bbcuk--2020-02-05--Do I need a TV licence and what does it pay for?

A public consultation on whether failure to pay for a TV licence should stop being a criminal offence has been launched by the government .
But what exactly is the licence fee - and who needs one ?
How much is the licence fee and what is it for ?
Today , the TV licence costs £154.50 a year ( £52 for black and white TV sets ) and will rise by £3 in April .
The licence fee 's existence is guaranteed until at least 31 December 2027 by the BBC 's Royal Charter .
This sets out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC provides public service broadcasting - which means its mission is `` to act in the public interest '' by providing `` impartial , high-quality and distinctive '' content , which `` inform , educate and entertain '' all audiences .
Money raised from the licence fee pays for BBC shows and services - including TV , radio , the BBC website , podcasts , iPlayer and apps .
Almost £3.7bn was raised by the licence fee in 2019 , accounting for about 76 % of the BBC 's total income of £4.9bn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £1.2bn ) came from commercial and other activities ( such as grants , royalties and rental income ) , according to the House of Commons Library .
What happens if people do n't pay the licence fee ?
Watching live programmes without a TV licence fee is against the law .
In 2018 , more than 121,000 people were convicted for evasion , with five of them going to prison .
The average fine was £176 , but the maximum penalty is £1,000 , plus legal costs and/or compensation .
Last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in use in the UK .
About 7 % of people who need a licence do not have one .
The government is now considering decriminalising non-payment of the licence fee by 2022 .
Announcing the consultation , Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan said it was time to think about keeping the fee `` relevant '' in a `` changing media landscape '' .
It is not just the government that has questioned the licence fee .
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker , whose annual BBC salary is £1.75m , suggested it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hall , who is stepping down as the BBC 's director general , defended the charge , saying the corporation 's success lies in it `` being paid for and owned by the British public '' .
Decriminalisation would not mean that having a licence is voluntary , but failing to pay could become a civil offence , similar to non-payment of council tax or electricity bills .
Do I have to pay for a TV licence ?
The law says that you must have a TV licence if you : • watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ channel , even if it 's not on the BBC • watch or stream programmes live on an online TV service such as ITV Hub , All 4 , YouTube , Amazon Prime Video , Now TV and Sky Go • download or watch any BBC programmes on iPlayer The rules apply to any device on which a programme is viewed , including a TV , desktop or laptop computer , mobile phone , tablet or set-top box .
So , for example , someone watching a live football match on a non-BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need a TV licence .
But a licence fee is not needed to view BBC programmes on other streaming services , like Netflix .
So , downloading Gavin & Stacey on Netflix would not require a TV licence , whereas downloading the same episode on iPlayer would .
It is also fine to watch non-BBC programmes on online catch-up services without a TV licence , as well as viewing clips on sites like YouTube , according to the government website .
There are different rules for people like students away at university , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses .
• BBC licence fee to rise by £3 in April Until the end of May this year , everyone aged over 75 receives a free TV licence - which they have to apply for - paid for by the UK government .
However , this is changing from the start of June , when the BBC will become responsible for paying for it .
The corporation will fund a free licence for any household where someone aged over 75 receives pension credit .
More than 1.5 million households could qualify to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but up to 3.7 million people will lose their free licences .
In October , a cross-party group of MPs called for free TV licences to be restored to everyone over the age of 75 .
Funding free TV licences for all over-75s would have resulted in `` unprecedented closures '' , the BBC said in June .

A subscription service - It's been suggested that the BBC follow the example of Netflix and change to a subscription service. However, it's estimated that to provide its current services, the BBC would have to sign up approximately 24 million users, each paying £13 per month. Also, it's not clear how BBC One and BBC Two could be put behind a pay wall, or how the BBC would limit access its radio stations to paying subscribers.


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Coronavirus: Five things you need to know

Myths around the risks of coronavirus in the UK are doing the rounds .
We put the facts straight .
You might be starting to see people wearing them in the UK , but there is limited evidence that they work .
That 's because they are generally too loose , do n't cover the eyes and ca n't be worn for long periods .
Face masks need to be changed frequently ( because they get sweaty ) , if they are to offer any real protection .
To protect yourself , it 's more important to : • cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a tissue or your elbow • wash your hands afterwards , and then frequently , with soap or sanitiser • keep your distance from people who are coughing and sneezing ( at least one metre ) • using sesame oil under the nose None of these will help protect against the new virus in any way .
You ca n't catch the virus from animals There is no evidence that your pet dog or cat can be infected with the new coronavirus .
But that does n't mean you should n't regularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after touching them .
Even cuddly Poodles can carry bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella - and these are bugs that can pass between pets and humans .
The new ( and as yet unnamed ) coronavirus is thought to have originated in a live animal market in Wuhan , China - with the source likely to be wildlife .
The virus could have gone unnoticed in animals before jumping to humans , which is how many viruses start .
eg .
avian flu , Ebola , Sars .
But that does n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreaders .
• Coronavirus : How worried should we be ?
Most people will have mild symptoms ( cough , high temperature ) and will recover .
However , the virus is making some people seriously ill ( pneumonia , breathing problems ) and killing a small number ( severe lung issues ) in China .
Remember that flu , which circulates every winter , kills people too - an average of 600 people die from complications of flu in the UK every year .
And the risk of getting coronavirus is tiny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the precautions currently in place in the UK .
Microscopic droplets from coughs are the most likely way the new virus spreads , so quarantining or isolating those returning from Wuhan is going to lower that risk even further .
Getting a flu vaccine at the moment is still recommended .
But there is no cure There are no specific medicines or vaccines for the new virus , and antibiotics do n't work either ( they fight off bacteria ) .
Treatment options do exist but most people get better on their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vaccine , but this will have to be tested in trials first , so it could be some time before it 's ready .
Older people and those with other health conditions , such as asthma , heart disease , cancer and diabetes , are most vulnerable to the new virus .
Although anyone of any age can get it , and the number of cases is rising every day in China , only a small proportion of people are dying from it .
There is no need to avoid your local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or beer from any other outlet .
It 's also safe to receive packages and letters from China .
The virus is unlikely to survive for long on these kind of surfaces , and that includes objects like cups and door handles .
You have to be in close contact with an infected person - within two metres for 15 minutes or more - to be at risk .
People who have returned to the UK from Wuhan and Hubei province in China in recent weeks are most at risk of having the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been traced and tested negative for the virus .

Although anyone of any age can get it, it is hoped that only one in five of the population will be infected - but the worst case scenario could be 80%.


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Portsmouth academic develops 'perfect espresso' formula

Mathematicians and physicists might not be the first people you would think to consult about the perfect coffee .
But @ @ @ @ @ Dr Jamie Foster , a mathematician at the University of Portsmouth , is challenging conventional @ @ @ @ @ found that fewer coffee beans , ground more coarsely , are the key to a @ @ @ @ @ just as strong .

Mathematicians and physicists might not be the first people you would think to consult about the perfect coffee.
But a team of researchers including Dr Jamie Foster, a mathematician at the University of Portsmouth, is challenging conventional espresso wisdom.
They have found that fewer coffee beans, ground more coarsely, are the key to a more consistent drink that is just as strong.
Reporter: Mike Apps


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Republic of Ireland vote 2020: Runners and riders

BBC News Ireland Correspondent Chris Page looks at the runners and riders in the Republic of Ireland election 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ 8 February - the first time the country has held a general election at a @ @ @ @ @ on the election , click here .

BBC News Ireland correspondent Chris Page looks at the runners and riders in the Republic of Ireland election 2020.
People will vote on Saturday 8 February - the first time the country has held a general election at a weekend.
For more information on the election, click here.


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Tracy Brabin: 'A woman is always judged more harshly than a man'

Labour MP Tracy Brabin has hit out at 'vitriolic ' criticism on social media after she wore a dress that @ @ @ @ @ The shadow culture secretary said it was `` part of the territory '' for a @ @ @ @ @ to `` brush it off , '' but felt is was her responsibility to call @ @ @ @ @ sexism '' .

Labour MP Tracy Brabin has hit out at 'vitriolic' criticism on social media after she wore a dress that exposed her shoulder in Parliament
The shadow culture secretary said it was "part of the territory" for a politician and she was able to "brush it off," but felt is was her responsibility to call it out as "everyday sexism".


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Coronavirus: Living in quarantine on a cruise ship

David Abel is one of 3,700 people in quarantine aboard a cruise ship docked near Yokohama , Japan .
Ten @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus have been taken off the ship and to hospital , but everyone else @ @ @ @ @ Diamond Princess .

David Abel is one of 3,700 people in quarantine aboard a cruise ship docked near Yokohama, Japan.
Ten people who tested have positive for coronavirus have been taken off the ship and to hospital, but everyone else must remain on board the Diamond Princess.


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Japanese POW camp inmates held as toddlers in 1941 recall life

Two men who were incarcerated in a Japanese prisoner of war camp , at the age of two , on @ @ @ @ @ spoken publicly for the first time about their experiences , 75 years after their release @ @ @ @ @ Macmillan were visiting the Philippines with their mothers when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor , @ @ @ @ @ war .
It also led to people being barred from leaving Hong Kong , where @ @ @ @ @ For Derek , of Marlborough , Wiltshire , and Robert , from Nailsworth , Gloucestershire @ @ @ @ @ was the start of more than three years of being held prisoner in terrible conditions @ @ @ @ @ by the Americans , `` having eaten nothing sweet for three-and-a-half years '' and weighing @ @ @ @ @ when they were first captured .

Two men who were incarcerated in a Japanese prisoner of war camp, at the age of two, on Christmas Eve in 1941 have spoken publicly for the first time about their experiences, 75 years after their release.
Derek Bird and Robert Macmillan were visiting the Philippines with their mothers when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, dragging the US into the war.
It also led to people being barred from leaving Hong Kong, where their fathers were working.
For Derek, of Marlborough, Wiltshire, and Robert, from Nailsworth, Gloucestershire and their mothers, it was the start of more than three years of being held prisoner in terrible conditions.
They were eventually liberated by the Americans, "having eaten nothing sweet for three-and-a-half years" and weighing the same as they did when they were first captured.
Video Journalist: Kathryn Emerson.


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Newspaper headlines: Trump 'off the hook' after 'historic' trial

The Daily Mail says it has tracked down Anne Sacoolas , the American accused of killing Harry Dunn .
The @ @ @ @ @ of her on the school run - images Harry 's family are said to have @ @ @ @ @ `` galling '' .
The US last month turned down an extradition request for her @ @ @ @ @ .

Picking up on this and the announcement that new hybrid cars will be banned in 15 years, Matt's cartoon for the Telegraph is set in a laboratory, with one researcher explaining: "We're harnessing the boiling rage of motorists to power the vehicles of the future."


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Jim Auton: Funeral for WW2 hero who helped Polish resistance

The funeral of a World War Two veteran who helped an uprising against Nazi occupation will take place later .
Jim Auton , who died aged 95 in January , is thought to have been the last British member of the Warsaw Air Bridge , which saw supplies dropped to Polish resistance fighters .
As he had no known family the service has been organised by the RAF Association in Newark , Nottinghamshire .
Polish Ambassador Arkady Rzegocki said he was `` a brave and determined man '' .
Mr Auton 's funeral will take place at Newark Parish Church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buried in Newark Cemetery , close to the Warsaw Air Bridge Memorial , which he campaigned for and helped to plan in 1989 .
Mr Auton flew 37 missions with 178 Squadron , including dropping vital weapons to Britain 's Polish allies during the 1944 Warsaw Uprising .
This was an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to liberate the Polish capital from Nazi occupation , which lasted 63 days , cost the lives of more than 150,000 civilians and destroyed large parts of the city .
After the war , he was awarded 20 medals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Polish Presidential Gold Order of Merit and the Soviet Union War Veterans ' Medal , and was made an MBE in 2000 .
• Warsaw Uprising : 'There were flames everywhere' • Latest news and stories from the East Midlands Paul Trickett , who cared for Mr Auton for many years , said : `` He was a truly remarkable man with many stories to tell .
`` He was proud of what he and his comrades did for the people of Warsaw . ''
Ailsa Gough , divisional manager for the RAF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Jim and his RAF comrades were instrumental in the struggle for freedom in Warsaw , and , as the charity that supports the RAF family , we wanted to ensure he received a fitting funeral . ''
Mr Rzegocki said Mr Auton not only `` risked his life to aid Polish resistance '' by taking part in the air drops during the uprising , but also `` worked tirelessly '' to commemorate all those who died in the effort to liberate the country .
`` For all of this , Polish people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` He really is an example to follow for future generations . ''
Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram .
Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

He added Mr Auton not only "risked his life to aid Polish resistance" by taking part in the air drops during the uprising, but also "worked tirelessly" to commemorate all those who died in the effort to liberate the country.


bbcuk--2020-02-05--CalMac 'did not want troubled ferry design'

Ferry operator CalMac did not want the type of vessel that is being built for it in a project that is now behind schedule and over budget , an inquiry has heard .
The two new Liquefied Natural Gas ( LNG ) ferries are being built at the Ferguson Marine yard on the Clyde .
But a Holyrood committee was told the chief executive of CalMac admitted he did not want LNG ferries .
The claim was made by Luke van Beek , a former Scottish government adviser .
The committee also heard claims from tycoon Jim McColl , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the details of the ferry contract , including the cost of the vessels , before it had been agreed .
• Why are we building gas-powered ships ?
• What 's gone wrong with CalMac 's new ferries ?
Mr McColl called for a public inquiry into the fiasco , and accused Finance Secretary Derek Mackay of making `` defamatory '' comments about the Ferguson 's management in a parliamentary statement .
The Ferguson shipyard won the £97m contract to build two new ferries for Arran and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were to be a new hybrid design - powered by marine diesel and liquefied natural gas - but construction has fallen way behind schedule and the final bill is expected to be about £200m .
The yard collapsed last year , with debts of £49m to the Scottish government , and was eventually taken into public ownership .
It has led to a war of words between Mr McColl , the Scottish government and CMAL , the government-owned company that actually placed the order for the ferries in the first place .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Scottish government to advise on problems with the project , told the rural economy committee there had been a breakdown in communication between the various parties who were involved .
He said the shipyard was well run , but there was acrimony between Ferguson Marine and CMAL because the basic design of the vessels had not been agreed and was too vague when the contract was first awarded .
And he said the ships were not even wanted in their final form by CalMac , which will actually operate them when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr van Beek said : `` CalMac had a huge interest in getting the ships operational as soon as possible - that is why I thought it was sensible to get them involved .
`` I was very surprised when I met with the CEO of CalMac to discover that really they were n't involved apart from right at the beginning of the process .
They made some observations and had said they did n't want LNG ships . ''
Jim McColl on ferry announcement - 'It caught us by surprise' Mr van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides for the project being delayed and over-budget .
But Mr McColl later told the committee that the problems were caused by CMAL `` chopping and changing '' the ferry design , and said a public inquiry was needed to get to the truth .
He said Ferguson Marine was initially pushing for a price of £105m for both ships , but Ms Sturgeon made the award public before the final price was agreed - saying they would cost around £97m .
He added : `` Before we agreed the negotiation the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selected as preferred bidders and the price was £97m .
`` CMAL then came back to us and said 'it 's been announced by the first minister , you 'll just have to accept it ' . ''
Ms Sturgeon made the announcement that Ferguson was preferred bidder when she joined Mr McColl on a visit to the yard on 31 August 2015 , the same day the then Chancellor George Osborne announced £500m of contracts for the Trident submarine base at Faslane .
Asked if documents released by the Scottish government represented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McColl said : `` I believe key documents are missing . ''
He also said he had been told privately by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay that the board of CMAL would resign if he appointed an independent mediator to settle the dispute .
Calling for a public inquiry , he said : `` This needs a lot more investigation .
`` The reason that I would like it to go to a public inquiry is I would like there to be a judge and I would like people to be under oath .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister 's announcement about the ferry contract in August 2015 had only been to confirm Ferguson as preferred bidder .
A spokesperson said : `` The announcement was made in line with standard practice for procurement , and was not the announcement of the award of the contract , but confirmation of the preferred bidder .
`` The construction of the ferries was a commercial contract between FMEL and CMAL .
Once it became apparent that those two parties would be unable to reach agreement on the contractual dispute the Scottish government worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the completion of the vessels and a future for the yard .
`` That involved encouraging both parties to use all methods available to resolve the dispute , including mediation . ''
The government said its turnaround director , appointed since nationalisation , had identified significant issues including Ferguson 's `` management of the project - particularly in relation to engineering processes and overall project management '' .
`` We are committed to transparency on these issues and fully support the independent parliamentary inquiry , which is the appropriate forum for this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson added .
Last month , CMAL chief executive Kevin Hobbs insisted that Ferguson 's bosses were to blame for the delay and spiralling cost of the two new ferries .
He also rejected calls for the unfinished ferries to be scrapped and the work started again .

"The construction of the ferries was a commercial contract between FMEL and CMAL. Once it became apparent that those two parties would be unable to reach agreement on the contractual dispute the Scottish government worked to find a solution that would result in the completion of the vessels and a future for the yard.


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Paul Quinn murder: Quinn parents accept Conor Murphy apology

The parents of Paul Quinn have called on Sinn Fein 's Conor Murphy to publicly state their son was not a criminal .
The 21-year-old from County Armagh was beaten to death in a barn near Oram , County Monaghan in 2007 .
Speaking after his murder , Mr Murphy said Mr Quinn had links to criminality .
On Wednesday , he withdrew the remarks and apologised to the Quinn family .
The parents of Mr Quinn accepted the apology , but said it had not gone far enough .
Appearing on Nolan Live on BBC NI , Mr Quinn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has n't said Paul was n't a criminal . ''
Her husband Stephen added : `` I want him to come out in public and say that , because he said in public that Paul was a criminal . ''
Mr Murphy , who released a statement and gave an interview to RTÉ news , said he had `` consistently and unreservedly condemned the murder '' .
`` Those who murdered him are criminals and need to be brought to justice , '' continued the statement .
`` I repeat my call on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring it to the gardaí ( Irish police ) or the PSNI . ''
In a tweet published on Wednesday evening , Mrs Quinn said she regretted that it had taken `` 13 years of pain and election pressures for the apology to come '' .
Mrs Quinn had previously called for the finance minister to be `` stepped down '' from his Stormont post .
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald told PA Media Mr Murphy should not step down and that she would not remove him from the position .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Murphy 's apology to the Quinn family as `` the right thing to do '' .
Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill were appearing together before the Stormont committee that scrutinises the Executive Office .
• Why Paul Quinn 's murder still hangs over Sinn Féin Answering a question from UUP MLA Mike Nesbitt , Ms O'Neill said Mr Murphy had apologised , offered to meet the Quinns and would remain in post as finance minister .
Asked if she was happy to continue to work with Mr Murphy , Mrs Foster said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that his future in the role was `` a matter for Sinn Féin '' .
Mrs Foster added : `` Wherever possible , if mistakes are made , we should reflect .
`` I have n't heard Conor 's apology , but I think it is right that should happen .
`` I 'm sure Mr and Mrs Quinn would want above all to have justice for their son . ''
What was said ?
Speaking to the BBC in November 2007 , Mr Murphy said : `` Paul Quinn was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think everyone accepts that .
`` This is a very difficult situation as there is a family grieving - I do n't want to add to their grief . ''
Mr Murphy also said he had spoken to IRA members about the attack and had been told the IRA was not involved .
The Quinn family has always blamed the IRA for murdering their son .
On Wednesday morning , Mrs Quinn had said Mr Murphy was `` not fit to be in government '' .
She added that the apology must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is where he put the slur on our son '' .
`` Has he any idea what we 're going through , what he has put us through ? ''
asked Mrs Quinn .
During RTÉ 's Prime Time leaders ' debate on Tuesday , Mrs McDonald said she was aware Mr Murphy 's comments caused hurt and that he would apologise .
`` Those things should not have been said - Conor withdraws them and apologises , '' she said .
`` That 's the correct and the decent thing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in County Armagh , told the BBC she welcomed Ms McDonald 's comments .
She said Mr Murphy should also `` go to the PSNI and the gardaí [ Irish police ] and give the names of the IRA people he said he spoke to in Cullyhanna '' .
`` If he does n't do that I will not be meeting him , '' she added .
Mrs Quinn said : `` For 13 years we have endured and cried and fought for justice to get the truth .
`` A family that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances does n't need the additional hurt and grief of those remarks . ''
She added : `` The only criminals involved in this scenario are the people who so cruelly and viciously took [ her son 's ] life . ''
The gang who murdered Mr Quinn used nail-studded clubs and iron bars to beat him for upwards of half an hour , breaking every major bone in his body .
In a report in November 2007 , the Independent Monitoring Commission said current and former members of the IRA may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in its full report in May the following year , the commission stated the IRA was not responsible for the murder .
The commission said the killing was `` clearly contrary to the instructions and strategy of the IRA leadership '' although it reiterated that some local members or former members were involved .

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bbcuk--2020-02-05--Iderval da Silva death: Three jailed for killing Uber Eats driver

Three teenagers have been jailed for killing an Uber Eats delivery driver when he tried to stop them stealing his moped .
Brazilian national Iderval Da Silva , 46 , was beaten to death in a `` cowardly attack '' in Battersea , west London , on 25 May .
Jadan Richards , 19 , was sentenced to life for murder and must serve at least 12 years , the Old Bailey heard .
Tay Clovey , 16 , was also jailed for 11-and-a-half years for murder .
A 17-year-old boy convicted of manslaughter was given a four-year term .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ unattended moped outside a Battersea cafe and one of them tried to snatch it , the court heard .
When Mr Da Silva tried to stop them he was set upon in a `` momentary explosion of short-lived violence '' .
His son Caique Keven Silva said in a statement : `` I find it very difficult to explain how not having my dad here is affecting me .
`` Part of me still thinks that this has n't really happened , that it is only a nightmare from which I will wake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` My dad was there for people , never thinking of himself .
No-one deserves to lose their father in the way I lost mine . ''
Sentencing , judge Mark Dennis QC told the defendants : `` There is no reason to think that any of you were immature for your age at that time , nor that you would not have known that such an unnecessary and cowardly assault was both wrong and wholly unjustified . ''
Following the trial Jasire Frazer , 18 , from Wandsworth , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the alternative charge of manslaughter .
Another 17-year-old boy was cleared on the judge 's direction midway through the trial .

Sentencing, judge Mark Dennis QC told the defendants: "There is no reason to think that any of you were immature for your age at that time, nor that you would not have known that such an unnecessary and cowardly assault was both wrong and wholly unjustified."


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Derek Mackay: Scottish finance secretary quits over messages to boy

Scotland 's finance secretary has quit hours before delivering his budget amid reports that he messaged a 16-year-old boy on social media .
The Scottish Sun said that Derek Mackay contacted the boy over a six-month period , and told him that he was `` cute '' .
Mr Mackay said he had `` behaved foolishly '' and took full responsibility for his actions .
He also apologised `` unreservedly '' to the boy and his family .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she did not know about Mr Mackay 's `` unacceptable '' behaviour until Wednesday evening , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations '' against him .
In a statement to the Scottish Parliament , she confirmed that he has been suspended by the SNP while further investigations are carried out .
Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw called on Mr Mackay to also stand down from the Scottish Parliament , saying his behaviour could `` constitute the grooming of a young individual '' .
And Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said Mr Mackay 's actions had been `` an abuse of power '' and `` nothing short of predatory '' .
The newspaper detailed allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` out of the blue '' in August of last year and sent about 270 messages on Instagram and through Facebook .
It has published a list of messages - the most recent of which is from earlier this week - involving Mr Mackay and the boy , in which its says the MSP invited him to dinner and to attend a rugby event .
The newspaper also reported that Mr Mackay contacted the boy several times on Christmas Day , and told him on another occasion that he was `` looking good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the exchanges , Mr Mackay is said to have told the teenager he was `` cute '' .
In another the boy confirmed he was 16 and tells Mr Mackay `` not to try anything '' .
The paper also quotes the boy 's mother calling for Mr Mackay to be removed from his post .
In a statement released on Thursday morning , Mr Mackay said : `` I take full responsibility for my actions .
I have behaved foolishly and I am truly sorry .
I apologise unreservedly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I spoke last night with the first minister and tendered my resignation with immediate effect .
`` Serving in government has been a huge privilege and I am sorry to have let colleagues and supporters down . ''
This is a calamity , without caveat , for Derek Mackay , for the SNP , for the first minister and for the collective Scottish government .
One must also express sympathy for the youth who apparently received unwarranted and unwanted attention , together with his family .
Not only was Derek Mackay a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with responsibility for finance and the economy , he had also been tipped as a possible successor to Nicola Sturgeon .
To be amply clear , there is no such vacancy at present .
But all of this comes amid an amalgam of challenges for the Scottish government and the SNP .
Challenges over public policy , most notably in education and the NHS .
Internal disquiet over how to proceed with indyref2 .
And a pending High Court trial .
Mr Mackay , who has been widely tipped as a future first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he left his wife in 2013 .
His resignation came just hours before he was due to present the Scottish government 's spending plans for the next year - a major set piece event in the Scottish Parliament .
Mr Mackay would have been putting the finishing touches to his preparations to his £43bn budget when he was contacted by the Scottish Sun on Wednesday evening , before the newspaper released the story at 23:20 .
The budget will now be presented by the public finance minister , Kate Forbes .

Building trust is a key tactic in grooming, and this can be appearing to have the same interests as the young person such as games and apps and offering advice or showing empathy and understanding. It can also involve invitations to events, taking them on trips or even holidays.


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Helen McCourt: Mother tells killer Ian Simms 'Give me my child back'

A mother who campaigned for more than 30 years to find out where the remains of her daughter are hidden has told her killer to `` give her child back '' .
Helen McCourt disappeared in Merseyside in 1988 and her body has not been found , after searches were carried out .
Killer Ian Simms has been released from prison despite never revealing where he hid the remains of the 22-year-old .
Marie McCourt said him being freed days before the anniversary of her daughter going missing was `` insensitive '' , ''All I want , all I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child back , '' Helen 's mother added .
`` Whatever tiny bits of pieces there are .
It 's my daughter 's .
And I want them back . ''
Speaking to BBC Breakfast she continued : `` The part that gets me , I ca n't give Helen the last goodbye .
`` I did n't think a heart could break twice , but mine did . ''
Mrs McCourt added : `` It 's always painful when it 's coming up to another anniversary .
`` It 's this Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insensitive to release this person just days before . ''
She said `` some empathy '' should be shown to `` a grieving mother '' .
Simms , who never admitted his guilt , killed Ms McCourt as she walked home from work in Liverpool .
Mrs McCourt has campaigned for a change in the law to deny parole to killers who do not disclose the location of their victims ' bodies .
The Prisoners ( Disclosure of Information about Victims ) Bill , dubbed Helen 's Law , failed to be ratified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called .
The legislation has been reintroduced since the reopening of Parliament but no date has yet been set for its debate by MPs .
Talking about Helen 's Law , Mrs McCourt said : `` I kept telling myself I 'm strong enough to do it .
That , OK it may not benefit my case but it will hopefully benefit all the people who are going through the same thing as me and all the families who will also follow on . ''
Mrs McCourt had also launched a legal challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a judicial review of the Parole Board 's decision to free him .
But Lord Justice Dingemans and Mr Justice Fordham refused to postpone his release .
Simms , who has always maintained his innocence , was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years .
He was eligible to be considered for release in February 2004 .

Talking about Helen's Law, Mrs McCourt said: ''I kept telling myself I'm strong enough to do it. That, OK it may not benefit my case but it will hopefully benefit all the people who are going through the same thing as me and all the families who will also follow on."


bbcuk--2020-02-06--School league tables: Boys behind girls for three decades

England 's schoolboys have had worse exam results than girls for 30 years , secondary school league table data just published confirms .
Girls are now 14 % more likely to pass English and maths GCSE than boys , with 64 % of girls doing so and 56 % of boys .
Yet there is little national focus on the difference in results or measures addressing why boys lag behind .
And campaigners and academics accuse consecutive governments of ignoring the issue .
Check how your local schools have done by clicking here .
If you ca n't see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On current trends , the gap between rich and poor is set to be eclipsed by the gap between males and females , in terms of university entrance , within a decade , campaigners say .
Data going back 30 years shows the gap between the percentage of girls ' and boys ' GCSE passes more than doubled between 1989 and 1999 , from four to nine percentage points - a change often attributed to the introduction of GCSEs .
But there was little change over the next two decades .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then dipped slightly to seven percentage points in 2009 , then widened again over the next decade to nine percentage points .
The former head of university and college admissions services , Mary Curnock Cook said she was `` baffled by this yawning inequality '' , which revealed a `` massive policy blind spot '' .
`` On current trends , a girl born today will be 75 % more likely to go to university than her male peers , '' she said .
`` By then , the gap between women and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between rich and poor . ''
The data also shows the gender gap is apparent in the EBacc , which measures those pupils who achieve a grade 4 or above across the core academic subjects of English , maths , science , history or geography and a language .
It shows girls are one and a half times more likely to pass all components of the Ebacc , with 28 % of girls passing compared with 18 % of boys .
There is now a clear need to tackle the underachievement of boys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coalition - a group of organisations , academics and individuals campaigning on male equality issues .
Chief executive Dan Bell said : `` For decades , this problem has existed but successive governments and the wider education establishment has buried its head in the sand and , in effect , ignored it .
`` There has never been an explanation for this attitude despite clear evidence that generations of boys and young men are being left behind .
`` That attitude can no longer be tolerated if we are to live in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The time has now come that we must see positive action from the government and the wider education establishment to not just recognise this critical inequality faced by boys and young men but to systematically create strategies to tackle it . ''
School Standards Minister Nick Gibb focussed on the achievement gap between disadvantaged pupils and their better off peers , saying it remains stable , but highlighting that it has dropped by about 9 % since 2011 .
He added : `` The EBacc is instrumental in driving up educational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studying these core academic subjects than at any time since the EBacc measure was introduced and the entry rate is particularly high in our free schools . ''

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bbcuk--2020-02-06--Emergency law aims to stop next terror release

Ministers are aiming to pass emergency legislation to block the automatic early release of convicted terror offenders before the next one is due to be freed in three weeks ' time .
Sunderland shopkeeper Mohammed Zahir Khan , 42 , is expected to be released on 28 February after serving half of his sentence for encouraging terrorism .
An official said legislation would be introduced to the Commons on Tuesday .
It follows attacks in recent months by men convicted of terror offences .
Khan was arrested in 2017 and given a four-and-a-half year sentence in May 2018 after pleading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a Twitter account from the Islamic State group calling for attacks .
He also admitted a charge of distributing material designed to incite religious hatred after calling for Shia Muslims to be burnt alive .
• Why do prisoners serve only half their sentence ?
The government 's emergency measures , which require backing from Parliament , would postpone his release until the Parole Board has given its approval .
Ministers have admitted they are likely to face a legal challenge over the plans and an ex-independent reviewer of terror legislation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` may be in breach of the law '' .
But Justice Secretary Robert Buckland maintained the government was taking the right action , adding : `` This is about public protection - it 's the first job of government to get that right . ''
The government is aiming for its law change to clear the Commons by the time MPs rises for recess on 20 February and pass through the House of Lords over the following seven days .
On Thursday , Commons leader Jacob Rees Mogg told MPs legislation would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Labour 's Valerie Vaz said the opposition would `` look carefully '' at the proposals and `` work with the government on a cross-party basis in the national interest and to protect our citizens '' .
Offenders are told they are being sentenced for a fixed period and will be automatically released at the half-way point , to serve the remainder of their sentence on licence in the community .
Some offenders will have pleaded guilty on the basis that they will be given a sentence with automatic early release at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an automatic process and does not involve oversight of the Parole Board .
Read more from our legal correspondent Clive Coleman .
The measures are being introduced after three recent incidents involving men who had been convicted of terror offences .
• On Sunday , Sudesh Amman , 20 , stabbed two people on Streatham High Road , south London , before he was shot dead by police .
He had been released from jail 10 days earlier , having served half of his sentence , and was under police surveillance • The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bridge last December by Usman Khan , who had been released half-way through a 16-year sentence for terror offences • An attack on prison officers at Whitemoor Prison last month in which at least one prisoner found guilty of a terrorist offence is understood to have been involved On Wednesday , the head of UK counter-terror policing Neil Basu warned the threat from terrorism was not diminishing and that the number of subjects of interest and convicted terrorists due for release meant `` we can not watch all of them , all [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first requirement for any government wishing to pass emergency legislation is to show there is an emergency - a set of events which has come about suddenly , could not be foreseen and carries a wider threat .
Is that the case here ?
Ministers have certainly been rocked , and the public alarmed , by three similar terror attacks in two months - at Streatham , Fishmongers ' Hall and Whitemoor Prison - and are aware of the the risk of further `` copycat '' incidents .
But the dangers posed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the authorities will have been aware of the release dates of particular inmates from the moment they were sentenced .
To obtain Parliament 's approval for emergency action , and win any legal challenge on the need for applying the measures retrospectively , the government will have to make a convincing argument that there has been a fundamental change in national security that could n't have been dealt with before .

To obtain Parliament's approval for emergency action, and win any legal challenge on the need for applying the measures retrospectively, the government will have to make a convincing argument that there has been a fundamental change in national security that couldn't have been dealt with before.


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Water and sewerage bills set to fall by about £17 a year

The average household 's water and sewerage bill will drop by about £17 a year in England and Wales .
Water UK , the industry trade body , said the average annual bill would fall by 4 % to £396.60 from 1 April .
Its chief executive , Christine McGourty , said the water industry was `` committed to giving customers good value for money '' .
The regulator Ofwat said the drop was down to the fact it had `` demanded greater efficiency '' from firms .
Changes to bills will vary from customer to customer and depend on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of the next five-year `` business cycle '' for water companies .
Ofwat has been `` too soft '' on water companies in the past , Tony Smith , chief executive of the Consumer Council for Water ( CCW ) , told the BBC 's Today programme .
`` Only about 60 % of customers think their bills are fair and that 's partly because bills have risen for many years and the regulatory system has been too generous to water companies until now .
`` I think the regulator has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry now and we are fully supportive of that . ''
Water UK said that there would also be more help for vulnerable customers between 2020 and 2025 .
It said firms plan to double the number of people getting help with their bills every year , up from 760,000 customers now to at least 1.4 million by 2025 .
Measures to assist them could include introducing social tariffs , discounts for those on lower incomes or receiving benefits , or assisting charities that provide help .
Ofwat told suppliers in December that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customer bill by £50 over the next five years .
There has been recent criticism of water companies over high profile pollution incidents as well as leaks , water quality and high bills .
An Ofwat spokesperson said : `` We continue to push companies to deliver improved services for customers , the environment and resilience for generations to come while making sure that bills are fair . ''
They added : `` Today 's announcement has been secured because we have demanded greater efficiency , passing through lower financing costs and promoting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , it is forcing firms to restrict investor payouts and to invest billions of pounds to improve their performance and reduce leaks in their systems .
Ofwat oversees the privatised water market in England and Wales .
It monitors the market to see if it needs to intervene to protect customers and to set limits on the price they are asked to pay .
Scotland has its own separate regulator , the Water Industry Commission for Scotland .
The CCW told consumers to `` take full advantage '' of the reduction in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still millions of households who could tap into savings by switching to a meter or cut their bills if they 're on a low income by signing up to their company 's social tariff . ''

"Only about 60% of customers think their bills are fair and that's partly because bills have risen for many years and the regulatory system has been too generous to water companies until now.


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Bomb found on lorry 'was intended for Brexit attack'

A bomb found in County Armagh may have been intended for a Brexit day attack , police believe .
The device was uncovered attached to a lorry on Monday .
Police said they first received a report about an explosive device in a lorry at Belfast docks on 31 January - the date the UK left the EU .
The report claimed that the lorry was due to travel by ferry to Scotland and a search was conducted but nothing was found .
On Monday , a more detailed report helped locate the device at Silverwood Industrial Estate in Lurgan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Police have not yet given an indication of the size of the bomb .
Det Sgt Sean Wright said the `` only conclusion that we can draw is that once again dissident republicans have shown a total disregard for the community , for businesses and for wider society '' .
He added that `` had this vehicle travelled and the device had exploded at any point along the M1 , across the Westlink or into the Harbour estate the risks posed do not bear thinking about '' .
Police say they worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lorry , to search about 400 vehicles and locate the explosive device .
It was made safe by ammunition technical officer ( ATO ) .
Det Sgt Wright appealed for information , in particular from anyone who noticed any suspicious activity at Silverwood Industrial Estate between 16:00 and 22:00 on 31 January .


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Thameslink disruption: London train lines closed due to wire damage

Rail commuters on Thameslink train services are facing major disruption due to a damaged overhead wire , the operator has said .
Two of the four lines between London St Pancras and Bedford are closed .
Commuters were warned there would be `` significant reductions '' in trains during the morning rush hour and disruption was likely to last for the rest of the day .
Thameslink has advised customers to check before they travel .
Tickets were being accepted on other routes including the London Underground , it added .
However , Tube commuters on the Metropolitan and Jubilee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disruption .
A broken down train near Neasden meant both lines had to be closed between Wembley Park and central London during the rush hour commute .
Jenny Saunders from Thameslink said : `` Overnight there was significant damage to the overhead lines that provides power to our trains just south of Luton . ''
There will be a `` full investigation '' and extra staff are on site to help , she said .
`` It 's not an acceptable service that we are delivering for our passengers this morning and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to work together over the coming weeks and months to understand what is happening when incidents like this cause disruption , '' she added .
Harpenden commuter Linzi James said : `` Currently on train rammed full of people , that 's not moving .
Not a good start to the day . ''
She added overhead lines were `` constantly failing '' and `` the impact on people is enormous '' .
Passengers are packed on to the platforms of St Albans City station .
With only two of the usual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while for people to get into London .
Dozens of rush hour trains have already been cancelled and delayed leaving people waiting in the freezing cold .
When trains do arrive as many commuters as possible cram into whatever space there is in carriages .
A spokesperson for Network Rail said : `` We apologies for any inconvenience this disruption may cause .
`` We are working hard to resolve the issues as fast and as safely as possible . ''
The Labour MP for Bedford , Mohammad Yasin , said the service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rail which is being renationalised .
`` I met the rail minister a couple of weeks ago and mentioned all this and urged him to look into this case urgently because the people of Bedford are suffering , '' he said .

"It's not an acceptable service that we are delivering for our passengers this morning and it is imperative that Network Rail and Thameslink continue to work together over the coming weeks and months to understand what is happening when incidents like this cause disruption," she added.


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Boris Johnson's father spoke to Chinese ambassador about coronavirus

Chinese officials were `` concerned '' Boris Johnson did not send a personal message of support after the coronavirus outbreak , emails suggest .
The PM 's father , Stanley Johnson , met Chinese ambassador Liu Xiaoming and emailed his worries to UK officials - accidentally copying in the BBC .
Mr Liu told him the prime minister had not yet directly contacted the Chinese .
A government spokesman said the UK had been in close contact with the Chinese authorities since the outbreak .
Sources also stressed Stanley Johnson was not acting on behalf or at the request of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How worried should we be ?
Mr Johnson , a longstanding environmental campaigner , was invited to the Chinese embassy to discuss summits on the topic , due to take place this autumn in China and the UK .
Shortly after the meeting , the PM 's father used his personal email address to share an account of the discussion with the environment minister Lord Goldsmith and other UK officials .
He wrote : `` Re the outbreak of coronavirus , Mr Liu obviously was concerned that there had not yet - so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the PM and Chinese head of state or government in terms of a personal message or telephone call . ''
Stanley Johnson also revealed he had raised the possibility of his son visiting China in October to attend an international conference on biodiversity , COP15 , which will be held in Kunming .
Lord Goldsmith wrote a reply from his personal email address , saying : `` Thank you so much Stanley .
That is extremely useful . ''
No one in the exchange appeared to have noticed the BBC was copied in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After being informed of his mistake , Mr Johnson said : `` I was copying in someone who happened to have the same name as a lady at the BBC .
These things happen . ''
Mr Liu shared pictures of him and Stanley Johnson on Twitter , saying they had met to exchange views on the COP15 meeting and the COP26 meeting on climate change , to be hosted in Glasgow .
He added : `` These two conferences are great opportunities to promote international cooperation on environmental protection & climate change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The government has been in close contact with the Chinese authorities since the start of the outbreak . ''
The foreign secretary and national security adviser had spoken to their counterparts in the past week , the spokesman added .
`` The UK has provided medical supplies to help China tackle the outbreak and together we have facilitated the repatriation of British nationals and their dependants from Wuhan , '' he said .
Have you been affected by any of the issues raised ?
You can share your experiences by emailing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
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bbcuk--2020-02-06--Jameela Jamil announces she is ‘queer’ after backlash over TV role

Jameela Jamil has announced she is `` queer '' after receiving criticism for being cast in a new LGBT-interest show .
US broadcaster HBO announced on Tuesday that the actress and model would be a judge on its new unscripted voguing contest Legendary .
The news prompted an online backlash from people who said The Good Place star was not representative of the black LGBT community .
That prompted her to issue a statement addressing her sexuality .
Opening with `` Twitter is brutal '' , she explained that she identified `` as queer '' and had previously struggled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not easy within the south Asian community to be accepted '' .
She mentioned that nobody in her family was `` openly out '' and that `` it 's also scary as an actor to openly admit your sexuality , especially when you 're already a brown female in your thirties '' .
• Jameela Jamil told she 'was too ethnic ' for US She went on : `` This is absolutely not how I wanted to come out , '' adding that she was logging off Twitter for the time being `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean comments dismissing this '' .
She told critics : `` You can keep your thoughts . ''
Voguing is a genre of dance that originated in New York in the late 1980s .
It was founded by black and Latino LGBT people , many of whom were disowned by their families for their sexuality and gender .
It came to mainstream attention through Madonna 's 1990 hit Vogue and the accompanying video , as well as the documentary Paris Is Burning .
It has long been seen as a movement of LGBT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jamil 's involvement in a show about the phenomenon , saying the cast should have connections to the ballroom scene .
In response , Jamil said : `` I 'm a long time fan of ballroom and just wanted to help this show get made to celebrate this beautiful community . ''
She went on to clarify why she believed she was an appropriate fit for the programme .
`` I know that my being queer does n't qualify me as ballroom .
But I have privilege and power and a large following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its beautiful contestants and hosts . ''
With Jamil trending on Twitter , reactions to her statement appeared to be more negative than positive , with many criticising her for coming out as queer while being in a heterosexual relationship with musician James Blake .
One person accused the star of coming out `` to avoid being criticised for not being representative of the LGBTQ community '' .
Another said that , while Jamil had the presenting experience to appear on the programme , producers `` could 've found someone from the culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Michelle Visage , who are not involved in the show , joined in the debate .
Visage retweeted a comment saying there were `` literally so many others who actually KNOW about ball who should he on '' .
And Lysette , who has lived experience of ballroom culture , said it 's a disappointment `` when [ people ] with no connection to our culture gets the gig '' , but stressed that her comment was `` not shade towards Jameela '' .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

One person accused the star of coming out "to avoid being criticised for not being representative of the LGBTQ community". Another said that, while Jamil had the presenting experience to appear on the programme, producers "could've found someone from the culture" instead.


bbcuk--2020-02-06--FA coaching guidelines will restrict heading by under-18s in training

The FA is set to launch new coaching guidelines that will restrict the amount of heading by under-18 players in training .
The new guidelines , first reported in the Times , have yet to be finalised but will not entirely ban heading .
Last month , BBC Scotland revealed the Scottish FA was set to ban under-12s heading the ball in training .
A study in October found the first links between playing professionally and dying from dementia .
The study , by Glasgow University and commissioned by the FA and the Professional Footballers ' Association ( PFA ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a half times more likely to die of degenerative brain disease than people of the same age range in the general population .
The FA 's new guidelines , expected to be issued later this month , will only apply in training and not in matches .
In December , two months after the release of the study 's findings , the FA 's head of medicine Charlotte Cowie said : `` The FA 's independently chaired research taskforce has instigated a review of possible changes to heading coaching and training at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heading without compromising technique .
`` It is imperative that football now does everything it can to further understand what caused this increased risk and what can be done to ensure that future generations of footballers are protected . ''
A ban on children heading the ball has been in place in the US since 2015 .
The study began after claims that former West Brom striker Jeff Astle died because of repeated head trauma .
Former England international Astle developed dementia and died in 2002 at the age of 59 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leather footballs repeatedly had contributed to trauma to his brain .
The long-awaited study was commissioned by the FA and PFA after delays in initial research had angered Astle 's family .
It began in January last year and was led by consultant neuropathologist Dr Willie Stewart , who said that `` risk ranged from a five-fold increase in Alzheimer 's disease , through an approximately four-fold increase in motor neurone disease , to a two-fold Parkinson 's disease in former professional footballers compared to population controls '' .
It compared the deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the general population .
The sample was taken from men who played professional football in Scotland , and were born between 1900 and 1976 .

Last updated on .From the section Football
Dementia in football: Alan Shearer undergoes MRI scan
The FA is set to launch new coaching guidelines that will restrict the amount of heading by under-18 players in training.
The new guidelines, first reported in the Times, external-link have yet to be finalised but will not entirely ban heading.
Last month, BBC Scotland revealed the Scottish FA was set to ban under-12s heading the ball in training.
A study in October found the first links between playing professionally and dying from dementia.
The study, by Glasgow University and commissioned by the FA and the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), found former professional footballers were three and a half times more likely to die of degenerative brain disease than people of the same age range in the general population.
The FA's new guidelines, expected to be issued later this month, will only apply in training and not in matches.
In December, two months after the release of the study's findings, the FA's head of medicine Charlotte Cowie said: "The FA's independently chaired research taskforce has instigated a review of possible changes to heading coaching and training at all levels to decrease overall exposure to heading without compromising technique.
"It is imperative that football now does everything it can to further understand what caused this increased risk and what can be done to ensure that future generations of footballers are protected."
A ban on children heading the ball has been in place in the US since 2015.
Peter McCabe, chief executive of Headway - the brain injury association - said: "We are encouraged to hear the Football Association is set to restrict the amount of heading allowed by young players.
"In light of the recent study undertaken by the University of Glasgow, this is a positive, common sense approach to take. After all, it will not prohibit young people participating in the game or impact their enjoyment.
"Further research is urgently needed in order to remove any uncertainty about how often a player can head a ball and at what age - if any - it is safe to do so before damage is caused.
"What is clear, however, is that we cannot afford to wait for further evidence to be published before taking action on this."
The inquest into the death of former West Brom striker Jeff Astle found heading heavy leather footballs repeatedly had contributed to trauma to his brain
The study began after claims that former West Brom striker Jeff Astle died because of repeated head trauma.
Former England international Astle developed dementia and died in 2002 at the age of 59. The inquest into his death found heading heavy leather footballs repeatedly had contributed to trauma to his brain.
The long-awaited study was commissioned by the FA and PFA after delays in initial research had angered Astle's family.
It began in January last year and was led by consultant neuropathologist Dr Willie Stewart, who said that "risk ranged from a five-fold increase in Alzheimer's disease, through an approximately four-fold increase in motor neurone disease, to a two-fold Parkinson's disease in former professional footballers compared to population controls".
It compared the deaths of 7,676 former players to 23,000 from the general population.
The sample was taken from men who played professional football in Scotland, and were born between 1900 and 1976.


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Anti-Semitic abuse at record high, says charity

The number of anti-Semitic hate incidents recorded in the UK has reached a record high , Jewish charity the Community Security Trust says .
It recorded 1,805 anti-Semitic incidents last year , an increase of 7 % on 2018 's findings .
The charity , which also offers support to those affected , said there was a spike in online abuse .
Home Secretary Priti Patel said the figures were `` appalling '' and promised to do more `` to tackle anti-Semitism . ''
She pledged to push for `` greater collaboration , both across government , policing , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this shameful stain on our society '' .
Last year was the fourth year in a row in which a record number of hate inspired episodes were recorded .
Last month saw the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz death camp .
Of the 1,805 incidents reported to the trust last year , 697 occurred online , an increase of 82 % on 2018 .
There was also a significant increase in the number of violent anti-Semitic assaults , which rose by 25 % .
Almost two thirds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and Greater Manchester ( 223 ) , which are home to the two largest Jewish communities in the UK .
The London Borough of Barnet , which has the largest Jewish population of any UK borough , reported the highest number of incidents , amounting to 18 % of the national total .
The trust 's chief executive , David Delew , said it was `` no surprise '' that recorded incidents had reached another high and argued that it was clear `` social media and mainstream politics are places where anti-Semitism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if things are to improve in the future '' .
The trust said that the highest number of reported incidents occurred in February and December and coincided with periods where alleged anti-Semitism within the Labour Party was the subject of sustained discussion and activity .
February 2019 saw the defection of several Labour MPs to the newly formed Independent Group , some of whom cited anger over the party 's response to allegations of anti-Semitism as their reasons for leaving .
Similarly , December saw an intense focus on the issue of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In total , the trust recorded 224 incidents which were related to the Labour Party .
This represented an increase from the 148 incidents of this kind in 2018 .
Responding to the report , Louise Haigh , vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism , said that the data made for `` depressing reading '' .
`` It is shameful the Jewish community has been subjected to another year of racist abuse .
We are beyond a stage of saying that more has to be done .
We require immediate action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with colleagues and the trust to identify what more could be done .
The national policing lead for hate crime , Deputy Chief Constable Mark Hamilton , said there were still `` far too many people who act illegally , fuelled by global events , divisions in our society or historical bigotries '' .

The trust's chief executive, David Delew, said it was "no surprise" that recorded incidents had reached another high and argued that it was clear "social media and mainstream politics are places where anti-Semitism and racism need to be driven out, if things are to improve in the future".


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Facial reconstruction issued after Drummore shore body find

An image of a facial reconstruction has been released to try to identify a woman whose body was found on a Scots shore two-and-a-half years ago .
The discovery was made on 9 August 2017 near to Helensdale Cottage at Drummore in Dumfries and Galloway .
The body was found to be badly decomposed and attempts to identify the woman have so far failed .
A reconstruction was carried out at Liverpool John Moores University with an image now released .
Det Sgt Nadine Scott said : `` Missing person reports across both the UK and internationally have been checked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Liverpool John Moores University has provided us with a facial reconstruction of a woman , not a portrait of the face of the person , but a representation of the face based on detail provided from the remains of the body .
`` Other information about the woman would indicate that she was about 4ft 11in tall , and about 7.5 stones in weight . ''
The woman is thought to be `` young to middle-aged '' and was wearing size 10 jeans and underwear with a Harry Potter logo .
Anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward .

"The work by the Liverpool John Moores University has provided us with a facial reconstruction of a woman, not a portrait of the face of the person, but a representation of the face based on detail provided from the remains of the body.


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Why do some people fear change to e-scooter laws?

The government is to hold a consultation on the use of e-scooters , currently banned on public roads , pavements and cycle lanes .
Campaigners have called for tighter regulations , but would people welcome a law change ?
`` The possibility of them being made legal is terrifying , '' says visually impaired campaigner Dr Amy Kavanagh .
The 30-year-old , who uses a white cane when travelling around London , says she fears people will use e-scooters on pavements , even if they are only made legal to ride on roads and cycle lanes .
`` I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured , '' she says , adding that she has previously encountered e-scooters on footways on her commute to work in north London , some driven `` at speed '' .
Electric scooters have become a familiar sight in US and European cities such as Los Angeles and Paris , where companies including Lime , Bird and Uber offer the vehicles to hire via a smartphone app .
Such schemes are not currently possible in Britain , as e-scooters are only legal on private land .
But the Department of Transport is conducting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roads .
This includes a consultation in the coming months on the use of e-scooters - although this does not mean that the law will necessarily change .
Electric scooters are defined as `` powered transporters '' , and are covered by the same laws that apply to motor vehicles .
The vehicles are available to buy online and in stores , but riders face a £300 fixed-penalty notice and six points on their driving licence for using them on the road or pavement .
In recent years , they have drawn controversy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of traffic accidents .
Last year , television presenter Emily Hartridge , 35 , was riding an electric scooter when she was killed in a collision with a lorry in south London .
Her boyfriend Jake Hazell , 27 , told BBC London on Wednesday that he feels more regulations need to be brought in so `` no-one else loses their life on an e-scooter again '' .
Scooter-sharing schemes , which grew significantly in popularity in the late 2010s , have also faced criticism .
Dumped scooters have become a significant problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are available for hire .
Dr Kavanagh expressed concern over the introduction of the schemes in London , having previously been injured by dockless e-bikes blocking pavements in the capital .
She said her blind friends in the United States have complained about e-scooters `` piled up near train stations '' .
`` They say they fall over them and their guide dogs do n't know what to do . ''
`` If they insist on bringing them in here , there has to be designated parking from the beginning . ''
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limits were introduced as part of regulations .
The campaigner currently chooses to take the bus , rather than walk 10 minutes from the Tube to her office , as she is worried about her white cane colliding with a fast-moving e-scooter .
`` I ca n't see detail more than two or three metres ahead of me , '' she says .
`` My cane moves from side to side - if they do n't judge where it is moving , can you imagine the collision ?
`` I keep a spare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over mine and breaks it . ''
Advocates for electric scooters say they offer an environmentally-friendly alternative to cars , cutting down on congestion and air pollution .
Technology companies have been pushing for the vehicles to be allowed in the UK , including Californian electric scooter business Bird , which launched a pilot service on private land in London 's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2018 .
Harry Porter , from Bird 's communications team , says customers tend to make journeys around three miles long , often to their nearest transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quicker so they are not waiting in traffic , '' he explains .
The company `` does not want people to ride on pavements '' , and he says those that do can be banned from using the company 's app , while all Bird 's scooter speeds are capped at 15 mph .
Also among those hoping for a change in the law is Milton Keynes Council , which has been vying for the area to become a `` test bed '' for the vehicles .
Oliver Waters , 34 , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 years , says electric scooters would be a `` fun and efficient '' way to make short journeys in the area , such as to the station , and may free up parking spaces if local residents choose to leave their cars at home .
Meanwhile , others argue that e-scooters offer people living in rural areas an alternative to public transport .
Paul Frost , an art director from Pontypool , Wales , says e-scooters could be used instead of the bus in his area .
The 49-year-old says there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his local public transport network , so he often resorts to taking a taxi or using his car .
`` It could now be a choice of getting a taxi , seeing if a bus turns up or one of these e-scooters , '' he says .
Safety campaigners and transport charities in the UK have called for greater regulation as e-scooters continue to grow in popularity .
Rachel White , of cycling and walking charity Sustrans , says any change to UK law `` needs to prioritise the safety of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
She stresses that the group does not support allowing electric scooters on footpaths .
`` They belong on the road , '' she adds .
`` But we think they belong on protected cycle lanes because they do n't mix well with motor traffic . ''
Roger Geffen , of Cycling UK , stresses the importance of `` defining e-scooter regulations such as limiting their maximum speed and power output '' .
Meanwhile , the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said the consultation should consider `` determining if e-scooters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing a helmet and having lights will be mandatory and if there ought to be a minimum legal age to ride an e-scooter '' .
A Department for Transport spokeswoman said : `` Safety is at the heart of our road laws , and people who use e-scooters need to be aware it is currently illegal to ride them on the road and the pavement .
`` The government is considering the use of e-scooters and e-skateboards as part of a regulatory review , as announced in March . ''

Oliver Waters, 34, who has lived in the town centre for 10 years, says electric scooters would be a "fun and efficient" way to make short journeys in the area, such as to the station, and may free up parking spaces if local residents choose to leave their cars at home.


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Blossoms are making hit singles - but the charts haven't noticed

Blossoms frontman Tom Ogden knows his way around a chorus .
From the widescreen shimmer of Charlemagne to the puppy-eyed pop of The Keeper , his songs have glued themselves to radio playlists , earning the Stockport band two top five albums .
Along the way , they 've been nominated for a Mercury Prize and a Brit Award .
Last summer , they played a homecoming show at Edgeley Park Stadium , selling out every ticket in under an hour .
Yet they 've never so much as tickled the top 40 .
Their highest charting single , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number 77 and lasted just two weeks in the top 100 .
`` It 's just the way music is at the moment , '' observes drummer Joe Donovan .
`` Bands just are n't the thing . ''
`` Not once have we ever had a discussion about a single going into the Top 40 .
It 's not even on the radar . ''
• Blossoms talk relationships and hot sauce on the Headliners podcast The biggest obstacle in their way comes from streaming services , which favour solo pop artists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Blossoms .
No matter how catchy their melodies get , they 're absent from heavily-subscribed playlists like `` Today 's Hits '' and `` Pure Motivation '' , which can propel a single into the charts .
`` It 's a weird thing .
The Top 40 's an anomaly , '' says Ogden , arguing that hit singles are n't all they 're cracked up to be .
`` Charlemagne only got to number 98 but it 's really well-known , '' he says .
`` There are other artists who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their album only sneaks into the Top 20 , like Liam Payne .
He only got to number 17 - and he was in One Direction ! ''
This week , Blossoms are up against a different Directioner in the album charts , with their third record , Foolish Loving Spaces , currently about 8,000 copies ahead of Louis Tomlinson 's debut , Walls in the race for number one .
It 's earned the band the best reviews of their career .
The Guardian revelled in its `` delightful '' and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NME called it `` memorable and joyful '' .
And Clash magazine lapped up the `` glorious , ambitious and fulfilling '' similarities to acts like Abba , Fleetwood Mac and The Bee Gees .
As you can tell , Ogden was in a happy place when he started writing the album over Christmas 2018 .
He 'd recently moved in with his girlfriend - the `` keeper '' of the song title - and started renovating their house .
Because the building was `` in bits '' , he 'd go back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had a spare moment to make music in the back room where he 'd written Blossoms ' first two albums .
But the situation was far from ideal .
`` It was n't like I could wake up and pick up a guitar , '' when inspiration struck , he recalls .
`` I did n't even have a guitar in my house .
`` So I was like , 'The first room we need to get done is my room to write tunes in - otherwise I ca n't really do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was done , Ogden bought an upright piano and wrote almost 25 songs , becoming so prolific that Blossoms initially considered releasing three mini-albums in 2020 .
Inspired by three albums he 'd been listening to during the renovation work ( Talking Heads ' Stop Making Sense , U2 's The Joshua Tree and Primal Scream 's Screamadelica ) his songs became more ambitious , both lyrically and musically .
As a result , you 'll hear the band playing slide guitar with a bottle of insect repellent and bashing the hubcaps of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a triangle '' ) , while Ogden has started writing characters and stories instead of relying on his own life experiences .
That 's most apparent on the single Your Girlfriend , a painfully realistic portrayal of a man who falls for his room-mate 's girlfriend : `` I wish she 'd come over today , '' he sighs wistfully in the chorus .
He found inspiration online after googling the phrase `` I love my friend 's girlfriend '' , and reading a blog by someone facing that exact situation .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself , '' says the singer .
Some of the details from that blog seeped into the lyrics .
The protagonist ca n't escape his friend 's sex life because `` the walls are paper thin '' ; and resolves to move out , only to find he `` ca n't 'cause we 've just signed a lease '' .
Ogden adds one final , fictional twist : `` I heard they got engaged today , '' he sings over the song 's last chord .
Initially , he was n't sure about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just because he worried they 'd think it was written about one of their girlfriends .
`` I remember you saying : ' I 've done this and it 's a bit weird , ' '' Donovan reminds him .
`` It 's almost like you 'd come up with the idea for a film . ''
Despite his reservations , the band were enthusiastic and encouraged him to finish the song .
`` And the more we listened to it , we were like , 'Damn , it 's great , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it back and recording it in Nashville , as had been the plan , they jumped into the studio with long-term collaborator James Skelly from The Coral , and rushed the single out for last summer 's festival season .
The reception encouraged them to ditch the Nashville sessions and build on Your Girlfriend 's upbeat , rhythmic sound in the more familiar surroundings of Liverpool 's Parr Street Studios .
But as their confidence grew , they decided to keep portions of the demo recordings intact .
`` The piano on The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' says Ogden .
`` Just an upright piano , not too fancy .
`` We went into Parr Street Studios and they 've got the grand piano that Chris Martin wrote The Scientist on , but it just did n't sound as good .
`` So we were like , 'Put the one from the demo in , ' and it just had something .
`` That saved us an hour . ''
Although Foolish Loving Spaces was only released six days ago , Ogden 's purple patch continued and Blossoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Luckily , I 've not hit a dry spot , '' says the singer .
`` It 'll happen one day , inevitably , but if you can get four albums out , then you can take a bit of a break , I reckon . ''
Not that the band have any time off before the end of the year , with their first arena tour coming this spring , followed by a clutch of stadium dates supporting The Killers .
Ogden has even written a song , God-Sized Problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which could crop up on the next record .
And even if it does n't , says Donovan , they 've got a `` killer tune '' held in reserve .
`` It 's one of the best songs we 've ever done , '' he enthuses .
`` And Tom was n't even going to show it to us !
`` If that dry patch ever comes around , I 'm just going to rob his phone and scroll through the voice memos and be like , 'No that is a tune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"And the more we listened to it, we were like, 'Damn, it's great," says Ogden. Instead of holding it back and recording it in Nashville, as had been the plan, they jumped into the studio with long-term collaborator James Skelly from The Coral, and rushed the single out for last summer's festival season.


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Baroness Scotland: Commonwealth faces uncertainty over leadership

The Commonwealth is facing uncertainty over its leadership after its heads of government rejected calls for the secretary-general , Baroness Scotland , to be given an automatic second term , the BBC has learned .
A leaked letter from Boris Johnson suggests an alternative candidate could stand against her .
Commonwealth diplomats meet on Thursday to discuss the organisation 's future .
Diplomats fear the intergovernmental organisation - comprising more than 50 countries , many of them former British colonies , encompassing almost a third of the world 's population - now risks a bitter internal battle over its future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of office as secretary-general comes to an end next month .
A number of supportive member states suggested before Christmas she should get an automatic second term .
Britain - which currently chairs the international body - asked all 53 heads of government for their views .
• Commonwealth body in 'urgent need ' of reform On 6 January , the prime minister reported back to Commonwealth leaders with the results of the survey .
In his letter - which has been obtained by the BBC - Mr Johnson reveals that twice as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer Lady Scotland another four years in office .
The Commonwealth leaders instead agreed the future leadership of the organisation should be decided when they meet in Rwanda in June for their biennial meeting .
To that end , the Commonwealth has agreed to give Lady Scotland a short three-month extension to her contract which was due to expire on 31 March .
Crucially , in his letter , Mr Johnson also suggests for the first time another candidate may come forward to challenge Lady Scotland .
The BBC has been told that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if any member states might propose an alternative contender .
The Commonwealth Secretariat said that it `` does not comment on leaked documents as a matter of principle '' .
The questions about Lady Scotland 's future leadership of the Commonwealth come after she was criticised by internal auditors last November for awarding a lucrative consultancy contract to a company run by a friend .
The BBC revealed last week that the Commonwealth 's Audit Committee accused her of `` circumventing '' usual competitive tendering rules by awarding a £250,000 commission to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lord Patel of Bradford .
Lady Scotland 's lawyers insisted the decision to award the contract was fully justified .
But New Zealand has since confirmed it put its £1.5m annual contribution to the Commonwealth Secretariat on hold as a result of the `` significant weaknesses '' in managing procurement identified in the KPMG auditors ' report .
Commonwealth high commissioners in London are due to meet on Thursday to discuss the challenges currently facing the Commonwealth Secretariat , including the KPMG report .
Diplomatic sources suggested some developing countries could shift their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear they could lose Commonwealth revenue streams under the current leadership of the Secretariat .
Mr Johnson is co-ordinating the debate about the Commonwealth 's leadership because the UK is currently the organisation 's so-called `` chair-in-office '' having hosted the last leaders ' meeting in London in 2018 .
In his letter to the Commonwealth 's 53 heads of government , dated 6 January , Mr Johnson says : `` A number of colleagues advocated offering the Right Honourable Patricia Scotland QC a second four-year term now .
`` However , around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer her a short extension of her current contract so that we can discuss , debate and decide the 2020-2024 appointment in the usual way at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting ( CHOGM ) .
`` So there is no consensus to offer the current Secretary-General a second four-year term now . ''
Mr Johnson says that delaying the decision until June would not predetermine what choice the heads of government might make .
But he reveals Lady Scotland has yet to announce publicly or privately whether she intends to stand for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggests for the first time that an alternative candidate could stand .
`` When we meet at CHOGM , each of us will be able to support a second term for Baroness Scotland ( if she is requesting one ) , or to support appointment of any other candidate who may come forward . ''
Diplomatic sources claim Lady Scotland has been campaigning unofficially for re-election for some time .
Earlier this week she paid a four-day visit to Eswatini , one of the Commonwealth 's smallest members , formerly known as Swaziland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in India , one of the Commonwealth 's largest member states .

"When we meet at CHOGM, each of us will be able to support a second term for Baroness Scotland (if she is requesting one), or to support appointment of any other candidate who may come forward."


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Scottish budget: What do you need to know?

The Scottish government is due to set out its tax and spending plans for the year ahead .
How big is the Scottish budget , where does the money come from , and where is it likely to go ?
How big is the Scottish budget ?
Last year , the Scottish government had just under £34bn to spend - £28.6bn for day-to-day expenditure on public services , and £5.1bn for investment in infrastructure .
The funding partly comes from the block grant - a share of the UK-wide budget as calculated via the Barnett Formula - and , increasingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is always debate over the true scale of the budget , and whether it has gone up or down .
Frankly there are enough numbers here for all sides to pick and choose figures that support their arguments - so the Conservatives can accurately state that the block grant has gone up a bit in recent years , while the SNP can correctly counter that it was higher in 2010 .
This year , the Tories insist there will be an extra £1.1bn coming to Scotland - although the exact numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the money going to be spent ?
The biggest chunk of the budget goes on health - totalling 41 % of the total spend in 2019-20 , or £14bn .
With Scotland 's population getting older and demand on services increasing , this is only going to increase .
The next largest portfolio is local government , which gets more than a quarter of the budget .
Much of this money is given directly to councils to be spent on local services like schools .
Every year there are calls for better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been particularly squeezed recently .
Education , transport and justice also take up hefty chunks of spending , with funding for the likes of the police likely to be maintained if not increased .
One growing area of the budget is social security , with Holyrood taking on new responsibilities for delivering benefits - MSPs will be in charge of an extra £3bn of them this year .
And the Scottish government has pledged to put environmental issues at the heart of all of its plans as a reaction to the `` climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has had a separate system of income tax rates and bands to the rest of the UK .
This added two extra tax rates - one just below the basic rate , providing a break for low earners , and just one above it , to squeeze a little more from those who earn above the median wage .
Meanwhile , the higher and top rates of tax are both a percentage point higher than elsewhere in the UK , in what the finance secretary terms a `` progressive '' move to bolster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to change this five-band structure , seeing it as being set for the parliamentary term .
It might be tempted to tinker with the thresholds - the point at which the various rates kick in - but given the ongoing uncertainty around the UK government 's plans he may simply shift them up in line with inflation .
Does it matter that the UK budget is n't until March ?
Scotland 's finance secretary normally waits for Chancellor Sajid Javid to set out his budget before drawing up his own plans .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be set until 11 March , which is too late to confirm funding levels for Scottish councils and get tax plans in place .
The finance secretary is n't at all happy about it , but will have to muddle through with estimates and what advance information he can glean from talks with the Treasury .
Precisely how much money is available is directly affected by spending levels south of the border , as well as forecasts of tax revenues from the Office for Budget Responsibility .
For now the Scottish government is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using figures from last year 's Spending Review combined with spending pledges made by the Conservatives during the election campaign .
The two income tax systems are also closely interlinked , with the tax-free allowance and National Insurance Contributions still set at Westminster .
This means it 's trickier for to make changes to taxes in Scotland if there is no certainty of what Mr Javid has planned - there is already a gulf between the income tax regimes , but there is little appetite to widen it drastically .
Announcing spending plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The real task is getting them through parliament .
The SNP needs the support of opposition MSPs to pass a budget bill .
So far this term those votes have come from the Greens , although other parties are available - when Alex Salmond ran a minority government from 2007 , he paired up with the Tories each year .
The government will aim to have a deal done by the first full debate of the bill , on 27 February - and with the final vote the following Thursday , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will increase the pressure on both sides , with opposition parties already drawing up their lists of demands - and the finance secretary has warned that failing to back him will endanger public services .

There are always calls for town halls to be given more funding - or the power to raise it themselves via council tax hikes - and this debate is likely to be intensified in light of the role they played in the pandemic, and indeed local elections coming up in May.


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Heads Up: Tackling mental health through football

Prince William has joined forces with footballers to launch a new initiative , Heads Up Weekends , aimed at helping @ @ @ @ @ health .
Over the next two weekends , matches in the Premier League , the @ @ @ @ @ National League , the Women 's Super League , the Women 's Championship and the @ @ @ @ @ be dedicated to the Mental Health campaign .

Prince William has joined forces with footballers to launch a new initiative, Heads Up Weekends, aimed at helping to normalise conversations about mental health.
Over the next two weekends, matches in the Premier League, the English Football League, the National League, the Women's Super League, the Women's Championship and the Women's National League will be dedicated to the Mental Health campaign.


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Dorothy Woolmer death: Man jailed for murder and sexual assault

A man who sexually assaulted and killed an 89-year-old widow in her home has received a life sentence with a minimum prison term of 34 years .
Reece Dempster , 23 , from Haringey , had smoked crack before breaking into Dorothy Woolmer 's house .
Mrs Woolmer , known as Dot , was found dead at her home in Waltheof Gardens in Tottenham , north London , on 5 August .
At the Old Bailey , Judge Mr Justice Edis said Dempster `` seemed to have killed her for pleasure '' .
The judge appeared emotional as he praised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in sitting through proceedings .
He told Dempster that the murder had involved `` sexual or sadistic conduct '' .
`` [ Mrs Woolmer ] was tiny and defenceless and you knew that .
`` Because of you , she died an unimaginably dreadful death .
You are a dangerous man . ''
The court heard that Mrs Woolmer , who had been widowed in 2017 after 64 years of marriage , died as the result of `` multiple blunt trauma injuries '' .
Dempster attacked her both sexually and physically , using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of alcohol and her purse .
Jurors were told that Dempster is 6ft 3in ( 190cm ) tall , while Ms Woolmer was 4ft 11in ( 150cm ) tall and weighed less than eight stone ( 51kg ) .
Hours after the attack , he confessed to a friend : `` I only got a hundred quid - it was n't even worth it . ''

"The overwhelming prosecution evidence against him meant that he admitted the truth, that his vile actions were deliberate and planned," said Kristen Katsouris, from the Crown Prosecution Service.


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Philip McGuigan: MLA's gambling addiction almost ruined his life

Sinn Féin 's Philip McGuigan has been battling a gambling addiction that cost him more than £100,000 .
`` I am a recovering compulsive gambler , '' he told BBC NI 's The View .
Speaking for the first time about his addiction , the North Antrim MLA wants Northern Ireland 's gambling laws changed to protect others from falling into the same trap .
A consultation on changing the legislation is due to end later this month .
`` In a period in my life , I lost huge sums of money , but more than that , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge impact on my family life , '' he said .
Mr McGuigan was not a typical gambler - he never visited a bookmakers and had no real interest in gambling on sport .
However , he was addicted to online poker .
And over the course of eight years , he lost more than £100,000 .
`` There were times , lots of times , when we had no money to buy food to eat , where my children had to go without necessities , where the mortgage was n't paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the car .
`` I ruined many a Christmas and birthday because of my gambling , '' he said .
He funded his addiction by remortgaging his house , taking out bank loans and running up huge credit card bills .
Mr McGuigan is now resigned to the fact that he will be repaying the money he owes for the rest of his life .
`` There 's no closing time to online gambling - its 24 hours a day , seven days a week , '' he said .
`` For someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gambler , the sad reality is the only time I stopped playing is when I lost money .
`` I was able to gamble on a laptop , iPad , on my phone - I always had access .
There were periods where I went 48 hours and did nothing but gamble non-stop .
You would keep going until you run out of money .
`` In every other aspect of my life , I would say I 'm strong willed , know the difference between right and wrong and see myself as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no power over gambling - once it started , it took control of me .
`` I had given up on life [ but ] thankfully my family and friends had n't given up on me . ''
Then came the moment which changed his life - he was admitted to the White Oak Addiction Treatment Centre in Donegal , where he learned how to deal with his gambling .
`` I take this illness very , very seriously .
My recovery is a day at a time .
I will be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ die . ''
He explained that he takes very practical steps to manage his addiction .
`` I do n't carry money , I do n't have a cash card that can be used online , I had to download software to my phone which stops me from gambling . ''
The most recent survey estimates that there are 40,000 problem gamblers in Northern Ireland - that 's the highest rate in the UK per head of the population .
It is widely accepted the current gambling legislation , which dates back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not kept pace with massive online changes in the industry .
If some in the industry get their way , Sunday opening , which happens in the Republic of Ireland , could be one of the big changes coming .
Another change - if Philip McGuigan gets his way - will see an independent gambling regulator appointed to oversee the industry , ensuring there is help for problem gamblers .
Philip McGuigan 's interview will be broadcast in full on BBC Northern Ireland 's The View programme at 22:35 GMT on Thursday @ @ @ @

"In every other aspect of my life, I would say I'm strong willed, know the difference between right and wrong and see myself as a good person, but I had no power over gambling - once it started, it took control of me.