children in his care hope the sentence passed will bring some closure to the victims and deter others from acting in similar way mr phillips said the nspcc said thomson-glover collected decade-worth of indecent images and videos of pupils he worked with every day at clifton college young people who looked up to and trusted him any allegation of child sexual offence made against teacher is of course cause for concern and it vital that it is properly investigated spokesman for the children charity said and staff must be trained to take action to investigate any suspected inappropriate behaviour between colleague and child thomson-glover was arrested in august 2014 after the national crime agency discovered his computer ip address had been used to download indecent images of children officers seized four computers discs and number of hi-8 camcorder tapes with 330 vhs video tapes from three address they searched clifton college was founded in 1862 and describes itself on its website as leading independent public school the fee for boarders is about â£30 000 year. | _START_ A former teacher has been jailed after admitting making indecent films of more than 120 pupils using hidden cameras at a boarding school. _END_ |
The ex-Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur defender said he could "bring something new to the table" as the Conservative nomination.
He said he wanted to "change London for everybody" but acknowledged he would not be a "frontrunner".
Campbell, 40, will take part in a hustings event with other candidates for the Tory nomination on 4 July.
Boris Johnson is planning to stand down as London Mayor in 2016.
Campbell, who also played for Portsmouth and Newcastle, told the Sun: "I'm going in with my eyes wide open. I know I'm not going to be a frontrunner.
"But I look at people who have been in politics for five, 10, 15 years, and muck up, you see them muck up and think, 'You guys are supposed to be pro!'
"People [who] have gone to Oxbridge, had thousands spent on their education, and I mean they are royally mucking up," he said.
Asked whether he could count on the votes of Spurs fans still bitter over his 2001 move to north London rivals Arsenal, Campbell said: "If we keep thinking about football, we're not going to do anything.
"We are dealing with people's lives here. I want to change London for everybody."
The Conservative Way Forward group confirmed that Campbell had signed up to take part in its mayoral hustings next month.
"We are delighted that candidates like Sol Campbell are throwing their hat in the ring and coming to debate the future of London at our hustings on 4 July," a spokesman said.
Also in the running for the Tory candidacy are entrepreneur Ivan Massow, current deputy mayor Stephen Greenhalgh and London Assembly member Andrew Boff, while MP Zac Goldsmith has also been tipped as a potential challenger. | Former England footballer Sol Campbell has confirmed his intention to become the next Mayor of London. | the ex-arsenal and tottenham hotspur defender said he could bring something new to the table as the conservative nomination he said he wanted to change london for everybody but acknowledged he would not be frontrunner campbell 40 will take part in hustings event with other candidates for the tory nomination on july boris johnson is planning to stand down as london mayor in 2016 campbell who also played for portsmouth and newcastle told the sun going in with my eyes wide open know not going to be frontrunner but look at people who have been in politics for five 10 15 years and muck up you see them muck up and think you guys are supposed to be pro people who have gone to oxbridge had thousands spent on their education and mean they are royally mucking up he said asked whether he could count on the votes of spurs fans still bitter over his 2001 move to north london rivals arsenal campbell said if we keep thinking about football we re not going to do anything we are dealing with people lives here want to change london for everybody the conservative way forward group confirmed that campbell had signed up to take part in its mayoral hustings next month we are delighted that candidates like sol campbell are throwing their hat in the ring and coming to debate the future of london at our hustings on july spokesman said also in the running for the tory candidacy are entrepreneur ivan massow current deputy mayor stephen greenhalgh and london assembly member andrew boff while mp zac goldsmith has also been tipped as potential challenger. | _START_ Former England footballer Sol Campbell has confirmed his intention to become the next Mayor of London. _END_ |
The Prospect union said staff at AMSL - now part of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (Hial) - had received "inferior terms".
The 48-hour strike will start from midday on 7 April.
Hial said its sites would be open as normal and the staff had been asked to consider a "realistic" pay claim.
The Scottish government-owned operator runs airports on the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland, Argyll, Inverness and Dundee.
Hial said the union had sought a 30% pay claim, which the company described as "unreasonable".
Prospect has disputed the 30% figure and said its members were seeking 5% increase in pay and fairer overtime, weekend working and sick pay terms.
In a ballot, 87% of the union members voted in favour of a strike on a turnout of 85%.
Prospect national secretary Alan Denney said the date of the action avoided the busy Easter weekend.
He said: "The company and Scottish government should be in no doubt that members have had enough."
"Our dispute is with Hial and Scottish ministers, not passengers, so our representatives decided to avoid travel disruption over the Easter weekend."
In a statement, Hial said it had taken steps to improve pay, terms and conditions for AMSL staff.
It added: "We are prepared to discuss further improvements with Prospect.
"However, the union has refused Hial requests to enter into negotiations or consider a more reasonable pay claim." | Security staff working at Scotland's regional airports have voted in favour of taking industrial action over their terms and conditions, including pay. | the prospect union said staff at amsl now part of highlands and islands airports limited hial had received inferior terms the 48-hour strike will start from midday on april hial said its sites would be open as normal and the staff had been asked to consider realistic pay claim the scottish government-owned operator runs airports on the western isles orkney and shetland argyll inverness and dundee hial said the union had sought 30% pay claim which the company described as unreasonable prospect has disputed the 30% figure and said its members were seeking 5% increase in pay and fairer overtime weekend working and sick pay terms in ballot 87% of the union members voted in favour of strike on turnout of 85% prospect national secretary alan denney said the date of the action avoided the busy easter weekend he said the company and scottish government should be in no doubt that members have had enough our dispute is with hial and scottish ministers not passengers so our representatives decided to avoid travel disruption over the easter weekend in statement hial said it had taken steps to improve pay terms and conditions for amsl staff it added we are prepared to discuss further improvements with prospect however the union has refused hial requests to enter into negotiations or consider more reasonable pay claim | _START_ Security staff working at Scotland's regional airports have voted in favour of taking industrial action over their terms and conditions, including pay. _END_ |
In the capital Brasilia, riot police fired pepper spray at protesters outside the presidential palace.
Lula is currently being investigated in a major corruption scandal.
Hours after the move, the federal judge leading the probe against Lula released phone recordings suggesting Ms Rousseff appointed Lula to spare him arrest.
Brazil's leader, who is herself facing impeachment proceedings, defended the appointment.
She said Lula was a "skilful political negotiator" and experienced leader who would help kick off economic recovery.
She said the ex-president could also still be prosecuted by the Supreme Court.
The release of the telephone recordings caused an uproar in Congress in Brasilia, with chaotic scenes as opposition leaders gathered around a microphone chanting "resign, resign".
There were also demonstrations in at least three other Brazilian cities.
"Theft, corruption, that's the coup... We're not clowns. Brazil is better than all of this," Reuters news agency quoted one Brasilia protester as saying.
Lula was briefly detained and questioned earlier this month over allegations of money laundering connected to Operation Car Wash, a massive investigation into corruption at the state oil giant, Petrobras.
He denies the allegations, saying they are aimed at preventing him from running for president again in 2018.
In the taped telephone conversation released by Judge Sergio Moro, who is overseeing the Petrobas probe, Ms Rousseff offered to send Lula a copy of his appointment "in case of necessity" - interpreted by some as meaning in case he needed it to avoid arrest.
Part of the phone call released by Judge Moro
Rousseff: "Hello? Lula: "Hello."
Rousseff: "Lula let me tell you something." Lula: "Tell me, dear."
Rousseff: "The following: I am sending you Bessias [one of her judicial advisers] with a paper for us to have it and only use it if necessary, it is the investiture documents, OK?"
Lula: "Uhuh. OK, OK."
Rousseff: "That's it, wait there and he is going there."
Lula: "OK, I am here, I'll be waiting."
Rousseff: "OK?" Lula: "OK."
Rousseff: "Bye." Lula: "Bye, dear."
Ms Rousseff has said she will refer Judge Moro to the Supreme Court for political interference.
Lula and other ministers appointed by Ms Rouseff are expected to be sworn in at 10:00 (13:00 GMT) on Thursday.
Under Brazilian law, cabinet members can only be tried by the Supreme Court.
As chief of staff, Lula is expected to lead the fight against moves in Congress to impeach President Rousseff over allegations she manipulated Brazil's account books to hide a growing deficit.
The impeachment push is not directly related to the corruption scandal, but has run in tandem with it.
Analysts say President Rousseff is hoping that Lula will use his political nous and influence with members of Congress to block the proceedings.
The two politicians have been close for decades - Lula was Ms Rousseff's political mentor and she is his hand-picked successor.
During his time in office, the Brazilian economy experienced unprecedented economic growth and wealth redistribution.
Profile: Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva | Brazilians have protested in several cities against President Dilma Rousseff after she named her predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, chief of staff. | in the capital brasilia riot police fired pepper spray at protesters outside the presidential palace lula is currently being investigated in major corruption scandal hours after the move the federal judge leading the probe against lula released phone recordings suggesting ms rousseff appointed lula to spare him arrest brazil leader who is herself facing impeachment proceedings defended the appointment she said lula was skilful political negotiator and experienced leader who would help kick off economic recovery she said the ex-president could also still be prosecuted by the supreme court the release of the telephone recordings caused an uproar in congress in brasilia with chaotic scenes as opposition leaders gathered around microphone chanting resign resign there were also demonstrations in at least three other brazilian cities theft corruption that the coup we re not clowns brazil is better than all of this reuters news agency quoted one brasilia protester as saying lula was briefly detained and questioned earlier this month over allegations of money laundering connected to operation car wash massive investigation into corruption at the state oil giant petrobras he denies the allegations saying they are aimed at preventing him from running for president again in 2018 in the taped telephone conversation released by judge sergio moro who is overseeing the petrobas probe ms rousseff offered to send lula copy of his appointment in case of necessity interpreted by some as meaning in case he needed it to avoid arrest part of the phone call released by judge moro rousseff hello lula hello rousseff lula let me tell you something lula tell me dear rousseff the following am sending you bessias one of her judicial advisers with paper for us to have it and only use it if necessary it is the investiture documents ok lula uhuh ok ok rousseff that it wait there and he is going there lula ok am here ll be waiting rousseff ok lula ok rousseff bye lula bye dear ms rousseff has said she will refer judge moro to the supreme court for political interference lula and other ministers appointed by ms rouseff are expected to be sworn in at 10:00 13:00 gmt on thursday under brazilian law cabinet members can only be tried by the supreme court as chief of staff lula is expected to lead the fight against moves in congress to impeach president rousseff over allegations she manipulated brazil account books to hide growing deficit the impeachment push is not directly related to the corruption scandal but has run in tandem with it analysts say president rousseff is hoping that lula will use his political nous and influence with members of congress to block the proceedings the two politicians have been close for decades lula was ms rousseff political mentor and she is his hand-picked successor during his time in office the brazilian economy experienced unprecedented economic growth and wealth redistribution profile luiz inacio lula da silva | _START_ Brazilians have protested in several cities against President Dilma Rousseff after she named her predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, chief of staff. _END_ |
The actor, from Port Talbot, wants to put an end to placing homeless teenagers into "unsuitable" bed and breakfast accommodation.
Instead, they should be supported by the "fantastic network of charities" across Wales that can provide a safe place, he said.
The Welsh government said more than half Welsh councils do not use B&Bs.
The online petition has attracted more than 19,000 supporters.
It comes as the End Youth Homelessness Cymru partnership claimed more than 100 teenagers aged 16 and 17 in Wales were accommodated in bed and breakfasts during 2013-14.
Placing young person in bed and breakfast accommodation puts them at an "unacceptable risk", it added.
Mr Sheen said: "Being a teenager is a difficult and confusing time but being a teenager and homeless leaves you dangerously vulnerable.
"We should do everything we can to provide a safe shelter for them and not put them in circumstances where they are at even further risk."
The petition adds: "All we are asking for is that homeless teenagers have a place of safety, a shower, a hot meal and someone to talk to. I don't think it's too much to ask of our government this Christmas."
A Welsh government spokeswoman said: "Research undertaken by the WLGA in November revealed over half of Welsh councils were not using B&Bs for 16 and 17-year-olds.
"We are working on strengthened statutory guidance to eliminate the use of B&Bs for young people in the remaining local authorities and strongly encourage them to learn from councils who are already identifying alternative safe and secure accommodation for young people facing homelessness." | Michael Sheen has launched a petition calling on the Welsh government to help homeless teenagers in Wales. | the actor from port talbot wants to put an end to placing homeless teenagers into unsuitable bed and breakfast accommodation instead they should be supported by the fantastic network of charities across wales that can provide safe place he said the welsh government said more than half welsh councils do not use bs the online petition has attracted more than 19 000 supporters it comes as the end youth homelessness cymru partnership claimed more than 100 teenagers aged 16 and 17 in wales were accommodated in bed and breakfasts during 2013-14 placing young person in bed and breakfast accommodation puts them at an unacceptable risk it added mr sheen said being teenager is difficult and confusing time but being teenager and homeless leaves you dangerously vulnerable we should do everything we can to provide safe shelter for them and not put them in circumstances where they are at even further risk the petition adds all we are asking for is that homeless teenagers have place of safety shower hot meal and someone to talk to don think it too much to ask of our government this christmas welsh government spokeswoman said research undertaken by the wlga in november revealed over half of welsh councils were not using bs for 16 and 17-year-olds we are working on strengthened statutory guidance to eliminate the use of bs for young people in the remaining local authorities and strongly encourage them to learn from councils who are already identifying alternative safe and secure accommodation for young people facing homelessness | _START_ Michael Sheen has launched a petition calling on the Welsh government to help homeless teenagers in Wales. _END_ |
News of the milestone comes as Spotify continues a fund-raising from investors in advance of a launch in the US.
The Anglo-Swedish company has 6.67 million users, the majority of whom use a free service subsidised by adverts.
Spotify's profitability depends on users switching to premium services that remove adverts and allow listeners to use smartphones.
The company announced on its website's blog: "It seems like only yesterday we were hatching ideas for a new music service in a tiny office-cum-apartment with a broken coffee machine.
"So it's with a sense of real pride and excitement that we can announce a new milestone today, having welcomed our millionth paying subscriber to the service. "
Spotify is in the process of a $100m funding round that analysts estimate values the company at $1bn (£616m).
The company's plans to launch in the US have been delayed by concerns at the big music labels about the success of its business model.
Spotify pays royalties each time a song is played on its service.
Last year, it was estimated that the subscriber base represented about 7%-8% of Spotify's total user base.
But with one million subscribers, that percentage has risen to about 15%, the company said. | Online music service Spotify has announced that it now has one million paying subscribers across Europe. | news of the milestone comes as spotify continues fund-raising from investors in advance of launch in the us the anglo-swedish company has 6.67 million users the majority of whom use free service subsidised by adverts spotify profitability depends on users switching to premium services that remove adverts and allow listeners to use smartphones the company announced on its website blog it seems like only yesterday we were hatching ideas for new music service in tiny office-cum-apartment with broken coffee machine so it with sense of real pride and excitement that we can announce new milestone today having welcomed our millionth paying subscriber to the service spotify is in the process of $100m funding round that analysts estimate values the company at $1bn â£616m the company plans to launch in the us have been delayed by concerns at the big music labels about the success of its business model spotify pays royalties each time song is played on its service last year it was estimated that the subscriber base represented about 7%-8% of spotify total user base but with one million subscribers that percentage has risen to about 15% the company said. | _START_ Online music service Spotify has announced that it now has one million paying subscribers across Europe. _END_ |
The 30-year-old Wolverhampton-born defender has rejoined the National League's bottom club on a contract until the end of the season.
Lowe was a free agent after being released by League Two strugglers York City on 9 December.
"Being bottom of the league doesn't scare me at all," he said.
"For me, the season starts now. I am not worried about what's happened in the first half. We have to concentrate on this second half, start picking up points and see where we can get."
Lowe first joined the Harriers from his hometown club Wolves in August 2008.
He scored three goals in 52 appearances before leaving to join Hereford United, followed by a move to Cheltenham Town, where he was reunited with former Harriers boss Mark Yates.
After four seasons there, he joined York from Cheltenham in January 2014 after an initial loan spell.
Harriers sit bottom of the National League, 13 points adrift of safety, with 20 games of the season left.
Because of successive postponements, they have not played since 28 December. During that time head coach Dave Hockaday has departed and the team is now in the hands of chief executive Colin Gordon.
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. | Kidderminster Harriers have boosted their hopes of escaping the drop from the National League by bringing Keith Lowe back to Aggborough. | the 30-year-old wolverhampton-born defender has rejoined the national league bottom club on contract until the end of the season lowe was free agent after being released by league two strugglers york city on december being bottom of the league doesn scare me at all he said for me the season starts now am not worried about what happened in the first half we have to concentrate on this second half start picking up points and see where we can get lowe first joined the harriers from his hometown club wolves in august 2008 he scored three goals in 52 appearances before leaving to join hereford united followed by move to cheltenham town where he was reunited with former harriers boss mark yates after four seasons there he joined york from cheltenham in january 2014 after an initial loan spell harriers sit bottom of the national league 13 points adrift of safety with 20 games of the season left because of successive postponements they have not played since 28 december during that time head coach dave hockaday has departed and the team is now in the hands of chief executive colin gordon find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. | _START_ Kidderminster Harriers have boosted their hopes of escaping the drop from the National League by bringing Keith Lowe back to Aggborough. _END_ |
Ambulances have recorded a 205% rise in calls since 1991, while attendances at A&E units in Wales has risen 7% in the past five years.
Deputy Health Minister Vaughan Gething said people often dialled 999 when an optometrist was the best place to go.
They offer free advice and patients do not have to be registered with them.
The campaign is being supported by Optometry Wales, Sight Cymru, Wales Council for the Blind, RNIB Cymru, and Public Health Wales. | People with eye problems are being urged to visit an optician instead of making unnecessary trips to accident and emergency departments. | ambulances have recorded 205% rise in calls since 1991 while attendances at units in wales has risen 7% in the past five years deputy health minister vaughan gething said people often dialled 999 when an optometrist was the best place to go they offer free advice and patients do not have to be registered with them the campaign is being supported by optometry wales sight cymru wales council for the blind rnib cymru and public health wales. | _START_ People with eye problems are being urged to visit an optician instead of making unnecessary trips to accident and emergency departments. _END_ |
Tests on a small number of patients who played the game over four weeks found improvements in memory and learning.
This could help people to get back to work or studying after a diagnosis.
Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that causes a range of psychological symptoms, from behaviour changes to hallucinations.
Many patients also experience cognition problems, which affect their memory and ability to function independently.
Designed and developed by researchers at Cambridge with the help of patients, the brain-training game has a wizard theme with various levels of difficulty.
It asks players to enter rooms, find items in boxes and remember where they put them, testing their so-called episodic memory.
Prof Barbara Sahakian, from the department of psychiatry at the University of Cambridge and who researched the impact of the game, said patients who played it made significantly fewer errors in tests afterwards on their memory and brain functioning.
She said this was an indication that they were better prepared to function in the real world.
Prof Sahakian said treating the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia was important, but slow progress was being made towards developing a drug treatment.
She added that the memory game could help where drugs had so far failed - with no side-effects.
"Because the game is interesting, even those patients with a general lack of motivation are spurred on to continue the training."
Although the results are promising, the research team said more research was needed on larger groups of patients to confirm the findings.
The researchers added that any memory training games had to be used in conjunction with medication and psychological therapies. | A computer-based brain-training game could improve the daily lives of people with schizophrenia, say University of Cambridge researchers. | tests on small number of patients who played the game over four weeks found improvements in memory and learning this could help people to get back to work or studying after diagnosis schizophrenia is mental health condition that causes range of psychological symptoms from behaviour changes to hallucinations many patients also experience cognition problems which affect their memory and ability to function independently designed and developed by researchers at cambridge with the help of patients the brain-training game has wizard theme with various levels of difficulty it asks players to enter rooms find items in boxes and remember where they put them testing their so-called episodic memory prof barbara sahakian from the department of psychiatry at the university of cambridge and who researched the impact of the game said patients who played it made significantly fewer errors in tests afterwards on their memory and brain functioning she said this was an indication that they were better prepared to function in the real world prof sahakian said treating the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia was important but slow progress was being made towards developing drug treatment she added that the memory game could help where drugs had so far failed with no side-effects because the game is interesting even those patients with general lack of motivation are spurred on to continue the training although the results are promising the research team said more research was needed on larger groups of patients to confirm the findings the researchers added that any memory training games had to be used in conjunction with medication and psychological therapies. | _START_ A computer-based brain-training game could improve the daily lives of people with schizophrenia, say University of Cambridge researchers. _END_ |
The academics support high-speed rail overall, but say HS2 is five times more expensive than its French equivalent.
They argue that the benefits of HS2 can be achieved much more cheaply, with lower CO2 emissions, and they want their analysis examined by government.
A spokesman for HS2 said options for bringing down costs were being studied.
But the academics - including some leading lights in transport - list a series of complaints about the current version of HS2.
HS2 has been designed to increase capacity and connections, regenerate the North and reduce climate impacts change.
Yet the critics say it will only achieve one of these - capacity. Many key rail journeys, they say, would be worse, including to Nottingham, Stockport and Wakefield.
The academics are especially baffled by the decision to design HS2 to run ultra-fast at 240mph - that's much faster than the 190mph normal for continental high-speed trains covering much greater distances.
One of them, Professor James Croll of UCL, told BBC News: "It is just vanity for the UK to have faster trains than the usual high-speed trains.
"The UK is far too small geographically to need an ultra-high speed network - by the time the trains get up to speed it will be almost time to slow them down again.
"The decision to design for 240mph has led to a succession of needlessly expensive knock-on effects in construction which will be saddling taxpayers with huge bills for a generation."
The group says the ultra-fast trains will also push up the carbon emissions the government is committed to reducing. They say the extra speed from ultra-fast services requires 23% more energy, but saves just 3.5 minutes from London to Birmingham.
Professor Tony May from Leeds University told BBC News: "What's needed is an independent, objective assessment of the alternatives.
"These would include a less damaging version of HS2, a better-connected new line from London and transport investment in the North rather than to the North.
Jeremy Heywood, the head of the civil service, has been investigating HS2 in an effort to cut costly elements. He is expected to report to ministers by the summer.
Although Parliament has approved the first two phases of construction, details of the plan are still open to change and some in the Lords are still opposing.
Ben Ruse, lead spokesperson for HS2, told BBC News that HS2 would lure people off cars and onto trains, and so reduce carbon emissions. He said rail speeds were rising throughout Europe - and keeping the speed lower would only cut carbon minimally.
He said: "The railway is being designed for the future. It anticipates faster speeds to ensure the railway can take up future technological innovations without having to create further new railways or adaptations to the HS2 route that would cause further impacts.
When asked if HS2 accepted that build costs were five times higher than France he replied: "Some costs, such as the acquisition of land and property, are considerably higher in the UK than in Europe - not least because of this country's greater urban density."
Jim Steer, founder of the pro high-speed rail group Greengauge, told BBC News there were many differences between the costs of HS2 and rail in France - but that the calculation of a five-fold difference was "not sound".
He agreed that ultra-fast running would increase CO2 emissions by about 20% but said it was better than people driving cars.
The green movement has been split over HS2, with some veteran campaigners angry with major environmental organisations for not speaking strongly against HS2.
Craig Bennett from Friends of the Earth defended his role. He said there could be a role for HS2 - if it were done properly. But, he said: "We think this HS2 is the wrong project at the wrong time.
"We agree that the plan for it to run at very high speed is illogical and will increase carbon emissions. We need a comprehensive national transport strategy to meet low-carbon objectives and we haven't got it."
Follow Roger on Twitter @rharrabin | HS2 is an over-priced, gold-plated project and will fail in many of its objectives, a group of transport experts has warned. | the academics support high-speed rail overall but say hs2 is five times more expensive than its french equivalent they argue that the benefits of hs2 can be achieved much more cheaply with lower co2 emissions and they want their analysis examined by government spokesman for hs2 said options for bringing down costs were being studied but the academics including some leading lights in transport list series of complaints about the current version of hs2 hs2 has been designed to increase capacity and connections regenerate the north and reduce climate impacts change yet the critics say it will only achieve one of these capacity many key rail journeys they say would be worse including to nottingham stockport and wakefield the academics are especially baffled by the decision to design hs2 to run ultra-fast at 240mph that much faster than the 190mph normal for continental high-speed trains covering much greater distances one of them professor james croll of ucl told bbc news it is just vanity for the uk to have faster trains than the usual high-speed trains the uk is far too small geographically to need an ultra-high speed network by the time the trains get up to speed it will be almost time to slow them down again the decision to design for 240mph has led to succession of needlessly expensive knock-on effects in construction which will be saddling taxpayers with huge bills for generation the group says the ultra-fast trains will also push up the carbon emissions the government is committed to reducing they say the extra speed from ultra-fast services requires 23% more energy but saves just 3.5 minutes from london to birmingham professor tony may from leeds university told bbc news what needed is an independent objective assessment of the alternatives these would include less damaging version of hs2 better-connected new line from london and transport investment in the north rather than to the north jeremy heywood the head of the civil service has been investigating hs2 in an effort to cut costly elements he is expected to report to ministers by the summer although parliament has approved the first two phases of construction details of the plan are still open to change and some in the lords are still opposing ben ruse lead spokesperson for hs2 told bbc news that hs2 would lure people off cars and onto trains and so reduce carbon emissions he said rail speeds were rising throughout europe and keeping the speed lower would only cut carbon minimally he said the railway is being designed for the future it anticipates faster speeds to ensure the railway can take up future technological innovations without having to create further new railways or adaptations to the hs2 route that would cause further impacts when asked if hs2 accepted that build costs were five times higher than france he replied some costs such as the acquisition of land and property are considerably higher in the uk than in europe not least because of this country greater urban density jim steer founder of the pro high-speed rail group greengauge told bbc news there were many differences between the costs of hs2 and rail in france but that the calculation of five-fold difference was not sound he agreed that ultra-fast running would increase co2 emissions by about 20% but said it was better than people driving cars the green movement has been split over hs2 with some veteran campaigners angry with major environmental organisations for not speaking strongly against hs2 craig bennett from friends of the earth defended his role he said there could be role for hs2 if it were done properly but he said we think this hs2 is the wrong project at the wrong time we agree that the plan for it to run at very high speed is illogical and will increase carbon emissions we need comprehensive national transport strategy to meet low-carbon objectives and we haven got it follow roger on twitter @rharrabin | _START_ HS2 is an over-priced, gold-plated project and will fail in many of its objectives, a group of transport experts has warned. _END_ |
The academics were among more than 1,000 scholars who signed a petition denouncing Turkey's renewed conflict with Kurdish rebels.
In the same court on Friday, the trial resumed of two prominent opposition journalists who face life in prison.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has faced international criticism for alleged free speech restrictions.
Riot police guarded outside the central Istanbul courthouse while some 200 protesters held up placards reading "Freedom for the academics".
The petition signed by the academics urged Turkey's government to halt its "deliberate massacres and deportation of Kurdish and other peoples in the region".
Esra Mungan Gursoy, Meral Camci, Kivanc Ersoy and Muzaffer Kaya are accused of engaging in "terrorist propaganda" and "inciting hatred and enmity" for signing the petition, and for making a statement along the same lines in front of the media.
If convicted, the four face up to seven and a half years behind bars, according to Academics for Peace (BAK), the group behind the petition.
In a separate courtroom, two journalists - Can Dundar and Erdem Gul of the leading opposition daily Cumhuriyet - are on trial accused of revealing state secrets, after a report alleging the Turkish government had tried to ship arms to Islamists in Syria.
There have been repeated clashes between PKK separatists and the Turkish army in recent months, and the violence has recently escalated.
The government has imposed a series of curfews in the south-east while militants have erected barricades, dug trenches and used explosives to keep the authorities away.
The PKK formally took up arms against the Turkish state in 1984, seeking independence for Turkey's largest minority group.
A truce was reached in March 2013 but it collapsed last summer, since when the government has moved to eradicate the group in a relentless military campaign.
Last month, Mr Erdogan called for the definition of terrorism to be expanded to include journalists, activists and others who "exploit their positions, pens and titles and put them at terrorists' disposal."
He has also pushed for MPs from the pro-Kurdish HDP party to be stripped of their immunity so they can be prosecuted for "terrorist propaganda". | Four Turkish academics went on trial on Friday in Istanbul accused of spreading "terrorist propaganda". | the academics were among more than 000 scholars who signed petition denouncing turkey renewed conflict with kurdish rebels in the same court on friday the trial resumed of two prominent opposition journalists who face life in prison turkey president recep tayyip erdogan has faced international criticism for alleged free speech restrictions riot police guarded outside the central istanbul courthouse while some 200 protesters held up placards reading freedom for the academics the petition signed by the academics urged turkey government to halt its deliberate massacres and deportation of kurdish and other peoples in the region esra mungan gursoy meral camci kivanc ersoy and muzaffer kaya are accused of engaging in terrorist propaganda and inciting hatred and enmity for signing the petition and for making statement along the same lines in front of the media if convicted the four face up to seven and half years behind bars according to academics for peace bak the group behind the petition in separate courtroom two journalists can dundar and erdem gul of the leading opposition daily cumhuriyet are on trial accused of revealing state secrets after report alleging the turkish government had tried to ship arms to islamists in syria there have been repeated clashes between pkk separatists and the turkish army in recent months and the violence has recently escalated the government has imposed series of curfews in the south-east while militants have erected barricades dug trenches and used explosives to keep the authorities away the pkk formally took up arms against the turkish state in 1984 seeking independence for turkey largest minority group truce was reached in march 2013 but it collapsed last summer since when the government has moved to eradicate the group in relentless military campaign last month mr erdogan called for the definition of terrorism to be expanded to include journalists activists and others who exploit their positions pens and titles and put them at terrorists disposal he has also pushed for mps from the pro-kurdish hdp party to be stripped of their immunity so they can be prosecuted for terrorist propaganda . | _START_ Four Turkish academics went on trial on Friday in Istanbul accused of spreading "terrorist propaganda". _END_ |
The decision follows publication of a report by an independent commission asked to examine the Act.
There had been concerns within government "sensitive information" was being inadequately protected, while campaigners feared an attempt to curb powers to hold public bodies transparently to account.
When it was appointed, the government's Freedom of Information Commission was derided by some as an "establishment stitch-up" that would inevitably lead to tough curbs on the public's right to know what its rulers are doing.
In fact the Commission's report has surprised many, being more sympathetic to greater openness than expected, while also backing some changes that would help public authorities to keep some material secret.
And at least one proposal it did make to restrict FOI - bolstering the legal basis for ministers' rights to veto disclosure - has already been rejected by the government.
This has left openness campaigners with some powerful feelings of relief. So, despite the fact that David Cameron thinks FOI "furs up" the process of government, and the Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood objects to its "chilling effects", why have those who want to restrain FOI been disappointed?
There is the zeitgeist of our time, which lauds openness - exemplified in ministerial rhetoric about "being the most transparent government in the world".
There is also the strong pressure applied by FOI supporters - notably the dedicated and tightly argued lobbying by the Campaign for Freedom of Information, the numbers mobilised through the website 38 Degrees, and the powerful publicity of the media, such as the Daily Mail.
And there is the fact that the government would probably find it difficult to get restrictive change through Parliament. Its small majority in the Commons could easily be overturned as some Tory MPs like David Davis have already made it clear they would oppose constraints on FOI. In the Lords the government has no majority at all.
Yes, that in its lengthy and detailed report the Commission shows it was swayed by the evidence about how FOI actually works in practice.
It is not yet clear how the government will respond to all the Commission's recommendations. The Cabinet Office minister Matt Hancock says: "We will not make any legal changes to FOI", so that would appear to rule out any legislation.
This would mean that many of the Commission's ideas - both some promoting secrecy and others promoting openness - would not be implemented. Any change would then be limited to government guidance.
In which case the Freedom of Information Act would be left, as the Commission puts it, pretty much in its current state of "working well".
The Freedom of Information Act has not been popular at the heart of government.
The act gives the public the right to obtain much of the information held by public authorities and is regarded by many in positions of power as somewhere on a scale from pointless nuisance to deeply infuriating and much worse.
This is true both of politicians and officials.
Last year Prime Minister David Cameron described FOI as being one of the "clutteration" and "buggeration" factors that impeded the process of governing.
In 2012, he told a committee of MPs it was an "endless discovery process that furs up the whole of government" - although he quickly added: "Don't worry, we are not making any proposals to change it."
The Cabinet Secretary, Sir Jeremy Heywood, in a rare public appearance, told a seminar last year FOI, while "positive" overall, had led to extra costs and "chilling effects" - the term used to argue officials were now less likely to provide frank opinions and record honest discussion.
Against this background, the trigger was a judgement from the Supreme Court last March in the dispute involving the Prince of Wales' correspondence with ministers, where he had advocated particular causes.
The court backed the Guardian's case these letters should be released.
In doing so, the court made it much harder for the government to use the "ministerial veto", the "backstop provision" that allows it to overrule instructions from the Information Commissioner or the Information Rights Tribunal that material should be disclosed.
The commission's core aim was to review whether "sensitive information" and policy material needed greater protection from disclosure.
It was also authorised to examine whether FOI places an excessive "burden" on public authorities.
Some local councils have complained about the cost of dealing with FOI requests, particularly trivial ones and those that come from the media or businesses.
The public protests from local government about FOI have tended to focus on this issue of the "administrative burden", in contrast to concerns expressed at central government level, which are not about cost but mainly about protecting policy discussion.
The commission's role relates to the UK-wide act, which covers England, Wales, Northern Ireland and UK-wide public bodies.
There is a separate, although similar, Freedom of Information Act for Scotland.
Freedom of information campaigners argued at first that the review was too narrowly focused, only on restrictions to FOI, when it should also have been asked to consider ways the act could be extended.
The membership of the commission was also strongly criticised for being limited to people with a one-sided experience of FOI - that of being on the receiving end of requests rather than making them.
Former Treasury permanent secretary Lord Burns chairs the commission.
Other members included Ofcom head Dame Patricia Hodgson and two former Home Secretaries, Lord Howard and Jack Straw.
The original announcement said the commission, created in July 2015, would report by November.
In the wake of the fuss over its composition, it then decided to issue a consultation document and take evidence, and it fell badly behind its initial timetable.
In October last year, the commission was widely ridiculed after it gave a briefing to a select invited group of journalists, which it insisted was off-the-record, while the unidentifiable anonymous source there stated: "Our aim is to be as open as possible."
Since then, the commission has changed its approach, posting on its website minutes of its meetings, research papers it has commissioned and some of the evidence it has received. | Ministers have chosen not to make sweeping changes to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, including ruling out fees for requests for information. | the decision follows publication of report by an independent commission asked to examine the act there had been concerns within government sensitive information was being inadequately protected while campaigners feared an attempt to curb powers to hold public bodies transparently to account when it was appointed the government freedom of information commission was derided by some as an establishment stitch-up that would inevitably lead to tough curbs on the public right to know what its rulers are doing in fact the commission report has surprised many being more sympathetic to greater openness than expected while also backing some changes that would help public authorities to keep some material secret and at least one proposal it did make to restrict foi bolstering the legal basis for ministers rights to veto disclosure has already been rejected by the government this has left openness campaigners with some powerful feelings of relief so despite the fact that david cameron thinks foi furs up the process of government and the cabinet secretary sir jeremy heywood objects to its chilling effects why have those who want to restrain foi been disappointed there is the zeitgeist of our time which lauds openness exemplified in ministerial rhetoric about being the most transparent government in the world there is also the strong pressure applied by foi supporters notably the dedicated and tightly argued lobbying by the campaign for freedom of information the numbers mobilised through the website 38 degrees and the powerful publicity of the media such as the daily mail and there is the fact that the government would probably find it difficult to get restrictive change through parliament its small majority in the commons could easily be overturned as some tory mps like david davis have already made it clear they would oppose constraints on foi in the lords the government has no majority at all yes that in its lengthy and detailed report the commission shows it was swayed by the evidence about how foi actually works in practice it is not yet clear how the government will respond to all the commission recommendations the cabinet office minister matt hancock says we will not make any legal changes to foi so that would appear to rule out any legislation this would mean that many of the commission ideas both some promoting secrecy and others promoting openness would not be implemented any change would then be limited to government guidance in which case the freedom of information act would be left as the commission puts it pretty much in its current state of working well the freedom of information act has not been popular at the heart of government the act gives the public the right to obtain much of the information held by public authorities and is regarded by many in positions of power as somewhere on scale from pointless nuisance to deeply infuriating and much worse this is true both of politicians and officials last year prime minister david cameron described foi as being one of the clutteration and buggeration factors that impeded the process of governing in 2012 he told committee of mps it was an endless discovery process that furs up the whole of government although he quickly added don worry we are not making any proposals to change it the cabinet secretary sir jeremy heywood in rare public appearance told seminar last year foi while positive overall had led to extra costs and chilling effects the term used to argue officials were now less likely to provide frank opinions and record honest discussion against this background the trigger was judgement from the supreme court last march in the dispute involving the prince of wales correspondence with ministers where he had advocated particular causes the court backed the guardian case these letters should be released in doing so the court made it much harder for the government to use the ministerial veto the backstop provision that allows it to overrule instructions from the information commissioner or the information rights tribunal that material should be disclosed the commission core aim was to review whether sensitive information and policy material needed greater protection from disclosure it was also authorised to examine whether foi places an excessive burden on public authorities some local councils have complained about the cost of dealing with foi requests particularly trivial ones and those that come from the media or businesses the public protests from local government about foi have tended to focus on this issue of the administrative burden in contrast to concerns expressed at central government level which are not about cost but mainly about protecting policy discussion the commission role relates to the uk-wide act which covers england wales northern ireland and uk-wide public bodies there is separate although similar freedom of information act for scotland freedom of information campaigners argued at first that the review was too narrowly focused only on restrictions to foi when it should also have been asked to consider ways the act could be extended the membership of the commission was also strongly criticised for being limited to people with one-sided experience of foi that of being on the receiving end of requests rather than making them former treasury permanent secretary lord burns chairs the commission other members included ofcom head dame patricia hodgson and two former home secretaries lord howard and jack straw the original announcement said the commission created in july 2015 would report by november in the wake of the fuss over its composition it then decided to issue consultation document and take evidence and it fell badly behind its initial timetable in october last year the commission was widely ridiculed after it gave briefing to select invited group of journalists which it insisted was off-the-record while the unidentifiable anonymous source there stated our aim is to be as open as possible since then the commission has changed its approach posting on its website minutes of its meetings research papers it has commissioned and some of the evidence it has received. | _START_ Ministers have chosen not to make sweeping changes to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, including ruling out fees for requests for information. _END_ |
Mary Curnock Cook, who steps down at the end of April, suggests students may need down time after their finals.
Ms Curnock Cook told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that many youngsters needed time to find their career niche.
She urged students - and parents - not to feel stressed if they took time to find suitable employment.
"I'm not saying for a minute everyone should leave university and have a doss for a while," she told the BBC.
"But I do think it's unhelpful that universities' success in preparing people for graduate employment is measured by the number of people who are in graduate jobs after six months.
"Life, I don't think, works like that, it's not all about the lawyers, the medics and the people going into financial services.
"Lots of people need time to find their niche in the 21st Century workplace.
"If you've done a more generalist degree in let's say, economics or English or business or science, there's just a huge array of opportunities and career paths and it takes time for it all to come together."
Ms Curnock Cook, who is a parent, said students and their parents should not get too anxious if they move around between a number of jobs at the start of their careers.
"It's really unhelpful to make everyone get into a huge stress if they haven't landed a high-paying graduate job within six months - and that's what universities are measured on."
These days, she added, people could expect to have up to six or seven different career moves over their career lifetime, which gave them plenty of time to find their occupation and employment sector.
In an earlier interview with the Daily Telegraph, she said there was no harm in doing temporary, voluntary or non-graduate work before finding something more permanent.
Her comments follow concerns over whether universities are doing enough to promote students' mental wellbeing.
In September, the Higher Education Policy Institute urged institutions to review their mental health services and find out what could be improved.
Figures released by Ucas in February showed the number of would-be students applying for university had dropped for the third time in 15 years.
Around 30,000 fewer people had applied to start degree courses in autumn 2017 by 15 January - the main deadline for submitting applications.
Overall, 564,190 people applied to UK universities and colleges, down 5% (29,530 students) compared with the same point in 2016.
Ms Curnock Cook will be replaced in May by Clare Marchant, who is the currently the chief executive of Worcestershire County Council. | Students should not worry about finding a job while studying for their degree, says the outgoing head of university admissions service Ucas. | mary curnock cook who steps down at the end of april suggests students may need down time after their finals ms curnock cook told bbc radio today programme that many youngsters needed time to find their career niche she urged students and parents not to feel stressed if they took time to find suitable employment not saying for minute everyone should leave university and have doss for while she told the bbc but do think it unhelpful that universities success in preparing people for graduate employment is measured by the number of people who are in graduate jobs after six months life don think works like that it not all about the lawyers the medics and the people going into financial services lots of people need time to find their niche in the 21st century workplace if you ve done more generalist degree in let say economics or english or business or science there just huge array of opportunities and career paths and it takes time for it all to come together ms curnock cook who is parent said students and their parents should not get too anxious if they move around between number of jobs at the start of their careers it really unhelpful to make everyone get into huge stress if they haven landed high-paying graduate job within six months and that what universities are measured on these days she added people could expect to have up to six or seven different career moves over their career lifetime which gave them plenty of time to find their occupation and employment sector in an earlier interview with the daily telegraph she said there was no harm in doing temporary voluntary or non-graduate work before finding something more permanent her comments follow concerns over whether universities are doing enough to promote students mental wellbeing in september the higher education policy institute urged institutions to review their mental health services and find out what could be improved figures released by ucas in february showed the number of would-be students applying for university had dropped for the third time in 15 years around 30 000 fewer people had applied to start degree courses in autumn 2017 by 15 january the main deadline for submitting applications overall 564 190 people applied to uk universities and colleges down 5% 29 530 students compared with the same point in 2016 ms curnock cook will be replaced in may by clare marchant who is the currently the chief executive of worcestershire county council. | _START_ Students should not worry about finding a job while studying for their degree, says the outgoing head of university admissions service Ucas. _END_ |
Elected in 2008 to replace his brother Fidel as president after more than four decades, Raul has called for a two-term limit for all senior positions, although the constitution has yet to be amended.
As Cuba's original revolutionary generation prepares to step back from the helm, their focus is on safeguarding the system they have built and ensuring its survival once they are gone.
That will ultimately mean finding a successor to Raul Castro.
So far, though, the accent has been on economic reform - what's termed an updating of Cuba's inefficient state-controlled economy, according to guidelines laid out in 2011.
The most obvious result has been an explosion of small businesses, from nail parlours to gardeners-for-hire, made legal as the government attempts to cut the number of workers on the state payroll.
"I used to earn 400 pesos a month ($16;£10), now I make whatever I'm capable of," says Eduardo Garcia, who sits in a basement workshop surrounded by stereos and TV sets in need of repair.
One flat-screen TV he is working on is worth more than $2,000 (£1,318) - another sign of the changes here.
But like many of Cuba's nearly half-a-million self-employed, Eduardo has his frustrations.
"It's like they've released our hands but not our feet. We're working under way too much pressure," he complains, saying that a state monopoly on imports and the lack of a wholesale market make getting spare parts very difficult.
"But for 54 years, no-one thought even this would have been possible," Eduardo points out. "The machine's slow as it starts up but we have hopes things will improve."
Tackling the big state enterprises that still dominate the economy is the next challenge for the new government that will also be formed on Sunday.
One new experiment will grant firms more autonomy, to boost efficiency; another will allow a limited number of co-operatives in sectors other than agriculture for the first time.
A quote from Raul Castro on a Havana billboard states the situation starkly: "The economic battle is, today more than ever, the principle task."
"It is a battle, and the future of Cuba depends on its results," state economist Juan Triana agrees, saying that five decades after its revolution Cuba is busy "reinventing socialism".
"We won the hardest battle in the 1990s, when the Soviet Union disappeared and Cuba was alone in the world. It was hard, but we are alive," he says.
But as the new deputies take their seats in parliament and Cuba's leaders are appointed, there are concerns that another tough patch lies ahead.
Venezuela has become a key economic ally for Cuba under Socialist President Hugo Chavez, crucially in providing most of its daily oil needs at knock-down prices. Mr Chavez returned to Caracas this week from Havana where he was again treated for cancer. But he remains very ill and has not been seen in person since December.
"Venezuela is an important piece of the jigsaw," says Paul Hare, a former British ambassador to Havana.
"What happens there determines how quickly Cuba will need to open up its economy, whether there'll be a rush for a China-type solution if Venezuela cuts the subsidies, the oil. So there is an urgency about the reforms now, that wasn't there before."
Even so, the pace remains cautious. "Without pause, but without haste," according to Raul Castro.
The goal is to adjust the system without undermining it. But the relationship between state and citizen is already changing.
"All these measures that make the citizen economically independent from the state are generating a feeling of freedom in people," writer and essayist Leonardo Padura notes.
"I think it's an important gain in Cuban society."
The introduction of income tax is one clear sign of that shift, as Cubans increasingly move from depending on the state to supporting it through their taxes.
"They are now the dynamic element of Cuban society. I think the loosening up in Cuba won't come from political organisations, it will come from the self-employed and others breaking down the barriers," says Mr Hare.
"People will think 'that will produce my iPad for me, the old system won't'."
Economic change in Cuba has not been matched by political reform. The election that produced this parliament saw 612 candidates for 612 seats.
One of them was 86-year-old Fidel Castro, who turned up to vote in person for the first time since he fell ill and stepped aside in 2006.
Seven years on, there is still no obvious successor to the Castros waiting in the wings.
A change in the choice for Cuba's No 2 post - first vice-president - might provide some hint. The position is currently held by another octogenarian revolutionary.
Miguel Diaz-Canel, 53, is one rumoured alternative, a Politburo member who has increasingly been standing in for Raul Castro at official engagements.
But few real clues have emerged from behind the closed doors of Cuban politics.
As the island enters a decisive new term, that key question about its future remains unanswered. | Barring some extraordinary event, Cuba's Communist President Raul Castro will be re-elected on Sunday and begin what should be his final term in office. | elected in 2008 to replace his brother fidel as president after more than four decades raul has called for two-term limit for all senior positions although the constitution has yet to be amended as cuba original revolutionary generation prepares to step back from the helm their focus is on safeguarding the system they have built and ensuring its survival once they are gone that will ultimately mean finding successor to raul castro so far though the accent has been on economic reform what termed an updating of cuba inefficient state-controlled economy according to guidelines laid out in 2011 the most obvious result has been an explosion of small businesses from nail parlours to gardeners-for-hire made legal as the government attempts to cut the number of workers on the state payroll used to earn 400 pesos month $16 â£10 now make whatever capable of says eduardo garcia who sits in basement workshop surrounded by stereos and tv sets in need of repair one flat-screen tv he is working on is worth more than $2 000 â£1 318 another sign of the changes here but like many of cuba nearly half-a-million self-employed eduardo has his frustrations it like they ve released our hands but not our feet we re working under way too much pressure he complains saying that state monopoly on imports and the lack of wholesale market make getting spare parts very difficult but for 54 years no-one thought even this would have been possible eduardo points out the machine slow as it starts up but we have hopes things will improve tackling the big state enterprises that still dominate the economy is the next challenge for the new government that will also be formed on sunday one new experiment will grant firms more autonomy to boost efficiency another will allow limited number of co-operatives in sectors other than agriculture for the first time quote from raul castro on havana billboard states the situation starkly the economic battle is today more than ever the principle task it is battle and the future of cuba depends on its results state economist juan triana agrees saying that five decades after its revolution cuba is busy reinventing socialism we won the hardest battle in the 1990s when the soviet union disappeared and cuba was alone in the world it was hard but we are alive he says but as the new deputies take their seats in parliament and cuba leaders are appointed there are concerns that another tough patch lies ahead venezuela has become key economic ally for cuba under socialist president hugo chavez crucially in providing most of its daily oil needs at knock-down prices mr chavez returned to caracas this week from havana where he was again treated for cancer but he remains very ill and has not been seen in person since december venezuela is an important piece of the jigsaw says paul hare former british ambassador to havana what happens there determines how quickly cuba will need to open up its economy whether there ll be rush for china-type solution if venezuela cuts the subsidies the oil so there is an urgency about the reforms now that wasn there before even so the pace remains cautious without pause but without haste according to raul castro the goal is to adjust the system without undermining it but the relationship between state and citizen is already changing all these measures that make the citizen economically independent from the state are generating feeling of freedom in people writer and essayist leonardo padura notes think it an important gain in cuban society the introduction of income tax is one clear sign of that shift as cubans increasingly move from depending on the state to supporting it through their taxes they are now the dynamic element of cuban society think the loosening up in cuba won come from political organisations it will come from the self-employed and others breaking down the barriers says mr hare people will think that will produce my ipad for me the old system won economic change in cuba has not been matched by political reform the election that produced this parliament saw 612 candidates for 612 seats one of them was 86-year-old fidel castro who turned up to vote in person for the first time since he fell ill and stepped aside in 2006 seven years on there is still no obvious successor to the castros waiting in the wings change in the choice for cuba no post first vice-president might provide some hint the position is currently held by another octogenarian revolutionary miguel diaz-canel 53 is one rumoured alternative politburo member who has increasingly been standing in for raul castro at official engagements but few real clues have emerged from behind the closed doors of cuban politics as the island enters decisive new term that key question about its future remains unanswered. | _START_ Barring some extraordinary event, Cuba's Communist President Raul Castro will be re-elected on Sunday and begin what should be his final term in office. _END_ |
Donald Tusk told MEPs that it would not be possible to apply the same approach used for the Balkans to unstable Libya.
Italy's coastguard says 4,000 people were rescued from the Mediterranean between Libya and Sicily on Monday and Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Macedonian police again fired teargas at migrants protesting at the border with Greece.
About 11,000 migrants and refugees have been camped out at Idomeni on the Greek side of the border since countries on the route to northern Europe through the Balkans closed their borders.
In Bulgaria, the interior minister urged the public not to mistreat migrants after footage of a vigilante group tying up several Afghans went viral.
The prime minister and senior border officials had initially welcomed the creation of civilian volunteer groups along the country's border with Turkey.
A deal between Turkey and the EU came into force last month with the aim of deterring migrants from making the risky sea crossing between Turkey and Greece.
There are concerns that the efforts to shut down the Eastern Mediterranean route via Greece and the Balkans could encourage more people fleeing violence in Syria and Iraq to attempt the even more dangerous Central Mediterranean route via Libya.
However figures from the Institute of Migration show that those currently arriving in Italy from Libya are predominately citizens of African countries.
Italian authorities, giving details of the rescues carried out in the Straits of Sicily, said 2,154 migrants had been rescued from 16 dinghies and a rowing boat on Tuesday.
Another 1,850 were rescued in the same area on Monday.
Mr Tusk told the European Parliament that there was no ideal solution to the migration crisis: "The deal with Turkey is not perfect and we are fully aware of its risks and weaknesses."
Regarding the Central Mediterranean route, the EU "must be prepared to help and show solidarity to Malta and Italy", he said.
Austria has said it will tighten border controls at its frontier with Italy in anticipation of an increased number of migrants arriving there.
On Tuesday it began building a control centre at the Brenner crossing in the Alps.
The presidents of Croatia, Slovenia and Macedonia visited the Idomeni crossing on the Greece-Macedonia border earlier on Wednesday.
As they visited, police fired teargas and stun grenades at a group of around 1,000 migrants who were staging a protest.
There has been a wave of clashes at the crossing since violence first broke out on Sunday.
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. | The president of the European Council has warned Italy and Malta of large numbers of would-be migrants in Libya. | donald tusk told meps that it would not be possible to apply the same approach used for the balkans to unstable libya italy coastguard says 000 people were rescued from the mediterranean between libya and sicily on monday and tuesday meanwhile macedonian police again fired teargas at migrants protesting at the border with greece about 11 000 migrants and refugees have been camped out at idomeni on the greek side of the border since countries on the route to northern europe through the balkans closed their borders in bulgaria the interior minister urged the public not to mistreat migrants after footage of vigilante group tying up several afghans went viral the prime minister and senior border officials had initially welcomed the creation of civilian volunteer groups along the country border with turkey deal between turkey and the eu came into force last month with the aim of deterring migrants from making the risky sea crossing between turkey and greece there are concerns that the efforts to shut down the eastern mediterranean route via greece and the balkans could encourage more people fleeing violence in syria and iraq to attempt the even more dangerous central mediterranean route via libya however figures from the institute of migration show that those currently arriving in italy from libya are predominately citizens of african countries italian authorities giving details of the rescues carried out in the straits of sicily said 154 migrants had been rescued from 16 dinghies and rowing boat on tuesday another 850 were rescued in the same area on monday mr tusk told the european parliament that there was no ideal solution to the migration crisis the deal with turkey is not perfect and we are fully aware of its risks and weaknesses regarding the central mediterranean route the eu must be prepared to help and show solidarity to malta and italy he said austria has said it will tighten border controls at its frontier with italy in anticipation of an increased number of migrants arriving there on tuesday it began building control centre at the brenner crossing in the alps the presidents of croatia slovenia and macedonia visited the idomeni crossing on the greece-macedonia border earlier on wednesday as they visited police fired teargas and stun grenades at group of around 000 migrants who were staging protest there has been wave of clashes at the crossing since violence first broke out on sunday 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. | _START_ The president of the European Council has warned Italy and Malta of large numbers of would-be migrants in Libya. _END_ |
Vale had come from behind when dangerous substitute Rigino Cicilia fired in on 78 minutes, after Remie Streete had cancelled out Oliver Banks' early second-half opener for the visitors.
Following revelations earlier in the day of the full extent of their off-field difficulties, Oldham had the better of a poor first half in which the home side took a long time to get going.
Right-back Josh Law was a constant threat on the overlap, while Banks' powerful header drew a fine save from Jak Alnwick leaping to his right.
Banks then broke the deadlock just three minutes after the break when his right foot 20-yard free-kick took a wicked deflection off the Vale wall to wrongfoot Alnwick.
But Vale took only three minutes to level when Streete headed home Ryan Taylor's free-kick.
They looked to have won it when Latics keeper Connor Ripley turned away Alex Jones' shot, only for Portuguese midfielder Quentin Pereira to steer the ball back in from the left, allowing fellow sub Cicilia to drill home from 15 yards.
But Winchester eased Oldham's troubles when he struck from close range four minutes into stoppage-time to send Oldham's 148 faithful fans home happy on a freezing night in Burslem.
Match ends, Port Vale 2, Oldham Athletic 2.
Second Half ends, Port Vale 2, Oldham Athletic 2.
Carl Winchester (Oldham Athletic) is shown the yellow card for excessive celebration.
Goal! Port Vale 2, Oldham Athletic 2. Carl Winchester (Oldham Athletic) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Josh Law.
Foul by Billy McKay (Oldham Athletic).
Nathan Smith (Port Vale) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Attempt missed. Carl Winchester (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
Freddie Ladapo (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Foul by Sam Kelly (Port Vale).
Attempt missed. Alex Jones (Port Vale) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left.
Hand ball by Lee Croft (Oldham Athletic).
Lee Erwin (Oldham Athletic) hits the bar with a right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left.
Corner, Oldham Athletic. Conceded by Ryan Taylor.
Substitution, Oldham Athletic. Lee Erwin replaces Ryan McLaughlin.
Substitution, Oldham Athletic. Lee Croft replaces Ryan Flynn.
Corner, Oldham Athletic. Conceded by Kjell Knops.
Corner, Oldham Athletic. Conceded by Ryan Taylor.
Goal! Port Vale 2, Oldham Athletic 1. Rigino Cicilia (Port Vale) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Quentin Pereira.
Corner, Oldham Athletic. Conceded by Nathan Smith.
Attempt missed. Rigino Cicilia (Port Vale) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right.
Corner, Oldham Athletic. Conceded by Remie Streete.
Attempt blocked. Billy McKay (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Substitution, Oldham Athletic. Carl Winchester replaces Ousmane Fane.
Nathan Smith (Port Vale) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Peter Clarke (Oldham Athletic).
Corner, Oldham Athletic. Conceded by Kjell Knops.
Attempt blocked. Oliver Banks (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from very close range is blocked.
Foul by Nathan Smith (Port Vale).
Billy McKay (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Rigino Cicilia (Port Vale) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Cameron Burgess (Oldham Athletic).
Corner, Port Vale. Conceded by Charles Dunne.
Ousmane Fane (Oldham Athletic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Sam Kelly (Port Vale) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Ousmane Fane (Oldham Athletic).
Corner, Port Vale. Conceded by Cameron Burgess.
Remie Streete (Port Vale) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Billy McKay (Oldham Athletic).
Substitution, Port Vale. Rigino Cicilia replaces Martin Paterson.
Foul by Alex Jones (Port Vale). | Oldham substitute Carl Winchester rescued a draw for cash-strapped Oldham with an injury-time equaliser at Vale Park. | vale had come from behind when dangerous substitute rigino cicilia fired in on 78 minutes after remie streete had cancelled out oliver banks early second-half opener for the visitors following revelations earlier in the day of the full extent of their off-field difficulties oldham had the better of poor first half in which the home side took long time to get going right-back josh law was constant threat on the overlap while banks powerful header drew fine save from jak alnwick leaping to his right banks then broke the deadlock just three minutes after the break when his right foot 20-yard free-kick took wicked deflection off the vale wall to wrongfoot alnwick but vale took only three minutes to level when streete headed home ryan taylor free-kick they looked to have won it when latics keeper connor ripley turned away alex jones shot only for portuguese midfielder quentin pereira to steer the ball back in from the left allowing fellow sub cicilia to drill home from 15 yards but winchester eased oldham troubles when he struck from close range four minutes into stoppage-time to send oldham 148 faithful fans home happy on freezing night in burslem match ends port vale oldham athletic second half ends port vale oldham athletic carl winchester oldham athletic is shown the yellow card for excessive celebration goal port vale oldham athletic carl winchester oldham athletic left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner assisted by josh law foul by billy mckay oldham athletic nathan smith port vale wins free kick in the defensive half attempt missed carl winchester oldham athletic right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right freddie ladapo oldham athletic wins free kick on the left wing foul by sam kelly port vale attempt missed alex jones port vale right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left hand ball by lee croft oldham athletic lee erwin oldham athletic hits the bar with right footed shot from difficult angle on the left corner oldham athletic conceded by ryan taylor substitution oldham athletic lee erwin replaces ryan mclaughlin substitution oldham athletic lee croft replaces ryan flynn corner oldham athletic conceded by kjell knops corner oldham athletic conceded by ryan taylor goal port vale oldham athletic rigino cicilia port vale right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner assisted by quentin pereira corner oldham athletic conceded by nathan smith attempt missed rigino cicilia port vale right footed shot from outside the box is close but misses to the right corner oldham athletic conceded by remie streete attempt blocked billy mckay oldham athletic right footed shot from outside the box is blocked substitution oldham athletic carl winchester replaces ousmane fane nathan smith port vale wins free kick in the attacking half foul by peter clarke oldham athletic corner oldham athletic conceded by kjell knops attempt blocked oliver banks oldham athletic right footed shot from very close range is blocked foul by nathan smith port vale billy mckay oldham athletic wins free kick in the attacking half rigino cicilia port vale wins free kick in the defensive half foul by cameron burgess oldham athletic corner port vale conceded by charles dunne ousmane fane oldham athletic is shown the yellow card for bad foul sam kelly port vale wins free kick in the defensive half foul by ousmane fane oldham athletic corner port vale conceded by cameron burgess remie streete port vale wins free kick in the attacking half foul by billy mckay oldham athletic substitution port vale rigino cicilia replaces martin paterson foul by alex jones port vale . | _START_ Oldham substitute Carl Winchester rescued a draw for cash-strapped Oldham with an injury-time equaliser at Vale Park. _END_ |
North Wales Police was called to Maes Padarn in Llanberis at 03:00 GMT on Sunday by the ambulance service.
The man was taken to hospital where he later died.
Police said a man from the area had been arrested and the death was being treated as suspicious, pending the results of a post mortem examination.
A forensic team is due to start examining the crime scene on Sunday afternoon as part of the investigation.
Officers are not looking for anyone else in relation to the death. | A man has been arrested following the death of a 70-year-old in Gwynedd. | north wales police was called to maes padarn in llanberis at 03:00 gmt on sunday by the ambulance service the man was taken to hospital where he later died police said man from the area had been arrested and the death was being treated as suspicious pending the results of post mortem examination forensic team is due to start examining the crime scene on sunday afternoon as part of the investigation officers are not looking for anyone else in relation to the death. | _START_ A man has been arrested following the death of a 70-year-old in Gwynedd. _END_ |
Someone said to me recently, "You've been in so many Slam finals but you've only won two" - but all I can do is keep trying to get myself in position to win again.
I'm not scared to fail. It's not like after losing a couple of those Grand Slam finals I thought, "I don't fancy this any more". It has been difficult to get over some tough losses but I've kept working hard, training hard, believing in myself and trying to improve. I've tried to get help from loads of different people and coaches.
After another tough loss at the French Open, I've given myself another opportunity, and I am proud of that, big time. Hopefully I'll get over the line on Sunday.
Experiencing the Wimbledon fortnight as a parent has been different because now I have a family to get home to.
For the first time ever, tennis is probably more of a distraction from my home life than the other way around.
Beforehand, in the build-up to a Slam final, I'd always just be thinking about that match. I don't feel like that just now - I'm just looking forward to the next time I see Sophia and Kim.
Sophia's already watched a bit of tennis with Kim at home over these last couple of weeks and maybe when she's older she'll want to come and see me play.
I would like that; it would be nice for me in a selfish way. I'm sure she won't be that interested but it gives me a little bit of extra motivation to keep going when I get a bit older.
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This will be my first Grand Slam final without Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic on the other side of the net, but I don't think being the more experienced player will make much difference to my approach.
I just have to make sure I prepare as well as possible, and that's where my team play such an important part.
For Matt Little, my fitness trainer, it's about making sure I'm warmed up properly for practices and obviously the match, and that I don't pick up any niggles before the final.
My physio, Shane Annun, is responsible for helping my body recover as best as possible and keeping me loose.
Jamie Delgado and Ivan Lendl are responsible for the tennis side, so we'll speak a little about Friday's match and then the gameplan for Sunday.
Saturday will be a short practice but every little thing you can work on can make a difference. Then we'll talk again on Sunday before the match.
Their roles are clear but it can be easy to miss things at this stage, so it's just about everyone taking care of all the details.
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There's no doubt Milos Raonic will be a very tough final opponent, after all he beat Roger Federer on Centre Court to get there.
Milos returns well and is good off the ground, but it's pretty obvious that he has one of the best serves out there, so my returning will be key.
I've always been a good returner since my junior days - I don't know why that was. I didn't practise it loads when I was at the academy in Spain, but when I got on the ATP Tour it's something I dedicated a lot of time to.
I remember the third match I ever played on the tour was against the American Taylor Dent at Queen's Club. He had a huge serve but I handled it well and won the match.
It's not just by chance that I'm good at returning. I've practised it a lot and still work on it all the time to make sure it's good.
However well I return, opportunities will probably be few and far between on Sunday and I need to be ruthless. That's something I speak to Ivan about it.
It's not as though none of my other coaches wanted me to do that, but it's something he's always made me aware of and been conscious of.
Taking my chances and not letting up on opponents is something I did well when we worked together in the past, and we've started pretty well this time around.
Let's hope I can finish the job on Sunday.
Andy Murray was talking to BBC Sport's Piers Newbery. | I'm proud of the fact I'm through to another Grand Slam final and have another opportunity to win the biggest title in tennis. | someone said to me recently you ve been in so many slam finals but you ve only won two but all can do is keep trying to get myself in position to win again not scared to fail it not like after losing couple of those grand slam finals thought don fancy this any more it has been difficult to get over some tough losses but ve kept working hard training hard believing in myself and trying to improve ve tried to get help from loads of different people and coaches after another tough loss at the french open ve given myself another opportunity and am proud of that big time hopefully ll get over the line on sunday experiencing the wimbledon fortnight as parent has been different because now have family to get home to for the first time ever tennis is probably more of distraction from my home life than the other way around beforehand in the build-up to slam final always just be thinking about that match don feel like that just now just looking forward to the next time see sophia and kim sophia already watched bit of tennis with kim at home over these last couple of weeks and maybe when she older she ll want to come and see me play would like that it would be nice for me in selfish way sure she won be that interested but it gives me little bit of extra motivation to keep going when get bit older media playback is not supported on this device this will be my first grand slam final without roger federer or novak djokovic on the other side of the net but don think being the more experienced player will make much difference to my approach just have to make sure prepare as well as possible and that where my team play such an important part for matt little my fitness trainer it about making sure warmed up properly for practices and obviously the match and that don pick up any niggles before the final my physio shane annun is responsible for helping my body recover as best as possible and keeping me loose jamie delgado and ivan lendl are responsible for the tennis side so we ll speak little about friday match and then the gameplan for sunday saturday will be short practice but every little thing you can work on can make difference then we ll talk again on sunday before the match their roles are clear but it can be easy to miss things at this stage so it just about everyone taking care of all the details media playback is not supported on this device there no doubt milos raonic will be very tough final opponent after all he beat roger federer on centre court to get there milos returns well and is good off the ground but it pretty obvious that he has one of the best serves out there so my returning will be key ve always been good returner since my junior days don know why that was didn practise it loads when was at the academy in spain but when got on the atp tour it something dedicated lot of time to remember the third match ever played on the tour was against the american taylor dent at queen club he had huge serve but handled it well and won the match it not just by chance that good at returning ve practised it lot and still work on it all the time to make sure it good however well return opportunities will probably be few and far between on sunday and need to be ruthless that something speak to ivan about it it not as though none of my other coaches wanted me to do that but it something he always made me aware of and been conscious of taking my chances and not letting up on opponents is something did well when we worked together in the past and we ve started pretty well this time around let hope can finish the job on sunday andy murray was talking to bbc sport piers newbery. | _START_ I'm proud of the fact I'm through to another Grand Slam final and have another opportunity to win the biggest title in tennis. _END_ |
Relegation-threatened Stenhousemuir picked up three points with a 3-1 victory over Peterhead.
League leaders Livingston dropped points as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Queen's Park at Hampden Park.
The fixture between Brechin City and Alloa Athletic was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.
East Fife bounced back from last week's defeat to Alloa Athletic by beating Albion Rovers at the Bayview Stadium. Two second-half goals from Chris Duggan was the difference between the sides.
Stranraer picked up three points away to Airdrieonians thanks to second-half goals from Craig Malcolm and Ryan Thomson. The Blues were reduced to 10 men as Morgyn Neil was shown a red card but Iain Russell missed the resulting penalty. Andy Ryan scored a late consolation for Airdrieonians.
Bottom club Stenhousemuir took a step towards safety with a defeat of 10-man Peterhead at Ochilview Park. Rory McAllister saw red for abusing referee David Munro after first-half goals from Alan Cook and Mason Robertson had put the strugglers in front. Jordan Brown pulled one back for Peterhead after the restart, but Colin McMenamin restored the Warriors' two-goal cushion shortly after the hour mark.
Livingston extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points with a draw at Queen's Park. Scott Pittman put the leaders ahead early on before Dario Zanatta equalised for the hosts. | East Fife moved up to third in Scottish League One with a 2-0 win over Albion Rovers while Airdireonians lost 2-1 at home to Stranraer. | relegation-threatened stenhousemuir picked up three points with 3-1 victory over peterhead league leaders livingston dropped points as they were held to 1-1 draw by queen park at hampden park the fixture between brechin city and alloa athletic was postponed because of waterlogged pitch east fife bounced back from last week defeat to alloa athletic by beating albion rovers at the bayview stadium two second-half goals from chris duggan was the difference between the sides stranraer picked up three points away to airdrieonians thanks to second-half goals from craig malcolm and ryan thomson the blues were reduced to 10 men as morgyn neil was shown red card but iain russell missed the resulting penalty andy ryan scored late consolation for airdrieonians bottom club stenhousemuir took step towards safety with defeat of 10-man peterhead at ochilview park rory mcallister saw red for abusing referee david munro after first-half goals from alan cook and mason robertson had put the strugglers in front jordan brown pulled one back for peterhead after the restart but colin mcmenamin restored the warriors two-goal cushion shortly after the hour mark livingston extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points with draw at queen park scott pittman put the leaders ahead early on before dario zanatta equalised for the hosts. | _START_ East Fife moved up to third in Scottish League One with a 2-0 win over Albion Rovers while Airdireonians lost 2-1 at home to Stranraer. _END_ |
Cornwall beat Hertfordshire 45-28 on Saturday to top their pool and stay on course for a third title in a row.
It is the fourth time in the past five years that they will meet Lancashire in the final of the competition.
"We know what they bring. They've got a good coaching set-up and obviously they know what we can bring," Shepherd said.
"It's a battle because we know last time we played them it was 18-13, so we're looking forward to the challenges ahead.
"We've got to really nullify what we know they can do."
It is the fifth year in a row that Cornwall have reached the showpiece final, with Graham Dawe's side losing twice to Lancashire, but beating them most recently in 2015.
"We've obviously not achieved anything apart from three wins, so we'll still got a final to prepare for," ex-England hooker Dawe told BBC Radio Cornwall.
"This Cornwall team - it's a good team, it's a fresh young team, but they certainly know how to play for each other.
"They defend like a bunch of tigers and full credit to them." | Scrum-half Matt Shepherd says Cornwall must "nullify" Lancashire if they are to beat them in Sunday's County Championship final at Twickenham. | cornwall beat hertfordshire 45-28 on saturday to top their pool and stay on course for third title in row it is the fourth time in the past five years that they will meet lancashire in the final of the competition we know what they bring they ve got good coaching set-up and obviously they know what we can bring shepherd said it battle because we know last time we played them it was 18-13 so we re looking forward to the challenges ahead we ve got to really nullify what we know they can do it is the fifth year in row that cornwall have reached the showpiece final with graham dawe side losing twice to lancashire but beating them most recently in 2015 we ve obviously not achieved anything apart from three wins so we ll still got final to prepare for ex-england hooker dawe told bbc radio cornwall this cornwall team it good team it fresh young team but they certainly know how to play for each other they defend like bunch of tigers and full credit to them | _START_ Scrum-half Matt Shepherd says Cornwall must "nullify" Lancashire if they are to beat them in Sunday's County Championship final at Twickenham. _END_ |
They will join the 450 British troops already in the country - and will aid counter-terrorism efforts and provide leadership training.
Officials have said the additional troops will not be taking part in combat operations against the Taliban.
UK troops had been due to leave Afghanistan this year but will now have their mission extended into 2017.
Announcing the deployment at a Nato summit in Warsaw, Mr Cameron said it was essential that Nato continued "to work with the Afghan government and the Afghan security forces to help keep terrorists out of that country".
He said the "UK would do more to train Afghan officers" while deploying "a further 50 personnel to provide additional mentoring, particularly to the Afghan air force".
He also announced MPs will vote on replacing the ageing submarines carrying the Trident nuclear missile system on 18 July.
It comes after US President Barack Obama this week announced a slowdown in the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Of the additional UK troops to be deployed, 21 will join the counter-terrorism mission, 15 will be involved in a leadership development at the Afghan army's officer training academy, and 13 will join Nato's Resolute Support Mission.
In addition, Britain is to extend its £70m a year funding for the Afghan security forces to 2020, committing an extra £178m to the Afghan government of president Ashraf Ghani.
Mr Cameron said the deployment underlined his determination that Britain should continue to play a leading role on the world stage despite the referendum vote to leave the European Union.
"Britain is not going to be playing a lesser role in the world. We will make sure that we use our strength, including through Nato, to spread British values and the things that we believe in," Mr Cameron added.
The prime minister also emphasised that President Obama had told him Britain would continue to be a reliable, strong ally outside the European Union.
It comes after it was announced that a 500-strong battalion of UK troops will be deployed to Estonia and 150 troops will go to Poland as part of the Nato response to concerns over Russia.
Earlier this week, Mr Obama told reporters that the security situation in Afghanistan remained "precarious", with the Taliban still mounting suicide attacks in the capital Kabul and other cities.
"Instead of going down to 5,500 troops by the end of this year, the United States will maintain approximately 8,400 troops in Afghanistan into next year through the end of my administration," Mr Obama said.
"It is in our national security interest, especially after all the blood and treasure we've invested over the years, that we give our partners in Afghanistan the best chance to succeed," he added. | The UK is to send up to 50 additional military personnel to Afghanistan to train and advise security forces there. | they will join the 450 british troops already in the country and will aid counter-terrorism efforts and provide leadership training officials have said the additional troops will not be taking part in combat operations against the taliban uk troops had been due to leave afghanistan this year but will now have their mission extended into 2017 announcing the deployment at nato summit in warsaw mr cameron said it was essential that nato continued to work with the afghan government and the afghan security forces to help keep terrorists out of that country he said the uk would do more to train afghan officers while deploying further 50 personnel to provide additional mentoring particularly to the afghan air force he also announced mps will vote on replacing the ageing submarines carrying the trident nuclear missile system on 18 july it comes after us president barack obama this week announced slowdown in the us military withdrawal from afghanistan of the additional uk troops to be deployed 21 will join the counter-terrorism mission 15 will be involved in leadership development at the afghan army officer training academy and 13 will join nato resolute support mission in addition britain is to extend its â£70m year funding for the afghan security forces to 2020 committing an extra â£178m to the afghan government of president ashraf ghani mr cameron said the deployment underlined his determination that britain should continue to play leading role on the world stage despite the referendum vote to leave the european union britain is not going to be playing lesser role in the world we will make sure that we use our strength including through nato to spread british values and the things that we believe in mr cameron added the prime minister also emphasised that president obama had told him britain would continue to be reliable strong ally outside the european union it comes after it was announced that 500-strong battalion of uk troops will be deployed to estonia and 150 troops will go to poland as part of the nato response to concerns over russia earlier this week mr obama told reporters that the security situation in afghanistan remained precarious with the taliban still mounting suicide attacks in the capital kabul and other cities instead of going down to 500 troops by the end of this year the united states will maintain approximately 400 troops in afghanistan into next year through the end of my administration mr obama said it is in our national security interest especially after all the blood and treasure we ve invested over the years that we give our partners in afghanistan the best chance to succeed he added. | _START_ The UK is to send up to 50 additional military personnel to Afghanistan to train and advise security forces there. _END_ |
On Tuesday, it shot past $2,200 (£1,700), more than doubling from just two months ago. And a newer currency, Ethereum, has climbed even faster.
Industry members say uncertainty surrounding the value of global currencies, including the pound, is driving demand for alternative currencies.
The kind of technology that underwrites Bitcoin and newer entrants such as Ethereum, is also gaining, well, currency, as it gets put to new uses by developers and others looking to beef up cyber-security.
Policy changes in Japan and elsewhere in Asia have made it easier to trade. And of course, when it comes to price, interest generates its own momentum.
"It's a promising technology," says Joshua Rosenblatt, 34, a Nashville-based attorney at Frost Brown Todd, a midwestern law firm with offices in eight states. He is both an investor and works in the field. "The returns have been unreal and there's an aspect of not wanting to miss out on a bubble."
Bitcoin's market capitalisation shot past $30bn this month, as the price climbed.
Ethereum remains smaller at about $15bn, but it is growing too. The price spiked from less than $20 in March to about $170 today, according to CoinDesk, which tracks the two currencies.
Activity is also up. The number of daily trades in Bitcoin, which is more established, has rocketed from around 40,000 at the start of 2013 to more than 330,000 today.
About 2,700 participants attended an industry conference in New York this week, according to Michael Crosby, head of strategy for CoinDesk, which hosted the event.
Mr Rosenblatt, one of the people in attendance, works with smaller investment firms and start-ups, navigating issues relating to coin offerings and "smart contracts", which use similar technology to enforce and verify business transactions.
In the last year, the number of clients looking for that work has increased from one to about two dozen, he says.
"Our firm is kind of a middle America firm, so the fact that we're seeing that sort of interest speaks to how much the industry has grown," he says.
Grayscale launched its first digital currency investment trust in 2013.
The New York firm now manages about $400m of investments in digital currencies, up from $60m at the end of 2015, as its client base of wealthy investors, hedge funds and other small firms has grown, and prices for Ethereum and Bitcoin have climbed.
"We've seen just an absolute explosion," says Matthew Beck, an associate at the firm.
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Mr Beck says the firm expects to continue to attract interest, as investors use digital assets to diversify.
"We're seeing investors start to diversify... and carve out an allocation for digital assets," he says.
At the moment Bitcoin is used for cross-border transfers, payments for online activities such as gaming and gambling - and as an investment, says Peter Smith, chief executive of Blockchain, one of the major trading platforms.
The currency also made headlines as the preferred currency of the hackers behind the recent attack that crippled the National Health Service in the UK and other organisations around the world.
Industry members say some companies may be buying up Bitcoin to deploy in the event of a future attack, but they maintained that broader demand is driving price gains.
"There's a number of people from family offices [and] private equity firms - they're making small bets and when you add that type of liquidity to the market, that's going to drive the price up," says Mr Crosby.
This year's Consensus conference drew some big corporate names, such as insurer State Farm, carmaker Toyota, and consulting firm Deloitte.
Fidelity Investments, a staid, Boston-based money manager known for handling retirement accounts, was one of the presenters. It now accepts Bitcoin in its cafeteria and will soon launch a feature to allow clients to check on their digital currency holdings alongside other investments.
In the scheme of global finance, a $30bn market remains "trivial", says Blockchain's Peter Smith. But interest from those players is a sign the industry is becoming more accepted.
"It has truthfully gotten a lot more mainstream and that's a beautiful thing to see in many ways," he says.
For 49-year-old Stuart Fraser, the climbing price has meant a tidy return on the roughly £15,000 worth of Bitcoin he bought in early 2014.
He estimates his holdings have more than doubled, even after subtracting the Bitcoin he used to buy a virtual reality headset and make investments in the newer Ethereum.
Investors say they are prepared for a boom-bust cycle as the market continues to evolve, technology changes, and regulations come into play.
But Mr Fraser, the managing director of Scotland-based financial technology start-up Wallet.Services, who previously worked in cyber-security, says unless he sees a promising new competitor, he doesn't plan to cash in now.
"I think [in the] long term, it's going to go up." | The price of Bitcoin, a digital currency once located at the fringe of finance, has been rising to new records in recent months as digital assets move into the mainstream. | on tuesday it shot past $2 200 â£1 700 more than doubling from just two months ago and newer currency ethereum has climbed even faster industry members say uncertainty surrounding the value of global currencies including the pound is driving demand for alternative currencies the kind of technology that underwrites bitcoin and newer entrants such as ethereum is also gaining well currency as it gets put to new uses by developers and others looking to beef up cyber-security policy changes in japan and elsewhere in asia have made it easier to trade and of course when it comes to price interest generates its own momentum it promising technology says joshua rosenblatt 34 nashville-based attorney at frost brown todd midwestern law firm with offices in eight states he is both an investor and works in the field the returns have been unreal and there an aspect of not wanting to miss out on bubble bitcoin market capitalisation shot past $30bn this month as the price climbed ethereum remains smaller at about $15bn but it is growing too the price spiked from less than $20 in march to about $170 today according to coindesk which tracks the two currencies activity is also up the number of daily trades in bitcoin which is more established has rocketed from around 40 000 at the start of 2013 to more than 330 000 today about 700 participants attended an industry conference in new york this week according to michael crosby head of strategy for coindesk which hosted the event mr rosenblatt one of the people in attendance works with smaller investment firms and start-ups navigating issues relating to coin offerings and smart contracts which use similar technology to enforce and verify business transactions in the last year the number of clients looking for that work has increased from one to about two dozen he says our firm is kind of middle america firm so the fact that we re seeing that sort of interest speaks to how much the industry has grown he says grayscale launched its first digital currency investment trust in 2013 the new york firm now manages about $400m of investments in digital currencies up from $60m at the end of 2015 as its client base of wealthy investors hedge funds and other small firms has grown and prices for ethereum and bitcoin have climbed we ve seen just an absolute explosion says matthew beck an associate at the firm bitcoin is the crypto-currency doomed bought bitcoins in 2011 now they re worth â£19 000 bitcoin value tops gold for first time mr beck says the firm expects to continue to attract interest as investors use digital assets to diversify we re seeing investors start to diversify and carve out an allocation for digital assets he says at the moment bitcoin is used for cross-border transfers payments for online activities such as gaming and gambling and as an investment says peter smith chief executive of blockchain one of the major trading platforms the currency also made headlines as the preferred currency of the hackers behind the recent attack that crippled the national health service in the uk and other organisations around the world industry members say some companies may be buying up bitcoin to deploy in the event of future attack but they maintained that broader demand is driving price gains there number of people from family offices and private equity firms they re making small bets and when you add that type of liquidity to the market that going to drive the price up says mr crosby this year consensus conference drew some big corporate names such as insurer state farm carmaker toyota and consulting firm deloitte fidelity investments staid boston-based money manager known for handling retirement accounts was one of the presenters it now accepts bitcoin in its cafeteria and will soon launch feature to allow clients to check on their digital currency holdings alongside other investments in the scheme of global finance $30bn market remains trivial says blockchain peter smith but interest from those players is sign the industry is becoming more accepted it has truthfully gotten lot more mainstream and that beautiful thing to see in many ways he says for 49-year-old stuart fraser the climbing price has meant tidy return on the roughly â£15 000 worth of bitcoin he bought in early 2014 he estimates his holdings have more than doubled even after subtracting the bitcoin he used to buy virtual reality headset and make investments in the newer ethereum investors say they are prepared for boom-bust cycle as the market continues to evolve technology changes and regulations come into play but mr fraser the managing director of scotland-based financial technology start-up wallet.services who previously worked in cyber-security says unless he sees promising new competitor he doesn plan to cash in now think in the long term it going to go up | _START_ The price of Bitcoin, a digital currency once located at the fringe of finance, has been rising to new records in recent months as digital assets move into the mainstream. _END_ |
Ed Miliband said the non-dom rules were "indefensible" and axing them would raise "hundreds of millions" in tax.
But shadow chancellor Ed Balls was forced to deny contradicting himself after saying in January that scrapping the rule "would cost Britain money".
Chancellor George Osborne said Labour's plan had "unravelled".
The BBC's assistant political editor Norman Smith said the comments, in a BBC interview ahead of the election campaign, appeared to contradict what he and his leader were saying now about the party's most significant announcement of the campaign so far.
Mr Osborne said they were an example of the "economic confusion" that would result from a Labour government.
In other election news:
Non-doms are defined as British residents who pay tax on their UK earnings but whose permanent home is deemed to be outside the UK and therefore do not have to pay UK tax on foreign income as long as they do not transfer it to the UK - instead they pay a charge of at least £30,000 once they have been in the UK for seven years.
High-profile examples reportedly include Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and HSBC chief executive Stuart Gulliver.
Former Conservative deputy chairman Lord Ashcroft gave up the status in 2010 to keep his place in the House of Lords after a change in the law barring non-doms from sitting in Parliament while architect Lord Foster quit the Lords at the same time.
Some Labour supporters including businessman Sir Gulam Noon also had non-dom status in the past.
Whose side are you on? It is one of the most powerful questions in politics and Ed Miliband believes it is the key to seeing him installed in Downing Street.
That's why Labour is targeting the so-called non-doms today. They're very rich, often foreign and enjoy a lifestyle that makes them resented by anyone who's struggled to make ends meet in recent years.
That is, incidentally, the same reason George Osborne targeted them to pay more when he was in opposition and increased the annual tax charge some pay in his last Budget.
Let's be clear though, these people are not tax dodgers. They pay tax on their UK earnings plus an annual charge of £30,000 or more to have a totally legal tax status that Gordon Brown as well as George Osborne decided to keep as they were advised they risked losing more in tax by scrapping it than keeping it.
Read Nick's full blog
Robert Peston: Are non-doms bad for the UK?
In his Autumn Statement in December, Chancellor George Osborne announced a new £90,000 charge for people who are non-domiciled in the UK for tax purposes but have lived there for 17 of the past 20 years.
The previous Labour government introduced a £30,000 charge for people resident in the UK for seven of the previous 10 years but who were non-domiciled for tax purposes.
Under Labour's proposals, no new people will be able to claim non-dom status after April 2016 while existing non-doms would have a "short period" to adjust their tax affairs.
Temporary exemptions of about two or three years would be available for students and foreign workers seconded to the UK for a short period of time, in consultation with business and universities.
This election issue includes income tax and national insurance levies and business taxes.
Policy guide: Where the parties stand
In a speech at the University of Warwick, Mr Miliband said non-dom status was an "arcane 200-year rule", allowing a "few people at the top" to "operate under different rules".
He said: "There are people who live here in Britain like you and me, work here in Britain like you and me, are permanently settled here in Britain, like you and me, were brought up here, but just aren't required to pay taxes like you and me."
What is non-domicile status?
Q&A: What is a non-dom?
Mr Miliband said he did not blame non-doms who were only "playing by the rules" but he insisted: "It isn't fair, it isn't just and it holds Britain back and we will stop it. The next Labour government will abolish the non-dom rule."
In a series of media interviews on Wednesday, Mr Balls endorsed the proposed changes, saying the clampdown could raise at least "hundreds of millions of pounds" and rejected claims it would lead to an exodus of businessmen.
"When we introduced tougher rules in 2008, people said people would leave the country," he told Radio 4's Today programme. "That isn't what has happened."
In a BBC interview in January, Mr Balls said he would be "tougher" on non-doms but appeared to cast doubt on axing their tax status as a whole.
He told BBC Radio Leeds: "If you abolish the whole status, then probably it ends up costing Britain money because there will be some people who then leave the country."
Asked on Wednesday afternoon about his earlier comment, Mr Balls said he had been speaking about the need to find a solution in relation to short-term visitors to the UK.
He accused the Conservatives of "throwing up a smokescreen" around Labour's policy to hide the fact it would "keep these unfair rules".
Labour said that in January, it was considering whether genuine temporary residents should be allowed any future leeway and that Mr Balls' comments then were in no way "inconsistent" with what it was now proposing.
Mr Osborne said: "Labour's policy is a total shambles... You have Ed Balls admitting it will cost Britain money and then when you look at the small print it turns out the majority of non-doms won't be affected so the headlines are misleading."
The Conservatives said they had taken the "right approach" in increasing the annual levy on non-doms and would continue to tackle abuse of the existing rules through a £5bn crackdown on tax evasion and avoidance.
The Liberal Democrats have also pledged to increase non-dom charges and reform eligibility criteria, saying this could raise an extra £130m.
Leader Nick Clegg said "the wheels are coming off" Labour's announcement and "in pursuing a headline they forgot that we must remain an open economy but of course not an economy that is open to abuse".
The Green Party said the changes "could not come a moment too soon" while UKIP said aspects of the non-dom rules were "ludicrous" but any reform must be thought through to ensure it didn't disadvantage the public finances.
Subscribe to the BBC Election 2015 newsletter to get a round-up of the day's campaign news sent to your inbox every weekday afternoon. | Labour has defended its plans to end the non-domicile rule that allows some wealthy UK residents to limit the tax paid on earnings outside the country. | ed miliband said the non-dom rules were indefensible and axing them would raise hundreds of millions in tax but shadow chancellor ed balls was forced to deny contradicting himself after saying in january that scrapping the rule would cost britain money chancellor george osborne said labour plan had unravelled the bbc assistant political editor norman smith said the comments in bbc interview ahead of the election campaign appeared to contradict what he and his leader were saying now about the party most significant announcement of the campaign so far mr osborne said they were an example of the economic confusion that would result from labour government in other election news non-doms are defined as british residents who pay tax on their uk earnings but whose permanent home is deemed to be outside the uk and therefore do not have to pay uk tax on foreign income as long as they do not transfer it to the uk instead they pay charge of at least £30 000 once they have been in the uk for seven years high-profile examples reportedly include chelsea owner roman abramovich and hsbc chief executive stuart gulliver former conservative deputy chairman lord ashcroft gave up the status in 2010 to keep his place in the house of lords after change in the law barring non-doms from sitting in parliament while architect lord foster quit the lords at the same time some labour supporters including businessman sir gulam noon also had non-dom status in the past whose side are you on it is one of the most powerful questions in politics and ed miliband believes it is the key to seeing him installed in downing street that why labour is targeting the so-called non-doms today they re very rich often foreign and enjoy lifestyle that makes them resented by anyone who struggled to make ends meet in recent years that is incidentally the same reason george osborne targeted them to pay more when he was in opposition and increased the annual tax charge some pay in his last budget let be clear though these people are not tax dodgers they pay tax on their uk earnings plus an annual charge of £30 000 or more to have totally legal tax status that gordon brown as well as george osborne decided to keep as they were advised they risked losing more in tax by scrapping it than keeping it read nick full blog robert peston are non-doms bad for the uk in his autumn statement in december chancellor george osborne announced new £90 000 charge for people who are non-domiciled in the uk for tax purposes but have lived there for 17 of the past 20 years the previous labour government introduced £30 000 charge for people resident in the uk for seven of the previous 10 years but who were non-domiciled for tax purposes under labour proposals no new people will be able to claim non-dom status after april 2016 while existing non-doms would have short period to adjust their tax affairs temporary exemptions of about two or three years would be available for students and foreign workers seconded to the uk for short period of time in consultation with business and universities this election issue includes income tax and national insurance levies and business taxes policy guide where the parties stand in speech at the university of warwick mr miliband said non-dom status was an arcane 200-year rule allowing few people at the top to operate under different rules he said there are people who live here in britain like you and me work here in britain like you and me are permanently settled here in britain like you and me were brought up here but just aren required to pay taxes like you and me what is non-domicile status what is non-dom mr miliband said he did not blame non-doms who were only playing by the rules but he insisted it isn fair it isn just and it holds britain back and we will stop it the next labour government will abolish the non-dom rule in series of media interviews on wednesday mr balls endorsed the proposed changes saying the clampdown could raise at least hundreds of millions of pounds and rejected claims it would lead to an exodus of businessmen when we introduced tougher rules in 2008 people said people would leave the country he told radio today programme that isn what has happened in bbc interview in january mr balls said he would be tougher on non-doms but appeared to cast doubt on axing their tax status as whole he told bbc radio leeds if you abolish the whole status then probably it ends up costing britain money because there will be some people who then leave the country asked on wednesday afternoon about his earlier comment mr balls said he had been speaking about the need to find solution in relation to short-term visitors to the uk he accused the conservatives of throwing up smokescreen around labour policy to hide the fact it would keep these unfair rules labour said that in january it was considering whether genuine temporary residents should be allowed any future leeway and that mr balls comments then were in no way inconsistent with what it was now proposing mr osborne said labour policy is total shambles you have ed balls admitting it will cost britain money and then when you look at the small print it turns out the majority of non-doms won be affected so the headlines are misleading the conservatives said they had taken the right approach in increasing the annual levy on non-doms and would continue to tackle abuse of the existing rules through £5bn crackdown on tax evasion and avoidance the liberal democrats have also pledged to increase non-dom charges and reform eligibility criteria saying this could raise an extra £130m leader nick clegg said the wheels are coming off labour announcement and in pursuing headline they forgot that we must remain an open economy but of course not an economy that is open to abuse the green party said the changes could not come moment too soon while ukip said aspects of the non-dom rules were ludicrous but any reform must be thought through to ensure it didn disadvantage the public finances subscribe to the bbc election 2015 newsletter to get round-up of the day campaign news sent to your inbox every weekday afternoon. | _START_ Labour has defended its plans to end the non-domicile rule that allows some wealthy UK residents to limit the tax paid on earnings outside the country. _END_ |
In a statement, the Lord of the Rings director said photos shared by Bilgin Ciftci actually showed the "loveable" Smeagol.
Dr Ciftci faces imprisonment after tweeting photos of Mr Erdogan and the character in similar poses.
The court had asked experts to decide whether Gollum is good or evil.
In a statement made alongside screenwriters Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, Mr Jackson told the Wrap website: "We can state categorically: none of [the pictures] feature the character known as Gollum. All of them are images of the character called Smeagol."
"Smeagol is a joyful, sweet character. Smeagol does not lie, deceive, or attempt to manipulate others.
"He is not evil, conniving, or malicious - these personality traits belong to Gollum, who should never be confused with Smeagol."
Mr Ciftci's lawyer, Hicran Danisman, told the Associated Press she had been forced to argue that Gollum was not evil after a freedom of information defence failed. | Peter Jackson has waded into a court case in Turkey, which accuses a doctor of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan by comparing him to Gollum. | in statement the lord of the rings director said photos shared by bilgin ciftci actually showed the loveable smeagol dr ciftci faces imprisonment after tweeting photos of mr erdogan and the character in similar poses the court had asked experts to decide whether gollum is good or evil in statement made alongside screenwriters fran walsh and philippa boyens mr jackson told the wrap website we can state categorically none of the pictures feature the character known as gollum all of them are images of the character called smeagol smeagol is joyful sweet character smeagol does not lie deceive or attempt to manipulate others he is not evil conniving or malicious these personality traits belong to gollum who should never be confused with smeagol mr ciftci lawyer hicran danisman told the associated press she had been forced to argue that gollum was not evil after freedom of information defence failed. | _START_ Peter Jackson has waded into a court case in Turkey, which accuses a doctor of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan by comparing him to Gollum. _END_ |
A government compromise (pilot schemes) designed to stave off defeat was not tabled in time for MPs to vote on it, but Communities Minister Brandon Lewis said the government would amend its own Enterprise Bill later in the House of Lords.
The SNP's decision to vote against the Bill, even though Sunday trading is devolved to Scotland, has prompted accusations of hypocrisy and increased the prospect of a government defeat.
More than 20 Conservative MPs, including Byron Davies and David Jones, have signed a 'rebel' amendment to the Bill.
Labour MPs appear to be wholly united against the Bill, which would devolve the power over Sunday trading hours to local councils rather than automatically extend shopping hours.
Welsh Liberal Democrat Mark Williams is minded to vote against (the Lib Dems have a free vote) but is listening to the debate before making a final decision.
The three Plaid Cymru MPs will vote against giving councils the new powers, arguing that the decision should be devolved to the National Assembly for Wales.
That option isn't on the table today, so Plaid will effectively vote for the status quo - for the power to remain in London rather than in town halls across Wales.
Plaid's parliamentary leader Hywel Williams said: "Had the Wales Office been a bit more muscular they might have been able to include powers over Sunday trading in the Wales Bill - and we would have supported that.
"They are devolving the power to the London (regional) assembly but not to the Welsh (national) assembly
"We are not in favour of the government here dealing directly with matters to do with our local authorities - that's a matter for our government in Cardiff as far as we're concerned."
UPDATE: The government lost the key division by 317 votes to 286. | The debate over Sunday trading hours is proving rather fractious with plenty of "blue-on-blue" action as Conservative MPs wonder publicly why it wasn't in their manifesto for last year's general election. | a government compromise pilot schemes designed to stave off defeat was not tabled in time for mps to vote on it but communities minister brandon lewis said the government would amend its own enterprise bill later in the house of lords the snp decision to vote against the bill even though sunday trading is devolved to scotland has prompted accusations of hypocrisy and increased the prospect of government defeat more than 20 conservative mps including byron davies and david jones have signed rebel amendment to the bill labour mps appear to be wholly united against the bill which would devolve the power over sunday trading hours to local councils rather than automatically extend shopping hours welsh liberal democrat mark williams is minded to vote against the lib dems have free vote but is listening to the debate before making final decision the three plaid cymru mps will vote against giving councils the new powers arguing that the decision should be devolved to the national assembly for wales that option isn on the table today so plaid will effectively vote for the status quo for the power to remain in london rather than in town halls across wales plaid parliamentary leader hywel williams said had the wales office been bit more muscular they might have been able to include powers over sunday trading in the wales bill and we would have supported that they are devolving the power to the london regional assembly but not to the welsh national assembly we are not in favour of the government here dealing directly with matters to do with our local authorities that matter for our government in cardiff as far as we re concerned update the government lost the key division by 317 votes to 286. | _START_ The debate over Sunday trading hours is proving rather fractious with plenty of "blue-on-blue" action as Conservative MPs wonder publicly why it wasn't in their manifesto for last year's general election. _END_ |
Popular yoga guru Baba Ramdev is behind one of India's fastest-growing consumer goods companies. Forbes magazine calls his Patanjali empire the "Indian version of Body Shop".
The saffron-robed, bearded Mr Ramdev sells honey, health drinks, fruit juices, sweets, cookies, spices, tea, flour, muesli, pickles, soap, balms, shampoos - and noodles.
An avid supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he has taken on Nestle's hugely popular Maggi instant noodles. Despite early concerns about the quality of his noodles, he is promoting the brand as a healthy alternative to similar food products. The guru's noodles are cooking well in the market.
Encouraged by Mr Ramdev's commercial success, another guru, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, has unveiled his own line of food products.
Better known for his bling and for tacky performances on stage and cinema as a rotund rock star and bike-riding hero, the guru will now also sell pickles, honey, bottled water, and yes, noodles.
The guru, who runs a thriving sect, wants the "nation to become healthier" by consuming "organic products". The controversial leader lists 117 "humanitarian activities" on his website, including efforts to eliminate homosexuality, running an international blood bank, promoting vegetarianism and feeding birds.
Down in southern India, Sri Sri Ravishankar, a guru popular with the middle and upper classes, has a line of ayurvedic (traditional Indian medicine) products, including toothpaste, protein shampoos, herbal tea, anti-diabetic tablets, balms and syrups, produced out of a "world-class" facility in Bangalore.
The country's most famous woman guru Mata Amritanandamayi runs hospitals, a TV channel, engineering colleges and business schools, among other things.
Meanwhile, Sri Satya Sai Baba, an orange-robed guru with an afro hairstyle, left behind a multi-billion dollar empire, straddling hospitals, clinics and universities, when he died in 2011.
Indian gurus have long leveraged their mass followings and networks - political and business - for commercial gain.
In the early days, they made money mediating between the east and west. Mahesh Yogi, for example, sold yoga and meditation to millions of foreigners. But times have changed, and the gurus - living gods to the legions of their supporters - have adapted nimbly.
With more than a little help from politicians, the gurus have gone from strength to strength.
It obviously helps that their followers easily translate into captive markets for the products they want to make and sell. Their home-grown marketing savvy helps them build modern-day consumer goods empires. Most make ayurvedic and organic products, tapping into the country's ancient heritage.
Most of the successful gurus are known to be supporters of the incumbent governments, and display remarkable political nous.
"Gurus - spurious or genuine - are key players in the business and politics of spirituality," says Lise McKean, anthropologist and author of Divine Enterprise, a book that examines the business side of the Hindu religion.
"The activities of many gurus and their organisations in the 1980s and 1990s are related to the simultaneous expansion of transnational capitalism in India and abroad."
So selling yoga to foreigners is almost passé. The new-age - and often brash - gurus have set their sights beyond their followers and are reaching out to India's growing domestic market, a move that must be making a number of multinational companies skittish. So, their products are now finding buyers even among the non-believers.
One of them is sociologist Shiv Visvanathan, who has visited some 20 shops selling Mr Ramdev's products. He says he is impressed by the quality of some of his wares.
"The flour is top quality, the shampoo is good. The biscuit, which dissolves quickly when dipped in tea, is bad," he says.
But more seriously, he says, Mr Ramdev is catering to the virtuous cycle of the Indian household - "health, medicine and cosmetics".
"The gurus like Mr Ramdev are telling us is that health is spirituality," says Mr Visvanathan.
Clearly, spiritual capitalism is alive and well in India. The empires of devotion are flourishing. One guru famously said that wealth followed worship.
His message was meant for his devotees who were shunning their charitable obligations. It could have been aimed at the gurus themselves. | Why do Indian gurus sell noodles - and much more? | popular yoga guru baba ramdev is behind one of india fastest-growing consumer goods companies forbes magazine calls his patanjali empire the indian version of body shop the saffron-robed bearded mr ramdev sells honey health drinks fruit juices sweets cookies spices tea flour muesli pickles soap balms shampoos and noodles an avid supporter of prime minister narendra modi he has taken on nestle hugely popular maggi instant noodles despite early concerns about the quality of his noodles he is promoting the brand as healthy alternative to similar food products the guru noodles are cooking well in the market encouraged by mr ramdev commercial success another guru gurmeet ram rahim singh has unveiled his own line of food products better known for his bling and for tacky performances on stage and cinema as rotund rock star and bike-riding hero the guru will now also sell pickles honey bottled water and yes noodles the guru who runs thriving sect wants the nation to become healthier by consuming organic products the controversial leader lists 117 humanitarian activities on his website including efforts to eliminate homosexuality running an international blood bank promoting vegetarianism and feeding birds down in southern india sri sri ravishankar guru popular with the middle and upper classes has line of ayurvedic traditional indian medicine products including toothpaste protein shampoos herbal tea anti-diabetic tablets balms and syrups produced out of world-class facility in bangalore the country most famous woman guru mata amritanandamayi runs hospitals tv channel engineering colleges and business schools among other things meanwhile sri satya sai baba an orange-robed guru with an afro hairstyle left behind multi-billion dollar empire straddling hospitals clinics and universities when he died in 2011 indian gurus have long leveraged their mass followings and networks political and business for commercial gain in the early days they made money mediating between the east and west mahesh yogi for example sold yoga and meditation to millions of foreigners but times have changed and the gurus living gods to the legions of their supporters have adapted nimbly with more than little help from politicians the gurus have gone from strength to strength it obviously helps that their followers easily translate into captive markets for the products they want to make and sell their home-grown marketing savvy helps them build modern-day consumer goods empires most make ayurvedic and organic products tapping into the country ancient heritage most of the successful gurus are known to be supporters of the incumbent governments and display remarkable political nous gurus spurious or genuine are key players in the business and politics of spirituality says lise mckean anthropologist and author of divine enterprise book that examines the business side of the hindu religion the activities of many gurus and their organisations in the 1980s and 1990s are related to the simultaneous expansion of transnational capitalism in india and abroad so selling yoga to foreigners is almost passã the new-age and often brash gurus have set their sights beyond their followers and are reaching out to india growing domestic market move that must be making number of multinational companies skittish so their products are now finding buyers even among the non-believers one of them is sociologist shiv visvanathan who has visited some 20 shops selling mr ramdev products he says he is impressed by the quality of some of his wares the flour is top quality the shampoo is good the biscuit which dissolves quickly when dipped in tea is bad he says but more seriously he says mr ramdev is catering to the virtuous cycle of the indian household health medicine and cosmetics the gurus like mr ramdev are telling us is that health is spirituality says mr visvanathan clearly spiritual capitalism is alive and well in india the empires of devotion are flourishing one guru famously said that wealth followed worship his message was meant for his devotees who were shunning their charitable obligations it could have been aimed at the gurus themselves. | _START_ Why do Indian gurus sell noodles - and much more? _END_ |
Amala Ruth De Vere Whelan, 22, was raped and strangled with a stocking on 12 November and her body was not found until several days later.
There was no forced entry to her flat in Maida Vale, west London, leading police to believe she knew her killer.
No suspect has been linked to the murder.
When officers entered the property, they discovered the word "ripper" had been sprayed onto the front room wall with detergent from a washing up liquid bottle.
Det Insp Susan Stansfield said: "More than 44 years have now passed since Amala's death but I am convinced that someone, somewhere, knows the circumstances of her brutal murder.
"Amala suffered a brutal death and the identity of the suspect has remained a mystery. She was a very popular and attractive female who had a wide social network of friends."
Police working on the case said they are particularly interested in speaking to Ms Whelan's friends and relatives, one of whom is a sister who would now be aged around 56 years old.
The victim had previously worked and stayed at The Bar Lotus on Regent's Park Road in Camden and had only been living in Maida Vale for three weeks before the attack.
She was an active member of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and had several friends in the art world, Det Insp Stansfield added.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the force. | A new appeal has been made for information about the 1972 murder of a woman whose living room wall had the word "ripper" sprayed onto it. | amala ruth de vere whelan 22 was raped and strangled with stocking on 12 november and her body was not found until several days later there was no forced entry to her flat in maida vale west london leading police to believe she knew her killer no suspect has been linked to the murder when officers entered the property they discovered the word ripper had been sprayed onto the front room wall with detergent from washing up liquid bottle det insp susan stansfield said more than 44 years have now passed since amala death but am convinced that someone somewhere knows the circumstances of her brutal murder amala suffered brutal death and the identity of the suspect has remained mystery she was very popular and attractive female who had wide social network of friends police working on the case said they are particularly interested in speaking to ms whelan friends and relatives one of whom is sister who would now be aged around 56 years old the victim had previously worked and stayed at the bar lotus on regent park road in camden and had only been living in maida vale for three weeks before the attack she was an active member of the campaign for nuclear disarmament and had several friends in the art world det insp stansfield added anyone with information is asked to contact the force. | _START_ A new appeal has been made for information about the 1972 murder of a woman whose living room wall had the word "ripper" sprayed onto it. _END_ |
The Grecians made a terrible start and it was their own doing as they fell behind on seven minutes.
Goalkeeper Christy Pym saw a clearance charged down by Luke Berry and he ran out to atone for his error.
Pym then got in the way of team-mate Luke Croll, the two Exeter players leaving the ball for each other, and Berry took full advantage to nip in and roll the ball into the net from 25 yards.
On 10 minutes it was 2-0 and down to more awful defending. A long ball into the box was not dealt with and Harrison Dunk lashed a low shot past Pym from 18 yards.
Pym made a brilliant stop to deny Leon Legge and Cambridge substitute Adam McGurk dragged a shot wide after more error-prone Exeter defending.
Substitute Joel Grant gave Exeter hope when he headed in from Craig Woodman's cross on 73 minutes and Lee Holmes came close to an equaliser late on only for his short to be superbly blocked.
Reports supplied by the Press Association.
Match ends, Exeter City 1, Cambridge United 2.
Second Half ends, Exeter City 1, Cambridge United 2.
Foul by Robbie Simpson (Exeter City).
Leon Legge (Cambridge United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Pierce Sweeney (Exeter City) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Ben Williamson (Cambridge United).
Substitution, Cambridge United. Sean Long replaces Brad Halliday.
Hand ball by Lee Holmes (Exeter City).
Will Norris (Cambridge United) is shown the yellow card.
Foul by Lee Holmes (Exeter City).
Piero Mingoia (Cambridge United) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Pierce Sweeney (Exeter City) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Luke Berry (Cambridge United).
Pierce Sweeney (Exeter City) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Luke Berry (Cambridge United).
Attempt blocked. Lee Holmes (Exeter City) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked.
Foul by Pierce Sweeney (Exeter City).
Ben Williamson (Cambridge United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Corner, Exeter City. Conceded by Will Norris.
Attempt saved. David Wheeler (Exeter City) header from very close range is saved in the top centre of the goal.
Corner, Exeter City. Conceded by Ben Williamson.
Corner, Exeter City. Conceded by Mark Roberts.
Corner, Exeter City. Conceded by Brad Halliday.
David Wheeler (Exeter City) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Greg Taylor (Cambridge United).
Goal! Exeter City 1, Cambridge United 2. Joel Grant (Exeter City) header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Craig Woodman.
Ollie Watkins (Exeter City) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Foul by James Dunne (Cambridge United).
Substitution, Cambridge United. Ben Williamson replaces Uche Ikpeazu.
Foul by Lee Holmes (Exeter City).
Leon Legge (Cambridge United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Pierce Sweeney (Exeter City) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Foul by Adam McGurk (Cambridge United).
Attempt missed. Max Clark (Cambridge United) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right.
Pierce Sweeney (Exeter City) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Luke Berry (Cambridge United).
Attempt missed. Adam McGurk (Cambridge United) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the right.
Luke Berry (Cambridge United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Attempt saved. Piero Mingoia (Cambridge United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
Attempt missed. Robbie Simpson (Exeter City) header from the right side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the right. | Exeter slipped into the bottom two of League Two as they were beaten 2-1 by Cambridge at St James Park. | the grecians made terrible start and it was their own doing as they fell behind on seven minutes goalkeeper christy pym saw clearance charged down by luke berry and he ran out to atone for his error pym then got in the way of team-mate luke croll the two exeter players leaving the ball for each other and berry took full advantage to nip in and roll the ball into the net from 25 yards on 10 minutes it was 2-0 and down to more awful defending long ball into the box was not dealt with and harrison dunk lashed low shot past pym from 18 yards pym made brilliant stop to deny leon legge and cambridge substitute adam mcgurk dragged shot wide after more error-prone exeter defending substitute joel grant gave exeter hope when he headed in from craig woodman cross on 73 minutes and lee holmes came close to an equaliser late on only for his short to be superbly blocked reports supplied by the press association match ends exeter city cambridge united second half ends exeter city cambridge united foul by robbie simpson exeter city leon legge cambridge united wins free kick in the defensive half pierce sweeney exeter city wins free kick in the attacking half foul by ben williamson cambridge united substitution cambridge united sean long replaces brad halliday hand ball by lee holmes exeter city will norris cambridge united is shown the yellow card foul by lee holmes exeter city piero mingoia cambridge united wins free kick on the left wing pierce sweeney exeter city wins free kick in the defensive half foul by luke berry cambridge united pierce sweeney exeter city wins free kick in the attacking half foul by luke berry cambridge united attempt blocked lee holmes exeter city right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked foul by pierce sweeney exeter city ben williamson cambridge united wins free kick in the defensive half corner exeter city conceded by will norris attempt saved david wheeler exeter city header from very close range is saved in the top centre of the goal corner exeter city conceded by ben williamson corner exeter city conceded by mark roberts corner exeter city conceded by brad halliday david wheeler exeter city wins free kick on the right wing foul by greg taylor cambridge united goal exeter city cambridge united joel grant exeter city header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner assisted by craig woodman ollie watkins exeter city wins free kick on the left wing foul by james dunne cambridge united substitution cambridge united ben williamson replaces uche ikpeazu foul by lee holmes exeter city leon legge cambridge united wins free kick in the attacking half pierce sweeney exeter city wins free kick on the left wing foul by adam mcgurk cambridge united attempt missed max clark cambridge united left footed shot from outside the box is close but misses to the right pierce sweeney exeter city wins free kick in the attacking half foul by luke berry cambridge united attempt missed adam mcgurk cambridge united left footed shot from the left side of the box is close but misses to the right luke berry cambridge united is shown the yellow card for bad foul attempt saved piero mingoia cambridge united right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal attempt missed robbie simpson exeter city header from the right side of the six yard box is close but misses to the right. | _START_ Exeter slipped into the bottom two of League Two as they were beaten 2-1 by Cambridge at St James Park. _END_ |
Holloway, who began his second spell in charge of the Championship club on Friday, previously worked with Bircham during his time as Millwall boss.
Bircham has since coached in the USA at Chicago Fire and Arizona United.
The 38-year-old was on the coaching staff at QPR, first as youth team coach and then development squad coach, between 2009 and 2014.
Having also made 167 appearances during five years as a player at Loftus Road, he described his return to the R's as "a dream come true".
Former Canada international Bircham told the club website: "QPR are the only club I'd have moved back to England for.
"The opportunity to work with [Ian] again, at a club that we both know inside out, was just too good to turn down."
David Oldfield and Dirk Heesen, part of the backroom staff under Holloway's predecessor Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, left the west London club on Monday. | New Queens Park Rangers manager Ian Holloway has appointed Marc Bircham as first-team coach. | holloway who began his second spell in charge of the championship club on friday previously worked with bircham during his time as millwall boss bircham has since coached in the usa at chicago fire and arizona united the 38-year-old was on the coaching staff at qpr first as youth team coach and then development squad coach between 2009 and 2014 having also made 167 appearances during five years as player at loftus road he described his return to the as dream come true former canada international bircham told the club website qpr are the only club have moved back to england for the opportunity to work with ian again at club that we both know inside out was just too good to turn down david oldfield and dirk heesen part of the backroom staff under holloway predecessor jimmy floyd hasselbaink left the west london club on monday. | _START_ New Queens Park Rangers manager Ian Holloway has appointed Marc Bircham as first-team coach. _END_ |
It depicts the Manhattan skyline, with Trump Tower prominent.
It was originally drawn for a charity auction in 2005 but the winner later passed it on to the LA-based Nate D Sanders auction house.
Auctioneer Michael Kirk told journalists from artnews.com that the drawing had received five times more interest than the firm was used to.
"It's attracted interest from not just Trump followers, but also presidential memorabilia collectors," he said.
There were 11 bids for the drawing, starting at $9,000.
Other Trump memorabilia sold in the past includes a Ferrari, a set of golf clubs, and a bottle of whisky signed by him. | A drawing by US President Donald Trump has sold at auction for $29,184 (£22,000). | it depicts the manhattan skyline with trump tower prominent it was originally drawn for charity auction in 2005 but the winner later passed it on to the la-based nate sanders auction house auctioneer michael kirk told journalists from artnews.com that the drawing had received five times more interest than the firm was used to it attracted interest from not just trump followers but also presidential memorabilia collectors he said there were 11 bids for the drawing starting at $9 000 other trump memorabilia sold in the past includes ferrari set of golf clubs and bottle of whisky signed by him. | _START_ A drawing by US President Donald Trump has sold at auction for $29,184 (£22,000). _END_ |
Patience, 29, won silver three years ago with Stuart Bithell, and this time teams up with two-time world champion Elliot Willis in the men's 470.
"It's such an exciting phone call to get and it just gets the wee butterflies going," said Patience.
"I'm always proud to don the Team GB shirt and here we go again. Round two, let's fight."
Patience and Willis won the European Championships just six months after getting together, and in January won gold at the ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami.
Patience said: "You dream about a single thing for so many years of your life, certainly all of my adult life in my case, so to get the call saying you're selected for the Olympics is just so good, such an honour.
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"I'm just so pleased to be in a team with Elliot and be able to experience his first excitement to it all. He is a very grounded guy and he is very unaffected by the occasion, but let's be honest it's the Olympic Games, and it is going to be a good one.
"I'm so pleased to be in a boat with him, we get on really well. We raced each other hard, to the bone, in our younger years and here we are in the team together.
"Stuart and I had a fantastic experience last time round and I'm sure me and Elliot and I are on the same path to have a fantastic experience to go and race hard. He has got to be one of the most talented and successful sailors that has yet to go to the Olympic Games so I'm so pleased that he has that opportunity."
Asked about how he expects Rio to compare to London, Patience told BBC Scotland: "It'll be a new challenge, totally different.
"We're overseas, it's trickier out there - the culture, the climate - and trying to make somewhere over the other side of the world feel like home."
"I do this sport to win, I don't do it for any other reason.
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't going there next year to try and bring home a gold medal. That is the goal, it's what drives us every day, it's what gets me out of bed in the morning and it's what driven me for all these years."
Giles Scott, Saskia Clark, Hannah Mills, Bryony Shaw, Nick Thompson and Alison Young are the others who were named on Wednesday morning. | Scottish sailor Luke Patience is among eight British sailors selected for the Rio Olympic Team GB squad. | patience 29 won silver three years ago with stuart bithell and this time teams up with two-time world champion elliot willis in the men 470 it such an exciting phone call to get and it just gets the wee butterflies going said patience always proud to don the team gb shirt and here we go again round two let fight patience and willis won the european championships just six months after getting together and in january won gold at the isaf sailing world cup miami patience said you dream about single thing for so many years of your life certainly all of my adult life in my case so to get the call saying you re selected for the olympics is just so good such an honour media playback is not supported on this device just so pleased to be in team with elliot and be able to experience his first excitement to it all he is very grounded guy and he is very unaffected by the occasion but let be honest it the olympic games and it is going to be good one so pleased to be in boat with him we get on really well we raced each other hard to the bone in our younger years and here we are in the team together stuart and had fantastic experience last time round and sure me and elliot and are on the same path to have fantastic experience to go and race hard he has got to be one of the most talented and successful sailors that has yet to go to the olympic games so so pleased that he has that opportunity asked about how he expects rio to compare to london patience told bbc scotland it ll be new challenge totally different we re overseas it trickier out there the culture the climate and trying to make somewhere over the other side of the world feel like home do this sport to win don do it for any other reason would be lying if said wasn going there next year to try and bring home gold medal that is the goal it what drives us every day it what gets me out of bed in the morning and it what driven me for all these years giles scott saskia clark hannah mills bryony shaw nick thompson and alison young are the others who were named on wednesday morning. | _START_ Scottish sailor Luke Patience is among eight British sailors selected for the Rio Olympic Team GB squad. _END_ |
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24 April 2014 Last updated at 11:39 BST
The animals were only young when they were rescued from illegal traffickers so have been raised in captivity.
Now they are finally able to swim free in their natural environment.
See the moment they were released. | Four manatees have been released back into the wild in Peru. | media playback is unsupported on your device 24 april 2014 last updated at 11:39 bst the animals were only young when they were rescued from illegal traffickers so have been raised in captivity now they are finally able to swim free in their natural environment see the moment they were released. | _START_ Four manatees have been released back into the wild in Peru. _END_ |
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