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Mr Shapps said he would be writing to the UN secretary general to protest. He claimed the UN official Raquel Rolnik failed to meet any ministers or officials, was biased and had wrongly called the "spare room subsidy" policy "the bedroom tax". Ms Rolnik says her recommendation is for the policy to be suspended. She rejected most of the criticisms made by Mr Shapps, although she did apologise for referring to the policy as the bedroom tax, telling the BBC she had done so because that was "what everyone has been calling it since I got here". Under the government's benefit changes social tenants deemed to have more bedrooms than they need have had their housing benefit reduced since April. Ministers say private sector renters do not get spare rooms free, and argue the change will save around £500m a year and free up much needed larger properties. Ms Rolnik told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that she had received "hundreds of testimonies" and said there was a "danger of a retrogression in the right to adequate housing" in the UK. She cited examples of disabled people, or grandmothers who were carers, and said the measure seemed to have been designed "without the human component in mind". She said her recommendation was "that it should be suspended" to allow time to better assess the human rights implications, and so it could be redesigned. Ms Rolnik, who is producing a report on adequate housing around the world for the UN human rights council, says she was in the UK for two weeks at the government's invitation. Her visit included trips to London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast and Manchester. Mr Shapps, responding to her comments on Today, said that she had not been invited by ministers and "she has clearly come with an agenda". "It is completely wrong and an abuse of the process for somebody to come over, to fail to meet with government ministers, to fail to meet with the department responsible, to produce a press release two weeks after coming, even though the report is not due out until next spring, and even to fail to refer to the policy properly throughout the report. "That is why I am writing to the secretary general today to ask for an apology and an investigation as to how this came about." He also said that she came from a country, Brazil, "that has 50m people in inadequate housing". In his letter to UN secretary general Ban Ki Moon, Mr Shapps urged the claims to be withdrawn and said: "By referring to the policy as the 'bedroom tax' and posing for photos receiving 'dossiers' from those opposed to ending the Spare Room Subsidy, I believe that Ms Rolnik has shown political bias. "We would have hoped that Ms Rolnik would have taken the necessary steps to ensure that her report was based on all the information available to her from the Government before she declared her conclusions less than two weeks after her
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Davidson said he plans to "set the record straight" with 40 Years On - which will tour the UK from October. The show will cover the entertainer's life from his breakthrough on talent show New Faces in 1976 to winning Celebrity Big Brother in 2014. "This is an honest and raw reflection of my life, both in the spotlight and personally," Davidson said. The comedian, who has written the show himself, has promised never-before-heard stories about the "highs, lows and controversies of a unique life spent in the public eye". Davidson, who has been married five times, is well known for presenting TV shows including The Generation Game and Big Break. He was awarded an OBE in 2001 for his services to charity and founded the British Forces Foundation and Care After Combat - both of which help British service veterans and their families. But in recent years he has been criticised for controversial jokes about women, rape, homosexuality and disability. A year before his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, Davidson was arrested at Heathrow airport by officers working for Operation Yewtree on accusations of historic sex abuse, but he did not face charges. Follow us on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, on Instagram, or email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.
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Merseyside Police were called after the Mercedes Sprinter was taken from outside Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 26 October. Officers said a vehicle discovered in the Tuebrook area three days later has since been identified as the tour bus. The comic has tweeted his thanks to the police and the "good people of Liverpool" for their help. Mr Bailey's manager said the van had been given false number plates and had suffered "minor" crash damage. A laptop, several bags and suitcases belonging to the crew remain missing, he added. Merseyside Police said they were continuing to search for a man pictured in CCTV images released after the theft.
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Twenty people were killed in the attack on the Erawan Shrine in August. Authorities say Bilal Mohammed, also known as Adem Karadag, and Yusuf Mieraili have both confessed to their roles in the blast. The two suspects have been indicted on 10 charges, including murder, but not terrorism. A lawyer for one of the men told the Reuters news agency that the charges included premeditated murder, illegal possession of weapons, and murder. "The court has accepted the 10 charges that prosecutors formally brought against the two men," said lawyer Schoochart Kanpai. The two have been in custody for nearly three months. Documents sent by prosecutors to the court said both men were Chinese nationals from the Muslim Uighur minority. China has long faced criticism for the perceived harsh restrictions it places on religion and culture in Xinjiang, where the majority of Uighurs live. Thailand recently found itself in the spotlight following its forced repatriation of more than 100 Uighurs to China. Police have released warrants for a total of 17 people over charges stemming from the attack. They believe many have fled the country. The motive for the bombing remains unclear. The Erawan shrine - with its four-faced golden statue of the Hindu god Brahma - is considered sacred by Thai Buddhists, and attracts many foreign visitors.
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A lawyer for French journalist Florence Hartmann said she was "very happy". Hartmann, 53, was arrested over a 2009 conviction for contempt for disclosing confidential documents. She was initially sentenced to a fine, but this changed to seven days' jail when the court ruled she had not paid. She insisted the money was deposited in a French account. A statement from the tribunal said she was being released early from the detention unit at The Hague because of her "exemplary conduct... and her completion of more than two thirds of her sentence". Hartmann was detained on Thursday in The Hague, where she had gone for the verdict against former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic. Her lawyer, Guenael Mettraux, told AFP news agency on Tuesday that she "will be released today. I just spoke with her and she is gathering her things together". He said she was "very happy". On Monday, Mr Mettraux had said she was being kept in isolation with the lights permanently on. The tribunal's statement on Tuesday acknowledged a complaint about the conditions of her detention but said it was "unfounded". Hartmann worked for the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia from 2000 to 2006. She wrote a book, Peace And Punishment, and an article in which she disclosed the existence of confidential documents on the Serbian government involvement in the Bosnian war of the 1990s.
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It comes after a public appeal to find a donor for the BBC journalist, who has acute myeloid leukaemia and is dependant on a transplant to survive. She posted on Twitter to say the donor was a "good match" and she would return to hospital in two weeks to undergo the transplant procedure. "Thanks so much to all donors and all tweeted good wishes," she wrote. Ms Lloyd-Roberts, who has also worked for ITN, has reported on events in Syria, Burma and North Korea among many others, and has campaigned for human rights. The BBC held an open day last month for anyone aged 16-30 to join the register of the blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan Trust. Since being diagnosed more than four months ago, Ms Lloyd-Roberts has undergone two rounds of chemotherapy at University College Hospital in London, and is now in remission. She had expected a stem-cell transplant to take place in May, but the would-be donor failed medical tests and the operation was cancelled. The Anthony Nolan Trust says that only one in about 1,200 people on the register ends up donating in any given year because matches are rare.
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Health bosses are looking at efficiency savings such as downgrading one or two accident and emergency units. Other areas being reviewed include; acute medicine and surgery, maternity, orthopaedics, and paediatric services. Campaigners have expressed concern and are planning a protest over what they claim are plans to cut services. Analysis by the BBC Sunday Politics North East and Cumbria programme of draft plans and other documents has found the NHS will outspend its allocated budget by well over £1bn if savings are not made and the way services are delivered is not changed. "Sustainability and transformation plans" have been drawn up for individual regions, or health "footprints", and include the possibility of downgrading one, or both, of the A&E units at Darlington Memorial Hospital and North Tees Hospital in Stockton. Campaigners are planning a march between hospitals in County Durham and Teesside. They will set off from the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, and finish at Darlington Memorial Hospital a week later. Jo Land, one of the campaigners, said: "All services in our NHS footprint area, which is the area that we're walking, are under threat." Those behind the plans- a combination of clinical commissioning groups and health trusts across County Durham and Teesside - said they were being drawn up by senior doctors and surgeons locally. It said in a statement: "They are looking at general practice, mental health, providing more care in the community, and improving prevention as well as treatment. "Other aspects of A&E, including urgent care, paediatric assessment and frail elderly assessment could still take place locally. "No decisions have been made about which services may move as part of this work, but we will be sharing further details of plans later in the Autumn."
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But politics, here and across the world, is perhaps moving outside familiar currents, into choppy waters, leaving mainstream politicians unsure if they are waving or drowning at the voters. Take my fellow passengers, as I stuck a microphone underneath their noses and asked political questions that no reasonable person would want to answer before breakfast. But most wanted to have their say, and it wasn't always what I expected. I was braced for some pithy comments about senior politicians, but hardly what came: one was described to me as a "Marxist Zionist war criminal", even though the individual concerned is none of these things. These three men - who described themselves as "nationalists" - didn't like anyone else any better. Politicians were all the same, in it for themselves, and they wouldn't vote for any ever again. Well, maybe UKIP. But probably not. Three other passengers declared that they had never voted and never would. Four middle-aged women said they were Labour - "father was always Labour, so am I" - but quickly added that they are all the same: "In it for themselves, and take a third of your money." A scientific, judiciously balanced opinion poll this was not. Still, my trip to Gravesend captured a certain mood. There was a deep distrust of politicians, a distaste for them that bewilders those in Westminster. It was as if the Age of Insecurity met the Death of Deference and they had a child, born swaddled in contempt - I christen it The Disconnect. It is one of the underlying stories of our age, and I intend to bang on about it quite a bit, in these columns and on The World This Weekend. In the UK, two events have forced politicians to look voters in the eye. One was the Scottish referendum, a close shave with the end of a nation. It also gave the Scottish National Party more prominence, more members and soon more power. And in the south of England it is the rise of UKIP that has forced Team Westminster to examine what the future might hold. It is a situation that has been reflected by events in the US. The Tea Party, which is not a party, but a hydra-headed movement of like-minded malcontents, loathes Obama, but doesn't have much time for many Republicans either. Supporters have a hearty distaste for Washington's ways, for Washington professional politicians, and are careful to call themselves Conservatives rather than Republicans. They talk of "taking our country back". Even as the Republicans were in the middle of winning a stunning victory in this week's mid-terms, one leading Tea Party activist, Erick Erickson, was writing: "In 2014, the American public has shown that it hates Washington DC, and the Republican leaders in Washington are demonstrating why." He added: "Many of those GOP (Grand Old Party = Republican) Senate candidates who squeaked into office are, in my view, political philanderers - by which I mean that while they pledge their troth to
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The Trust launched a £16m bid for the Seasiders in July. But in a letter on the club website, Oyston said he doubted they had the "money or the experience necessary to support the club" in its hour of need. He has been the majority shareholder since 1988, but last season saw a series of protests against the way the Oyston family run the club. Blackpool, who were in the Premier League as recently as 2010-11, were relegated from the Championship last season. They are currently 19th in League One, having won four of their 14 games so far this season under manager Neil McDonald. Media playback is not supported on this device Launching what it described as a "fair and reasonable bid" three months ago, the Blackpool Supporters' Trust said a change in ownership was a "logical step" to try and move the club forwards. However, 81-year-old Oyston, whose son Karl is Blackpool chairman, said the Trust had "failed to respond to the questions which, if you were serious, you would have dealt with responsibly and comprehensively" and that if a takeover went ahead, the club would "go to the wall". Addressing the Trust, he continued: "It would be irresponsible of me to simply hand this over to you as it is clear to any independent observer that you could not operate it successfully. "I reiterate my admiration for your tenacity, enthusiasm, commitment and love for the club. As I have said before, these are wonderful qualities which I share with you, but these alone are not sufficient to ensure the continuance of our club." Oyston rejected a takeover offer from an unnamed "third party" in May, since when the Supporters' Trust has been at the forefront of discussions about a possible sale of the club. Earlier this month, club president Valeri Belokon, who owns 20% of Blackpool, confirmed he was interested in acquiring a controlling stake and was holding talks with local business people about a potential investment partnership.
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The 3.1 mile (5km) road links the A370, near Long Ashton, to the Cater Road roundabout in Hartcliffe. The plans have been drafted with Bristol City Council and North Somerset Council. People have until 21 August to comment on the proposals. Campaigners opposing the road say it is a "poisoned chalice" and a "staggering" waste of public money. They claim the cost of the road is £43.1m, which works out as more than £8,600 per metre. A spokeswoman for the West of England partnership said the road was needed because of traffic congestion. She said a lack of transport links in south Bristol discouraged investment by businesses and acted as a barrier to employers locating in the area. The combined road and bus route also includes new cycle and pedestrian paths. Bristol City and North Somerset Councils are contributing some £15m towards the cost of the road with other funding coming from the Department for Transport. Paper of the plans copies can be inspected at City Hall, Bristol; Bishopsworth Library, Gatehouse Centre, the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare; Castlewood, Clevedon, and Long Ashton library.
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A school bus driver told how he saved 11 children by reversing off Eastham Bridge in Tenbury Wells as its apex went crashing into the River Teme. Worcestershire County Council has launched an investigation. The authority's councillor responsible for highways said lorry drivers "chose to ignore the advice". Lorries had been in the area for road works, the council said. Marcus Hart, cabinet member for highways, said: "Plainly there was suitable signage in terms of unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles and obviously lorry drivers chose to ignore advice." More reaction and updates from Hereford & Worcester Barry Gutteridge, who lives nearby, said: "We get lorries weighing 25 tonnes. No wonder the bridge collapsed." Mr Gutteridge from Eastham said he had seen 17 loads of stones go over the bridge on Tuesday - the day it gave way. Bus driver Derek Trow was taking pupils home from Lindridge St Lawrence CE Primary School in Tenbury Wells when the bridge collapsed. He saw the road give way ahead of him and managed to back up moments before it crumbled. "There was an almighty row and the apex collapsed leaving a drop of about 10ft," the 62-year-old said. "We would have gone down there. We were lucky." The Grade II listed structure was built in 1793 and was originally a toll road until the council made it free in 1907. The council said the bridge was routinely inspected last December but because it is listed, repairs will take at least a year to carry out. The area has been made safe and an investigation had been launched, a spokesman said. He added: "Our investigations into the cause of the collapse are continuing and until we complete that process it would be wrong for us to speculate." A 10-mile diversion along the A443 remains in place.
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The cut was the first from the central bank in 18 months and was widely expected by financial markets. In reaction to the move, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 hit a seven-year high, up 1.3%, while the Australian dollar slumped to a six-year low of $0.7650. The RBA is the latest central bank to loosen monetary policy to boost growth amid falling oil and commodity prices. It follows China, Canada, Singapore, Korea and India that have all cut interest rates in recent months. Australia is dealing with an economic slowdown, largely due to a drop off in mining investment, which had been a driver of the resource-rich economy. "The available information suggests that growth is continuing at a below-trend pace, with domestic demand growth overall quite weak. As a result, the unemployment rate has gradually moved higher over the past year," RBA Governor Glenn Stevens said in a statement on Tuesday. In December, Australia's economic growth for the third quarter came in well below expectations, while its unemployment rate hit a 12-year high of 6.3% in November. After holding its fire for almost a year-and-a-half, the central bank has pulled the trigger on lower interest rates because of worries about the economy, both at home and abroad. An unprecedented cash rate of 2.25% is aimed at reigniting domestic confidence and performance by encouraging businesses and households to spend and borrow more. As profits and investment in the mining sector decline, growth here has faltered, and making money cheaper is the main weapon in the Reserve Bank's armoury. Some economists had, though, argued that a falling Australian dollar and lower oil prices were already doing the work of a rate cut by boosting GDP and reducing household fuel bills. There is a concern, too, that historically low interest rates may fuel an already-upbeat housing market, which has risen by about 20% nationally since the rate-reduction cycle started in late 2011. Depending on what lenders do, mortgage holders should benefit by seeing an average home loan fall by around A$56 ($43; £28) a month. The big question now is does the Reserve Bank have more rate cuts in its sights? Katrina Ell, an economist at Moody's Analytics, said Australia's low inflation environment, coupled with the global wave of policy easing also drove the cut. On Monday, a private survey showed that consumer price inflation rose just 0.1% in January from December, while the annual pace of 1.5% was the lowest reading since July 2012.
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Stephen Ward, 25, was found guilty of the 2014 manslaughter of his son Jordan by inflicting injuries at the family home in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Bristol Crown Court was told medical tests showed Jordan's injuries could not have been inflicted by accident. Ward was said to have a history of losing his temper when Jordan cried. The baby's mother, Paula Watts, told the court she once heard Ward slap Jordan when he was crying but he had told her he had just "tapped" their son. Ms Watts said she confronted Ward about Jordan's injuries after the baby had been admitted to hospital. She said: "I asked him to look me in the eyes and swear on my life that he hadn't done anything. He said he hadn't." Det Ch Insp Steve Bean said Ward "denied any wrongdoing", claiming Jordan had "choked then lost consciousness whilst he was feeding him" and "even tried to suggest that his ex-partner Paula might have been responsible". He said the tragedy of Jordan's death was "beyond description" and paid tribute to Ms Watts, adding Ward will "have to live with what he has done for the rest of his life".
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Prof Bob Steele has been appointed chairman of the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC). The UK NSC advises Ministers and the health service in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Prof Steele said he was "honoured" to take up his new role. The professor is one of the UK's leading authorities on cancer screening, which can detect the disease in its earliest stages. His main interest is in colorectal cancer. Prof Steele, who is head of cancer research at the university's school of medicine, said: "Screening is a vital component in our resources to tackle disease, and it is essential that it is employed responsibly by the NHS."
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And Budge hopes the newly renovated ground with more than 20,000 seats will be fully operational 12 months later. Edinburgh City Council will visit Tynecastle on Thursday with the final decision made by the planning department in October. "We really are almost there," Budge explained. "The planning committee will meet in October. They will be coming to look at what we want to do and why. I genuinely think we have answered all the questions and addressed all the problems. "Assuming it all goes through in October then I would like to think we would be knocking down some of the old buildings in November. "I would like to think that we will have the new stand fully operational, and by that I mean have all the seats in place, the toilets working, escalators or whatever else we will be putting in to run a match in place before the end of September next year." Scottish Premiership Hearts have been playing in front of near-17,400 capacity crowds at Tynecastle for the past year and Budge sees no reason why that will not continue during the building process. "We will have to get a health and safety certificate for every game that we play," she added. "But we know what we have to do. Supporters will be channelled in through fencing into the old stand and use the turnstiles, much as they do at the minute. "I'm expecting [the capacity] to remain the same. "Inevitably there will be a bit of disruption because it is a big building programme but we absolutely keep that to a minimum and the supporters who still want to come and sit in the old stand will do so."
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Their victim was left with serious facial injuries after being repeatedly kicked and struck with a bottle. The attack took place in the village's Buckie Road at about 21:25 on Friday. The injured boy was treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Police have appealed for information, saying it was a "brutal and frightening attack". The main suspect is described as white and male, about 15 or 16 years old. He is approximately 5'10" and was wearing a dark hooded top. Police think the attack may have been recorded on a mobile phone. Det Con Lynn Myles said: "This was a brutal and frightening attack, which has left a 15-year-old with significant injuries. "We are eager to trace the youths responsible for this incident, particularly the male who used a bottle as part of the assault. "I would ask anyone who saw this incident, or recognises the description of the suspect, to contact us as soon as possible. "I would especially appeal anyone who may have filmed this incident on a mobile device to get in touch with us and let us see this evidence."
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He had tickets for an Ed Sheeran concert, and was worried about being late. He also spoke to Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock on the phone too, which was also against the rules. We're looking at other personalities from the world of sport who have picked up suspensions for bizarre reasons - real or otherwise. Tevez was told he was "finished" at Manchester City by then boss Roberto Martinez after he refused to warm up in a Champions League match against Bayern Munich in 2011. The Argentine was fined a record £792,000. He was suspended, so decided to fly to Argentina without permission for a few months. Despite the fall out, Mancini performed an impressive about-turn by picking Tevez once he did return to Manchester. The Frenchman was handed a 12-month ban for drug abuse after he tested positive for cocaine in 2009. After serving some of that ban, it was overturned on appeal after his explanation that he had tested positive after kissing a girl in a nightclub and had inadvertently let cocaine into his bloodstream as a result. A university sports team has been suspended from playing for the rest of the academic year after calling female students "slags" and "mingers" in a leaflet handed out at a Freshers' Fair. The men's rugby club apologised for the leaflet admitting it contained "inexcusably offensive and stigmatising language". The leaflets were withdrawn on the second day of LSE's Freshers' Fair. Ireland missed an international match back in 2007 by falsely claiming his gran had died. The midfielder hasn't played for the Republic of Ireland since it was discovered he had lied about the death in the family. Earlier this year it was reported that the same grandmother bumped into Roy Keane on an aeroplane and pleaded with him to end her grandson's international exile. The Uruguayan had already used his teeth as an offensive weapon when he decided to take another nibble out of a player at this year's World Cup. Having missed the start of the tournament because of injury, Suarez had stormed back by scoring against England in the group stages. But it was against Italy that Suarez really left his mark, literally. He took a bite out of Giorgio Chiellini, picking up a four-month ban in the process. It is the longest ever ban in World Cup history. Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter and Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube
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It focused on a gang operating out of a Newport city centre shop, which was caught selling Lithuanian cigarettes. Gang leader Tahar Mohammed, 38, owned the flat above the shop and a chute was used to supply cigarettes on demand. Newport council said he was jailed for three years at Cardiff Crown Court. Mohammed admitted handling and selling more than £427,000 worth of smuggled and counterfeit tobacco. Shopkeeper Feryad Mohammed Abdul- Kadir, 33, received 20 months after admitting the same charges Many of the cigarettes were found at Mohammed's home address in Bristol along with a storage unit and at the Eastern European Food shop on Commercial Road in June 2015. The estimated duty and tax evaded was £300,000. The men, along with two others who worked in the shop, initially claimed little or no knowledge of each other but evidence disproved those claims. Workers Richard Jendrejcak, 41 and Burham Karim, 37, both received suspended sentences. John Cooper, Fraud Investigation Service assistant director at Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, said: "This gang thought they had a foolproof way of hiding their activity and could profit from selling illegal tobacco. "Tobacco smuggling robs communities of vital public funds and harms the livelihood of legitimate retailers. Newport council's cabinet member for regulatory functions, Bob Poole, said the prosecution was "a real achievement for all those involved and sends out a very clear message to anyone who thinks they can profit from the sale of counterfeit goods". "We have launched a campaign to make our city a 'Fake Free Newport' and this case represents just how prolific and profitable these illegal activities can be," he added.
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The Spaniard has made 48 appearances since signing from Espanyol for £2.5m in June 2013. Swansea go into Tuesday's Premier League game at West Bromwich Albion four points above relegation after recent wins over Watford and Everton. "This is my home. I am happy here and my family is too," said Amat, 23. "It's great news and I'm so happy to sign a new extension. "I've been here for two and a half years and I'm very happy to be here for another three years."
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The court decided last week that Parliament should get a vote on when the process of leaving the EU starts. The Daily Mail branded the judges "enemies of the people", while UKIP's Nigel Farage warned of street protests if the referendum result was ignored. The government is appealing against the ruling and the PM said it would be setting out "strong legal arguments". Judges ruled on Thursday Parliament should vote on when the government can trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, starting two years of formal negotiations with the EU. The government argues ministers already have sufficient powers - under the Royal Prerogative - to do this without MPs and peers having a vote. It has promised to fight to get the ruling overturned next month in the Supreme Court. It says the High Court's decision will not affect its Brexit timetable, but this has not prevented fierce criticism of the ruling from some newspapers, who fear it could open up the possibility of delays. Labour has said it will not seek to delay the triggering of Article 50, but some Remain-supporting MPs, including ex-Conservative minister Ken Clarke and former Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, have told the BBC that they are prepared to vote against it. The SNP's Brexit Minister Mike Russell has also told BBC's Sunday Politics Scotland programme he "can't imagine" any circumstances in which his party's 54 MPs would vote to trigger it. On her way to Delhi for a visit to promote UK-India trade, Mrs May said: "I believe in and value the independence of our judiciary. I also value the freedom of our press. I think these both underpin our democracy and they are important. "Of course the judges will look at the legal arguments. We think we have strong legal arguments and we will be taking those arguments to the Supreme Court." Analysis: John Pienaar, BBC deputy political editor, travelling with the prime minister At 37,000 feet, above the roar of the engines propelling the prime minister's official RAF Voyager aircraft towards Delhi, Theresa May's verdict on the raging "Press v judges" dispute was heard loud and clear in the crowded cabin. "I value the independence of the judiciary," she said. "I also value the freedom of the press." The latter was "important to democracy", she added. True, no prime minister would ever offer anything other than an unqualified endorsement of press freedom if invited to do so. But Mrs May repeated the words twice. Those who were outraged by the strength of the papers' attacks, and even saw the criticism as an assault on the independence of the judiciary, will be far less pleased than the editors framing the morning editions. Read more from John Pienaar Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, UKIP leader Mr Farage said the court's decision meant the country was faced with "half Brexit", adding the "reach of the European Union into the upper echelons of this country makes it quite difficult for us to trust
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Sydney Caraher was signed by Frame agency after coming first in a contest at a Merseyside shopping centre. Her mother said Sydney often compared herself to a boy after losing all her hair at the age of four, but the win had been a "huge confidence boost". Frame founder Laura Seymour added the five-year-old, from Upton, Wirral, was "beautiful, with or without hair". Alopecia is a hair-loss condition, which affects nearly 2% of the UK population. Doctors believe Sydney's first bout of alopecia, at the age of two, was triggered by stress following a hospital visit to remove a piece of a pen she got stuck up her nose. Although her hair grew back, she lost her eyebrows and eyelashes when she was three after her parents tried to part her from her dummy. Her hair started to fall out in clumps at the age of four, following an operation to improve her hearing by inserting grommets. "Brushing it was like something out of a film - it was coming out in handfuls and, when she woke up in the morning, it would be all over her pillow," Mrs Caraher said. "She went through a stage of saying she was a boy now. She was so young and just didn't understand so we went along with it. "However, when Frozen came out she quickly changed her mind and wanted to be a princess again." The family also had to deal with people staring at Sydney and wrongly assuming she had cancer. "Sydney winning this should help make people aware of the condition, and that there is support out there if they need it," Mrs Caraher said.
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The small train came off the tracks at Pembrey Country Park at about 12:30 BST on Thursday. The Welsh Ambulance Service said an adult and three children were taken to Glangwili General Hospital with injuries, which are not believed to be serious. Four adults and nine children were treated at the park for minor injuries. Dyfed-Powys Police said the Health and Safety Executive was due to carry out an investigation. Carmarthenshire council's deputy leader, David Jenkins, said: "The local authority is extremely concerned to hear about an incident regarding the miniature railway at Pembrey Country Park. "Our main focus at the moment is on assisting the emergency services; we are not able to comment further on this incident at this stage. "Whilst the park remains open to the public, we would ask visitors to be sensitive to the situation and allow emergency services to do their job."
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It made a similar move for the resource-rich territory in 2001, but that was rejected by a UN commission because of insufficient evidence. Russia's foreign ministry said the fresh bid is backed by scientific data. But all other countries bordering the Arctic - Norway, Denmark, Canada and the US - reject Moscow's claim. All five nations have been trying to assert jurisdiction over parts of the Arctic, which is believed to hold up to a quarter of the world's undiscovered oil and gas. The competition for Arctic resources has intensified in recent years as the shrinking polar ice opens new opportunities for exploration. Russia said its new submission to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf contained new arguments. "Ample scientific data collected in years of Arctic research are used to back the Russian claim," Russia foreign ministry said in a statement. Russia previously staked a claim to the Arctic seabed in 2007 by dropping a canister containing the Russian flag on to the ocean floor from a submarine at the North Pole. The new move comes a week after the Kremlin said it was strengthening its naval forces in the Arctic as part of a new military doctrine. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said the plans included a new fleet of icebreakers. Earlier this year, Russia's military conducted exercises in the Arctic that involved 38,000 servicemen, more than 50 surface ships and submarines and 110 aircraft.
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State-owned CalMac, which currently operates the services, and Serco Caledonian Ferries Limited are the only two companies competing for the work. The new contract covers an eight-year period. Scottish ministers are expected to make a decision before the end of May on who will run the services. The routes involved link the west coast mainland with the Inner and Outer Hebrides. The tendering process was the source of a dispute between unions and CalMac and the Scottish government last year. Following the row, an independent panel was set up to provide assurances about the process reported that it was being done in a "fair and open" manner. Martin Dorchester, managing director of CalMac Ferries Ltd, said: "I believe the bid we submitted last week is an outstanding piece of work and makes a compelling case for CalMac to win this hugely important contract. "I'm confident we will be the clear winner when a decision is reached in May and, if so, I'm determined that we'll deliver our best service levels yet." Jonathan Riley, Serco bid director for Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS), said: "After two years of eating, sleeping and breathing CHFS I am delighted to confirm that we have submitted our communities-led ferries proposal. "My team have put their hearts and souls into this. I have worked in the UK transport industry for over 30 years but I have to admit that I was humbled by the knowledge and passion from the people who rely on these lifeline services."
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The Scotsman writes that Mr Salmond led his party "from a minority movement into an election-winning political machine". The newspaper says there is "little doubt" Mr Salmond's deputy, Nicola Sturgeon, is favourite to succeed him as leader. David Torrance, analysing the impact of Mr Salmond on Scottish politics, says he is "perhaps the most significant politician to emerge from Scotland in the past three decades". In coverage of the referendum result, political correspondent Scott Macnab writes that "women and older voters were the secret weapon" that helped the "No" campaign win. The Herald runs with a quote from Mr Salmond's speech, in which he said "the dream shall never die", on its front page. The paper describes the announcement as "dramatic" and speculates that local government minister Derek Mackay and Humza Yousaf, the minister for external affairs, may also stand for the leadership. Columnist Iain Macwhirther writes of the resignation that Mr Salmond "was astute enough to realise that his time had finally come." The newspaper also writes that there is anger in the Labour party over plans to restrict what Scottish MPs can vote on at Westminster. And it has a pullout of analysis and results from Thursday's vote. The Daily Record, on its front page, describes Mr Salmond as "beaten but unbowed", running with a picture of the first minister with his wife Moira after they left his official home in Edinburgh, Bute House. The paper's political editor David Clegg says Mr Salmond "took the cause of Scottish nationalism to unimaginable victories" before Friday's "agonising defeat". Among tributes in the paper is one from Colin and Chris Weir, the euromillions winners who donated large sums to the "Yes" campaign. The paper also carries a pledge from Labour leader Ed Miliband that he will deliver more powers for Holyrood. The Scottish Sun splashes with a mocked up Looney Tunes image, with the headline "Nats all folks". The paper says Mr Salmond was "close to tears" during the announcement, which came after a "crushing referendum defeat". The paper, in its editorial, describes the first minister as "true colossus". And in a personal tribute, Ms Sturgeon says the "personal debt of gratitude" she owes Mr Salmond "is immeasurable". The paper also covers trouble in Glasgow's George Square on Friday night, saying hundreds of unionists clashed with police and "Yes" supporters. The Courier runs with the headline "Salmond steps down", The Express says he fell on his sword and The Daily Telegraph writes that the First Minister decided to "throw in the towel". A number of the UK papers cover the result of the referendum too. Proposed changes to government across the UK following the referendum result are also causing controversy. The Times says that there is deadlock in moves towards further devolution, while The Independent describes the United Kingdom as "disunited". The Guardian writes that the battle for new powers has now moved to England, with Labour and the Conservatives differing over who should vote on English laws.
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Mewn adroddiad gafodd ei gyhoeddi ym mis Rhagfyr, daeth Nick Bennett i'r casgliad y dylai Cyngor Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr dalu £3,310 i Rob Johnson erbyn Ionawr 21 ar ôl i ymchwiliad ddatgelu bod yr awdurdod heb fonitro ei gyfrif cynilo yn ddigonol. Mae Mr Bennett wedi rhybuddio'r awdurdod ei fod yn bwriadu cymryd camau pellach yn eu herbyn os nad ydyn nhw'n gwneud y taliad. Yn ôl y cyngor, maen nhw'n cymryd y cyfrifoldeb o fod yn riant corfforaethol ar gyfer plant mewn gofal yn ddifrifol iawn. Roedd Mr Johnson, sydd bellach yn 18 oed, yn ddwy oed pan gafodd ei faethu. Honnodd bod rhywfaint o'i gynilion wedi cael ei defnyddio, heb ymgynghori ag ef, i dalu am dripiau y dylai fod wedi derbyn lwfans arbennig ar eu cyfer. Wrth siarad gyda BBC Cymru, dywedodd bod y cyngor wedi ei "adael i lawr" a'i fwriad oedd defnyddio'r arian fel cronfa argyfwng personol. Dywedodd: "Byddai'r arian yn tawelu meddwl, byddai gen i rywbeth wrth gefn pe bai rhywbeth yn mynd o'i le. Fe fyddai'n gwella fy mywyd." Daeth ymchwiliad yr Ombwdsmon i'r casgliad bod prosesau'r cyngor ddim yn gyson, ac yn cyfateb i gamweinyddu. Mae'r adroddiad yn dweud bod yr awdurdod wedi methu â chadw cofnodion digonol na chadw llyfr cynilion Mr Johnson ar ddiwedd ei leoliad maethu, ac roedd hyn yn golygu ei fod yn aneglur pam fod ei gynilion mor isel. Dywedodd Mr Bennett "Dwi'n gobeithio rŵan y gallan nhw 'neud y peth iawn, y peth cyfiawn, y peth teg a thalu'r arian i'r dyn ifanc yma oherwydd ddaru ni ymchwilio yn hollol annibynnol, a 'da ni yn teimlo yr unig peth gallan nhw 'neud i sicrhau tegwch a chyfiawnder ydy sicrhau bod y taliad yma'n digwydd." Mae'n cydnabod bod ei adroddiad yn amlygu materion ehangach, systemig o ran cynilion plant mewn gofal, ond ychwanegodd ei fod "ishe gweld cyfiawnder i'r dyn ifanc yma". Bydd yr Ombwdsmon yn cyfarfod cynrychiolwyr y cyngor ddydd Mercher i drafod yr achos, ond dywedodd os nad yw'r cyngor yn newid ei safbwynt y byddai'n defnyddio ei bwerau i gyhoeddi adroddiad pellach, gan dynnu mwy o sylw i'r achos a chynyddu costau. Mewn datganiad, dywedodd Cyngor Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr y byddan nhw'n cydymffurfio â holl argymhellion yr Ombwdsmon heblaw am wneud taliad o £3,310 i Mr Johnson i "ad-dalu arbedion nad oeddent wedi'u gwneud ar ei gyfer yn ystod ei amser mewn gofal maeth". Yn ôl yr awdurdod, does dim cyfraith na pholisi cenedlaethol yn rhoi hawl i gynghorau orfodi gofalwyr i arbed arian ar ran plant mewn gofal. Maen nhw'n pwysleisio bod yr achos yn codi materion ar lefel genedlaethol, ac y byddai'n "amhriodol" felly i geisio delio â'r materion ar lefel leol. Mae'r cyngor hefyd yn codi pryderon y byddai gweithredu argymhellion yr adroddiad yn arwain at gyfrifoldebau ychwanegol i ofalwyr maeth ac fe allai hyn atal gofalwyr maeth presennol a newydd rhag gwirfoddoli. Er hynny, maen nhw'n croesawu'r ffaith y bydd y mater yn cael ei drafod yn y cyfarfod Rhwydwaith
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The proposed £6m facility at Woodford Leisure Centre would see the closure of East Hull Pools on Holderness Road, which has been open since 1898. The Hull City Council consultation is running until 5 January. The local authority has said the new 25 metre pool would be more modern, energy efficient and less expensive to maintain and run.
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MPs will vote on Monday on a UK government plan to renew the ageing weapons system. It is opposed by the SNP, Plaid Cymru and some Labour MPs. Tory MP David Davies said discussions on Trident cannot be put on hold while Labour "sort themselves out". In Wales, the Pontypridd MP and Labour leadership contender Owen Smith has said he would vote to support the renewal of Trident, which is based on the Clyde in Scotland. This puts him at odds with the current party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Mr Flynn has previously called Trident a "sinful waste of money". Renewing the weapons would cost billions of pounds. Mr Flynn told BBC Wales: "This is a crude political stunt designed to expose divisions in the Labour Party. "This is not about retaining an expensive but unusable virility symbol. It's about posturing and playing party political games. "Labour's free vote will avoid political damage." But David Davies, Conservative MP for Monmouth, said: "We have been talking about Trident for ages. We are going to have to have a vote on it at some point. "The Labour party has had internal problems for what seems to be quite some time. They show no sign of ending any time soon. "We can't put the discussion about the nation's defences on hold while we wait for the Labour party to sort themselves out." The SNP has said that the Trident renewal plans "need more scrutiny". The party's Westminster group leader Angus Robertson said "neither the Tories nor Labour are in any fit state to be giving proper scrutiny to decisions as important as this." A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said: "The UK's independent nuclear deterrent is the ultimate guarantee of our nation's safety which is why the government is committed to maintaining it. "We estimate costs will amount to around 0.2% per year of government spending - a small price to pay to ensure the security of British citizens."
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The 31-year-old, who began his career at the Priestfield Stadium, was named in the squad for their League One match at Southend on Saturday. Crofts earned a recall to the Wales squad for their upcoming friendlies against Northern Ireland and Ukraine. He has made 18 appearances for Albion this season, but has not featured for Chris Hughton's side since February. The loan deal has a 28-day recall option between the two clubs. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.
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Amy, directed by Asif Kapadia, was named best documentary at the European Film Awards. The film was condemned by her father Mitch Winehouse for painting the singer's family in a negative light. Best European film went to Youth while British actress Charlotte Rampling was given a lifetime achievement. Rampling also won best actress for her role in the British drama 45 Years at the event in Berlin on Saturday night. Veteran actor Michael Caine received two trophies - he was presented with an honorary award and was also named best actor for Youth. He said: "It's been 50 years and I've never won an award in Europe. And now I've won two in one evening. It's so strange because I (usually) sit in these audiences and just clap someone else." The film, which co-starred American actors Paul Dano and Harvey Keitel, earned Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino the award for best director. Greek director and writer Yorgos Lanthimos picked up the screenwwriting award for his surreal drama The Lobster, which starred Irish actor Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz. The Irish film Song of the Sea was given the animation award. German-Austrian star Christoph Waltz, currently on screens in the latest Bond adventure Spectre was presented with the award for European achievement in world cinema. The European Film Academy was founded in 1988 and aims to promote films from across the continent.
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Higher carrot prices and the decision to harvest its carrot crop early led to a smaller crop that disappointed customers, Campbell said. The soup giant said earnings fell by 2% to $235m (£177m) in the company's fourth quarter. Campbell Fresh, the organic and fresh food division, suffered the most with operating profits falling by 62%. "I am not pleased with the results of our fourth quarter," said Campbell's chief executive Denise Morrison. "The performance of our Campbell Fresh business, driven predominantly by execution issues." The Bolthouse Farms division which is responsible for the carrot crop was also hurt by a recall of its protein drinks in June. The company reported an overall $81m loss for the May to July quarter, mostly due to a $141 million pre-tax charge, and the news prompted a 6% fall in Campbell's shares on Thursday. The company made a $17m profit in the same quarter in 2015. The soup maker has been expanding its Campbell Fresh division through several acquisitions including Bolthouse in 2012. In the past few weeks, the management within the unit has been reshuffled and the president of Boathouse has left the company. Campbell's said it was focused on improving management of the entire Fresh supply chain but expected the lower sales to continue into the next quarter.
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The Adam Smith Institute, a free-market think tank, said the UK's policies had failed to stop the production and use of cannabis or the associated crime. Its report said the UK should follow the lead of the US, where four further states legalised marijuana in this month's elections. The Home Office said it had no plans to legalise the "harmful drug". Former Deputy Prime Minster Nick Clegg and former health minister Norman Lamb are among a cross-party group of MPs that have backed the report. The Tide Effect, which was compiled with VolteFace, a drugs policy think tank, called for "root and branch" reform to legalise and regulate cannabis to ensure it meets acceptable standards and to remove the market for criminal gangs. It said a legal cannabis market could be worth £6.8bn to the economy annually, potentially raising between £750m and £1.05bn in tax revenues and reduced criminal justice costs. The number of offenders in prison for cannabis-related offences in England and Wales would also likely drop from the current 1,363, who cost taxpayers £50m a year, the report said. It comes as Germany is about to legalise cannabis for medical purposes while Canada prepares for decriminalisation of the drug. The Netherlands effectively decriminalised cannabis decades ago while in 2001 Portugal changed the law to turn possession of drugs into an "administrative offence", sending those caught with drugs for personal use to a "dissuasion board" rather than face prosecution. Mr Clegg said: "British politicians need to open their eyes to what is happening in the rest of the world. "Cannabis prohibition is being swept away on a tide of popular opinion and replaced with responsible legal regulation. "Now is the time for ministers to start writing the rules for this legal market, including age limits and health warnings, so that we can finally take back control from the criminal gangs." The report said regulation was "substantially more desirable" than simply decriminalising the drug or unregulated legalisation. Regulation would remove gangs from the sale and production of the drug, ensure the product meets acceptable standards and raise money through taxation, it said. It also said a proportion of tax revenues from the sale of cannabis could be invested back into public services, particularly for those most vulnerable to the negative impacts of its use. Report author Boris Starling said the advantages of a properly regulated cannabis market "far outweigh the disadvantages". He said attempts to control consumption through prohibition did not work and "have not done so for many decades". Mr Lamb said: "Prohibition is harmful and counter-productive, helping neither to reduce drug use nor the risks to public health." A Home Office spokeswoman said: "This government has no plans to legalise cannabis. "There is a substantial body of scientific and medical evidence to show that cannabis is a harmful drug which can damage people's mental and physical health. "The UK's approach on drugs remains clear - we must prevent drug use in our communities and support people dependent on
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The photo-themed social network took the measure after being asked to respond to an investigation by #BBCtrending - a new social media series. The journalists had uncovered many pictures and videos of narcotics posted alongside text advertising their sale. Instagram is owned by Facebook. The firm has a policy of acting on posts reported as being inappropriate, but it believes it would be impractical and invasive to search for such material. "Instagram has a clear set of rules about what is and isn't allowed on the site," a spokeswoman told the BBC. "We encourage people who come across illegal or inappropriate content to report it to us using the built-in reporting tools next to every photo, video or comment, so we can take action. "People can't buy things on Instagram, we are simply a place where people share photos and videos." Among Instagram's "report photo/video" choices is the option to identify suspected drug use. The BBC understands Facebook's staff aim to review posts flagged to either of its social networks within 48 hours. They also have the option of blocking terms classed as "bad hashtags" - ones that promote banned activities - if they are mentioned in the press or in user reports. The only content Facebook does actively search for is images of child abuse. Most of the drugs-related activity appears to be taking place in the US. "Just getting a few packs ready for tomorrow morning... Place your order today, it gets shipped out at 8AM tomorrow," read one post placed beneath an image of bags of marijuana. Another picture showed a variety of pills, adding: "$2 a pop for xans, $10 a pop for roxys." This refers to Xanax, a psychoactive anxiety treatment, and Roxicodone, an opiate used to treat pain. Both require prescriptions in the US and the UK, but are sometimes bought on the black market. Crystals of MDMA and other amphetamine-related substances were among other drugs advertised via photos and videos. In many cases the buyer and seller arranged to finalise their deals using WhatsApp or Kik - instant messaging apps in which they could keep messages private. Like Instagram, accounts can be set up on these services without revealing either party's true identity. Instagram is not the only social network on which drugs are advertised. The BBC has also seen instances of the practice in comments below some videos on Google's YouTube service. But while it is relatively common for the person who uploaded a drug-themed photo or video on Instagram to be the one advertising the sale of the substance, on YouTube the person posting the ad tends to do so below videos belonging to others. Like Facebook, Google relies on users reporting a problem before taking action. "We take user safety seriously and have guidelines that prohibit any content encouraging dangerous, illegal activities," said a spokeswoman for YouTube. "This includes content promoting the sale of drugs. YouTube's review teams respond to videos flagged for our attention around the clock, removing millions
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Criminal proceedings have been started against the middle-aged men for using symbols from a banned organisation. The pair have been released on bail of €500 (£450; $600) each. Germany has strict laws on hate speech and symbols linked to Hitler and the Nazis. The men - aged 36 and 49 - could face a fine or a prison sentence of up to three years, according to police. The same charges are most commonly used to prosecute members of the far right. A police spokeswoman told AFP news agency that the men could leave the country during the investigation and that if a fine is handed down, the bail money they had already paid would probably cover it. The visitors were seen taking pictures of each other with their mobile phones outside the Reichstag building, which houses the German parliament.
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The 2011 world 400m hurdles champion, 29, missed the 2015 World Championships after a year wrecked by injury but is awarded the top level Podium funding. Paralympic field athletes Aled Sion Davies, Kyron Duke and Hollie Arnold also receive the top financial support. Seren Bundy-Davies, part of the women's 4x400m relay squad, and 110m hurdler David Omoregie get lower-tier funding. Other Welsh athletes to be granted funding include Jordan Howe, Rhys Jones, Bradley Wiggley and Laura Sugar as part of the Paralympic Podium Potential programme. T35-38 women's relay team sprinter Olivia Breen also gets funding. Funded by the National Lottery through UK Sport, World Class Performance Programme selection is based upon the potential to win medals at an Olympic or Paralympic Games and is split into two levels: Podium (for athletes with the potential to win a medal at Rio 2016) and Podium Potential (for athletes developing towards Tokyo 2020). British Athletics performance director Neil Black said: "2015 was an excellent year for the British Athletics teams at both the IAAF and IPC World Championships, in Beijing and Doha respectively. "I am confident those we have invited onto the 2015-16 WCPP will build on the foundations and successes achieved over the last 12 months. "Our immediate focus is firmly on medals next year in Rio 2016, followed by London 2017 when we will host both the IAAF and IPC World Athletics Championships. "From there, the attention shifts to Tokyo 2020. Our WCPP selections absolutely reflect that focus and all the athletes selected will be expected to fulfil tough performance criteria. "I look forward to working with these exceptionally talented athletes as we head into an Olympic and Paralympic year, which also includes the World Indoor Championships and the [European Athletics and IPC] European Championships." Olympic (21) Dina Asher-Smith (John Blackie); Holly Bradshaw (Scott Simpson); Jessica Ennis-Hill (Toni Minichiello); Mohamed Farah (Alberto Salazar); Adam Gemili (Steve Fudge); Robbie Grabarz (Fuzz Ahmed); Dai Greene (Benke Blomkvist); Sophie Hitchon (Tore Gustafsson); Zharnel Hughes (Glen Mills); Katarina Johnson-Thompson (Mike Holmes); Laura Muir (Andy Young); Christine Ohuruogu (Christine Bowmaker); Andrew Osagie; Tiffany Porter (Rana Reider); Andy Pozzi (Malcolm Arnold); Shara Proctor (Rana Reider); Greg Rutherford (Jonas Tawiah-Dodoo); William Sharman (Jerzy Maciukiewicz); Lynsey Sharp (Rana Reider); Lorraine Ugen (Shawn Jackson); Laura Weightman (Steve Cram) Paralympic (25) Hollie Arnold (Anthony Hughes); Paul Blake (Rob Ellchuk); Daniel Bramall (Rick Hoskins); Jonathan Broom-Edwards (Fuzz Ahmed); Mickey Bushell (Jenny Archer); Joanna Butterfield (Phil Peat/Shona Malcolm); Hannah Cockroft (Jenni Banks); Kadeena Cox (Brian Scobie); Aled Davies (Ryan Spencer-Jones); Kyron Duke (Anthony Hughes); Toby Gold (Jenny Archer); Dan Greaves (John Godina); Sophie Hahn (Joe McDonnell); Georgina Hermitage (Paul MacGregor); Abbie Hunnisett (Mark Hunnisett/Camilla Thrush); Sophie Kamlish (Rob Ellchuk); Maria Lyle (Tabo Huntley); Dean Miller (Bud Baldaro); Stephen Miller (Ros Miller); Stephen Osborne (Jenni Banks); Melissa Nicholls (Job King); Jonnie Peacock (Steve Fudge); Stefanie Reid (Aston Moore); Richard Whitehead (Keith Antoine); Bethany Woodward (Lee Doran) Olympic (29) Kate Avery (Tony Simmons); Chris Baker (Sharon Heveran); Meghan Beesley (Nick Dakin); Tom Bosworth (Andi Drake);
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Ruby-Tuesday Hobbs, 18, was hit by a suspected drink-driver on Christmas Eve near Drakes Circus in Plymouth. A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of stealing the teenager's iPhone, the Plymouth Herald reported. Miss Hobbs is being treated for multiple leg fractures at Derriford Hospital. Medics said her condition is "stable". More on this story and other news from Devon and Cornwall. The college student was with friends on Charles Street at around 06:30 GMT on Christmas Eve when she was struck by a BMW. Police confirmed a 35-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of the theft of a mobile phone from Charles Street on Christmas Eve and released on bail until 1 February. A 27-year-old man from Plymouth was previously arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving under the influence and bailed until 23 January.
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City were accused of playing midfielder Keira Walsh in their Continental Cup match against Sunderland on 15 August. The club were cleared - but it has now been revealed the FA could not find and failed to process the paperwork. However, the FA had earlier emailed the club to confirm it had received the documents. In a statement on the FA website, the FA WSL management committee said: "Having considered all the evidence and on the basis of written and oral submissions, the FA Women's Super League Management Committee was not able to satisfy itself that the registration form had not been received in the offices of the Football Association. "It was significant in the opinion of the management committee, that whilst the registration form could not be located and had not been processed, that written confirmation from The FA, in the form of email, had been received by Manchester City Women FC." City's Continental Cup quarter-final at Arsenal Ladies on 13 September had to be postponed because of the proceedings. The fixture is set to be played on Thursday evening.
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The temporary ban will take effect from Monday until 4 January 2016. Michelle McIlveen said the aim was to help people during the busiest traffic period of the year. She said the ban had worked well in previous years and was "well received" by business organisations. Andrew Irvine, Belfast City Centre Management Company, said shoppers and traders would "benefit greatly from this initiative".
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India's main stock index, the Sensex, rose 1.7% to 23,941.32 points in early trade on Tuesday. This follows a 2.4% gain on Monday ahead of the exit poll results. Analysts said investors were hopeful that a BJP win could help reverse the slowdown in India's economy. Exit polls released by Indian media organisations on Monday evening showed the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) well ahead in terms of predicted seat wins, and the governing Congress trailing badly. By Sameer HashmiMumbai business reporter Narendra Modi has campaigned on the economic record of his home state and presented himself as the pro-business candidate. And as the momentum behind his campaign has grown, the country's key stock market indices have risen sharply over the past few months - helped by foreign investors injecting over $5bn (£3bn) in to Indian companies. Most exit polls released after the five-week election marathon came to an end have suggested Mr Modi would get a strong mandate But some investors are cautious - not just because opinion polls have been wrong in previous elections - but also because big question marks remain over how much difference a new government can make at least in the short term to spur India's economy which has been growing at it's slowest pace in a decade. However, exit polls are notoriously inaccurate in India, partly because of the size and complexity of the electorate - in the last two elections, they were inaccurate and over-estimated the BJP's gains. Votes will be counted on 16 May. Mr Modi has campaigned on the promises of economic growth amid widespread dissatisfaction over the slowing economy and high inflation in recent years. One of the big criticisms of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government was that it delayed the implementation of key reforms, seen by many as key to long-term growth. Many critics had alleged that the government bowed to pressure from smaller regional allies over key issues. Analysts said that a clear majority for the BJP and its allies in the latest elections could give the government the necessary support to take measures aimed at boosting growth and investment in the country. "Looking through the noise, if the base scenario [BJP majority] happens, two things change structurally - first, you get a pro-investment government and one that is focused on infrastructure," said Salman Ahmed, global fixed income strategist for Lombard Odier Investment Managers. "A strong government that understands the need for infrastructure should be able to get reforms in place and put in place the conditions for long-term growth." David Kuo, director at The Motley Fool a financial advisory firm, told the BBC that "investors are betting that BJP and its allies will get a majority mandate, which means they will not be constrained by the demands of smaller regional allies when it comes to implementing key reforms". "Given his success as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi is widely seen as pro-investment and pro-business. "And that is something that India needs badly,
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John Wainwright, of Arnold, Nottingham, admitted regularly calling the emergency line at Nottingham Magistrates' Court earlier. On one day in August, he called the emergency number every 10 minutes, the East Midlands Ambulance Service said. The 43-year-old will be sentenced on 19 December following psychiatric reports. The court heard Wainwright, of Oxengate, Arnold, called the emergency number 875 times over five months but that was "just the tip of a very significant iceberg". A spokeswoman for EMAS said he would sometimes call just to say "I love you" while on other occasions he became abusive. But he often used 999 as a free sex-line or would say he was possessed by the devil, she added. Magistrates were told he had alcohol problems and bipolar disorder and sentencing was adjourned for psychiatric reports to be prepared. Wainwright admitted two counts of improper use of public electronic communications.
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Police were called to an address in Porcher Way shortly after 16:00 BST on Friday. A 66-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder. The woman has since been bailed but Lincolnshire Police have been granted extra time to question the man. Police appealed for witnesses.
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Tilhill Forestry was established in 1948 and grew to become the UK's largest forest management and timber harvesting company. It will now operate as a subsidiary of BSW Timber Limited, a Berwickshire-based firm which operates sawmills across the UK and in Latvia. Tilhill was previously owned by Finnish forestry giant UPM. What's happening in Scotland today? Keep in touch through our live page. The firm will retain its previous management and directorship, with three new board members joining from BSW. BSW Timber is a £210m business, producing more than 1.2m cubic metres of sawn timber each year for the UK's construction, fencing and landscape markets. Based in Earlston in the Borders, it already has a significant Scottish presence, with sawmills in Dumfries and Galloway, Fort William and East Lothian. George McRobbie, who is staying on as managing director at Tillhill, said: "This is an exciting step in the development of Tilhill Forestry which has grown from sales of £18m when I joined the company in 2001 to £120m today. "This change of ownership will allow the company to continue to grow while maintaining the professional standards that forest owners have come to expect from Tilhill Forestry." Tony Hackey, chief executive of BSW Timber Limited, added: "The acquisition marks the beginning of a strengthened partnership in the forest industry that will deliver quality from beginning to end - from creating new forests through to producing timber end products. "This significant acquisition creates the largest forest products company in the UK and underscores our ambition to increase the utilisation of UK timber."
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Florence Cassez had denied the charges and many irregularities were found in the case, including a staged televised police raid. Three judges on a panel of five voted to have Ms Cassez released immediately. The case provoked tensions between Mexico and France, where news of her release was widely welcomed. Ms Cassez, 38, was driven to Mexico City's international airport and landed in Paris on Thursday after an overnight Air France flight. "I have suffered as a victim for the last seven years," she told reporters at Charles de Gaulle airport, where she was met by family, members of her support group and dignitaries including French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius. "This is also a great victory for Mexicans in the sense that justice has been done," she said. Mr Fabius said the decision to free her showed that Mexico was a "great democracy". Ms Cassez's mother, Charlotte, told French television earlier the case had been full of suspense right to the end. "It's an explosion of joy. I can't quite believe it," she said. In a statement, President Francois Hollande said the decision marked the end of a "particularly painful period". "France thanks all those who, in Mexico as well as here at home, have fought so that truth and justice prevail," he said. Mr Hollande spoke to Ms Cassez by phone on Wednesday evening. Details of the conversation have not been revealed. "This is a historic day for Mexican justice," said her lawyer Frank Berton. Florence Cassez was arrested on 8 December 2005 at a ranch near Mexico City where several hostages were found. She denied knowledge of the kidnappings, carried out by a gang - the Zodiacs - led by her Mexican then-boyfriend Israel Vallarta, who confessed. The next day, Mexican TV showed what it described as live footage of a police raid, which it later transpired had been a reconstruction performed at the request of the media. The Supreme Court judges ruled that the reconstruction had violated Ms Cassez's rights. The decision to release her has been sharply criticised by one of the hostages, Ezequiel Elizalde, BBC Mexico correspondent Will Grant says. Mr Elizalde testified against Ms Cassez and has condemned the Supreme Court's decision as "disgusting", describing Mexico's institutions as "filth". This was the second time that the Supreme Court had taken a vote on freeing Ms Cassez. Last March, however, the judges decided against her release, despite acknowledging serious irregularities in the process. When first convicted, she was jailed for 96 years, But, in 2009, a court of appeal reduced the term to 60 years. French authorities tried to extradite her, but the move was blocked by the Mexican government. Mr Hollande's predecessor in the Elysee Palace, Nicolas Sarkozy, championed the case and repeatedly clashed with the Mexican government of then-President Felipe Calderon. Diplomatic tensions reached a peak two years ago when Mexican authorities cancelled a high-profile cultural event in Paris.
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Slash, with whom Weiland performed in rock supergroup Velvet Revolver, wrote on Twitter that it was "a sad day". "RIP Scott Weiland," said Dave Kushner, another Velvet Revolver member. Tom Vitorino, Weiland's manager, confirmed the singer's death at the age of 48 on Thursday night, saying he had "passed away in his sleep". A statement on Instagram said Weiland had died "while on a tour stop in Bloomington, Minnesota, with his band The Wildabouts". TMZ reported the singer's body was discovered on his tour bus outside a motel, near the venue where the band was due to play. Actress Juliette Lewis was one of the first to pay tribute to the singer following news of his death: "Sad to hear about Scott Weiland passing. He was a once of a kind epic force onstage. Thoughts are w[ith] his family," she tweeted. Rock band Wheatus, best known for the hit single Teenage Dirtbag, tweeted: "We opened for @STPBand in 2000. I watched them side stage and Scott Weiland destroyed me, he was the real thing. Seeing him changed me forever." Grammy organisers the Recording Academy of America hailed Weiland as "a grunge icon" adding his "extraordinary talent and captivating performances will forever live on and inspire legions of rock fans worldwide". Former Radio 1, now Beats 1 DJ Zane Lowe tweeted he was "very sad", adding: "So many moments spent listening to him sing in my headphones." Aerosmith's Joe Perry also praised Weiland as "such a gifted performer", while Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic said he was "really sorry to hear" the news. Additional tributes came from Travis Barker of Blink-182, who said it was "very sad news", and Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx, who expressed the hope that "it wasn't drugs" that caused his demise. Stone Temple Pilots had a messy origin - Scott Weiland and bassist Robert DeLeo met at a Black Flag concert, and realised they were both dating the same woman. They put their differences aside to form a band - initially called Mighty Joe Young - and became so close they wrote their debut hit, Plush, while sharing a hot tub. Powered by Weiland's distinctive lower register snarl, Stone Temple Pilots went on to sell 13.5 million albums in the US - but their stadium-ready anthems became a target for grunge purists, who accused them of being sell-outs. Success set Weiland on a dangerous path. The musician, who struggled with bipolar disorder, turned to heroin, and addiction made it impossible for the band to continue. Set adrift, he recorded a well-received solo album, 12 Bar Blues, and joined the rock supergroup Velvet Revolver - later admitting he did it for the money. "I can't call it the music of my soul," he told Spin magazine. In later years, he rejoined Stone Temple Pilots, and claimed to have kicked his bad habits. "I haven't had a needle in my arm in thirteen years," he told Blabbermouth earlier this year. "Overcoming my addiction to heroin was the hardest thing I've
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Jeremy made the big reveal during his appearance this morning on BBC Radio Two's The Chris Evans Breakfast Show. Jeremy said of joining Strictly, "I love it. Things I love: 1. Len shouting SEVEN. 2. When someone suddenly pulls off an astonishing dance that makes you cry, like Natalie Gumede. 3. Watching it with my young daughters when so few programmes have family overlap these days." When asked about the judges, Jeremy commented "They are the scariest bunch of people I have ever seen assembled in one place, but I love the fact that their expertise shines through." The 13th series of Strictly will start in September. The other celebrities taking part will be announced over the course of the next few weeks. Last year's competition was won by new Xtra Factor presenter Caroline Flack, who beat celebrities including Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge and EastEnders actor Jake Wood to win the glitterball trophy.
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The Spaniard, 51, was appointed in June of last year following the club's promotion from the Championship. The Hornets are 12th in the Premier League but have won just twice in 11 league games and lost their FA Cup semi-final with Crystal Palace. "The club would stress it is very happy with the job Quique and his staff have done this season," a statement read. "As the club has consistently made clear, no decision has been made on the future of Quique Sanchez Flores and certainly no decision will be taken until the club has held in-depth discussions with Quique. "Those discussions will only take place once the season has finished."
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Bradley Angus, 30, inappropriately touched a 28-year-old while giving her a massage at St Andrew's Church in Dumbarton in December 2013. He also attacked a 45-year-old woman in her home while part of a fundraising group going door-to-door in Irvine, North Ayrshire, in June 2015. At Kilmarnock Sheriff Court, sentence on Angus was deferred. Angus, formerly of Balloch, now of Glasgow, was also placed on the sex offenders' register. The court heard that the first attack took place at the church hall in Dumbarton where hairdressers, stylists, beauticians and nail technicians had offered their services in exchange for donations to good causes. The 28-year-old victim was lying in a darkened room in the hall under a towel when Angus touched her genital area. The woman's sister told the court: "I thought it was strange she was in for such a long time and when she came out she was walking back with her head down. "I asked her if she'd had a good time and she said she didn't want to talk about it. She looked upset, shocked and embarrassed. "I knew straight away there was something wrong with her and she told me what had happened." In the second attack, Angus was allowed into a house in Irvine and taken to the kitchen by a 45-year-old woman while her husband looked after their young son. She made him a cup of tea but moments later Angus fled the house as the "quite hysterical" victim called to her husband: "He's just touched me up." The man followed and confronted Angus but he claimed the victim had touched him and made advances. Sheriff Elizabeth McFarlane found Angus guilty of the sexual assaults which she said appeared to give him a "thrill" by being committed in public places. Angus will be sentenced next month.
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Brendan Rodgers's side looked to be maintaining the pressure on title favourites Manchester City, and reducing a gap in goal difference that remains at nine. Joe Allen's first league goal for Liverpool and strikes from Daniel Sturridge and Suarez put the Reds in complete command as the visiting fans urged their side forward in search of more goals, with City in their sights. Media playback is not supported on this device Instead, their fragile defence collapsed completely at the first sign of serious pressure as Palace sent Selhurst Park wild with goals from Damien Delaney and a double from substitute Dwight Gayle. Liverpool's point put them back on top of the table, but the sight of players on their haunches and an emotional Suarez - his face covered by his shirt as he was ushered towards the tunnel by captain Steven Gerrard and substitute Kolo Toure - told the tale. Manchester City are now in pole position to win the title, with home games against Aston Villa and West Ham United to come. Rodgers will be at a loss to explain how his team crumbled so badly to squander the chance to move closer to their first title in 24 years. Palace have proved their quality against illustrious opposition before this season, but here they made a tame start and allowed the visitors to take the early initiative. Liverpool had a clear penalty appeal rejected early on when Yannick Bolasie missed his kick completely in the area and only connected with Glen Johnson. "Never has going top of the Premier League with one game to play been greeted by such an outpouring of grief, despair and disappointment." Read more Referee Mark Clattenburg only awarded a corner, and Liverpool were frustrated once more when Mamadou Sakho headed Gerrard's kick off target when completely unmarked. Johnson was causing problems down Palace's left flank, and he should have put Liverpool ahead when he found himself clear on the end of Allen's raking long pass, but his header beat home keeper Julian Speroni and the bar. Liverpool's threat was growing and it was no surprise when they finally went ahead after 18 minutes. Allen pulled away from marker Joe Ledley to meet Gerrard's corner with space and time to head past Speroni. Palace finally showed more ambition as half-time approached, and Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet was called into action to save from Jason Puncheon and Mile Jedinak. Any hope of a recovery seemed to be swept away by Liverpool's dazzling start to the second half that, at that stage, looked to have put the game out of Palace's reach and ate into City's superior goal difference. Media playback is not supported on this device Sturridge saw his curling shot superbly turned on to the post by Speroni, only for Suarez to blaze the rebound wildly off target with the keeper still trying to recover his position. Speroni had no such luck moments later when Sturridge's low shot from the edge of the area took
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The UK's third biggest supermarket revealed sales in the three months to end of March fell 2.8% on a like-for-like basis. It was a slight improvement on the previous quarter, but analysts warned more work was needed. By contrast, Asda's parent company, Walmart, revealed a 1.4% rise in like-for-like sales in its native US market. Asda's latest fall was nowhere near as bad as the 7.5% drop in quarterly sales that it reported in August last year, and was slightly better than the 2.9% decline seen in the final three months of 2016. But chief executive Sean Clarke admitted more needed to be done to recover. He said: "We're pleased that the momentum of Q4 has continued into the New Year with a third consecutive quarter of improvement. "Despite this progress we are in no way complacent and there is still much for us to do." Bosses in the US said the results were a "sequential improvement" when accounting for the lack of a leap year and a later Easter this year. The number of shoppers heading to Asda stores fell 2% during the period and the average amount spent by customers also dropped by 0.8%. Asda has suffered hardest of the Big Four UK supermarkets, which includes Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons. The rivals have all had problems, but have managed to improve their performance in the past year. German discount rivals Aldi and Lidl have eaten into the Big Four's market share, although their rapid expansion of recent years has slowed. Tom Berry, associate retail analyst at GlobalData, said: "Asda's position as the main UK discounter prior to Aldi and Lidl's arrival, means they will suffer greatest in terms of losses in market share." In the US, Walmart said it was a "sold first quarter" for the business, with sales hitting $117.5bn - which was in line with analysts' expectations. The company, which used to be the world's biggest retailer, has been investing heavily to tackle the endless threat from Amazon. Bosses have snapped up a series of rival online businesses to try to temper Amazon's rise - particularly as the latter eyes up further expansion of its grocery delivery service. Asda had previously been the jewel in the crown for Walmart, but a focus on profits over sales has been blamed for the UK supermarket's recent poor fortunes.
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Here are a selection of images from the first three days of the event, which kicked off on Wednesday with a screening of French film La Tete Haute (Standing Tall). Ingrid Bergman's face adorns the exterior of the Palais des Festivals, the imposing edifice that provides the centrepiece and focal point of the annual film festival. Jury co-president Ethan Coen entertains juror Sienna Miller by finding a new use for a translation device at Wednesday's jury press conference. Joel Coen, Ethan's older brother and co-president, appears mildly amused. Jake Gyllenhaal joins Miller and the Coens on a jury that also includes French star Sophie Marceau and Mexican director Guillermo Del Toro. Gyllenhaal told reporters he was "thrilled to see films before anyone else... and for free!". Natalie Portman, pictured at Wednesday's opening night with husband Benjamin Millepied, is presenting her first feature as a director at this year's festival. Portman also appears in A Tale of Love and Darkness, a film told entirely in Hebrew that is "well-meaning but dreary" according to Variety. Lupita Nyong'o, Oscar-winning star of 12 Years a Slave and the upcoming Star Wars film, shows off her gown to photographers at the opening night gala. Having otherwise been engaged 12 months ago, Julianne Moore finally accepts the best actress award she won at last year's festival for Maps to the Stars from master of ceremonies Lambert Wilson. French actors Tahar Rahim and Adele Exarchopoulos do without shoes during a photocall for their film The Anarchist, part of the festival's Critics' Week section. British actor Toby Jones shields his eyes as he arrives for a press conference to promote Matteo Garrone's Tale of Tales, a fantasy that was greeted enthusiastically by critics on Thursday. Mexican actress Salma Hayek also has a role in Garrone's film, for which she was required to eat a "disgusting" pasta dish made to resemble the giant heart of a sea creature slain by her husband (John C Reilly). Tom Hardy cups an ear while fielding questions about his title role in Mad Max: Fury Road, a post-apocalyptic action movie that brought autovehicular car-nage to the celebrated Croisette. Hardy's co-star, actress Charlize Theron, was joined by her partner Sean Penn as she stepped out in yellow at the Fury Road screening on Thursday. Emma Stone and Woody Allen grapple with the wind and boredom respectively as they do the rounds for his latest feature, Irrational Man. The Cannes Film Festival runs until 24 May.
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James Hood, 52, told Jedburgh Sheriff Court that while it was illegal to deliberately hunt a wild mammal with a dog there were some exceptions. He was giving evidence at the trial of John Clive Richardson, 66, and Johnny Riley, 24, of the Jedforest Hunt. The father and son deny deliberately hunting a fox with hounds last year. The offence is alleged to have taken place near Jedburgh in February 2016. The court had previously seen footage filmed by investigators from the League Against Cruel Sports. Commenting on the video, Mr Hood said: "A fox can be flushed by dogs from cover to guns. "My opinion from the footage of the two incidents is that the fox is pursued by a number of hounds across open ground with one or two horsemen and other persons present. "The pursuit is beyond what is allowed in the exception." The footage showed the fox disappearing into a "blind spot" or "dead ground" with the dogs in hot pursuit so what happened to the fox was not captured on film. The court was told that lawyers acting for two huntsmen intend to lead evidence during the trial saying that the dogs were flushing the fox towards a gunman who was in the dead ground area where he shot the fox. However, Mr Hood - who has since retired from the police force - said he could not hear any gunshots on the videos during the incidents or see any sign of gunmen. He also visited the scene at Townfoothill near Jedburgh in March 2016 - three weeks after the alleged offence - and discovered the carcass of a fox in the dead ground area. All that was remaining was a vertebrae and three legs intact and round the paws there was some red fur. Mr Hood said a post-mortem examination was carried out on the carcass and there was no evidence that the fox had been shot. He agreed under cross-examination from defence lawyer David McKie that he could not say for certain that it was the same fox which the video had shown being pursued by the dogs. The trial of the two men, both from Abbotrule, Bonchester Bridge, has been adjourned until next month.
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Danielle Carter had an effort cleared off the line by Kirsty McGee, only for Dominique Janssen's low shot from outside the box to put the hosts ahead. Oshoala, who hit the post in the first half, rounded keeper Grace Moloney to add Arsenal's second after the break. Jade Boho Sayo reduced the arrears before Carter headed Arsenal's third. Arsenal Ladies: Van Veenendaal; Scott (Pablos Sanchon 80), Rose, Williamson, Mitchell; Janssen, Losada (Williams 66), Nobbs (Van de Donk 66); Carter, Oshoala, Corredera. Substitutes not used: Byrne, Stoney, Smith, McCabe. Reading Women: Moloney; Jane, Bartrip, McGee (Jones 78), Rowe; Hines (Estcourt 45), Ward, Bruton; Roche, Follis, Boho Sayo. Substitutes not used: Earps, Scott, Horwood, May-Walkley, Cox. Attendance: 1,208 Referee: Robert Whitton
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US Vice-President Mike Pence will visit this week and is expected to back the plan, which Russia strongly opposes. Georgia and Russia have had fractious relations over two breakaway republics and fought a brief war in 2008. Russia staged its own show of force on Sunday with President Putin joining a naval display in St Petersburg. The US-Georgia military drills, dubbed Noble Partner, involve some 1,600 US and 800 Georgian troops. The US has also deployed M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks and M2 Bradley infantry vehicles for the exercises, which will go on until 12 August. A number of other nations, including the UK, are involved. Georgian Defence Minister Levan Izoria said the "unprecedented" exercises would "make clear the support for Georgia by the Nato member states, especially the US". Although Georgia is not a member of Nato, it does voluntarily contribute to the Nato Response Force (NRF), the multinational force of land, air, navy and special operations units the alliance can deploy quickly when needed. The Russo-Georgian War in August 2008 led to Moscow occupying the Russian-backed self-proclaimed republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Meanwhile on Sunday, President Vladimir Putin attended a show of might on Russia's annual Navy Day. Some 50 warships and submarines were on displayed in the Gulf of Finland and on the Neva river around St Petersburg. China in Baltic navy drill with Russia Russia says new UK aircraft carrier 'a convenient target' He said in an address: "The navy is not only dealing with its traditional tasks but also responding with merit to new challenges, making a significant contribution to the fight against terrorism and piracy." There were other displays around the country, and Russia also showed off its naval hardware at its Syrian base of Tartus.
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The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said 562,337 new cars were registered in March, up 8.4% on the same month last year. Those figures were boosted by a change in the number plate in March and planned changes to the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), it said. Many customers would have benefited by buying their car before 1 April. Changes in the way cars are taxed came into effect on that date. In particular, anyone planning to buy a low-emission car would have had an incentive to buy before 1 April. "These record figures are undoubtedly boosted by consumers reacting to new VED changes, pulling forward purchases into March, especially those ultra-low emission vehicles that will no longer benefit from a zero-rate fee," said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. However, dealers and manufacturers will also have pre-registered some vehicles, which are not actually sold to buyers until a later date, sometimes at a discount. Diesel car registrations rose 1.6% in March to 244,463. However, diesel's share of the overall car market fell to 43%, from 46% in March 2016. Diesel cars were once touted as environmentally-friendly, but have fallen out of favour as studies have found they emit higher levels of polluting nitrogen oxides than petrol cars. That negative image was bolstered in 2015, when Volkswagen admitted to fitting cars with devices which allowed them to cheat emissions tests. As a result, diesel cars might be targeted when the UK government publishes its plan to meet EU air quality standards. That plan is due by the end of the month. The prospect of higher taxes has upset many car owners who were encouraged to buy diesel cars in the early 2000s by tax changes made by the Labour government. In March, registration of of low-emission cars jumped by almost a third, as customers raced to avoid higher taxes. From 1 April onwards, only newly registered vehicles with zero emissions - electric and hydrogen cars - will escape VED. For other low-emission cars, such as hybrids, there is a sliding scale of charges related to CO2 output for the first year of ownership. After that time, petrol or diesel vehicles are subject to a "standard" rate of £140 a year. Buyers of cars worth more than £40,000 attract a "premium" levy. After their first year of ownership they pay an extra £310 a year, for five years, on top of the £140 standard rate. Previously most low-emission cars would not have paid any VED. But Mr Hawes warned that the March rise could be followed by slowdown in April, particularly as there are fewer selling days in April because of the timing of Easter. But he expects the market to remain strong this year. "Looking ahead to the rest of the year, we still expect the market to cool only slightly, given broader political uncertainties, as there are still attractive deals on offer," Mr Hawes said. However, some economists are less optimistic. Howard Archer, chief economist at IHS Markit, says
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Mike Hedges said Wales had a "rich and hugely influential" religious heritage. While Wales was known as the "land of castles", it had many more chapels, churches and religious buildings, the Swansea East AM added. The Welsh Government said its faith tourism action plan would promote "this significant part of our heritage" to visitors and locals. Mr Hedges, a regular chapel-goer, said it was "amazing" how many people visit the former Ebenezer chapel in Swansea because of its connections with Christmas Evans - one of Wales' greatest preachers. Christmas Evans died in Swansea in 1838. "[They do so] despite the fact it's not advertised, and you have to engage in substantial research to find out where it is, what it is now and arrange to visit." He also gave the example of the Tabernacle Chapel in Morriston, Swansea - "a beautiful building, once described as the cathedral of non-conformity" - which has connections to the Welsh hymns Blaenwern and Calon Lan. "If the American tourist market was made aware of this, and the other wonderful Welsh religious sites, I'm sure many people would want to visit and, in doing so, spend their money in local businesses," Mr Hedges said. "I think there's a huge opportunity to promote tourism relating to our chapels, churches and the great preachers and hymn writers of the past. "This is an opportunity that we in Wales need to take." Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: "With more than 600,000 people visiting Wales' religious sites each year, and year-on-year growth in visitor numbers recorded across Cadw-managed sites, Wales is rightly proud of its iconic ecclesiastical heritage. "From Tintern Abbey to Epstein's Majestas in Llandaff Cathedral, our historic environment is a constant reminder of Wales' developing culture over the centuries, with our places of worship telling all kinds of stories about the country, its people and its diverse and fascinating religious history. "Of course, Wales' religious sites also represent a spirituality and place of sanctuary for many." Mr Hedges said the religious sites and institutions could also benefit financially from more visitors with many of them struggling with running costs.
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Russia has demanded an apology but Turkey has repeatedly defended its actions. The Russian Su-24, an all-weather attack aircraft, was shot down by Turkish F-16s in the Turkey-Syria border area on 24 November. Turkey says the plane was repeatedly warned for violating Turkish airspace. Russia says there was no violation and no warnings. Mr Putin insists the plane was not over Turkish territory and was operating in the mountains of northern Syria, and warns of "serious consequences". President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey's actions are "fully in line with Turkey's rules of engagement" and that "everyone should respect the right of Turkey to defend its borders". Mr Erdogan focuses on Russia's support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Mr Putin also broadens the line of attack. How Putin acts in a crisis Mr Putin insists it was "impossible" for Turkey not to have known it was shooting at a Russian plane. He says Russia had not received "a clear apology" from Turkish leaders, nor any offer of compensation or promise to "punish the criminals". A defiant Mr Erdogan says his country does not need to apologise for violations of its airspace. However, he does appear more conciliatory. The downing of the plane: What we know Mr Erdogan accuses Russia of using the downing of the jet "as an excuse to make unacceptable accusations against us", and accuses Russians of "mistreating" Turkish citizens who were in the country for a trade fair. However, he again sounds a note of conciliation, suggesting a meeting with Mr Putin at the upcoming Paris climate summit. President Putin signs a decree imposing sanctions on Turkey. President Erdogan says he is "saddened" by the downing of the plane but does not use the word sorry. Mr Putin rejects a request from Mr Erdogan for a meeting at the Paris summit and launches into another attack. He says "we're all sorry" about the state of Russia's relations with Turkey now. "I myself did a great deal to build those relations over a long period." The allegation infuriates Mr Erdogan, who threatens to resign if Turkish government involvement is such a scheme is proven.
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Martin Gorman, 41, died in Crosshouse Hospital after being found seriously injured in a house in Croe Place. Emergency services had been called to the property at about 01:40. The woman is expected to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Friday.
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Stuart Humphreys, 38, threw one punch at Scott Sheard outside Destination bar in Southport October 2009. Mr Sheard, of Formby, who was 24 at the time, never recovered from his injuries and died after complications in 2012. Initially, no charges were brought against Humphreys but a campaign by Mr Sheard's family led to a case review. The judge at Liverpool Crown Court said with just one blow Humphreys had destroyed a life and betrayed the trust of parents who expect door staff to ensure their children's safety and security. Mr Sheard's stepfather Colin Hill read a Victim Impact Statement on behalf of the family. He revealed how Mr Sheard's last two years were "a living hell" and described his suffering as "sickening and savage". "I can't remember just how many times we were called into a room to be told to prepare for the worst. His life was a miserable existence." Mr Hill said his wife had become clinically depressed, suffered nightmares and was unable to go out alone. During the trial, the court heard how an argument began when Humphreys pushed Mr Sheard out of the bar after he had tried to take a bottle of beer outside. Humphreys claimed he acted in self-defence, saying Mr Sheard and another man, Luke Rigsby, threatened to stab him, although he admitted he did not see a knife. He said he feared he was about to be punched when he launched his attack. But CCTV footage of the fatal blow proved Mr Sheard was not acting aggressively, the prosecution said. One witness described the punch as "good" and "fast", adding how Mr Sheard was unconscious before he hit the ground. Sentencing Humphreys the judge, Justice Dove, said: "Just one blow was all it took to destroy Scott Sheard's life. "It is unnatural for any parent to have to bury their child but especially cruel in the circumstances of this case. "I understand you did not intend any of that but I cannot wish it away. It happened."
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Media playback is not supported on this device Or maybe not. The scoreboard at the end might have looked familiar, and so too the championship standings: England winners 36-15, back on top of the Six Nations table, Italy with a third defeat in three, Wooden Spoon being readied once again. Very little else was, once Italy had released their version of chaos theory upon the world. It was a simple idea. Do not commit anyone to the breakdown after the initial tackle. No ruck is therefore formed. The offside law is thus irrelevant, and you can stand anywhere you like - between opposition scrum-half and fly-half, between 10 and 12, maybe on both sides of the scrum-half while pulling faces, if you fancy it. Media playback is not supported on this device Simple, and not actually that novel. The Chiefs have done it in Super Rugby. It can happen in Sevens. Australia captain David Pocock tried something similar against Ireland last autumn, and nearly created a try from it. England, however, were as ready for it as Don Bradman was for Bodyline, or Scott Styris in 2008 when Kevin Pietersen swapped hands on his bat handle and switch-hit him for six. On the pitch they were first confused, then angry, and for a long period then neutered. In the stands it was more demonstrative yet. There are few sights in rugby as striking as Twickenham Man in full red-cheeked fury, and on Sunday his fury was both righteous and often misplaced. Italy were not acting illegally. Coach Conor O'Shea had run the tactic past referee Romain Poite on Saturday, and not only been given the all-clear but a little bit of advice too: to be within the spirit of the laws as well as the wording, do not get within a metre of the nine. Chaos is the science of surprises. England were surprised. Perhaps that was why O'Shea's opposite number Eddie Jones was still shaking afterwards. "If you paid for a ticket you should ask for your money back," he said, eyes glinting, mouth spitting fire. "You haven't seen a game of rugby. "If that's rugby then I'm going to retire. That's not rugby. You're looking to pass and all you can see is one of their players. "I'm not critical of our side a bit because we didn't play rugby. We practised for a game of rugby all week and we didn't get it." Jones compared it to cricketer Trevor Chappell's infamous underarm ball to New Zealand's Brian McKechnie in 1981 that won a one-day international match for Australia but cost them much more. If that was inaccurate, not only because Chappell's gambit had not been discussed with the umpire but also because O'Shea's strategy ultimately ended in defeat, it was also a little sleight-of-hand of Jones' own. Media playback is not supported on this device England had an awful first half, their kicking from hand inaccurate, their discipline poor, their energy levels on a par with those
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The Australia Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported a "massive" hack on Wednesday, saying it had been told by "multiple official sources" it almost certainly came from China. The BoM, which owns one of Australia's largest supercomputers, said it would not comment on security matters. It said on Wednesday its systems were fully operational. Among other services, the BoM provides climate information for commercial airlines and shipping, analyses national water supplies, gathers climate information and works closely with the defence department. The ABC report gave no further details on which systems had been affected, whether information was taken, or why China was seen as the likely culprit. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, said late on Wednesday that China "firmly opposes and cracks down on all forms of cyber-attacks" and that "groundless accusations and speculation are not constructive". "We have consistently emphasised that the issue of internet security is a global problem. "The parties concerned need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to jointly solve the problem in a spirit of mutual respect." China has repeatedly been accused of using cyber-attacks to spy on foreign states and companies. The US has said the issue has put an "enormous strain" on their relationship. Chinese officials routinely deny cyber espionage and say China is itself a victim of hacking.
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The soldiers were angry after a convoy was ambushed on a road frequently targeted by Islamist Boko Haram militants. Five other soldiers were acquitted and one was convicted on another count. All denied the charges at a court martial in Abuja. Front-line troops often complain that they lack adequate weapons and equipment while there have also been reports that they have not been paid or properly fed. Last month, a group of soldiers in the north-east refused to fight Boko Haram until they received better equipment, one of them told the BBC. Analysis: Will Ross, BBC Nigeria correspondent Boko Haram fighters are well armed and determined. Having been brainwashed with extremist ideology, many are likely to have little fear of death. So the Nigerian soldiers sent to the battered north-east have a difficult fight and need to be well resourced. But there have been numerous reports of low morale amid calls for better arms and even complaints over pay. Soldiers' wives recently demonstrated in the barracks in Maiduguri in an effort to stop their husbands being sent to the front line. Shooting at your own commanding officer is an extreme reaction to seeing the bodies of colleagues killed in an ambush and it would lead to a severe punishment in any army. But it is just one sign of the problems undermining the fight against Boko Haram. President Goodluck Jonathan has promised that better equipment is on the way but given that Boko Haram has been growing for several years, why were the billions of dollars earned from Nigeria's oil industry not spent on giving every soldier the best chance of defeating the enemy and staying alive? The nine-member military tribunal heard that the incident happened when shots were fired at the commanding officer of the Nigerian Army's Seventh Division, which is at the forefront of the fight against Boko Haram. Witnesses said the soldiers lost discipline and threw stones at the officer when he arrived at their camp, and shots were fired into the air. General Amadu Mohammed had to take cover as they aimed their guns at him - firing bullet-holes in his armour-plated staff car - but he was not injured. Court President Chukwuemeka Okonkwo said that while the sentences were subject to confirmation by Nigeria's military authorities, there was no doubt about the seriousness of the offence. The sentencing panel took into account the "likely effect on counter-insurgency operations" of the incident as well as its "implications on national security". Nigeria's army has been under pressure to end the bloody five-year insurgency - and a state of emergency was declared in three north-eastern states last year. Boko Haram is fighting to create an Islamic state in Nigeria - and has stepped up its attacks after being pushed out of its bases in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, targeting towns and villages in deadly raids. The fighting has claimed thousands of lives, made tens of thousands of people homeless and seen the militants make recent territorial
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Ten cars were alight when six fire crews arrived at 17:40 BST at Sackers yard in Great Blakenham near Ipswich. Greater Anglia said Suffolk Fire Service had advised services should be suspended on the main line and trains could not run between Ipswich and Stowmarket. Services resumed at 19:00 BST after nearly two hours of disruption. Passengers on the 17:30 from Norwich were told via the train's public announcement system that the driver on the service in front had heard "an explosion" next to the railway line. Adrian Dodds, managing director of Sackers, said: "The fire broke out while staff were on site, but they were unable to contain it. "People may have heard a series of bangs as airbags, tyres and shock absorbers burst in the heat."
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The four tech firms plan to create a database that contains "digital fingerprints" of the content. The database will be used to screen uploads in order to spot violent or extremist material before it is shared. Eventually, the database will be made available to other firms keen to police this content. "There is no place for content that promotes terrorism on our hosted consumer services," said a spokesman for Twitter in a statement. He said the initiative was aimed at the "most extreme and egregious" images and videos. The database would be populated with digital snapshots of images and videos known as "hashes", which were an industry standard way of uniquely indentifying a file, he added. The hashes of content recognised as extremist or violent will be shared among the four firms, who can use them to scrub the same images from their respective sites and services. Anyone who believed content they had posted had been incorrectly flagged as promoting terror groups would be able to appeal against its removal, said the statement. Twitter's spokesman said the joint project would make the firms more efficient at removing content that violated their policies governing what could be posted and shared. The tie-up between the four firms comes as the European Commission calls on US tech firms to act faster when tackling hate speech. The EU's justice commissioner, Vera Jourova, said firms had fallen short of a commitment given six months ago in which they pledged to act within 24 hours of being told about hateful and racist content. She said Brussels would introduce laws mandating swift action if tech firms did not start to respond more quickly.
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Webb, 50, has pleaded not guilty to corruption charges connected with world football's governing body. He is under house arrest in New York after securing the $10m (£6.4m) bail. Among the items Webb put up as bond were 11 luxury watches - including a Cartier Roadster - three cars and his wife's diamond wedding ring. According to an order filed on Monday setting the conditions for his release, the vehicles were a 2015 Ferrari, a 2014 Range Rover and a 2003 Mercedes-Benz. Webb, from the Cayman Islands, also provided a $400,000 (£256,000) account in the name of his wife, Dr Kendra Gamble-Webb. He is accused of accepting bribes worth millions of dollars in connection with the sale of marketing rights and was detained in Switzerland in May, along with six football officials. On Monday, Fifa announced a programme of reforms to address accusations of corruption within the organisation.
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Government adviser Abdul Basit Haroun said smugglers were hiding IS militants on boats filled with migrants. He based his claim on conversations with boat owners in parts of North Africa controlled by the militants. He alleged that IS was allowing them to continue their operations in exchange for 50% of their income. The UN estimates that 60,000 people have already tried to cross the Mediterranean this year. More than 1,800 people are feared to have died making the journey in often overcrowded and unseaworthy boats in 2015 - a 20-fold increase on the same period in 2014. In an interview with BBC Radio 5 live Investigates, Mr Haroun said IS used "the boats for their people who they want to send to Europe as the European police don't know who is from IS and who is a normal refugee or not". The militants often sat separately from the other migrants and were not scared of the crossing, he said, adding that they were "for IS - 100%". Mr Haroun added that IS allowed boat owners to operate - but demanded a 50% cut of whatever they made from each ship. Source: The UN refugee agency Militants, migrants and the Med How strong is IS in Libya? He also suggested that the jihadists were planning ahead for future attacks in Europe. Earlier this year, the EU's border control agency, Frontex, warned that it was "possible" that foreign fighters were using irregular migration routes to get into Europe. IS - which controls large parts of Iraq and Syria - has been active in recent months in Libya, exploiting a power struggle between rival groups after the fall of Col Muammar Gaddafi. In March, IS also claimed responsibility for the attack in Tunisia's capital Tunis, in which 22 people were killed.
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The 16-time world champion fought back from 3-1 down to 3-3 but the Dutchman stepped up at the crucial moments. Van Barneveld faces compatriot Michael van Gerwen in the last four after the top seed beat Daryl Gurney 5-1. Defending champion Gary Anderson plays fellow Scot Peter Wright in Sunday's other semi-final. Taylor and Van Barneveld have shared some classic encounters down the years but both players were inconsistent in their fourth meeting at the World Championship. At 1-1 in sets, England's Taylor, 56, led 2-0 in legs but Van Barneveld then won three legs in a row to take a 2-1 lead. Taylor led 2-1 in the fourth set but checkouts of 167 and 120 gave the Dutchman a 3-1 advantage. Five legs in a row helped Taylor level at 3-3 but Van Barneveld composed himself and whitewashed Taylor in the seventh set to go 4-3 up. In the deciding leg of the eighth set Taylor had the darts but a 180 and 140 allowed Van Barneveld to close out the match with a bullseye as the Englishman faltered. Van Barneveld, who admitted he felt tired and not at his best, said he planned to go for a meal with Van Gerwen and others on New Years's Eve before Sunday's semi-final. "I need this one-day break. The strange part is I never ever felt comfortable," he said. Earlier, 2014 world champion Van Gerwen won the first set 3-0 against Northern Ireland's Gurney, averaging 125.3 and hitting all three doubles, but the 24th seed, in his maiden last-eight appearance, fought back to take the second set. A 170 checkout gave Van Gerwen the third set and while Gurney remained competitive, the Dutchman ultimately pulled clear for a comfortable victory. In Friday's afternoon session, Anderson beat Englishman Chisnall 5-3 in a thrilling encounter as he stayed on track for a third successive title. Chisnall threw 21 maximums, compared to his opponent's 12, but Anderson recovered from trailing 2-0 and by two legs in the third set. Third seed 'Snakebite' Wright overcame England's James Wade 5-3. Wright, who was beaten by Van Gerwen in the 2014 final, came back from 2-1 down with a 104.79 average and sealed victory with a 134 checkout. Peter Wright (Sco) 5-3 James Wade (Eng) Gary Anderson (Sco) 5-3 Dave Chisnall Eng) Daryl Gurney (NI) 1-5 Michael Van Gerwen (Ned) Raymond van Barneveld (Ned) 5-3 Phil Taylor (Eng) Sunday (20:00 GMT) Peter Wright (3) v Gary Anderson (2) Michael Van Gerwen (1) v Raymond van Barneveld (12)
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The Condor Ferries service arrived from Jersey at about 07:00 GMT, but a fault with the internal ramp meant cars on the upper deck were unable to get off. Condor said 110 people and 44 vehicles had been stuck, but said they had all disembarked shortly before 20:00 GMT. Passenger Kit Ashton, from Jersey, said a crane had been needed to help cars off, describing it as "a nightmare". Condor said the fault meant it had not been possible to lower the ramp from the upper vehicle deck of its Commodore Clipper ferry. The firm said foot passengers had been able to disembark upon arrival, but engineers had to work throughout the day to lower the ramp. They required a specialist crane to help, it said in a statement. Mr Ashton was one of a number of passengers who had already been moved to the Clipper ferry, having originally been booked on Condor's Liberation ferry. The Liberation developed two technical faults on Friday and its services between the Channel Islands and Poole had been cancelled. Mr Ashton said: "We got off just before 20:00, so it was basically 26 hours since I checked in. It has been an absolute nightmare. "I should have been in Poole at 23:00 last night, but here I am in Portsmouth 26 hours later," he added. By Paul Clifton, BBC South's transport correspondent This is the latest in a string of technical failures to hit Condor Ferries in the past year. The fast ferry Liberation has endured breakdowns and incidents and now the normally reliable Commodore Clipper is adding to the company's difficulties. It all means that Condor is hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons more frequently than other ferry operators. Mr Ashton, who was travelling to Exeter, said several animals were also on board the vessel, including several dogs and a horse. He said passengers had to wait while the crane arrived to help support the ramp. He called on Condor to improve services to the Channel Islands. Condor's executive chairman, Russell Kew, said: "I'd like to apologise to all those customers who have been inconvenienced over the last 24 hours, and to thank them for their understanding and patience."
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Diners given this extra information ordered and ate less calorific food than other customers, a team at Texas Christian University found. Knowing it takes two hours of brisk walking to burn off a cheeseburger may be more of a warning than being told how many calories it contains, the researchers say. They now plan larger trials. Researchers Dr Meena Shah and Ashlei James divided 300 volunteers aged 18 to 30 randomly into three groups. One received a menu without any calorie information, another menus with the calories displayed, and the third menus that showed both calories and the amount of exercise needed to burn them off. All of the menus offered the same choice of food and drink, which included burgers, sandwiches, salad, chips, soft drinks and water. None of the volunteers was aware of the reason for the study and the researchers took into account hunger levels when interpreting their findings. The group given the menus with the extra information about how much brisk walking would be needed to burn off the food ordered and ate much less than the group who had menus with no calorie information. They consumed 100 fewer calories, on average, as a result. Dr Shah said: "This is the first study to look at the effects of displaying minutes of brisk walking needed to burn food calories on the calories ordered and consumed. "This study suggests there are benefits." The researchers say brisk walking is something nearly everyone can relate to. "We can't generalise to a population over age 30, so we will further investigate this in an older and more diverse group," Dr Shah added. They will present their findings at the Experimental Biology 2013 meeting in Boston. Victoria Taylor, senior dietician at the British Heart Foundation, said clearly signposting healthy options and nutritional content helped people make informed choices when ordering food. But she added: "While displaying the amount of exercise needed to burn calories is an interesting idea, there's more to a heart-healthy diet than calorie counting. "Restaurants can also take steps to make meals healthier by serving appropriate portion sizes and reducing the amount of salt, saturated fat and sugar in their dishes. "Whether eating at home or dining out, a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and veg is the best way to protect your heart."
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27 July 2016 Last updated at 10:49 BST Researchers studying the "blue hole" in the South China Sea reckon that it is 300 metres deep. The team says it looked at things like tidal water levels and temperature to work out the depth. Until now, the deepest known blue hole was Dean's Blue Hole, which is 202 metres deep and in the Bahamas in the Caribbean.
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The couple, who are both 28, had announced the birth more than a week ago. The baby, which weighed 8lbs 10oz at birth, is believed to be at home with her parents in Surrey. Bookies had been offering odds on the baby's name since the pregnancy was announced last year. One said the choice had "cost them a fortune". Andy and Kim, who have been together for nine years, married in April last year in the former Wimbledon champion's home town of Dunblane in Perthshire.
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The sudden collapse of the University of Sydney's famed jacaranda tree has triggered a wave of grief in Australia, with staff and alumni mourning a key piece of campus folklore. The 18m-wide tree had been at the centre of university life and graduation photos since arriving in the main quadrangle 88 years ago. It was also steeped in superstition. A popular myth asserted that undergraduates would fail their exams if they neglected to study before the tree's first bloom, typically in October or November. The university deemed the collapse seismic enough to send out a press release on Saturday, declaring it was "saddened to advise" the tree had toppled over during the night. The news quickly trended on social media, with tributes saluting the "most famous tree in Australian education" as "majestic" and the university's "only redeeming feature". Its death was a "tragedy". "I have walked past it and appreciated its branches hundreds, if not thousands, of times during my life," medical student Sarah Brennan wrote, sharing this photo she had taken the day before: Journalist Annabel Crabb said: "This is very sad news from overnight. But Lordy, I hope when I keel over I look this beautiful." Lecturer David Smith wrote: "RIP jacaranda, which had a truly great life." The jacaranda was planted in 1928 by Professor Gowie (EG) Waterhouse after a series of mischievous false starts, according Dr Craig Barker, who manages heritage tours of the university. Prof Waterhouse envisaged a campus covered in jacarandas, but each time one was planted it would be mysteriously uprooted. "Often it was students who were accused of pranks but many years later a number of university staff admitted on their retirement dinner that they had taken saplings/seedlings home with them," Dr Barker told the BBC. The tree we know today even had two failed plantings before taking hold, he said. The exam myth soon followed, passed down eagerly through the generations of students. It was not often taken seriously but there "was always a slight tinge of panic and urgency" when the first purple flowers appeared, Dr Barker said. The study tactic seemed to work for Australian author Peter FitzSimons. "In 1980, I saw it was blooming, and realised I hadn't yet started studying. Went to my room, and emerged six weeks later. PASSED!" he tweeted. Fortunately for future generations, the university took cuttings from the ailing tree in 2014 so it could one day be replaced. "Students are reminded that the current tree had begun to bloom and we wish them all well for their final weeks of study for 2016," the university statement concluded. Reporting by the BBC's Jay Savage.
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The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) plans to move out of the 19th Century Inverness Castle to the new building by the summer of 2018. Work on the site next to Burnett Road Police Station could start this year. The castle in Inverness city centre is to be transformed into a visitor attraction. It could accommodate a museum and an art gallery. SCTS said the Inverness Justice Centre would accommodate courts and tribunals and also provide support services for witnesses, victims, accused and those convicted in courts. The Scottish government is backing the project and the plans to turn Inverness Castle into a tourist site. Sheriff Principal Derek Pyle described the proposed new justice centre as an important development for SCTS. He said: "We have an exciting opportunity to create a pioneering, state-of-the-art justice centre, which will house justice partners and third sector organisations in the same building. "It will deliver a range of services for offenders, providing the environment for problem solving approaches to help reduce re-offending, and offer specialist facilities, support and advice for victims and witnesses of domestic abuse, sexual violence and child abuse." Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: "I am delighted that the development of the new Inverness Justice Centre, made possible with funding from the Scottish government, has taken a step forward today. "We are now closer to delivering a facility which is accessible and modern, supporting the delivery of justice in the north of Scotland." The sandstone Inverness Castle was built in 1836 to plans drawn by architect William Burn. It was constructed on a mound overlooking the city and the River Ness. In 1848, a building known as the North Block was added and served as a prison. But a castle had occupied the site from possibly as far back as the 11th Century. Over the centuries, the fortification fell under the control of the forces of Edward I, Robert the Bruce and James I, II and IV. In 1562, it was attacked and damaged by soldiers loyal to Mary, Queen of Scots, before it was almost destroyed by Royalist troops in the 1600s. Bonnie Prince Charlie's forces blew the castle up in 1746 to prevent it from falling into the hands of government troops. It was said that a French sergeant, who had brought his poodle with him to Scotland, set off the explosives. The soldier was caught in the blast, and his body was blown across to the opposite side of the River Ness. His dog was also hurled over the river by the explosion. It survived, though it lost its tail. Tourism Minister and co-chairman of the Inverness Castle Working Group, Fergus Ewing said relocation of court services from Inverness Castle offered an opportunity to develop a "world-class tourism attraction". "Tourism is not just a key part of the local economy but a key driver of growth across Scotland and I am very keen that the castle finds a new life that benefits the Highlands and Scotland as a
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Saints were not punished for allowing the winger to return to the field after the tackle, though a concussion panel ruled he should not have played on. Gloucester make eight changes, with the game coming just five days after their defeat at Harlequins. Captain Greig Laidlaw and back row Ross Moriarty are among those rested, while Andrew Symons makes his full debut. World Rugby last week asked for more information from the Rugby Football Union about Northampton's "apparent non-compliance" with concussion protocols relating to North's latest head injury. The 24-year-old Wales international previously suffered four head blows in five months between November 2014 and March 2015, leading to a spell on the sidelines that lasted from 27 March until 29 August 2015. He replaces Juan Pablo Estelles in the side, with Harry Mallinder on the bench and fly-half Stephen Myler picked for his 300th Saints appearance. Charlie Sharples misses out for the hosts with a knee injury, while Salesi Ma'afu starts in the front row against his old club and scrum-half Willi Heinz skippers the side. The teams are level on 24 points in the Premiership table, with Gloucester one place below their opponents because of winning fewer matches. Gloucester: Hook; Halaifonua, Symons, Twelvetrees, May; Burns, Heinz (capt); Hohneck, Hibbard, Ma'afu, Savage, Thrush, Ludlow, Kvesic, Morgan. Replacements: Matu'u, McAllister, Afoa, Galarza, Moriarty, Laidlaw, Scott, Purdy Northampton: Foden; Pisi, Burrell, Hanrahan, North; Myler, Groom; Waller, Haywood, Brookes, Lawes, Day, Wood (capt), Harrison, Picamoles. Replacements: Clare, Waller, Hill, Ratuniyarawa, Gibson, Kessell, Mallinder, Estelles. For the latest rugby union news follow @bbcrugbyunion on Twitter.
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Afghanistan overcame Papua New Guinea by six wickets with 10 balls to spare at Malahide, Dublin, to qualify for the event for the fourth successive time. Oman then beat Namibia by five wickets at the same venue to qualify for their first major global cricket tournament. The victory also means Oman have been granted Twenty20 international status by the International Cricket Council. Oman are coached by former Sri Lanka captain Duleep Mendis, and have also recently recruited ex-England all-rounder Derek Pringle as a technical advisor. They joined the ICC as an affiliate member in 2000, gaining associate status last year, and can now look forward to their first appearance at international cricket's top table. The 16 teams taking part in India have now been confirmed as the 10 Test-playing teams plus Scotland, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Afghanistan and Oman. The World T20 Qualifier continues with ICC ranking points at stake - with Scotland meeting Hong Kong and Ireland facing the Dutch in Saturday's semi-finals, with the winners meeting in Sunday's final. Oman and Afghanistan will face off for fifth and sixth place on Saturday.
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Monte dei Paschi had sought a three-week extension until 20 January to seal a private sector €5bn rescue plan. If the ECB does deny the request, the Italian government will be under more pressure to bail out the country's third-largest bank. The ECB declined to comment. The Reuters news agency reported that a source said the ECB's supervisory board had rejected the request because it believed Rome needed to act and that giving the bank more time would achieve little. Monte dei Paschi is one of several big Italian banks struggling with a heavy burden of bad loans that are unlikely to ever be repaid. Shares in the Sienna-based lender - the world's oldest bank - were suspended in Milan for a period on Friday after falling about 11% following the reports. A Monte dei Paschi spokesman said it had not heard from the ECB. The bank's board was meeting on Friday night and may continue its talks on Saturday. The Italian government could be forced to inject billions of euros into the bank to avoid it being wound down.
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Shalane Blackwood complained of stomach pains and told his mother Linda Blackwood he was dying when she last spoke to him on 21 July. He was found dead in his cell on 5 August, having suffered internal bleeding due to an ulcer. An inquest jury decided "systematic failings amounting to neglect" significantly contributed to his death. The 29-year-old, from Derby, had been jailed for possession of a firearm and was on a licence recall when he died in the segregation unit at Nottingham Prison. His mother Linda Blackwood said: "I knew something was wrong when he was in HMP Nottingham - I just wish my concerns had been listened to at the time when I raised them. "I feel Shalane's death could have been prevented." The narrative conclusion given by the jury said: "Shalane Blackwood died from internal bleeding caused by a duodenal ulcer - a condition which should have been diagnosed and treated. "Systemic failings amounting to neglect by prison and healthcare staff at HMP Nottingham significantly contributed to Shalane's death." The Prison Service said in a statement: "We make every effort to learn from each death in custody and our thoughts are with the family of Mr Blackwood. "We will consider and respond to the findings of the coroner's inquest and see what lessons can be learned." Blood was found in Mr Blackwood's cell the day before he died but he was not taken to hospital. Rebecca Treece, a solicitor representing his family, said: "It is deeply concerning that Shalane was found with blood in his cell and, even though the source was not identified, further investigations were not sought. "Shalane's family were particularly shocked by this." She added that "urgent action" is needed to address the issues uncovered by the inquest. The death was investigated independently by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) and a report is due to be published. The most recent inspection report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons, published in February 2015, said Nottingham Prison was not safe enough and conditions were poor. Andrew Neilson, campaign director for the Howard League for Penal Reform, said at the time: "Staff are being overwhelmed by the amount of work… and the pressure on them because of cutbacks."
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The drawings had been misattributed to another artist, Sir Edwin Landseer, since the reign of Queen Victoria. But after studying the 25 black-and-white chalk sketches, historian Lindsay Stainton confirmed they are actually early works by one of Britain's most famous painters. "It's thrilling," she told the BBC. "It's the very best collection of Gainsborough's early drawings in existence." Thomas Gainsborough was born in Sudbury in Suffolk in 1727. He drew the sketches of places he knew in the area when he was in his early twenties. The sketches depict trees, cattle, paths, ponds and sandy banks. "He was obsessive," says Stainton. "Nature was his teacher, and the woods of Suffolk his Academy." The drawings have been kept in a large, blue, leather-bound album on a shelf in the Print Room at Windsor Castle since 1874. They were attributed to Landseer, the English artist best known for making the bronze lions in Trafalgar Square. When Stainton examined the sketches, she soon became convinced they were by Gainsborough. She compared them to other works by the painter and noticed striking similarities. "One comes to the conclusion they must be by him," she says. The most decisive proof lay in an early study of Cornard Wood. When Gainsborough's sketch is overlaid over the finished picture that hangs in the National Gallery, it "morphs completely" into it. "It is the preparatory drawing for the painting," concludes Lindsay Stainton. "We're very much convinced that these are an important group of early drawings by Thomas Gainsborough," agrees Rosie Razzall, curator of prints and drawings at the Royal Library. "It's an extremely significant discovery. It means we are able to re-appraise the early work of Gainsborough." And there was a surprise in store. A small drawing of the head of a young woman has been discovered on the back of one of the sketches. "This is very much in Gainsborough's early figure style," explains Razzall. "We know from other early figure drawings that this is how those drawings would have looked." James Hamilton, whose biography Gainsborough: A Portrait is published next month, thinks the sketch of the woman, wearing a little headscarf, might even suggest Gainsborough was not always alone out in the countryside. The informal sketch of the girl "may well be Margaret Burr", he says, referring to the woman Gainsborough was going out with at the time and went on to marry. "There is a kind of similarity in the facial features," he adds. Gainsborough defined an age in his portraits, which include The Blue Boy and his famous double portrait Mr and Mrs Andrews. Painted in 1750, the latter hangs in the National Gallery. But James Hamilton believes: "Portraits bought him money, landscapes gave him joy." The drawings are now available to view on the Royal Collection website. Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.
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Mold Crown Court heard some of the images Ben McCarthy, 40, from Wrexham, had were in the most serious category. He admitted six making indecent images charges and seven possession charges between February 2014 and January 2015. McCarthy also admitted two counts of voyeurism dating back to 2011. Judge Rhys Rowlands remanded him in custody to be sentenced in November. "Don't hold out any hopes of a non-custodial sentence for this sort of behaviour," the judge told him.
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Murray, 27, and Ms Sears, 26, have been a couple since 2005 and she regularly watches his matches. It is thought the Wimbledon champion popped the question to Ms Sears last Wednesday. Earlier this year Murray, from Dunblane in Perthshire, joked during a question and answer session with fans that he was getting married after Wimbledon. About an hour later, Murray told his 2.3 million followers: "3 things.. I don't smoke grass, I'm not getting married(yet) and I don't want to kill rafael Nadal.." It would appear that Murray has now proposed to Ms Sears, his partner of more than nine years. Sussex-born Ms Sears, who is the daughter of former Lawn Tennis Association head of women's tennis Nigel Sears, met Murray at the US Open in 2005. She was once described by future mother-in-law Judy Murray as "the best thing to happen to Andy".
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Defeat to Manchester Storm on Sunday means it's the fifth year in six where the Caps have failed to secure a top eight berth. And there was no-one more disappointed than Emmerson that they'll be outsiders to the traditional end of season party. "We had high hopes earlier in the season," the Canadian said. "We were in fourth in November and it went downhill from there. "All we can do is upset things for others in the run-in and we've got four weeks of games where the guys are playing for contracts, whether that's here or elsewhere. "They have the chance to showcase themselves and we've still got a close knit group of guys, which showed in our game against Manchester. "We came up against a good goalie and that's just the way the luck goes. Ultimately, it's disappointing that we can't get to the play-offs." The fact they've lost their last 13 games and won once in 23 is the cold hard fact around the Caps descent from the top half of the table into Elite League oblivion. Emmerson's first season was also set back by sudden departures to key players and replacements not finding their feet well enough. But despite the score, they could be positive about Sunday's 4-1 loss to Manchester Storm at Murrayfield that consigned them to a bleak end to the season. Mathew Sisca scored in the opening minute to set the tone for Storm, but Kyle Bigos levelled later in the first period for Caps on the powerplay. Matt Paton restored the lead before Matt Davies added a third for Storm, followed by Omar Pacha making it 4-1 in the final period to kill off Edinburgh's play-off dreams. Storm had come to Scotland on the back of a 7-5 win over Dundee Stars on Saturday that elevated them into the top eight. Davies, Sisca and Luke Salazar had Storm three in front after only five minutes before Lou Dickenson struck back for the Stars. Grant Toulmin made it 4-1, but Jason Gray scored for Dundee to halve the deficit before Salazar nabbed his second followed by Doug Clarkson scoring for the Stars. Salazar and Dundee's Curtis Leinweber traded goals, as did ex-Stars defenceman Paul Swindlehurst and Justin Faryna as Manchester claimed the points. At the top end of the table, Braehead Clan look out of the title reckoning after suffering two defeats to Fife Flyers on Saturday then the Stars on Sunday. Ryan Finnerty's men are nine points away from top spot with eight games to go after the two losses, which began with a 5-1 humbling by rivals Fife. Michael Dorr, Ryan Dingle and Kyle Horne put Todd Dutiaume's men comfortably 3-0 ahead as Clan struggled in front of a bumper sell-out home crowd. Scott Aarssen fired Clan back into the game, but joy was short-lived as TJ Caig scored two to clinch a big 5-1 win in Glasgow. The slump continued as Braehead went to Dundee Stars, but left with a 2-1
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She got a best supporting actress gong for her role in film drama Clouds of Sils Maria. The big winner of the night was Timbuktu, which won seven awards including best film and director. It depicts life in northern Mali under the control of Islamist militants, and is competing for best foreign film at Sunday's Oscars. Accepting the prize, Stewart shouted "I love you Juliette" in French to her co-star Juliette Binoche. She later paid tribute to French filmmakers. "The reasons why people make films here in France are very different from the reasons why people make movies in Hollywood and I prefer it here a little bit," she told Variety. There also was recognition for another American actor, Sean Penn, who got a lifetime achievement award. In his acceptance speech, Timbuktu director Abderrahmane Sissako called France a "magnificent country" for its response to the deadly Islamist attacks last month. "There is no clash of civilisations. There is a meeting of civilisations," he said.
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Searches were carried out at two houses in western Turkey, as officials said he faced charges of being a member of an "armed terrorist organisation". A former MP for the ruling AK party, Hakan Sukur is a known supporter of the cleric blamed for the botched coup. He moved to the US several months ago. A warrant was also issued for the ex-footballer's father, Sermet Sukur. He was arrested in his hometown of Adapazari after he was seen at a local mosque and reported to the police. Sermet Sukur for years acted as his son's manager. Hakan Sukur's twitter account and website were not publicly accessible on Friday. However, he has expressed support for cleric Fethullah Gulen in the past. Mr Gulen lives in self-imposed exile in the US and the Turkish government has called for his extradition to face trial on charges of masterminding the failed 15 July coup. He denies involvement. Some 270 people died and many more were wounded when parts of the armed forces tried to seize power. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded by purging the military and public services of tens of thousands of people suspected of following Mr Gulen, whom the government accuses of setting up a parallel state. Hakan Sukur went on trial in absentia in June for insulting President Erdogan on social media and the decision by prosecutors to seek his arrest is not seen as a surprise because of his support for the US-based preacher.
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The man, in his 30s, was checking boat moorings in Mylor Creek, near Falmouth in Cornwall when he got stuck. Falmouth Coastguard said a mud rescue team with specialist equipment rescued the man. He was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital for treatment. A coastguard spokesman said a resident who lived nearby called the emergency services at about 15:00 GMT on Saturday. He warned people to be cautious around tidal waters.
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English duo Peaty and Guy will make their Olympic debuts in Brazil, as will Welsh Commonwealth champion Jazz Carlin. "I want to make Britain proud," Peaty, 21, told BBC Sport. Scotland's Hannah Miley, 26, and Robbie Renwick, 27, will compete in their third Games. However, former world champion Liam Tancock and ex-European gold medallist Lizzie Simmonds - who both raced at Beijing 2008 and London 2012 - miss out. European Games medallist Georgia Coates, 17, who finished third in the 200m freestyle final, is the youngest member of the Rio swimming squad. Who else has made GB's squad for Rio? What's happening in Olympic sport this week? Team GB swimmers failed to achieve their Olympic medal target of five at London 2012, winning one silver and two bronzes. However, a record-breaking 2015 World Championship has given the squad cause for optimism with world medallists Peaty, Guy, Carlin and Siobhan-Marie O'Connor among their ranks. Media playback is not supported on this device Peaty, who won three world titles in Kazan, is aiming to be the first British man since Adrian Moorhouse in 1988 to win an Olympic swimming gold medal. "It's Olympic year so you never know who's going to appear, but I'm definitely the strongest I've ever been," Peaty said. "It has been a long time [since the 1988 gold], but I like the pressure because it leaves me with nowhere to hide." Miley has won World, European and Commonwealth honours in an impressive career, but hopes Rio will finally allow her to realise her lifetime ambition of an Olympic medal. Media playback is not supported on this device "It's another fantastic opportunity to put myself out there against the very best in the world," she said. "It's the biggest event in the world - and hopefully I can come out on top." Tim Shuttleworth (1500m), Chloe Tutton (200m breaststroke), Max Litchfield (400m individual medley) are among a group of exciting youngsters to claim breakthrough British titles last week and secure surprise Olympic selections. "The team has been refreshed as a result of a series of great performances from some of our Podium Potential youngsters," British Swimming performance director Chris Spice said. "Athletes have done a good job to make the team, but our primary focus is to improve performances in Rio." Media playback is not supported on this device Scottish Commonwealth champion Dan Wallace has been given a reprieve despite a disappointing performance at the trials last week which saw him fail to attain the qualification standard in any of his three strongest event. He, Cameron Kurle and Ieuan Lloyd are the 'wildcard' picks, reserved for those swimmers that the GB selectors feel could act as relay alternates to key athletes who have large competition schedules at August's Games. The British swimmers who missed out on selection for Rio - despite victories at the Olympic trials - were Roberto Pavoni, Luke Greenbank, Alys Thomas and Adam Mallett. James Guy, Adam Peaty, Max Litchfield, Jazz Carlin, Siobhan-Marie O'Connor, Andrew Willis,
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Maxine Midgley, Richard Slater and their 14-year-old daughter Bronwyn hid in a shopkeeper's cupboard in Sousse as people were being killed around them. Ms Midgley described the lack of official support as "disgusting". Tobias Ellwood MP, for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said the family "should be getting help". The family said they were suffering from flashbacks and other psychological problems. "I had heard that David Cameron was supposed to be helping everybody for counselling and things like this," she said. "As far as I'm concerned, we've had nothing. They've not even asked to see we were OK." President of the UK Psychological Trauma Society, Prof Neil Greenberg, believes people involved in the Tunisia attacks who need mental health care are falling through the net because a proper system has not been established to support them. He has called for the introduction of a screen and treat programme - a system used after the 7/7 bombings - to identify victims in need of specialist help. The government says its doing all it can to help those affected. Mr Slater said he had contacted the family's GP after his partner suffered a "meltdown" and started to smash things in the family's home. He said: "The GPs have been OK and tried to support us as best they can, but they're not counsellors." Eventually, Mr Slater's employers arranged and paid for counselling sessions for him and his family. "I wake up most nights sweating and thinking about what really happened and just how close we were," he said. "It's horrendous really, it's a feeling I wouldn't wish on anyone. "I have it all, running from the beach up to the street having to keep Maxine and Bronwyn in front of me so if any bullets come I take the bullet. "Then we were in that cupboard with hand grenades and bullets going off in front of us." Mr Ellwood, under secretary of state at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said his department had "mobilised a huge amount of government help". He said he was "disturbed to hear" the family was having to seek private finance for help and urged them to get in touch with the Sousse families' unit at the Foreign Office. Thirty-eight people, including 30 Britons, were killed when gunman Seifeddine Rezgui opened fire on tourists staying in the popular resort of Port El Kantaoui on 26 June.
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Former Supt Gordon Anglesea, 78, denies two indecent assaults and one serious sexual assault against one boy, and the indecent assault of another. His trial at Mold Crown Court has been told that Mr Anglesea allegedly had links to convicted paedophiles. It includes John Allen, who was jailed for life in 2014 for abusing children. In video evidence played to the jury on Thursday, one former resident of the now closed Bryn Alyn children's home, Wrexham, described how Allen took him to different locations where he would be sexually abused. In police interviews played to the court, the former resident, now an adult in his 40s, said: "It went on for months and months. "I just got used as a toy - that's the top and bottom of it." He described one occasion where he was taken to a property in Mold, Flintshire, where the prosecution has claimed he was abused by a man - later named as Mr Anglesea, of Old Colwyn, who was a police inspector based in Wrexham in the mid-1980s. "One fella there, I can't remember his name, he was a nasty horrible piece of work," he said when quizzed by police. "He has like a birthmark on his face and he had glasses. He's something to do with the police." The witness said the individual threatened him. "He was saying I'd never see my parents again, he would send me away, he had the power to send me away, far, far away, and I'd never see my family again." He said he was told he "was scum". Asked how he knew the individual was a police officer, he said: "I've heard it mentioned - I don't know by who. He's something to do with authority." The witness told police he now hated himself following the abuse he suffered while at Bryn Alyn. "I can't let it go," he said. On the first day of the trial on Wednesday, the prosecution told the jury that the alleged victims and witnesses had led "troubled" lives and Mr Anglesea's defence case was that the allegations were simply "lies and inventions". Eleanor Laws QC, prosecuting, said: "The prosecution say that Gordon Anglesea knew he was safe, who would believe them against him, at that time a high ranking police officer? "And that of course is his defence now: look at who they are, how can you believe them?" The trial continues.
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Web users in Cuba are being diverted to another website, which accuses Ms Sanchez of having hidden political interests. Ms Sanchez said her website, called 14ymedio, would provide daily news about the communist-run country. She insisted it would not be a platform against the government. But web users in Cuba reported that they were being diverted to a website calling itself "yoani$landia", which accuses Ms Sanchez of being "obsessed with money". "This website is from a group of people who had enough of seeing Yoani Sanchez presenting herself as the Mother Teresa of Calcutta of Cuban dissidents," says an article on the site. It adds that Ms Sanchez is "probably the richest Cuban on the island" and is funded by Spanish and Brazilian media outfits. The editors of yoani$landia do not identify themselves, but they are believed to be Cuban government officials. Cuban media, including the country's three national newspapers, are under strict state control. But President Raul Castro has eased restrictions on dissidents in recent years, allowing opponents of the government - including Sanchez - to travel abroad. In her blog published in the online paper's first edition, Sanchez says 14ymedio has been an obsession for her for more than four years. She says she wants the paper to "contribute information so that Cubans can decide with more maturity their own destinies". Its first edition also features a report from a Havana hospital, describing the work of nurses and other staff on night duty and the victims of violence they attend to. It also showcases a lengthy interview with jailed opposition writer Angel Santiesteban. But not all its contents is of a political nature. There is also advice on how to deal with dry or damaged hair and a sports feature on why Cuban football is getting less coverage and state backing than baseball. Sanchez achieved international recognition with her prize-winning blog Generation Y, in which she criticised the restrictions on freedom of speech and movement imposed on the island since the 1959 revolution.
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According to a 2015 survey of 150 retail executives from IT services firm Computer Services Corporation, a quarter of all British shops and 59% of fashion retailers use facial recognition software. Such technology is vital as offline stores attempt to keep up with online retailers, said Duncan Mann, chief operating officer at retail analysis firm Hoxton Analytics. "Online retailers gather all kinds of information about shoppers and physical stores also want to understand how people behave in a shop," he said. But, he admits: "A lot of these technologies are kind of invasive." Hoxton has come up with a novel way of measuring footfall - literally by filming people's shoes. Sherlock Holmes-like, its system can deduce a remarkable amount of information such as age, gender and social class of shoppers from their footwear. "We have cameras at about 50cm off the ground and it points down so it is less invasive than facial recognition," he explains. It is surprisingly accurate. It spots the correct gender 80% of the time, better than some facial recognition technologies, according to Mr Mann. Cities are getting fuller - 70% of the world's population will live in urban areas by 2050 - but don't think for a minute that means you will be able to get lost in the crowd. Because those cities are most likely watching you. Plugged into the network - via smart CCTV cameras that feed into central operation centres or smart street lights that turn brighter when someone walks beneath them - cities are increasingly collecting data on their inhabitants. The purpose is to keep people safe, provide more efficient services and prevent overcrowding or other disasters but has anyone ever asked its citizens whether they want to be part of the urban efficiency experiment or offered them ways to opt out of the networked city? "Very few of us have any real concept of what data smart cities are gathering," said Renate Samson of privacy watchdog Big Brother Watch. "Some of it may be completely anodyne and simply a reaction to a physical movement, but with the increase of devices connected to the internet, the chances are that street lamp, CCTV camera, wi-fi connection, electronic keypad, touch and go payment device, is capturing data on you, your movements, device data and personal information." You begin leaking data as soon as you wake up. Maybe you check Twitter before you leave the house to find out if your train is running - that tweet immediately becomes public property - or perhaps you are signed up to navigation apps such as Waze, that crowdsource real-time information about problems on the roads. Apps collect and share lots of personal information and, in its privacy guide, Waze states that it will collect periodically "all of the phone numbers which are stored on your device's phonebook", as part of a feature to connect you to your friends. And once you enter the transport system you are giving away even more details about yourself. The ticket
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Local authorities are obliged to ensure parents are providing schooling "suitable to age, ability and aptitude". However, parents are not legally required to tell the council they home educate their children. Councillors in the Scottish Borders have agreed to write to the government to ask that it amends the law. The move has been criticised by supporters of home education, who oppose any move towards so-called "parent licensing". According to Scottish government guidance, parents must get consent to remove their children from school. They do not need permission for home education itself. That means there are some home educated children who are unknown to the local council. They include: Scottish Borders Council claims the loophole makes it difficult to ensure all children receive an adequate education. A report to its executive committee said: "For parents who have never sent their children to a Scottish Borders school, officers are unable to acquire any information as to whether the children who are being home schooled receive a satisfactory education appropriate to their age and aptitude." Up to 6,000 children in Scotland are home educated, according to Schoolhouse Home Education Association. A spokeswoman for the group cast doubt on whether any unregistered home educated children even exist "given the raft of mandatory reporting regulations". She added: "It is parents who have the duty to provide education during the compulsory years, whether or not they opt to delegate to council schools. "Any shift towards parent licensing, which is what is being proposed, would have a range of unintended negative consequences, not least of all the loss of goodwill of home educating families who have, by and large, reported positive engagements with Scottish Borders Council to date." A Scottish government spokeswoman said their guidance recommends that councils make annual contact with families they know to be educating their children at home. She added: "We are happy to consider any suggestions that might improve our current approach to supporting home educated children and look forward to receiving Scottish Borders Council's letter on this matter."
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Gheorge Negreanu, 24, was arrested at Wycke Hill, Maldon, in October. At Chelmsford Crown Court he denied facilitating the travel of a person with a view to sexual exploitation. He also denied managing a brothel and controlling prostitution for gain. Mr Negreanu will be tried at Chelmsford Crown Court in the New Year, said a court official.
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Athletics Ireland said on Monday that it is adopting the new process, where qualifying standards are revised upwards in a number of events. Portaferry women Mageean will race in the 1,500m while Ciara Everard (800m) and five marathon runners have achieved the qualification standard. Mageean made the Olympic standard by clocking 4:06.09 in September. Gary Thornton, Thomas Frazer, Sean Hehir and Eoin Callaghan have met the qualifying criteria in the men's marathon but each country can only send a maximum of three athletes in the event. Barbara Sanchez has qualified in the the women's marathon after running 2:42:43 in Valencia last month. Athletics Ireland has adopted the 'two way' qualification scheme for the Rio Olympics. An athlete can achieve the entry standard in the qualification period or be invited by the IAAF as the best ranked athlete at the end of the qualification period to fill the remaining quota places by event.
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"Look at it now, it's such a tranquil place. It was the same that Sunday afternoon, until all hell broke loose." McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara stands outside the Twin Peaks restaurant in Waco, the scene of a deadly shoot-out between biker gangs. He points to where the carnage happened. "You could see bodies lying about - one was right there on the grass, five here on the parking lot, one over there behind that pick-up truck." McNamara does not hide his contempt for the men involved. "They couldn't have cared less about the families right across the parking lot in other restaurants or shops," he says. "All they were interested in was killing rival bike gangs." All of those killed and injured were part of biker gangs who had arranged to meet at the restaurant. More than 170 bikers were arrested. Most are still in prison, with members of the different gangs being detained separately from each other. After some persuasion, we managed to speak to a biker who was moments away from having been caught up in the bloodshed. He had been heading to Twin Peaks, but was stuck in traffic when he heard what had happened. "We were just as shocked as anybody else," says Sean, who spoke to us on the condition we only use his first name. A few hours south of Waco, Sean invites us to attend the funeral of a friend of his, Jesse "Mohawk" Rodriguez. one of the bikers who died in the car park, Hundreds of men in leathers are there, their bikes parked beside the church. They hug each other, support the grieving family and ultimately congregate in individual groups, denoted by the insignia on their jackets. As the coffin is brought out of the hearse, a large proportion of the bikers salute. Many of them, like "Mohawk", Sean and thousands of bikers around the country, used to serve in the American armed forces. "It's about camaraderie, it's about brotherhood, getting together with like-minded individuals," Sean says, explaining why so many bikers are former military. "When you're in the military, you're really, really close to the people you serve with and when you come back there is a hole." But another former biker, James Quinn, a professor at the University of North Texas, says when mixed with disillusionment, such biker clubs can often go beyond just men hanging out together with their bikes. "They are very loyal to their insignia, to their brothers - and very territorial," Quinn says, adding the groups are a "great place" to set up criminal networks - "drugs, weapons, extortion and prostitution are the mainstays". Police investigators say the killings at Twin Peaks were about a challenge over territorial control. The dominant gang in a state (currently the Bandidos in Texas) can demand affiliation from smaller clubs in return for protection and the use of the state name on their insignia, Quinn says, adding smaller clubs may not be directly involved in criminal activity. All
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The Indian company lost 32.9bn rupees (£370m) when it sold its European long products division, based in North Lincolnshire, to Greybull Capital in April for a nominal sum. Tata Steel made a net loss of 31.8bn rupees (£358m) for the three months to 30 June. There was no update on the future of the company's Port Talbot plant. Tata Steel's overall loss was 1.4bn rupees lower than the loss reported for the previous quarter, but analysts had expected a profit of almost 1.9bn rupees. Koushik Chatterjee, group executive director, said the company's recent restructuring and cost-cutting in the UK, along with weaker sterling, had helped the business to report better performance for the quarter. Following the sale of the long products business, Tata Steel Europe would focus on being a premium strip player and would also concentrate on improving its performance. "The strategy for exploring further strategic consolidation in Europe is a step in that direction," he said. The company warned that the Brexit vote could affect economic growth in the UK, adding: "The weaker pound is expected to improve UK's short-term competitive position on exports, however it will add cost pressure due to higher cost of raw materials purchased in US dollars." Tata still owns the Port Talbot steel works in Wales, which employs more than 4,000 workers, and some 2,000 more at other plants in Hartlepool, Rotherham and Stocksbridge. After saying in March that it would sell some or all of its remaining UK business, Tata announced in July that it was putting that process on hold while it pursued a European tie-up. One of the biggest stumbling blocks to the sale of the UK business has been the legacy of the British steel pension fund that Tata inherited when it bought the business in 2007. The fund has 130,000 members and a deficit of £700m. Tata said on Monday that talks about the pension deficit were continuing with all relevant parties including the UK Government, trustees and unions.
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The left-hander has scored three centuries in 17 Test appearances and averages 41.39 in first-class cricket. The 23-year-old has also played 38 one-day internationals and 12 Twenty20 internationals for the Black Caps, but did not make their World T20 squad. "Playing county cricket has always been a goal of mine," Latham told the club website. "I've heard great things about the playing group and coaching staff, so I can't wait to get started." Latham, who made his Test debut against India in February 2014, is due to join the Kent squad before they start the County Championship Division Two campaign at Worcestershire on Sunday, 10 April. South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has agreed to join Kent for a stint in June and July.
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The EU's foreign policy chief said "significant differences" remained, but some common ground had been found. Six world powers made Iran an offer if it stopped processing medium-enriched uranium, which can be used to make nuclear weapons, EU officials said. But Tehran insists that uranium enrichment is its non-negotiable right. Speaking at a news conference after the talks on Thursday evening, the EU's Catherine Ashton described the two days of talks in the Iraqi capital as "intense". "It is clear that we both want to make progress, and that there is some common ground. However, significant differences remain," she said. A new meeting would be held in Moscow on 18-19 June, she said. Speaking shortly afterwards, Iran's chief negotiator Saeed Jalili reiterated that peaceful nuclear energy and uranium enrichment were Iran's "right". The BBC's James Reynolds at the talks says no-one was expecting any immediate breakthrough. Earlier, an unnamed Western diplomat was quoted by the Associated Press as saying that negotiators for the six world powers presented Iran with a package combining new and old proposals. It included an offer of medical isotopes and co-operation on nuclear safety. In exchange, Tehran would stop its 20% uranium enrichment programme as a first step, the diplomat said. Iran's official Irna news agency quoted government officials as describing the offer as "nitpicking" and the student news agency Isna said the package was "not balanced". Iranian media said Mr Jalili, presented Tehran's own five-point package of proposals on "nuclear and non-nuclear issues". Mrs Ashton confirmed that Tehran had offered its five-point plan, without giving further details. Talks in Baghdad were extended for an additional day. The goal of the six powers' team, led Mrs Ashton, is an Iranian agreement to curb uranium enrichment and allow UN inspectors to verify its nuclear activity is for peaceful purposes only. Iran's priority is to secure an end to international sanctions that isolate the country and damage its economy. Tehran has repeatedly said it is not seeking nuclear arms. The talks are being closely watched by Israel, which says Iran is trying to buy time to keep its nuclear plants in full operation. Tel Aviv has hinted at military action unless Iran's nuclear development is curbed. Security was tight for the talks, with thousands of Iraqi police and troops protecting the venue inside Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone. On Tuesday, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Yukiya Amano said an agreement with Iran over nuclear inspections was expected "quite soon" following his recent talks in Tehran.
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The famous artwork was saved for the nation by the National Galleries of Scotland earlier this year. The tour will see the painting put on public display in Inverness, Perth, Paisley and Kirkcudbright. It will start in Inverness in early October with the work being on view for about seven weeks at each venue across the country. Sir John Leighton, NGS director-general, said: "Thanks to the generosity of the National Lottery and the Scottish government we are able to take this fantastic picture across the country to be enjoyed by as many people as possible. "We want this tour of The Monarch of the Glen to be seen as a huge thank you for the overwhelming support that we received during the fundraising campaign and as a celebration that this amazing work of art now belongs to all the people of Scotland. "We hope that it will be admired and debated by wide audiences across the country." Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the tour would allow people of "all ages and backgrounds across Scotland" to see the painting. "I am pleased the Scottish government was able to support both the acquisition of the painting, and its tour," she said.
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The 18-year-old from Denbighshire was found dead in November 1995 with a single bullet wound to the head. A previous inquest recorded an open verdict, however, a new inquest was ordered in July. During a pre-inquest review at the High Court a barrister for Surrey Police requested the new inquest was delayed. The force wants the delay in case applications for fresh inquests into the deaths of three other soldiers at Deepcut - Pte Sean Benton, Pte Geoff Gray and Pte James Collinson - are made. The hearing has now been delayed for at least four weeks. Pte James's parents - who believe their daughter suffered sexual harassment and violence - want the new inquest into her death to be held separately and as soon as possible. Profiles of the Deepcut four
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Shares have also been hit. The FTSE 100 index began the day by falling more than 8%, then regained some ground to stand 2.5% lower. The more UK-focused FTSE 250 fared even worse, down 8% in early afternoon trading. Banks were hard hit, with Barclays and RBS falling about 30%, although they later pared losses to below 20%. The FTSE 100 ended the day 3.15% or 199.41 points lower. The pound's dramatic fall started overnight as the outcome of the referendum became clear. At one stage, it hit $1.3236, a fall of more than 10%. By early afternoon, it had partially recovered, but was still nearly 8% down on the day. As well as the banks, the housebuilding sector was also badly hit, with shares in Bovis Homes down more than 20% in afternoon trading. "Financials and housebuilders are bearing the brunt of the pain, with Lloyds Bank being one of the biggest fallers," said Laith Khalaf, senior analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, highlighting Lloyds' 21% slump. "It's probably safe to say the public sale of the bank is now firmly in the long grass, and the return to full private ownership of both Lloyds and RBS has been knocked off course." The Bank of England said it was "monitoring developments closely" and would take "all necessary steps" to support monetary stability. In New York, the Dow Jones fell 2.6%, more than 400 points, in the opening minutes. Brexit reaction: Business live Brexit: Five areas to watch on the economy Jack: The great business referendum snub City shock at referendum result UK interest rate 'likely to hit zero' Bank of England statement How will Brexit affect your finances? Property market lull may follow EU vote Drivers 'face rising petrol prices' Business calls for stability and direction Thomas Cook halts online currency sales Referendum results in full "This is simply unprecedented, the pound has fallen off a cliff and the FTSE is now following suit," said Dennis de Jong, managing director of UFX.com. "Britain's EU referendum has been a cloud hanging over the global economy for the past few months and that cloud has got very dark this morning. "The markets despise uncertainty, yet that is exactly what they're faced with this morning. The shockwaves are likely to reverberate for some time and the warning lights are flashing brighter now than ever." The FTSE 100's initial slump was its biggest one-day fall since the collapse of Lehman Brothers in October 2008. UK government bond yields hit a new record low, with 10-year yields down more than 30 basis points to 1.018%, according to Reuters data. Two-year yields fell more than 20 basis points to their lowest levels since mid-2013, at 0.233%. The impact of the vote was also felt in other European countries. The Frankfurt and Paris indexes were both down more than 7% and 8% respectively, while the Swiss central bank intervened on the money markets to steady the Swiss franc after it appreciated in value. Oil prices have also fallen
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Heather Davidson, 54, of Thirsk in North Yorkshire, admitted the murder of her 81-year-old friend David Paterson. She had phoned a cancer charity shortly before using a pillow to kill Mr Paterson in his room at the privately-run Sowerby House care home in Thirsk. Davidson, who has a previous conviction for attempting to smother a neighbour's dog, was told she would serve a minimum of nine years. She had claimed the murder on 11 February was a "mercy killing", however, sentencing her at Teesside Crown Court, Judge Simon Bourne-Arton said she had denied Mr Paterson a "private ending". "You were only saving him a few hours of suffering," the judge said. "In so doing, you deprived him of what he wanted most, a natural death." The court was told Davidson had met Mr Paterson through a group for people with mental health issues. She attended the group where Mr Paterson was a volunteer. They also attended church together and she visited him frequently after he moved into the care home. The court heard two phone calls had been made by Davidson to the cancer charity Macmillan before Mr Paterson's death. During the first she complained about his treatment. In the final call, made from Mr Paterson's room on the day she killed him, she told the operator her friend was unable to eat or drink. Davidson told the charity: "It might be better if I could put a pillow over his head. Would I be a murderer if I did that?" The charity's operator told her she would and after a conversation with a supervisor the police were alerted. The call could not be traced before Davidson smothered her victim about two and a half hours later. Prosecuting, Jonathan Sharp said Mr Paterson had a firm religious belief and strongly objected to euthanasia. "He had said it will be God's decision, and only God's, when it was his time to meet his maker." In a statement, Mr Davidson's family described him as a devout Christian and said they were shocked someone he considered a friend would have acted in this way. "She should have known he would have wanted it to be God's will when he died and allowed him to do so in privacy and with dignity," the statement said. David Aubrey QC, mitigating, said Davidson was genuinely remorseful about her actions. "She regrets bitterly and is ashamed for what she has put this man through," he said.
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But the little pink tablets, to be sold under the brand name Addyi, have proven controversial. Here is what you need to know about what has been dubbed the "female Viagra". That flibanserin - to use its chemical name - would draw comparison to its blockbuster male equivalent was inevitable but the nickname is misleading. While a Viagra pill treats erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the penis, flibanserin was developed as an anti-depressant and boosts sexual desire by balancing chemicals in the brain. Specifically, the drug treats hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), essentially a lack of libido that causes distress and is thought to affect between 5.5 million and 8.6 million US women. By gaining approval, Addyi's makers Sprout succeeded where medical giants have failed. Pfizer, Procter & Gamble and others have all tried to develop products treating low sexual desire in women. While the product has its pros and cons, medical practitioners now have a new treatment available to treat a common condition. Sprout plans to launch the product in mid-October. A rival, Palatin Technologies, has an alternative treatment for HSDD in late-stage trials. Women taking the drug reported around one more sexually satisfying event a month, compared to a placebo. But supporters say even this small benefit is worthwhile - "I want to want my husband, it is that simple,'' said Amanda Parrish, one of the women involved in trials. The FDA's approval of Addyi comes with tough safety measures, meaning that its usage is unlikely to be as widespread as with male Viagra. Doctors will only be able to prescribe the drug after counselling patients about potential side-effects, including low blood pressure, nausea and fainting. Pharmacists must remind patients not to drink alcohol while taking the drug, which can make the effects more severe. And while Viagra can be taken shortly before having sex, Addyi must be taken daily. "This is the biggest breakthrough in women's sexual health since the advent of 'the Pill' for contraception," The National Consumers League said in a statement. Lobbying group Even the Score, which has campaigned for better treatment of women's sexual health, accused the FDA of gender bias, highlighting the numerous products available treating sexual dysfunction in men, although none of them treat low desire. Some physicians have welcomed the approval too, such as Dr Lauren Streicher, associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynaecology at Northwestern University. "This is an enormous, enormous advance in women's health. "Of all the sexual dysfunctions, this is by far the most common in every single age category and we've had no options for women up until now." Addyi's critics argue that the FDA has approved a drug of marginal impact with potentially serious side-effects. Previous versions of the drug have been rejected by the FDA. "Unfortunately, we haven't heard the last of this drug," warned consumer group Public Citizen. PharmedOut, which focuses on marketing in pharmaceuticals, said the FDA has been swayed by "a clever, aggressive public relations campaign". "This opens the
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in Data Studio
XSUM - Machine Unlearning + MIA Evaluation Dataset (Length-Filtered)
This dataset is prepared for evaluating machine unlearning methods on fine-tuned LLMs using Membership Inference Attacks (MIAs).
Dataset Splits
Training Sets (for Unlearning)
retain_set(9,000 samples): Data to retain during unlearningforget_set(1,000 samples): Data to unlearn
Evaluation Sets (for MIA) - Length-Filtered
XSum Length Variants
64 tokens (~64±10 tokens): Short summaries
96 tokens (~96±10 tokens): Medium summaries
128 tokens (~128±10 tokens): Long summaries
retain_eval_64,forget_eval_64: ~64 token versionsretain_eval_96,forget_eval_96: ~96 token versionsretain_eval_128,forget_eval_128: ~128 token versions (recommended)
Evaluation Dataset Structure
Each evaluation dataset (up to 700 samples) has the following structure:
| Index Range | Source | Membership | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-349 | Fine-tuning dataset subset | Member | 1 |
| 350-699 | Raw test split | Non-member | 0 |
Note: Actual sample counts may vary based on availability of samples matching the length criteria.
Length Filtering
All evaluation splits are filtered to match specific token lengths (±10 tokens tolerance). This length-matching prevents the model from using sequence length as a signal for membership inference, following the methodology from the Win-k MIA paper.
Usage
from datasets import load_dataset
# Load all splits
dataset = load_dataset("h0ssn/xsum-unlearning-mia")
# Access training sets
retain_set = dataset["retain_set"]
forget_set = dataset["forget_set"]
# Access evaluation sets by length (use largest available for best results)
# These split names vary by dataset - check available splits
print(dataset.keys())
Use Case
This dataset is designed for:
- Machine Unlearning: Train models to "forget" the forget_set while retaining performance on retain_set
- MIA Evaluation: Measure membership leakage before/after unlearning using the evaluation splits
- Privacy Research: Study the effectiveness of unlearning methods in protecting data privacy
- Length-Controlled MIA: Evaluate MIA attacks without length-based confounding factors
Citation
If you use this dataset, please cite the Win-k MIA paper which established the length-filtering methodology.
License
Please refer to the original dataset's license.
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