bbcuk--2020-01-13--UK weather: Storm Brendan to bring rain and 70mph wind gusts

Parts of the UK are set for heavy rain and wind gusts of 70mph later , as Storm Brendan sweeps in from the Atlantic .
The Met Office has issued a 14-hour yellow warning for wind , covering the UK 's west coast , Northern Ireland , parts of Wales and north-east Scotland .
It warned of delays to travel as well as possible power cuts and large waves .
Trains in and out of Preston were delayed after the station roof was damaged , and flights between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are suspended .
Meanwhile , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed and bus services on the islands have been cancelled .
Ferry routes covering much of the west coast of Scotland as well as the Northern Isles have been cancelled or disrupted .
Storm Brendan , which has been brewing in the Atlantic over the last 24 hours , has already hit the west of Ireland and is forecast to move east across the UK throughout Monday .
The weather will turn `` much more turbulent '' later , said BBC Weather 's Simon King .
`` It will cause some disruption today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , northern and western areas with gales developing , '' he said .
The rain is set to reach eastern and central areas of the UK on Monday afternoon .
Strong winds are expected `` widely across the UK '' with gusts of between 65 and 70mph around the Irish Sea coasts .
And there could be storm force gusts of between 85 and 90mph around the west of Scotland , forecasters say .
The Met Office has one yellow weather warning for wind - meaning travel disruption is likely - in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until midnight .
It covers Northern Ireland , Wales , the South West and the west coasts of England and Scotland , as well as north-east Scotland .
It said people should expect : • Some delays to road , rail , air and ferry transport , particularly for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges • Some bus and train services affected , with some journeys taking longer • Some short-term loss of power and other services Three more yellow weather warnings are in place for Tuesday - including one for wind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until midnight and another for snow and ice in northern Scotland .
The third warning , for heavy rain , covers south-east England from 13:00 on Tuesday until 9:00 on Wednesday .
Already on Monday morning , gusts of up to 60mph have been reported in Belmullet in the Republic of Ireland .
P & O said its 10:30 ferry departures on Monday from Larne and Cairnryan have been cancelled .
On Monday morning rush hour , trains running through Preston station were suspended after the roof was damaged and safety concerns were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal , Northern Rail said .
Meanwhile , Skybus - which operates flights between the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall - have put flights on hold , while some have been cancelled .
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency ( Sepa ) has issued three flood warnings and 16 flood alerts around the country .
`` Combined with naturally high tides next week , the sustained winds will create an unusual and dangerous combination of tide , storm surge and inshore waves , '' said Sepa .
`` There is therefore a risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas .
The highest risk is around high tides from midday Monday through to Tuesday afternoon . ''
Caledonian MacBrayne has cancelled all ferries on 24 of its 28 routes for the rest of the day , while Northlink Ferries has also warned of disruption .
Storm Brendan 's name was picked by the Irish meteorological service Met Éireann .
In December , Storm Atiyah swept into the UK , leading to power cuts and travel disruption in Wales and the South West .
This year 's storm names have already been chosen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storm .

BBC presenter Holly Hamilton, who was on board, said: "The captain announced we would be unable to disembark as the wind speed was at 46 knots and it needed to be a maximum of 40 to allow the steps to be brought out to allow passengers off.


bbcuk--2020-01-13--Flybe tight-lipped over collapse threat

Flybe tight-lipped over collapse threat

Flybe has declined to comment on media reports that the airline is in crisis talks in an attempt to put together a rescue deal .
According to Sky News , Flybe , which has already been bailed out once , has been struggling to secure fresh finance .
All of the airline 's flights are currently operating as normal .
It said it was focusing on `` providing great service and connectivity for our customers , to ensure that they can continue to travel as planned '' .
Flybe , the UK 's biggest regional carrier , added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speculation . ''
The reports come a year after Flybe was brought for £2.8m by a consortium including Virgin Atlantic and Stobart Group .
Since then , the consortium has invested tens of millions of pounds in the troubled carrier , but losses have continued to mount .
Tourism adviser and researcher Prof Annette Pritchard , of the Welsh Centre for Tourism Research in Cardiff , commented on Twitter that Flybe provided `` a vital social and cultural link for many marginal economies '' .
Based in Exeter , Flybe carries about eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Southampton , Cardiff and Aberdeen , to the UK and Europe .
Its network of routes includes more than half of UK domestic flights outside London .
If the business collapses , more than 2,000 jobs are likely to go .
Matthew Mills , a graphic designer based in Shropshire , recently booked flights for his family to Germany with Flybe .
He is also one of the 10,000 consumers still waiting to receive a refund from collapsed travel firm Thomas Cook on a holiday that was meant to take place in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether to laugh or cry , '' he told the BBC .
`` We 've used Flybe quite a bit in the past because we have family in Germany and we do n't have many alternatives in the UK - if Flybe goes under , we 'd be looking at 50 % more in prices on flights to Germany , easily . ''
Worried Flybe customers have taken to Twitter to express their concerns , saying they are still waiting for information on whether their flights will go ahead .
The report on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up as administrators if Flybe were to go under .
The BBC has approached EY for comment .
Brian Strutton , general secretary of pilots ' union Balpa , said : `` I am appalled that once again the future of a major UK airline and hundreds of jobs is being discussed in secret with no input from employees or their representatives .
`` According to reports , the airline could have collapsed over the weekend , which would have been devastating news . ''
Mr Strutton called on Flybe 's owners and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying staff had a right to know what was going on .
As long as Flybe carries on flying , there is no need to worry and certainly no reason to try to get your money back .
If the airline was to fail , however , all flights would most likely be cancelled .
Those with paid-for bookings could find they lose their flights and their cash .
If your flight is part of a package deal covered by the ATOL scheme , then you should be protected and have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Otherwise you can try to retrieve the money from your credit card company , if that 's how you paid .
There is also a debit card chargeback scheme which can help .
Many travel insurance policies are not much use in these situations , unless you stumped up extra for the Scheduled Airline Failure option or something similar .
Those stuck overseas might be left hoping that the government will direct the CAA to step in , as it did when Monarch and Thomas Cook went under , to bring back stranded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an aviation industry expert from Warwick Business School , said it would be `` no easy task '' for Flybe to attract new finance .
He added : `` The aviation industry is an unattractive industry in terms of performance and returns on investment at the best of times .
`` It is saddled with high-cost assets , namely planes , and key costs that fluctuate uncontrollably , mainly fuel , which accounts for around a third of total airline costs .
`` On top of that , they face high regulation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to entry that increase competition , and high bargaining power of buyers . ''
Ben Bradshaw , Labour MP for Exeter , said Flybe provided `` valuable connectivity throughout the UK '' and called on the government to intervene .
He called Flybe `` a strategically important business '' .
The industry regulator , the Civil Aviation Authority , said : `` We do not comment on the financial situation of any of the organisations we regulate . ''
Will you be affected if Flybe goes into administration ?
Please share your experiences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
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"You don't know whether to laugh or cry," he told the BBC. "We've used Flybe quite a bit in the past because we have family in Germany and we don't have many alternatives in the UK - if Flybe goes under, we'd be looking at 50% more in prices on flights to Germany, easily."


bbcuk--2020-01-13--Labour leadership: Final hours for candidates to canvass MPs

Labour MPs have a few hours left to decide who to back to be their leader ahead of the close of nominations .
Four candidates , Sir Keir Starmer , Jess Phillips , Lisa Nandy and Rebecca Long Bailey , have already met the threshold needed to get on the ballot paper .
But Clive Lewis and Emily Thornberry are struggling to get the necessary support from 22 MPs and MEPs .
Mr Lewis told the BBC he had `` faith '' that enough colleagues would back him by the 14.30 GMT deadline .
As it stands , Mr Lewis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them from himself .
The Norwich South MP told Radio 4 's Today programme Labour had to `` transform or die '' , saying it was not enough for the party to `` change leader , trim policy or have a sharper message '' if it did not also overhaul its structures and work better with other progressive forces in British politics .
• Who will be Labour 's next leader ?
• New Labour leader to be announced on 4 April • Which Labour contender is the most working-class ?
Jeremy Corbyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced on 4 April .
He is standing down after Labour lost its fourth general election in a row last month .
Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer currently leads the way with 68 nominations , well ahead of his nearest rival , shadow business secretary Mrs Long Bailey on 26 .
Wigan MP Lisa Nandy has 24 nominations while Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips has 22 .
The deputy leader post is also vacant after Tom Watson stood down from Parliament .
Angela Rayner and Ian Murray have secured enough nominations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richard Burgon , Dawn Butler and Rosena Allin-Khan are still short of the threshold .
In a visit to a school later , Ms Phillips will call for a universal childcare service , based on provision in some Scandinavian countries .
In the Mirror , she said Labour must focus on a few key areas rather than offering a `` shopping list '' of pledges .
`` I will prioritise childcare to support mums , dads , nans and grandads , in the knowledge that their kids and grandkids are in good hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the years ahead I want people to look back and ask : how did we manage before National Universal Childcare ? ''
More than 50 Labour MPs have yet to state who they are backing , although Mr Corbyn has said he will not endorse anyone .
All the candidates have so far nominated themselves , except Sir Keir and Ms Thornberry .
Asked whether he could pick up another 18 nominations in the short time left , Mr Lewis joked that there were `` hours left in the day and empires have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He added : `` I have got faith in my colleagues .
I understand it is difficult because I am talking about some things which are hard to hear . ''
Ms Thornberry , the shadow foreign secretary , has said she is `` fairly confident '' of getting through to the next stage .
She told the BBC on Sunday her campaign had been a `` slow starter '' , but added : `` As long as I do n't get any slippage I 'll be fine , I 'll get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the close of the first stage of the nominations process .
Candidates also have to win the support of 5 % of constituency Labour parties and three affiliate organisations , two of which must be trade unions , by 14 February .
Unison , the UK 's largest union , has said it is supporting Sir Keir .

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bbcuk--2020-01-13--Same-sex marriage now legal in Northern Ireland

Same-sex marriage is now legally recognised in Northern Ireland .
From Monday , same-sex couples will be able to register to marry , meaning the first ceremonies will take place in February .
For couples who are already married , their marriage will now be legally recognised in Northern Ireland .
However , those who are already in a civil partnership will not be able to convert it to a marriage at this stage .
The Northern Ireland Office is set to begin a consultation later this year about converting civil partnerships and the role of churches in same-sex marriages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enter into civil partnerships from today .
When the Stormont assembly collapsed , marriage equality campaigners turned their focus to Westminster .
In July 2019 , MPs backed amendments which required the government to change abortion laws and extend same-sex marriage to Northern Ireland if devolution was not restored by 21 October 2019 .
An amendment was made to the Northern Ireland ( Executive Formation etc ) Act 2019 by the Labour MP Conor McGinn saying that the government had to legislate for same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland .
Speaking to BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone who values equality , love and respect can celebrate today '' .
`` It 's a good day for Northern Ireland , an important day for citizens ' rights across these islands and an exciting day for same-sex couples who can now register to marry , '' he said .
Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International said it was a `` historic day for equality and human rights in Northern Ireland '' .
`` For too long , LGBT+ people in Northern Ireland have been treated as second-class citizens .
So , today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who can finally marry and have their relationships recognised as equal , '' he said .
Same-sex marriages have been allowed in England , Scotland and Wales since 2014 , but Stormont did not legalise them .
In November 2015 , a vote on the issue in the devolved assembly resulted in a numerical majority in favour of same-sex marriage for the first time .
However , the DUP blocked a change in the law by using a veto known as the Petition of Concern .
Because couples have to indicate their intention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the first weddings are expected to be held in the week of Valentine 's Day .
John O'Doherty from the Love Equality campaign said this was the `` culmination of five years of campaigning for marriage equality and marks an enormous step forward for LGBT+ people '' .
`` There remain a number of issues to be addressed before couples in Northern Ireland have the same rights as those in other jurisdictions , '' he added .
`` However , we celebrate this remarkable achievement with the thousands of people who made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spite of the many barriers placed in their way . ''

"For too long, LGBT+ people in Northern Ireland have been treated as second-class citizens. So, today is an incredible moment for same-sex couples who can finally marry and have their relationships recognised as equal," he said.


bbcuk--2020-01-13--HIV positive pilot goes public in bid to tackle stigma

An HIV positive man who successfully challenged rules which prevented him from training as an airline pilot has decided to reveal his identity .
James Bushe had previously wanted to remain anonymous , using the pseudonym `` Pilot Anthony '' on Twitter to write about his battle to become a pilot .
The 31-year-old said he had decided to go public to challenge the stigma which surrounds people living with HIV .
He was not allowed to train because he could not get a medical certificate .
However , the Civil Aviation Authority ( CAA ) eventually overturned the ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training captains since November but he has now completed his training to qualify to regularly fly the airline 's Embraer 145 Regional Jets from its base at Glasgow Airport .
It makes him the first newly-qualified pilot in Europe living with HIV .
The CAA 's previous interpretation of European regulations meant that pilots who were already qualified could continue to fly if they contracted HIV , subject to medical fitness .
However , a `` catch 22 '' situation meant that a person who was HIV positive could not get the accreditation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training to become a pilot .
James explained : `` The reason is that the CAA considered there was a risk of that HIV positive person becoming incapacitated during the flight , potentially .
That rule would also have covered other conditions , like diabetes .
`` The evidence for this was studies done in the early 90s .
`` Someone that is on successful treatment and living with HIV now , is undetectable .
They ca n't pass that virus on to others and they pose no risk to themselves or anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make any sense .
I wanted to challenge it . ''
James , originally from Stoke-on-Trent , took that fight to the CAA and won .
It changed its rules to stop refusing to grant medical licences to people with HIV .
Instead , people with HIV will be eligible to receive a certificate that allows them to fly , but restricts them to multi-pilot operations .
The body said it was the furthest it could go until the European Aviation Safety Agency reformed its rules .
James , who was diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his private pilots licence at the age of 17 before he was able to drive a car .
He had wanted to be a pilot since he was a child , and began flying when he was 15 .
He said he was shocked when he discovered his HIV status meant he could not train to be a pilot .
`` This has been a lifelong dream and to hear that it was n't going to happen was devastating , '' he said .
After 18 months of training , James said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pilot .
`` The joy of flying I felt when I first started to train is even bigger today , particularly in light of this victory , '' he said .
His decision to `` come out '' as an HIV positive pilot was a tough one , he said .
His inspiration was ex-rugby player Gareth Thomas , who disclosed his HIV status in the summer .
James said he felt that using an alias on Twitter was perpetuating the stigma that surrounds people living with HIV .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to challenge that stigma , '' he said .
`` It 's not just about me , it 's about anybody who is living with HIV who wants to become a pilot .
I want to get the message out there that they can do .
`` My message to anyone living with HIV who is facing discrimination is to challenge it and you can win . ''
Life expectancy for people diagnosed with HIV is now close to the population average due to advances in antiretroviral therapy , which reduces the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body 's immune system .
James says living with HIV today is not like it was in the 1980s and 1990s .
`` HIV should be no barrier to anybody pursuing whatever their dreams are and becoming whatever they want to be , '' he said .
Dr Ewan Hutchison , head of medical assessment at the CAA , said : `` We are very pleased to see James starting his career , having now finished his commercial pilot training .
He has worked hard to raise awareness of the challenges faced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For a number of years we have promoted changes at an international level to the current rules affecting pilots with certain medical conditions , including HIV . ''
He said the CAA was providing medical expertise to support the European Aviation Safety Agency ( EASA ) , with a review of recent research relating to HIV and its findings likely to be published within the next few months .
Dr Hutchison added : `` We expect that this may result in the removal of some restrictions related to the medical certificates of commercial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

"It's not just about me, it's about anybody who is living with HIV who wants to become a pilot. I want to get the message out there that they can do.


bbcuk--2020-01-13--Birmingham traffic plan: Private cars could be banned from city centre

Private cars will be banned from taking `` through trips '' across Birmingham city centre under plans to cut pollution .
Vehicles will be able to drive into the city , but would have to go back out to the ring road to access other areas .
In a newly published transport plan the city council is also looking at rerouting the A38 and making residential roads a 20mph limit .
It said it wanted to encourage the greater use of public transport , walking and cycling .
The council has been given a `` final warning '' to clean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a clean air zone to be introduced this year .
In the plan , Birmingham City Council says no private vehicles would travel through the centre , and could only come in and out from certain areas .
In the document , Waseem Zaffar , cabinet member for transport and the environment at the council said : `` The more journeys we take by walking and cycling , the more we will improve air quality and our health and the more we will reduce congestion . ''
The plan also says it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manage demand for car travel through availability , pricing and restrictions and land currently occupied by car parking , which has development potential could be put to `` more productive use '' , it said .
The A38 could be rerouted to an `` upgraded ring road '' and the city 's tunnels used for public transport only .
There could also be restrictions on lorries making daytime deliveries .
Richard Lobban , 36 , a truck driver who lives in Moseley , said early starts for his job mean he can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depot in Aldridge in Walsall .
He said he and his partner have just put their home up for sale to move further out of Birmingham , but the council 's plans mean he will now `` only go into the city centre if I 'm paid to or told to '' .
`` I 'm away all week with work and have to get up at about 1 or 2am sometimes and so public transport is n't going to work for me , '' he said .
`` I see the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any charges just getting bigger so we want to be far enough out for it not to affect us . ''
`` Everyone likes the comfort of their car , I understand that , and something has to be done , but it 's only going to get worse on the roads because everyone will be on the same routes . ''
The car used to be king in Birmingham - the city council says that crown must now be taken by public transport .
By far the biggest headline of these plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the city centre - with the possibility of the A38 closing to private vehicles , and access in and out allowed only from certain points on the city 's ring road .
The Labour-run local authority says it 's time to stop tinkering at the edges and make real change to improve air quality .
But critics are concerned that business will be hit hard .
And that for the motorist - already braced for a Clean Air Charge and a workplace parking tax - it 's a move that 's too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the measures are designed to reduce impact on the environment as part of its commitment to becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030 , eliminate danger on the roads and revitalise the city centre .
But people who live in the city say they are concerned on the impact it will have on how they get in and out .
The Conservative opposition also said it showed how `` out-of-touch '' the authority was .
Councillor Robert Alden said : `` Their plans to close the tunnels will bring the city to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more congestion and pollution to the residential areas on the edge of the ring road . ''
Subject to approval by the council 's cabinet on 21 January , consultation on the plan will begin on 28 January .
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He said he and his partner had just put their home up for sale to move further out of Birmingham, but the council's plans meant he would now "only go into the city centre if I'm paid to or told to".


bbcuk--2020-01-13--British woman Madalyn Davis dies in Sydney cliff fall

A British woman has died falling from a cliff in Sydney , Australia .
Madalyn Davis , 21 , is understood to have been fatally injured at Diamond Bay cliff tops in Vauclause , in the eastern suburbs of the city , early on Sunday .
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) said it was in contact with local authorities `` following the death of a British woman at Diamond Bay , NSW '' .
Ms Davis , from Lincolnshire , had been in Australia for a number of weeks .
Emergency services were called at about 06:30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had fallen off the cliff .
Her body was retrieved from the water about four hours later .
Marine Rescue North South Wales said its crew members were involved in a search for `` a woman in her early 20s '' .
In a tweet posted on Saturday night , the organisation added : `` Emergency services were alerted after a group of people taking photos inside the fence early this morning regathered and could not find the woman . ''
In a statement , the FCO said : `` Staff at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with local authorities following the death of a British woman . ''
Tourists have been warned of keeping away from the edge of the cliffs at Diamond Bay with signs mounted on fencing by the local authority , Waverley Council .
Speaking to Reuters news agency , Mayor of Waverley Paula Masselos said : `` We 're actually working closely with the police on this at the moment .
`` We 've already increased the height of our fences , we 've added additional multilingual signage . ''
According to her social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ms Davis , from Lincoln , was a beautician specialising in eyelashes .
She had been posting photos online of her work and trip in Australia .


bbcuk--2020-01-13--Stormont deal: Johnson and Varadkar in Belfast to mark executive return

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has arrived at Stormont to mark the restoration of devolution in Northern Ireland .
Taoiseach ( Irish prime minister ) Leo Varadkar is due later on Monday .
On Saturday , a new power-sharing government was formed by Stormont 's five main parties .
They agreed a deal with the governments that includes extra funding for Northern Ireland , but the exact figure is not yet known .
Mr Johnson and Mr Varadkar are due to meet the first and deputy first ministers to discuss the new executive 's priorities .
• DUP and Sinn Féin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How the parties got a done deal Ahead of the trip , Mr Johnson described it as a `` historic time '' for people in Northern Ireland .
`` I look forward to meeting with the new executive and hearing about their plans for the future , including driving forward much needed reforms to public services and resolving the current health strike . ''
The deal - entitled New Decade , New Approach - was reached on Friday after months of negotiations between the parties and the two governments .
Stormont 's power-sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sinn Féin , had collapsed in January 2017 after a row over a green energy scandal .
The return of devolution means the executive can now take decisions that had been stalled due to the three-year absence of ministers .
On Sunday , newly appointed finance minister Conor Murphy said the British and Irish governments must deliver the `` promised financial package '' .
He reiterated that on Monday when he told the BBC 's Good Morning Ulster programme that the parties have `` delivered on their end of the bargain '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exactly what that level of commitment is '' .
He said more than £1.5bn was needed .
`` I spoke to the secretary of state last night and I spoke to department officials over the weekend and we are having costings done , so I hope this morning to be in a position to be able to share with executive colleagues what the cost of the commitments made in the document would be and I think that 's the figure that we will be asking the prime minister and the secretary of state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First Minister Arlene Foster said there is a need to ensure that we have resources for a number of years so `` we do n't face a cliff edge '' .
`` As well as that , we need to have capital investment , we have a huge hole in our infrastructure , particularly in our water infrastructure , that we need to fix , '' she said .
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill tweeted that domestic water charges will not be introduced in Northern Ireland .
All five main parties - the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the SDLP and the UUP - have joined the executive .
The legislative assembly 's 90 members held their first sitting on Saturday , during which new executive ministers were appointed .
The executive is expected to hold its first meeting on Tuesday , the same day that the new chairs of Stormont 's scrutiny committees are likely to be chosen .


bbcuk--2020-01-13--Drug-binge man who murdered stranger in his own home jailed

A man on a five-day drugs binge who murdered an innocent father after forcing his way into his home in Aberdeenshire has been jailed for at least 19 years .
Liam Hay , 20 , had been chasing someone who went to 51-year-old Anthony McGladrigan 's house for help .
Hay instead stabbed the father-of-two nine times .
He admitted murder after the attack in Cuminestown in June last year , and was jailed at the High Court in Glasgow .
The judge , Lady Stacey , gave him a life sentence , branding the killing as `` shocking '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Mr McGladrigan was the sort of person who tried to help others , if he could .
`` He let your friend in and , in so doing , he ended up losing his life , as you followed .
`` By your actions , you have deprived Mr McGladrigan 's family .
He was a man who had much to offer . ''
Relatives said Mr McGladrigan would would put his needs aside to help anyone - and it was `` beyond tragic '' that this had led to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fiona , tried to save her husband , but he later died in hospital .
The court previously heard how farm worker Hay and friends had been bingeing on drink and drugs at various places between 21 June and 26 June - the day of the killing .
They had taken cocaine and the stimulant M-Cat .
Hay was described as `` tripping '' , with his behaviour `` increasingly strange '' .
Early on the morning of the murder , Hay 's friend Austen Smith tried to wake him .
He got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said he `` wanted a word '' with him .
Mr Smith immediately ran out the house as Hay shouted threats at him , and eventually banged on the door of the McGladrigan family .
Mr McGladrigan - who worked at the Sandman Signature Hotel in Aberdeen - had been in bed with his wife , shortly after finishing a shift .
He let Mr Smith in and allowed him to hide in the bathroom , while shouting to his wife : `` Stay in the room .
He says he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
However bare-footed Hay tried to open the door to the house .
Mr McGladrigan said to him : `` No , I am not letting you in .
Calm down - put the baseball bat down . ''
Hay instead used the weapon to smash glass and force his way in .
It is not known exactly what happened , but Hay appeared to have grabbed a knife from the victim 's home .
Mr McGladrigan shouted : `` Oh my God , are you crazy ?
I have been stabbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her husband slumped to the floor .
Hay remained at the house - still holding the murder weapon - until police arrived .
Mr McGladrigan later died due to multiple stab wounds to the back and chest .
When Hay was asked his name by police , he replied : `` Lewis Capaldi '' .
'So proud of him' He went on to claim he had sobered up , but could not remember anything .
On initially being charged , he said : `` What ?
No way .
Honestly ? ''
Defence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perception of what took place around him that night is entirely divorced from reality . ''
Relatives of Mr McGladrigan said in a statement : `` We would like to thank you for the outpouring of love , support and kind words about Anthony - reading these comments have been a huge comfort to us all and we are all very grateful for them .
`` In the darkness of our grief they are the light at the end of our tunnel .
`` It is quite overwhelming realising just how much Anthony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pure , infectious love of life and laughter inspired us all - it 's wonderful to know that we were n't the only ones .
`` As a family we are so proud of him .
He would do anything for you and would put his needs aside to help anyone ; it is beyond tragic that this led to his death . ''
David Green , procurator fiscal for major crime and homicide , said : `` Liam Hay carried out a violent , unprovoked attack on a complete stranger in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an innocent man who had given refuge to someone who asked for help and his family have been left devastated by his death . ''

Relatives of Mr McGladrigan said in a statement: "We would like to thank you for the outpouring of love, support and kind words about Anthony - reading these comments have been a huge comfort to us all and we are all very grateful for them.


bbcuk--2020-01-13--Tony Garnett: Tributes to Kes, Cathy Come Home and This Life producer

Tributes have been paid to TV and film producer Tony Garnett following his death at the age of 83 .
Originally an actor , Garnett produced such seminal Ken Loach works as Cathy Come Home and Kes , and later produced influential TV series This Life .
World Productions , the TV company he founded , said he died on Sunday `` after a short illness '' .
Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio said he was `` an inspirational figure who 'll be greatly missed '' .
He wrote on Twitter : `` Tony was instrumental in giving me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a junior hospital doctor who 'd never written anything .
`` They do n't make 'em like him any more . ''
Garnett was also remembered with affection by former Line of Duty cast member Daniel Mays , who called him `` the nicest man '' .
`` Very sad to hear of the passing of the great Tony Garnett , '' he wrote .
`` His legacy and body of work is truly exceptional . ''
New Tricks writer Lisa Holdsworth , who chairs the Writers ' Guild of Great Britain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK owes him a debt of gratitude .
He elevated our medium by showing how fierce , relevant and vital it could be . ''
Other writers and actors added heartfelt tributes on Twitter .
Born in Birmingham in 1936 , Garnett began his career on screen in 1960s TV shows including Emergency Ward 10 and Z Cars .
His subsequent work with Loach , Jim Allen and others was characterised by hard-hitting social realism .
Through World Productions , the company he founded in 1990 , he executive produced such TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and This Life .
The latter , he revealed at a BFI talk last year , came about when Michael Jackson , then controller of BBC Two , wanted a drama `` about young people who are just starting their first jobs '' .
`` He said , 'Could they be lawyers ? '
'' Garnett recalled .
`` I said , 'They can be anything you like Michael . '
'' The show , about a group of young lawyers sharing a house in London , ran for two series and gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davenport and Andrew Lincoln .
Garnett enjoyed much success at the BBC but could be highly critical of the corporation .
`` I have criticised the BBC in the past because I think it 's very important for all of us , '' he said in 2014 .
`` I 'm a defender of the BBC but at the same time a loyal defender of the opposition . ''
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .


bbcuk--2020-01-13--Manchester 'rough sleeper feud' stabbing leaves four injured

A stabbing in which four people were hurt was a feud between rough sleepers , a councillor has said .
@ @ @ @ @ ) officers were called to Market Street in Manchester at about 18:20 GMT on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ arrested a 30-year-old man .
One of the injured people was taken to hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ tweeted that it was `` a rough sleeper feuding with other rough sleepers '' .
@ @ @ @ @ on suspicion of serious assault after a Taser was deployed , GMP said .
Appealing @ @ @ @ @ spokesman said it was `` being treated as an isolated incident and there is not @ @ @ @ @ threat to the public '' .
Part of Piccadilly Gardens was cordoned off and Metrolink @ @ @ @ @ Transport for Greater Manchester tweeted that roads had reopened at about 21:00 .


bbcuk--2020-01-13--John Laing - builder of M1 and Severn Bridge - opens archive

Construction firm John Laing has built some of the nation 's power stations and housing estates , motorways and cathedrals .
As Historic England and the John Laing Charitable Trust open the company 's picture vault to the public , here are some of the firm 's photographs documenting their bigger builds .
The second Severn bridge , now known as the Prince of Wales Bridge , opened to traffic on 5 June 1996 .
Built to ease pressure on the first Severn bridge , which opened 30 years previously , it carries the six lanes of the M4 between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles using it each day .
It took four years to build the three mile ( 4.8km ) span .
A toll that had been in place since the first bridge opened in 1966 was abolished in December 2018 .
The 1950s and 60s saw the creation and expansion of Britain 's motorway network .
John Laing helped build stretches of both the M1 and M6 .
Construction of the M6 also saw John Laing employ its first female civil engineer , 21-year-old London University student Kik Hong Ong .
The M6 incorporates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Preston by-pass , which opened in 1958 , on its journey from Rugby to Gretna .
Meanwhile , the 193-mile long M1 connects London to Leeds and was built mainly between 1959 and 1968 .
On 14 November 1940 , St Michael 's Cathedral in Coventry was practically obliterated by bombs dropped by the Luftwaffe .
As the smoke and dust cleared , all that remained was the tower and spire , outer wall and tomb of its first bishop .
The new , modernist cathedral was built between 1956 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the shell of the bombed building still stands .
It was designed by Basil Spence and built by John Laing , with construction including the use of a helicopter to place the cathedral 's tower .
The 40-acre Barbican estate was built in the 1960s close to London 's old city wall on a site flattened by World War Two bombing .
Hailed as a fine example of brutalist concrete architecture , it is comprised of flats , an arts centre , school and the Museum of London .
It is home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tackle a shortfall in housing in that part of London after the war .
The Queen visited the Barbican on 20 November 1972 , the day she celebrated her silver wedding anniversary .
Berkeley , one of the world 's first commercial nuclear power stations , was in operation between 1962 and 1989 with its reactors producing enough electricity to power an area the size of Bristol each day .
It stood beside the River Severn in Gloucestershire and while many of its buildings have been removed , work is only now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It will not be safe for humans to go inside its two reactor cores until 2074 .
The mosque near Regent 's Park opened in 1977 and can accommodate more than 5,000 worshippers .
It is also known as the Islamic Cultural Centre .
More than 100 designs were submitted for the mosque before Frederick Gibberd 's plan was chosen , with construction taking three years .
While the dome 's exterior was covered in gold-coloured copper alloy , the interior was lined with an intricate geometric tile mosaic .
The pictures are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collection being digitised , which will be open for public access on the Historic England website as part of the Breaking New Ground project .

The pictures are among 10,000 from the John Laing Photographic Collection being digitised, which will be open for public access on the Historic England website as part of the Breaking New Ground project.


bbcuk--2020-01-13--How having a son with Down's syndrome changed rocker's music

The Northern Irish rock musician Cormac Neeson says having a child with Down 's syndrome has changed his life in a `` joyful and positive '' way .
In 2014 Neeson was , in many ways , living the rock ' n ' roll dream .
His band , The Answer , had sold hundreds of thousands of records and had toured the globe with the likes of The Rolling Stones , The Who and AC/DC .
But the singer 's world was shaken to the core when his wife , Louise , gave birth to a very premature baby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was an unbelievably dark and troubled time , '' says Neeson .
Their son , Dabhog , was born weighing just 1lb 12ozs ( 0.8 kg ) and was immediately taken into intensive care .
He stayed in hospital in Belfast for the next four months .
`` For a large portion of that time we were n't sure on a daily basis whether he was going to make it through , '' Neeson adds .
Two weeks into that time they had to deal with the news that Dabhog had Down 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affects a person 's learning abilities .
`` That was something else that just added to the whole very intense experience . ''
Around that time The Answer were releasing an album .
`` I would have to take myself away from the incubator for 20 or 30 minutes and do interviews to promote the album .
`` I had to pretty much pretend I was in a place where I was comfortable releasing good time rock ' n ' roll music .
It was a complete collision course with where my head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dabhog did survive and was discharged from hospital , although he had to have surgery aged one to fix a hole in his heart .
The experiences have had a profound effect on Neeson 's outlook on life and his music .
`` Whenever the dust settled and Dabhog was home and his health started to turn and life settled down a bit I realised that creatively I was not in a place where I could genuinely write the kind of music we had spent the last 10 years writing , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where he worked with American songwriters and musicians to put together a new album .
`` The result was really a collection of songs that was so introspective and intense and so truthful that they really could only be part of a solo project .
`` It 's a world away from the stuff that I had spent my career making up till that point . ''
One of the songs , Broken Wing , is a tribute to Dabhog .
`` It 's a good opportunity to talk about Down 's syndrome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but also to celebrate my son for being the individual that he is , '' Neeson says .
He says he wanted to get over in the song that raising a child with a learning disability has a unique set of challenges , but `` it 's unique in a really great and powerful way '' .
Neeson says he also wrote the song to help new parents of children with Down 's syndrome .
`` I was kind of placing myself back in the hospital whenever we were told that Dabhog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking that if I 'd heard this song back then I might have taken some comfort from it .
`` If your child has Down 's syndrome that is not what defines your child .
Your child is unique and amazing like every other child .
I 've never met a person like my son , Dabhog .
`` The joy that he brings into our lives is something that I could not have anticipated when we were just worrying day to day about his health and getting him out of that hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , White Feather , is a reference to an incident early in Louise 's pregnancy with Dabhog .
At around three weeks they were told it was as an ectopic pregnancy , when a fertilised egg is implanted outside the womb , often in a fallopian tube .
The egg can not then develop into a baby and the pregnancy has to be terminated due to the risk to the mother 's health .
After taking Louise into surgery the doctors realised it was not an ectopic pregnancy , but said they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being able to scan for a heartbeat and confirm if the baby was still alive .
The night before the scan , Neeson went for a walk by himself in the hills near his hometown of Newcastle , County Down .
`` A lot of soul searching went on .
I said out loud , ' I need a sign ' .
At that point I was stopped dead in my tracks . ''
He had spotted a white feather in the trees .
`` In Ireland a white feather represents life , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scan revealed a `` gigantic '' heartbeat .
Dabhog is now five and in September started school , where Neeson says he has made friends and won certificates for being pupil of the week .
`` Just to be able to experience our little boy thriving like that and being so communicative and being such a life-affirming character and for him to bring so much joy into our lives , it 's a massively positive experience for us and we 're thankful for that , '' Neeson says .
Dabhog now has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an ambassador for the learning disability charity Mencap in Northern Ireland .
Dabhog attended a Mencap centre in Belfast for specialist learning and early intervention support .
`` Before my wife became pregnant with Dabhog I suppose my sole focus in life was essentially myself and I think you become much less selfish when you have a child , '' he says .
Looking back to 2014 , he adds : `` There are moments in your life when you do n't know how you 're going to get past these obstacles that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Whenever you come out the other side there 's a real sense of victory and that 's where we are at now . ''
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"Just to be able to experience our little boy thriving like that and being so communicative and being such a life-affirming character and for him to bring so much joy into our lives, it's a massively positive experience for us and we're thankful for that," Neeson says.


bbcuk--2020-01-13--Mr Strange: 'A lot of hate comes with being a gay rapper'

`` They think because I 'm gay that I ca n't bully tracks . ''
That was how Mr Strange introduced himself to the UK rap scene in a YouTube freestyle released last week .
He says he 's the first openly gay male rapper in the UK drill/trap genre - and opening up about his sexuality in the track was important to him .
`` I 've had people message me saying they came out after watching my video , '' Mr Strange told BBC 1Xtra presenter Reece Parkinson .
• 1Xtra Talks : How To Become A Successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been flooded with support , but he says there 's still a long way to go .
`` Fans are becoming more accepting , but the scene as a whole needs to catch up .
The artists themselves .
`` A few artists have messaged me with praise , but nobody who does drill or trap rap . ''
The rapper says `` nobody questions homophobia '' in rap - and even his favourite rappers are guilty of it .
`` I ca n't say I would n't listen to a song if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fan it is disappointing . ''
Mr Strange says he 's not surprised that drill and trap artists have n't been quick to support him .
`` I 'm not blind to the fact there 's a lot of hate that comes with being a gay rapper , so for me to expect another rapper to endorse me and potentially jeopardise their career ?
I ca n't ask that of them .
`` There 's always that chance of streams going down , of tickets not being sold .
`` Nobody wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that could potentially ruin their career . ''
Although the likes of Frank Ocean , Tyler , The Creator and Kevin Abstract have spoken about having relationships with men in their music , and Lil Nas X came out as gay last year , Mr Strange says that has no effect on attitudes where he lives .
`` I commend Lil Nas X , it 's a really brave move , but the mandem do n't listen to Lil Nas X .
`` His success does n't affect my world , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my playlists . ''
For that reason , he wishes more UK artists were open about their sexuality .
`` There 's gay people everywhere so I would n't be surprised if some of our favourite rappers are gay . ''
In his viral freestyle Mr Strange says `` being gay is looking long , I should 've just kept it in '' , and raps about losing friends because of his sexuality .
Despite that , he says coming out is `` the best decision you will ever make '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't happen in a day , but it 's a weight lifted off your chest . ''
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

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bbcuk--2020-01-13--UK Somalis 'racially profiled' over FGM

UK Somalis 'racially profiled' over FGM

Parents are wrongly being arrested and having their children taken into care due to the stigma around female genital mutilation ( FGM ) , members of the UK Somali community have told the Victoria Derbyshire programme .
They say figures suggesting tens of thousands of girls are at risk in the UK are inaccurate .
`` Social services with the police came to the house , removed our children and arrested my wife .
We did n't know what the allegations were - nobody said anything , nobody asked us anything , it was just really a shock , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The father-of-five said he and his wife had a `` good '' meeting with their children 's school to tell them the family was relocating to Somaliland for a while .
But four days later the couple were arrested and their children taken separately into foster care , following a safeguarding referral by the school .
They say they were wrongly accused of planning to take their children abroad for FGM .
`` Children must be safeguarded - but not if the danger is just assumed , '' said Yusef .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it properly , do n't just presume something is going to happen based on someone 's background or ethnicity . ''
But police and health workers said safeguarding policies were there for a reason - and protecting children had to be a priority .
FGM - intentionally cutting or injuring the female external genitalia for non-medical reasons - is understood to be practised in some African , Asian and Middle Eastern countries .
It is illegal in the UK and carries a sentence of up to 14 years in jail - the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Yusef 's case , the police took no further action and the children were returned .
Slough Children 's Services Trust has now apologised to the family and upheld seven of their complaints .
It has also agreed to withdraw an FGM Protection Order , which restricts the family from leaving the country without seeking permission .
Both the police and the Trust said they could not comment on individual cases , but safeguarding was always the number one priority .
UNICEF figures estimate 98 % of women and girls in Somalia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK say this is inaccurate , and means they have attracted particular attention from FGM safeguarding policy .
Research published by City University in 2015 suggested that 144,000 women were at risk of FGM in England and Wales .
Mothers we spoke to in Cardiff said the message from education providers and the media suggested there was a `` huge epidemic '' of FGM involving their British-born daughters .
Former social worker and Somali campaigner Zainab Nur , from the Hayaat Women Trust , said she knew more than a dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care because of FGM risk .
`` These policies are having a massive impact , '' she said .
`` We 're being victimised , we 're being racially profiled as being at risk of FGM , and it 's affecting us . ''
She also says she knows hundreds of cases where families were wrongly being referred to safeguarding .
One mother , Nimo , said she nearly died after undergoing FGM at the age of eight .
She says health professionals sometimes made `` automatic assumptions '' because of her experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she had a urine infection and the doctor says to me : 'Has she had FGM done to her ? '
My daughter she did n't know anything about FGM , she 'd never heard of it .
`` These things do happen and we get asked because of the children .
I was like , 'Oh my God ' , because I have n't spoken about FGM in a long , long time . ''
Researchers at Bristol University spoke to 30 Somali mothers , fathers and young adults about their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saffron Karlsen said increasingly the evidence suggested it was not as a big a problem as it was assumed to be .
She said : `` We want to see an end to FGM but the way the current system is set up appears to penalise and stigmatise innocent families , and families where 's there 's no evidence to suggest ... that their children are going to be exposed to FGM . ''
But Janet Fyle , policy adviser at the Royal College of Midwives , said she disagreed with the concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a reason .
`` Professionals have the right to ask , '' she said .
`` We know FGM is happening in this country under our noses - it is important to focus on this as that is the real issue .
`` Talking about this issue of stigma is distracting - the priority needs to be protecting girls . ''
A spokesperson from the Home Office 's FGM Unit said `` any actions taken by public authorities in relation to suspected FGM are based on evidence .
`` We introduced tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report if they have encountered a potential child victim of FGM , regardless of what community they are from . ''
And the National Police Chiefs ' Council said police , health and children 's services had a responsibility to protect young people from harm .
Commander Ivan Balhatchet , lead for female genital mutilation , said : `` When people tell us they have concerns for the wellbeing and safety of a child , police will always investigate , as the public would expect .
`` There will be cases where people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they should always feel able to come forward and speak to police .
We will treat each individual case sensitively and confidentially . ''
Follow the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire programme on Facebook and Twitter - and see more of our stories here .

"Social services with the police came to the house, removed our children and arrested my wife. We didn't know what the allegations were - nobody said anything, nobody asked us anything, it was just really a shock," said Yusef - not his real name.


bbcuk--2020-01-13--Newspaper headlines: Harry 'in turmoil' and 'royal soap Oprah'

Many of the papers look ahead to the Royal Family 's meeting about the future roles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex .
The Daily Mirror says one may only imagine the anguish the Queen is facing at having to host the summit .
The Guardian thinks the talks will have implications not just for the couple , but also for other members of the Royal Family .
The Daily Express predicts that the Queen and senior royals will spell out the full cost of quitting to Prince Harry and Meghan .
The Daily Mail says the prince will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done and there are formidable obstacles to overcome before he can stand down as a senior royal .
The Daily Telegraph believes that with `` complicated issues '' - such as the couple 's finances and their future security - still to be resolved , the Queen 's desire for a swift resolution is by no means guaranteed .
One option being considered , suggests the Sun , is offering Harry and Meghan a Commonwealth role , but the paper believes sorting out their finances could prove tricky .
Meanwhile , the protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have reached what City A.M calls boiling point .
The Guardian says the nation 's leaders are struggling to contain public anger at the shooting down of a Ukrainian airliner .
It believes the demonstrations threaten to tip the regime into crisis just as it was riding a wave of nationalist sentiment after the US killed the top general , Qassem Suleimani .
The Independent 's website says Iranian officials will fear a resurgence of the widespread protests in the months before the general was killed .
Get news from the BBC in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of MI5 , Andrew Parker , tells the Financial Times that the biggest challenge facing the security service is technology and how it 's transforming the way it operates .
The Daily Telegraph picks up on his comment to the FT that he had `` no reason '' to think the UK 's intelligence sharing arrangements with the US would suffer if Britain used Huawei 's technology in its 5G network .
The paper says his view has increased speculation the government is on the brink of announcing the Chinese firm will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ core '' elements of the 5G infrastructure .
There are many tributes to the philosopher and author , Sir Roger Scruton , who has died at the age of 75 .
Writing on the Spectator 's website , the magazine 's associate editor , Douglas Murray , describes his achievements as remarkable , saying he appeared to know about absolutely everything , producing books on architecture , philosophy , beauty , music , religion and much more .
The Daily Telegraph says he enjoyed a reputation as a first-class professional philosopher among academics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , notes the Times , he aimed to change the intellectual climate and did not mind making enemies in so doing - regarding the scars inflicted by his enemies as badges of honour .
Finally , the Times has some welcome news if you are looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle but can not face the gym .
It highlights new research which suggests that watching a film at the cinema could be as good for your health as a light form of cardio exercise .
The findings - which have yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - also say a trip to the cinema could provide a boost for your heart and benefit memory and concentration .

The Daily Mirror says one may only imagine the anguish the Queen is facing at having to host the summit. The Guardian thinks the talks will have implications not just for the couple, but also for other members of the Royal Family.


bbcuk--2020-01-13--Run With Purpose: The running club helping men's mental health

Nii Lartey from Haringey and Joel Thika from Enfield started the running group , Run With Purpose , after running @ @ @ @ @ problems .
Now they hold regular meetings where men across London can join them and @ @ @ @ @ .

Nii Lartey from Haringey and Joel Thika from Enfield started the running group, Run With Purpose, after running helped their own mental health problems.
Now they hold regular meetings where men across London can join them and open up about their problems.
Video journalist: Gem O'Reilly


bbcuk--2020-01-13--Western Isles schools closed and ferries cancelled as storm hits

Parts of Scotland have been warned to expect severe gales as Storm Brendan sweeps in from the Atlantic .
As part of preparations for the storm , Comhairle nan Eilean Siar ( the Western Isles council ) has closed all its schools to pupils .
Ferry routes covering much of the west coast as well as the Northern Isles have been cancelled or disrupted .
The yellow warning issued by the Met Office covers a 14-hour period from 10:00 until midnight .
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency ( Sepa ) has also issued three flood warnings and 16 flood alerts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled all ferries on 24 of its 28 routes for the rest of the day .
A further three routes have been disrupted with a warning of potential delays and cancellations on the remaining Largs to Millport sailings .
Northlink Ferries also told passengers there may be disruption on services to Orkney and Shetland .
The Aberdeen to Lerwick sailing scheduled for 19:00 has also been cancelled .
The Met Office has warned of a `` very windy period '' beginning at about 10:00 on Monday .
The Met Office said people should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rail , air and ferry transport , particularly for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges • Some bus and train services affected , with some journeys taking longer • Some short-term loss of power and other services '' The strongest winds are expected around exposed coasts and hills , '' it said .
`` Here gusts of 60-70mph are likely , with a few sites perhaps seeing gusts to 80mph - especially around Irish Sea coasts and around the west coast of Scotland where the strongest winds are most likely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45-55mph likely .
A narrow band of squally , heavy rain moving east , accompanying the strongest winds , may be an additional hazard . ''
Restrictions have been placed on several bridges because of high winds , with the Cromarty , Dornoch , Skye and Kessock bridges among those closed to high-sided vehicles .
Sepa issued its flood warnings and alerts amid concerns about disruption in coastal areas .
An agency spokesman said : `` The Met Office has forecast strong and sustained winds from Monday morning , January 13 , through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with naturally high tides next week , the sustained winds will create an unusual and dangerous combination of tide , storm surge and inshore waves .
`` There is therefore a risk of coastal flooding to all Scotland 's coastal areas .
The highest risk is around high tides from midday Monday through to Tuesday afternoon .
`` There is a flooding risk to coastal road and rail routes and coastal communities right around Scotland 's coastline . ''
Floodgates are being delivered to homes and businesses in Stonehaven , Aberdeenshire , ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ windows have been blocked off in the town 's High Street as a precaution .
Storm Brendan 's name was picked by the Irish meteorological service Met Éireann .
In December , Storm Atiyah swept into the UK , leading to power cuts and travel disruption in Wales and the south west of England .
This year 's storm names have already been chosen with Ciara the name for the next storm .
Have you been affected by Storm Brendan ?
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Please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
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bbcuk--2020-01-13--Teachers worry over funding for smaller classes in Wales

Most schools in Wales that appointed new teachers to cut infant class sizes say they will not be able to keep them when a government grant ends .
A progress report by Education Minister Kirsty Williams on a flagship policy , which began in 2017 , said 115 schools were benefiting from the £36m fund .
Under the scheme , grants pay for new school staff or extra classrooms for four to seven-year-olds .
Some education experts and politicians have questioned its value for money .
The Welsh Government said it was targeting the money at schools with significant numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children with additional learning needs or with English as an additional language , or where outcomes were lower than average .
It aims to spend £16m to fund 150 additional teaching staff and £20m to create 59 new classrooms as well as improving existing facilities .
So far , 95 additional teachers and 40 additional teaching assistants are in place .
• When class sizes fall so does teachers ' pay • Class sizes up in 'two-thirds of English secondary schools' But the report said the majority of schools that have received a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not be able to keep them when the grant ends in August 2021 .
`` Schools are reporting that budgets are becoming more challenging each year and maintaining the additional teachers would put them in a deficit budget , '' it said .
A `` very small number '' of schools said they would look at using the Pupil Development Grant or carefully managing budgets to keep the classes .
Examples of how the grant has been used include creating two classes of about 15 from one class of 30 , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those pupils who need extra support .
A commitment to reduce infant classes was a key element of the agreement which brought Liberal Democrat Kirsty Williams into the Labour cabinet in 2016 .
But some politicians and advisers questioned at the time whether the millions allocated to the policy would be better spent on other priorities .
What do the figures on class sizes tell us ?
Across Wales the average infant class size was down slightly in 2019 to 25.4 pupils from 25.6 in the previous two years .
Latest figures show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 31 or more pupils - the lowest proportion for five years .
But there has been an increase in average class sizes amongst the juniors - pupils aged seven to 11 - up from 25.9 to 26.3 , with more than 15 % of junior pupils in classes of 31 or larger .
Ms Williams said she wanted `` teachers to have the time to teach and children to have the space to learn '' .
`` Reducing class sizes is a key strand of our national mission to raise standards and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that every young person has an equal opportunity to reach the highest standards and achieve their full potential , '' she said .
The government said its approach to cutting class sizes was based on international evidence .
However , the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD ) has said the overall evidence on the effects of reduced class size on student performance is `` weak '' .
It has said cutting class sizes results in `` trade-offs '' , which could mean less investment in other key areas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement '' that younger children need more time and interaction with teachers and `` some evidence '' that smaller classes may benefit students from disadvantaged backgrounds .
Plaid Cymru education spokeswoman Sian Gwenllian welcomed the emphasis on reducing class sizes so that more time could be devoted to individual pupils .
`` However , major problems still face our schools and our teachers - including the fact that we lose a third of new teachers within the first five years and that we are not recruiting as many new teachers as we should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need urgent measures to turn this situation around .
Otherwise there wo n't be enough teachers in the system to allow class sizes to reduce in future years . ''
Suzy Davies , who speaks on education for the Welsh Conservatives , said : `` Any commitment has to be clear on how to attract enough teachers and support staff with the necessary skills . ''

"However, major problems still face our schools and our teachers - including the fact that we lose a third of new teachers within the first five years and that we are not recruiting as many new teachers as we should be," she said.


bbcuk--2020-01-14--Scottish independence: Johnson rejects Sturgeon's indyref2 demand

The UK government has formally rejected a call from Scotland 's first minister for a second independence referendum .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said a referendum would `` continue the political stagnation Scotland has seen for the past decade '' .
And he said First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had previously pledged that the 2014 referendum would be a `` once in a generation '' vote .
Ms Sturgeon tweeted that the Tories were attempting to `` deny democracy '' .
She said Mr Johnson 's formal refusal of her request for a referendum to be held later this year was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeating '' , and insisted that `` Scotland will have the right to choose '' .
The first minister also said the Scottish government would set out its response and `` next steps '' before the end of the month , and that the devolved Scottish Parliament would again be asked to `` back Scotland 's right to choose our own future '' .
• Scottish independence : What might happen next ?
Scottish voters backed remaining in the UK by 55 % to 45 % in the referendum in 2014 .
Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote on independence , and made a formal request last month for the UK government to transfer powers - known as a Section 30 order - to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh that would ensure any referendum is legal .
The request came after Ms Sturgeon 's SNP , which forms the Scottish government , won 48 of the 59 seats in Scotland in the UK general election .
In his written response to Ms Sturgeon , the prime minister said he had `` carefully considered and noted '' her arguments .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predecessor ( Alex Salmond ) made a personal promise that the 2014 independence referendum was a `` once in a generation '' vote .
`` The people of Scotland voted decisively on that promise to keep our United Kingdom together , a result which both the Scottish and UK governments committed to respect in the Edinburgh Agreement . ''
Mr Johnson said the UK government would `` continue to uphold the democratic decision of the Scottish people and the promise you made to them '' .
And he said he did not want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and employment `` again left behind because of a campaign to separate the UK '' .
The prime minister added : `` For that reason , I can not agree to any request for a transfer of power that would lead to further independence referendums '' .
The formal rejection comes days after the UK government 's Scottish secretary , Alister Jack , said another victory in next year 's Scottish Parliament election would still not give the SNP a mandate to hold a referendum .
• SNP victory 'will not be mandate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a `` flat no '' from Mr Johnson to her request would `` not be the end of the matter '' .
But she has made clear that she will not hold an unofficial referendum similar to the disputed one in Catalonia in 2017 , arguing that it would not actually deliver independence as the result would not be recognised by the EU or wider international community .
The first minister said : `` The Tories are terrified of Scotland having the right to choose our own future .
They know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that people will choose the positive option of independence .
`` The Tories - and their allies in the leaderships of Labour and the Lib Dems - lack any positive case for the union , so all they can do is try to block democracy .
`` It shows utter contempt for the votes , views and interests of the people of Scotland and it is a strategy that is doomed to failure . ''
The prospect of an independence referendum on Nicola Sturgeon 's preferred timetable - the second half of 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first minister is confident that Mr Johnson 's refusal will help make the case for independence in the longer term , but for now her options are limited .
In the first instance , she is planning another vote at Holyrood to underline the backing of MSPs for a new referendum .
With the SNP and Greens holding a majority between them , this is sure to pass - but this has happened before , to little avail .
She has not ruled out going to court , but this would hardly accelerate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` there are no legal short cuts '' around the political battlefield .
So the next clear opportunity to break the deadlock may be the 2021 Holyrood elections .
Ms Sturgeon clearly has one eye on that poll already , talking about the Tories being on a `` road back to political oblivion '' .
Between now and then , another year of constitutional stalemate beckons .

In the first instance, she is planning another vote at Holyrood to underline the backing of MSPs for a new referendum. With the SNP and Greens holding a majority between them, this is sure to pass - but this has happened before, to little avail.


bbcuk--2020-01-14--Harry and Meghan: Boris Johnson 'confident' over future role

Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he is `` absolutely confident '' the Royal Family is going to `` sort out '' a future role for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex .
Harry and Meghan want to `` step back '' from being full-time working royals .
Mr Johnson told BBC Breakfast : `` I think they 'll sort it out all the easier without any commentary from me . ''
It came as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said further talks were needed over who pays for Prince Harry and Meghan 's security .
Mr Trudeau said the funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to relocate to North America are to be discussed .
The Queen has agreed a `` period of transition '' in which Prince Harry and Meghan will be in Canada and the UK .
She said she was `` entirely supportive '' of their desire for a new role but `` would have preferred '' them to remain full-time working royals .
In a statement following talks at Sandringham , the Queen 's residence in Norfolk , on Monday involving senior royals , the Queen said she expected final decisions to be made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Prince of Wales , the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attended the summit .
Meghan - who is in Canada - did not participate , according to the Daily Mail and Hello !
magazine .
• Harry and Meghan are looking for the exit • Queen 's statement on Harry and Meghan in full In his first major TV interview following December 's general election , Mr Johnson was asked by BBC Breakfast 's Dan Walker what he thought of Prince Harry and Meghan 's decision to `` step back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and divide their time between the UK and North America .
Mr Johnson said that while `` everybody has got an opinion '' on the situation , `` the Royal Family is one of the great , great assets of this country and I 'm sure they will sort it out '' .
When asked about media intrusion and whether there were any colonial undertones in the coverage of Meghan , the PM said : `` I do n't think this is helped by running commentary by politicians . ''
Among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future is who will fund their security .
Mr Trudeau said most Canadians were `` very supportive '' of having royals live there , but there were `` still lots of discussions to have '' over `` how that looks and what kind of costs are involved '' .
He said the federal Canadian government had not been involved `` up until this point '' about what the couple 's move to the country would involve .
Speaking to Global News , a Canadian TV network , he added : `` There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken by the Royal Family , by the Sussexes themselves , as to what level of engagement they choose to have .
`` We are obviously supportive of their reflections but have responsibilities in that as well . ''
Earlier the Queen said the talks at Sandringham which also involved the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge , had been `` very constructive '' .
`` My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan 's desire to create a new life as a young family , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family , we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family . ''
She said it had been agreed there would be `` a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK '' after Harry and Meghan `` made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives '' .
• How could Harry and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Harry have Canada in their sights The urgent talks were convened after the Sussexes surprised the rest of the Royal Family last week with their statement .
They also said they wanted a `` progressive new role '' within the institution , where they would be financially independent .
Both Prince Harry and Meghan spoke of the difficulties of royal life and media attention in recent months , with the duke saying he feared his wife would fall victim to `` the same powerful forces '' that led to his mother 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and informal , almost personal , statement from the Queen .
Her regret over Harry and Meghan 's move is obvious - she would have preferred them to stay in their current roles .
But she also makes clear that they are still royals and that they will be valued in the family as they become a more independent couple .
There are buckets of questions outstanding - on their future royal role , their relationship with the rest of the Palace , on who will pay what ( not , the Queen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on how Harry and Meghan will support themselves .
There 's still a lot to thrash out and to agree on .
Not all of it may become public .
And it looks like the Queen sees this as a process , not an event .
She writes of a transition period when Harry and Meghan divide their time between Canada and the UK .
The Queen has asked for decisions to be made over the next few days .
But those decisions may well be up for review in the coming months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family divide your time between two or more countries ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
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She said it had been agreed there would be "a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK" after Harry and Meghan "made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives".


bbcuk--2020-01-14--Boris Johnson: Replace Iran nuclear plan with 'Trump deal', says PM

The PM has said the Iran nuclear deal should be replaced with a `` Trump deal '' .
Boris Johnson said he recognised US concerns the 2015 deal was `` flawed '' , but there had to be a way of stopping Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons .
`` If we 're going to get rid of it then we need a replacement , '' he told BBC Breakfast .
`` Let 's replace it with the Trump deal . ''
His comments came as the UK , France and Germany triggered a dispute mechanism in the deal after violations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the future of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) , which was abandoned by the US in 2018 .
Iran has suspended all limits on its production of enriched uranium , which can be used to make reactor fuel but also nuclear weapons .
It has said it is responding to sanctions reinstated by the US .
In a joint statement , the three European powers said Iran was not `` meeting its commitments '' and it was referring the issue to the body which enforced the agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compliance as soon as possible .
`` We do this in good faith with the overarching objective of preserving the JCPOA , '' it added .
President Trump has described the JCPOA as the worst deal ever negotiated , but speaking to the BBC , Mr Johnson suggested the UK would remain committed to it until the agreement was changed .
`` From the American perspective , it 's a flawed deal ... plus it was negotiated by President Obama , '' the PM said .
`` Let 's replace it with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to see .
President Trump is a great dealmaker by his own account , and by many others .
`` Let 's work together to replace the JCPOA and get the Trump deal instead . ''
The BBC 's political editor Laura Kuenssberg says she understands the PM believes the current deal has to be made to work in a format that the US will sign up to .
In a Commons statement later , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab accused Iran of `` systematic non-compliance '' .
However , he said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to the deal '' , adding : `` We are triggering the DRM [ dispute resolution mechanism ] to reinforce the diplomatic track , not abandon it . ''
Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry , though , suggested the prime minister and the foreign secretary were `` not exactly on the same page '' .
She asked whether it was the government 's official policy to replace the JCPOA with a `` Trump agreement '' , adding : `` If that is not official government policy - why did the PM say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK position was clear and the PM supported the deal .
`` Of course you can want to preserve this deal but be ambitious that it 's possible to bring in the United Sates and Tehran into a broader rapprochement ... '' That 's the policy that we 're pursuing . ''
The BBC 's diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus said the JCPOA was now in a kind of limbo - abandoned or largely abandoned by its two most important signatories , the US and Iran .
In invoking the dispute mechanism , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formal step towards writing its obituary .
What does Trump want in a future Iran nuclear deal ?
President Trump has not yet set out the shape of a new deal acceptable to the US although he has made clear some key elements that it must contain .
He has insisted that the international nuclear watchdog , the IAEA , must have unqualified access to all nuclear potential processing sites throughout the country .
He has also complained that the existing deal fails to include restrictions on Iran 's overall missile programme nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its support of proxy militias in Iraq , Syria , Yemen and Lebanon .
And Mr Trump has also been highly critical of sunset clauses in the existing agreement under which restrictions on Iran 's nuclear enrichment programme are to be lifted after 2025 .
Any future deal acceptable to the US would have to address all these concerns .
The PM defended the UK 's response to the US killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani , saying there was no reasons for it be informed in advance and it had played its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington and Europe to de-escalate tensions .
He said he was pleased that Iran had admitted to a `` terrible error '' in shooting down a Ukrainian passenger jet , killing all those on board .
In a wide-ranging interview with BBC Breakfast 's Dan Walker - his first major TV interview since the election - the PM also said he was `` very , very , very confident '' about the UK and EU negotiating a new trade deal by the 31 December deadline .
While , in any negotiation , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete failure of common sense '' , he believed a successful outcome was `` enormously likely '' .
He also said the government was continuing to look at whether Big Ben would chime at the moment that Brexit happens at 23.00 GMT on 31 January - and crowdfunding could be a way to pay for it .
On domestic matters , the PM was asked what he would do to address the record waiting times in A & E departments in December , with 400,000 people having to wait more than four hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on trolleys and in corridors .
Mr Johnson said the health service would get an extra £34bn in funding over the next four years , with 50,000 more nurses and 6,000 new GPs .
`` I also want to see improvements in performance , in A & E and in waiting times , across the country .
We are going to be working on this flat out . ''
• PM 'confident ' over new role for Harry and Meghan But he asked for patience when it came to another huge issue - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of social care for the elderly .
When he first entered Downing Street in July , he suggested he had a plan to fix the problem once and for all , but the Conservative manifesto only committed to urgent cross-party talks .
He insisted new proposals would be published this year but it might take the whole Parliament - which is scheduled to last more than four years - for them to come into force because of the complexity of the issue .
`` This has been shirked by governments for about 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is potentially a massive change and we have to get it right ...
There are quite a lot of important moral and social issues contained in it .
`` Should taxpayers being paying for people who might be able to afford it ... ?
Should families be looking after their elderly relatives ? ''

On domestic matters, the PM was asked what he would do to address the record waiting times in A&E departments in December, with 400,000 people having to wait more than four hours to be treated, many of them on trolleys and in corridors.


bbcuk--2020-01-14--Santander latest bank to set 40% overdraft rate

Millions of people with Santander 's popular current account face a cut in the interest paid amid changes for savers and borrowers .
The bank has announced that , from 5 May , the interest paid on balances up to £20,000 in its 123 account will be cut from 1.5 % to 1 % .
The move has prompted one commentator to describe the account as a `` dead duck '' for savers .
Santander has joined other big brands in setting a 39.9 % overdraft rate .
This will take effect on 6 April and comes in response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect consumers .
How will savers be affected ?
Between March 2012 and November 2016 , those with up to £20,000 in their 123 account earned 3 % in savings interest a year .
This , alongside some significant marketing , prompted a host of customers to sign up for the account .
The rate then dropped to 1.5 % and , from May , will fall to 1 % .
Cashback benefits on household utility bills will also become less generous .
The account fee of £5 a month remains .
Susan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santander , said : `` While we have had to make some difficult decisions in the current environment , our current account range remains very competitive . ''
However , Martin Lewis , founder of Moneysavingexpert , described the account as a `` dead duck '' for savers .
`` There 's little reason for anyone to stick to it .
In May it cuts interest to 1 % , that 's substantially less interest than the top paying easy access savings .
The irony is that until this announcement , Santander 123 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rate ] was looking good again , '' he said .
Most people 's current accounts pay little or no interest , and savings accounts ' rates have been falling in recent weeks .
The best easy access rates at the moment are about 1.4 % , amid a low interest rates economic environment .
What is happening to the cost of an overdraft ?
The Financial Conduct Authority , the City watchdog , is planning to shake up the `` dysfunctional '' overdraft market , by stopping banks and building societies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than for arranged overdrafts .
The new rules , which come into force in April , require providers to charge a simple annual interest rate on all overdrafts and to get rid of fixed fees .
The result has been bunching among banks and building societies - with most setting a rate very close to 40 % .
That would mean somebody who borrowed £100 as an overdraft for a whole year would pay £40 to the bank for the service .
Nationwide , HSBC and RBS have all set their rate at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setting its rate at 35 % .
The majority of customers , primarily those with an unarranged overdraft , would be better off under these rates , but some who had arranged their overdraft facility would be worse off .
`` We have a range of support services in place - from our over-the-phone experts to our in-branch workshops - and would encourage any customer who would like help in understanding the impact of these changes , or any other aspect of managing their money , to get in touch , '' Ms @ @ @

"There's little reason for anyone to stick to it. In May it cuts interest to 1%, that's substantially less interest than the top paying easy access savings. The irony is that until this announcement, Santander 123 was primed for a comeback [as the rate] was looking good again," he said.


bbcuk--2020-01-14--Manchester sex abuse: 'Fundamental flaws' left children unprotected

Police and social workers investigating child sex exploitation in Manchester knew children were suffering `` the most profound abuse ... but did not protect them '' , a report has found .
After a child 's death in 2003 , police identified at least 97 suspects , but `` very few '' faced justice , the independent review found .
The police operation was `` prematurely closed down '' after senior officers decided to `` remove resources '' , it said .
Greater Manchester Police 's ( GMP ) Operation Augusta was set up to tackle `` the sexual exploitation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of children in the care system by predominantly Asian men '' , the report said .
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham , who commissioned the report as a result of the 2017 BBC documentary The Betrayed Girls , focussed on the death in 2003 of 15-year-old Victoria Agoglia and GMP 's subsequent investigation .
He said Victoria 's death had `` exposed a network of paedophiles brazenly abusing young people in care ... [ who ] should have been brought to justice but , appallingly , most escaped and some were left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was now `` a zero tolerance approach to child sexual exploitation of any kind '' .
Victoria 's grandmother Joan Agoglia said the publication of the report made her feel `` wonderful as I 've been fighting for this all my life , it seems '' .
GMP is reviewing all the cases covered in the report and have made a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct .
Manchester City Council 's ( MCC ) chief executive Joanne Roney said some social work at the time `` fell far below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding : `` We want to reassure people that , more than a decade and a half of learning later , we are in a much better place . ''
Victoria Agoglia was in the care of Manchester City Council following the death of her mother .
The report found her carers were aware of her being subjected to `` multiple threats , sexual assaults and serious sexual exploitation '' and had been told that she was being `` injected with heroin by an older Asian man [ but ] no action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care '' .
She subsequently died `` having been administered an overdose '' , but the men who exploited her `` have never been brought to justice '' , the report said , adding that its authors had been denied access to files relating to Victoria by the Manchester coroner .
It said the coroner at her inquest `` recognised the multiple concerns '' , but described Victoria as `` having a propensity 'to provide sexual favours ' '' , which `` significantly underplays the coercion and control '' she was subject to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both the harrowing experience of Victoria '' and that of her contemporaries , its authors `` can not understand '' how the coroner at the time stated that it was `` absolutely essential '' that the public had confidence in `` the quality of care and support afforded to children cared for within the child protection system '' .
At the time she died , Manchester Social Services said it had done everything possible to keep Victoria safe .
In 2004 , a 50-year-old man was cleared of her manslaughter , but admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was jailed .
After Victoria 's death , GMP launched Operation Augusta , which subsequently identified at least 57 children `` as potential victims '' and up to 97 `` persons of interest '' involved in the crimes against them .
The report found the operation was ultimately `` prematurely closed down ... before it could complete its work '' , a decision that was driven by a desire to `` remove the resources '' , rather than by having `` a sound understanding that all lines of enquiry had been successfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities knew that many [ children ] were being subjected to the most profound abuse and exploitation but did not protect them from the perpetrators , '' it said .
What did the report find ?
The report 's authors , childcare expert Malcolm Newsam and former Det Supt Gary Ridgeway , considered a `` sample '' of cases from Operation Augusta and in each , found that they `` can not offer any assurance '' that alleged offences were `` appropriately addressed by either GMP or MCC '' .
They also found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone on to commit serious sexual offences , including rapes of girls aged both under and over 16 , after the operation was ended and that one suspect vehicle uncovered in the initial investigation was linked to a GMP officer , who was later dismissed from the force .
It said Victoria 's family and the other exploited children must have their allegations `` fully investigated '' and the mayor , GMP and MCC must look at `` how the people who appeared to present a risk to children in 2004 can now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concluded that `` any future approach '' needed to `` address the exploitation of a significant number of children as recognised by Operation Augusta '' .
`` Anything less would risk repeating the mistakes of the past and not give the survivors the justice they deserve , '' it added .
What has been the response ?
Mrs Agoglia said she was lied to by the police and social workers at the time of her granddaughter 's death , adding : `` Where were they when Victoria was being abused ? ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Vicky came down time and time again to me ... and she told me herself what these men had done to her . ''
Apologising to `` all those vulnerable children '' , Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain said GMP `` accept that authorities fell short of doing all they could to protect and support the child victims of sexual exploitation identified '' .
`` Children should be able to expect those responsible for their care will do all they can to keep them safe . ''
Mr Burnham said the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was `` only by fully facing up to past failures that we will be able to correct them '' .
He said Victoria 's death `` should have been a wake-up call '' as it `` exposed a network of paedophiles brazenly abusing young people in care '' .
`` Each and every one of those abusers should have been brought to justice but , appallingly , most escaped and some were left to reoffend . ''
Ms Roney said MCC `` can not change the past [ but ] we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so to ensure that no stone is left unturned in tackling this abhorrent crime '' .
`` We recognise that some of the social work practice and management oversight around 15 years ago fell far below the high standards we now expect [ and ] we are deeply sorry that not enough was done to protect our children at the time , '' she added .
What happens now ?
ACC Hussain said a major incident team has been established and was `` reviewing all the information available '' , which had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another interviewed under caution in connection with Victoria Agoglia 's death in September 2019 .
The men have since been released while inquiries continue .
Mr Burnham , who said the system had been `` guilty of appalling failings '' , added that going forward , `` we will have a zero tolerance approach to child sexual exploitation of any kind '' .
He added that due to concerns about the original narrative verdict , he would also ask the attorney general to consider ordering a new inquest into Victoria Agoglia 's death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were now working together `` much more closely and effectively to identify young people at risk of exploitation , put safeguarding measures in place to protect them and pursue perpetrators '' .
The report forms the first half of a larger investigation launched after the broadcast of the BBC documentary about child sex exploitation in Greater Manchester .
It said the second half had been delayed due to the need for a `` data processing agreement '' , which had `` recently been signed '' , allowing work to now progress .

It added that having considered "both the harrowing experience of Victoria" and that of her contemporaries, its authors "cannot understand" how the coroner at the time stated that it was "absolutely essential" that the public had confidence in "the quality of care and support afforded to children cared for within the child protection system".


bbcuk--2020-01-14--Colin Weir: Funeral tribute to Euromillions winner at Partick Thistle's stadium

The funeral cortege for EuroMillions winner Colin Weir made an emotional visit to the home of his favourite football team , Partick Thistle .
The procession stopped at Firhill Stadium in Glasgow before continuing on to the funeral service .
Players and staff lined up to pay tribute outside the stadium on Tuesday morning .
Mr Weir , who died aged 71 last month after a short illness , was a lifelong Partick Thistle supporter .
A banner featuring a picture of Mr Weir was on display at the stadium entrance with `` Colin Weir , one of our own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weir and his then-wife Chris , from Largs in North Ayrshire , claimed the £161m EuroMillions jackpot in July 2011 , the highest amount handed out in the UK at the time .
They later described how they stayed awake all night after discovering their good fortune at about midnight as they checked their tickets on the BBC 's Red Button text service .
Mr Weir invested part of his winnings in the club , leading to the youth set-up being rebranded the Thistle Weir Youth Academy and a section of the stadium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The former TV cameraman secured a majority shareholding at the club in November and promised to give the 55 % shareholding directly to a fans group by March 2020 .
The club dedicated a recent win to him following his death , with players wearing black armbands and fans holding a minute 's applause .
A tribute on the club website stated : `` A Scottish patriot , philanthropist and Jags man to the end .
Rest In Peace , sadly missed . ''
After stopping at Firhill at 10:30 on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Partick Burgh Hall , followed by a private cremation .
The Weirs donated £1m to the Yes campaign ahead of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum and continued donating to the SNP afterwards .
Ms Sturgeon and her predecessor Alex Salmond both paid tribute when Mr Weir 's death was announced on 27 December .
The Weirs confirmed they were to divorce after 38 years of marriage last year .

They later described how they stayed awake all night after discovering their good fortune at about midnight as they checked their tickets on the BBC's Red Button text service.