birminghammail--2020-01-15--DWP reveals 'special rules' on Universal Credit and benefits if you're terminally ill

Charities are calling on the Government to speed up its review of benefits for those with a terminal illness .
But exactly what benefits are such patients eligible to receive ?
It was in July 2019 that the DWP said it would look again at the way it handled state help for the terminally ill. And in the six months since then , another 2,000 people have died with no financial support , say the charities Marie Curie and Motor Neurone Disease Association .
Campaigners are calling for changes including scrapping the current rule that defines terminal illness as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasonably expected within six months . ''
It means those predicted to live longer than half a year have not been getting their benefits claims fast-tracked and have been forced to attend assessments to see if they are fit for work .
The DWP 's review of its policies has yet to be completed .
It has said it will be carrying out research with claimants `` over the coming months '' , suggesting it 's still a long way from any announcement of new rules .
But the department has now explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that currently apply to those who have a terminal illness .
It put together a new guide just before Christmas following criticism of the state support available .
If you ’ re living with a terminal illness and your doctor or a medical professional has said you might have less than six months to live , you may get benefits at a higher rate or get extra money , and start getting payments more quickly than usual If you live longer than six months following your claim , your benefits will continue but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
Here 's what you could receive and how to get it : How to apply for benefits if you are terminally ill Those with a terminal illness can apply for benefits straight away by asking a medical professional - usually a GP , hospital doctor or registered nurse - to fill in a DS1500 form , so you can get benefits paid to you more quickly than usual .
You could also get benefits at a higher rate or receive extra money .
The DS1500 form confirms your diagnosis and treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the form to the DWP to support your benefit application , or you can send it yourself .
The address is on the form .
If applying on behalf of someone else , you 'll need to become an appointee - unless you ’ re applying for Attendance Allowance , Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) or Disability Living Allowance ( DLA ) for children .
What you can get if below State Pension age If you ’ re 16 or over and have not reached State Pension age , you may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Payment ( PIP ) - This helps with extra costs if you have long-term ill health or a disability .
You can apply yourself or someone else can do it for you .
Employment and Support Allowance ( ESA ) - This helps if you ’ re ill or disabled and can not work .
Universal Credit - This is a new benefit replacing six existing welfare payments and helps with living costs if you ’ re on a low income or out of work .
You may be eligible to get two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time , depending on circumstances .
If you already get any of those three benefits but your condition has worsened and you ’ re not expected to live more than six months , you need to report a change of circumstances .
PIP is replacing Disability Living Allowance for adults .
If you already get DLA for adults but your condition has worsened and you ’ re not expected to live more than six months , you should contact the Disability Service Centre to report a change of circumstances .
Call 0800 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 , 1948 ) or 0800 731 0122 ( if born on or before April 8 , 1948 ) .
What you can get if you ’ ve reached State Pension age Pensioners with a terminal illness can apply for Attendance Allowance .
You do n't have to have someone looking after you to be eligible .
You can apply yourself or someone else can do it for you .
Find out how to claim here If you already get Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance ( DLA ) for adults but your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not expected to live more than six months , call the Disability Service Centre .
For Attendance Allowance , call 0800 731 0122 , For DLA enquiries , call 0800 121 4600 ( if born after April 8 , 1948 ) or 0800 731 0122 ( if born on or before April 8 , 1948 ) .
What you get if your child is terminally ill In this case , you may be able to get Disability Living Allowance ( DLA ) for children .
It helps with extra costs if your child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or needs extra looking after .
If your child is 16 or over you can apply for PIP instead .
If you already get DLA for children but your child ’ s condition has worsened and they ’ re not expected to live more than six months , you need to report a change of circumstances .
If you ’ re eligible , you could get Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance at the same time as DLA for children .
What you get if caring for someone who is terminally ill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is terminally ill , you may be eligible for financial support .
If you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week , check if you can get Carer ’ s Allowance If you care for someone at least 20 hours a week and you ’ re under State Pension age , check if you can get Carer ’ s Credit

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
Charities are calling on the Government to speed up its review of benefits for those with a terminal illness.
But exactly what benefits are such patients eligible to receive?
It was in July 2019 that the DWP said it would look again at the way it handled state help for the terminally ill.
And in the six months since then, another 2,000 people have died with no financial support, say the charities Marie Curie and Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Campaigners are calling for changes including scrapping the current rule that defines terminal illness as "when a person's death can be reasonably expected within six months."
It means those predicted to live longer than half a year have not been getting their benefits claims fast-tracked and have been forced to attend assessments to see if they are fit for work.
The DWP's review of its policies has yet to be completed. It has said it will be carrying out research with claimants "over the coming months", suggesting it's still a long way from any announcement of new rules.
But the department has now explained what it calls the 'special rules' that currently apply to those who have a terminal illness.
It put together a new guide just before Christmas following criticism of the state support available.
If you’re living with a terminal illness and your doctor or a medical professional has said you might have less than six months to live, you may get benefits at a higher rate or get extra money, and start getting payments more quickly than usual
If you live longer than six months following your claim, your benefits will continue but your claim may be reviewed after three years.
Here's what you could receive and how to get it:
How to apply for benefits if you are terminally ill
Those with a terminal illness can apply for benefits straight away by asking a medical professional - usually a GP, hospital doctor or registered nurse - to fill in a DS1500 form, so you can get benefits paid to you more quickly than usual.
You could also get benefits at a higher rate or receive extra money.
The DS1500 form confirms your diagnosis and treatment plan.
The medical professional will send the form to the DWP to support your benefit application, or you can send it yourself. The address is on the form.
If applying on behalf of someone else, you'll need to become an appointee - unless you’re applying for Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children.
What you can get if below State Pension age
If you’re 16 or over and have not reached State Pension age, you may be eligible for these benefits:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - This helps with extra costs if you have long-term ill health or a disability. You can apply yourself or someone else can do it for you.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - This helps if you’re ill or disabled and cannot work.
Universal Credit - This is a new benefit replacing six existing welfare payments and helps with living costs if you’re on a low income or out of work.
You may be eligible to get two or three of these benefits at the same time, depending on circumstances.
If you already get any of those three benefits but your condition has worsened and you’re not expected to live more than six months, you need to report a change of circumstances.
PIP is replacing Disability Living Allowance for adults. If you already get DLA for adults but your condition has worsened and you’re not expected to live more than six months, you should contact the Disability Service Centre to report a change of circumstances. Call 0800 121 4600 (if born after April 8, 1948) or 0800 731 0122 (if born on or before April 8, 1948).
What you can get if you’ve reached State Pension age
Pensioners with a terminal illness can apply for Attendance Allowance.
You don't have to have someone looking after you to be eligible.
You can apply yourself or someone else can do it for you. Find out how to claim here
If you already get Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults but your condition has worsened and you’re not expected to live more than six months, call the Disability Service Centre.
For Attendance Allowance, call 0800 731 0122, For DLA enquiries, call 0800 121 4600 (if born after April 8, 1948) or 0800 731 0122 (if born on or before April 8, 1948).
What you get if your child is terminally ill
In this case, you may be able to get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children.
It helps with extra costs if your child is under 16 and has difficulty walking or needs extra looking after. If your child is 16 or over you can apply for PIP instead.
If you already get DLA for children but your child’s condition has worsened and they’re not expected to live more than six months, you need to report a change of circumstances.
If you’re eligible, you could get Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance at the same time as DLA for children.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
What you get if caring for someone who is terminally ill
If you’re caring for someone who is terminally ill, you may be eligible for financial support.
If you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, check if you can get Carer’s Allowance
If you care for someone at least 20 hours a week and you’re under State Pension age, check if you can get Carer’s Credit


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Wolves player ratings as Ruddy, Neto and Traore impress against Man Utd

A second half goal from Juan Mata dumped Wolverhampton Wanderers out of the FA Cup in their replay with Manchester United .
Mata chipped Wolves goalkeeper John Ruddy midway through the second half at Old Trafford to send last season ’ s semi-finalists out at the third round stage .
Wolves were once again left frustrated by VAR as Pedro Neto 's first half strike was ruled out after Kevin Friend referred it to Stockley Park .
Here are our player ratings : Ruddy hasn ’ t had an awful lot to do in his recent cup outings for Wolves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially during the first half .
He denied James superbly in two one-v-one situations in the first 45 .
Unfortunately for Wolves , Ruddy couldn ’ t win the third one-v-one situation he faced in the match as Mata cleverly clipped the ball over him .
Apart from one moment where James nipped inside him at the start of the second half Dendoncker had a comfortable evening at Old Trafford .
After a few shaky outings at the back Dendoncker has improved - and just in time with Willy Boly well on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coady ’ s performance was composed and classy , as we ’ ve come to expect .
But the captain should have done better against Martial in the build-up to Mata ’ s goal .
He was spun far too easily and vacated his position for Mata to run into .
One expertly timed tackle in the second half earned the approval of the noisy Wolves fans in the far corner at Old Trafford .
Saiss has arguably been the most impressive of the back three over the last month and defended well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacking instinct and intent by Doherty , who came within a whisker of opening the scoring in the first half .
His header struck the post before the assistant referee raised his flag for offside .
Neves stroked the ball around nicely in midfield and showed plenty of improvement on an average performance against Newcastle on Saturday .
Neves ’ superb cross set up Doherty ’ s headed chance and he wasn ’ t a million miles away with a rasping half-volley from range after the break .
A typically mature display from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to United during the first half and Wolves should have made more of their chances .
Moutinho got stuck in when he needed to , as ever , and was lucky to escape a booking for one challenge on Martial .
The wing-back was solid in defence but a little uninspiring going forward .
In fairness , he wasn ’ t needed on the overlap with Traore often going it alone down the left .
Traore set the tone from the first whistle with an excellent run at the heart of United ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The man Premier League bosses are convinced is ‘ unstoppable ’ had more than a few jaw-dropping moments against United .
Wolves ’ best chances continue to arrive through Traore , be it on the right or the left as he played against United .
This was unquestionably Jimenez ’ s best 90-minute showing since the turn of the year .
He was his usual self without the finishing touch , but that ’ ll come .
His best chance came in the first half as he somehow plucked a Traore cross @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United defenders , only to fire straight at Romero .
Neto is perhaps the unluckiest player in the Premier League .
In the space of three weeks Neto has seen goals harshly ruled out at English football ’ s two most iconic stadiums by VAR .
The 19-year-old was effective throughout the match but looked incredibly frustrated after being substituted , which is understandable given the hand he ’ s been dealt .
If he was a couple of inches taller he ’ d have buried a delightful cross from Jimenez late on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive showing from Gibbs-White in his first appearance in almost three months .
Offered a more attacking threat down the left for the final 15 minutes .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
A second half goal from Juan Mata dumped Wolverhampton Wanderers out of the FA Cup in their replay with Manchester United.
Mata chipped Wolves goalkeeper John Ruddy midway through the second half at Old Trafford to send last season’s semi-finalists out at the third round stage.
Wolves were once again left frustrated by VAR as Pedro Neto's first half strike was ruled out after Kevin Friend referred it to Stockley Park.
Here are our player ratings:
John Ruddy 8
Ruddy hasn’t had an awful lot to do in his recent cup outings for Wolves but really impressed at Old Trafford, especially during the first half. He denied James superbly in two one-v-one situations in the first 45.
Unfortunately for Wolves, Ruddy couldn’t win the third one-v-one situation he faced in the match as Mata cleverly clipped the ball over him.
(Image: PA)
Leander Dendoncker 7
Apart from one moment where James nipped inside him at the start of the second half Dendoncker had a comfortable evening at Old Trafford.
After a few shaky outings at the back Dendoncker has improved - and just in time with Willy Boly well on the road to recovery.
Conor Coady 6.5
With the ball Coady’s performance was composed and classy, as we’ve come to expect. But the captain should have done better against Martial in the build-up to Mata’s goal. He was spun far too easily and vacated his position for Mata to run into.
Romain Saiss 7.5
One expertly timed tackle in the second half earned the approval of the noisy Wolves fans in the far corner at Old Trafford.
Saiss has arguably been the most impressive of the back three over the last month and defended well once more.
Matt Doherty 7
Another performance full of attacking instinct and intent by Doherty, who came within a whisker of opening the scoring in the first half. His header struck the post before the assistant referee raised his flag for offside.
Ruben Neves 7.5
Neves stroked the ball around nicely in midfield and showed plenty of improvement on an average performance against Newcastle on Saturday.
Neves’ superb cross set up Doherty’s headed chance and he wasn’t a million miles away with a rasping half-volley from range after the break.
Joao Moutinho 7.5
A typically mature display from Wolves’ main man. He dictated to United during the first half and Wolves should have made more of their chances.
Moutinho got stuck in when he needed to, as ever, and was lucky to escape a booking for one challenge on Martial.
Jonny Otto 6.5
The wing-back was solid in defence but a little uninspiring going forward. In fairness, he wasn’t needed on the overlap with Traore often going it alone down the left.
Adama Traore 7.5
Traore set the tone from the first whistle with an excellent run at the heart of United’s defence before spreading the ball wide.
The man Premier League bosses are convinced is ‘unstoppable’ had more than a few jaw-dropping moments against United.
Wolves’ best chances continue to arrive through Traore, be it on the right or the left as he played against United.
(Image: PA)
Raul Jimenez 7
This was unquestionably Jimenez’s best 90-minute showing since the turn of the year. He was his usual self without the finishing touch, but that’ll come.
His best chance came in the first half as he somehow plucked a Traore cross out of thin air, fooled two United defenders, only to fire straight at Romero.
Pedro Neto 7.5
Neto is perhaps the unluckiest player in the Premier League. In the space of three weeks Neto has seen goals harshly ruled out at English football’s two most iconic stadiums by VAR.
The 19-year-old was effective throughout the match but looked incredibly frustrated after being substituted, which is understandable given the hand he’s been dealt.
(Image: (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images))
SUBS
Morgan Gibbs-White (for Neto, 71) 6.5
If he was a couple of inches taller he’d have buried a delightful cross from Jimenez late on. All in all it was a positive showing from Gibbs-White in his first appearance in almost three months.
Ruben Vinagre (for Jonny, 75) 6
Offered a more attacking threat down the left for the final 15 minutes.
Oskar Buur (for Traore, 88) N/A
Not used: Patricio, Bennett, Kilman, Ashley-Seal


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Strictly Come Dancing's Johannes Radebe proud to be 'game-changer'

Strictly Come Dancing 's Johannes Radebe has said he was proud to be a `` game-changer '' when he took part in the show 's first individual same-sex dance .
The dancer and fellow professional Graziano di Prima made history when they performed together to Emeli Sande 's Shine on the BBC show last year .
`` We applaud the BBC , '' said Radebe .
`` It reflects the times now and it was time that it was done , '' he said of the routine .
`` We are just proud to be game-changers in the game - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Radebe was speaking at the launch of the Strictly Live Tour , which will be hosted by 2018 winner Stacey Dooley .
Several stars from the show are taking part , including Radebe 's Strictly partner Catherine Tyldesley and reigning champion Kelvin Fletcher .
Tyldesley said it was `` priceless '' to be reunited with Radebe .
`` I would have loved to have stayed longer but it 's just how the cookie crumbles , it 's the nature of the show , one weak dance and you are gone , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get to dance with again to me is just priceless .
`` And in venues like this it 's just a dream come true .
When do you ever get to experience performing in an arena unless you are a rock star ? ''
Fletcher competed with Oti Mabuse on the programme but will be dancing with Janette Manrara on the tour .
The actor said the tour would differ from the show in that there was `` a huge amount of excitement and no real real sense of jeopardy '' .
Manrara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you get on the TV show times 10 '' .
CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual said after Strictly he went from training everyday to sitting on the sofa and enjoying a rest , so admitted his body was feeling it `` a little bit '' now he is back on the dancefloor .
The tour will begin at the Arena Birmingham on January 16 and will visit Aberdeen , Leeds , Manchester , Dublin , Belfast , Glasgow and Nottingham , finishing with three nights at London 's O2 Arena from February 7 to @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Strictly Come Dancing's Johannes Radebe has said he was proud to be a "game-changer" when he took part in the show's first individual same-sex dance.
The dancer and fellow professional Graziano di Prima made history when they performed together to Emeli Sande's Shine on the BBC show last year.
"We applaud the BBC," said Radebe.
"It reflects the times now and it was time that it was done," he said of the routine.
"We are just proud to be game-changers in the game - I'm happy," he said.
Radebe was speaking at the launch of the Strictly Live Tour, which will be hosted by 2018 winner Stacey Dooley.
Several stars from the show are taking part, including Radebe's Strictly partner Catherine Tyldesley and reigning champion Kelvin Fletcher.
Tyldesley said it was "priceless" to be reunited with Radebe.
"I would have loved to have stayed longer but it's just how the cookie crumbles, it's the nature of the show, one weak dance and you are gone," she said.
"The opportunity to get to dance with again to me is just priceless.
"And in venues like this it's just a dream come true. When do you ever get to experience performing in an arena unless you are a rock star?"
Fletcher competed with Oti Mabuse on the programme but will be dancing with Janette Manrara on the tour.
The actor said the tour would differ from the show in that there was "a huge amount of excitement and no real real sense of jeopardy".
Manrara said fans would be getting "whatever you get on the TV show times 10".
(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual said after Strictly he went from training everyday to sitting on the sofa and enjoying a rest, so admitted his body was feeling it "a little bit" now he is back on the dancefloor.
The tour will begin at the Arena Birmingham on January 16 and will visit Aberdeen, Leeds, Manchester, Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow and Nottingham, finishing with three nights at London's O2 Arena from February 7 to 9.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Meghan Markle and dad Thomas' text messages before Royal Wedding to Prince Harry revealed

The disintegration of the Duchess of Sussex 's relationship with her father in the run-up to her wedding to Prince Harry has been revealed in a series of texts contained in legal documents .
The messages are part of the Mail Online and Mail on Sunday 's defence to legal action brought by the duchess for publishing a private letter she wrote to her father in August 2018 .
Thomas Markle had been due to walk Meghan down the aisle but pulled out of the event citing the advice of doctors after he was admitted to hospital three weeks beforehand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widely reported that the reclusive former TV lighting director was too embarrassed to attend after it emerged he had allegedly been paid to stage paparazzi photos .
In one shot , he apparently pretended to read an article about his daughter and Harry online in an internet cafe , while in another he appeared to be being measured for a suit .
In documents submitted to the High Court , Associated Newspapers Limited has published the final messages of Mr Markle to his daughter as proof that he tried to prevent their estrangement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Markle texted the duchess to say he had dropped off some flowers at her mother 's house for Mother 's Day .
He added : `` I look forward to trying on my shoes and see how we look thank you for getting it ready for me its probably past your bedtime so have a good night I love you Dad . ''
- Saturday May 12 2018 : Mr Markle spoke to Prince Harry on the phone , warning him that the story of the staged paparazzi photos was about to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The duchess 's father wrote to Meghan saying he was sorry and that he would not be attending the wedding to `` spare her any further embarrassment '' .
In response , Mr Markle received a text from Harry saying he did not need to apologise and he should call .
- Tuesday May 15 2018 : Mr Markle texted his daughter to say he was `` back in the hospital '' having been admitted late the previous evening with suspected heart failure .
- Wednesday May 16 2018 : He texted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency heart surgery , and claims all he received in response was a text purportedly from `` M and H '' but which he believes was from Harry .
He claims the prince admonished him for talking to the press and also accused him ( Mr Markle ) of causing hurt to his daughter .
Mr Markle replied : `` I 've done nothing to hurt you , Meghan or anyone else I know nothing about 20 phone calls I 'm sorry my heart attack is there any inconvenience for you . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ too ill to attend the wedding , Mr Markle claims the duchess did not speak to him again at any time before the wedding .
Following the wedding , Mr Markle said he tried to contact the duchess by phone and text and received no response until receiving the letter in late August 2018 .
Mr Markle sent the duchess a text on November 25 2018 saying : `` I want to reach out to you or try to reach out to you one more time .
`` You apparently have just written @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me I guess for the rest of my life ? ''
The text messages are being used to refute claims made by Meghan 's friends in an interview with US-based People magazine that Mr Markle `` never called ... never texted '' .
Meghan 's action against Associated Newspapers Limited alleges the publication of the letter amounts to misuse of private information , infringement of copyright and breach of the Data Protection Act 2018 .

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
The disintegration of the Duchess of Sussex's relationship with her father in the run-up to her wedding to Prince Harry has been revealed in a series of texts contained in legal documents.
The messages are part of the Mail Online and Mail on Sunday's defence to legal action brought by the duchess for publishing a private letter she wrote to her father in August 2018.
Thomas Markle had been due to walk Meghan down the aisle but pulled out of the event citing the advice of doctors after he was admitted to hospital three weeks beforehand with chest pain.
But it was widely reported that the reclusive former TV lighting director was too embarrassed to attend after it emerged he had allegedly been paid to stage paparazzi photos.
In one shot, he apparently pretended to read an article about his daughter and Harry online in an internet cafe, while in another he appeared to be being measured for a suit.
In documents submitted to the High Court, Associated Newspapers Limited has published the final messages of Mr Markle to his daughter as proof that he tried to prevent their estrangement.
- Thursday May 10 2018: Mr Markle texted the duchess to say he had dropped off some flowers at her mother's house for Mother's Day.
(Image: PA)
He added: "I look forward to trying on my shoes and see how we look thank you for getting it ready for me its probably past your bedtime so have a good night I love you Dad."
- Saturday May 12 2018: Mr Markle spoke to Prince Harry on the phone, warning him that the story of the staged paparazzi photos was about to break.
- Monday May 14 2018: The duchess's father wrote to Meghan saying he was sorry and that he would not be attending the wedding to "spare her any further embarrassment".
(Image: Instagram)
In response, Mr Markle received a text from Harry saying he did not need to apologise and he should call.
- Tuesday May 15 2018: Mr Markle texted his daughter to say he was "back in the hospital" having been admitted late the previous evening with suspected heart failure.
- Wednesday May 16 2018: He texted his daughter to say he had undergone emergency heart surgery, and claims all he received in response was a text purportedly from "M and H" but which he believes was from Harry.
He claims the prince admonished him for talking to the press and also accused him (Mr Markle) of causing hurt to his daughter.
Mr Markle replied: "I've done nothing to hurt you, Meghan or anyone else I know nothing about 20 phone calls I'm sorry my heart attack is there any inconvenience for you."
After the message telling her he was too ill to attend the wedding, Mr Markle claims the duchess did not speak to him again at any time before the wedding.
Following the wedding, Mr Markle said he tried to contact the duchess by phone and text and received no response until receiving the letter in late August 2018.
Mr Markle sent the duchess a text on November 25 2018 saying: "I want to reach out to you or try to reach out to you one more time.
"You apparently have just written me off and now it's telling me I guess for the rest of my life?"
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The text messages are being used to refute claims made by Meghan's friends in an interview with US-based People magazine that Mr Markle "never called ... never texted".
Meghan's action against Associated Newspapers Limited alleges the publication of the letter amounts to misuse of private information, infringement of copyright and breach of the Data Protection Act 2018.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Reynhard Sinaga's 30-year prison sentence 'too lenient' for UK's worst rapist

Britain 's most prolific rapist could die behind bars after his 30-year jail term was referred to the Attorney General as unduly lenient .
Reynhard Sinaga , 36 , an Indonesian student , was jailed for life earlier this month with a minimum term of 30 years after drugging 48 men and filming himself sexually violating them in his Manchester city centre apartment .
The 36-year-old , a `` perpetual student '' studying for a PhD in Manchester thanks to his rich family , picked up drunk and vulnerable men by posing as a `` Good Samaritan '' and offering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his trial .
The Attorney General 's Office on Wednesday confirmed it had received a referral letter under the Unduly Lenient Sentences scheme concerning Sinaga .
A spokeswoman said the office would not confirm who had sent the letter , amid reports it was sent by lawyers at the Crown Prosecution Service ( CPS ) .
The CPS has been contacted for comment .
Lawyers at the Attorney General 's Office now have 28 days from the date of Sinaga 's sentencing on January 6 , to decide whether to challenge his sentence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentence Judge Suzanne Goddard QC said a whole-life order had never been made before in a case other than one involving murder but despite the `` vast scale '' of offending making Sinaga 's a borderline case she would `` shrink back '' from passing a whole-life order .
However she added : `` In my judgment you are a highly dangerous , cunning and deceitful individual who will never be safe to be released , but that is a matter for the Parole Board . ''
Richard Littler QC , defending Sinaga @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not support the passing of a whole-life sentence in the defendant 's case .
He said the Court of Appeal has never imposed a whole-life order for a discretionary life sentence and , to date , whole-life terms had not been passed in non-homicide cases .
Mr Littler said : `` This could be accurately described as an evil crime but in fact it can not accurately be described as a violent crime . ''
Police established during their investigations that 195 different males appear to have been unconscious while Sinaga assaulted them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After reporting restrictions were lifted and Sinaga was publicly identified following the conclusion of his fourth trial for sex crimes , Greater Manchester Police set up a dedicated incident room and said it had seen a `` very positive response '' with multiple calls made .
It is thought Sinaga laced his victims ' drinks with a drug such as GHB , also known as liquid ecstasy .
The rapist was caught when one of the men regained consciousness and fought him off before he went to the police and , crucially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was found guilty of a total of 159 offences committed between January 2015 and May 2017 - 136 counts of rape , 13 counts of sexual assault , eight counts of attempted rape and two counts of assault by penetration .
For anyone who wishes to seek support but does not want to talk to police , St Mary 's Sexual Assault Referral Centre can be reached on 0161 276 6515 and Survivors Manchester can be contacted on 0161 236 2182 .
The National Male Survivors Helpline can be contacted on 0808 @ @ @

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
Britain's most prolific rapist could die behind bars after his 30-year jail term was referred to the Attorney General as unduly lenient.
Reynhard Sinaga, 36, an Indonesian student, was jailed for life earlier this month with a minimum term of 30 years after drugging 48 men and filming himself sexually violating them in his Manchester city centre apartment.
The 36-year-old, a "perpetual student" studying for a PhD in Manchester thanks to his rich family, picked up drunk and vulnerable men by posing as a "Good Samaritan" and offering help, Manchester Crown Court heard during his trial.
The Attorney General's Office on Wednesday confirmed it had received a referral letter under the Unduly Lenient Sentences scheme concerning Sinaga.
A spokeswoman said the office would not confirm who had sent the letter, amid reports it was sent by lawyers at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The CPS has been contacted for comment.
Lawyers at the Attorney General's Office now have 28 days from the date of Sinaga's sentencing on January 6, to decide whether to challenge his sentence via the Court of Appeal.
Passing sentence Judge Suzanne Goddard QC said a whole-life order had never been made before in a case other than one involving murder but despite the "vast scale" of offending making Sinaga's a borderline case she would "shrink back" from passing a whole-life order.
However she added: "In my judgment you are a highly dangerous, cunning and deceitful individual who will never be safe to be released, but that is a matter for the Parole Board."
Richard Littler QC, defending Sinaga, submitted that the legal authorities did not support the passing of a whole-life sentence in the defendant's case.
He said the Court of Appeal has never imposed a whole-life order for a discretionary life sentence and, to date, whole-life terms had not been passed in non-homicide cases.
Mr Littler said: "This could be accurately described as an evil crime but in fact it cannot accurately be described as a violent crime."
Police established during their investigations that 195 different males appear to have been unconscious while Sinaga assaulted them, but 70 of them remained un-identified.
After reporting restrictions were lifted and Sinaga was publicly identified following the conclusion of his fourth trial for sex crimes, Greater Manchester Police set up a dedicated incident room and said it had seen a "very positive response" with multiple calls made.
It is thought Sinaga laced his victims' drinks with a drug such as GHB, also known as liquid ecstasy.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The rapist was caught when one of the men regained consciousness and fought him off before he went to the police and, crucially, handed in Sinaga's phone.
He was found guilty of a total of 159 offences committed between January 2015 and May 2017 - 136 counts of rape, 13 counts of sexual assault, eight counts of attempted rape and two counts of assault by penetration.
For anyone who wishes to seek support but does not want to talk to police, St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre can be reached on 0161 276 6515 and Survivors Manchester can be contacted on 0161 236 2182. The National Male Survivors Helpline can be contacted on 0808 800 5005.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Conservative Party looking to set up new headquarters - and it could be in Birmingham

The Conservative Party has confirmed it is considering setting up `` another '' headquarters office outside of London following its shock election wins in the North and Midlands .
Boris Johnson won a slew of seats across Labour 's heartlands at the December election , a result that helped hand him an 80-seat majority , after promising to `` level-up '' the UK 's regions through infrastructure and broadband upgrades .
With Tory MPs now representing parts of the North East and Midlands that the party has never held before , officials have confirmed they are looking at whether to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflect the party 's new geographic make-up '' .
The announcement follows a report by Conservative Home , a Tory-focused news website , stating that senior officials were planning to move the Conservative Campaign Headquarters ( CCHQ ) out of the capital .
A spokesman for the Tories said : `` Following the strong and historic result in December , there were a series of early discussions about how our structures better reflect the party 's new geographic make-up .
`` This includes a project to look at potential sites for another CCHQ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been confirmed and any changes would be made in consultation with staff . ''
The Prime Minister saw unexpected blue victories in constituencies such as Blyth Valley - a seat never held by the Tories since its 1950 inception - Blackpool South and West Bromwich East .
According to Conservative Home , a Downing Street source confirmed a big shake-up to the Tory Party structure as a result .
`` There will be a small office in London but maybe up by King 's Cross , '' the Number 10 insider told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Downing Street wanted the new venue to be `` somewhere reasonably close to a university with good maths/physics departments ( we should get a data team up there ) , good train links , well-placed in political terms '' and were asking for ideas from readers .
At present CCHQ is spread across two floors of 4 Matthew Parker Street , a commercial property a short walk from Parliament .
The Times reported that there could be logistical difficulties in the short-term with trying to move most of the operation out of London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million to Charles Street Buildings last April and the terms of the CCHQ lease on the building are not clear , the newspaper reported .
The idea of getting out of London is not limited to the Tories .
Labour leadership candidate Lisa Nandy has expressed a desire to move her own party headquarters away from the capital .
She wants the opposition outfit to leave Southside , its current premise in Victoria , close to Westminster , to a location in its former heartlands as part of efforts to reconnect with voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her leadership pitch earlier this month in the Wigan Post , she said : `` We 've been told over and over again by people in what were our former Labour heartlands that we need to change , we ca n't just keep changing the man at the top and making decisions from Victoria Street in London and think we can fix things for people . ''

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
The Conservative Party has confirmed it is considering setting up "another" headquarters office outside of London following its shock election wins in the North and Midlands.
Boris Johnson won a slew of seats across Labour's heartlands at the December election, a result that helped hand him an 80-seat majority, after promising to "level-up" the UK's regions through infrastructure and broadband upgrades.
With Tory MPs now representing parts of the North East and Midlands that the party has never held before, officials have confirmed they are looking at whether to establish a new base to "better reflect the party's new geographic make-up".
The announcement follows a report by Conservative Home, a Tory-focused news website, stating that senior officials were planning to move the Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) out of the capital.
A spokesman for the Tories said: "Following the strong and historic result in December, there were a series of early discussions about how our structures better reflect the party's new geographic make-up.
"This includes a project to look at potential sites for another CCHQ office outside of London.
"Nothing has been confirmed and any changes would be made in consultation with staff."
(Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)
The Prime Minister saw unexpected blue victories in constituencies such as Blyth Valley - a seat never held by the Tories since its 1950 inception - Blackpool South and West Bromwich East.
According to Conservative Home, a Downing Street source confirmed a big shake-up to the Tory Party structure as a result.
"There will be a small office in London but maybe up by King's Cross," the Number 10 insider told the news outlet.
The report said Downing Street wanted the new venue to be "somewhere reasonably close to a university with good maths/physics departments (we should get a data team up there), good train links, well-placed in political terms" and were asking for ideas from readers.
At present CCHQ is spread across two floors of 4 Matthew Parker Street, a commercial property a short walk from Parliament.
The Times reported that there could be logistical difficulties in the short-term with trying to move most of the operation out of London.
The building was sold for £50 million to Charles Street Buildings last April and the terms of the CCHQ lease on the building are not clear, the newspaper reported.
The idea of getting out of London is not limited to the Tories. Labour leadership candidate Lisa Nandy has expressed a desire to move her own party headquarters away from the capital.
She wants the opposition outfit to leave Southside, its current premise in Victoria, close to Westminster, to a location in its former heartlands as part of efforts to reconnect with voters it lost at recent elections.
Announcing her leadership pitch earlier this month in the Wigan Post, she said: "We've been told over and over again by people in what were our former Labour heartlands that we need to change, we can't just keep changing the man at the top and making decisions from Victoria Street in London and think we can fix things for people."


birminghammail--2020-01-15--The all-important FA Cup ticket information as Birmingham City play Coventry City

Birmingham City and Coventry City have reached an agreement over the management of their FA Cup fourth round tie at St Andrew ’ s .
The intriguing prospect became a reality on Tuesday night when the Sky Blues , who are playing at Blues ’ ground this season , defeated Bristol Rovers in a replay .
And having been drawn out of the hat first for the fourth round , the Sky Blues will be the home team and Birmingham the away side , when they face off the weekend after next .
The very near-neighbours have officially confirmed their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , which will see the Sky Blues supporters continue to sit in the Kop from where they have watched their League One matches .
Blues ’ fans will be given the Gil Merrick , traditional for travelling supporters , as well as the Main Stand .
The Tilton Road End , normally the stronghold of St Andrew ’ s , remains reserved for Coventry City but depends on the number of tickets they sell for the Kop first .
It is all-ticket .
The tie will take place on Saturday , January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coventry ’ s average attendance at St Andrew ’ s over their 13 League One ‘ home ’ matches , is 6,219 .
However , only 2,693 watched the 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers - less than the 2,878 which saw them draw with Ipswich at St Andrew ’ s in December .
Blues ’ average attendance so far this term is 20,313 , although their third round FA Cup win over Blackburn attracted only 7,330 .
Full ticket prices can be found HERE .

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
Birmingham City and Coventry City have reached an agreement over the management of their FA Cup fourth round tie at St Andrew’s.
The intriguing prospect became a reality on Tuesday night when the Sky Blues, who are playing at Blues’ ground this season, defeated Bristol Rovers in a replay.
And having been drawn out of the hat first for the fourth round, the Sky Blues will be the home team and Birmingham the away side, when they face off the weekend after next.
The very near-neighbours have officially confirmed their plans for the match in a joint statement, which will see the Sky Blues supporters continue to sit in the Kop from where they have watched their League One matches.
Blues’ fans will be given the Gil Merrick Upper and most of the Lower, traditional for travelling supporters, as well as the Main Stand.
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
The Tilton Road End, normally the stronghold of St Andrew’s, remains reserved for Coventry City but depends on the number of tickets they sell for the Kop first. It is all-ticket.
The tie will take place on Saturday, January 25, with a 3pm kick-off.
Coventry’s average attendance at St Andrew’s over their 13 League One ‘home’ matches, is 6,219.
However, only 2,693 watched the 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers - less than the 2,878 which saw them draw with Ipswich at St Andrew’s in December.
Blues’ average attendance so far this term is 20,313, although their third round FA Cup win over Blackburn attracted only 7,330.
Full ticket prices can be found HERE.
A Blues statement said: "Coventry and Blues have worked closely together this season in making the groundshare arrangement as successful as possible, developing a friendly and productive relationship between the clubs.
"And we will continue that work for this tie, to ensure a great experience for all supporters on what has already become an eagerly awaited local derby.
"Both Coventry and ourselves hope that all supporters will embrace the uniqueness of the game and make it a memorable show of unity in football."


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Flybe bailout defended by Grant Shapps as 'right thing to do'

The Government 's bailout of struggling airline Flybe was the `` right thing to do '' to protect regional air routes the Transport Secretary has said , despite concerns from MPs about climate change .
Closing a debate on the Government 's green agenda , Grant Shapps defended the action , as Labour accused him of undermining efforts to tackle global warming .
His opposite number Andy McDonald said : `` In the past 24 hours , the Government has responded to the troubles at Flybe by reportedly allowing the company to avoid paying over £100 million in aviation tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plot to slash aviation tax in a climate crisis makes a mockery of the Government 's supposed commitment to cutting carbon emissions and also demonstrates that they have little plan to support industry and create jobs beyond handing out tax breaks . ''
Responding , Mr Shapps said : `` There are communities that would have had no other way of being connected .
`` Just as an example of this , there are 46 Flybe routes that no other airline covers , there are 11 that have no rail links whatsoever and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over six hours to get to the city that the person , the passenger was trying to get to .
`` So I think it was absolutely the right thing to do . ''
He added : `` I think that this is the right approach for a responsible Government when there is a strategic national interest which is what makes this different from previous airline failures . ''
Mr Shapps called for Britain to invest in research into electric aeroplanes to tackle climate change .
He said : `` We have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have the capacity in this country to invent the future of flight , just as we helped in so many ways to invent flights in its initial form . ''
She added : `` Improvements in energy , improvements in fuel , is being undermined by the fact the demand is growing and growing .
`` Will he accept that until we get to the sunlit uplands of electric planes , right now demand needs to be constrained and that APD ( air passenger duty ) blanket approach is not going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shapps appeared to disregard her comments as he said Ms Lucas `` has never flown '' .
He said : `` That 's what I say about these things .
Let the member who has never flown first argue on this subject .
`` Because the reality of the situation is that we need to get to an in-between location which is hybrid fuels .
`` I do n't mean that in any disrespect . ''
Ms Lucas could then be seen shaking her head and appeared to say `` that 's not @ @ @

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
The Government's bailout of struggling airline Flybe was the "right thing to do" to protect regional air routes the Transport Secretary has said, despite concerns from MPs about climate change.
Closing a debate on the Government's green agenda, Grant Shapps defended the action, as Labour accused him of undermining efforts to tackle global warming.
His opposite number Andy McDonald said: "In the past 24 hours, the Government has responded to the troubles at Flybe by reportedly allowing the company to avoid paying over £100 million in aviation tax, air passenger duty.
"To plot to slash aviation tax in a climate crisis makes a mockery of the Government's supposed commitment to cutting carbon emissions and also demonstrates that they have little plan to support industry and create jobs beyond handing out tax breaks."
Responding, Mr Shapps said: "There are communities that would have had no other way of being connected.
"Just as an example of this, there are 46 Flybe routes that no other airline covers, there are 11 that have no rail links whatsoever and there are a further 12 would take over six hours to get to the city that the person, the passenger was trying to get to.
"So I think it was absolutely the right thing to do."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
He added: "I think that this is the right approach for a responsible Government when there is a strategic national interest which is what makes this different from previous airline failures."
Mr Shapps called for Britain to invest in research into electric aeroplanes to tackle climate change.
He said: "We have the opportunity, we have the brains, we have the capacity in this country to invent the future of flight, just as we helped in so many ways to invent flights in its initial form."
(Image: Getty Images)
Green MP Caroline Lucas (Brighton Pavilion) criticised Mr Shapps's optimism about low-carbon flights.
She added: "Improvements in energy, improvements in fuel, is being undermined by the fact the demand is growing and growing.
"Will he accept that until we get to the sunlit uplands of electric planes, right now demand needs to be constrained and that APD (air passenger duty) blanket approach is not going to constrain demand."
Responding, Mr Shapps appeared to disregard her comments as he said Ms Lucas "has never flown".
He said: "That's what I say about these things. Let the member who has never flown first argue on this subject.
"Because the reality of the situation is that we need to get to an in-between location which is hybrid fuels.
"I don't mean that in any disrespect."
Ms Lucas could then be seen shaking her head and appeared to say "that's not fair".


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Next James Bond's gender revealed by 007 producer

James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has said the next person to play the spy will be male .
Upcoming film @ @ @ @ @ be Daniel Craig 's last outing as 007 , and there has been speculation that @ @ @ @ @ woman .
The rumours were fuelled when it was disclosed that actress Lashana Lynch is @ @ @ @ @ after Craig 's Bond has left active service .
But Broccoli told Variety magazine she @ @ @ @ @ male .
`` He can be of any colour , but he is male , @ @ @ @ @ I believe we should be creating new characters for women - strong female characters .
@ @ @ @ @ interested in taking a male character and having a woman play it . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ more interesting than that , '' she added .
No Time To Die is set @ @ @ @ @ cinemas on April 2 .

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.
Sign up for the latest news on James Bond and No Time To Die and join the 007 fan club
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the latest news on James Bond and No Time To Die and join the 007 fan club
James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has said the next person to play the spy will be male.
Upcoming film No Time To Die will be Daniel Craig's last outing as 007, and there has been speculation that his successor will be a woman.
The rumours were fuelled when it was disclosed that actress Lashana Lynch is playing a female 00 agent after Craig's Bond has left active service.
But Broccoli told Variety magazine she sees the next Bond as male.
(Image: Getty Images)
"He can be of any colour, but he is male," she said.
"I believe we should be creating new characters for women - strong female characters.
"I'm not particularly interested in taking a male character and having a woman play it."
"I think women are far more interesting than that," she added.
No Time To Die is set to be released in UK cinemas on April 2.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Stormzy declares he wants to marry ex-girlfriend Maya Jama

Stormzy has said that he wants to marry his ex-girlfriend Maya Jama .
He added that he `` wholeheartedly '' loves her and wants `` to do all the things '' to make their relationship work .
Speaking to Charlamagne Tha God in a YouTube interview , Stormzy branded the TV presenter a `` star girl '' and `` an amazing woman '' , adding : `` I want to marry her . ''
He said that Jama is `` the first woman I properly loved '' and the experience had been a big `` learning curve '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've never loved anyone how I love her . ''
Stormzy added that his former girlfriend , who he separated from last year , `` appreciated '' his song Lessons , in which the grime artist sings about his regrets over the end of their relationship .
`` She understood it , I think she appreciated the effort of me trying to take accountability , '' he said .
Stormzy said that after their relationship had ended he `` publicly '' disrespected the presenter , adding : `` A public disrespect needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most public relationship in Britain , apart from Harry and Meghan . ''
He said that Lessons was `` all the song could be called '' .
The rapper also dismissed suggestions that he had cheated on Jama , saying : `` It was n't cheating , I did n't cheat but it did n't need to be cheating to be disrespectful . ''
Making the song helped him to come to terms with the end of the relationship , he said , adding : `` I needed to say all that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that to get this off my chest .
`` I have always heard artists talk about music as therapy for them . ''
After making the song he said he realised that `` this is what they 're talking about '' , adding : `` As an artist , my flipping main tool in terms of getting my truth out is making music . ''
Stormzy , 26 , and Jama started dating in January 2015 after meeting in October 2014 .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Stormzy has said that he wants to marry his ex-girlfriend Maya Jama.
He added that he "wholeheartedly" loves her and wants "to do all the things" to make their relationship work.
Speaking to Charlamagne Tha God in a YouTube interview, Stormzy branded the TV presenter a "star girl" and "an amazing woman", adding: "I want to marry her."
He said that Jama is "the first woman I properly loved" and the experience had been a big "learning curve".
"I love her more than anything, I've never loved anyone how I love her."
Stormzy added that his former girlfriend, who he separated from last year, "appreciated" his song Lessons, in which the grime artist sings about his regrets over the end of their relationship.
"She understood it, I think she appreciated the effort of me trying to take accountability," he said.
Stormzy said that after their relationship had ended he "publicly" disrespected the presenter, adding: "A public disrespect needs a public apology.
"We were the most public relationship in Britain, apart from Harry and Meghan."
He said that Lessons was "all the song could be called".
(Image: PA)
The rapper also dismissed suggestions that he had cheated on Jama, saying: "It wasn't cheating, I didn't cheat but it didn't need to be cheating to be disrespectful."
Making the song helped him to come to terms with the end of the relationship, he said, adding: "I needed to say all that, I needed to do all of that to get this off my chest.
"I have always heard artists talk about music as therapy for them."
After making the song he said he realised that "this is what they're talking about", adding: "As an artist, my flipping main tool in terms of getting my truth out is making music."
Stormzy, 26, and Jama started dating in January 2015 after meeting in October 2014.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Aston Villa miss out on Arsenal forward as Arteta makes a final decision

After being linked to a number of clubs , including Aston Villa , the January transfer destination of Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah has been revealed .
According to a report by John Percy of The Telegraph , Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will review Nketiah 's performances at Arsenal and give the forward a chance with the first-team.Nketiah had held talks with Bristol City , Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest before Arteta made his decision .
Despite the links , there is no mention of Aston Villa 's interest - or even talks with the club .
Nketiah would 've performed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a stopgap until a main striker was signed by the club as it searches for a replacement for Wesley .
This will not happen now as the striker will return from his current loan spell at Leeds to stay with his parent club , Arsenal .
The forward was the subject of an interesting administration error last night .
Nketiah was listed on Arsenal 's official squad page with a Leeds badge - to denote his status as a Leeds United loan player .
The Bristol Post note that this was changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , before it was reverted to a Leeds badge by Arsenal staff .
They can now have the easy job of keeping the Gunners badge locked in by Nketiah on the site , while Villa have the tougher job of searching elsewhere for a new striker - or two .

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
After being linked to a number of clubs, including Aston Villa, the January transfer destination of Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah has been revealed.
He's going nowhere.
According to a report by John Percy of The Telegraph , Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will review Nketiah's performances at Arsenal and give the forward a chance with the first-team.Nketiah had held talks with Bristol City, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest before Arteta made his decision.
Despite the links, there is no mention of Aston Villa's interest - or even talks with the club.
Nketiah would've performed as an auxiliary option for Villa - as a stopgap until a main striker was signed by the club as it searches for a replacement for Wesley. This will not happen now as the striker will return from his current loan spell at Leeds to stay with his parent club, Arsenal.
The forward was the subject of an interesting administration error last night.
Nketiah was listed on Arsenal's official squad page with a Leeds badge - to denote his status as a Leeds United loan player. The Bristol Post note that this was changed to a Bristol City badge , briefly, before it was reverted to a Leeds badge by Arsenal staff.
They can now have the easy job of keeping the Gunners badge locked in by Nketiah on the site, while Villa have the tougher job of searching elsewhere for a new striker - or two.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Lotto results: Winning National Lottery numbers for Wednesday January 15

Tonight 's winning National Lottery numbers have been revealed - and the draw means you could be winning BIG .
Camelot , the operator of the National Lottery , conducted the Lotto and Thunderball draws this evening .
Birmingham residents looking for a life-changing sum of money can also play the EuroMillions , with draws twice a week taking place on Tuesday evenings and Friday nights .
The main UK Lotto draw will take place at 8pm .
There will also be the Thunderball draw at 8.15pm where could win £500,000 .
To play , you simply select five numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lucky Star numbers from 1-12 .
If you really can ’ t choose and you ’ re finding the pressure too much , you can always select a Lucky Dip and let the machine choose a random selection for you .
Lotto draws take place on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from approximately 8.30pm .
Ticket sales for both Tuesday and Friday EuroMillions draws close at 7.30pm on the evening of the draw .
If you ’ ve missed out , you can buy your ticket for the next draw almost straight away - @ @ @ @ @

We have more newsletters
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
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Tonight's winning National Lottery numbers have been revealed - and the draw means you could be winning BIG.
Camelot, the operator of the National Lottery, conducted the Lotto and Thunderball draws this evening.
Birmingham residents looking for a life-changing sum of money can also play the EuroMillions, with draws twice a week taking place on Tuesday evenings and Friday nights.
The main UK Lotto draw will take place at 8pm. There will also be the Thunderball draw at 8.15pm where could win £500,000.
Lottery Tickets cost £2 per line, and include a raffle Millionaire Maker entry code. Thunderball Tickets cost £1.
To play, you simply select five numbers between 1 and 50, plus two Lucky Star numbers from 1-12.
If you really can’t choose and you’re finding the pressure too much, you can always select a Lucky Dip and let the machine choose a random selection for you.
Lotto draws take place on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from approximately 8.30pm.
EuroMillions draws happen on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Ticket sales for both Tuesday and Friday EuroMillions draws close at 7.30pm on the evening of the draw.
If you’ve missed out, you can buy your ticket for the next draw almost straight away - sales re-open at 9pm.
Tonight's National Lottery Lotto winning numbers are: 15, 25, 50, 52, 54, 55
The Bonus Ball is 28
Tonight's estimated jackpot is £2 million.
Tonight's National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers are: 08, 12, 14, 16, 39
The Thunderball is 14


birminghammail--2020-01-15--'Does he hate Wolves?' - Fans left unhappy with pundit's on-air performance

BT Sports commentator , and former Liverpool player , Steve McManaman does n't seem to be enjoying his duties tonight as he covers Wolves vs Manchester United in the FA Cup third round replay at Old Trafford .
At half-time , the match is currently equal at nil-nil , and while there have been plenty of talking points including VAR intervention and rough tackles on Adama Traore - the performance of McManaman is taking up large swathes of the conversation .
According to Wolves fans - McManaman seems to have a dislike of the club that is clear in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaction - or at least the fans who are n't swearing : Chris Cook : Does anyone actually know why Steve McManaman hates Wolves ?
He does n't even try and hide it now Anthony Iaconi : Why does Steve McManaman hate Wolves so much ?
Paul Lee : Does anybody agree that Steve McManaman really does n't like the Wolves , sick of hearing him already !
Zac : Steve McManaman if you ain ’ t got nothing nice to say then don ’ t say it at all Mark : I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ex-Liverpool player backing up Utd .
Russ : The obvious dislike Steve McManaman has for Wolves is embarrassing and quite frankly unprofessional as a presenter We are Wolves : Watching the game on mute due to Steve Mcmanaman

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.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
BT Sports commentator, and former Liverpool player, Steve McManaman doesn't seem to be enjoying his duties tonight as he covers Wolves vs Manchester United in the FA Cup third round replay at Old Trafford.
At half-time, the match is currently equal at nil-nil, and while there have been plenty of talking points including VAR intervention and rough tackles on Adama Traore - the performance of McManaman is taking up large swathes of the conversation.
According to Wolves fans - McManaman seems to have a dislike of the club that is clear in his live analysis.
Here is the fan reaction - or at least the fans who aren't swearing:
Chris Cook: Does anyone actually know why Steve McManaman hates Wolves? He doesn't even try and hide it now
Ken: Do you find Steve McManaman’s commentary irritating?
Anthony Iaconi: Why does Steve McManaman hate Wolves so much?
Paul Lee: Does anybody agree that Steve McManaman really doesn't like the Wolves, sick of hearing him already!
Zac: Steve McManaman if you ain’t got nothing nice to say then don’t say it at all
Mark: I thought I was going mad. An ex-Liverpool player backing up Utd.
Russ: The obvious dislike Steve McManaman has for Wolves is embarrassing and quite frankly unprofessional as a presenter
We are Wolves: Watching the game on mute due to Steve Mcmanaman


birminghammail--2020-01-15--How Universal Credit changed my life - one man explains why 'you can't beat' new benefit

Universal Credit has gained a bad reputation as a problem-plagued new benefit that 's ruining people 's lives and leaving them struggling .
The very mention of Universal Credit is enough to bring forward terrible tales of the living hell many people seem to be suffering as they try to survive with little financial support .
But with more than two million people on the new welfare system in Great Britain , there must surely be some success stories ?
Well , now one man has come forward to praise Universal Credit , saying it has helped him change his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the new social security payment - a replacement for six existing benefits - has worked for him by offering a flexibility that did n't exist in the old dole handouts .
The 36-year-old told our sister title Hull Live : `` I think people have got to be more open minded about the new system .
When it first launched , the staff were still learning the job and it was all new in how it was being processed .
`` There needs to be a bit of give and take and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative about Universal Credit .
Tell us YOUR Universal Credit stories Are you on Universal Credit , about to apply for it , or being moved across to it from existing benefits ?
We want to hear YOUR stories .
We are especially interested in talking to an individual or family from the West Midlands to follow your Universal Credit experiences from the beginning .
And if you 're already on Universal Credit and having problems , we want to hear from you too .
Get in touch with your name , location @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a message to our social media pages : '' It 's been perfectly fine for me and I do n't think you can beat it , I like it . ''
John , who lives off Hessle Road , Hull , explained that he was on Universal Credit for around three months after an accident left him in a wheelchair and unable to work .
He said : `` When I was on Jobseekers ' [ Allowance ] years ago , it was all or nothing as you had to either work full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of work to claim - you could n't do a couple of hours here and there like on Universal Credit .
`` I was due to start in the Army but I had an accident at the gym that meant I had to use a wheelchair while I was recovering from the muscle damage .
`` I did a big squat that went up into my glutes and twisted my spine and it put me out of work until I could get better .
`` I completely collapsed and was housebound until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time that I was on Universal Credit for around three months in Edinburgh and then for around a week when I moved to Hull to try and get work . ''
He added : `` I was on £382 a month , which worked out at £10 a day and that was n't a massive amount , but it was enough to support myself as my rent was also covered .
`` What I liked about Universal Credit was that it allowed me to also do some part-time inconsistent work such as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't allow for and the Jobseekers system made it harder to get back into work as there was n't that flexibility '' .
That flexibility enabled him to recover properly and then take his next steps forward in life with work and training , he says .
Mr Anderson is currently working at Best Connections while studying two days a week at Hull College to re-train as a plasterer .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Anna Riley, David Bentley)

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
Universal Credit has gained a bad reputation as a problem-plagued new benefit that's ruining people's lives and leaving them struggling.
The very mention of Universal Credit is enough to bring forward terrible tales of the living hell many people seem to be suffering as they try to survive with little financial support.
But with more than two million people on the new welfare system in Great Britain, there must surely be some success stories?
Well, now one man has come forward to praise Universal Credit, saying it has helped him change his life for the better.
(Image: John Anderson)
John Anderson says the new social security payment - a replacement for six existing benefits - has worked for him by offering a flexibility that didn't exist in the old dole handouts.
The 36-year-old told our sister title Hull Live: "I think people have got to be more open minded about the new system. When it first launched, the staff were still learning the job and it was all new in how it was being processed.
"There needs to be a bit of give and take and I think people have just been too negative about Universal Credit.
Tell us YOUR Universal Credit stories Are you on Universal Credit, about to apply for it, or being moved across to it from existing benefits? We want to hear YOUR stories. We are especially interested in talking to an individual or family from the West Midlands to follow your Universal Credit experiences from the beginning. And if you're already on Universal Credit and having problems, we want to hear from you too. Be sure to include the location where you are based. Write to: david.bentley@reachplc.com newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk or send a message to our social media pages: Birmingham Live on Facebook Birmingham Live on Twitter
"It's been perfectly fine for me and I don't think you can beat it, I like it."
John, who lives off Hessle Road, Hull, explained that he was on Universal Credit for around three months after an accident left him in a wheelchair and unable to work.
He said: "When I was on Jobseekers' [Allowance] years ago, it was all or nothing as you had to either work full time, part time or be out of work to claim - you couldn't do a couple of hours here and there like on Universal Credit.
"I was due to start in the Army but I had an accident at the gym that meant I had to use a wheelchair while I was recovering from the muscle damage.
"I did a big squat that went up into my glutes and twisted my spine and it put me out of work until I could get better.
"I completely collapsed and was housebound until the muscles healed and it was in that time that I was on Universal Credit for around three months in Edinburgh and then for around a week when I moved to Hull to try and get work."
He added: "I was on £382 a month, which worked out at £10 a day and that wasn't a massive amount, but it was enough to support myself as my rent was also covered.
"What I liked about Universal Credit was that it allowed me to also do some part-time inconsistent work such as a temporary job over Christmas, which Jobseekers didn't allow for and the Jobseekers system made it harder to get back into work as there wasn't that flexibility".
That flexibility enabled him to recover properly and then take his next steps forward in life with work and training, he says.
Mr Anderson is currently working at Best Connections while studying two days a week at Hull College to re-train as a plasterer.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--'Too good for Villa' - Stoke fans react after hearing Steven Nzonzi to Aston Villa links

Former Stoke City favourite Steven Nzonzi could be on his way to Aston Villa if recent reports are to be belived .
Nzonzi was once chosen in the Stoke all-time XI by Peter Coates , and left a solid legacy behind him in Staffordshire .
The Frenchman left Stoke to win a Europa League with Sevilla before moving to Roma .
He is currently on-loan to Galatasaray - but that move could be cut short after a number of internal disagreements involving the player .
Stoke City fans aired their opinions on the former Potters midfielder after learning of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : One of the best midfielders I 've seen at Stoke .
Chris Bloor : Swap him for Imbula and Wimmer .
The best Stoke player by a mile in the Premier League .
Steve Hurst : Way too good for Villa and their forthcoming trip back to the Championship .
Martin Warrilow : A player we failed to replace .
Look where we are now .
Get his mind right and he will be an amazing signing .
Sarah Bayliss : If only he 'd come back to us .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul Jeffery : The player that left our club is long gone .
He 's nowhere near the level he was at .
Antony Bradshaw : Get him , stay up .
Simple .
Butch Robinson : Awesome player in my opinion .
It all started to go wrong when he went .
Oliver Quinn : Best Stoke player by a mile during our Premier League years .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Peter Smith, James Rushton)

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.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Former Stoke City favourite Steven Nzonzi could be on his way to Aston Villa if recent reports are to be belived.
Nzonzi was once chosen in the Stoke all-time XI by Peter Coates , and left a solid legacy behind him in Staffordshire.
The Frenchman left Stoke to win a Europa League with Sevilla before moving to Roma. He is currently on-loan to Galatasaray - but that move could be cut short after a number of internal disagreements involving the player.
Stoke City fans aired their opinions on the former Potters midfielder after learning of a potential move to Villa:
Sean Williams: One of the best midfielders I've seen at Stoke.
Chris Bloor : Swap him for Imbula and Wimmer. The best Stoke player by a mile in the Premier League.
Steve Hurst: Way too good for Villa and their forthcoming trip back to the Championship.
Martin Warrilow: A player we failed to replace. Look where we are now. Get his mind right and he will be an amazing signing.
Sarah Bayliss: If only he'd come back to us. He was amazing and has never been replaced.
Jason Pate: Dream on Villa.
Andy James: Absolute class act.
Paul Jeffery: The player that left our club is long gone. He's nowhere near the level he was at.
Jason Harding: He'll keep Villa up.
Antony Bradshaw: Get him, stay up. Simple.
Butch Robinson: Awesome player in my opinion. It all started to go wrong when he went.
Oliver Quinn: Best Stoke player by a mile during our Premier League years.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--'Utterly absurd' - Gary Lineker's verdict after VAR decision in Man Utd vs Wolves

Match of the Day host and former Tottenham Hotspur striker Gary Lineker has dubbed the decision to rule out the opening goal in Wolves ' FA Cup clash against Manchester United as 'utterly absurd ' .
Nuno Espirito Santo 's side travelled to Old Trafford on Wednesday evening for a third-round replay , following a drab goalless draw at Molineux last time around .
Wolves were looking to knock United out of the FA Cup for the second season in a row , having beaten Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side in the quarter-finals of the competition last season .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that their last victory away from home against United was four decades ago - but the travelling fans were hopeful .
With 10 minutes on the clock , it seemed the visitors witnessed the moment they were waiting from as a poor pass from Fred let to a golden opportunity , which Raul Jimenez tapped across for Neto to tuck home .
However , replays showed that the ball bounced up onto Jimenez 's hand following the challenge on Harry Maguire and , due to the handball laws introduced this season , VAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the first time Wolves have fallen foul to the regulations this season , with harrowing memories of the Premier League clash against Liverpool , and the fans were not alone with their frustrations .
Gary Lineker issued his verdict on the matter swiftly after the decision was made , posting on Twitter : `` Wolves goal disallowed .
The new handball law is utterly absurd , exacerbated by the existence of VAR that has no choice but to pick out every flick of a knuckle . ''
While the decision to disallow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the law , it 's another scenario that leaves football fans hoping to see plenty of goals left irritated .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Match of the Day host and former Tottenham Hotspur striker Gary Lineker has dubbed the decision to rule out the opening goal in Wolves' FA Cup clash against Manchester United as 'utterly absurd'.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side travelled to Old Trafford on Wednesday evening for a third-round replay, following a drab goalless draw at Molineux last time around.
Wolves were looking to knock United out of the FA Cup for the second season in a row, having beaten Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side in the quarter-finals of the competition last season.
However, Wolves travelled to Old Trafford knowing that their last victory away from home against United was four decades ago - but the travelling fans were hopeful.
With 10 minutes on the clock, it seemed the visitors witnessed the moment they were waiting from as a poor pass from Fred let to a golden opportunity, which Raul Jimenez tapped across for Neto to tuck home.
However, replays showed that the ball bounced up onto Jimenez's hand following the challenge on Harry Maguire and, due to the handball laws introduced this season, VAR chalked the effort off.
It's not the first time Wolves have fallen foul to the regulations this season, with harrowing memories of the Premier League clash against Liverpool, and the fans were not alone with their frustrations.
Gary Lineker issued his verdict on the matter swiftly after the decision was made, posting on Twitter: "Wolves goal disallowed. The new handball law is utterly absurd, exacerbated by the existence of VAR that has no choice but to pick out every flick of a knuckle."
While the decision to disallow the goal was correct by the letter of the law, it's another scenario that leaves football fans hoping to see plenty of goals left irritated.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--'Well done' - Furious Wolves fans let rip as VAR saves Man Utd

Wolverhampton Wanderers have once again been undone by VAR during their FA Cup replay with Manchester United .
For the second time in the space of a month youngster Pedro Neto has seen a goal chalked off by Video Assistant Referee .
The 19-year-old thought he had scored his second goal for Wolves at Old Trafford inside 10 minutes .
Raul Jimenez capitalised on a mistake by Fred to deflect the ball into Neto ’ s path and he finished calmly underneath the advancing Sergio Romero from 10 yards .
However , replays showed the ball struck Jimenez ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There was no intent to handle on Jimenez ’ s part but any contact between an attacking player ’ s hand and the ball which leads to a goal is now ruled out .
The same situation surfaced on the opening day when Leander Dendoncker ’ s goal against Leicester City was ruled out .
Willy Boly was the man adjudged to have handled in the build-up on that occasion .
Understandably , Wolves supporters at Old Trafford were absolutely furious , as were those reacting on social media .
What Wolves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Handball when you 're not facing the ball and your arms are down ... why do Wolves even bother scoring ?
The FA will find some way of disallowing it .
Well done the cosy club you found a way of keeping your quid pro quo .
Adam Thompson : If decisions balance out over a season then I ’ m looking forward to the next few months .
We ’ ll get a throw-in at Villa Park and VAR will award a goal - good times ahead .
Connor McGee : Pedro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has scored at Anfield and Old trafford which is anyone 's dream .
VAR has ruined both of those moments .
@ Wolfwhowanders : You 've got to feel for the lad Neto - away goals now at both Anfield and Old Trafford struck off .
Utterly gutting for him .
@ Jasonk1987 : The ridiculous thing is if we ’ re not playing at a PL ground , that never gets spotted and that ’ s a goal .
Different rules in the same competition .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Wolverhampton Wanderers have once again been undone by VAR during their FA Cup replay with Manchester United.
For the second time in the space of a month youngster Pedro Neto has seen a goal chalked off by Video Assistant Referee.
The 19-year-old thought he had scored his second goal for Wolves at Old Trafford inside 10 minutes.
Raul Jimenez capitalised on a mistake by Fred to deflect the ball into Neto’s path and he finished calmly underneath the advancing Sergio Romero from 10 yards.
(Image: Getty Images)
However, replays showed the ball struck Jimenez’s hand on the way through to Neto. There was no intent to handle on Jimenez’s part but any contact between an attacking player’s hand and the ball which leads to a goal is now ruled out.
The same situation surfaced on the opening day when Leander Dendoncker’s goal against Leicester City was ruled out. Willy Boly was the man adjudged to have handled in the build-up on that occasion.
Understandably, Wolves supporters at Old Trafford were absolutely furious, as were those reacting on social media.
What Wolves fans are saying:
@sassbutties: Handball when you're not facing the ball and your arms are down...why do Wolves even bother scoring? The FA will find some way of disallowing it. Well done the cosy club you found a way of keeping your quid pro quo.
Adam Thompson: If decisions balance out over a season then I’m looking forward to the next few months. We’ll get a throw-in at Villa Park and VAR will award a goal - good times ahead.
Connor McGee: Pedro Neto is 19 years old, he has scored at Anfield and Old trafford which is anyone's dream. VAR has ruined both of those moments.
@Wolfwhowanders: You've got to feel for the lad Neto - away goals now at both Anfield and Old Trafford struck off. Utterly gutting for him.
@Jasonk1987: The ridiculous thing is if we’re not playing at a PL ground, that never gets spotted and that’s a goal. Different rules in the same competition.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Community in 'sadness' as fire rips through landmark African Village pub in Perry Barr

`` It 's really sad to see '' - that 's the reaction of locals in Perry Barr who woke up to see a once popular pub and then restaurant , devastated by fire overnight .
Passers-by stopped to gaze at the ruins of the African Village restaurant on Birchfield Road in Perry Barr , as a blaze tore through the former Crown and Cushion public house on Tuesday evening ( January 14 ) .
Many took pictures - almost as if they could not believe that the heart of the area had been gutted .
Alex Vito , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subdued as he took in the landmark .
The 34-year-old said it used to be a 'home for everyone ' .
Alex told BirminghamLive : `` I 'm gutted .
Everyone went there back in the day .
`` It was very , very central to Perry Barr . ''
Alex , a contractor for NK Property Lettings , added : `` I 'm quite sad to see the property in this state to be honest with you .
`` It was really beautiful .
It was a pinnacle in this community .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people who live around here have been in that property .
`` It will be sad to see it go .
I 'd prefer maybe for it to be revamped .
Bring it back into the community .
We need it . ''
Errol Parker said the devastation was 'sad ' .
The 58-year-old has lived locally for many years and remembers the former owners well particularly .
`` They had love for everyone , '' he smiled .
And the owner of Shakil Supermarket which lies opposite the African Village , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There were never any problems there . ''
West Midlands Fire Service said the fire was 'accidental ' although investigators are continuing their inquiries .
Officers were spotted at lunchtime today ( January 15 ) with heat seeking equipment as they searched for lingering 'hot spots ' following the blaze .
A man was pulled to safety from a window as the flames licked through the building while the fire saw huge traffic issues with two surrounding roads blocked off to motorists just before rush hour last night .
A spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said around 40 firefighters tackled the blaze , which started at around 4.30pm .

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.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
"It's really sad to see" - that's the reaction of locals in Perry Barr who woke up to see a once popular pub and then restaurant, devastated by fire overnight.
Passers-by stopped to gaze at the ruins of the African Village restaurant on Birchfield Road in Perry Barr, as a blaze tore through the former Crown and Cushion public house on Tuesday evening (January 14).
Many took pictures - almost as if they could not believe that the heart of the area had been gutted.
Alex Vito, who has grown up in Perry Barr was subdued as he took in the landmark.
The 34-year-old said it used to be a 'home for everyone'. Alex told BirminghamLive: "I'm gutted. Everyone went there back in the day.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
"It was very,very central to Perry Barr."
Alex, a contractor for NK Property Lettings, added: "I'm quite sad to see the property in this state to be honest with you.
"It was really beautiful. It was a pinnacle in this community.
"I'd say 99 per cent of people who live around here have been in that property.
"It will be sad to see it go. I'd prefer maybe for it to be revamped. Bring it back into the community. We need it."
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
Errol Parker said the devastation was 'sad'.
The 58-year-old has lived locally for many years and remembers the former owners well particularly.
"They had love for everyone," he smiled.
And the owner of Shakil Supermarket which lies opposite the African Village, said, it was a popular place.
"There were never any problems there."
West Midlands Fire Service said the fire was 'accidental' although investigators are continuing their inquiries.
Officers were spotted at lunchtime today (January 15) with heat seeking equipment as they searched for lingering 'hot spots' following the blaze.
A man was pulled to safety from a window as the flames licked through the building while the fire saw huge traffic issues with two surrounding roads blocked off to motorists just before rush hour last night.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service said around 40 firefighters tackled the blaze, which started at around 4.30pm.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Prince Harry makes first public statement since royal summit on his and Meghan's future

Prince Harry has made his first public statement since the royal summit at Sandringham over the future of himself and Meghan Markle .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent shockwaves around the world when they announced they would be stepping back as senior members of the Royal Family and working to become financially independent .
Meghan has flown back to Canada and did not join the royal summit , instead relying on her husband to put forward their case for a new life .
It had been thought she would have dialled in from Toronto to help explain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now broken cover for the first time since the meeting .
Harry released a video on the Sussex Royal Instagram account to announce that Dusseldorf in Germany will be the location for the 2022 Invictus Games .
In the Instagram video tonight , the Duke of Sussex said : `` I hope everyone in Germany is ready for what will be an incredible week of sport !
`` I have no doubt that the German public will get right behind these Games and that every single competitor can expect a warm welcome and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competition for wounded veterans has the power to heal families , the Duke said , as he smiled at the camera .
And it also emerged he has engagements in his diary for this week , meaning he wo n't be leaving the UK to join Meghan and Archie in Canada just yet , the Mirror reports There had been speculation about Harry returning to Canada to be reunited with Meghan , but a source has told the PA news agency the duke , who will host the Rugby League World Cup 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still has a number of events in his diary .
The source said : `` The duke has some meetings here early next week . ''
On Tuesday , Meghan was seen for the first time since the bombshell announcement .
The Duchess of Sussex was photographed arriving at a seaboat on Vancouver Island to fly to the mainland in Canada after leaving a $ 14million waterside mansion where the couple stayed during the festive season .
She was wearing a fur-lined olive green coat , covering much of her face , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tight jeans .
Meghan is shown smiling and talking to her members of security as she walks towards the Whistlers Air seaplane .
But the couple 's son baby Archie was nowhere to be seen .
After the two-hour Sandringham summit on Monday , the Queen released a statement saying she would have preferred the pair to remain as full-time royals .
She referred to the couple simply as Harry and Meghan and `` the Sussexes '' instead of using their formal titles .
The 93-year-old monarch was said to be bitterly disappointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back from public life while splitting their time between the UK and North America .
But it appeared that the Queen has given her blessing for them to break away .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Joseph Wilkes, David Bentley)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Prince Harry has made his first public statement since the royal summit at Sandringham over the future of himself and Meghan Markle.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent shockwaves around the world when they announced they would be stepping back as senior members of the Royal Family and working to become financially independent.
Meghan has flown back to Canada and did not join the royal summit, instead relying on her husband to put forward their case for a new life. It had been thought she would have dialled in from Toronto to help explain the decision.
And now her husband has now broken cover for the first time since the meeting.
Harry released a video on the Sussex Royal Instagram account to announce that Dusseldorf in Germany will be the location for the 2022 Invictus Games.
In the Instagram video tonight, the Duke of Sussex said: "I hope everyone in Germany is ready for what will be an incredible week of sport!
"I have no doubt that the German public will get right behind these Games and that every single competitor can expect a warm welcome and an amazing atmosphere."
The sports competition for wounded veterans has the power to heal families, the Duke said, as he smiled at the camera.
And it also emerged he has engagements in his diary for this week, meaning he won't be leaving the UK to join Meghan and Archie in Canada just yet, the Mirror reports
There had been speculation about Harry returning to Canada to be reunited with Meghan, but a source has told the PA news agency the duke, who will host the Rugby League World Cup 2021 draws at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, still has a number of events in his diary.
The source said: "The duke has some meetings here early next week."
On Tuesday, Meghan was seen for the first time since the bombshell announcement.
The Duchess of Sussex was photographed arriving at a seaboat on Vancouver Island to fly to the mainland in Canada after leaving a $14million waterside mansion where the couple stayed during the festive season.
She was wearing a fur-lined olive green coat, covering much of her face, as well as large brown snow boots and tight jeans.
Meghan is shown smiling and talking to her members of security as she walks towards the Whistlers Air seaplane. But the couple's son baby Archie was nowhere to be seen.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
After the two-hour Sandringham summit on Monday, the Queen released a statement saying she would have preferred the pair to remain as full-time royals.
She referred to the couple simply as Harry and Meghan and "the Sussexes" instead of using their formal titles.
The 93-year-old monarch was said to be bitterly disappointed by the Sussexes' desire to step back from public life while splitting their time between the UK and North America.
But it appeared that the Queen has given her blessing for them to break away.