bbcuk--2020-02-19--Children facing uncertain future, experts warn

No country offers a child both the chance of a healthy upbringing and an environment fit for their future , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) says .
Experts say climate change and harmful advertising encouraging fast-food consumption and under-age drinking are putting children at risk .
The UK was ranked among the top 10 countries in the world for the overall health and wellbeing of children .
However , it fell behind in safeguarding the environment for their future .
The report by the WHO , the United Nations Children 's Fund ( Unicef ) and the Lancet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likelihood of a child being able to `` flourish '' , focusing on health and wellbeing factors such as education , nutrition and child mortality .
Countries were then also ranked on their carbon emission levels .
Some 40 child-health experts warned progress over the past two decades was `` set to reverse '' if radical changes were not made by governments around the globe .
`` Every child worldwide now faces existential threats from climate change and commercial pressures , '' said former Prime Minister of New Zealand , Helen Clark , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to overhaul their approach to child and adolescent health to protect the world they will inherit in the future . ''
The experts warned a 4C rise in global temperatures by 2100 , in line with current projections , would result in `` devastating health consequences '' for future generations - a rise in ocean levels , heatwaves , severe malnutrition and a spike in infectious diseases such as malaria .
`` More than two billion people live in countries where development is hampered by humanitarian crises , conflicts , and natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change , '' said minister Awa Coll-Seck , from Senegal , who co-chairs the commission .
While the world 's poorest countries were found to be among those with the lowest greenhouse-gas emissions , they were deemed most likely to be exposed to the negative impacts of climate change .
`` Promoting better conditions today for children to survive and thrive nationally does not have to come at the cost of eroding children 's futures globally , '' added Mr Coll-Seck .
In 2015 , the world 's countries agreed on 17 sustainable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no hunger , zero poverty and climate action , but five years on , little progress has been made toward achieving them .
UK law dictates that , by 2050 , carbon emissions will be virtually halted and any remaining emissions will have to be compensated for by activities such as tree planting .
And the government sparked industry concern earlier this month by bringing the date of a planned ban on sales of new petrol , diesel or hybrid cars forward from 2040 to 2035 in a bid to hit zero-carbon emission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed the UK in 133rd place on providing a climate fit for future generations , with it currently on track to emit 115 % more CO2 than its 2030 target .
The US and Australia were also among the worst emitters .
The report also highlighted the threat posed to children from harmful marketing .
It found they were exposed to as many as 30,000 television advertisements a year , including those for alcohol , junk food and sugary soft drinks .
One of the commission 's authors , Anthony Costello , University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustainability , warned the meteoric rise in the use of social media among children and adolescents meant `` predatory marketing '' was more of a danger than ever .
`` We have few facts and figures about the huge expansion of social-media advertising and algorithms aimed at our children , '' he said .
In 2019 , a report estimated nearly 2.3 billion children and adults on the planet were overweight and more than 150 million children had stunted growth .
The only countries on track to beat CO2 emission targets by 2030 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and wellbeing , were Albania , Armenia , Grenada , Jordan , Moldova , Sri Lanka , Tunisia , Uruguay and Vietnam .
The report calls for a new global movement driven by and for children , with its recommendations including : • Stop CO2 emissions with the utmost urgency , to ensure children have a future on this planet • Place children and adolescents at the centre of our efforts to achieve sustainable development • New policies and investment in all sectors to work towards child health and rights • Tighten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported by a new optional protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child .
Prof Costello warned the UK 's high ranking for the overall health and wellbeing of children did not mean it could `` rest on its laurels , '' citing a predicted rise in child poverty as a warning sign .
`` For almost one in every two children to be poor in 21st Century Britain is not just a disgrace but a social calamity and an economic disaster , all rolled into one , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` This calls for the birth of a new era for child and adolescent health .
It is the supreme test of our generation . ''

"For almost one in every two children to be poor in 21st Century Britain is not just a disgrace but a social calamity and an economic disaster, all rolled into one," he said.


bbcuk--2020-02-19--Brits 2020: Dave wins album of the year and calls PM 'racist'

London rapper Dave won album of the year at the Brits , moments after calling the prime minister a `` racist '' .
The star took home the night 's main award for his provocative , personal album Psychodrama , which also won last year 's Mercury Prize .
But it was his fiery performance of the single Black that stole the show .
In a newly-written verse , he called out the government response to the Grenfell Tower fire and said : `` The truth is our prime minister is a real racist . ''
Home Secretary Priti Patel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't know how much [ Dave ] knows about the prime minister and whether he actually has met the prime minister or knows the prime minister .
`` I work with the prime minister , I know Boris Johnson very well , no way is he a racist , so I think that is a completely wrong comment and it 's the wrong assertion to make against our prime minister . ''
Downing Street said it would n't comment on Dave 's remarks .
• The Brits mark turning 40 by refusing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage of Meghan , the Duchess of Sussex , and paid tribute to London Bridge terror attack victim Jack Merritt .
Two years after Stormzy demanded `` where 's the money for Grenfell ? ''
on the Brits stage , Dave updated the lyric , saying : `` Grenfell victims still need accommodation . ''
He added : `` And we still need support for the Windrush generation/Reparations for the time our people spent on plantations . ''
The lyrics were added as a final verse to Black , which talks about perceptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK .
The 21-year-old rapper is now only the second act to win best album at the Brits and the Mercury Prize for the same record .
The first was the Arctic Monkeys for their debut , Whatever People Say I Am , That 's What I 'm Not .
Aside from Dave 's show-stopping performance , the 2020 Brits also saw Billie Eilish give the live debut of her James Bond theme , No Time To Die , backed by a 22-piece orchestra , Smiths legend Johnny Marr and composer Hans Zimmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , taking home two prizes - best new artist and best single , for his breakout hit Someone You Loved .
`` Contrary to popular belief , people think this song is about my ex girlfriend , who you can now see every night on Love Island , '' said the star .
`` But it 's actually about my grandmother who sadly passed away a few years ago .
`` I hope to God ITV do n't contact her to be on a reality dating show . ''
Mabel won best female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Neneh Cherry , who took home two Brits exactly 30 years ago .
Eilish choked back tears as she accepted the award for best international female , having been overwhelmed by the audience 's response to her performance minutes earlier .
`` I felt very hated recently , '' said the 18-year-old , who had earlier told the BBC she had stopped reading comments on social media .
`` And when so was on the stage and I saw all you guys smiling at me… It genuinely made me want to cry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , so thank you . ''
Best male artist went to Stormzy , who performed a stunning medley of songs from his second album , Heavy Is The Head , accompanied by more than 100 performers , including a gospel choir , a saxophonist and Nigerian artist Burna Boy .
The night opened with a brief tribute to Love Island host Caroline Flack , formerly a backstage presenter at the Brits , following her death on Saturday .
`` She was a kind and vibrant person with an infectious sense of fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say our thoughts are with her friends and family . ''
Earlier , Harry Styles , who briefly dated Flack while he was in One Direction , appeared to pay tribute by wearing a black ribbon on his jacket on the red carpet .
The star performed the delicate ballad Falling during the show , but made no further reference to Flack 's death .
Other performances on the night came from Lizzo , whose irrepressible energy lit up the O2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hits Cuz I Love You , Truth Hurts , Good As Hell and Juice .
Mabel opened the show with an athletic version of Do n't Call Me Up , set in a call centre and featuring two dance breaks .
And Sir Rod Stewart brought proceedings to an end two hours later , reuniting with The Faces to play Stay With Me .
There were several references to the lack of female nominees at the ceremony , with Paloma Faith and Foals saying they hoped for better representation at next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imbalance as he introduced the award for best female , saying : `` Environmental issues have been a big theme of awards show this year .
And in the spirit of sustainability the Brits has been recycling all the same excuses for why so few women were nominated . ''
Dave was n't the only artist to make a political statement , with US artist Tyler , The Creator referencing the fact he had been banned from entering the UK in 2015 because of some of his lyrics .
`` A special thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me to come to this country five years ago , '' said the rapper as he picked up best international male .
`` I know she 's at home [ peed ] off - thank you Theresa May . ''
Dave capped the night off by winning best album - a prize many had expected to go to Lewis Capaldi , whose debut album was the UK 's best-selling record last year .
But voters responded instead to the rapper 's candid , soul-baring reflections on his upbringing in London and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Briton .
He dedicated his trophy to anyone hoping to follow in his footsteps , saying : `` All my young kings and queens that are chasing their dreams , I am no different from you .
You can do anything you put your mind to . ''
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Whitehall also acknowledged the imbalance as he introduced the award for best female, saying: "Environmental issues have been a big theme of awards show this year. And in the spirit of sustainability the Brits has been recycling all the same excuses for why so few women were nominated."


bbcuk--2020-02-19--'Outdated family-court rape views need addressing'

A judge who dismissed a woman 's claim she had been raped , as she had done `` nothing physically '' to stop the alleged perpetrator , is among a number of family court judges to hold `` outdated views '' , a joint letter says .
In it , over 130 lawyers and women 's rights groups call for Judge Tolson 's continuing cases to be reviewed .
And they say family court judges should be trained on the `` meaning of consent '' .
The Judiciary said a commitment to further training had since been made .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to be allowed to spend time with his son , who was in the care of his former partner .
She objected because she said the man had been controlling and had raped her .
In his ruling , Judge Tolson told the family court because the woman `` was not in any sense pinned down '' , she `` could easily , physically , have made life harder '' for the man - and it `` did not constitute rape '' .
The woman later argued the judge 's approach had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the man .
The letter - signed by organisations including Rape Crisis England and Wales , Women 's Aid and the Centre for Women 's Justice - says attitudes such as those expressed by the judge `` leave children and women at risk of serious harm '' .
Addressed to Justice Secretary Robert Buckland and the family courts president , Sir Andrew McFarlane , it says : `` Increasingly , the courts are no longer seen as a safe place for women who have been abused . ''
It adds that since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media , it has `` resulted in women contacting some of the signatories to this letter with their experiences of [ Judge Tolson ] and other judges who have expressed similar attitudes .
`` Their concerns have included attitudes about sexual violence as seen in [ this case ] , professional assessment of abusive parents being disregarded without reason and failure to provide special measures during hearings . ''
The letter is supported by the Victims ' Commissioner for England and Wales , Dame Vera Baird , the Domestic Abuse Commissioner , Nicole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commissioner , Claire Waxman .
Judge Tolson was also the judge in the case of `` Trish '' - not her real name - deciding the level of contact she and her ex-partner were allowed with their children .
`` I was with my ex-partner for several decades , '' she tells the Victoria Derbyshire programme .
`` He was physically abusive and financially and emotionally coercive and controlling .
I finally left when he started to abuse my children as well . ''
Trish 's ex-partner applied to the courts for contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child is now old enough to be able to make their own decision about not going for contact .
But she says her younger child is `` terrified of going for contact with him and says he 's been physically abusive '' .
`` All I want is for this to be properly investigated .
I 've been in court at least 20 times , '' she says .
`` He can afford lawyers but ...
I have to represent myself .
`` He 's continuing to control me and abuse - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The children 's voices are not heard and to not even have the courts protecting vulnerable families is really scary .
`` I am deeply concerned for the future of my children and their safety . ''
The woman whose rape claim was dismissed by Judge Tolson has now had her appeal upheld by a High Court judge , over its handling .
Ms Justice Russell , ordered a fresh case to be held before a different judge and said specialist training was needed on how family-court judges dealt with sexual assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but adds : `` There are wider systemic issues , including some lack of understanding of domestic abuse and serious sexual assault and a failure to apply the practice directions to afford victims a fair trial .
`` This is despite training and clear rules . ''
It calls for the appointment of `` appropriately trained domestic-abuse champions in each family court '' , greater accountability for judges and specific training on the meaning of consent and free will for all family-court judges .
The UK Judiciary said in a statement that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judgment [ in the Judge Tolson case ] , the president of the Family Division had asked the Judicial College to provide additional bespoke training in dealing with cases of sexually related assault for judges trying domestic abuse cases in the Family Court .
`` The enhanced training will be delivered - initially electronically - from May 2020 and from then on will be included in every continuation training course for the Family judiciary . '
It said the proposals would see family-court judges given `` similar training to that which is already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual criminal trials '' .
The Ministry of Justice declined to comment .
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It adds that since the case came to light in the media, it has "resulted in women contacting some of the signatories to this letter with their experiences of [Judge Tolson] and other judges who have expressed similar attitudes.


bbcuk--2020-02-19--Army training deaths 'will keep happening'

The Ministry of Defence breached health and safety laws 40 times in the past two decades , a BBC investigation has found .
Bereaved families say lives are being put at risk - not in war zones but in training - by repeated mistakes .
There are now renewed calls for the military to lose its immunity from prosecution .
The MoD said safety was a `` top priority '' and training policies are `` regularly reviewed '' .
On one of the hottest days of 2013 , three soldiers died during an exercise on the Brecon Beacons .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Craig Roberts , have now broken their six-year silence to speak to BBC Wales Investigates .
Like some former military personnel , they want the MoD to face criminal charges when people die during training .
`` He loved it , he loved the training , he loved the men he was with… he found a way of life that he enjoyed , '' said L/Cpl Roberts 's mother , Margaret .
`` We were worried about what he could be asked to do if he was deployed - the thought of training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
On the day he died , L/Cpl Roberts , from Penrhyn Bay near Llandudno , was on a 16-mile ( 25.7km ) march against the clock during an SAS selection test .
Like the other would-be special forces men on the Brecon Beacons , he was marching with 25kg ( 3st 13lb ) on his back in high temperatures with no breeze .
Two men had been withdrawn from the exercise , severely affected by the heat - a sign others were at risk .
As the march continued L/Cpl Roberts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two other reservists - Cpl James Dunsby and L/Cpl Eddie Maher - also died because of the heat that day .
A senior coroner ruled in 2015 that training and planning that day was poor - that the men who died had been neglected by the Army .
`` Craig did n't have an accident , he did n't fall off a cliff - he was failed by the MoD that day and that should n't have happened , '' said Margaret Roberts .
`` We know special forces are now a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that need to be looked after , not just special forces .
`` It should n't have happened again , but it did .
We should have been the last ones . ''
The Army said it would do `` everything possible '' to `` prevent a recurrence '' of the deaths in 2013 .
It was another hot day in July 2016 when he was on an annual fitness test near Brecon .
Cpl Hoole was described as one of the fittest soldiers in his unit , and had faced the heat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became a fatal factor again .
Of the 41 men taking part that day in Wales , 18 dropped out , collapsed or were withdrawn .
• No medic 'for an hour' Like Craig Roberts , Joshua nearly finished his challenge .
Like Craig , he collapsed and , despite medical attention , could not be saved .
`` They promised us lessons would be learned , '' Margaret Roberts said .
`` But when you read [ Josh 's ] record of inquest , it 's in a way like reading Craig @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say 'have n't they learned ? '
'' The coroner at Cpl Hoole 's inquest voiced `` grave concerns '' about the Army 's ability to `` learn from previous mistakes '' .
Over the past two decades , 148 service personnel have died - not on the battlefield , but on training exercises .
A freedom of information request by BBC Wales Investigates has discovered that the MoD breached health and safety laws 40 times during that period .
But it has Crown immunity - meaning it can not face criminal prosecutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an internal MoD review which was commissioned in 2002 after a spate of diving deaths .
The report recommended `` substantial changes '' to equipment and training to meet `` 21st Century standards '' .
Just two years later , in 2004 , Sgt Bill McLellan died during an exercise in Germany , wearing the same kit the Army had been warned to replace .
In 2016 , the MoD was again warned about safety issues with new diving equipment .
Two years later , in 2018 , L/Cpl George Partridge died at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chepstow .
An MoD inquiry found lessons had not been learned and there was still no formal training for diving officers .
Hilary Meredith represented Sgt McLellan 's widow and has acted for many others left bereaved by military training accidents .
While acknowledging that preparations for the military have to be rigorous , she says a failure to change is causing accidents to happen `` again and again '' .
`` [ The MoD ] can be criticised but there are no sanctions or teeth to make them sit up and change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who serve us , '' Ms Meredith said .
`` I think , quite shockingly , the only way to make change is to really be extreme - remove immunity so the MoD takes responsibility and is sanctioned or fined if there is a reckless disregard to life . ''
And there is another cost aside from the lives cut short .
BBC Wales Investigates has found through a freedom of information request that preventable injuries have cost the MoD more than £56m between 2012 and 2019 .
Add on legal fees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of excess heat or cold ) are costing the military at least £18m a year .
In a statement , an MoD spokesperson said it regularly monitored and audited training , and `` all deaths in training are investigated '' to `` ensure that incidents are minimised '' .
It cited that heat illness policy had been updated six times since 2015 , and a full safety review was undertaken into diving activities in 2018 , which is ongoing .
The statement said the Health and Safety Executive ( HSE ) had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaches of health and safety law and can issue Crown Censures , which it took seriously .
`` In virtually every case in which the HSE has identified shortcomings , the MoD has taken action to prevent a recurrence… well before any decision on a Crown Censure , '' the statement said .
Craig Roberts ' parents have now joined the likes of Hilary Meredith in calling for the law to be changed so the MoD can face prosecution by the HSE if things go badly wrong .
L/Cpl Roberts 's father Kelvin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the MoD in the same way as other high risk industries to prevent further fatalities .
`` To have this safety net of immunity from prosecution , I 'd imagine nearly every single company in civvy street would love that… and I think it 's a lame excuse in today 's day and age , '' he says .
`` It should be removed… and until that happens , I 'm sorry to say I think this is going to happen over and over again . ''
BBC Wales Investigates Our Son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on Wednesday , 19 February at 20:00 GMT on BBC One Wales and then on the BBC iPlayer .

"It should be removed… and until that happens, I'm sorry to say I think this is going to happen over and over again."


bbcuk--2020-02-19--UK's cash system 'will collapse without new laws'

Campaigners have called for Chancellor Rishi Sunak to save banknotes and coins , saying without urgent new laws the cash system could collapse within a decade .
They want Mr Sunak to take action in his first Budget on 11 March .
`` We must ensure the shift to digital does n't leave millions behind or put our economy at risk , '' said Natalie Ceeney , of the Access to Cash Review .
The Treasury said it wanted `` to ensure everyone who needs cash can access it . ''
Cash is important to millions of people , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods and services , such as utility and council bills .
According to the Financial Inclusion Commission , nearly two million people in Britain do n't have a bank account , meaning they need notes and coins to pay their way .
There were 11 billion cash payments in the UK in 2018 , but they are forecast to fall to 3.8 billion in 2028 , accounting for fewer than one in 10 ( 9 % ) of all payments .
`` The UK is fast becoming a cashless society - without knowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the UK economy , '' said Ms Ceeney .
Over the past year , 13 % of free-to-use UK cash points have closed , as lower levels of cash use have made them economically unviable .
A quarter ( 25 % ) of the machines now charge people to withdraw their cash .
The Post Office 's cash access service has come under threat .
Barclays recently reversed plans to stop customers taking cash out from Post Offices after a backlash .
`` The cash network has already been dramatically eroded , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Budget , it 's clear that it will crumble completely , '' warned Jenny Ross , Which ?
Money Editor .
`` The new Chancellor must seize this opportunity and guarantee long-term access to cash in the Budget , while developing a clear strategy to ensure that the transition to digital payments does n't leave anyone behind . ''
Various initiatives have been set up by the industry to help maintain people 's access to cash , including cashback initiatives at local shops and a `` request an ATM '' service .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only way to manage the cash system is for the government to legislate and give regulators the tools that they need to protect cash access .
Banks should be forced to provide suitable cash access to their customers , they say .
A spokesman for the Treasury said : `` Technology has transformed banking for millions of people , but we know that many still rely on cash .
`` That 's why we 've invested £2bn to ensure everyday banking services are available at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with industry and regulators to ensure everyone who needs cash can access it . ''
A UK Finance spokesman said the banking and finance industry recognises the importance of ensuring cash remains free and widely available for those that continue to need it .
It said the industry has introduced a number of measures to achieve help , including `` arrangements by Link to protect free-to-use ATMs in more remote and rural areas and to ensure that every High Street in the UK has free access to cash . ''
The trade body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ size fits all '' approach and understanding the needs of local communities is critical .
The Federation of Small Businesses ( FSB ) called for financial incentives so smaller businesses could offer partial refunds on goods and services .
Martin McTague , FSB national policy and advocacy chairman , said : `` We need to look at how we make offering cashback commercially viable for small businesses .
The right financial incentives are a must . ''

It said the industry has introduced a number of measures to achieve help, including "arrangements by Link to protect free-to-use ATMs in more remote and rural areas and to ensure that every High Street in the UK has free access to cash."


bbcuk--2020-02-19--Hollywood studio plans to build film complex in Reading

Plans to develop the `` largest purpose-built film studio '' in the UK have been put forward in Reading .
US company Blackhall Studios and the University of Reading want to build the new £150m studios at Thames Valley Science Park .
Blackhall said the move would `` bring major Hollywood film productions to the UK '' and create up to 3,000 jobs .
The company has produced movies such as Venom , Godzilla : King of the Monsters and Jumanji : The Next Level .
The company said £500m a year would be invested in the complex , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year and create 1,500 jobs on-site .
Ryan Millsap , chairman of Blackhall , which has a studio complex in Atlanta , Georgia , said he was `` excited to be establishing a base in the UK '' .
He said the plans were made after the company 's US-based clients Disney , Universal and Sony were `` all asking us to expand into the UK to meet their desire to create productions here '' .
`` We hope that the site at Thames Valley Science Park will be the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will see investment in jobs , training and the creative arts across a range of disciplines , '' he added .
• Oscars 2020 : Next moves for the winning stars The company said the plans would be submitted to Wokingham Borough Council this year , with a view to opening the new facility in 2022 .
The University of Reading , which owns Thames Valley Science Park , said the studio would `` not only benefit the economy , but also its students , the local community and the environment '' @

"We hope that the site at Thames Valley Science Park will be the start of a series of investments in the UK which will see investment in jobs, training and the creative arts across a range of disciplines," he added.


bbcuk--2020-02-19--Call to scrap 'elitist' Oxford application fee

Academics at Oxford University want to scrap a £75 fee required to apply for postgraduate courses - arguing it is an `` elitist '' financial barrier .
The fee is not refundable - and an internal email suggests Oxford receives £2m from applications per year , mostly from those who have been rejected .
There are complaints the fee is `` discriminatory '' and putting off `` excellent candidates '' .
But Oxford says a `` growing number '' of universities charge an application fee .
Michael Cassidy , of the university 's department of earth sciences , said charging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ image of being `` elitist and arrogant '' .
The campaign to stop Oxford 's levying of application fees - separate from tuition fees - has been revealed by a higher education publication , Research Professional News .
• Top universities to give more places to disadvantaged Next month , the university 's `` congregation '' , its sovereign body , will hear a resolution calling for a phasing out of application fees for graduate courses , such as masters or doctorate studies .
Staff at the university will say the fee `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and that there is `` good evidence '' that talented students are being deterred from trying to get a place .
There are some fee waivers for disadvantaged applicants - but those campaigning against the fees say that they `` act as a barrier '' to trying to widen access to Oxford .
`` This is something that came up most years where we 'd have applicants directly emailing us saying the fee was a barrier , '' professor of astrophysics Chris Lintott told Research Professional News .
He said students would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not applying there because they charge £75 . ''
But an internal university email appears to warn that the fee is worth £2m per year and abolishing it would mean cutting services or finding the money from other departmental budgets .
Oxford says more universities are charging a fee at the point of applying for postgraduate courses .
Cambridge , University College London , Warwick and King 's College London are among those who charge for applying .
For undergraduate applications , entry is by the Ucas system , with the £25 fee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A spokeswoman for Oxford University said the fee for graduate applications helped to cover the cost of processing admissions from 30,000 applicants per year .
But she said abolishing the fee was `` not in line with current university policy , which is to offer increasing levels of waivers to the current fee '' .
`` Abolishing the fee entirely is likely to have significant implications for our graduate admissions and access activities .
However , we look forward to the issue being discussed among the wider university community . ''

Staff at the university will say the fee "undermines Oxford's efforts to encourage diversity" and that there is "good evidence" that talented students are being deterred from trying to get a place.


bbcuk--2020-02-19--'Vegans need their own shelf in the office fridge'

There 's new advice for supporting vegans in the workplace , including having a shelf in the office fridge .
The Vegan Society has shared suggested guidelines to help businesses look after their vegan staff .
They range from offering vegan menus at events to providing vegan-friendly work-wear for people who want it .
The charity wants vegans to be exempt from corporate events like horse racing or activities that might include cooking a `` hog roast '' on a barbecue .
Other recommendations include colour-coded kitchen equipment and separate areas to prepare meat-free food - as well as non-leather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of purchasing non-vegan goods and the chance for staff to have discussions about vegan-friendly pension options .
The Vegan Society says these new guidelines are intended to create a positive atmosphere at work .
`` Fostering a general attitude of respect towards vegan employees is key , '' it writes .
`` If 'jokes ' made about an employee 's veganism become burdensome , steps should be made to improve this . ''
'You have to justify every single meal' There are an estimated 600,000 vegans in the UK who follow a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One of those people is Jess Hawkes - a 28-year-old who tells Radio 1 Newsbeat explaining her choice of diet to colleagues can be `` exhausting '' .
`` A lot of the time you get comments about being a 'weak ' vegan , '' says Jess , who was vegetarian all her life before turning vegan six years ago .
`` Sometimes it 's not necessarily people meaning to be really offensive , but people will ask if you get enough nutrients and vitamins or if you 're anaemic .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been going on so long that you just get used to it . ''
Now Jess , who works in works in digital marketing in Nottingham , says she finds it easier not to mention that she 's a vegan .
`` If someone 's going to start questioning me it gets exhausting , and you end up having to justify every single meal that you have . ''
Jess says the recommendations made by The Vegan Society are `` a step in the right direction '' .
But she thinks a better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than some of their suggestions .
`` The thing I think that 's dangerous is that it 's assuming ethics of people because - for example , the horse-racing thing - some people might be vegan for completely different ethical reasons .
It might not have anything to do with animal rights .
`` Some people do n't eat animal products for health , some people do it for the environment , some people do it for religion , some people might just not like meat and dairy . ''
She also believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the workplace difficult .
`` I think there 's a vast misconception that vegans are going to lecture people on their ethics and their beliefs , '' she adds .
`` If people had more of a broader understanding of it , then they might stop seeing it as this really radical viewpoint that needs to be commented on . ''
'Vegan harassment will be taken seriously' The Vegan Society says it wants comments about vegans to be compared to those made about people in religious groups .
Last month a UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vegans were protected by law and said they deserved similar legal protections in British workplaces as those who hold religious beliefs .
Ethical vegans do n't just avoid eating or using animal products - they also try to exclude all forms of animal exploitation from their lifestyle .
For example they avoid wearing or buying clothing made from wool or leather , or using toiletries from companies that carry out animal testing .
`` One way of assessing whether a co-worker has gone too far with comments to or about vegans is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be deemed offensive to other individuals with protected characteristics , such as those who adhere to certain religious values , '' the society says .
Since last month 's ruling jokes or comments about vegans can be considered harassment in the workplace under the Equality Act 2010 .
`` An employer has a duty to ensure that all employees behave respectfully and courteously towards each other and vegans should also benefit from this , '' the society states .
`` If this duty is not extended to vegan employees , claims of unlawful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be taken seriously in employment tribunals . ''
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

"One way of assessing whether a co-worker has gone too far with comments to or about vegans is to consider what type of conversational behaviour would be deemed offensive to other individuals with protected characteristics, such as those who adhere to certain religious values," the society says.


bbcuk--2020-02-19--The Brits mark turning 40 by refusing to look back

It may have been the Brits ' 40th birthday , but this year 's ceremony felt more like a coronation of the new generation of pop stars - Billie Eilish , Dave , Lewis Capaldi and Lizzo .
A-listers who would have dominated the show just four years ago , from Taylor Swift to Ed Sheeran , did n't even get a look-in .
But as pop evolves at an ever-increasing tempo , their absence was not as noticeable as you might have expected .
Dave delivered the night 's break-out performance : A visceral dissection of the way Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culminated in him calling the Prime Minister a `` real racist '' .
Along the way , the Streatham-born rapper criticised the British media 's treatment of Meghan Markle in comparison to how it treated Kate Middleton .
`` Equality is a right , it does n't deserve credit , '' he rapped .
`` If you do n't wan na get it , then you 're never gon na get it / How the news treats Kate versus how they 're treating Meghan . ''
Poised and calm despite his indignation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivering one of those indescribable `` Brits moments '' that every artist seeks , but few ever pull off .
`` That performance has been on my mind for months now , '' Dave told Radio 1 's Newsbeat after coming off stage .
`` I 've been rehearsing it for about six weeks , but I said what I needed to say and I 'm happy . ''
He may have stolen the show , but the rest of the ceremony highlighted a new wave of young innovators who are re-writing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for one , makes hit records in her childhood bedroom , crafting a sound that 's dark , sinister and strangely intimate - with vocals whispered in your ear like a confession .
Her Bond theme , premiered at the Brits , is one of her more traditional songs ; but the debut album that won her best international female is notable for the way it disrupts the traditional verse-chorus structures of pop , surprising the listener at every turn .
Fellow nominees like Ariana Grande and Post Malone discuss the weighty topics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veneer ; while Lizzo sprinkles her bouncy pop hits with messages of body positivity and LGBT inclusivity .
Many of the British nominees have broken the record industry 's stranglehold on the charts - with AJ Tracey , D-Block Europe and Dave all releasing their music independently .
`` It gives us freedom to release songs as soon as we want to release them , '' explained Young Adz from D-Block Europe , who nominated for best group after releasing three Top 10 albums in the space of a year .
`` Something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we can drop a song three days later , so we stay relevant .
The essence of time is really important . ''
AJ Tracey , whose breakout hit Ladbroke Grove was up for best single said he was proud to see so many British rappers proving themselves on their own terms .
`` It 's just showing everyone you can do it indie .
Put in the hard work and you can do great things . ''
The night 's big winner was Lewis Capaldi who , admittedly , is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He 's signed to a major label , works with a team of established songwriters and scored a massive worldwide hit a heart-rending ballad that 's not a million miles away from Adele 's Someone Like You ( even the title , Someone You Loved , was similar ) .
But even he has found a modern route to fame - amassing 4.8 million followers on Instagram after a series of viral posts - many of which involve his toilet habits ( he once filmed himself scouring LA for a plunger after blocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and relatability puncture the pop star bubble .
Even when accepting the award for best single , he thanked his mum and dad `` for making love '' , before awkwardly dedicating the prize to his late grandmother , who inspired the song : `` Thanks to my grandmother ... er , I guess , for dying . ''
Celebrating all of these fresh , young voices made the 2020 Brits feel , for once , like they were on the cutting edge ( until Rod Stewart turned up for the encore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , if you studied the nominations - where just one British female artist , Mabel , was considered worthy of inclusion in the categories where men and women compete .
Asked about the discrepancy , Geoff Taylor , CEO of the Brits and the record industry body the BPI , argued that men simply had a better year .
`` There 's been a lot of success for male acts in 2019 - and with grime and hip-hop doing very well , they are more male-dominated genres , '' he told Music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reflection of what 's going on in the business . ''
That second half of that statement gets closer to the truth .
Last year , just 20 % of the musicians signed to a UK record label were women .
Until that imbalance is rectified , true balance at awards shows ( and on festival line-ups ) will be an impossible dream .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Her Bond theme, premiered at the Brits, is one of her more traditional songs; but the debut album that won her best international female is notable for the way it disrupts the traditional verse-chorus structures of pop, surprising the listener at every turn.


bbcuk--2020-02-19--Back To The Future is being rebooted - on stage, not on screen

More people want a new Back to the Future film than want a new instalment in any other franchise .
But one of its creators says doing another movie would be like `` selling your kids into prostitution '' - so it 's been rebooted as a stage musical instead .
Walking though the Manchester Opera House foyer a week before the first performance of Back to the Future : The Musical means picking your way through piles of props and kit that are waiting to be slotted into place before opening night .
A skateboard and some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a crew member walks past carrying what look like dancers ' 1950s dresses .
The components of the Doc 's nuclear-powered flux capacitor are probably spread around somewhere .
A DeLorean car is on stage , swimming in coloured lights and dry ice .
`` Avert your eyes , '' says the theatre manager , half joking , as she escorts me to a backstage room to interview the team behind the show .
In the room , distant strains of the films ' familiar score leak through the door , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` That 's the DeLorean flying out right now , '' composer Alan Silvestri notes .
Thursday 's first performance will mark the end of a 12-year journey to bring one of the best-loved films to the stage .
Another journey will start - the show is set to go to the West End after Manchester , and then perhaps Broadway .
It is an adaptation of the original 1985 Back to the Future movie , which starred Michael J Fox as Marty McFly , who finds himself stuck in 1955 and tries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
`` It 's the same story of the movie , '' says Bob Gale , who has scripted the stage show and co-wrote the movies .
`` But there are things that you can do and ca n't do on stage that differ from cinema . ''
So in the show , Marty plays more music , and new songs take us deeper into the characters ' emotions and back stories .
But some of the action ( like the skateboard chase and the gun-toting Libyan terrorists ) has been changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no Einstein the dog .
But they could not possibly stage a Back to the Future show without recreating perhaps the most technically challenging bit of the story - the DeLorean 's high-speed time travel .
`` Eighty-eight miles an hour , clock tower , lightning - oh , yeah .
One point 21 gigawatts .
All that is intact .
Absolutely , '' Gale says .
`` How do we do it ?
I 'm not gon na tell you that !
Good magicians never reveal their tricks . ''
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , more people said they would watch a new Back to the Future film than a new instalment from Harry Potter , Star Wars , Toy Story or any other major franchise .
`` Lots of people were clamouring , 'Why do n't you guys do Back to the Future part 4 ?
Why do n't you do a reboot of Back to the Future ? '
'' Gale says .
'The wrong thing to do' But he and Robert Zemeckis , director and co-writer of the three films , had it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no new film could be made without their say so .
Studio bosses have tried their best to persuade them .
`` All the time .
All the time , '' Gale says .
`` 'What can we do to convince you guys to do this ? '
`` We said , 'Nothing ' .
'You 'll make a lot of money . '
'We already made a lot of money . '
`` You know , you do n't sell your kids into prostitution .
It was the wrong thing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of part three .
`` Plus Michael J Fox is n't in the shape to do a movie , and nobody wants to see Marty McFly having Parkinson 's disease , and nobody wants to see another actor playing Marty McFly if it 's supposed to be a continuation .
`` We 've already seen the Star Wars movies and Luke Skywalker is an old man . ''
He grimaces .
`` That can be a little bit painful , right ?
`` We learn from the fact that so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on some of their franchise properties too many times , and the audiences are disappointed and say , 'Oh my God , they ruined my childhood . '
`` We do n't want to ruin anybody 's childhood , and doing a musical was the perfect way to give the public more Back to the Future without messing up what has gone before . ''
In the stage show , British actor Olly Dobson is Marty McFly , while Tony Award-winning US star Roger Bart is Doc Brown , complete with the 'mad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the films .
The iconic songs from the original films - like The Power of Love by Huey Lewis and the News and Chuck Berry 's Johnny B Goode - remain .
They are joined by a suite of new numbers written by Silvestri , who composed the film scores , and the multi-Grammy-winning Glen Ballard .
Gale and Zemeckis enlisted the pair to work on the music 12 years ago .
`` We took this iconic movie and really tried to find the elements of the story that made sense on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We were taking the Hippocratic Oath approach - first , do no harm , especially to these characters and story that everybody knows and loves . ''
Silvestri believes the music draws us further into what is a `` deeply emotional '' story , and the lives of characters the audience can relate to .
`` There 's the quintessential bullied kid who is transformed .
The bully is transformed .
Marty is a great adventurer , it turns out .
There 's great love and friendship between Doc and Marty , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're so clearly painted in the original film that you can go for big emotion and you can go right for the inner life of these characters . ''
While the musical 's team are not `` slavishly '' recreating the film , Bob Gale hopes there is enough to make it work on stage and satisfy fans ' hunger for something new from Hill Valley .
`` There are lots of things that are very much the same .
But there are things that are different , '' he says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right mix of that so that people will say , ' I came here to see Back to the Future , and I saw Back to the Future . '
'' Back To The Future : The Musical is at Manchester Opera House from 20 February-17 May .

More people want a new Back to the Future film than want a new instalment in any other franchise. But one of its creators says doing another movie would be like "selling your kids into prostitution" - so it's been rebooted as a stage musical instead.


bbcuk--2020-02-19--Brits 2020: Pop meets politics

Brits 2020: Pop meets politics

London rapper Dave won album of the year at the Brits , moments after calling the prime minister a `` @ @ @ @ @ this year 's ceremony included performances from Billie Eilish , Dave , Lizzo and Stormzy @

London rapper Dave won album of the year at the Brits, moments after calling the prime minister a "racist".
Highlights from this year's ceremony included performances from Billie Eilish, Dave, Lizzo and Stormzy.
This video has been removed for rights reasons.


bbcuk--2020-02-19--How overseas stag parties are hurting the environment

About half of the flights taken last year by 20-45 year-old men were for stag dos , and that generates @ @ @ @ @ So what can be done ?

About half of the flights taken last year by 20-45 year-old men were for stag dos, and that generates a lot of emissions. So what can be done?


bbcuk--2020-02-19--Coronavirus cruise couple 'getting messed about'

The son of Sally and David Abel , a British couple on a quarantined cruise ship in Japan , said @ @ @ @ @ had been supported .
Speaking to BBC Breakfast , Steve Abel said he worries about @ @ @ @ @ dementia .
He added that according to a doctor on the ship , his parents @ @ @ @ @ .

The son of Sally and David Abel, a British couple on a quarantined cruise ship in Japan, said he did not feel they had been supported.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Steve Abel said he worries about his dad who has early-onset dementia.
He added that according to a doctor on the ship, his parents had tested positive for coronavirus.


bbcuk--2020-02-19--Newspaper headlines: 'Historic' immigration shake-up and Brits glamour

The papers dedicate significant column inches to the government 's post-Brexit immigration plans for a points-based system .
`` Priti makes her points , '' is the Sun 's headline as all the papers dedicate coverage to the government 's post-Brexit immigration plans .
In an editorial for the newspaper , the Conservative immigration minister Kevin Foster , writes that the new system will be `` firmer and fairer '' and will allow the UK to `` flourish '' .
However , the paper also points out that a plumber , with good English and a £24,000 a year contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a comment piece for the Daily Mail , David Goodhart - from centre-right think-tank Policy Exchange - says the government is finally responding to `` popular instruction '' after three years of parliamentary `` dithering '' .
The paper adds that the rules represent the `` biggest shake-up '' of border guidance since 1973 .
The Guardian highlights concerns from those involved in industries including transport and warehousing , food processing and tourism regarding the immigration plans .
Sally Gilson from the Freight Transport Association tells the paper that the arbitrary level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they are based on `` what the country needs '' .
The union Unison says the proposals spell `` disaster for the care sector '' .
But Ms Patel is quoted on the front of Metro as saying employers will simply `` have to adjust '' .
The i newspaper describes the points-based system as the UK `` closing the door '' to low-skilled migrant workers .
But the paper also carries quotes from the group Migration Watch UK , which believes the measures prove the government is `` not serious '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigners cite the fact that British people will still face competition for jobs - in some cases from `` overseas workers from much poorer countries '' .
Elsewhere in politics , the Guardian carries an interview with the Labour deputy leadership candidate , Dawn Butler .
In it , she claims she is mistaken for black female colleagues `` at least once a week '' .
The BBC was forced to apologise to Ms Butler earlier this month , after she was incorrectly identified as the Battersea MP Marsha de Cordova on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is an `` exhausting battle '' to be correctly named .
`` A floody disgrace '' is the Daily Mirror 's take on Boris Johnson 's response to the flood damage caused by Storm Dennis .
The paper quotes mother-of-three Tracey Newman who found her home near Cardiff `` knee deep '' in water .
She describes Mr Johnson 's no-show in flood-hit communities as `` unbelievable '' - adding that she called up the government 's emergency fund and was offered £80 .
Downing Street said the prime minister was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , the Daily Telegraph reports that Lord Steel is to be expelled from the Liberal Democrats for his handling of sexual abuse allegations against the former Rochdale MP , Cyril Smith .
The paper says that a report from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse will `` castigate '' the former party leader when it is published next week .
Friends of the peer believe that he will become a `` scapegoat '' in order to justify the huge cost of the inquiry .
The Liberal Democrats have declined to comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and misfits failure '' is the headline in the Financial Times , as Dominic Cummings ' role as the prime minister 's chief adviser continues to come under scrutiny .
Days after Andrew Sabisky was forced to leave his role as a `` super-forecaster '' for his views on eugenics and race , the paper concludes that despite wanting to bring `` unconventional minds '' into the heart of government , Mr Cummings ' strategy is not `` entirely immune '' to traditional political norms .
Meanwhile , a senior government source has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not vetted for his role at Number Ten and attended meetings with Boris Johnson and defence officials .
The Daily Mail reports that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been told they must drop `` royal '' from their `` Sussex Royal '' branding .
Following what has been described as `` lengthy and complex '' talks , the couple have been told to `` rebrand '' - which will include changing their website and Instagram account .
This decision has come about because of the Queen 's long-held conviction that working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profit from their positions .
But a report in the Daily Mirror suggests Prince Harry and Meghan could be in line to earn up to £1bn by appearing at next year 's World Economic Forum in Davos .
The paper predicts the couple will be `` star guests '' at the summit .
`` Senior royals shun Andrew 's 60th bash , '' is the headline in the Daily Express .
Citing his relationship with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein , the paper reports that Prince Andrew will celebrate by holding a meal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two children , Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie in Windsor .
Ms Ferguson has reportedly had to send extra invites because a group of old friends found they were busy and unavailable .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning And the Times reports that a new offside rule could be implemented before this summer 's Euro 2020 football championships .
The move - which is being proposed by the former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in his role at the world governing body , Fifa - would only see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the attacker and the defender .
The Daily Mirror suggests this change in law could solve what it describes as the `` VAR nightmare '' .

The move - which is being proposed by the former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in his role at the world governing body, Fifa - would only see an offence committed if there was daylight between the attacker and the defender.


bbcuk--2020-02-19--UK immigration plans 'devastating' for Scotland, says Sturgeon

The UK government 's plans for immigration would be `` devastating '' for Scotland , Nicola Sturgeon has claimed .
The Home Office has set out plans for a post-Brexit system which would not give visas to low-skilled workers .
UK ministers want to `` move away '' from `` cheap labour '' from Europe and instead target the `` brightest and best '' .
But Scotland 's first minister said it would be `` impossible to overstate how devastating '' this would be , making it `` much harder '' to attract workers .
She wants powers over migration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate system can be established north of the border .
• No visas for low-skilled workers , government says • Call for powers to set up 'Scottish visa ' system The UK government is keen to set up a `` points-based '' immigration system after the free movement of people between the UK and the EU ends on 31 December , when the Brexit transition period expires .
Home Secretary Priti Patel told BBC Breakfast that the government wants to `` encourage people with the right talent '' and `` reduce the levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low skills '' .
UK ministers have set out to reduce the overall level of migration to the UK , encouraging employers to invest in retaining staff and developing automation technology instead of `` cheap labour '' from abroad .
However , Ms Sturgeon argues that with population growth stalling in Scotland , more immigration is needed to boost the working-age population .
She said : `` Our demographics mean we need to keep attracting people here - this makes it so much harder .
`` Getting power over migration in the Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future prosperity . ''
The Scottish government is arguing for a `` fundamentally different approach to migration policy '' north of the border , calling for an `` evidence based approach which reflects the needs of our economy '' .
Scotland Office minister Douglas Ross insisted that `` the new system will work for Scotland and the whole of the UK '' .
He said : `` It will support our renowned universities and world beating high tech sector .
It avoids putting up barriers to business by splitting our UK-wide system and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to grow . ''
The National Records of Scotland has projected that Scotland 's working-age population could shrink in the coming years .
Births look set to outweigh deaths over the next 25 years , while life expectancy is on the rise .
The group 's projections say there could be 240,000 more pensioners by 2043 - and 7,000 fewer people of working age .
In a recent paper on migration , Ms Sturgeon said there was a `` serious issue '' with long-term demographic changes , saying that `` all of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form migration , and any reduction in migration will impact on the size of our working-age population '' .
However , the Migration Advisory Committee has argued that these demographic challenges are not unique to Scotland .
In a report in September 2018 , the group said that `` lower migration might lead to population decline '' , but said `` some northern English regions have similar prospects '' - concluding that `` we were not of the view that Scotland 's economic situation is sufficiently different from that of the rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ migration policy '' .
Studies have also suggested that Scots have broadly similar attitudes to immigration as an economic asset as people in England and Wales .
The UK government has long argued in favour of a `` points-based '' immigration system for all migrants .
Points would be allocated for things like having a job offer in a sector with staffing shortages , speaking English , and having higher education qualifications .
In total , candidates would need 70 points to qualify .
Overseas workers who speak English have the offer of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sponsor '' would accrue 50 points - needing 20 more from the other criteria .
The UK government says it is `` important employers move away from a reliance on the UK 's immigration system as an alternative to investment in staff retention , productivity and wider investment in technology and automation '' .
On `` skilled '' workers , the proposals would see this definition include those educated to Scottish Higher or A-level equivalent standard - not just graduate level , as is currently the case .
Waiting tables and certain types @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new skilled category , but new additions would include carpentry , plastering and childminding .
• Reality Check : How would the system work ?
At present , migration policy is entirely controlled from Westminster - but Scottish ministers want extra powers to be given to Holyrood to set up a distinct system .
They propose adding a Scottish-specific visa to the immigration system , which migrants could choose to apply for instead of one of the existing routes .
MSPs would decide the criteria for this new visa , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before sending them to the UK government for security checks .
Those applying for such a visa would need to remain resident in Scotland and pay tax locally , but would have a route to permanent settlement - unlike existing schemes for unskilled or temporary workers .
Ms Sturgeon says this would `` allow Scotland to attract and retain people with the skills and attributes we need for our communities and economy to flourish '' .
However , the proposals were swiftly rejected by Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who said they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said he had `` every sympathy with the businesses and industries of Scotland that need to allow workers to come freely '' , pointing to plans to expand the entry scheme for seasonal agricultural workers .

In a report in September 2018, the group said that "lower migration might lead to population decline", but said "some northern English regions have similar prospects" - concluding that "we were not of the view that Scotland's economic situation is sufficiently different from that of the rest of the UK to justify a very different migration policy".


bbcuk--2020-02-19--Coronavirus: Hotel rooms and coach tours cancelled in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland 's tourism industry has been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak in China , according to industry bodies and firms .
BBC News NI has been told that as many as 3,000 hotel rooms have been cancelled by Chinese tourists between January and March .
Coach companies have also had tours cancelled as far away as the summer .
Covid-19 has killed more than 2,000 people and infected more than 72,000 .
Airlines have restricted flights in and out of China and large areas have been placed into quarantine .
Tourism Ireland estimates 100,000 Chinese tourists visited the island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled a planned sales mission to the country at the end of the month and has suspended social media advertising with industry partners .
The cancellation of trips has had an effect on coach companies in particular , with one now looking to other markets for business .
Colin Neill , of Hospitality Ulster , said the cancellations were `` causing real concern '' .
`` While 3,000 rooms is n't a lot in the capacity that we have , if you are specialised in that area you would really notice it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will escalate right through the year as we go into peak season .
`` I do n't think it will close businesses but I am sure now there are hotels where staff hours are impacted because they are n't filling the rooms . ''
He said Chinese tourists were a `` really significant element of our tourism '' and that the cancellations were a `` huge challenge to the industry '' .
Caroline McComb , of McComb 's Coaches , told BBC News NI she depends heavily on the Asian market .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on current and future bookings because of coronavirus , '' she said .
`` Many of our agents who work in Asia have been contacting us because before they would have had a non-cancellation policy .
`` They now need to know that for any bookings that need to be cancelled that they 'll receive a full refund .
• The noted Wuhan victims of the coronavirus '' Several of our vehicles are Chinese vehicles and they use parts that are unique to a Chinese supplier .
We currently have two off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts .
`` Obviously it 's a major worry for us for the year ahead that coronavirus will stop people from Asian countries coming to Northern Ireland so we are trying to diversify and target other markets .
`` The entire tourism industry in Northern Ireland is obviously going to be affected by this and because Asia is such a growth market for us we really do need to work hard to develop other markets . ''
Analysis : 'There will be a knock-on effect' The 3,000 room cancellations represent a small percentage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Northern Ireland , but as it is off-season it will hit the industry harder .
There will also be a knock-on effect .
In 2019 , Northern Ireland had 9,500 hotel rooms , with the majority in Belfast .
China is a growing market that tourism chiefs have been targeting and this will come as unwelcome news .
Another coach firm , Hannon Coach , has also felt the impact of fewer Chinese tourists .
Marketing manager Owen McLaughlin told BBC News NI its summer bookings have dropped by a third .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the number of Chinese tourists using the Belfast to Glasgow express .
`` We 've had a number of cancellations for our summer tours already .
This has had a very big impact and is really significant . ''

"The entire tourism industry in Northern Ireland is obviously going to be affected by this and because Asia is such a growth market for us we really do need to work hard to develop other markets."


bbcuk--2020-02-19--Storm Dennis: Ministers and councils hold Welsh summit

The damage and disruption caused by the recent storms will be discussed at a Welsh Government summit later .
Representatives from councils , emergency services , businesses and voluntary groups will take part .
First Minister Mark Drakeford has promised up to £10m for the 800 flood-hit homes and businesses .
However Rhondda Cynon Taf council believes more money will be needed with the repair bill set to `` run into millions and millions '' of pounds .
Council leader Andrew Morgan also said the number of properties affected was likely to be far greater than official figures say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone .
There is a further warning of rain - including in south Wales , which saw most of the damage from Storm Dennis .
It will be in place from 15:00 GMT on Wednesday until 14:00 on Thursday .
There are five flood warnings in force in Wales , four of those in Monmouthshire , meaning flooding is expected and immediate action required .
The fifth is in Llangollen , Denbighshire .
Announcing the cash funding on Tuesday , Mr Drakeford said he would consult councils to find the best way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said : `` It 's going to be rough and ready because we want to do it quickly , and if you 're doing it quickly there 's bound to be a bit of rough justice in it .
`` We 've got a pretty good idea of the number of houses that were flooded across Wales .
We 're looking to see the cut between those people who have got insurance and who have n't got insurance .
`` We hope to be able to offer some help to everybody because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a delay in getting it and we want to be able to help families who need it now . ''
• What should I do if I 'm hit by flooding ?
• Why Wales is prone to landslides He said more than 800 homes and businesses had been affected .
However , not all the damage has been accounted for , and that figure is set to rise .
Mr Morgan called for a financial support package and raised concerns about potential job losses on the Treforest Industrial Estate where up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We also have to consider homelessness because some houses will not be able to be lived in for some time , '' said Mr Morgan .
`` That £10m is the initial amount for householders and businesses and we have released £1m from our own reserves .
No doubt we will have to release more in the coming weeks .
`` But the repair bill is going to run into millions and millions of pounds . ''
He defended the council 's preparations ahead of the bad weather but admitted they had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is bringing extra staff with more rain forecast .
Mr Morgan added : `` We 've done as much as we possibly could , but we need to look at it again as these storms seem to be happening more frequently . ''
The summit comes after Plaid Cymru accused the Welsh Government of not spending enough on flood defence .
Mr Drakeford accused Plaid leader Adam Price of trying to make `` political capital out of misery '' .
The first minister will be joined by Environment Minister Lesley Griffiths , Local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders at the Welsh Government offices in Cardiff 's Cathays Park later .
Natural Resources Wales ( NRW ) , emergency services , the Federation of Small Businesses , Wales Council for Voluntary Action and trade union representatives will also take part .
NRW said 163mm ( 6.5in ) of rain had fallen in the 48 hours between lunchtime on Friday and Sunday and described the scale of flooding as `` unprecedented '' .
Hundreds of properties , both residential and commercial , have been flooded , according to Monmouthshire council .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited to living upstairs in their homes and a rest centre is in operation in Shire Hall , Monmouth .
Water levels on the River Usk remain high with standing flood water still posing a potential danger , the council said .
Dwr Cymru Welsh Water said it was still unable to access its water treatment works in the town following `` unprecedented flooding '' .
It asked customers in Monmouth town centre , Osbaston , Wyesham , Manson , Overmonnow , The Kymin and Kings Fee to reduce water use until further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottled water stations will be set up .
Tom Payne , of NRW , said it would be pumping water out of the town `` 24/7 for the next couple of days '' .
The storms caused cancellations and delays with transport , and roads were blocked by floods and landslips .
A number of roads around Wales remain closed this morning because of flooding or landslips .
• In Monmouthshire , the A466 is closed between Wyesham and Llandogo • In Powys , the A479 between the junctions with B4560 ( Talgarth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the A4077 Crickhowell Bridge • The A4046 is shut between A467 ( Aberbeeg Roundabout ) and Railway Terrace ( Cwm Roundabout ) in Blaenau Gwent • In Wrexham , the A525 both directions between B5426 ( Bangor-on-Dee ) and Pickhill Lane ( Cross Lanes ) Wrexham .
Train services are also being seriously affected with a number of lines closed due to track damage .
• Valley Line between Aberdare and Abercynon likely to be closed for a `` number of days '' • Valley Line between Treherbert and Pontypridd to remain closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with bus replacement service between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog Transport for Wales has also warned journeys may take `` significantly longer '' with bus replacement services also affected by flooding .
`` The rail network is significantly damaged in places and with additional damage to roads and limited replacement road transport available to us , it 's inevitable that some services will be subject to disruption which will result in delays and cancellations , '' said customer delivery director , Bethan Jelfs .
Do you have any questions about flooding in Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your questions : We may get in touch if we decide to follow up on your suggestion .

"I'll be talking to my colleagues in UK government as well to say 'look, you know, should there be some money flowing down to Wales we can access as well?' Because the scale of resources which is available at the moment, I don't think will address all of the problems which Wales faces."


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Storm Dennis: Drone footage shows flooding in Worcester

Drone footage captures the scale of flooding in Worcester following Storm Dennis .
The aerial footage shows streets and large @ @ @ @ @ water .
Around the UK , almost 200 flood warnings remain in place , including @ @ @ @ @ danger to life '' - warnings .
More rain is expected in parts of the @ @ @ @ @ with three yellow Met Office weather warnings issued for north and south Wales and north-west @ @ @ @ @

Drone footage captures the scale of flooding in Worcester following Storm Dennis.
The aerial footage shows streets and large swathes of land submerged under water.
Around the UK, almost 200 flood warnings remain in place, including six severe - or "danger to life" - warnings.
More rain is expected in parts of the UK later this week, with three yellow Met Office weather warnings issued for north and south Wales and north-west England for Wednesday evening.


bbcuk--2020-02-20--Weather: Parts of UK could see a month's rain in 24 hours amid floods

Deluged communities in parts of the UK are facing more heavy rain as they struggle to cope in the wake of Storm Dennis .
A month 's worth of rain in 24 hours could also hit north Wales and north-west England , forecasters said , falling on ground that is already saturated .
Nearly 120 flood warnings remain in place across the country .
And there is also travel disruption after floods blocked a major rail route between England and Scotland .
The Environment Agency said there was a `` heightened flood risk '' across the Midlands , with six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ danger to life - still in place near the Welsh border around the Rivers Lugg , Severn and Wye .
• Flooding 'is going to get worse' • What is it like to lose everything overnight ?
There are also three yellow severe weather warnings in place across parts of north-west England and Wales as clean-up operations continue following flooding in the wake of Storm Dennis .
Rain fell heavily overnight into Thursday , with Met Office forecasters warning it was likely to continue until about 15:00 GMT in parts of the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed between Carlisle and Lancaster on Thursday morning following severe wet weather , affecting Avanti West Coast , Northern and TransPennine Express services .
Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes due to floods , with the worst-affected areas including south Wales , Herefordshire , Worcestershire and Shropshire .
Meanwhile , Prime Minister Boris Johnson has faced criticism from opposition parties for not visiting flood-hit communities .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was showing his `` true colours by his absence '' , adding that the prime minister was sending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convening the government 's emergency committee , Cobra .
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price also questioned why Mr Johnson had not convened Cobra .
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said his union had been raising the issue of long-term planning to deal with extreme weather events for years , but had found the government 's response to be `` lacklustre '' .
On Wednesday , business minister Nadhim Zahawi told Sky News the prime minister was focused on getting `` money out the door '' to businesses and local authorities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help people by getting funding to them , '' Mr Zahawi said .
Environment Secretary George Eustice said the government was investing £2.6bn in flood defences .
• Latest on floods in the West Midlands There was heavy rain across northern and western parts of Britain overnight .
The village of Capel Curig in north Wales received 54mm of rain in 24 hours - more than half the average rain for the whole of February .
According to the Environment Agency , England has already received 141 % of its average February rainfall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Colne , Ribble , Calder , Aire , Trent , Severn , Wye , Lugg , and Derwent all set new records in recent days , it added .
There is also ongoing disruption on train services in parts of the UK as a result of the severe weather .
Network Rail warned of major disruption on rail lines between Preston and Carlisle on Thursday after heavy rain flooded the tracks between Oxenholme and Penrith .
Services run by Avanti West Coast from London Euston to Glasgow and Edinburgh via Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operated by Northern and TransPennine Express .
Passengers have been warned that some journeys could take up to two hours longer than normal , with disruption expected until 14:00 GMT on Thursday .
Flooding is also causing disruption some routes in Wales , where several lines remain closed .
Meanwhile , charity the RSPCA said animal rescue officers had been called out more than 200 times in the past 72 hours - including for `` dramatic rescues '' of 60 sheep , horses , a swan and chickens .
Actor Michael Sheen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crowdfunding campaign to help flooded communities in south Wales .
`` The devastation that Storm Dennis has left behind is very real and thousands of people across the UK have lost everything , '' said Mr Sheen , 51 .
What to do if you 're at risk of flooding The Environment Agency 's flood warnings mean `` immediate action '' is required .
But what should you do ?
Here 's what the agency suggests : • Keep a flood kit ready , with copies of home insurance documents , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radio , baby care items , bottles of water and non-perishable foods , as well as warm , waterproof clothing and blankets • If it 's safe to do so , turn off gas , electricity and water mains supplies - your supplier can advise you how to do this • Put flood protection equipment in place , such as flood boards or sandbags • Once you 've taken steps to protect your family , check whether there are vulnerable neighbours or relatives who need help For more information , check the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ station for regular updates .
Do you have any questions on UK flooding , Storm Dennis and insurance ?
Let us know using the form below and we will try to answer your question .
In some cases your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
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"I don't know what we will do until it dries, which could take weeks. I've got no money coming in and a mortgage to pay but I'm also worried about my staff," he told the BBC.


bbcuk--2020-02-20--Barclays scraps 'Big Brother' staff tracking system

Barclays has scrapped a system that tracked the time employees spent at their desks and sent warnings to those spending too long on breaks .
The bank introduced the computer monitoring system last week , but faced a staff backlash , reported by City AM .
Barclays said axing the tracking system was a response to `` colleague feedback '' , but would not say if it was permanent .
The software , Sapience , claims to create `` unprecedented transparency '' within companies .
`` It also determines when an employee goes offline for periods of time , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Barclays source said the tool was used to monitor the `` effectiveness '' of peoples ' time at their desks .
But in addition to sparking unease within the bank , it attracted criticism from privacy campaigners and HR professionals .
Silkie Carlo , director of privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch , said `` intrusive monitoring '' deprived staff of privacy in the workplace .
`` Managers would never get away with breathing down employee 's necks , personally monitoring their screens or logging toilet and water breaks , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to [ monitor ] staff surreptitiously does not make it any more acceptable . ''
She described the software as `` creepy '' and called on Barclays to `` urgently review '' its use .
• How does it feel to be watched at work all the time ?
• 'It felt like we were in prison ’ Barclays said the software was part of a pilot that was rolled out in part of its investment banking division .
But after the City AM newspaper revealed details of the scheme and published damning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the paper anonymously , Barclays said managers would no longer be able to track the activities of individual workers .
In a statement , the bank said : `` We always intended to listen to colleague feedback as part of this limited pilot which was intended to tackle issues such as individual over-working as well as raise general productivity . ''
But Edward Houghton , head of research at Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development , questioned whether it was ever appropriate to use what he described as a `` Big Brother '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like this may actually cause more harm than good , '' he said .
`` They can ... create mistrust or low levels of trust for employees - employees can feel like they 're being watched and not trusted to do their own work effectively . ''
Campaign group Privacy International said : `` Data protection rules are very clear , strict and do not allow employers to carry out such monitoring unless they are able to prove that this is strictly necessary and proportionate and it does not severely impact employees ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to some fundamental rights even if they are in work , '' it said .
`` International banks are no exception . ''

Campaign group Privacy International said: "Data protection rules are very clear, strict and do not allow employers to carry out such monitoring unless they are able to prove that this is strictly necessary and proportionate and it does not severely impact employees' rights.


bbcuk--2020-02-20--Dame Julie Walters reveals shock of bowel cancer diagnosis

Dame Julie Walters has revealed she was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer .
The actress , who has starred in Mamma Mia , Billy Elliot and Educating Rita , told the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire she initially thought doctors `` must have made a mistake '' .
Having had chemotherapy , the actress has now been given the all clear .
She said her next film , The Secret Garden , could possibly be her last - although she is not certain to retire .
Dame Julie said she had been diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer - which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lymph nodes but not to distant body parts - 18 months ago , with two primary tumours in her large intestine .
The 69-year-old said she had first gone to see her doctor a year earlier with indigestion and `` slight discomfort '' , and later returned with symptoms such as stomach pain , heartburn and vomiting .
She was then referred to a gastric surgeon , where she had a CT scan .
The actress had been on set filming The Secret Garden when she received a phone call asking her to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had found an abnormality in her intestine , and feared it was cancer .
`` I was still thinking , 'That 's ridiculous , he must have made a mistake ' .
I could n't believe it , '' Dame Julie said .
She remembers , still in shock , the moment she told her husband Grant Roffey the news .
`` I 'll never forget his face .
Tears came into his eyes . ''
Victoria Derbyshire 's full interview with Dame Julie can be viewed in the UK here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope of a recovery , having been told by her doctor : `` We can fix this . ''
But she said there were moments - especially waiting for surgery - when she thought : `` Well , I may not come round from the anaesthetic . ''
Dame Julie explained she had `` 30cm taken out of my colon '' in hospital .
On coming round from her anaesthetic , she said - still feeling its effects - she had had the `` weird '' experience of `` feeling absolutely marvellous '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nurse , 'Is Love Island on ? '
- because we were talking about it - and we watched it together .
`` It was only a couple of days later I thought , I feel exhausted , and a bit low actually . ''
After being initially reluctant , she opted for chemotherapy , which she said was `` fine '' and had not caused hair loss .
Smiling , she said she was now she was `` really well '' , adding : `` I 've just had a scan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] clear . ''
Her recovery , however , had meant she had to be cut from certain scenes in the soon-to-be-released film The Secret Garden , in which she stars alongside Colin Firth .
She said she also missed the premiere of Mamma Mia 2 , with her agent telling people she had a ruptured hernia so she could keep the diagnosis out of the spotlight .
Dame Julie told Derbyshire - who has previously documented her own recovery from cancer in a series of video diaries - the diagnosis had `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The person before the operation is different to this person . ''
She said it was in some ways a `` huge relief '' to get off the `` merry-go-round '' of starring in films and on television - which she said although she found enjoyable , was also stressful and consuming .
`` I was due to do two big series ... and there were two films .
And I just did n't have to do any of it .
And that was wonderful . ''
Asked if she thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film , she said it was possible .
`` It would have to be something I 'm really engaged with [ to take another role on ] .
`` I 'm not saying I 'll never act again .
But I certainly do n't think I can go back to [ a film that requires working ] six days a week , five in the morning till seven o'clock at night . ''
• A persistent change in bowel habit - going more often , with looser stools and sometimes tummy pain • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as piles • Abdominal pain , discomfort or bloating always brought on by eating - sometimes resulting in a reduction in the amount of food eaten and weight loss Most people with these symptoms do not have bowel cancer , but the NHS advice is to see your GP if you have one or more of the symptoms and they have persisted for more than four weeks .
And if you , or someone you know , have been affected by cancer , information and support is available on the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 , Dame Julie 's close friend , the comedian , singer and writer Victoria Wood died after being diagnosed with terminal cancer .
The pair were long-time comedy partners and starred together in Acorn Antiques .
Dame Julie said her own experience of cancer had now made her reflect on `` how frightened [ Wood ] must have been '' .
`` Because at least I could have an operation .
She could n't .
`` But the other thing I thought was , 'God , the last time I saw her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bed ... And I had [ cancer ] at the same time ' . ''
More than 42,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK , the charity Bowel Cancer UK says .
Some 95 % of new cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 50 .
Dame Julie urged the public that if they thought they had symptoms , `` you 've got to go and get things checked '' .
Referring to the stigma of being examined by a doctor , she said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system , it 's just what digests your food .
Think of that .
`` Doctors are used to bottoms .
They 've got one themselves . ''
Follow the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire programme on Facebook and Twitter - and see more of our stories here .

Most people with these symptoms do not have bowel cancer, but the NHS advice is to see your GP if you have one or more of the symptoms and they have persisted for more than four weeks.


bbcuk--2020-02-20--Priti Patel 'tried to force out top civil servant'

Home Secretary Priti Patel has tried to move the most senior civil servant in her department , it is understood .
Responding to a report in the Times , a well-placed source told the BBC there had been a `` genuine disagreement '' between Ms Patel and Sir Philip Rutnam .
But they denied claims that she `` bullied and belittled '' officials .
The Home Office said `` no formal complaints '' had been made about Ms Patel , who has been home secretary since Boris Johnson became PM .
A source told BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intervene to move Sir Philip , who has been the Home Office 's permanent secretary since April 2017 .
They added that there had been no animosity or `` blazing rows '' between Ms Patel and Sir Philip but they were simply `` not the right fit '' .
Business Minister Nadhim Zahawi told LBC radio that Ms Patel , MP for Witham in Essex , was `` utterly professional '' and `` works day and night '' .
Asked whether the home secretary was a bully , Mr Zahawi said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is at all .
`` I 've worked with Priti in the past on several campaigns .
I 've known her literally for 25 years .
She is a brilliant , collegiate team player . ''
A Home Office spokesperson said : `` We have not received any formal complaints and we take the welfare of our staff extremely seriously . ''
Sir Philip began his current role at the Home Office after having served as permanent secretary at the Department for Transport for five years .
The former Treasury official has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media regulator Ofcom .
Ms Patel served as international development secretary under former PM Theresa May , before resigning in November 2017 .
Mr Johnson , a long-time ally , brought her back into government after becoming prime minister last July .
The FDA union , which represents civil servants , said Home Office staff were `` working flat out '' to deliver the department 's `` demanding policy agenda '' .
`` Civil servants working in the department are used to rising to these challenges , '' said the union 's general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure and demands on committed public servants that are already overstretched does not make for good government . ''

They added that there had been no animosity or "blazing rows" between Ms Patel and Sir Philip but they were simply "not the right fit".


bbcuk--2020-02-20--Students hit by 14-day university lecturers strike

Staff at 74 universities across the UK are beginning a 14-day strike over pensions , pay and conditions .
The University and College Union is holding strikes between 20 February and 13 March and has estimated more than a million students will be affected .
The union described this latest strike as `` solid '' .
It follows eight days of action in November and December .
Action also took place in February and March 2018 , meaning some students face disruption for the third time .
The universities say strikes are not the way forward and have promised to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of industrial action on students .
The UCU says 50,000 of its members will take the action over workloads , pay , a 15 % gender pay gap , increased casualisation and changes to pensions for staff in the Universities Superannuation Scheme ( USS ) .
The union is angry members are now having to pay 9.6 % in pension contributions , up from 8 % , and wants universities to pay the full increase instead .
In addition to striking , union members are taking other forms of industrial action , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covering for absent colleagues and refusing to reschedule lectures lost during the strikes .
General secretary Jo Grady said : `` This unprecedented level of action shows just how angry staff are at their universities ' refusal to negotiate properly with us . ''
• 'We want our lecturers to be there and be happy' But the Universities and Colleges Employers Association ( UCEA ) says it has invited the union to further talks and is `` dismayed '' by `` damaging strike action '' .
University of Southampton president and vice-chancellor Prof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` We are very sorry for the impact industrial action has on students ' study .
The association says employers have increased their pension contributions from 18 % to 21.1 % of salary , paying in an extra £250m each year .
Oxford Brookes University vice-chancellor Prof Alistair Fitt , a member of the Employers Pensions Forum for Higher Education , said universities were doing all they could to lessen the impact on students and many had opened telephone support numbers , special web pages and strike helpdesks .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Room earlier this week , suggests 47 % of students think it is right for lecturers to strike .
And many students affected by the strike last term told BBC News they understood why lecturers ' were taking action , even though they were missing out .
But many students are angry they are losing out on lectures and tutorials in the run-up to exams .
Sarah Howlett , a final-year English student at Exeter University , told BBC News the strike was `` a bit of a setback '' , not least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April .
`` It 's the feeling that if I encountered a problem or needed feedback , I ca n't get that - it would be nice to pop round to their office or send an email but I wo n't be able to do that , '' she said .
`` I do sympathise with why they 're striking but it feels like they 've done quite a few strikes and that there could be a less disruptive and more effective way to get their desired outcome . ''
Her friend Emma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she was anxious because her final-year dissertation was due in in March .
`` I understand why they 're striking but the time they 're doing it is a critical time for me , '' she said .
`` I 'm angry that we 've paid over £9,000 a year and we 're missing lectures and contact time - to me , it 's a waste of money . ''
Students at a number of universities , including York , Newcastle and Sheffield Hallam , have started petitions asking for money back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of contact hours .
The Sheffield Hallam petition has about 14,000 signatures and is asking for £863.33 reimbursement per affected student for 14 days of disruption , based on the amount of fees paid .
Third-year student Tom Barton , who set up the petition , told BBC News he felt frustrated by the strikes last term .
`` I missed out on a lot of tuition in a crucial period and it definitely affected my grade for some modules , '' he said .
`` So when we found out they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer , we felt like we had to do something to get our voices heard , because no-one has ever listened in the past . ''
However , Tom said , he was supportive of the lecturers ' action .
`` We definitely support the strike , that 's something that I have tried to make as clear as possible throughout all of this , '' he said .
`` We stand with our lecturers on this .
However , we should n't be disadvantaged . ''
Francis Clarke , of Birmingham University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` relishing the prospect of having to take more strike action '' but the overall mood was one of `` determination and defiance '' .
`` Nobody takes strike action lightly - after all , it takes us away doing the jobs we are proud to do and it means we wo n't get paid for up to 14 days , '' he said .
`` Sadly , though , these problems have been building for years and despite the best efforts of our local [ UCU ] branch , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistently failed to address these serious concerns . ''
He and his colleagues did understand students ' concerns and were `` disappointed that we are in this position '' , he added .
What do the official statistics show ?
Statistics from the Higher Education Statistics Agency ( Hesa ) show there were 217,065 academic staff working in universities in 2018-19 .
• 29,150 were paid by the hour Universities also employed 222,885 non-academic staff in 2018-19 , such as managers , student welfare workers , secretaries , caretakers and cleaners .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set out 14 days of action over a period of four weeks : A total of 47 universities have staff taking part in action over both pensions and pay and conditions : Staff at 22 universities are taking action over pay and conditions : Staff at five institutions are taking action over pensions only :

"So when we found out they were doing another strike which would be even longer, we felt like we had to do something to get our voices heard, because no-one has ever listened in the past."


bbcuk--2020-02-20--Grace Millane murder: Killer's sentencing 'is not closure'

A cousin of murdered British backpacker Grace Millane has said the sentencing of her killer this week will not bring closure to the family .
`` We 've lost Grace , '' said Hannah O'Callaghan .
`` The sentence will not change the fact that Grace is gone . ''
Ms Millane , from Wickford in Essex , was strangled by a man she met on a dating app in New Zealand in December 2018 .
Her family have set up a project in her memory collecting handbags and toiletries for domestic abuse victims .
So far , more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK and there are appeals in New Zealand and North America .
Ms Millane 's killer , a 28-year-old man who can not be named for legal reasons , was found guilty last year and will be sentenced in Auckland on Friday morning - Thursday evening , UK time .
In an interview with BBC Breakfast , Ms O'Callaghan was asked whether the family felt as if this week was a big week , or marked a chapter ending .
Ms Callaghan said : `` No .
Every week is going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project to help female victims of domestic abuse had been `` incredibly cathartic '' for the family .
`` It 's brought us together as a family in a time of grief .
We 're all talking together , we 're remembering Grace , we 're talking about day-to-day life . ''
It had `` absolutely '' helped Grace 's mum , she added .
`` It 's allowed her to express her grief .
Sometimes when things like this happen you do feel useless .
You ca n't change it so let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative . ''
Ms Millane , who died on the night before her 22nd birthday , was described as a `` fun-loving , carefree individual '' by cousin Ms Callaghan .
She had wanted to travel around the world from the age of 11 , and had been selling her own artwork online to fund her trip .
And when asked whether the death raises questions about the safety of dating apps , Ms Callaghan said : `` This could have happened anywhere , anytime .
`` It 's not because of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date and met the wrong person .
`` People should n't change the way they live because of this .
It was one individual who did this . ''

It had "absolutely" helped Grace's mum, she added. "It's allowed her to express her grief. Sometimes when things like this happen you do feel useless. You can't change it so let's make some positives out of our negative."


bbcuk--2020-02-20--Laura Whitmore criticises photographer at airport after Caroline Flack's death

Laura Whitmore has criticised a photographer for taking pictures of her in an airport against her will .
On Thursday , the Love Island host landed in Cape Town , South Africa , where she was greeted by her boyfriend , comedian Iain Stirling .
`` It was the first time I 've been with Iain since Caroline [ Flack ] passed away , '' Whitmore explained on Twitter .
But a photographer began taking pictures of the pair , despite them telling him they were `` mourning '' .
`` We tried to ignore it but he continued to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left the building , '' she said .
`` So I asked him would he stop as he had what he wanted .
I said we were mourning a friend and could he allow us space . ''
Whitmore and Stirling were both friends with Flack , who took her own life on Saturday .
Whitmore said the photographer told them : `` Can you give me a reaction .
It 's a public place and I can take pictures if I want . ''
The presenter also uploaded a video of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is not illegal in South Africa to photograph someone without their permission provided they are in a public space .
`` I have never courted the paparazzi but understand at work events it comes with the territory , '' she added .
`` But this morning was too much .
Iain filmed him and he did n't like it .
`` I do n't like attacking people but we need to call people out when they do things like this .
Iain and I just wanted some privacy . ''
Stirling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently based in South Africa while the show is being filmed .
However , presenter Whitmore remains based in the UK and flies out to Cape Town any time she is needed for filming .
She is due to appear in the final of the current season of Love Island on Sunday .
Last week , Whitmore used her BBC Radio 5 Live show to `` call out '' the paparazzi , following the death of Flack , her predecessor as host of the ITV2 show .
Follow us on Facebook or on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

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