bbc--2020-01-27--Auschwitz 75 years on: Are anti-Semitic attacks rising?

There have been references at the commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz about the resurgence of anti-Semitism .
Most of the data on this comes from individual countries , which are not necessarily comparable , but there has also been some broader work .
For example , the latest report from Tel Aviv University 's Kantor Center on anti-Semitism worldwide , found the number of major violent incidents in 2018 had been at a relatively high level .
However , it was still well below the levels seen around the times of Israeli conflicts in Gaza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Kantor Center 's definition of a violent incident also includes arson , threats and vandalism .
In Europe , the EU 's agency for fundamental human rights has conducted a recent survey of 16,395 people who identified as Jewish across 12 EU member states .
It found that 89 % of respondents said that anti-Semitism had increased over the last five years in the countries in which they lived .
It also found that 40 % of respondents feared a physical anti-Semitic attack .
The most recent figures from the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been 892 anti-Semitic incidents in the UK in the first six months of 2019 .
This was the highest total for the first six months of any year , although that was partly because of better reporting of online incidents .
Home Office data suggested that Jews were the second most commonly targeted group for religious hate crime ( after Muslims ) with 1,326 offences in 2018-19 , up from 672 the previous year .
Classifying hate crime by perceived religious target is a relatively new thing and only became compulsory in 2017-18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rights Advisory Committee reported 541 anti-Semitic incidents in 2018 , which was a considerable increase from 311 the previous year , but well down from peaks in 2014 , 2009 and the early 2000s .
German police recorded 307 anti-Semitic crimes in 2018 , which was up from 233 the previous year .
In the US , the Anti Defamation League ( ADL ) tracks anti-Semitic incidents .
It found there had been 1,879 in 2018 , which was slightly down on 2017 , but still at a historically high level .
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The most recent figures from the UK's Community Security Trust found there had been 892 anti-Semitic incidents in the UK in the first six months of 2019. This was the highest total for the first six months of any year, although that was partly because of better reporting of online incidents.


bbc--2020-01-28--Coronavirus: Hong Kong to slash border travel as virus spreads

Hong Kong has announced plans to slash cross-border travel between the city and mainland China as the new coronavirus continues to spread .
More than 100 people have now died in China , with confirmed infections surging to more than 4,500 .
High-speed trains and ferries that cross the border will be suspended from Thursday , Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announced .
She wore a face mask .
The virus has spread across China and to at least 16 countries globally .
On Monday , Germany and Japan confirmed that they had cases involving people who had not travelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone who had .
This had previously been seen only in Vietnam , which borders China and where someone was infected by his father who had travelled from Wuhan , the epicentre of the outbreak .
• Coronavirus : How worried should we be ?
Several foreign governments with large numbers of citizens in Wuhan are planning air evacuations .
Japan is sending a plane later on Tuesday .
Wuhan , as well as the wider Hubei province , are already effectively in a lockdown with strict transport restrictions in and out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now mandatory in some Chinese cities .
On Monday , authorities in Beijing confirmed that a 50-year-old man had died - the first fatality in the Chinese capital .
Carrie Lam announced Hong Kong 's new strategy to tackle the virus on Tuesday .
In addition to suspending train and ferry services , flights to mainland China will be halved .
People will also no longer be able to receive permits to visit Hong Kong from the mainland .
The city of seven million - a major financial centre - is part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tens of millions of people visit from mainland China every year but numbers were down in 2019 because of the pro-democracy protests that rocked the city .
`` The flow of people between the two places needs to be drastically reduced '' amid the outbreak , said Ms Lam .
What 's the latest elsewhere in China ?
The new coronavirus is thought to have emerged from illegally traded wildlife at a seafood market in Wuhan and can now spread between people .
The number of total cases confirmed by China rose to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 2,835 a day earlier .
Most of the deaths have been in Hubei province .
The initial victims were mostly elderly people or those with pre-existing respiratory problems , but few details have been released about the dozens of deaths confirmed in recent days .
Efforts to stem the spread of the virus have coincided with the Lunar New Year celebration , which usually sees millions travel across the country to visit relatives and friends .
Many festivities have been suspended .
Chinese authorities have also postponed the new semester for schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to postpone travel abroad .
The news of more human-to-human cases of the new coronavirus will add to fears about how far this outbreak might spread .
These latest cases in Japan and Germany suggest that anyone coming into close contact with another infected person could catch it .
It 's thought people with symptoms , such cough and fever , will be the most contagious .
But experts have n't ruled out that people with no obvious signs of infection could also pose a risk .
And it can take more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms .
The advice is to avoid close contact with people who are infected - that means keeping enough distance to avoid breathing air or touching surfaces contaminated with respiratory droplets from others carrying and shedding the virus .
What is the situation internationally ?
According to the World Health Organization and national authorities , there have been more than 50 confirmed cases outside China .
The latest case to be confirmed is in the German state of Bavaria , only the fourth so far in Europe .
It involves a man who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleague .
In Japan , authorities said a bus driver caught the virus after transporting tour groups from Wuhan earlier this month .
So far , there have been no deaths outside China .
Like many countries , the United States has urged its nationals to `` reconsider travel '' to China and is advising against visiting Hubei .
The country plans to fly consular staff and US citizens out of Wuhan in the coming days .
Japan is expecting to evacuate about 200 nationals on a chartered plane on Wednesday , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The evacuees will be asked to look out for any symptoms of coronavirus for two weeks after their return .
France , India and South Korea have also said they plans to airlift citizens out of Wuhan .
The UK is yet to make a similar decision but has urged Britons to leave the area if they can - however this has upset some living in Hubei who complain they are trapped .
What is the new coronavirus ?
The virus causes severe acute respiratory infection and symptoms seem to start with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cough .
After a week , some people can experience shortness of breath and need hospital treatment .
The virus itself is a new , or `` novel '' coronavirus - a family that normally affects animals .
• Surgical masks sell out in US amid coronavirus fears • Can wearing masks stop the spread of viruses ?
The effect of the coronavirus family on humans has long been observed , mainly in the form of the common cold .
In recent decades though , more serious coronaviruses - like Sars or Mers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet even in the cases of severe viruses most people infected were likely to fully recover , as they would from a normal flu .
On Tuesday , an expert at China 's National Health Commission ( NHC ) said one week was sufficient for a recovery from mild coronavirus symptoms .
Learn more about the new virus • Your questions : You asked , we answered • The story explained : How worried should we be ?
• Wuhan profiled : The city now in lockdown • In detail : Follow @ @ @ @

This had previously been seen only in Vietnam, which borders China and where someone was infected by his father who had travelled from Wuhan, the city at the epicentre of the outbreak.


bbc--2020-01-28--Jeffrey Epstein accusers outraged by Prince Andrew's 'lack of co-operation'

Lawyers representing women who say they were abused by Jeffrey Epstein have urged Prince Andrew to co-operate with an investigation into the financier .
Lisa Bloom said the alleged victims were `` outraged '' by the Duke of York not assisting the US authorities .
It comes after the prosecutor in charge of the US investigation said the duke had provided `` zero co-operation '' .
The prince has said he did not witness or suspect any suspicious behaviour during visits to Epstein 's homes .
He has come under fire for his friendship with the US financier - a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life in a jail cell in August , aged 66 , while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges .
The duke told the BBC last November that he was willing to help the authorities into the investigation of Epstein .
However , US attorney Geoffrey Berman said prosecutors and the FBI have received no reply after contacting the duke 's lawyers .
• 'Zero co-operation ' from Prince Andrew over Epstein What have the US lawyers said ?
Ms Bloom , a US lawyer who represents five of Epstein 's accusers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right thing '' .
She told BBC Newsnight : `` I 'm glad that Geoffrey Berman has gone public to try to embarrass Prince Andrew , who made one statement and then behind closed doors is doing something very different .
`` The five Epstein victims who I represent are outraged and disappointed at Prince Andrew 's behaviour here . ''
Buckingham Palace said the prince 's legal team was dealing with the issue and it would not be commenting further .
Ms Bloom added : `` If Prince Andrew truly has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upon him to go and speak to the FBI at a time that 's convenient for him and say what he knows .
`` Perhaps he can help bring other people to justice . ''
Another US lawyer representing some of Epstein 's accusers , Gloria Allred , said she had sent a letter to Prince Andrew 's home urging him to co-operate but had n't received a response .
She told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` No response is the same as zero co-operation .
This is ridiculous .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ She added : `` Prince Andrew has a moral obligation to volunteer to speak to law enforcement - that 's what he said he would do . ''
Virginia Giuffre , one of Epstein 's accusers , says she was trafficked to London by Epstein in 2001 , when she was 17 , and forced to have sex with Prince Andrew .
Prince Andrew has emphatically denied any form of sexual contact or relationship with her and said any claim to the contrary is false and without foundation .
He told BBC Newsnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ever meeting the woman , who was previously known as Virginia Roberts .
In the interview , Prince Andrew said he was `` willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency '' .
He also said he would consider giving evidence under oath `` if push came to shove and the legal advice was to do so '' .
What was Prince Andrew 's relationship with Epstein ?
Prince Andrew told the BBC that he had first met Epstein through his girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell in 1999 but it was a `` stretch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they saw each other `` a maximum of three times a year '' .
He acknowledged he had stayed on Epstein 's private island , visited his home in Palm Beach , Florida , and travelled on his private plane .
The duke said he did not regret their friendship - which led to Epstein attending events at Windsor Castle and Sandringham - because it had `` some seriously beneficial outcomes '' .
He said he was unaware of an arrest warrant against Epstein when he invited him to Princess Beatrice 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2006 .
However he admitted it was wrong of him to visit Epstein , who was jailed in Florida in 2008 for procuring a minor for prostitution , at his home in 2010 , after his conviction .
Where is the FBI with its Epstein investigation ?
US prosecutor Mr Berman spoke on Monday about the progress of the sex trafficking investigation and said it was looking at possible `` conspirators '' who had worked alongside Epstein procuring girls for the financier 's sexual gratification .
`` Jeffrey Epstein could n't have done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others , and I can assure you that the investigation is moving forward , '' he said .
British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell is one of those who is under FBI investigation , according to US media , over possible crimes linked to the sex trafficking charges .
Ms Maxwell , a long-time Epstein friend , has not been accused by the authorities of wrongdoing .
The inquiry is believed to be in the early stages and no new charges are pending .
No other names of those being investigated have been revealed .

The implication of that is that he has nothing of any significance to hide. One might reasonably suppose that he would therefore be wholly prepared to assist US investigators in their attempts to untangle the world in which Epstein operated.


bbc--2020-01-28--India cleared to bring cheetahs back to forests

India 's top court has said cheetahs can be reintroduced in the country , 70 years after they were wiped out .
Responding to a plea by the government , the Supreme Court said African cheetahs could be introduced to the wild in a `` carefully chosen location '' .
Cheetahs are an endangered species , according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species ( Cites ) .
Only 7,100 cheetahs are left in the wild , almost all of them in Africa .
The Asiatic cheetah , which once roamed parts of India , is now only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought to be about 50 left .
India 's Supreme Court said the animal would have to be introduced on an experimental basis to find out if it could adapt to Indian conditions .
Studies show that at least 200 cheetahs were killed in India , largely by sheep and goat herders , during the colonial period .
It is the only large mammal to become extinct after the country gained independence in 1947 .
India 's former environment minister Jairam Ramesh welcomed the decision to reintroduce the animal .
For more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts and conservationists from all over the world have discussed the reintroduction of the spotted big cat to India and have agreed that there is a strong case for it .
But leading conservationists have harboured doubts about the plan .
They fear that in its haste to bring back the cheetah , India will end up housing the animals in semi-captive conditions in huge , secured open air zoos rather than allowing them to live free .
They add that without restoring habitat and prey base , and given the high chances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ populations can not be established .
They have also pointed to India 's chequered record of reintroducing animals to the wild .
Lions were reintroduced in the Chandraprabha sanctuary in northern Uttar Pradesh state in the 1950s , but were then poached out of existence .
Tigers were reintroduced in Dungarpur , Rajasthan , in the 1920s , but they were all shot dead by the end of the 1950s .
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However , conservationists who have led the initiative insist that these fears are unfounded .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken after shortlisted sites are fully examined for habitat , prey and potential for man-animal conflict .
The first cheetah in the world to be bred in captivity was in India during the rule of Mughal emperor Jahangir .
His father , Akbar , recorded that there were 10,000 cheetahs during his time .
Much later , research showed that were at least 230 cheetahs in India between 1799 and 1968 - and the cat was reportedly sighted for the last time in the country in 1967-68 .

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bbc--2020-01-28--Kobe Bryant: Washington Post reporter suspended after tweets

Washington Post employees have condemned the paper after it suspended a journalist for tweets about the late US basketball legend Kobe Bryant .
Felicia Sonmez posted a link to a 2016 article about historical sexual assault allegations against Bryant in the wake of his death in a helicopter crash .
She received death threats , and has since deleted the post .
But the paper then placed her on administrative leave - prompting a condemnatory letter from colleagues .
`` Instead of protecting and supporting a reporter in the face of abuse , The Post placed her on administrative leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the editors reads .
It describes the paper 's social media guidelines as `` vague and inconsistently enforced '' , and says the newspaper has not clearly explained why she was suspended .
• Kobe : Giant who had his controversies Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among the nine people who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday , sparking an outpouring of grief around the world .
The player was considered one of the greatest in the history of basketball , winning five NBA championships and two Olympic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2003 , in his early days as a player , 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 an ensuing civil case out of court .
Why was the journalist suspended ?
In the wake of Bryant 's death , Sonmez tweeted a 2016 Daily Beast story about the rape allegations against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police interviews with the accuser and with Bryant from 2003 .
Sonmez did not write the piece , and posted it on her Twitter feed without comment .
• Read BBC coverage of the Kobe Bryant court case here She was swiftly criticised for the timing and content of her tweet .
In her response Sonmez called the attacks `` eye-opening '' but defended her decision to post the link saying the way her post was received `` speaks volumes about the pressure people come under to stay silent in these cases '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with allegations about sexual misconduct by Jonathan Kaiman , then a Los Angeles Times journalist .
He later resigned .
On Monday she also tweeted an image of her email inbox showing her attackers , which included the names and email addresses of the senders .
The journalist contacted her editors to tell them she was being threatened .
Washington Post managing editor Tracy Grant then told her to delete the tweets , and sent her an email suggesting she `` consider a hotel or a friend 's place for this evening '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She was later told she had been suspended with pay .
A statement by Grant later said Sonmez had `` displayed poor judgment that undermined the work of her colleagues '' , and that she was on paid leave until the paper could determine if the posts broke their social media policy .
What was the reaction ?
`` What did Sonmez do to deserve this brushback ?
She tweeted out a very good story from the Daily Beast , '' wrote the Washington Post 's media critic Erik Wemple .
The Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shown more support for a woman who had come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct .
`` Assault survivors inside and outside this newsroom deserve treatment that is fair and transparent ; that does not blame victims or compromise the safety of survivors , '' their letter reads .
The Washington Post has so far not commented on the letter or given further information about the suspension .

She was swiftly criticised for the timing and content of her tweet. In her response Sonmez called the attacks "eye-opening" but defended her decision to post the link saying the way her post was received "speaks volumes about the pressure people come under to stay silent in these cases".


bbc--2020-01-28--Man arrested with 30 phones in cycling shorts after rock gig

Dutch police got to the bottom of mobile phone thefts at a rock concert when they found a man with @ @ @ @ @ shorts .
The suspected pickpocket is a 34-year-old man , believed to be in a @ @ @ @ @ police say .
He was stopped after rock fans alerted police , who then blocked @ @ @ @ @ went to the Sum 41 concert in Amsterdam-Zuidoost after a tip-off from Belgian police .
@ @ @ @ @ at a Sum 41 gig in Antwerp .
It is not yet clear if the @ @ @ @ @ - had accomplices at the Canadian band 's Amsterdam concert , which took place on @ @ @ @ @ also like : • Is the Netherlands becoming a narco-state ?

It is not yet clear if the suspect - a Romanian national - had accomplices at the Canadian band's Amsterdam concert, which took place on 21 January.


bbc--2020-01-28--Airbus reaches deal to settle corruption probe

Airbus says it has agreed a settlement with French , British and US authorities following lengthy investigations into allegations of bribery and corruption .
In a statement , the European planemaker said the deal was subject to approval by courts in the three countries .
The allegations have centred on the use of middlemen in plane sales .
Details have not been revealed , but reports suggest that Airbus - based in Toulouse in south-west France - could pay more than €3bn ( £2.5bn ) in fines .
`` Airbus confirms that it has reached agreement in principle with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Serious Fraud Office and the US authorities , '' the company said in a statement .
The UK 's Serious Fraud Office ( SFO ) , and later its French counterpart , opened investigations into Airbus after the firm reported itself in 2016 .
The SFO opened its investigation in August of that year into allegations of `` fraud , bribery and corruption '' in the civil aviation business of Airbus .
The firm employs more than 130,000 people globally , including about 10,000 in the UK .
It asked the regulator to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overseas agents .
In the run-up to the SFO 's investigation , UK , French and German authorities froze export credit applications by Airbus , but reversed that decision in 2018 .
Export credits are used by many governments to support exporters , often by giving their backing to bank loans offered to overseas buyers of UK products .
In the past , they have proved useful in giving cash-strapped airlines the ability to afford new Airbus planes .
The investigations followed concern that Airbus had failed to disclose the use of middlemen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requested information from the UK and French investigations , amid suspicions that arms export rules could have been violated .
These settlements are likely to prove expensive for Airbus , but even so , there 's likely to be a fair amount of relief in the boardroom in Toulouse .
Such deals mean the company will be able to avoid potentially messy prosecutions over its use of middlemen , or `` third-party consultants '' , in securing aircraft contracts - as well as over possible breaches of US arms sales regulations .
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Airbus has been quietly restructuring its sales operations , ending its relationships with many third parties .
There has also been a changing of the guard at the top of the company , with former chief executive Tom Enders and chief operating officer Fabrice Brégier both leaving last year .
Long-standing sales chief John Leahy had already departed .
Mr Enders had been criticised for his handling of the corruption allegations .
Now his successor , Guillaume Faury , can face the future without that millstone around his neck .
He can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and any mistakes can be laid firmly at the door of the `` ancien régime '' .

Mr Enders had been criticised for his handling of the corruption allegations. Now his successor, Guillaume Faury, can face the future without that millstone around his neck. He can focus on rebuilding the company's reputation - and any mistakes can be laid firmly at the door of the "ancien régime".


bbc--2020-01-28--NPR reporter barred from Mike Pompeo trip after tense interview

The US state department has removed an NPR reporter from the press pool for Secretary Mike Pompeo 's upcoming foreign trip , days after a tense interview with another NPR journalist .
The radio network said it was not given a reason behind Michele Kelemen 's ban .
A press representative said the decision amounted to retaliation .
The state department has not commented .
In Friday 's interview , Mr Pompeo was asked repeatedly about Ukraine and ousted US Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch .
National Public Radio reporter Mary Louise Kelly asked him whether he defended or should have defended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key factor leading to the impeachment of President Donald Trump by the Democratic-led House of Representatives last month .
Kelly said that , after the nine-minute interview , she was taken by a Pompeo aide to his private living room where he shouted at her , cursed repeatedly and asked : `` Do you think Americans care about Ukraine ? ''
• What you need to know about impeachment According to Kelly , he asked her if she could find Ukraine on a map , to which she said `` Yes '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring him a map of the world with no writing , no countries marked , '' she said on NPR later .
`` I pointed to Ukraine .
He put the map away .
He said , 'People will hear about this ' . ''
The exchange in the post-interview was not recorded .
Kelly , a veteran national correspondent who has recently reported from Iran , said the aide had not said the conversation was off the record , and that she would not have agreed to it .
NPR confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state department for nearly two decades , would not be allowed to travel with Mr Pompeo on the government flight to Europe and Central Asia .
The trip starts on Thursday .
In a statement , Shaun Tandon , head of the State Department Correspondents ' Association ( SDCA ) said : `` The State Department press corps has a long tradition of accompanying secretaries of state on their travels and we find it unacceptable to punish an individual member of our association . ''
It added : `` We respectfully ask the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to travel on the plane for this trip . ''
When first asked about Ukraine in the interview , Mr Pompeo said he had agreed `` to talk about Iran '' .
Kelly reacted by saying : `` I confirmed with your staff last night that I would talk about Iran and Ukraine . ''
He then responded : `` I just do n't have anything else to say about that this morning . ''
On Saturday , Mr Pompeo reacted in a strongly-worded statement , saying `` Kelly lied to me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the interview and then in agreeing to have `` our post-interview conversation off the record '' .
He did not provide any evidence .
`` It is shameful that this reporter chose to violate the basic rules of journalism and decency ...
It is no wonder that the American people distrust many in the media when they so consistently demonstrate their agenda and their absence of integrity . ''
He added , appearing to suggest that Kelly had pointed to the wrong country on the map : `` It is worth noting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The secretary did not dispute the content of the post-interview conversation , and NPR said it stood by Kelly 's reporting .

According to Kelly, he asked her if she could find Ukraine on a map, to which she said "Yes". "He called out for his aides to bring him a map of the world with no writing, no countries marked," she said on NPR later. "I pointed to Ukraine. He put the map away. He said, 'People will hear about this'."


bbc--2020-01-28--Legendary broadcaster Nicholas Parsons dies at 96

Broadcaster Nicholas Parsons has died at the age of 96 after a short illness , his agent has confirmed .
Parsons had hosted Radio 4 's Just A Minute since its inception in 1967 .
`` Nicholas passed away in the early hours of the 28th of January , '' said a statement issued on behalf of his family by his agent Jean Diamond .
`` He was with his beloved family who will miss him enormously and who wish to thank the wonderful staff at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital . ''
• Just A Minute to Doctor Who : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Just A Minute is a long-running and popular panel game where guests are asked to speak for a full minute on a single subject without hesitation , deviation or repetition .
Parsons also appeared on the Benny Hill Show for several years after joining in 1969 and also fronted ITV game show Sale of the Century .
His other TV appearances include The Comic Strip Presents and Have I Got News For You .
BBC director-general Tony Hall said : `` Very few people have done so much to entertain audiences over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be called a broadcasting legend more than Nicholas Parsons .
`` His charm , inventive intellect and ability to create laughs were unsurpassed .
Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him . ''
Graham Norton led the tributes on social media , writing : `` The sound of the final whistle .
Nicholas Parsons was truly the kindest and most generous person I 've ever worked with .
`` His continued delight at being a part of showbusiness should be an inspiration to us all !
Huge love to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Stephen Fry tweeted : `` He ruled Just a Minute for Just a Lifetime .
A stunning achievement : never scripted , always immaculate .
From comedian 's sidekick to great institution , via Sale of the Century and much more .
Unrivalled continuity , professionalism and commitment .
Farewell x . ''
`` His continued delight at being a part of show business should be an inspiration to us all !
Huge love to his wife Annie and his whole family . ''
Christopher Nicholas Parsons was born on 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the son of a GP .
He described himself in his autobiography as `` the unconventional child of conventional parents '' .
Always neatly coiffed and invariably immaculate in blazer and flannels , Parsons ' smooth tones on Just a Minute and , more particularly , his sugary image on Sale of the Century , made him a dapper reminder of a bygone age and a ripe target for other comedians .
Just A Minute panellist Gyles Brandreth described it as `` the end of an era '' .
`` Nicholas Parsons was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote on Twitter .
`` And so versatile : actor , entertainer , writer , TV star & radio host without equal , but for me , most of all , friend .
I knew him for more than 50 years : he was simply the best . ''
Broadcaster Andrew Neil added : `` So sad to learn of the death of Nicholas Parsons , though at 96 it was a pretty impressive innings .
`` A more friendly , generous , polite and solicitous person you could not hope to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC Radio 4 , said : `` Nicholas Parsons was one of the greats , a first class broadcaster and an icon in the world of British comedy .
`` Nicholas always brought his sharp wit , brilliant poise and warmth to everything he did - but particularly as host of Just a Minute where his excellence shone in each episode without hesitation , deviation or repetition . ''
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .


bbc--2020-01-28--UK to decide whether to ban Huawei from 5G

Whether to allow Huawei to help build the UK 's 5G networks is one of the most consequential and difficult national security decisions a British government has ever faced .
The decision - due to be made at a meeting of the National Security Council later - involves balancing complex technical risks with geopolitics and costs to the economy .
But it is also an issue where room for manoeuvre is tight - partly thanks to a series of decisions going back over the years which have closed down options .
If you want to understand how we got where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back more than a decade and a half to when BT was upgrading the UK 's telecoms infrastructure .
It wanted to use Huawei equipment because it was cheaper .
• What is Huawei and what is its role in UK 5G ?
• Using Huawei in UK 5G network 'madness ' , says US BT - using a trick that operators are still using today - warned that excluding Huawei would cost vast amounts of money requiring compensation from the government .
Few at the time appreciated the significance of the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been taken that officials began to question whether it had opened up the UK to surveillance or even sabotage from China - something Huawei itself has always said is impossible .
And so a strategy was created to minimise the danger .
Steps included making sure there were multiple suppliers in the network and ensuring risky vendors ( in others words Huawei ) were kept out of the most sensitive parts of the network ( for instance the core which controls how it functions ) .
The history means the UK intelligence community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than anyone else about how to manage the risk from Huawei .
As the use of Huawei spread to other telecoms operators , the Huawei Cyber Security Evaluation Centre ( HCSEC ) was created to carefully evaluate the physical equipment and the code that Huawei was introducing into the UK .
I visited what became known as `` the cell '' in Banbury 2013 .
The security was intense - in one inner room a computer with access to the Huawei source code sat watched by CCTV cameras to prevent any unauthorised access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ espionage has ever been found .
But there have been issues .
A 2018 oversight report was highly critical of the company 's engineering standards , and the 2019 report said no material progress had been made to address those concerns , which left it with only `` limited assurance '' that security could be protected .
This experience though has created a degree of confidence from intelligence and security officials that they can mitigate the risks of using Huawei in a 5G network , by putting in place a suite of restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimate decision has to be political since it involves balancing the technical advice with the diplomatic and economic costs .
The 5G network is being built partly on top of 4G , so excluding Huawei from 5G in the UK ( unlike the US where it plays almost no role ) also means ripping it out of 4G .
That will be costly and slow down the roll-out of increased connectivity , which this government has made a priority .
That decision has also been made harder by delay - it was due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but leaks and elections have got in the way .
In the meantime , 5G is already being rolled out .
The telecoms operators have been pressing their case to use Huawei and using its equipment .
This means the costs of excluding the company have been going up by the day .
Saying `` no '' will slow down the much-heralded promise of greater connectivity .
But delay has also given the US and critics more time to marshal their arguments against using the Chinese company , including presenting a recent dossier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any `` smoking gun '' .
The US has said it will review intelligence sharing if the UK does use Huawei .
UK officials believe - or perhaps hope - that Washington is bluffing .
That is a big call .
One of the challenges is disentangling this subject from the broader trade confrontation between China and the US , and the unpredictable nature of President Trump .
At times , there have been signs that Huawei has become a bargaining chip in that broader battle .
UK officials may have feared that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , only to find the US President cutting a deal with Beijing and leaving them isolated .
Some British officials caution that this overlooks the fact that concerns about the company go much deeper in Washington , where national security officials are increasingly focused on the technological challenge from China .
The US has taken a hard line because it knows the UK decision has global significance .
Many other countries are going through similar debates right now .
Like the UK , they would like to use Huawei because it is cheap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrath of the US .
If the UK approves the use of Huawei many of them may use that as cover to follow suit .
Few others though have the technical experience of monitoring Huawei that the UK has built up .
The global perspective goes to one of the wider long-term risks .
Some people ask how we have got to a position where we are needing to even consider using Chinese technology .
The answer is because Western countries failed to think strategically about protecting or nurturing their own full spectrum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Companies went bust or were taken over .
Meanwhile Beijing pursued a focused long-term strategy to become a leader in the technology .
Approval for Huawei in the UK with others following in its wake , would be likely to accelerate the company 's rise and the risks of dependency .
The risks of it becoming a dominant player were expressed by former Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt .
`` The issue is what happens if we get to the situation where no Western companies are really able to compete with Huawei going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Like it or not , in a decade 's time people will look back and say , 'was this really wise to take this decision in 2020 that has led to this dependency ? '
'' The US is talking about building greater Western capability in this field , but it is not yet clear what this actually looks like or how long it would take to deliver .
And there is a lot of talk in Washington about having lost 5G but making sure not to lose 6G .
Huawei @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not an arm of the Chinese state and will not spy on its behalf .
But the more dominant it becomes in the coming years , the harder it might be to extract the company from a network if it was found to have done something wrong .
So Tuesday 's decision comes down to balancing significant but hard to quantify long-term risks with real short-term economic costs .
Past decisions have narrowed the UK 's options .
And this one may do so again .
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"The issue is what happens if we get to the situation where no Western companies are really able to compete with Huawei going forward," he told the BBC. "Like it or not, in a decade's time people will look back and say, 'was this really wise to take this decision in 2020 that has led to this dependency?'"


bbc--2020-01-28--Oscars 2020: Ten things we spotted in the class photo

Hollywood stars had their Knives Out ( along with their forks ) for the traditional Oscars luncheon on Monday .
Every year , all the Academy Award nominees gather together for a general love-in over a nice spot of lunch - which was plant-based this year in line with other celebrity dinners during Hollywood 's 2020 awards season .
And it 's not just the big-name actors who are invited - nominated cinematographers , sound mixers , costume designers and everyone in between attend , too .
The highlight of this event , of course , is the big class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which all of the 162 nominees in attendance posed for .
We 've whipped out our magnifying glass and spotted a few of this year 's quirks and questionable outfits .
1 .
Quentin Tarantino 's tux might be at the dry cleaner's Or at least , we assume that 's why he turned up in a black and yellow bowling shirt while most others went for more formal attire .
The director 's ninth film Once Upon A Time in Hollywood is heavily nominated this year , including a nod for Tarantino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the class photo , he stood just behind the movie 's star Leonardo DiCaprio , but there was another familiar face standing right next to him .
Robert De Niro is on Quentin 's left - reuniting the pair more than two decades after they worked together on 1997 's Jackie Brown .
This year , De Niro was flying the flag for The Irishman .
While he missed out on a best actor nomination , he was there in his capacity as a producer on the film .
2 .
This couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're one of the many people who were almost driven to violence by Frozen 's Let It Go , you may want to skip this one .
Because one thing songwriting couple Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez are not Letting Go of is each other .
The duo are nominated for best original song again this year for Frozen II 's Into The Unknown .
But nominations aside , they are also absolute couple goals .
The Lopezes are seemingly as in love with each other now as they were on their wedding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this one of the longest-lasting marriages in Hollywood history .
3 .
Brad Pitt is enjoying some peace and quiet By all accounts , the class photo was pretty much the only moment where the best supporting actor nominee managed to catch his breath .
Pitt was reportedly accosted for selfies more than anyone else at the luncheon .
And you can understand why - he 's a Hollywood A-lister who is having a hell of a comeback this awards season , after a difficult few years personally .
Pitt has already won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Screen Actors Guild Awards for his supporting performance in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood .
And he has aced his acceptance speech at each one , most recently joking as he won the SAG trophy last week : `` I 've got to add this to my Tinder profile . ''
4 .
This chap really wants to win an Oscar So much so , he 's saying a little prayer ahead of the ceremony on Sunday 9 February .
Yves Piat might sound like the name of a new perfume from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're referring to director of Nefta Football Club , which is nominated for best live action short .
Piat brightens up this year 's photo , standing in a plum spot next to the Oscar statuette in the centre with his hands pressed together .
Of course , his prayer gesture might be a way of thanking God for being in such close proximity to Charlize Theron , who 's standing just in front of him .
You 'd think if anyone was going to turn up for this year 's class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as she 's nominated twice .
Two different acting performances she delivered this year - in Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit - see her recognised for best actress and supporting actress respectively .
But we do n't blame her for swerving this year 's luncheon .
Monday 's meal consisted of vegan cheese and a beets-and-citrus salad as the starter , while the main course was roasted maitake mushrooms over a bed of winter squash , cauliflower and forbidden black rice .
We 're not sure why only the black rice was forbidden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banning everything on that menu .
She was n't the only person to click `` Ca n't Go '' on the Facebook event page - Joaquin Phoenix , Anthony Hopkins , Antonio Banderas , Adam Driver , Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie were all missing as well .
The nominees for best costume design admittedly have an advantage when it comes to dressing up for events .
And for the Oscars luncheon , Sandy Powell took full advantage of the spare bright yellow fabric she had left over from working on The Irishman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tie to match her bright orange hair , making for a fully colour co-ordinated bright look .
Powell has worked with director Martin Scorsese on several of his previous films - including The Aviator , Hugo , Shutter Island and The Wolf of Wall Street .
Here , she 's seen posing with best actress nominee Kathy Bates , who 's keeping her sunglasses on to remind us all just how good the weather is in Hollywood .
7 .
But the Brits were colourful too Two of the UK 's biggest acting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sea of grey suits and boring ties .
Little Women star Florence Pugh is nominated for best supporting actress , and she looked thoroughly at home alongside Hollywood stars in a beautiful orange gown .
Meanwhile , Harriet star Cynthia Erivo wore a vibrant green jacket , which matched her green sunglasses .
She also managed to resist the temptation of putting bunny ears on Renée Zellweger , who is almost certainly going to beat her to best actress for her portrayal of Judy Garland .
8 .
This year 's photo looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk , they 'd say `` you might not recognise us because this is a different venue from last year 's class photo '' .
For the first time , the event had to relocate from the Beverly Hilton Hotel because of the earlier awards season this year .
So instead , the Academy used the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles , the same venue where the actual ceremony will take place on Sunday 9 February .
Unlike the dark grey carpet and curtain we 're used to at the Beverly Hilton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is all-white , which is in keeping with most of this year 's nominees .
The costume designer won a joke prize two years ago when host Jimmy Kimmel awarded him a jet ski for making the shortest speech .
The Academy have tried all kinds of tactics to get the winners to hurry up and not prattle on too much when they 're accepting their award .
`` Get to the stage quickly .
You have one minute from the time your name is called to complete your speech , '' producers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ luncheon .
`` We do n't want to play you off ... but we will , '' added co-producer Stephanie Allain .
Bridges is back at the Oscars this year for his work on Joker , and he accessorised with a green handkerchief in his suit pocket .
He was n't the only attendee to go for a bit of subtle accessorising - The Two Popes star Jonathan Pryce ( pictured behind a resplendent-in-red Greta Gerwig ) wore a nice leafy tie .
Marriage Story director Noah Baumbach 's tie game was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his colourful stripes .
• 9 snubs and surprises in the Oscar nominations • Oscars will have 'stars and surprises ' but no host Every year , actress and Academy governor Laura Dern is in charge of calling out the register and putting everybody in their allocated place for the class photo .
But there was a minor conflict of interest this year - in that she is one of the nominees herself .
So instead of leaving all the men in attendance in awe by doing a bit of multi-tasking , Dern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominees .
`` I 'm so sorry I ca n't do it this year , because I love it , '' Dern told The Wrap before the luncheon began .
`` But it 's a nice reason to not be able to do it . ''
That job instead fell to actress and director Illeana Douglas , leaving Dern free to just enjoy the afternoon and add a nice splash of colour to the Oscars class photo with a dress designed , appropriately , by Oscar de la Renta .
The Oscars 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles on Sunday 9 February .

"I'm so sorry I can't do it this year, because I love it," Dern told The Wrap before the luncheon began. "But it's a nice reason to not be able to do it."


bbc--2020-01-27--'It's astounding to find out she died violently'

Following recent state-of-the-art testing , it appears Takabuti , an Egyptian mummy which has been at Ulster Museum since 1835 @ @ @ @ @ stabbed in the back .
Not only that , but academics now believe she may @ @ @ @ @ as DNA tests have revealed she is more genetically similar to Europeans than modern Egyptians @ @ @ @ @ made public on the 185th anniversary of her unwrapping .

Following recent state-of-the-art testing, it appears Takabuti, an Egyptian mummy which has been at Ulster Museum since 1835, was killed by being stabbed in the back.
Not only that, but academics now believe she may not even have been Egyptian as DNA tests have revealed she is more genetically similar to Europeans than modern Egyptians.
The findings are being made public on the 185th anniversary of her unwrapping.


bbc--2020-01-28--Coronavirus: Tales of solidarity from China's virus-hit Wuhan

As the number of coronavirus infections continues to grow , millions of people have gone into lockdown in Wuhan - the centre of the outbreak - to try to stop the virus spreading .
But in this time of isolation some people are determined to raise each others ' spirits .
The deadly outbreak comes as China celebrates one of the most important dates in its calendar - Lunar New Year .
Imagine Christmas and Thanksgiving all rolled into one - typically a time filled with lots of cheer .
For many , it 's the only chance in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their family and exchange gifts of food and money .
In Wuhan people have been encouraged to stay home to minimise the spread of the virus .
But residents in a block of flats found a small way to cheer each other up .
Videos circulating on social media show people shouting `` Wuhan jiayou '' out of their windows- roughly translated to `` Stay strong Wuhan '' or `` Keep on going Wuhan '' .
The phrase is echoed across the block and residents can be heard cheering in the background .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be ?
It 's also a cheer that 's being repeated online .
On social media site Weibo , the phrase `` Wuhan jiayou '' has been trending .
Many across different parts of the country are posting the phrase in solidarity with Wuhan - where the majority of deaths as a result of the virus have occurred .
`` We will get through this .
Wuhan jiayou , the whole country is supporting you , '' said one comment on Weibo .
More than one hundred people - mostly in Wuhan - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak which has spread across China and internationally .
Though there is plenty of fear and anger at the authorities on social media in China , state media has been highlighting kind acts and stories of residents banding together in Wuhan .
One new restaurant owner in Wuhan spent the Lunar New Year festival packing food for medical workers in the city , according to state news outlet Changjiang Daily .
Li Bo had opened a restaurant in the city just a month ago .
He sold his car and borrowed money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
But before the 36-year-old could properly get his business started , the outbreak kicked in - leaving the streets of the city empty and his restaurant deserted .
`` I panicked .
I lay at home worrying about how I was going to repay the loan , '' he told Changjiang Daily .
`` But then I saw [ news ] about how the medical staff in hospitals were struggling and I felt like it was time for me act .
I wanted to do my part , no matter how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by news site Beijing News , some hospitals in Wuhan have experienced food shortages .
Two residents living in Wuhan had previously told the BBC that people in the city have been trying to stockpile food .
Li Bo along with his chef spent days buying ingredients and cooking enough food to fit into 200 boxes .
He told the news outlet on 26 January that he was in the process of finding enough boxes to pack the food into , adding that the meals would eventually be delivered to medical staff in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to do my best to [ make sure ] the medical staff eat hot meals .
I hope they get the nutrition they need and that will boost their immunity , '' he told the paper , adding that he plans to continue the food deliveries for as long as he can .
`` I hope the city we love gets better soon . ''
Fears of the coronavirus have seen thousands across the country flocking to buy face masks - triggering a mask shortage in some places .
Masks have become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weibo have joked that they would rather receive face masks instead of the typical monetary gifts given out during Lunar New Year .
One villager in Changde , a neighbouring province of Hubei where Wuhan is located , decided he would donate almost 15,000 face masks , according to news outlet the Xiaoxiang Morning Herald .
Hao Jin had last year worked in a mask production factory .
He eventually resigned from the job but the company could not afford to pay him his salary .
He was instead given 15,000 masks - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,883 ) as a form of compensation .
He brought the masks home and forgot about them until he heard news of the mask shortage .
`` I thought I would donate the masks I have to those in need , I hope they can be of more use and value to others , '' he said .
He kept a handful of the masks for his family , and distributed some to those in his village before donating the rest to people in his county .
Learn more about the new virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we answered • The story explained : How worried should we be ?
• Wuhan profiled : The city now in lockdown • In detail : Follow all our coverage here

"I wanted to do my best to [make sure] the medical staff eat hot meals. I hope they get the nutrition they need and that will boost their immunity," he told the paper, adding that he plans to continue the food deliveries for as long as he can.


bbc--2020-01-28--Rare Bolivian glass frogs seen for first time in 18 years

A rare species of frog with translucent skin has been seen in Bolivia for the first time in 18 years .
Three Bolivian Cochran frogs , a species of so-called `` glass frogs '' , were spotted by conservationists earlier this month in a national park .
The tiny amphibians weigh just 70-80g and measure 19-24mm .
Glass frogs are found in Central and South America and have skin so translucent that their internal organs can be seen through their bellies .
Investigators found the frogs in Carrasco National Park , east of the city of Cochabamba , as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amphibians whose habitat is threatened by a hydroelectric project .
`` The rediscovery of this species fills us with a ray of hope for the future of the glass frogs - one of the most charismatic amphibians in the world - but also for other species , '' members of the team told AFP news agency .
The three frogs were taken to the K'ayra amphibian conservation centre at the Alcide d'Orbigny museum , where scientists hope to encourage them to breed .
Other famous residents of the centre include Romeo and Juliet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frogs which scientists hope will mate .

"The rediscovery of this species fills us with a ray of hope for the future of the glass frogs - one of the most charismatic amphibians in the world - but also for other species," members of the team told AFP news agency.


bbc--2020-01-28--Don Cameron: The Scot shaping the history of hot air balloons

For more than half a century , Scotland-born Don Cameron has been a pioneer in the world of hot air @ @ @ @ @ flew western Europe ’ s first modern hot air balloon in 1967 , before founding @ @ @ @ @ the basement of his flat .
The company has since become one of the world @ @ @ @ @ making hundreds of balloons each year .
It is the market leader in special-shaped balloons @ @ @ @ @ Darth Vader , Vincent van Gogh and a dinosaur .

For more than half a century, Scotland-born Don Cameron has been a pioneer in the world of hot air balloons.
He built and flew western Europe’s first modern hot air balloon in 1967, before founding his company Cameron Balloons from the basement of his flat.
The company has since become one of the world's largest balloon manufacturers, making hundreds of balloons each year.
It is the market leader in special-shaped balloons, producing the likes of Darth Vader, Vincent van Gogh and a dinosaur.
Video by Morgan Spence


bbc--2020-01-27--Auschwitz survivor: Playing the cello saved my life

Anita Lasker-Wallfisch is one of the dwindling number of men and women still living who survived Auschwitz .
She was @ @ @ @ @ escaped the gas chambers because of her ability to play the cello , and went @ @ @ @ @ member of the English Chamber Orchestra .
She has been talking to the BBC , @ @ @ @ @ camp in southern Poland was liberated .

Anita Lasker-Wallfisch is one of the dwindling number of men and women still living who survived Auschwitz.
She was taken to the camp but escaped the gas chambers because of her ability to play the cello, and went on to become a founding member of the English Chamber Orchestra.
She has been talking to the BBC, 75 years after the death camp in southern Poland was liberated.


bbc--2020-01-27--China coronavirus: A visual guide to the outbreak

A new respiratory virus first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan has infected almost 3,000 Chinese citizens and claimed dozens of lives .
The fast-spreading infection , which causes pneumonia-like symptoms , has prompted Chinese authorities to quarantine several major cities and cancel some Lunar New Year events .
Here are six maps and graphics that will help you understand what is going on .
1 .
Cases have been mainly in China Hundreds of patients have been infected with the virus across China , with central Hubei province the worst-affected .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to rise further , and Chinese authorities have introduced a number of measures to try to halt the virus 's spread .
Travel restrictions have been imposed on a number of cities in Hubei province and people have been asked to wear face masks in public places .
The Chinese government has also closed a number of temples , the Forbidden City and part of the Great Wall .
The growing list of restrictions comes at the beginning of a week-long holiday celebrating Lunar New Year - one of the most important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of people travel home .
The national new year holiday has been extended by three days to Sunday , in an attempt to contain the spread .
The WHO has not yet classed the virus as an `` international emergency '' , partly because of the low number of overseas cases , but said it `` may yet become one '' .
`` Make no mistake , this is , though , an emergency in China , '' said WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus .
• How do you quarantine a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be ?
• Can wearing masks stop the spread of viruses ?
2 .
Hubei province has been particularly badly affected More than 1,400 cases have been recorded in Hubei province - the centre of the virus outbreak - which has also seen most of the deaths as a result of the virus .
Restrictions on travel are affecting at least 20 million people across 10 cities - including the capital Wuhan , where the virus emerged .
Its origins have been linked to illegally traded wildlife at the city 's seafood market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rabbits and marmots .
Wuhan - which has a population of 11 million people - has gone into lockdown , with authorities suspending flights and train services in and out of the city .
Local officials said no-one from the city had left Wuhan in four days .
`` My university is checking every student 's body temperature every day and are offering free masks .
It also has its own hospital and ambulance , '' Chongthan Pepe Bifhowjit , an Indian student at the Wuhan University of Technology , told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media , reportedly taken by Wuhan residents , showing long queues at local hospitals .
In a bid to tackle the increased demand for medical services , the authorities are building two makeshift hospitals , one with 1,000 beds and another with a capacity of 1,500 beds .
• How can China build a hospital so quickly ?
State-owned news outlet China Global Television Network said the first could be ready by 3 February and the second by 5 February .
More than 3,500 workers are involved in their construction .
3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Outside China , confirmed cases have been recorded in Thailand , the US , Australia , Singapore , Taiwan , Malaysia , South Korea , France , Japan , Vietnam , Nepal , Canada and Cambodia .
Other nations are investigating suspected cases , including the UK .
Many authorities have announced screening measures for passengers from China , including the major airport hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi .
Taiwan has banned people arriving from Wuhan , and the US state department warned its nationals to exercise increased caution in China .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mild respiratory symptoms , such as a cough or runny nose .
But some are more serious - such as the deadly Sars ( Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ( Mers ) .
This outbreak - known as novel coronavirus ( nCoV ) - is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans .
It seems to start with a fever , followed by a dry cough and then , after a week , leads to shortness of breath .
But in more severe cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acute respiratory syndrome , kidney failure and even death .
Most victims have been elderly people , suffering from other chronic diseases including Parkinson 's and diabetes .
Peter Piot , professor of global health and director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , said the `` good news '' was that data suggested the virus may have a lower mortality than Sars .
There was also a diagnostic test and greater global sharing of information than previously , he said .
`` And that is essential because you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one country alone . ''
There is not yet a specific anti-viral treatment for the infection , so people with the virus are currently being treated for their symptoms .
5 .
You can do things to reduce your chances of catching it The WHO is advising people in affected areas to follow standard procedures to reduce the chance of catching the virus .
They include hand and respiratory hygiene as well as safe food practices .
People are advised to avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections ; wash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with ill people or their environment ; and avoid unprotected contact with farm or wild animals .
Avoiding eating raw or undercooked animal products is also advised .
Those with symptoms of coronavirus should practise `` cough etiquette '' , including maintaining distance , covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or the inside of an elbow , and washing hands .
The WHO has said that while there is evidence of transmission between people in close contact , such as families or those in healthcare settings , there is not yet evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a case is suspected , there are processes to follow The Chinese government has classified the outbreak in the same category as the Sars epidemic .
This means people diagnosed with the virus in the country must be isolated and can be placed in quarantine .
Within healthcare facilities , the WHO advises staff to implement enhanced standard infection prevention and control practices , especially in emergency departments .
The WHO advises that patients should be assessed quickly and treated for the level of severity of the disease they have - mild , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommends immediately implementing infection prevention measures .
These include staff wearing protective clothing and limiting patient movement around the hospital .
In the UK , family doctors - GPs - are being advised to place patients suspected of having coronavirus in isolation and avoid physical examinations .
Official guidance from Public Health England ( PHE ) says patients should remain in a room away from other patients and staff and be prevented from using communal toilets .
The UK government 's emergency committee , Cobra , has held a meeting to discuss the @ @

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This information is regularly updated but may not reflect the latest totals for each country.
** The past data for new cases is a three day rolling average. Due to revisions in the number of cases, an average cannot be calculated for this date.
Source: Johns Hopkins University and national public health agencies


bbc--2020-01-28--Brexit: Tears and relief as the UK's MEPs bid farewell

As the clock strikes 23:00 GMT on Friday , 31 January , the 73 MEPs who represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the European Parliament will bid farewell to their roles .
For some of them , there is only delight and relief as the UK approaches Brexit .
For others , there have been tears and goodbye hugs .
`` How I am feeling is how somebody feels when you have a redundancy and a bereavement at the same time , '' says Green MEP Molly Scott Cato , who has represented south-west England since 2014 .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` grim , grim week '' , she says , during a break from packing up her Strasbourg office .
But , in contrast , Brexit could not have come soon enough for Jake Pugh .
`` We are delighted , '' says the Brexit Party MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber .
`` We were hired to be fired . ''
He is one of 29 Brexit Party MEPs who were elected in last May 's European elections - a vote many considered as confirmation of the UK 's desire to leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought hope , however , for pro-EU Liberal Democrat MEPs who also enjoyed a successful campaign , winning 16 seats .
They entered the parliament wearing yellow `` stop Brexit '' t-shirts .
Nine months on there remains a clear divide over Brexit among the MEPs , but the politicians appear united about a feeling of pride at what they have achieved .
• Will MEPs get pensions and other frequent questions '' There has been so much warmth and comradeship , '' says Labour 's Seb Dance of his final week in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sad about the whole thing . ''
The Labour MEP for London had previously campaigned for another vote on the UK 's membership of the EU .
Speaking to the BBC as he dashes between trains in Paris , he says he is proud of the things that `` never got the headlines '' during his six years in the role .
He highlights his involvement in the European Parliament 's special inquiry committee into the Volkswagen emissions scandal .
Ms Scott Cato says she is proud of her work on the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the use of antibiotics in farms .
The European Parliament is a `` real parliament '' , she says , expressing her frustration with the UK 's first-past-the-post system - which means that parties like hers struggle to get people elected in Westminster .
`` We do n't get the parliamentary representation we should have . ''
Green Party colleague Magid Magid says there is a sense of sadness , but he feels `` truly grateful and humble for this amazing opportunity '' .
Mr Pugh says he `` fully recognises there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are sad to be leaving '' but , he says , the EU `` has some real issues '' .
`` However cynical I was about the EU before I got here , it is way worse than I thought , '' he says .
The Eurozone is a `` disaster '' , he says , and MEPs in Brussels and Strasbourg `` are very remote from their electorate '' .
Brexit is `` really good news for the younger generation '' , he says , adding that he has pursued Brexit for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same freedom he had growing up .
It 's clear that view is shared among his colleagues , a number of whom shared their delight on Twitter at leaving the parliament building in Strasbourg for the final time .
Belinda de Lucy says leaving no more taxpayers ' money will be wasted `` on this ridiculous vanity project '' , while Ben Habib says he will not give the parliament `` a second thought '' after leaving .
`` I 'm actually just relieved that a democratic mandate 's been realised , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I wo n't miss being in this institution ... but of course I have been privileged and enjoyed being here for this historic moment . ''
And John Longworth , the former Brexit Party MEP turned Conservative , says that his time in the European Parliament has `` reinforced '' his view that the `` whole set-up is bizarre , bureaucratic and wasteful '' .
They say that they are proud at having achieved what they set out to do - Brexit .
But even arch-Brexiteer Nigel Farage - who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1999 - called his time in European Parliament `` an amazing journey '' .
He told his LBC radio show he will miss the `` drama '' and being `` shouted at by ( European Parliament Brexit co-ordinator ) Guy Verhofstadt '' and `` mocked by hundreds many times over '' .
The UK 's newly vacated parliament seats will be spread out among the EU 's 27 remaining countries - Spain and France will gain five more seats in a process that takes into account the population of a country .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer have to regularly do the four and a half hour journey from London to Strasbourg , via Paris , or the two-hour trip to Brussels .
But many of the pro-EU MEPs are hoping that they can keep the close ties formed with the bloc .
`` We have built up relationships with colleagues , lots of them were in tears - not just Brits , '' Labour 's Richard Corbett says .
It has been a sad and emotional time , he adds .
But this is also tinged with `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Wednesday will be the final time that the UK 's MEPs sit in Brussels - when the Parliament is expected to rubber-stamp Boris Johnson 's withdrawal deal taking the UK out of the EU .
As a party is held in London 's Parliament Square to celebrate Brexit on Friday , a vigil is expected to be held in Brussels .
Some MEPs will then move on to other jobs - the Brexit Party 's Jake Pugh says he will return to his business .
Others are not sure yet what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain European relationships .
Labour 's Seb Dance says he has a `` few ideas '' but `` nothing 100 % '' , adding `` I 'm just really proud to have been an MEP '' .

Some MEPs will then move on to other jobs - the Brexit Party's Jake Pugh says he will return to his business. Others are not sure yet what they will do, but are keen to maintain European relationships.


bbc--2020-01-28--50 years without hesitation, repetition or deviation

Nicholas Parsons ' early acting experience as a comedy straight man made him ideal as the unflappable presenter of one of BBC Radio 4 's longest-running programmes , Just A Minute .
For more than 50 years , he asked his guests to speak without hesitation , repetition or deviation on topics as diverse as burglars , Birmingham and biscuits in bed .
Each week , Parsons tried , sometimes unsuccessfully , to keep a bevy of celebrity panellists in check including Clement Freud , Derek Nimmo , Paul Merton , Sheila Hancock and the show 's undoubted scene-stealer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invariably immaculate in blazer and flannels , Parsons ' smooth tones on Just a Minute and , more particularly , his sugary image on Sale of the Century , made him a dapper reminder of a bygone age and a ripe target for other comedians .
Christopher Nicholas Parsons was born on 10 October 1923 in Grantham , Lincolnshire , the son of a GP .
His father 's patients included the Thatcher family , although there is no definitive proof , as has been suggested , that Dr Parsons delivered the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his autobiography as `` the unconventional child of conventional parents '' .
His early schooling was hampered by dyslexia and the insistence of his teachers that he should write with his right hand , despite being born left-handed .
He was also hampered by a stammer which he finally managed to overcome .
He had early ambitions to be an actor but his parents opposed the idea , his mother believing show business was fit only for `` drunks and low-lifes '' .
Instead , a few strings were pulled through family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Clydeside to train as an engineer .
Thrown into a tough working environment , he was forced to resort to jokes and impersonations to win over the Glasgow shipbuilders who regarded him as a posh boy .
The experience helped launch his show business career .
Illness prevented him taking up an offer to join the merchant navy during the war but , by this time , he had begun taking small parts in local theatres around Glasgow where he also did impressions .
Moving to London , he worked in repertory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage , and at the Windmill Theatre as a comic .
He appeared in various radio shows including Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh .
His big breakthrough came when he began working as a straight man for Arthur Haynes , whose ITV show had made him the most popular comedian in Britain .
Parsons excelled as the authority figure in sketches during which Haynes , often in his normal role as a tramp , railed against the establishment .
Many of the scripts were written by Johnny Speight , the creator of Till Death Us Do Part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began to perceive him as a threat and the pair parted company shortly after an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show .
In 1960 , he voiced the character of Tex Tucker in the television puppet series , Four Feather Falls , produced by Gerry Anderson who would later go on to make Thunderbirds .
Just A Minute first aired on 22 January 1967 .
Parsons had originally wanted to be a panellist but the BBC insisted his experience as a comedy straight man made him ideal for the position of chairman .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he once said , `` you know how to throw out the lines so the comic will have a good springboard to come back .
You also know how to take a joke at your expense . ''
It remained one of the hallmarks of the show as Parsons , with varying degrees of success , dealt with panellists such as Kenneth Williams , whose treatment of his chairman ranged from toadying sycophancy to outright abuse .
Later stars like Paul Merton and Stephen Fry kept the regular audience of two million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missed a recording in the first five decades that he fronted the show , remained the butt of a series of gentle jokes .
Sale of the Century made him one of Britain 's most familiar faces .
Announcer John Benson 's `` And now from Norwich , it 's the Quiz of the Week '' was the introduction to a show that originally ran for 12 years from 1971 .
With its glamorous `` shop assistants '' and the fixed grin of its host , the programme became one of the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with up to 20 million people tuning in .
Parsons robustly rejected suggestions that his appearance on the programme amounted to dumbing down .
`` I 'm proud of the fact I helped create a huge success , '' he said .
`` You do n't buck success . ''
However , he later admitted the programme had made his career take something of a dip because people assumed he was now just a quiz master .
Parsons continued his straight man role when he joined the Benny Hill Show in 1969 where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later put himself at the mercy of Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson in The Comic Strip Presents , in which he appeared as himself .
This willingness to share the joke , appearing on television programmes like Have I Got News for You , playing a vampire 's victim in a 1989 episode of Doctor Who and narrating the Rocky Horror Show all helped him accrue a definite cult status , and a surprisingly youthful fan base .
He was also successful away from the microphone .
He set up his own production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wrote two volumes of autobiography and made it into the Guinness Book of Records in 1978 for the longest ever after-dinner speech , more than 11 hours .
He was also a regular at the Edinburgh Fringe where his Nicholas Parsons ' Happy Hour featured his own stand-up routine and a series of guests , many of them budding performers encouraged by Parsons .
However , his annual star turn at the Fringe was cancelled in 2019 after Parsons was admitted to hospital .
He was due to perform four sold-out shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just A Minute with what the BBC said was a `` bad back '' .
It was only the second time he had missed a taping in the panel show 's 52-year history .
Parsons was fanatical about cricket , both as a player and supporter , and was a president of the Lord 's Taverners .
He also served as rector of the University of St Andrews and was a prominent supporter of the Liberal Democrats .
He married the actress Denise Bryer in 1954 .
The couple divorced in 1989 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was once asked what drove him to continue working at an age when most people would have been happy to potter about in the garden .
He said he did it because it was fun .
`` You ca n't take yourself seriously .
I learned that being a straight man .
That 's what I do on Just a Minute - laugh at myself and they make jokes at my expense .
But that 's what life 's about , is n't it ?
Having fun . ''

He was also successful away from the microphone. He set up his own production company that made short films for cinema, wrote two volumes of autobiography and made it into the Guinness Book of Records in 1978 for the longest ever after-dinner speech, more than 11 hours.


bbc--2020-01-28--Zap! How microwaves and electricity are killing weeds

`` Why are you carpet-cleaning the flowerbeds ? ''
is the question most commonly directed at Jonathan Greatrex and his team at the Glamorgan Council parks department .
And visitors can be forgiven for their confusion .
The Foamstream machines , now in use across the council 's parks , do for all the world look like carpet shampooers .
But they 're actually part of a move to clean up in a different way : by doing away with potentially dangerous weedkillers .
Concern about glyphosate - the world 's most widely-used weedkiller - has been growing since 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International Agency for Research on Cancer ( IARC ) said it was probably carcinogenic .
Since then , tens of thousands of plaintiffs have joined lawsuits against German chemical giant Bayer , claiming that its glyphosate-based weedkiller Roundup has given them cancer .
In the EU the use of glyphosate is currently approved until 2022 .
However , Germany , Austria , Italy , the Netherlands , France and the Czech Republic are all promising or considering bans .
And with the tide turning against glyphosate , many organisations that routinely battle weeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the case of Foamstream , this means targeted spraying of weed-prone areas with a mixture of hot water and a biodegradable foam made from plant oils and sugars .
`` It 's really simple to use , once you 've understood the controls on the machine .
Basically , it 's like programming a car radio , '' says Mr Greatrex , who is parks and open spaces officer for Vale of Glamorgan Council .
`` Although it 's not the magic bullet to replace glyphosate , it has cut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And it 's made us think more about what we 're doing overall on the environment , so that 's quite an interesting by-product . ''
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In their efforts to minimise pesticide use , some are refining abandoned weed-killing technologies of the past - such as zapping weeds with electricity .
`` The first patents were in the 19th Century : there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ succeeded because the energy was hard to control , '' says Karsten Vialon of precision farming supplier AGXtend .
`` And chemistry was so cheap , so easy to use and so efficient that all the companies working on alternatives could n't succeed . ''
But , he says , as weeds have developed resistance to herbicides , and environmental and health concerns have come to the fore , electricity has become a viable alternative once again .
The XPower system , which attaches to a tractor , kills plants in less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to destroy the vascular bundles that transport water and nutrients .
`` Electricity has no residues , a low risk of erosion and a high efficiency because we can control the whole plant in a systemic way - all of the plant , including the roots , '' says Mr Vialon .
`` We can destroy any plant .
The only plant we can not destroy is a tree . ''
Meanwhile , a new device created by the University of Melbourne and spun off into a company called Growave is undergoing trials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ microwave warms food , so the microwaves emitted by the Growave system heat up the water molecules within weeds and cause them to vibrate .
This ruptures the cell walls , killing the plant .
Meanwhile , microwaves can also heat the soil , killing weed seeds as they lie .
`` Early data is demonstrating that using the Growave technology will be as cost-effective and potentially less expensive than current approaches to weed management , '' says Paul Barrett , head of physical sciences of investment firm IP Group .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is not influenced by the elements and can be used when it rains , when it 's windy or even at night - conditions which are not possible with traditional herbicide-spraying approaches . ''
And even before anybody gets anywhere near a patch of weeds , technology can be working to minimise herbicide use .
Israeli company Taranis , for example , uses computer vision , satellite and drone imagery to identify precisely what weeds are growing and where , allowing weedkiller to be far more tightly targeted .
`` What usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scouters will head out to the field and look through different sampling areas of the fields to see if there 's any indication of disease or pests or weeds , '' explains director of marketing Tali Brousard-Shimer .
`` We offer scouting with drones and planes that fly over the fields at 200km/h taking pictures of each acre to indicate where there 's any crop stress .
These super-high-resolution images - sub-millimetre images - are fed into our platform to identify the actual issues taking place in those areas . ''
While human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours , she says , the Taranis system can manage 100 in six minutes , identifying specific weeds as soon as they emerge .
And , once the artificial intelligence has done its stuff , the system comes up with a specific prescription .
`` If a farmer 's field was sprayed with herbicide pre-planting , and after the planting there 's still resistant weeds in one area , you do n't want to spray the entire field because you 're creating additional damage , '' says Ms Brousard-Shimer .
With mounting concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemical alternatives - Leo de Montaignac , chief executive of Weedingtech , believes that the alternative market is set to boom .
`` I think that we 're only just seeing the very start of this market , and I think that over the next couple of decades , we 're going to see outright bans on traditional chemical herbicides in public spaces , '' he says .
`` This market 's going to explode . ''

"Although it's not the magic bullet to replace glyphosate, it has cut down massively on our use of it. And it's made us think more about what we're doing overall on the environment, so that's quite an interesting by-product."


bbc--2020-01-28--Letter from Africa: The 'leopard unit', vigilantes and Nigeria's kidnap crisis

In our series of letters from African journalists , the editor-in-chief of Nigeria 's Daily Trust newspaper , Mannir Dan Ali , considers the controversy over the latest plan to deal with insecurity in his country .
Last week , I helped pay a ransom to free the kidnapped wife and two daughters of a friend .
The three had been held for eight days after being snatched from their home in the northern city of Kaduna .
What I did no longer seems unusual and it 's just one of the many stories resulting from the current insecurity in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been accused of ineffectiveness and the governors of six states in south-west Nigeria have come up with their own answer .
They have announced that they plan to set up their own security outfit to be known by the Yoruba word for leopard - amotekun .
Exactly how it will operate is not yet known as the states are still finalising the plans , but it is set to involve employing new security personnel with the power to arrest .
Amotekun will also share intelligence and security infrastructure across the states .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and led some to accuse the six states of plotting to secede from Nigeria , a diverse country of 200 million people .
Yorubas are one of its three main ethno-linguistic groups .
To ease suspicion the governors met Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and top police figures last week .
But if anyone had expected that that would be the end of the controversy then they were disappointed .
Emerging from the meeting Ondo state Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who chairs the council of the six governors , said a deal had been struck .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and enact enabling laws to create Amotekun and at the same time align it with federal police initiatives .
But almost immediately , Afenifere , a Yoruba cultural group which stoutly supports the new initiative , quickly dismissed the agreement saying the federal government can not dictate how the south-west protects its people .
Similar sentiments were expressed by others on the matter , which has gived opponents of what they see as a bumbling federal government a rallying point .
The media , both old and new , is awash with stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of newspaper space have been devoted to Amotekun , while TV and radio discussion programmes and news bulletins have also been dominated by the issue .
And social media has been on fire since the idea first came to light several weeks ago .
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Bola Tinubu , reputed to be the most influential politician from the south-west , and whose support was critical in getting Muhammadu Buhari elected as president in 2015 , was goaded into declaring a position .
With the ambition of getting President Buhari 's support for him to contest the next presidential election in 2023 , and careful not to antagonise his critical base in the south-west , Mr Tinubu appeared to support both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the matter have reflected the distrust between the different regions of Nigeria .
When the veteran northern politician , Balarabe Musa , aired his views on Amotekun , he said it was the beginning of a separatist republic for the Yorubas .
The reactions came thick and fast .
Nobel literature laureate , Wole Soyinka , said that `` raising the spectre of secession is a facile approach to the dangerous , self-evident lapses in governance '' .
The poet and playwright added that `` the midwives of Amotekun have repeatedly acknowledged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crisis of escalating proportions '' .
But the Attorney General and Minister of Justice , Abubakar Malami , said that the proposed regional security outfit was against the law since the constitution vests such powers in the federal government .
`` Amotekun [ is ] unconstitutional and illegal , '' he declared .
While our leaders debate points of constitutional law , hapless Nigerians , not just in the south-west but all over the country , are at the mercy of kidnappers , bandits and in the case of the north-east , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maiming and making people poorer as they prevent them from earning their living in peace .
Apart from those who specialise in stealing oil from pipelines , there are also the bandits who rule the roost in many towns and villages , making it impossible for many to farm or keep livestock .
This is in addition to the herders who kill and maim farmers who challenge their right of way .
I am aware of many who have abandoned their multi-million naira investments in their farms for fear of getting kidnapped if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as if the authorities are not doing anything , as they periodically deal with some of the gangs involved .
In the case of the north-west , where banditry is rife , the authorities have agreed on an amnesty for criminals who give up their unlawful acts .
This week , President Muhammadu Buhari ordered air strikes against bandits , kidnappers and cattle rustlers in forested areas bordering three states in the north and centre of the country .
He said that air raids `` remain the best approach given the lack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack '' .
But the measures appear piecemeal and suggest that something more systematic and drastic needs to be done before everyone resorts to self-help or vigilantism .
In just the past few weeks , in a sign of people taking matters into their own hands , alleged kidnappers were reportedly burnt to death by mobs in the south-eastern Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states .
In the capital , Abuja , not only did a mob kill an alleged kidnapper , they also vandalised a police vehicle when the police tried to intervene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussion and agreement on measures to deal with the situation involving all tiers of government , instead of the grand-standing that distracts from tackling the criminals , who continue to have the upper hand .
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Exactly how it will operate is not yet known as the states are still finalising the plans, but it is set to involve employing new security personnel with the power to arrest.


bbc--2020-01-27--Reality Check: Are anti-Semitic attacks on the rise?

There have been references at the commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz about the resurgence of anti-Semitism .
Most of the data on this comes from individual countries , which are not necessarily comparable , but there has also been some broader work .
For example , the latest report from Tel Aviv University 's Kantor Center on anti-Semitism worldwide , found the number of major violent incidents in 2018 had been at a relatively high level .
However , it was still well below the levels seen around the times of Israeli conflicts in Gaza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Kantor Center 's definition of a violent incident also includes arson , threats and vandalism .
In Europe , the EU 's agency for fundamental human rights has conducted a recent survey of 16,395 people who identified as Jewish across 12 EU member states .
It found that 89 % of respondents said that anti-Semitism had increased over the last five years in the countries in which they lived .
It also found that 40 % of respondents feared a physical anti-Semitic attack .
The most recent figures from the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been 892 anti-Semitic incidents in the UK in the first six months of 2019 .
This was the highest total for the first six months of any year , although that was partly because of better reporting of online incidents .
Home Office data suggested that Jews were the second most commonly targeted group for religious hate crime ( after Muslims ) with 1,326 offences in 2018-19 , up from 672 the previous year .
Classifying hate crime by perceived religious target is a relatively new thing and only became compulsory in 2017-18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rights Advisory Committee reported 541 anti-Semitic incidents in 2018 , which was a considerable increase from 311 the previous year , but well down from peaks in 2014 , 2009 and the early 2000s .
German police recorded 307 anti-Semitic crimes in 2018 , which was up from 233 the previous year .
In the US , the Anti Defamation League ( ADL ) tracks anti-Semitic incidents .
It found there had been 1,879 in 2018 , which was slightly down on 2017 , but still at a historically high level .
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The most recent figures from the UK's Community Security Trust found there had been 892 anti-Semitic incidents in the UK in the first six months of 2019. This was the highest total for the first six months of any year, although that was partly because of better reporting of online incidents.