bbcuk--2020-01-07--Labour leadership: Jeremy Corbyn won't endorse any of the six candidates

Jeremy Corbyn has said he will not be endorsing a candidate to replace him as Labour leader .
When asked whether he had made up his mind , he said : `` I wo n't be saying who I 'll be voting for . ''
It comes as six leadership hopefuls set out their stall at a meeting of Labour MPs at Westminster .
All emphasised the need for change after its recent election defeat , Lisa Nandy saying the party would `` deserve to die '' if it did n't change course .
The MPs need to get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues to get on to the ballot paper .
The winner will be announced on 4 April .
Sheffield City region mayor and MP Dan Jarvis has , meanwhile , ruled out a leadership bid .
Shadow business secretary Rebecca Long Bailey , the latest candidate to enter the race , has vowed to build on Mr Corbyn 's socialist policy agenda if she is elected leader .
• New Labour leader to be announced on 4 April Speaking earlier to ITV News , she said Mr Corbyn deserved full marks for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the `` most honest , kind , principled politician '' she has ever met .
`` What we ca n't ignore was that Jeremy was savaged from day one by the press .
`` We have a role as a party to develop the image of our leader and to put them forward in the most positive way , but we also have a duty to rebut criticism and attacks . ''
Mr Corbyn told BBC News that Mrs Long Bailey was a `` wonderful colleague '' , who had given him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but added : `` I never mark my own homework . ''
The Labour MPs ' leadership hustings was closed to the media , but some of the contenders released the text of the speeches they planned to make .
Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer planned to tell MPs : `` I think we can restore trust in our Labour Party .
We have got the talent in this room to do that , if we use it and if we pull together .
I do believe we can force a way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's team said she planned to make `` a passionate case for the party to elect a different sort of leader '' .
`` I do n't want to be the leader of the opposition - I want to be prime minister , '' she was expected to tell her Labour colleagues .
BBC Political Correspondent Iain Watson was among the reporters listening to the speeches in the corridor outside the meeting room .
He said Lisa Nandy told MPs `` never again can we let factions and friends of the leader determine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Wigan MP said in her opening speech : `` This leadership debate is possibly the most important in our history .
Now is not the time to steady the ship .
If we do not change course we will die and we will deserve to . ''
All the candidates , including Emily Thornberry and Clive Lewis , were asked by Halifax MP Holly Lynch what they had done personally to help root out anti-Semitism in the party and what more they would do .
Mrs Long Bailey said voters did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue and rectifying that was part of the process of `` rebuilding trust '' .
According to Labour peer Lord Hain , who was in the room , Ms Nandy said she would accept all the findings of a review into the party 's procedures by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission and implement all its recommendations .
Mr Lewis told BBC 's Newsnight he would be `` brutally honest '' about the state that Labour was in , saying policy making had become too centralised and the right and left were incapable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heel on the throat of the other '' .
He also suggested that some people who had voted for Brexit were racist .
`` The Brexit project had a number of components to it and one of them was racist .
Some of it was about taking back control . ''

Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer planned to tell MPs: "I think we can restore trust in our Labour Party. We have got the talent in this room to do that, if we use it and if we pull together. I do believe we can force a way to victory."


bbcuk--2020-01-07--Jay Sewell death: Man and parents jailed for love rival killing

A man who recruited his parents and a group of his friends to kill a love rival has been jailed for life .
Daniel Grogan , 20 , was `` consumed with hatred and jealousy '' of Jay Sewell , 18 , after finding out he was seeing his ex-girlfriend , the Old Bailey heard .
Mr Sewell was attacked by a group of people in Lee , south-east London , on 11 December 2018 .
Grogan was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 21 years having previously been found guilty of murder .
The court was told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sewell and his ex-girlfriend Gemma Hodder near to his family home .
Ms Hodder , 18 , had driven her partner and some of their friends from Kent to see Grogan when they were set upon by a group armed with knives , hammers , a 4ft ( 1.2m ) fireman 's axe and wooden sticks .
Mr Sewell was fatally attacked through the car window while his friend Charlie Pamphlett was stabbed in the back but survived , jurors were told .
Judge Wendy Joseph QC said Grogan `` desired only revenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been driven by `` self serving anger beyond logic '' .
The 20-year-old was also jailed for five years for wounding with intent and three-and-a-half years for violent disorder , with the sentences to be served concurrently .
Other members of Grogan 's family and friends also received jail sentences for their parts in the killing : • Grogan 's 58-year-old father Robert , who had armed himself with an axe , was sentenced to 14.5 years for manslaughter , six years for wounding with intent and three-and-a-half years for violent disorder • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven-and-a-half years for manslaughter and three-and-a-half years for violent disorder to be served concurrently • His friend and neighbour Charlie Dudley , 26 , of Grove Park , was jailed for 16 years for manslaughter , six-and-a-half years for wounding with intent and three-and-a-half years for violent disorder , to be served concurrently • His cousin Liam Hickey , 19 , of Eltham , was sentenced to three years detention in a Young Offenders Institution for wounding with intent and two years for violent disorder , to be served concurrently In an impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's mother Sharon Louch said there was `` no sentence this court or any other can pass which can come close to healing the pain or make up for not being able to look at my Jay 's face or hear him laugh '' .
`` Jay you were a blessing and made us proud from the day you came to us until the moment you were taken , '' she said .
Others were previously sentenced over the attack : • Francesca Grogan , 30 , of Sibthorpe Road , was jailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jamie Bennett , 32 , of Sibthorpe Road , was sentenced to 20 months in prison for violent disorder • A 17-year-old boy , who can not be named , was handed a nine-month rehabilitation order and a supervision order for violent disorder .

In an impact statement read in court, Mr Sewell's mother Sharon Louch said there was "no sentence this court or any other can pass which can come close to healing the pain or make up for not being able to look at my Jay's face or hear him laugh".


bbcuk--2020-01-07--Takieddine Boudhane death: 'I saw a medic massage my dying brother's heart'

The brother of a takeaway delivery driver who was fatally stabbed said he screamed his name while a paramedic massaged his heart in the street .
Deliveroo and Uber Eats rider Takieddine Boudhane , 30 , was attacked while on his moped in Finsbury Park , north London , on Friday evening .
A white van linked to the stabbing was found in Islington by police but no arrests have yet been made .
Islam Boudhane watched as paramedics tried to save his brother 's life .
`` When I got there I saw my brother lying on the floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him back to life .
`` One [ paramedic ] was giving him blood , one was massaging his heart to bring him back but he was gone , '' he said .
`` I knew it when I saw him he was gone but I was saying to myself , no he 's going to wake up .
`` I shout my name because if he hears my name I know he 's going to get up and maybe that will make him get up but he never did . ''
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members spoke as they visited Charteris Road , where Takieddine was killed .
The 30-year-old 's mother , Saida Boudhane , said : `` He 's doing an honourable job and it 's not a job that 's meant to be dangerous . ''
Family friend Tony Kitous said : `` This is a broken family , a broken mother .
Thirty years she brought him up , she did everything , thought about him every single day of her life and she has to bring him back home in a box in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's become so simple now to kill someone with a knife .
This is London , this is supposed to be the safest , safest city on earth . ''
Mr Boudhane , an Algerian national , had been living in the UK for about three years , police said .
On Sunday morning police found a white VW Caddy panel-type van in the borough where he was killed .
A forensic examination of the van was to take place , police said .

"I shout my name because if he hears my name I know he's going to get up and maybe that will make him get up but he never did."


bbcuk--2020-01-07--TransPennine Express to refund season ticket fare rise

TransPennine Express is to give season ticket holders a rebate that cancels out the annual fare increase after disruption to rail services .
The firm 's managing director , Leo Goodwin , said the firm 's performance was `` not up to scratch '' .
The Department for Transport said the rail firm 's performance in recent weeks had been `` completely unacceptable '' .
Cancellations on routes in the north-east of England will continue until the end of January , the firm has said .
The firm has been trying to introduce new trains and implement staff training , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and infrastructure issues .
A number of trains between Leeds and Edinburgh , stopping at Chester-le-Street , Durham , Darlington , Morpeth and Newcastle , have been cut .
TransPennine Express said on Monday that customers who held a season ticket between 1 October and 31 December 2019 `` will be eligible for a 3 % rebate , which will more than cover the 2.8 % average increase on regulated fares '' .
Mr Goodwin said : `` We know that our performance was not up to scratch at the end of last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do apologise .
We have experienced a number of issues following the introduction of our new trains , resulting in disruption to a number of our customers journeys with us .
`` I would like to thank our customers for continuing to travel with us and it is only right that we compensate them for the recent disruption . ''
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said : `` TransPennine Express ' performance in recent weeks has been completely unacceptable .
`` We understand how deeply frustrating this is for passengers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with continued poor performance , and we will not tolerate continued significant reductions to services . ''
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has `` demanded immediate explanations from the operator , Network Rail and rolling stock manufacturers , and will be convening an urgent meeting to determine how they will improve services for passengers , '' the spokesperson added .
If a rail firm is falling down on its contractual obligations , the Department for Transport can take measures ranging from demanding remedial action to taking the franchise over .
`` We have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take urgent steps to address their poor performance problems and , if appropriate , we will take action under the terms set out in the franchise agreement , '' the spokesperson said .
`` Trains must run on time '' has been a mantra of the Transport Secretary since he took up his post in the summer .
The opposite has been true on parts of the UK 's railways so far this winter .
It 's been chaotic on West Midlands Railway and London North Western Railway - both of which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on that network had a torrid time in the autumn and say things have only slightly improved since then .
Season ticket holders there have already been given a rebate so their fares do n't increase this year .
Andy Street , the West Midlands Mayor , has given the company an ultimatum to get its house in order by the end of this month .
South Western Railway is also under pressure to deliver a more punctual service .
And then there is the case of Northern .
That company 's future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a tendency by train companies to try and deliver overly-ambitious timetables which they are ultimately unable to deliver .
Train companies have to try and live up to commitments they made to government under their franchising agreements .
But the franchising system of today is now widely seen as far too rigid and that 's why the government 's rail review will soon announce deep reform to the structures that underpin our railways today .
A number of rail operators have either offered refunds or pledged to improve performance recently .
South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is owned by transport giant First Group , pledged on Monday to increase the number of trains running on time .
Mark Hopwood , managing director of South Western Railway , said : `` I know it 's been a very tough couple of years for everyone who uses South Western Railway .
`` I also know that the recent strikes have had a very significant impact on our passengers and employees and I am determined to find a resolution . ''
In December , West Midlands Trains said passengers would not pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` drop in performance '' .
Rail operators have been under pressure from Mr Shapps over their performance since he took over the role in July .

Mr Goodwin said: "We know that our performance was not up to scratch at the end of last year and for this, we really do apologise. We have experienced a number of issues following the introduction of our new trains, resulting in disruption to a number of our customers journeys with us.


bbcuk--2020-01-07--Carabao Cup - Man Utd 1-3 Man City: Holders overwhelm rivals in semi-final first leg

Holders Manchester City will take a commanding lead into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final after outclassing neighbours Manchester United at Old Trafford .
Marcus Rashford 's late reply will give United hope they can still turn this tie around in the return on Wednesday , 29 January , but it should not deflect from City 's overwhelming superiority for the vast majority of the game .
Pep Guardiola 's side stunned the home fans with three first-half goals , and in truth they could have had many more before the break , such was the gulf between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus on the bench , started with a strikerless 4-4-2 system that saw Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne their furthest players forward .
It was Bernardo who broke the deadlock , with a superb strike from the edge of the box that arrowed into the top corner of the net .
Riyad Mahrez made it 2-0 when he ran on to Bernardo 's pass and rounded David de Gea , with the home side hopelessly exposed .
• Reaction to the action at Old Trafford • 'Phil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of footballers ' - Savage on player ratings • Leicester v Aston Villa : Rodgers wants to 'create new history' By now , United were chasing shadows and it was soon 3-0 , as a swift breakaway ended with De Bruyne twisting Phil Jones inside out before seeing his shot saved by De Gea but ricochet in off Andreas Pereira .
United 's limp resistance and lack of threat saw them booed off by some supporters at the break but they at least showed some resolve when they emerged for the second half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and United at last began to enjoy time on the ball , although they did not force Claudio Bravo into any meaningful action before Rashford 's goal .
That came when the visitors , for once , gave the ball away cheaply and Mason Greenwood fed the England striker to run through and score .
United never threatened to deny City a famous victory however , and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side are left with a huge task if they are to stop them reaching their third successive final , and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City were torn apart in the opening stages when these two sides met at the Etihad in the Premier League last month , but this time it was United who were left reeling early on .
Guardiola 's line-up left many observers scratching their heads before kick-off but his system , a fluid 4-4-2 that saw De Bruyne , Bernardo , Mahrez and Raheem Sterling change position at will , worked like a dream .
In December , City had no answer United 's raw speed but here it was the invention and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did the damage , time and time again .
City have made a habit of winning at Old Trafford in recent years but their sparkling first-half performance was impressive , even by their high standards .
Only 3,000 away fans were there to witness it in person , in a tiny pocket of the ground , because of a reduced ticket allocation after incidents in recent derby matches .
But for the supporters who got a ticket , this was a night they will never forget .
They loudly revelled in United 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before giving their players a standing ovation at the final whistle .
While City 's fans celebrated pretty much throughout , United 's supporters endured a very different evening with all of their side 's shortcomings in evidence .
When United tried playing out from the back , they were not capable of passing through City , and repeatedly surrendered possession .
And while the home fans urged their side to press City , they were not able to get near them for much of the match .
It meant they were unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until the hour mark , when they finally managed their first sustained spell of pressure .
Rashford 's goal aside , there were not many positives for Solskjaer to take away from this encounter but at least his side did not crumble completely , which looked likely at one stage , and finished the game showing some degree of fight .
Solskjaer 's side are , somehow , still alive in the tie but this game should be seen as a reminder of how urgently United need reinforcements this month , even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's owners would like .
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola on BBC Radio Five Live : `` The last game against United [ a 2-1 loss in December ] we could not control when we lost the ball , and tonight we did it better .
`` We lost the ball in a position which is so dangerous [ for the United goal ] .
We can not forget which team we play .
Tonight we can be more than satisfied to come here to Old Trafford and win .
`` It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game and we 'll see what happens .
`` Of course Manchester United can come back .
Last year here they lost to Paris St-Germain [ in the Champions League ] and qualified .
They have the shirt which means history and pride . ''
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer : `` From their first goal , and especially the second , we struggled to get to grips with them .
A good reaction second half , but first half until they scored it is was back and forth .
We did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We did n't deal with their system well enough , we know they can play that way .
They played that way last season and beat Chelsea 5-0 .
`` First goal there is nothing we can do , second is sloppy and the third we just did n't recover .
`` With Matic and his experience [ coming on in the second half ] he had more presence .
It was more about wanting the ball and believing , passing the ball .
Someone needed to take responsibility .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a home tie and turned it around .
PSG is the latest example and we have to believe that we can put on a performance .
`` It was a decision late on who was fit , it was no excuse .
We have the players we have .
We put a team out believing we could get a result . ''
• United suffered their first home defeat since losing 2-1 to Crystal Palace in August 2019 and conceded three times at Old Trafford for the first time since losing 3-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City have won seven of their last 10 away matches against Manchester United ( D1 L2 ) in all competitions , as many as in their previous 42 visits to Old Trafford .
• The past 15 teams to win away from home in the first leg of a League Cup semi-final have all progressed to the final , with Spurs the last side to fail to do so , against Arsenal in 1986-87 .
• Bernardo Silva became the first Manchester City player since Sergio Aguero ( three in a row between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consecutive away games against United in all competitions .
• City have scored 44 goals in the first half of matches this season in all competitions - eight more than any other Premier League side , and only five fewer than United have scored in total ( 49 ) .
• Only Raheem Sterling ( 20 ) has scored more goals among English players in all competitions than United 's Rashford ( 17 ) this season .
• This was United 's first home League Cup defeat against a fellow Premier League side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won 16 consecutive games of this type before this 3-1 defeat .
• City are responsible for four of United 's last 12 defeats at Old Trafford .
Leicester host Aston Villa in the first leg of the second semi-final on Wednesday ( 20:00 GMT ) .
United and City return to Premier League action this weekend .
United host Norwich on Saturday ( 15:00 ) , while City travel to Aston Villa on Sunday ( 16:30 ) .

Bernardo Silva is the first Manchester City player to score in consecutive appearances against Manchester United at Old Trafford since Sergio Aguero between 2011-2015 (three games)
Holders Manchester City will take a commanding lead into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final after outclassing neighbours Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford's late reply will give United hope they can still turn this tie around in the return on Wednesday, 29 January, but it should not deflect from City's overwhelming superiority for the vast majority of the game.
Pep Guardiola's side stunned the home fans with three first-half goals, and in truth they could have had many more before the break, such was the gulf between the two sides.
City, who left Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus on the bench, started with a strikerless 4-4-2 system that saw Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne their furthest players forward.
It was Bernardo who broke the deadlock, with a superb strike from the edge of the box that arrowed into the top corner of the net.
Riyad Mahrez made it 2-0 when he ran on to Bernardo's pass and rounded David de Gea, with the home side hopelessly exposed.
By now, United were chasing shadows and it was soon 3-0, as a swift breakaway ended with De Bruyne twisting Phil Jones inside out before seeing his shot saved by De Gea but ricochet in off Andreas Pereira.
United's limp resistance and lack of threat saw them booed off by some supporters at the break but they at least showed some resolve when they emerged for the second half.
City seemed content with their advantage, and United at last began to enjoy time on the ball, although they did not force Claudio Bravo into any meaningful action before Rashford's goal.
That came when the visitors, for once, gave the ball away cheaply and Mason Greenwood fed the England striker to run through and score.
United never threatened to deny City a famous victory however, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are left with a huge task if they are to stop them reaching their third successive final, and their fourth in the past five years.
City's invention and improvisation shine through
Riyad Mahrez has started 19 games in all competitions for Manchester City in 2019-20 - in those games he has been directly involved in 15 goals (six goals and nine assists)
City were torn apart in the opening stages when these two sides met at the Etihad in the Premier League last month, but this time it was United who were left reeling early on.
Guardiola's line-up left many observers scratching their heads before kick-off but his system, a fluid 4-4-2 that saw De Bruyne, Bernardo, Mahrez and Raheem Sterling change position at will, worked like a dream.
In December, City had no answer United's raw speed but here it was the invention and improvisation of the visitors' attack that did the damage, time and time again.
City have made a habit of winning at Old Trafford in recent years but their sparkling first-half performance was impressive, even by their high standards.
Only 3,000 away fans were there to witness it in person, in a tiny pocket of the ground, because of a reduced ticket allocation after incidents in recent derby matches.
But for the supporters who got a ticket, this was a night they will never forget. They loudly revelled in United's misery and their own side's success before giving their players a standing ovation at the final whistle.
A reminder of United's shortcomings
Manchester United conceded three first-half goals in a game at Old Trafford for the first time since May 1997 against Middlesbrough - a game which featured Solskjaer
While City's fans celebrated pretty much throughout, United's supporters endured a very different evening with all of their side's shortcomings in evidence.
When United tried playing out from the back, they were not capable of passing through City, and repeatedly surrendered possession.
And while the home fans urged their side to press City, they were not able to get near them for much of the match.
It meant they were unable to lay a finger on the visitors until the hour mark, when they finally managed their first sustained spell of pressure.
Rashford's goal aside, there were not many positives for Solskjaer to take away from this encounter but at least his side did not crumble completely, which looked likely at one stage, and finished the game showing some degree of fight.
Solskjaer's side are, somehow, still alive in the tie but this game should be seen as a reminder of how urgently United need reinforcements this month, even if they are more expensive than the club's owners would like.
Man of the match - Bernardo Silva (Man City)
The Portuguese schemer was basically given a free role and left to use his own intelligence in the final third of the pitch, and he did so to devastating effect
'United can come back' - reaction
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola on BBC Radio Five Live: "The last game against United [a 2-1 loss in December] we could not control when we lost the ball, and tonight we did it better.
"We lost the ball in a position which is so dangerous [for the United goal]. We cannot forget which team we play. Tonight we can be more than satisfied to come here to Old Trafford and win.
"It is not over. We have one more game and we'll see what happens.
"Of course Manchester United can come back. Last year here they lost to Paris St-Germain [in the Champions League] and qualified. They have the shirt which means history and pride."
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: "From their first goal, and especially the second, we struggled to get to grips with them. A good reaction second half, but first half until they scored it is was back and forth. We didn't cope with the setback well enough.
"We didn't deal with their system well enough, we know they can play that way. They played that way last season and beat Chelsea 5-0.
"First goal there is nothing we can do, second is sloppy and the third we just didn't recover.
"With Matic and his experience [coming on in the second half] he had more presence. It was more about wanting the ball and believing, passing the ball. Someone needed to take responsibility. We've shown before we have been down from a home tie and turned it around. PSG is the latest example and we have to believe that we can put on a performance.
"It was a decision late on who was fit, it was no excuse. We have the players we have. We put a team out believing we could get a result."
Odds against United comeback - stats
United suffered their first home defeat since losing 2-1 to Crystal Palace in August 2019 and conceded three times at Old Trafford for the first time since losing 3-0 to Spurs in August 2018.
City have won seven of their last 10 away matches against Manchester United (D1 L2) in all competitions, as many as in their previous 42 visits to Old Trafford.
The past 15 teams to win away from home in the first leg of a League Cup semi-final have all progressed to the final, with Spurs the last side to fail to do so, against Arsenal in 1986-87.
Bernardo Silva became the first Manchester City player since Sergio Aguero (three in a row between 2011 and 2015) to score in consecutive away games against United in all competitions.
City have scored 44 goals in the first half of matches this season in all competitions - eight more than any other Premier League side, and only five fewer than United have scored in total (49).
Only Raheem Sterling (20) has scored more goals among English players in all competitions than United's Rashford (17) this season.
This was United's first home League Cup defeat against a fellow Premier League side since January 2005 against Chelsea, having won 16 consecutive games of this type before this 3-1 defeat.
City are responsible for four of United's last 12 defeats at Old Trafford.
What's next?
Leicester host Aston Villa in the first leg of the second semi-final on Wednesday (20:00 GMT).
United and City return to Premier League action this weekend. United host Norwich on Saturday (15:00), while City travel to Aston Villa on Sunday (16:30).


bbcuk--2020-01-07--Cyprus false rape claim trial: The women rallying for British teenager

`` We believe you '' , `` we are on your side '' , `` you are a victim of a flawed system '' .
These were just a few of many banners , placards and posters waved by a crowd of women 's rights activists , who stood and chanted messages of solidarity for a British teenager in Paralimni , Cyprus .
The 19-year-old , who was found guilty of lying about being raped in Ayia Napa by a group of young Israelis , hid her face with a scarf and was visibly shaking as she stood for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before entering court .
By her side was her mother , along with a British documentary maker , who has accompanied the family at each of the court hearings .
There has been international criticism regarding the fairness of the trial , and the controversial case has united women 's rights groups and activists from both Cyprus and Israel .
Noa Borstein , a journalist and activist from Israel , tells me that she travelled `` with 60 women on two planes and two buses from Tel Aviv '' to be here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she says .
`` This story is too familiar for any one of us .
We hear it a lot and know what it 's like to be seen to be 'unbelievable ' with our stories . ''
I asked her about news coverage of the case in Israel - and the 12 Israeli youths who were released without charge .
`` For me , when we watch the mainstream media , we hear a patriarchal narrative , not believing women .
`` Israeli papers blame the girls .
And there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my own family - you can see the men standing beside the boys , but the women think that there 's more here than they say it is , it 's not a lie . ''
Government 'not used to questions' The criticism from some Cypriot protesters here is not just the alleged flaws in this case , but of the island 's entire judicial system .
Among the activists is Zelia Gregoriou , an associate professor in gender studies at the university of Cyprus .
`` People should n't trust the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the government in Cyprus is n't used to that .
`` They are not used to being questioned because they adopt a very patriarchal , pastoral approach to politics - 'we know best , we do it for you , do n't bother us , do n't question us ' .
`` I think this is the moment for the country , we 've come together to recover the meaning of citizenship . ''
Argentoula Ioannou is amongst the most vocal of protesters , shouting `` I am with you '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's part of the newly-formed Network Against Violence Against Women , that helped organise the protests .
She says : `` The verdict is a result of the whole system of deficiencies and bad handling by police , who led in the conviction .
They have n't protected , they have n't believed , and they let the Israelis leave the country without doing their job properly . ''
Police officials have denied claims that they acted improperly in this case , as well as claims made by the teenager 's family that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her statement .
There were also supportive voices in the crowd for the police and judiciary .
Skevi Koukouma , a Cypriot MP for the nearby town of Famagusta , says she turned up to defend her country 's legal system , which she said was facing `` huge reputational damage , based on the perception of this case abroad '' .

"There is something fishy here", she says. "This story is too familiar for any one of us. We hear it a lot and know what it's like to be seen to be 'unbelievable' with our stories."


bbcuk--2020-01-07--Drink spiking: Do men know enough?

Drink spiking: Do men know enough?

Many of the victims of serial rapist Reynhard Sinaga did not even know they had been assaulted .
After luring men outside Manchester clubs , the post-graduate student would take them back to his flat and ply them with spiked drinks to knock them unconscious .
Although the drugging took place in a very particular set of circumstances , his conviction raises questions about the broader problem of drink spiking .
The vast majority of victims are women , but men are at risk too .
How much do men know about the risks of drink spiking ?
Jared Dolby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says much more practical information is needed about the dangers .
`` I 'm a more mature student and I 'm from a small seaside town and I feel streetwise , but for some of these students coming from more privileged backgrounds , Manchester can be a dangerous city .
`` There could be more signposting to the help and advice available .
Maybe it 's a wider cultural issue .
There 's a taboo around attacks on men .
`` You would hope after such an awful thing [ the Sinaga @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to come forward and talk about these issues . ''
James King , 25 , a student who grew up in Manchester , says a lot of it comes down to `` toxic masculinity '' .
`` Men do n't feel comfortable in their vulnerability .
We probably have a lot to learn from women here .
`` Women are expected to be able to ask for help , but rape is not something men are expected to have to deal with .
`` Practically , maybe staff at bars and nightclubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too .
Bouncers are happy to kick people out , but perhaps they need to be more like guardian figures . ''
Lloyd Brinkworth , a 24-year-old mechanical engineering student , originally from Worcester , says Manchester University , where a number of Sinaga 's victims came from , has emailed male students specifically , pointing them to the services available .
`` So there is support out there .
Outside the university ?
I 'm not so sure . ''
Fellow student Liam Ashton , 22 , added : `` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are out then we would always make sure everybody 's OK and the girls get home safe .
`` But it 's interesting that the uni has been targeting young men [ with advice ] .
`` It 's not something we really think about .
Would you know where to go ?
And would you even want to talk about it ? ''
What can be done to raise awareness ?
Elaine Hindal , chief executive of alcohol education charity Drinkaware , says men face a `` pervasive '' peer pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can make them less aware of their vulnerability when they are out in bars and clubs than women might be .
The charity often hears that people do n't report a drink being spiked because they fear they wo n't be believed , or that they will be seen as `` making an excuse '' for having drunk too much .
Ms Hindal says this may be `` even more challenging for men '' because there is not enough discussion around their vulnerability more broadly .
She stresses that the vast majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Sinaga case has brought the issue of male victims to light .
`` The kind of advice we give to women applies to them as well - stick together , look out for each other , make a plan to get home together so that you stay safe , '' she says .
Catherine Bewley , from the LGBT+ anti-violence organisation , Galop , said all victims deserved respect and appropriate support , which did not judge or blame them , whatever their gender or circumstances .
Manchester University students ' union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at its venues , in particular during freshers ' week .
What can you do to keep yourself safe ?
Sinaga is thought to have used the Class C drug GHB - which is used recreationally but can be fatal at a slightly higher dose than he gave his victims - but predators can also spike drinks with other illicit drugs such as ketamine or Rohypnol .
It 's near impossible to tell whether a drink 's been spiked by the taste or smell , although GHB may taste slightly salty or smell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that might help to stop it happening : • Do n't leave drinks unattended and keep an eye on your friends ' drinks • Do n't accept drinks from people you do n't know • If you think your drink 's been spiked or start to feel strange or more drunk than you should be , leave your drink and tell a trusted friend straight away • Tell someone at home or elsewhere where you 're going and when you expect to be home - and have plans for getting home Some bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devices which can reduce the risk of drink-spiking .
Others offer drink-testing kits but they wo n't test for every drug and do n't always work .
How big a problem is it ?
While it 's hard to know the true extent as incidents often go unreported , research by the BBC Radio 5 Live Investigations Unit carried out last year found there were at least 2,650 reports of drink spiking in England and Wales between 2015 and 2019 .
• The sexual predator who waited outside nightclubs The data from 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British Transport Police showed about one in four of the victims were men .
Between January and September 2019 , 68 cases had already been recorded , suggesting the total figure for 2019 was set to hit a five-year high .

Drink spiking: Do men know enough? Published 7 January 2020
Image source, facebook
Many of the victims of serial rapist Reynhard Sinaga did not even know they had been assaulted.
After luring men outside Manchester clubs, the post-graduate student would take them back to his flat and ply them with spiked drinks to knock them unconscious.
Although the drugging took place in a very particular set of circumstances, his conviction raises questions about the broader problem of drink spiking.
About three-quarters of victims are women, but men are at risk too.
How much do men know about the risks of drink spiking?
Jared Dolby, a 28-year-old philosophy student in Manchester, says much more practical information is needed about the dangers.
"I'm a more mature student and I'm from a small seaside town and I feel streetwise, but for some of these students coming from more privileged backgrounds, Manchester can be a dangerous city.
"There could be more signposting to the help and advice available. Maybe it's a wider cultural issue. There's a taboo around attacks on men.
"You would hope after such an awful thing [the Sinaga case], people would feel more willing to come forward and talk about these issues."
James King, 25, a student who grew up in Manchester, says a lot of it comes down to "toxic masculinity".
"Men don't feel comfortable in their vulnerability. We probably have a lot to learn from women here.
"Women are expected to be able to ask for help, but rape is not something men are expected to have to deal with.
"Practically, maybe staff at bars and nightclubs need to be aware of the issues too. Bouncers are happy to kick people out, but perhaps they need to be more like guardian figures."
Lloyd Brinkworth, a 24-year-old mechanical engineering student, originally from Worcester, says Manchester University, where a number of Sinaga's victims came from, has emailed male students specifically, pointing them to the services available.
"So there is support out there. Outside the university? I'm not so sure."
Fellow student Liam Ashton, 22, added: "We're a tight-knit group of friends and if we are out then we would always make sure everybody's OK and the girls get home safe.
"But it's interesting that the uni has been targeting young men [with advice].
"It's not something we really think about. Would you know where to go? And would you even want to talk about it?"
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, How will the Manchester rapist case change the city?
What can be done to raise awareness?
Elaine Hindal, chief executive of alcohol education charity Drinkaware, says men face a "pervasive" peer pressure when it comes to drinking, which can make them less aware of their vulnerability when they are out in bars and clubs than women might be.
The charity often hears that people don't report a drink being spiked because they fear they won't be believed, or that they will be seen as "making an excuse" for having drunk too much.
Ms Hindal says this may be "even more challenging for men" because there is not enough discussion around their vulnerability more broadly.
She stresses that the vast majority of drink-spiking victims are women, but that the Sinaga case has brought the issue of male victims to light.
"The kind of advice we give to women applies to them as well - stick together, look out for each other, make a plan to get home together so that you stay safe," she says.
Catherine Bewley, from the LGBT+ anti-violence organisation, Galop, said all victims deserved respect and appropriate support, which did not judge or blame them, whatever their gender or circumstances.
Manchester University students' union says it runs regular drink-spiking awareness campaigns at its venues, in particular during freshers' week.
What can you do to keep yourself safe?
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Who is Reynhard Sinaga?
Sinaga is thought to have used the Class C drug GHB - which is used recreationally but can be fatal at a slightly higher dose than he gave his victims - but predators can also spike drinks with other illicit drugs such as ketamine or Rohypnol.
It's near impossible to tell whether a drink's been spiked by the taste or smell, although GHB may taste slightly salty or smell unusual.
The NHS offers some steps that might help to stop it happening:
Don't leave drinks unattended and keep an eye on your friends' drinks
Don't accept drinks from people you don't know
Avoid punchbowls and stick to bottled drinks
If you think your drink's been spiked or start to feel strange or more drunk than you should be, leave your drink and tell a trusted friend straight away
Tell someone at home or elsewhere where you're going and when you expect to be home - and have plans for getting home
Some bars provide drinks' lids or plastic stopper devices which can reduce the risk of drink-spiking. Others offer drink-testing kits but they won't test for every drug and don't always work.
How big a problem is it?
While it's hard to know the true extent as incidents often go unreported, research by the BBC Radio 5 Live Investigations Unit carried out last year found there were at least 2,650 reports of drink spiking in England and Wales between 2015 and 2019.
The data from 22 out of 43 police forces and the British Transport Police showed about one in four of the victims were men.


bbcuk--2020-01-07--Winning motorsport photos 'on another level'

Lou Johnson has just been named as the Motorsport UK Young Photographer of the Year .
Johnson , 28 , shoots for Spacesuit Media and covers the ABB FIA Formula E Championship for Mahindra Racing and is the first woman to win the award .
She has photographed more than 35 Formula E races as well as events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the World Endurance Championship .
`` When I first stepped foot in the Formula E paddock at the 2016 Paris E-Prix with Spacesuit , I could not have imagined the path that it would take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I adore my job , and the very wonderful clients and photographers I work with . ''
Johnson , who is based in Kent , started taking pictures in her teens and went on to study photography at university .
As a child she would regularly attend races at Brands Hatch with her father and eventually the two interests came together .
One of her pictures shows the Mahindra Racing 's M6Electro livery car surrounded by glowing lights ( top image ) .
It was shot in the studio and comprises a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creative lighting was created using fibre optic cables strung across the car .
The judges of the competition commented that her photographs were on `` another level '' and that every image made them stop and look .
`` Since we founded Spacesuit , we 've always been keen to give emerging photographers a shot at their dream career and that has informed the selection , mentoring and development process that we follow here , '' says Shiv Gohil , artistic director at Spacesuit .
Freelance photographers Stephen Fisher and Rajan Jangda were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , the governing body for four-wheel motorsport in the country .

Johnson, who is based in Kent, started taking pictures in her teens and went on to study photography at university. As a child she would regularly attend races at Brands Hatch with her father and eventually the two interests came together.


bbcuk--2020-01-07--Ayia Napa false rape claim protesters: 'We believe you'

As the British teenager was sentenced , women 's rights groups from Cyprus and Israel gathered outside the Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ her rape claim .
The 19-year-old was given a four month suspended sentence and ordered @ @ @ @ @ ) in legal fees .
She was found guilty of public mischief for recanting her @ @ @ @ @ raped her in a hotel room in July .
The woman said Cypriot police had @ @ @ @ @ lying about the incident - something police have denied .

As the British teenager was sentenced, women's rights groups from Cyprus and Israel gathered outside the Supreme Court, chanting that they believe her rape claim.
The 19-year-old was given a four month suspended sentence and ordered to pay €148 (£125) in legal fees.
She was found guilty of public mischief for recanting her claim that 12 Israeli men raped her in a hotel room in July. The woman said Cypriot police had made her falsely confess to lying about the incident - something police have denied.
Read more: Ayia Napa Briton sentenced over false rape claim


bbcuk--2020-01-08--CEO Secrets: The boss who likes to hotdesk with his workers

How would you feel if the person who set up stall next to you at work was the overall boss @ @ @ @ @ you be frozen in fear or see it as your chance to impress ?
Paolo @ @ @ @ @ Software , which has more than 1,000 employees worldwide .
Wherever he travels , he @ @ @ @ @ Find more business tips at CEO Secrets .
You can also follow the series on @ @ @ @ @ adding the topic 'CEO Secrets ' in My News .

How would you feel if the person who set up stall next to you at work was the overall boss of your company? Would you be frozen in fear or see it as your chance to impress?
Paolo Guglielmini is CEO of MSC Software, which has more than 1,000 employees worldwide. Wherever he travels, he hotdesks with his workforce.
Video by series producer Dougal Shaw
Find more business tips at CEO Secrets. You can also follow the series on the BBC News app by adding the topic 'CEO Secrets' in My News.


bbcuk--2020-01-07--Trampoline! Drivers surprised in Culloden after high winds

Drivers in Culloden , near Inverness , faced an unusual sight after a trampoline was blown down the road .
@ @ @ @ @ he was on his way to work .
Wind gusts of 74mph were recorded in @ @ @ @

Drivers in Culloden, near Inverness, faced an unusual sight after a trampoline was blown down the road.
Stephen Davies filmed it as he was on his way to work.
Wind gusts of 74mph were recorded in Scotland on Tuesday.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--The Papers: Harry and Meghan back to work and Cyprus rape case

`` We 're orf again , '' says the front page of the Sun as it runs claims the Duke @ @ @ @ @ `` looking to move to Canada for a significant portion of this year as they @ @ @ @ @ in the Royal Family '' .
The paper quotes `` pals '' of the couple @ @ @ @ @ some of the next two months in the country after a `` highly successful '' @ @ @

The Guardian believes the case, which has been been met with a backlash from women's rights groups, "speaks to the fears of many women - who live not only with the fear of sexual assault, but what might happen them after such an attack".


bbcuk--2020-01-07--Basildon Hospital: Blood products 'refused for dying mum'

A doctor has told an inquest he was refused blood-clotting products for a dying mother following a haemorrhage .
Gabriela Pintilie , 36 , lost six litres of blood after giving birth to her daughter via C-section at Basildon University Hospital last February .
The Romanian-born mother , from Grays in Essex died after she was not given all of the blood products she needed for a transfusion , the inquest was told .
Her baby was born healthy and survived .
Mrs Pintilie lost more than a litre of blood in seven minutes following a haemorrhage during the Caesarean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 04:41 GMT on 27 February .
Dr Tom Hall , the anaesthetist in charge of tracking Mrs Pintilie 's blood loss in the surgery - which included a hysterectomy - told the inquest a consultant haematologist refused to issue blood-clotting products , such as frozen fresh plasma to the theatre .
The haematologist told Dr Hall 's colleague the products would not be released until the latest set of blood tests had been returned , Dr Hall said .
He told the inquest : `` Mrs Pintilie was very unstable by this point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her heart rate was going up as well .
She was very unwell . ''
The anaesthetist said he was `` surprised '' by his colleague 's decision to withhold the blood products .
Shortly after 02:00 GMT , Dr Hall called the haematologist himself , but also got a refusal .
He remembered describing Mrs Pintilie 's blood as `` looking like water '' .
An hour later , Mrs Pintilie went into cardiac arrest and died 45 minutes later .

He told the inquest: "Mrs Pintilie was very unstable by this point, her blood pressure was fluctuating, her heart rate was going up as well. She was very unwell."


bbcuk--2020-01-07--UK budget date is 'disrespectful to devolution', says Derek Mackay

UK government plans for a March budget are `` disrespectful to devolution '' and could have `` profound consequences '' for Scotland , Derek Mackay has warned .
Chancellor Sajid Javid has announced he will set out his tax and spending plans on 11 March .
Scottish ministers want to see these plans before drawing up their own , but will now have little time to do so .
Mr Mackay , the Scottish finance secretary , said the move was `` really disrespectful '' to Holyrood .
Scottish councils need to set their budgets by 11 March , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Mr Javid warning of `` catastrophic risks '' to local services .
A date for the Scottish budget will be announced in due course , with Mr Mackay in talks with other parties and the Scottish Fiscal Commission about how to respond to these `` exceptional circumstances '' .
Mr Mackay was originally due to set out his budget plans on 12 December , but that was delayed because of the snap general election which was held on that date .
He wants to see the details of Mr Javid 's budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , given the impact of UK finances on the Scottish budget .
He told BBC Scotland : `` We may have clarity over a date , but we do n't have clarity over the numbers that might compose a budget . ''
He added : `` This is really disrespectful to devolution , to Scotland 's parliament and people , in setting a UK budget so late .
`` It shows the UK government has n't considered devolution , has n't considered our agreements or the impact on Scotland 's public services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profound consequences . ''
Mr Mackay added : `` The failure of the UK government to publish its budget at an earlier time means we do not have clarity on the funding available for our schools , hospitals and other vital public services .
Despite this , we remain focused on introducing a Scottish budget for 2020-21 at the earliest practical opportunity . ''
During Treasury questions at Westminster , Mr Javid was accused by SNP Treasury spokeswoman Alison Thewliss of giving `` absolutely no thought to Scotland at all '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 've just had we talked time and time again about the need to unleash the entire UK , and of course that includes all of Scotland .
`` Where Scotland has been let down time and time again is by the SNP government - which is giving Scottish people the highest taxes in the UK and the worst set of public services . ''
A Treasury spokesman later added : `` Nothing stops the Scottish Parliament from passing their budget before the UK budget .
We are working with the Scottish government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide the information they need to prepare their budget . ''
Why is the UK budget so important to the Scottish one ?
Despite fiscal powers including income tax being devolved to Holyrood , the UK budget process still has a huge bearing on the Scottish one .
To start with , how much the UK government spends on each department has implications for the block grant - the package of funding allocated to Holyrood via the Barnett Formula .
The forecasts of tax revenues from the Office for Budget Responsibility - which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a bearing on the block grant , as they form part of the calculations underpinning the devolved tax system .
There is also the issue of the gap between the Scottish and UK tax systems - if Mr Javid decided , for example , to cut the higher rate of tax , Mr Mackay would have to decide whether to follow suit , or widen the gulf between what higher earners pay north and south of the border .
He contends that he can not make an informed decision until he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Westminster , there is actually a hard deadline on the Scottish budget process - the end of the current financial year .
Unless a `` rate resolution '' setting out income tax rates and bands is passed by 1 April , the devolved income tax system ceases to apply .
The rulebook as it stands does n't provide for this happening .
The Chartered Institute of Taxation says it would see Scotland `` effectively foregoing its ability to set its own income tax rates '' .
There are other practical hurdles too , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Budget Bill .
Normally this process stretches out over a period of months , with each Holyrood committee carrying out scrutiny of spending on their particular portfolio and MSPs holding debates in the chamber .
This year , the parliamentary part of the process might have to be pushed through in a matter of days - leaving little time for scrutiny or deal-making between parties .
Do n't councils have to set tax rates too ?
Mr Javid 's chosen date for his budget , 11 March , is also the legal deadline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax rates .
Council leaders are concerned that they will have to set these rates `` blind '' , due to a knock-on effect of MSPs not knowing how much money they can allocate to local authorities , because they do n't know how much money they have to work with .
Cosla 's resources spokeswoman Gail Macgregor - a Conservative councillor - said a March UK budget `` runs the risk of delaying the Scottish government 's budget '' .
She added : `` This significantly impedes the ability for local authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland 's communities are disadvantaged '' .
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said the UK government `` has given not a single passing thought to Scottish public services '' , while Dundee 's John Alexander said the timing was `` beyond ridiculous '' .
How could this be resolved ?
It is theoretically possible for Mr Mackay to set his budget before the UK government one comes out , although the Fraser of Allander Institute think-tank has called this approach `` risky '' given the potential for last-minute changes .
The UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Mackay enough information to set his budget any time he likes .
He replies that there has been `` absolutely no engagement '' to make this possible .
Ultimately the deadline of the tax rate resolution means the matter must be settled by the end of March , but Scottish government officials point to the March 11 deadline for councils as equally important .
They are considering a range of possible responses , including potentially changing the law to give councils more time to set budgets .
There could be a middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials enough ballpark information to draw up the bulk of their plans .
This could in turn be passed on to councils , so they can set their tax rates , with the formal work of actually passing the budget bill at Holyrood put off until after Mr Javid makes everything official in March .
However , the truncated timetable will also add extra pressure to the annual issue of whether the minority SNP administration can strike a deal with opposition parties to actually pass a budget bill .

UK budget date is 'disrespectful to devolution', says Derek Mackay Published 7 January 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Derek Mackay says a delay to the UK budget could have "profound consequences" for Scotland
UK government plans for a March budget are "disrespectful to devolution" and could have "profound consequences" for Scotland, Derek Mackay has warned.
Chancellor Sajid Javid has announced he will set out his tax and spending plans on 11 March.
Scottish ministers want to see these plans before drawing up their own, but will now have little time to do so.
Mr Mackay, the Scottish finance secretary, said the move was "really disrespectful" to Holyrood.
Scottish councils need to set their budgets by 11 March, and local government umbrella body Cosla has written to Mr Javid warning of "catastrophic risks" to local services.
A date for the Scottish budget will be announced in due course, with Mr Mackay in talks with other parties and the Scottish Fiscal Commission about how to respond to these "exceptional circumstances".
Mr Mackay was originally due to set out his budget plans on 12 December, but that was delayed because of the snap general election which was held on that date.
He wants to see the details of Mr Javid's budget before he sets out his own plans, given the impact of UK finances on the Scottish budget.
He told BBC Scotland: "We may have clarity over a date, but we don't have clarity over the numbers that might compose a budget."
He added: "This is really disrespectful to devolution, to Scotland's parliament and people, in setting a UK budget so late.
"It shows the UK government hasn't considered devolution, hasn't considered our agreements or the impact on Scotland's public services, not least local government. Those are profound consequences."
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Chancellor Sajid Javid will deliver the UK government's Budget on 11 March
Mr Mackay added: "The failure of the UK government to publish its budget at an earlier time means we do not have clarity on the funding available for our schools, hospitals and other vital public services. Despite this, we remain focused on introducing a Scottish budget for 2020-21 at the earliest practical opportunity."
During Treasury questions at Westminster, Mr Javid was accused by SNP Treasury spokeswoman Alison Thewliss of giving "absolutely no thought to Scotland at all".
The Chancellor replied: "In the election we've just had we talked time and time again about the need to unleash the entire UK, and of course that includes all of Scotland.
"Where Scotland has been let down time and time again is by the SNP government - which is giving Scottish people the highest taxes in the UK and the worst set of public services."
A Treasury spokesman later added: "Nothing stops the Scottish Parliament from passing their budget before the UK budget. We are working with the Scottish government as part of an agreed process to provide the information they need to prepare their budget."
Why is the UK budget so important to the Scottish one?
Despite fiscal powers including income tax being devolved to Holyrood, the UK budget process still has a huge bearing on the Scottish one.
To start with, how much the UK government spends on each department has implications for the block grant - the package of funding allocated to Holyrood via the Barnett Formula.
The forecasts of tax revenues from the Office for Budget Responsibility - which come out alongside the budget - also have a bearing on the block grant, as they form part of the calculations underpinning the devolved tax system.
There is also the issue of the gap between the Scottish and UK tax systems - if Mr Javid decided, for example, to cut the higher rate of tax, Mr Mackay would have to decide whether to follow suit, or widen the gulf between what higher earners pay north and south of the border. He contends that he cannot make an informed decision until he has seen the full picture.
What's the process at Holyrood?
Unlike at Westminster, there is actually a hard deadline on the Scottish budget process - the end of the current financial year.
Unless a "rate resolution" setting out income tax rates and bands is passed by 1 April, the devolved income tax system ceases to apply.
The rulebook as it stands doesn't provide for this happening. The Chartered Institute of Taxation says it would see Scotland "effectively foregoing its ability to set its own income tax rates".
There are other practical hurdles too, such as drawing up and passing a Budget Bill. Normally this process stretches out over a period of months, with each Holyrood committee carrying out scrutiny of spending on their particular portfolio and MSPs holding debates in the chamber.
This year, the parliamentary part of the process might have to be pushed through in a matter of days - leaving little time for scrutiny or deal-making between parties.
Don't councils have to set tax rates too?
Mr Javid's chosen date for his budget, 11 March, is also the legal deadline for Scottish councils to set their local tax rates.
Council leaders are concerned that they will have to set these rates "blind", due to a knock-on effect of MSPs not knowing how much money they can allocate to local authorities, because they don't know how much money they have to work with.
Cosla's resources spokeswoman Gail Macgregor - a Conservative councillor - said a March UK budget "runs the risk of delaying the Scottish government's budget".
She added: "This significantly impedes the ability for local authorities to formulate their own budgets, meaning Scotland's communities are disadvantaged".
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said the UK government "has given not a single passing thought to Scottish public services", while Dundee's John Alexander said the timing was "beyond ridiculous".
How could this be resolved?
It is theoretically possible for Mr Mackay to set his budget before the UK government one comes out, although the Fraser of Allander Institute think-tank has called this approach "risky" given the potential for last-minute changes.
The UK government has insisted that it can give Mr Mackay enough information to set his budget any time he likes. He replies that there has been "absolutely no engagement" to make this possible.
Ultimately the deadline of the tax rate resolution means the matter must be settled by the end of March, but Scottish government officials point to the March 11 deadline for councils as equally important.
They are considering a range of possible responses, including potentially changing the law to give councils more time to set budgets.
There could be a middle route, where the Treasury gives Scottish officials enough ballpark information to draw up the bulk of their plans. This could in turn be passed on to councils, so they can set their tax rates, with the formal work of actually passing the budget bill at Holyrood put off until after Mr Javid makes everything official in March.


bbcuk--2020-01-07--PSNI Simon Byrne apologises for Crossmaglen 'offence'

Northern Ireland 's chief constable Simon Byrne has apologised over his Christmas day tweet from Crossmaglen .
It showed him posing for a photo outside the PSNI station with police officers holding rifles .
Some nationalist politicians criticised him , saying the image was offensive to the local community .
In a statement , Mr Byrne said his message was `` never meant as a comment on the community of Crossmaglen and South Armagh '' .
`` I am sorry for any offence that has been caused , '' he said .
Mr Byrne was speaking after a meeting with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pete Byrne said the police chief told him that the tweet had been `` ill judged '' .
On Monday , the chief constable spoke to Sinn Féin .
Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy had described the post as `` offensive to the local community and utterly unacceptable '' .
In a statement on Tuesday , Mr Byrne said : `` I have reflected on the issue at length and have had many conversations with both colleagues and external stakeholders , up to and including a number of meetings with elected representatives yesterday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proud of the local officers who , working together with local people , have made so much progress for policing and the community in recent years .
`` It is only by working together that we will continue to make progress . ''
The chief constable has commissioned a review of policing in south Armagh .
After Tuesday 's meeting , Councillor Pete Byrne said : `` He was clear that he apologised if he caused any offence to the local community and assured me it was not his intention to do so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judged .
`` We had a frank conversation about the importance of language and nuance .
`` He was clear that he apologised if he caused any offence to the local community and assured me it was not his intention to do so . ''

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bbcuk--2020-01-07--Hywel Dda cancels operations for second day running

Routine operations have been cancelled for a second day in a row by one health board .
Hywel Dda University Health Board said the continued cancellations were `` in the interest of patient safety '' .
Operations were cancelled at Bronglais , Glangwili , Prince Philip and Withybush hospitals in mid and west Wales on Monday and Tuesday .
Medical director Dr Phillip Kloer apologised and said there had been more ill patients than last year .
He added : `` Last year we were able to carry on operating through the winter months but this year it has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to thank our staff on the front line who 've gone the extra mile .
`` At the moment though the hospitals are under significant pressure - all four of our hospitals - so it will take a few weeks naturally to get back to that routine business . ''
All outpatient appointments are continuing as normal .
The health board said emergency surgery and urgent cases were not being cancelled whenever possible and day surgery was continuing everywhere but Bronglais Hospital .
`` This situation remains challenging with the health board operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help manage patient flow and maintain patient safety , '' a spokesman said .
The Community Health Council said about 30 to 33 operations were cancelled on Monday across the four hospitals .
The British Medical Association in Wales said it was concerned lives could be needlessly lost unless there was urgent action to tackle winter pressures .
Its consultant committee chairman Dr Phil Banfield said members were `` extremely concerned about the current pressures facing the Welsh NHS '' .
`` Patients are being left in an intolerable situation and care will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this now , '' he added .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said `` there were very few operations scheduled this week '' and this week was `` always the busiest week for unplanned admissions to our hospitals '' .
He said the system `` has proved resilient '' to pressures in the past two weeks `` because of the plans put in place by the health boards , supported by the Welsh Government and that additional investment we have put in place '' .
The health board plans to implement its broader winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for hospital admission and prioritise patients for care at home over the winter period .
`` Over the next few weeks , a number of staff taking on new and different roles will be coming into post to support patients to receive the most appropriate care for their needs in the most appropriate setting , '' the health board said .
`` These are resourced through the winter planning monies supported by Welsh Government , in addition to the money we invested ourselves as a health board . ''
Richard Johnson , director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales , said cancelling planned operations and delaying treatment was `` unfair and potentially devastating for patients '' .
`` We need to find a long-term solution to restore their right to timely treatment , '' he added .
Helen Whyley , director for the Royal College of Nursing in Wales , said the NHS in Wales was under more pressure than ever .
`` What it means is , on the frontline for staff every day , it is a real battle to make sure patients get the care they require , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` everyone to get back in the room '' to see `` what more can be done to make sure these pressures are alleviated '' across Wales .
Hywel Dda said on Monday that `` critical pressures '' had been felt across A & E departments , GPs and community services over the weekend .
Ceri Phillips , a professor of health economics at Swansea University , said `` winter pressures are not new '' but unplanned hospital admissions were `` very difficult to plan for '' .
Although the NHS is under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Christmas and the first few weeks of new year is often the most difficult as staff try to deal with significant numbers of seriously ill patients .
There are several reasons for this - as a result of the festive season 's bank holidays , there has been reduced access to community services such as GPs and social care , which can cause logjams to develop in hospitals .
During the holiday period , people might also put off getting a potential health problem checked out .
Pressures are also caused because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu season already looking worse than last year .
The Welsh Government said it had given £30m to health boards to provide extra capacity this winter .
Helen Mary Jones , Plaid Cymru 's spokeswoman on health and AM for Mid and West Wales , said added pressure , such as hospital patients unable to be discharged into the community , had created `` a real crisis '' for staff and patients in Hwyel Dda health board area .
She said Wales ' health boards should be allowed to share staff to pool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of our budget on health , rightly , here in Wales ... and we are still not getting it right and that ca n't be allowed to carry on , '' she said .
Figures published last month showed accident and emergency performance at hospitals in Wales was at a record low for the third month running and the Welsh Ambulance Service failed to meet its response time target for the first time in four years .
Angela Burns , the Welsh Conservatives ' shadow health minister , said : `` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extraordinary pressures month in , month out . ''
Cardiff and Vale health board and Swansea Bay health board said services were busy but planned operations were continuing as usual .
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He added: "Last year we were able to carry on operating through the winter months but this year it has been even more challenging and I really want to thank our staff on the front line who've gone the extra mile.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Iran attack: Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemns missile strike

Boris Johnson has warned Iran not to repeat `` reckless and dangerous '' attacks after ballistic missiles were fired at air bases in Iraq where coalition forces are stationed .
The prime minister called for `` urgent de-escalation '' after strikes on bases in Irbil and at al Asad .
He said there were no UK casualties `` as far as we can tell '' .
Iran 's Revolutionary Guard said the strikes were in retaliation for the death of General Qasem Soleimani .
He was killed outside Baghdad airport on Friday in a missile strike ordered by US President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condemn the attack on Iraqi military bases hosting coalition forces , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` Iran should not repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks but must instead pursue urgent de-escalation . ''
His comments were made at his first Prime Minister 's Questions since Parliament returned from its Christmas recess .
Mr Johnson will later discuss the situation in Iran at a meeting with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the situation was in `` real risk '' of developing into `` full-scale war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to confirm whether or not British personnel in the area were safe .
Mr Johnson said : `` As far as we can tell there were no casualties last night sustained by the US and no British personnel were injured in the attacks .
`` We are doing everything we can to protect UK interests in the region , with HMS Defender and HMS Montrose operating in an enhanced state of readiness to protect shipping in the Gulf . ''

"Since the assassination of senior officials, generals, or ministers of internationally recognised governments is, on the face of it, entirely illegal in international law, that defence - the defence of an imminent threat - has to be made public for there to be any question of there being legality around it," the spokesman told a Westminster briefing.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Iran crash: Three British nationals among dead in Ukrainian plane crash

Three British nationals were on board the Ukrainian plane that crashed in Iran leaving no survivors , the Ukrainian foreign minister has said .
They were among the more than 170 people from seven countries on board the flight from Tehran to Kyiv .
Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 crashed just after taking off from Imam Khomeini airport at 06:12 local time ( 02:42 GMT ) .
Among the victims were 82 Iranians , 63 Canadians , 11 Ukrainians - including all of the crew , 10 Swedes , four Afghans and three Germans , Vadym Prystaiko said .
Rescue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site but the head of Iran 's Red Crescent told state media that it was `` impossible '' for anyone to have survived the crash .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn both said their thoughts were with the families of those killed as Prime Minister 's Questions got under way .
A UK Foreign Office spokesman has said : `` We are deeply saddened by the loss of life in the plane crash in Iran overnight . ''
They said it was `` urgently seeking confirmation '' about how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be supporting any families affected .
Ukraine 's state aviation service has forbidden its national airlines from using Iranian airspace from Thursday , with the restrictions in place until an investigation into the cause of the crash has concluded .
Ukraine 's embassy in Tehran and Iranian state television both initially said technical issues caused the crash .
But the embassy later removed this statement and said any comment regarding the cause of the accident prior to a commission 's inquiry was not official .
Ukraine said its entire civilian aviation fleet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceedings would be opened into the disaster .
The country 's president warned against `` speculation or unchecked theories regarding the catastrophe '' until official reports were ready .
There was no sign of any problems with the plane before take-off and the airline 's president said it had an `` excellent , reliable crew '' .
Ukrainian International Airlines said its flight from Tehran to Kyiv disappeared from radar just a `` few minutes '' after take-off .
The Ukrainian national carrier said according to preliminary data there were 167 passengers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff were `` clarifying the exact number '' .
`` The airline expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the air crash and will do everything possible to support the relatives of the victims , '' a statement said .
The airline said the aircraft was built in 2016 and had its last scheduled maintenance on Monday .
It is investigating the cause of the crash .
A statement from Boeing said its `` heartfelt thoughts '' were with all those affected following the `` tragic event '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ operation around the world which have completed tens of millions of flights .
They have been involved in 10 incidents , including this crash , where at least one passenger was killed , aviation safety analyst Todd Curtis told the BBC .
This is the first time a Ukraine International Airlines plane has been involved in a fatal crash .

"Saeed was a popular and well respected engineer and will be missed by many of his colleagues. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this most difficult time and we will do all we can to support them through it."


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Homicides fall for first time in five years across UK despite London rise

Brian Fox,62 , died following an altercation at a taxi rank in Dundee city centre .
He suffered a fatal @ @ @ @ @ to the ground after being punched .
Wes Reid , 20 , was cleared of @ @ @ @ @ Court in Edinburgh .
His co-accused Adam Valentine , 25 , admitted assaulting Mr Fox @ @ @ @ @ a peacemaker .

Brian Fox,62, died following an altercation at a taxi rank in Dundee city centre.
He suffered a fatal head injury when he fell to the ground after being punched. Wes Reid, 20, was cleared of culpable homicide at the High Court in Edinburgh.
His co-accused Adam Valentine, 25, admitted assaulting Mr Fox, who was described as a peacemaker.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Brexit: Von der Leyen warns of 'tough' UK-EU trade talks

The UK and the EU will remain the `` best of friends '' but they will `` not be as close as before '' after Brexit , the new European Commission president says .
Speaking ahead of talks with the PM , Ursula von der Leyen warned of `` tough '' talks ahead as they discuss the UK-EU relationship after Brexit .
Boris Johnson will meet her later to stress the importance of reaching a trade deal by the end of 2020 .
But Mrs von der Leyen called the deadline `` very tight '' .
After its 31 January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an 11-month transition period in which it will largely follow EU rules but will not have any representation in the bloc 's institutions .
This period will come to an end on 31 December 2020 .
Mr Johnson has insisted a deal is possible by the end of 2020 and the process will not be extended .
Once the UK leaves the EU on 31 January , the two sides will begin talks on their future economic relationship .
Mrs von der Leyen , a former German defence minister , said the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best of friends and partners '' after Brexit .
But she said : `` We will go as far as we can , but the truth is that our partnership can not and will not be the same as before and it can not and will not be as close as before because with every choice comes a consequences with every decision comes a trade off . ''
She added : `` There will be tough talks and each side will do what is best for them , but I can assure you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend and partner in the EU . ''
Mrs von der Leyen said the deadline for a trade deal was `` very , very tight '' and was important to `` prioritise '' issues .
`` It 's not an all or nothing thing , but a question of priorities , '' she said .
Opposition MPs have warned that trade deals typically take years to conclude and , with relatively little time available , the UK risks defaulting to World Trade Organisation rules at the start of 2021 , potentially leading to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay told BBC Breakfast that the UK and EU had agreed in the political declaration to do a trade deal by the end of this year and they are `` confident '' they will do that .
`` Of course there will be planning within Whitehall for any eventuality , but we aim to get a trade deal , '' he said .
`` Both sides are clear they want a trade deal , the political declaration says it can be done to that timetable , let 's be positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period ?
And No 10 said Mr Johnson was expected to tell the EU president that he is confident of getting a deal and , having waited for more than three years to leave the EU , both British and EU citizens expect the next phase of trade negotiations to conclude on time .
Downing Street added that the PM was likely to underline to Mrs von der Leyen and the EU 's chief negotiator Michel Barnier that the objective was securing an ambitious , tariff-free trade agreement rather than continued regulatory alignment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is significant in that it 's their first face-to-face in their new roles - but today does not mark start of post-Brexit trade talks .
EU law dictates that trade talks ca n't start until the UK legally leaves the bloc .
Then EU countries must agree a mandate for the EU Commission to negotiate a comprehensive trade agreement on their behalf .
This mandate then has to be formally signed off at minister level by representatives of all EU countries .
All this means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks will start at the beginning March .
When UK ministers complain that 's too long to wait , the EU response is that the UK always pushed for bigger role for national governments in EU decision-making to make it more democratic .
Expect red-line drawing with smiles today between the prime minister and Mrs von der Leyen - presented as `` friends telling each other truths '' .
The EU position is that the prime minister 's timetable to get an `` ambitious , comprehensive '' trade deal agreed and ratified by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister will counter this with `` truths '' of his own , including that negotiations have to be done by December because he wo n't extend the transition period .
Legislation implementing the terms of Mr Johnson 's Brexit deal continues to move through the Commons , with the government easily winning all three votes on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill on Tuesday .
The bill will enshrine in law the terms of the transition period , first negotiated by Mr Johnson 's predecessor Theresa May , as well as agreements on citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland and the UK 's financial settlement .
On Wednesday , MPs will look at parliamentary oversight and issues relating to Northern Ireland .
The DUP , SDLP and Alliance have jointly suggested amendments - suggested changes to the bill - to ensure a legal guarantee that Northern Ireland businesses will have `` unfettered access '' to the rest of the UK .
The SDLP and Alliance oppose Brexit , while the DUP says the deal would undermine Northern Ireland 's place in the UK .

"We will go as far as we can, but the truth is that our partnership cannot and will not be the same as before and it cannot and will not be as close as before because with every choice comes a consequences with every decision comes a trade off."


bbcuk--2020-01-08--'Girl boss' advert banned for gender stereotyping

An advert saying `` You do the girl boss thing '' has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority ( ASA ) .
People Per Hour , an online platform that connects businesses and freelancers , ran the advert on the London Underground last year .
The ASA upheld 19 complaints it received about the advert and ruled that it reinforced `` harmful gender stereotypes '' .
The firm removed the word `` girl '' from the advert and issued an apology .
The offending advert received complaints for taking a patronising approach to a woman running a business .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll do the SEO thing '' , referring to internet search engine optimisation , also implied that women were not skilled at using technology .
People Per Hour admitted that the advert might `` come across as sexist and demeaning to women '' , but said it had taken steps to rectify this by removing the word `` girl '' from the advert and issuing an apology on its website .
The launch of the poster advertising campaign in November also saw some backlash on social media .
Emma Sexton , chief executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it `` patronising '' at the time .
Another Twitter user said that the advert `` diminishes women '' and added : `` With attitudes like this , it is no wonder the already low number of women in top boardroom positions fell even further last year . ''
In 2018 , only six of the FTSE 100 companies had a female boss , down from seven in 2017 .
People Per Hour also said the phrase `` girl boss '' was a reference to a book and a professional network .
US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popularising the term `` girl boss '' , after she used it as the title of her book about transforming her eBay store into fashion brand Nasty Gal .
The book reached the best-seller list of the New York Times .
In 2017 , Nasty Gal 's assets were bought for $ 20m ( £15m ) by one of the UK 's biggest fast-fashion retailers , Boohoo .
Ms Amoruso later launched a `` girl boss '' website , podcast and series of events .
On Wednesday , the ASA also upheld complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PC Specialist .
The advert featured three men performing different tech-related tasks such as coding or producing music .
Eight viewers complained that it implied only men were interested in technology and computers .
The ban on adverts featuring `` harmful gender stereotypes '' came into force in June 2019 .
Television adverts from US food giant Mondelez and German carmaker Volkswagen were the first to be banned under the new rules .
The first banned ad , for Philadelphia cheese , showed two fathers leaving a baby on a restaurant conveyor belt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a woman sat by a pram .
The UK 's advertising watchdog introduced the ban because it found some portrayals could play a part in `` limiting people 's potential '' .
It followed a review of gender stereotyping in adverts by the ASA .
It found evidence suggesting that harmful stereotypes could `` restrict the choices , aspirations and opportunities of children , young people and adults '' , while those stereotypes could be `` reinforced by some advertising , which plays a part in unequal gender outcomes '' .


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Author Emily Koch: 'I'm not angry at the driver who broke my legs'

A woman left seriously injured after being hit by a car says she would thank the driver if they met now .
Emily Koch suffered two broken legs and ligament damage in the collision in London .
But despite her initial anger at the man responsible , she says the accident led to her pursuing her dream to become a writer .
Her first novel won a major award and her second will be released in March .
Ms Koch says her career as an author began when she stepped on to a pedestrian crossing in Mile End , east @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lights flashing amber it should have been safe for her to cross but she was hit by a car , breaking her legs and leading to months of physio and rehabilitation before she could walk again .
Ms Koch is about to release her second novel Keep Him Close after her debut book If I Die Before I Wake was named one of Waterstones paperbacks of the year for 2019 .
Both are set in Bristol , where she lives .
Keep Him Close tells the story of a woman who befriends the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Horfield Prison , which Ms Koch says she passes every day , is at the centre of the plot .
`` The accident galvanised me to write , '' said Ms Koch , 34 .
`` It made me realise that life is too short not to do the things that you love .
`` The writing came several years afterwards but if I had n't had that accident there 's a good chance I 'd still be sitting at my desk in an office thinking 'oh , one day I 'll have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' . ''
Despite her philosophical outlook now , at the time Ms Koch , originally from Cheltenham , says she was furious with the driver , who was spoken to by the police but not prosecuted .
He was sent on a driver improvement course and paid Ms Koch compensation .
`` Having to be wheeled to the toilet by your father at the age of 22 or being unable to sleep due to the pain and discomfort of wearing leg braces - it was tough and for a long time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roads , '' she said .
`` There were moments in the early days of my recovery when I did get angry and shouted at him [ the driver ] .
Even though he was n't there , I directed my frustrations at him .
`` But I 've managed to let that anger go .
I think if I met him now I think I would say thank you .
`` But I 'd also tell him to drive more carefully . ''

"Having to be wheeled to the toilet by your father at the age of 22 or being unable to sleep due to the pain and discomfort of wearing leg braces - it was tough and for a long time, I found it really hard to cross roads," she said.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Labour leadership: Sir Keir Starmer secures support to run

Sir Keir Starmer has become the first Labour leadership candidate to secure enough nominations to enter the race .
The shadow Brexit secretary has the backing of 23 MPs and MEPs to replace Jeremy Corbyn - passing the minimum of 22 nominations .
Shadow business secretary Rebecca Long Bailey is his closest competitor , securing seven nominations so far , followed by Jess Phillips with six .
Nominations close on 13 January and the winner will be announced on 4 April .
Those running to become deputy leader of the party are holding a hustings in Parliament .
The candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shadow education secretary Angela Rayner , shadow women and equalities minister Dawn Butler , Scotland 's only remaining Labour MP Ian Murray , Rosena Allin-Khan and Khalid Mahmood .
• Who will be Labour 's next leader ?
• New Labour leader to be announced on 4 April Colleagues backing Sir Keir include two newly announced members of Labour 's shadow cabinet - shadow culture secretary Tracy Brabin and shadow Brexit minister Thangam Debbonaire .
Mrs Long Bailey 's backers include deputy candidate Ms Rayner , while Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critic of Mr Corbyn over his handling of anti-Semitism allegations in the party .
Wigan MP Lisa Nandy has two nominations and shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry has one .
However , shadow Treasury minister Clive Lewis has yet to receive the official backing of any of his colleagues .
Mr Corbyn said on Tuesday that he would not endorse any of the candidates and `` wo n't be saying who I 'll be voting for '' .
Earlier , Mr Lewis rated Mr Corbyn `` six out of 10 '' as leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire programme , he criticised Mr Corbyn for making mistakes on Brexit and dealing with anti-Semitism .
`` But some things he got right , '' Mr Lewis added , `` so in many ways he 's renewed our party . ''
The comments follow those of Mrs Long Bailey , who rated Mr Corbyn 10 out of 10 for his performance as leader .

Sir Keir told the BBC he was "delighted" by the endorsement but played down talk of him now being the frontrunner, telling the BBC "there was a long way to go" in the contest.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Manchester City Council set to adopt Martyn's Law early

Clubs and venues in Manchester will be asked to adopt new anti-terror measures following a campaign by the mother of arena bomb victim Martyn Hett .
The 29-year-old was one of 22 people killed in the suicide bombing in 2017 .
His mother Figen Murray has been lobbying the government to bring in Martyn 's Law , which would see venues make tougher security checks .
Manchester City Council is aiming to be the first to bring in the changes by adopting new licensing rules locally .
Ms Murray said : `` I am absolutely over the moon with [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a legal requirement yet - they have said voluntarily they are going to kick-start it .
`` To me it 's massive because I have been working so hard with a lot of other wonderful people on this . ''
Ms Murray said she hoped other cities would follow suit and added : `` Across the road from my house I have a tree planted in Martyn 's memory .
`` I went there on 1 January at 8am while everybody was asleep and I said to Martyn , 'this is they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implement Martyn 's Law .
I will do my best for you Martyn ' .
`` As a mother what else can I do ? ''
Councillors will be asked on Wednesday to approve a review of the way the council licenses premises , although initially its implementation would be voluntary .
The existing range of licensing conditions would be revised to incorporate specific counter-terrorism measures such as ensuring venues have a plan in place and staff training Without legislation , licensed venues can not be compelled to implement Martyn 's Law but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions on new licences or where a licence is being varied .
It said any revised conditions could be introduced this year following a short public consultation .
However to include anti-terrorism measures into the formal Licensing Policy could not happen until January 2021 .
Councillor Nigel Murphy , council deputy leader , said : `` We are proud to work with Figen to lead the way on bringing in an improved culture of safety in this country , but we need the government to take action .
`` Only they have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statute books and we hope it treats her campaign as a priority . ''
The Home Office has been contacted for comment .
In September it said it would consider whether new laws were needed relating to the way public venues deal with counter-terrorism safety .
Mr Hett was killed along with 21 others when a bomb exploded at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena on 22 May 2017 , which also left hundreds injured .

"I went there on 1 January at 8am while everybody was asleep and I said to Martyn, 'this is the year I am going to try and implement Martyn's Law. I will do my best for you Martyn'.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Christopher Beeny: Upstairs, Downstairs actor dies at 78

Christopher Beeny , known for roles in Upstairs , Downstairs and BBC sitcom Last of the Summer Wine , has died at the age of 78 , his son has confirmed .
Beeny played the cheeky footman , chauffeur and butler Edward Barnes in Upstairs , Downstairs in the 1970s .
He also appeared as incompetent debt collector Herman , who changed his name to Morton , in Last of the Summer Wine .
Beeny began his career as a child actor in the UK 's first TV soap opera , The Grove Family , in the mid-1950s .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dame Thora Hird in the sitcom In Loving Memory , which ran on ITV from 1979-86 .
The actor 's son Rick Blackman wrote on Twitter : `` I have some sad news to impart .
On Friday 3rd of January my old dad Christopher Beeny died at his home in Kent .
He was 78 .
Comforted to know he was not alone at the end and was in his armchair '' .
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The actor's son Rick Blackman wrote on Twitter: "I have some sad news to impart. On Friday 3rd of January my old dad Christopher Beeny died at his home in Kent. He was 78. Comforted to know he was not alone at the end and was in his armchair".


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Sainsbury's blames toy sales for quiet Christmas

The boss of Sainsbury 's has said sales were lower during the Christmas period because fewer people bought toys .
Mike Coupe told the BBC that toy sales had fallen by 20 % across the market in the last two years .
`` The challenge was in a couple of categories , particularly gaming and toys , '' he said , adding that there were no major releases to boost sales in the run-up to Christmas .
The supermarket 's like-for-like sales fell 0.7 % in the 15 weeks to 4 January .
While grocery sales actually increased by 0.4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that includes Argos , which is owned by Sainsbury 's , weighed on the company 's overall performance .
Nevertheless , Mr Coupe said the company had delivered a `` real sense of momentum '' .
Clothing sales grew by 5 % , which Mr Coupe said was helped by colder weather in the weeks before Christmas .
`` Womenswear was particularly popular , including a sell-out range of novelty Christmas jumpers , '' Sainsbury 's said .
`` These results show a mixed picture for the retailer , '' said Richard Lim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` On the one hand , the food business held up relatively well in an extremely tough market , '' he said .
`` On the other , Argos appears to have had a much tougher time delivering an uncomfortable decline in sales over the festive period . ''
Data released by two research firms , Nielsen and Kantar , on Tuesday suggested that Sainsbury 's was the least worst performer among the so-called `` big four '' supermarkets over the all-important Christmas period .
Morrisons reported a 1.7 % drop in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 22 weeks to 5 January .
The company said : `` Throughout the period , trading conditions remained challenging and the customer uncertainty of the last year was sustained . ''

"The challenge was in a couple of categories, particularly gaming and toys," he said, adding that there were no major releases to boost sales in the run-up to Christmas.