bbcuk--2020-01-16--Why are opioids still given for chronic pain?

We all know what it is to feel pain .
Acute pain , that is , such as slamming your finger in the door or grazing your knee .
Chronic pain is different .
It might be triggered by arthritis , an injury to your back or by an operation you never completely recover from .
According to the British Pain Society , chronic pain affects more than two-fifths of the adult population in the UK , meaning about 28 million adults are living with pain that has lasted for three months or longer .
And each year , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , about five million are prescribed opioids - painkillers that can be as powerful as Class A drugs .
In fact , the latest data suggests patients are being prescribed more than twice the amount of opioids they were 20 years ago .
There 's no doubt opioids have a vital role to play in cancer pain relief , end-of-life care or to alleviate pain after an operation .
But that does n't begin to explain the surge in prescribing we 've seen in recent years .
However - if you are taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without talking to your doctor .
So what are opioids ?
Originally , they came from the sap of the poppy plant - which has been used for thousands of years both recreationally and to treat pain .
Morphine and heroin are opioids .
They act on the opioid receptors in the brain , blocking pain signals from the rest of the body .
In fact , they 're probably the greatest tool doctors have for numbing acute pain , such as a broken bone or an infected tooth .
The downside of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at increased risk of constipation , memory loss , addiction - and even accidental death by overdose .
One reason for the massive rise in opioid prescribing is of a mistaken belief people in pain are very unlikely to become addicted .
This is certainly what I was taught at medical school in the 1980s .
But according to Dr Jane Quinlan , consultant in pain management at Oxford University Hospitals Trust , this widespread belief was based on fallacies that took hold in the 80s .
`` Two things happened , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was that evidence came from palliative care , looking at patients at end-of-life and who had pain , to say that giving patients like that high-dose opioids was safe because they did n't get addicted .
`` Around the same time , a letter was published in the New England Journal of Medicine claiming that patients who were in hospital and given opioids for a short time rarely got addicted . ''
This 100-word letter was n't peer-reviewed research - it was simply an observation .
But its tentative conclusions were inflated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use as a safe and effective way to treat all manner of pain .
Unfortunately , many patients soon discovered that is n't true .
Karen , who in 2014 slipped a disc in her spine bending over to pick up a book , was one of them .
`` It was like having a red-hot poker , put between your vertebrae , '' she says .
`` Painful , very painful . ''
Over the next five years , Karen was put on increasingly powerful opioids - starting with tramadol and ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sort out the pain .
What they actually did , according to Karen 's husband , Ray , was turn `` my beautiful , lovely , active wife into a zombie '' .
Karen 's case is not unusual .
GPs were encouraged , by national guidelines , to keep upping the dose until the patient was pain-free .
The trouble is , when it comes to chronic pain , opioids are often not that effective .
In fact , another leading pain expert , Dr Cathy Stannard , estimates fewer than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-term pain will benefit from them .
They are also `` dangerous and often expensive '' , according to Dr Stannard , who recently reviewed the evidence on the benefits of long-term opioid use .
`` They should be started only with caution and with upper dosing limits and continued only with demonstrably reduced pain - ideally to mild or no pain , '' she says .
`` If the opioid is n't working after a decent trial - six weeks should be enough - it should be stopped .
`` People already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are working or not but they are certainly still in a lot of pain .
`` They should be encouraged to slowly and safely reduce the dose to get a better idea of how helpful the drug is for their pain .
`` If I give you a drug for blood pressure and your blood pressure stays high , nobody would argue that it 's not working .
`` But if I give you a painkiller and you come back saying , ' I 'm still in pain , ' what do we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You come back and say , ' I 'm still in pain , ' and we double it again .
`` If you give it and it does n't work , stop it .
That 's what you 'd do with any other drug , so why do n't we do that with opioids ? ''
The good news is GPs are increasingly aware of the dangers and there is now a big push to help patients on high-dose opioids reduce or even come off their medication .
That 's beginning to bear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth , opioid prescribing has levelled off nationally .
And since 2017 , in most places it 's actually begun to fall , though there remain big regional differences in levels of prescribing .
And there are alternatives for managing chronic pain .
For Karen , group therapy sessions and support from her family has enabled her to come off opioids .
Now , she takes nothing stronger than paracetamol .
Horizon : Addicted to Painkillers ?
Britain 's Opioid Crisis is on BBC Two on Thursday , 16 January , at 21:00 @ @ @ @ @ @ @

"Two things happened," she says. "One of them was that evidence came from palliative care, looking at patients at end-of-life and who had pain, to say that giving patients like that high-dose opioids was safe because they didn't get addicted.


bbcuk--2020-01-16--South Ronaldsay's 'amazing' horse costumes inspire catwalk collection

An island tradition where girls dress as horses in elaborate costumes has inspired the latest collection from an emerging fashion designer .
Charles Jeffrey has taken elements from the outfits that are worn on South Ronaldsay , Orkney , and translated them for the catwalk .
He said he was immediately inspired when a friend showed him pictures of children dressed up for the South Ronaldsay Festival of the Horse and Boys ' Ploughing Match .
During the event , boys on the island compete using miniature ploughs .
They are judged on ploughing straight and even furrows on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wright .
Meanwhile , the girls parade in costumes that are inspired by the decorations worn by heavy horses in the show ring .
Some of their outfits are spectacular , with a collar , hat , belt and feet decorations .
A tail may be fixed to the jacket and pom-poms or fringes sewn onto the cuffs .
Charles Jeffrey , the designer behind the Loverboy label , said he vividly remembered the first time he saw images of the costumes .
`` I was just like : 'This is literally amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish .
It looks almost African .
Or Norwegian ' . ''
He told BBC Radio Orkney that he researched the event because he wanted to incorporate as many elements of Scottish culture as possible in his latest collection .
It was unveiled in London earlier this month , and described as his `` most accomplished '' work so far by some critics .
Charles , who is originally from Cumbernauld , moved to London as a teenager to study at Central Saint Martins College .
His Loverboy label grew out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work has seen comparisons being made to Alexander McQueen .
Charles said the costumes worn during the festival on South Ronaldsay were `` visually rich '' .
He added : `` I was immediately inspired by that , and then started thinking about how they could be translated into pieces which we could put onto a catwalk .
`` I was very much drawn to the idea of replicating the embroidery , but trying to use it in a way that would work for us .
`` I 'm also an illustrator , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motifs and then rendered them in the same aspects that you would find on the Festival of the Horse costumes . ''
He said the main inspiration for his collection was the theme of giving back to nature , and honouring agricultural tradition .
The history of the South Ronaldsay Festival of the Horse and Boys ' Ploughing Match dates back at least two centuries .
Girls have been able to take part since the 1950s , and wear handmade costumes which have been passed down from previous generations .
Moira Budge , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee which runs the event .
She said she could clearly see elements of the traditional designs being incorporated in the label 's cutting-edge collection .
`` In one of his designs he has a hoodie and he 's put ears on it , which is like some of the outfits which have little ears for the horses '' , she said .
`` He 's had feathering on some of the shoes .
Braid , and chains obviously , because the horse has a bridle .
`` And the one dress with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the horse wore quite elaborate decoration on its breastplate . ''
The Festival of the Horse and Boys ' Ploughing Match takes place every August .

"I'm also an illustrator, so I did some of my own motifs and then rendered them in the same aspects that you would find on the Festival of the Horse costumes."


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Jack Lowden: Working with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson was 'utterly bizarre'

Scots actor Jack Lowden has described his experience of working alongside Dwayne `` The Rock '' Johnson as `` utterly bizarre '' .
He was speaking to Grant Stott on BBC Radio Scotland 's Afternoon Show following his nomination for a Bafta rising star award .
The actor - who grew up in Oxton in the Borders - stars opposite the former wrestler in Fighting With My Family .
He said it had been a memorable experience over a short spell of time .
`` It was utterly bizarre , '' he said .
`` First and foremost I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norwich accent and I had put two and a half stone on - so it was it was already bizarre . ''
He said they had only worked together briefly for the film .
`` We only shot one day with Dwayne and he is unbelievably good at what he does , '' he said .
`` The big speech that he does where he sort of slags the two of us off - he did n't know it when we did the camera rehearsal .
`` He went away for 15 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and did it in one take . ''
Lowden is one of five nominees for the rising star award alongside Awkwafina , Kaitlyn Dever , Kelvin Harrison Jr and Micheal Ward .
He said it was `` really lovely '' to be considered for the honour .
`` As far as I know it 's not for one particular film it 's sort of for your body of work or what you 've done so far , '' he said .
`` So it 's quite a nice thing that it 's sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been mincing about doing . ''
Despite his roles in a number of successful films , the actor said he did not get recognised a lot .
However , he did recall being asked for a photograph by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the premier for Mary Queen of Scots in Edinburgh .
He said : `` After the film we were in the foyer and the first minister said : 'Jack do you mind if I get a photograph ? '
`` And I was like : 'Oh my God , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round and she went : 'Jean , Jean , he said yes . '
`` She ended up taking the photograph of me and someone who she had brought - I think she was an aide - forgive me , she probably was n't called Jean . ''
Lowden also discussed one of the earliest roles of his career - featuring with Grant Stott in Peter Pan at the King 's Theatre in 2002 at the age of 12 .
`` My biggest memory of that time was a very , very sore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` As far as I remember I spent the first half hour in a harness '' I got paid 300 quid for six weeks work but back then at 12 years old , you know , the world was my oyster . ''
The whole interview is available to listen to again online .

"As far as I know it's not for one particular film it's sort of for your body of work or what you've done so far," he said.


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Crown Court filming ban to be lifted in England and Wales

TV cameras are to be allowed to film in Crown Courts in England and Wales for the first time .
@ @ @ @ @ Parliament will allow judges ' sentencing remarks in serious high-profile criminal cases to be seen @ @ @ @ @ online audiences .
However , trials will not be televised as they are in countries @ @ @ @ @ only the judge will be filmed .
From inside the Old Bailey , the BBC @ @ @ @ @ explains what we can expect once cameras are allowed in .

TV cameras are to be allowed to film in Crown Courts in England and Wales for the first time.
New legislation being laid before Parliament will allow judges' sentencing remarks in serious high-profile criminal cases to be seen and heard by TV and online audiences.
However, trials will not be televised as they are in countries such as the US as only the judge will be filmed.
From inside the Old Bailey, the BBC's legal correspondent Clive Coleman explains what we can expect once cameras are allowed in.


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Buddha heirloom returned to Sri Lanka by Hampshire family

A Buddha statue from an important religious site has been returned to Sri Lanka , 100 years after it was @ @ @ @ @ .
Members of the Bell family have handed this statue down through the generations after @ @ @ @ @ Purvis Bell , known as HCP Bell , was given the statue during a visit @ @ @ @ @ 19th century , while he was working in Sri Lanka .
Now HCP Bell 's @ @ @ @ @ his daughter Fiona have travelled from their homes in Overton , Hampshire to return the @ @ @ @ @ the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy .

A Buddha statue from an important religious site has been returned to Sri Lanka, 100 years after it was gifted to a British man.
Members of the Bell family have handed this statue down through the generations after archaeologist and explorer Harry Charles Purvis Bell, known as HCP Bell, was given the statue during a visit to a temple in 1919, while he was working in Sri Lanka.
Now HCP Bell's grandson Reverend Kenneth Bell and his daughter Fiona have travelled from their homes in Overton, Hampshire to return the statue to its home inside the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.
Video by David Allard and Simon Marks


bbcuk--2020-01-16--David Bowie: Unseen footage released by De Montfort University

Previously unseen footage of David Bowie recovered from a university archive has been released .
The 30 minutes of experimental @ @ @ @ @ and collaborator Prof Martin Richardson to create a hologram .
The finished product was used @ @ @ @ @ Hours but the film remained in storage at Leicester 's De Montfort University .
`` @ @ @ @ @ this set of amazing iconic movements that he was famous for and all his fans @ @ @ @ @ Richardson said .

Previously unseen footage of David Bowie recovered from a university archive has been released.
The 30 minutes of experimental film was shot by friend and collaborator Prof Martin Richardson to create a hologram.
The finished product was used on artwork on the album Hours but the film remained in storage at Leicester's De Montfort University.
"He... started to do this set of amazing iconic movements that he was famous for and all his fans would recognise", Prof Richardson said.


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Newspaper headlines: Kate the 'dazzling duchess' and Putin's Kremlin revamp

There is much analysis of Russian President Vladimir Putin 's proposed constitutional changes - or as the Daily Mail puts it the `` shock plan that could see him in charge for life '' .
The Times suggests many ordinary Russians see the move as the act of `` a benign tsar '' .
But the Daily Telegraph warns that Russia 's slow adaptation to a non carbon future could leave middle-class Russians feeling the pinch and threaten Mr Putin 's plans .
The Economist explains : `` Mr Putin 's regime has killed too many people , misappropriated too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up effective power . ''
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning The US news sites examine the impeachment case against President Trump as it moves to the Senate .
The New York Times suggests that if the impeachment proceedings against President Clinton were ugly , this could be worse .
`` There 's little reason for optimism '' , its website says , that the trial can rise above `` brutal partisan combat '' .
The Washington Post suggests that White House lawyers are trying to engineer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Post says they are hoping for an acquittal within a few days - but the LA Times suggests freshly released evidence could complicate these hopes .
Here , the Daily Telegraph questions whether the mud from the trial might also stick to the Democrats .
Elsewhere , according to the front page story in the Times , tens of thousands of higher earners are set to receive a pension tax `` windfall '' .
In an attempt to solve the crisis caused by NHS consultants turning down extra shifts to avoid facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considering changing rules that will affect both private and public sector staff , the paper says .
Doctors stopped taking on more work , leading to operations being cancelled and waiting lists getting longer , notes the Times .
The Guardian reports that A & E consultants have led `` a chorus of medical opposition '' to the possibility of scrapping four-hour waiting targets in their units .
The Daily Mirror accuses the government of seeking to remove them because the current figures are embarrassing .
Meanwhile , former health secretary Jeremy Hunt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that dozens of hospitals have yet to follow a measure designed to prevent a repeat of Harold Shipman 's serial killings .
Only months before a deadline , many NHS trusts have have yet to to appoint medical examiners to verify the cause of death .
The Daily Mail welcomes the NHS 's appeal to the gambling industry to stop what the paper calls `` its shameful betting bribes '' .
NHS England 's mental health director Claire Murdoch warns about the link between betting and mental illness .
And finally the Sun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shame '' .
This is a survey which suggests that one in five people under the age of 30 have never had a full English breakfast .

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


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Dozens take legal action over holiday homes

Dozens of holiday home owners are taking legal action claiming they were mis-sold their static caravans as permanent homes , a lawyer says .
Jane Sanders said holiday home owners were not told they would not be able to live permanently on the holiday parks .
Park Holidays UK said staff were reminded to make sure customers did not intend to live in their homes .
Owners also claim they have lost thousands of pounds when selling their properties .
In November 2018 , BBC South East filmed undercover at Marlie Holiday Park in New Romney , Kent , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential `` buyer '' that caravans could be permanent homes - which would have been in breach of its own licence .
Folkestone and Hythe District Council 's licence stipulates caravans can not be `` a person 's sole or main place of residence '' and gives the authority the right to carry out spot checks to ensure people are not living there permanently .
Park Holidays said customers were told they could spend up to 50 weeks on the site .
Those buying a holiday home and pitch on the site said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule and are bringing a civil action against the park 's owners .
George Smith , 71 , who owns a home at Marlie Holiday Park , and is one of the customers bringing legal action , said he sold his home to buy a holiday home at the park .
He said he bought his home for £59,000 in 2015 but was told by staff he would get £17,200 if he sold it back to the holiday park .
`` I bought this holiday home solely to live in and I sold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but only to find out I can not legally live in it . ''
Ms Sanders said : `` The caravans are sold as if they are dream homes .
`` There is misleading information given to the consumer at the point of sale .
The consumer is buying on the basis it could be a home and that 's mis-selling .
`` They have to be told what they 're getting into .
The problem is it 's not a home . ''
A spokesman for Park Holidays , which owns Marlie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Kent and Sussex , said staff were told to ensure customers did not intend to use their holiday homes for residential purposes .
`` There is a rigorous process in place to ensure the proper usage of a holiday home is fully understood by all purchasers , '' he said .
He added that new holiday homes were sold with a 30-year licence to remain on the park , and the home and pitch could be sold privately .
`` There is no obligation to sell the holiday home back to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC South East on Facebook , on Twitter , and on Instagram .
Send your story ideas to southeasttoday @ bbc.co.uk .

In November 2018, BBC South East filmed undercover at Marlie Holiday Park in New Romney, Kent, where a member of staff suggested to a potential "buyer" that caravans could be permanent homes - which would have been in breach of its own licence.


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Climate change: Extinction Rebellion blocks Shell's Aberdeen HQ

Extinction Rebellion protesters have blocked the entrances to Shell 's Aberdeen headquarters .
Activists arrived at the Altens base at about 06:30 and plan to remain at the site all day `` to hold Shell to account '' .
The group said the protest was part of its two-week long campaign targeting the fossil fuel industry .
Shell said it was addressing its emissions and helping customers to reduce theirs .
And industry body Oil and Gas UK ( OGUK ) said climate change would not be solved by `` stunts '' .
Extinction Rebellion also had its purple boat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court after drilling rig 'occupation' The protesters plan to walk through Aberdeen city centre , starting at the railway station at 13:00 , then going via Union St and the harbour .
A statement from Extinction Rebellion Scotland said : `` As Australia burns and Indonesia is flooded , with tens of thousands made homeless , the purple boat bears the words , `` The Future You Fear Is Already Here '' , a reminder that catastrophic climate change is already under way across the planet , driven by Shell and the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last week , as bushfires caused by climate change choked Australia , Shell celebrated the discovery of a huge new gas field off the coast of Western Australia .
The statement added that it was disrupting business as usual for Shell as it was `` one of the top 10 carbon emitters in the world , and is projected to increase their output of oil and gas by 35 % over the next 10 years '' .
One of the protesters , Michael , a 57-year-old management consultant , said : `` Governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my children are facing a catastrophic climate and ecological collapse yet are doing next to nothing to prevent this .
`` I 'm here today because as a parent I am ultimately responsible for the safety of my children whether today , tomorrow or in 30 years time . ''
A Shell spokesman said : `` The heightened awareness of climate change that we have seen over recent months is a good thing .
`` As a company , we agree that urgent action is needed .
What will really accelerate change is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and deployment , and changing customer behaviour .
`` As we move to a lower-carbon future , we are committed to playing our part , by addressing our own emissions and helping customers to reduce theirs - because we all have a role to play . ''
OGUK communications director Gareth Wynn said : `` Climate change will be solved by practical actions not conspiracy theories and stunts .
`` It 's disappointing that this group is choosing to disrupt the normal working day of people in this industry , causing alarm rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision makers .
`` Our industry is packed full of people with the engineering and environmental knowledge and skills to play a key part in reducing emissions and we are already taking action . ''
Ch Insp Davie Howieson , local area commander for Aberdeen South , said : `` Officers are currently in attendance at a peaceful protest in Wellington Road , Aberdeen , outside the Shell premises .
`` The road was blocked from around 06:45 , and road users are advised to avoid the area for the time being .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protest organisers , Extinction Rebellion . ''
Staff at oil company EnQuest in Aberdeen have been sent home as a `` precautionary measure '' ahead of the planned protest walk through the city centre .

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bbcuk--2020-01-16--Health strikes: NI union suspends industrial action

A Northern Ireland health workers ' union has suspended strike action following talks with the Department of Health .
Unison @ @ @ @ @ in protest against pay and staffing , but it will now ballot its members on @ @ @ @ @ .
Its members were due to strike again on Monday , Wednesday and Friday next @ @ @ @ @ of Nursing ( RCN ) , which was also due to strike next week , @ @ @ @ @ position .
On Tuesday , unions had a `` positive '' meeting the health minister @ @ @ @ @ restore pay parity .
Further talks with the Department continued into Wednesday night .
More @ @ @

"This illustrates the great health care that is provided day and daily across Northern Ireland, despite all the serious problems facing the system. I recognise, of course, that there is still a lot of work to be done."


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Luke Williams death: Murder charge after Aberaman attack

A man has been charged with murdering a man who died days after being attacked in a street .
Luke @ @ @ @ @ left injured in the attack in Commerce Place in Aberaman , Rhondda Cynon Taff , @ @ @ @ @ 16 December .
He was taken to the Prince Charles Hospital but died three days @ @ @ @ @ has now been charged with Mr Williams ' murder and was due to appear before @ @ @ @ @

A 52-year-old man has now been charged with Mr Williams' murder and was due to appear before Cardiff Crown Court later.


bbcuk--2020-01-16--St Ives beach hole 'needs solution' after fence damage

Visitors to a popular beach in Cornwall have been warned to stay away from a large bubbling hole where safety fencing is sinking into the sand .
The fencing around the soft sand area on Porthminster Beach , in St Ives , has been damaged by recent storms .
Beach cafe manager Paul Symons alerted the council to the collapsed fence and said a permanent solution was needed .
Cornwall Council , which owns the beach , said it was monitoring the hole and people should stay away from it .
The council has been cordoning off the bubbling hole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have been partly caused by coastal run-off from a land water pipe .
Mr Symons , who runs the Porthminster Beach Cafe and is a council tenant , said people `` need to be aware of and be careful of it '' .
He said the council was usually good at dealing with the fence but its response seemed slower this time .
`` It 's very important that the beach is good and looking at its best , and , at this time of the year , it needs to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hole thrives on bad weather , '' he said .
• Rice cakes and apples wash up on beaches Cornwall Council 's Environment Service said staff had carried out surveys `` to help try to establish the cause of the problem and understand how best to mitigate it '' .
`` We have already tried a couple of ideas that have either been unsuccessful , or only successful for a short period , '' the council said .
`` We will continue to monitor until the problem is dealt with and would ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fenced-off area . ''

"It's very important that the beach is good and looking at its best, and, at this time of the year, it needs to have a closer eye on it as the hole thrives on bad weather," he said.


bbcuk--2020-01-17--Conner Marshall inquest: Killer's probation worker was 'overwhelmed'

A coroner has criticised the probation service 's `` woefully inadequate '' management of a case worker supervising a man who beat a teenager to death .
David Braddon , 26 , mistook Conner Marshall , 18 , for his estranged partner 's former boyfriend .
Braddon was jailed for life Mr Marshall 's murder in 2015 .
In a narrative conclusion at the Pontypridd inquest on Friday , assistant coroner Nadim Bashir said Braddon 's case worker was `` overwhelmed '' .
He described how Kathryn Oakley accepted a number of times she could have done more with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened Braddon was under supervision for drug offences and assaulting a police officer .
Probation reforms took place in 2014 , with privately-run community rehabilitation companies ( CRCs ) taking on the work .
Following this , some staff were behind with their work , the inquest in Pontypridd had heard .
Mr Bashir described Braddon 's probation officer Ms Oakley as being `` brand new to her role '' after starting in January 2014 .
`` She should have been supervised by a team manager once every six to eight weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weak team managers with no team manager oversight of her case work load .
`` The management and supervision of her was woefully inadequate . ''
`` The failures , however , must have a direct and clear causal connection with Conner Marshall 's death and must contribute in a more than minimal way , '' he added .
`` But I am satisfied there was no possible or even probable evidential link that led to Conner Marshall 's death .
`` Put simply , his death could not have been foreseen or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Following the inquest , Mr Marshall 's mother Nadine said his death had followed the `` chaos '' after the privatisation of probation services .
`` Today is the culmination of almost five years of struggle to obtain truth and justice for Conner and find out why our much loved son was the victim of a callous and unprovoked attack , '' she said .
She added the supervision of Braddon was `` not robust '' and the management system in Wales `` wholly inadequate '' .
Mrs Marshall said `` we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be here today '' if things had operated differently .
Following the inquest , the trade union for probation and family court staff Napo said it had raised `` serious concerns '' about the firm responsible for probation services in Wales .
It said staff had complained about excessive workloads , exacerbated by Working Links ' decision to make 40 % of staff redundant when it took over operations in 2014 .
General secretary Ian Lawrence said : `` Time and time again we are seeing our members being scapegoated by management across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probation when a serious further offence occurs .
`` This is especially relevant in this tragic case when there is so much empirical evidence to suggest that Working Links were incapable of running a safe and effective operational model . ''
He said before Working Links went into administration last year , Napo warned ministers that its contract was `` failing on every level '' .
The Ministry of Justice has been asked to comment .

"Today is the culmination of almost five years of struggle to obtain truth and justice for Conner and find out why our much loved son was the victim of a callous and unprovoked attack," she said.


bbcuk--2020-01-17--Susan Warby death: Whistleblower letter to husband 'revealed blunders'

A former police officer whose wife died five weeks after bowel surgery said he was `` knocked sideways completely '' when he received an anonymous letter highlighting blunders in her treatment .
Susan Warby , 57 , died at the West Suffolk Hospital on 30 August , 2018 .
During an inquest into her death , it was heard she had been given glucose instead of saline via an arterial line .
The hospital reportedly asked doctors for fingerprints and handwriting samples to identify the whistleblower .
The Doctors ' Association described the attempt by the hospital to find the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Jon Warby said he received the letter two months after his wife 's death .
He said he was `` quite surprised '' by the lengths the hospital reportedly went to to find its author .
The inquest in Ipswich heard both Suffolk Police and the hospital launched investigations into the letter at the request of the coroner .
The hospital said an investigation into the nature of Mrs Warby 's care was already under way by the time the letter was sent .
Suffolk 's senior coroner Nigel Parsley said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the `` progression of a naturally occurring disease '' but wanted to know if `` errors may have had a contributory effect '' .
It was heard Mrs Warby also suffered a punctured lung during an operation to replace the arterial line .
Her cause of death was recorded as multi-organ failure , with contributory causes including septicaemia , pneumonia and perforated diverticular disease , affecting the bowel .
The inquest into mother-of-two 's death was adjourned so an independent medical witness can be brought in at the family 's request .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ approached by medics who said the hospital had demanded both fingerprints and samples of handwriting .
It said clinicians claimed they were told if they refused that would be evidence of guilt .
`` The witch hunt for a whistleblower following the tragic death of Mrs Warby highlights a deep-seated toxic culture at West Suffolk Hospital , '' it said .
The hospital said it would not comment until after the inquest had concluded .

The hospital said an investigation into the nature of Mrs Warby's care was already under way by the time the letter was sent.


bbcuk--2020-01-17--I have suffered sexual harassment, says minister Victoria Atkins

Women and Equalities Minister Victoria Atkins has spoken of her experiences of workplace sexual harassment , as she urged others to share their stories .
In one example , the minister revealed , someone had sent her an email `` that showed a great interest in my footwear '' , after a public appearance .
`` That was something that made me feel uncomfortable , '' she told LBC radio .
The government is surveying 12,000 people to find out the extent of workplace harassment .
The Government Equalities Office survey is part of an initiative to tackle the problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice for employers .
Ms Atkins said `` common sense '' was needed to determine what qualified as sexual harassment in the workplace .
Comments crossed the line when they made others feel `` intimidated , distressed or humiliated '' , she told LBC .
Giving an example , she said : `` Yesterday , I was wearing a very colourful skirt and everybody was saying how wonderful it looks .
I did not take that as sexual harassment .
`` But I was telling officials that , after a public appearance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footwear .
It was in a way that showed a great interest in my footwear .
`` And that was something that made me feel uncomfortable .
`` I think common sense here will prevail and we just want to gather the evidence to see how people react to different types of behaviour . ''
Speaking earlier to BBC Breakfast , Ms Atkins said : `` This is not a debate about wolf-whistling or whatever .
We have 15 categories of behaviour that are serious . ''
She said the government wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by harassment , and how they dealt with it , `` so that we can ensure that our workplaces are pleasant places to work '' .
Ms Atkins added that she did not want to go into the details of the harassment she has been subjected to , adding : `` I 'm not going to be defined by the grubby behaviour of the men that behaved like that towards me . ''
The minister was asked about Crystal Palace 's woman goalkeeper Lucy Gillett , who said she had received sexist abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United .
The 25-year-old alleged that men in the crowd had called on the referee to `` check the gender '' of several Palace players .
Ms Atkins said : `` That is her workplace .
The FA or referees should have acted on it .
`` She and others are entitled to not have to put up with that sort of abuse .
It 's just not on . ''
The Football Association has been made aware of the incident , and is looking into it .
A spokesperson said the organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biphobia and transphobia in football at every level of the game '' .

Ms Atkins added that she did not want to go into the details of the harassment she has been subjected to, adding: "I'm not going to be defined by the grubby behaviour of the men that behaved like that towards me."


bbcuk--2020-01-17--Derek Fowlds: Yes Minister and Heartbeat actor dies aged 82

Actor Derek Fowlds , known to millions for playing Bernard Woolley in Yes Minister , has died at the age of 82 .
He also played sergeant-turned-publican Oscar Blaketon in ITV police drama Heartbeat for 18 years , and was `` Mr Derek '' on the Basil Brush show in the 70s .
The actor died at Royal United Hospital in Bath on Friday morning , after having suffered with pneumonia .
`` You could n't have met a nicer person ever '' said his assistant Helen Bennett .
`` He was just a wonderful man and I will miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He was the most beloved man to everybody who ever met him , he never had a bad word to say about anybody and he was so well respected , adored by everyone . ''
Basil Brush himself said he is `` so desperately sad '' at the news , describing the late star as `` my best friend forever '' .
Fowlds worked on the BBC children 's television show as a presenter between 1969 and 1973 , where he replaced Rodney Bewes .
Gavin and Stacey star and former EastEnders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` dear old colleague '' .
Piers Morgan described him as `` a terrific actor & by all accounts , an incredibly nice man '' and Baby Driver director Edgar Wright tweeted his respects , pointing to `` a classic scene in British comedy '' in which Jim Hacker explains to Sir Humphrey and Bernard the importance of the newspapers and who reads which .
Born in south London , Fowlds trained at Rada before making his West End debut in The Miracle Worker .
He appeared in several films , including Hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Z Cars in 1968 and a couple of episodes of the Liver Birds between 1969 and 1971 .
Fowlds was the last of the remaining original Yes Minister stars , following the earlier deaths of Sir Nigel Hawthorne and Paul Eddington , who he appeared alongside in the BBC political satire from 1980 to 1984 , and in Yes , Prime Minister from 1986 to 1988 .
He appeared in Heartbeat for its entire run of 18 years , first as a local police sergeant , then running the post office after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running a pub .
Jason Durr , who starred alongside Fowlds in the police drama series said he was `` a great actor and a kind , intelligent man '' and that he would `` treasure the memories '' of working with him .
Fowlds released his autobiography , A Part Worth Playing , in 2015 in which he recalled how he started to act `` just for kicks '' .
`` Growing up the thought of acting as a living never crossed my mind .
I wanted to be a footballer or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he started acting in school plays .
`` I enjoyed mucking about the stage , '' he wrote .
He told the tale of how in his first play a child , he got his sword stuck up another actor 's skirt and `` I heard the sound of audience laughter for the first time in my life , and I was just knocked out . ''
Speaking to The Stage publication last year , he offered some advice to any budding actors .
`` My advice to young actors today would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also to have fun and , whatever you do , do n't take yourself too seriously .
`` Always remember that an acting career is a marathon , not a sprint , and I wish all of today 's actors good luck with it . ''
Fowlds was married twice ; first to Wendy Tory and then later to Blue Peter presenter Lesley Judd .
He is survived by sons Jamie and actor Jeremy .
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bbcuk--2020-01-17--Social media data needed for 'harm' research, say doctors

Leading UK psychiatrists say they will never understand the risks and benefits of social media use on children 's mental health unless companies hand over their data to researchers .
Tech companies must be made to share data and pay a tax to fund important research , they say in a report .
There is growing evidence internet use can harm mental health but research is still lacking , it adds .
But a civil rights group said children should not be treated `` like lab rats '' .
An independent regulator for online safety is planned by the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College of Psychiatrists , calls on the regulator to require social-media companies to share data on how children and young people are using the likes of Instagram , Facebook and Twitter - not just how much time they spend online .
The data collected would be anonymous , the report says .
Ian Russell , who believes Instagram was partly responsible for his daughter Molly taking her life aged 14 , is backing the calls .
The types of images his daughter looked at on social media before she died included ones that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suicide '' and `` normalise a dark , bleak world '' which children `` get sucked into '' , he told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme .
`` When you start looking at those images on the internet , the algorithms that are there start pushing more and more of those images and such content to you , and they connect you to other people who are in a similar desperate place , '' he said in a separate interview on BBC Breakfast .
Mr Russell said without research using data from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never know how content can lead our children and young people to self-harm or , in the most tragic cases , take their own lives '' .
There can be many positives to children using technology , such as online support , instant communication with friends and access to information , but screen time can also be potentially harmful to health , psychiatrists say .
For example , online content can be distressing and children can become addicted to screens at the expense of sleep , exercise and family time .
Research was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative physical , mental health and cognitive associations '' required further inter-disciplinary , nationally funded research , the report states .
Most social media platforms say users must be at least 13 years old to have an account , but research has suggested many younger children bypass these restrictions .
In 2019 the BBC launched an app and website , Own It , to help young people to `` be the boss of your online life '' .
Sarah Lechmere , who has struggled with eating disorders , told the BBC 's Victoria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pro-anorexia sites which gave her `` tips '' on how to self-harm .
The sites gave `` lots of different methods that can give people ideas , '' she said .
She said Instagram and other social media sites made it `` very difficult '' to avoid `` toxic content '' .
Report co-author Dr Bernadka Dubicka , who chairs the child and adolescent faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists , said she was seeing a growing number of children self-harming and attempting suicide as a result of their use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Today programme research was `` hampered '' by the lack of access to social media data , leading to `` double standards '' in how young people are protected online compared with offline .
• Are you aged 18 to 25 ?
What effect has social media had upon your mental health ?
Email .
Dr Dubicka also called for a tax on social media companies `` that is proportional to their global turnover '' to pay for research .
Civil rights group Big Brother Watch said it recognised the importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media , but that users must be `` empowered to choose what data they give away , who to and for what purposes '' .
The campaign group 's director , Silkie Carlo , said young people should have `` autonomy '' on social media `` without being made to feel like lab rats '' .
Citing the Cambridge Analytica data scandal in 2014 , she added : `` At a time when data and privacy rights face significant threats online and trust is low , user control should be recognised as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it will create an independent regulator for online safety from April , as part of a package of measure to keep UK users safe online , known as the Online Harms White Paper .
The regulator will be able to demand companies write reports outlining how they protect people online , a spokesman said .
The reports will then be made public so that parents and children `` can make informed decisions about their internet use '' , the spokesman added .
There are also plans to introduce a 2 % tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make in the UK .
Tech UK , which represents technology companies , said data , in isolation , `` will rarely provide the full picture '' .
If you ’ ve been affected by self-harm , eating disorders or emotional distress , help and support is available via the BBC Action Line .
What is the advice to parents ?
For children under the age of one : For two- to five-year-olds : • ensure any screen time is part of a varied and balanced day , including physical activity and face-to-face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day on physical activity • children should spend no more than one hour sitting watching or playing with screens For five- to 11-year-olds : • develop a plan with your child for screen time and try to stick to it • ensure children have a balance of activities in the day , with physical activity , face-to-face conversation and tech-free times • ensure you have spoken to your children about how to keep safe online , check they are keeping safe and make it clear you will support them if they feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure there are no screens in the bedroom at night • develop a plan or check your existing one is still appropriate • keep having conversations about keeping safe online and offer space to talk about upsetting things teenagers might see online • make it clear you will support them if they feel unsafe or upset online • try to ensure there are no screens in the bedroom at night Marjorie Wallace , chief executive of the mental health charity Sane , said it was `` shocking '' so little had been done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There has been an exponential rise in the numbers of people contacting our helpline in recent years who have self-harmed , now comprising 70 % of our callers , some directly linked to the 24-7 pressures of social media , '' she said .
Did you grow up using social media ?
What effect has social media had on your mental health ?
What have you done about it ?
Email haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk and please include your age in your response .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

"When you start looking at those images on the internet, the algorithms that are there start pushing more and more of those images and such content to you, and they connect you to other people who are in a similar desperate place," he said in a separate interview on BBC Breakfast.


bbcuk--2020-01-17--Tyler Peck drugs death: Mother jailed for 10 years

A mother who gave her son prescription drugs that led to his death has been jailed for 10 years .
Tyler Peck , 15 , was found dead at his mother Holly Strawbridge 's home the morning after a drugs binge in February last year .
Strawbridge , 34 , of Salcombe in Devon , was found guilty last year of supplying Class A drugs to another child under 16 and two counts of child cruelty .
Tyler died from an overdose of morphine drug Oramorph and Gabapentin .
Social workers described him in court as a `` bright , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sentencing Strawbridge at Plymouth Crown Court , Judge Paul Darlow said she was guilty of `` wilful ill-treatment '' of her son and `` condoned '' his drug taking .
He said she was `` either defensive , obstructive or undermining '' of social workers who offered help .
Judge Darlow went on to say it was `` callous and unreasonable '' to blame two 15-year-olds , who were with her and Tyler on the night of the drugs binge , for what happened .
A post-mortem examination found the levels of Oramorph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such that either drug could have individually caused his death .
The judge said what happened to Tyler had to be seen against a background of Strawbridge condoning drug-taking in her home .
`` It ca n't be said that the events of that night were a one-off , tragic incident where nothing of the sort had ever happened before , '' he told Strawbridge .
The mother-of-five had a `` misguided pride '' in her house being a place where teenagers could come and `` get hammered '' , Judge Darlow said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sometimes physically intimidating , with Strawbridge allowing him to consume drugs and alcohol to deal with this .
Prosecuting , Peter Coombe said there was evidence that Strawbridge had been supplying Tyler with drugs and alcohol `` for some years '' before his death .
Representing Strawbridge , Piers Norsworthy described his client as a `` loving mother '' and said she had been assessed as having a low IQ .
Det Insp Ian Ringrose said Strawbridge had `` total disregard for the safety of young people '' including her son and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the loss of life '' .
He praised Tyler 's friends for coming forward with evidence , which was `` traumatic '' for them , about what happened on the night .
A memorial garden in Tyler 's memory is being put together at his former school , Dart Academy near Totnes .
A scroll in memory of Tyler was signed by pupils at another former school , Kingsbridge Community College .
• January 2018 : Taken to Torbay Hospital after overdosing on 15 Valium pills • 1 February 2019 : Spends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bus to friend 's house in nearby Malborough where he drank and took ecstasy • 23:00 : He is given a lift by friend 's father to his mother 's house in Salcombe • 2 February , 12:45 : Emergency services called to house after Tyler found not breathing .
He is declared dead • 5 June : Holly Strawbridge charged with two counts of supplying a Class A drug and two counts of child cruelty contrary to Section 1 of the Children and Young Persons Act Tyler 's father , Ryan Peck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said after the case that Tyler was `` funny , affectionate and caring '' .
Tyler was `` one of the lads , protective , loving and unique , and we miss him dearly , '' they said in a statement .
`` We are glad that justice has finally been served and we can now try to find a way to move forward . ''

Judge Darlow went on to say it was "callous and unreasonable" to blame two 15-year-olds, who were with her and Tyler on the night of the drugs binge, for what happened.


bbcuk--2020-01-17--Brexit: There will be no automatic deportation for EU citizens - No 10

EU citizens will not automatically be deported if they fail to sign up to the settled status scheme by the 2021 deadline , Downing Street has said .
The confirmation comes after European Parliament Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt said he had been given the assurance by the UK government .
Under the settlement scheme , EU citizens living in the UK can apply to stay in the country after Brexit .
So far the number of applicants to the scheme has hit more than 2.7 million .
Nearly 2.5 million EU citizens have been told they can live and work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six `` serious or persistent '' criminals have had their applications rejected .
The deadline for applying to the scheme is 30 June 2021 .
• ' I 'm angry to be treated as second-class citizen' Mr Verhofstadt told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme he believed those who missed the deadline would still be able to apply for settled status after `` giving grounds why it was not possible to do it within the normal procedures '' .
`` There will be no automatic deportation , '' he added .
In October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lewis told German newspaper Die Welt : `` If EU citizens until this point of time have not registered and have no adequate reason for it , then the valid immigration rules will be applied . ''
When pressed on whether that would include those who met the legal requirements for residence but did not apply by the deadline , he replied : `` Theoretically yes .
We will apply the rules . ''
But on Friday Mr Lewis said deporting EU citizens who have not applied for settled status `` is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview for the BBC 's Politics East programme , to be shown on Sunday , he said his focus was on encouraging people to apply now .
Mr Lewis added : `` At the end of June 2021 , if people have n't applied and they 've got good reason for that , we 'll be looking at that and we 'll be looking to grant status .
`` But I do n't want to get to that place .
I want people to apply now . ''
When asked if police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June next year and escorting them out of the country if they have not applied , he said : `` That is not what we 're about , we 're saying to people who have made their home here , 'we value you we want you to stay . '
'' Mr Verhofstadt told Today he had been told that the UK government was looking at the possibility of EU citizens being able to print out documentary proof of their status .
Responding to his comments , the Home Office said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach .
It has always been the case that people could print a copy of their confirmation letter , but this ca n't be used as evidence of status . ''
It added : `` The EU settlement scheme grants people with a secure , digital status which future-proofs their rights .
Physical documents can get lost , stolen , damaged and tampered with . ''
Mr Verhofstadt also said the possibility had been raised of EU citizens sitting on the independent monitoring authority that will be in place to oversee citizens ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK could ever rejoin the EU in the future , Mr Verhofstadt said he thought it would eventually happen but `` difficult to say when '' .
`` There will be a young generation who will say , 'What have we done ?
We want to go back , ' '' he added .
Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan praised the UK government 's handling of the issue of citizens ' rights , saying : `` A system is now up and running , and it is by far the most effective and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries .
`` I do n't think you will find a single state among the [ other ] 27 [ EU states ] that has a system in place to grant rights to established UK nationals that is working as generously and without any cost to the people concerned , as ours is in return . ''

When asked if police could be knocking on people's in June next year and escorting them out of the country if they have not applied, he said: "That is not what we're about, we're saying to people who have made their home here, 'we value you we want you to stay.'"


bbcuk--2020-01-17--Brexit: Big Ben fundraiser given £50,000

Millionaire businessman Arron Banks and the Leave Means Leave group have donated £50,000 to a campaign to make Big Ben ring when the UK leaves the EU .
An online appeal has raised more than £200,000 , with the cost of making the famous bell work in time for the one-off event estimated to be £500,000 .
Big Ben is being renovated , but the PM this week suggested a fund be set up to make it chime at 23:00 on 31 January .
But the MPs ' group running Parliament doubts this is feasible .
The House of Commons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ring during renovation works on the Palace of Westminster 's Elizabeth Tower , which houses Big Ben , would cost between £350,000 and £500,000 .
• Why are Big Ben 's Brexit bongs so costly ?
It says this would involve bringing back the chiming mechanism and installing a temporary floor , and delays to the conservation work .
The commission argues the estimated costs could not be justified , and questions the idea that public donations should cover them .
But the campaign group Stand Up 4 Brexit 's `` Big Ben @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised more than £200,000 on the GofFundMe website by Friday afternoon .
Conservative MP Mark Francois told BBC Radio 4 's The World at One that the pro-Brexit Leave Means Leave campaign and Mr Banks had donated £50,000 .
He queried whether the cost of getting the bell to ring again was really £500,000 , adding that he believed officials had `` deliberately inflated the figure '' because `` they do n't want to do it '' .
`` Do n't tell me it takes two weeks to attach a clapper to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francois also said he believed the prime minister should table a motion in the Commons on Monday to compel the Commons authorities to bong Big Ben .
He said Boris Johnson was the one who had `` fired the starting gun '' on the campaign by suggesting public donations during his BBC Breakfast interview on Tuesday .
However , Downing Street later said it was `` a matter for the House '' of Commons .
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle , who is chairman of the Commons Commission , said : `` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

"The striking of Big Ben on these occasions was co-ordinated around the planned works so as to minimise the impact on the project costs and to ensure it did not result in any delay," Sir Paul said.


bbcuk--2020-01-17--Chester's Roman wall collapses after digging work

Part of Chester 's historic city walls have collapsed after digging work by developers .
Cheshire West and Chester Council said a section of the wall fell on Thursday evening , causing the Walker and Williams development to be suspended .
`` Early indications appear to show that earth was removed from the bottom of the city walls , '' a spokesman said .
Chester MP Chris Matheson claimed the developers had received safety warnings about digging so close to the wall .
Chester is the only city in Britain that retains the full circuit of its ancient defensive walls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are almost 2,000 years old , are the oldest , longest and most complete in Britain , according to Visit Cheshire .
Developers Walker and Williams are building new luxury hotel apartments in the city .
`` I am appalled that the company carrying out development on this site has not exercised the care and diligence that we expect to see in such close proximity to this iconic ancient monument , '' Mr Matheson said .
Walker and Williams has been contacted by the BBC for a comment .
The collapse took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walkway leading from the Grosvenor Shopping Centre .
A council spokesman said : `` A section of Chester 's city walls collapsed last night after excavations being carried out by a private developer , working alongside the historic structure , compromised the integrity of the ancient monument .
`` The removal of too much earth exposed a section of bare foundations . ''
Councillor Karen Shore , deputy leader and cabinet member for environment , highways and strategic transport , said the council was taking the collapse `` very seriously '' and would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I am thankful that no-one has been hurt as a result of this collapse and our priority will continue to be public safety , '' she said .
The collapse is close to the site of another collapse which happened almost 12 years ago .
A team of surveyors , engineers and archaeologists investigated after a 30m section of the wall came down in April 2008 .
You may also be interested in : • Wireless taxi charging to be trialled in city • Chester 's first fortifications date back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AD • Nothing is known about the walls ' condition between the end of the Roman occupation in the late Fourth Century and the refounding of Chester as an Anglo-Saxon burgh in 907 • The walls were extended when a castle was built following the Norman Conquest in the 11th Century • Their last military use was during the English Civil war when the city was under siege by Oliver Cromwell 's forces

"I am appalled that the company carrying out development on this site has not exercised the care and diligence that we expect to see in such close proximity to this iconic ancient monument," Mr Matheson said.


bbcuk--2020-01-17--Barton-on-Sea 'tornado' causes damage to homes

A `` tornado '' left a trail of destruction when it struck coastal villages in Hampshire .
People in Barton-on-Sea and Ashley were woken by howling winds and lashing rain in the early hours of Friday .
Homes were damaged , fencing was flattened and a 6ft-high ( 1.8m ) wall was brought down .
Dave Thorne , from Barton , described the noise as `` really , scarily loud '' .
BBC Weather presenter Simon King said radar images supported the tornado claims .
Mr Thorne said he heard an `` almighty crash '' and his window frames broke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The wind noise increased dramatically and there was rain and debris lashing , '' he said .
`` It 's like the tornado has gone up the road - there is a clear line of destruction from the direction of the sea heading inland . ''
He said fence panels in Seaward Avenue were brought down , with one appearing to have been blown 40ft ( 12m ) before crashing through a window .
`` I 've never seen or heard anything like it , '' said Mr Thorne .
`` It felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sullivan , said there was damage to the roof of his flat , with many tiles torn off .
`` We 're used to bad weather here , but we 've never had the like of this before , '' he said .
Martin Young , who also lives in the cliff-top village , said he could feel his house shaking and it was `` frightening '' for up to 30 seconds .
`` It 's taken out walls that have been stood for 50 years , '' he said .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thrown them probably 30-40 metres into a block of flats . ''
A resident of nearby Ashley said : `` It made a sound like a train passing followed by a bang on the roof .
`` Three of my neighbour 's fence panels have blown out .
One has travelled about 20ft ( 6m ) into my garden . ''
Kerry Bacon tweeted about hearing a `` terrific noise that sent the cats scatty '' .
You may also be interested in : • Wireless taxi charging to be trialled in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radar images showing conditions at about 04:00 would support residents ' claims of a tornado .
A Met Office spokeswoman concurred that the overnight weather conditions in the area were conducive to tornadoes forming , but could not confirm if it was without video evidence .
There are thought to be about 30 tornadoes in the UK each year , according to the Met Office .


bbcuk--2020-01-17--Attacked journalist Owen Jones 'subject of far-right abuse'

Guardian columnist Owen Jones has been the subject of an `` unrelenting '' campaign of abuse by far-right sympathisers , a court has heard .
Mr Jones , 35 , made the comments during a hearing of a man accused of launching a homophobic attack on him at the Lexington pub in Islington last year .
James Healy , 40 , allegedly targeted Mr Jones because of his media profile as a left-wing and LGBQT rights activist .
He admits the attack but denies it was motivated by Mr Jones 's sexuality .
The defendant said he did not know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assaulted him because he barged him inside the north London pub , spilling his drink , and did not apologise .
Mr Jones suffered cuts and swelling to his back and head and bruises all down his body in the assault which happened on his birthday night out on 17 August .
In his evidence at Snaresbrook Crown Court , Mr Jones said : `` I 'm an unapologetic socialist , I 'm an anti-racist , I 'm an anti-fascist and I 've consistently used my profile to advocate left-wing causes . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ followers , 125,000 followers on Instagram and 350,000 followers on Facebook .
`` What I use these platforms for is to advocate left-wing ideas and a passion and unwavering commitment to opposing racism , fascism , Islamophobia and homophobia , '' he told the court .
`` Almost every single day I am the subject of an unrelenting campaign [ of abuse ] by far-right sympathisers .
`` They 've come to see me as this hate figure in their ranks . ''
Mr Jones said he received death threats on a daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the combination of being left-wing , gay , anti-fascist - that 's everything the far right hate . ''
Describing the evening of the attack , Mr Jones said : `` My recollection is that I was saying goodbye to a friend and then I was on the floor completely disoriented .
`` In those 10 seconds , I do n't really remember what happened because I was attacked from behind , I had no sense of what was going to happen . ''
When asked about the claim he had knocked Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` That absolutely did not happen .
`` If I thought I had accidentally spilled someone 's drink , I would apologise profusely , I would say , ' I 'm so sorry ' and I would insist - whether they liked it or not - on buying them another drink . ''
Following Mr Healy 's arrest , a search of his home revealed a photograph of him performing a Nazi salute .
The court heard the photo showed Mr Healy as a teenager but had been printed out in 2015 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hooligan flag adorned with SS symbols and a collection of pin badges linked to white supremacist groups .
He told the court : `` I 'm a hoarder .
I never throw anything away .
I just had them all that time tucked away in the back of a drawer .
`` Bearing in mind they came into my possession in 1998 , there was no internet back then , the information now is easily available .
`` As far as I knew , they were connected to football and football violence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ string of convictions for football violence and is currently subject to a football banning order for encroaching on a pitch .
The defendant , who has admitted affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm , is facing a trial of issue to determine his motivation for attacking Mr Jones .
Mr Healy , from Portsmouth , is due to be sentenced on 11 February .

In her ruling Judge Studd said that while it could not be proven Healy had been performing a Nazi salute in the photograph, she was "sure that [Healy] holds particular beliefs that are normally associated with the far right wing".


bbcuk--2020-01-17--Edinburgh brothers set rowing world records in the Atlantic

Three brothers from Scotland have set three world records after rowing the Atlantic Ocean in just 35 days .
Jamie , Ewan and Lachlan MacLean are the first three brothers to row any ocean , and the youngest trio and the fastest trio to ever row the Atlantic .
They set off from La Gomera , in the Canary Islands on 12 December and have now completed the 3,000-mile trip to Antigua .
Previously , the fastest a trio had ever rowed the Atlantic Ocean was 41 days .
The MacLean brothers , known as Broar , overcame seasickness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exhaustion to reach Antigua in record time .
Originally from Edinburgh , the brothers finished third overall ( first among trios ) in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge , beating many teams of four and five .
They had to row the last 20 days without any music , podcasts or audiobooks , as their iPhone cables succumbed to damage caused by a combination of sun and seawater .
However , being musicians , they kept themselves entertained with a bagpipe , harmonica and ukelele on board .
Jamie and Lachlan , students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Art respectively , convinced their brother Ewan , a design engineer for Dyson in Bristol , to take a sabbatical from work to make this world record attempt .
The 27-year-old said : `` They had to twist my arm but I will be forever grateful to my brothers for convincing me to do this .
`` This was , without doubt , the defining experience of my life .
It was incredibly difficult but the way we came together , the way our bodies and minds coped with every single challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long time .
`` It definitely tested our relationship , but it was remarkable how we were able to lift each other up as we struggled .
It 's brought us closer together , although I am looking forward to getting to see and talk to some different people . ''
The MacLean brothers developed a love for the outdoors during summers spent in Nedd in Sutherland .
Once they come home to Scotland , they plan to head back to Nedd to plan their next adventure .
They completed the challenge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They are hoping to raise £250,000 for Feedback Madagascar and Children First .

"It definitely tested our relationship, but it was remarkable how we were able to lift each other up as we struggled. It's brought us closer together, although I am looking forward to getting to see and talk to some different people."


bbcuk--2020-01-17--Harry and Meghan: How people split time between two countries

The Queen has agreed to a trial period for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to split their time between the UK and Canada .
For senior royals like Harry and Meghan , it 's an unprecedented move .
But for some people , dividing their life between two homes thousands of miles apart is normal .
Some do it for love , or spirituality .
Others describe their circumstances as `` humble '' , to look after ageing parents .
Here 's how they make it work .
Every six months , Johanna Craven and her partner Davis pack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the world .
`` This will be our third year of doing it , '' she says , as she prepares to leave London and head to Melbourne , Australia , where she will stay until mid-2020 .
`` It 's funny , whenever I get to the new place it feels like I have never left , '' says the Australian-British dual national .
`` It does n't feel like I 'm going home or going away , it 's like I 'm going to another part of my life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ originally from Australia , had been living in the UK for seven years when they chose the new arrangement in 2017 .
`` He decided he wanted to go back to Australia , I wanted to stay .
We thought let 's try both .
`` It felt like the right thing to do , it felt like the obvious thing to try . ''
The pair have a house in Melbourne - which they let out while they 're away - and they rent a different place in London each time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; finding an appropriate and affordable place to live each year , '' says Ms Craven , 38 , who works as a composer and author .
She also had to `` start again '' with her career - before the move she had a piano teaching business in London - but now focuses on other work , like writing historical fiction .
`` I do my best to travel light .
I am getting used to living with less and less stuff , which makes me realise that I really do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For Bruce Chin , 47 , who has split time between the UK and California for 25 years , he says the reasons are more `` humble '' than any stereotype of an exotic `` dual national lifestyle '' .
`` It 's very much been an evolutionary process , '' he says .
`` I never anticipated my life to turn out like this .
`` Really , the circumstances behind it are grounded in being a caretaker for my ageing parents , and being with my partner . ''
Mr Chin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to England on a student visa to the University of Oxford in 1995 and says he `` fell in love with Britain '' .
Several years - and many trips back and forth - later , Mr Chin moved to the UK permanently to be with his partner .
He now lives in Surrey but regularly travels back to San Francisco to help his father care for his mother , who has a chronic illness .
`` For the past 17 years , I go back every four months for one or two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cars , bank accounts , addresses and friends and family and life in both locations . ''
Mr Chin , who is a British-US dual national , says : `` I have to say , while it may have some humble origins the perks behind it are pretty incredible . ''
He gets to travel and , with a passion for maritime history , says he can indulge his hobby more in Britain .
But he adds : `` It comes at a cost .
The compromise , not being able to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would like .
`` But I bring the world back to them .
I 'm like an ambassador of the world and I can use Britain really now as a lily pad to travel to all sorts of destinations I never would have ever had the privilege to .
`` I love my life so much as it is right now .
It wo n't last forever , it 's temporary , but I plan on enjoying it . ''
During the summer months , Beki Adam runs an ecological campsite in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huts to stay in .
But for the last few years , while the campsite is quiet she has spent October to March in Woodstock , New York , where she has bought a house close to a Tibetan Buddhist monastery .
`` I 'm Buddhist and there 's a network of people in a community here , '' she says .
The UK is her home , but `` it 's a spiritual home here '' .
`` It sounded nice but it comes with its challenges , '' says Ms Adam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand the amount of work .
It 's not to be done lightly ...
If I could have it all in one place I would prefer that for sure . ''
She says she had no experience of the American legal system so buying a house was difficult .
`` On the positive side , there 's a famous Buddhist saying - 'you see the mountain clearer when you 're standing on the plain ' .
So I find myself thinking , I love the English legal system . ''
`` And just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If you are fixing up a house , or even getting dressed , you can think ' I 've got x , y or z in a cupboard somewhere ... oh , no , it 's in America ' . ''
She adds : `` I 'm fortunate because my sister works for an airline so I can travel back cheaply . ''
And as for the environmental impact , she says her campsite is `` super ecological '' and `` I 'm letting myself off for a few transatlantic flights '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would n't split my time , '' says Canadian citizen North Munro , from his condo in Palm Springs , California , where he spends nine months of the year ( it used to be six months , but he gradually changed it ) .
The other three months are spent in Williams Lake , British Columbia .
`` I would stop doing this if it was n't for my parents , '' he says , adding that they are in their 90s .
`` I still want to spend the summers away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , two sets of doctors , two sets of dentists , it 's just a hassle .
I do n't recommend it . ''
`` I 'm sure the Sussexes will get whatever they want but for average people like us it 's a challenge , '' he says .
Having doctors in both countries is difficult because they ca n't share records easily due to privacy laws , he adds , and doctors `` are afraid of liability '' so they want to run tests again themselves .
And Mr Munro , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business , says despite all his income being generated in Canada , he and his husband have to declare jointly in the US - where the system is `` crazy complicated '' - for healthcare reasons .
`` It 's not as simple as having a summer place in one country and a winter place in another .
It 's the bureaucracy , '' he says .
Any tips for the royal couple ?
`` I think Canada is a wise choice , '' says Mr Munro .
`` I would just tell @ @ @ @ @ @

"But I bring the world back to them. I'm like an ambassador of the world and I can use Britain really now as a lily pad to travel to all sorts of destinations I never would have ever had the privilege to.


bbcuk--2020-01-17--Brexit relationship: EU reveals clues ahead of talks with UK

They say an army marches on its stomach .
The European Union does it with slides .
The EU negotiating team is gearing up for talks with the UK about the post-Brexit relationship by holding a series of seminars for diplomats from the 27 member states .
The presentations are being published online .
Stuffed with jargon and seriously lacking in inspirational clipart , they provide important clues about how things might play out .
Remember the Political Declaration ?
Known in Brussels as `` the PD '' , it 's the 26-page sketch of the future relationship agreed alongside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the terms of the UK 's departure .
The Political Declaration is often seen as a lesser document because it is n't legally binding , or as a sweetener to make the divorce terms more palatable .
• What is the Withdrawal Agreement Bill ?
It 's clear that the EU takes the document as gospel because it 's quoted at length in the slides .
At length .
Like it 's the law .
EU officials are alert for signs that the UK might be softening on commitments made in the PD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for keeping EU member states in line .
For example , some have asked for other things to be added , to be told it 's now too late .
One of the sessions for diplomats was about the centrepiece of the new relationship with the UK - the Free Trade Agreement ( FTA ) .
This presentation was full of the EU 's usual catch-phrases about this stuff : being out ca n't be as good as being in , there 's no way to replicate membership of the single market without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ etc .
In the Theresa May era , this would read like a comprehensive rejection by Brussels of requests made by the UK .
It does n't feel that way , now that there 's a new British government which is relaxed about a looser economic relationship and can live with some friction in its trade with the EU .
• What is the transition period ?
But the EU thinks the UK still has to be reminded about what it can and ca n't get .
And the message on financial services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not subject to negotiation . ''
That 's because both sides will use existing ways of monitoring each other 's regulations rather than inventing new ones .
A field with no ref , that 's the LPF Get used to another acronym - the LPF , or Level Playing Field .
This is a series of measures to manage economic competition with the UK , which the EU says is necessary to reduce the risk of it being undercut by British firms that benefit from the new free trade agreement .
The EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover taxation , labour relations and environmental policies , and government support for companies , known as `` state aid . ''
The main tool will be a promise not to fall below current shared standards known as the non-regression clause .
But the EU has introduced an extra concept via the slides - `` non-lowering '' .
At first this sounds the same as non-regression but it means that if one party raises standards then there 's a possibility they may never be allowed to be lowered again .
This goes beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit Stage Two may turn into a rocky ride And the EU wants the UK to stay in lock-step with European policies on the environment and state aid as they develop .
It 's described in the presentations to diplomats as an `` ambition to improve over time '' , but in negotiating parlance is called `` dynamic alignment '' .
This is a massive no-no for the British government and will likely cause a big row .
The EU negotiators think this will all have to be managed and they place great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , part of which would be a joint committee of ministers and officials .
According to the slides , one of its big tasks would be deciding how to apply new EU laws or initiatives that did n't exist when the deal was negotiated .
Another would be working out what to do when one side or the other diverged from where things started .
At the same time , the EU would develop its own tools to retaliate quickly if the UK did something deemed unacceptable .
This is at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Switzerland ( but which has n't been approved yet ) and my hunch is it 'll be at the heart of what 's negotiated with the UK .
And finally , who could forget what access the EU will get to UK waters to catch fish , and British access to the EU market to sell it , billed as the biggest flashpoint ?
The slides reiterate that a deal on trade is contingent on a deal on fish .
What 's not clear is how the two will be linked - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the final agreements .
The EU says it will look at `` socio-economic '' factors - the real-world effect on fishing communities .
That might be surprising if you think this should be a purely technical , environmental matter , but it reflects the importance of the sector in the European psyche .
Another key phrase is `` relative stability '' .
This is code for agreeing the broad outlines of how many fish can be caught over a long period of time , maybe decades .
It means there might not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the UK and the EU .
There are more presentations and a lot of details still to come .
They might seem dull but today 's slides are tomorrow 's big news stories .
You might also be interested in :

Another key phrase is "relative stability". This is code for agreeing the broad outlines of how many fish can be caught over a long period of time, maybe decades. It means there might not be much to decide in annual fishing negotiations between the UK and the EU.


bbcuk--2020-01-17--Flybe: Viable business or destined to fail?

Just a year after being rescued , Flybe 's future is again in doubt .
Some have blamed fundamental problems with the business model , others bad management , competitive pressures , unfair taxes , or the vagaries of the oil and currency markets .
In truth , it 's a combination of all these , and more .
The firm 's boss Mark Anderson has told staff that the firm still has a bright future ahead of it .
But Flybe has been in financial turmoil for years , and there are arguments that if current investors Virgin Atlantic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lines ) , Cyrus Capital Partners , and Stobart Group , ca n't make it work , who can ?
The government sees enough value in Flybe to ( surprisingly , perhaps ) help with a rescue .
So , how did we get here ?
And , crucially , is good money just being thrown after bad ?
The Exeter-based airline 's problems did not just emerge this month .
It has long-suffered from overcapacity and rising costs .
There was a profit warning in 2017 , with higher maintenance costs blamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another profit warning in 2018 said Flybe would sink to a £22m loss , with the airline saying falling consumer demand , a weaker pound and higher fuel costs were the cause .
Flybe , then listed on the stock market , saw its shares tumble 46 % in a single day .
Nevertheless , then chief executive Christine Ourmieres-Widener said : `` We continue to strengthen the underlying business and remain confident that our strategy will improve performance . ''
In November 2018 , two weeks after that optimistic assessment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for sale .
The airline said it was `` in discussions with a number of strategic operators about a potential sale '' and could cut more flights .
Flybe was bought by Connect Airways - the consortium that includes Virgin Atlantic , Cyrus Capital and Stobart Group - in February last year .
Now a private company , the Flybe group is not due to file its next set of profit and loss figures with Companies House until 4 April .
And these accounts will only deal with the airline 's profitability in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But given Connect Airways went cap-in-hand to the government for help , it 's safe to say that the airline 's financial position has worsened .
• ' I would be devastated if Flybe went under' Flybe is a regional airline , which means it operates smaller aircraft and generally serves communities and airports that are too small to attract the big names in the aviation industry .
Against the likes of Ryanair or British Airways , Flybe is a minnow .
This is both a blessing and a curse .
Being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airlines do n't is seen as vital for regional connectivity .
Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw went so far as to describe Flybe as a UK strategic asset .
On some routes the competition is really only rail or ferry , not other airlines .
And in a country where costly infrastructure projects such as HS2 and Crossrail take an eternity to build , Flybe has provided a nimble solution to tough transport problems .
For example , some 68 % of Belfast airport flights , and 90 % of Southampton 's , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Flybe can get `` sandwiched '' between the business model of budget airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet , and the network carriers such as British Airways that use short-haul flights to connect with their long-haul services .
If Flybe 's routes to secondary and tertiary locations prove successful , the bigger players are likely to move in , operating the services at lower costs .
It does not help that many Flybe routes are within the UK , where , the airline has long complained , it is at a tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) is a levy paid on each leg of the journey within the UK - departure and arrival .
For international flights , it is only paid on the outbound ticket .
APD is thought to cost Flybe more than £100m a year .
What do we know about the rescue ?
Given that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made improving `` regional connectivity '' a key part of his industrial plan for the UK , seeing a regional airline go bust probably would not have looked good .
For days after Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the brink of collapse and had lined up an administrator , the company declined to say anything meaningful about its plight .
Then it emerged that the Connect consortium was in talks with the government about a rescue deal .
Details remain sketchy , but this is what we know .
• Flybe may get a deferral on its APD , and the government will review the whole duty structure • The Connect Airways consortium will inject another £30m into the business • There have been talks about a short-term loan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a firmer financial footing This has raised many unanswered questions .
Why is a Conservative government propping up failing companies ?
Is it right to rescue Flybe when there was no help for Thomas Cook and other collapsed businesses such as Carillion ?
Does it disadvantage other airlines ?
Is there a breach of state aid rules ?
Also , is n't APD supposed to limit flying and help meet Britain 's climate change targets ?
How do rivals feel about the rescue ?
There has been a mixture of outrage and concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chief executive of British Airways ' owner IAG , called it a `` blatant misuse of public funds '' that `` constitute unlawful state aid '' .
He has filed a complaint with Brussels .
EasyJet boss Johan Lundgren said that taxpayers cash should not be used to bail out a business with well-funded backers such as Virgin and Delta .
And Ryanair said in a statement that the government should not `` favour a financially profligate airline '' .
Ryanair has threatened legal action against the government .
The Rail Delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said any review of APD `` that encourages more people to fly domestically would limit efforts to tackle the climate crisis '' .
The Chancellor , Sajid Javid , along with Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps , have all been closely involved in the rescue plan .
The word from these departments , and also Number 10 , is that the final terms of the rescue will be done in a fiscally responsible way that will neither neither breach state aid rules nor climate change targets .
The Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been no state aid to Flybe , '' adding that `` any future funding will be made on strictly commercial terms '' .
According to Mr Shapps : `` The actions we have taken will support and enhance regional connectivity across the UK , so local communities have the domestic transport connections they rely on . ''
What is the future for Flybe ?
Flybe has been through several restructurings over the past decade , suggesting there have been fundamental problems for years .
The Connect consortium has not managed to knock the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time it has owned it .
And many people believe that the government can provide only a short-term fix .
The government ca n't do much about global oil prices and currency swings .
An economic slowdown in the UK and the rest of Europe will pile pressure on an already weak airline .
According to analyst John Grant , Flybe 's fragmented network and relatively small number of daily flights means it is difficult to achieve critical mass and means the airline is exposed to short-term changes in market conditions .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; a closeness to customers , brand loyalty , minimal direct competition and a perception that high air fares are paid by all .
The reality can be quite different ; network fragmentation , numerous crew bases , high operational exposure and ultimately quite small catchment areas . ''
The acquisition by Virgin ( and through it , Delta ) will possibly help feed Flybe 's passenger traffic onto these network carriers but it has clearly not made much of a difference yet .
One rumour is that the government considered extending so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flybe routes that were particularly important to regional communities .
That , in effect , means subsidising them - always a controversial move .
But until full details of what is planned are disclosed , analysts say it is difficult to know whether Flybe can be put on a firmer footing .
Threats of legal action could only delay matters .
And one thing Flybe does n't have is time .

Flybe: Viable business or destined to fail? Published 17 January 2020
Image source, Getty Images
Just a year after being rescued, Flybe's future is again in doubt.
Some have blamed fundamental problems with the business model, others bad management, competitive pressures, unfair taxes, or the vagaries of the oil and currency markets. In truth, it's a combination of all these, and more.
The firm's boss Mark Anderson has told staff that the firm still has a bright future ahead of it.
But Flybe has been in financial turmoil for years, and there are arguments that if current investors Virgin Atlantic (49%-owned by Delta Air Lines), Cyrus Capital Partners, and Stobart Group, can't make it work, who can?
The government sees enough value in Flybe to (surprisingly, perhaps) help with a rescue. So, how did we get here? And, crucially, is good money just being thrown after bad?
When did Flybe's troubles begin?
The Exeter-based airline's problems did not just emerge this month. It has long-suffered from overcapacity and rising costs.
There was a profit warning in 2017, with higher maintenance costs blamed as a major part of the problem.
Another profit warning in 2018 said Flybe would sink to a £22m loss, with the airline saying falling consumer demand, a weaker pound and higher fuel costs were the cause.
Flybe, then listed on the stock market, saw its shares tumble 46% in a single day.
Nevertheless, then chief executive Christine Ourmieres-Widener said: "We continue to strengthen the underlying business and remain confident that our strategy will improve performance."
In November 2018, two weeks after that optimistic assessment, Flybe announced it was putting itself up for sale. The airline said it was "in discussions with a number of strategic operators about a potential sale" and could cut more flights.
Flybe was bought by Connect Airways - the consortium that includes Virgin Atlantic, Cyrus Capital and Stobart Group - in February last year.
Now a private company, the Flybe group is not due to file its next set of profit and loss figures with Companies House until 4 April. And these accounts will only deal with the airline's profitability in the period to 4 July, 2019.
But given Connect Airways went cap-in-hand to the government for help, it's safe to say that the airline's financial position has worsened.
Image source, Getty Images
What is Flybe's business model?
Flybe is a regional airline, which means it operates smaller aircraft and generally serves communities and airports that are too small to attract the big names in the aviation industry.
Against the likes of Ryanair or British Airways, Flybe is a minnow.
This is both a blessing and a curse.
Being able to reach the places that other airlines don't is seen as vital for regional connectivity. Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw went so far as to describe Flybe as a UK strategic asset. On some routes the competition is really only rail or ferry, not other airlines.
And in a country where costly infrastructure projects such as HS2 and Crossrail take an eternity to build, Flybe has provided a nimble solution to tough transport problems. For example, some 68% of Belfast airport flights, and 90% of Southampton's, are operated by Flybe.
The trouble is, Flybe can get "sandwiched" between the business model of budget airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet, and the network carriers such as British Airways that use short-haul flights to connect with their long-haul services.
If Flybe's routes to secondary and tertiary locations prove successful, the bigger players are likely to move in, operating the services at lower costs.
It does not help that many Flybe routes are within the UK, where, the airline has long complained, it is at a tax disadvantage.
Air Passenger Duty (APD) is a levy paid on each leg of the journey within the UK - departure and arrival. For international flights, it is only paid on the outbound ticket.
APD is thought to cost Flybe more than £100m a year.
Image source, Getty Images
What do we know about the rescue?
Given that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made improving "regional connectivity" a key part of his industrial plan for the UK, seeing a regional airline go bust probably would not have looked good.
For days after Sky News broke the story that Flybe was on the brink of collapse and had lined up an administrator, the company declined to say anything meaningful about its plight. Then it emerged that the Connect consortium was in talks with the government about a rescue deal.
Details remain sketchy, but this is what we know.
Flybe may get a deferral on its APD, and the government will review the whole duty structure
The Connect Airways consortium will inject another £30m into the business
There have been talks about a short-term loan to tie over Flybe until it is on a firmer financial footing
This has raised many unanswered questions. Why is a Conservative government propping up failing companies? Is it right to rescue Flybe when there was no help for Thomas Cook and other collapsed businesses such as Carillion? Does it disadvantage other airlines? Is there a breach of state aid rules? Also, isn't APD supposed to limit flying and help meet Britain's climate change targets?
How do rivals feel about the rescue?
Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways' owner IAG, called it a "blatant misuse of public funds" that "constitute unlawful state aid". He has filed a complaint with Brussels.
EasyJet boss Johan Lundgren said that taxpayers cash should not be used to bail out a business with well-funded backers such as Virgin and Delta. And Ryanair said in a statement that the government should not "favour a financially profligate airline". Ryanair has threatened legal action against the government.
The Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators, said any review of APD "that encourages more people to fly domestically would limit efforts to tackle the climate crisis".
The Chancellor, Sajid Javid, along with Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, have all been closely involved in the rescue plan.
The word from these departments, and also Number 10, is that the final terms of the rescue will be done in a fiscally responsible way that will neither neither breach state aid rules nor climate change targets.
The Prime Minister's spokesman said "there has been no state aid to Flybe," adding that "any future funding will be made on strictly commercial terms".
According to Mr Shapps: "The actions we have taken will support and enhance regional connectivity across the UK, so local communities have the domestic transport connections they rely on."
Image source, Getty Images
What is the future for Flybe?
Flybe has been through several restructurings over the past decade, suggesting there have been fundamental problems for years. The Connect consortium has not managed to knock the airline into shape in the relatively short time it has owned it. And many people believe that the government can provide only a short-term fix.
The government can't do much about global oil prices and currency swings. An economic slowdown in the UK and the rest of Europe will pile pressure on an already weak airline.
According to analyst John Grant, Flybe's fragmented network and relatively small number of daily flights means it is difficult to achieve critical mass and means the airline is exposed to short-term changes in market conditions.
He says: "Regional can be good; a closeness to customers, brand loyalty, minimal direct competition and a perception that high air fares are paid by all. The reality can be quite different; network fragmentation, numerous crew bases, high operational exposure and ultimately quite small catchment areas."
The acquisition by Virgin (and through it, Delta) will possibly help feed Flybe's passenger traffic onto these network carriers but it has clearly not made much of a difference yet.
One rumour is that the government considered extending so-called public service obligations to a number of Flybe routes that were particularly important to regional communities. That, in effect, means subsidising them - always a controversial move.
But until full details of what is planned are disclosed, analysts say it is difficult to know whether Flybe can be put on a firmer footing.