bbcuk--2020-01-08--Greggs staff to get £300 bonus after 'phenomenal year'

Thousands of Greggs staff are set to get a £300 one-off payment after a `` phenomenal year '' , the firm said .
Sales growth had been helped by Greggs ' `` now iconic '' vegan sausage rolls and strong demand for its traditional snacks , the bakery chain said .
Greggs staff will share a £7m payment after shareholders received a £35m special dividend in October .
The firm expects underlying annual pre-tax profit to be ahead of its expectations when it reports in March .
The 19,000 Greggs staff who have been with the chain since before 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of January , while the remaining 6,000 will get £75 for each quarter they have worked for Greggs .
The one-off payment to staff will be on top of the profit-sharing scheme that Greggs already has , a spokeswoman said .
The bakery chain already shares 10 % of profits with employees , she said .
`` Our record financial performance in 2019 has enabled us to enhance returns to shareholders , '' said chief executive Roger Whiteside .
`` I am delighted to announce that we will also be making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our colleagues across the business who have worked so hard to deliver this success in what has been a phenomenal year . ''
The bonus comes a year after Greggs launched its vegan sausage roll snack , which is made from meat substitute Quorn .
Its launch has been followed by other initiatives such as a vegan steak bake and a vegan doughnut .
Greggs opened 138 new shops over the year and closed 41 , bringing the total to 2,050 across the UK .
It said it planned to open about 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grew 9.2 % in 2019 , compared with 2.9 % growth in 2018 .
Greggs expects higher costs in 2020 from a boost to the National Living Wage and higher pork prices , it added .

The 19,000 Greggs staff who have been with the chain since before 31 March will get a £300 windfall at the end of January, while the remaining 6,000 will get £75 for each quarter they have worked for Greggs.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--'How I got inside the mind of a murderer'

The actor who plays convicted murderer Jeremy Bamber in a new ITV drama has said he chose not to meet him as part of his preparations .
`` We talked about it and concluded that therein lay no benefit , '' said Freddie Fox , who plays Bamber in the six-part crime drama White House Farm .
`` It 's 35 years on and he 's a different person who says he 's innocent .
`` The Jeremy Bamber I 'm playing is a combination of fact and research , but also my imagination . ''
Bamber , 58 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing five members of his family in Essex in August 1985 .
He has always denied killing his adoptive parents , his sister Sheila and her six-year-old twin sons at a farmhouse in Tolleshunt D'Arcy .
He claims his schizophrenic sister shot her family before turning the gun on herself .
ITV 's drama begins shortly before the murders and continues until the end of Bamber 's trial in 1986 .
Its cast includes Cressida Bonas as Sheila , Gemma Whelan as Bamber 's cousin Ann , and Mark Addy and Stephen Graham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lots of people have a simplified , tabloid-style version of the story in their minds , but this is n't just a bunch of newspaper headlines , '' said Kris Mrksa , the show 's Australian writer .
`` What struck me is not only how moving this story is , but how it 's stuck in the psyche of this country and continues to attract so much controversy and attention . ''
Fox , whose sister is Silent Witness star Emilia , had little knowledge of Bamber before being cast in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the name - I did n't really know why , '' he told reporters at a screening in London earlier this month .
`` Somehow it was in the back of my mind .
`` All you ever want as an actor is to play psychologically complex , interesting characters and Jeremy Bamber is at the very least that . ''
Fox said he had been approached by the Jeremy Bamber Campaign but had decided it `` probably was n't helpful '' to meet them .
Its organisers believe Bamber was wrongly convicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
White House Farm is endorsed by Colin Caffell , the father of the murdered boys , who has written a book about his traumatic experiences .
`` Over the years I 've been approached by many people but it did n't feel right , '' said the author and sculptor .
`` But this approach was very sensitive and respectful . ''
The drama 's producers , he continued , `` made it clear that they wanted to tell the story properly and get to the psychological underbelly '' .
Yet Caffell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the true crime genre , expressing a desire that the series had not been made at all .
`` I admire Colin enormously for his wisdom and courage and I hope we bring some of that out , '' Mrksa said .
`` I also hope we can change how people perceive the case and get to something much more substantial and accurate . ''
Bamber 's trial was filmed in Chelmsford Crown Court in Essex , in the courtroom next to the one where he was convicted .
`` We all felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ layer of authenticity , '' said executive producer Willow Grylls .
The reasons behind the crimes remain uncertain , though many believe Bamber was motivated by the money he was in line to inherit .
`` I think we unravel various possible motivations , but I never had the ambition of giving a potted , pop-psychology explanation , '' continued Mrksa .
`` I hope we offer lots of possible different explanations ... but it would be simplistic and banal for me to claim to know what went on in Jeremy Bamber 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 8 January on ITV at 21:00 GMT .
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bbcuk--2020-01-08--Rhigos villagers 'furious' over road closed since 1997

Residents of a village have said they are `` furious '' a mining firm has `` betrayed '' their trust by refusing to restore a road it closed .
The road from Rhigos , Rhondda Cynon Taff , to Cwmgwrach , Neath Port Talbot , closed in 1997 when a controversial opencast mine was opened .
A condition of Celtic Energy 's initial planning permission was to restore it .
Neath Port Talbot Council and Celtic Energy said `` opinions differ '' about re-opening the old Parish Road .
The authorities said public meetings and consultations have taken place , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those talks .
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Retired miner John Morris said : `` I 'm furious , absolutely furious , because it 's so underhanded the way this has gone about .
`` We were all of the , maybe naive , understanding the promises in writing would be honoured and the road restored to a condition compatible with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Celtic Energy has given residents three options for the final restoration of the road , including one to turn the current road into a dirt track .
`` They promised that they would do it but we promised on their behalf as well , '' said Mr Morris .
`` Myself and several other people who were working on the opencast at the time , campaigned vigorously for this site because it meant jobs in the village . ''
The council has held a bond of more than £14m since planning was granted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be earmarked for full restoration of the road .
`` When I spoke to the head of planning at Neath Port Talbot Council , the lady said : 'Oh well £1.06m 20 or 25 years ago is n't worth the same now , '' said Mr Morris .
`` But surely that 's their responsibility to invest that money , not just leave it lying in a bank so that it 's devalued by inflation ?
The pot is still there . ''
The council would not tell the BBC how much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was `` confident that there are sufficient funds '' to restore `` parts of the site which are yet to be fully restored . ''
Celtic Energy said it had been in discussions with the council `` to agree the details of the revised restoration scheme at the site '' .
Chief executive Will Watson added : `` We agreed that in respect of Parish Road we would consult the two local communities at either end of the site before submitting a proposal for Parish Road . ''

The council would not tell the BBC how much the bond was worth now, but said it was "confident that there are sufficient funds" to restore "parts of the site which are yet to be fully restored."


bbcuk--2020-01-08--I'm being charged £42,000 to extend my lease

When Des Kinsella bought a leasehold flat he expected a bill of up to £20,000 to extend the agreement .
Instead , the ultimate owner of his property is asking for £42,000 .
Almost a third of that is for something called marriage value .
It 's something Mr Kinsella and other leaseholders want abolished .
`` I do n't agree with marriage value at all , '' he says .
`` It 's there to make the valuation higher for the freeholder . ''
When a homebuyer purchases a leasehold property , they do not possess it outright .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it for a set number of years .
On first sale , this might be for 99 years , or more commonly today , 125 .
When the flat is then sold again , the number of years left is also sold , rather than a new contract being drawn up .
At any point , a lease owner can ask to buy more years .
When the agreement is extended , the leaseholder pays a premium for the extra years , like any rental payment .
They will probably also part with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground rent .
And most people try to do this before 80 years are left .
• Have an opinion on this story ?
Join the conversation in the BBC News Affordable Living Facebook group This is because extensions for a flat with fewer than 80 years remaining will attract a third payment , called marriage value .
For freehold investors , it 's a bountiful source of revenue , and one they will not want to lose .
Both groups await a report on Thursday from the Law Commission , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leasehold sector .
It 's a big market , especially in big cities .
There are no official figures , but the market could be worth £2.5bn a year , the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners estimates .
About a fifth of the 100,000 or so renewals per year may be for properties where marriage value is payable .
While leasehold scandals such as doubling ground rents and restrictions on the smallest renovations have been much-publicised , the complex story of marriage value has had less of an airing .
It should n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former Bank of England regulator and trustee of the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership , which campaigns for reform .
`` You are asking someone to pay someone else for something they already own , '' he says .
The government 's advisory service for leaseholders describes it as the increase in the value of the property once the lease has been extended .
The `` profit '' , as it calls it , is then shared between the freeholder and leaseholder , hence the payment .
Beyond 80 years , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Critics like Dr Buckner object to the payment since the leaseholder has already paid for the extension .
To consider it a profit is specious , he says , and he points out that it does n't exist in deals outside the property world .
For Mr Kinsella , part of the expense is down to the fact that the freehold owner thinks the flat , in Ilford , east London , which he bought in 2014 for £165,000 , will be worth £265,000 when an extra 90 years are added .
Much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the extra years themselves - a new buyer will pay more for a flat with about 150 years to go than one with only 60 , like Mr Kinsella 's .
But the freeholder thinks £25,000 of it will be a profit it should share in .
Mr Kinsella says it 's very hard to find a similar property nearby that will sell for even close to that estimate , even with a share of the freehold .
He tells the BBC he is realistic about wanting to pay what is owed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - half of which he will be obliged to pay to the freeholder - is n't a fair valuation .
If freeholder and leaseholder ca n't agree , valuations are decided by a tribunal .
A request for comment from Mr Kinsella 's freeholder , Fable Estates , received no response .
For many property investors , especially in London , marriage value payments will be an important source of revenue , says Katie Cohen , a partner at Keystone Law , where her work includes leasehold extensions and freehold purchases .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't think freeholders will want much change , '' she says .
`` They would absolutely want to avoid any abolition of marriage value being payable . ''
Freehold investors include charities and pension funds as well as others wanting long-term , dependable income .
She says while she anticipates the Law Commission 's report will include some reforms favourable to leaseholders , it is unlikely the payments will be abolished .
If that happened , `` freeholders could see the value of those investments decrease rapidly overnight , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lower the point at which a marriage payment becomes owed , she says , perhaps to 65 or 70 years , and perhaps lower the percentage which is owed to the freeholder .
For Mr Kinsella , making prices fixed rather than the subject of lengthy negotiation would be a start .
Prices should be more easy to calculate and agree upon before purchasing a flat in the first place , he says .
`` We did this because we wanted to get our son on the property ladder , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now he 's so worried about this extra cost that he might even have to sell if we do n't extend it , and look for a place further out of London . ''

The government's advisory service for leaseholders describes it as the increase in the value of the property once the lease has been extended. The "profit", as it calls it, is then shared between the freeholder and leaseholder, hence the payment. Beyond 80 years, according to the law, the value is zero.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--BBC Sound of 2020: Band formed 'on a whim in the pub' are the runners-up

Hard to describe , but easy to love , Leicester 's Easy Life have been named runners-up in the BBC 's Sound of 2020 .
The genre-hopping quintet formed `` on a whim '' in a pub two years ago , after earning their stripes in an assortment of swing and reggae bands around the city .
Fronted by singer/trumpeter Murray Matravers , they 've `` bodged together '' ( their words ) an incongruous mix of wonky hip-hop beats , gossamer jazz guitar , afro-beat optimism , wavy pop melodies , psychedelic electronica and witty lyrics , all filtered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England '' .
`` We 've been in lots of projects before and this was very much for ourselves , '' says Matravers .
`` Very self-indulgent , going down rabbit holes with the sound .
`` I thought no-one would care , that they would be like , 'What are you doing ?
Write some pop music ' .
But that was n't the way it was , and I 'm very grateful for that . ''
The band 's music is inspired `` almost exclusively by personal experience '' with Matravers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nightmares ) and money problems ( Pockets ) to environmental catastrophe ( Earth ) .
`` The song is n't all 'save the whales ' , it just sort of alludes to it - but I felt like loads of my mates were talking about it , so why not put it in a song ? ''
says the singer .
Easy Life 's early songs have already earned the band support from BBC Radio 1 and a headline slot on the BBC Introducing Stage at Glastonbury .
Coming second on the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ' runners-up , including Frank Ocean , James Blake , Franz Ferdinand and Rag ' N ' Bone Man .
`` It feels good to be with those lot , '' says Matravers as he settles down to chat about the band 's origins and his penchant for performing in his underwear .
`` There 's some amazing talent in there . ''
Easy Life were chosen for the BBC Sound of 2020 list by a panel of 170 music critics , broadcasters , festival bookers and previous nominees - including Lewis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The winner will be announced on Thursday , 9 January .
• Listen to the nominees on BBC Sounds • Find out more about the BBC Sound of 2020 .
Your official biography says you got together `` on a whim , '' which makes it sound almost accidental .
The story of how we met is quite long and boring , I 'm afraid .
A couple of us went to school together and the rest of us met in Leicester through music .
We were were touring as a little four-piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mates , and then one night we were out and saw Jordan Birtles , the keyboard extraordinaire , in the smoking area of a club .
He used to be in another band called By The Rivers , which was quite a successful reggae band - they supported The Specials and The Wailers - so we stumbled over to him and went , 'You 've got to join our band , bro ' , And he was like , 'Oh , go on then ' .
And that was it : He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we got signed !
The first single you put out was Pockets and it picked up a huge amount of buzz straight away .
We were so lucky .
I 'd basically written this EP but , at the time , I was kind of done with the music industry .
Then Chess Club records got in touch and saying , 'Look , we want to put Pockets out as a single . '
That was a massive deal for us , because we were just five dudes from Leicester rehearsing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disillusioned with the music industry ?
Since I left school when I was 18 , this is all I 've done - and I 'm 24 now .
I 've been working terrible jobs , horrific work all over the place , just to try and pay the rent while I pursue music .
It 's not a very original story but I felt I 'd been chewed up and spat out .
It 's strange because we did this very much for ourselves .
Pockets is four-and-a-half minutes long and it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was that song that got a moderate commercial seal of approval .
What was the worst job you had to do in those early years ?
Do you know what ?
I said it was awful but I had the best time at work .
I worked on a jacket potato van on a market for three years and my boss was incredible .
He gave me so much support .
I love him to bits , I really do .
What was your most popular filling ?
We called that `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then we did beef chilli , and bolognese and garlic butter .
I still make homemade garlic butter now .
I 've got some in my fridge .
It 's pretty good .
The other lads had funny jobs , too .
Jordan was a music teacher in this school for troubled kids .
He used to come into rehearsal after having to restrain kids who 'd tried to beat him up .
Sam [ Hewitt - bass ] did clinical trials , where he 'd be given the flu for a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like completely ragged .
And Cass [ Oliver Cassidy - drums ] was an electrician , so he took a bit of a pay cut to be in a band !
At least you 've got someone to rig the stage .
Honestly , he 's amazing .
He wired our whole studio .
And when my grandma needed some lights doing six months ago , he came through on it .
He 's great .
One thing I hear repeatedly in your lyrics is that life can be a struggle - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small moments .
Absolutely .
The overarching thing is the idea that life can get a bit crap , but everything 's going to be OK .
It 's quite a British outlook to grit your teeth and smile - but I ca n't help it , that 's my general outlook .
Bad stuff does happen to me and I feel sad and all the rest of it , but I always have to smile at the end of the song and think , 'You know what ?
I 've got running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thread of escaping reality by getting into altered states ...
I do n't want to go too deep into that .
I 'm pretty clean now .
I 've quit smoking and I 'm pretty tee-total .
But I write from experience - so I think back to when I was really trying to push the boundaries .
The world looked different through a different lens .
But that 's not to say I would recommend that myself , or even get involved with that any more , really .
I was actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was on acid .
I was in hospital , broke my collar bone , both my hands .
That 's not good for a trumpeter .
No , no… I was ok after a while but it knocked me back into reality .
On a completely different tangent , Earth is a song that deals with climate change .
Why was it important to make that statement ?
WelI , I was brought up on an organic farm , and we 've had to change the way we farm completely in the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ca n't plant certain crops at the same time we used to because it rains , or it 's too hot or it 's too cold .
And this is England - we have a moderate climate .
If you 're already facing an extreme climate , and then you add global warming and climate change on top of it , it becomes almost impossible to farm .
So my parents were pumping me with environmental ethics from quite a young age and it just felt like a good time to sing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it unites people - because if we do n't sort it , we 're doomed .
This really is our problem to solve .
Was it eye-opening to film the video in a junk yard ?
So that was in Morocco , literally in the middle of the desert .
You drive out of Marrakech for maybe 20 or 30 minutes and there 's this recycling centre in the middle of nowhere and they had acres and acres of plastic .
Most of the rubbish did n't have Arabic writing on it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You realise we 're shunting our problem to someone else ; and this beautiful environment was completely destroyed by plastic .
It really hit the message home .
Is that the biggest problem - that we can choose to ignore it ?
It 's easy to ignore it .
When you put something in the bin , it 's done .
You never see that piece of rubbish again .
But realistically , someone comes along , picks it up and drives it off to a landfill , where it lives for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sight , out of mind .
Your new EP has a song called Dead Celebrities .
What inspired that ?
We played Coachella last April , and that was my first time in LA .
Mate , honestly it 's amazing , for so many reasons but they 're completely obsessed with death and celebrities .
There 's the museum of celebrity death , the dearly departed museum , and even a hotel we were staying in which was supposed to be haunted by Marilyn Monroe .
So that inspired the song @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too , and it 's very very funny .
We got lots of celebrity look-a-likes and they chased me down Hollywood Boulevard .
There 's one moment where I 'm holding Paris Hilton and my mum over a cliff ; and I 'm not sure which one to drop .
It 's really out there .
And should we expect an album this year , too ?
Yeah .
I 've just started work on the album ; and I 've been lucky to work with some incredible producers .
Some heroes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name them ?
Not really , sorry !
But it 'll all come out in the wash .
When you say ' I 've started work on the album , ' does that mean you 're the chief writer ?
Sometimes it 's all of us together but I write a lot of the music on my own .
I 'd say 80 % of it .
I 'm a recluse , really .
I do n't like to get out much .
When we do the gigs , it 's all very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me that takes quite a lot of doing .
I need the rest of the week to sit and read or listen to music .
That surprises me ... You 've got a reputation for stripping down to your underwear on stage !
Being fully-clothed on stage is difficult when you play for an hour and a half !
We might be under those lights for a long time and it 's nice to get naked , man , it feels liberating .
Clothes are , you know ... we become institutionalised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all be running around naked eating berries .
Things were simpler back then .
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We were were touring as a little four-piece, playing gigs in pubs to our mates, and then one night we were out and saw Jordan Birtles, the keyboard extraordinaire, in the smoking area of a club. He used to be in another band called By The Rivers, which was quite a successful reggae band - they supported The Specials and The Wailers - so we stumbled over to him and went, 'You've got to join our band, bro', And he was like, 'Oh, go on then'.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Does music make exercise more effective?

Along with losing weight , one of the most popular new year 's resolutions is `` to do more exercise '' .
Although any form of exercise is better than none , `` brisk '' exercise seems to be particularly good for the heart and brain .
So if you are one of the millions who made the resolution to be more active , perhaps up-tempo music can help you achieve that beneficial `` briskness '' ?
In an experiment for Trust Me I 'm A Doctor , we looked at if it can work .
Unlike a gentle stroll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to increase blood flow to your brain and also to lead to the release of a hormone called BDNF ( brain derived neurotrophic factor ) .
BDNF helps stimulate the production of new brain cells , something which is certainly useful as you get older .
Brisk walkers would also appear to live longer than those who prefer a more leisurely stroll .
A large study of more than 50,000 British walkers in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found those who claimed to be pacy , lived , on average , 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walked at a slower pace .
But it is difficult to tease out cause and effect from such studies - because it could be that people who walk briskly are just healthier in the first place .
Two years ago I took part in a similar experiment with Rob Copeland , professor of physical activity and health at the University of Sheffield , where we recruited a group of sedentary factory workers who we then randomly allocated to doing either 10,000 steps or Active 10 ( a free NHS app that helps you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Active 10 group were asked to fit three brisk 10-minute walks into their day , rather than aiming at any particular number of steps .
We discovered that when it comes to health , short bursts of brisk walking seem to deliver more benefit and are often easier to manage , than trying to hit the 10,000 step target .
This year we wanted to revisit that experiment with more participants - but also look at whether adding music would help people pick up the pace .
One of the troubles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brisk walking '' is that few of us really know what `` brisk walking '' means .
I 've been told it means `` fast enough that you are able to talk but not able to sing '' .
Personally , I do n't find that particularly useful as I can sing however fast I am walking .
A clearer definition of `` brisk walking '' is walking at around 100 paces a minute .
And this in turn can be helped by listening to music that has a beat of at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abba or Hips Do n't Lie by Shakira .
I teamed up with Marie Murphy , professor of exercise and health at Ulster University , and we recruited 24 volunteers aged between 25 and 65 who we randomly split into two groups .
One was given pedometers and asked to try and hit 10,000 steps a day , while the other group was encouraged to walk briskly for 30 minutes a day to music we had chosen for them .
We tested everyone 's blood pressure , cholesterol and body fat at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them off to do their different regimes for five weeks before they came back to be re-tested .
Those allocated to the brisk walking certainly found the music enjoyable , but did it make any difference ?
Prof Murphy says : `` The good news is we saw positive changes in both groups , but those walking briskly to the music saw slightly bigger improvements than those who were doing the 10,000 steps . ''
The 10,000-steppers saw an average decrease in body fat of 1.8 % , while the brisk walkers decreased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The brisk walkers also saw bigger drops in blood pressure .
So the message is , if you want to keep in shape , mentally and physically , load up some pacy music and get those feet moving , one in front of the other .
Trust Me I 'm a Doctor is on BBC2 on Wednesday 8 January at 20:00 GMT and on iPlayer .

One of the troubles with telling people they should do "brisk walking" is that few of us really know what "brisk walking" means. I've been told it means "fast enough that you are able to talk but not able to sing". Personally, I don't find that particularly useful as I can sing however fast I am walking.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Martyn Hett: Bomb victim's mum praises Martyn's Law council

The mother of Manchester Arena attack victim Martyn Hett has praised a council for adopting the law she has campaigned @ @ @ @ @ Figen Murray told BBC Breakfast losing her son was the driving force behind Martyn 's @ @ @ @ @ public venues adopt anti-terrorism measures .
She is lobbying the government to bring in the @ @ @ @ @ City Council is set to adopt the measures early .

The mother of Manchester Arena attack victim Martyn Hett has praised a council for adopting the law she has campaigned for in his memory.
Figen Murray told BBC Breakfast losing her son was the driving force behind Martyn's Law, which would make public venues adopt anti-terrorism measures.
She is lobbying the government to bring in the tougher checks, but Manchester City Council is set to adopt the measures early.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Reynhard Sinaga: How will Manchester rapist case change the city?

People in Manchester have been speaking about their concerns following the conviction of `` the most prolific rapist in British @ @ @ @ @ Sinaga was found guilty of luring 48 men from outside Manchester clubs to his flat @ @ @ @ @ assaulted them - filming the attacks .
He has been jailed for life for 159 @ @ @ @ @ rapes .
The BBC 's Ben Hunte has been testing the mood in the city @

People in Manchester have been speaking about their concerns following the conviction of "the most prolific rapist in British legal history".
Reynhard Sinaga was found guilty of luring 48 men from outside Manchester clubs to his flat, where he drugged and assaulted them - filming the attacks.
He has been jailed for life for 159 sexual offences, including 136 rapes.
The BBC's Ben Hunte has been testing the mood in the city.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Could congestion charges help solve Cardiff's pollution?

The average air quality over Cardiff is the fourth worst in the UK , according to the latest research .
@ @ @ @ @ council is to bring in a series of measures to tackle the problem .
Among @ @ @ @ @ confirmed on 15 January , are improved public transport , taxi licensing changes , re-modelled @ @ @ @ @ and 36 electric buses .
Campaigners are hoping congestion charges in the city centre could @ @ @ @ @ Clean air zones are the most effective way of reducing air pollution in the short-term @ @ @ @ @ levels in the long term , '' said Huw Cook of Healthy Air Cymru .

The average air quality over Cardiff is the fourth worst in the UK, according to the latest research.
So the Welsh capital's council is to bring in a series of measures to tackle the problem.
Among the plans, to be confirmed on 15 January, are improved public transport, taxi licensing changes, re-modelled roads to encourage active travel and 36 electric buses.
Campaigners are hoping congestion charges in the city centre could also be introduced.
"Clean air zones are the most effective way of reducing air pollution in the short-term and working towards clean air levels in the long term," said Huw Cook of Healthy Air Cymru.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Jaywick: Not a lot of money, but a wealth of community

The seaside village of Jaywick has been ranked England 's `` most deprived '' area three times in a row @ @ @ @ @ tell a different story .
The Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government looked @ @ @ @ @ education , health , crime , housing and living environment when conducting its most-recent survey @ @ @ @ @ of a wealth of community that can not be measured in monetary terms .
Carol @ @ @ @ @ Jayne Nash tell the BBC what they love about their part of the Essex coast @

The seaside village of Jaywick has been ranked England's "most deprived" area three times in a row, but those living there tell a different story.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government looked at income, employment, education, health, crime, housing and living environment when conducting its most-recent survey.
But many residents speak of a wealth of community that cannot be measured in monetary terms.
Carol Churcher, Rosina Clarke and Jayne Nash tell the BBC what they love about their part of the Essex coast.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Millions spent Northampton Town missing £10m probe

More than £3m has been spent on a `` corruption '' inquiry into a missing loan to a football club .
Northampton Borough Council loaned £10.25m to Northampton Town in 2013 and 2014 to redevelop Sixfields stadium , but the funds seemingly vanished .
The council has paid out £2.3m to find the money and Northamptonshire Police has spent £974,000 investigating allegations including theft and fraud .
The force said the case was of `` high public interest '' .
Detectives working on Operation Tuckhill have previously described it as a `` corruption '' inquiry which also involves allegations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loan was intended to rebuild part of Northampton Town 's stadium and develop nearby land .
But the work was not completed after the company into which more than £7m of the money was channelled , 1st Land Ltd , went bust .
Det Ch Supt Mark Behan said the case was of `` high public interest '' and the Police , Fire and Crime Commissioner would apply for extra funding from the Home Office .
It would be `` inappropriate not to complete investigation on the basis of cost , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantial , they are in line with our expectations . ''
Northampton Borough Council has paid law firms , auditors and a company providing document storage to trace the missing money but the figure does not reflect the costs of its officers ' time .
The largest single cost incurred by the council was to law firm Osborne Clarke and hiring a QC in relation to its successful Birmingham High Court action against the former owners of Northampton Town , David and Anthony Cardoza in 2019 .
Anthony Cardoza declared himself bankrupt after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the amount loaned to the club .
• Osborne Clarke LLP and QC - £1,383,208 - legal costs in relation to High Court Action against Anthony , David and Christina Cardoza • Mischon De Reya/Radcliffes - £120,000 - expenses relating to council attempt to obtain summary judgement in 2017 • PricewaterhouseCoopers - £45,262 - internal audit report in relation to the loan The Crown Prosecution Service is currently reviewing files relating to 30 suspects including the former council leader and ex-Conservative MP for Northampton South , David Mackintosh , along with the owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both Mr Grossman and Mr Mackintosh deny any wrongdoing .
A spokesman for Northampton Borough Council said : `` While a police investigation continues , we are not in a position to comment on the detail of this , beyond the information which has been provided . ''
Northamptonshire Police said its inquiry was now in the final stages .

Councillor Jonathan Nunn, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: "Legal action is expensive, and we know we have to be extremely careful when considering the additional costs involved in recovering this money, alongside considering the strength of public feeling towards the recovery of the loan.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Drivers of blown over lorries on A1 could be prosecuted

Two drivers have been reported to the procurator fiscal after their lorries overturned on the A1 , despite the road being closed to high-sided vehicles due to severe winds .
The road was shut to all traffic between Haddington and Thistly Cross on Tuesday .
It was also was closed to high-sided vehicles along its whole route between Edinburgh and the English border .
Police Scotland said some drivers had been ignoring the warnings .
A force spokesman said a 47-year-old man was reported after the lorry he was driving overturned on the A1 southbound at the Bellhaven junction shortly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 36-year-old man after a lorry overturned on the A1 at the Thorntonloch Beach junction at about 12:20 .
At the time of the incidents a Met Office yellow `` be aware '' warning was in place for strong south westerly winds .
The high winds led to difficult driving conditions across Scotland on Tuesday .
In Culloden , near Inverness , drivers saw a trampoline blown across the road A Met Office yellow warning of persistent rain has been issued for western , central and southern Scotland for the period from 20:00 on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest on the situation on the roads , visit BBC Scotland Travel You can also follow the BBC Scotland severe weather Twitter list , and BBC Scotland Weather Below are a number of other traffic information sources for road , rail and ferry services .

Two drivers have been reported to the procurator fiscal after their lorries overturned on the A1, despite the road being closed to high-sided vehicles due to severe winds.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Dublin airport minibus hijack: Three passengers held

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment after a minibus was stolen from Dublin Airport .
The bus was taken from outside Terminal 2 early on Wednesday with three passengers on board , and driven north on the M1 motorway .
The suspects rammed both a PSNI car and garda car in a cross-border chase involving specialist armed police and a helicopter .
Nobody was injured in the incident , which began about 01:00 local time .
It is understood the bus - believed to be a hotel shuttle - was taken when the driver was helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Irish police ) said the three passengers - understood to be from County Navan - were dropped off unharmed on the M1 near Julianstown , County Meath .
The minibus then continued to Drogheda , County Louth , pursued by garda units , before crossing the border near Dundalk .
After damaging the front of a PSNI vehicle in Crossmaglen Square , the minibus crossed back over the border .
No PSNI officers were injured during the incident , police confirmed .
The minibus was pursued again by gardaí in County Monaghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fled on foot .
The two men , who are both in their thirties , then took control of a parked car .
It was pursued by a garda specialist armed support unit and the garda helicopter , before being stopped in Castleblayney , County Monaghan .
Anyone with information about the incident is advised to contact Irish police .

The bus was taken from outside Terminal 2 early on Wednesday with three passengers on board, and driven north on the M1 motorway.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Hywel Dda: NHS operations cancelled for third day in a row

Routine operations at four hospitals have been cancelled for the third consecutive day due to issues over winter pressures .
Hywel Dda health board confirmed planned surgery would be postponed in order to `` maintain patient safety during periods of peak pressure '' .
Planned inpatient surgery is affected at Bronglais , Prince Philip , Glangwili and Withybush hospitals in west Wales .
The health board said it had contacted affected patients directly .
It added that day case procedures and outpatient appointments would continue as normal .
In a statement on Wednesday morning , the health board said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are currently assessing our operating plans for the days ahead and , as per normal planning arrangements , these will be reviewed on a daily basis . ''
Sion James , its deputy medical director , said : `` It looks likely there will be more postponements .
We are still holding outpatient appointments .
We are still doing emergency procedures and some on the day but more procedures will be postponed after today .
`` We 'd like to take this opportunity to apologise to patients that have been affected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
Patient safety is the most important thing for us .
`` There 's been a number of challenges across the health board .
We 've had the norovirus breakout , the flu breakout and it means there 's more people in our hospitals .
Our hospitals are full . ''
The Hywel Dda Community Health Council said it was `` concerned and disappointed '' about the cancellations .
Its chairman , Mansell Bennett , said : `` This will be bad news for many and possibly distressing news for some .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting months for their operations and now their lives go on hold .
`` We know patient safety is vital and we know that the NHS and its staff are doing their best in the face of extreme pressures this winter , but the health board must do all it can to ease this situation '' .
Dr Phil Banfield , chairman of the British Medical Association ( BMA ) Welsh consultants committee , said the organisation was meeting with the Welsh Government on Wednesday and would discuss winter pressures .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to blame for this - this is an issue within the system .
`` There are two factors here - there 's the lost operations , people having elective surgery who may become worse and become emergencies as a result .
`` We 're hearing reports of cancer surgery now being cancelled as well throughout different hospitals in Wales .
`` But also the reason why the operations are being cancelled is because surgical beds are full of medical patients , now that puts the wrong type of patient in the wrong hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're clearly not getting the care that they should do .
`` If we think this is distressing for the staff , having to watch this , this is hugely distressing for families and patients who are on the end of these cancellations and we need to find that capacity immediately . ''
Although the NHS is under pressure all year round , the period after Christmas and the first few weeks of new year is often the most difficult as staff try to deal with significant numbers of seriously ill patients .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result of the festive season 's bank holidays , there has been reduced access to community services such as GPs and social care , which can cause logjams to develop in hospitals .
During the holiday period , people might also put off getting a potential health problem checked out .
Pressures are also caused because of winter bugs , with the current flu season already looking worse than last year .
The Welsh Government said it had given £30m to health boards to provide extra capacity this winter .
Helen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission , a think-tank which provides advice to the health minister , said there were `` increased demands on the system '' .
`` What we have to do is to make sure that the system that we have in Wales both the health and care system is sustainable for the future , and that will sometimes will require us looking at things differently and addressing things in different ways.
, '' she added .
`` That will need people to change and for the public to work with us to be part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The British Medical Association in Wales said on Tuesday it was concerned lives could be needlessly lost unless there was urgent action to tackle winter pressures .
Meanwhile , First Minister Mark Drakeford said the system `` has proved resilient '' to pressures in the past two weeks `` because of the plans put in place by the health boards , supported by the Welsh Government and that additional investment we have put in place '' .
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"A number of operations are still taking place but some will be postponed after today, but everybody in the board is working as hard as they can to make sure the operations will happen as soon as possible and as safely as possible," he said.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Dog found in Blackpool church to be returned to owner

A dog found tied up in a church with a note of apology is to go back to his original owner .
The seven-year-old Staffie , named Cracker by the RSPCA , was found at Sacred Heart Church in Blackpool on 18 December .
The dog , who is actually called Rooney , is to be returned to his owner Alison , who is from the resort .
Charity Street Paws is to take care of Rooney until Alison is ready to have him home .
Rooney was found tied up next to the altar in the church with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog means the world to me and I do n't know what else to do .
I 've no home or money now for him .
`` Life has taken a really bad turn for me and I could n't imagine him being outside with me cold and hungry .
`` I love you and I am so so so sorry . ''
RSPCA inspector Will Lamping , who collected Rooney , said the publicity around the dog 's discovery had led to Alison being traced .
`` We 're so pleased that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - will be going back to his owner once she 's back on her feet , '' he said .
StreetPaws founder Michelle Southern said she was relieved when his owner was found as `` she loves him very much '' .
`` Rooney 's story has really touched the hearts of the nation , but sadly it 's not uncommon , '' Ms Southern said .
`` People who have no home are forced to make heartbreaking decisions to give up their pets as they have no other choice . ''

Rooney was found tied up next to the altar in the church with a note, which said: "My dog means the world to me and I don't know what else to do. I've no home or money now for him.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Prince Harry and Meghan to step back as senior royals

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they will step back as `` senior '' royals and work to become financially independent .
In a statement , Prince Harry and Meghan also said they plan to split their time between the UK and North America .
The BBC understands no other royal - including the Queen or Prince William - was consulted before the statement and Buckingham Palace is `` disappointed '' .
Senior royals are understood to be `` hurt '' by the announcement .
Last October , Prince Harry and Meghan publicly revealed their struggles under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , also posted on their Instagram page , the couple said they made the decision `` after many months of reflection and internal discussions '' .
`` We intend to step back as 'senior ' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent , while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen . ''
• Harry and Meghan step back : What we know so far • In pictures : Harry and Meghan 's life together They said they plan to balance their time between the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honour our duty to the Queen , the Commonwealth , and our patronages '' .
`` This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born , while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter , including the launch of our new charitable entity . ''
BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said the fact palace officials said they were `` disappointed '' is `` pretty strong '' .
`` I think it indicates a real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - maybe not so much about what has been done but about how it has been done - and the lack of consultation I think will sting .
`` This is clearly a major rift between Harry and Meghan on one part , and the rest of the Royal Family on the other . ''
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said discussions with the duke and duchess on their decision to step back were `` at an early stage '' , adding : `` We understand their desire to take a different approach , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take time to work through . ''
Over Christmas , the couple took a six-week break from royal duties to spend some time in Canada with their son , Archie , who was born in May .
After returning to the UK on Tuesday , Harry , 35 , and Meghan , 38 , visited Canada 's High Commission in London to thank the country for hosting them and said the warmth and hospitality they received was `` unbelievable '' .
During the visit , Meghan said it was an `` incredible time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canada '' .
`` To see Archie go 'ah ' when you walk by , and just see how stunning it is - so it meant a lot to us . ''
Former actress Meghan lived and worked in Toronto during her time starring in the popular US drama Suits , and she has several Canadian friends .
Close up , it was painfully clear that there were great chunks of the job they simply could not stand .
Both of them appeared to come alive with the crowds .
But Harry hated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ceremonial .
And though Meghan was often the consummate professional , at times her impatience with the everyday slog of the role sometimes broke through .
She said she did n't want to become a voiceless figurehead ; but when she raised her voice , she found criticism waiting for her .
They both made their feelings known in the 2019 interview with ITV 's Tom Bradby .
But beyond the detail , what was so shocking was how unhappy they both seemed .
The sun-drenched wedding of the year before seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people visibly struggling with their lives and positions .
There are far more questions than answers ; what will their new role be ?
Where will they live , and who will pay for it ?
What relationship will they have with the rest of the Royal Family ?
And there 's the institutional question .
What does this mean for the Royal Family ?
It comes just a few months after Prince Andrew stepped back from his duties .
Some might see this as the slimmed-down monarchy that the 21st century needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that other royals did n't .
They were part of the reinvention and refreshing of the institution .
This was not the way anyone would have planned its future .
Former Buckingham Palace press officer Dickie Arbiter suggested the decision showed Prince Harry 's `` heart ruling his head '' .
He told the BBC the `` massive press onslaught '' when their son Archie was born may have played a part in the decision .
And he compared the move to Edward VIII 's abdication in 1936 in order to marry twice-divorced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only other precedent , but there 's been nothing like this in modern times , '' Mr Arbiter said .
Asked how being a `` part-time '' member of the Royal Family might work , Mr Arbiter said he did not know .
`` If they 're going to be based in the UK , it means they are going to be doing a lot of flying [ with ] a big carbon footprint , '' he said , adding that this may `` raise eyebrows '' .
He also questioned how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I mean , Harry is not a poor man , but to settle yourself in two different continents , to raise a family , to continue to do your work - how 's the work going to be funded ?
`` How is their security going to be funded ?
`` Because they 're still going to have to have security - who 's going to have to pay for this ?
Where 's the security coming from ?
Is the Metropolitan Police going to be providing it and if so whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in covering the security cost ? ''
Mr Arbiter also suggested questions would be raised over why £2.4m of taxpayer 's money was spent on renovating the couple 's home , Frogmore Cottage in Windsor , if they will now be living elsewhere for some of the year .
BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said the couple have `` considerable savings '' , including Harry 's inheritance from Princess Diana 's estate and the money Meghan earned as an actress .
But , asked about whether they might get jobs , he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the Royal Family - relatively senior ones , even if they say they 're no longer senior - getting jobs , because they are seen to monetise their brand and you run into a whole host of questions about conflict of interest '' .
He added that we are now in `` wait and see mode '' as to whether this new model of being a royal can work - `` or if this is really a staging post for them to leave the Royal Family '' .
The Prince of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry , Meghan , William and Kate and some of their private costs , out of his Duchy of Cornwall income , which was £21.6m last year .
Accounts from Clarence House show this funding - in the year Meghan officially joined the Royal Family - stood at just over £5m , up 1.8 % on 2017-18 .
Royal author Penny Junor said she `` ca n't quite see how it 's going to work '' , adding : `` I do n't think it 's been properly thought through . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it 's rather sad , '' she said .
`` They may not feel they are particularly loved but actually they are very much loved . ''
Harry is sixth in line to the throne - behind Prince Charles , Prince William and his three children .
In an ITV documentary last year , Meghan admitted motherhood was a `` struggle '' due to intense interest from newspapers .
Prince Harry also responded to reports of a rift between him and his brother William , the Duke of Cambridge , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
In October , the duchess began legal action against the Mail on Sunday over a claim that it unlawfully published one of her private letters .
And the duke also began legal action against the owners of the Sun , the defunct News of the World , and the Daily Mirror , in relation to alleged phone-hacking .
Prince Harry also released a statement , saying : `` I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces . ''
The duke and duchess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge live , in 2018 to set up their family home in Windsor .
Then last summer , they split from the charity they shared with Prince William and Kate to set up their own charitable projects .
The couple 's announcement on Wednesday comes two months after the Duke of York withdrew from public life after a BBC interview about his ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein , who killed himself in August .

But, asked about whether they might get jobs, he added: "There is a problem for members of the Royal Family - relatively senior ones, even if they say they're no longer senior - getting jobs, because they are seen to monetise their brand and you run into a whole host of questions about conflict of interest".


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Iran attack: PM says Soleimani 'had British blood on his hands'

Boris Johnson has said General Qasem Soleimani , killed by a US drone strike last week , had `` the blood of British troops on his hands '' .
He told the Commons the Iranian general was also responsible for a string of attacks on innocent civilians but called for `` urgent de-escalation '' .
He warned Iran not to repeat `` reckless '' attacks after ballistic missiles were fired at Iraqi air bases earlier .
Iran 's Revolutionary Guard said they were in response to Soleimani 's death .
It came as President Trump on Wednesday urged countries including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear and united message '' to Iran that its `` campaign of terror '' will no longer be tolerated .
Mr Trump also called on the UK and its other European allies to abandon the nuclear deal it signed with Iran nuclear deal with in 2015 .
But , at Prime Minister 's Questions earlier , Mr Johnson defended the deal , saying it remains the `` best way of preventing nuclear proliferation in Iran '' .
• How much influence does UK have in Iran crisis ?
• Is the Iran nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first PMQs since Parliament returned from its Christmas break , Mr Johnson said there were no UK casualties in the attacks on Iraqi air bases `` as far as we can tell '' .
`` We , of course , condemn the attack on Iraqi military bases hosting coalition forces , '' Mr Johnson said .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn questioned the legality of the drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump that killed Soleimani outside Baghdad airport on Friday .
The PM said it was not up the UK to determine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was not our operation '' , but added : `` I think most reasonable people would accept that the United States has the right to protect its bases and its personnel . ''
• How much influence does UK have in Iran crisis ?
His comments come after Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab rejected the idea that the killing was an act of war .
Mr Johnson and President Trump have discussed the air strike on Iraqi bases over the phone .
A Downing Street spokesman said the prime minister stressed the need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict '' .
Mr Johnson told MPs that Soleimani had supplied `` improvised explosive devices to terrorists '' which `` killed and maimed British troops '' , adding : `` That man had the blood of British troops on his hands . ''
Mr Corbyn 's spokesman later said it was `` hard to see '' how Soleimani 's assassination could be justified as a legal action .
`` Since the assassination of senior officials , generals , or ministers of internationally recognised governments is , on the face of it , entirely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the defence of an imminent threat - has to be made public for there to be any question of there being legality around it , '' the spokesman told a Westminster briefing .
He added : `` No such evidence has been forthcoming and , on the face of it , it 's hard to see how that would be the case . ''
It has taken a while to hear from Boris Johnson directly and I suspect that will surprise a lot of people .
It 's been five days since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first we 've heard from him .
He 's only talking about it today , frankly , because he has to at PMQs .
This is because of a new approach from No 10 .
They want to delegate more responsibility to other cabinet ministers and not have the PM responding to every event and crisis .
But it also reflects the fact that in this post-Brexit world , Mr Johnson is having to perform a very delicate balancing act .
On the one hand , he wants to stay close to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a speedy trade deal with .
On the other , he does n't want to antagonise the US , with whom we want similar things .
That 's why you heard him talking about working solidly with the EU to dial down the conflict but at the same time defending President Trump 's right to act as he did .
The bottom line is that as Brexit unfolds , Mr Johnson is going to have to get pretty good at this diplomatic high-wire act .
Mr Corbyn said US-Iran tensions were in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` full-scale war '' and asked the prime minister whether British personnel in the area were safe .
Mr Johnson said : `` As far as we can tell there were no casualties last night sustained by the US and no British personnel were injured in the attacks .
`` We are doing everything we can to protect UK interests in the region , with HMS Defender and HMS Montrose operating in an enhanced state of readiness to protect shipping in the Gulf . ''
Mr Johnson will later discuss the situation at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ von der Leyen .
• Analysis : Is there more to come from Iran ?
Iran 's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei described the missile attack as `` a slap in the face '' for the US .
The strike showed just a `` small part '' of the capabilities of the Iranian armed forces , the chief of staff for the military said .
But Iran 's ambassador to the UK , Hamid Baeidinejad , said the attack was an act of self-defence and the country `` does not seek escalation or war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were fired from Iranian territories into Iraq at about 02:00 local time on Wednesday ( 22:30 GMT on Tuesday ) .
The al Asad airbase - located in the Anbar province of western Iraq - was hit by at least six missiles .
Lydia Wilson of the University of Oxford 's Centre for the Resolution of Intractable Conflict , called it a `` symbolic '' attack that was not designed to `` really damage '' US or Iraqi military capabilities .
Noting that Iran used ballistic missiles rather than more sophisticated cruise missiles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to risk a major escalation in this climate .
They 're very overstretched in the region ... they 're not going to easily take on the biggest military in the world . ''
There are about 400 UK troops stationed in Iraq , primarily to assist Iraqi troops in defeating the Islamic State group .
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said : `` We are urgently working to establish the facts on the ground .
Our first priority continues to be the security of British personnel . ''
Defence Secretary Ben @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would only benefit terrorist groups `` who will seek to capitalise on instability '' .
In the UK , police were `` extremely alert '' to any impact the crisis in Iran may have in Britain , the Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick has said .
On Tuesday , the Royal Navy and military helicopters were put on standby in the Gulf amid the rising tensions in the Middle East .
The government said non-essential UK personnel had also been moved out of the Iraqi capital Baghdad .
Iran had vowed `` severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The general - who controlled Iran 's proxy forces across the Middle East - was regarded as a terrorist by the US government .

"Since the assassination of senior officials, generals, or ministers of internationally recognised governments is, on the face of it, entirely illegal in international law, that defence - the defence of an imminent threat - has to be made public for there to be any question of there being legality around it," the spokesman told a Westminster briefing.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Iran plane crash: Tributes to three British nationals killed

Tributes have been paid to three British nationals who died when a Ukrainian plane crashed in Iran .
Mohammed Reza Kadkhoda Zadeh , who owned a dry cleaners , BP engineer Sam Zokaei and PhD student and engineer Saeed Tahmasebi were all on board the flight .
They were among the 176 people from seven countries who died in the crash .
Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 crashed just after taking off from Imam Khomeini airport at 06:12 local time ( 02:42 GMT ) .
The airline said the plane underwent scheduled maintenance on Monday .
A Downing Street spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Ukrainian authorities and the Iranian authorities '' over the crash , and there was `` no indication '' the plane was brought down by a missile .
Iran said it will not hand over black box flight recorders recovered from the plane .
Under global aviation rules , Iran has the right to lead the investigation , but manufacturers are typically involved and experts say few countries are capable of analysing black boxes .
As well as the three Britons , the victims in the crash included 82 Iranians , 63 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the crew , 10 Swedes , four Afghans and three Germans , Ukraine foreign affairs minister Vadym Prystaiko said .
Rescue teams were sent to the crash site but the head of Iran 's Red Crescent told state media that it was `` impossible '' for anyone to have survived the crash .
Tributes were paid locally to Mr Kadkhoda Zadeh , 40 , who ran a neighbourhood dry cleaners in Hassocks , West Sussex , and had a nine-year-old daughter .
Steve Edgington from the pet shop next door said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , and described him as a lovely , hardworking man who was good at his job and loved by staff .
Savvas Savvidis , 36 , who rented a room in Mr Kadkhoda Zadeh 's home in Brighton , said he was a `` super-nice person '' .
`` It 's so sad .
Before he left we had a conversation , he told me that he spent all his life working , working really hard , and now finally he wants to start to enjoy life a bit more . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a humble man who loved his daughter very much .
The dry cleaners closed on Wednesday , with neighbouring businesses telling the BBC that staff were too upset to stay open .
Meanwhile , in a statement , BP said `` with the deepest regret '' that its employee Mr Zokaei , 42 , from Twickenham , was among the passengers .
Mr Zokaei had been on holiday .
He had worked for BP for 14 years and was based at the company 's site in Sunbury-on-Thames in Surrey .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss of our friend and colleague and all of our thoughts are with his family and friends , '' BP said .
A friend of Mr Zokaei , who did not wish to be named , told the BBC they were `` still in shock '' .
`` He was a highly accomplished person .
Very clever and very friendly .
Always smiling and full of positive energy .
He will be sorely missed .
`` He was always trying new adventures .
He cycled and toured Europe on bikes a few times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far out places . ''
Also killed was Mr Tahmasebi , 35 , who worked as an engineer for Laing O'Rourke in Dartford .
Last year , Mr Tahmasebi married his Iranian partner , Niloufar Ebrahim , who was also listed as a passenger on the plane .
`` Everyone here is shocked and saddened by this very tragic news , '' said Laing O'Rourke .
`` Saeed was a popular and well respected engineer and will be missed by many of his colleagues .
Our thoughts are with his family and friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will do all we can to support them through it . ''
Mr Tahmasebi - whose full name was Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi - was also a part-time PhD student at Imperial College London 's Centre for Systems Engineering and Innovation .
A spokeswoman for the university said : `` We are deeply saddened at this tragic news .
Saeed Tahmasebi Khademasadi was a brilliant engineer with a bright future .
`` His contributions to systems engineering earned respect from everyone who dealt with him and will benefit society for years to come .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and generous colleague and close friend to many in our community .
Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Saeed 's family , friends and colleagues , as well as all those affected by this tragedy . ''
At Prime Minister 's Questions earlier , Boris Johnson and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn both said their thoughts were with the families of those killed .
A UK Foreign Office spokesman has said : `` We are deeply saddened by the loss of life in the plane crash in Iran overnight . ''
They said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how many British nationals were on board and would be supporting any families affected .
Melinda Simmons , British ambassador to Ukraine , said her thoughts are with those affected .
Ukraine 's state aviation service has forbidden its national airlines from using Iranian airspace from Thursday , with the restrictions in place until an investigation into the cause of the crash has concluded .
Ukraine 's embassy in Tehran and Iranian state television both initially said technical issues caused the crash .
But the embassy later removed this statement and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accident prior to a commission 's inquiry was not official .
Ukraine said its entire civilian aviation fleet would be checked for airworthiness and criminal proceedings would be opened into the disaster .
The country 's president warned against `` speculation or unchecked theories regarding the catastrophe '' until official reports were ready .
Ukrainian International Airlines said the flight disappeared from radar just a `` few minutes '' after take-off .
The Ukrainian national carrier said according to preliminary data there were 167 passengers and nine crew members on board but its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` The airline expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the air crash and will do everything possible to support the relatives of the victims , '' a statement said .
The airline , which is investigating the crash , said the aircraft - a Boeing 737-800 - was built in 2016 and had its last scheduled maintenance on Monday .
There was no sign of any problems with the plane before take-off and the airline 's president said it had an `` excellent , reliable crew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its `` heartfelt thoughts '' were with all those affected following the `` tragic event '' .
There are several thousand Boeing 737-800s in operation around the world which have completed tens of millions of flights .
They have been involved in 10 incidents , including this crash , where at least one passenger was killed , aviation safety analyst Todd Curtis told the BBC .
This is the first time a Ukraine International Airlines plane has been involved in a fatal crash .

"Saeed was a popular and well respected engineer and will be missed by many of his colleagues. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this most difficult time and we will do all we can to support them through it."


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

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

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


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Brexit: Full UK-EU trade deal 'impossible' by deadline - von der Leyen

The UK and the EU will remain the `` best of friends '' but they will `` not be as close as before '' after Brexit , the new European Commission president has said .
Speaking ahead of talks with the PM , Ursula von der Leyen warned it would be `` impossible '' to reach a comprehensive trade deal by the end of 2020 .
She said if the deadline was not extended it was not a case of `` all or nothing '' , but of priorities .
Boris Johnson has insisted a deal is possible by December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 , a Downing Street spokesman said talks had been `` positive '' , but the PM had been `` clear '' the process of negotiation would not be extended .
After its 31 January exit , the UK will enter into an 11-month transition period in which it will largely follow EU rules but will not have any representation in the bloc 's institutions .
This period will come to an end on 31 December .
Only when the UK leaves the EU can the two sides begin talks on their future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ von der Leyen he `` wanted a positive new UK and EU partnership , based on friendly co-operation , our shared history , interests and values '' , as well as a `` broad free trade agreement covering goods and services , and cooperation in other areas '' .
He also said the UK was ready to start negotiations `` as soon as possible '' after 31 January .
Speaking at the London School of Economics earlier in the day , Mrs von der Leyen said the EU was `` ready to negotiate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but she warned of `` tough '' talks ahead .
`` We will go as far as we can , but the truth is that our partnership can not and will not be the same as before and it can not and will not be as close as before because with every choice comes a consequences with every decision comes a trade off . ''
Mrs von der Leyen , a former German defence minister , took over from Jean-Claude Juncker at the start of December .
She was a student at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attended the same school as Mr Johnson in Belgium - something the prime minister highlighted as they posed for photos in Number 10 .
Mrs von der Leyen said she hoped the new trading relationship would be based on `` zero tariffs , zero quotas , zero dumping '' .
• What is the transition period ?
But she said : `` Without the free movement of people you can not have the free movement of capital and services .
`` The more divergence there is the more distant the partnership will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that without an extension of the transition period beyond 2020 `` you can not expect to agree every single aspect of our new partnership '' .
She called the deadline `` very tight '' .
Opposition MPs have warned that trade deals typically take years to conclude and the UK risks defaulting to World Trade Organisation rules at the start of 2021 , potentially leading to damaging tariffs for some industries .
But Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay told BBC Breakfast the UK and EU had agreed in the political declaration to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year and he was `` confident '' they would do that .
The meeting between Boris Johnson and new European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is significant in that it 's their first face-to-face in their new roles - but today does not mark start of post-Brexit trade talks .
EU law dictates that trade talks ca n't start until the UK legally leaves the bloc .
Then EU countries must agree a mandate for the EU Commission to negotiate a comprehensive trade agreement on their behalf .
This mandate then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister level by representatives of all EU countries .
All this means , the EU says , is trade talks will start at the beginning March .
When UK ministers complain that 's too long to wait , the EU response is that the UK always pushed for bigger role for national governments in EU decision-making to make it more democratic .
Expect red-line drawing with smiles today between the prime minister and Mrs von der Leyen - presented as `` friends telling each other truths '' .
The EU position is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an `` ambitious , comprehensive '' trade deal agreed and ratified by December is unrealistic .
However , the prime minister will counter this with `` truths '' of his own , including that negotiations have to be done by December because he wo n't extend the transition period .
Legislation implementing the terms of Mr Johnson 's Brexit deal continues to move through the Commons , with the government easily winning all three votes on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill on Tuesday .
The bill will enshrine in law the terms of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson 's predecessor Theresa May , as well as agreements on citizens ' rights , customs arrangements in Northern Ireland and the UK 's financial settlement .
Attempts by Northern Ireland parties to amend the bill to ensure `` unfettered access '' for businesses there to the rest of the UK market failed to pass on Wednesday afternoon .
MPs also rejected an attempt by Labour to reinstate child refugee protection rights in the Brexit bill .

"We will go as far as we can, but the truth is that our partnership cannot and will not be the same as before and it cannot and will not be as close as before because with every choice comes a consequences with every decision comes a trade off."


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Labour leadership: Barry Gardiner 'considers' entering race

Veteran Labour MP Barry Gardiner has told the BBC he is considering running for the party 's leadership .
The shadow international trade spokesman will make a decision whether to enter the race shortly , political editor Laura Kuenssberg said .
However , contrary to some reports , he said he had not been urged to run by Len McCluskey , the Unite union boss .
Candidates have until 13 January to win the backing of the 22 MPs and MEPs needed to get on the ballot paper .
Earlier on Wednesday , Sir Keir Starmer became the first candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominations .
He also won the backing of the UK 's largest union Unison , the first union to state a preference .
• Who will be Labour 's next leader ?
The other contenders to succeed leader Jeremy Corbyn are shadow business secretary Rebecca Long Bailey , shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry , shadow treasury minister Clive Lewis , Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy .
The party 's new leader and deputy will be announced on 4 April .
Mr Gardiner , who is currently on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been MP for Brent North since 1997 .
He has served in Mr Corbyn 's frontbench team since 2016 .
News of Mr Gardiner 's plans was first reported by Lewis Goodall , BBC Newsnight 's policy editor .
However , Mr McCluskey dismissed claims he had approached Mr Gardiner about running because of his concerns about the chances of Mrs Long Bailey , who is regarded as the standard bearer for the left of the party .
Unite , Labour 's largest financial backer , has said it will not make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month .
Mrs Long Bailey currently has 17 nominations , one more than Mrs Phillips .
Ms Nandy has 12 , Ms Thornberry three and Mr Lewis one .

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bbcuk--2020-01-08--Man 'plotted terror attacks on London tourist hot spots', court hears

A man who was cleared over a sword attack on police outside Buckingham Palace went on to plan a series of terror attacks , a court has heard .
Mohiussunnath Chowdhury , 28 , was found not guilty of a terror charge over an incident outside the palace in 2017 , Woolwich Crown Court heard .
He is accused of later planning attacks on places including London 's Madame Tussauds and London Pride parade .
He appeared in court alongside his sister , Sneha Chowdhury , 25 , who is accused of doing nothing to stop his plans .
Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denies two charges of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism .
Woolwich Crown Court heard that , in the attack outside Buckingham Palace in August 2017 , two unarmed officers suffered cuts to their hands when they fought to disarm Mr Chowdhury as he shouted repeatedly `` Allahu Akbar '' ( God is the greatest ) .
Mr Chowdhury had claimed the incident outside Buckingham Palace had been an attempt at suicide .
But the prosecution told the court that after he was cleared at the Old Bailey , Mr Chowdhury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under surveillance that he had deceived the jury .
He also unwittingly confided in the officers , who were working to earn his trust from January 2019 , plans to target busy London tourist attractions , with Madame Tussauds and an open-top tourist bus among the potential targets discussed , prosecutor Duncan Atkinson QC said .
`` Believing them to be as sincerely committed as he was , he told them of his devotion to the cause of violent Islamic extremism , the basis for this devotion and the skewed religious beliefs that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said Mr Chowdhury was `` motivated by dreams of martyrdom for the cause of Islam , and inspired by preachers of hate '' .
`` The object was to unleash death and suffering on non-Muslim members of the public who happened to be present , using a firearm , sword and even a van as part of an attack , '' he said .
The prosecutor told jurors they could consider Mr Chowdhury 's `` assertions '' to the undercover officers that he was `` indeed trying to carry out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had deceived the earlier jury that acquitted him of it '' .
Mr Atkinson added : `` Whatever the position in 2017 , he was unquestionably preparing for terrorism in 2019 . ''
Mr Atkinson said Mr Chowdhury 's sister had `` better reason than anyone '' to understand what her brother was thinking and wanting to achieve , but she did nothing to stop him .
The prosecution said Mr Chowdhury used his sister 's bank account on 10 March 2019 to buy two Red Oak Bokken wooden training swords , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Chowdhury was also able to buy a replica Glock gun and looked into firearms training , Mr Atkinson said .
He also sought to involve the undercover officers in his firearms-related training and carrying out terrorist attacks , Mr Atkinson added .
In the lead up to the Buckingham Palace incident he had made references on WhatsApp to the `` Westminster jihad attacker '' ' Khalid Masood , who had killed five people in March 2017 , and wrote it was `` a good way to go '' .
Mr Chowdhury is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct in preparation of terrorist acts , collecting information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism and of disseminating terrorist publications .

"Believing them to be as sincerely committed as he was, he told them of his devotion to the cause of violent Islamic extremism, the basis for this devotion and the skewed religious beliefs that underpinned it," Mr Atkinson said.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Helen McCourt murderer Ian Simms set to be released

A man jailed over the 1988 murder of Helen McCourt is to be released after an appeal to keep him behind bars was rejected .
Ian Simms , 63 , was convicted of killing the 22-year-old , who disappeared in Merseyside in 1988 , but has never revealed where he hid her remains .
Her mother who appealed against the Parole Board 's recommendation for his release said she was `` disappointed '' .
But the Ministry of Justice has now been ordered to free Simms .
The Parole Board said it was `` satisfied that imprisonment is no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Simms , who never admitted his guilt , killed Ms McCourt as she walked home from work in Liverpool .
Her mother Marie said in a statement : `` I am very disappointed with the Parole Board 's announcement and do not accept what they are saying - that Simms is safe to be released .
`` I am consulting my legal team to discuss my next steps . ''
She has previously said she was left shaking with anger after receiving a call from her victim liaison officer at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mrs McCourt has urged the government to introduce Helen 's Law , legislation that would deny parole to killers who do not disclose their victims ' remains .
The bill recently ran out of time , when the general election was called .
Simms was denied release at a hearing in 2016 , but was later transferred to an open prison `` due to progress made '' , where he had `` followed the rules '' when granted temporary release .
Mrs McCourt has described not knowing the whereabouts of her daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Parole Board spokesman said : `` The Parole Board has decided that the original decision to release Ian Simms should stand , after considering a reconsideration application from the Secretary of State .
`` Whilst the Parole Board has every sympathy with Helen McCourt 's family , if the board is satisfied that imprisonment is no longer necessary for the protection of the public , they are legally obliged to direct release . ''
• February 1988 : Helen McCourt , 22 , disappeared near her home in Billinge • 1989 : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murder after blood and an earring - identical to one belonging to her - were found in his car boot • February 1989 : He was jailed for life and was told he would have to serve at least 16 years before being considered for parole • February 2004 : Simms became eligible to be considered for release from prison • December 2015 : Marie McCourt launched a petition calling for a change in the law to ensure killers are not released unless they reveal the location of their victims ' bodies • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for release but it was recommended that he be moved to an open prison .
Marie McCourt also visited Downing Street to hand over her petition • October 2016 : MPs voted in favour of Helen 's Law to deny killers parole if they would not reveal the location of their victims ' remains • July 2019 : Justice secretary David Gauke confirmed the law would be adopted in England and Wales • October 2019 : The bill to enact Helen 's Law was presented to the House of Commons after being included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was expected to become law in spring 2020 but this was prior to the general election • November 2019 : Simms was considered for parole for the seventh time and officials said he had `` met the test for release ''

Her mother Marie said in a statement: "I am very disappointed with the Parole Board's announcement and do not accept what they are saying - that Simms is safe to be released.


bbcuk--2020-01-08--South Yorkshire Police 'failed to act' over girl's rape claims

A girl who was sexually exploited by a gang that used her as a `` piece of meat '' found police took `` no effective action '' to stop it , a court heard .
Nine men deny raping the teenager in Sheffield .
Prosecutors said she was used as `` an object '' and abused by the gang between 2010 and 2012 .
The girl alerted South Yorkshire Police in 2011 but no investigation was carried out or crime recorded , Sheffield Crown Court heard .
Jurors were told the force `` did nothing more than submit an intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was being raped and used for underage sex .
Prosecutor Peter Hampton said : `` When [ she ] did tell the authorities , she found no effective action was taken to stop it . ''
Mr Hampton said the girl first disclosed some of what had happened to her when she was interviewed by officers in 2011 , aged 15 .
He told the court the complainant distrusted the authorities and that despite telling police about one rape and another `` incident of sex with adult men as a minor '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force and no investigation , in reality , followed . ''
The offences were said to have happened when the girl was drunk or on drugs supplied to her by the defendants .
`` On other occasions [ she ] was forcibly raped , '' said Mr Hampton , adding she was then `` still in the grip of exploitation '' of a woman who had introduced her to some of the people who raped her .
The girl grew up in East Yorkshire and her mother died when she was 13 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken into local authority care as her life `` descended into chaos '' .
Mr Hampton said she was `` already broken '' by the time she `` fell into the clutches of these [ men ] and others who abused and exploited her '' .
He said : `` She may as well have had a target on her back as far as those who were criminally-minded were concerned . ''
The current trial is the result of a police investigation started in 2016 .
The defendants , eight of whom are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 35 , of Seaton Crescent , Sheffield , denies three counts of rape and one count of trafficking • Tony Juone , 61 , of Pitt Lane , Sheffield , denies one count of rape • Kamaran Mahmoodi , 39 , of Walkley Road , Sheffield , denies one count of rape • Shangar Ibrahimi , 30 , of Cemetery Road , Barnsley , denies one count of rape • Farhad Mirzaie , 29 , of Ironside Road , Sheffield , denies two counts of rape • Kawan Omar Ahmed , 29 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denies two counts of rape • Saman Mohammed , 40 , of Fox Street , Sheffield , denies one count of rape • Jasim Mohammed , 36 , of Maxwell Way , Sheffield , denies three counts of rape • Nzar Anwar , 40 , of Exeter Drive , Sheffield , denies one count of rape and one count of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice A tenth man , Saba Mohammed , of Faranden Road , Sheffield , denies a single charge of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news @ bbc.co.uk .

He told the court the complainant distrusted the authorities and that despite telling police about one rape and another "incident of sex with adult men as a minor", "no crime was recorded by the force and no investigation, in reality, followed."


bbcuk--2020-01-08--Queen's granddaughter Zara Tindall banned from driving

The Queen 's granddaughter Zara Tindall has been banned from driving for six months after being caught speeding at 91mph near her Cotswolds home .
She was banned under the totting up procedure , having already accumulated nine penalty points on her licence .
Mrs Tindall , 38 , was given four more points for driving at 91mph on the A417 in Gloucestershire , taking her over the 12 points that usually means a ban .
The speed limit where she was clocked is 70mph .
The wife of former Gloucester and England rugby player Mike Tindall did not attend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Australia .
She admitted the speeding offence , which she committed in her Land Rover at Daglingworth , near Cirencester , in November .
Gloucestershire Police operate a frequent road safety patrol from a lay-by at Dartley Bottom - a long , straight stretch of the road between Gloucester and Cirencester , where they catch hundreds of drivers a year .
Prosecutor Farley Turner said : `` Because Mrs Tindall already has nine points on her licence she was unable to accept a fixed penalty for this offence . ''
Roger Utley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that as well as the six-month ban , the court was fining Mrs Tindall £666 plus costs and a victim surcharge of £151 .
Her mother Princess Anne was caught speeding on the same stretch of road in 2001 .

Mrs Tindall, 38, was given four more points for driving at 91mph on the A417 in Gloucestershire, taking her over the 12 points that usually means a ban.