bbc--2020-01-29--Trump Middle East plan: Palestinians reject 'conspiracy'

Palestinians have dismissed US President Donald Trump 's new Middle East peace plan as a `` conspiracy '' .
The plan envisages a Palestinian state and the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over West Bank settlements .
Mr Trump said Jerusalem would remain Israel 's `` undivided '' capital , but the Palestinian capital would `` include areas of East Jerusalem '' .
Reacting to Tuesday 's announcement , Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Jerusalem was `` not for sale '' .
`` All our rights are not for sale and are not for bargain , '' he added .
Thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rage '' in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday , while the Israeli military deployed reinforcements in the occupied West Bank .
• Trump 's 'deal of the century ' is huge gamble The blueprint , which aims to solve one of the world 's longest-running conflicts , was drafted under the stewardship of President Trump 's son-in-law Jared Kushner .
Standing alongside Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday , Mr Trump said his proposals `` could be the last opportunity '' for Palestinians .
Reports said Mr Netanyahu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 % of the occupied West Bank , with a cabinet vote due on Sunday .
Israel has settled about 400,000 Jews in West Bank settlements , with another 200,000 living in East Jerusalem .
The settlements are considered illegal under international law , although Israel disputes this .
What did Mr Abbas say ?
Speaking on Tuesday , he said it was `` impossible for any Palestinian , Arab , Muslim or Christian child to accept '' a Palestinian state without Jerusalem as its capital .
`` We say a thousand times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` We rejected this deal from the start and our stance was correct . ''
The militant Palestinian Islamist group Hamas , which controls the Gaza Strip , also rejected the deal which it said aimed `` to liquidate the Palestinian national project '' .
The UN said it remained committed to a two-state solution based on the boundaries in place before the 1967 war , when Israel seized the West Bank and Gaza .
The Israeli prime minister described Mr Trump 's plan as the `` deal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not miss this opportunity '' , Mr Netanyahu said .
`` May God bless us all with security , prosperity and peace ! ''
he added .
A spokesman for UN Secretary General António Guterres called for a peace deal on the basis of UN resolutions , international law and bilateral agreements .
The Arab League said it would hold an urgent meeting on Saturday .
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged the Palestinians to give the plans `` genuine and fair consideration and explore whether they might prove a first step on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • The US will recognise Israeli sovereignty over swathes of the West Bank , including Jewish settlements and much of the Jordan river valley • The move will `` more than double the Palestinian territory and provide a Palestinian capital in eastern Jerusalem '' , where Mr Trump says the US will open an embassy .
The Palestine Liberation Organisation ( PLO ) said the plan would give Palestinians control over 15 % of what it called `` historic Palestine '' • Jerusalem `` will remain Israel 's undivided capital '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their future state • `` No Palestinians or Israelis will be uprooted from their homes '' - suggesting that existing Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank will remain • Israel will work with Jordan to ensure the status quo governing the key holy site in Jerusalem known to Jews as the Temple Mount and al-Haram al-Sharif to Muslims is preserved .
Jordan runs the religious trust that administers the site • Territory allocated to Palestinians in Mr Trump 's map `` will remain open and undeveloped for a period of four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palestinians can study the deal , negotiate with Israel , and `` achieve the criteria for statehood '' • Can the Jewish settlement issue be resolved ?
• Are there alternatives to a two-state solution ?
Mr Trump also indicated that the West Bank would not be cut in half under the plan .
`` We will also work to create a contiguous territory within the future Palestinian state , for when the conditions for statehood are met , including the firm rejection of terrorism , '' he said .
Until now all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israeli-Palestinian peace deal - the so-called final status issues - like borders ; the future of Israeli settlements in the West Bank ; the long-term status of Jerusalem ; and the fate of Palestinian refugees , were to be left for face-to-face talks between the Israelis and Palestinians themselves .
Not any longer .
The deal proposed by President Trump and enthusiastically endorsed by Prime Minister Netanyahu essentially frames all of these issues in Israel 's favour .
The Palestinians were not just absent from this meeting - they have boycotted the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embassy to Jerusalem .
But they have essentially been presented with an ultimatum - accept the Trump parameters or else , and they have been given some four years to come around .
While President Trump is offering the Palestinians a state it would be a much truncated one .
No Jewish settlers will be uprooted and Israeli sovereignty will apparently be extended to the settlement blocs and the Jordan Valley .
The Palestinians might have a capital in the East Jerusalem suburbs .
This `` take it or leave it offer '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region .
The question now is not so much what benefit this deal might bring but how much damage it may do by over-turning Palestinian aspirations .
The Palestinians broke off contacts with the Trump administration in December 2017 , after Mr Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel 's capital and move the US embassy to the city from Tel Aviv .
Since then , the US has ended both bilateral aid for Palestinians and contributions for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees ( UNRWA ) .
In November , Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had abandoned its four-decades-old position that Jewish settlements in the West Bank were inconsistent with international law .
What are the issues at stake ?
Of all the conflicts in the Middle East , that between Israel and the Palestinians has been the most intractable .
Although the two sides signed a peace accord in 1993 , more than a quarter of a century on they are arguably as far apart as ever .
Jerusalem : Both Israel and the Palestinians hold competing claims to the city .
Israel , which occupied the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regards the whole of Jerusalem as its capital .
The Palestinians insist on East Jerusalem - home to about 350,000 of their community - as their future capital Palestinian statehood : The Palestinians want an independent state of their own , comprising the West Bank , Gaza and East Jerusalem .
Israeli prime ministers have publicly accepted the notion of a Palestinian state alongside Israel - but not what form it should take .
Benjamin Netanyahu has said any Palestinian state should be demilitarised with the powers to govern itself but not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that any peace deal must include Palestinian recognition of it as the `` nation-state of the Jewish people '' , arguing that without this Palestinians will continue to press their own national claims to the land , causing the conflict to endure .
The Palestinians say what Israel calls itself is its own business , but to recognise it as the Jewish state will discriminate against Israel 's Arab population of Palestinian origin , who are Muslims , Christians and Druze .
Borders : Both sides have fundamentally different ideas as to where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be .
The Palestinians insist on borders based on ceasefire lines which separated Israel and East Jerusalem , the West Bank and Gaza between 1949 and 1967 .
Israel says those lines are militarily indefensible and were never intended to be permanent .
It has not said where borders should be , other than making clear its own eastern border should be along the Jordan River .
Settlements : Since 1967 , Israel has built about 140 settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem , as well as 121 outposts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorisation .
Settlements are considered illegal by most of the international community , though Israel disputes this .
Palestinians say all settlements must be removed for a Palestinian state to be viable .
Mr Netanyahu has vowed not only to never to uproot any settlements but to bring them under Israeli sovereignty .
Refugees : The UN says its agencies support about 5.5 million Palestinian refugees in the Middle East ( the Palestinian Authority says there are up to 6 million ) , including the descendants of people who fled or were expelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 1948-49 war .
Palestinians insist on their right to return to their former homes , but Israel says they are not entitled to , noting that such a move would overwhelm it demographically and lead to its end as a Jewish state .

Refugees: The UN says its agencies support about 5.5 million Palestinian refugees in the Middle East (the Palestinian Authority says there are up to 6 million), including the descendants of people who fled or were expelled by Jewish forces from what became Israel in the 1948-49 war. Palestinians insist on their right to return to their former homes, but Israel says they are not entitled to, noting that such a move would overwhelm it demographically and lead to its end as a Jewish state.


bbc--2020-01-29--European Parliament: MEPs set to approve Brexit deal in historic vote

The European Parliament is set to approve the terms of the UK 's departure from the European Union in an historic vote on Wednesday .
The 751 representatives will debate the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement in Brussels before , it is widely expected , giving their backing to the UK-EU treaty .
The landmark session is set to feature valedictory speeches and even music .
It will mark the final stage of the ratification process , ahead of the UK 's exit at 23:00 GMT on 31 January .
The UK participated in its last meeting as an EU member on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attended the General Affairs Council .
• New Scottish MEP sworn in - for four days • Tears and relief as the UK 's MEPs bid goodbye The European Parliament 's approval is the final hurdle to be cleared for Brexit to go ahead .
However , Wednesday 's session will be largely symbolic .
The outcome of the vote is not in any doubt after the Withdrawal Agreement was signed off by key parliamentary committees last week .
The proceedings will be an opportunity for those on either side of the Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK 's 73 MEPs , to celebrate or lament the end of the UK 's membership of the EU after 47 years .
As MEPs arrived in the chamber , the S & D coalition of parties put up a sign aimed at their British colleagues , which read : `` It 's not goodbye , it 's au revoir . ''
The debate on October 's agreement , which includes among other things guarantees over the rights of EU nationals living in the UK and British expats on the continent , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman Guy Verhofstadt .
Mr Verhofstadt , a former Belgian prime minister , has been one of Brexit 's strongest critics but last week he paid tribute to the UK 's MEPs , saying their `` knowledge , energy and wit '' would be missed .
Other prominent figures expected to speak include the UK 's Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage , who has been campaigning for the UK 's exit since before he was first elected to the Brussels Parliament in 1999 .
Ahead of the vote , he told reporters he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pantomime villain , '' but vowed his Brexit Party would not `` vacate the battlefield '' .
After the vote , scheduled to to take place at about 1700 GMT , the UK MEPs leaving their jobs are expected to be serenaded by their colleagues in a special ceremony .
The EU 's negotiators have kept the European Parliament on board throughout the Brexit process .
Its main committees have given their approval .
So it 's inevitable that the deal will be endorsed .
Instead of a moment of jeopardy , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event in the EU 's distinctly low-key goodbye to the UK .
Expect speeches that praise EU unity and describe the UK 's departure as a regrettable mistake .
A German MEP is planning a sing-a-long to Auld Lang Syne .
The SNP group have arranged for a piper to play them out of the building .
In the meantime , the 73 British members are packing their belongings into their regulation-issue 15 cardboard boxes .
The main send-off will happen on Friday , when the president of the European Parliament will deliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Council and the European Commission .
The British flag that flutters outside the parliamentary premises will be lowered in the early hours of Saturday morning , before it 's displayed in a museum .
After the UK leaves , there will be an 11-month transition period in which the two sides hope to negotiate their future economic relationship .
Trade talks are expected to begin in earnest in early March .
The European Parliament will also get a say in ratifying any future trade deal .
The UK has insisted talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when a transition period - which will see the UK follow EU rules - comes to an end .
The president of the European Parliament , David Sassoli , told CNN on Tuesday that the timetable for a deal was tight .
He said the UK 's exit would be `` painful '' for the bloc but building a new partnership based upon friendly co-operation and mutual interests was now essential .

"I want Brexit to start a debate right across Europe - what do we want from Europe?" he said, arguing that "trade, friendship, co-operation and reciprocity" between nations could be achieved without "all of these institutions and all of this power".


bbc--2020-01-29--Snotsicles and snowdrifts: Extreme climate science

`` Snotsicle '' - distinctly unattractive masses of frozen snot - are just some of the challenges of doing science @ @ @ @ @ as the Antarctic .
Scientists fear the Thwaites Glacier could be beginning a process of @ @ @ @ @ more than three metres of potential sea level rise in the ice of West Antarctica @ @ @ @ @ of the great cities of the world and drive hundreds of millions of people from @ @ @ @ @ 's chief environment correspondent , Justin Rowlatt travelled with a team of scientists who are @ @ @ @ @ ( £38m ) joint US-UK project .
But , as he discovered , doing science @ @ @ @ @ extreme environments on Earth is not easy .

"Snotsicle" - distinctly unattractive masses of frozen snot - are just some of the challenges of doing science in a place as extreme as the Antarctic.
Scientists fear the Thwaites Glacier could be beginning a process of catastrophic collapse.
There is more than three metres of potential sea level rise in the ice of West Antarctica, enough to swamp many of the great cities of the world and drive hundreds of millions of people from their homes.
The BBC's chief environment correspondent, Justin Rowlatt travelled with a team of scientists who are part of a $50m (£38m) joint US-UK project.
But, as he discovered, doing science in one of the most extreme environments on Earth is not easy.
Filming by Jemma Cox


bbc--2020-01-29--The courts where Kobe Bryant played growing up

Kyle Helton grew up in Ardmore , a suburb of Philadelphia , and played basketball at the same youth centre @ @ @ @ @ BBC went to meet Kyle and his son , KJ , who attended Bryant 's @ @ @ @ @ on the basketball team .
The father and son reflect on Bryant 's dedication both @ @ @ @ @ , and what he meant to the local community .

Kyle Helton grew up in Ardmore, a suburb of Philadelphia, and played basketball at the same youth centre as Kobe Bryant.
The BBC went to meet Kyle and his son, KJ, who attended Bryant's former high school and played on the basketball team.
The father and son reflect on Bryant's dedication both on and off the court, and what he meant to the local community.
Video by Shrai Popat


bbc--2020-01-29--Kobe Bryant: Washington Post reporter reinstated after tweet row

The Washington Post has reinstated a reporter who tweeted about historic sexual allegations against Kobe Bryant soon after his death .
Felicia Sonmez posted a link to a 2016 article about the allegations , and received death threats online .
She was later suspended over the tweets - prompting hundreds of her colleagues to condemn the paper .
Managing editor Tracy Grant called the posts `` ill-timed '' , but said they did not break the paper 's policies .
`` We consistently urge restraint , which is particularly important when there are tragic deaths , '' her statement read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a personnel matter . ''
More than 300 Washington Post employees signed a letter in support of Ms Sonmez on Tuesday , including Pulitzer Prize winners David Fahrenthold and Beth Reinhard , and White House Bureau Chief Philip Rucker .
The Washington Post Guild welcomed the decision to reinstate the reporter , although said it was `` disappointed '' that the paper did not apologise to Sonmez and said the company should prioritise staff safety in the future .
And Sonmez herself called on chief editor Marty Baron to explain why the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and stressed that she had tweeted about `` a matter of public record '' .
Baron wrote an email to Sonmez after the tweets saying she had shown `` a real lack of judgement '' , and saying she was `` hurting this institution by doing this '' .
Sonmez tweeted a 2016 Daily Beast story about the rape allegations against Kobe Bryant just hours after the basketball legend died in a helicopter crash that killed nine people - including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna .
Over the course of a 20-year career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Olympic Gold medals , and is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport .
In 2003 , Bryant was accused of sexual assault by a 19-year-old woman .
The case was dropped after she refused to testify in court .
She had received death threats after a clerical error saw her name published online .
Bryant repeatedly denied the allegations but later apologised and settled a civil case out of court .
In a statement delivered by his lawyer on the day the criminal case was dropped , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he understood `` how she feels that she did not consent to this encounter '' .

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bbc--2020-01-29--Australia fires: Blaze 'sparked by helicopter lights' rages near Canberra

Firefighters from the US received applause as they arrive at Sydney International Airport to help with the bushfires .

Up Next. 'Incredible' signs of life return to burned bush. Video, 00:02:19'Incredible' signs of life return to burned bush


bbc--2020-01-29--Syria war: Army 'recaptures' key town from opposition in Idlib

The Syrian army says it has recaptured the strategic town of Maarat al-Numan in Idlib province , the opposition 's last stronghold .
State media reported that troops had `` liberated '' the town after inflicting heavy losses on jihadist fighters .
A monitoring group earlier said the opposition had withdrawn .
Maarat al-Numan straddles a major highway that has been an objective for the army as it has pressed ahead with an offensive in Idlib in recent weeks .
Hundreds of thousands of civilians , the vast majority of them women and children , have fled the fighting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where they are struggling to cope in camps and makeshift shelters .
• The town with more cats than people Syria 's army says it took control of Maarat al-Numan after heavy clashes with fighters from a jihadist alliance known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham that dominates opposition-held Idlib .
The jihadists eventually withdrew to the north , towards Saraqeb and Ariha , it added .
A reporter for the Sana state-run news agency said troops were patrolling neighbourhoods on Wednesday morning , dismantling mines and booby-trapped vehicles , and clearing tunnels .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK-based monitoring group , reported that opposition forces had withdrawn from Maarat al-Numan on Tuesday , and that since Friday pro-government forces had seized 25 other villages and towns with the support of Russian air power .
At least 147 pro-government fighters and 151 opposition fighters had been killed in that time , it said .
The UN said on Tuesday that at least 1,506 civilians had been killed in violence since the end of April , when there was an upsurge in fighting in Idlib and surrounding areas of Aleppo and Hama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some three million people , 76 % of whom are women and children .
At least 358,000 people have fled their homes since violence escalated at the start of December .
The UN warned that the latest influx of displaced people had added to a dire humanitarian situation .
More than 400,000 people were displaced between the end of April and the end of August .
Conditions on the ground have been further exacerbated by extreme winter weather , including flooding and freezing temperatures , and rising fuel prices .
There is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical facilities .
At least 50 health facilities have been attacked in Idlib in the past year .

The UN said on Tuesday that at least 1,506 civilians had been killed in violence since the end of April, when there was an upsurge in fighting in Idlib and surrounding areas of Aleppo and Hama provinces.


bbc--2020-01-29--Dissatisfaction with democracy 'at record high'

Dissatisfaction with democracy within developed countries is at its highest level in almost 25 years , according to University of Cambridge researchers .
Academics have analysed what they say is the biggest global dataset on attitudes towards democracy , based on four million people in 3,500 surveys .
The UK and the United States had particularly high levels of discontent .
`` Across the globe , democracy is in a state of malaise , '' report author Roberto Foa said .
The study , from the University of Cambridge 's Centre for the Future of Democracy , has tracked views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures for 2019 showing the proportion dissatisfied rising from 48 % to 58 % , the highest recorded level .
• Middle classes being squeezed out by the ultra-rich • Life expectancy in the US in decline • What would Plato have to say about democracy and referendums ?
`` We find that dissatisfaction with democracy has risen over time and is reaching an all-time global high , in particular in developed countries , '' Dr Foa said .
The research , covering 154 countries around the world , is based on asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with democracy in their own country .
Data for some countries goes back to the 1970s and the long-term picture recorded a steady upwards swing of the pendulum towards more satisfaction with democracy through the last decades of the 20th Century .
This was an era of the collapse of Communist power in Eastern and Central Europe and the apparent ascendancy of Western democracy - with `` global sentiment '' appearing to be supportive of the rise in democracy .
But over the past decade , this appears to have shifted steadily in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dissatisfaction .
The study suggests this could reflect political and social reverberations of the `` economic shock '' of the financial crash of 2008 and disquiet from the refugee crisis of 2015 and `` foreign policy failures '' .
It warns of a loss confidence in democracy and says the rise of populism is not so much a cause but a symptom .
In the UK , the study says , from the 1970s satisfaction with democracy rose consistently for 30 years - reaching a high point in the years following the millennium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2005 - following global trends such as the financial crisis and national controversies such as MPs ' expenses .
And researchers say there has been a more recent plunge in satisfaction , which could reflect the political stalemate around Brexit , in surveys carried out before December 's general election : • In 1995 , the proportion of those dissatisfied with democracy in the UK was 47 % • In 2005 , it reached its lowest point - 33 % • In 2019 , in surveys before the general election , it reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has seen high levels of satisfaction - about 75 % between 1995 and 2005 - followed by a `` dramatic and unexpected '' decline , to below 50 % .
Such cynicism might not be unusual in some countries but Dr Foa said it represented a `` profound shift in America 's view of itself '' .
The study says satisfaction has deteriorated in the wake of the financial crash , with political polarisation and deepening levels of distrust .
But a group of European countries has been bucking this trend , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Denmark , Switzerland , Norway and the Netherlands .
`` If confidence in democracy has been slipping , it is because democratic institutions have been seen failing to address some of the major crises of our era , from economic crashes to the threat of global warming , '' said Dr Foa .
`` To restore democratic legitimacy , that must change . ''

"If confidence in democracy has been slipping, it is because democratic institutions have been seen failing to address some of the major crises of our era, from economic crashes to the threat of global warming," said Dr Foa.


bbc--2020-01-29--Maryland police officer charged with murder in killing of handcuffed man

A police officer in the US state of Maryland has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a man who had been handcuffed inside a patrol car .
Corporal Michael Owen Jr , a 10-year police force veteran , shot William Green , 43 , seven times on Monday night in Temple Hills , police say .
Police were responding to calls that a driver had struck multiple cars and was suspected of being intoxicated .
The shooting of Green , a father of two , was condemned by rights campaigners .
Green 's family have vowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prince George 's County Police Department , Cpl Owen and another officer were sent to the area - a suburb of Washington DC - at about 19:20 local time on Monday ( 00:20 GMT Tuesday ) .
After being advised by witnesses , they approached Green who was in a car nearby .
Green was removed from his car , handcuffed and placed in the front seat of the patrol car as the officers waited for a drug recognition expert .
• Why do US police keep killing unarmed black men ?
Cpl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sat next to Green .
A short time later , Green , who had his hands behind his back , was shot seven times for reasons that were still being investigated , according to police .
The officers provided medical help to Green , who was taken to a hospital where he later died .
`` I have concluded that what happened last night is a crime , '' police chief Hank Stawinski told reporters less than 24 hours after the shooting happened .
`` There are no circumstances under which this outcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have a body camera , and the police force said they were in the process of equipping all officers with it .
He was charged with second-degree murder , voluntary and involuntary manslaughter , first-degree assault and use of a firearm to commit a violent crime .
Cpl Owen was involved in another shooting in 2011 , Mr Stawinski said .
He was taken into custody and it was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer .
In a statement , Deborah Jeon , legal director for the American Civil Liberties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is no reason why a handcuffed person should ever be shot multiple times by a police officer , let alone shot multiple times inside a patrol car . ''
She added it was `` completely unacceptable '' that the county 's police officers still did not have body cameras and that the police department was under investigation by the Department of Justice after accusations from its own police officers of `` fostering a culture of racism '' .
More about US police violence :

Cpl Owen then entered the patrol car and sat next to Green. A short time later, Green, who had his hands behind his back, was shot seven times for reasons that were still being investigated, according to police. The officers provided medical help to Green, who was taken to a hospital where he later died.


bbc--2020-01-29--Brexit: French petition launched for Briton denied citizenship

Carpenter Mark Lawrence has lived in France for 27 years and his children are French , but the authorities have rejected his application for citizenship .
As the UK 's departure from the EU approaches at 23:00 GMT on Friday , Mr Lawrence has said he is `` gutted '' by the decision .
French authorities argue he does not have `` sufficient and stable resources '' .
Now 33,000 people have signed a petition calling for a change of heart .
Mr Lawrence will still be able to stay as a resident and does not risk being deported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' rights have been among the most emotive issues to have arisen from Brexit but for the immediate future the question has now been agreed .
Freedom of movement will continue for EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals across the EU under the Withdrawal Agreement until 31 December .
But what happens after that will affect millions of people .
In the UK , EU nationals have to apply for settled or pre-settled status by 30 June 2021 , or by the end of 2020 if a final Brexit deal is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases last year of EU nationals who had lived in the UK for decades being initially rejected .
More than 2.7 million EU nationals have now applied and Downing Street has promised no-one who fails to apply by the deadline will be deported .
The UK is now considering a `` points-based system '' that will include a minimum salary for applicants .
Government advisors have recommended a minimum of £25,600 ( €30,000 ; $ 33,000 ) annual salary .
In France , initially the only change this year will be that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take part in local elections .
What will happen to Mark ?
Mark Lawrence , 48 , lives with his girlfriend and children in the village of Plazac in France 's picturesque Dordogne region .
They have a son of two and Mr Lawrence has three children aged 10 , 12 and 14 from his earlier marriage while his French partner , Camille , has another daughter .
The children were all born in France and are French , he says .
`` It 's really not clear what 's going to happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 'll be a year before they decide and I 'll get a citizen 's permit so I can stay .
Quite frankly , with my citizenship I thought there was no problem in that I 've been here so long . ''
Find out more about Brexit • British no more : Why some UK citizens face Brexit dilemma • Tears and relief as the UK 's MEPs bid goodbye He applied to the local prefecture in Bordeaux in April 2019 and passed language and culture tests as part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having looked at his finances over recent years that `` we can not assume you are completely integrated professionally even though the most recent period is fine '' .
He was rejected first in April and then on appeal in October .
He can try again in two years ' time .
Thierry Suquet , head of the Bordeaux prefecture , told French TV : `` We checked at the time of the request that the applicant for French nationality meets economic criteria , in other words makes a salary or has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in need of welfare benefits . ''
Mr Lawrence is a self-employed carpenter who speaks fluent French and has never had French welfare benefits , even though he did stop working when his children were younger .
He is also on the 15-member town council and is actively involved in several social projects in Plazac .
Mayor Florence Gauthier told France 3 TV that she was very surprised that someone so integrated in society was rejected .

"It's really not clear what's going to happen," he told the BBC. "It'll be a year before they decide and I'll get a citizen's permit so I can stay. Quite frankly, with my citizenship I thought there was no problem in that I've been here so long."


bbc--2020-01-29--5G: EU issues guidance on 'high-risk' suppliers

The European Commission has issued its guidance on 5G and the role that `` high-risk '' vendors should play in networks .
Europe has come under pressure to limit the role of China-based Huawei , after the US raised concerns that its equipment could be used for spying .
Member states should agree on the best way to secure their 5G networks by 30 April , the EC said .
The UK has ruled that Huawei can continue to be used in its 5G networks , but with restrictions .
Huawei is not named in its guidelines , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left to individual countries .
The non-binding EC recommendations call on member states to : • reveal exclusions for key assets considered as critical ( such as the core network ) • set up a legal or regulatory framework to control the use of outsourced suppliers • ensure governments get audit telecoms operators to provide detailed data on sourcing of 5G equipment In a press release , the European Commission said : `` 5G networks offer more potential entry points for attackers .
Cyber-security threats are on the rise and becoming increasingly sophisticated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depend on 5G , ensuring the security of networks is of highest strategic importance for the entire EU . ''
Margrethe Vestager , executive vice-president for a Europe fit for the digital age , added : `` We can do great things with 5G .
The technology supports personalised medicines , precision agriculture and energy grids that can integrate all kinds of renewable energy .
`` This will make a positive difference .
But only if we can make our networks secure .
Only then will the digital changes benefit all citizens .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would help the Chinese government attack one of its clients .
The firm 's founder has said he would `` shut the company down '' rather than aid `` any spying activities '' .
In its role as 5G vendor , it competes with Finland 's Nokia and Sweden 's Ericsson .

Huawei has always denied that it would help the Chinese government attack one of its clients. The firm's founder has said he would "shut the company down" rather than aid "any spying activities".


bbc--2020-01-29--Mike Pompeo flies to UK for talks amid US Huawei concern

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is flying to the UK for talks after the government decided to allow Huawei to have a role in the UK 's 5G network .
Mr Pompeo previously said the Chinese firm 's equipment posed a spying risk , adding the US `` wo n't be able to share information '' with nations that used it .
But Culture Secretary Baroness Morgan said the decision `` in no way affects the ability for the UK to share classified data '' with its partners .
The US State Department said Mr Pompeo 's visit was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship following the UK 's departure from the EU and discuss ways to broaden and deepen trade ties '' .
But the case of Harry Dunn is also expected to be discussed with the PM and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , after Washington refused the UK 's request for the extradition of Anne Sacoolas - an American diplomat 's wife suspected of causing his death by dangerous driving .
After his visit , Mr Pompeo will fly to Ukraine on Thursday .
• What is Huawei and how could it be a security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision affects rest of the world Ahead of Tuesday 's National Security Council decision on Huawei , the US had warned that giving the firm a role in 5G could allow the Chinese government a `` back door '' into the telecoms network through which they could carry out espionage or cyber attacks .
But the UK said the firm will be barred from sensitive locations , such as nuclear sites and military bases and its share of the market will be capped at 35 % .
Baroness Morgan also told BBC Breakfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when using Huawei 's technology , as it was already part of existing 4G networks - unlike in the US .
She said : `` We want to see the roll-out of 5G ... for the growth of our economy and productivity , but in making this decision , we have been very clear we will not compromise on national security .
`` We obviously had a number of conversations with the US [ who ] have made their views clear .
But we have got that expertise , we have had that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies the ability to give the assurance that having them involved in the periphery of the network does not present the security challenge I think others have worried about . ''
Following the announcement , Mr Johnson spoke to President Donald Trump to explain the decision and try to allay US concerns .
A Trump administration official said the US was `` disappointed '' with the decision .
Mr Pompeo urged the UK to prioritise its own and its allies security interests when dealing with Huawei during his last visit to the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also faced a criticism from some senior Conservative MPs after Mr Raab made a statement about it in the Commons .
Tom Tugendhat , former chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee , tweeted that the government 's `` statement leaves many concerns and does not close the UK 's networks to a frequently malign international actor '' .
But Defence Secretary Ben Wallace downplayed such concerns , telling the BBC the UK should not be `` paranoid '' that the decision would lead to `` Big Brother from China watching us '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ react Mr Wallace said : `` I do n't know how they 'll react ... they 've made their concerns clear .
`` We understand that - we respect that , we 've given them lots of assurances that the intelligence they share and how they share it . ''
A series of US congressional figures called on the UK to reconsider , saying the decision could be an obstacle to a post-Brexit trade deal between the US and UK , as well as raising questions over security co-operation .
Senator Tom Cotton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence committee , called for a `` thorough review '' of intelligence sharing with the UK .
`` I fear London has freed itself from Brussels only to cede sovereignty to Beijing , '' he said .
The decision gave China a foothold to carry out `` pervasive espionage '' on the UK and gave it `` increased economic and political leverage '' , he said .
Senator Lindsey Graham , a Republican who is one of the president 's most committed defenders , said he was `` very concerned '' and urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This decision has the potential to jeopardise US-UK intelligence sharing agreements and could greatly complicate a US-UK free trade agreement , '' he tweeted .

"We obviously had a number of conversations with the US [who] have made their views clear. But we have got that expertise, we have had that oversight of Huawei... which gives our agencies the ability to give the assurance that having them involved in the periphery of the network does not present the security challenge I think others have worried about."


bbc--2020-01-29--Australia fires: Firefighters dance on TikTok to 'raise spirits'

Firefighters are using TikTok to boost morale and share experiences from the front lines of Australia ’ s bushfire crisis @ @ @ @ @ firefighter whose dancing clips have gone viral , tells the BBC why he does it @

Firefighters are using TikTok to boost morale and share experiences from the front lines of Australia’s bushfire crisis.
Chris Rumpf, one firefighter whose dancing clips have gone viral, tells the BBC why he does it.
Interview and editing by Isabelle Rodd


bbc--2020-01-29--Denmark in cartoon bust-up with China

Denmark in cartoon bust-up with China

A Danish newspaper has rejected China 's demand for an apology after it published a satirical cartoon of a Chinese flag with the five gold stars replaced by the deadly coronavirus .
China 's embassy in Denmark called the Jyllands-Posten cartoon , published on Monday , `` an insult to China '' .
The paper and cartoonist Niels Bo Bojesen must `` publicly apologise to the Chinese people '' , it said .
In 2005 a cartoon of Prophet Muhammad in the paper outraged many Muslims .
The coronavirus cartoon furore has spread to social media .
Danes have jumped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while Chinese people have shared social-media memes recalling Denmark 's surrender to Nazi Germany in World War Two .
That surrender took place within four hours , the tweets say .
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reminded China on Tuesday that `` we have freedom of expression in Denmark - also to draw '' .
Other Danish politicians stood by the paper 's right to publish such a cartoon .
• Coronavirus : How worried should we be ?
The coronavirus crisis gripping China has paralysed transport in and around the province @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million people .
The virus emerged last month in the huge provincial capital , Wuhan .
More than 100 people have died .
Despite the gravity of the virus threat , Jyllands-Posten chief editor Jacob Nybroe insisted that his paper was not poking fun at the situation .
`` We can not apologise for something we do n't think is wrong .
We have no intention of being demeaning or to mock , nor do we think that the drawing does .
As far as I can see , this here is about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nybroe said .
The Prophet Muhammad cartoon in 2005 triggered fury in the Muslim world .
Some Danish embassies were attacked and Arab countries boycotted Danish goods .

"We cannot apologise for something we don't think is wrong. We have no intention of being demeaning or to mock, nor do we think that the drawing does. As far as I can see, this here is about different forms of cultural understanding," Nybroe said.


bbc--2020-01-29--The oak tree in Kew Gardens that taught the world a lesson

Fifteen million trees were felled by the Great Storm which hit the south of England in 1987 .
But the @ @ @ @ @ Kew Gardens in London not only survived the storm , but also changed the way @ @ @ @ @ around the world .
Tony Kirkham , head of the Arboretum at Kew Gardens has @ @ @ @ @ what he learned from the ancient oak .
Witness History : The stories of our @ @ @ @ @ who were there .

Fifteen million trees were felled by the Great Storm which hit the south of England in 1987.
But the remarkable Turner's Oak in Kew Gardens in London not only survived the storm, but also changed the way that trees are cared for around the world.
Tony Kirkham, head of the Arboretum at Kew Gardens has been telling Witness History about what he learned from the ancient oak.
Witness History: The stories of our times told by the people who were there.


bbc--2020-01-28--Brexit: 'The best now is for it to be done and finalised'

The food and drink sector is the UK ’ s biggest manufacturing industry , with exports to the EU worth @ @ @ @ @ those to the rest of the world put together .
Latest figures from Make UK @ @ @ @ @ to be around £13.9bn in 2018 , with the rest of the world accounting for @ @ @ @ @ question for many in the food and drink sector , is just what sort of @ @ @ @ @ on exports post Brexit .
Sarah John runs craft beer maker Boss Brewing in Swansea @ @ @ @ @ as to what the trading landscape might be like once the UK leaves the EU @ @ @ @ @ might be put onto her beer , and at the minute the fact is she @ @ @ @ @ .

The food and drink sector is the UK’s biggest manufacturing industry, with exports to the EU worth over 50% more than those to the rest of the world put together. Latest figures from Make UK value exports to the EU to be around £13.9bn in 2018, with the rest of the world accounting for just £9bn. But the question for many in the food and drink sector, is just what sort of trade tariffs might there be on exports post Brexit.
Sarah John runs craft beer maker Boss Brewing in Swansea. She’s concerned as to what the trading landscape might be like once the UK leaves the EU and what tax and duties might be put onto her beer, and at the minute the fact is she simply doesn’t know.


bbc--2020-01-29--Sex Education: 'I wish I knew sex could be fun growing up'

You might remember a condom on a banana , or just a general sense that if you have sex , you 'll either get A ) pregnant or B ) a disease .
We 're talking about sex education at school .
The messy corners of growing-up were tiptoed around by teachers who could n't even bring themselves to say `` penis '' .
So when the TV show Sex Education - which centres around two students who set up a sex clinic in their school - first debuted on Netflix last year , it was a breath of fresh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ topics including slut-shaming , abortion , virginity and masturbation - which Aimee Lou Wood , who plays Aimee Gibbs , told Radio 1 Newsbeat she `` thought was only a boy thing '' .
Growing up , Aimee thought she was a `` weirdo '' for wanting to masturbate .
And when filming the series the 24-year-old found that other people felt the same .
`` When I filmed a masturbation scene , extras were asking me , 'What do you mean you had a scene like that ?
That 's only for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the show 's cast at the season two premiere it became obvious that lots of them feel they did n't learn enough about the realities of sex growing up .
`` Food , jobs , sex ... it 's a very key part of life and we do n't know enough about it , '' Aimee said .
`` I wish I knew it was normal to want sex for pleasure , and not just to make babies . ''
The character Aimee plays has one of the most talked about storylines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assaulted and the series sees her coming to terms with what happened .
Aimee says her storyline had a `` huge impact '' on her .
`` I had to go back to when I was that age and how trusting I was .
A lot of girls will relate to it . ''
'Everyone can learn something' Emma Mackey , who plays the show 's female lead Maeve , agrees that the programme is important in challenging taboos .
`` The show makes you feel less lonely ; I wish it existed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me feel more normal , '' she told us .
When asked what they 'd learnt during filming , the word `` vaginismus '' was quick to leave almost all cast members ' mouths .
The NHS says : `` Vaginismus is when the vagina suddenly tightens up just as you try to insert something into it . ''
Tanya Reynolds , whose character Lily has vaginismus , said : `` I did n't even know it had a name .
So many women will watch this and realised there 's not something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : When your body just says no to sex What are schools teaching about sex ?
As of spring 2020 , it will be compulsory for all primary schools in England to teach `` relationships education '' , which looks at friendship and emotions .
Sex education in primary schools is not compulsory .
Parents can specifically request for their children not to be involved in sex education lessons , but not relationship lessons .
The government 's new requirements for secondary sex education include STIs , pregnancy , contraception and miscarriages .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year , to include things like sexual harassment and consent .
Wales will be introducing a new compulsory RSE curriculum in 2022 .
Northern Irish schools must teach RSE lessons , but individual schools can decide the content .
• Beyond Today : What ’ s left out of Sex Education ?
The programme has been commended for showing sex in a more realistic way than most .
It replaces your average lowly-lit romantic sex scenes with clumsy , awkward ones where the teenage characters mostly have no idea what they 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be comfortable during the filming process .
Patricia Allison , who plays Otis 's new girlfriend Ola , said : `` There was a sex director on set .
They sent us a list before we had even read the script to ask how we felt about certain things .
`` Even if you said you were OK with something , you can change your mind and say I 'm not comfortable with it today .
And that 's OK. '' She says filming the series taught her the `` importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Sex Education was one of two programmes that Netflix released viewing figures for .
It was reportedly watched by more than 40 million households in its initial weeks .
( That 's people who watched 70 % or more of an episode ) .
The series has been highly praised for its diversity and representation in its casting and plot , which Emma says `` should n't be a big deal '' .
`` We 're setting the bar high in that regard , but it 's about time .
It should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best friend , Eric , struggles with homophobia and the relationship between sexuality and religion .
Ncuti Gatwa , who plays Eric , said : `` I love that this gay , black kid is not apologising for being who he is . ''
The teaching of `` LGBT content '' in schools has n't always been accepted .
Last year there were ongoing protests outside a primary school in Birmingham which taught pupils about same-sex relationships as part of a teaching scheme called No Outsiders .
Some parents said it contradicted their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriate '' .
The school compromised , with a new equality programme after consulting with parents .
The government says it encourages secondary schools to include LGBT issues in sex education .
Ncuti said : `` Representation matters , to educate kids about all the different types of people in the world so that when they encounter them they 're not afraid . ''
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .


bbc--2020-01-28--Who is the 'Hound' who crashed the stock market?

Former stock market trader Navinder Sarao has been sentenced to a year of home detention for helping trigger a brief $ 1tn ( £770bn ) stock market crash .
Dubbed the `` Hound of Hounslow '' in an ironic reference to the famous `` Wolf of Wall Street '' fraudster , the Briton was shown leniency by a Chicago judge due to the extraordinary circumstances of his case .
But who is he - and how did he help cause markets to plunge almost 4,000 miles away ?
Now 42 , Navinder Sarao is a self-taught stock market trader who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2010 from a bedroom in his parents ' home in Hounslow , West London .
He was arrested in 2015 for his part in the `` flash crash '' - in which financial markets briefly plummet in value .
In this case it lasted less than an hour , wiping almost $ 1tn off shares before markets recovered .
Sarao then spent four months in Wandsworth prison before being extradited to the US .
Unusually , he was allowed to return to the UK before sentencing , where he has been helping authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sarao has the autism spectrum disorder Asperger 's syndrome , and saw beating the markets `` like winning a video game , '' his defence team said .
Despite the nickname , his life could not have been more different from that of the flashy `` Wolf of Wall Street '' trader played by Leonardo DiCaprio in the 2013 film .
He made no ostentatious purchases and ended up losing a great deal of his money to fraudulent investors .
How did he make $ 40m from his bedroom ?
Sarao 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stock market to make money .
The `` flash-crash trader '' used specially adapted software to remotely trade on the Chicago Mercantile Index .
He bought and sold contracts that effectively speculated on the value of the top US companies .
On this index , every time an order was placed to buy or sell , `` high frequency traders '' - many of them not human but computers running algorithms - would try to make their own trades milliseconds before those orders could be executed .
That way , they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market changes .
Sarao realised that the high frequency traders all used similar software .
That made the market twitchy - like a flock of sheep , all moving in the same direction .
His software took advantage of this by placing thousands of orders before quickly cancelling or changing them , once he had created artificial demand for other traders to buy or sell that asset .
This practice - known as `` spoofing '' - allowed him to make genuine buy or sell orders at a profit as the price swiftly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , he could make the market move in one direction , only for the `` Hound '' to disappear , nip around the back of the pack and pick up a quick profit , leaving the high frequency traders with nothing .
In 2016 , Sarao agreed to pay the US government $ 12.8m ( £9.9m ) , the amount prosecutors said he earned from his illegal trading .
Altogether , he is thought to have made a profit of about $ 40m ( £31m ) in the space of five years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Sarao pleaded guilty to one count of electronic fraud , and one count of `` spoofing '' - which is illegal in the US .
He initially faced 22 charges , which carry a maximum sentence of 380 years .
But prosecutors ultimately decided not to push for a jail sentence , as Sarao did n't spend the money on any luxuries and had quickly lost his windfall to fraudsters .
They also took into account his autism , time in jail already served , and that he has been helpful to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How common are these types of crimes ?
Potentially fairly common .
Most countries , including the UK , do not specifically list spoofing as a crime .
It has only been illegal in the US since 2010 , with the first successful case brought against US trader Michael Coscia in 2013 .
Coscia was sentenced to three years in prison for spoofing futures markets using a specially designed computer program , making an estimated $ 1.6m ( £1.2m ) .
More recently , UBS , Deutsche Bank and HSBC paid a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US regulators to settle spoofing claims .
These cases expose the sometimes blurred distinction between legal and illegal market manipulation .
After all , a traders ' job is to exploit mispricing in the markets - that 's how they make money , although it 's supposed to be because they are taking a view on the economy or on an individual stock .
What 's more , algorithmic trading in itself is n't illegal : it 's increasingly common practice in markets when you want to make a large volume of bets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faster than a human trader ever could .

On this index, every time an order was placed to buy or sell, "high frequency traders" - many of them not human but computers running algorithms - would try to make their own trades milliseconds before those orders could be executed. That way, they could be the first to make money from market changes.


bbc--2020-01-29--How worried should we be about 'Big Brother' technology?

Peenemünde is a port in northern Germany , where the River Peene meets the Baltic Sea .
There , in October 1942 , German engineers sat in a control room watching a television screen .
It showed live , close-up images of a prototype weapon on its launch pad some 2.5km ( 1.5 miles ) away .
On another screen , with a wide-angle view , they saw the weapon surge skywards .
The test had succeeded .
They were looking at something that would shape the future - but perhaps not in the way they imagined .
The V2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , was the world 's first rocket-powered bomb , and it was supposed to win Hitler the war .
The weapon travelled faster than the speed of sound , so you did not know it was coming until it exploded .
But , crucially , it could not be targeted precisely : the V2s killed thousands , but not enough to tip the scales of conflict .
Wernher von Braun , the brilliant young engineer behind the V2 , surrendered to the Americans as the Third Reich fell , then helped them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had told him that his rocket test would be the first step towards putting a man on the Moon , he would not have been surprised .
That is exactly what motivated him .
At one point , he was briefly arrested after someone on a train overheard him say that he wished he could build spaceships instead of weapons , and reported this suspiciously non-conforming thought to the Gestapo , the Nazi secret police .
But von Braun might not have anticipated that he was also witnessing the birth of another hugely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have loved in its modern form - closed-circuit television , better known as CCTV .
50 Things That Made the Modern Economy highlights the inventions , ideas and innovations that helped create the economic world .
It is broadcast on the BBC World Service .
You can find more information about the programme 's sources and listen to all the episodes online or subscribe to the programme podcast .
The pictures in that control room were the first example of a video feed being used not for broadcasting , but for real-time monitoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` closed circuit '' .
The top brass at Peenemünde may have worked slave labourers to their deaths , but they had no intention of joining the fatalities .
Instead , they invited television engineer Walter Bruch to devise a way for them to monitor the launches from a safe distance .
And that was wise , because the first V2 they tested did indeed blow up , destroying one of Bruch 's cameras .
Exactly how popular Bruch 's brainchild has now become is tricky to pin down .
One estimate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of surveillance cameras around the world at 245 million - that is about one for every 30 people .
Another reckons there will soon be over twice that number in China alone .
It is certainly true that the market is expanding quickly , and its global leader is a company called Hikvision , part-owned by the Chinese government .
What is China doing with all these CCTV cameras ?
Picture the scene : you 're trying to cross a busy road in the city of Xiangyang .
You should wait for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in a hurry , so you make a dash for it , weaving through the traffic .
A few days later , you might see your photo , name and government ID number on a huge electronic billboard above the intersection , outing you as a jaywalker .
But it is not just about the public shaming : surveillance cameras will feed into the country 's planned `` social credit '' scheme .
Exactly how the national system will work remains unclear , but various trials are using both public and private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are a good citizen .
You might lose points for driving inconsiderately , paying your bills late , or spreading false information .
Score high , and perks might include free use of public bikes ; score low , and you might be banned from taking trains .
The aim is to encourage and reward desired behaviour - or , as an official document poetically puts it , `` allow the trustworthy to roam everywhere under heaven , while making it hard for the discredited to take a single step '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • Should we dislike the like button ?
• Can a computer fool you into thinking it is human ?
• Could the world cope if GPS stopped working ?
• How the humble brick built the world Perhaps this reminds you of a certain novel published seven years after Walter Bruch pioneered the surveillance camera .
In Nineteen Eighty-Four , George Orwell famously imagined a life where everything is monitored - not only in public spaces , but in people 's homes .
Everyone who is anyone must have a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can watch them .
But there is a hint in the story that these devices were originally something people chose to buy : when the duplicitous Mr Charrington needs to give Winston a believable reason for the apparent lack of a telescreen in his spare room , he says they were `` too expensive '' , and `` I never seemed to feel the need of it '' .
That sounds like the kind of conversation I have had recently about the voice-controlled smart speakers that some of the world 's largest corporations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can ask about the weather , or say `` Alexa , turn up my central heating '' , or automatically monitor what 's in my fridge .
The comic artist Zach Weinersmith sums up the value proposition like this : '' Can I put a device in your house that perpetually listens to everything you say and do , stores that information , profits from it , and does n't give you access to it ? ''
`` You 'd have to pay me a lot . ''
`` The device can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cheez Balls and drone-deliver them in 30 minutes . ''
Devices like the Amazon Echo and Google Home have taken off because of advances in artificial intelligence - and that is the same reason behind the burgeoning demand for CCTV cameras .
There are only so many screens at which one person can look .
But if software can watch and listen and decipher meaning , how much surveillance you can do is limited only by computing power .
Is it reasonable to feel a little queasy about this , or should we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Balls ?
That depends in part on the extent to which we trust the entities that are watching us .
Amazon and Google hasten to reassure us that they are not snooping on all our conversations .
They insist the devices are just smart enough to listen for when you 're saying the `` wake '' word - `` Alexa '' , or `` OK Google '' - and only then do they send audio to the cloud , for more powerful servers to decipher what we want .
Then we have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hack - for criminals , and perhaps for governments .
Of course , not everyone baulks at the thought of the state knowing more and more about our daily lives .
One Chinese woman told Australia 's ABC that if , as her government said , every corner of public space was installed with cameras , she would feel safe .
Those who take a different view might be glad to know that CCTV is not yet as smart as it seems .
The intersection in Xiangyang appears entirely automated - but actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough .
Government workers are sifting through the footage .
But maybe that does not matter .
The perception of surveillance is enough to deter - fewer people are jaywalking .
That 's the idea of the `` panopticon '' : if you think you might be being watched , you will always act as though you are .
It is an idea George Orwell understood perfectly .
So CCTV might still be a long way from living up to its technical potential .
But for those who want it to change what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that might not be such an obstacle .
The author writes the Financial Times 's Undercover Economist column .
50 Things That Made the Modern Economy is broadcast on the BBC World Service .
You can find more information about the programme 's sources and listen to all the episodes online or subscribe to the programme podcast .

So CCTV might still be a long way from living up to its technical potential. But for those who want it to change what we do or even how we think, that might not be such an obstacle.


bbc--2020-01-29--Putin's Russia: Do Russians care what president does next?

Two weeks after Vladimir Putin announced a radical overhaul of the constitution , loyal officials in Moscow have been moving at lighting speed to implement his changes .
Deputies in parliament have already passed the amendments in a first reading even as protesters insist the move is a smokescreen to allow Mr Putin to retain influence , or even power , beyond 2024 , when he is due to step down as president .
But as analysts argue over his real intentions , just a short drive from the capital many people are either unaware of what 's happening or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there 's a giant Soviet hammer and sickle by the side of the road that it seems no-one ever bothered to remove .
Further on is a sign for a lakeside surfing club , a hint at the town 's evolving identity since Muscovite `` downshifters '' began moving 140km ( 87 miles ) from Russia 's capital .
On a Moscow salary , life in picturesque Pereslavl looks pretty good .
But for those on local wages , glamping and health-food shops are an alien world .
So , it seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man crossing the town 's very own Red Square sets the mood .
`` I do n't give a damn , '' he declares after listening politely to a question on President Putin 's reforms , then trudges on across the snow .
The small crowd of parents outside School Number 1 are more forthcoming .
Most have heard about the welfare part of Mr Putin 's State of the Nation address , including help for low-income families .
But they paid little attention to the constitutional changes announced later in the speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of powers between president , prime minister and parliament that 's widely seen as Mr Putin 's first step in planning for life post 2024 - or `` Pexit '' .
`` We saw that Putin promised more benefits for mothers and that 's positive , '' Yulia says , as she waits for her son .
The idea that the man already in charge for two decades might go on pulling the political strings does n't trouble her .
`` I think he 's a decent leader , '' the young mum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't know any other candidates . ''
Olga , standing with a pram , did n't clock the constitutional proposals at all : her TV 's tuned to cartoons these days , not news shows .
`` Is it time for a change after 20 years ?
Maybe , '' she ventures .
`` But things are stable , calm - and who knows what could happen in the future ? ''
Putin not the only story in town It 's no rejection , but it is less than fulsome praise for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That tallies with a gradual fall in his approval rating from once-giddy heights , mostly since 2018 when he hiked up the retirement age .
The president 's address appears to acknowledge that , as he pledged to prioritise improving life for Russians at home .
With elections to parliament due next year , and his own party increasingly unpopular , it 's a significant switch .
It also looks like a sweetener ahead of any manoeuvring to maintain political influence .
Deputies at Pereslavl 's town parliament seem as unfazed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A lively session of the budget committee is too concerned with tracing millions of missing roubles to worry about Mr Putin morphing into some kind of `` Father of the Nation '' .
There 's a financial scandal over a summer camp to figure out , a new town plan that 's way over schedule and a mysterious tennis court that no-one appears to own or use .
When the chairman does mention the State of the Nation speech , one deputy pronounces loudly that he `` did n't listen to it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Pereslavl 's multiple monasteries , some were paying attention - to the promise of `` worthy '' living standards .
`` Many people who live here constantly need support , '' explains Pantalaimon Korolev , a chatty young monk who learned his English from Agatha Christie and computer games .
'There are a lot of people in the surrounding villages where there 's almost no work .
They need simple things , especially for the children , ' Br Pantalaimon says .
So a few years back , he set aside some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now piled high with donated clothes , food and children 's toys .
'My husband used to get lots of work as a builder , but there 's nothing now , ' Maria explains , heavily pregnant with her third child and picking through the heaps of clothing for a good sweater .
Her mother has heard of Mr Putin 's constitutional reform , though it 's definitely not Nadezhda 's priority .
`` I used to follow the news but these days I mainly think how to get by , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't object to the idea of Mr Putin hanging around .
`` As president , he 's fine , '' Nadezhda says .
Find out more about Putin 's plans for Russia • What Putin 's plans mean : Sarah assesses the hints from the president 's surprise shake-up • What is Russia 's Putin up to ?
: `` Mr Putin wants to remain in power , the question is how '' '' The situation is so immediate , so very fast , that public opinion is disorientated , '' Kiril @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He says the reforms are being enacted so inexplicably quickly , it 's like a `` special operation '' .
`` People do not understand exactly what it 's all about , '' he argues .
The same can be said of political analysts .
Why Putin is keeping it vague Mr Rogov 's own latest reading is that Vladimir Putin may yet stay on , somehow , in the Kremlin itself .
He drew that conclusion after realising that the presidency would remain Russia 's most powerful position , even after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to participate in the political process and have some control .
But we still do n't know in what form , and how it will be , '' Kiril Rogov admits .
The confusion may be deliberate : a crude move to cling to power , like some Central Asian autocrat , would likely spark street protests .
Keeping things vague leaves critics with little concrete to grasp .
As a result , opposition groups are as divided as the analysts .
Even in Moscow , a protest pencilled in for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public enough to turn out en masse for a planned vote on the reforms could well be a challenge for the Kremlin , seeking legitimacy .
But the people of Pereslavl certainly do n't look likely to rise up in revolt .

"We saw that Putin promised more benefits for mothers and that's positive," Yulia says, as she waits for her son. The idea that the man already in charge for two decades might go on pulling the political strings doesn't trouble her.


bbc--2020-01-29--Shaheen Bagh: Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Varma penalised for comments

Two MPs belonging to India 's ruling party have been removed from a list of `` star campaigners '' after comments they made against a group or protesters .
The Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) penalised Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Varma after India 's Election Commission ordered their removal with `` immediate effect '' .
The order came in the wake of controversial comments by the MPs against thousands of largely Muslim women who have been staging a demonstration in Shaheen Bagh - a Muslim-dominated neighbourhood in the capital , Delhi .
Elections will be held there on 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Janata Party ( BJP ) which runs India 's government , against the Aam Aadmi Party ( AAP ) which governs Delhi .
The AAP , headed by charismatic chief minister Arvind Kejriwal , is hoping to return to power , pointing to its record on affordable healthcare , education , electricity and water .
The BJP has accused the protesters of being `` traitors '' to India .
What did the BJP say ?
The charge levelled at the women protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act ( CAA ) has been led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amit Shah .
He told supporters to press the button for the BJP with `` so much anger that protesters in Shaheen Bagh feel the current '' .
Other party leaders have followed suit .
Anurag Thakur , the junior finance minister , was censured by the election commission after he incited the crowd at an election rally to shout `` shoot the traitors '' while railing against those at Shaheen Bagh .
He defended his comments by saying he was merely reflecting the `` mood of Delhi '' .
Yogi Adityanath , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said the men of Shaheen Bagh were sending their women out to protest while they stayed home and slept , because they were too afraid to come out themselves .
Yet another minister , Parvesh Varma , swore the protesters would be `` sent packing '' within hours of a BJP victory , adding that if left unchecked , they would `` rape and kill '' .
Other party members have called the election a battle between `` India and Pakistan '' , which critics have denounced as a clear attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening in Shaheen Bagh ?
Residents , mostly Muslim women , have been staging a continuous sit-in on a public road for more than a month .
Videos from Shaheen Bagh show women singing songs , clapping and passing tea and food to one another .
It has been a rare moment - one of the few times anyone can remember India 's Muslim women coming out in such large numbers and leading a movement of this nature , although many others from different religions have sat alongside them in solidarity .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India 's constitution , made speeches reaffirming their citizenship and sung patriotic songs .
Shaheen Bagh has captured the imagination of many Indians .
The peaceful nature of the demonstrations have been in stark contrast to other protests against the citizenship law in which more than 30 people have been killed - most of them in Uttar Pradesh state - and the police accused of brutality .
The BJP for its part has painted the Shaheen Bagh protesters as extremists , who are seeking to break the country apart with the support of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kejriwal .
What is the CAA ?
The act offers amnesty to non-Muslim illegal immigrants from three neighbouring Muslim-majority countries .
It amends India 's 64-year-old citizenship law , which currently prohibits illegal migrants from becoming Indian citizens .
It also expedites the path to Indian citizenship for members of six religious communities - Hindu , Sikh , Buddhist , Jain , Parsi and Christian - if they can prove they are from Pakistan , Afghanistan or Bangladesh .
They will now only have to live or work in India for six years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becoming eligible to apply for citizenship .
Under the CAA people holding Overseas Citizen of India ( OCI ) cards could lose their right to live and work in India indefinitely if they break local laws , no matter how minor the offence .
Several petitions argue that the law is illegal , claiming that it grants citizenship on the basis of religion - which goes against the country 's secular values enshrined in its constitution .
Those challenging it include political parties , civil society and Muslim groups .
Adding to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a widespread exercise to weed out `` infiltrators '' from neighbouring countries .
Many Muslim citizens fear they could be made stateless , given that the exercise relies on extensive documentation to prove their ancestors lived in India .
The government has defended the law , saying it will give sanctuary to people fleeing religious persecution and Mr Shah has vowed that it will not be rolled back .
Why is Shaheen Bagh being targeted ?
`` What the BJP is trying to do is very clear .
Polarisation is a tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections in the past .
But the million dollar question is , will it also work in Delhi ? ''
political commentator Neerja Chowdhury told the BBC .
Many critics have said the protesters are an easy target for the Hindu nationalist BJP , as they are largely Muslim , and have said they demonstrate precisely why Muslims are afraid of the CAA .
The BJP comments have also caused a stir on social media .
Although there are some who agree with the criticisms against the protesters , many say it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rattled by Shaheen Bagh .
AAP supporters say the BJP 's tactics show how desperate the party is to avoid defeat .
The hashtag # KejriwalAgainstEntireBJP was the top India trend on Tuesday afternoon .
Ms Chowdhury said that although it was expected the BJP would come out strongly as the election drew nearer , she was still surprised by the tone of the campaign .
`` We have had many lows in Indian politics and electioneering .
But I do n't ever remember a legislator telling people that they would be raped @ @ @ @ @ @ @

It has been a rare moment - one of the few times anyone can remember India's Muslim women coming out in such large numbers and leading a movement of this nature, although many others from different religions have sat alongside them in solidarity. They have read each other the preamble of India's constitution, made speeches reaffirming their citizenship and sung patriotic songs.


bbc--2020-01-29--Neelam Krishnamoorthy: The film tickets that destroyed a family

Neelam Krishnamoorthy 's children loved watching films - but one afternoon a routine cinema trip ended in a moment of tragedy , and left Neelam fighting a decades-long battle for justice .
On the morning of 13 June 1997 , Neelam Krishnamoorthy rang a popular cinema in Delhi - Uphaar - and bought two tickets for Border , a star-studded Bollywood film about the 1971 war between India and Pakistan .
It had hit the screens that day .
It was the summer holidays and her children , Unnati , 17 , and Ujjwal , 13 , wanted to watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a big movie buff , '' says Neelam .
`` She wanted to see this movie first day .
So I promised her I 'd book the tickets for her . ''
The whole family ate lunch together - Neelam remembers the chicken curry her husband , Shekhar , had cooked .
And she remembers the kiss Unnati planted on her cheek before she and Ujjwal left for the film .
It was the last time she saw her children alive .
At 4.55pm , a fire broke out in the cinema @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the stairs and entered the cinema hall .
Witnesses said people poured out of the ground floor of the building , while some of those on higher floors smashed windows and jumped out to escape .
But many were trapped inside as emergency vehicles laboured through evening traffic to reach the spot in the south Delhi neighbourhood of Green Park .
It was several hours before the Krishnamoorthys knew what had happened to their children .
Neelam does n't remember what time it was when she walked into a room full of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unnati 's body .
Ujjwal was on another stretcher , a few feet away .
`` That 's the day our world came to our end , '' she says .
`` Everything… just finished . ''
Fifty-nine people died , among them 23 children , the youngest one month old .
More than a hundred were injured .
It remains one of India 's most tragic fires .
Soon , Neelam would learn that her children 's deaths had been far from inevitable .
And that discovery would drive her into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developers , sluggish courts and , at times , her own unspeakable grief .
The Krishnamoorthys ' living room has birthday cards and photographs of Unnati and Ujjwal over the years - in one of them , she has her arm around him and they are both grinning .
Neelam picks up a thick photo album from the coffee table and starts turning the pages .
`` This is on Ujjwal 's 11th birthday ... '' she says wistfully , pointing at a photo of him cutting a cake .
Neelam is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bed with a fractured leg .
Ujjwal insisted on cutting the cake in her bedroom , even though he had friends over .
Neelam says they were a close-knit , fun-loving family .
They enjoyed eating out , they travelled a lot and they celebrated every birthday and anniversary .
She describes her children as kind , outgoing and friendly .
In the summer of 1997 , Unnati had finished school and was excited about college .
Ujjwal was in the school choir , which he loved .
The Krishnamoorthys have moved into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has recreated the children 's room like it was on that day .
She does n't allow outsiders into the room but she says she has kept every little thing that belonged to them - Ujjwal 's cap is still on the bed where he left it .
She says she still goes into their room every morning and every night .
`` The time when I am very upset I go and sit in their room and I spend a lot of time there . ''
She has also held on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : two pink , flimsy movie tickets .
She gingerly pulls them out of a black , leather wallet .
It was a gift from her to Ujjwal .
The tickets are torn at the edges but you can see the timing of the show - Friday , 3.15pm - and the name of the cinema is printed across the middle .
`` I call them tickets to death .
As a mother I feel very guilty because I booked the tickets . ''
She also has Unnati 's purse , which she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the wallet , the purse - they were all undamaged because Unnati and Ujjwal did not suffer any burns .
It was only days later that Neelam began to wonder what happened at Uphaar .
`` I kept wondering why is it that only people in the balcony have died ? ''
Unnati , Ujjwal and all the other victims had been sitting in the balcony above the main hall .
`` It was when I read the papers , I realised that the fire had started a long time back , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not informed , the doors were closed , the gatekeeper had run away .
I mean , I realised they did n't have to die . ''
An inquiry into the fire found that this had indeed been the case .
The owners had added 52 extra seats in the balcony over the years , blocking a crucial exit and narrowing paths to the other exits .
There were also no emergency lights or footlights .
Survivors from the balcony told the court that they stumbled towards the exits in pitch darkness .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ door and squeeze through only to faint in the smoke-filled lobby .
But those inside choked to death on carbon monoxide fumes .
This is the crux of Neelam 's 22-year-long fight : the deaths were a man-made disaster , the result of broken rules and lax enforcement .
The inquiry also found that the transformer in the basement that had caused the fire had not been installed correctly , increasing the risk of fire .
It had caused another fire earlier that day , which had been quickly put out , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatal fire .
The more Neelam learnt , the angrier she got .
And the more convinced she became that she had to fight for her children .
`` I told Shekhar I want to get the people responsible for this tragedy .
I want to send them behind bars . ''
India has a dismal record in public safety and tragedies like these are alarmingly common .
But what is rare is for victims ' families to hold someone accountable .
So Neelam and Shekhar 's decision to do that unnerved family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have another child to move on - but this was never an option for the couple .
`` You do everything for your children [ while ] they are alive , '' says Neelam .
`` So why would I stop doing something for them when they are no more ? ''
• This is the second in a series of stories on moments that drastically altered Indian lives • You can listen to Neelam Krishnamoorthy 's story on Outlook , on the BBC World Service - click here for transmission times , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first of the series here - The fake spy scandal that blew up a rocket scientist 's career The state accused 16 men of causing the deaths in Uphaar - they included staff at the cinema , and safety inspectors who overlooked glaring violations throughout the building .
The most high-profile accused were Sushil and Gopal Ansal , two brothers who owned the cinema .
Neelam and Shekhar formed an association with families of the other victims to support the prosecution .
And Neelam started to educate herself about everything , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law .
But nothing prepared her for India 's overburdened and understaffed courts .
It was a decade later - in 2007 - that the court finally found all 16 men guilty , by which time four of them had died .
The sentences ranged from seven months to seven years - some were found guilty of negligence , while others were found guilty of more serious charges .
The Ansal brothers were given two years in jail , the maximum sentence for their charge .
`` It came as a shock to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentence for someone responsible for killing 59 lives , '' says Neelam .
She had been fighting for them to be charged with a graver offence , on the grounds that decisions they took , as the cinema 's owners , had proved fatal .
But when she challenged the sentence in the Delhi high court , rather than being increased , it was halved .
`` The reason given was that they are educated , they have a good social status , '' says Neelam .
`` I found those reasons pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you should have been more prudent and followed all the rules . ''
So she appealed to the Supreme Court , which delivered its ruling in 2015 .
And this time the Ansal brothers ' custodial sentences were waived altogether .
Instead , each was fined $ 4m .
`` I just threw all the documents I had in the court , '' she says , recalling that day .
`` I walked out of the court and I burst into tears .
That was the first time I cried publicly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Shekhar could n't visit the children 's room - they spent the whole night in the drawing room , wondering what they could have done differently .
It was a ruling , she says , that shook her faith in the judiciary .
But she eventually went back to the Supreme Court for another appeal .
This time , the court ordered Gopal Ansal to serve one year in jail .
Sushil Ansal , then 77 , was released on account of old age .
That was in 2017 .
Neelam has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ petitioned the Supreme Court again , asking for the Ansals to serve the full two years of their original sentence , since neither of them has completed two years in jail .
She does n't know when the court will begin its hearings .
Over the years , she has committed the case to memory - every order , appeal , verdict and document that is spilling out of the boxes and shelves in her home office .
`` I have read every single document , '' she says .
`` There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main case alone . ''
She says she has lost count of how many hearings Shekhar and she have attended - they still spend hours in courtrooms every other day .
And she takes copious notes so she is always in the loop , and can question or prod the prosecutor if necessary .
What keeps them going , Neelam says , is the promise they made to their children to get justice for them - although at times , she feels like she has failed them and despair takes over .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all over again , I would just pick up a gun and shoot the guys who were responsible for my children 's death .
I would not like to go through this trauma .
After killing them , I can kill myself so I do n't suffer .
As simple as that . ''
Uphaar cinema is still standing - grimy and dilapidated , it bears the marks of the tragedy 22 years ago .
It ca n't be torn down until judges have ruled on Neelam 's final challenge .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building when I come here , '' says Neelam , standing with her back to it .
`` I had my bank right here .
I did n't visit it for almost 12 years . ''
Across from Uphaar is a small park with a round black granite fountain - a memorial to the victims of the fire .
It has their names with their date of birth .
Neelam visits the park three times a year - on her children 's birthdays and on the anniversary of the fire .
She goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spot where Unnati 's and Ujjwal 's names are inscribed , folds her hands and closes her eyes .
`` I just pray because I think ... this is where they died and I very strongly feel that they are still not at peace . ''
You may also be interested in : Imagine your life being changed by a single dramatic moment .
This is what happened to a top scientist in the Indian space programme , when one day , 25 years ago , police officers knocked at his door .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rocket scientist 's career

"If I had to do it all over again, I would just pick up a gun and shoot the guys who were responsible for my children's death. I would not like to go through this trauma. After killing them, I can kill myself so I don't suffer. As simple as that."


bbc--2020-01-28--Coronavirus misinformation spreads online

More than 100 people have now been killed by the coronavirus .
The number of confirmed cases has risen to 4,500 with places like Hong Kong announcing plans to cut travel to mainland China to halt the spread .
But not only has the virus spread around China and abroad , so too has misinformation .
Numerous conspiracies have appeared since the outbreak - not to mention videos about bat soup .
The BBC Monitoring team has been taking a look at where these have all come from .
From the very beginning people speculated online about the origin of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a slew of videos said to be showing Chinese people eating bats amid the deadly outbreak in Wuhan .
One such clip shows a smiling Chinese woman holding a cooked bat on camera , before admitting it tastes `` like chicken meat '' .
The video prompted outrage online , with some users blaming Chinese eating habits for the outbreak .
But the video was not shot in Wuhan , or in China for that matter .
Originally filmed in 2016 , it shows popular blogger and travel show host Mengyun Wang during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the western Pacific Ocean .
The clip resurfaced on social media after cases of the new coronavirus emerged in Wuhan late last year .
Following online backlash , Ms Wang apologised , saying she was `` just trying to introduce the life of local people '' to the audience and had not known that bats could be a virus carrier .
Her video has since been taken down .
The new coronavirus is believed to have emerged from illegally traded wildlife at a seafood market in Wuhan .
Although bats have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a possible source of the virus , bat soup is not particularly commonplace in the country and the investigations into its exact origins continue .
• Coronavirus : How worried should we be ?
As the United States reported its first case of the coronavirus last week , several patent documents started to circulate on Twitter and Facebook that at first glance appear to suggest experts have been aware of the virus for years .
One of the first users to float these allegations was conspiracy theorist and YouTuber Jordan Sather .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of times , he shared a link to a 2015 patent filed by the Pirbright Institute in Surrey , England , that talks about developing a weakened version of coronavirus for potential use as a vaccine to prevent or treat respiratory diseases .
The same link has also been widely circulated on Facebook , mainly in conspiracy and anti-vaccination groups .
Sather used the fact that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a donor to both Pirbright and vaccine development to suggest that the current outbreak virus has somehow been deliberately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a vaccine .
`` And how much funding has the Gates Foundation given to vaccine programs throughout the years ?
Was the release of this disease planned ?
Is the media being used to incite fear around it ? ''
Sather tweeted .
But Pirbright 's patent is not for the new coronavirus .
Instead , it covers the avian infectious bronchitis virus , a member of the wider coronavirus family that infects poultry .
As for the speculation about the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation , Pirbright spokeswoman Teresa Maughan told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work with the infectious bronchitis virus was not funded by this foundation .
Another baseless claim that has gone viral online suggests the virus was part of China 's `` covert biological weapons programme '' and may have leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology .
Many accounts pushing the theory cite two widely-shared Washington Times articles both of which quote a former Israeli military intelligence officer for the claim .
However , no evidence is provided for the claim in the two articles , and the Israeli source is quoted as saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence or indication '' to suggest there was a leak .
The two articles have so far been posted to hundreds of different social accounts to a potential audience of millions .
The Daily Star published a similar piece last week , claiming the virus might have `` started in a secret lab '' .
However , it has since amended the piece to add there is no evidence for the claim .
Based on official research , the virus is thought to have emerged from illegally traded wildlife at the Huanan seafood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be interested in : • The ( almost ) complete history of 'fake news' Another claim inaccurately linked the virus to the suspension of a researcher at Canada 's National Microbiology Laboratory .
Virologist Dr Xiangguo Qiu , her husband and some of her students from China were removed from the lab following a possible `` policy breach , '' according to a report by Canada 's national broadcaster CBC last year .
Police told CBC News there was `` no threat to public safety '' .
Another report said Dr Qiu had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese Academy of Sciences twice a year for two years .
A tweet with more than 12,000 retweets and 13,000 likes - claimed without evidence that Dr Qiu and her husband were a `` spy team '' , had sent `` pathogens to the Wuhan facility '' , and that her husband `` specialised in coronavirus research '' .
None of the three claims in the tweet can be found in the two CBC reports and the terms `` coronavirus '' and `` spy '' do not appear even once in either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims are baseless .
Different versions of a `` whistleblower '' video , alleged to have been taken by a `` doctor '' or a `` nurse '' in Hubei province , have racked up million views on various social media platforms and mentioned in numerous online reports .
The most popular version was uploaded to YouTube by a Korean user , and included English and Korean subtitles - the video has since been taken down .
According to the English subtitles , the woman is a nurse in a Wuhan hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be either a nurse or a doctor in the video at all .
This seems to be merely an assumption on the part of those who have uploaded various versions of the video to social media .
The woman , who does not identify herself , is wearing protective suit in an unknown location .
However , her suit and mask do not match the ones worn by medical staff in Hubei .
Due to a lockdown being enforced by the authorities , it is difficult to verify videos from the province .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims about the virus , making it unlikely for her to be a nurse or a paramedic .
She claims that the actual number of people infected in China is 90,000 .
But according to official figures , there have been more than 4,500 confirmed infections so far .
She also claims the virus has a `` second mutation '' , which can infect up to 14 people .
But the World Health Organisation has preliminarily estimated the number of infections an individual carrying the virus can cause is 1.4 to 2.5 '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ a ] medical professional background , '' Muyi Xiao , a Wuhan native and the visuals editor for the ChinaFile online magazine , told the BBC .
Although the exact location of the video is unknown , it is likely that the woman is a Hubei resident sharing her personal opinion about the outbreak .
`` I think there is [ a ] possibility that she thinks she is telling the truth .
Because no one knows the truth , '' Badiucao , a Chinese political activist currently based in Australia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ has ] just left people guessing and panicking . ''
Have you been affected by any of the issues raised ?
Are you in Wuhan or have you visited recently ?
You can share your experience by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Or Upload your pictures/video here • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

According to the English subtitles, the woman is a nurse in a Wuhan hospital. However, she does not claim to be either a nurse or a doctor in the video at all. This seems to be merely an assumption on the part of those who have uploaded various versions of the video to social media.


bbc--2020-01-29--Ed Woodward: Man Utd executive vice-chairman's home comes under attack

The Cheshire home of Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has been attacked by a group chanting that he was `` going to die '' .
A video posted on social media showed an individual throwing a red flare over a large gate , while others sang songs aimed at the 48-year-old .
Woodward , who is married with two young children , was not present at the time .
Manchester United said anyone committing a criminal offence or trespassing will be banned for life .
A club statement added : `` Fans expressing opinion is one thing , criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another .
There is simply no excuse for this .
`` We know that the football world will unite behind us as we work with police to identify the perpetrators of this unwarranted attack . ''
Cheshire police confirmed they received a call about `` an incident of criminal damage '' on Tuesday evening involving `` a large group '' .
A statement continued : `` Thankfully no-one was harmed , and officers will liaise with security officials over the coming days to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and identify those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subject of growing supporter discontent at United in recent weeks .
Manchester United sit fifth in the Premier League - 33 points behind leaders Liverpool - and Woodward has been the target of blame by many fans .
At the recent home game against Burnley and Sunday 's FA Cup victory over Tranmere , supporters have sung the same song about Woodward and made repeated calls for the club 's owners , the Glazer family , to leave the club .
The incident is reminiscent of another attack , in 2004 , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watkins , whose shares ended up being bought by Malcolm Glazer as his bid for the club gathered pace .
Woodward advised Malcolm Glazer and the Glazer family during its successful takeover of the club in 2005 before being recruited as a senior member of staff .
United play local rivals Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday and trail 3-1 on aggregate .

Last updated on .From the section Man Utd
Woodward was not at home when his home came under attack
The Cheshire home of Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has been attacked by a group chanting that he was "going to die".
A video posted on social media showed an individual throwing a red flare over a large gate, while others sang songs aimed at the 48-year-old.
Woodward, who is married with two young children, was not present at the time.
Manchester United said anyone committing a criminal offence or trespassing will be banned for life.
A club statement added: "Fans expressing opinion is one thing, criminal damage and intent to endanger life is another. There is simply no excuse for this.
"We know that the football world will unite behind us as we work with police to identify the perpetrators of this unwarranted attack."
Cheshire police confirmed they received a call about "an incident of criminal damage" on Tuesday evening involving "a large group".
A statement continued: "Thankfully no-one was harmed, and officers will liaise with security officials over the coming days to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and identify those involved."
Woodward has been the subject of growing supporter discontent at United in recent weeks.
Manchester United sit fifth in the Premier League - 33 points behind leaders Liverpool - and Woodward has been the target of blame by many fans.
At the recent home game against Burnley and Sunday's FA Cup victory over Tranmere, supporters have sung the same song about Woodward and made repeated calls for the club's owners, the Glazer family, to leave the club.
The incident is reminiscent of another attack, in 2004, on the car of then club director Maurice Watkins, whose shares ended up being bought by Malcolm Glazer as his bid for the club gathered pace.
Woodward advised Malcolm Glazer and the Glazer family during its successful takeover of the club in 2005 before being recruited as a senior member of staff.
United play local rivals Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday and trail 3-1 on aggregate.
Woodward attack 'a disgrace'
United fan Flex, from The United Stand YouTube channel said those responsible should be "ashamed" of themselves.
"Physically going to somebody's house when children could be present, when his family could be present is a disgrace. Your home is supposed to be your safe place," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"There is no 'but' here - this is over and above a level of demonstration and protest that we see at games. Voice - and I stress voice - your discontent at the owners but this is ridiculous.
"What are the players thinking, 'if I continue in this bad form, or I have a bad game is this going to happen to me?'
"A few silly individuals have brought shame to the fan base."
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