birminghammail--2020-01-14--Closure of Birmingham Wheels a 'total abomination' say protesters

The closure of the Birmingham Wheels Raceway would be a 'total abomination ' , it has been claimed , after council bosses demanded the site was vacated by the end of the month .
Around 50 people gathered outside the council house today ( Jan 14 ) to protest the closure of the site , which has been operating in Bordesley Green for over 40 years .
Businesses at the Birmingham Wheels Raceway site have been given until January 31 to vacate the premises by the council due to the non-payment of nearly £800,000 in rent by the charity responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Recently a petition to save the site was started by representatives from the businesses who operate at the park , who say they have always kept up to date with their own rent payments and feel they are being punished for a dispute they have played no part in .
At time of writing the petition has garnered more than 4,800 signatures , with the future of the site set to be debated as part of the Bordesley Park action plan in today 's council meeting .
And local student Aaron Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a British champion skater , fears for his future in the sport if the council go ahead with their plans .
`` I ’ m here because I think it ’ s a total abomination that the council would even think about taking the track away from us , at least without proposing to build one somewhere else , '' he said .
`` This is a track that supports young people - it supports young people ’ s mental health , it supports their physical health , it stops childhood obesity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it supports home-schooled kids , and that the council are going to take that away from us seems so wrong .
`` The council talk so much about community and pride in the city ; to then go and say we want your land because it will make us money seems absolutely ridiculous .
`` At the moment I ’ m training to be a British champion , so I go there nearly every day to train .
And if the track gets taken away I can ’ t train anymore .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re so deeply connected with is being taken away from us .
`` If they take away the track , where am I supposed to train ?
And as a sport , what are we supposed to do ?
Because this is the only purpose-built skate track in the country – so for all of the hundreds of people that do this sport , and race every year , if we can ’ t host national competitions and have competitions on proper tracks , what are we going to do ?
Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ track for some of the race meets , is another who attended today 's protest .
And he believes the site is a 'hidden gem ' in the city that should be protected at all costs .
`` It will be a massive shame if it goes , not just personally but for the community , '' he said .
`` It ’ s been around since the 80s , and it ’ s just a hidden gem of Birmingham .
`` As a motorsport fan we don ’ t get tracks near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this track , you can get the bus to this track , and you can get the train .
We ’ re so lucky to have this track on our doorstep , and the fact that it might go is really devastating .
`` So hopefully we can get something done with the council so we can have at least a stay of execution and maybe even keep the track going .
But it feels like we ’ re not wanted , and it feels like they ’ ll do anything to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the businesses threatened with eviction is the Birmingham Wheels Karting Centre , which runs events on the site throughout the year .
And Mark Wooldridge , who runs the Karting Centre , says his business will go into liquidation if they are forced to leave Birmingham Wheels without an alternative site in place .
`` The business would go into liquidation , everybody would be without a job , '' he said .
`` We ’ ve got I ’ d say about 30-40 members of staff that would all be without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoping to remain where we are and operate the business and the sports facilities as they ’ ve been running previously .
But unfortunately the response from the council has just been they want a vacant site and they can ’ t give us a reason behind that . ''

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The closure of the Birmingham Wheels Raceway would be a 'total abomination', it has been claimed, after council bosses demanded the site was vacated by the end of the month.
Around 50 people gathered outside the council house today (Jan 14) to protest the closure of the site, which has been operating in Bordesley Green for over 40 years.
Businesses at the Birmingham Wheels Raceway site have been given until January 31 to vacate the premises by the council due to the non-payment of nearly £800,000 in rent by the charity responsible for the lease, Birmingham Wheels Ltd.
Recently a petition to save the site was started by representatives from the businesses who operate at the park, who say they have always kept up to date with their own rent payments and feel they are being punished for a dispute they have played no part in.
At time of writing the petition has garnered more than 4,800 signatures, with the future of the site set to be debated as part of the Bordesley Park action plan in today's council meeting.
And local student Aaron Smith, who is currently training to be a British champion skater, fears for his future in the sport if the council go ahead with their plans.
"I’m here because I think it’s a total abomination that the council would even think about taking the track away from us, at least without proposing to build one somewhere else," he said.
"This is a track that supports young people - it supports young people’s mental health, it supports their physical health, it stops childhood obesity, it stops children getting into gangs, it supports home-schooled kids, and that the council are going to take that away from us seems so wrong.
"The council talk so much about community and pride in the city; to then go and say we want your land because it will make us money seems absolutely ridiculous.
"At the moment I’m training to be a British champion, so I go there nearly every day to train. And if the track gets taken away I can’t train anymore. It’s really sad that somewhere we’re so deeply connected with is being taken away from us.
"If they take away the track, where am I supposed to train? And as a sport, what are we supposed to do? Because this is the only purpose-built skate track in the country – so for all of the hundreds of people that do this sport, and race every year, if we can’t host national competitions and have competitions on proper tracks, what are we going to do?
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Paul Hadsley, who provides commentary at the track for some of the race meets, is another who attended today's protest.
And he believes the site is a 'hidden gem' in the city that should be protected at all costs.
"It will be a massive shame if it goes, not just personally but for the community," he said. "It’s been around since the 80s, and it’s just a hidden gem of Birmingham.
"As a motorsport fan we don’t get tracks near city centres. But you can walk to this track, you can get the bus to this track, and you can get the train. We’re so lucky to have this track on our doorstep, and the fact that it might go is really devastating.
"So hopefully we can get something done with the council so we can have at least a stay of execution and maybe even keep the track going. But it feels like we’re not wanted, and it feels like they’ll do anything to get rid of us."
One of the businesses threatened with eviction is the Birmingham Wheels Karting Centre, which runs events on the site throughout the year.
And Mark Wooldridge, who runs the Karting Centre, says his business will go into liquidation if they are forced to leave Birmingham Wheels without an alternative site in place.
"The business would go into liquidation, everybody would be without a job," he said.
"We’ve got I’d say about 30-40 members of staff that would all be without a job.
"We’re hoping to remain where we are and operate the business and the sports facilities as they’ve been running previously. But unfortunately the response from the council has just been they want a vacant site and they can’t give us a reason behind that."


birminghammail--2020-01-14--Billie Eilish drops James Bond theme song hint before No Time To Die

Billie Eilish has hinted that she could be behind the theme tune for the new James Bond film .
The US singer-songwriter , 18 , has recently been at the centre of social media speculation around her possible involvement in the soundtrack for the 25th Bond film , No Time To Die .
On Tuesday , she posted a series of pictures of Bond actresses to her Instagram Stories .
Eilish shared pictures of stars including Lea Seydoux as Madeleine Swann from Spectre , Caterina Murino as Solange and Eva Green as Vesper Lynd from Casino Royale , and Halle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day .
There was no caption with the images , but fans of the star have taken her post to mean she could be involved with Bond .
Other artists linked to the Bond theme include Dua Lipa and Beyonce .
Eilish 's debut album When We All Fall Asleep , Where Do We Go ?
topped the charts in the UK and the US when it was released last year .
It was the highest selling debut album of 2019 and the biggest North American debut of the decade , shifting 313,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also became the youngest female solo artist to score a number one album in the UK .
Her Bond theme hint comes weeks after she made Grammy history when she became the youngest artist to receive nominations in all four major categories .
She is up for record of the year , album of the year , song of the year and best new artist at the ceremony , which will take place later this month .
Hans Zimmer has already been confirmed as the composer for the upcoming 007 film , having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April release date after Dan Romer reportedly left due to creative differences .
The news was confirmed by the official James Bond Twitter account , which shared a message from No Time To Die director Cary Joji Fukunaga .
It said : `` I 'm beyond excited that Hans is scoring # NoTimeToDie .
`` The music of Bond has always been iconic and I 've already witnessed Hans adding his touch of genius to the Bond legacy . ''
No Time To Die , starring Daniel Craig as James Bond for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 2 .

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Billie Eilish has hinted that she could be behind the theme tune for the new James Bond film.
The US singer-songwriter, 18, has recently been at the centre of social media speculation around her possible involvement in the soundtrack for the 25th Bond film, No Time To Die.
On Tuesday, she posted a series of pictures of Bond actresses to her Instagram Stories.
Eilish shared pictures of stars including Lea Seydoux as Madeleine Swann from Spectre, Caterina Murino as Solange and Eva Green as Vesper Lynd from Casino Royale, and Halle Berry as Jinx Johnson from Die Another Day.
There was no caption with the images, but fans of the star have taken her post to mean she could be involved with Bond.
Other artists linked to the Bond theme include Dua Lipa and Beyonce.
(Image: Ian Cooper / Teesside Live)
Eilish's debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? topped the charts in the UK and the US when it was released last year.
It was the highest selling debut album of 2019 and the biggest North American debut of the decade, shifting 313,000 units in the first week.
Eilish also became the youngest female solo artist to score a number one album in the UK.
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Her Bond theme hint comes weeks after she made Grammy history when she became the youngest artist to receive nominations in all four major categories.
She is up for record of the year, album of the year, song of the year and best new artist at the ceremony, which will take place later this month.
Hans Zimmer has already been confirmed as the composer for the upcoming 007 film, having been drafted in three months before the April release date after Dan Romer reportedly left due to creative differences.
The news was confirmed by the official James Bond Twitter account, which shared a message from No Time To Die director Cary Joji Fukunaga.
It said: "I'm beyond excited that Hans is scoring #NoTimeToDie.
"The music of Bond has always been iconic and I've already witnessed Hans adding his touch of genius to the Bond legacy."
No Time To Die, starring Daniel Craig as James Bond for the fifth time, will be released on April 2.


birminghammail--2020-01-14--Mum saves £780 a year using simple trick - and it's incredibly easy

A brilliant mum has shared her money-saving idea to help you save hundreds this year .
The mother 's incredible trick will make you a massive £780 in 2020 - but you have to start now .
Our sister title the MEN has reported on the mum-of-two 's trick after she posted it to social media .
The Manchester Evening News reports the mum uploaded the post to Facebook - where it has been hailed by fellow parents .
Mums and dads hoping to save cash and make their pennies stretch further in 2020 are being urged to give it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` So I 've seen lots of ideas for saving money but none of them will really work for me - I never have change in my purse to do the penny challenge for example .
`` That 's why I 'm giving this a go .
`` Every pay day - or at the end of a month - you put in one of these amounts and then cross it off the list .
`` By the end of the year it 's a whopping £780 !
`` It wo n't be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the £120 month - but it 's worth a go .
`` I reckon I 'll start with the £10 in January . ''
You simply write £10 up to £120 on a piece of paper and stick it on your piggy bank .
Then put away each amount of cash for which ever month you choose and cross it off the list .
So in January you may want to start off with a tenner and save the higher amounts for when you 've got extra cash that you were n't expecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas time , you 'll only have to put in the lower amounts .
Once you 've crossed all the amounts off your list , you will be £780 better off .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Emma Gill, James Rodger)

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A brilliant mum has shared her money-saving idea to help you save hundreds this year.
The mother's incredible trick will make you a massive £780 in 2020 - but you have to start now.
Our sister title the MEN has reported on the mum-of-two's trick after she posted it to social media.
The Manchester Evening News reports the mum uploaded the post to Facebook - where it has been hailed by fellow parents.
Mums and dads hoping to save cash and make their pennies stretch further in 2020 are being urged to give it a go.
The mum wrote: "So I've seen lots of ideas for saving money but none of them will really work for me - I never have change in my purse to do the penny challenge for example.
"That's why I'm giving this a go.
"Every pay day - or at the end of a month - you put in one of these amounts and then cross it off the list.
"By the end of the year it's a whopping £780!
"It won't be easy - especially when it comes to the £120 month - but it's worth a go.
"I reckon I'll start with the £10 in January."
You simply write £10 up to £120 on a piece of paper and stick it on your piggy bank.
Then put away each amount of cash for which ever month you choose and cross it off the list.
So in January you may want to start off with a tenner and save the higher amounts for when you've got extra cash that you weren't expecting, then on other months particularly around Christmas time, you'll only have to put in the lower amounts.
Once you've crossed all the amounts off your list, you will be £780 better off.


birminghammail--2020-01-14--The Greatest Dancer given new BBC slot after being smashed in ratings by ITV's The Masked Singer

The BBC has taken drastic action to try to boost The Greatest Dancer ratings after being smashed by The Masked Singer .
Bosses have given Simon Cowell 's show a new time slot in a bid to attract more viewers , reports the Mirror - it previously started at the same time as the rival show on ITV .
The BBC dancing show , starring Cheryl Cole will now air half an hour earlier at 6:30pm .
The Masked Singer , which sees famous faces perform in wacky disguises , pulled in a huge 5.3million viewers on Saturday night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last week The Greatest Dancer ran from 7pm to 8.10pm on the BBC and the Masked Singer from 7pm to 8.30pm on ITV .
The new schedule means The Masked Singer — starring panelists Jonathan Ross , Rita Ora , Ken Jeong and Davina McCall — will now go up against Pointless Celebrities on BBC One this weekend .
The series made its way to British screens after becoming a hit in South Korea , Australia and the US , where Ken was previously a judge .
It 's been described by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so bad it 's good '' as millions tune in each weekend to try and work out which celebrity is behind the mask .
So far three famous faces have been unmasked - Patsy Palmer , Alan Johnson and Justin Hawkins .
The Greatest Dancer continues on Saturday at 6:30pm on BBC One and The Masked Singer at 7pm on ITV .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Lucy Domachowski, Katie Brooks)

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The BBC has taken drastic action to try to boost The Greatest Dancer ratings after being smashed by The Masked Singer.
Bosses have given Simon Cowell's show a new time slot in a bid to attract more viewers, reports the Mirror - it previously started at the same time as the rival show on ITV.
The BBC dancing show, starring Cheryl Cole will now air half an hour earlier at 6:30pm.
The Masked Singer, which sees famous faces perform in wacky disguises, pulled in a huge 5.3million viewers on Saturday night, while The Greatest Dancer managed just 3.1million.
Last week The Greatest Dancer ran from 7pm to 8.10pm on the BBC and the Masked Singer from 7pm to 8.30pm on ITV.
The new schedule means The Masked Singer — starring panelists Jonathan Ross, Rita Ora, Ken Jeong and Davina McCall — will now go up against Pointless Celebrities on BBC One this weekend.
The series made its way to British screens after becoming a hit in South Korea, Australia and the US, where Ken was previously a judge.
It's been described by many as "addictive" and "so bad it's good" as millions tune in each weekend to try and work out which celebrity is behind the mask.
So far three famous faces have been unmasked - Patsy Palmer, Alan Johnson and Justin Hawkins.
The Greatest Dancer continues on Saturday at 6:30pm on BBC One and The Masked Singer at 7pm on ITV.


birminghammail--2020-01-14--Dudley shop which employed failed asylum seeker still selling booze after appeal lodged

A Kingswinford store which employed a failed asylum seeker is still selling booze even though its licence was revoked in December .
The Spar Store on Lapwood Avenue is now asking Dudley councillors to approve a new designated premises supervisor while it appeals last month ’ s decision to a magistrates ’ court .
While the appeal is being heard , the shop is allowed to continue to sell alcohol .
In December , the authority rescinded the shop ’ s right to sell alcohol after it heard the sale of four cans of lager to a 15 year-old boy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national who entered the country illegally in 2017 .
Richard Jones , a senior Trading Standards officer , told the committee the teenager volunteer was able to buy the beer during a test purchase without being challenged or asked for proof of identity of age .
Interviewed later , the cashier who made the sale claimed to be Manderjeet Singh Malhotra who claimed he was only behind the counter for two minutes while helping out in the shop .
He told Trading Standards officers that he originally came from Afghanistan and had fled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after flying to France , he entered the UK in the back of the lorry before being dropped off at a Sikh temple in Hounslow and was given accommodation .
He claimed he lived in London and had only been helping out in the store but investigations of the shop ’ s records found a rota of employees containing the name Golu .
When another staff was asked who this was , she identified Malhotra from a photograph and said he had been working there for over three months and lived in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later identified him as Mahinder Jeet Singh who entered the UK on 31st December 2017 when he applied for asylum , which was finally rejected in November last year .
Councillors were told that while asylum seekers ’ cases are decided applicants are not allowed to work .
Stripping the stores ’ s permit to sell alcohol , Cllr Michael Evans , chairman of the committee , said : “ After a long discussion , we are a hundred percent confident that the only way to proceed is to revoke this licence.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the West Midlands is home to informed , passionate people devoted to their political causes who are not afraid to tell you what they think !
This Facebook group is an extension of the unrivalled political coverage you get from Birmingham Live and the Birmingham Mail & Post .
Here you will find our stories from Parliament and the Council chambers , alongside stories from your communities which show how political decisions are having an impact .
It 's also the place for you if you want to share your own views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the issues we are missing .
The store is appealing that decision and has now asked the council to allow it to appoint a new designated premises supervisor with responsibility for ensuring licensing laws are adhered to .
Councillors will hear the application on January 21 .

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A Kingswinford store which employed a failed asylum seeker is still selling booze even though its licence was revoked in December.
The Spar Store on Lapwood Avenue is now asking Dudley councillors to approve a new designated premises supervisor while it appeals last month’s decision to a magistrates’ court.
While the appeal is being heard, the shop is allowed to continue to sell alcohol.
In December, the authority rescinded the shop’s right to sell alcohol after it heard the sale of four cans of lager to a 15 year-old boy led to the discovery of an Afghan national who entered the country illegally in 2017.
Richard Jones, a senior Trading Standards officer, told the committee the teenager volunteer was able to buy the beer during a test purchase without being challenged or asked for proof of identity of age.
Interviewed later, the cashier who made the sale claimed to be Manderjeet Singh Malhotra who claimed he was only behind the counter for two minutes while helping out in the shop.
He told Trading Standards officers that he originally came from Afghanistan and had fled the country.
He also revealed that after flying to France, he entered the UK in the back of the lorry before being dropped off at a Sikh temple in Hounslow and was given accommodation.
He claimed he lived in London and had only been helping out in the store but investigations of the shop’s records found a rota of employees containing the name Golu.
When another staff was asked who this was, she identified Malhotra from a photograph and said he had been working there for over three months and lived in a flat above the shop.
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HM immigration later identified him as Mahinder Jeet Singh who entered the UK on 31st December 2017 when he applied for asylum, which was finally rejected in November last year.
Councillors were told that while asylum seekers’ cases are decided applicants are not allowed to work.
Stripping the stores’s permit to sell alcohol, Cllr Michael Evans, chairman of the committee, said: “After a long discussion, we are a hundred percent confident that the only way to proceed is to revoke this licence.”
The store is appealing that decision and has now asked the council to allow it to appoint a new designated premises supervisor with responsibility for ensuring licensing laws are adhered to.
Councillors will hear the application on January 21.
ENDS


birminghammail--2020-01-14--Rail bosses warn homeowners after flyaway trampoline lands on track

People with trampolines in gardens are being asked by rail bosses to make sure they do n't `` go flying '' during strong winds .
The plea from Network Rail follows a potentially serious incident during Storm Brendan on Monday .
A trampoline was blown onto the tracks on the busy West Coast main line in Staffordshire .
The incident meant all services on the busy line had to be halted whilst it was cleared .
It happened on a section of the track at Hixon , between Rugeley and Stone , at about 6am on Monday , January 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment had been in a garden next to the line but had been blown away during the strong winds .
It flew through the air , onto the tracks and became caught in overhead electric wires , causing a power outage .
Now Network Rail has asked owners of trampolines and other garden equipment to make sure they 're securely tethered .
James Dean , director of the West Coast Mainline route , said : `` In strong winds trampolines become airborne very easily .
`` Our advice is : please tether these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t lose them and train passengers ’ journeys won ’ t be disrupted .
“ We ’ re appealing to people living by the railway to ensure other items , such as gazebos , marquees and tents are fixed in place , so they don ’ t end up on the railway during high winds.
” The warning comes as rail bosses warn that strong winds and heavy rain could cause further travel disruption today , Tuesday January 14 .
Birmingham New Street station tweeted earlier how some trains could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too strong .

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People with trampolines in gardens are being asked by rail bosses to make sure they don't "go flying" during strong winds.
The plea from Network Rail follows a potentially serious incident during Storm Brendan on Monday.
A trampoline was blown onto the tracks on the busy West Coast main line in Staffordshire.
The incident meant all services on the busy line had to be halted whilst it was cleared.
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It happened on a section of the track at Hixon, between Rugeley and Stone, at about 6am on Monday, January 13.
The item of children's play equipment had been in a garden next to the line but had been blown away during the strong winds.
It flew through the air, onto the tracks and became caught in overhead electric wires, causing a power outage.
Now Network Rail has asked owners of trampolines and other garden equipment to make sure they're securely tethered.
James Dean, director of the West Coast Mainline route, said: "In strong winds trampolines become airborne very easily.
"Our advice is: please tether these kinds of items - that way you won’t lose them and train passengers’ journeys won’t be disrupted.
“We’re appealing to people living by the railway to ensure other items, such as gazebos, marquees and tents are fixed in place, so they don’t end up on the railway during high winds.”
The warning comes as rail bosses warn that strong winds and heavy rain could cause further travel disruption today, Tuesday January 14.
Birmingham New Street station tweeted earlier how some trains could be delayed or disrupted if the wind was too strong.


birminghammail--2020-01-14--Excruciating moment Holly Willoughby gets This Morning co-star's name wrong - leaving Phil stunned

This is the excruciating moment Holly Willoughby was mocked by Phillip Schofield - after getting a co-star 's name wrong @ @ @ @ @ a mum-of-three , present the show each Monday morning to Thursday morning .
But today @ @ @ @ @ dig at poor Holly - after she got Josie Gibson 's name wrong in astonishingly @ @ @ @ @ been introducing the former Big Brother winner , who has been talking about the ITV @ @ @ @ @ , instead of saying `` Josie Gibson '' she stumbled and called her `` Josie @ @ @ @ @ , Phil found it utterly hilarious and mocked Holly about her slip-up , reports Mirror @ @ @ @ @ .
Later , Holly had to introduce her again and said carefully : `` Here @ @ @ @ @ the details .
Got it right that time ! ''
*This Morning airs weekdays at @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Rose Hill, James Rodger)

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This is the moment Holly Willoughby was mocked by Phillip Schofield - after getting a co-star's name wrong.
Holly, 38, was presenting the ITV1 daytime favourite today, alongside silver-faired Phil.
Schofe and Holly, a mum-of-three, present the show each Monday morning to Thursday morning.
But today Phil was left having a dig at poor Holly - after she got Josie Gibson's name wrong in awkward scenes.
Holly had been introducing the former Big Brother winner, who has been talking about the ITV's prize competition.
However, instead of saying "Josie Gibson" she stumbled.
Holly, who also presents Dancing on Ice alongside Phil each weekend on ITV1, called her "Josie the Gibson."
Unsurprisingly, Phil found it utterly hilarious.
The presenter mocked Holly about her slip-up, reports Mirror Online , our sister title.
Later, Holly had to introduce her again.
This time, thankfully, Holly said carefully: "Here's Josie... Gibson with the details."
She cheekily added: "Got it right that time!"
"Phew!" Phil quipped.
*This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV


birminghammail--2020-01-14--Teenage girl rushed to hospital after colliding with van in Walsall

A teenage girl was taken to hospital after she collided with a van in Walsall .
Officers from West Midlands Police blocked off Lindon Road , Brownhills , after the youngster was hit at around 6pm on Monday , January 13 .
Medics treated her for injuries , which were not believed to be serious , before she was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital for treatment .
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said : “ We were called at 6pm last night to Lindon Road in Brownhills to reports of a collision involving a pedestrian and van .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene .
Upon arrival we found one patient , a teenage girl , who was the pedestrian .
“ She was treated for injuries not believed to be serious and was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital for further treatment.
” To keep up-to-date with crime in your community , join the Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group where you will be alerted to any suspicious or criminal behaviour happening in your area .
Keep up-to-date with all things Dudley , Walsall , Sandwell and Wolverhampton on our Black Country Live Facebook page - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , travel , weather and events in your area .

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A teenage girl was taken to hospital after she collided with a van in Walsall.
Officers from West Midlands Police blocked off Lindon Road, Brownhills, after the youngster was hit at around 6pm on Monday, January 13.
Medics treated her for injuries, which were not believed to be serious, before she was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital for treatment.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 6pm last night to Lindon Road in Brownhills to reports of a collision involving a pedestrian and van.
“We sent one ambulance to the scene. Upon arrival we found one patient, a teenage girl, who was the pedestrian.
“She was treated for injuries not believed to be serious and was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital for further treatment.”
To keep up-to-date with crime in your community, join the Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group where you will be alerted to any suspicious or criminal behaviour happening in your area.
Keep up-to-date with all things Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell and Wolverhampton on our Black Country Live Facebook page - where you'll get the latest news, travel, weather and events in your area.


birminghammail--2020-01-14--Harrowing Michael Barrymore Channel 4 documentary to air 999 call after man found dead in pool

The harrowing 999 call reported the death of a man in a swimming pool at Michael Barrymore 's house will be broadcast for the first time later this year .
The call will be aired in a new Channel 4 documentary exploring the full story behind the high-profile unexplained death of 31-year-old Stuart Lubbock .
The opening moments of the 90-minute programme will see the caller saying : `` He had just come out and found a guy in the pool . ''
He then adds it was the `` first time in ages he was out at a party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' and `` was n't expecting '' to make the grim discovery .
As he waited outside for the ambulance to arrive , the man tells the call handler that he had pulled Lubbock 's body out of the water .
`` I think the geezer 's dead , mate , '' he declares .
The 90-minute programme , which has the working title Unexplained , has been 18 months in the making and features never-before-seen material from inside the unsolved Essex Police case , told by the people closest to it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perspectives of the Lubbock family , as well as those of the detectives , forensic pathologists and eyewitnesses to explore what happened that night at Barrymore 's Essex bungalow , and the events that followed .
Barrymore was one of the best-known TV presenters in the UK when the body of Mr Lubbock was found at his then home in Roydon , Essex , in 2001 after a party .
Six years later , the entertainer was arrested in connection with the death and he was released without charge before withdrawing from public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the death of Mr Lubbock , telling Piers Morgan 's ITV show Life Stories that he `` could n't be more sorry '' for his behaviour that night , and that he is `` 100 % innocent '' .
Channel 4 director of programmes Ian Katz said : `` This remarkable film , with never-before-seen police evidence and exclusive interviews with those involved in the investigation , reminds us that , 19 years on , no-one has yet been held accountable for the tragedy . ''
Mr Lubbock 's father , Terry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the questions around what happened to my son , Stuart Lubbock .
Finally .
The story has become so distorted and confused over the years .
So much has been said and written .
`` It 's time to put all the facts together in one place . ''
Channel 4 commissioning editor Alisa Pomeroy added : `` This film is a reflective piece that tells the story of an unexplained tragedy that unfolded in the glare of an unforgiving media .
`` It sheds light on the complex relationship between celebrity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all-powerful tabloid press in the early Noughties , but , most of all , it 's the deeply moving story of the Lubbock family 's continuing quest for answers and justice , nearly 20 years on . ''
The documentary will air on Channel 4 later this year .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Vickie Scullard, Katie Brooks)

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The harrowing 999 call reported the death of a man in a swimming pool at Michael Barrymore's house will be broadcast for the first time later this year.
The call will be aired in a new Channel 4 documentary exploring the full story behind the high-profile unexplained death of 31-year-old Stuart Lubbock.
The opening moments of the 90-minute programme will see the caller saying: "He had just come out and found a guy in the pool."
He then adds it was the "first time in ages he was out at a party because he had a wife and kids," and "wasn't expecting" to make the grim discovery.
(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
As he waited outside for the ambulance to arrive, the man tells the call handler that he had pulled Lubbock's body out of the water.
"I think the geezer's dead, mate," he declares.
The 90-minute programme, which has the working title Unexplained, has been 18 months in the making and features never-before-seen material from inside the unsolved Essex Police case, told by the people closest to it.
The programme will piece together the perspectives of the Lubbock family, as well as those of the detectives, forensic pathologists and eyewitnesses to explore what happened that night at Barrymore's Essex bungalow, and the events that followed.
Barrymore was one of the best-known TV presenters in the UK when the body of Mr Lubbock was found at his then home in Roydon, Essex, in 2001 after a party.
Six years later, the entertainer was arrested in connection with the death and he was released without charge before withdrawing from public life.
(Image: Essex Police/PA Wire)
Barrymore last year spoke out about the death of Mr Lubbock, telling Piers Morgan's ITV show Life Stories that he "couldn't be more sorry" for his behaviour that night, and that he is "100% innocent".
Channel 4 director of programmes Ian Katz said: "This remarkable film, with never-before-seen police evidence and exclusive interviews with those involved in the investigation, reminds us that, 19 years on, no-one has yet been held accountable for the tragedy."
Mr Lubbock's father, Terry, said: "This documentary is about the questions around what happened to my son, Stuart Lubbock. Finally. The story has become so distorted and confused over the years. So much has been said and written.
"It's time to put all the facts together in one place."
Channel 4 commissioning editor Alisa Pomeroy added: "This film is a reflective piece that tells the story of an unexplained tragedy that unfolded in the glare of an unforgiving media.
"It sheds light on the complex relationship between celebrity, the criminal justice system and an all-powerful tabloid press in the early Noughties, but, most of all, it's the deeply moving story of the Lubbock family's continuing quest for answers and justice, nearly 20 years on."
The documentary will air on Channel 4 later this year.


birminghammail--2020-01-14--Adele's astonishing seven stone weight loss transformation 'is down to Harry Styles'

Adele 's astonishing seven stone weight loss is reportedly all down to Harry Styles .
The Skyfall singer has shed an unbelievable amount of weight - and she has the One Direction star to thank .
Harry , from Redditch , is being hailed as being the inspiration for her physical transformation .
According to reports , the pair - recently seen on holiday together - have seen their friendship turn flirty .
A source told Closer magazine : `` Harry 's always been very health conscious .
`` After Adele vowed to get in shape , he said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her hiking on some of his favourite trails in Malibu , occasionally did HIIT ( high intensity interval training ) classes with her , and gave her a hand with meal-planning and cooking to help her stay on track . ''
The insider continued : `` While they 've always been flirtatious , she says it 's only in the last month that she 's started to see him in a romantic light .
`` It 's still early days , but she has n't ruled out exploring their chemistry and connection .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 , flaunted her weight loss recently while holidaying in Antigua .
The pop star was on the holiday island alongside the likes of Redditch born Harry Styles and James Corden .
Adele , the former One Direction singer Harry and The Late Late Show host Corden were seen enjoying themselves on each others ' social media channels .
Fan Lexi Larson said she spent 15 minutes talking to the mum-of-one .
Lexi told People : `` She said she lost something like 100 pounds , and that it 's such a crazy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy , and she looked amazing .
She seemed really confident . ''
She added : `` We were so excited .
We were talking to her for a little while , and then she got Harry Styles to come over and sit with us also .
`` We took a picture with Harry , and we talked to them for 15 minutes probably . ''

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Adele's astonishing seven stone weight loss is reportedly all down to Harry Styles.
The Skyfall singer has shed an unbelievable amount of weight - and she has the One Direction star to thank.
Harry, from Redditch, is being hailed as being the inspiration for her physical transformation.
According to reports, the pair - recently seen on holiday together - have seen their friendship turn flirty.
A source told Closer magazine: "Harry's always been very health conscious.
"After Adele vowed to get in shape, he said he wanted to help her, so took her hiking on some of his favourite trails in Malibu, occasionally did HIIT (high intensity interval training) classes with her, and gave her a hand with meal-planning and cooking to help her stay on track."
The insider continued: "While they've always been flirtatious, she says it's only in the last month that she's started to see him in a romantic light.
"It's still early days, but she hasn't ruled out exploring their chemistry and connection."
The Someone Like You singer, 31, flaunted her weight loss recently while holidaying in Antigua.
The pop star was on the holiday island alongside the likes of Redditch born Harry Styles and James Corden.
Adele, the former One Direction singer Harry and The Late Late Show host Corden were seen enjoying themselves on each others' social media channels.
Fan Lexi Larson said she spent 15 minutes talking to the mum-of-one.
Lexi told People : "She said she lost something like 100 pounds, and that it's such a crazy positive experience.
"She seemed so happy, and she looked amazing. She seemed really confident."
She added: "We were so excited. We were talking to her for a little while, and then she got Harry Styles to come over and sit with us also.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"We took a picture with Harry, and we talked to them for 15 minutes probably."


birminghammail--2020-01-14--Fears women will 'have to travel further for care' as five abortion clinics in Birmingham and Black

Fears women will 'have to travel further for care' as five abortion clinics in Birmingham and Black Country shut

Five abortion clinics across Birmingham and the Black Country have shut down - leading to fears women will be 'forced to travel further for care ' .
The Marie Stopes clinics were closed last month after a re-procurement of services by Sandwell and West Birmingham , Walsall and Wolverhampton Clinical Commissioning Groups ( CCGs ) .
The clinics closed include the UK 's oldest in Edgbaston , as well as four 'early medical units ' in Birmingham and the Black Country .
The smaller units provided medical abortions for women under nine weeks and six days gestation .
Marie Stopes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CCGs in 2012 , but did not re-bid for the contract when services were re-commissioned at the end of 2019 .
Instead , British Pregnancy Advisory Service ( BPAS ) has now been awarded the contract .
Richard Bentley , Marie Stopes ' managing director , said the decision not to re-bid for the contract was down to the 'unsustainable level of funding available ' .
And he claimed women in the area would now 'be forced to travel further to access care - including women with more complex needs ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide abortion services by the Walsall ; Wolverhampton and Sandwell & West Birmingham CCGs in 2012 and we have supported many thousands of women since then , '' Mr Bentley said .
`` Over recent years , Marie Stopes UK has been on a journey of improving access and the quality of the services we deliver .
`` With the re-commissioning of services in the latter part of 2019 , we took the difficult decision to not re-bid for the contract , as we were of the opinion that the level of funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Quality is at the heart of our strategy .
Our teams provide so much more than just abortion : from consultations and counselling to interpreting and safeguarding .
`` We have been open and transparent with commissioners about the real cost of running the services , but despite lengthy discussions , the level of funding has not , in our opinion , been increased to sustainable levels to provide high quality , local services .
`` As a responsible provider were unable to bid on the new contract .
`` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area are going to have to travel further to access care , including women with more complex needs '' We remain committed to supporting women with their reproductive choices and will continue to review how we can best support women ’ s health in the area in the future . ''
But a spokeswoman for the Clinical Commissioning Groups involved said clinics would be available in all areas , with more 'complex cases ' possibly being seen at out-of-area specialist units .
A joint statement from Sandwell and West Birmingham CCG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Sandwell and West Birmingham CCG , Walsall CCG and Wolverhampton CCG undertook a re-procurement in 2019 to seek a provider for their Termination of Pregnancy services .
`` The process was carried out in line with NHS procurement legislation and incorporated quality and financial elements with greater weighting being given to the quality elements .
`` The provider of the services at the time , Marie Stopes UK , was invited to tender for the new contract alongside other providers of services but declined the opportunity .
`` Following a thorough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was awarded to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service ( BPAS ) who commenced services on January 1 , 2020 .
`` We are pleased to welcome BPAS as the new provider and are assured of the quality and accessibility of their services , with clinics being available in all the CCG areas .
`` Additional surgical capacity has also been added to the service through Walsall Manor Hospital .
`` Due to the complexity of some cases , patients may need to be seen in specialist units which are located out of area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occurred in the previous contract with Marie Stopes and is driven by the clinical needs of the patient . ''

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Five abortion clinics across Birmingham and the Black Country have shut down - leading to fears women will be 'forced to travel further for care'.
The Marie Stopes clinics were closed last month after a re-procurement of services by Sandwell and West Birmingham, Walsall and Wolverhampton Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).
The clinics closed include the UK's oldest in Edgbaston, as well as four 'early medical units' in Birmingham and the Black Country.
The smaller units provided medical abortions for women under nine weeks and six days gestation.
Marie Stopes was commissioned to provide abortion services by the CCGs in 2012, but did not re-bid for the contract when services were re-commissioned at the end of 2019.
Instead, British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) has now been awarded the contract.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Richard Bentley, Marie Stopes' managing director, said the decision not to re-bid for the contract was down to the 'unsustainable level of funding available'.
And he claimed women in the area would now 'be forced to travel further to access care - including women with more complex needs'.
"Marie Stopes UK was commissioned to provide abortion services by the Walsall; Wolverhampton and Sandwell & West Birmingham CCGs in 2012 and we have supported many thousands of women since then," Mr Bentley said.
"Over recent years, Marie Stopes UK has been on a journey of improving access and the quality of the services we deliver.
"With the re-commissioning of services in the latter part of 2019, we took the difficult decision to not re-bid for the contract, as we were of the opinion that the level of funding being made available was not sustainable.
"Quality is at the heart of our strategy. Our teams provide so much more than just abortion: from consultations and counselling to interpreting and safeguarding.
"We have been open and transparent with commissioners about the real cost of running the services, but despite lengthy discussions, the level of funding has not, in our opinion, been increased to sustainable levels to provide high quality, local services.
"As a responsible provider were unable to bid on the new contract.
"This is incredibly disappointing and means that some women in the area are going to have to travel further to access care, including women with more complex needs
"We remain committed to supporting women with their reproductive choices and will continue to review how we can best support women’s health in the area in the future."
But a spokeswoman for the Clinical Commissioning Groups involved said clinics would be available in all areas, with more 'complex cases' possibly being seen at out-of-area specialist units.
A joint statement from Sandwell and West Birmingham CCG, Walsall CCG and Wolverhampton CCG read: "Sandwell and West Birmingham CCG, Walsall CCG and Wolverhampton CCG undertook a re-procurement in 2019 to seek a provider for their Termination of Pregnancy services.
"The process was carried out in line with NHS procurement legislation and incorporated quality and financial elements with greater weighting being given to the quality elements.
"The provider of the services at the time, Marie Stopes UK, was invited to tender for the new contract alongside other providers of services but declined the opportunity.
"Following a thorough and robust procurement process, the contract was awarded to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) who commenced services on January 1, 2020.
"We are pleased to welcome BPAS as the new provider and are assured of the quality and accessibility of their services, with clinics being available in all the CCG areas.
"Additional surgical capacity has also been added to the service through Walsall Manor Hospital.
"Due to the complexity of some cases, patients may need to be seen in specialist units which are located out of area.
"This is something that also occurred in the previous contract with Marie Stopes and is driven by the clinical needs of the patient."


birminghammail--2020-01-14--Machete-wielding robbers attack motorbike rider outside his Sutton Coldfield home

Thugs carrying knives and machetes attacked a motorbike rider outside his him in a terrifying armed robbery .
Four men , wearing balaclavas , approached the rider by his home in Stephens Road , Walmley , last Thursday ( January 9 ) shortly before 10pm , kicking him to the floor and attacking him again before stealing keys to his garage , where he had just parked his motorbike .
A witness posted on the Walmley Residents Association page about the incident and said : “ Four males wearing balaclavas attacked a resident as he returned from work at approximately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to steal his motorbike and used machetes to knock him down on his door step .
“ Due to the shouting many of the locals came out and they sped off in a silver Ford Focus , which had a registration plate number for a Citreon .
They made their getaway towards Asda Minworth.
” Speaking to BirminghamLive , the neighbour , who works as an operations manager for a retail group , but asked to remain anonymous , said : “ At around 9.55pm on Thursday evening there was a bit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked out of my window and saw three blokes , and two had knives and machetes .
“ One was using fists and his feet and knocked my neighbour down .
They were kicking him in the back of his head and kicked him on the floor .
“ He got back on his feet quickly .
I didn ’ t spot the fourth chap – he had already ran to the car .
“ These three chaps were shouting and screaming .
As soon as I saw that happening I rang the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blinds up and read out the registration plate of the getaway car to them .
“ I then ran downstairs to see if he was OK. “ I found out that his wife had come home and parked up her car and he pulled up to take his bike in the garage .
“ He had got his bike in the garage and closed the shutter .
They took his keys off him and had gone and snooped inside the garage .
“ He was a bit shaken up .
They had knocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him he still had it on .
“ The police were there quickly but it was four or five minutes after they had gone .
“ On Friday he changed every lock he had.
” The incident has made the witness question the area he has moved to .
The 36-year-old dad-of-two said : “ We have been here four or five years .
The reason we moved in to the area was it was a nice area to move to .
Nice and peaceful .
“ The next day we found out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in to two doors down .
A 19 to 20-year-old was so frightened she slept with her mum .
“ Five or six residents who all live on this estate all reported something that had happened in that week – a van broken in to or a car broken in to .
“ My wife ’ s terrified and said ‘ what if I ’ m coming home one day ’ .
I said ‘ you need to drive around the block ’ .
“ We have got Diskloks [ steering wheel locks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do all the things you want .
These guys are wearing balaclavas and you couldn ’ t tell what they looked like.
” A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said : “ Police are investigating an armed robbery on Stephens Road , Walmley at 9.45pm on Thursday , January 9 .
“ A man was threatened and kicked by two men for his moped , they grabbed his garage keys and fled the scene .
“ Investigations are ongoing , and anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Please quote crime reference number 20BE/7837E/20 .
”

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Thugs carrying knives and machetes attacked a motorbike rider outside his him in a terrifying armed robbery.
Four men, wearing balaclavas, approached the rider by his home in Stephens Road, Walmley, last Thursday (January 9) shortly before 10pm, kicking him to the floor and attacking him again before stealing keys to his garage, where he had just parked his motorbike.
A witness posted on the Walmley Residents Association page about the incident and said: “Four males wearing balaclavas attacked a resident as he returned from work at approximately 10pm on Thursday.
(Image: Google)
“They attempted to steal his motorbike and used machetes to knock him down on his door step.
“Due to the shouting many of the locals came out and they sped off in a silver Ford Focus, which had a registration plate number for a Citreon. They made their getaway towards Asda Minworth.”
Speaking to BirminghamLive, the neighbour, who works as an operations manager for a retail group, but asked to remain anonymous, said: “At around 9.55pm on Thursday evening there was a bit of shouting in the street.
“I looked out of my window and saw three blokes, and two had knives and machetes.
“One was using fists and his feet and knocked my neighbour down. They were kicking him in the back of his head and kicked him on the floor.
“He got back on his feet quickly. I didn’t spot the fourth chap – he had already ran to the car.
“These three chaps were shouting and screaming. As soon as I saw that happening I rang the police.
“I then opened my blinds up and read out the registration plate of the getaway car to them.
“I then ran downstairs to see if he was OK.
“I found out that his wife had come home and parked up her car and he pulled up to take his bike in the garage.
“He had got his bike in the garage and closed the shutter. They took his keys off him and had gone and snooped inside the garage.
“He was a bit shaken up. They had knocked his helmet off – when they kicked him he still had it on.
“The police were there quickly but it was four or five minutes after they had gone.
“On Friday he changed every lock he had.”
The incident has made the witness question the area he has moved to.
The 36-year-old dad-of-two said: “We have been here four or five years. The reason we moved in to the area was it was a nice area to move to. Nice and peaceful.
“The next day we found out we heard a house had been broken in to two doors down. A 19 to 20-year-old was so frightened she slept with her mum.
“Five or six residents who all live on this estate all reported something that had happened in that week – a van broken in to or a car broken in to.
“My wife’s terrified and said ‘what if I’m coming home one day’. I said ‘you need to drive around the block’.
“We have got Diskloks [steering wheel locks] on the cars. You can do all the things you want. These guys are wearing balaclavas and you couldn’t tell what they looked like.”
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: “Police are investigating an armed robbery on Stephens Road, Walmley at 9.45pm on Thursday, January 9.
“A man was threatened and kicked by two men for his moped, they grabbed his garage keys and fled the scene.
“Investigations are ongoing, and anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime reference number 20BE/7837E/20.”


birminghammail--2020-01-14--'Incredible' - what Coventry City said about FA Cup allocations against Birmingham City

Birmingham City and Coventry City will discuss the seating arrangements for the FA Cup fourth round meeting between the two sides .
Coventry , who are being put up by Blues at B9 after not renewing their lease at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry , host their landlords in the next round of the competition , after they beat Bristol Rovers in their third round replay tonight ( Tuesday ) .
The FA has confirmed that Coventry will remain the home team , and that involves the using of the home facilities and dressing room .
Might there be scope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fill two sides of the ground ?
There isn ’ t a plan just yet , but Sky Blues chief executive Dave Boddy has confirmed that ’ ll be discussed .
“ There isn ’ t , but we will obviously have to talk about it , ” he told CoventryLive after the fourth round draw was made last week .
“ It needs a full and proper discussion because it ’ s quite a complex situation .
It ’ s incredible .
My phone was in meltdown last night .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boys , I think it ’ s probably one of the most interesting ties we could have had .
It ’ s certainly captured the imagination .
“ Everyone has been saying , ‘ what are the odds of that happening , ’ and we actually talked about it when we did the deal to groundshare with Blues .
“ We talked about if we drew them in the cup and what would happen , and we said we ’ d cross that bridge when it happens .
“ Now we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look forward to . ''
City have averaged just under 6,000 fans at St Andrew ’ s games this season while Blues regularly enjoy crowds that average around 20,000 .
CoventryLive adds that the Sky Blues are keen to ensure they don ’ t upset either set of supporters and that both sets of fans will be looked after .
They ’ ve been made to feel welcome at St Andrew ’ s this season , where their results have been very impressive , and wish to maintain such amicable relations .
Full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Coventry saying that they will make an announcement in due course .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Joseph Chapman, Jonny Bonell)

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Birmingham City and Coventry City will discuss the seating arrangements for the FA Cup fourth round meeting between the two sides.
Coventry, who are being put up by Blues at B9 after not renewing their lease at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, host their landlords in the next round of the competition, after they beat Bristol Rovers in their third round replay tonight (Tuesday).
The FA has confirmed that Coventry will remain the home team, and that involves the using of the home facilities and dressing room.
Might there be scope for a 50-50 allocation, allowing Bluenoses to fill two sides of the ground? There isn’t a plan just yet, but Sky Blues chief executive Dave Boddy has confirmed that’ll be discussed.
“There isn’t, but we will obviously have to talk about it,” he told CoventryLive after the fourth round draw was made last week. “It needs a full and proper discussion because it’s quite a complex situation. It’s incredible. My phone was in meltdown last night.
“Apart from drawing one of the big boys, I think it’s probably one of the most interesting ties we could have had. It’s certainly captured the imagination.
“Everyone has been saying, ‘what are the odds of that happening,’ and we actually talked about it when we did the deal to groundshare with Blues.
“We talked about if we drew them in the cup and what would happen, and we said we’d cross that bridge when it happens.
“Now we’re there and it’s one to look forward to."
City have averaged just under 6,000 fans at St Andrew’s games this season while Blues regularly enjoy crowds that average around 20,000.
CoventryLive adds that the Sky Blues are keen to ensure they don’t upset either set of supporters and that both sets of fans will be looked after.
They’ve been made to feel welcome at St Andrew’s this season, where their results have been very impressive, and wish to maintain such amicable relations.
Full ticket details have yet to be revealed with Coventry saying that they will make an announcement in due course.


birminghammail--2020-01-14--Aston Villa ace shines to set up unique Birmingham City FA Cup clash

Aston Villa 's Callum O'Hare impressed in sky blue tonight as he led Coventry City to an FA Cup third round replay win over Bristol Rovers at St Andrew 's .
O'Hare decked out in the number 17 but lacking claret was in inspired form for his loan club , setting up two goals to see his loan club , Coventry , through to the next round with a three-nil victory .
The Villa youngster tested Rovers keeper van Stappershoef from distance , before taking a creative role and allowing Max Biamou to beat him for Coventry 's first goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the middle to receive the ball , glancing towards the half-space , before playing in Biamou with an enticing through ball .
Niamou then slotted past van Stappershoef .
Coventry 's free-flowing play pushed Rovers back with O'Hare enjoying a fantastic night of pulling the strings , and even starting counters with nifty and timely interceptions while showcasing his passing and dribbling ability .
The Villa loan man was n't happy with a single assist and quickly doubled up by playing in debutant Josh Pask .
O'Hare rode a physical challenge to skip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a perfect pass for Pask who buried van Stappershoef .
O'Hare made way for Jodi Jones with the Sky Blues up three-nil at sixty minutes , but by that time had ravaged Bristol Rovers .
It was n't long before the PA system announced that the youngster would be awarded with the man of the match award .
Interestingly , Coventry will now face Birmingham City in the fourth round of the FA Cup at St Andrew 's , where Coventry have been drawn as the home team due to a ground-sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospect of lining up against Birmingham - on their own turf - as an Aston Villa player , playing for the home team at St Andrew 's .
You could n't make it up - but this odd fairytale is more than deserved following O'Hare 's scintillating performance tonight .

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Aston Villa 's Callum O'Hare impressed in sky blue tonight as he led Coventry City to an FA Cup third round replay win over Bristol Rovers at St Andrew's.
O'Hare decked out in the number 17 but lacking claret was in inspired form for his loan club, setting up two goals to see his loan club, Coventry, through to the next round with a three-nil victory.
The Villa youngster tested Rovers keeper van Stappershoef from distance, before taking a creative role and allowing Max Biamou to beat him for Coventry's first goal of the night.
O'Hare flitted into the middle to receive the ball , glancing towards the half-space, before playing in Biamou with an enticing through ball. Niamou then slotted past van Stappershoef.
Coventry's free-flowing play pushed Rovers back with O'Hare enjoying a fantastic night of pulling the strings, and even starting counters with nifty and timely interceptions while showcasing his passing and dribbling ability. The Villa loan man wasn't happy with a single assist and quickly doubled up by playing in debutant Josh Pask. O'Hare rode a physical challenge to skip forward, juked his aggressor and slotted in a perfect pass for Pask who buried van Stappershoef.
O'Hare made way for Jodi Jones with the Sky Blues up three-nil at sixty minutes, but by that time had ravaged Bristol Rovers. It wasn't long before the PA system announced that the youngster would be awarded with the man of the match award.
Interestingly, Coventry will now face Birmingham City in the fourth round of the FA Cup at St Andrew's, where Coventry have been drawn as the home team due to a ground-sharing agreement. O'Hare will now face the prospect of lining up against Birmingham - on their own turf - as an Aston Villa player, playing for the home team at St Andrew's.
You couldn't make it up - but this odd fairytale is more than deserved following O'Hare's scintillating performance tonight.


birminghammail--2020-01-14--The FA's stance on Birmingham City's FA Cup tie with tenants Coventry City

The Football Association previously confirmed that Birmingham City will be the AWAY team for their FA Cup tie with Coventry City at St Andrew ’ s later this month .
It will prompt the remarkable situation of Blues being the designated visiting side at their own stadium .
The two clubs will meet at St Andrew ’ s in the FA Cup fourth round after being paired together in the draw , and Coventry overcoming Bristol Rovers in their third round replay tonight ( Tuesday ) .
Coventry are currently tenants at St Andrew ’ s as issues with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rumble on .
But because they came out of the hat first in the fourth round draw , the Sky Blues and not their landlords would be regarded as the ‘ hosts ’ .
The FA confirmed the arrangement to BirminghamLive after the fourth round draw , clarifying that Coventry would be the designated HOME team and will have all the home team privileges .
It is thought Blues would have to use the away dressing room and their fans would be situated in the away end .
Blues would be entitled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew ’ s capacity for away tickets under FA regulations , a figure of around 4,500 .
Full ticket details have yet to be revealed with Coventry saying that they will make an announcement in due course .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Shane Ireland, Jonny Bonell)

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The Football Association previously confirmed that Birmingham City will be the AWAY team for their FA Cup tie with Coventry City at St Andrew’s later this month.
It will prompt the remarkable situation of Blues being the designated visiting side at their own stadium.
The two clubs will meet at St Andrew’s in the FA Cup fourth round after being paired together in the draw , and Coventry overcoming Bristol Rovers in their third round replay tonight (Tuesday).
Coventry are currently tenants at St Andrew’s as issues with their home stadium, the Ricoh Arena, rumble on.
But because they came out of the hat first in the fourth round draw, the Sky Blues and not their landlords would be regarded as the ‘hosts’.
The FA confirmed the arrangement to BirminghamLive after the fourth round draw, clarifying that Coventry would be the designated HOME team and will have all the home team privileges.
It is thought Blues would have to use the away dressing room and their fans would be situated in the away end.
Blues would be entitled to claim 15 per cent of the St Andrew’s capacity for away tickets under FA regulations, a figure of around 4,500.
Full ticket details have yet to be revealed with Coventry saying that they will make an announcement in due course.


birminghammail--2020-01-14--Meghan Markle legal action - Mail on Sunday defends publication of letter to her father

The Mail on Sunday will argue there is a huge public interest in the personal relationships of members of the royal family as part of the paper 's defence against a legal claim by the Duchess of Sussex .
High Court documents , seen by the BBC , suggest the paper will claim Meghan and other royals `` rely on publicity about themselves and their lives to maintain the privileged positions they hold '' .
The duchess launched a legal action against the newspaper in October over an allegation it unlawfully published a letter to her father .
Law firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a High Court claim against the paper and its parent company Associated Newspapers over the alleged misuse of private information , infringement of copyright and breach of the Data Protection Act 2018 .
But in its legal defence the paper claims the duchess `` did not have a reasonable expectation of privacy that the contents of the letter were private and would remain so '' , according to the BBC .
In the documents , the Mail on Sunday also argued the publication of the letter was lawful because there is a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct and standards '' of royals extending to their personal and family relationships .
It comes just 24 hours after the Queen agreed Harry and Meghan could step back as senior royals and begin a `` new life '' as an `` independent '' family .
Buckingham Palace also confirmed the Sussexes would begin a `` transition period '' in which they would split their time between the UK and Canada , where the Duchess is currently with their son Archie .
In February , the Mail on Sunday published extracts of Meghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thomas Markle .
In one extract , published by the newspaper , the duchess wrote : `` Your actions have broken my heart into a million pieces - not simply because you have manufactured such unnecessary and unwarranted pain , but by making the choice to not tell the truth as you are puppeteered in this .
Something I will never understand . ''
Mr Markle was caught up in controversy in the build-up to the 2018 wedding after he allegedly staged paparazzi photographs of himself and then began commenting regularly to entertainment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter .
When the legal action was announced in October , Harry claimed the alleged unlawful publication of the private letter was done in `` an intentionally destructive manner '' to `` manipulate '' readers .
In a statement released at the time , a spokeswoman for law firm Schillings claimed the `` intrusive '' publication of the letter was part of Associated Newspaper 's campaign to write `` false and deliberately derogatory stories about '' Meghan , `` as well as her husband '' .
But the Mail on Sunday said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editing the letter to change its meaning .
Meanwhile , it was revealed on Tuesday the duchess did not join the royal summit with the Queen and senior royals by phone and instead relied on her husband to put forward their case .
The move has raised questions over the costs of the couple 's security during their time in North America and who would foot the bill .
Canada 's prime minister Justin Trudeau said the costs , and what role they will play in Canadian life , would be the subject @ @ @ @

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The Mail on Sunday will argue there is a huge public interest in the personal relationships of members of the royal family as part of the paper's defence against a legal claim by the Duchess of Sussex.
High Court documents, seen by the BBC, suggest the paper will claim Meghan and other royals "rely on publicity about themselves and their lives to maintain the privileged positions they hold".
The duchess launched a legal action against the newspaper in October over an allegation it unlawfully published a letter to her father.
(Image: PA)
Law firm Schillings, representing the duchess, filed a High Court claim against the paper and its parent company Associated Newspapers over the alleged misuse of private information, infringement of copyright and breach of the Data Protection Act 2018.
But in its legal defence the paper claims the duchess "did not have a reasonable expectation of privacy that the contents of the letter were private and would remain so", according to the BBC.
In the documents, the Mail on Sunday also argued the publication of the letter was lawful because there is a "legitimate public interest" in the "conduct and standards" of royals extending to their personal and family relationships.
It comes just 24 hours after the Queen agreed Harry and Meghan could step back as senior royals and begin a "new life" as an "independent" family.
Buckingham Palace also confirmed the Sussexes would begin a "transition period" in which they would split their time between the UK and Canada, where the Duchess is currently with their son Archie.
In February, the Mail on Sunday published extracts of Meghan's handwritten letter to her estranged father Thomas Markle.
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In one extract, published by the newspaper, the duchess wrote: "Your actions have broken my heart into a million pieces - not simply because you have manufactured such unnecessary and unwarranted pain, but by making the choice to not tell the truth as you are puppeteered in this. Something I will never understand."
Mr Markle was caught up in controversy in the build-up to the 2018 wedding after he allegedly staged paparazzi photographs of himself and then began commenting regularly to entertainment website TMZ about his contact with his daughter.
When the legal action was announced in October, Harry claimed the alleged unlawful publication of the private letter was done in "an intentionally destructive manner" to "manipulate" readers.
In a statement released at the time, a spokeswoman for law firm Schillings claimed the "intrusive" publication of the letter was part of Associated Newspaper's campaign to write "false and deliberately derogatory stories about" Meghan, "as well as her husband".
But the Mail on Sunday said it would stand by the story and denied editing the letter to change its meaning.
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Meanwhile, it was revealed on Tuesday the duchess did not join the royal summit with the Queen and senior royals by phone and instead relied on her husband to put forward their case.
The move has raised questions over the costs of the couple's security during their time in North America and who would foot the bill.
Canada's prime minister Justin Trudeau said the costs, and what role they will play in Canadian life, would be the subject of future discussions.


birminghammail--2020-01-14--'Only Blues!' - Birmingham City fans react to remarkable FA Cup scenario against Coventry City

Birmingham City face the remarkable situation of being the ‘ away ’ team at St Andrew ’ s .
Blues will play Coventry City in the fourth round of the FA Cup , after the Sky Blues beat Bristol Rovers 3-0 in their third-round replay tonight .
Ahead of the replay , Pep Clotet ’ s men were drawn away to face either Coventry or Rovers – and Mark Robins ’ side prevailed .
The catch , though , is that Coventry currently groundshare at St Andrew ’ s , meaning Blues will technically be the ‘ away ’ side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : I 'd say most Blues fans are more excited of the prospect of going to St Andrew 's as the away fans/team , compared to actually winning the game against Coventry , and progressing to the 5th round .
@ TracyMartin7979 : Looks like we get to play away and at home !
Only blues .
@ Adam_Knight_95 : I 'm more happy we do n't have to go in that god awful away end at Bristol .
@ yalnif13 : If you think playing away at home is the most blues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over .
@ blueJo85 : Cant wait to be an away fan at our own ground .
Only @ BCFC .
@ robglovermedia : Blues are going to be in their own away end then .
Thought I 'd seen it all but this confirms otherwise .
We 're definitely losing away on home soil .
No doubt Callum O'Hare will score too .
How many tickets will we get ?
50/50 split anyone ?
@ bencwilliams_ : Blues are away at home in the fa cup .
Amazing .
@ bcfc_con : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we ’ re gon na be stuffed in our own away end .
@ nickyb_PT : Could only happen to Birmingham City .
@ mattwindlepoet : Definitely want @ BCFC 'away ' tickets for our cup tie against Coventry .
Another piece of history that is and I think the 'away ' support will be insane !
@ RyanPearceBCFC : Am I the only one that thinks the fact that we will be away fans in our own ground and players will be treated as the away team in our own ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Come on Blues let ’ s get a draw and take them back to St Andrews .
@ stevencale : Surely it would be better for both @ Coventry_City and @ BCFC to switch the tie ?
# BCFC would bring more fans than # CCFC so the game would likely make more money with Blues the home side ?
?
@ charman57 : Nailed on to draw and take it back to ... .
St. Andrews .

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Birmingham City face the remarkable situation of being the ‘away’ team at St Andrew’s.
Blues will play Coventry City in the fourth round of the FA Cup, after the Sky Blues beat Bristol Rovers 3-0 in their third-round replay tonight.
Ahead of the replay, Pep Clotet’s men were drawn away to face either Coventry or Rovers – and Mark Robins’ side prevailed.
The catch, though, is that Coventry currently groundshare at St Andrew’s, meaning Blues will technically be the ‘away’ side at their home ground.
Here’s how Birmingham fans reacted...
(Image: Morgan Harlow/Getty Images)
@RoughleySpeakin: I'd say most Blues fans are more excited of the prospect of going to St Andrew's as the away fans/team, compared to actually winning the game against Coventry, and progressing to the 5th round.
@TracyMartin7979: Looks like we get to play away and at home! Only blues.
@Adam_Knight_95: I'm more happy we don't have to go in that god awful away end at Bristol.
@yalnif13: If you think playing away at home is the most blues thing ever wait until Coventry roll us over.
@blueJo85: Cant wait to be an away fan at our own ground. Only @BCFC.
@robglovermedia: Blues are going to be in their own away end then. Thought I'd seen it all but this confirms otherwise.
We're definitely losing away on home soil. No doubt Callum O'Hare will score too. How many tickets will we get? 50/50 split anyone?
@bencwilliams_: Blues are away at home in the fa cup. Amazing.
@bcfc_con: Can’t get my head around that we’re gonna be stuffed in our own away end.
@nickyb_PT: Could only happen to Birmingham City.
@mattwindlepoet: Definitely want @BCFC 'away' tickets for our cup tie against Coventry. Another piece of history that is and I think the 'away' support will be insane!
@RyanPearceBCFC: Am I the only one that thinks the fact that we will be away fans in our own ground and players will be treated as the away team in our own ground is completely embarrassing.
@LeeHanlon9: Come on Blues let’s get a draw and take them back to St Andrews.
@stevencale: Surely it would be better for both @Coventry_City and @BCFC to switch the tie? #BCFC would bring more fans than #CCFC so the game would likely make more money with Blues the home side??
@charman57: Nailed on to draw and take it back to.... St. Andrews.


birminghammail--2020-01-14--This is what Aston Villa fans are planning against Leicester City - and it doesn’t involve scarves

Aston Villa fan group Project B6 will be looking to support the atmosphere during Villa 's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Leicester City with the creation of a banner .
The banner features images of Ron Saunders , the legendary Villa manager - as well as images of the League Cup .
As well as a First Division title in 1981 , Saunders led Villa to two League Cup triumphs , in 1975 and 1977 .
To get this banner made , Villa fans have to be quick - the deadline to raise funds for the Saunders-inspired banner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You can donate via PayPal here , and the more that Project B6 receive , the bigger the banner will be .
It is size dependent on the funds received , but will be at least five meters by three meters .
Villa have given permission for the banner to debut at Villa Park - unlike the treatment shown to Leicester , where the club refused to allow the Foxes to place free scarves on away seats , an issue that ended in # scarfgate - and continues now with # snoodgate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fans .
You have until Friday to donate via PayPal here to ensure that the Ron Saunders banner is produced .

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Aston Villa fan group Project B6 will be looking to support the atmosphere during Villa's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Leicester City with the creation of a banner.
The banner features images of Ron Saunders, the legendary Villa manager - as well as images of the League Cup.
As well as a First Division title in 1981, Saunders led Villa to two League Cup triumphs, in 1975 and 1977.
To get this banner made, Villa fans have to be quick - the deadline to raise funds for the Saunders-inspired banner, created by designer HandyDZN is this Friday.
You can donate via PayPal here , and the more that Project B6 receive, the bigger the banner will be. It is size dependent on the funds received, but will be at least five meters by three meters.
Villa have given permission for the banner to debut at Villa Park - unlike the treatment shown to Leicester, where the club refused to allow the Foxes to place free scarves on away seats, an issue that ended in #scarfgate - and continues now with #snoodgate, after Leicester gave free snoods away to fans.
You have until Friday to donate via PayPal here to ensure that the Ron Saunders banner is produced.


birminghammail--2020-01-14--'I will be back for all of you stronger' - Injured Aston Villa striker issues update

Crocked Aston Villa striker Wesley Moraes has issued an update to followers on his official Instagram page following a season-ending injury sustained at the start of the year .
Decked out in a M & M 's blanket - and looking about as happy as an injured person could be - the Villa striker had the following to say : '' I would like to thank you for all the support and loving message that I have recieved .
Unfortunately , in football these things happen and we have the risk of having this kind of injury .
But your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will help me during my recovery period .
I truly appreciate your messages . ''
`` I will be back for all of you stronger . ''
Wesley , Villa 's recording signing , was ruled out for the season after falling to a tackle from Burnley 's Ben Mee on New Year 's Day .
The Brazilian striker suffered ligament damage and will be out until the start of Villa 's next season , along with goalkeeper Tom Heaton who collapsed to a similar injury in the same match .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa are after a striker to feature in the place of Wesley .

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Crocked Aston Villa striker Wesley Moraes has issued an update to followers on his official Instagram page following a season-ending injury sustained at the start of the year.
Decked out in a M&M's blanket - and looking about as happy as an injured person could be - the Villa striker had the following to say:
"I would like to thank you for all the support and loving message that I have recieved. Unfortunately, in football these things happen and we have the risk of having this kind of injury. But your support means a lot to me and it will help me during my recovery period. I truly appreciate your messages."
"I will be back for all of you stronger."
Wesley, Villa's recording signing, was ruled out for the season after falling to a tackle from Burnley's Ben Mee on New Year's Day.
The Brazilian striker suffered ligament damage and will be out until the start of Villa's next season, along with goalkeeper Tom Heaton who collapsed to a similar injury in the same match.
After signing Pepe Reina to replace Heaton, Villa are after a striker to feature in the place of Wesley.


birminghammail--2020-01-14--Full Flybe and government statements after collapse rescued by deal

Flybe 's collapse has been averted after the Government told the airline it would review air passenger duty ( APD ) and shareholders agreed to inject additional investment .
The Treasury announced on Tuesday evening the loss-making carrier would continue operating after the review of the tax featured in rescue talks .
Environmental groups have warned cutting APD would hamper efforts to combat the climate crisis while airlines claim that it restricts connectivity and passenger growth .
Flybe 's shareholders agreed to a cash injection - understood to be in the region on tens of millions of pounds - to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business `` alongside Government initiatives '' .
The airline would not comment when asked if the Treasury had separately agreed to the deferral of a portion of the airline 's outstanding tax bill over a period of months .
The emergency agreement seeks to prevent Flybe becoming the second UK carrier to fail in four months after Thomas Cook went bust in September .
Chancellor Sajid Javid said : `` I welcome Flybe 's confirmation that they will continue to operate as normal , safeguarding jobs in UK and ensuring flights continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK .
`` The reviews we are announcing today will help level up our economy .
They will ensure that regional connections not only continue but flourish in the years to come - so that every nation and region can fulfil its potential . ''
The Treasury said the APD review ahead of the March Budget would consider the UK 's climate commitments to meet net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom said she was `` delighted that we have managed to reach an agreement with Flybe shareholders to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flybe chief executive Mark Anderson welcomed the deal as a `` positive outcome for the UK '' which `` will allow us to focus on delivering for our customers and planning for the future '' .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said his department will `` undertake an urgent review into how we can level up the country by strengthening regional connectivity '' .
Mr Shapps said APD worked `` slightly oddly '' , adding `` it costs twice as much to fly within the country as it does to fly to for example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the taxpayer had not paid any money into the firm .
Flybe 's shareholders Connect Airways , a consortium including Virgin Atlantic , Stobart Group and Cyrus Capital Partners , will put in more funding as part of the agreement .
Connect Airways chairman Lucien Farrell said : `` We are very encouraged with recent developments , especially the Government 's recognition of the importance of Flybe to communities and businesses across the UK , and the desire to strengthen regional connectivity .
`` As a result , the shareholder consortium has committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside Government initiatives . ''
Mr Javid had been holding talks with colleagues to decide whether to let Flybe defer its estimated £106 million APD bill for three years or whether the tax should be cut for all domestic flights , according to multiple reports .
Passengers on domestic flights pay £26 in APD for a return trip , with higher rates for longer flights and premium cabins .
The tax is expected to be worth £3.7 billion to the Treasury in 2019/20 .
Before the announcement , Greenpeace UK policy director Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a `` poorly thought-out policy that should be immediately grounded '' .
`` The Government can not claim to be a global leader on tackling the climate emergency one day , then making the most carbon-intensive kind of travel cheaper the next , '' he added .
`` Cutting the cost of domestic flights while allowing train fares to rise is the exact opposite of what we need if we 're to cut climate-wrecking emissions from transport .
`` The aviation sector has got away for years with increasing its carbon footprint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another incentive for them to pollute more . ''
Friends of the Earth campaigner Jenny Bates said it would be `` completely unacceptable and even reckless '' if the Government cut APD .
`` These short UK trips are exactly the ones we need to avoid in the drive to cut aviation climate emissions to help prevent climate breakdown , '' she added .
The British Airline Pilots ' Association welcomed the move for securing the jobs of 2,400 Flybe staff .
`` The Government is to be applauded for stepping up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few remaining independent UK airlines and a vital one at that , '' a spokesman said .

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Flybe's collapse has been averted after the Government told the airline it would review air passenger duty (APD) and shareholders agreed to inject additional investment.
The Treasury announced on Tuesday evening the loss-making carrier would continue operating after the review of the tax featured in rescue talks.
Environmental groups have warned cutting APD would hamper efforts to combat the climate crisis while airlines claim that it restricts connectivity and passenger growth.
Flybe's shareholders agreed to a cash injection - understood to be in the region on tens of millions of pounds - to keep Europe's largest regional carrier in business "alongside Government initiatives".
The airline would not comment when asked if the Treasury had separately agreed to the deferral of a portion of the airline's outstanding tax bill over a period of months.
The emergency agreement seeks to prevent Flybe becoming the second UK carrier to fail in four months after Thomas Cook went bust in September.
Chancellor Sajid Javid said: "I welcome Flybe's confirmation that they will continue to operate as normal, safeguarding jobs in UK and ensuring flights continue to serve communities across the whole of the UK.
(Image: Pete Byrne/PA Wire)
"The reviews we are announcing today will help level up our economy. They will ensure that regional connections not only continue but flourish in the years to come - so that every nation and region can fulfil its potential."
The Treasury said the APD review ahead of the March Budget would consider the UK's climate commitments to meet net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom said she was "delighted that we have managed to reach an agreement with Flybe shareholders to keep the company in operation".
Flybe chief executive Mark Anderson welcomed the deal as a "positive outcome for the UK" which "will allow us to focus on delivering for our customers and planning for the future".
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said his department will "undertake an urgent review into how we can level up the country by strengthening regional connectivity".
Mr Shapps said APD worked "slightly oddly", adding "it costs twice as much to fly within the country as it does to fly to for example France and back".
He added the taxpayer had not paid any money into the firm.
Flybe's shareholders Connect Airways, a consortium including Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Group and Cyrus Capital Partners, will put in more funding as part of the agreement.
Connect Airways chairman Lucien Farrell said: "We are very encouraged with recent developments, especially the Government's recognition of the importance of Flybe to communities and businesses across the UK, and the desire to strengthen regional connectivity.
"As a result, the shareholder consortium has committed to keep Flybe flying with additional funding alongside Government initiatives."
Mr Javid had been holding talks with colleagues to decide whether to let Flybe defer its estimated £106 million APD bill for three years or whether the tax should be cut for all domestic flights, according to multiple reports.
Passengers on domestic flights pay £26 in APD for a return trip, with higher rates for longer flights and premium cabins.
The tax is expected to be worth £3.7 billion to the Treasury in 2019/20.
Before the announcement, Greenpeace UK policy director Dr Doug Parr said any cuts to APD was a "poorly thought-out policy that should be immediately grounded".
"The Government cannot claim to be a global leader on tackling the climate emergency one day, then making the most carbon-intensive kind of travel cheaper the next," he added.
"Cutting the cost of domestic flights while allowing train fares to rise is the exact opposite of what we need if we're to cut climate-wrecking emissions from transport.
"The aviation sector has got away for years with increasing its carbon footprint - the last thing we need is another incentive for them to pollute more."
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Friends of the Earth campaigner Jenny Bates said it would be "completely unacceptable and even reckless" if the Government cut APD.
"These short UK trips are exactly the ones we need to avoid in the drive to cut aviation climate emissions to help prevent climate breakdown," she added.
The British Airline Pilots' Association welcomed the move for securing the jobs of 2,400 Flybe staff.
"The Government is to be applauded for stepping up to the plate to help one of the few remaining independent UK airlines and a vital one at that," a spokesman said.