bbcuk--2020-01-15--Meghan's Mail on Sunday case: Why Royal Family rarely go to court

Read through the 44-page defence provided by the Mail on Sunday to the High Court and you quickly realise why the Royal Family rarely resort to the courts in their endless struggles with the media .
Back in February last year the Mail on Sunday published excerpts from a letter that the Duchess of Sussex had written to her father , Thomas Markle , in August 2018 .
That letter referred to the period around her wedding to the Duke of Sussex in May the same year .
The publication of the letter by the Mail on Sunday followed hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US-based People magazine where five people , who remain unnamed but are reported to be part of the duchess ' inner circle , put her side of the story .
In that article it was suggested by a `` long-time friend '' that Thomas Markle refused to take Meghan or Prince Harry 's calls and that he refused to get into a car sent to take him to the airport and then to the UK for the wedding .
`` He knows how to get in touch , '' one friend is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number has n't changed .
He 's never called ; he 's never texted . ''
• William and Kate make Bradford first visit of year The article also referred to a letter that Meghan wrote to her father , asking him to stop criticising her .
It 's the publication of that letter that the duchess is suing the Mail on Sunday over .
She alleges breach of copyright , breach of data regulation laws and a breach of her right to privacy .
She also alleges that the letter was selectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back on all three charges - it says that copyright applies to work that is the author 's own intellectual creation ; the letter was `` pre-existing fact and admonishment '' and as such is not protected under copyright law .
The newspaper says that , as the personal data considered topics that Meghan had herself put into the public domain , its processing and publication was not unlawful .
And it says that by becoming part of the British Royal Family - who `` generate and rely on publicity about themselves… to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - there is rightly enormous public interest in her story .
But the Mail on Sunday 's defence goes further - much further .
It notes that Meghan did not ask her father to keep the letter private .
It says the letter appears to have been `` immaculately copied out '' without `` crossings-out or amendments '' as if Meghan anticipated it being published .
It says the way the letter reads - `` to put [ Meghan ] and her conduct in the best possible light '' strongly suggests that that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be read by others .
The Mail on Sunday accuses those friends of Meghan 's who spoke to People magazine of lying .
And it does so by citing Meghan 's father , Thomas .
He says he did call and text his daughter in the weeks before the wedding , that he did tell her he could n't make it to the wedding and that when after the wedding he tried to call her again , he was cut off by the couple .
The Mail on Sunday presents the publication of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his response to the lies that , he says , were put around by her friends in the People magazine article .
Quite how much of the above is relevant to the actual case is up for debate .
But the tone and content of the defence offered by the Mail on Sunday is a shot across the bows of Team Meghan .
It is a taster of what the Mail on Sunday will try to make the court case about - not centred on copyright law and data regulations , but about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the way she treats her family .
And standing in court , supporting the Mail on Sunday , could be her father Thomas - who is prepared to go to court , his daughter Samantha told the BBC .
It is an astonishing prospect - and a reminder of why the royals so rarely reach for their lawyers like this .

He says he did call and text his daughter in the weeks before the wedding, that he did tell her he couldn't make it to the wedding and that when after the wedding he tried to call her again, he was cut off by the couple.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Rebecca Long-Bailey: What's in a hyphen?

To hyphenate or not hyphenate ?
That is the question that 's come up due to confusion over how Rebecca Long-Bailey - or should that be Long Bailey ?
- styles her name .
The Labour leadership contender 's team had told media , including the BBC , that her surname officially had no hyphen .
It appears that way on her UK Parliament page and her own website too .
But it is written as Long-Bailey on her Twitter page ( although her handle uses an underscore instead ) .
Then came word from the MP herself .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm not bothered , '' she told Sky News on Sunday .
The confusion seems to have come about because Mrs Long-Bailey does n't mind either variation - and she 's not alone in her indifference , with Helena Bonham Carter also having previously said the hyphen in her own name was `` optional '' .
The issue of hyphens gets more complex when someone joins the House of Lords , with peerage rules demanding a double surname be hyphenated ( so it 's Andrew Lloyd Webber but Lord Lloyd-Webber , and Martha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But where there is a choice , why do some choose a hyphen where others do n't ?
Jane Pilcher , associate professor of sociology at Nottingham Trent University , studies surnames and is interested in how people choose what to name themselves .
`` It 's all linked to identity and what people want to say about themselves through the naming choices they make , '' she said .
`` People are freer from traditions now .
They want to mark themselves out and make themselves distinctive .
`` Whether you choose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's a matter of identity and what you want to say about yourself - there are no strict rules about it .
More broadly , it 's part of the societal trend towards individualisation so you stand out from the crowd more .
`` Perhaps someone who wants a two-part surname does n't want to be seen as conventional and would not choose to hyphenate as a result .
Where hyphens sit is not a massive issue - but I would say the absence of one is even more informal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surname says about you • How do you decide a baby 's name ?
Dr Pilcher says some choose one surname when they marry , some choose two - and some choose to blend names , as is the case with presenter and writer Dawn Porter who became Dawn O'Porter when she married actor Chris O'Dowd .
She says that there is also now an increased visibility of names .
`` People are more aware of surnames now .
When I left school , we never had hoodies with all the leavers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the time , and there are double-barrelled names in a mix of other names .
`` And with footballers ' shirts - they never used to have last names and now many footballers have two surnames .
It 's increased people 's awareness and showed there are options . ''
She kept her own surname when she got married but her children have two surnames .
`` We chose not to use a hyphen because it aesthetically looked better that way , '' says Dr Pilcher .
`` But people will put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so we 're in a constant battle with schools and doctors ' surgeries to record their name as it is officially .
`` Having that second surname makes you a much more individual person , and more recognisable .
My son is a musician and now sees it as a plus that he has two surnames . ''
Writer and journalist Carmody Wilson Hallamore agrees that having two surnames can be a bonus .
She took on her second surname - Hallamore - when she got married and enjoys the flexibility of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her name for different circumstances .
Having a hyphen , she said , would have made it `` too long and too formal '' .
She added : `` I like that I have options and the hyphen feels like a chain which would force me to use the double-barrel only . ''
It 's not without complications , though - she says both names were put on her office door , and they ran out of space as it was too long .
'Best to be consistent' Professor Richard Coates , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK surnames as part of a University of the West of England team , said : `` The more traditional British way of doing it is to hyphenate with another surname .
It 's become more common now with children born to unmarried parents or where a woman has chosen to keep her maiden name as well .
`` In other traditions such as Spain and Portugal , everyone has always had two surnames so there is no tradition of hyphenating at all . ''
Solicitor Joanne Ford Pereira said she took her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - aligning with his country 's tradition of keeping your maiden name and adding your husband 's surname , with no hyphen .
`` My husband would n't have cared either way , but I liked the convention and I like that Alice , my daughter , now has her maiden name as part of her surname .
I 'm one of three girls and we have no cousins on my dad 's side so Ford would have gone once we were all married . ''
Etiquette consultant Jo Bryant said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two surnames as there are different kinds of union and different attitudes to marriage .
`` There is a lot of personal choice over whether you should or should n't hyphenate but it 's best practice to be consistent .
It 's helpful to others to know how to address you in correspondence . ''
That 's to avoid the `` hyphen or no-hyphen confusion '' as seen in the case of Mrs Long-Bailey .
Ms Bryant adds : `` There 's no right or wrong way , but it 's more of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pas by getting it wrong . ''
Do you hyphenate your surname ?
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Professor Richard Coates, who took part in a widespread study of UK surnames as part of a University of the West of England team, said: "The more traditional British way of doing it is to hyphenate with another surname. It's become more common now with children born to unmarried parents or where a woman has chosen to keep her maiden name as well.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--James Bond's greatest hits - and biggest misses

US singer Billie Eilish has become the youngest ever artist to write and record a theme song for the James Bond film series at the age of 18 .
Cary Joji Fukunaga , director of No Time To Die , said Eilish is now one of `` a chosen few '' and that her song will `` echo for generations to come '' .
Dame Shirley Bassey , Duran Duran , Lulu and Madonna are just some of the acts to have provided songs for the franchise in the past .
Both Adele and Sam Smith won Oscars for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ films - Skyfall and Spectre respectively .
While we wait to hear what Eilish 's song sounds like , here is a personal rundown of the best tracks to feature in the series to date - and the worst .
• Read more : Billie Eilish to sing new Bond theme 5 ) Nobody Does It Better , Carly Simon Film : The Spy Who Loved Me , 1977 Sample lyric : `` Like heaven above me , the spy who loved me , is keeping all my secrets safe tonight ... '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for sneaking the title of Roger Moore 's third Bond film into Marvin Hamlisch 's lush and elegant composition .
The Oscar-nominated song has been covered many times over the years by such artists as Sophie Ellis-Bextor , Aimee Mann and Dame Julie Andrews .
Sample lyric : `` Diamonds are forever , hold one up and then caress it .
Touch it , stroke it and undress it ... '' John Barry and Don Black 's tune may have been considered too near the knuckle by producer Harry Saltzman , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ songwriting award .
One of Black 's proudest moments was being told by director Steven Spielberg how highly he rated the track .
3 ) Live and Let Die , Paul McCartney and Wings Sample lyric : `` If this ever-changing world in which we 're living makes you give in and cry , say live and let die ... '' This is a dynamic masterclass in pulse-quickening rock , courtesy of Beatles producer George Martin .
Subsequently covered by Guns N ' Roses , it was the first James Bond theme to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oscar .
2 ) We Have All the Time in the World , Louis Armstrong Sample lyric : `` Every step of the way will find us , with the cares of the world far behind us ... '' Written by John Barry for George Lazenby 's solitary outing as Bond , this poignant ballad was one of Louis 'Satchmo ' Armstrong 's final recordings .
The track - which only charted in the UK after being used in a 1994 beer commercial - is not played over the opening credits , appearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the movie .
Sample lyric : `` He 's the man , the man with the Midas touch ... '' Told by John Barry to create a song about a villain in the style of Mack The Knife , Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley came up with the only Bond track everyone remembers .
Fans of US sitcom Frasier may remember Kelsey Grammer 's reluctant rendition of the song in the final episode of the Cheers spin-off 's sixth season .
5 ) For Your Eyes Only , Sheena Easton Film : For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` You see what no-one else can see , and now I 'm breaking free ... '' Nominated for the best song Oscar , Bill Conti 's dreary ballad was rewritten at the producers ' request .
( In the original version , the film 's title appeared much later in the track . )
To date , Scottish performer Easton is the only singer to physically appear in a Bond title sequence .
Sample lyric : `` All I wanted was a sweet distraction for an hour or two ... '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hastily written by Evita lyricist Tim Rice and perfunctorily performed by Coolidge for Roger Moore 's sixth outing as 007 .
The same year brought an equally undistinguished tune from Lani Hall , recorded for Sean Connery 's `` rogue '' Bond film Never Say Never Again .
Sample lyric : `` Hey driver , where we going ?
I swear , my nerves are showing ... '' According to composer John Barry , working with the Norwegian pop trio on the gloomy theme for Timothy Dalton 's first 007 film was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The Bond producers reverted to a more traditional , Bassey-esque number when they came to make Licence to Kill with Gladys Knight two years later .
2 ) The Man with the Golden Gun , Lulu Film : The Man with the Golden Gun , 1974 Sample lyric : `` He has a powerful weapon , he charges a million a shot ... '' One of the few 007 themes to miss the charts completely , this John Barry/Don Black composition also features some of the most blatantly suggestive lyrics in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ album Muscle of Love features a song of the same name , which the rock star wrote for the film only to have it rejected .
Sample lyric : `` I guess I 'll die another day , it 's not my time to go ... '' Mixed by Paris-based producer Mirwais , Madonna 's attempt to give a dance vibe to the 007 franchise is an overcooked calamity .
The US singer also made a cameo appearance in Pierce Brosnan 's fourth and final Bond film , playing a fencing instructor called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an article that was first published on the BBC News website in 2008 .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

James Bond's greatest hits - and biggest misses Published 15 January 2020
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Image source, Getty Images/Universal Image caption, Eilish wrote the song for No Time To Die with her brother Finneas O'Connell
US singer Billie Eilish has become the youngest ever artist to write and record a theme song for the James Bond film series at the age of 18.
Cary Joji Fukunaga, director of No Time To Die, said Eilish is now one of "a chosen few" and that her song will "echo for generations to come".
Dame Shirley Bassey, Duran Duran, Lulu and Madonna are just some of the acts to have provided songs for the franchise in the past.
Both Adele and Sam Smith won Oscars for their musical contributions to the last two 007 films - Skyfall and Spectre respectively.
While we wait to hear what Eilish's song sounds like, here is a personal rundown of the best tracks to feature in the series to date - and the worst.
Top five Bond themes
5) Nobody Does It Better, Carly Simon
Film: The Spy Who Loved Me, 1977
Highest UK chart position: 7
Sample lyric: "Like heaven above me, the spy who loved me, is keeping all my secrets safe tonight..."
Lyricist Carole Bayer Sager deserves extra plaudits for sneaking the title of Roger Moore's third Bond film into Marvin Hamlisch's lush and elegant composition.
The Oscar-nominated song has been covered many times over the years by such artists as Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Aimee Mann and Dame Julie Andrews.
4) Diamonds are Forever, Shirley Bassey
Film: Diamonds are Forever, 1971
Highest UK chart position: 38
Sample lyric: "Diamonds are forever, hold one up and then caress it. Touch it, stroke it and undress it..."
John Barry and Don Black's tune may have been considered too near the knuckle by producer Harry Saltzman, but it still won the duo an Ivor Novello songwriting award.
One of Black's proudest moments was being told by director Steven Spielberg how highly he rated the track.
Image source, Getty Images
3) Live and Let Die, Paul McCartney and Wings
Film: Live and Let Die, 1973
Highest UK chart position: 9
Sample lyric: "If this ever-changing world in which we're living makes you give in and cry, say live and let die..."
This is a dynamic masterclass in pulse-quickening rock, courtesy of Beatles producer George Martin.
Subsequently covered by Guns N' Roses, it was the first James Bond theme to be nominated for the best original song Oscar.
2) We Have All the Time in the World, Louis Armstrong
Film: On Her Majesty's Secret Service, 1969
Highest UK chart position: 3
Sample lyric: "Every step of the way will find us, with the cares of the world far behind us..."
Written by John Barry for George Lazenby's solitary outing as Bond, this poignant ballad was one of Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong's final recordings.
The track - which only charted in the UK after being used in a 1994 beer commercial - is not played over the opening credits, appearing instead during a romantic montage midway through the movie.
Image source, Getty Images
1) Goldfinger, Shirley Bassey
Film: Goldfinger, 1964
Highest UK chart position: 21
Sample lyric: "He's the man, the man with the Midas touch..."
Told by John Barry to create a song about a villain in the style of Mack The Knife, Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley came up with the only Bond track everyone remembers.
Fans of US sitcom Frasier may remember Kelsey Grammer's reluctant rendition of the song in the final episode of the Cheers spin-off's sixth season.
Worst five Bond Themes
5) For Your Eyes Only, Sheena Easton
Film: For Your Eyes Only, 1981
Highest UK chart position: 8
Sample lyric: "You see what no-one else can see, and now I'm breaking free..."
Nominated for the best song Oscar, Bill Conti's dreary ballad was rewritten at the producers' request. (In the original version, the film's title appeared much later in the track.)
To date, Scottish performer Easton is the only singer to physically appear in a Bond title sequence.
Image source, Getty Images
4) All Time High, Rita Coolidge
Film: Octopussy, 1983
Highest UK chart position: 75
Sample lyric: "All I wanted was a sweet distraction for an hour or two..."
This is a deathly dull MOR dirge, hastily written by Evita lyricist Tim Rice and perfunctorily performed by Coolidge for Roger Moore's sixth outing as 007.
The same year brought an equally undistinguished tune from Lani Hall, recorded for Sean Connery's "rogue" Bond film Never Say Never Again.
Image source, Getty Images
3) The Living Daylights, A-ha
Film: The Living Daylights, 1987
Highest UK chart position: 5
Sample lyric: "Hey driver, where we going? I swear, my nerves are showing..."
According to composer John Barry, working with the Norwegian pop trio on the gloomy theme for Timothy Dalton's first 007 film was like "playing ping-pong with four balls".
The Bond producers reverted to a more traditional, Bassey-esque number when they came to make Licence to Kill with Gladys Knight two years later.
Image source, Getty Images
2) The Man with the Golden Gun, Lulu
Film: The Man with the Golden Gun, 1974
Highest UK chart position: N/A
Sample lyric: "He has a powerful weapon, he charges a million a shot..."
One of the few 007 themes to miss the charts completely, this John Barry/Don Black composition also features some of the most blatantly suggestive lyrics in the franchise.
Alice Cooper's 1973 album Muscle of Love features a song of the same name, which the rock star wrote for the film only to have it rejected.
Image source, Moviestore Collection/Shutterstock Image caption, Toby Stephens, Rosamund Pike, Madonna and Pierce Brosnan in Die Another Day
1) Die Another Day, Madonna
Film: Die Another Day, 2002
Highest UK chart position: 3
Sample lyric: "I guess I'll die another day, it's not my time to go..."
Mixed by Paris-based producer Mirwais, Madonna's attempt to give a dance vibe to the 007 franchise is an overcooked calamity.
The US singer also made a cameo appearance in Pierce Brosnan's fourth and final Bond film, playing a fencing instructor called Verity.
This is an updated version of an article that was first published on the BBC News website in 2008.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Labour leadership: What matters to members?

The BBC 's political editor Laura Kuenssberg spoke to Labour members in Bury , as well as the former MP @ @ @ @ @ is important to them in the upcoming Labour leadership election .

The BBC's political editor Laura Kuenssberg spoke to Labour members in Bury, as well as the former MP James Frith, about what is important to them in the upcoming Labour leadership election.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Royal visit: William and Kate make Bradford first visit of year

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have visited Bradford on their first official engagement of the year .
The royal @ @ @ @ @ Yorkshire city to cheers from hundreds of well-wishers in Centenary Square .
Prince William and @ @ @ @ @ promote cohesion in one of the UK 's most diverse cities .
It was their @ @ @ @ @ the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were stepping back from their role as @ @ @

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have visited Bradford on their first official engagement of the year.
The royal couple arrived in the West Yorkshire city to cheers from hundreds of well-wishers in Centenary Square.
Prince William and Catherine visited several projects that promote cohesion in one of the UK's most diverse cities.
It was their first official royal engagement since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were stepping back from their role as senior royals.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Matt Hancock: 'We shouldn't be flying less'

Health secretary Matt Hancock has told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast that he thinks connecting flights around the UK are @ @ @ @ @ we shouldn ’ t be flying less despite air travel ’ s contributions to carbon @ @ @ @ @ stepped in to help save Flybe - the UK 's biggest regional airline outside London @ @ @ @ @ people fly with the regional airline each year to and from airports in the UK @ @ @ @ @ Europe .
BBC Radio 5 Live asked listeners 'Should we all be flying less ' @ @ @ @ @ on BBC Sounds .

Health secretary Matt Hancock has told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast that he thinks connecting flights around the UK are “incredibly important” and we shouldn’t be flying less despite air travel’s contributions to carbon emissions.
The government has stepped in to help save Flybe - the UK's biggest regional airline outside London.
More than eight million people fly with the regional airline each year to and from airports in the UK, as well as to Europe.
BBC Radio 5 Live asked listeners 'Should we all be flying less' - click here to listen on BBC Sounds.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Newspaper headlines: Kate the 'dazzling duchess' and Putin's Kremlin revamp

The Financial Times features an interview with German chancellor Angela Merkel , who says `` Brexit is a wake-up call @ @ @ @ @ Europe 's place in the world .
For its lead , the FT reports Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ sweeping revamp '' of Russia 's leadership , that could allow him to cling on @ @ @ @ @ term ends in 2024 .

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's visit to Bradford on Wednesday - their first public engagement since Prince Harry and Meghan announced they would step back as full-time royals - makes the front of the Metro and Daily Telegraph. The Daily Mail's front page dubs Kate the "dazzling duchess".


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Emma Brown: Runner battled anorexia 'hell' for years

An aspiring Olympic runner died after battling anorexia from the age of 13 , an inquest heard .
Emma Brown , 27 , was found dead in her flat in Cambourne , near Cambridge , by her mother on 22 August 2018 .
Her death was one of five patients with anorexia who were being treated in the East of England between 2012 and 2018 .
Emma 's father , Simon Brown , told the inquest in Huntingdon she had been diagnosed with an eating disorder after she was bullied at school .
Miss Brown 's mother , Jay Edmunds-Grezio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 miles a day to maintain her low weight .
She said efforts were made to turn this into a positive and boost her self-esteem , including her training with Bedford Harriers running club under the guidance of Paula Radcliffe 's former coach , Alex Stanton .
`` In her mind she was heading for the Olympics but she could n't control the amount she was running , '' she said .
Mr Brown described to the court how his daughter 's illness was a `` descent into hell '' and she would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it in restaurants in Cambridge , then make herself sick .
When the total reached thousands of pounds , he reported her to the police .
`` This is an illness where the patient feared weight gain , she feared recovery , so fought against the help that was being offered , '' he said .
Anorexia is an eating disorder and serious mental health condition .
People with anorexia try to keep their weight as low as possible , which can make them very ill because they start to starve .
Signs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ periods stopping or , in younger women and girls , not starting .
Physical problems can occur , such as feeling lightheaded or dizzy , hair loss or dry skin .
Factors increasing the likelihood of anorexia include a family history of the illness or being criticised for your eating habits , body shape or weight .
There are two main sub-types - restricting and binge-purge - and there can be crossover between the two .
In one seven-year study , more than half the women involved moved from restricting to binge-purge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause of death as lung and heart disease , with anorexia and bulimia nervosa as contributory factors .
Sean Horstead , assistant coroner for Cambridgeshire , who is overseeing each of the five separate inquests , said he had `` made no findings or determinations about any definitive link '' .
He expressed concern at the `` paucity of the investigation '' that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group had conducted instead of a serious incident report .
He noted there were no interviews with Ms Brown 's parents or `` key clinical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been due to time constraints .
A separate inquest into the death of 24-year-old Maria Jakes , who died of multiple organ failure in September 2018 , concluded last month that insufficient monitoring of her condition may have played a part in her death .
Separate inquests are due to be held for Amanda Bowles , 45 , who died in September 2017 , 18-year-old Madeline Wallace , who died in March 2018 , and Averil Hart , 19 , who died in December 2012 .
Ms Brown 's inquest , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you are affected by any of the issues in this story , you can talk in confidence to eating disorders charity Beat by calling its adult helpline on 0808 801 0677 or youth helpline on 0808 801 0711 .

Anorexia is an eating disorder and serious mental health condition. People with anorexia try to keep their weight as low as possible, which can make them very ill because they start to starve.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Doddie Weir joins 'biggest ever' MND drug trial in Scotland

Rugby legend Doddie Weir is joining the largest ever trial of drugs tackling motor neurone disease ( MND ) .
The former Scotland international , whose charity the My Name ' 5 Doddie Foundation has raised more than £5m for MND research , is calling on `` every MND patient in Scotland '' to join him .
The MND-Smart programme will trial new drugs , existing drugs and a placebo .
It is being described by researchers as the biggest development in a generation .
Motor neurone disease ( MND ) sees muscles waste away after a loss of nerve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breathing .
• MND : The search for new treatments There is no effective treatment or cure , and half of the 1,500 people who are diagnosed each year die within 24 months .
MND-Smart , which is being led by a team of researchers based in Edinburgh , may offer some hope .
Lawrence Cowan , chairman of MND Scotland , told BBC News almost every MND patient in Scotland will be eligible for the trial .
He said : `` This is a giant leap in our fight back against MND @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've ever seen before in terms of drug trials .
`` With MND there 's only been one drug available to help stem the progression of the disease .
Now this totally changes the game .
`` It is also built on donations from people who have lost loved ones to this disease .
People have died to make this happen and that 's why this is so important .
This trial is big .
It 's bold and it 's coming to beat MND . ''
He allowed cameras to follow his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to raise awareness of the condition and of his charity .
The result was the recent BBC TV documentary Doddie Weir : One More Try .
In the programme he spoke of his desire to find a cure , or a treatment to slow down and eventually reverse the symptoms of the disease .
He also spoke of his frustration at the lack of treatment options .
• Doddie Weir : The rugby legend who wo n't give in to MND Calling on other MND patients to register for the trial , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be part of the trial and I want to reach out to everyone else who has MND to register for the trial because at the moment there is nothing there on the plate for anyone who has got MND so it 's an exciting time ahead .
`` It 's a great thing to be happening in Scotland and every patient of MND now has a positive step .
`` I think 2020 will be an exciting time in the fight against MND . ''
MND-Smart - what is it all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MND can extend life for two or three months .
The new clinical trial will allow about 750 MND patients to take part in tests of potential treatments .
It is a collaboration between University College London , the University of Warwick and the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research at the University of Edinburgh .
Funding has come from the Euan MacDonald Centre , MND Scotland and My Name ' 5 Doddie Foundation .
While other trials focus on a single drug or treatment , MND-SMART will test several at the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be compared to a single group who receive a dummy drug called a placebo .
They are more likely to receive an active treatment , but the trial is also designed to be flexible so researchers can change the drugs being tested as results emerge - the `` smart '' part .
New drugs can be added and medicines that are not effective can be dropped .
It 's an approach that has not been used before in MND research anywhere in the world .
They will test new drugs , but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions , such as Alzheimer 's Disease or anxiety and depression .
Repurposing drugs like this can dramatically speed up the time it takes for effective treatments to become more widely available .
Jennifer Bell from Glasgow got the first symptoms of MND while seven months pregnant with her youngest daughter .
The 29-year-old mum to Georgia , eight , and Kacey , one , finally got the devastating diagnosis last year and was given months to live .
She wants to get involved in the trial if she can .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for MND .
Ever since March when I was diagnosed , there was nothing , no treatments .
`` It was heartbreaking .
In this day and age you think there must be something ... and there 's nothing .
`` I have Bulbar MND so I have a shorter life expectancy .
But I will definitely getting involved.
`` She continues to fundraise for the organisations funding the trial .
She added : `` It makes me feel good that I have had a part to play .
It is so important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anyone with MND in the UK can register their interest in taking part in the trial at the MND-Smart website .

Calling on other MND patients to register for the trial, he said: "Of course I'm going to be part of the trial and I want to reach out to everyone else who has MND to register for the trial because at the moment there is nothing there on the plate for anyone who has got MND so it's an exciting time ahead.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Stormont to get an extra £1bn from Westminster

The Westminster government is to give the NI Executive an extra £1bn to support the Stormont deal .
A further £1bn will be added to Stormont 's budget as an automatic result of spending plans for the entire UK .
The government said there will be `` a rapid injection of £550m to put the executive 's finances on a sustainable footing '' .
That will include £200m to resolve the nurses ' pay dispute .
The government said the financial package will `` be accompanied by stringent conditions '' contained within the Stormont deal , around `` accountability for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` sustainable public services '' .
It added that the the deal includes strict financial conditions , such as the establishment of an independent fiscal council .
However , the government added there are no stipulations for extra revenue-raising by the executive .
The Stormont parties are likely to be unhappy both about the size of the package and how it was announced .
On Wednesday night , Finance Minister Conor Murphy described the offer as an `` act of bad faith '' , saying it `` makes our job much more difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with this proposed package , our public services face a shortfall of at least £1bn next year alone , '' he said .
He said the the proposed package adds £100m to the £150m previously committed for legacy institutions .
`` This falls at least £50m short of the projected cost of £300-£400m , '' he said .
The Sinn Féin MLA suggested that the announcement from Westminster was made `` against the request '' of the first and deputy first ministers .
He hopes to meet the Chancellor next week for further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eastwood , was equally unimpressed : `` The gulf between the ambition of the deal and the money on the table is substantial and will cause serious public finance difficulties for the Executive .
`` This is not , and can not be , the end of the matter , '' he said .
`` I am , however , pleased to see earmarked and ring-fenced allocations for the expansion of Magee and a new addiction centre for the North West . ''
'Get on with it' However , in a tweet on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Julian Smith defended the funding and urged politicians to `` get on with it '' .
He posted : `` Let 's remember MLAs have been off work three years at a cost of [ more than ] £15m in salaries .
`` There will be a new deal for NI as it leaves the EU .
There is also a UK budget in spring .
£2bn is biggest ever NI talks settlement and it addresses a number of key issues . ''
Earlier , he had said the money will `` help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including ending the nurses ' pay dispute '' .
A new joint board formed between the government and executive will oversee how the money is spent .
• The £1bn investment as a result of UK spending plans , which will include funding for infrastructure investment • The `` rapid injection '' of £550m to Stormont 's budget , including £200m to end the nurses ' pay dispute and deliver pay parity over the next two years • £60M of ringfenced capital to deliver a medical school in Londonderry , subject to executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support the rollout of low-emission public transport • About £245m to support transformation of public services , with money being released depending on the delivery of reform It is not yet clear which spending commitments relate to the deal and which are the result of the automatic increases .

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bbcuk--2020-01-16--Renewable energy: Community slams 'insulting' hydropower cash pledge

A community says it has been offered just £1,000 a year by a firm building a hydropower project on their doorstep - and say it is `` insulting '' .
The river Tywi will be used to generate power at the site near Llyn Brianne dam at Ystradffin , Carmarthenshire .
But campaigners say the firm should pay 20 times that much to the community and affected landowners , based on the £1m the project would make annually .
H20 Power Towy Ltd denies offering £1,000 , but has not revealed a figure .
Community councillor Dr Roger Slade said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaining about hydro - the problem here is that they 're using a public resource and they expect to get it for nothing .
`` There are pockets of real deprivation here and just up the valley there 's a company making a million pounds a year .
`` Some of that money should come back to the community . ''
Dr Slade described the £1,000 a year from the firm as an `` insulting '' offer .
The scheme is projected to produce 1.8 megawatts of electricity - enough to power about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which should alone account for £600,000 annually .
The electricity will then be sold with a guaranteed price for 20 years , producing an annual income in excess of £1m .
• Which green energy is the cheapest ?
Campaigners say there are other schemes where companies pay 4 % of revenue annually to affected landowners and 2 % to the local community .
In Ystradffin , this would amount to £20,000 a year , which local people say would be a huge help in supporting various schemes in an area where rural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , local community council chairman , said : `` It seems to happen time and time again in this area .
`` We provide all the resources and all the finances go out of the area .
`` Any contribution would be a help here - everything is a struggle in this area . ''
Local people insist there is broad support for such schemes and that they see renewable energy as a viable way of producing power in the future .
Resident Catrin Davies said : `` I feel glad we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem of climate change and I 'm happy for the landowners to benefit but I 'm sad that the landscape is being ripped up again and that the benefit will not come back to the local community at all . ''
In a statement , the company deny claims that they offered a sum of £1,000 to the local community but have not provided an alternative figure .
And they said there was support for the scheme among the local community .

Resident Catrin Davies said: "I feel glad we're able to contribute something towards this huge problem of climate change and I'm happy for the landowners to benefit but I'm sad that the landscape is being ripped up again and that the benefit will not come back to the local community at all."


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Holy Trinity Gravesend school to fine late parents

A primary school is to fine parents who are late to pick up their children .
Holy Trinity in Gravesend , Kent , will issue a £1 charge per pupil every five minutes after 15:40 .
Social services will be contacted if a child remains uncollected at 16:00 , according to a policy that was introduced earlier this month .
The National Education Union fears `` punitive '' fines and `` threats '' of social services would `` undermine positive relationships with parents '' .
The school said paying staff overtime to care for uncollected children had become unsustainable and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Head teacher Denise Gibbs-Naguar said it was increasingly common for a `` significant number '' of pupils to remain uncollected 30 minutes after the school finished at 15:30 .
She said pupils who are collected late often `` exhibit signs of anxiety and distress '' and `` worry that something may have happened '' to their parents , adding : `` Clearly this is not something anyone wants a child to experience . ''
Parents at the school gate had mixed views of the fines , with one mother-of-four saying she understood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to persistent offenders .
A father said he did not understand why people would be that late to pick up their children but another parent she said thought the move was `` a bit petty '' .
The school 's new policy says fines will not be issued when there are `` reasonable circumstances '' for lateness , such as car accidents , illness and flooding .
Parents will be given three warnings , but thereafter will be charged £1 every five minutes per child .
Jerry Glazier , of the NEU , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fining parents is the right way to engage in the issue '' .
He said it was important `` parents understand why particular actions are detrimental to the school , but the best way of doing that is through proper meaningful engagement , not by punitive actions like fining '' .
He added : `` I do n't think there 's any legal power that enables a school to fine parents and that 's probably the end of it . ''
Mr Glazier said the `` unnecessary threat '' of contacting social services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said a letter would be sent to parents requesting the amount due , which will be followed up with a phone call .
It is not clear what action the school would take if a parent refuses to pay .

She said pupils who are collected late often "exhibit signs of anxiety and distress" and "worry that something may have happened" to their parents, adding: "Clearly this is not something anyone wants a child to experience."


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Prince Harry on first royal duty since talks with Queen

The Duke of Sussex has met young rugby players at his first public event since he and the Duchess of Sussex said they would step back from royal life .
Prince Harry smiled and shook hands with children in Buckingham Palace 's gardens ahead of the Rugby League World Cup 2021 draw , which he is hosting .
He also met representatives of the 21 nations playing in the world cup .
Meghan and the couple 's son Archie are in Canada but Harry will reportedly stay in the UK for meetings next week .
• Why the 2021 Rugby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Queen , Prince Harry , the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge to discuss the couple 's future were held on Monday at the Queen 's Sandringham estate .
The Queen released a statement agreeing to their wish to step back as senior royals , become financially independent and to split their time between the UK and Canada .
BBC Sport journalist Shamoon Hafez , who was at the palace , said Harry gave `` a loud laugh '' when a reporter asked him how talks on his future were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rugby League World Cup draws for the men 's , women 's and wheelchair tournaments , as part of his role as patron of the Rugby Football League .
The draw is being streamed live on BBC Sport .
The world cup tournament runs from 23 October to 27 November 2021 in 17 cities across England , with 16 men 's , eight women 's and eight wheelchair teams taking part .
The prince was joined by ex-England player Jason Robinson and Dame Katherine Grainger for the launch event in the throne room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do I continue to see sport actually changing lives , but it 's saving lives as well , '' the prince said at the event .
`` Whether it 's rugby league or sport in general ... it needs to be in everybody 's life . ''
Before the draw , he met two ambassadors for the global tournament - James Simpson , England and Leeds Rhino wheelchair rugby league star , and Jodie Cunningham , a rugby league player in the Women 's Super League for St Helens .
He then spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vincent de Paul Catholic primary school in Westminster .
The school team are Westminster champions in tag rugby for the third year running .
Kevin Sinfield , former rugby league England captain and Leeds Rhinos director of rugby , said Prince Harry has been `` fantastic for the sport '' .
`` His enthusiasm , his energy , his engagement with young people in particular , has been outstanding , '' he told BBC Breakfast .
Mr Sinfield said the Royal Family had helped to `` massively '' improve openness about mental health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had `` really driven this '' .
In a video message the prince said he was `` proud '' to support the tournament 's decision to adopt a mental fitness charter - a programme including workshops for 8,000 young players and their families .
Mr Sinfield added : `` To have a real figurehead involved in it who 's championing it left right and centre is only going to do good things . ''
There has been speculation Prince Harry would travel to Canada after the draw but a source quoted by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has some meetings here early next week . ''
Prince Harry 's brother , the Duke of Cambridge , did not mention the talks during his first official engagement of the year , on a visit to Bradford with the Duchess of Cambridge .
Meghan flew to Canada to join eight-month-old Archie ahead of the duke 's meeting with the Queen and other royals .
On Tuesday the duchess visited a charity in Vancouver which campaigns for teenage girls living in poverty .
Justice for Girls said Meghan visited to `` discuss climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indigenous peoples '' .
Meghan also visited the Downtown Eastside Women 's Centre in Vancouver .
The centre posted a photograph on Facebook of the duchess with staff and visitors , with a caption which said they had talked about `` issues affecting women in the community '' .
It came as a legal document was submitted to the High Court in London by the Mail on Sunday , outlining its response to Meghan 's legal action over its publication of extracts from a private letter she wrote to her father .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court On Wednesday evening , Prince Harry launched the next leg of his Invictus Games , for wounded and injured service personnel and veterans , with an Instagram video .
The prince said he was looking forward to an `` amazing atmosphere '' in host city Dusseldorf , Germany , at the sixth edition of the tournament in 2022 .

"But something like the mental fitness charter will help us make real progress in getting rid of the stigma associated with mental illness, and remind people that it's not just about being physically fit, but more importantly mentally strong."


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Scottish FA expected to ban children heading footballs within weeks

A ban on children heading the ball in Scotland could be in place in a matter of weeks due to fears over the links between football and dementia .
BBC Scotland has learned the Scottish FA wants to lead the way on the issue after a report found former players are more at risk of dying from the disease .
The governing body is expected to announce a ban on under-12s heading the ball in training later this month .
A similar ban has been in place in the US since 2015 .
But Scotland would become the first European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact .
Discussions have been ongoing since the release of a study in October which found the first links between former players and degenerative brain disease .
• Dementia death more likely in football The Scottish FA 's doctor , John MacLean , was part of the team which highlighted that former players are three-and-a-half times more likely to die of dementia .
There remains no firm evidence linking heading the ball to the disease but Dr MacLean thinks a restriction of head contact is common sense .
He said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way or the other on heading .
`` We need to take some sensible , pragmatic steps at the moment and that 's largely going to be about trying to reduce that overall burden , the overall times that young players head - and heading in training is much more common than in matches .
`` The study was never designed to , and could n't identify , why .
But I think most people would say , pragmatically , that it would be head injury or heading , in whatever combination that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former chief executive of the SFA , welcomed the proposed ban and told BBC Radio 's Good Morning Scotland programme that young players could still be taught heading techniques safely if they used lighter balls .
`` We should be using plastic balls so that the young players could get the technique without having to head the ball , '' he said .
`` They 'll be told that heading is part of the game as they come through , but they do n't have to be heading the big balls immediately .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ using a softball so they actually develop the technique , but there 's no effect on them for later days . ''
'We have a responsibility to our players' Glasgow 's largest youth football club has welcomed the SFA proposals three months after its own policy change .
Giffnock Soccer Centre has banned heading across its smaller-sided squads up to and including the 7-a-side teams .
Club chairman Craig Inglis said : `` As a community club we 're parents first and coaches second .
In light of the available medical evidence we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health of our youngest players .
`` Although some of the ongoing scientific studies are yet to report , there is a growing consensus among the medical community that heading the football contributes towards players developing dementia and other brain conditions later in life .
`` We have a responsibility to our players and would rather give families clear direction on this issue .
Our football development work focuses on building skills with the feet 'on the deck ' and this is what we will be focusing on . ''
The SFA move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions for national associations across the world when the plans become a reality .
It will also be a relief for Dr Willie Stewart , who led the study that found the link in the first place .
He said : `` I 'm delighted .
I think that while there were many questions left unanswered by our report , I think the one thing that came through is that football needs to change in some way .
`` We ca n't go on looking at a risk of three-and-a-half times higher neurogenerative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it , so this is great . ''
It is also being seen as a progressive move by those who have played the game .
Former Wales , Arsenal and Celtic striker John Hartson says the Scottish FA should be applauded for leading the way on something that seems obvious .
He said `` Heading was a massive part of my game .
Managers bought me because I could head the ball .
`` There have been some serious situations where players have lost their lives and ex-legends suffering from dementia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading the rest of football and doing something about it . ''
The ban is likely to be confirmed by the Scottish FA in the coming weeks when all stakeholders have signed up to the plan .

"We should be using plastic balls so that the young players could get the technique without having to head the ball," he said. "They'll be told that heading is part of the game as they come through, but they don't have to be heading the big balls immediately.


bbcuk--2020-01-16--The Great British Bake Off: Sandi Toksvig to leave after three years

Sandi Toksvig is to leave The Great British Bake Off after three years .
In a statement , the presenter said she was leaving in order to focus on other work commitments .
`` As my waistline will testify , Bake Off is an all-consuming show , '' Toksvig tweeted .
`` Bake Off is a wonderful programme which has already proved it can happily withstand a change of hosting personnel , '' she added .
Toksvig and Noel Fielding originally took over presenting duties when the programme moved to Channel 4 .
Prior to that , the show aired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins , known as Mel and Sue .
Toksvig will still appear on the next series of The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer , broadcast in the Spring .
Channel 4 's director of programmes , Ian Katz , said : `` We are immensely grateful for Sandi 's contribution to the show .
`` We will miss her warmth and wit , not to mention her endless willingness to be the butt of jokes about being the least tall person in the Bake Off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bake Off crowns its 2019 winner • Paul Hollywood sorry for Bake Off diabetes joke • Why Americans love the Great British Bake Off He added that the channel have other shows in development with Toksvig , `` none of which involve cake '' .
Bake Off judge Prue Leith tweeted : `` I have absolutely loved working with Sandi , she 's been a brilliant host and enormous fun and I am in awe of how hard she works juggling so many different projects .
We shall be lifelong friends way beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show in the same year as Toksvig and Fielding , with only Paul Hollywood staying on from the previous BBC line-up .
Writing on Instagram , Hollywood said : `` I will miss Sandi , she has done an amazing job in the tent , much loved by all who met her .
I wish Sandi continued success in all that she does XX . ''
The show 's fans made clear that they will also be sorry to see her go .
`` When stepping down from a job it is quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing so in order to spend more time with their family .
Unusually I am departing from the Great British Bake Off so I can spend more time with my other work .
`` As my waistline will testify , Bake Off is an all-consuming show .
Spending time with Prue , Paul and Noel has been one of the great pleasures of my life .
These are friendships which I know will continue beyond the confines of television .
`` Bake Off is a wonderful programme which has already proved it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The reason for that , of course , is that the true stars of the show are the bakers themselves .
I wish everyone well . ''
The Great British Bake Off first aired on BBC Two in 2010 , with Mel and Sue hosting and Mary Berry as one of the judges alongside Hollywood .
It became increasingly popular with viewers over several years and was promoted to BBC One in 2014 .
The show remained there for another two years before Channel 4 outbid the BBC for the rights to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air on Channel 4 gave the network one of the biggest audiences in its history .
The most recent series , broadcast last autumn , attracted about 9 million viewers per episode , with a consolidated audience of 9.7 million tuning in for the final .
The last episode to be broadcast on BBC One , which saw Candice Brown named the winner , was watched by about 14 million people .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk @

"When stepping down from a job it is quite common for people to say they are doing so in order to spend more time with their family. Unusually I am departing from the Great British Bake Off so I can spend more time with my other work.


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Transgender woman settles case against Debenhams

A transgender woman will receive a £9,000 settlement from Debenhams after settling a sex discrimination case .
Ava Moore had applied for a job as a temporary sales assistant with Debenhams in her hometown of Newry , County Down , in the run up to Christmas 2018 .
She was turned down for the role despite performing well at interview .
The Equality Commission supported Ms Moore in the case , which Debenhams settled with no admission of liability .
After being formally notified that she was unsuccessful , Ms Moore received an anonymous email , which alleged she did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a transgender woman .
She said her `` confidence was rocked '' by the news .
She said she had felt a change in atmosphere during the interview after providing her birth certificate , which disclosed her gender history .
`` This job was exactly what I 'd been looking for and I thought that I 'd be really good at it , '' she said .
`` I felt that it did n't matter how hard I tried , or how well I performed at interview , it just seemed to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being able to do the job . ''
Ms Moore said she wanted to work and support herself .
`` What does my gender have to do with my ability to make sales ? ''
she added .
Dr Michael Wardlow , chief commissioner of the Equality Commission , which supported Ms Moore in her case against Debenhams , said the issues were simple .
`` A job should go to the person who does best at interview and in selection tests , '' he said .
`` The company confirmed that Ava @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with customers -and she says she told them she was willing to work the hours required .
`` The more open and inclusive the recruitment process , the more likely it is to avoid unlawful discrimination and increase the likelihood of getting the best and most qualified people for the job . ''
Mr Wardlow said he welcomed a commitment by Debenhams to liaise with the Commission to review its equal opportunities policies , practices and procedures .
In a statement , Debenhams said : `` We have agreed a settlement on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Debenhams .
`` We are an equal opportunities employer , committed to promoting equality and diversity within the business and throughout the sector .
`` Decisions on recruitment , training , promotion , and employment conditions are based solely on personal competence and performance . ''

"I felt that it didn't matter how hard I tried, or how well I performed at interview, it just seemed to me that my gender was more important than being able to do the job."


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Asda trials refills at 'sustainability store'

Asda is launching a `` sustainability store '' where shoppers can fill their own containers with food .
Customers at a Leeds branch will be able to use refill stations for own brand rice and pasta , as well as Kellogg 's cereals and PG Tips .
Asda is the latest major grocer to launch an initiative to cut down on plastic packaging .
UK supermarkets are responsible for 58 billion pieces of plastic a year , according to Greenpeace .
Asda uses about 65,000 tonnes of plastic a year .
• Plastic packaging : How are supermarkets doing ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ store to do this ?
Email The `` sustainability store '' will open in May at the Asda Middleton site in Leeds .
`` We will be testing and learning from the customers in Middleton to understand how we can reduce our environmental impacts , '' said Asda chief executive Roger Burnley .
`` Our first priority will be to look at how we can reduce and remove plastic . ''
Daniel Webb , founder of campaign group Everyday Plastic , said the launch was also `` a big step '' for companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products are included in the Asda trial .
In-store trials will last for at least three months , with customers asked to give feedback .
The store will house a `` naked florist '' selling plastic-free bouquets , and will also sell loose produce such as cucumbers or mushrooms without any plastic packaging .
In addition , the branch will have a `` reverse vending machine '' for recycling plastic bottles .
Asda recently committed to reducing plastic by 15 % by February next year , as well as making all of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Single-use plastic has become a major topic for discussion after the BBC 's Blue Planet II highlighted its effect on the oceans .
Major supermarkets have since pledged to cut down on their plastic waste .
The BBC has also announced plans for a year-long series of programmes and coverage on climate change , as part of the Our Planet Matters project .
What has been promised ?
Waitrose has introduced refills for wine , beer , cleaning materials , and loose fruit and vegetables free from packaging across four stores after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Oxford .
It has also said it will remove all black plastic from its own label ranges , and stop selling single-use coffee cups .
• Morrisons : Have 100 % recyclable , reusable or compostable packaging by 2025 and offer paper carrier bags • Tesco : Remove hard-to-recycle materials , including PVC , from its own brand products • Sainsbury 's : Remove lightweight loose product bags from store and replace plastic film on fruit and vegetables with a recyclable option • Aldi : Get rid of plastic wrapping on cabbages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial cardboard packaging on steak Swiss-based global food giant Nestle also recently said it would invest up to £1.6bn in making packaging for its food products recyclable .
Richard Lim , chief executive of Retail Economics , said that Asda was another retailer reacting to `` heightened consumer concerns about the environment '' .
He said : `` It 's a step in the right direction but we are at an embryonic stage in what is likely to be a very long journey .
It will be a huge learning curve and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they 'want ' and what they 'do ' in reality . ''
Previous research by the environmental charity Greenpeace suggested Asda might have further to go than other supermarkets .
It was ranked ninth out of the UK 's 10 biggest supermarkets for its plastic `` footprint '' .
Louise Edge , head of Greenpeace UK 's ocean plastics campaign , said that Asda 's action was `` encouraging '' .
But she argued that such schemes should be carried out more widely : `` We 'll never recycle our way out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other UK supermarkets must urgently reduce plastic by switching to reusable and refillable packaging at scale . ''

He said: "It's a step in the right direction but we are at an embryonic stage in what is likely to be a very long journey. It will be a huge learning curve and one that tests the gap between what consumers say they 'want' and what they 'do' in reality."


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Sir David Attenborough warns of climate 'crisis moment'

`` The moment of crisis has come '' in efforts to tackle climate change , Sir David Attenborough has warned .
According to the renowned naturalist and broadcaster , `` we have been putting things off for year after year '' .
`` As I speak , south east Australia is on fire .
Why ?
Because the temperatures of the Earth are increasing , '' he said .
Sir David 's comments came in a BBC News interview to launch a year of special coverage on the subject of climate change .
He told me it was `` palpable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to suggest that the Australian fires were nothing to do with the world becoming warmer .
`` We know perfectly well , '' he said , that human activity is behind the heating of the planet .
• Where we are in seven charts What does Sir David mean by 'the moment of crisis ' ?
He 's highlighting the fact that while climate scientists are becoming clearer about the need for a rapid response , the pace of international negotiations is grindingly slow .
The most recent talks - in Madrid last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UN Secretary-General , the British government and others .
Decisions on key issues were put off and several countries including Australia and Brazil were accused of trying to dodge their commitments .
`` We have to realise that this is not playing games , '' Sir David said .
`` This is not just having a nice little debate , arguments and then coming away with a compromise .
`` This is an urgent problem that has to be solved and , what 's more , we know how to do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we 're refusing to take steps that we know have to be taken . ''
What are those steps ?
Back in 2018 , the UN climate science panel spelled out how the world could have a reasonable chance of avoiding the most dangerous temperature rises in future .
It said that emissions of the gases heating the planet - from power stations and factories , vehicles and agriculture - should be almost halved by 2030 .
Instead the opposite is happening .
The release of those gases is still increasing rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carbon dioxide , is now in the atmosphere at a level far above anything experienced in human history .
As Sir David put it : `` Every year that passes makes those steps more and more difficult to achieve . ''
Why does this matter right now ?
This year is seen as a vital opportunity to turn the tide on climate change .
The UK is hosting what 's billed as a crucial UN summit , known as COP26 , in Glasgow in November .
Ahead of that gathering , governments worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targets for cutting emissions .
That 's because their current pledges do not go nearly far enough .
Assuming they are delivered as promised ( and there 's no guarantee of that ) , there could still be a rise in the global average temperature of more than 3C by the end of the century , compared to pre-industrial levels .
The latest assessment by the UN 's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( IPCC ) lays bare the dangers of that .
It suggests that a rise of anything above 1.5C would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage to coral reefs would become more severe .
And the latest figures show that the world has already warmed by just over 1C .
What happens next ?
As things stand , further heating looks inevitable .
`` We 're already living in a changed world , '' according to Professor Ed Hawkins of the University of Reading , a scientist whose depictions of global warming have often gone viral on social media .
He uses bold coloured stripes to show how much each year 's temperature is above or below average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and blue for colder .
The designs now adorn T-shirts , scarves and even a tram in Germany .
At the moment , Prof Hawkins uses dark red to denote the highest level of warming , but regions such as the Arctic Ocean have seen that maximum level year after year .
Such is the scale of change that he 's having to search for new colours .
`` I 'm thinking about adding dark purple or even black '' , he told me , to convey future increases in temperature .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distant prospect but we 're seeing so many examples around the world , like in Australia , of new records and new extremes . ''
What else is on the environmental agenda this year ?
The natural world , and whether we can stop harming it .
While most political attention will be on climate change , 2020 is also seen as potentially important for halting the damage human activity is having on ecosystems .
Sir David has a blunt explanation for why this matters : `` We actually depend upon the natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take and every mouthful of food that we eat . ''
World leaders are being invited to the Chinese city of Kunming for a major conference on how to safeguard Nature .
A landmark report last year warned that as many as one million species of animals , insects and plants are threatened with extinction in the coming decades .
A more recent study found that the growth of cities , the clearing of forests for farming and the soaring demand for fish had significantly altered nearly three-quarters of the land and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the scientists involved , Prof Andy Purvis of the Natural History Museum in London , says that by undermining important habitats , `` we 're hacking away at our safety net , we 're trashing environments we depend on '' .
He points to the impact of everything from the use of palm oil in processed food and shampoo to the pressures created by fast fashion .
And while the need for conservation is understood in many developed countries , Prof Purvis says `` we 've exported the damage to countries too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they 're selling to us '' .
The gathering in Kunming takes place in October , a month before the UN climate summit in Glasgow , confirming this year as crucial for our relations with the planet .
• How much warmer is your city ?
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Sir David Attenborough warns of climate 'crisis moment' Published 16 January 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, China needs to tackle climate change - Attenborough
"The moment of crisis has come" in efforts to tackle climate change, Sir David Attenborough has warned.
According to the renowned naturalist and broadcaster, "we have been putting things off for year after year".
"As I speak, south east Australia is on fire. Why? Because the temperatures of the Earth are increasing," he said.
Sir David's comments came in a BBC News interview to launch a year of special coverage on the subject of climate change.
Scientists say climate change is one of several factors behind the Australian fires; others include how forests are managed and natural patterns in the weather.
Sir David told me it was "palpable nonsense" for some politicians and commentators to suggest that the Australian fires were nothing to do with the world becoming warmer.
"We know perfectly well," he said, that human activity is behind the heating of the planet.
What does Sir David mean by 'the moment of crisis'?
He's highlighting the fact that while climate scientists are becoming clearer about the need for a rapid response, the pace of international negotiations is grindingly slow.
The most recent talks - in Madrid last month - were branded a disappointment by the UN Secretary-General, the British government and others.
Decisions on key issues were put off and several countries including Australia and Brazil were accused of trying to dodge their commitments.
"We have to realise that this is not playing games," Sir David said.
"This is not just having a nice little debate, arguments and then coming away with a compromise.
"This is an urgent problem that has to be solved and, what's more, we know how to do it - that's the paradoxical thing, that we're refusing to take steps that we know have to be taken."
What are those steps?
Back in 2018, the UN climate science panel spelled out how the world could have a reasonable chance of avoiding the most dangerous temperature rises in future.
It said that emissions of the gases heating the planet - from power stations and factories, vehicles and agriculture - should be almost halved by 2030.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Australia has been badly hit by bushfires
Instead the opposite is happening.
The release of those gases is still increasing rather than falling and the key gas, carbon dioxide, is now in the atmosphere at a level far above anything experienced in human history.
As Sir David put it: "Every year that passes makes those steps more and more difficult to achieve."
Why does this matter right now?
This year is seen as a vital opportunity to turn the tide on climate change.
The UK is hosting what's billed as a crucial UN summit, known as COP26, in Glasgow in November.
Ahead of that gathering, governments worldwide are coming under pressure to toughen their targets for cutting emissions.
That's because their current pledges do not go nearly far enough.
Assuming they are delivered as promised (and there's no guarantee of that), there could still be a rise in the global average temperature of more than 3C by the end of the century, compared to pre-industrial levels.
The latest assessment by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) lays bare the dangers of that.
It suggests that a rise of anything above 1.5C would mean that coastal flooding, heatwaves and damage to coral reefs would become more severe.
And the latest figures show that the world has already warmed by just over 1C.
What happens next?
As things stand, further heating looks inevitable.
"We're already living in a changed world," according to Professor Ed Hawkins of the University of Reading, a scientist whose depictions of global warming have often gone viral on social media.
He uses bold coloured stripes to show how much each year's temperature is above or below average - different shades of red for warmer and blue for colder.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, What is climate change?
The designs now adorn T-shirts, scarves and even a tram in Germany.
At the moment, Prof Hawkins uses dark red to denote the highest level of warming, but regions such as the Arctic Ocean have seen that maximum level year after year.
Such is the scale of change that he's having to search for new colours.
"I'm thinking about adding dark purple or even black", he told me, to convey future increases in temperature.
"People might think climate change is a distant prospect but we're seeing so many examples around the world, like in Australia, of new records and new extremes."
What else is on the environmental agenda this year?
The natural world, and whether we can stop harming it.
While most political attention will be on climate change, 2020 is also seen as potentially important for halting the damage human activity is having on ecosystems.
Sir David has a blunt explanation for why this matters: "We actually depend upon the natural world for every breath of air we take and every mouthful of food that we eat."
World leaders are being invited to the Chinese city of Kunming for a major conference on how to safeguard Nature.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The northern white rhino (seen here) is down to just two animals, making it "functionally" extinct
A landmark report last year warned that as many as one million species of animals, insects and plants are threatened with extinction in the coming decades.
A more recent study found that the growth of cities, the clearing of forests for farming and the soaring demand for fish had significantly altered nearly three-quarters of the land and more than two-thirds of the oceans.
One of the scientists involved, Prof Andy Purvis of the Natural History Museum in London, says that by undermining important habitats, "we're hacking away at our safety net, we're trashing environments we depend on".
He points to the impact of everything from the use of palm oil in processed food and shampoo to the pressures created by fast fashion.
And while the need for conservation is understood in many developed countries, Prof Purvis says "we've exported the damage to countries too poor to handle the environmental cost of what they're selling to us".
The gathering in Kunming takes place in October, a month before the UN climate summit in Glasgow, confirming this year as crucial for our relations with the planet.


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Emily Maitlis: Man pleads guilty to breaching restraining order

A man who has stalked and harassed Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis for two decades has pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order .
Edward Vines , 49 , was serving a 45-month sentence when he wrote to Ms Maitlis 's mother in May last year .
In September he denied the charge , but then wrote to the broadcaster 's mother again in October .
Vines pleaded guilty via video link from HMP Nottingham and will be sentenced on 3 February .
At Nottingham Crown Court , Judge Stuart Rafferty QC heard Vines pleas to two counts of attempting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stalker by Oxford Crown Court in 2009 .
The first breach was when he wrote to the journalist 's mother between 7 and 16 May , and he then wrote to her again on 6 October .
Vines was first convicted of harassing Maitlis in 2002 .
She met Vines , from Oxford , when they were students at Cambridge University .
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live 's Emma Barnett Show in 2018 , Maitlis said it had had a devastating impact on her family .
Before adjourning the hearing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long-term fixation/grievance with the principal party in the case '' .
He added that he would have to consider `` the risk of him reoffending when he is in custody or when he is at large again '' .
Previously the government has apologised to Maitlis after Vines was able to write to her from HMP Bullingdon , and again while living in a bail hostel .
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He said he would have to consider "the risk of him reoffending when he is in custody or when he is at large again".


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Megaphone 'ear assault' union boss cleared

A union boss who used a megaphone close to two police officers ' ears has been found not guilty of assaulting them .
There was no evidence taxi union chief James Farrar had committed a crime , Judge Philip Bartle QC said .
PC Ann Spinks had told Mr Farrar 's trial she was left with ringing in her ear `` like a fire alarm going off '' after a megaphone was purposely aimed at her .
Mr Farrar , 51 , said the legal action against him was `` a corrupt and crude attempt ... to break our union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Private Drivers ' branch of the IWGB union said the Metropolitan Police and Transport for London ( TfL ) had also tried to `` further disenfranchise precarious workers '' and he had instructed his lawyers to `` pursue the matter '' .
At Southwark Crown Court , Judge Bartle instructed the jury to find Mr Farrar not guilty of the two counts of assault he faced .
Dismissing jurors , the judge said : `` The facts did not justify the offence in either case of assault by beating because the offence requires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confrontation happened at a demonstration in Parliament Square , which the court heard was organised by Mr Farrar , against TfL plans to exempt black cabs from the congestion charge but enforce it for Uber and minicab drivers .
Mr Farrar , from Bordon , Hampshire , had been told not to use the megaphone at ear level before the alleged assault , his trial heard .
PC Spinks told the jury the union boss had continued shouting through his megaphone , which was about a foot away from her head .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time : `` [ Mr Farrar ] had blasted the megaphone into my left ear causing ringing , tinnitus , like a fire alarm going off in your ear . ''
`` My ear at that time had gone bright red and was quite hot to touch , '' she added .
Although no physical beating took place , the prosecution alleged Mr Farrar 's actions amounted to an `` unlawful application of force '' .
Neither police officer suffered lasting hearing loss as a result , the court was told .

The chairman of the United Private Drivers' branch of the IWGB union said the Metropolitan Police and Transport for London (TfL) had also tried to "further disenfranchise precarious workers" and he had instructed his lawyers to "pursue the matter".


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Brexit: Fundraising appeal launched for Big Ben chimes

An appeal to raise £500,000 by the weekend has been launched to ensure Big Ben chimes when the UK leaves the EU at 23:00 on 31 January .
The famous bell has only rung a few times since renovations began in 2017 .
The PM 's spokesman said there could be `` potential difficulties '' using money raised from public donations .
But the Brexit Party 's Richard Tice said it would be `` pretty feeble if we ca n't organise for a bell to chime at this historic moment '' .
StandUp4Brexit , the organisation behind the crowdfunder , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target , the money will be donated to the Help For Heroes charity .
Appealing for contributions , the group writes : `` However you may have voted in the referendum , this unique moment is unlikely ever to be repeated and if you would like to see it marked by the chiming of the most iconic timepiece in the world , please donate now . ''
So far , total donations raised remain in the tens of thousands of pounds - with the largest single contribution coming from the Conservative MP Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom has said she donated £10 .
The House of Commons Commission 's estimate is made up of two separate costs - bringing back the bonging mechanism and installing a temporary floor , and the cost of delaying the conservation work , says BBC 's Reality Check .
On the former , the commission says the floor in the belfry has been removed - work that began on 2 January in order not to interfere with New Year 's Eve .
The reconstruction work on the floor is likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Commons has ruled out getting this done by 31 January , which is why a temporary floor would need to be installed and then removed .
What have the politicians said ?
On Tuesday , Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said : `` The commission believes it is important to weigh up the costs this would involve if Big Ben is to chime on 31 January .
`` You are talking about £50,000 a bong .
We also have to bear in mind that the only people who will hear it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are visiting Westminster . ''
But speaking to the BBC 's Today programme , Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice said he did not believe the figure was correct , pointing out that the bell rang on New Year 's Eve .
He also suggested that `` bureaucrats in the Houses of Parliament '' might stop the money being used on the grounds that it would not be public money .
He added that if the target was not reached , a recording of Big Ben 's chimes would be played through a loudspeaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leave Means Leave group in London 's Parliament Square .
For Labour , shadow leader of the Commons Valerie Vaz said the fundraising effort was `` an unprecedented approach '' , adding that `` any novel form of funding would need to be consistent with principles of propriety and proper oversight of public expenditure '' .
Leader of the Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg responded : `` One should n't look a gift horse in the mouth . ''
`` If people wish to pay for things , that should be considered as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything should fall on the hard-pressed taxpayer , '' he said .

"I think the PM's focus is on the events which he and the government are planning to mark 31 January. It's a significant moment in our history and we want to ensure that's properly recorded."


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Dog walker in Sutton Coldfield faces missing pets prosecution

A dog walker accused of losing several pets in her care is to be prosecuted for animal welfare offences .
Louise Lawford is alleged to have been looking after at least five dogs when they went missing during a walk in woods in Staffordshire , in June .
Owners said Ms Lawford , who operated Pawford Paws in Sutton Coldfield , had not revealed what happened to the pets .
The case , brought by Birmingham City Council , is due to be heard at the city magistrates ' court on 23 January .
Ms Lawford , 49 , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of nine animal welfare offences , including five counts of undertaking group walks without ensuring each dog had been vaccinated , allowing dogs off the lead without written consent and failing to contact the owners or dog warden immediately when dogs were lost .
She is also accused of three counts of breaching conditions of the licence to operate a business providing home boarding for dogs and one further charge of failing to provide veterinary treatment for a skin infection for a dog .
The council said Ms Lawford 's dog boarding licence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is claimed the dogs vanished in Hopwas Woods near Tamworth , on 23 June .
April Lock , who owned pugs Charlie and Ralph , said she was on holiday when Ms Lawford contacted her about their disappearance .
`` I thought originally maybe that they 'd got stolen .
She let us search for about two weeks , '' said Ms Lock .
Ms Lock and two other pet owners whose dogs disappeared on the same day have been crowdfunding to take civil action against Ms Lawson .
West Midlands Police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the missing dogs but there was insufficient evidence to consider charges .
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Mrs Lawford, 49, from Erdington, is accused of nine animal welfare offences, including five counts of undertaking group walks without ensuring each dog had been vaccinated, allowing dogs off the lead without written consent and failing to contact the owners or dog warden immediately when dogs were lost.


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Love Island: How cricket and the reality TV villa are coupling up

What connects the Love Island villa and the England cricket team ?
South Africa , for sure , as the new ITV2 series is based there and it 's where England play their third test against the South African team .
England bowler Mark Wood admits it goes deeper than that though - he and some of his team-mates are fans of the show .
`` Liam Plunkett would settle down every night on tour to watch it , '' the world cup winner tells Radio 1 Newsbeat .
`` I 've had a couple of days off and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here ( in South Africa ) .
I could have gone and done a recce and scouted it out for anyone going in . ''
`` It 'll be a little bit strange the show not being in the villa in Spain .
Similar weather I guess . ''
The 30 year-old thinks a crossover is n't out of the question and he even has players in mind who he 'd like to see in the villa .
`` We 've got a few who could go in .
I think Tom Curran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to be on there , '' says Mark .
`` He 's got the slicked back hair , the tan and the tattoos .
He 's got a good body on him and he 's single as well . ''
There 's another link from Mark to the ITV2 show , because his friend , former Durham player Max Morley , won the 2015 series - before Love Island became the ratings hit it is today .
`` Max feels a bit hard done by that , he was on that one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he adds .
And the appreciation between cricket and Love Island works both ways because former series three contestant Chris Hughes is a huge fan of the sport .
He played in the TMS vs Tailenders special cricket event which included former England captain Michael Vaughan and Radio 1 's Greg James .
Mark did n't play a game in the first two matches of the South African test series - he was part of the squad with expectations he 'd be fit to play the third , after recovering from injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fitness after some time out , but has n't played since England 's world cup victory last summer .
During his down-time in South Africa , Mark 's been spending time in the pool with fellow bowler and record test wicket-taker Jimmy Anderson , describing the pairing as the `` Phelps and Thorpe of the swimming pool in Cape Town . ''
But with Jimmy now ruled out of the rest of the tour with his own injury , it 's a chance for Wood to make his comeback .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throw my name in the hat , '' he says .
`` I do n't know whether - from a management point of view - it 's maybe a little bit too early but we 'll wait and see . ''
Wood will have stiff competition though , with fellow speedster Jofra Archer also looking to return to the team .
After playing the first test , Jofra was ruled out of the last match with an elbow injury .
`` We have a friendly rivalry over the speed gun , '' says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final I knew that I 'd pipped him .
I was clocked at 95.7mph and he was 95.6mph and as we came off the field and into the dressing room I was dying to tell him . ''
Mark 's positive about England 's chances for the third test match after they levelled the series 1-1 in Cape Town , winning the second by 189 runs .
`` We had amazing support and that really gave the team an extra lift .
`` We went through a hard time with illness in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then perform so well has given us the momentum going into this . ''
As for the imaginary horse which Wood is famous for bringing onto the cricket field , he 's unlikely to make an appearance in South Africa .
`` I 've left him in the stables back in the UK .
Maybe if I get a game , I can bring him out then but it 'll take a long time in that overseas cargo . ''
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"I've had a couple of days off and I've just found out the villa is here (in South Africa). I could have gone and done a recce and scouted it out for anyone going in."


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Indyref2: What does 'once in a generation' mean?

Boris Johnson has rejected Nicola Sturgeon 's call for a new independence referendum by insisting the 2014 vote was a `` once in a generation '' event .
Why do people keep using this phrase , and what does it mean ?
Why is this coming up now ?
The debate about a second independence referendum has echoed much of the debate about the first one , because both sides see it as setting a useful precedent .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants the UK government to agree a transfer of powers to hold a vote , because that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2014 .
Boris Johnson does n't want another referendum , and is using some of Ms Sturgeon 's own words from the original campaign as justification for saying no .
The prime minister 's letter rejecting Ms Sturgeon 's request told her `` you and your predecessor made a personal promise that the 2014 independence referendum was a 'once in a generation ' vote .
The people of Scotland voted decisively on that promise to keep our United Kingdom together . ''
He has echoed this line whenever questioned about the matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed and the party has an `` unarguable '' mandate for a new referendum .
• Could Scotland still become independent ?
Who said what ?
In Alex Salmond 's foreword to Scotland 's Future , the white paper on independence ahead of the 2014 referendum , the then first minister said the vote would be a `` rare and precious moment in the history of Scotland - a once in a generation opportunity to chart a better way '' .
The document itself went on to state there was `` no arrangement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , and that `` only a majority vote for Yes would give certainty that Scotland will be independent '' .
Mr Salmond and his team used the phrase several times in interviews , including one with Andrew Marr where he said that `` in my view this is a once in a generation , perhaps even a once in a lifetime opportunity '' .
His deputy Ms Sturgeon , used that `` lifetime '' phrase during the final Holyrood debate before the referendum - as did three other SNP MSPs , before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballot the `` opportunity of a lifetime '' .
Independence supporters contend Mr Salmond was stating his own view - he told Mr Marr that `` it is just my opinion '' - and that the position of his government can not bind that of its successors .
The SNP also points to the Smith Commission report on extra powers for Holyrood , published two months after the referendum , which stated that `` nothing in this report prevents Scotland becoming an independent country in the future should the people of Scotland so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generation anyway ?
If you 're an aphid of the rhopalosiphum prunifolia family , a generation is apparently 4.7 days .
For humans , an essay for the International Society of Genetic Genealogy seems to have narrowed the length of the average generation down to somewhere in the range of 29 to 34 years .
But how long is a political generation ?
This becomes a bit like speculating on the length of a piece of string .
Scotland Office minister Douglas Ross took the scattergun approach of saying it should be `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' in an interview with the BBC 's Good Morning Scotland programme on Wednesday .
His boss Alister Jack , the Scottish secretary , had earlier suggested a vote should n't take place during Ms Sturgeon 's lifetime - which based on the average life expectancy for women of her age would be at least another couple of decades yet .
Are there any historical examples which might help ?
There were 18 years between the two referendums on Scottish devolution , in 1979 and 1997 .
Mr Salmond cited this gap in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's what I mean by a political generation '' .
Meanwhile there were 41 years between the referendums on EU membership in 1975 and 2016 , a stretch pointed to by interim Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw .
But shifting to another constitutional setting , the Good Friday Agreement stipulates that there should be seven years between border polls on Irish reunification .
That figure is actually set out in legislation .
Obviously the context of political history in Northern Ireland is quite different to that of Scotland , but the deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by MPs and , obviously , in a referendum .
Is it just a turn of phrase ?
The SNP contend that it was never their intention to shut the door on future votes - why would they ?
- and that the phrase was more a way of expressing how crucially important they thought the 2014 referendum was .
They say it was n't a `` personal promise '' , as the prime minister claims , but the sort of rhetoric that politicians employ every day .
For example , Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` critical , once in a generation '' vote - but nobody really expected it to be the last Westminster poll for decades .
The Tories say expectation levels are different for referenda - they are designed to settle binary questions , and happen far less frequently .
The last thing we want , they say , is a `` neverendum '' .
Although on that latter point , there has been no shortage of referendums since the Conservatives came to power in 2010 - on the electoral system , on Scottish independence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assembly , and on Brexit .
• Brian Taylor : PM 's move is not subtle , but it is predictable The chief argument employed by the SNP for a new referendum is that things have changed substantially since 2014 .
The party says the UK that was talked about at the time , which Scots voted to remain part of , no longer exists .
The Brexit vote is the key driver of this , given the 62 % backing for Remain in Scotland - and it was the No campaign who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ membership of the EU because of our membership of the UK '' .
The Conservative rebuttal to this would be that the UK as a whole voted to leave the EU - this was a change mandated by the people , and thus does not itself justify another change .
Of course there have also been a slew of other votes since the referendum .
In another interview in 2014 Mr Salmond said `` the only circumstances in which you could have another referendum would be if you got an extra mandate at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SNP have come out on top in every election north of the border since then , most recently taking 45 % of the Scottish vote in the general election - a bigger share than Mr Johnson 's triumphant Conservatives got UK-wide .
If that kind of form keeps up - particularly at the Holyrood election in 2021 - the prime minister may need to find a new catchphrase .

That figure is actually set out in legislation. Obviously the context of political history in Northern Ireland is quite different to that of Scotland, but the deal containing that seven-year provision was endorsed both by MPs and, obviously, in a referendum.