birminghammail--2020-01-09--Transfers, EFL charge, Lee Camp and more - Pep Clotet's Birmingham City transcript

Pep Clotet spoke with the media ahead of Saturday ’ s trip to Luton Town .
The Birmingham City head coach was asked about Blues ’ transfers , the fitness of key players , the visit to Kenilworth Road - and much more .
Coming from Blackburn this has given a lot of confidence to the squad because I think we did a very good game and had to do a lot of very good things to win twice and draw once against them this season .
In the FA Cup they put a very strong team out and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are very much of the mentality of building for that win , trying to get a win at Luton and trying to leave the bad run we had behind us .
We are very aware we haven ’ t performed during Christmas time or got the points that we wanted to have .
I think the fact we had injuries to our two centre backs after the Reading victory has had a big part to play .
Now we have Jake Clarke-Salter back and we are going to have Marc Roberts back next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confident a win against Luton will put everything behind us and we can look forward to getting another good result at home and setting our focus into as high a part of the table as possible .
Pivotal game ?
Lose and you are really deep in trouble ?
If we lose the game Luton will still be in more trouble than us and there will still be two other teams who would swap positions .
Our focus and mentality we are not thinking on that , we are thinking about building on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , progressing .
This club has been in a little bit of an unstable situation when it comes to results for the last few years when it comes to relegation fights .
We are working very hard the whole year to avoid .
We know the importance of those three points and the importance of beating Blackburn in the FA Cup .
We want to put wins together , look forward to the next game and climb up the table .
Have to be careful that relegation battles hover over a club ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a few seasons before , there is experience in that situation , there is a squad that knows the best thing to do is to avoid it .
I have a fantastic squad with a lot of really good players who don ’ t want to be in that situation .
We know the way not to be is to win football games .
We have a fantastic opportunity to win a football game like we did last Saturday , give the three points to the fans who have been suffering in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us and get St Andrew ’ s rocking for our next home game - that ’ s our mentality .
The fans have suffered a lot over the last few years ...
I am entitled to speak about the fans this season , they only thing the fans have shown me is support to me and the team , joy to see how well the team can do and of course frustration when things haven ’ t worked out .
I have always been the first one to put my hand up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are entitled to be angry after a bad game and entitled to have opinions .
It ’ s my job and the job of the players to make sure we get them on our side , we offer them good games and good football .
The fans understand that with a complete new team it ’ s not easy that everything clicks straight away in the first season , they understand it ’ s a process .
But we are very focused on never offering our fans bad moments , especially coming from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important not only for the FA Cup but for the team .
We had fantastic games against Leeds and Blackburn and we did two bad games in this period - now it ’ s about ‘ OK it was tough for us to win but we won on Saturday and now it ’ s about going to Luton and getting another win ’ .
The fans and the players deserve massive credit for what they did on Saturday because it was not easy .
How worried are you by the implications of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at all Why not you could end up having points docked ?
I am not worried at all because my focus is on the squad and on the games , I have so much to think about with that .
To be fair as soon as that came up the club informed not only our staff but all the players , they told us there is an issue the club has been dealing with the EFL for months .
There is not even lawyers involved , there is only the secretary dealing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation is going to be sorted very soon .
We have been informed there is nothing to worry about and what we need to do is focus on our job which is trying to win games .
Easy to do that ?
There is no other choice .
The good thing in football is it teaches you one thing - it teaches you that the past doesn ’ t exist , it is as important as you want to make it .
We come from a bad run but we won against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away the next day .
Victory lasts for seconds or minutes .
The losses are more painful but we are coming from a victory and we are looking forward to the next game .
We have an experienced squad with the mentality of looking forward .
Is mentality the most important thing for the rest of the season ?
It ’ s the most important thing for any football team in any situation at any time .
We do have a very strong culture and mentality here , I have been working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been working for longer , well before me .
They created a very strong culture here and when it comes to the second part of the season that pays a dividend because the games become more difficult and every point is a little bit harder to attain .
That ’ s when strong teams come together and those who have been playing together for longer has a little bit of an edge .
Lee Camp do enough last weekend to give you something to think about ?
It was important for me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few reasons .
The most important one because despite I was playing Connal he has been doing his job fantastically and been very supportive of the team and club and showing he is a fantastic professional .
Second you don ’ t want to play a goalkeeper and the second goalkeeper is not involved .
You want everyone on their toes so they don ’ t feel rusty .
I think he did a very good game , he would have kept a clean sheet but for that penalty in a very difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very much appreciated , we were coming from a tough period , we know we need to get a win because it ’ s a cup game and he did a fantastic job co-ordinating the back-line and protecting the box against very tough opposition .
Inside the team we are very aware of how well we did that game .
How valuable is that experience in a tricky run ?
Phil Jackson said it very well ‘ There is no substitute for experience in professional games ’ .
You always have a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lived some situations before and they got through it or they learned from mistakes .
It was important to select the team we selected for Saturday .
All the players who came in all showed a great character when we went down to ten men and had to work double for a draw .
The team showed it is playing for the badge , again we can build on that win , we get the centre backs back with us , which we were missing during the Christmas period and we paid the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motivated to get the team back on track and for that we need a win in Luton .
It ’ s a difficult place to go .
They have 15 points at home , six away , it is a stronger team at home .
They play an open game which favours them a lot .
The fans know how difficult it is to keep Championship status , they know they are in for a long season and they are backing a team with a lot of energy , youth and quality that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones is doing a fantastic job with them and they are going to be very difficult at their place .
The ground has some characteristics we take into account when we prepare our game plan .
It is going to be difficult to get control because of the way they play , the ground - and we need to see how the pitch is as well because they have had a lot of games on it .
I am expecting a tough game but that doesn ’ t mean I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really trusting our strengths .
There is going to be another playing coming in and doing as well or better than him , no problem .
I tell you what , I have been in professional football 20 years and I have never played away at home .
It ’ s a little bit weird .
There is still a game to play , they play next Tuesday , I am going to go and see that game , I know League One very well and know Bristol Rovers very well as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw one Coventry game on the computer earlier in the season but haven ’ t seen them live lately .
They still have to play this game , maybe we are away at Bristol Rovers , maybe we are away at St Andrew ’ s .
The important thing is we are in the next round of the FA Cup .
It ’ s gives us a lot of pleasure to our fans and especially to our players .
How we work is the club ask me to design criteria on the players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they work , analyse the market , create a shortlist , the club is finalising the details of the shortlist a little bit and then we are going to sit down again and see our situation with the targets .
There are no new developments yet .
I am pretty confident that we are going to do something but still we haven ’ t done it .
I know that other teams have but ... .
Is it you that decides which position you need ?
Yes - but it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and controls the market because it is impossible to do this to a good level .
Has the shortlist been drawn up ?
The shortlist has been done this week and exposed to me to make my own evaluation of it , so probably things have started .
No news yet , I know you are going to ask a lot .
He started to train today and I ’ m hoping he ’ ll be available next week .
He was outside on his own with the coach , but I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us ( the group ) tomorrow and can complete a week of training next week .
We ’ re very confident .
He should be available for Cardiff .
With him and Jake Clarke-Salter back it will be put behind us difficult period weeks of trying to sort out the team without centre-backs and forcing Harlee to spend a lot of time on the pitch and suffer a big effort .
A week or couple of weeks after Marc .
Kief should be back .
He did part of the training with us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ join in with us slowly at his pace .
He looks fit but obviously he will need some proper intense training .
I ’ m confident that Possibly in the next few weeks we ’ ll have a full squad .
I heard a Barcelona coach say once that getting Jake Clarke-Salter , Marc Roberts and Kieftenbeld back in the team at this moment for me these are the best signings we can do in January - apart from other things that can happen .
Kieftenbeld must be desperate to kick someone ?

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Pep Clotet spoke with the media ahead of Saturday’s trip to Luton Town.
The Birmingham City head coach was asked about Blues’ transfers, the fitness of key players, the visit to Kenilworth Road - and much more.
Here’s what was discussed.
Build on Blackburn?
Coming from Blackburn this has given a lot of confidence to the squad because I think we did a very good game and had to do a lot of very good things to win twice and draw once against them this season.
In the FA Cup they put a very strong team out and we were playing with ten men.
We are very much of the mentality of building for that win, trying to get a win at Luton and trying to leave the bad run we had behind us.
We are very aware we haven’t performed during Christmas time or got the points that we wanted to have.
I think the fact we had injuries to our two centre backs after the Reading victory has had a big part to play.
Now we have Jake Clarke-Salter back and we are going to have Marc Roberts back next week as well so we are very confident a win against Luton will put everything behind us and we can look forward to getting another good result at home and setting our focus into as high a part of the table as possible.
Pivotal game? Lose and you are really deep in trouble?
If we lose the game Luton will still be in more trouble than us and there will still be two other teams who would swap positions.
Our focus and mentality we are not thinking on that, we are thinking about building on Blackburn putting two wins in a row, progressing.
This club has been in a little bit of an unstable situation when it comes to results for the last few years when it comes to relegation fights. We are working very hard the whole year to avoid.
We know the importance of those three points and the importance of beating Blackburn in the FA Cup.
We want to put wins together, look forward to the next game and climb up the table.
Have to be careful that relegation battles hover over a club?
The club has been in that situation for a few seasons before, there is experience in that situation, there is a squad that knows the best thing to do is to avoid it.
I have a fantastic squad with a lot of really good players who don’t want to be in that situation. We know the way not to be is to win football games.
We have a fantastic opportunity to win a football game like we did last Saturday, give the three points to the fans who have been suffering in this tough moment, get everyone behind us and get St Andrew’s rocking for our next home game - that’s our mentality.
The fans have suffered a lot over the last few years...
I am entitled to speak about the fans this season, they only thing the fans have shown me is support to me and the team, joy to see how well the team can do and of course frustration when things haven’t worked out.
I have always been the first one to put my hand up and you know what I think the fans are entitled to be angry after a bad game and entitled to have opinions.
It’s my job and the job of the players to make sure we get them on our side, we offer them good games and good football.
The fans understand that with a complete new team it’s not easy that everything clicks straight away in the first season, they understand it’s a process.
But we are very focused on never offering our fans bad moments, especially coming from a win against Blackburn which was very important not only for the FA Cup but for the team.
We had fantastic games against Leeds and Blackburn and we did two bad games in this period - now it’s about ‘OK it was tough for us to win but we won on Saturday and now it’s about going to Luton and getting another win’.
The fans and the players deserve massive credit for what they did on Saturday because it was not easy.
How worried are you by the implications of the EFL charge?
I am not worried at all
Why not you could end up having points docked?
I am not worried at all because my focus is on the squad and on the games, I have so much to think about with that.
To be fair as soon as that came up the club informed not only our staff but all the players, they told us there is an issue the club has been dealing with the EFL for months.
There is not even lawyers involved, there is only the secretary dealing with the league. They are very optimistic the situation is going to be sorted very soon.
We have been informed there is nothing to worry about and what we need to do is focus on our job which is trying to win games.
Easy to do that?
There is no other choice. The good thing in football is it teaches you one thing - it teaches you that the past doesn’t exist, it is as important as you want to make it.
We come from a bad run but we won against Blackburn - that’s forgotten straight away the next day. Victory lasts for seconds or minutes.
The losses are more painful but we are coming from a victory and we are looking forward to the next game.
We have an experienced squad with the mentality of looking forward.
Is mentality the most important thing for the rest of the season?
It’s the most important thing for any football team in any situation at any time. We do have a very strong culture and mentality here, I have been working with them for almost two years, they have been working for longer, well before me.
They created a very strong culture here and when it comes to the second part of the season that pays a dividend because the games become more difficult and every point is a little bit harder to attain.
That’s when strong teams come together and those who have been playing together for longer has a little bit of an edge.
Lee Camp do enough last weekend to give you something to think about?
It was important for me to give Lee the game for a few reasons. The most important one because despite I was playing Connal he has been doing his job fantastically and been very supportive of the team and club and showing he is a fantastic professional.
Second you don’t want to play a goalkeeper and the second goalkeeper is not involved. You want everyone on their toes so they don’t feel rusty.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
I think he did a very good game, he would have kept a clean sheet but for that penalty in a very difficult game.
I think his experience was very much appreciated, we were coming from a tough period, we know we need to get a win because it’s a cup game and he did a fantastic job co-ordinating the back-line and protecting the box against very tough opposition.
Inside the team we are very aware of how well we did that game.
How valuable is that experience in a tricky run?
Phil Jackson said it very well ‘There is no substitute for experience in professional games’. You always have a little bit of an advantage because they have lived some situations before and they got through it or they learned from mistakes.
It was important to select the team we selected for Saturday. All the players who came in all showed a great character when we went down to ten men and had to work double for a draw.
The team showed it is playing for the badge, again we can build on that win, we get the centre backs back with us, which we were missing during the Christmas period and we paid the price for it.
We are very motivated to get the team back on track and for that we need a win in Luton.
What expecting from Luton?
It’s a difficult place to go. They have 15 points at home, six away, it is a stronger team at home. They play an open game which favours them a lot.
The fans know how difficult it is to keep Championship status, they know they are in for a long season and they are backing a team with a lot of energy, youth and quality that is strong in set plays.
Graeme Jones is doing a fantastic job with them and they are going to be very difficult at their place. The ground has some characteristics we take into account when we prepare our game plan.
It is going to be difficult to get control because of the way they play, the ground - and we need to see how the pitch is as well because they have had a lot of games on it.
I am expecting a tough game but that doesn’t mean I don’t trust our strengths, actually I am really trusting our strengths.
No Ivan Sunjic
There is going to be another playing coming in and doing as well or better than him, no problem.
FA Cup draw
I tell you what, I have been in professional football 20 years and I have never played away at home. It’s a little bit weird.
There is still a game to play, they play next Tuesday, I am going to go and see that game, I know League One very well and know Bristol Rovers very well as well.
It will be interesting, I saw one Coventry game on the computer earlier in the season but haven’t seen them live lately.
They still have to play this game, maybe we are away at Bristol Rovers, maybe we are away at St Andrew’s. The important thing is we are in the next round of the FA Cup.
It’s gives us a lot of pleasure to our fans and especially to our players.
Any progress on transfers?
How we work is the club ask me to design criteria on the players we need to bring then they go and they work, analyse the market, create a shortlist, the club is finalising the details of the shortlist a little bit and then we are going to sit down again and see our situation with the targets.
There are no new developments yet. I am pretty confident that we are going to do something but still we haven’t done it.
I know that other teams have but....
Is it you that decides which position you need?
Yes - but it’s not me who goes and checks players and controls the market because it is impossible to do this to a good level.
Has the shortlist been drawn up?
Yes.
Contacts been made?
The shortlist has been done this week and exposed to me to make my own evaluation of it, so probably things have started.
Players leaving?
No news yet, I know you are going to ask a lot.
Marc Roberts’ situation
He started to train today and I’m hoping he’ll be available next week. He was outside on his own with the coach, but I’m hoping he’ll be with us (the group) tomorrow and can complete a week of training next week. We’re very confident.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
He should be available for Cardiff.
With him and Jake Clarke-Salter back it will be put behind us difficult period weeks of trying to sort out the team without centre-backs and forcing Harlee to spend a lot of time on the pitch and suffer a big effort.
Kieftenbeld update
A week or couple of weeks after Marc. Kief should be back. He did part of the training with us yesterday and today. And he will join in with us slowly at his pace.
He looks fit but obviously he will need some proper intense training. I’m confident that Possibly in the next few weeks we’ll have a full squad.
I heard a Barcelona coach say once that getting Jake Clarke-Salter, Marc Roberts and Kieftenbeld back in the team at this moment for me these are the best signings we can do in January - apart from other things that can happen.
Kieftenbeld must be desperate to kick someone?
Yes, absolutely.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--West Brom could sue Aston Villa over £3m transfer - reports

West Bromwich Albion could sue Aston Villa over their move for young striker Louie Barry .
Barry , 16 , left the club to join Barcelona in the summer after catching the eye at The Hawthorns and as part of the England youth setup .
He was supposed to cost the La Liga heavyweights around £230,000 as a fixed compensation sum that overseas sides must pay when signing players under the age of 23 .
But the Baggies are yet to receive that fee and BirminghamLive reported this week that the club are considering their legal options with Barry closing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ join Villa .
Albion STILL haven ’ t heard anything back from the Catalan club , despite a number of appeals to communicate and pay up .
West Brom , who were considering their options as early as September , were last month in talks with global governing body FIFA regarding the situation having had the all clear from the FA and the EFL that their paperwork regarding the offer they themselves made to Barry in the summer ticked all the required boxes .
The £230,000 sum was expected to be received in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been left waiting , and are of the opinion that Barca have been delaying the payment of the compensation from the off .
Albion are understandably annoyed and considering their next move after the development that Barry is thought to be on his way to Villa – and the Mirror reports they could sue their Midlands rivals .
Albion 's former academy boss Mark Harrison handed his notice in to the club shortly after Barry ’ s switch abroad before being appointed as academy manager at Villa in September .
Harrison spoke openly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving to Villa , saying : “ We have to make sure locally Aston Villa are the club everyone wants to come to .
“ A player left West Bromwich Albion to go to Barcelona .
He 's from Sutton Coldfield .
He 's a Villa fan , his dad 's a Villa fan .
That just ca n't happen in the future.
” Barry is expected to cost Villa around £3m with several reports claiming an agreement is close .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Joseph Chapman, Shane Ireland)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
West Bromwich Albion could sue Aston Villa over their move for young striker Louie Barry.
Barry, 16, left the club to join Barcelona in the summer after catching the eye at The Hawthorns and as part of the England youth setup.
He was supposed to cost the La Liga heavyweights around £230,000 as a fixed compensation sum that overseas sides must pay when signing players under the age of 23.
But the Baggies are yet to receive that fee and BirminghamLive reported this week that the club are considering their legal options with Barry closing in on a return to England to join Villa.
Albion STILL haven’t heard anything back from the Catalan club, despite a number of appeals to communicate and pay up.
West Brom, who were considering their options as early as September, were last month in talks with global governing body FIFA regarding the situation having had the all clear from the FA and the EFL that their paperwork regarding the offer they themselves made to Barry in the summer ticked all the required boxes.
The £230,000 sum was expected to be received in two separate installments, but Albion have been left waiting, and are of the opinion that Barca have been delaying the payment of the compensation from the off.
Albion are understandably annoyed and considering their next move after the development that Barry is thought to be on his way to Villa – and the Mirror reports they could sue their Midlands rivals.
Albion's former academy boss Mark Harrison handed his notice in to the club shortly after Barry’s switch abroad before being appointed as academy manager at Villa in September.
Harrison spoke openly about Barry in his first interview after moving to Villa, saying: “We have to make sure locally Aston Villa are the club everyone wants to come to.
“A player left West Bromwich Albion to go to Barcelona. He's from Sutton Coldfield. He's a Villa fan, his dad's a Villa fan. That just can't happen in the future.”
Barry is expected to cost Villa around £3m with several reports claiming an agreement is close.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Man knifed in horror attack on Great Hampton Row in Newtown

A man is recovering after he was knifed in a horror attack .
Police and paramedics were called to Great Hampton Row in Newtown just after 4.30pm on Wednesday following reports of a stabbing .
The 25-year-old victim was taken to hospital where his injuries are not said to be serious .
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said : `` Police are investigating after a man suffered stab injuries on Great Hampton Row just after 4.30pm on Wednesday ( 8 Jan ) .
`` The 25-year-old was taken to hospital with injuries that were not deemed life-threatening or life-changing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service said : “ We were called at 4:35pm to reports of a stabbing on Great Hampton Row in Birmingham .
“ We sent an ambulance , paramedic officer and the West Midlands Care Team to the scene .
“ We treated one patient , a man , for injuries not thought to be serious .
He was taken to hospital for further treatment.
” Bishop Desmond Jaddoo , who has long been working to reduce crime in the ward , said : “ Great Hampton Row has been associated with gun and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is an area of Birmingham where residents have told me that they do not feel safe .
“ Clearly more needs to be done in areas like this .
“ Great Hampton Row is becoming the forgotten areas of inner city Birmingham which requires urgent input .
“ Public safety is absolutely crucial .
There needs to be a joined up approach.
” Great Hampton Row has long been the scene of fatal gun and knife crime .
Father-of-four Mekel Sterling was killed in a drive by shooting as he stood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on September 13 , 2017 .
Darielle Williams , of Attingham Drive , Dudley and the driver , Kayne Robinson , of Roseberry Street , Winson Green , were jailed for life with a minimum of 33 years each after being found guilty of his murder .
In October 2015 , four men were taken to hospital with bullet wounds to the legs following a shooting .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
A man is recovering after he was knifed in a horror attack.
Police and paramedics were called to Great Hampton Row in Newtown just after 4.30pm on Wednesday following reports of a stabbing.
The 25-year-old victim was taken to hospital where his injuries are not said to be serious.
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "Police are investigating after a man suffered stab injuries on Great Hampton Row just after 4.30pm on Wednesday (8 Jan).
"The 25-year-old was taken to hospital with injuries that were not deemed life-threatening or life-changing."
(Image: Birmingham Live)
A spokeswoman from West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 4:35pm to reports of a stabbing on Great Hampton Row in Birmingham.
“We sent an ambulance, paramedic officer and the West Midlands Care Team to the scene.
“We treated one patient, a man, for injuries not thought to be serious. He was taken to hospital for further treatment.”
Bishop Desmond Jaddoo, who has long been working to reduce crime in the ward, said: “Great Hampton Row has been associated with gun and knife crime for some time now.
“This is an area of Birmingham where residents have told me that they do not feel safe.
“Clearly more needs to be done in areas like this.
“ Great Hampton Row is becoming the forgotten areas of inner city Birmingham which requires urgent input.
“Public safety is absolutely crucial. There needs to be a joined up approach.”
Great Hampton Row has long been the scene of fatal gun and knife crime.
Father-of-four Mekel Sterling was killed in a drive by shooting as he stood outside as he stood outside a Costcutter on September 13, 2017.
Darielle Williams, of Attingham Drive, Dudley and the driver, Kayne Robinson, of Roseberry Street, Winson Green, were jailed for life with a minimum of 33 years each after being found guilty of his murder.
In October 2015, four men were taken to hospital with bullet wounds to the legs following a shooting.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--West Midlands Mayor hopeful Liam Byrne nominates Jess Phillips to be leader of the Labour Party

Birmingham MP Liam Byrne has nominated Jess Phillips in her campaign to become leader of the Labour leader .
And with his support , she has now received 22 nominations - enough to allow her to stay in the race to succeed Jeremy Corbyn .
Mr Byrne , Labour MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill , is in the middle of a contest of his own , as he attempts to become Labour 's candidate for West Midlands mayor .
Local activists will choose their candidate later this year .
Ms Phillips , MP for Birmingham Yardley , needed the backing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the election .
She has achieved this but now faces a new hurdle , as candidates must also get the nominations of 5 % of all constituency Labour parties , or of three organisations affiliated to Labour - of which at least two must be trade unions .
Rival candidate Lisa Nandy , also a backbench MP , has also secured nominations from 22 MPs .
Rebecca Long Bailey , the Shadow Business Secretary , has 26 nominations , shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer has 59 , Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lewis has four .
Although Sir Keir appears to be firmly in the lead , the number of nominations may have little impact on the final vote , which will be carried out by Labour members nationwide and members of affiliated organisations .
As well as electing a new leader , Labour is also electing a deputy leader .
Earlier today , Birmingham Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood announced he was pulling out of this contest .
Shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner today confirmed he is `` considering '' entering the leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage support for Ms Long Bailey , who has tried to position herself as the standard bearer for the left .
When does voting take place ?
A postal ballot of members will run from February 21 to April 2 .
When will the winner be announced ?
Labour ’ s new leader will be announced at a special conference on April 4 , the party has said .
Tell us your views on Facebook Birmingham and the West Midlands is home to informed , passionate people devoted to their political causes who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they think !
This Facebook group is an extension of the unrivalled political coverage you get from Birmingham Live and the Birmingham Mail & Post .
Here you will find our stories from Parliament and the Council chambers , alongside stories from your communities which show how political decisions are having an impact .
It 's also the place for you if you want to share your own views , engage in debate and tell us about the issues we are missing .
Candidates need to secure the nominations of least one in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and MEPs .
That means at least 22 nominations .
Nominations from MPs and MEPs will open on January 7 , closing at 2.30pm on January 13 .
Candidates that pass this hurdle must then get the nominations of 5 % of all constituency Labour parties , or of three organisations affiliated to Labour - of which at least two must be trade unions - comprising at least 5 % of the fully paid-up affiliate membership .
As well as trade unions , affiliated bodies include socialise organisations such as the Fabian Society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 15 and runs to February 14 .
The freeze date for new members to join and be eligible to vote will be January 20 .
As in the last leadership election in 2016 , people will be able to join as a registered supporter for a fee of £25 provided they are on the electoral register and meet the membership qualification criteria of membership of the party .
Applications to become a registered supporter open at 5pm on January 14 and close at 5pm on January 16 .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Birmingham MP Liam Byrne has nominated Jess Phillips in her campaign to become leader of the Labour leader.
And with his support, she has now received 22 nominations - enough to allow her to stay in the race to succeed Jeremy Corbyn.
Mr Byrne, Labour MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill, is in the middle of a contest of his own, as he attempts to become Labour's candidate for West Midlands mayor. Local activists will choose their candidate later this year.
Ms Phillips, MP for Birmingham Yardley, needed the backing of 22 MPs or MEPs to continue in the election. She has achieved this but now faces a new hurdle, as candidates must also get the nominations of 5% of all constituency Labour parties, or of three organisations affiliated to Labour - of which at least two must be trade unions.
Rival candidate Lisa Nandy, also a backbench MP, has also secured nominations from 22 MPs. Rebecca Long Bailey, the Shadow Business Secretary, has 26 nominations, shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer has 59, Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry has seven and shadow Treasury minister Clive Lewis has four.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
Although Sir Keir appears to be firmly in the lead, the number of nominations may have little impact on the final vote, which will be carried out by Labour members nationwide and members of affiliated organisations.
As well as electing a new leader, Labour is also electing a deputy leader. Earlier today, Birmingham Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood announced he was pulling out of this contest.
Shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner today confirmed he is "considering" entering the leadership contest too. Such a move could damage support for Ms Long Bailey, who has tried to position herself as the standard bearer for the left.
When does voting take place?
A postal ballot of members will run from February 21 to April 2.
When will the winner be announced?
Labour’s new leader will be announced at a special conference on April 4, the party has said.
Who can stand?
Candidates need to secure the nominations of least one in 10 of the party’s MPs and MEPs. That means at least 22 nominations.
Nominations from MPs and MEPs will open on January 7, closing at 2.30pm on January 13.
Candidates that pass this hurdle must then get the nominations of 5% of all constituency Labour parties, or of three organisations affiliated to Labour - of which at least two must be trade unions - comprising at least 5% of the fully paid-up affiliate membership.
As well as trade unions, affiliated bodies include socialise organisations such as the Fabian Society.
This stage of nominations opens on January 15 and runs to February 14.
Who can vote?
The freeze date for new members to join and be eligible to vote will be January 20.
As in the last leadership election in 2016, people will be able to join as a registered supporter for a fee of £25 provided they are on the electoral register and meet the membership qualification criteria of membership of the party.
Applications to become a registered supporter open at 5pm on January 14 and close at 5pm on January 16.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's bombshell announcement backed by 45 per cent of Brits, YouGov finds

A YouGov poll has found 45 % of the British public support the Sussexes ' decision to step back as senior royals , but 63 % say their funding from the Prince of Wales 's Duchy of Cornwall should stop .
More than a quarter ( 26 % ) oppose Harry and Meghan 's decision .
Almost half ( 49 % ) of Britons think that the couple 's decision will not damage the royal family , while nearly a third ( 32 % ) think it will .
In a statement the Queen 's office said discussions with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision were `` at an early stage '' , adding : `` We understand their desire to take a different approach , but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through . ''
The couple 's move follows weeks of speculation about their future after they took an extended break from royal duties over the festive period .
Prince William is said to be in a `` rage '' over the announcement with an insider telling the Sun : `` Their statement was not cleared with anyone .
It breaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of war on the family .
`` There is fury over how they ’ ve done this without any thought for the implications for the institution .
The Queen is deeply upset .
The Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge are incandescent with rage .
“ Courtiers can ’ t believe it .
There are so many unanswered questions but they ’ ve just up and done it without a thought for anyone else . ''
Kate has faced numerous reports of a rift with her sister-in-law Meghan after the American actress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between William and his brother .
Harry and Meghan also split their household from Kensington Palace , then left the Royal Foundation they shared with Kate and William .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A YouGov poll has found 45% of the British public support the Sussexes' decision to step back as senior royals, but 63% say their funding from the Prince of Wales's Duchy of Cornwall should stop.
More than a quarter (26%) oppose Harry and Meghan's decision.
Almost half (49%) of Britons think that the couple's decision will not damage the royal family, while nearly a third (32%) think it will.
In a statement the Queen's office said discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their decision were "at an early stage", adding: "We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through."
The couple's move follows weeks of speculation about their future after they took an extended break from royal duties over the festive period.
Prince William is said to be in a "rage" over the announcement with an insider telling the Sun : "Their statement was not cleared with anyone. It breaks all protocol. This is a declaration of war on the family.
"There is fury over how they’ve done this without any thought for the implications for the institution. The Queen is deeply upset. The Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge are incandescent with rage.
“Courtiers can’t believe it. There are so many unanswered questions but they’ve just up and done it without a thought for anyone else."
Kate has faced numerous reports of a rift with her sister-in-law Meghan after the American actress married Harry, followed by a falling-out between William and his brother.
Harry and Meghan also split their household from Kensington Palace, then left the Royal Foundation they shared with Kate and William.


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Jess Phillips secures 22 nominations in Labour leadership contest - here's what happens next

Jess Phillips ' campaign team said she had secured the nominations of 22 Labour MPs and MEPs to pass through the first stage of the leadership contest .
Before Thursday , only shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer out of the six candidates had reached the threshold .
Labour had been due to announce the numbers officially at 5.30pm but the figures have been delayed .
The shadow Brexit secretary has 23 nominations from the parliamentary party - placing him well ahead of his main rival , Rebecca Long-Bailey , who is on seven so far .
He was given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unison , the country 's largest union , in a move that means Sir Keir is almost certain to get his name onto the ballot paper .
Candidates need nominations from 10 % of Labour MPs and MEPs - which totals 212 , making the required threshold 22 .
Nominations from MPs and MEPs close on Monday January 13 .
Candidates who receive enough nominations will then enter phase two of the contest , where they have to secure the backing of 5 % of constituency Labour branches or at least three affiliate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maid up of trade unions , to get onto the final ballot paper and face election by the membership .
Unison 's backing of Sir Keir provides him with further momentum at the start of the campaign .
The decision was taken by the union 's Labour Link committee , which is made up entirely of Labour members .
General secretary Dave Prentis said : `` This is a pivotal time for Labour .
`` We believe - if elected by the membership - Keir Starmer would be a leader to bring the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the thousands of voters who deserted Labour last month .
`` Keir has a clear vision to get Labour back to the winning ways of the past .
`` He is best placed to take on Boris Johnson , hold his Government to account and ensure Labour can return to power and once more change working people 's lives for the better . ''
Contenders vying to be party 's deputy leader also set out their stalls to MPs on Wednesday .
Among those in the race for the deputy post , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quit , are shadow sports minister Rosena Allin-Khan and Labour 's only MP in Scotland , Ian Murray .
Shadow cabinet ministers Angela Rayner , Dawn Butler and Richard Burgon , along with shadow Europe minister Khalid Mahmood , are also in the race for the job .
After the hustings , Ms Allin-Khan told reporters that she wanted to give NHS workers a discounted Labour Party membership .
`` I think it would be really good to offer a subsidised subscription to the Labour Party for NHS staff so that healthcare assistants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face all have a say in how we fight for their party , '' she said .
`` And if that works , that 's something we could roll out across the board . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Jess Phillips' campaign team said she had secured the nominations of 22 Labour MPs and MEPs to pass through the first stage of the leadership contest.
Before Thursday, only shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer out of the six candidates had reached the threshold.
Labour had been due to announce the numbers officially at 5.30pm but the figures have been delayed.
The shadow Brexit secretary has 23 nominations from the parliamentary party - placing him well ahead of his main rival, Rebecca Long-Bailey, who is on seven so far.
He was given the added boost of being backed by Unison, the country's largest union, in a move that means Sir Keir is almost certain to get his name onto the ballot paper.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
Candidates need nominations from 10% of Labour MPs and MEPs - which totals 212, making the required threshold 22.
Nominations from MPs and MEPs close on Monday January 13.
Candidates who receive enough nominations will then enter phase two of the contest, where they have to secure the backing of 5% of constituency Labour branches or at least three affiliate groups, two of which must be maid up of trade unions, to get onto the final ballot paper and face election by the membership.
Unison's backing of Sir Keir provides him with further momentum at the start of the campaign.
The decision was taken by the union's Labour Link committee, which is made up entirely of Labour members.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
General secretary Dave Prentis said: "This is a pivotal time for Labour.
"We believe - if elected by the membership - Keir Starmer would be a leader to bring the party together and win back the trust of the thousands of voters who deserted Labour last month.
"Keir has a clear vision to get Labour back to the winning ways of the past.
"He is best placed to take on Boris Johnson, hold his Government to account and ensure Labour can return to power and once more change working people's lives for the better."
Contenders vying to be party's deputy leader also set out their stalls to MPs on Wednesday.
Among those in the race for the deputy post, triggered by Tom Watson's decision to quit, are shadow sports minister Rosena Allin-Khan and Labour's only MP in Scotland, Ian Murray.
Shadow cabinet ministers Angela Rayner, Dawn Butler and Richard Burgon, along with shadow Europe minister Khalid Mahmood, are also in the race for the job.
(Image: PA)
After the hustings, Ms Allin-Khan told reporters that she wanted to give NHS workers a discounted Labour Party membership.
"I think it would be really good to offer a subsidised subscription to the Labour Party for NHS staff so that healthcare assistants, receptionists, people at the coal face all have a say in how we fight for their party," she said.
"And if that works, that's something we could roll out across the board."


birminghammail--2020-01-09--'Make it happen' - Liverpool fans are loving Aston Villa transfer pursuit

Aston Villa are trying to sign Pepe Reina – and Liverpool fans are loving it .
The AC Milan goalkeeper has emerged a leading candidate as Villa look to bring in cover for Tom Heaton after he was ruled out for the rest of the season .
37-year-old Reina has barely played for Milan since joining from Napoli in 2018 , making just five Serie A appearances in that time , but Villa feel he has the ability and experience to step into their Premier League survival battle .
He is well known to Villa CEO Christian Purslow , formerly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director Jesus Garcia Pitarch and talks are ongoing about a deal .
Reports in Italy had indicated that Reina has agreed a six-month contract to join Villa , with a further year ’ s option , but his agent revealed today the move isn ’ t done yet .
The agent in question , Manuel Garcia Quilon , was approached by Sky Italia after he left Milan ’ s offices earlier today and asked whether an agreement had been reached .
He simply replied ‘ No ’ before getting into a car and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known in England for his eight-year stint at Liverpool during which he made nearly 400 appearances before Bayern Munich snapped him up in 2014 .
And Reds fans would love to see him back in the top-flight .
One said : `` *Checks our fixture list .
Sees that we still have Villa at home .
Raises fist .
Punches air .
* Reina back at Anfield for a day .
Make it happen @ AstonVilla . ''
`` Aston Villa Player of the Season 2019/20 will be Reina , '' added a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will be great to see Pepe back in the PL . ''
`` I would take Reina over Adrian any day of the week , '' said a fourth , before asking : `` Could you imagine how many clean sheets he ’ d get playing behind the defense we have now ? ''
`` Reina to Aston Villa ? ''
asked a sixth supporter .
`` Oh I 'm all for Pepe being back in England . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Aston Villa are trying to sign Pepe Reina – and Liverpool fans are loving it.
The AC Milan goalkeeper has emerged a leading candidate as Villa look to bring in cover for Tom Heaton after he was ruled out for the rest of the season.
37-year-old Reina has barely played for Milan since joining from Napoli in 2018, making just five Serie A appearances in that time, but Villa feel he has the ability and experience to step into their Premier League survival battle.
He is well known to Villa CEO Christian Purslow, formerly of Liverpool, as well as sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch and talks are ongoing about a deal.
Reports in Italy had indicated that Reina has agreed a six-month contract to join Villa, with a further year’s option, but his agent revealed today the move isn’t done yet.
The agent in question, Manuel Garcia Quilon, was approached by Sky Italia after he left Milan’s offices earlier today and asked whether an agreement had been reached. He simply replied ‘No’ before getting into a car and being driven away.
Reina is best known in England for his eight-year stint at Liverpool during which he made nearly 400 appearances before Bayern Munich snapped him up in 2014.
And Reds fans would love to see him back in the top-flight.
One said: "*Checks our fixture list. Sees that we still have Villa at home. Raises fist. Punches air.* Reina back at Anfield for a day. Make it happen @AstonVilla."
"Aston Villa Player of the Season 2019/20 will be Reina," added a second.
Another fan beamed: "Will be great to see Pepe back in the PL."
"I would take Reina over Adrian any day of the week," said a fourth, before asking: "Could you imagine how many clean sheets he’d get playing behind the defense we have now?"
Another simply said: "Amazing keeper."
"Reina to Aston Villa?" asked a sixth supporter. "Oh I'm all for Pepe being back in England."


birminghammail--2020-01-09--Prince Harry and Meghan Markle break silence after quitting to send Kate a public message

Less than 24 hours after dropping a royal bombshell , Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have broken their silence to send a public message to Kate Middleton , The Duchess of Cambridge is celebrating her 38th birthday today and members of the Royal Family had been sending her their birthday wishes .
Kensington Palace thanked the public for their `` lovely messages '' , alongside what was thought to be a previously unseen image of the duchess , casually dressed in jeans and jumper as she sits on a fence , by photographer Matt Porteous .
The Duke and Duchess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ image writing : `` Wishing a very happy birthday to The Duchess of Cambridge today ! ''
It 's the first we 've heard from the couple since they announced they would be stepping back as 'senior ' members of the Royal Family and working to become financially independent while continuing to `` fully support '' the Queen .
The couple 's decision was announced on Wednesday evening but it 's claimed they did n't consult any other members of the Royal Family about it .
In a statement the Queen 's office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Sussex on their decision were `` at an early stage '' , adding : `` We understand their desire to take a different approach , but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through . ''
Kate was expected to celebrate her birthday on Thursday with husband William and their three children - six-year-old Prince George , Princess Charlotte , four , and 20-month-old Prince Louis .
However Prince William is said to be in a `` rage '' over the announcement with an insider telling the Sun : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone .
It breaks all protocol .
This is a declaration of war on the family .
`` There is fury over how they ’ ve done this without any thought for the implications for the institution .
The Queen is deeply upset .
The Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge are incandescent with rage .
“ Courtiers can ’ t believe it .
There are so many unanswered questions but they ’ ve just up and done it without a thought for anyone else . ''
Kate has faced numerous reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the American actress married Harry , followed by a falling-out between William and his brother .
Harry and Meghan also split their household from Kensington Palace , then left the Royal Foundation they shared with Kate and William .
In a television documentary , the Sussexes spoke of their struggles , with Harry saying he had `` good days '' and `` bad days '' in his relationship with William .
Madam Tussouds London today removed Harry and Meghan 's waxworks out of the Royal Family display in a bid to mirror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal institution ’ .
They previously stood alongside The Queen , Prince Philip , the Prince of Wales , the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge .
Steve Davies , General Manager at Madame Tussauds London , said : “ Alongside the rest of the world we are reacting to the surprising news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be stepping back as senior Royals .
`` From today Meghan and Harry ’ s figures will no longer appear in our Royal Family set .
As two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they will of course remain an important feature at Madame Tussauds London as we watch to see what the next chapter holds for the them .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Less than 24 hours after dropping a royal bombshell, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have broken their silence to send a public message to Kate Middleton,
The Duchess of Cambridge is celebrating her 38th birthday today and members of the Royal Family had been sending her their birthday wishes.
Kensington Palace thanked the public for their "lovely messages", alongside what was thought to be a previously unseen image of the duchess, casually dressed in jeans and jumper as she sits on a fence, by photographer Matt Porteous.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have since commented on the image writing: "Wishing a very happy birthday to The Duchess of Cambridge today!"
(Image: PA)
It's the first we've heard from the couple since they announced they would be stepping back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and working to become financially independent while continuing to "fully support" the Queen.
The couple's decision was announced on Wednesday evening but it's claimed they didn't consult any other members of the Royal Family about it.
In a statement the Queen's office said discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their decision were "at an early stage", adding: "We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through."
(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
Kate was expected to celebrate her birthday on Thursday with husband William and their three children - six-year-old Prince George, Princess Charlotte, four, and 20-month-old Prince Louis.
However Prince William is said to be in a "rage" over the announcement with an insider telling the Sun : "Their statement was not cleared with anyone. It breaks all protocol. This is a declaration of war on the family.
"There is fury over how they’ve done this without any thought for the implications for the institution. The Queen is deeply upset. The Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge are incandescent with rage.
“Courtiers can’t believe it. There are so many unanswered questions but they’ve just up and done it without a thought for anyone else."
Kate has faced numerous reports of a rift with her sister-in-law Meghan after the American actress married Harry, followed by a falling-out between William and his brother.
Harry and Meghan also split their household from Kensington Palace, then left the Royal Foundation they shared with Kate and William.
In a television documentary, the Sussexes spoke of their struggles, with Harry saying he had "good days" and "bad days" in his relationship with William.
Madam Tussouds London today removed Harry and Meghan's waxworks out of the Royal Family display in a bid to mirror their ‘progressive new role within the Royal institution’.
They previously stood alongside The Queen, Prince Philip, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Steve Davies, General Manager at Madame Tussauds London, said: “Alongside the rest of the world we are reacting to the surprising news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be stepping back as senior Royals.
"From today Meghan and Harry’s figures will no longer appear in our Royal Family set. As two of our most popular and well-loved figures they will of course remain an important feature at Madame Tussauds London as we watch to see what the next chapter holds for the them.”


birminghammail--2020-01-10--Man arrested over hit-and-run in Handsworth Wood after woman receives serious injuries

Police have arrested a man after an alleged hit-and-run in Handsworth Wood where a woman received serious injuries after being struck by a car .
The woman was hit by a Ford Focus car shortly before 7pm last night ( Thursday ) on College Road .
She suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital where she remains in a critical collision .
Police say the driver of the car stopped to speak to two members of the public before getting back into his car and driving off .
A 23-year-old man was arrested from his home address in Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous driving , failing to stop following a collision and driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs .
He remains in police custody this morning .
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes , from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit , at West Midlands Police , said : “ We have spoken to a number of witnesses but we are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to get in touch .
“ In particular I would urge the two men who spoke to the driver to contact us as soon as possible as they hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Information can be given by contacting collision investigators on FL_COLLISION_INVEST @ west-midlands.pnn.police.uk , via Live Chat on our website at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , call 101 anytime or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 2117 of 9/1 .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Police have arrested a man after an alleged hit-and-run in Handsworth Wood where a woman received serious injuries after being struck by a car.
The woman was hit by a Ford Focus car shortly before 7pm last night (Thursday) on College Road.
She suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital where she remains in a critical collision.
Police say the driver of the car stopped to speak to two members of the public before getting back into his car and driving off.
A 23-year-old man was arrested from his home address in Birmingham at 11pm last night on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop following a collision and driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs. He remains in police custody this morning.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, at West Midlands Police , said: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses but we are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to get in touch.
“In particular I would urge the two men who spoke to the driver to contact us as soon as possible as they hold vital information that could help our investigation."
Information can be given by contacting collision investigators on FL_COLLISION_INVEST@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk , via Live Chat on our website at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log 2117 of 9/1.


birminghammail--2020-01-10--Louis Theroux Selling Sex documentary on BBC Two is already proving very controversial before airing

The latest Louis Theroux documentary is set to hit our screens this weekend - going head-to-head with Love Island .
Winter Love Island is set to air on ITV2 this Sunday evening - when Louis brings his latest doc to BBC Two .
Louis Theroux : Selling Sex will air from 9pm on channel two , as the British documentary maker returns to our screens .
Louis meets women legally providing sexual services , either to make a living or to supplement their income , potentially earning hundreds of pounds per hour .
But rather than on the streets or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sex from their own homes or hotels , utilising technology to share photos , make bookings and vet potential clients - making the exchange more accessible and , according to some , safer than the illegal alternatives .
As Louis meets some of those participating in this new sexual economy , he explores whether selling sex can ever be a healthy way to make money .
Louis meets women – from widely differing backgrounds – who aren ’ t full-time sex workers but make a lucrative sideline from sleeping with strangers .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but without the commitment because it ’ s only one hour and then I can leave.
” Single mum Victoria , meanwhile , says the flexibility makes it the perfect part-time job to fit in with looking after her children .
But Louis senses there are deeper issues and as ever , gently probes people ’ s motives to find things they themselves are only just realising .
Speaking about the programme Louis says : “ I ’ m always drawn to stories that involve ethical wrinkles - issues that are deeply felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which good-hearted people can come to opposite conclusions .
The debate around selling sex is exactly that kind of story .
`` What we ended up with was a very intimate look at three very individual women and the different paths that led them to this field of work .
I found it revealing and thought-provoking to make - I hope viewers have the same experience .
Mainly , I ’ d like to thank the women who so openly and honestly let me in to their lives and helped broaden my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the documentary has already proved massively controversial .
Two women involved have written an open letter about working on the doc , with one saying : “ [ the producers ] supposedly wanted to follow a newish sex worker to document that experience , it felt more like they were pushing the stereotype of sex workers being sex workers because something bad happened to them .
And a second continued : “ I should be grateful to have been given the platform .
But the whole of the BBC ’ s attitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and watch your closest friend , coworker , carer , wife , life partner literally axed at any given point.
” A BBC spokeperson added : `` We have addressed their concerns in the final edit of the film , and have listened to their comments throughout the filming process .
We are confident that Ashleigh gave informed consent to be a part of the documentary as is evidenced by ongoing communication with her .
Louis is well-versed with handling sensitive cases and has always had the utmost respect for the subjects of @ @ @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love Love Island? Our Factor 50 email brings all the goss direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love Love Island? Our Factor 50 email brings all the goss direct to your inbox
The latest Louis Theroux documentary is set to hit our screens this weekend - going head-to-head with Love Island.
Winter Love Island is set to air on ITV2 this Sunday evening - when Louis brings his latest doc to BBC Two.
Louis Theroux: Selling Sex will air from 9pm on channel two, as the British documentary maker returns to our screens.
Louis meets women legally providing sexual services, either to make a living or to supplement their income, potentially earning hundreds of pounds per hour.
But rather than on the streets or in illegal brothels, these women sell sex from their own homes or hotels, utilising technology to share photos, make bookings and vet potential clients - making the exchange more accessible and, according to some, safer than the illegal alternatives.
As Louis meets some of those participating in this new sexual economy, he explores whether selling sex can ever be a healthy way to make money.
Louis meets women – from widely differing backgrounds – who aren’t full-time sex workers but make a lucrative sideline from sleeping with strangers.
“It’s quite fun,” says art student Ashley.
“It’s like going out, but without the commitment because it’s only one hour and then I can leave.”
Single mum Victoria, meanwhile, says the flexibility makes it the perfect part-time job to fit in with looking after her children.
But Louis senses there are deeper issues and as ever, gently probes people’s motives to find things they themselves are only just realising.
Speaking about the programme Louis says: “I’m always drawn to stories that involve ethical wrinkles - issues that are deeply felt, but are also divisive, and in which good-hearted people can come to opposite conclusions. The debate around selling sex is exactly that kind of story.
"What we ended up with was a very intimate look at three very individual women and the different paths that led them to this field of work. I found it revealing and thought-provoking to make - I hope viewers have the same experience. Mainly, I’d like to thank the women who so openly and honestly let me in to their lives and helped broaden my understanding of their lives and experiences.”
But the documentary has already proved massively controversial.
Two women involved have written an open letter about working on the doc, with one saying: “[the producers] supposedly wanted to follow a newish sex worker to document that experience, it felt more like they were pushing the stereotype of sex workers being sex workers because something bad happened to them.
And a second continued: “I should be grateful to have been given the platform. But the whole of the BBC’s attitude stinks. It hurts to stand by and watch your closest friend, coworker, carer, wife, life partner literally axed at any given point.”
A BBC spokeperson added: "We have addressed their concerns in the final edit of the film, and have listened to their comments throughout the filming process. We are confident that Ashleigh gave informed consent to be a part of the documentary as is evidenced by ongoing communication with her. Louis is well-versed with handling sensitive cases and has always had the utmost respect for the subjects of his documentaries."


birminghammail--2020-01-10--Wolf Moon lunar eclipse set be visible above Birmingham tonight

Stargazers are in for a treat as the first full moon of 2020 , also known as the `` wolf moon '' , coincides with a lunar eclipse on friday evening .
Weather permitting , those gazing up at the skies will witness a penumbral lunar eclipse when the moon passes through the earth 's shadow .
The phenomenon , which will begin at 5pm and is expected to end at around 9pm , will see the moon move into Earth 's penumbra , or outer shadow , causing the earth 's natural satellite to look darker than normal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ witness the episode in the West Midlands .
Bonnie Diamond , a spokesperson for the Met Office , said `` lovely clear skies '' are expected in the evening .
But she added skies may be cloudier in the western parts of the country , with heavy rain expected across northern Ireland and Scotland in the late afternoon .
In January , the full moon is sometimes labelled a `` wolf '' moon , an unusual celestial label which seems to have stuck .
Ed Bloomer , an astronomer at the Royal Observatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full moon of 2020 is today , and here in the UK we should be able to see it nice and clearly .
`` It will be rising in the east as the sun sets in the west , and we 'll be able to observe it throughout the night . ''
But those expecting the moon to turn red , a phenomenon dubbed the blood moon , will be disappointed .
Mr Bloomer added : `` We wo n't see the same dramatic dimming and reddening visible during a total lunar eclipse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get one of those until 2021 , though there are another three penumbral eclipses to look forward to in 2020 . ''
The next full moon will occur on February 9 , which is also known as snow moon .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Stargazers are in for a treat as the first full moon of 2020, also known as the "wolf moon", coincides with a lunar eclipse on friday evening.
Weather permitting, those gazing up at the skies will witness a penumbral lunar eclipse when the moon passes through the earth's shadow.
The phenomenon, which will begin at 5pm and is expected to end at around 9pm, will see the moon move into Earth's penumbra, or outer shadow, causing the earth's natural satellite to look darker than normal.
And it could be clear enough to witness the episode in the West Midlands.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Bonnie Diamond, a spokesperson for the Met Office, said "lovely clear skies" are expected in the evening.
But she added skies may be cloudier in the western parts of the country, with heavy rain expected across northern Ireland and Scotland in the late afternoon.
(Image: PA)
In January, the full moon is sometimes labelled a "wolf" moon, an unusual celestial label which seems to have stuck.
Ed Bloomer, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, said: "The first full moon of 2020 is today, and here in the UK we should be able to see it nice and clearly.
"It will be rising in the east as the sun sets in the west, and we'll be able to observe it throughout the night."
But those expecting the moon to turn red, a phenomenon dubbed the blood moon, will be disappointed.
Mr Bloomer added: "We won't see the same dramatic dimming and reddening visible during a total lunar eclipse.
"Unfortunately, we won't get one of those until 2021, though there are another three penumbral eclipses to look forward to in 2020."
The next full moon will occur on February 9, which is also known as snow moon.


birminghammail--2020-01-10--'Terrorist' wearing fake suicide belt among prison officer attackers at top-security jail HMP Whitem

'Terrorist' wearing fake suicide belt among prison officer attackers at top-security jail HMP Whitemoor

A convicted terrorist has been named as one of two inmates who allegedly carried out a `` cowardly and vicious '' attack on prison staff at a maximum security jail .
Scotland Yard counter-terrorism officers are investigating after an officer was attacked from behind on Thursday by two prisoners wearing fake suicide belts and armed with improvised bladed weapons .
One of the suspects at the 458-capacity HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire has been named in reports as convicted terrorist Brusthom Ziamani , 24 , while the second is said to be a Muslim convert jailed for a violent offence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anjem Choudary , 52 , was found guilty of planning a terror attack in 2015 over a plot to behead a British soldier .
The prison officer attacked from behind suffered stab and slash wounds to the head , chest and face , while four other officers received stab injuries as they stepped in to help .
Steve Gillan , general secretary of the Prison Officers Association , said : `` I have received a full briefing on this cowardly and vicious attack and there is no doubt in my mind that but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning we could have been talking about a death of a prison officer at Whitemoor Prison .
`` This was an extremely serious attack on hard-working staff . ''
A Prison Service spokesman said the incident was `` quickly resolved by brave staff '' , adding : `` We do not tolerate assaults on our hard-working officers and will push for the strongest possible punishment . ''
The Metropolitan Police said it was `` deemed appropriate '' for the investigation to be carried out by counter-terrorism officers .
A spokesman said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this early stage of the investigation we are keeping an open mind with regards to any motives , and inquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing . ''
Ziamani was 19 when he was sentenced at the Old Bailey to 22 years in prison , reduced to 19 on appeal , after he was arrested while carrying a 12in ( 30.5cm ) knife and a hammer in a rucksack .
The court was told that he had researched the location of Army cadet bases in the south-east of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his ex-girlfriend weapons , described Fusilier Lee Rigby 's killer Michael Adebolajo as a `` legend '' and told her he would `` kill soldiers '' .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Henry Vaughan, PA, Brett Gibbons)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A convicted terrorist has been named as one of two inmates who allegedly carried out a "cowardly and vicious" attack on prison staff at a maximum security jail.
Scotland Yard counter-terrorism officers are investigating after an officer was attacked from behind on Thursday by two prisoners wearing fake suicide belts and armed with improvised bladed weapons.
One of the suspects at the 458-capacity HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire has been named in reports as convicted terrorist Brusthom Ziamani, 24, while the second is said to be a Muslim convert jailed for a violent offence.
Ziamani, a follower of radical preacher Anjem Choudary, 52, was found guilty of planning a terror attack in 2015 over a plot to behead a British soldier.
(Image: (Image: PA Archive/PA Images))
The prison officer attacked from behind suffered stab and slash wounds to the head, chest and face, while four other officers received stab injuries as they stepped in to help.
Steve Gillan, general secretary of the Prison Officers Association, said: "I have received a full briefing on this cowardly and vicious attack and there is no doubt in my mind that but for the bravery of staff then this morning we could have been talking about a death of a prison officer at Whitemoor Prison.
"This was an extremely serious attack on hard-working staff."
A Prison Service spokesman said the incident was "quickly resolved by brave staff", adding: "We do not tolerate assaults on our hard-working officers and will push for the strongest possible punishment."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The Metropolitan Police said it was "deemed appropriate" for the investigation to be carried out by counter-terrorism officers.
A spokesman said: "However, we must stress that at this early stage of the investigation we are keeping an open mind with regards to any motives, and inquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing."
Ziamani was 19 when he was sentenced at the Old Bailey to 22 years in prison, reduced to 19 on appeal, after he was arrested while carrying a 12in (30.5cm) knife and a hammer in a rucksack.
The court was told that he had researched the location of Army cadet bases in the south-east of the capital.
Earlier, he had shown his ex-girlfriend weapons, described Fusilier Lee Rigby's killer Michael Adebolajo as a "legend" and told her he would "kill soldiers".


birminghammail--2020-01-10--Aston Villa dealt transfer blow as striker opts for rivals - reports

Everton striker Cenk Tosun is undergoing a medical at Crystal Palace ahead of sealing a six-month loan move to Selhurst Park , reports Sky Sports .
Tosun was expected to be allowed to leave Everton this month and Aston Villa are among the clubs to have been credited with an interest .
The Turkish striker only joined Everton two years ago from Besiktas for £27m and played regularly for the Toffees during his first 18 months at the club .
But he has dropped down the pecking order behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Moise Kean , making just two appearances in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to reports in Turkey covering Besiktas ’ interest , Villa 'made serious ' attempts to bring the striker to B6 but Palace appear to have won the race for Tosun .
Villa were hoping to have a new forward signed in time for Sunday ’ s Premier League fixture against Manchester City at Villa Park .
Dean Smith was unable to field a recognised striker in Wednesday ’ s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Leicester City , which ended 1-1 .
Summer arrival Wesley Moraes has been ruled out for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davis is still recovering from a hamstring injury and Smith explained that Jonathan Kodjia had been taken ill in training ahead of the tie .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Everton striker Cenk Tosun is undergoing a medical at Crystal Palace ahead of sealing a six-month loan move to Selhurst Park, reports Sky Sports.
Tosun was expected to be allowed to leave Everton this month and Aston Villa are among the clubs to have been credited with an interest.
The Turkish striker only joined Everton two years ago from Besiktas for £27m and played regularly for the Toffees during his first 18 months at the club.
(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
But he has dropped down the pecking order behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Moise Kean, making just two appearances in the Premier League so far this season.
According to reports in Turkey covering Besiktas’ interest, Villa 'made serious' attempts to bring the striker to B6 but Palace appear to have won the race for Tosun.
Villa were hoping to have a new forward signed in time for Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City at Villa Park.
Dean Smith was unable to field a recognised striker in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Leicester City, which ended 1-1.
Summer arrival Wesley Moraes has been ruled out for the rest of the season, Keinan Davis is still recovering from a hamstring injury and Smith explained that Jonathan Kodjia had been taken ill in training ahead of the tie.


birminghammail--2020-01-10--Total ban on petrol and diesel cars on every road across West Midlands as part of climate plan

Every petrol and diesel car and vehicle will be banned from all roads across the West Midlands in 20 years time under a suggested new controversial £40bn climate plan revealed today .
The plan also includes the creation of a national park and that a new tree will be planted for each of the near three million people living in the region .
The # WM2041 document includes a series of recommendations to help the region meet the target of a zero-carbon economy by 2041 and has been published by the combined authority in response to the 'climate emergency ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport , infrastructure changes to support electric vehicles and the transition to more eco-friendly homes , the plan is the first of its kind in the country , acting as a blueprint for the region as it seeks to move away from reliance on fossil fuels and toward a renewable future .
But while its recommendations are far-reaching and sometimes radical , environmental groups have warned that , without significant action on aviation emissions and HS2 , the plan will have little impact .
Using a set of guiding principles , the West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be taken over five , ten , fifteen and twenty year timeframes , ranging from incentives to adopt low emitting modes of transport to a transition to more eco-friendly homes .
What does the plan include ?
• Commitment to plant a tree for every West Midlands resident • The expansion of low-emissions places ( such as Clean Air Zone ) • Plan to boost the number of electric taxis • More space for walking and cycling • Focused support for people in at-risk jobs , helping them re-train if necessary .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign • A vehicle scrappage scheme wherein it is more advantageous to swap a petrol powered car for a travel pass or CAZ-compliant second-hand car .
• Urban drainage investment plan , to help deal with increased rainfall .
• A ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2041 .
The board of the WMCA has also agreed that , to be successful , an estimated investment of 1-2 percent of regional GVA is required .
Between 2020 and 2041 , this would work out at around £40bn .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaking after the release of the papers , leader of Solihull council and the portfolio holder for the environment , Cllr Ian Courts , encouraged people to have their say , with a six-week public engagement event set to take place if the papers are approved at next week 's WMCA Board meeting .
However Friends of the Earth activist Chris Crean , while praising the WMCA for their actions in creating the plan , says that both Birmingham International Airport and HS2 must be dealt with if our region is to truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think the way in which this is going to be tested is going to be in the actions , the way in which budgets are allocated , '' he said .
`` And within that there are some significant infrastructure issues right in front of us at this very moment .
We know that the Oakervee review is being deliberated , over the awful HS2 scheme .
And a decision upon whether or not that scheme goes ahead could be taken very very shortly .
`` What we do know is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us reach our climate responsibilities .
And we all need to seriously address the dangers that HS2 poses to not just the West Midlands but also other parts of the UK , and also the opportunity that it takes away from investing in lower speed , more local , mass transit systems that can get us out of our motor cars , enable more people to walk and cycle and create a much better environment in which people can live .
`` Another infrastructure problem that we might well have is how we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an ever expanding airport near Solihull , and we need to look at how we can actually stop exporting our climate emmissions to other parts of the world by our dependence on internaitonal aviation and shipping .
`` But this is a good example of the WMCA showing leadership , by example , and let ’ s hope that other organisations will be able to follow on from that , and get on board . ''

Every petrol and diesel car and vehicle will be banned from all roads across the West Midlands in 20 years time under a suggested new controversial £40bn climate plan revealed today.
The plan also includes the creation of a national park and that a new tree will be planted for each of the near three million people living in the region.
The #WM2041 document includes a series of recommendations to help the region meet the target of a zero-carbon economy by 2041 and has been published by the combined authority in response to the 'climate emergency'.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Encouraging more active travel, cleaner transport, infrastructure changes to support electric vehicles and the transition to more eco-friendly homes, the plan is the first of its kind in the country, acting as a blueprint for the region as it seeks to move away from reliance on fossil fuels and toward a renewable future.
But while its recommendations are far-reaching and sometimes radical, environmental groups have warned that, without significant action on aviation emissions and HS2, the plan will have little impact.
Using a set of guiding principles, the West Midlands Combined Authority has outlined actions to be taken over five, ten, fifteen and twenty year timeframes, ranging from incentives to adopt low emitting modes of transport to a transition to more eco-friendly homes.
What does the plan include?
Five Years
Creation of a West Midlands national park
Commitment to plant a tree for every West Midlands resident
The expansion of low-emissions places (such as Clean Air Zone)
Introduction of a zero-carbon homes standard
Plan to decarbonise cement
Plan to boost the number of electric taxis
More space for walking and cycling
Five to Fifteen Years
Focused support for people in at-risk jobs, helping them re-train if necessary.
Creation of a pride in green jobs campaign
A vehicle scrappage scheme wherein it is more advantageous to swap a petrol powered car for a travel pass or CAZ-compliant second-hand car.
Urban drainage investment plan, to help deal with increased rainfall.
Final Five Years
A ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2041.
No fossil fuel-powered vehicles permitted on West Midlands roads.
The board of the WMCA has also agreed that, to be successful, an estimated investment of 1-2 percent of regional GVA is required. Between 2020 and 2041, this would work out at around £40bn.
What's the reaction so far?
Speaking after the release of the papers, leader of Solihull council and the portfolio holder for the environment, Cllr Ian Courts, encouraged people to have their say, with a six-week public engagement event set to take place if the papers are approved at next week's WMCA Board meeting.
However Friends of the Earth activist Chris Crean, while praising the WMCA for their actions in creating the plan, says that both Birmingham International Airport and HS2 must be dealt with if our region is to truly see a reduction in carbon emissions.
"I think the way in which this is going to be tested is going to be in the actions, the way in which budgets are allocated," he said.
"And within that there are some significant infrastructure issues right in front of us at this very moment. We know that the Oakervee review is being deliberated, over the awful HS2 scheme. And a decision upon whether or not that scheme goes ahead could be taken very very shortly.
"What we do know is that HS2 is not going to help us reach our climate responsibilities. And we all need to seriously address the dangers that HS2 poses to not just the West Midlands but also other parts of the UK, and also the opportunity that it takes away from investing in lower speed, more local, mass transit systems that can get us out of our motor cars, enable more people to walk and cycle and create a much better environment in which people can live.
"Another infrastructure problem that we might well have is how we deal with international aviation. We have an ever expanding airport near Solihull, and we need to look at how we can actually stop exporting our climate emmissions to other parts of the world by our dependence on internaitonal aviation and shipping.
"But this is a good example of the WMCA showing leadership, by example, and let’s hope that other organisations will be able to follow on from that, and get on board."


birminghammail--2020-01-10--Birmingham named as one of the drug exporting capitals of the country

Birmingham has been named as one of the drug dealing capitals of the country - with city gangs exporting narcotics nationwide .
The Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services , the official watchdog for police forces across the country , has named Birmingham , Liverpool and London as the three main bases for `` county line '' gangs .
It said gangs based in these cities are exporting drugs nationwide .
Organised criminal gangs based in the big cities send dealers , many of them children , to towns , villages and rural areas , where they sell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mobile phone lines .
A new report by the inspectorate said : `` There are more than 2,000 individual deal line numbers in the UK , linked to approximately 1,000 ‘ branded ’ county lines .
`` The analysis suggests that London , Birmingham and Liverpool are the main exporting areas , with other county lines originating from a further 23 forces . ''
It highlighted a study by the National Crime Agency which warned : `` Cities , towns and rural areas across the UK are supplied with drugs by multiple county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines continue to originate from the area covered by the Metropolitan Police ( approximately 15 % of individual deal lines ) , followed by the West Midlands Police ( 9 % ) and Merseyside Police ( 7 % ) police areas . ''
Some gangs send young people from Birmingham New Street station to sell drugs in rural areas , the report said .
Trains are used because the dealers , who are often intimidated or bullied into working for the gangs , are too young to drive .
`` The rail network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly for children exploited in county lines offending .
This is most likely to be due to in part to the recruitment of minors , who are unable to drive legally .
`` Rail network hubs such as Birmingham New Street , Clapham Junction , Manchester Piccadilly , St Pancras and Waterloo are key points of access to and exit from the rail network . ''
The new findings come after West Midlands Police reported that it had rescued 49 children and young people exploited by organised crime gangs , in just one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were typically aged 15 to 17 , but some are as young as 12 .
Many are moved in to the homes of vulnerable adults , often drug addicts , and this can mean living hundreds of miles away from their former homes in the West Midlands .
The Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services called for restrictions on using pay-as-you-go phones anonymously , saying this would help fight county lines drug gangs .
The watchdog suggested people `` should have to register personal details when buying a mobile phone or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handsets and numbers being used for drug dealing .
Former detective Mark Powell , one of the inspectors who worked on the report , said : `` Officers have to resort to lengthy investigations to try to prove who had a phone .
`` But clearly there 's a wider debate to be had .
`` We are not saying anonymity should no longer be available to everybody but we are saying there needs to be a review of the criminal abuse of mobile phones '' , adding that this should look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but this was `` not the end of pay-as-you-go '' .
Jay Singh-Sohal , the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner ( PCC ) candidate , said the findings showed that drugs policy was failing .
He said : “ This shocking report shows that after more than four years in charge of policing in the West Midlands , the Labour approach to dealing with drugs and those who sell them is simply failing .
“ What is needed is effective partnership working , in Birmingham in particular , to stop this rising crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Jamieson , the current Labour Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands , has warned argued excluding pupils from school has made them vulnerable to recruitment by drugs gangs .
And this concern was also highlighted by the Inspectorate , which said police officers `` reported a strong link between school exclusion and becoming a target for county lines criminals '' .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Birmingham has been named as one of the drug dealing capitals of the country - with city gangs exporting narcotics nationwide.
The Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, the official watchdog for police forces across the country, has named Birmingham, Liverpool and London as the three main bases for "county line" gangs.
It said gangs based in these cities are exporting drugs nationwide.
Organised criminal gangs based in the big cities send dealers, many of them children, to towns, villages and rural areas, where they sell drugs. Customers reach them using dedicated mobile phone lines.
A new report by the inspectorate said: "There are more than 2,000 individual deal line numbers in the UK, linked to approximately 1,000 ‘branded’ county lines.
"The analysis suggests that London, Birmingham and Liverpool are the main exporting areas, with other county lines originating from a further 23 forces."
(Image: WMP)
It highlighted a study by the National Crime Agency which warned: "Cities, towns and rural areas across the UK are supplied with drugs by multiple county lines. The greatest number of county lines continue to originate from the area covered by the Metropolitan Police (approximately 15% of individual deal lines), followed by the West Midlands Police (9%) and Merseyside Police (7%) police areas."
Some gangs send young people from Birmingham New Street station to sell drugs in rural areas, the report said. Trains are used because the dealers, who are often intimidated or bullied into working for the gangs, are too young to drive.
"The rail network remains a key method of transportation, particularly for children exploited in county lines offending. This is most likely to be due to in part to the recruitment of minors, who are unable to drive legally.
"Rail network hubs such as Birmingham New Street, Clapham Junction, Manchester Piccadilly, St Pancras and Waterloo are key points of access to and exit from the rail network."
The new findings come after West Midlands Police reported that it had rescued 49 children and young people exploited by organised crime gangs, in just one week of intense activity.
The youngsters were typically aged 15 to 17, but some are as young as 12. Many are moved in to the homes of vulnerable adults, often drug addicts, and this can mean living hundreds of miles away from their former homes in the West Midlands.
The Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services called for restrictions on using pay-as-you-go phones anonymously, saying this would help fight county lines drug gangs.
The watchdog suggested people "should have to register personal details when buying a mobile phone or replacement SIM card" to prevent the handsets and numbers being used for drug dealing.
Former detective Mark Powell, one of the inspectors who worked on the report, said: "Officers have to resort to lengthy investigations to try to prove who had a phone.
"But clearly there's a wider debate to be had.
"We are not saying anonymity should no longer be available to everybody but we are saying there needs to be a review of the criminal abuse of mobile phones", adding that this should look at whether regulations need "strengthening" - but this was "not the end of pay-as-you-go".
Jay Singh-Sohal, the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) candidate, said the findings showed that drugs policy was failing.
He said: “This shocking report shows that after more than four years in charge of policing in the West Midlands, the Labour approach to dealing with drugs and those who sell them is simply failing.
“What is needed is effective partnership working, in Birmingham in particular, to stop this rising crime issue spreading across county lines."
David Jamieson, the current Labour Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, has warned argued excluding pupils from school has made them vulnerable to recruitment by drugs gangs.
And this concern was also highlighted by the Inspectorate, which said police officers "reported a strong link between school exclusion and becoming a target for county lines criminals".
Mr Jamieson said: "Unfortunately it is no surprise that Liverpool, London and Birmingham are amongst the country’s county lines hotspots. The same areas that have been hit hardest by austerity over the last decade.
"This report is deeply concerning and shows the full scale of the problem of county lines and the wide-scale exploitation of young people by organised criminal gangmasters.
"I have been saying for some time now that what lies at the heart of county lines, and the young people who get involved in it is the fact that almost all of them are excluded from school. This is an issue I have raised with government on a number of occasions and also at Downing Street.
"Over the new year I wrote to the Prime Minister calling on him to take action to ensure that when a young person is excluded from school, that good alternative provision is in place and that they don’t simply end up on the streets to be preyed upon by county lines gangs. As a former head teacher I know first hand the support our young people need, that sadly many are no longer getting.
"More action needs to be taken to crack down on the gangs exploiting these young people. But it is vital that we start addressing the root causes of county lines and put an end to children being drawn into them in the first place.
"Reducing the number of exclusions, by increasing pastoral support in schools would be a good place to start. For those young people that have to be excluded, a proper alternative educational provision is essential to help keep them out of crime and harm."