bbcuk--2020-01-09--TikTok teenager's video sparks domestic abuse debate

A teenager is asking people to be alert to the signs of domestic violence with a video she has created on social media .
Sixteen-year-old Amber uses make-up to gradually cover her face to resemble bruises as she lip syncs to the Lily Allen track Not Fair .
The video has been viewed more than 1.7 million times on the video-sharing platform TikTok and has also been liked more than 196,000 times so far .
The A-level student told the BBC that she was motivated to make the video because a family friend had experienced abuse .
She said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't ignore the signs of domestic abuse .
If you have the slightest concern , bring it up with the person .
`` I feel domestic abuse is something that should have more awareness . ''
In response , some women have shared their own experiences of domestic abuse .
One user posted : `` Been here , came out the other side . ''
And Amber has replied offering support .
`` I 'm sorry this has happened to you , '' she says .
`` But it shows how strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other side . ''
Another person said she wished she had known the signs of domestic abuse earlier , and one woman warned people to be aware that abusers `` tend to hit where it wo n't be seen '' .
Amber 's creative use of her make-up has been praised for its impact .
A commenter told Amber : `` Thank you for doing this .
I 'm a survivor . ''
`` This is so powerful .
I 'm going through this with a friend now who always makes excuses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viewer .
While other TikTokers have created similar videos , Amber 's appears to have produced by far the biggest reaction .
Some of it has been critical , with people debating whether the content is too dark for the platform or too serious an issue for `` pretend '' videos .
One user posted that domestic abuse `` really does happen to people and they do n't make TikToks about it '' .
Amber has responded that the video `` is not intended to ... bring back memories for survivors '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic violence told her that she had `` triggered nothing '' with the post .
Amber says : `` I did n't want people to think the video meant any harm .
It has a good message and was not created to gain popularity for myself . ''
You may also be interested in : • 'My violent partner tortured me for three hours' According to the Office for National Statistics , an estimated 2.4 million adults aged 16 to 74 years experienced domestic abuse in the year up to March 2019 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women and 786,000 men .
A man responding to Amber 's video said : `` Men go through this as well and a lot more should be able to speak up about it . ''
The Home Office has published advice on how to recognise , report and receive help relating to domestic abuse .
• Becoming a lot more critical of yourself • Thinking your partner is right about everything • Being scared of how your partner will react to a situation • Avoiding speaking to not upset your partner • Feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ca n't predict their behaviour • Experiencing pressure to move a relationship further than you want to • Staying in more and seeing less of family and friends to avoid arguments with your partner .
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article , help and support can be found at BBC Action Line .

And Amber has replied offering support. "I'm sorry this has happened to you," she says. "But it shows how strong you are that you came out the other side."


bbcuk--2020-01-09--British Airways owner's boss Willie Walsh to step down

Willie Walsh , chief executive of International Airlines Group ( IAG ) , the owner of British Airways , has announced he is to step down .
He is set to retire as chief executive and from the board of IAG on 30 June .
Mr Walsh said it had been a privilege to have worked on the creation of IAG after British Airways ( BA ) and Iberia were merged .
Antonio Vázquez , IAG 's chairman , described Mr Walsh as one of the `` main drivers '' of the project .
Mr Walsh became the British Airways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15-year career with the IAG group , which also controls Aer Lingus and Vueling .
He will step down from the role in March before retiring in June this year .
Mr Walsh said : `` It has been a privilege to have been instrumental in the creation and development of IAG .
I have had the pleasure of working with many exceptional people over the past 15 years at British Airways and at IAG . ''
Willie Walsh is a long-standing figure in the aviation industry .
He joined Aer Lingus in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He gradually worked his way up through the ranks to work in flight operations and was appointed as chief executive of Aer Lingus in 2001 .
Luis Gallego , head of the group 's Spanish division , Iberia , since 2014 , will succeed Mr Walsh .
He said : `` It is a huge honour to lead this great company .
It is an exciting time at IAG and I am confident that we can build on the strong foundations created by Willie . ''
Mr Gallego will take over as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airways after the airline saw major disruption last year .
For the first time in its 100-year history , BA pilots went on strike in a long-running pay dispute .
In November , dozens of British Airways flights were also delayed or cancelled because of a `` technical issue '' .
The airline also faced a £183m fine in July for a customer data breach .
Mr Walsh was boss at British Airways and then IAG for 15 years , more than triple the normal lifespan of a FTSE-100 chief executive .
Arguably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of his predecessors put together since the airline was privatised in 1987 .
Previous leaders at BA had tried to do deals with rivals to reduce the company 's reliance on a single market - the UK - and a single airport - Heathrow .
They had tried to reduce the power of unions at the company , to tackle its potentially ruinous pension deficit and to restore it to steady profitability .
Mr Walsh managed to do all four .
But his critics will counter that in doing so , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British Airways from the `` world 's favourite '' , as its marketing claimed , to a run-of-the mill carrier .
He arrived at BA from Aer Lingus in 2005 , an unfancied choice to replace the cerebral Australian Rod Eddington .
Mr Eddington had been hired , in the words of one board member at the time , `` to put a smile on people 's faces '' .
Mr Walsh never showed any sign of being interested in popularity contests and had a distinctly down-to-earth approach to management .
BA had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , KLM of the Netherlands and various other potential partners - to no avail .
Mr Walsh quickly tied up a deal with Iberia and followed on with Aer Lingus , turning BA into the largest player in a multi-airline group , IAG .
Generous terms and conditions for flight crew were gradually whittled down , and he was able to put enough money into BA 's two big pension schemes that big chunks of the remaining liabilities could be hived off to insurance companies .
In the process , though , BA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last month , Which ?
put it alongside Ryanair as one of the UK 's least-favourite airlines , while it has suffered from embarrassing IT glitches .
Mr Walsh 's successor , the current boss of Iberia , Luis Gallego , will have to consider how to address this challenge when he takes over at the end of June .
Mr Gallego is unlikely to continue one of the aviation industry 's best-known feuds .
Both Willie Walsh and Sir Richard Branson claimed to have won a previous bet over the survival of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Branson 's brand could disappear after Delta Airlines purchased a 49 % stake .
In a blog post , Sir Richard said the stakes were high - `` a knee in the groin '' if the company folded within five years .
Other spats have taken place between Virgin Atlantic and BA .
Virgin launched a campaign against BA 's proposed merger with American Airlines in the 1990s , with some planes painted `` No Way BA/AA '' .
Sir Richard Branson also won damages and an apology from BA at the High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative stories about the Virgin founder to the media .

Previous leaders at BA had tried to do deals with rivals to reduce the company's reliance on a single market - the UK - and a single airport - Heathrow. They had tried to reduce the power of unions at the company, to tackle its potentially ruinous pension deficit and to restore it to steady profitability.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Fish smell syndrome TMAU 'like living with a death sentence'

A woman who has a syndrome that causes her to smell of rotten fish says it is like `` living with a death sentence '' .
Paula Thomas , 45 , from Bristol , has trimethylaminuria ( TMAU ) , which prevents the body from breaking down materials found in certain foods .
Mrs Thomas said she missed school plays to avoid being in crowded places , had been made to get off buses , and felt racially abused because of her smell .
There is no cure for TMAU but avoiding certain foods may lessen the symptoms .
Mrs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day but on some days or for part of a day the odour could be less intense .
`` It 's like living with a death sentence - I would n't wish it on my worst enemy , it 's that bad , '' she said .
`` The discrimination , the harassment , the anxiety and the smell itself is just horrible .
`` When I 'm on a bus I hear comments like 'oh that smells like a toilet ' and 'gutter ' and every odour name in the book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
Mrs Thomas said some of the abuse had been racist .
She said she had been called `` filthy Jamaican '' and , after she ignored nasty comments and banging on the window of her flat , someone left a bunch of bananas on the bin outside her door .
`` They could n't get my attention with the verbal abuse so whoever it was did that , '' said Mrs Thomas .
The incident was reported to the police .
`` I came home to find someone cleaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked what was happening they said it was to get rid of 'that awful odour ' , '' said Mrs Thomas .
`` It 's not nice waking up in the morning with this condition . ''
• An uncommon condition that 's also known as `` fish odour syndrome '' • Sometimes caused by inherited faulty genes , but not always • Sufferers are unable to turn a strong-smelling chemical produced in the gut , when bacteria break down certain foods , into a different chemical that does not smell • There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain foods such as saltwater fish , eggs , offal and beans can help control the condition '' I did n't get to go to my little girl 's nativity play , even though I wanted to so much , because I was really anxious about being in a crowded place , '' she said .
`` I 've lived half of my life clean , smelling nice and then one day you wake up stinking and you do n't know the cause .
The NHS says trimethylaminuria is often caused by faulty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is not always the case .
Mrs Thomas was sent to see a specialist at the London Metabolic Clinic in 2011 .
`` I was so optimistic - I thought I 'd go back to normal life but I was told there 's no cure , so I was devastated , '' she said .
She would like the syndrome to be acknowledged as a disability as she has not been able to hold down a job because of something that is `` beyond my control '' .
`` You never know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's coming , '' she said .
`` Everyday is a nightmare for me . ''

She would like the syndrome to be acknowledged as a disability as she has not been able to hold down a job because of something that is "beyond my control".


bbcuk--2020-01-09--GP shortages cause 'unacceptable' patient waits

Family doctors are under intense pressure and general practice is running on empty , warns the Royal College of GPs ( RCGP ) .
It says severe staff shortages are causing `` unacceptable '' delays for patients in England .
In a letter to Health Secretary Matt Hancock , its chairman says ministers must take urgent action to deal with the lack of GPs .
The government said it had recruited a `` record number '' of GP trainees .
Ministers are committed to recruiting 6,000 more GPs in England by 2025 .
Prof Martin Marshall , who took over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GPs are struggling with an escalating workload , which is causing many to burn out and leave the profession .
He says the problem is compounded by difficulty recruiting GPs and other members of staff to manage the demand .
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care told the BBC the recruitment of thousands more highly-skilled practitioners would mean patients would get `` an extra 50 million appointments a year within the next five years . ''
Dr Andrew Dharman , who works at the The Avenue surgery in Ealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the enormous workload placed on GPs .
He said : `` Sometimes it feels like you 're drowning .
You know you 're trying to stay afloat and on top of all the workload .
And you 're trying to make sure you 're providing the kind of care that you envisage when you go to medical school .
`` You feel frustrated sometimes that you ca n't necessarily do that because of the amount of work and patients . ''
Prof Marshall has asked Mr Hancock to clarify how he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and what significant investments he will make in the profession .
There are concerns that targets for extra GPs might not be met , with figures showing the numbers of doctors falling .
In the letter , Prof Marshall says : `` No patient should have to wait three weeks for a GP appointment .
This is unacceptable and our patients , and GPs , deserve better .
`` We want a commitment to increase GP training places to 4,000 in 2020-21 , as outlined in your election manifesto , but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment into initiatives to improve GP workload and retain existing GPs in the profession to improve the wellbeing and moral of the whole practice team . ''
• According to official figures , there were just over 28,000 fully qualified full-time equivalent GPs in England as of September 2019 .
This is a drop of 3.7 % since September 2015 .
• There were 160.8 million GP appointments in the 12 months to November 2019 , with 41.9 million of those in the last three months , 450,000 more than in the same @ @ @ @

He said: "Sometimes it feels like you're drowning. You know you're trying to stay afloat and on top of all the workload. And you're trying to make sure you're providing the kind of care that you envisage when you go to medical school.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Celeste got fired over her love of music - now she's won the BBC Sound of 2020

British-Jamaican soul singer Celeste has won BBC Music 's Sound of 2020 , which is given to artists who are tipped for success in the coming year .
The 25-year-old 's entrancing voice and jazz-steeped songs made her the runaway winner , after votes were counted from 170 music critics and industry figures .
She joins the likes of Adele , Haim and Ellie Goulding , who have all topped the Sound Of ... list in previous years .
Indie band Easy Life came second , while pop-punk firebrand Yungblud was third .
`` I 'm really , really happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told she 'd won .
`` It 's like all of the work that went in throughout the [ last ] year was n't invisible .
`` I ca n't wait now to see what the rest of the year will look like .
I 'm so thrilled and so excited .
I ca n't wait . ''
Born in Los Angeles and raised in Brighton , Celeste Waites started making music as a teenager , while working in pubs and charity shops to make ends meet .
She wrote her first song @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 , in tribute to her Jamaican father , who had died of lung cancer a year earlier .
The track was uploaded to YouTube , where it caught the attention of her manager - but success was still a long way off .
Three years ago , the singer moved to London with just £100 in her pocket ; but was fired because she kept skipping work to write songs .
`` I 'd rather call in sick and go to the studio than have the money for that month , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was a couple of months where I was like , 'What am I going to do ? '
'' Luckily , unemployment coincided with Celeste 's discovery - first by Lily Allen 's label Bank Holiday Records , which released her first EP , and later by Polydor , who signed her in 2018 .
Since then , she 's supported Janelle Monáe , Neneh Cherry and Sound of 2012 winner Michael Kiwanuka on tour .
Fellow soul singer Jorja Smith recently described Celeste as `` incredible , stunning , everything '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a voice that does not come around often and when you are exposed to it , is impossible to ignore , '' said Radio 1 's Annie Mac , who has supported the singer on her show .
`` I have received countless emotional texts from listeners who have had to sit in their car and lose themselves to her song Strange before carrying on with their evening .
Her songwriting is personal and poignant but with universal appeal .
Celeste 's victory in the BBC Sound Of 2020 follows similar accolades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rising star award , and BBC Music Introducing , who named her their artist of the year - but she says awards have never been the goal .
`` When I write music I never think about whether anybody wants to listen to it , '' she explains .
`` I just keep pushing myself in all these different ways where eventually , hopefully , I 've made something distinct that can be enjoyed by other people . ''
Congratulations on winning the Sound Of 2020 .
How does it feel ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , potentially .
You really want to make sure you live up to it but , ultimately , it 's really encouraging to know you 're on the right track .
What do you hope it will do for your career ?
Hopefully it 'll mean more people will hear my music .
At the moment , there are people listening to it - but it 's not , like , everyone in England , so I hope that will widen out .
Let 's go right back to the beginning ... What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All sorts of things .
I was very hyperactive and I was very much into sports , and on Saturday I 'd go to ballet .
The teachers there took a liking to me and they told my mum , I could go to a performing arts school on a scholarship .
So I went there for a year when I was 10 .
What was that like ?
It was really intense , everyone was being nurtured to be a product of the school.I remember saying to my mum , `` Everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went back to normal school with my friends .
Was there a lot of music at home ?
None of my family played a musical instrument - but there was such an appreciation for lyrics and melody .
On a Friday night , we 'd put music on and my step-dad would pick it apart , he 'd be like , 'the strings in this part are nuts ' .
So without really thinking about it , I began to take note of those things myself .
Which artist got you hooked ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and he only had three CDs in it - but one of them was Aretha Franklin , and that 's the one I remember the most .
I love her for her storytelling - just how she structures her songs and her raw delivery and her emotion .
From the first note she sings , it does n't relent .
That 's something I 'm interested in , in any music I listen to .
It just has to be really raw and real and true .
Is it true that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yeah !
There was a charity shop at the top of my mum 's road and I used to go in there and rummage around the vinyl section .
Initially , I was just interested in the artwork - I did n't even have a record player at the time !
A few years later , I got to listen to those things I 'd been collecting for three years , music from the 50s and 60s like Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan and Shirley Bassey , and I was like , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Were you already thinking you could become a singer ?
Actually , at my college we were all encouraged to go to university and I started really optimistically .
I took on loads of subjects - English literature , history , fine art and media studies - but then my dad passed away in the first term .
I came back after that a bit bewildered and confused .
I stopped working and going to classes , and I was n't handing in my work .
My teachers were confused because I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends [ about my dad dying ] .
When I finally explained , they gave me the opportunity to drop some subjects - and that 's when I took up music .
But most of the focus I put into that was in my own time .
It was n't in that class .
Was it hard to be creative in school ?
Definitely .
If you 're slightly more introvert , which I was at the time , you do n't necessarily want to sing in a room of 20 or 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who played in bands and they were like , `` We 've heard you can sing , do you want to come round to our house after school and try and play some stuff ? ''
And I loved it .
It was self-discovery through my friends helping me build my self-confidence .
What was your first gig ?
We played a cover of Wild Wood by Paul Weller , and some other songs in a little bar underground near the seafront in Brighton .
I just remember the process of being in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and any nerves I had evaporated .
People were surprised because they 'd known me growing up but they had no idea I could sing .
Daydreaming was the song that got you noticed .
When was that written ?
I was actually working in a pub !
It was one of the hottest days of the year and all my friends were texting me like , `` We 're going to the beach ! ''
but I was stuck in work .
And there was a little side door that used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beam of light came through and hit the stage my boss had built to the left of the bar .
I started imagining what it would be like to be to be in one of those amazing concert halls of the 1930s , singing under the spotlight - which was the light coming from the door - and I started writing down the lyrics for Daydreaming .
`` Another day , another wage , work again / I 'll play away , I 'm drifting , not listening , '' and those were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play a big role in your music .
Is n't that your mum on the artwork for She 's My Sunshine ?
Yes it is !
That song 's about her and the cover is mum in 1994 when she was pregnant with me .
The other day she was like , `` I 've gone viral ! ''
I was like , `` I do n't think so '' .
Father 's Son also talks about growing up in a single-parent family .
Yeah , a lot of my friends grew up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends , and we 'd been having conversations about whether they 'd inherited traits from their fathers , even though they had n't grown up in the same household .
When I met my dad for the first time as an adult , we had a very similar personality but it was n't something witnessed and learned from him .
So I thought , `` Yeah , maybe I am my father 's daughter '' .
Why do you sing `` Father 's Son '' in the song ?
I went to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was graffiti on the wall that said , `` Father 's Son '' .
I remember it like a film : England had lost , and it was all smoky and there was a pandemonium on in the background - people throwing traffic cones up in the air and all this stuff .
But the phrase really struck me .
Straight away I thought , `` Maybe I 'm my father 's son , because I 'm surrounded by men and I feel this affinity with them , but I 'm also myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's why I wanted to write the song in the way I did .
Your most recent single , Strange , has taken on a life of its own .
I 'm really pleased .
Initially , people thought it would n't be easy to get it played on daytime radio , so I 'm pleased I stuck to my guns .
The first time I first sang it , I got a feeling I 'd be singing it a lot more ...
The vocals are incredible .
You 're barely there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it 's so moving because of that .
Thanks very much !
It 's funny because I was actually in America when I recorded it and there were a lot of fires at the time .
There was so much ash and smoke in the air that I found myself really husky , so when I went to the studio , I could n't sing to the full extent .
It made me approach singing and the chord structure in a different way .
I went in with a whisper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with my voice .
I think it 's that song in particular that 's earned you the Sound Of 2020 and the Brit award ... so what do you have planned for the rest of the year ?
I 've hit the ground running in January and I 'm not going to stop !
I 'm still working on my album and I 'm aiming to complete it by the end of this year .
I 'm just hoping everything will align .
Celeste was chosen for the BBC Sound of 2020 list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , broadcasters , festival bookers and previous nominees - including Lewis Capaldi , Chvrches and Billie Eilish .
• Listen to the nominees on BBC Sounds • Find out more about the BBC Sound of 2020 .
On 5 February , Annie Mac will host Sound of 2020 Live on BBC Radio 1 from 8-11pm , welcoming all of the longlisted artists to the BBC 's legendary Maida Vale studios for a mixture of live performances and interviews , in front of a studio audience .
Follow us on Facebook , or on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Thanks very much! It's funny because I was actually in America when I recorded it and there were a lot of fires at the time. There was so much ash and smoke in the air that I found myself really husky, so when I went to the studio, I couldn't sing to the full extent. It made me approach singing and the chord structure in a different way. I went in with a whisper, because I was trying to be careful with my voice.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Harry and Meghan: What we know so far and will happen next

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex say they are to step back as `` senior '' royals and divide their time between the UK and North America .
The couple , who have a baby son , Archie , said they plan to carve out a `` progressive new role '' in the Royal Family and intend to `` work to become financially independent '' .
What might their new role be ?
Prince Harry and Meghan have plans to launch a new `` charitable entity '' .
Exactly where and exactly what are unclear as the couple have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new role .
However , their new charity is expected to be global in reach , with some of the focus likely to be on the US and Africa .
On the pair 's first official overseas tour last year with their son , Archie , the Duchess of Sussex told teenage girls in a deprived part of South Africa that she was with them `` as a woman of colour and as your sister '' .
Prince Harry has spoken of his personal love for Africa , describing the continent as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself than anywhere else in the world '' .
The couple 's charity work is also likely to have a commitment to female empowerment , an issue on which Meghan has publicly pledged to `` shine a light '' .
How will they fund their new life ?
The couple have said their ambition is to `` work to become financially independent '' .
They say current rules prohibit them from `` earning income in any form '' but by taking a step back as senior royals , their new roles could involve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ author of a book on how royals have made and spent their wealth , said they already have their own money and could make more from TV in future .
Meghan was reportedly paid $ 50,000 per episode of the TV show Suits .
While she is no longer a working actress she will receive some payments whenever the show is rebroadcast .
The duke and duchess 's expenses - such as living costs , travel , clothing - are currently covered by Harry 's father for their role as working royals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales funds his sons and their families with income from the Duchy of Cornwall .
• Harry and Meghan to step back as senior royals Historian and royal author Hugo Vickers told the BBC he was unconvinced by the couple 's plans .
He said `` they think they can do all sorts of things together but the fact is that they 're very likely , if they 're not careful , to end up as slightly tarnished celebrities , perhaps '' .
Where will they be based ?
They plan to divide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America , They only moved into their new home - Frogmore Cottage in Windsor , Berkshire - last April ahead of the birth of their son .
The estimated cost to the taxpayer of renovations to it is £3 million .
Harry and Meghan took an extended break from royal duties over Christmas , including time spent in the Canadian province of British Columbia .
While acting in the US drama Suits , Toronto became an adopted city for Meghan .
It is home to her friends , Jessica and Ben Mulroney , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple '' , according to Toronto Life magazine .
It is likely that the family would spend time in Meghan 's US homeland too - her mother , Doria Ragland , lives in California .
Her father , Thomas Markle , with whom Meghan has little contact , lives in Mexico .
Many months of reflection and internal discussions , they said .
In October , the public got a glimpse into the couple 's mindset in an ITV documentary filmed during a tour of Africa .
The Duchess of Sussex admitted adjusting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and she had not been prepared for the intensity of the media scrutiny , despite warnings from her British friends that the tabloids could `` destroy '' her life .
Asked whether she was coping , Meghan , a new mother , said : `` I have said for a long time to H - that is what I call him - it 's not enough to just survive something , that 's not the point of life .
You have got to thrive . ''
Prince Harry also described his mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pressures of his life as a matter of `` constant management '' .
Following their decision to step back as senior royals , BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said there were `` great chunks '' of the job that the couple `` simply could not stand '' , while Harry `` hated the cameras and was visibly bored by the ceremonial '' .
Towards the end of last year , Prince Harry said he and Meghan were to take legal action against the Mail on Sunday over a claim it unlawfully published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paper stands by its story .
At the time , an unrestrained Harry said : `` I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces . ''
Referring to his mother , Diana , Princess of Wales ' sudden death in 1997 , he said : `` I 've seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person . ''
What else have they said ?
The couple have also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlines their attitude to the media .
The duke and duchess said they would be adopting a `` revised media approach to ensure diverse and open access of their work '' in 2020 .
Included in this new strategy , Harry and Meghan said they would `` engage with grassroots media organisations and young , up-and-coming journalists '' .
They will also pull out of the so-called royal rota system , where journalists and media representatives are given exclusive passes to cover royal engagements on the understanding they share all the material they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dramatic transformation of news reporting in the digital age , '' the couple said in a statement on their website .
Under a heading asking what Harry and Meghan 's stance is on the media in general , the couple said they believe in a `` free , strong and open media '' which `` upholds accuracy and fosters inclusivity , diversity and tolerance '' .
`` Their Royal Highnesses recognise that their roles as members of the Royal Family are subject to interest , and they welcome accurate and honest media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account if appropriate .
Equally , like every member of society , they also value privacy as individuals and as a family . ''
The couple said they would continue to use social media , including their Instagram account which has 10.1m followers , to `` personally share moments in their lives directly with members of the public '' .

Harry and Meghan: What do we know so far and what will happen next? Published 20 January 2020
Image source, Getty Images
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are stepping back from royal duties and will divide their time between the UK and North America, Buckingham Palace has announced.
They will no longer use their HRH titles and will stop receiving public funds for royal duties under the "new arrangement".
The couple, who have a baby son, Archie, had previously said they planned to carve out a "progressive new role" in the Royal Family and intended to "work to become financially independent".
What might the 'next chapter' look like?
Following the announcement from the Queen, a separate statement from Buckingham Palace said the couple were grateful to the monarch and the Royal Family for their support as they "embark on the next chapter of their lives".
It said they understood they are "required to step back from royal duties, including official military appointments".
The couple will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations "with the Queen's blessing", the statement said.
Prince Harry and Meghan said previously they plan to launch a new "charitable entity".
Exactly where and exactly what are unclear as the couple have not yet elaborated on how they see their new role.
However, their new charity is expected to be global in reach, with some of the focus likely to be on the US and Africa.
On the pair's first official overseas tour last year with their son, Archie, the Duchess of Sussex told teenage girls in a deprived part of South Africa that she was with them "as a woman of colour and as your sister".
Prince Harry has spoken of his personal love for Africa, describing the continent as a place "where I feel more like myself than anywhere else in the world".
The couple's charity work is also likely to have a commitment to female empowerment, an issue on which Meghan has publicly pledged to "shine a light".
How will they fund their new life?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not receive public funds for royal duties.
They have said their ambition is to "work to become financially independent".
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, "Nothing like this has ever happened before" – royal correspondent Daniela Relph explains
David McClure, author of a book on how royals have made and spent their wealth, said they already have their own money and could make more from TV in future.
Meghan was reportedly paid $50,000 (£38,400) per episode of the TV show Suits. While she is no longer a working actress she will receive some payments whenever the show is rebroadcast.
Currently, the duke and duchess's expenses - such as living costs, travel, clothing - are covered by Harry's father for their role as working royals, representing the Queen.
The Prince of Wales funds his sons and their families with income from the Duchy of Cornwall.
Historian and royal author Hugo Vickers previously told the BBC he was unconvinced by the couple's plans.
He said: "They think they can do all sorts of things together but the fact is that they're very likely, if they're not careful, to end up as slightly tarnished celebrities, perhaps".
Where will they be based?
They plan to divide their time between the UK and North America, but BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said: "It is expected that they will spend the majority of their time in North America now."
They only moved into their new home - Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, Berkshire - last April ahead of the birth of their son. The estimated cost to the taxpayer of renovations to it is about £2.4m.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement the couple have "shared their wish to repay Sovereign Grant expenditure" for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage.
It will remain their UK family home, the palace added.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Ben and Jessica Mulroney, pictured in 2009
Harry and Meghan took an extended break from royal duties over Christmas, including time spent in the Canadian province of British Columbia.
While acting in the US drama Suits, Toronto became an adopted city for Meghan. It is home to her friends, Jessica and Ben Mulroney, the city's "most polished power couple", according to Toronto Life magazine.
It is likely that the family would spend time in Meghan's US homeland too - her mother, Doria Ragland, lives in California.
Her father, Thomas Markle, with whom Meghan has little contact, lives in Mexico.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, lives in California
What's behind the decision?
Many months of reflection and internal discussions, they said.
In October, the public got a glimpse into the couple's mindset in an ITV documentary filmed during a tour of Africa.
The Duchess of Sussex admitted adjusting to royal life had been "hard" and she had not been prepared for the intensity of the media scrutiny, despite warnings from her British friends that the tabloids could "destroy" her life.
Asked whether she was coping, Meghan, a new mother, said: "I have said for a long time to H - that is what I call him - it's not enough to just survive something, that's not the point of life. You have got to thrive."
Prince Harry also described his mental health and the way he deals with the pressures of his life as a matter of "constant management".
Following their decision to step back as senior royals, BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said there were "great chunks" of the job that the couple "simply could not stand", while Harry "hated the cameras and was visibly bored by the ceremonial".
Towards the end of last year, Prince Harry said he and Meghan were to take legal action against the Mail on Sunday over a claim it unlawfully published one of her private letters. The paper stands by its story.
At the time, an unrestrained Harry said: "I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces."
Referring to his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales' sudden death in 1997, he said: "I've seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person."
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Meghan spoke to ITV as part of a documentary last year
What else have they said?
Speaking at an event on Sunday evening, Prince Harry said he is "taking a leap of faith" in stepping back from being a senior royal, adding that "there really was no other option".
The duke insisted he and Meghan had hoped to continue serving the Queen, but without public funding. "Unfortunately, that wasn't possible," he said.
In his speech, posted on the couple's Instagram account, Prince Harry also spoke of his "great sadness" over his and Meghan's new relationship with the Royal Family.
"The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly," he said.
The BBC's royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said there were "two big messages" to take from the speech: including Harry stressing that the move was his call; and that the prince wanted to continue in some sort of royal role.
Following the announcement from the Queen that the couple were stepping back from royal duties and can no longer formally represent the Queen, Buckingham Palace said the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will "continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty".
While no details have been given about security arrangements for the couple, the statement said "there are well-established and independent processes to determine the need for publicly-funded security".
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The Royal Family faces intense media scrutiny
Harry and Meghan had also updated the section of their website which outlines their attitude to the media.
The duke and duchess said they would be adopting a "revised media approach to ensure diverse and open access of their work" in 2020.
Included in this new strategy, Harry and Meghan said they would "engage with grassroots media organisations and young, up-and-coming journalists".
They will also pull out of the so-called royal rota system, where journalists and media representatives are given exclusive passes to cover royal engagements on the understanding they share all the material they gather.
"The current system predates the dramatic transformation of news reporting in the digital age," the couple said in a statement on their website.
Under a heading asking what Harry and Meghan's stance is on the media in general, the couple said they believe in a "free, strong and open media" which "upholds accuracy and fosters inclusivity, diversity and tolerance".
"Their Royal Highnesses recognise that their roles as members of the Royal Family are subject to interest, and they welcome accurate and honest media reporting as well as being held to account if appropriate. Equally, like every member of society, they also value privacy as individuals and as a family."


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Danger washing machine repair dates to be revealed

Owners of fire-prone Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines will learn in the coming days how long they must wait for a replacement or repair .
Most fear many more weeks without a functioning machine , having already gone through Christmas and New Year unable to put clothes on a hot wash .
Some 519,000 machines sold since 2014 are subject to the recall , owing to an overheating door locking system .
Whirlpool , which owns the brands , said repairs would start on Monday .
Seventy-nine fires are thought to have been caused by the fault which develops over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • ' I 've called Whirlpool 40 times and got nowhere' The announcement that these machines could be a danger was made on 17 December .
Users of the affected appliances were told to stop using and unplug them or , alternatively , only use the cold cycle of 20C or less to reduce the risk .
Many of those affected said doing so had already been a huge inconvenience for the last three weeks , particularly over the festive period .
Some have called for reimbursement of fees they have paid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled out by the company .
Whirlpool has received 1.2 million calls about the issue .
So far , 60,000 people were found to have affected machines - only around one in 10 of the affected machines .
They will all receive an email by next Friday inviting them to choose a date for replacement or repair via an online portal .
A company spokesman said those cases were anticipated to be completed `` in a matter of weeks '' .
Whirlpool added in a statement : `` In line with the commitment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we have been working tirelessly to ensure that we can now formally reach out to all affected customers who have registered with us to arrange to replace and repair their washing machines . ''
Whirlpool has set up a model checker online .
Owners of Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines bought since October 2014 will need to enter the model and serial number of their appliance - found inside the door or on the back - to see if it is one of those affected .
If so , their details will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also a free helpline , open every day , available on 0800 316 1442 .
The company will email all those on the register to offer a replacement or repair and invite them to choose a date on an online portal for that to be carried out .
One of those affected by the recall is Janet McPherson , of Lampeter , south west Wales .
The 65-year-old was fed up with the probability of a long wait , had lost trust in the brand , faced an eight-mile round trip to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whirlpool 's customer service .
So , she bought a new machine just before Christmas .
`` I made my vote by buying a different brand .
It did not help with the Christmas budget at all , '' she said .
Now she believes she should be given a refund for the faulty machine and is prepared for a fight with the company .
She is not alone among owners in calling for refunds to be offered , as well as repairs or replacements .
They have been supported by MPs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs on consumer protection said customers had been `` severely let down '' owing to the delay until machines were fixed or replaced .
The former head of the Commons Business Committee , Rachel Reeves , has also demanded the company give refunds to those who want them .
Sue Davies , head of consumer protection at consumer group Which ?
, said : `` It would clearly be unacceptable if customers were left for many months without adequate washing facilities in their homes , particularly when there is also no offer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the laundrette .
`` The company should do the right thing and offer customers a refund , so people can get fire-risk machines out of their homes and quickly find a suitable replacement .
There needs to be a full investigation about what Whirlpool knew about these machines and when . ''
But the company said its priority was to ensure potentially dangerous appliances were removed from homes , which would not be guaranteed if refunds were offered .
It said other costs would not be refunded .
It will begin a national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and is contacting vulnerable or isolated customers as a priority .
Whirlpool was heavily criticised for its initial response when more than five million tumble dryers , sold over 11 years , were found to be a fire danger .
It only launched a full recall for that issue after four years , following an intervention by the regulator .

A company spokesman said those cases were anticipated to be completed "in a matter of weeks". Whirlpool added in a statement: "In line with the commitment we made to our customers in December, we have been working tirelessly to ensure that we can now formally reach out to all affected customers who have registered with us to arrange to replace and repair their washing machines."


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Running and mental health: 'I couldn't see a way past depression until I ran'

Jerry 's 27 and has completed five half-marathons .
But there was a time when she `` did n't think @ @ @ @ @ '' of her depression and severe social anxiety .
After experiencing a lot of `` @ @ @ @ @ Jerry turned to drugs and alcohol before getting help from a therapist who suggested she @ @ @ @ @ she `` felt like she was dying '' when she first started , she says @ @ @ @ @ her life and aims to become a personal trainer to help people in a similar @ @ @ @ @ Stories is a video series to tie in with the renewed interest in fitness and @ @ @ @ @ These are tales of how running has changed people 's lives .
Listen to Newsbeat @ @ @ @ @ weekdays - or listen back here .

Jerry's 27 and has completed five half-marathons.
But there was a time when she "didn't think there was a way out" of her depression and severe social anxiety.
After experiencing a lot of "very negative relationships", Jerry turned to drugs and alcohol before getting help from a therapist who suggested she started running.
Despite admitting she "felt like she was dying" when she first started, she says she now has control over her life and aims to become a personal trainer to help people in a similar situation to her.
Running Stories is a video series to tie in with the renewed interest in fitness and rejuvenation that January brings.
These are tales of how running has changed people's lives.
Video journalist: Woody Morris
Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Stormont reaches three years of political deadlock

Thursday marks three years of deadlock at Stormont since the assembly and executive collapsed .
Talks aimed at getting devolved government back up and running are ongoing , but no agreement has yet been reached .
The institutions collapsed in January 2017 when the two biggest parties - the DUP and Sinn Féin - clashed over a green energy scandal .
Since then , several attempts to broker a deal have failed .
But following the general election in December , there was a renewed focus on restoring the institutions .
If no deal is reached by Monday 13 January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold a fresh assembly election , in line with the law .
• 'Now is the moment ' to restore devolution Before Christmas , Mr Smith blamed the DUP for the inability to secure a deal .
But the party said it was unfair to single it out and that gaps remained over proposals for reforming the assembly 's controversial veto mechanism - the petition of concern - and support for an Irish language act .
Why has devolution been suspended for so long ?
Since the DUP and Sinn Féin - the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time - split in January 2017 the Northern Ireland Assembly has been suspended and attempts to restore it have failed .
Sinn Féin has said it would not go back into an executive with the DUP , unless legislation for an Irish language act was implemented .
The language is seen as important to the wider nationalist community , and a small number of unionists , as a symbol of identity - but in turn , it has been vigorously resisted by unionist parties .
In February 2018 , it appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but it collapsed at the last moment .
So what happens next ?
The parties are currently engaged in a fresh round of talks to try to break the deadlock , which began after the general election in December .
Going into the talks , unlike in previous negotiations , there was more optimism about the chances of a deal .
The DUP lost its influence at Westminster as the Conservatives won a majority in Parliament and , along with Sinn Féin , it saw its vote share drop in the general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest Stormont parties , neither will relish another election so soon .
That being said , the negotiations are far from over and it is still a big ask to get the assembly restored soon .
Calls for an Irish language act and reform of the petition of concern have remained sticking points .
What is the petition of concern ?
The veto mechanism is understood to be the biggest stumbling block to a deal .
The petition is aimed at ensuring legislation can not pass without cross-community support , but has faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DUP MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said his party favoured keeping it but reforming it .
He said all parties `` agree it should be retained as an important safeguard '' .
The SDLP , Alliance , Sinn Féin and the Ulster Unionist Party have all said they are in favour of reform .
But the issue remains exactly what sort of reform can be agreed by all of the parties .
What is the issue with an Irish language act ?
Those in favour of Irish language legislation say that it is time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection and promotion in Northern Ireland .
On Sunday , Irish language group Conradh na Gaeilge described a meeting with Mr Smith as `` productive '' and that it got `` a fair hearing '' .
The campaign group said there was no `` legitimate justification for denying '' Irish language legislation .
East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said the language `` has a perfectly acceptable place in Northern Ireland society '' .
Mr Campbell added : `` Where there is an unacceptable demand to elevate it above all other minority languages , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties or HM government saying we will have to yield on this issue as it is preventing devolution returning , we will not do so . ''

But the party said it was unfair to single it out and that gaps remained over proposals for reforming the assembly's controversial veto mechanism - the petition of concern - and support for an Irish language act.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Putting pupils in isolation 'drives poor behaviour'

Putting challenging pupils in isolation for extended periods at school can harm their mental health , the Centre for Mental Health ( CMH ) is warning .
The charity says the use of isolation rooms - and other restrictive interventions - can also `` potentially drive even more challenging behaviour '' .
It says children who have already had traumatic experiences in their lives are especially vulnerable .
The government says it will publish new guidance for England by the summer .
The CMH says thousands of young people are subject to some form of restrictive intervention in schools in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are no official figures on the numbers of children being put in isolation , but a BBC News investigation found that more than 200 pupils had spent at least five straight days in isolation areas in schools in England in 2017 .
The CMH 's report says these sorts of practices have a negative impact on a child 's mental health , even if he or she has had no previous traumatic experiences .
But it warns that youngsters who have faced previous difficulties in life are `` especially at risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , exclusion and seclusion can echo relational trauma and systemic trauma ; while physical restraint can echo physical and sexual abuse , '' the report says .
`` As a result , these interventions may cause harm and potentially drive even more challenging behaviour . ''
The charity says a third of young people in England will have had a traumatic experience - such as the death of a close relative , being involved in a serious accident or experiencing violence or abuse at home - by the time they are 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware that these sorts of adverse events can traumatise children and should use a more compassionate approach to promoting good behaviour .
Its report highlights the need for `` trauma-informed schools '' which `` actively seek to minimise the risk that they will add to their students ' traumatic experiences '' .
In its response to Edward Timpson 's review of school exclusions in England , published last year , the Department for Education said it would publish `` clearer , more consistent guidance '' on exclusions and behaviour by the summer of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managing behaviour , on the use of in-school units and the sorts of circumstances where it may be appropriate to use exclusion , '' it said .
In the meantime , the BBC has learned that families have taken legal action to challenge their children being placed in isolation for several days .
Dan Rosenberg , from Simpson Millar solicitors , who represents some of those families , said : `` Isolation is being used as a dumping ground for some children - those with underlying difficulties are worst affected .
`` Poorly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed from class at short notice , both by way of sanction and to enable them to calm down or for the lesson to continue .
`` But deliberately putting children in isolation for extended periods of time is not an appropriate way to provide education or safeguard their mental health . ''
A Department for Education spokeswoman said : `` Schools need to be safe and calm environments with effective behaviour management policies and approaches that meet the needs of all pupils .
`` Restraint or restrictive intervention should always be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an appropriate way , with the pupil 's best interests at heart . ''

The charity says a third of young people in England will have had a traumatic experience - such as the death of a close relative, being involved in a serious accident or experiencing violence or abuse at home - by the time they are 18.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--In pictures: Harry and Meghan's life together

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they are to `` step back '' as senior members of the Royal Family .
Prince Harry and Meghan say they will now divide their time between the UK and North America and aim to become `` financially independent '' .
In 2016 , Kensington Palace released a statement confirming Harry had been dating US actress Meghan Markle `` for a few months '' .
They were pictured in public for the first time in Toronto , attending a wheelchair tennis match during the 2017 Invictus Games .
They announced their engagement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together .
Meghan told BBC News that Harry 's proposal was `` just an amazing surprise , it was so sweet and natural and very romantic '' .
In February 2018 the couple took part in their first joint engagement with Prince Harry 's brother and sister-in-law , the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge .
As Meghan joined their Royal Foundation charity , Harry joked the foursome were now `` stuck together '' .
The couple were married at Windsor Castle , on 19 May 2018 , with 1,200 public invitations to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the town in a horse-drawn carriage .
In June 2018 , the Queen and the duchess were seen at their first royal engagement together , as they officially opened the Mersey Gateway Bridge and Chester 's Storyhouse Theatre .
That autumn , Kensington Palace revealed the duchess was pregnant and the couple 's baby was due in the Spring .
Shortly after the announcement , they embarked on their first official overseas tour , visiting Australia , New Zealand , Fiji and Tonga .
On 6 May , 2019 , Meghan gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mountbatten-Windsor , who became seventh in line to the throne .
Harry told reporters : `` It 's been the most amazing experience I could ever possibly imagine '' .
In June 2019 , the couple announced they were splitting from the charity they shared with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to set up their own foundation .

Image caption,
They announced their engagement a few weeks after being first pictured together. Meghan told BBC News that Harry's proposal was "just an amazing surprise, it was so sweet and natural and very romantic".


bbcuk--2020-01-07--What will happen in Scottish politics in 2020?

MSPs are heading back to work at Holyrood while newly-elected MPs gear up to pass a Brexit deal at Westminster .
After a tumultuous 2019 , what does 2020 hold in store for Scottish politics ?
The first and most obvious result of the general election is that Boris Johnson 's promise to `` get Brexit done '' will become a reality on 31 January .
With a comfortable Conservative majority , Westminster deadlock over a withdrawal deal is a thing of the past - but that does n't mean Brexit is going away as an issue .
There 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future relationship with the EU and laying the foundations for a trade deal - all inside an 11-month transition period .
Expect the familiar talk of no-deal cliff edges to continue through much of the year - in debate at Holyrood as well as Westminster , with much of the Brexit legislation set to cut across devolved areas .
The Scottish government are digging in over Holyrood 's consent for such bills , and will use every one of them to drive home a reminder of the 62 % majority for Remain north @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of year , Scottish Finance Secretary Derek Mackay would be locked in negotiations with opposition parties seeking support for his budget plans .
This year , there 's something missing - the budget .
Mr Mackay had planned to announce it on 12 December , but instead found himself in a polling booth .
The UK government is yet to set out its plans , and this means Mr Mackay does n't know exactly how much money he has to spend .
The knock-on effect is that councils and health boards do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spend either .
By the time Chancellor Sajid Javid confirms the UK budget , on March 11 , there will be very little time for debate , scrutiny or deal-making .
The Treasury insists Mr Mackay will have enough information to set out his plans whenever he wants , but he says there has been `` absolutely no engagement '' .
Holyrood 's budget process is meant to last months .
The way things stand , it may have to be compressed into a matter of days .
In March , former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial at the High Court in Edinburgh .
He denies charges of sexual misconduct by ten women .
The trial itself is entirely a matter for the justice system , not politics .
But immediately after it ends , a series of inquiries will begin into how complaints against Mr Salmond were handled by the Scottish government .
The court is the only place where the substance of any complaints will be settled , but regardless of the outcome it will be far from the last word said about the matter .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its botched internal investigation process - successfully challenged in court by Mr Salmond - a probe to establish whether Ms Sturgeon breached the ministerial code in her dealings with her predecessor , and a Holyrood inquiry into both .
The latter could potentially drag on for months , calling the first minister and her team of special advisors as witnesses in public committee hearings .
If you thought the big questions of leadership were settled on 12 December , think again .
Many political party members are going to find themselves voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders .
The Scottish Conservative leadership contest - left in deep freeze during the election campaign - has now begun in earnest .
Alongside the UK Labour leadership race , Scottish Labour have to find themselves a new deputy leader after Lesley Laird lost the position along with her seat on December 12 .
The Lib Dems meanwhile also need a new figurehead after the SNP dethroned Jo Swinson in East Dunbartonshire .
In Scotland , there 's another national election coming around the corner too , in the shape of the 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitches to play a big part in setting the scene for that race .
Governments do n't often save up big reforms for the tail end of the parliamentary term , but Ms Sturgeon and her ministers still have one contentious domestic topic to wrestle with .
The government wants to reform the Gender Recognition Act to make it easier for people to change their legally recognised gender , saying the current system can be `` traumatic and demeaning '' .
However , the plan has come in for criticism from some SNP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to `` self-identify '' their gender has been the topic of fierce debate .
Ministers have put their plans out for a fresh consultation , saying there needs to be `` maximum consensus '' due to `` valid concerns '' - but remain committed to making changes .
The consultation is due back in March , and the government would have to move relatively swiftly after that to get legislation through parliament before the next election .
The Conservative majority at Westminster has largely settled the issue of Brexit .
But with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the border , the other constitutional battleground - independence - is very much alive .
Nicola Sturgeon wants to hold a new referendum within the year , and has formally requested powers from Westminster to do so .
But will it happen in 2020 ?
There are two elements to this question .
The first is the logistics of actually holding a ballot , with PM Boris Johnson so far refusing to agree the deal Ms Sturgeon wants .
Fingers in ears at Downing Street wo n't help the SNP get a referendum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the second element - winning a referendum .
Even with the fog of Brexit befuddlement clearing , there are still question marks over how it will impact on the public mood .
Ms Sturgeon will be hoping it could provide the boost needed to get the Yes camp over the line , but is she willing to gamble on it now , with the polls finely poised ?

By the time Chancellor Sajid Javid confirms the UK budget, on March 11, there will be very little time for debate, scrutiny or deal-making. The Treasury insists Mr Mackay will have enough information to set out his plans whenever he wants, but he says there has been "absolutely no engagement".


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Thousands on waiting lists for gender identity clinics

Andrea Halliley is one of thousands of people on waiting lists for NHS gender identity clinics in England .
The @ @ @ @ @ more than 13,500 transgender and non-binary adults on waiting lists .
She went on tours @ @ @ @ @ and Iraq before retiring from the army in 2014 .

Andrea Halliley is one of thousands of people on waiting lists for NHS gender identity clinics in England.
The 51-year-old ex-soldier is one of more than 13,500 transgender and non-binary adults on waiting lists.
She went on tours to Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Iraq before retiring from the army in 2014.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Duffield stabbings: Tributes to Helen Hancock and Martin Griffiths

Friends of a man and woman stabbed to death in the early hours of New Year 's Day have paid tribute to `` a wonderful mummy '' and `` a doting dad '' .
Helen Hancock , 39 , and partner Martin Griffiths , 48 , were found by police in New Zealand Lane , Duffield , Derbyshire .
Rhys Hancock , 39 , is accused of murdering his estranged wife and Mr Griffiths in the marital home .
A friend said Mrs Hancock and Mr Griffiths spent the new year at her house and left at about 02:00 GMT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the East Midlands Speaking to BBC Radio Derby , Hannah Ruggins said Mrs Hancock and Mr Griffiths celebrated with them on New Year 's Eve .
`` She went home with Martin , and we all went to bed .
I put my phone on the next morning , I looked on Facebook and the first thing I saw was a picture of Helen 's house , '' she said .
`` I showed the picture to my husband and I just said : 'Something awful 's happened ' . ''
Another friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` a wonderful mummy to her three beautiful children '' , and `` just a lovely , bright , positive person '' .
Tori Yerbury met Mr Griffiths and his wife Claire through their children 's nursery in Mickleover , Derby .
She said the 48-year-old `` was an absolutely brilliant dad '' who was `` passionate about his mountaineering '' .
She said Mr Griffiths had separated from his wife Claire in October `` but they were still very close '' .
`` They 'd been together for 21 years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` He also wished her a happy new year on New Year 's Eve .
`` Claire only found out about Helen three days before they passed away , and it 's been an enormous shock for her , but she had had a chance to wish Martin well . ''
Mrs Griffiths has asked for privacy and in a message said her `` paramount priority is to protect her two young children '' .
Mr Griffiths 's family said in a written message he was `` a family man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son , a loving brother and a special uncle '' .
An online fundraiser for Mr Griffiths 's children has seen more than £2,000 of donations , while a similar funding page for Mrs Hancock 's three children has raised more than £20,000 .
Mr Hancock attended a hearing at Derby Crown Court on Monday , but did not enter a plea .
The defendant , of Portland Street , Etwall , is next due in court on 28 February .
Judge Nirmal Shant QC set a provisional trial date of 24 August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Twitter , or Instagram .
Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

"Claire actually only found out about Helen three days before they died, and it has been an enormous shock for her, but she did have chance to wish Martin well in his new relationship and they were in a good place," said Tori Yerbury, who met the family through their children's nursery in Mickleover, Derby.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Vehicles stuck on the A7 as snow hits the Borders

Drivers are being warned about wintry conditions hitting a number of routes in south east Scotland .
Some vehicles were @ @ @ @ @ on the A7 near Ashkirk and also near Mosspaul following heavy snow on higher ground @ @ @ @ @ have also been affected , along with both the A73 and A72 in Peeblesshire .
@ @ @ @ @ number of school buses had been cancelled but no schools had been closed .
Problems @ @ @ @ @ the A702 and an accident on the A68 was adding to delays .
The A721 @ @ @ @ @ deteriorated .
Snow and sleet were forecast to last in the area until late morning @ @ @ @ @ dry up .
However , temperatures are set to remain low until rain and winds @ @ @ @ @ .

Some vehicles were reported to be getting stuck on the A7 near Ashkirk and also near Mosspaul following heavy snow on higher ground.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Stormont talks: Discussions to restore devolution continue

Talks are to due to continue on Thursday as the British and Irish governments and the five main parties attempt to restore NI devolution .
On Wednesday , discussions between the parties , Secretary of State Julian Smith and Tánaiste Simon Coveney ran late into the evening .
It is understood the smaller parties were to be briefed on the draft deal but that has not yet happened .
Thursday marks three years since the executive collapsed .
It came apart in a bitter row between the DUP and Sinn Féin .
Mr Coveney said he had returned to Stormont @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an `` important '' day .
If devolution is not restored by Monday , a fresh assembly election could be called .
• Three years of political deadlock at Stormont • Power sharing : 'Now is the moment ' to restore devolution Northern Ireland has been without devolved government since 13 January , 2017 .
Proposed legislation for an Irish language act and reforming the petition of concern , the assembly 's controversial veto system , are among the key sticking points in the ongoing talks .
The DUP has been accused of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unionist Party ( UUP ) MLA Mike Nesbitt said it was time for the DUP and Sinn Féin to decide if they will return to power sharing .
Mr Nesbitt said the parties had done enough negotiating and that a final call needed to be made .
He added that the UUP had not been briefed or seen anything relating to the text of a draft deal .
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster 's Good Morning Ulster Programme on Thursday morning , Sinn Féin 's Declan Kearney said the situation is at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For the third day in a row this week there were late talks at Stormont .
We know that things are at a critical stage .
What we 've heard from the two big parties in recent days is that they want to find common ground .
We know what the sticking points are but it 's whether or not they believe that a deal can really be done .
Our understanding is that all the parties went to Stormont House last night .
The DUP and Sinn Féin had meetings with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unknown if they were shown anything or briefed .
The smaller parties did not hear or see anything and they left Stormont House without that briefing but we are told they are coming back today expecting to see something .
If there are two parties , on one hand , doing something and the other parties doing something else we know the problems that we had with that before .
There may be some animosity from smaller parties who feel they are being left out again .
Since Stormont collapsed , civil servants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have needed Westminster to pass some legislation for some areas they do not have powers over .
In July , the government extended a law that gives civil servants flexibility to take certain decisions , but that runs out on 13 January 2020 .
The government then has two options if devolution is still not restored .
Either bring forward another new bill to push back the date , or call a fresh assembly election .
In the past , it has opted to pursue legislation but the current Secretary of State Julian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll if the parties do not reach a breakthrough by 13 January .

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bbcuk--2020-01-09--Rape victim says Tory MP inquiry was 'a sham'

A ministerial inquiry clearing ex-Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns of misconduct over whether he knew of the `` sabotage '' of a rape trial by his ex-aide has been dismissed as `` a sham '' by the victim .
`` Lucy '' told BBC News she had not been contacted during the investigation .
Mr Cairns resigned from the cabinet last year over allegations he knew Ross England had broken a judge 's ruling by making claims about her sexual history .
The Tory MP said he was `` extremely sorry for the trauma '' she had faced .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was necessary or appropriate to contact Lucy .
In April 2018 , at the trial of his friend James Hackett , who had raped Lucy , Mr England told Cardiff Crown Court he had had a casual sexual relationship with her himself .
He said : `` I was worried about her because we 'd had casual sex on ... two occasions , one of which was group sex . ''
This evidence was not permissible in court , although Mr England denies knowing this when he gave evidence .
The judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a deliberate attempt to sabotage the trial .
Lucy told the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire programme : `` He just lied so brazenly and I just thought , 'This man feels like he 's untouchable and he was made to feel like that by the Conservative Party . '
'' Mr England has since said in a statement he had not been told `` that anything had been ruled inadmissible prior to my testimony '' .
`` I gave an honest answer , honouring the oath I took to tell the truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resigned as Welsh secretary last November over claims he had endorsed Mr England as a candidate for the Welsh assembly despite having been copied into an email relating to the collapse of the trial .
Mr Cairns denies he knew about it .
BBC News had discovered an email sent on 2 August 2018 to Mr Cairns by Geraint Evans , his special adviser .
It said : `` I have spoken to Ross and he is confident no action will be taken by the court . ''
Mr Cairns has since been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a government investigation .
The investigator explained those involved said they had not informed Mr Cairns of Mr England 's role and there was `` no direct evidence to contradict this '' .
But Lucy told Victoria Derbyshire no attempt had been made to speak to her .
`` The whole thing feels like a sham , '' she said .
`` What kind of investigation does n't contact the person who is most affected ? ''
The Cabinet Office investigation looked into whether Mr Cairns had been truthful in public office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judgement was made that it was not appropriate or necessary to contact Lucy , especially given her anonymity .
Mr Cairns had previously appointed Mr England to work as his campaign manager , in the same office as Lucy - who also worked for the MP .
She claimed she warned Mr Cairns she would leave her job if he appointed Mr England .
Lucy told the BBC as soon as she reported the rape to police she had been subjected to a `` campaign of hatred '' from members of the Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tell the police what happened '' .
She was raped as she slept at a house party held by Mr England and his girlfriend Kathryn Kelloway .
`` When I woke up I was being attacked , basically , '' she told Victoria Derbyshire .
`` Eventually , I managed to fight him off and run downstairs , where I told a friend . ''
Hackett was convicted at a subsequent trial and jailed for five years .
Lucy alleges that on the night of the rape , Ms Kelloway had shouted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
`` That just set the tone for the next two years , '' she told the programme .
`` It was a complete smear campaign .
`` They were trying to spread it , about certain people that I 'd slept with and therefore if I slept around to this degree , then I must have deserved what happened .
`` They were trying to say I 'd lied about other things , I 've made stuff up about other women , and therefore if I can make that up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` I have told nothing but the truth throughout , including to the police and in court [ as a prosecution witness ] , '' she added .
Lucy told Victoria Derbyshire the Conservative Party had a lot of work to do to make it a safe environment for young women to work in .
`` They just did n't have any respect for me , what I was going through , '' she said .
`` It definitely felt like members of Conservative Party were putting me on trial . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement : `` We are deeply sorry for the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the trial and the deep distress this must have caused the victim . ''
Mr Cairns said he was `` extremely sorry for the trauma and suffering Lucy has faced '' .
`` I believed that my parliamentary staff and I had supported her in a caring and compassionate way throughout , '' he said .
`` Lucy recognised this in messages received at the time . ''
Follow the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire programme on Facebook and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories here .

Lucy told the BBC as soon as she reported the rape to police she had been subjected to a "campaign of hatred" from members of the Tory Party, for having "the gall to tell the police what happened".


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Wrong-way M6 'drink-driver' hits cars near Lancaster

A drink-driver hit two cars as he went the wrong way down the M6 , traffic police have said .
@ @ @ @ @ headed south down the northbound carriage after joining the M6 at Forton Services near Lancaster @ @ @ @ @ users described on social media how the motorist was driving at high speed towards them @ @ @ @ @ the 71-year-old driver suffered chest injuries and was admitted to hospital .
Nobody else was @ @ @ @ @ Officers were first alerted to a driver heading in the wrong direction at about 18:00 @ @ @ @ @ what happened as frightening .
One said : `` I had to swerve into the @ @ @ @ @ never been so scared in my life , '' while another said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ things '' , adding that `` he must have been doing 80mph easy '' .
@ @ @ @ @ was arrested before his hospital admission , although currently he is not under arrest .
@ @ @ @ @ a later date .


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Iran plane crash: Evidence suggests Iran missile shot down plane - PM

There is a `` body of information '' to suggest an Iranian surface-to-air missile brought down a Ukrainian passenger plane that crashed near Tehran , PM Boris Johnson has said .
Four Britons were among the 176 people who died in the crash shortly after take-off on Wednesday , the PM added .
Mr Johnson said information suggests the plane was shot down but `` this may well have been unintentional '' .
Iran dismissed the suggestions that it was to blame as `` US propaganda '' .
Tehran has ruled out a missile strike by its air defences .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ carried out missile strikes on two airbases housing US forces in Iraq .
The air strikes were in retaliation for the US killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani .
It was previously reported that three British nationals - including two engineers and an owner of a local dry cleaning business - had died in the plane crash .
No 10 confirmed a fourth also died .
Also on board were 82 Iranians , 63 Canadians , 11 Ukrainians , 10 Swedes , four Afghans and three Germans .
• What do we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Who are the victims of Iran plane crash ?
Mr Johnson 's comments came after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had seen evidence that suggested Iran 's missiles brought down the Boeing 737-800 - which was operated by Ukrainian International Airlines on flight PS752 .
Mr Trudeau called for a full and thorough investigation into the crash .
US President Donald Trump also said on Thursday he had `` suspicions '' about what happened to the plane .
In a statement on Thursday , Mr Johnson said the UK government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international partners affected by the crash and that `` there now needs to be a full , transparent investigation '' .
`` It is vital that there should be an immediate and respectful repatriation of those who 've lost their lives to allow their families to grieve properly , '' he said .
`` The UK continues to call on all sides urgently to deescalate to reduce tensions in the region . ''
Speaking about the plane crash on BBC 'S Question Time - which will be broadcast later on Thursday - government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agrees with the Canadians that the plane was shot down by a missile .
`` We believe it was unintentional , '' Mr Lewis added .
`` We 'll be working with our Canadian colleagues and the prime minister has already spoken to our partners around the world , including in the EU with President Macron and Angela Merkel . ''
He said they wanted to make sure there was a `` good and proper investigation '' to find out what happened .
`` We all want to see a de-escalation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iranian official told the BBC 's security correspondent Frank Gardner that reports the plane was shot down by an Iranian missile were `` US propaganda '' .
`` Their claim without providing hard evidence to international community is worthless , '' the official said '' If they have any evidence , they simply can share it with international bodies before making such noise and efforts to shape public opinion for their further acts against Iran . ''
Tributes have been paid to three British men who have already been named as being on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national has not yet been named .
Mohammed Reza Kadkhoda Zadeh , 40 , ran a neighbourhood dry cleaners in Hassocks , West Sussex , and had a nine-year-old daughter .
He was described as a hardworking man who was good at his job and loved by staff .
BP engineer Sam Zokaei , 42 , from Twickenham , was also among the passengers after being on holiday .
A friend described him as `` always smiling and full of positive energy '' and who `` loved travelling to interesting far out places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saeed Tahmasebi , 35 , who worked as an engineer for Laing O'Rourke in Dartford .
Last year , Mr Tahmasebi - whose full name was Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi - married his Iranian partner , Niloufar Ebrahim , who was also listed as a passenger on the plane .

Speaking in Canada, he said: "The Iranian regime must open up to the international community, including access to the crash site, so we can get to the truth as quickly as possible to give the families of the victims an understanding of what happened to their loved ones."


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Prince Harry and Meghan: Duchess returns to Canada as Queen seeks solution

The Duchess of Sussex has returned to Canada amid ongoing discussions over the future role for her and the Duke of Sussex in the Royal Family .
She and Prince Harry had been in Canada over Christmas with son Archie .
It comes as the Queen , the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge asked staff to find a workable solution after the couple announced they will step back as senior royals .
The Royal Family was said to be `` hurt '' at the couple 's statement .
Palace sources have told BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consult any other royal about making their personal statement .
• Your questions answered on Harry and Meghan statement • Where do Prince Harry and Meghan get their money ?
• How Meghan ‘ tripped and fell ’ into Harry ’ s life In their announcement on Wednesday evening , Prince Harry and Meghan revealed they intend `` to step back as 'senior ' members of the Royal Family , and work to become financially independent '' .
They plan to split their time between the UK and North America , while `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Queen , the Commonwealth , and our patronages '' .
The decision came `` after many months of reflection and internal discussions '' , they added .
On Thursday , BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said the Queen had been in touch with the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge .
They all directed senior staff to work with the Sussex household and government to find a solution within days .
It was later confirmed to the BBC that Meghan had left for Canada , said BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` blindsided '' by the couple 's statement .
There had been talks within the Royal Family about the Sussexes ' future - but they were at an early stage , he said .
In a statement on Wednesday , Buckingham Palace said : `` We understand their desire to take a different approach , but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through . ''
Despite the couple 's decision , Harry will remain sixth in line to the throne .
Last October , Prince Harry and Meghan publicly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After returning in the UK after their six-week break in Canada on Tuesday , Harry , 35 , and Meghan , 38 , visited Canada 's High Commission in London to thank the country for hosting them and said the warmth and hospitality they received was `` unbelievable '' .
Former actress Meghan , who is American , lived and worked in Toronto during her time starring in the popular US drama Suits , and she has several Canadian friends .
'The manner of their leaving is breathtaking' The talk in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was forced by the impressive scoop of the Sun newspaper on Wednesday .
If that 's the case - and the couple 's media strategy is certainly unconventional - it goes some way to explaining why there are many more questions than there are answers .
But how did they get here ?
Those who have always had it in for Meghan put it down to her .
But that 's a long way from the truth .
Harry 's royal path has always been hard .
There was the long shadow of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media spotlight on his youthful mistakes and the extraordinary interest that his relationships and then his marriage sparked .
Unlike his older brother Prince William , Harry has never grown used to media , and still visibly bridles at the cameras and the questions .
And he is obviously - visibly - bored by the ceremonial side of the job .
In short , he has long wanted out .
And together with the woman he loves he now thinks he has found a way .
But the manner of his leaving - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pair were already preparing to launch their own Sussex Royal charity , which they set up after splitting from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge 's foundation in June last year .
The Sussexes ' new charity is expected to be global , linked to Africa and the US , rather than domestic - and will have a commitment to female empowerment .
It was revealed in December the couple had made an application to trademark their Sussex Royal brand across a string of items including books , calendars , clothing , charitable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In stepping back as senior royals , Harry and Meghan have announced they will no longer receive funding from the Sovereign Grant .
The Sovereign Grant is public money - £82m in 2018-19 - which pays for the cost of official royal duties , in exchange for the surrender by the Queen of the revenue from the Crown Estate .
The couple said the Sovereign Grant paid for 5 % of their official office from 2019 , with the remaining 95 % being funded by Prince Charles through his income from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classified as `` internationally protected people '' , which means they must have armed security provided by the Metropolitan Police .
They will retain Frogmore cottage , the Grade-2 listed property in Windsor that cost taxpayers £2.4m to renovate , as their official residence so they have a `` place to call home '' in the UK .
Reaction to the couple 's announcement from royal commentators has been mixed , with numerous questions over what their future royal roles will entail .
Bryony Gordon , a Daily Telegraph journalist who knows and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision could be linked to their mental health , after becoming a `` punching bag '' for a `` misogynistic and racist '' nation .
Graham Smith , a spokesman for Republic , which campaigns for an elected head of state , said Harry and Meghan 's decision `` raises questions about the monarchy 's future '' and will prompt taxpayers to ask how the couple 's extra security and overseas lifestyle will be funded .
`` This really is wanting to have your cake and eat it , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in and out of royal duties as it suits them but wo n't stop taking public money until they find other sources of income . ''
Meanwhile , Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said `` we must continue to celebrate and support '' the contribution the Royal Family makes to the UK , adding that it has an `` important role in public service '' .
In October last year , Meghan began legal action against the Mail on Sunday over a claim that it unlawfully published one of her private letters .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time , Prince Harry said : `` Though we have continued to put on a brave face ...
I can not begin to describe how painful it has been . ''
And in an ITV documentary last year , Meghan , who was born in the US , described motherhood as a `` struggle '' due to intense interest from newspapers .
On Wednesday the royal couple also announced they would also be adopting a `` revised media approach '' from the spring .
It will see them `` engage with grassroots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The National Union of Journalists criticised the plans , saying the move appears to try and `` prevent the media from functioning and compromising the ability of journalists to do their jobs , which is completely unacceptable '' .

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bbcuk--2020-01-10--Draft deal aims to break Stormont deadlock

The British and Irish governments have published the text of a draft deal aimed at restoring power sharing in Northern Ireland .
Secretary of State Julian Smith and Tánaiste ( Irish Deputy Prime Minister ) Simon Coveney made the announcement at a press conference at Stormont on Thursday evening .
The move came three years to the day since devolution collapsed in Northern Ireland .
If agreed , the deal , entitled New Decade , New Approach , will see the assembly reconvene on Friday .
Mr Smith , who has written to the assembly speaker asking him to convene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal will transform public services and restore public confidence in devolved government .
He asked all parties to support it , saying : `` Now is decision time , there is something in this deal for everyone . ''
• Three years of political deadlock at Stormont • 'Now is the moment ' to restore devolution The secretary of state said accepting the deal would also bring about the parties ' commitment to immediately ending ongoing industrial action by healthcare staff .
It includes pay parity , a new action plan on waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social care .
Health workers across Northern Ireland have been staging industrial action in protest against pay and staffing levels which they say are `` unsafe '' .
Simon Coveney said the path that led to this point had taken longer than many people thought .
He said it was `` based on the extensive discussions and collective work undertaken by the parties since May last year , following the awful murder of Lyra McKee '' .
Ms McKee was murdered by the New IRA in April last year .
The journalist was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Londonderry .
`` The British and Irish governments , as well as all the party leaders , were left in no doubt by the wave of applause and the very public demonstration in St Anne 's Cathedral that we had been called out to get politics in Northern Ireland working again , '' he said .
He added : `` I want you all to hear the words of Lyra McKee herself , the words she wrote in a book and never lived to publish .
She said 'Northern Ireland is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its past , it 's a place full of darkness and mysteries , but it 's also my home . '
'' Mr Coveney urged politicians to `` step up and fully represent their citizens '' , adding : `` Forget win or lose ... this is a deal full of compromises . ''
`` There is no need , and no public patience , for more process and more discussions .
It is time for political leadership and a collective commitment to making politics work for people , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK government is promising a large cash injection to tackle acute funding problems in Northern Ireland 's hospitals and schools .
The financial annex in the draft deal does not mention any specific figures .
But last year , the most senior official in the Department of Health said he would need somewhere between £700m and £1bn to tackle waiting lists , which are the worst in the UK .
So health service managers will have an expectation that a sum of a least that size will be on the way .
Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were around an Irish Language Act and the petition of concern .
The purpose of petition of concern is to protect one community from legislation that would favour another and a valid petition requires the signatures of 30 MLAs .
The draft deal says there is to be `` meaningful reform '' of the petition , which would be `` reduced and returned to its intended purpose '' and would `` only be used in the most exceptional circumstances and as a last resort , having used every other mechanism '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the appointment of both an Irish language commissioner and an Ulster Scots commissioner .
It also makes provision for a number of long-standing demands of environmentalists , including the idea that a new Programme for Government would see a separate climate change act for Northern Ireland - the only part of the UK without such legislation .
Up until now , Northern Ireland has been bound by and fed into targets set by wider UK legislation .
It proposes an independent environmental protection agency to hold government to account and to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a suggestion that the ill-fated RHI scheme , which helped collapse Stormont , would be shut down and replaced with different incentives to decarbonise heat .
• Setting out a new action plan on waiting times • Office of Identity and Cultural Expression set up How have the parties reacted ?
In a statement released after the press conference , DUP leader Arlene Foster said : `` On balance , we believe there is a basis upon which the Assembly and Executive can re-established in a fair and balanced way . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a perfect deal and there are elements within it which we recognise are the product of long negotiations and represent compromise outcomes .
There will always need to be give and take . ''
Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald TD said her party was `` studying the text and will give it careful consideration '' .
`` The Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle will meet tomorrow to fully assess it , '' she added .
The Ulster Unionists said they would attend the sitting and consider the business put before them if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Its leader , Steve Aiken , said : `` We will consider this complex and far reaching document carefully and consult widely within our party before making any further comments . ''

The draft deal says there is to be "meaningful reform" of the petition, which would be "reduced and returned to its intended purpose" and would "only be used in the most exceptional circumstances and as a last resort, having used every other mechanism".


bbcuk--2020-01-09--HMP Whitemoor: Brusthom Ziamani named as attack suspect

An inmate suspected of attacking an officer at a maximum security prison was jailed for planning to behead a soldier , the BBC has learned .
He is understood to be Brusthom Ziamani , 24 , who was found guilty of preparing an act of terrorism in 2015 .
The attack at HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire , in which four other prison staff were injured , happened as cells were unlocked .
One officer was slashed and stabbed , the others had rushed to help .
Ziamani was assisted by another prisoner , a Muslim convert who was serving time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were wielding bladed weapons and wearing fake suicide vests during the attack .
The male officer suffered wounds to his face but his injuries are not believed to be life threatening .
No arrests have been made , the Met Police said .
During his trial at the Old Bailey it was revealed that Ziamani had been inspired by the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby and used the internet to research cadet bases .
He converted to Islam in 2014 and , months later , was arrested in east London in a possession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ziamani was 18 when held in 2014 as part of a joint operation by the Met Police and MI5 .
He was jailed for 22 years but the sentence was later reduced on appeal .
The Met Police said it was `` deemed appropriate '' its counter-terrorism command unit was sent to HMP Whitemoor `` due to certain circumstances relating to this incident '' .
A spokesman said it was `` deemed appropriate '' for counter-terrorism officers to respond .
A prison service spokesman said : `` The incident was quickly resolved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are with the injured officers at this time .
`` We do not tolerate assaults on our hardworking officers and will push for the strongest possible punishment . ''
In a tweet , the general secretary of the Prison Officers Association ( POA ) , Steve Gillan , wrote : `` Having liaised with the Whitemoor committee today an official statement will be made tomorrow morning by the POA in a press release .
`` Nothing will be said on social media by the POA that compromises an ongoing police investigation into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ houses more than 400 Category A and B prisoners on three wings , including a number of the highest-risk inmates .
In February last year , a `` small number '' of prison staff there had to receive medical treatment after violence broke out .

During his trial at the Old Bailey it was revealed that Ziamani had been inspired by the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby and used the internet to research cadet bases.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--James Manning death: 'Red flags missed' before toddler's choke death

A toddler who choked on a sausage while on a Butlin 's holiday could still be alive if his tonsils had been removed sooner , an inquest heard .
Two-year-old James Manning died in June 2018 after choking at Butlin 's in Bognor Regis .
Consultant Philip Hyde , from Southampton Children 's Hospital told an inquest `` red flags '' were missed despite a number of choking episodes .
The toddler , from Battle , East Sussex , died two weeks after choking on a piece of sausage at the holiday resort .
West Sussex Coroner 's Court in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choking issues and breathing difficulties .
He had been on a waiting list to have his adenoids removed , along with his enlarged tonsils , in a bid to prevent more incidents .
His mother Natalie Reeves previously told the inquest her son would sometimes wake up gasping for breath and would choke on his food at least once a week .
Ms Reeves said she felt she had to plead with doctors to get a hospital referral .
Dr Hyde said : `` I feel that the NHS could have responded quicker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multiple episodes of presentation .
I feel there were opportunities to intervene and they would have made a difference to him choking in 2018 . ''
Dr Hyde said `` red flags '' were missed and James should have been `` on a much more rapid referral pathway '' .
He suggested James could still be alive if his tonsils had been removed earlier .
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Dr Hyde said: "I feel that the NHS could have responded quicker to his situation, most particular his multiple episodes of presentation. I feel there were opportunities to intervene and they would have made a difference to him choking in 2018."