bbc--2020-12-18--Players 'overwhelmingly' want to continue taking a knee, says PFA after consultation

Last updated on .From the section Football Players are `` overwhelmingly in support '' of continuing to take a knee to highlight racial inequality and fight discrimination , says the Professional Footballers ' Association .
Members were asked whether an alternative should explored , but they wanted to continue with `` this act of solidarity '' before kick-off .
`` The results were clear , '' said the PFA .
`` Players overwhelmingly support continuing this act of solidarity despite any adverse responses that may be received . ''
• None From Trayvon Martin to Colin Kaepernick : The story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union added there had been a `` lack of leadership '' for English Football League players , who had been left in a `` difficult position '' following the recent negative crowd reaction at several matches across the EFL .
But it said the outcome of its consultation with players from the Premier League , EFL and Women 's Super League ( WSL ) should give `` the EFL and the clubs involved the information needed to support the players '' .
A number of Millwall , Colchester United and Cambridge United fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kick-off in the past two weeks .
One supporter was heard booing at Exeter City and was ejected from the ground as a result .
The Millwall Supporters ' Club said the booing before the south London club 's match against Derby was not motivated by racism , but `` in opposition to the political views held by the Black Lives Matter organisation '' .
England manager Gareth Southgate was among those who said he views taking the knee as showing solidarity and not a political statement .
`` This powerful symbol of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-racism and is not an endorsement of any political position , '' added the PFA .
`` It is a peaceful act of unity that highlights a persistent and systemic issue . ''
Among the widespread condemnation , Cambridge chief executive Ian Mather described the booing as `` completely abhorrent to anything the club stands for '' , though he praised other supporters for attempting to drown it out with applause .
He said that the club would support players continuing to take a knee , and any fans who booed would face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's first home fixture after the fans booed , the players linked arms with QPR players instead of kneeling .
`` The initiative has been player-led from the outset , '' said Jason Lee , the PFA equalities executive .
`` The purpose of the discussions and survey was to make sure that we were continuing to represent what the players wanted on this issue .
`` We can now take this position forward with authority when in dialogue with media , clubs and the EFL . ''
Following the news that Millwall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the EFL said : `` Our position remains unchanged and we will continue to support the wishes of our clubs ' players either on an individual or collective basis .
`` We will facilitate the communication of the message that discrimination in any form is unacceptable and not welcome within our game or our communities - Not Today or Any Day . ''
The FA is investigating the `` crowd-related incidents '' at Millwall , Colchester and Cambridge .
• None Documentaries Like Nowhere Else : From inspiration to infamous , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Like Nowhere Else : Give Kurupt FM a go with the People Just Do Nothing box set

Last updated on .From the section Football
Players, officials and staff at Premier League and EFL games have been taking a knee since the 2019-20 season restarted in June to show their support for the movement for racial equality
Players are "overwhelmingly in support" of continuing to take a knee to highlight racial inequality and fight discrimination, says the Professional Footballers' Association.
The players' union consulted members on whether they wanted to continue the gesture after some fans booed it.
Members were asked whether an alternative should explored, but they wanted to continue with "this act of solidarity" before kick-off.
"The results were clear," said the PFA.
"Players overwhelmingly support continuing this act of solidarity despite any adverse responses that may be received."
The union added there had been a "lack of leadership" for English Football League players, who had been left in a "difficult position" following the recent negative crowd reaction at several matches across the EFL.
But it said the outcome of its consultation with players from the Premier League, EFL and Women's Super League (WSL) should give "the EFL and the clubs involved the information needed to support the players".
A number of Millwall, Colchester United and Cambridge United fans booed their players taking a knee before kick-off in the past two weeks. One supporter was heard booing at Exeter City and was ejected from the ground as a result.
The Millwall Supporters' Club said the booing before the south London club's match against Derby was not motivated by racism, but "in opposition to the political views held by the Black Lives Matter organisation".
England manager Gareth Southgate was among those who said he views taking the knee as showing solidarity and not a political statement.
"This powerful symbol of solidarity represents the players' commitment to anti-racism and is not an endorsement of any political position," added the PFA.
"It is a peaceful act of unity that highlights a persistent and systemic issue."
'I think we should still be taking the knee'
Among the widespread condemnation, Cambridge chief executive Ian Mather described the booing as "completely abhorrent to anything the club stands for", though he praised other supporters for attempting to drown it out with applause.
He said that the club would support players continuing to take a knee, and any fans who booed would face a ban.
However, at Millwall's first home fixture after the fans booed, the players linked arms with QPR players instead of kneeling.
"The initiative has been player-led from the outset," said Jason Lee, the PFA equalities executive.
"The purpose of the discussions and survey was to make sure that we were continuing to represent what the players wanted on this issue.
"We can now take this position forward with authority when in dialogue with media, clubs and the EFL."
Following the news that Millwall players would be linking arms with QPR, the EFL said: "Our position remains unchanged and we will continue to support the wishes of our clubs' players either on an individual or collective basis.
"We will facilitate the communication of the message that discrimination in any form is unacceptable and not welcome within our game or our communities - Not Today or Any Day."
The FA is investigating the "crowd-related incidents" at Millwall, Colchester and Cambridge.
An EFL spokesman said: "Taking the knee has, quite rightly, been a player-led initiative taken in support of the anti-discrimination and anti-racism message across football and wider society.
"The league's position, which has remained consistent throughout this period and is a position shared across the professional game, is that we will continue to respect and support the decision of individual players who wish to take this form of action as we respect players' freedom of expression on this issue. By definition it has to be an individuals' choice as to whether they wish to 'take a knee' before a match if it is to remain an effective stance.
"We have provided guidance to match officials and clubs to help them support players on matchdays and the position has remained the same since the return of EFL fixtures in June, so there shouldn't be any confusion on this matter.
"We will continue to listen to the players' views as part of our ongoing work with football's wider stakeholders to tackle all forms of discrimination in our game."


bbc--2020-12-18--'I've got the evidence' - Lennon backing himself as Celtic prepare for Scottish Cup final

One word stands out during Neil Lennon 's in-depth interview to preview Celtic 's Scottish Cup final meeting with Hearts - `` evidence '' .
Season 2020-21 has been a tough one so far for the 49-year-old , but he 's been through much of it before - and that 's exactly why he is not letting panic set in .
Celtic lost just one 2020 home match before lockdown .
Since football returned in August , they 've lost four .
But , as he tells BBC Scotland , he feels `` galvanised '' .
• None What was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trophy run ?
• None Does the quadruple treble still matter to Celtic ?
`` We know what 's at stake , '' he says of the club 's pursuit of a fourth consecutive domestic treble .
`` It 's a game we dearly want to win for so many reasons .
The gravity of the achievement is not beyond us .
`` It 's important to us to try and complete the quadruple treble , which will probably never be seen again .
It 's really important for me personally .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first treble and for the players to finish off what 's been a magnificent four years for the club . ''
There will not be a fifth treble in a row after Celtic exited this season 's League Cup in the second round , while Europe is over for another campaign after a poor Europa League group stage .
That has left Sunday 's match , rearranged from last season , and winning a 10th top-flight title in a row as Celtic and Lennon 's principle targets .
Lennon was the manager that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wins in 2012 and , having left in 2014 , he returned in 2019 after Ronny Deila and Brendan Rodgers had carried on his initial success .
While results have improved with recent wins against Lille and Kilmarnock , Celtic 's record overall this season has been a downturn on previous campaigns - 15 wins , five draws and seven defeats in all competitions .
Six of those defeats and four of the draws came in Celtic 's most recent 14 games and led to fan protests and two club votes of confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first spell , in the second season , we were going through a similar sort of run and we had had a really good season the season before , '' Lennon explains .
`` Do you radically change your training methods and radically change the way you approach things ?
We did n't do it at that stage and we went on a great run .
`` The last two results have really lifted the group and the club as a whole .
I do n't think we panicked .
I 've got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's right and my own demeanour with the players has n't changed as well .
If you start showing cracks in your own demeanour , players pick up on that .
`` You may never convince some of the doubters .
We 've won four trophies , this is a potential fifth .
I 've got the evidence to back up that I can do the job .
The majority of the fans are with us and there 's a unity there .
We understand the frustrations of some of the fans as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of history for Celtic are Hearts , still wounded after an SPFL vote to curtail the season during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic relegated them to the second tier .
And Lennon , whose side defeated Hearts in 2019 final , is not taking anything for granted as both sides prepare for a surreal cup final in front of no fans amid the ongoing restrictions .
`` We respect Hearts , excellent coach and a good group of players , '' he adds .
`` We have to be right on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has definitely been to our detriment .
Players at the club that have been here a long time , they feed off the energy .
We try to find solutions to that in whatever we can .
`` The whole thing about this year is it 's just not routine , it 's just not normal . ''

Celtic trophy run may not be repeated - Lennon
Scottish Cup final: Celtic v Heart of Midlothian Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow Date: Sunday, 20 December Time: 14:15 GMT Coverage: Watch live on BBC One Scotland & online, live radio coverage on Radio Scotland & text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app
One word stands out during Neil Lennon's in-depth interview to preview Celtic's Scottish Cup final meeting with Hearts - "evidence".
It's a word that comes up more than once as the manager outlines why he still believes he is the right man to lead the club.
Season 2020-21 has been a tough one so far for the 49-year-old, but he's been through much of it before - and that's exactly why he is not letting panic set in.
Celtic lost just one 2020 home match before lockdown. Since football returned in August, they've lost four. But, as he tells BBC Scotland, he feels "galvanised".
"We know what's at stake," he says of the club's pursuit of a fourth consecutive domestic treble. "It's a game we dearly want to win for so many reasons. The gravity of the achievement is not beyond us.
"It's important to us to try and complete the quadruple treble, which will probably never be seen again. It's really important for me personally. As a manager, it would be my first treble and for the players to finish off what's been a magnificent four years for the club."
There will not be a fifth treble in a row after Celtic exited this season's League Cup in the second round, while Europe is over for another campaign after a poor Europa League group stage.
That has left Sunday's match, rearranged from last season, and winning a 10th top-flight title in a row as Celtic and Lennon's principal targets.
Lennon was the manager who started Celtic's current run of title wins in 2012 and, having left in 2014, he returned in 2019 after Ronny Deila and Brendan Rodgers had carried on his initial success.
'I don't think we panicked'
While results have improved with recent wins against Lille and Kilmarnock, Celtic's record overall this season has been a downturn on previous campaigns - 15 wins, five draws and seven defeats in all competitions.
Six of those defeats and four of the draws came in Celtic's most recent 14 games and led to fan protests and two club votes of confidence in the manager.
"In my first spell, in the second season, we were going through a similar sort of run and we had had a really good season the season before," Lennon explains.
"Do you radically change your training methods and radically change the way you approach things? We didn't do it at that stage and we went on a great run.
"The last two results have really lifted the group and the club as a whole. I don't think we panicked. I've got evidence that the processes and the philosophy's right and my own demeanour with the players hasn't changed as well. If you start showing cracks in your own demeanour, players pick up on that.
"You may never convince some of the doubters. We've won four trophies, this is a potential fifth. I've got the evidence to back up that I can do the job. The majority of the fans are with us and there's a unity there. We understand the frustrations of some of the fans as well."
Familiar foe at Hampden
Hearts lost to Celtic in 2019 Scottish Cup final
Standing in the way of history for Celtic are Hearts, still wounded after an SPFL vote to curtail the season during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic relegated them to the second tier.
And Lennon, whose side defeated Hearts in 2019 final, is not taking anything for granted as both sides prepare for a surreal cup final in front of no fans amid the ongoing restrictions.
"We respect Hearts, excellent coach and a good group of players," he adds. "We have to be right on the day.
"The lack of atmosphere has definitely been to our detriment. Players at the club that have been here a long time, they feed off the energy. We try to find solutions to that in whatever we can.
"The whole thing about this year is it's just not routine, it's just not normal."


bbc--2020-12-18--Sports Personality of the Year: Jordan Henderson on dedication needed to win title

Speaking in June , Sports Personality of the Year contender Jordan Henderson pays tribute to his team-mates and manager Jurgen @ @ @ @ @ first top-flight title in 30 years .
Each day this week we will be featuring @ @ @ @ @ Personality of the Year .
You can watch Sports Personality of the Year from 20:00 @ @ @ @ @ December on BBC One , BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app .

Speaking in June, Sports Personality of the Year contender Jordan Henderson pays tribute to his team-mates and manager Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool won their first top-flight title in 30 years.
Each day this week we will be featuring a different contender for Sports Personality of the Year.
You can watch Sports Personality of the Year from 20:00 GMT on Sunday, 20 December on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.
Read More: Meet the Sports Personality contenders


bbc--2020-12-19--Covid: US approves Moderna as second vaccine

`` I hope this marks the beginning of the end of a very painful time in our history .
I @ @ @ @ @ that the vaccine is safe .
We 're in a pandemic and so we all @ @ @ @ @ , '' Ms Lindsay said .

"We know the immense challenges ahead, including scaling up manufacturing, distribution, and the monumental task of vaccinating hundreds of millions of Americans. We need to make sure we have the resources to do all of this and to do it quickly."


bbc--2020-12-18--Covid : US Vice-President Pence 'didn't feel a thing'

US Vice-President Mike Pence received the coronavirus vaccine live on television , and he said he `` did n't feel @ @ @ @ @ White House said the aim of the move was to `` promote the safety and @ @ @ @ @ build confidence among the American people '' .
Mr Pence 's wife and Surgeon General @ @ @ @ @ jab at the televised White House event .
On Monday the US began rolling out @ @ @ @ @ first vaccine to be approved in the US .
Read more : US Vice-President Mike @ @ @ @ @ TV

US Vice-President Mike Pence received the coronavirus vaccine live on television, and said he "didn't feel a thing".
The White House said the aim of the move was to "promote the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and build confidence among the American people".
Mr Pence's wife and Surgeon General Jerome Adams also received the jab at the televised White House event.
On Monday the US began rolling out the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, the first vaccine to be approved in the US.
Read more: US Vice-President Mike Pence receives vaccine live on TV


bbc--2020-12-18--Covid-19 pandemic: Sweden reverses face mask guidelines for public transport

However , earlier this week , schools across the Stockholm region were asked to switch to distance learning for 13 @ @ @ @ @ time as soon as possible .
The measure was announced in response to rising Covid-19 @ @

However, earlier this week, schools across the Stockholm region were asked to switch to distance learning for 13 to 15-year-olds for the first time as soon as possible. The measure was announced in response to rising Covid-19 cases.


bbc--2020-12-18--US evictions crisis: 'My pride has gone. We're pretty much homeless now'

`` We 've got 200 bucks saved up , it 's going to get us nowhere , It 's the @ @ @ @ @ holidays , '' Lightner said .
`` I sit up at night thinking how I @ @ @ @ @ they ca n't have a Christmas because we have to get out of here in @ @ @ @ @

"We've got 200 bucks saved up, it's going to get us nowhere, It's the timing. It's the holidays," Lightner said. "I sit up at night thinking how I can explain to my kids they can't have a Christmas because we have to get out of here in a few days."


bbc--2020-12-19--Brexit: UK-EU trade talks enter critical 48-hour period

Although the majority of EU members are not coastal nations , and although everyone in the bloc would love to @ @ @ @ @ bed - for political and financial reasons , as well as being plain fed up @ @ @ @ @ EU as a whole wo n't try to force member states to sign up if @ @ @ @

"They have built up an industry, they have invested in boats and they've had access to these waters for decades, if not centuries and it has been taken away from them and they have not real say in the matter, they had no part in the vote - so feelings are running pretty high," he said.


bbc--2020-12-18--Eminem uses song to say sorry to Rihanna for backing Chris Brown

Eminem and Rihanna have collaborated several times , including on 2010 's US number one single Love the Way You @ @ @ @ @ Numb on her 2012 album Unapologetic and The Monster from The Marshall Mathers LP 2 @ @ @

Eminem and Rihanna have collaborated several times, including on 2010's US number one single Love the Way You Lie, as well as Numb on her 2012 album Unapologetic and The Monster from The Marshall Mathers LP 2 in 2013.


bbc--2020-12-18--US judge says parents owe son over trashed porn collection

Following the verdict , an attorney for the parents said she was working to determine the damages , and had @ @ @ @ @ Erotic Heritage Museum in Nevada to help with the process .

Following the verdict, an attorney for the parents said she was working to determine the damages, and had hired an expert from the Erotic Heritage Museum in Nevada to help with the process.


bbc--2020-12-18--Woman 'crushed' by Japan town vote after alleged sex assault by mayor

`` But this is because we know that , in such a male-dominated society , an atmosphere is created in @ @ @ @ @ women in weaker positions to speak up .

"But this is because we know that, in such a male-dominated society, an atmosphere is created in which it is difficult for women in weaker positions to speak up.


bbc--2020-12-18--Yemen: Plea to save conjoined twins 'in critical condition'

`` An echocardiogram showed that each of the two children had their own heart , though the position of the @ @ @ @ @ is not normal , '' Al-Sabeen hospital director Majda al-Khatib told the AFP news agency @

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bbc--2020-12-18--Afghanistan: Blast kills 15 children in eastern province

A bomb went off after a man driving a motorised rickshaw entered the village and was surrounded by children , @ @ @ @ @ for the Ghazni provincial governor , was quoted as saying by the Associated Press .

A bomb went off after a man driving a motorised rickshaw entered the village and was surrounded by children, Wahidullah Jumazada, a spokesman for the Ghazni provincial governor, was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.


bbc--2020-12-18--Meghan settles case over Archie photos with Splash UK agency

Meghan 's solicitor , Jenny Afia , said that in light of the administration the parties had agreed to settle @ @ @ @ @ , with Splash UK agreeing not to take any photographs of the couple or their @ @ @ @ @ out of administration in the future .

Meghan's solicitor, Jenny Afia, said that in light of the administration the parties had agreed to settle the claim against the agency, with Splash UK agreeing not to take any photographs of the couple or their son, should it come out of administration in the future.


bbc--2020-12-18--Japan snowstorm: 'I had to eat snow'

Japan snowstorm: 'I had to eat snow'

Hundreds of drivers were left stranded when snow blanketed a major travel route in Japan .
Authorities have distributed food @ @ @ @ @ the those stuck on the Kanetsu expressway , which connects the capital Tokyo to Niigata @ @ @ @ @ The heavy snow is expected to continue through the weekend .

Hundreds of drivers were left stranded when snow blanketed a major travel route in Japan.
Authorities have distributed food, fuel and blankets to the those stuck on the Kanetsu expressway, which connects the capital Tokyo to Niigata, in the north.
The heavy snow is expected to continue through the weekend.


bbc--2020-12-18--Quiz of the Year, part two: What went on during lockdown?

Quiz of the Year 2020 - Part Two Fifty-two weeks , 52 questions .
How many can you get ?
@ @ @ @ @ 9-12 - Not the Wurst ; 5-8 - Trouble Making Your Mind Up ?
; @ @ @ @ @ - The greatest ; 9-12 - Not the Wurst ; 5-8 - Trouble Making Your @ @ @ @ @ - Your Waterloo 13 - The greatest ; 9-12 - Not the Wurst ; 5-8 @ @ @ @ @ Up ?
; 0-4 - Your Waterloo 13 - The greatest ; 9-12 - Not @ @ @ @ @ Trouble Making Your Mind Up ?
; 0-4 - Your Waterloo

Quiz of the Year 2020 - Part Two Fifty-two weeks, 52 questions. How many can you get?
In April, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spent three nights in intensive care with coronavirus. By the end of the month, he had a newborn on his hands, after his partner, Carrie Symonds, gave birth to a son. But what did they name the child?
Joe Biden (centre right) was the final Democratic Party candidate left in the race to take on Donald Trump in the US presidential election. But which of his opponents was the last to pull out of the contest?
The US released three declassified videos of UFOs, to establish footage circulating was real. Two had been published by the New York Times, the other by an organisation studying the paranormal, co-founded by the singer of which rock group?
Days before the US confirmed its millionth coronavirus case, President Donald Trump suggested scientists might research treating patients by injecting disinfectant into the body. But what else did he suggest scientists examine?
It's been a rollercoaster year for stock markets, with share values plummeting amid lockdowns and fear of recession then rebounding with positive news of vaccines. But who, in May, wiped $14bn (£10.5bn) from his company's value with a tweet?
Rumours of the demise of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un - sparked when he failed to appear at the national celebrations of his late grandfather's birthday - proved to be greatly exaggerated. But how did he reappear in public?
With basketball documentary The Last Dance proving essential lockdown viewing for many, the value of memorabilia signed by its star, Michael Jordan, rocketed. But what sold for a record $560,000 (£420,000) in May?
Bob Behnken (left) and Doug Hurley became the first astronauts sent into orbit by a commercial spaceship supplier, when trialling a "taxi" service operated by the company SpaceX. But what was the name of the rocket that took them there?
Rock 'n' roll lost one of its biggest names when Little Richard died at the age of 87. When the Tutti Frutti singer hadn't been hammering the keys of a piano, he had been serving as a Christian minister. But which celebrities did he not marry?
The killing of George Floyd in the US sparked a summer of Black Lives Matter protests and examination of cultural references. Country band Dixie Chicks (above) changed their name. But which of the following did not?
Liverpool won football's Premier League in June, 30 years after they were last champions of England. It might have felt like a long time to their fans. But which club has endured the longest wait to regain the title?
A world record was smashed when a guitar sold for $6m (£4.5m) at an auction in Los Angeles. But to whom had it belonged?
The Eurovision Song Contest was cancelled and its Rotterdam venue turned into a coronavirus field hospital. But broadcasters united for a programme honouring the 41 entries, while a BBC poll judged the greatest song in Eurovision history. Which was it?
Your Waterloo 13 - The greatest; 9-12 - Not the Wurst; 5-8 - Trouble Making Your Mind Up?; 0-4 - Your Waterloo
Trouble Making Your Mind Up?
13 - The greatest; 9-12 - Not the Wurst; 5-8 - Trouble Making Your Mind Up?; 0-4 - Your Waterloo
Not the Wurst 13 - The greatest; 9-12 - Not the Wurst; 5-8 - Trouble Making Your Mind Up?; 0-4 - Your Waterloo


bbc--2020-12-19--Microplastics, drugs and food - how jellyfish can help us

Scientists are using jellyfish to help solve three problems - removing microplastics from the water , developing new medicines and @ @ @ @ @ food .
A video for People Fixing the World by Ruth Evans , Daniel Gordon @ @ @ @

Scientists are using jellyfish to help solve three problems - removing microplastics from the water, developing new medicines and providing a sustainable source of food.
A video for People Fixing the World by Ruth Evans, Daniel Gordon and Tom Heyden.


bbc--2020-12-19--Blindian Project: Celebrating black and South Asian relationships

'How do I introduce my partner to my parents ? '
That is the question Jonah Batambuze always gets from @ @ @ @ @ So he has started running workshops to help couples prepare for tricky introductions .
He @ @ @ @ @ Project , an online platform celebrating black and Asian relationships .
He says anti-black racism @ @ @ @ @ can be the biggest challenge for couples .
But recent events in the United States @ @ @ @ @ and the election of Kamala Harris as US vice-president - are starting to shift attitudes @ @ @ @ @ .
Produced by BBC Asian Network 's Nalini Sivathasan .
Additional filming by Baldeep Chahal @ @ @ @

'How do I introduce my partner to my parents?' That is the question Jonah Batambuze always gets from Asians who contact him.
So he has started running workshops to help couples prepare for tricky introductions.
He is the founder of Blindian Project, an online platform celebrating black and Asian relationships. He says anti-black racism within the South Asian community can be the biggest challenge for couples.
But recent events in the United States - Black Lives Matter protests and the election of Kamala Harris as US vice-president - are starting to shift attitudes in the South Asian community.
Produced by BBC Asian Network's Nalini Sivathasan. Additional filming by Baldeep Chahal and Suhail Patel.


bbc--2020-12-19--North Korea: Potato propaganda is back... but what does it mean?

Potatoes were the star of North Korean food propaganda in the 1990s when the country faced a severe famine .
@ @ @ @ @ , the humble spud retreated from North Korean media .
The root vegetable is now @ @ @ @ @ media has prominently featured the potato in movies , news reports and culinary shows .
@ @ @ @ @ Jakhar explains what it may mean .

Potatoes were the star of North Korean food propaganda in the 1990s when the country faced a severe famine. As the economic situation improved, the humble spud retreated from North Korean media.
The root vegetable is now making a comeback. State media has prominently featured the potato in movies, news reports and culinary shows.
BBC Monitoring’s Pratik Jakhar explains what it may mean.
Video produced by Suniti Singh


bbc--2020-12-19--Week in pictures: 12-18 December 2020

Week in pictures: 12-18 December 2020

A selection of powerful news photographs taken around the world this week .

Image caption,
Widows and other female relatives of farmers who are believed to have killed themselves over debt attend a protest at the Tikri border near the Indian capital, Delhi. They demonstrated against agricultural laws passed by India's parliament which further open up the sector to private interests, which farmers fear will make them more vulnerable.


bbc--2020-12-18--Sesame Street creates Rohingya muppets for refugee children

`` These are two very special Sesame Muppets - for most Rohingya children , Noor and Aziz will be the @ @ @ @ @ who look and sound like them , '' explained Sherrie Westin of the show 's @ @ @ @ @ .

"These are two very special Sesame Muppets - for most Rohingya children, Noor and Aziz will be the very first characters in media who look and sound like them," explained Sherrie Westin of the show's non-profit arm, Sesame Workshop.


bbc--2020-12-18--The Stand: Anger over actor cast in deaf role for Stephen King TV series

In 2018 , Rachel Shenton and Chris Overton , two former stars of British soap Hollyoaks won an Oscar for @ @ @ @ @ short film which tells the story of a profoundly deaf girl who struggles to communicate @ @ @ @ @ , who they found after advertising on the websites of deaf organisations and then auditioning @ @ @


bbc--2020-12-19--Sir David Attenborough on Joe Biden, Christmas wrapping... and flamingos

`` More people had landed on the moon until fairly recently than had landed on the flats .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ The pH there is about 12 - not far off household bleach .
The only @ @ @ @ @ a hovercraft , which was fun but the rubber skirt is shredded by the jagged @ @ @ @

"More people had landed on the moon until fairly recently than had landed on the flats. It's a highly caustic environment. The pH there is about 12 - not far off household bleach. The only option to get there is a hovercraft, which was fun but the rubber skirt is shredded by the jagged soda crystals."


bbc--2020-12-19--Vanessa Bryant, her mother's lawsuit and the value of childcare

On Mumsnet , an anonymous mother wrote that her parents had asked for £50 a week to look after her @ @ @ @ @ to work after maternity leave .
In the Netmums post , a grandmother said she @ @ @ @ @ grandchildren for around 10 hours a day ; she and her daughter had agreed on @ @ @ @ @ week , she said , but she had `` somehow ended up doing it for @ @ @

On Mumsnet, an anonymous mother wrote that her parents had asked for £50 a week to look after her young children when she returned to work after maternity leave. In the Netmums post, a grandmother said she was looking after her young grandchildren for around 10 hours a day; she and her daughter had agreed on a fee of £40 a week, she said, but she had "somehow ended up doing it for nothing".


bbc--2020-12-19--Covid: The countries worried they won't get the vaccine

So far , he says negotiations are going well but they have yet to secure any doses .
Pakistan ca @ @ @ @ @ a vaccine before they know that it will work .
`` That 's a luxury @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I think there 's only a handful of countries who may do this @ @ @ @ @ the right stuff , the right combination , we should be okay .
But we @ @ @ @ @ . ''

So far, he says negotiations are going well but they have yet to secure any doses. Pakistan can't afford to pay for a vaccine before they know that it will work. "That's a luxury," says Dr Sultan. "I think there's only a handful of countries who may do this. If we can get the right stuff, the right combination, we should be okay. But we cannot do blind bets."


bbc--2020-12-19--Faith and fertility at Bethlehem's Milk Grotto

`` The fact that it 's an active place of miracles to me was just amazing , '' she recalls @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Here there are miracles of life - of children , of women 's @ @ @ @ @ one of my favourite places . ''

"The fact that it's an active place of miracles to me was just amazing," she recalls, her eyes lighting up. "Here there are miracles of life - of children, of women's health. It's really one of my favourite places."


bbc--2020-12-19--Coronavirus in South Africa: Unravelling the mystery

The comparatively low death rates from the pandemic reported in South Africa and in many other African countries have been @ @ @ @ @ demographics - with the average age on the continent roughly half that of Europe and @ @ @ @ @ also to early and aggressive lockdown measures taken by many African governments , which undoubtedly @ @ @ @ @ of the virus and bought valuable time for countries to prepare .

"The hypothesis of cross-immunity - of people having some kind of immunity to Covid-19 - is plausible. But clearly human interventions played a role. It's a little bit frustrating to us - this kind of [idea] that Africans can't do it by ourselves. It's as if other [parts of the world] took the right steps, but African countries were just helped by the weather, by youth, by other factors."


bbc--2020-12-18--Did France's Emmanuel Macron break his own Covid rules?

Despite his condition , he has held several meetings via-videoconferencing .
He said he would continue to focus on `` @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic and Brexit and he would continue managing day-to-day affairs with the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ teams .

Despite his condition, he has held several meetings via-videoconferencing. He said he would continue to focus on "priority" issues such as the pandemic and Brexit and he would continue managing day-to-day affairs with the prime minister, the government and his teams.


bbc--2020-12-18--UK Sport funding decisions about winning 'the right way'

Last updated on .From the section Olympics UK Sport decisions on funding for Paris 2024 signal a move towards greater diversity and winning `` the right way '' , says chair Dame Katherine Grainger .
New additions like surfing and skateboarding have been funded while some traditional sports have seen their budgets reduced .
`` It is a really important and exciting moment , '' Grainger told BBC Sport .
`` There are two key things - broader diversity and broader engagement and that winning is still important but how we win is equally crucial to everyone in the system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure that we win in the right way and that it is n't just a nice tagline to have .
`` This is n't just a phase it is an evolution of the system and the how [ we win ] being so powerful and popular now . ''
Those without the right culture 'not welcome' UK Sport 's `` no-compromise '' approach linking funding strictly to medal potential - which was announced in 2004 - has been blamed for a series of recent athlete welfare and bullying scandals .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October , focusing the future funding of Olympic and Paralympic sport on medal potential over a 12-year period instead of four , with a `` progressive approach '' intended to produce success over a wider range of sports .
`` What we 've done is taken a holistic view of the sports in terms of looking at their athlete cohort and their potential for the future , '' chief executive Sally Munday , told BBC Sport .
`` We 've looked at how they run their programmes , the cost of running their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they 're going to make sure that culture is at the heart of what they do .
`` We 're very satisfied with the sports that we 're investing in that they are committed to having the right culture .
`` We will work together with the sports to make it very clear that if you 're not going to put good positive culture at the heart of what you do you 're simply not welcome . ''
Former rower Grainger - Great Britain 's most decorated female Olympian - has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last three years and she added : `` We have a duty to do well by the public pound and to say it needs to reach as many as possible and in the right way .
`` It needs to have this heart of solid integrity and trust in the system .
`` I want our sporting community to be known internationally for its people-first approach and also known for upholding the highest standards of integrity . ''
While the funding represents an increase on the £345m allocated for the Tokyo Games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , some of Britain 's most successful sports have lost out .
Athletics , gymnastics , rowing and swimming have all had budgets cut by around 10 % while sailing , canoeing , equestrian and modern pentathlon have also taken reductions .
Badminton has seen a significant increase and GB wheelchair rugby has had its funding restored .
The sport received £3m in total in the run up to Rio 2016 but had all funding removed after failing to win a medal at the Games .
They have since won two European titles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world .
Britain won 67 medals at Rio 2016 and claimed 64 gold medals in the Paralympics .
British Rowing chief executive Andy Parkinson said he was not surprised to see a cut of around £2.4m for the sport in `` difficult economic times '' .
However , his counterpart at Pentathlon GB , Sara Heath , said she was `` disappointed & perplexed '' by a reduction of just over 20 % .
In a statement , Pentathlon GB said it intended to lodge an appeal , with Heath stressing a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving this crucial funding '' .
On the decision to cut funding for a number of sports , Munday added : `` These are pretty tough times in terms of the financial envelope that is available to us and we have looked across the piece .
`` We wanted to reach more sports than we 've ever been able to before and as a result we have had to make some pretty tough decisions .
`` I believe that the sports that have been consistently successful will continue to be successful with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An additional new fund worth £3m will also be open to applications from other sports such as breaking , which is set to feature at the Olympics in Paris for the first time .
UK Sport is expected to expected to assess breaking 's potential over the next 12 months as they did when climbing , skateboarding , surfing and karate were all added to the Olympic programme for the first time .
Who got what ?
In rowing , funding fell by almost 10 % , while swimming ( 11.4 % ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw sizable drops .
However , archery saw its funding more than double , badminton 's rose by around £2.5m ( up by over 300 % ) and cycling got an increase of 12 % • None Documentaries Like Nowhere Else : From inspiration to infamous , the story of Lance Armstrong • None Comedy Like Nowhere Else : Give Kurupt FM a go with the People Just Do Nothing box set

Last updated on .From the section Olympics
Rowing is one of several sports that have seen a reduction in funding
UK Sport decisions on funding for Paris 2024 signal a move towards greater diversity and winning "the right way", says chair Dame Katherine Grainger.
British sports will receive £352m for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, split across 43 sports.
New additions like surfing and skateboarding have been funded while some traditional sports have seen their budgets reduced.
"It is a really important and exciting moment," Grainger told BBC Sport.
"There are two key things - broader diversity and broader engagement and that winning is still important but how we win is equally crucial to everyone in the system.
"Everyone is on board to make sure that we win in the right way and that it isn't just a nice tagline to have.
"This isn't just a phase it is an evolution of the system and the how [we win] being so powerful and popular now."
Those without the right culture 'not welcome'
UK Sport's "no-compromise" approach linking funding strictly to medal potential - which was announced in 2004 - has been blamed for a series of recent athlete welfare and bullying scandals.
However, a change in strategy was announced in October, focusing the future funding of Olympic and Paralympic sport on medal potential over a 12-year period instead of four, with a "progressive approach" intended to produce success over a wider range of sports.
"What we've done is taken a holistic view of the sports in terms of looking at their athlete cohort and their potential for the future," chief executive Sally Munday told BBC Sport.
"We've looked at how they run their programmes, the cost of running their programmes, and we've looked at how they're going to make sure that culture is at the heart of what they do.
"We're very satisfied with the sports that we're investing in that they are committed to having the right culture.
"We will work together with the sports to make it very clear that if you're not going to put good positive culture at the heart of what you do you're simply not welcome."
Former rower Grainger - Britain's most decorated female Olympian - has been head of the national funding body for the past three years. She added: "We have a duty to do well by the public pound and to say it needs to reach as many as possible and in the right way.
"It needs to have this heart of solid integrity and trust in the system.
"I want our sporting community to be known internationally for its people-first approach and also for upholding the highest standards of integrity."
The winners and losers
While the funding represents an increase on the £345m allocated for the Tokyo Games and widens from 32 to 43 sports, some of Britain's most successful sports have lost out.
Athletics, gymnastics, rowing and swimming have all had budgets cut by about 10% while sailing, canoeing, equestrian and modern pentathlon have also taken reductions.
Badminton has seen a significant increase and GB wheelchair rugby has had its funding restored. The sport received £3m in total in the run-up to Rio 2016 but had all funding removed after failing to win a medal at the Games.
They have since won two European titles and climbed to number four in the world.
Britain won 67 medals at the Rio Olympics and claimed 64 gold medals in the Paralympics.
British Rowing chief executive Andy Parkinson said he was not surprised to see a cut of about £2.4m for the sport in "difficult economic times".
However, his counterpart at Pentathlon GB, Sara Heath, said she was "disappointed & perplexed" by a reduction of just over 20%.
In a statement, Pentathlon GB said it intended to lodge an appeal, with Heath stressing a "lack of parity... across the sports receiving this crucial funding".
On the decision to cut funding for a number of sports, Munday added: "These are pretty tough times in terms of the financial envelope that is available to us and we have looked across the piece.
"We wanted to reach more sports than we've ever been able to before and as a result we have had to make some pretty tough decisions.
"I believe that the sports that have been consistently successful will continue to be successful with the funding that they have received."
An additional new fund worth £3m will also be open to applications from other sports such as breaking, which is set to feature at the Olympics in Paris for the first time.
UK Sport is expected to expected to assess breaking's potential over the next 12 months as they did when climbing, skateboarding, surfing and karate were all added to the Olympic programme for the first time.
Analysis
BBC sports editor Dan Roan
Despite leading two decades of unprecedented Olympic and Paralympic success, this appears to mark a significant departure in approach from UK Sport.
Amid mounting scrutiny of how public money is invested by the funding agency, the penny seems to have dropped that medals are not all that matters.
Critics have long said UK Sport has focused too much on the so-called 'posh sports', played mostly in private schools, at the expense of growing activities that can inspire more diverse and urban communities. So this is an attempt to redress the balance a little, even if it risks medals in the short-term.
After being partially blamed for a series of bullying scandals UK Sport has also acknowledged winning cannot come at the expense of athlete welfare or integrity. It is too early to judge whether it will be prepared to back up such rhetoric with more funding cuts, but sports have been warned.
Who got what?
In rowing, funding fell by almost 10%, while swimming (11.4%) and equestrian (11.6%) also saw sizable drops.
However, archery saw its funding more than double, badminton's rose by around £2.5m (up by over 300%) and cycling got an increase of 12%


bbc--2020-12-19--Marcus Rashford: Feeding Britain's Children - inside his campaign to tackle child hunger

Last updated on .From the section Football '' There were times when there was n't any food , so you 'd just go to sleep .
The people that were closest to me knew about the situation me and my family were going through , but my team-mates and coaches did n't . ''
That work has been recognised with a string of awards - he was made an MBE in the Queen 's Birthday Honours list , was recognised at both the Best Fifa Football Awards and BBC Sports Personality of The Year , and was included in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new documentary - Marcus Rashford : Feeding Britain 's Children , which will air on BBC One on Monday - the 23-year-old lets us into his family life , and into his campaign to tackle child food poverty .
'Sometimes we did n't even have a loaf of bread ' - Rashford 's background The film gives a unique insight into Rashford 's childhood .
His mother Mel - a single parent of five - explains how she worked three jobs when Rashford was growing up .
While working as a bookmakers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the shop .
`` I used to finish my shift and then go back and do the cleaning , '' she says , adding : `` I used to do pot-washing on a Saturday as well . ''
Mel says there were times she served up food for her children but there would not be enough for herself .
`` Sometimes we did n't even have a loaf of bread in the house , '' she says .
`` But I would n't tell somebody I was struggling - it was embarrassing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documentary , Rashford visits Wythenshawe - the area of south Manchester where he grew up .
He reflects on how local businesses supported him and his family .
`` If they knew my mum was in work , they 'd just let me have a portion of chips or something , '' he says .
Rashford joined Manchester United as a seven-year-old .
Four years later , he moved into club accommodation .
`` It was a big decision that had to be made , '' Mel explains .
`` But because I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really anyone to look after him . ''
Rashford credits his mother with instilling in him the values he is proud of , and she has been heavily involved in his efforts to tackle food poverty during the coronavirus pandemic .
In the film , we learn the footballer moved her and his brothers into a house near Wythenshawe .
Mel says : `` Marcus has provided a home for me and I sit there sometimes and just cry to think of where we 've come from . ''
Rashford says : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have something behind you that is pushing you .
`` When you come from a place of struggle and pain , a lot of the time it switches and it becomes your drive and motivation . ''
'Have they experienced these things ? '
- Rashford 's campaign begins Rashford 's campaign started after the UK went into lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic in March .
He began working with FareShare to raise money to give meals to vulnerable people .
In June , he told the BBC that about £20m had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He then wrote an open letter to MPs , urging the government to reverse a decision not to provide free school meals during the summer holidays .
At the time , about 1.3 million children from low-income backgrounds were eligible for free school meals in England , and the government had given support during the first lockdown in April .
Rashford was driven by his own experiences .
`` The system was not built for families like mine to succeed , regardless of how hard my mum worked , '' he wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says it was `` out of character '' for him to open up about something so personal , but he believes it was necessary .
`` The people making decisions - have they experienced these things ? ''
he asks .
Soon after Rashford went public with his letter , the government reversed its decision .
Mel says she was `` over the moon '' , adding : `` I must have rung him about 20 times ! ''
'Breakfast club has gone from about 30 to 70 children ' - Rashford goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The campaign did not stop ; the film follows Rashford as he pushes for further support .
In touching scenes , he visits his primary school , Button Lane .
Head teacher Emma Roberts tells him she is so proud of what he is doing , and Rashford talks to pupils and shares his stories of meeting friends for life in breakfast club .
Jackie Jones , the school 's safeguarding lead , describes how the number of families seeking support from the breakfast club has risen since the start of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 30 to 70 children , '' she tells Rashford .
`` It used to be about families with parents who work - it 's become about families who can not and do n't have the facilities or the money to feed . ''
Rashford also visits a community store in south London that works with charities to redistribute surplus food from supermarkets to local low-income families .
They say the waiting list of families wanting to use their services over the summer has grown and they are worried about what happens when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is so insensitive ' - the campaign continues into winter In September , Rashford formed a taskforce of major UK food brands and supermarkets .
Together , they called for three policy recommendations by the National Food Strategy to be funded by the government as soon as possible : expanding free school meals to reach more children , expanding existing school holiday food and activities programmes and increasing the value of the Healthy Start vouchers - which help pregnant women , and parents with children under the age of four - to reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded by saying it had already increased support to local authorities and Universal Credit .
`` It was almost like there was no emotional connection , '' Rashford says .
`` They were naming the things that they 've been doing for the last six years , but if those things had worked then I would n't be doing what I 'm doing . ''
A petition set up by Rashford , calling for the government to offer free school meals in England during school holidays , reached one million signatures in October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meals over holidays in England was debated in the House of Commons but the motion was voted down .
`` Have any of the people in government speaking about this had a life where they can literally afford to buy food and pay bills and that 's it ? ''
Rashford asks .
`` I doubt that they have .
The way they speak about it is so insensitive .
For me , it 's like they do n't have big enough understanding on the issue . ''
In the aftermath of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charities and other organisations from around the country came out to show support and offered free meals to struggling families over the school holidays .
Rashford used his social media account to publicise the organisations involved .
`` To see so many people do it off their own backs , all over the country - for me it was just a really proud moment , '' he says . '
I 'm happy we 've got to this stage - Rashford 's call from the PM ... what next ?
After huge public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra support to hard-pressed families over the winter .
In an incredible moment in the film , Rashford receives a personal phone call from Prime Minister Boris Johnson , setting out the changes his government would be making .
`` I gather you 've just played Everton ? ''
says the prime minister , before asking whether he scored .
A modest Rashford replies that he got an assist and his mum had just been teasing him for missing a header .
Johnson goes on to set out his government 's plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter .
They include a £170m Covid winter grant scheme to feed the most vulnerable , £220m to provide extra food and activities for children in school holidays , an extra £16m to food distribution charities and an increase in value of Healthy Start vouchers .
From the package of support , a £170m ring-fenced fund will be distributed through councils , with at least 80 % earmarked for help with food and bills .
Rashford takes it in his stride .
And it does n't sound as if he 's stopping there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to this stage , '' he says .
`` But I ca n't stop thinking about what the bigger picture looks like . ''
• None Marcus Rashford : Feeding Britain 's Children airs on BBC One on Monday , 21 December , at 19:00 GMT If any of the issues in this article have affected you and you would like to get help , there are a number of organisations and initiatives that you can approach • None Documentaries Like Nowhere Else : From inspiration to infamous , the story of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Else : Give Kurupt FM a go with the People Just Do Nothing box set

"There were times when there wasn't any food, so you'd just go to sleep. The people that were closest to me knew about the situation me and my family were going through, but my team-mates and coaches didn't."
At the start of 2020, Marcus Rashford was a Manchester United and England footballer. He will end it as an internationally recognised social justice campaigner on child food poverty. His work for the provision of free school meals in England during holidays and other support to low-income families prompted major changes in government policy.
That work has been recognised with a string of awards - he was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list, was recognised at both the Best Fifa Football Awards and BBC Sports Personality of The Year, and was included in the annual Football Black List.
In a new documentary - Marcus Rashford: Feeding Britain's Children, which will air on BBC One on Monday - the 23-year-old lets us into his family life, and into his campaign to tackle child food poverty.
Rashford meets London family helped by summer holiday meal vouchers
'Sometimes we didn't even have a loaf of bread' - Rashford's background
The film gives a unique insight into Rashford's childhood.
His mother Mel - a single parent of five - explains how she worked three jobs when Rashford was growing up.
While working as a bookmakers' cashier, she took on another job in the shop. "I used to finish my shift and then go back and do the cleaning," she says, adding: "I used to do pot-washing on a Saturday as well."
Mel says there were times she served up food for her children but there would not be enough for herself.
"Sometimes we didn't even have a loaf of bread in the house," she says. "But I wouldn't tell somebody I was struggling - it was embarrassing."
In one scene in the documentary, Rashford visits Wythenshawe - the area of south Manchester where he grew up. He reflects on how local businesses supported him and his family.
"If they knew my mum was in work, they'd just let me have a portion of chips or something," he says.
Rashford’s mum says she worked three jobs, but still couldn't afford to feed herself sometimes
Rashford joined Manchester United as a seven-year-old. Four years later, he moved into club accommodation.
"It was a big decision that had to be made," Mel explains. "But because I was working nights, there wasn't really anyone to look after him."
Rashford credits his mother with instilling in him the values he is proud of, and she has been heavily involved in his efforts to tackle food poverty during the coronavirus pandemic.
In the film, we learn the footballer moved her and his brothers into a house near Wythenshawe.
Mel says: "Marcus has provided a home for me and I sit there sometimes and just cry to think of where we've come from."
Rashford's mum explains the sacrifices she made to support her family
Rashford says: "I think in sport you have to have something behind you that is pushing you.
"When you come from a place of struggle and pain, a lot of the time it switches and it becomes your drive and motivation."
'Have they experienced these things?' - Rashford's campaign begins
Rashford's campaign started after the UK went into lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic in March.
He began working with FareShare to raise money to give meals to vulnerable people.
In June, he told the BBC that about £20m had been raised to supply three million meals.
He then wrote an open letter to MPs, urging the government to reverse a decision not to provide free school meals during the summer holidays. At the time, about 1.3 million children from low-income backgrounds were eligible for free school meals in England, and the government had given support during the first lockdown in April.
Rashford was driven by his own experiences.
Rashford explains his drive to help children in poverty
"The system was not built for families like mine to succeed, regardless of how hard my mum worked," he wrote.
In the BBC film, he says it was "out of character" for him to open up about something so personal, but he believes it was necessary.
"The people making decisions - have they experienced these things?" he asks.
Soon after Rashford went public with his letter, the government reversed its decision.
Mel says she was "over the moon", adding: "I must have rung him about 20 times!"
'Breakfast club has gone from about 30 to 70 children' - Rashford goes back to school and meets food charities
The campaign did not stop; the film follows Rashford as he pushes for further support.
In touching scenes, he visits his primary school, Button Lane.
Head teacher Emma Roberts tells him she is so proud of what he is doing, and Rashford talks to pupils and shares his stories of meeting friends for life in breakfast club.
Jackie Jones, the school's safeguarding lead, describes how the number of families seeking support from the breakfast club has risen since the start of the pandemic.
"Breakfast club has gone from about 30 to 70 children," she tells Rashford. "It used to be about families with parents who work - it's become about families who cannot and don't have the facilities or the money to feed."
Rashford also visits a community store in south London that works with charities to redistribute surplus food from supermarkets to local low-income families.
They say the waiting list of families wanting to use their services over the summer has grown and they are worried about what happens when the school voucher scheme ends.
'It is so insensitive' - the campaign continues into winter
In September, Rashford formed a taskforce of major UK food brands and supermarkets.
Together, they called for three policy recommendations by the National Food Strategy to be funded by the government as soon as possible: expanding free school meals to reach more children, expanding existing school holiday food and activities programmes and increasing the value of the Healthy Start vouchers - which help pregnant women, and parents with children under the age of four - to reach an additional 290,000 people.
The government responded by saying it had already increased support to local authorities and Universal Credit.
"It was almost like there was no emotional connection," Rashford says. "They were naming the things that they've been doing for the last six years, but if those things had worked then I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing."
A petition set up by Rashford, calling for the government to offer free school meals in England during school holidays, reached one million signatures in October. A Labour motion on free school meals over holidays in England was debated in the House of Commons but the motion was voted down.
"Have any of the people in government speaking about this had a life where they can literally afford to buy food and pay bills and that's it?" Rashford asks.
"I doubt that they have. The way they speak about it is so insensitive. For me, it's like they don't have big enough understanding on the issue."
In the aftermath of the vote, countless businesses, councils, charities and other organisations from around the country came out to show support and offered free meals to struggling families over the school holidays.
Rashford used his social media account to publicise the organisations involved.
"To see so many people do it off their own backs, all over the country - for me it was just a really proud moment," he says.
'I'm happy we've got to this stage' - Rashford's call from the PM... what next?
After huge public pressure, the government decided to offer extra support to hard-pressed families over the winter.
In an incredible moment in the film, Rashford receives a personal phone call from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, setting out the changes his government would be making.
"I gather you've just played Everton?" says the prime minister, before asking whether he scored. A modest Rashford replies that he got an assist and his mum had just been teasing him for missing a header.
Johnson goes on to set out his government's plans to support vulnerable families in England over the winter. They include a £170m Covid winter grant scheme to feed the most vulnerable, £220m to provide extra food and activities for children in school holidays, an extra £16m to food distribution charities and an increase in value of Healthy Start vouchers.
'The families deserve the U-turn' - Rashford
From the package of support, a £170m ring-fenced fund will be distributed through councils, with at least 80% earmarked for help with food and bills.
Rashford takes it in his stride. And it doesn't sound as if he's stopping there.
"I'm happy we've got to this stage," he says. "But I can't stop thinking about what the bigger picture looks like."
If any of the issues in this article have affected you and you would like to get help, there are a number of organisations and initiatives that you can approach


bbc--2020-12-18--Perez replaces Albon at Red Bull in 2021

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1 Mexican Sergio Perez has signed to race for Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen next year .
Red Bull said Perez had signed `` initially on a one-year contract '' .
`` Alex is a valued member of the team and we thought long and hard about this decision , '' team boss Christian Horner said .
`` Having taken our time to evaluate all the relevant data and performances we have decided that Sergio is the right driver to partner Max for 2021 .
`` Alex remains an important part of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a key focus on 2022 development and we would like to thank him for his hard work and contribution . ''
Red Bull decided Albon had not performed strongly enough in his 18 months with the team to justify continuing in a race seat .
And Horner said it had been `` impossible to ignore Sergio 's performance in Racing Point , particularly in the second half of the season '' .
He added that Albon was still a potential contender for a race seat in 2022 .
It is Perez 's first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decade-lone Formula 1 career .
Perez said he was `` incredibly grateful for the opportunity '' .
He added : `` The chance to race for a championship contending team is something I have been hoping for since I joined F1 and it will be a proud moment to step onto the grid in Red Bull colours alongside Max .
`` You can be sure that I will give next season my full focus .
The team has the same winning mentality as me and I know I am here to perform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ title . ''
Horner said it would have been an `` injustice '' if Perez had not had a seat in F1 next year after such an impressive 2020 , but added that the driver was `` realistic '' about what to expect going up against Verstappen .
`` He knows the quality of Max , '' Horner said .
`` He 's a seasoned racer now .
He has a huge amount of experience .
He knows what he 's going up against and the quality of Max , who has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
I do n't think he underestimates that challenge in any shape or form but he 's absolutely delighted to get the opportunity and prove himself . ''
Perez was in danger of losing his seat in the sport following Racing Point 's decision to sign four-time champion Sebastian Vettel on a three-year deal from 2021 to partner Lance Stroll , son of team owner Lawrence Stroll .
The Red Bull seat offered him a lifeline which many will feel his performances this season justified .
Perez missed two races in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth in the drivers ' championship behind Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas , and Verstappen .
His victory in Bahrain came after an outstanding drive in which he was last on the first lap after being crashed into by Ferrari 's Charles Leclerc , but fought his way back through the field before benefiting from problems that took out the Mercedes of George Russell , substituting for Hamilton , and Bottas .
He also scored a second place in the rain-hit Turkish Grand Prix in November .
Perez made his F1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second place for the team at the 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix .
His performances there earned him a place at McLaren for 2013 , but the team were beginning a competitive decline and he was dropped after one year , partly as a result of a political fight between chairman Ron Dennis and managing director Martin Whitmarsh .
Perez joined what was then called Force India in 2014 and had stayed there ever since , and was instrumental in forcing the administration process that ousted former owner Vijay Mallya and allowed Stroll to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midfield teams his entire career , Perez has scored a podium in six of his nine seasons in F1 .
Red Bull gave Albon every opportunity to justify them keeping him in the seat , but the team were not convinced .
He was out-qualified by Verstappen at every single race in 2020 , and was on average 0.523 seconds a lap slower .
In races , while Verstappen took two wins and nine other podiums finishes in 17 races , Albon 's best results were two third places in the Tuscan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when contending for strong finishes at the Emilia Romagna and Turkish races .
• None Documentaries Like Nowhere Else : From inspiration to infamous , the story of Lance Armstrong • None Comedy Like Nowhere Else : Give Kurupt FM a go with the People Just Do Nothing box set

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1
Perez won his maiden Formula 1 grand prix in December
Mexican Sergio Perez has signed to race for Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen next year.
The 30-year-old, who took his maiden win in the Sakhir Grand Prix, replaces British-Thai Alex Albon, who will stay with the team as reserve driver.
Red Bull said Perez had signed "initially on a one-year contract".
"Alex is a valued member of the team and we thought long and hard about this decision," team boss Christian Horner said.
"Having taken our time to evaluate all the relevant data and performances we have decided that Sergio is the right driver to partner Max for 2021.
"Alex remains an important part of our team as test and reserve driver with a key focus on 2022 development and we would like to thank him for his hard work and contribution."
Red Bull decided Albon had not performed strongly enough in his 18 months with the team to justify continuing in a race seat.
And Horner said it had been "impossible to ignore Sergio's performance in Racing Point, particularly in the second half of the season".
He added that Albon was still a potential contender for a race seat in 2022.
It is Perez's first chance in a genuine front-running car in a decade-lone Formula 1 career.
Perez said he was "incredibly grateful for the opportunity".
He added: "The chance to race for a championship contending team is something I have been hoping for since I joined F1 and it will be a proud moment to step onto the grid in Red Bull colours alongside Max.
"You can be sure that I will give next season my full focus. The team has the same winning mentality as me and I know I am here to perform and help the team fight for another title."
Horner said it would have been an "injustice" if Perez had not had a seat in F1 next year after such an impressive 2020, but added that the driver was "realistic" about what to expect going up against Verstappen.
"He knows the quality of Max," Horner said. "He's a seasoned racer now. He has a huge amount of experience. He knows what he's going up against and the quality of Max, who has been in immense form the last couple of years. I don't think he underestimates that challenge in any shape or form but he's absolutely delighted to get the opportunity and prove himself."
Perez was in danger of losing his seat in the sport following Racing Point's decision to sign four-time champion Sebastian Vettel on a three-year deal from 2021 to partner Lance Stroll, son of team owner Lawrence Stroll.
The Red Bull seat offered him a lifeline which many will feel his performances this season justified.
Perez missed two races in the summer after contracting coronavirus but still finished fourth in the drivers' championship behind Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, and Verstappen.
His victory in Bahrain came after an outstanding drive in which he was last on the first lap after being crashed into by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, but fought his way back through the field before benefiting from problems that took out the Mercedes of George Russell, substituting for Hamilton, and Bottas.
He also scored a second place in the rain-hit Turkish Grand Prix in November.
Perez made his F1 debut for Sauber 2011, taking a second place for the team at the 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix. His performances there earned him a place at McLaren for 2013, but the team were beginning a competitive decline and he was dropped after one year, partly as a result of a political fight between chairman Ron Dennis and managing director Martin Whitmarsh.
Perez joined what was then called Force India in 2014 and had stayed there ever since, and was instrumental in forcing the administration process that ousted former owner Vijay Mallya and allowed Stroll to buy the team.
Despite driving for midfield teams his entire career, Perez has scored a podium in six of his nine seasons in F1.
Red Bull gave Albon every opportunity to justify them keeping him in the seat, but the team were not convinced.
He was out-qualified by Verstappen at every single race in 2020, and was on average 0.523 seconds a lap slower.
In races, while Verstappen took two wins and nine other podiums finishes in 17 races, Albon's best results were two third places in the Tuscan and Bahrain Grands Prix.
He also spun when contending for strong finishes at the Emilia Romagna and Turkish races.


bbc--2020-12-18--'It's not about advantages, it's about player welfare' - Klopp on latest rejection of five subs

Last updated on .From the section Premier League Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has criticised Premier League clubs for voting against the use of five substitutes for a third time .
Clubs did , however , vote to increase the number of players allowed on the bench from seven to nine .
`` I 'm not sure it 's a compromise , '' said Klopp .
• None Premier League latest and all the updates from Friday 's manager news conferences The club vote came after football 's lawmakers , the International Football Association Board ( Ifab ) , confirmed an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clubs were able to use five substitutes , and have a bench of nine , when the Premier League 2019-20 season resumed as part of Project Restart in June .
However , they chose to return to three at the start of the current campaign .
Klopp has previously criticised Premier League executives for `` ignoring player welfare '' in not increasing the number of substitutes .
His side are missing several key players through injury , including defenders Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez , midfielder Thiago Alcantara and forward Diogo Jota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , '' Klopp added .
`` Everyone knows 10 clubs voted against it .
It was not about advantages , it was only about player welfare .
And they voted against it .
`` Pretty much only they voted against them in the whole world .
`` I do n't know which other leagues only have three subs .
There must be a good reason for it , for all these leagues and clubs to vote for it . ''
The new measure increasing the number of players on the bench comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begins on Saturday .
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is equally puzzled by the decision of clubs , saying the move `` does n't make a lot of sense '' .
Asked whether he could see both sides of the argument , he said : `` At the moment no , because the most important thing is the welfare of the players and the best way to protect them and have options to protect them is to have the option to extend the substitutes .
`` We [ the Premier League ] are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] .
For me it does n't make a lot of sense .
`` But we are pushing , we are giving a lot of stats , giving our opinions .
We have a lot of stats to support what 's happening in the Premier League in terms of injuries but still there is no reaction . ''
Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce said he was happy to remain with three substitutes , although he admitted he could have done with five in recent weeks .
Bruce has been without a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club , and is still missing `` four or five of the squad '' .
`` I could have done with five subs , '' he said .
`` I applaud the decision to have another two on the bench .
`` I 'm all for sticking with the rules for three subs . ''
He added : `` We all voted at the start , and for me we should finish with what we started . ''
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson said his side voted against five subs at the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I presume we voted the same way again because we think three subs is sufficient .
`` I am pleased , however , that nine players are going to be allowed on to the bench which makes a vast difference , I think .
It makes a vast difference in terms of running your team and looking after your team . ''
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti insisted three subs are `` enough to change the game '' and added : `` If you need to rest players , you do that at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him after 60 or 70 minutes . ''
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gave a brief response on the subject .
`` I 've spoken about this , some agree some do n't .
We 'll go with it .
That 's all , '' he said .
• None Documentaries Like Nowhere Else : From inspiration to infamous , the story of Lance Armstrong • None Comedy Like Nowhere Else : Give Kurupt FM a go with the People Just Do Nothing box set

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are without several key players through injury
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has criticised Premier League clubs for voting against the use of five substitutes for a third time.
The Premier League is the only top division in Europe not to have allowed five substitutes for the 2020-21 season.
Clubs did, however, vote to increase the number of players allowed on the bench from seven to nine.
"I'm not sure it's a compromise," said Klopp.
The club vote came after football's lawmakers, the International Football Association Board (Ifab), confirmed an extension to the rule on Wednesday.
Clubs were able to use five substitutes, and have a bench of nine, when the Premier League 2019-20 season resumed as part of Project Restart in June. However, they chose to return to three at the start of the current campaign.
Klopp has previously criticised Premier League executives for "ignoring player welfare" in not increasing the number of substitutes.
His side are missing several key players through injury, including defenders Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, midfielder Thiago Alcantara and forward Diogo Jota.
"Everybody knows my opinions about it," Klopp added. "Everyone knows 10 clubs voted against it. It was not about advantages, it was only about player welfare. And they voted against it.
"Pretty much only they voted against them in the whole world.
"I don't know which other leagues only have three subs. There must be a good reason for it, for all these leagues and clubs to vote for it."
The new measure increasing the number of players on the bench comes into effect from matchday 14, which begins on Saturday.
Arteta puzzled but Bruce sticking with rules
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is equally puzzled by the decision of clubs, saying the move "doesn't make a lot of sense".
Asked whether he could see both sides of the argument, he said: "At the moment no, because the most important thing is the welfare of the players and the best way to protect them and have options to protect them is to have the option to extend the substitutes.
"We [the Premier League] are the only ones doing that [in Europe]. For me it doesn't make a lot of sense.
"But we are pushing, we are giving a lot of stats, giving our opinions. We have a lot of stats to support what's happening in the Premier League in terms of injuries but still there is no reaction."
Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce said he was happy to remain with three substitutes, although he admitted he could have done with five in recent weeks.
Bruce has been without a number of players following a coronavirus outbreak at the club, and is still missing "four or five of the squad".
"I could have done with five subs," he said. "I applaud the decision to have another two on the bench.
"I'm all for sticking with the rules for three subs."
He added: "We all voted at the start, and for me we should finish with what we started."
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson said his side voted against five subs at the start of the season, adding: "I presume we voted the same way again because we think three subs is sufficient.
"I am pleased, however, that nine players are going to be allowed on to the bench which makes a vast difference, I think. It makes a vast difference in terms of running your team and looking after your team."
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti insisted three subs are "enough to change the game" and added: "If you need to rest players, you do that at the beginning of the game, not sub him after 60 or 70 minutes."
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gave a brief response on the subject. "I've spoken about this, some agree some don't. We'll go with it. That's all," he said.


bbc--2020-12-18--Callum Smith v Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez: An underdog champion fights a seasoned risk-taker

Last updated on .From the section Boxing Callum Smith is adamant he can pull off what the 5 Live Boxing team say would be `` one of the greatest wins by any British fighter '' when he faces Saul 'Canelo ' Alvarez on Saturday .
Alvarez , the thrill-seeking Mexican hero who has moved successfully up and down boxing 's weight divisions , has lost only once in 56 fights , and that was seven years ago .
The 5 Live team - who will commentate on the fight - anticipate `` something special '' in the ring at around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do they think will win ?
`` The world knows how good 'Canelo ' Alvarez is but after Saturday night they 'll know how good I am , '' Smith told 5 Live Boxing this week .
The Liverpudlian puts his WBA world super-middleweight title up for grabs in San Antonio and with the vacant WBC belt up for grabs too , the winner will hold two of the four belts at 168lbs .
Alvarez , 30 , beat highly respected world champions at light-heavyweight and middleweight in his past two fights .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ so it is hard to argue he is not living up to his promise of taking `` risks '' to chase `` history '' .
Admirable too is his willingness to take on a man seven inches taller , with a sizable reach advantage .
When photographs of Smith towering over his rival were circulated on Monday , talk on social media began to give the underdog a chance .
`` There 's only so much size your ability can make up for , '' Smith told 5 Live .
But BBC Sport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith 's last opponent John Ryder is only around an inch taller than Canelo and he gave Smith all sorts of problems .
So if Ryder can pose him problems , Canelo , with his boxing IQ , can too . ''
Alvarez beat Smith 's brother Liam in 2016 - one of five wins over Britons on his record .
He dismantled the older Smith brother with brutal body punching .
But Alvarez brings all sorts of variety and has shown an unshakable chin to match .
He has held versions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only the great Floyd Mayweather has beaten him since he started his professional career when he was barely 15 .
Costello warns Smith can expect the kind of body attack `` he has never been subjected to '' , but adds : `` Canelo has had 13 12-round fights , and a number have gone 10 or 11 rounds as well .
At the age of 30 , after 15 years as a pro , how much more is left ? ''
Being the sport 's biggest draw means you can dictate that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a £278m fight contract to effectively have more control of his career .
He picked Smith from a number of fighters looking for a big pay day and , some say crucially , he only gave him just over four weeks ' notice .
`` I just ca n't get my head away from this shorter training camp , '' said 5 Live Boxing 's Steve Bunce .
`` Will it be that the four weeks becomes a key factor in how Saturday night ends ? ''
Around 12,000 fans will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though Alvarez 's trainer Eddie Reynoso has warned Smith the Mexican support will make it sound like 100,000 are there .
Smith could draw comfort from the fact boxing has been kind to underdogs in the Covid-19 era , with the likes of Dillian Whyte and Vasyl Lomachenko falling to shock defeats .
`` I am picking Canelo but I have n't been 100 % strong all week , '' Bunce added .
`` It 's the year of the upset after all . ''
Costello added : `` I think Canelo wins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level he has shown he can win on the back foot and on the front foot .
Also he takes a hell of a shot .
`` I do n't see Smith being outclassed when I think of his size and quality .
This would be right up there as one of the greatest single wins by a British fighter if Smith pulls it off .
`` I 'll take you back to a phrase from the great trainer Virgil Hunter .
'Some boxers have a great performance in them that they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday night that night for Callum Smith ? ''
• None Documentaries Like Nowhere Else : From inspiration to infamous , the story of Lance Armstrong • None Comedy Like Nowhere Else : Give Kurupt FM a go with the People Just Do Nothing box set

Joe Gallagher has worked with WBA champion Smith since 2012
Callum Smith v Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez Date: 19 December Venue: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas Coverage: Live radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live from around 04:00 GMT on Sunday 20 December; Live text commentary on the BBC Sport website
Callum Smith is adamant he can pull off what the 5 Live Boxing team say would be "one of the greatest wins by any British fighter" when he faces Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez on Saturday.
Smith finds himself in the unusual position of being a world champion and an underdog as he prepares to face boxing's best-paid star in Texas.
Alvarez, the thrill-seeking Mexican hero who has moved successfully up and down boxing's weight divisions, has lost only once in 56 fights, and that was seven years ago.
The 5 Live team - who will commentate on the fight - anticipate "something special" in the ring at about 04:00 GMT on Sunday but who do they think will win?
History, height and IQ
"The world knows how good 'Canelo' Alvarez is but after Saturday night they'll know how good I am," Smith told 5 Live Boxing this week.
The Liverpudlian puts his WBA world super-middleweight title on the line in San Antonio and with the vacant WBC belt up for grabs too, the winner will hold two of the four belts at 168lbs.
Alvarez, 30, beat highly respected world champions at light-heavyweight and middleweight in his past two fights. Here he takes on an unbeaten opponent so it is hard to argue he is not living up to his promise of taking "risks" to chase "history".
Admirable too is his willingness to take on a man seven inches taller, with a sizable reach advantage. When photographs of Smith towering over his rival were circulated on Monday, talk on social media began to give the underdog a chance.
"There's only so much size your ability can make up for," Smith told 5 Live.
But BBC Sport boxing correspondent Mike Costello warned: "Smith's last opponent John Ryder is only around an inch taller than Canelo and he gave Smith all sorts of problems. So if Ryder can pose him problems, Canelo, with his boxing IQ, can too."
A long career and a short camp
Liam Smith was beaten in nine rounds by Canelo in September 2016
Alvarez beat Smith's brother Liam in 2016 - one of five wins over Britons on his record. He dismantled the older Smith brother with brutal body punching.
But Alvarez brings all sorts of variety and has shown an unshakable chin to match. He has held versions of a world title at four weights and only the great Floyd Mayweather has beaten him since he started his professional career when he was barely 15.
Costello warns Smith can expect the kind of body attack "he has never been subjected to", but adds: "Canelo has had 13 12-round fights, and a number have gone 10 or 11 rounds as well. At the age of 30, after 15 years as a pro, how much more is left?"
Being the sport's biggest draw means you can dictate that bit more. Alvarez recently walked away from a £278m fight contract to effectively have more control of his career. He picked Smith from a number of fighters looking for a big pay day and, some say crucially, he only gave him just over four weeks' notice.
"I just can't get my head away from this shorter training camp," said 5 Live Boxing's Steve Bunce. "Will it be that the four weeks becomes a key factor in how Saturday night ends?"
A great British win? Predictions....
Alvarez's only loss was to Floyd Mayweather in 2013
About 12,000 fans will be allowed into the Alamodome to watch, though Alvarez's trainer Eddie Reynoso has warned Smith the Mexican support will make it sound like 100,000 are there.
Smith could draw comfort from the fact boxing has been kind to underdogs in the Covid-19 era, with the likes of Dillian Whyte and Vasyl Lomachenko falling to shock defeats.
"I am picking Canelo but I haven't been 100% strong all week," Bunce added. "It's the year of the upset after all."
Costello added: "I think Canelo wins it on points. At the highest level he has shown he can win on the back foot and on the front foot. Also he takes a hell of a shot.
"I don't see Smith being outclassed when I think of his size and quality. This would be right up there as one of the greatest single wins by a British fighter if Smith pulls it off.
"I'll take you back to a phrase from the great trainer Virgil Hunter. 'Some boxers have a great performance in them that they haven't yet produced.'
"Is Saturday night that night for Callum Smith?"