bbcuk--2020-01-24--China coronavirus: UK tracing up to 2,000 Wuhan visitors

Officials are attempting to trace as many as 2,000 visitors who have flown in to the UK from the Chinese city of Wuhan , where the new strain of coronavirus first broke out .
Tests on 14 people in the UK have come back negative , Chief Medical Officer for England Chris Whitty said .
Prof Whitty said there is a `` fair chance '' Britain will see cases of the new virus , which has killed 26 people .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the risk to the public `` remains low '' .
It came after Public Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new virus in the UK are `` highly likely '' , most of those affected abroad by the virus were making a good recovery .
Globally , there are more than 800 confirmed cases of the virus , which has killed 26 people in China .
Mr Hancock chaired a meeting of the UK government 's emergency committee , Cobra , to discuss the outbreak .
A Downing Street spokesman said there were still no confirmed cases in the country .
Prof Whitty said further tests on a number of other patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not want to provide exact numbers .
`` This is a marathon not a sprint , '' he said , adding that clinicians are now implementing a system to deal with the new virus that can be scaled up if needed .
Prof Whitty said attempts are being made to trace those who have arrived in the UK from Wuhan - the Chinese city where the virus first broke out - over the last 14 days .
It is understood that the aim is to eliminate those who have flown on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health of others in case they might have the coronavirus .
It is believed that this could involve as many as 2,000 people .
• Can wearing masks stop the spread of viruses ?
Meanwhile the Chinese Ambassador to London , Liu Xiaoming , has said his country 's government `` is very much determined to curb '' the virus .
`` We think we can get it under control , '' he added ahead of a No 10 reception for the Chinese New Year .
All the people who have been tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last two weeks .
In Scotland , where five people were tested , an incident team has been set up to deal with the health threat .
Four of the patients were believed to be Chinese , Downing Street said .
Those tested in the UK included one person in Wales , who was given the all clear last week , and one man in Belfast .
One of those cleared was British artist Michael Hope , 45 , who spent two days in quarantine this week after developing `` a nasty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan .
Prof Cosford told the BBC `` we will not be surprised '' if people return from China to the UK with the infection , which can cause lung problems such as pneumonia .
`` I think it 's highly likely that we will have cases in the UK - and of course every so often we do get new infections coming from the animal kingdom such as this one . ''
He added : `` These are early days yet with this virus .
The vast majority of people who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The people who have done particularly badly , and sadly died , they seem to be people who have other conditions that might make them more likely to suffer badly with this virus . ''
The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to Wuhan and the UK is monitoring direct flights arriving from China as a precaution .
Passengers are receiving leaflets and advice on what to do if they fall ill , and a health team is available at Heathrow Airport to check for symptoms .
GPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing symptoms and avoid physically examining them if they have recently travelled from Wuhan .
What should you do if you think you have the virus ?
Public Health England is advising anyone who has been to Wuhan within the past 14 days and has developed respiratory symptoms to phone NHS 111 .
Those symptoms include a cough , a sneeze , shortness of breath , or a fever .
People who are concerned should phone ahead before going to any medical facility and mention their recent travel to the city .
PHE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain good hand , respiratory and personal hygiene , and avoid visiting animal and bird markets or people who are ill with respiratory symptoms .
The agency is currently not advising people to wear face masks .
China has widened a lockdown in Hubei province - the centre of the coronavirus outbreak .
The travel restrictions will affect at least 20 million people across 10 cities .
The lockdown comes on the eve of Lunar New Year - one of the most important dates in the Chinese calendar , when millions of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across China and to countries as far as Japan , Thailand and the US .
The World Health Organization has not classed the virus as an `` international emergency '' , partly because of the low number of overseas cases , but said it `` may yet become one '' .
Peter Piot , professor of global health and director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , said `` data to date suggests that this virus may have a lower mortality than Sars '' , which killed hundreds in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the virus ?
Currently known as 2019-nCoV , the virus is understood to be a new strain of coronavirus not previously identified in humans .
The Sars ( Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ) virus that killed nearly 800 people globally in the early 2000s was also a coronavirus , as is the common cold .
The first human cases were identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019 .
There have not been any other suspected human cases reported prior to this .
Authorities have said it originated in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of wild animals '' .
The market has been shut down since the beginning of the year .
The incubation period ( how long it takes for symptoms to appear after catching the infection ) is days , rather than weeks .
At the moment , there is no vaccine that can protect people against it , but researchers are looking to develop one .
Learn more about the new virus • Your questions : You asked , we answered • The story explained : How worried should we be ?
• Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • In detail : Follow all our coverage here Have you been affected ?
Share your experiences .
Email haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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China coronavirus: UK tracing up to 2,000 Wuhan visitors Published 24 January 2020
Image source, EPA Image caption, A health team is available at Heathrow Airport for travellers from China
Officials are attempting to trace as many as 2,000 visitors who have flown in to the UK from the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the new strain of coronavirus first broke out.
Tests on 14 people in the UK have come back negative, Chief Medical Officer for England Chris Whitty said.
Prof Whitty said there is a "fair chance" Britain will see cases of the new virus, which has killed 26 people.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the risk to the public "remains low".
It came after Public Health England said that, while cases of the new virus in the UK are "highly likely", most of those affected abroad by the virus were making a good recovery.
Globally, there are more than 800 confirmed cases of the virus, which has killed 26 people in China.
Mr Hancock chaired a meeting of the UK government's emergency committee, Cobra, to discuss the outbreak. A Downing Street spokesman said there were still no confirmed cases in the country.
'Marathon not sprint'
Prof Whitty said further tests on a number of other patients are still being processed but that he did not want to provide exact numbers.
"This is a marathon not a sprint," he said, adding that clinicians are now implementing a system to deal with the new virus that can be scaled up if needed.
Prof Whitty said attempts are being made to trace those who have arrived in the UK from Wuhan - the Chinese city where the virus first broke out - over the last 14 days.
It is understood that the aim is to eliminate those who have flown on to other destinations and to check on the health of others in case they might have the coronavirus.
It is believed that this could involve as many as 2,000 people.
Meanwhile the Chinese Ambassador to London, Liu Xiaoming, has said his country's government "is very much determined to curb" the virus.
"We think we can get it under control," he added ahead of a No 10 reception for the Chinese New Year.
All the people who have been tested in the UK had visited Wuhan in the last two weeks.
In Scotland, where five people were tested, an incident team has been set up to deal with the health threat. Four of the patients were believed to be Chinese, Downing Street said.
Those tested in the UK included one person in Wales, who was given the all clear last week, and one man in Belfast.
One of those cleared was British artist Michael Hope, 45, who spent two days in quarantine this week after developing "a nasty cough" on returning to Newcastle from Wuhan.
Prof Cosford told the BBC "we will not be surprised" if people return from China to the UK with the infection, which can cause lung problems such as pneumonia.
"I think it's highly likely that we will have cases in the UK - and of course every so often we do get new infections coming from the animal kingdom such as this one."
Image source, EPA Image caption, There are no planes or trains in or out of Wuhan, where people are being treated
He added: "These are early days yet with this virus. The vast majority of people who are infected do seem to be getting better.
"The people who have done particularly badly, and sadly died, they seem to be people who have other conditions that might make them more likely to suffer badly with this virus."
The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to Wuhan and the UK is monitoring direct flights arriving from China as a precaution.
Passengers are receiving leaflets and advice on what to do if they fall ill, and a health team is available at Heathrow Airport to check for symptoms.
GPs have been told to isolate any patients showing symptoms and avoid physically examining them if they have recently travelled from Wuhan.
What should you do if you think you have the virus?
Public Health England is advising anyone who has been to Wuhan within the past 14 days and has developed respiratory symptoms to phone NHS 111.
Those symptoms include a cough, a sneeze, shortness of breath, or a fever.
People who are concerned should phone ahead before going to any medical facility and mention their recent travel to the city.
PHE also advises anyone travelling to China to maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene, and avoid visiting animal and bird markets or people who are ill with respiratory symptoms.
The agency is currently not advising people to wear face masks.
China has widened a lockdown in Hubei province - the centre of the coronavirus outbreak. The travel restrictions will affect at least 20 million people across 10 cities.
The lockdown comes on the eve of Lunar New Year - one of the most important dates in the Chinese calendar, when millions of people travel home.
The virus has spread across China and to countries as far as Japan, Thailand and the US.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, What's life like in quarantined Wuhan?
The World Health Organization has not classed the virus as an "international emergency", partly because of the low number of overseas cases, but said it "may yet become one".
Peter Piot, professor of global health and director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said "data to date suggests that this virus may have a lower mortality than Sars", which killed hundreds in the early 2000s.
What do we know about the virus?
Currently known as 2019-nCoV, the virus is understood to be a new strain of coronavirus not previously identified in humans.
The Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) virus that killed nearly 800 people globally in the early 2000s was also a coronavirus, as is the common cold.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, The BBC's online health editor talks us through what we know about the virus
The first human cases were identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019. There have not been any other suspected human cases reported prior to this.
Authorities have said it originated in a seafood market that "conducted illegal transactions of wild animals".
The market has been shut down since the beginning of the year.
The incubation period (how long it takes for symptoms to appear after catching the infection) is days, rather than weeks.
At the moment, there is no vaccine that can protect people against it, but researchers are looking to develop one.
Learn more about the new virus
Image source, Getty
Have you been affected? Share your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.


bbcuk--2020-01-24--Brexit: Boris Johnson signs withdrawal agreement in Downing Street

Boris Johnson has signed the Brexit withdrawal agreement in Downing Street .
The prime minister hailed a `` fantastic moment '' for the country after he put his name to the historic agreement , which paves the way for the UK 's exit from the European Union next Friday .
He said he hoped it would `` bring to an end far too many years of argument and division '' .
Earlier on Friday , European leaders signed the document in Brussels , before it was transported to London by train .
The signings mark another step in the ratification @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Brexit bill earlier this week .
The European Parliament will vote on the agreement on 29 January .
• Countdown clock but no Big Ben in Brexit Day plan Downing Street officials said the PM marked the document with a Parker fountain pen , as is traditional for ceremonial signings in No 10 .
It was witnessed by EU and Foreign Office officials , including the PM 's Chief Negotiator David Frost , and Downing Street staff .
`` The signing is a fantastic moment , which finally delivers the result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end far too many years of argument and division , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` We can now move forward as one country - with a government focused upon delivering better public services , greater opportunity and unleashing the potential of every corner of our brilliant UK , while building a strong new relationship with the EU as friends and sovereign equals . ''
Earlier on Friday , the document crossed the channel on a Eurostar train , having been signed in Brussels by the European Council 's president Charles Michel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leyen .
The UK will keep a copy of the agreement while the original will return to Brussels , where it will be stored in an archive along with other historic international agreements .
Next week 's European Parliament vote is seen as all but a formality , after it was backed by the parliament 's constitutional affairs committee on Thursday .
Mrs von der Leyen and other senior EU figures are sceptical about the UK government 's plan to negotiate a comprehensive deal on future relations before the end of 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ too tight .
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson is upbeat , insisting the UK can now move forward after years of wrangling over Brexit .
Mr Michel , the former Belgian Prime Minister who chairs EU summits , said in a tweet : `` Things will inevitably change but our friendship will remain .
We start a new chapter as partners and allies . ''

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bbcuk--2020-01-24--Sports Minister Nigel Adams says football is 'too dependent' on gambling

Football has `` far too much dependency '' on sponsorship from gambling companies , according to the sports minister .
Nigel Adams MP says clubs `` need to look at different sources of income '' .
His warning comes amid mounting scrutiny of the close relationship between sport and the betting industry .
`` We 're going to be reviewing the current Gambling Act and I 'm sure the link between sports - football in particular - will form a part of that , '' said Adams .
In a wide-ranging interview with BBC Sport , the minister also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rick Parry this week to discuss ongoing financial concerns in the Football League .
Earlier this month the Football Association was criticised for selling the live streaming rights to FA Cup matches to betting firms via a third party .
Seven gambling websites were able to show some third round matches exclusively to anyone who placed a bet or put a deposit in their account in the 24 hours before kick-off .
The deal sparked outrage at a time when the FA were campaigning for mental health , and the betting companies then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the controversy reinforced fears football is being used to normalise gambling among young fans via sponsorship of shirts , and advertising at matches and during TV coverage .
Half of all Premier League clubs have betting firms as shirt sponsors , with the figure rising to 15 in the Championship .
The Football League itself is sponsored by Sky Bet .
Earlier this season , Huddersfield Town were fined by the FA after wearing a kit advertising a bookmaker 's logo that breached regulations in a friendly .
`` We have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gambling leads to serious social problems , and in some cases people have done drastic things and taken their lives , so we we are looking at this very closely , '' said Adams .
`` Occasionally it boils over and you get incidents like you had with some clubs who get into bother over it , like at Huddersfield Town , and the stunt there .
`` So there 's way too much dependency , and I 'm sure the football authorities are aware of that . ''
Last year , Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` whistle-to-whistle '' television advertising ban , ending commercials during live sports broadcasts .
But the government is now to review gambling laws , and is considering regulating the way bookmakers advertise through football .
But Labour - and anti-gambling campaigners - have called for shirt sponsorship by betting companies to be outlawed , as in countries like Italy .
Adams would not be drawn on whether a blanket ban on shirt sponsorship by bookmakers was possible .
The EFL has said gambling companies contribute £40m to its clubs each year through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure is estimated to be around £70m .
Adams ' warning comes at a time of financial turmoil in the EFL .
Last week , Derby County became the latest club to be charged for breaching financial rules over the sale of its stadium .
A review is also being conducted into the league 's governance and financial sustainability after the collapse of Bury FC earlier this season , with a number of other clubs having struggled to pay wages .
`` It 's not a healthy picture .
There are n't many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profitable , '' said Adams .
`` I have met with the new EFL chief executive ( Rick Parry ) and I 'm encouraged by what he said in terms of their review into broader governance .
`` It 's not healthy to see clubs like Bury go out of the league .
You 've got question marks with clubs like Macclesfield .
We 're taking a very keen interest . ''
The EFL told BBC Sport it has `` open and regular dialogue with the Government and relevant stakeholders regarding football 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The EFL added in a statement it believes the gambling industry should make `` a financial contribution back into football '' .
`` This is currently being achieved through commercial partnerships with the EFL and a number of our member clubs , '' they said .
`` However , it is important that such arrangements are delivered in a responsible manner .
`` With more than £40m a season paid by the sector to the League and its clubs , it continues to be an important part of the EFL 's financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £119m a year and a number of other key revenue streams including ticketing , sponsorship and negotiated solidarity payments achieved through the sale of media rights . ''
Adams also described the current issues around racism in football as `` absolutely shocking '' .
Incidents of racism have marred a number of Premier League games this season , while England 's Euro 2020 qualifying victory over Bulgaria in October 2019 was halted on multiple occasions due to racist chanting by supporters .
`` It 's a cancer in the game that we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adams .
`` The thought was that now we 're in 2020 we would have got to a better place .
It 's not happened .
`` It 's good the players are taking back control and we 've seen that in a number of games with the England-Bulgaria game in particular .
The football authorities , the Premier League , the FA , the EFL , they 're very mindful of the problem .
`` It 's absolutely crucial we work with everybody because it 's a societal problem , not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet with the football authorities we are being very clear and asking them for updates on where they 're getting in terms of actions .
`` I think what it might possibly take is some prosecutions .
We need to , ideally , see the Crown Prosecution Service taking these cases forward and bringing people to book and that may very well have an impact . ''
The sports minister also confirmed ongoing talks on a `` potential bid '' for the United Kingdom and Ireland to host the World Cup in 2030 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more `` transparent '' bidding process after the controversy that surrounded England 's failed attempt to host the 2018 tournament .
Since the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively in December 2010 , widespread corruption has been exposed in the global game , including allegations of bribery and payment for votes .
`` We want to bid for the World Cup in 2030 , it 's about time we had the World Cup here , '' said Adams .
`` But it has to be far more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past and I believe that is happening .
`` The prime minister is incredibly keen we land the World Cup .
I want to see it here in the United Kingdom and Ireland .
`` As you probably know we 've got some talks going on with the devolved nations and Ireland , I met again with the FA last week to discuss the potential bid .
`` It 's a work in progress but I think if we have the opportunity of being the European host nation option , I think we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

"We are looking at this very closely," Nigel Adams
Football has "far too much dependency" on sponsorship from gambling companies, according to the sports minister.
Nigel Adams MP says clubs "need to look at different sources of income".
His warning comes amid mounting scrutiny of the close relationship between sport and the betting industry.
"We're going to be reviewing the current Gambling Act and I'm sure the link between sports - football in particular - will form a part of that," said Adams.
In a wide-ranging interview with BBC Sport, the minister also said he met the EFL's new chairman Rick Parry this week to discuss ongoing financial concerns in the Football League.
Earlier this month the Football Association was criticised for selling the live streaming rights to FA Cup matches to betting firms via a third party.
Seven gambling websites were able to show some third round matches exclusively to anyone who placed a bet or put a deposit in their account in the 24 hours before kick-off.
The deal sparked outrage at a time when the FA were campaigning for mental health, and the betting companies then offered to give up their exclusivity.
But the controversy reinforced fears football is being used to normalise gambling among young fans via sponsorship of shirts, and advertising at matches and during TV coverage.
Half of all Premier League clubs have betting firms as shirt sponsors, with the figure rising to 15 in the Championship. The Football League itself is sponsored by Sky Bet.
Earlier this season, Huddersfield Town were fined by the FA after wearing a kit advertising a bookmaker's logo that breached regulations in a friendly.
"We have to look at this very carefully because problem gambling leads to serious social problems, and in some cases people have done drastic things and taken their lives, so we are looking at this very closely," said Adams.
"Occasionally it boils over and you get incidents like you had with some clubs who get into bother over it, like at Huddersfield Town, and the stunt there.
"So there's way too much dependency, and I'm sure the football authorities are aware of that."
Last year, Britain's biggest gambling companies voluntarily agreed to a "whistle-to-whistle" television advertising ban, ending commercials during live sports broadcasts.
But the government is now to review gambling laws, and is considering regulating the way bookmakers advertise through football.
But Labour - and anti-gambling campaigners - have called for shirt sponsorship by betting companies to be outlawed, as in countries like Italy. Adams would not be drawn on whether a blanket ban on shirt sponsorship by bookmakers was possible.
The EFL has said gambling companies contribute £40m to its clubs each year through sponsorship. In the Premier League the figure is estimated to be around £70m.
Adams' warning comes at a time of financial turmoil in the EFL. Last week, Derby County became the latest club to be charged for breaching financial rules over the sale of its stadium.
A review is also being conducted into the league's governance and financial sustainability after the collapse of Bury FC earlier this season, with a number of other clubs having struggled to pay wages.
"It's not a healthy picture. There aren't many football clubs in the EFL that are profitable," said Adams.
"I have met with the new EFL chief executive (Rick Parry) and I'm encouraged by what he said in terms of their review into broader governance.
"It's not healthy to see clubs like Bury go out of the league. You've got question marks with clubs like Macclesfield. We're taking a very keen interest."
The EFL told BBC Sport it has "open and regular dialogue with the Government and relevant stakeholders regarding football's ongoing relationship with the gambling industry".
The EFL added in a statement it believes the gambling industry should make "a financial contribution back into football".
"This is currently being achieved through commercial partnerships with the EFL and a number of our member clubs," they said. "However, it is important that such arrangements are delivered in a responsible manner.
"With more than £40m a season paid by the sector to the League and its clubs, it continues to be an important part of the EFL's financial model alongside a domestic broadcasting deal worth £119m a year and a number of other key revenue streams including ticketing, sponsorship and negotiated solidarity payments achieved through the sale of media rights."
Racism a 'cancer in the game'
Adams also described the current issues around racism in football as "absolutely shocking".
Incidents of racism have marred a number of Premier League games this season, while England's Euro 2020 qualifying victory over Bulgaria in October 2019 was halted on multiple occasions due to racist chanting by supporters.
"It's a cancer in the game that we've had for many years," said Adams. "The thought was that now we're in 2020 we would have got to a better place. It's not happened.
"It's good the players are taking back control and we've seen that in a number of games with the England-Bulgaria game in particular. The football authorities, the Premier League, the FA, the EFL, they're very mindful of the problem.
"It's absolutely crucial we work with everybody because it's a societal problem, not just a football problem. Every time we meet with the football authorities we are being very clear and asking them for updates on where they're getting in terms of actions.
"I think what it might possibly take is some prosecutions. We need to, ideally, see the Crown Prosecution Service taking these cases forward and bringing people to book and that may very well have an impact."
World Cup 2030 bid a 'work in progress'
The sports minister also confirmed ongoing talks on a "potential bid" for the United Kingdom and Ireland to host the World Cup in 2030, though he has called for a more "transparent" bidding process after the controversy that surrounded England's failed attempt to host the 2018 tournament.
Since the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively in December 2010, widespread corruption has been exposed in the global game, including allegations of bribery and payment for votes.
"We want to bid for the World Cup in 2030, it's about time we had the World Cup here," said Adams. "But it has to be far more transparent than it potentially was in the past and I believe that is happening.
"The prime minister is incredibly keen we land the World Cup. I want to see it here in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
"As you probably know we've got some talks going on with the devolved nations and Ireland, I met again with the FA last week to discuss the potential bid.
"It's a work in progress but I think if we have the opportunity of being the European host nation option, I think we've got a very good chance."


bbcuk--2020-01-24--Glasgow homeless shelter to allow dogs to stay with owners

A homeless shelter in Glasgow has announced it will allow dogs to stay with their owners , following advice from housing providers .
The Glasgow City Mission will supply items such as food , bedding and treats for pets from 24 January .
In November Simon Community Scotland issued guidance with Dogs Trust on the matter , highlighting how dogs could provide comfort for people with trauma .
Dogs Trust estimated only about 10 % of hostels were dog-friendly at the time .
The document consists of several pieces of advice such as how to provide dog-friendly communal rooms in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure there are no issues with staff members being allergic to , or afraid of , pets .
• Homeless people 'should be allowed to stay with their dogs' • ‘ Lucy saved me like no human did ’ The animal welfare charity supplied the Glasgow City Mission with materials in order to accommodate pets .
The winter night shelter is located at the Lodging House Mission in East Campbell Street .
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Mission said they `` recognised the importance of dogs '' to guests and wanted to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's sleep .
They continued : `` We thank our friends at the Dogs Trust for their generosity in supplying all the necessary materials and accessories to allow us to launch this scheme .
`` We have food , treats , bedding and toys ready and waiting . ''

The document consists of several pieces of advice such as how to provide dog-friendly communal rooms in temporary shelters and create risk assessments to ensure there are no issues with staff members being allergic to, or afraid of, pets.


bbcuk--2020-01-24--Care of 217 Spire patients reviewed amid surgeon probe

A private healthcare provider is reviewing the care of more than 200 patients after stopping a surgeon from practising .
Spire Healthcare said it had contacted 217 people whose shoulder operations were carried out by orthopaedic consultant Habib Rahman .
They have been offered consultation with an independent surgeon to assess their recovery .
The probe relates to Mr Rahman 's work at Spire Parkway Hospital in Solihull .
Spire Healthcare said it first restricted his practice in September 2018 , before suspending his full practising privileges in January last year .
Five months later , they were completely withdrawn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust , which says that since July he has been subject to `` working with interim restrictions '' .
The trust says it has not recalled any of his NHS patients .
Spire said it had acted in line with safety procedure but did not say how concerns emerged , although a legal firm representing `` a handful of patients '' said the review focused on whether Mr Rahman undertook `` unnecessary or inappropriate '' surgery .
Linda Millband of Thompsons Solicitors said she became aware of the matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made contact on receiving a `` recall letter '' from Spire .
The patient , she said , sought advice on remembering that disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson had also operated at Spire hospitals in the Midlands .
Paterson was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of wounding patients .
A Spire spokesperson said during the period in which Mr Rahman 's practising privileges were downscaled , it invited the Royal College of Surgeons to review his work and liaise with the NHS , the Care Quality Commission and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that following the college 's guidance , the company wrote to `` all shoulder patients who were identified as requiring follow-up '' to `` review their care and to understand more about their post-operative recovery '' .

Spire said it had acted in line with safety procedure but did not say how concerns emerged, although a legal firm representing "a handful of patients" said the review focused on whether Mr Rahman undertook "unnecessary or inappropriate" surgery.


bbcuk--2020-01-24--Eminem tops both UK album and singles charts

Eminem has started the weekend with a double , topping both the UK album and singles charts .
The rapper 's surprise release , Music To Be Murdered By , came in for criticism as one track refers to the Manchester bomb attack , which killed 22 people .
But on Thursday , the 47-year-old defended his controversial lyrics , saying they were not intended to be taken literally .
The victory gives him a record-breaking 10th number one album in a row .
Despite leading the race at the midweek stage , Manchester indie rockers The Courteeners finished in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest-ever chart position ( More .
Again .
Forever .
was also this week 's best-selling album on vinyl ) .
On Monday , frontman Liam Fray said Eminem had `` crossed a line '' on the track Unaccommodating , which mentions an explosion outside of an Ariana Grande concert .
Eminem replied to his critics by saying some lyrics on the album were `` designed to shock the conscience , which may cause positive action '' .
He added the album , which recorded 36,000 chart sales , is not intended for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnerved '' .
Eminem also topped the singles chart with one song from the album , Godzilla , which features Juice WRLD , the rapper who died in December after an accidental overdose .
Godzilla only topped the singles chart by the narrowest of margins .
The song finished a mere 93 chart sales ahead of 2020 's newest star , 21-year-old Compton rapper Roddy Ricch - who went viral on Tik Tok , with his track , The Box .
The Roddy Ricch dance challenge saw thousands of users of the social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moves .
The Official Charts Company described this week as `` one of the closest chart battles of recent times '' .
Ultimately , it resulted in Eminem bagging his 10th number one single on these shores .
Last year , only three tracks went similarly straight in at the top ; Stormzy 's Vossi Bop , Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber 's I Do n't Care , and LadBaby 's charity Christmas number one , I Love Sausage Rolls .
Returning indie band Bombay Bicycle Club 's new album .
Everything Else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at number four after their four-year hiatus .
Meanwhile , UK drill rapper DigDat enjoyed the biggest opening week chart sales for an album from that genre , with his mixtape Ei8ht Mile landing in 12th place .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Despite leading the race at the midweek stage, Manchester indie rockers The Courteeners finished in second place with 25,000 sales - their highest-ever chart position (More. Again. Forever. was also this week's best-selling album on vinyl).


bbcuk--2020-01-24--League Two side Northampton hold Derby to earn replay

League Two Northampton earned a replay with Championship club Derby after a goalless draw in the fourth round of the FA Cup at the PTS Academy Stadium .
Cobblers forward Vadaine Oliver went closest to a breakthrough in the first half , striking the crossbar from close range .
Curtis Davies headed wide in the second half for the visitors , who failed to register a shot on target .
The fifth-round draw is live on BBC One during The One Show on 27 January .
• How to follow the FA Cup action on the BBC Northampton manager Keith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rested for Friday 's tie , but the former England captain was one of three survivors from the Rams side that beat Hull in the Championship last weekend .
Rooney and his team-mates were firmly on the back foot in the opening exchanges , however , with Cobblers centre-forward Oliver proving a constant thorn in the Derby defence .
The striker scooped the ball on to the top of the crossbar from point-blank range after County had failed to clear Jordan Turnbull 's effort , before sending a towering header narrowly wide from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had created little up to that point , but they were adamant Northampton should have been reduced to 10 men when the otherwise impressive Charlie Goode hauled Jack Marriott to the ground with the Rams striker through on goal .
The visitors appealed for a red card , but their protests were waved away by referee Darren England , who did n't award a free-kick .
Phillip Cocu 's team offered more of a threat in the second half and went close to an opener when Curtis Davies sent a powerful header past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Town midfielder Chris Lines hooked a volley over the crossbar late on , but neither side could muster a winner .
'Red card would have changed the flow ' - what the managers said Northampton manager Keith Curle , speaking to BBC Sport : `` We all needed to be on the same page .
Today showed the work in progress and the work we put in at the football club .
`` We 've earned the draw over 94 , 95 minutes .
The replay gives us another opportunity , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performance that we 're proud of .
We might be able to express ourselves a little more on the ball at their place . ''
On Charlie Goode 's foul on Jack Marriott : `` I did see it .
The referee was unsighted .
A red card would have changed the flow of the game massively , but we showed that we can compete against a very good football club . ''
Derby manager Phillip Cocu , speaking to BBC Sport about Goode 's foul : `` If he does n't pull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-on-one and probably score .
`` There 's only one decision to make .
I can not imagine why he does n't give it .
The referee tried to be man of the match and he became man of the match .
`` Northampton deserved credit .
They played a good game .
They had passionate home fans , it was a great atmosphere .
They played a direct style of football . ''

Last updated on .From the section FA Cup
League Two Northampton earned a replay with Championship club Derby after a goalless draw in the fourth round of the FA Cup at the PTS Academy Stadium.
Cobblers forward Vadaine Oliver went closest to a breakthrough in the first half, striking the crossbar from close range.
Curtis Davies headed wide in the second half for the visitors, who failed to register a shot on target.
The fifth-round draw is live on BBC One during The One Show on 27 January.
Northampton manager Keith Curle had hoped Wayne Rooney would be rested for Friday's tie, but the former England captain was one of three survivors from the Rams side that beat Hull in the Championship last weekend.
Rooney and his team-mates were firmly on the back foot in the opening exchanges, however, with Cobblers centre-forward Oliver proving a constant thorn in the Derby defence.
The striker scooped the ball on to the top of the crossbar from point-blank range after County had failed to clear Jordan Turnbull's effort, before sending a towering header narrowly wide from Paul Anderson's deep cross.
Wayne Rooney captained a much-changed Derby in Friday's goalless draw
Derby had created little up to that point, but they were adamant Northampton should have been reduced to 10 men when the otherwise impressive Charlie Goode hauled Jack Marriott to the ground with the Rams striker through on goal.
The visitors appealed for a red card, but their protests were waved away by referee Darren England, who didn't award a free-kick.
Phillip Cocu's team offered more of a threat in the second half and went close to an opener when Curtis Davies sent a powerful header past the post from Marriott's teasing delivery.
Town midfielder Chris Lines hooked a volley over the crossbar late on, but neither side could muster a winner.
Man of the match - Charlie Goode (Northampton)
He may have been fortunate to escape a red card in the first half, but Charlie Goode produced a towering performance at the heart of Northampton's defence to help his side earn a replay.
'Red card would have changed the flow' - what the managers said
Northampton manager Keith Curle, speaking to BBC Sport: "We all needed to be on the same page. Today showed the work in progress and the work we put in at the football club.
"We've earned the draw over 94, 95 minutes. The replay gives us another opportunity, to go to Derby and put in another performance that we're proud of. We might be able to express ourselves a little more on the ball at their place."
On Charlie Goode's foul on Jack Marriott: "I did see it. The referee was unsighted. A red card would have changed the flow of the game massively, but we showed that we can compete against a very good football club."
Derby manager Phillip Cocu, speaking to BBC Sport about Goode's foul: "If he doesn't pull Jack Marriott down, Marriott would be one-on-one and probably score.
"There's only one decision to make. I cannot imagine why he doesn't give it. The referee tried to be man of the match and he became man of the match.
"Northampton deserved credit. They played a good game. They had passionate home fans, it was a great atmosphere. They played a direct style of football."


bbcuk--2020-01-24--Seamus Mallon, former deputy leader of the SDLP, dies aged 83

Mr Mallon , who was one of the key architects of the Good Friday Agreement , served as deputy first minister of Northern Ireland from 1998 to 2001 .
Born in Markethill , County Armagh , he was heavily involved in the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland .
He served as deputy leader of the SDLP from 1979 to 2001 and MP for Newry and Armagh from 1986 to 2005 .
It is understood he had been suffering from an illness for some time .
A book of condolence will open at Belfast City Hall at 14:00 GMT on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister when Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble was first minister and although they were dubbed a political `` odd couple '' , the pair were united against violence .
In March 1998 , they jointly visited the families of two murdered friends .
Philip Allen and Damien Trainor - one a Protestant and one a Roman Catholic - died in Poyntzpass , County Armagh , in March 1998 .
Both politicians said their presence there together was a sign of solidarity against the men of violence .
He served as the deputy leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was leader of the party .
Both men are widely regarded as playing a key role in the forging of the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement , which established power-sharing government in Northern Ireland and brought an end to decades of violence .
A statement on behalf of John Hume and his wife Pat , paid warm tribute to their `` dear friend '' .
`` Men like Seamus Mallon do n't come along too often , we should for grateful for his work in our time and cherish his legacy and preserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standing up for what is right , standing tall against prejudice and injustice and standing for making Ireland a country of peace and partnership , '' the statement said .
`` He was a man of huge strength and courage , who stood with John for many years in the fight for justice , peace and reconciliation on this island . ''
Mr Mallon is survived by his daughter Órla .
His wife Gertrude passed away in October 2016 after a long battle with dementia .
Politicians from across the island of Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy first minister , who helped form the SDLP .
By 1973 , he was a councillor and became the SDLP 's deputy leader within five years .
Mr Trimble , his former power-sharing partner , told BBC Radio Ulster that Mr Mallon 's legacy was huge .
`` He was committed to politics and he was committed to peaceful democratic politics , that was why he was such a good parliamentarian .
He was a stubborn man , yes , but at the end of the day he was prepared to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implemented it .
`` His legacy will be bound up by the agreement and the institutions and that is something that his family can feel proud of . ''
The SDLP leader Colum Eastwood described Mr Mallon as a `` force of nature '' .
`` I joined the SDLP because of people like Seamus Mallon .
His absolute opposition to the murder and maiming of our neighbours , his immense work to reform policing and deliver a new Police Service that could command the support of our entire community and his unrelenting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can all call home inspired so many young SDLP members , '' he said .
`` Throughout my political life , Seamus was a constant source of guidance , advice and , when needed , some robust critical reflection .
His support has been an immense source of personal pride .
I hope that I 've done him proud in return . ''
Northern Ireland 's First Minister Arlene Foster said she was `` very sorry '' to learn of Mr Mallon 's passing .
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said Mr Mallon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a huge contribution to the politics of peace and the Good Friday Agreement '' .
Former US president Bill Clinton described Mr Mallon as `` a hero of the peace process and a profoundly good man '' .
`` A teacher in practice and in heart , the lessons of his life and power of his example are as important today as ever .
`` I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have known and worked closely with him . ''
Former PM Tony Blair said Mr Mallon was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace in Northern Ireland '' .
`` Brave , blunt , often prepared to swim against the tide if he felt it right , he was someone deeply respected and admired across the troubled landscape of Irish politics , '' he tweeted .
Taoiseach ( Irish PM ) Leo Varadkar said history would remember Mr Mallon as a `` committed peace builder and a tireless champion of an inclusive Ireland '' .
`` He always opposed sectarianism and discrimination in any form .
When others in his community advocated violence , Seamus had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was a peacemaker who put us on the path to reconciliation . ''
The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Alex Maskey described him as a `` towering figure '' and said he would be liaising with the parties to arrange for the assembly to `` pay its respects to him for his public service as a former deputy first minister '' .
Tánaiste ( Irish deputy PM ) Simon Coveney said Mr Mallon had made an `` extraordinary contribution to politics and people '' on the island of Ireland .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to express his condolences to Seamus Mallon 's family .
`` Seamus Mallon made an extraordinary contribution to democracy and peace in Northern Ireland , '' he said .
The Secretary of State Julian Smith also paid tribute , saying the late SDLP politician 's `` leadership with David Trimble of the first executive in 1999 set Northern Ireland on a new democratic course '' .
Former communications director for Downing Street during the Good Friday Agreement negotiations , Alastair Campbell said Mr Mallon had been `` one of the great guys '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think Seamus Mallon will have a huge legacy , he was a presence and a great provider of wisdom , '' he told BBC News NI .
Former Taoiseach ( Irish PM ) Bertie Ahern , said he had visited Mr Mallon last week .
`` He was clearly weakened but still mentally very alert and well able to chat .
`` I always remember the huge amount of work that he did on the policing bill after the Patten Report - he was the one more than anybody who worked on that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Belfast Joe Hendron described Mr Mallon as a `` giant of a politician '' .
`` He was a person who had a profound respect for the unionist community and the nationalist community and I would say that particular point would have affected all his politics , '' he said .
The head of the Catholic Church in Ireland , Archbishop Eamon Martin , also expressed his condolences .
`` To his dying day Seamus Mallon remained a man of hope for a brighter future - a shared and respectful future where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .

"Men like Seamus Mallon don't come along too often, we should for grateful for his work in our time and cherish his legacy and preserve his values by never giving up on standing up for what is right, standing tall against prejudice and injustice and standing for making Ireland a country of peace and partnership," the statement said.


bbcuk--2020-01-24--Miami Showband: Files delay 'appalling', says judge

A high court judge has criticised the police for not disclosing documents in an alleged collusion case about the Miami Showband murders in 1975 .
Three members of the band were killed by loyalists in a bomb and gun attack when their bus was stopped near Newry .
Victims of the attack are suing the Ministry of Defence ( MOD ) and Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) .
They say there was collaboration between the killers and serving soldiers .
On Friday , Justice Maguire said delays in receiving the material from the PSNI were `` appalling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out their defence to the claim .
He said : `` This case has been going on since 2012 , and we are at a stage in 2020 where the obligation of discovery on the police service has not been complied with .
`` The court seems to be getting the runaround .
It makes me angry ( and ) shows so much disrespect to the court . ''
The attack in July 1975 happened as the band , which toured across Ireland , were travelling home to Dublin after a gig in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fake army patrol involving Ulster Defence Regiment ( UDR ) and Ulster Volunteer Force ( UVF ) members .
The band was made to stand by the roadside while a bomb was placed on the bus .
It exploded prematurely , killing two of the attackers , Harris Boyle and Wesley Somerville .
The rest of the gang opened fire , murdering three members of the band , singer Fran O'Toole , guitarist Tony Geraghty and trumpeter Brian McCoy .
Two other band members , Des McAlea and Stephen Travers , were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a report by the Historical Enquiries Team raised concerns about collusion around the involvement of an RUC Special Branch agent .
It found that mid-Ulster UVF man Robin Jackson claimed in police interviews he had been tipped off by a senior RUC officer to lie low after his fingerprints were found on a silencer attached to one of the weapons .
He was later acquitted on a charge of possessing the silencer .
Two UDR soldiers were convicted for their roles in the attack .
The victims ' case has alleged that military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but failed to stop it .
Damages are being sought in writs against the MOD and the PSNI Chief Constable for assault , trespass , conspiracy to injure , negligence and misfeasance in public office .
Some army files have been disclosed to the plaintiffs , however , they were redacted on national security grounds .
A barrister representing Chief Constable Simon Byrne said `` administrative problems '' were to blame for the delay in submitting documents and asked for two weeks to arrange any application for Public Interest Immunity .
Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjournment , but said : `` I would be inclined to consider seriously striking out the police defence '' .
`` I think the time is coming in this case where the court 's patience is ( running out ) . ''

He said: "This case has been going on since 2012, and we are at a stage in 2020 where the obligation of discovery on the police service has not been complied with.


bbcuk--2020-01-24--Passer-by's dog shot dead during targeted attack in Cumbernauld

A dog walker was injured and her pet shot dead as a man was targeted in a gang attack on a housing estate .
The man , who was also shot , was taken to hospital after the incident in Brunswick Gardens , Cumbernauld , at about 18:55 on Thursday .
But police have now revealed a white Maltichon called Henry died during the shooting .
The dog 's 52-year-old owner suffered a minor injury after her hand was grazed by a bullet .
Officers said four men in a silver Ford Focus drove into the street before three of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man .
The gang were armed with a gun , which was fired , and a bladed weapon .
The incident is understood to have taken place in a Bellway new-build estate known as Manor Park , which is just off Dullatur Road .
The victim was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary with serious , but not life-threatening , injuries to his back .
Det Ch Insp Gillian Grant said : `` This was completely reckless and the fact this happened in a residential street shows the suspects had a complete disregard for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A woman who was simply walking her dog has been left absolutely devastated . ''
Officers are conducting CCTV and house-to-house inquiries and patrols have been increased in the area .
Det Ch Insp Grant added : `` I would appeal to the public to contact us with any relevant information about this attack because this behaviour can not be allowed to happen in our communities . ''
Police are particularly keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the attack or saw the silver Focus shortly before or after the incident .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mill , Moore Road , at Forrest Road near Blackthorn Roundabout at about 19:55 on Thursday , an hour after the attack .
The partial registration plate is 67 ZKZ .
The only description available for the suspects is that they were wearing dark clothing and possibly balaclavas .

Det Ch Insp Grant added: "I would appeal to the public to contact us with any relevant information about this attack because this behaviour cannot be allowed to happen in our communities."


bbcuk--2020-01-24--Harry Dunn: Family 'determination stronger than ever'

Harry Dunn 's mother said the family 's `` determination was stronger than ever '' to bring the woman charged with causing his death back the UK .
The Dunn family met their MP Andrea Leadsom to discuss what the government would do following the US decision to refuse Anne Sacoolas ' extradition .
Mr Dunn , 19 , died after a crash on his motorbike outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire in August .
Charlotte Charles said : `` She has to come back , it 's the right thing to do . ''
Speaking after meeting Mrs Leadsom in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our determination is probably stronger now than ever , if that 's possible .
`` We very much feel supported by her and the government . ''
Harry Dunn 's father Tim Dunn described the meeting with Mrs Leadson as `` promising '' .
He said : `` I feel like she 's behind us , I really do . ''
Mrs Sacoolas , the wife of a US intelligence officer who worked at the base , left the country under diplomatic immunity following the crash .
The US Secretary of State Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an email to the UK Government on Thursday evening .
Mrs Leadsom , who is also the Business Secretary , said `` it will take some time to consider what the government 's next steps should be '' but it was `` determined to see justice done for Harry '' .
She said : `` There is no way that diplomatic immunity was to be used to leave a grieving family behind who are absolutely heartbroken . ''
• US woman to be charged over Harry Dunn crash death The prime minister 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carefully consider '' what future action could be taken and was `` urgently considering '' options .
He added the Crown Prosecution Service was considering the legal position .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he had told the US Ambassador the government was `` disappointed '' about the decision and that the UK `` would have acted differently '' had the crash occurred in the US and involved a UK diplomat .
`` We feel this amounts to a denial of justice and we believe Anne Sacoolas should return to the UK , @ @ @ @

Mrs Leadsom, who is also the Business Secretary, said "it will take some time to consider what the government's next steps should be" but it was "determined to see justice done for Harry".


bbcuk--2020-01-24--Harry and Meghan: Sussex Royal trademark bid challenged

Plans by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to trademark their Sussex Royal brand could face an official challenge .
A `` notice of threatened opposition '' was filed with the Intellectual Property Office , giving the complainant a month to lodge a formal objection .
That is now being rescinded , after an Australian doctor named in the filing said his details had been used without permission .
But since then , three more notices have been filed .
It is not yet clear on what basis the complainants might want to oppose the Sussex Royal trademark .
Prince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trademark the term - used on their website and social media - in June last year .
The application covered products such as clothing and stationery , as well as campaigning and charitable fundraising .
• How Harry and Meghan could make money • How much privacy can Harry and Meghan expect ?
Their plans attracted further attention after the couple announced their intention to `` step back '' from royal duties and become `` financially independent '' .
Records at the Intellectual Property Office ( IPO ) , which governs trademarks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of threatened opposition was filed on 21 January .
The World Trademark Review website said it was filed in the name of a doctor living in Victoria , Australia .
But the IPO said it was rescinding this notice after it had been `` advised by an individual that their personal details have been used without their permission to submit a 'Notice of threatened opposition ' to the Sussex Royal trade mark '' .
Since the objection was first publicised , three similar notices also appear to have been filed on 24 January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period '' , during which detailed objections can be made , is extended to 20 March .
Ben Evans , senior associate and chartered trademark attorney at Blake Morgan , said the IPO had considered the Sussexes ' application for an unusually long time before publishing the trademark , perhaps because of rules over the term `` royal '' .
He said someone might formally oppose a trademark registration because they have a competing brand with which it might be confused , or because they object to the description - since the couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlike a full objection , filing a notice of threatened objection requires no fee and no evidence , he said .
`` You could just do it to be difficult , '' said Mr Evans .
`` It looks like the IPO might be quite busy on this one . ''
It is not the first time the Sussexes have found themselves in a battle over their preferred brand .
The Sussex Royal name on Instagram was originally taken by driving instructor Kevin Keiley , who lives in West Sussex and supports Reading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handed the name to the duke and duchess , leaving Mr Keiley as @ _sussexroyal_ instead .

But the IPO said it was rescinding this notice after it had been "advised by an individual that their personal details have been used without their permission to submit a 'Notice of threatened opposition' to the Sussex Royal trade mark".


Obituary: Seamus Mallon

The pinnacle of Seamus Mallon 's political career was his rise to the role of deputy first minister in the new Northern Ireland Assembly .
It came weeks after the Good Friday Agreement was forged in 1998 .
If SDLP leader John Hume was the architect of that agreement then his deputy , Seamus Mallon , was the careful builder .
He was one of the oldest hands in Irish politics and played a central role in the peace process .
Sometimes abrasive , often humorous , with a sharp intellect , he earned the respect of many unionists as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , within a year of becoming deputy first minister , he resigned in protest at delays in establishing power sharing .
He felt the then first minster , David Trimble , was violating the agreement by insisting on weapons decommissioning .
When a deal over guns and government was brokered , Mallon was allowed to `` de-resign '' in November 1999 .
He and his new partner , Trimble , were dubbed the political `` odd couple '' .
But the pair were united against violence .
On one memorable occasion , Mallon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families after the murders of two friends , Philip Allen and Damien Trainor - one a Protestant and one a Roman Catholic - in Poyntzpass , County Armagh , in March 1998 .
Both politicians said their presence there together was a sign of solidarity against the men of violence .
Mallon was vehemently against violence from whatever side it came and had tough words for gunmen of all shades .
He was born in Markethill in 1936 , the son of a headmaster and a nurse .
He , too , became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said he was drawn into the civil rights movement and into politics because of the discrimination he witnessed in his home town .
`` The family of one of my pupils was trying to get out of a horribly dilapidated home and into a council house , '' he said .
`` At that time , councillors had the power of allocation .
That family was turned down by a [ unionist ] councillor who said : 'No Catholic pig and his litter will ever get a home in Markethill while I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped form the SDLP .
By 1973 , he was a councillor and became the SDLP 's deputy leader within five years .
Throughout the Troubles , he was a stern critic of the security forces .
Nor did he hesitate to speak out against the IRA .
His frankness led to death threats and attacks on his family home .
He was to be a deputy for most of his political life .
In the SDLP , he worked in the shadow of John Hume .
Publicly , they appeared formidable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least over Hume 's failure to tell Mallon about his secret peace talks with Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams .
He was an assembly member in the Sunningdale power sharing assembly and later famously dubbed the Good Friday Agreement as `` Sunningdale for slow learners '' .
In 1982 , he was briefly an Irish senator and was unseated from the NI Assembly because he had been a member of the senate at the time of the election .
He was an Irish nationalist to the core , but he loved the theatre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as MP for Newry and Armagh .
He was said to possess one of the sharpest minds in Northern Ireland politics and , as deputy first minister , he got his chance to shine in the new assembly .
His vision of a new policing service brought him into conflict with the then Secretary of State Peter Mandelson whom he accused of betrayal and `` political chicanery '' over promises made .
After years spent highlighting alleged collusion between the Royal Ulster Constabulary ( RUC ) and loyalist paramilitaries , he fought hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to achieve police reform .
Weeks later , he made a dramatic call to nationalists to give the new police service a chance .
When John Hume left the leadership of the SDLP , Seamus Mallon said he would not pursue the post - he felt he was too old for the job .
After the many trials and tribulations of holding the post of deputy first minister at Stormont between 1998 and 2001 , he stepped down at the age of 65 .
In 2013 , Mallon and Trimble received honorary doctorates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15th anniversary of the Agreement .
At that stage , Mallon criticised the Northern Ireland Executive , saying that they had failed to address `` the most important issues '' .
In an interview for Irish broadcaster RTÉ at that time , he said that the middle ground in Northern Ireland had `` paid the price '' for the agreement .
In 2015 , talking on BBC Radio Ulster 's Talkback , he claimed that Sinn Féin had used John Hume to gain respectability in the United States .
Hume was `` no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sinn Féin leaders played him `` like a 3lb trout '' .
However , he also said that any sacrifice the SDLP made was worth it if it saved a single life .
Speaking on the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in April 2018 , Mallon said he felt both `` sad '' and `` very angry '' at the political stalemate at Stormont between the DUP and Sinn Féin .
`` I watch the hypocrisies which are unbelievable and the untruths which are believable , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these two political silos which have almost balkanised the Northern Ireland that I live in . ''
Seamus Mallon was a committed nationalist aspiring to Irish unity , but in 2019 said a simple 50 % plus one majority in a border referendum would not `` give us the kind of agreed and peaceful Ireland we seek '' .
He believed there should be `` parallel consent '' , involving a majority of both unionist and nationalist voters .
`` If we are going to have any integrity in terms of Irish republicanism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an organic thing , '' he once said .
`` It has to look into the unionist heart as well as the unionist mind .
We 've got to make unionism part of Irish life . ''

"At that time, councillors had the power of allocation. That family was turned down by a [unionist] councillor who said: 'No Catholic pig and his litter will ever get a home in Markethill while I am here!'"


bbcuk--2020-01-24--Maternity ward dads: Kick them out or welcome them in?

Not too long ago the appearance of a dad in a labour ward would prompt immediate shooing away by a stern midwife .
These days dads are mainly expected to be part of the birth process .
Midwives in Scotland have , in the last week , expressed polar opposite views on the role and the behaviour of partners in the maternity ward .
The result is a raging debate over what a man 's role should be in the hospital after the magic moment of delivery .
Earlier in the week , midwives at Edinburgh 's Royal Infirmary launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to NHS Lothian about fathers of new babies staying overnight in the hospital .
They said it was putting strain on staff who claimed fathers `` treat the ward like a hotel '' .
Examples given were sharing beds with their partners , ordering takeaways and using staff kitchens .
It was also claimed new mothers were too embarrassed to breastfeed or get changed because there were so many men staying at the postnatal unit .
However , another hospital has taken the opposite view that partners should be catered for so they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postnatal wards at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee have bought 38 `` Lazyboy-style '' reclining chairs for fathers to sleep on and will provide tea and toast and kitchen facilities for those who want to stay .
The move to encourage new dads to stay overnight is part of the Scottish government 's guidance on making neonatal and maternity care more inclusive of fathers under the Best Start policy .
All units are urged to take a flexible approach to the presence of partners , to ensure that families can stay together , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enable bonding to take place .
Donna Brough , the senior midwife at the pioneering Ninewells project , found a bit of resistance at first , but staff now understand the benefits .
She told BBC Radio Scotland 's Mornings with Stephen Jardine : `` It came from some feedback we got on how women felt when their partners were asked to leave .
`` It resonated with me when women said they felt alone , and felt they did n't have the support they wanted - they really rated the support of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was important to listen to them . ''
There was concern over what the presence of more partners would mean for the running of the ward .
Ms Brough said : `` The issues raised here with midwives on our wards were around security , privacy and facilities .
However , I spent a lot of time talking to staff and we worked closely with Fathers ' Network Scotland to put some education in place .
Once the midwifery teams understood why it was important for bonding and fathers ' confidence , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She added : `` We have to embrace family-integrated care .
We know the benefits to the baby , the family , the mum 's mental health and the dad 's mental health . ''
Chris Miezitis from Fathers Network Scotland ( FNS ) said : `` Families deserve to have the choice .
We ca n't exclude fathers at a time when their partners and babies needed them most . ''
New dad Kieran Brannan welcomed Scotland 's first dad-friendly ward at Ninewells .
He was asked to leave the hospital at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ward after giving birth to their daughter Ella .
`` I felt guilty I was leaving Chloe on her own to look after the baby when she had been up for 26 hours .
`` Chloe had an epidural and the baby was crying in the night .
She could n't lean over to get the baby and she had to wait for someone to come and lift her out .
I could have been there to help and get her right away . ''
New mother Nadine Hawkins thinks it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` After the birth I was quite sick for around six hours and could n't hold the baby or do anything myself .
We were lucky and were given our own room , so my husband stayed both nights which gave us such a positive experience .
`` It meant he was on hand if I needed anything .
And it saved us putting pressure on the staff by buzzing for things that were n't necessarily medical . ''
Alex McMahon , nurse director of NHS Lothian , said : `` Fathers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraged and supported to become an integral part of maternal and newborn care . ''

"Chloe had an epidural and the baby was crying in the night. She couldn't lean over to get the baby and she had to wait for someone to come and lift her out. I could have been there to help and get her right away."


bbcuk--2020-01-24--Lewis Pugh swims under melting Antarctic ice sheet

An endurance swimmer has finished the first swim under the Antarctic ice to demonstrate the `` very rapid changes '' caused by climate change .
Lewis Pugh , from Plymouth , braved the freezing waters of the supra-glacial lake in nothing more than his swimming trunks , cap and goggles .
He said melt waters could be seen everywhere during his 10-minute swim in water that was just above 0°C ( 32°F ) .
It follows reports of ocean temperatures reaching an all-time high .
With East Antarctica holding the record for the lowest temperatures on Earth , the endurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` most frightening '' of his life .
He faced the threat of the lake suddenly emptying through a crack in the ice sheet due to the `` unstable '' nature of the glaciers , and the risk of the water surging into the sea .
`` The swim was the accumulation of 33 years of training in order to swim 10 minutes and 17 seconds down that river , '' said Mr Pugh '' I swam here today as we are in a climate emergency .
We need immediate action from all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Pugh described how he saw `` every shade of blue '' while under the ice sheets .
`` It 's the most beautiful place I 've seen in the whole world in my whole life , '' he said .
A study by Durham University found there are 65,000 supra-glacial lakes in East Antarctica .
They are formed by melt waters collecting on the surface of an ice sheet .
Mr Pugh called for the creation of a network of Marine Protected Areas ( MPA ) in the Southern Ocean around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Change Conference to take `` urgent action '' against global warming .
The swimmer 's performances have helped safeguard 2.2m square metres of ocean , including The Ross Sea which was established as an MPA following a 2015 swim .
You may also be interested in : • The farmer who turns insects into flour

He faced the threat of the lake suddenly emptying through a crack in the ice sheet due to the "unstable" nature of the glaciers, and the risk of the water surging into the sea.


bbcuk--2020-01-24--Wetherspoons: Pub chain tells parents to stick to two drinks

Going to the pub with your children ?
You may have to watch your drink consumption .
Wetherspoons pubs are limiting parents to two alcoholic drinks each if they have their children with them .
The rule came to light when the Robert Pocock pub in Gravesend , Kent , put up a poster publicising it .
The chain said its guideline for staff applied in its pubs nationwide , and was designed to deter `` unruly behaviour '' by children left unsupervised .
As far as Wetherspoons is concerned , a child is anyone under the age of 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1902 to be drunk in charge of a child under the age of seven in a public place .
The offence can be punished by a fine or up to a month in jail .
The poster at the pub , which has since been taken down , read : `` As part of our licensing it is our responsibility to ensure that we are protecting children from harm .
`` Therefore adults in charge of children will be allowed to have one alcoholic drink and a further alcoholic drink with a sit-down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to comments on social media .
One patron tweeted : `` Sounds like this particular pub is trying to crack a nut with a sledgehammer and solve a minor issue with big policy change .
How about instead Wetherspoons invest to make the space enjoyable for children too ? ''
But customers at the Mannamead pub in Plymouth were more supportive .
Kevin Appleby said he `` would n't be offended '' if he were denied a third drink if at the pub with his children .
He said that while `` you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , the guidance is `` rather relevant as you do n't want kids running around '' .
Jackie Taylor told the BBC it is `` absolutely '' right of the pub to send out such advice as `` children should be looked after . ''
`` Parents should be responsible and actually to give them a limit of two drinks is wise , '' she added .
A Wetherspoons spokesman said : `` The manager took the decision to put the poster in the pub to emphasise to customers that she would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children were running round uncontrolled in the pub .
`` The notice had a positive effect , with mostly good feedback . ''
Wetherspoons added : `` There is a guideline , though not a policy , that we will serve the adult a maximum of two alcoholic drinks with their meal .
`` The reason is that we do n't want children being unruly in the pubs and parents thinking they can continue to drink while this happens . ''

Kevin Appleby said he "wouldn't be offended" if he were denied a third drink if at the pub with his children. He said that while "you can't tell parents how to parent", the guidance is "rather relevant as you don't want kids running around".


bbcuk--2020-01-25--Salt 'n' sauce - Scotland's culinary divide

It 's the condiment that divides a nation .
Salt ' n ' sauce is part of the chip shop @ @ @ @ @ , but salt and vinegar still reigns supreme across the rest of Scotland .
Inspired @ @ @ @ @ Iain Simpson , we tried to find out why Scotland is split over what you @ @ @ @ @ - and see if it was possible to define the boundaries of chippy sauce country @

It's the condiment that divides a nation.
Salt 'n' sauce is part of the chip shop tradition in and around Edinburgh, but salt and vinegar still reigns supreme across the rest of Scotland.
Inspired by a question from reader Iain Simpson, we tried to find out why Scotland is split over what you should put on your chips - and see if it was possible to define the boundaries of chippy sauce country.
Video by Zara Weir
Research by Louise Wilson


bbcuk--2020-01-25--Sky Brown: Skating towards Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Eleven-year-old Sky Brown is smashing the skateboarding world and beating adults much older than her .
She 's set her @ @ @ @ @ Tokyo Olympics in 2020 , where she 'd be Britain 's youngest ever summer Olympian @ @ @ @ @ first time skateboarding will be an official sport at the Olympics .
This video was @ @ @ @ @ , a brand new programme for teenagers who want to know about the issues shaping @ @ @

Eleven-year-old Sky Brown is smashing the skateboarding world and beating adults much older than her.
She's set her sights on competing in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, where she'd be Britain's youngest ever summer Olympian. It'll be the first time skateboarding will be an official sport at the Olympics.
BBC My World is a brand new programme for teenagers who want to know about the issues shaping our world.


bbcuk--2020-01-24--China coronavirus: Two tested in Scotland given all-clear

Two of the five people people being tested for coronavirus in Scotland have been given the all-clear .
The chief medical officer for England said on Friday that 14 people tested in the UK had been found to be free of the virus .
The Scottish government said this included two of the Scottish cases .
The three other patients being treated in Scotland are awaiting test results .
Four out of the five are Chinese nationals .
All of those tested had recently visited Wuhan where the outbreak originated .
Checks are ongoing on other people .
Globally there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus which has killed 26 people in China .
An incident team was set up to deal with the threat of coronavirus in Scotland as the tests were being carried out .
• Coronavirus : How worried should we be ?
• Wuhan : The London-sized city where the virus began • How do you quarantine a city - and does it work ?
England 's chief medical officer , Prof Chris Whitty , said there had been no confirmed cases of coronavirus , following a meeting of the government 's Cobra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there was a `` fair chance '' Britain would see some .
BBC Scotland understands that one of those tested in Edinburgh was a Chinese student who had become unwell after visiting family in Wuhan .
He was believed to have first been in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary before being transferred to the Western , where the Regional Infectious Diseases Unit is located .
It is not known where the other patients were being treated .
The Scottish government previously said two of those being tested had already been diagnosed with flu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a precautionary basis .
Scotland 's chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood said : `` Scotland is well prepared for these types of outbreaks - we have a proven track record of dealing with challenging health issues and the UK was one of the first countries in the world to develop a test for the new virus .
`` I am being kept fully informed about the precautionary steps being taken , including timely updates on the patients who are currently being tested . ''
Officials are now attempting to trace as many as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK from Wuhan .
In a statement , Prof Whitty said he was working closely with the other UK chief medical officers .
`` We all agree that the risk to the UK public remains low , but there may well be cases in the UK at some stage , '' he said .
He said global experts were monitoring the situation around-the-clock and had a strong track record of managing new forms of infectious disease .
A public health hub is being set up at Heathrow , consisting of clinicians and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak affecting Chinese students in Scotland ?
• Dundee University has 34 students from Wuhan studying in Dundee as a result of its partnership with Wuhan University .
Five members of staff returned from a visit to Wuhan last week .
No health concerns have been raised .
• Aberdeen University said five of its staff members visited Wuhan recently .
Four returned to the university three or more weeks ago while the fourth is working from home as a precautionary measure .
• Any students who have been in China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been reported , within the last 14 days , and are experiencing respiratory symptoms , should contact their GP or NHS 24 .
• Students should be careful if receiving packages from areas where the virus is present , especially if they contain food items .
The city of Wuhan , where 11 million people live , is effectively on lockdown : all bus , subway and ferry services have been suspended and all outbound planes and trains cancelled .
Residents have been advised not to leave , and roadblocks have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place across 13 cities , home to more than 36 million people .
The virus has spread to the US , Japan , Singapore , Saudi Arabia , Thailand , Vietnam , Taiwan and South Korea .
The new strain of coronavirus is believed to have originated at a market in Wuhan .
One resident of the city said the atmosphere felt like `` the end of the world '' .
Learn more about the new virus • Your questions : You asked , we answered • The story explained : How worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The city now in lockdown • In detail : Follow all our coverage here

Scotland's chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood said: "Scotland is well prepared for these types of outbreaks - we have a proven track record of dealing with challenging health issues and the UK was one of the first countries in the world to develop a test for the new virus.


bbcuk--2020-01-24--Bodies of three children found in County Dublin

Gardaí have said they are investigating after the bodies of three children were found at a house in Newcastle , @ @ @ @ @ .
They described the deaths of two boys and a girl as `` unexplained '' @ @ @ @ @ 40s has been taken to Tallaght Hospital .
Gardai were called to the property at @ @ @ @ @ the scene has been preserved and the Office of the State Pathologist has been informed @

Gardai were called to the property at about 19:00 local time and the scene has been preserved and the Office of the State Pathologist has been informed.


bbcuk--2020-01-24--A&E services could end at Royal Glamorgan Hospital

Plans which could see the A & E department at a south Wales hospital downgraded are being considered by health chiefs .
The proposals would mean an end to 24-hour consultant-led services at Royal Glamorgan Hospital 's A & E .
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board will discuss the options in a report to the board on 30 January .
The downgrade formed part of an agreement to centralise some health services in south Wales in 2014 .
More than 53,000 people responded to a public consultation on the plan - called the South Wales Programme - in 2013 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have happened , the proposed changes to A & E departments have not been implemented .
Interim chief executive Sharon Hopkins said service and staffing pressures meant the current set up was `` increasingly unsustainable '' .
She said staff had `` worked exceptionally hard '' to deliver emergency services across three sites - the Royal Glamorgan Hospital , the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend and Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil .
But in a statement Dr Hopkins added : `` Continuing and growing service and staffing pressures have meant that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and safe services can not be maintained beyond the immediate short term without unacceptable risks to patient safety '' .
The report said an option to continue the current system should be `` rejected '' , instead recommending two options .
One would see the consultant-led service end , replaced by a minor injuries unit with nurses .
The other would see consultants continue at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital during the day , and a nurse-led minor injuries unit would operate overnight .
Local politicians attending a meeting with the health board on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & E consultant at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital would leave at the end of March , meaning services would be provided by locums from April .
A statement on Facebook from Rhondda AM Leanne Wood said the situation was `` completely unacceptable '' .
The former Plaid Cymru leader added : `` The poor workforce planning from successive Labour health ministers means Wales has one of the lowest doctor to population ratios in Europe . ''
Rhondda Labour MP Chris Bryant said either of the options proposed would be `` terrible news '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said many would have no choice but to use public transport and mountain roads which were unreliable in winter .
In a joint statement , Pontypridd Labour AM Mick Antoniw and MP Alex Davies-Jones said the proposal `` will be of concern to many '' .
They said : `` Robust A & E provision at the Royal Glamorgan is a critical component of health service provision to people in Pontypridd and the wider valleys communities and we are strongly opposed to any reconfiguration that results in a material dilution of A & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Welsh Conservative health spokeswoman Angela Burns said : `` Just this week we have had the worst A & E results for the Welsh NHS and yet the Welsh Labour government are allowing this downgrade to go ahead .
`` Surely , the Welsh Government should be looking at options to reduce the more than 6,000 people that wait 12 hours or more for treatment in A & E in Wales . ''
The Welsh Government said : `` We expect the health board to work with its partners to consider options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the future . ''

They said: "Robust A&E provision at the Royal Glamorgan is a critical component of health service provision to people in Pontypridd and the wider valleys communities and we are strongly opposed to any reconfiguration that results in a material dilution of A&E services at the Royal Glamorgan."


bbcuk--2020-01-24--Woman 'stole £133,000 from starving man' in Banbury

A man who died in a freezing cold room that smelt of urine had up to £133,000 stolen from his accounts , a court has heard .
Anthony Sootheran , 59 , was found dead by a doctor in March 2014 at his home near Banbury , Oxfordshire .
Wayne and Lynda Rickard , of Edinburgh Close , Banbury , deny his murder .
Reading Crown Court heard Mr Sootheran , who was more than 6ft tall , weighed nine stone when he died and had `` long-standing malnutrition '' .
Jurors were shown a police officer 's bodycam footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mattress on the floor .
Prosecutor Oliver Saxby QC said the room was `` freezing cold '' and `` smelt of urine '' and that a blanket covering Mr Sootheran was wet .
He had long-standing mental health problems and an estate worth about £3.5m , the court heard .
The Rickards lived with Mr Sootheran on a farm he owned in South Newington , near Banbury , but were evicted by court order in 2017 , the court heard .
Mrs Rickard has already admitted she forged Mr Sootheran 's will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Saxby said a forensic accountant had found that she stole between £39,000 and £133,000 until 2015 .
He added Mr Sootheran 's malnutrition would have been `` obvious '' to anyone who had seen him in the weeks before his death .
`` Had he been referred for medical treatment as late as the three or four days prior to his death , he would have survived , '' Mr Saxby said .
Mrs Rickard has also admitted forging the will of Mr Sootheran 's mother Joy and stealing money from her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about £1.5m when she died in 2012 , aged 91 .
Mrs Rickard and her husband deny a fraud in which they bought a Mitsubishi Shogun 4x4 with about £30,000 of Mrs Sootheran 's money .
The court was told that in March 2018 Mrs Rickard admitted dishonestly claiming more than £14,500 in housing benefit between December 2014 and November 2016 .
In the course of that offence , she had sent an email pretending to be Mr Sootheran , months after his death , the jury heard .
That was a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persistence - even desperation , '' Mr Saxby said .
He added : `` Anthony was dead , but she was not inheriting because there were problems with the will , and so she resorted to more dishonesty to obtain money . ''
Three other people are also on trial for being witnesses to the Sootheran wills .
Michael Dunkley , 48 , of Brickle Lane in Bloxham , and Denise Neal , 39 , of Radway Road in Lower Tysoe , are accused of fraud .
Shanda Robinson , 50 , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fraud and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice .
June Alsford , 77 , of Little Lane in Aynho , has admitted fraud and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice .

He added: "Anthony was dead, but she was not inheriting because there were problems with the will, and so she resorted to more dishonesty to obtain money."


bbcuk--2020-01-25--Labour Party sees surge in membership amid leadership race

Labour has experienced a surge in membership since the general election , BBC Two 's Newsnight has learned .
Constituency Labour parties ( CLPs ) have reported rises in local membership amid the ongoing leadership race , in which members will vote from 21 February .
In Hammersmith , west London , the CLP has seen a 32 % increase while in Bury North numbers have gone up by 26 % .
It is not clear whether these members have only joined to get a vote - but the surge will boost Labour 's finances .
The average increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsnight was around 20 % .
• Who will be Labour 's next leader ?
In Hammersmith , 413 members have joined in a single month and in Bury North 202 more people have signed up .
Elsewhere , Richmond , south-west London , now boasts 350 new members , up 30 % , and Hove , East Sussex , has 477 more , up 21 % , while Exeter has seen a 25 % increase with 300 additional members .
BBC Newsnight has been told the CLP of Sir Keir Starmer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race , has seen its membership rise by 1,000 - almost a third .
These are large increases in a short length of time .
Of the CLP chairmen and chairwomen and MPs who spoke to Newsnight , virtually all seemed certain these members joined in order to have a say about the next Labour Party leader .
In 2015 and 2016 , the two Labour leadership contests in which Jeremy Corbyn ran , much was made about the `` entryism '' or programme of enlisting new members to vote for the left-wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new members this time is not certain - there are simply too many of them to be sure .
However , sources within local parties are confident many if not most had joined to vote against the left-wing candidate , a reversal of what happened four years ago .
One MP , in a CLP that now numbers nearly 3,000 members , told Newsnight : `` We 're just trying to figure it out , but it seems that overwhelmingly the new joiners since the election are moderates who want to vote against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A lot joined for Jess Phillips and are now deciding who next . ''
Another constituency chairman added that in a single ward in his constituency `` there are around 100 new members and rejoiners just in my branch '' .
`` We 've been phoning them and the overwhelming majority have joined to vote for a moderate candidate , '' he said .
Another Labour source was convinced this surge meant that the probable outcome of the leadership race was certain .
`` I think the contest is over to be honest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy leader ] and Starmer in the first round , unless [ Lisa ] Nandy really surges , '' they said .
`` A lot of solidly left activists I know are pretty resigned saying things like 'when Starmer wins we 'll need to be organised ' . ''
Many CLP officers and MPs believe the party has been flooded by pro-EU members in favour of Sir Keir , someone they deem creditworthy after his advocacy of a second EU referendum .
The increases in Sir Keir 's own constituency of Holborn and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These new members will be forbidden from taking part in the constituency nomination process , as a result of long-standing Labour Party rules .
However , they will have a vote in the upcoming leader and deputy leader contests .
Such a large number of new voters in this electorate potentially makes the contest more unpredictable .
However , few party insiders believe that this new infusion will benefit Jeremy Corbyn 's preferred successor , Rebecca Long-Bailey .
It seems improbable that there are a large pool of left-inclined voters who did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choose to join now .
New members will be also be a financial boon to the party .
But it is n't all good news for Labour .
The one exception to the new surge seems to be Scotland .
Increases for CLPs in Scotland were , in some cases , in single figures - with the prospect of influencing the future of Britain 's second biggest party , but Scotland 's fourth , apparently failing to excite many politically inclined voters .

One MP, in a CLP that now numbers nearly 3,000 members, told Newsnight: "We're just trying to figure it out, but it seems that overwhelmingly the new joiners since the election are moderates who want to vote against Rebecca Long-Bailey in some form.


bbcuk--2020-01-25--Veterans' charity Combat Stress stops new referrals over funding crisis

A leading mental health charity for military veterans says it will not be able to take any new cases in England and Wales , because of a funding crisis .
Combat Stress said its income has fallen from £16m to £10m in the current financial year partly due to cuts in NHS funding support .
The charity had been receiving around 2,000 referrals for treatment a year .
The NHS said new specialist services for ex-soldiers have helped more than 10,000 people to date .
The NHS said in a statement its `` number one priority is providing the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had previously commissioned Combat Stress to provide a six-week residential programme , providing them with more than £3m funding a year .
After consulting veterans and their families as part of a review , it has decided instead to use this money on new services , including community-based help .
It also provides a range of intensive treatments and interventions for a longer period of up to 32 weeks .
But veterans ' minister Johnny Mercer said he will hold an `` urgent meeting '' over Combat Stress ' problems .
Combat Stress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was receiving more than £3m a year from NHS England .
But it said 90 % of its income is now dependent on public donations .
The charity still receives more than £1m from NHS Scotland and it will continue to take on new cases there and in Northern Ireland .
Combat Stress - which describes itself as the UK 's leading charity for veterans ' mental health - said its decision not to take on any new referrals in England and Wales has been taken `` with great sadness '' .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back its services and workforce and is consulting with staff about its proposals .
All new referrals will now be redirected to the NHS , which Combat Stress said `` needs to demonstrate '' it can deal with the additional demands .
The charity 's president and former head of the Army , General Sir Peter Wall , said : `` The onus to treat the small minority of military veterans suffering from mental ill-health is falling on a charity that lacks the resources to meet the current demand '' .
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sort this out '' .
Sue Freeth , chief executive of Combat Stress , has questioned whether NHS England will be able to cope .
She told the BBC : `` I do n't believe the NHS can pick this up .
That is why we exist . ''
Ms Freeth said 80 % of veterans who come to her organisation have either used the NHS and have not had their needs met , or have felt unable to use NHS services .
An NHS spokesman said : `` For anyone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be experiencing mental health difficulties help is available through speaking to their GP or contacting the dedicated NHS services directly . ''
A number of groups and charities have warned of a spike in the number of veterans taking their own lives .
Earlier this month the body of a former soldier , Jamie Davis , was found after he went missing .
His wife Alicia has criticised the `` lack of intervention '' to help him with his post-traumatic stress disorder .
Mr Davis ' former commanding officer in Afghanistan has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richard Streatfield served in Sangin in 2010 and said Mr Davis was the fourth soldier under his command to have died at home in `` similar tragic circumstances '' .
He said the British army and the government has a duty to dedicate time and resources to those who have been exposed to trauma .
You can find information and support on mental health from the BBC Action Line here .

Ms Freeth said 80% of veterans who come to her organisation have either used the NHS and have not had their needs met, or have felt unable to use NHS services.