bbcuk--2020-01-21--Brexit: What is a level playing field?

Brexit: What is a level playing field?

`` Without a level playing field on environment , labour , taxation and state aid , you can not have the highest quality access to the world 's largest single market , '' European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a speech at the London School of Economics .
She was talking about what kind of access the United Kingdom could have to the European single market after Brexit .
It is a question set to dominate negotiations on a post-Brexit trade deal , which will probably begin about a month after the UK 's departure from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 January .
And the answer depends , to a large extent , on what 's known as the level playing field .
To what does a level playing field refer ?
It is a trade-policy term for a set of common rules and standards that prevent businesses in one country undercutting their rivals and gaining a competitive advantage over those operating in other countries .
In other words , it 's about fair and open competition - and it 's an important part of the EU single market , which is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make it as easy as possible for people , goods , services and money to move around between them .
Part of a trade negotiation is working out how widespread level playing field provisions should be .
But the areas in which the EU is most insistent they must be maintained are : Is the EU trying to make the UK a special case ?
Yes and no .
On the one hand , almost all trade agreements involve level playing field provisions , because all parties are keen to ensure their businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the closer a trading relationship is , the stricter those rules become .
But the EU is also taking other factors into account - notably , that the UK is one of the world 's largest economies and is right on its doorstep .
The political declaration that sets out the framework for the future relationship between the EU and the UK makes this link explicit .
Given the `` geographic proximity and economic interdependence '' of the two sides , it says , the future relationship must include `` robust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
What this means in practice is if the UK wants a trade deal that involves zero tariffs ( no taxes on goods crossing borders ) and zero quotas ( no limits on the amount of goods that can be traded ) , the EU will expect it to sign up to stricter rules than those set out in other recent EU trade agreements with countries such as Canada or Japan .
It 's because there is far more trade involved and the stakes are higher .
What are the options ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants a zero-tariff zero-quota deal but also insists on the UK 's right to diverge or move away from EU rules and regulations when it wants to .
So that could mean sticking close to EU rules in some areas but not in others .
The EU adds a third zero to the equation - `` zero dumping '' , which means the strictest level playing field rules it can negotiate .
One option is to have what are known as non-regression clauses , which means the two sides would agree not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have .
Another , tougher , option is to insist on what 's called dynamic alignment , which would mean if the EU changed its rules in the future , the UK would automatically make the same changes .
And that 's partly what the trade negotiations will be about ?
Yes .
And both sides are - predictably - digging in a bit .
The early signs are a number of EU countries , including those that do a lot of trade with the UK , are taking a tough line and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas , including state aid and environmental regulations that affect businesses .
But that wo n't be acceptable in London .
Last week , Chancellor Sajid Javid told the Financial Times : `` There will not be alignment , we will not be a rule taker . ''
Former Prime Minister Theresa May 's initial version of the withdrawal agreement with the EU contained a series of legally binding level playing field provisions within it .
Boris Johnson 's version does n't - it relegates most of those rules ( apart from some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the EU ) to the non-binding political declaration .
So agreement on a level playing field regime is going to have to be negotiated before the end of the post-Brexit transition period , in December 2020 .
And it is fair to say the two sides will begin a long way apart .
Not only is there disagreement on what should be covered , there is also no meeting of minds yet on how any future disputes should be resolved .
It 's another reminder that , after Brexit , the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU but it will also become a rival .
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The UK is free to change those standards in the future (as is the EU), but there is a potential price to pay. Built into the deal is the risk that if the UK moves too far from EU rules, in a way which is deemed unfair to EU businesses, its access to the European market could be limited.


bbcuk--2020-01-21--'You are never far from a sausage roll'

'You are never far from a sausage roll'

People who have a healthy weight are in the minority in Scotland .
Almost two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese .
Why ?
The average BMI ( body mass index ) of Scottish adults is 27.7 , which is classed as overweight .
Despite years of attempts to tackle the problem the figure shows no sign of coming down .
There are countries with a higher rate but the fact remains that only a third of Scots adults maintain a healthy weight and educational messages are not getting through .
'It is just so accessible' For Stephen Orr it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he needed to take action .
He weighed 25st ( 160kg ) but had been unable to get his weight down until medication for high blood pressure resulted in heart arrhythmia .
Stephen , 46 , says being in hospital attached to a heart monitor `` scared me straight '' .
`` I had to own my mistake , '' he says .
`` This was all my fault and at that point I made the decision that enough was enough . ''
Stephen 's biggest problem was that he was eating too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says he ate three meals a day but he also had high-calorie snacks in-between from fast food outlets .
`` It is just so accessible , '' he says .
`` You are never short of a sausage roll if you need one . ''
Stephen , from Erskine in Renfrewshire , has lost 9st ( 57kg ) by working on a Weightwatchers programme that tracks calorie intake on a phone app .
`` It is not brain surgery , '' he says .
`` If you stay within your tolerance then you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eat a lot more fruit and veg than I used to .
When you look at your dinner it is much more interesting and fills you up for longer .
`` I used to say ' I 'm not a rabbit , so I do n't eat rabbit food ' but you know what , some of that rabbit food is pretty damn tasty . ''
In 2018 , two-thirds ( 65 % ) of adults were overweight in Scotland , according to the latest official Scottish Health Survey .
This includes 28 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third adults were a healthy weight ( a BMI of 18.5 to less than 25 ) .
There has been a small upward trend in people being overweight in recent years .
Average BMI rose from 27.1 in 2003 to 27.7 in 2018 .
The prevalence of children at risk of obesity has remained relatively stable at 16 % .
Scotland 's figure of 27.7 % of adults being obese is above the figure for the UK ( 26.2 ) .
The Scottish figure is higher than many other European countries such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 23 % ) France ( 17 % ) and Norway ( 12 % ) .
But it is lower than countries such as the USA ( 40 % ) , Chile ( 34 % ) and Mexico ( 32 % ) .
Some countries , such as Japan ( 4 % ) have extremely low levels of obesity .
Why are so many Scots overweight ?
`` We have created a food environment where it is much easier to make the unhealthy choice , '' according to Lorraine Tulloch from Obesity Action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sizes and special offers as encouraging people to buy the wrong kind of food .
`` We know across Scotland we have a very poor diet as a nation .
Those dietary habits are ingrained .
We have been missing our dietary targets now for 17 years or more . ''
The latest health survey says just 22 % of Scottish adults , and even fewer children , manage the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day .
Scots are also not eating enough fibre or oily fish but are consuming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is recommended .
Another problem is an increasing trend for eating out-of-home and online takeaway deliveries .
She said consumers eating out were often `` blind '' to the detail of the nutritional value or the calorie content of the meal .
• Portion of chips '80 % bigger than in 2002' In 2018 Obesity Action did a survey of chip shops in an area of Glasgow and found the average bag of chips contained half the daily calorie intake that is recommended for a woman .
What can be done ?
Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Calderwood , says starting food education in school is a good place .
She says the combination of free school meals for the first years of primary school and the `` reformulated '' menu that includes less red meat and more fruit and veg is a good way to get children into positive food habits .
Ms Calderwood also points to the sugar tax as a successful way of reducing the amount of sugar in drinks .
`` Before that , voluntary did not really have an impact , '' she says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a big difference . ''
She thinks much more needs to be done to change the environment that promotes cheap , high-calorie foods that are full of sugar , salt and fat - and that might again require legislation .
`` I would like to see the supermarket promotions for the unhealthy stuff removed , '' she says .
`` Education alone is not enough , '' she says .
She wants both the UK government and the Scottish government to take action to make it the `` default option '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government holds reserved powers for advertising , she says .
She wants a 9pm watershed on advertising for unhealthy foods to ensure they are not targeted at children .
Ms Tulloch says the Scottish government could control special offers in stores , as well as multi-buys and price reductions , in an approach similar to the one taken on alcohol .
She says the Scottish government could also enable improvements in the out-of-home sector such as not promoting unhealthy foods and providing more information about what people are purchasing such as calorie content @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is portion sizes .
Ms Tulloch wants more healthy options and the choice of smaller portion sizes at the correct price .
`` Just now the price differential between portion sizes encourages you to eat more , '' she says .
`` We would like to see that change . ''

She says the combination of free school meals for the first years of primary school and the "reformulated" menu that includes less red meat and more fruit and veg is a good way to get children into positive food habits.


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Prince Harry and Meghan: Black British women on Meghan

As Meghan and Harry start their new lives in Canada , do people think race is a factor in the @ @ @ @ @ Last week actor Laurence Fox for sparked a row when he clashed with an audience @ @ @ @ @ the issue .
We took to the streets of South London to find out what @ @ @ @ @ about how she is perceived by British people and the media .

As Meghan and Harry start their new lives in Canada, do people think race is a factor in the way she is treated?
Last week actor Laurence Fox sparked a row when he clashed with an audience member on Question time about the issue.
We took to the streets of South London to find out what black women had to say about how she is perceived by British people and the media.
Video produced by Miriam O'Donkor, Janay Boulos and Megan Fisher


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Windrush scandal: 'A billion pounds can't buy back my happiness'

Chiplyn Burton came to the UK from Jamaica in 1965 , as part of the Windrush generation .
But her @ @ @ @ @ , when she was denied entry back into the country after a trip to Jamaica @ @ @ @ @ that it would take more than 40 years to sort out her immigration status .
@ @ @ @ @ to the BBC 's community affairs correspondent Adina Campbell .

Chiplyn Burton came to the UK from Jamaica in 1965, as part of the Windrush generation.
But her problems began in the 1970s, when she was denied entry back into the country after a trip to Jamaica.
Little did she know that it would take more than 40 years to sort out her immigration status.
She has been speaking exclusively to the BBC's community affairs correspondent Adina Campbell.


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Newspaper headlines: Harry 'flies to Canada' and Lord Hall steps down

A range of stories feature on the front pages of Tuesday 's newspapers .
Confirmation that China 's new strain of corona virus can be passed from human to human makes many papers .
The Guardian says the news has fuelled anxiety about the prospect of a `` full-fledged outbreak '' , while the Financial Times quotes the first statement of the Chinese President Xi Jinping on the crisis - calling for all steps to be taken to contain the virus .
`` Hall over now '' is the Sun 's take on the announcement that the BBC 's director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down after seven years in the job .
Its leader suggests that he 'll be remembered as `` the BBC boss who betrayed over-75s '' by stripping them of the free licences `` he promised to '' fund .
The i newspaper is among many papers to speculate on possible contenders to succeed Lord Hall - publishing a list of seven `` runners and riders '' .
More than half on the list are female , as the newspaper ponders `` will a woman be next ? ''
The Daily Telegraph 's editorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC needs to change to survive , '' it claims , as it suggests that the new DG will face a `` monumental '' task , with the future of the BBC less clear than ever .
Meanwhile , in the newspaper 's front page Matt cartoon , corporation staff are shown having a whip-round for the departing Lord Hall .
The accompanying caption reads : `` A fiver for men and a tenner for women '' .
`` Royal Peter for hire in China '' is the Daily Mail 's front page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continues to fascinate .
The paper claims it can exclusively reveal `` in a fresh twist to the row '' that the son of Princess Anne - Peter Phillips - is using his royal connections to sell milk on Chinese TV .
According to the Mail , Mr Phillips did not respond to questions , including as to whether he was paid , and Buckingham Palace declined to comment .
The Sun carries a front page photo of Meghan and baby Archie out for a walk in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK to join them .
A full picture spread follows - showing the duchess walking two dogs - followed at a short distance by two protection officers .
Under the headline `` terrorists to be denied early release from prison '' , the Daily Telegraph leads with details of what it describes as the government 's `` crackdown '' on terrorism which will see stricter controls and tougher punishments for the most dangerous offenders .
`` Boris blitz on terror '' is the Metro 's take as it sets out how lie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have genuinely reformed before they are released from prison .
But the Mail 's coverage sounds a note of caution on suggestions that the detectors could also be used to establish whether released offenders have broken the conditions of their parole .
Professor David Canter of Liverpool University points out for the benefit of the paper 's readers , that polygraph tests are n't 100 % foolproof - and that the findings from such tests are n't admissible in courts as evidence .
The front page of the Times suggests there are grounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's economic outlook .
It reports a new assessment by the International Monetary Fund that the British economy will grow faster than that of any other major European country this year and next if there 's an orderly Brexit .
The forecast marks a contrast with the IMF 's global predictions .
Under the headline `` downbeat IMF outlook diverts Davos focus from climate goals '' , the FT reports that forecasts for global economic growth for this year and next have been cut - casting a shadow over the opening of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning Meanwhile , the Times also reports that the health watchdog has been forced to retract 38 inspection reports into care and nursing homes , mainly in the north of England , after finding that significant sections of them had been `` faked '' .
The same patient quotes and other duplicate material were found in 78 reports .
Some were allowed to stand after the copied and pasted material was removed - but re-inspections have had to be ordered for nearly 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the paper that it had identified three individuals who were responsible - and immediately removed them from inspection activity .
Many papers ponder the enormous political headache being created by the HS2 project .
The Financial Times sets out in detail not only the spiralling costs of the line , but also that those funds could provide 200 flagship hospitals , or 1.7 million social homes - as much a stated priority for the government as narrowing the North-South divide .
Hugo Gye 's analysis in the i newspaper is blunt : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long enough '' .
He says while the spiralling costs of HS2 had been common knowledge for months , Mr Johnson had avoided making a call on its future ahead of the general election , knowing a decision either way would anger thousands .
Now , says Gye , the PM can not walk the tightrope much longer and must face a major test rather than `` ducking divisive decisions '' .
`` Chelsea 's potty idea '' is the Daily Mail 's scathing view of a new houseplant category to be introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ famously glamorous London show this May .
RHS Director Helena Pettit advises cheerily : `` People are increasingly recognising the benefits of indoor greenery . ''
But the paper smells a rat , not roses .
It paints the change as a bid to appeal to millennials who live in cities and do n't have a garden .
The curious hunt for the `` Devon turnip tosser '' - as one headline puts it - features across many tabloids and broadsheets .
The Telegraph reports that Devon and Cornwall Police are looking for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's attacked motorists from a bridge over a main road near Torquay 17 times since November .
Swedes , mangel wurzels and turnips `` the size of footballs '' have all been weaponised , according to officers .
They say whoever 's responsible has to be caught before a tragedy occurs .

The paper claims it can exclusively reveal "in a fresh twist to the row" that the son of Princess Anne - Peter Phillips - is using his royal connections to sell milk on Chinese TV. According to the Mail, Mr Phillips did not respond to questions, including as to whether he was paid, and Buckingham Palace declined to comment.


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Burst pipe and flooding closes Tube station

A burst water pipe has caused heavy flooding and the closure of the Southwark Tube station in south London .
@ @ @ @ @ left with low water pressure following damage to a 36-inch diameter pipe on Blackfriars Road @ @ @ @ @ to traffic .
Thames Water said customers in all south-east postcodes were affected .
Transport @ @ @ @ @ remained closed and advised passengers to use Waterloo station to access the Underground .
An @ @ @ @ @ 5,577ft ) and around 20 properties have been affected by the flooding at the junction @ @ @ @ @ Street .
Roads surrounding the station were seen littered with debris and rubble from a @ @ @ @ @ Thames Water said it received calls from 250 customers in the SE1 , SE8 and @ @ @ @ @ for the disruption .
`` Our engineers are currently on site to isolate the burst @ @ @ @ @ and then we can fully assess the impact . ''

Thames Water said customers in all south-east postcodes were affected but the water had been drained away and supplies were returning to normal.


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Stefan Sutherland: Sister's emotional plea for answers over death

The sister of a man whose body was found on a Highland beach 11 days after he went missing has made an emotional appeal for answers about his death .
Stefan Sutherland died after vanishing from Lybster in 2013 .
A team of 15 police officers has now arrived in the Caithness village to carry out fresh inquiries in the area .
Katrina Sutherland , who believes her 25-year-old brother 's death was suspicious , said : `` We would just like to find out what did happen to Stefan . ''
Mr Sutherland 's disappearance on 6 September 2013 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area by police , search dogs and a mountain rescue team .
His body was discovered by a member of the public on the shoreline near Occumster near Lybster .
Mr Sutherland had lived in the local area .
His family dispute that his death was accidental and say blood was found at a house he visited before he disappeared .
Police Scotland has previously said it would act on any new information in the case .
Ms Sutherland said the family still did not know what had happened to Stefan .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquiries .
If that leads them to believe that foul play is a factor then I dare say they will turn it into a murder investigation .
`` Nobody likes to believe that a family member was murdered , but it is something we 've considered , '' she said .
Ms Sutherland described Police Scotland 's review of the case as `` the best news in six years '' .
She said : `` The family believe he was a victim of foul play but we need to get to the bottom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with it once and for all . ''
Police Scotland announced last year that `` all aspects '' of the initial investigation into Mr Sutherland 's death would be examined .
They said the review was being done to address concerns raised by Mr Sutherland 's family .
Detectives met the family in November last year and visited locations connected to the case .
The team of officers has now begun door-to-door inquiries in Lybster and the nearby village of Latheronwheel .
Police have also urged anyone in the local community with information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mobile police office would be parked in Lybster where people could speak to officers .
Ms Sutherland said her brother was never far from the family 's thoughts .
She said : `` It 's like Stefan is still the most talked about member of our family and he is not there .
`` What happened to Stefan ?
What do you think happened to Stefan ?
Will we ever find out what happened to Stefan ?
`` It 's constantly there at the back of your mind .
It 's never far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Graeme Mackie , who is leading the review , said they wanted to establish if any local residents , or anyone who visited the area between the date of Stefan 's disappearance and the discovery of his body , had information which might assist the inquiry .
He added : `` Stefan was well known in the local community and I would also encourage those who saw him between 22:00 on Friday 6 September 2013 and 12:00 on Tuesday 17 September 2013 to contact us . ''

She said: "The family believe he was a victim of foul play but we need to get to the bottom of that and be able to deal with it once and for all."


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Conor Murphy: Finance minister not pursuing corporation tax cut

Northern Ireland 's Finance Minister Conor Murphy has said he is not `` actively pursuing '' a cut in corporation tax .
Cutting the tax , which is applied to company profits , was for many years a key economic policy shared by the Stormont parties .
The power to cut the tax was devolved to Northern Ireland in 2015 .
Mr Murphy said a change in economic and political circumstances means the issue has now `` receded '' .
Speaking on BBCNI 's Good Morning Ulster , he expressed concern about what cutting the tax would mean for public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the tax would mean less revenue is collected for the Treasury .
Under state aid rules , the Northern Ireland executive would have to make up the shortfall through a cut in its block grant from Westminster .
That cost has been estimated at about £240m a year .
• Does cutting corporation tax always raise more money ?
• Is it game over for NI corporation tax ?
The previous Northern Ireland executive had intended to cut the corporation tax rate to 12.5 % by 2018 , matching the rate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Corporation Tax in the UK is currently 19 % .
Mr Murphy said when the proposition to reduce corporation tax was first agreed there was `` a bigger difference '' in the rate between Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland .
Mr Murphy said `` a cut in corporation tax can only happen if it is affordable '' .
`` For Sinn Fein 's part , we always insisted that caveat be put in , a very honest assessment of what a cut would cost , '' he added .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given Brexit and given the change in economic and political circumstances , reduced in significance and we find ourselves struggling just to provide the basic public services .
`` That 's not to say that others may not raise it again but it 's not something that I 'm actively pursuing . ''
Prior to the collapse of power-sharing in 2017 , the major parties suggested that cutting the tax would help tackle long-term problems in the Northern Ireland economy .
The assumption was that if companies could keep more of their profits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of investment and growth .
In the years after the power was devolved , Stormont attempted to negotiate the affordability issue with the Treasury but little progress was made .

"I think the issue probably has, given Brexit and given the change in economic and political circumstances, reduced in significance and we find ourselves struggling just to provide the basic public services.


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Emiliano Sala: A year on from plane crash, his family speak of 'pain that will never go away'

On a typical Saturday afternoon in Progreso , the streets seem completely deserted .
As the summer sun blazes outside , most of its 2,000 inhabitants are sheltering indoors .
The only human presence is at San Martin football club , where a family is celebrating a baptism .
It is the same place where the town mourned its most illustrious son , Emiliano Sala .
Located in Argentina 's agricultural heart , six hours ' drive from Buenos Aires , Progreso sadly became better known in the tragic story of Cardiff 's record signing , who died in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his casket arrived back home , those empty streets held more people than they had ever seen before .
A year later , the pain is still palpable .
BBC Sport visited between Christmas Day and New Year 's Eve , a time of reflection for most of the town .
Here , Sala was not only a football star .
He was El Emi , the kid everybody knew .
He was a friend , a neighbour , a former pupil , a former team-mate .
For his mother , Mercedes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is not easy to speak about what happened .
When Dario opens the door of their home , Mercedes is sitting in the dining room .
`` Thanks for coming , it means a lot to pay homage to my son , '' she says as she instantly offers a glass of water .
A smiling picture of Emiliano , Dario and sister Romina lights up the room .
Sala 's father Horacio also died last year .
He suffered a heart attack at the age of 58 in April , three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He and Mercedes did not live together .
`` When Emi was 15 , he sat in the kitchen at our old house and told me : 'Mummy , I want to be a football player ' .
He wanted that so much , and to pursue that dream he had to move to San Francisco , in Cordoba province , '' says Mercedes .
`` He was just a boy , and it was so difficult to see him leave , but he was so resolute , so convinced that he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and he did make it .
He loved football .
And now he was so excited to play in the Premier League . ''
Sala , who was 28 when he died , was on his way to join Cardiff City , following a £15m transfer from French side Nantes , when the plane he was travelling in crashed .
He had signed for the Welsh club two days before .
Cardiff and Nantes have since been in dispute over transfer payments .
Sala 's body was recovered from the wreckage in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ibbotson has still not been found .
The Nantes supporters loved Sala , who moved there in 2015 .
Some have come to visit Progreso since his death .
Even his hairdresser travelled across the Atlantic Ocean to see where he lived and meet his family .
Mercedes ' living room is now home to many of the gifts her son received during his three and a half seasons at Nantes .
Collecting and sorting his belongings was another of the very painful experiences the family had to endure last year .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in October for his birthday , and I 'd stay with him for a month , '' says Mercedes .
`` The first week was always a celebration of the food he loved .
In my luggage , I would pack the ready-made pastry circles to make empanadas , and also breadcrumbs for Milanesas , because the ones in France were different .
`` 'Mummy , please make all the dishes I love , ' he would tell me .
I 'd also make homemade pasta .
But after this one week he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diet , with lots of fish , because he was so focused on being fit .
He was a hard worker .
On top of training for the club , he also had a personal trainer and set up a gym in his house . ''
After home matches , supporters would gather , waiting for his car to go past on the way out of the stadium .
`` He was shy , but he would always stop , open the windows and start signing autographs and taking selfies , '' Mercedes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today , are the ones that I want to thank , because they are still sending me pictures I had never seen before .
`` I receive so much stuff from France , from England , from the rest of Argentina . ''
Dario says : `` It was beautiful to see how much the people loved him .
I remember when he was in talks to renew his contract and people would just ask him to stay . ''
Sala was looking forward to his move to the Premier League and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Argentina .
In November 2017 , he was Argentina 's most prolific striker behind Lionel Messi .
His brother Dario , and many people from Progreso , still cherish the image captured from TV : Messi had scored a goal every 95 minutes ; Sala every 98 .
A photo depicting France and Paris St-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe , the man who ended Argentina 's chances at World Cup 2018 , going to hug him is still treasured .
Sala was so shy he would hardly ask for a jersey swap .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national team , as two fans do , '' says Dario .
`` He knew it was very difficult to be part of the squad , with the calibre of the strikers that we have .
But I 'm sure he never lost hope , not my brother .
He wanted to be a footballer and he 'd achieved it .
He wanted to play in the top flight and he made it .
He wanted to go to the Premier League and he 'd just achieved it .
`` Playing for Argentina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imagine him scoring after getting a pass from Messi , for instance .
Who would n't ? ''
Growing up , Sala admired Gabriel Batistuta and Carlos Tevez .
He was a fan of Independiente , because of his friend Colito 's influence .
Dario says : `` I 'm five years younger than him , so growing up I would always end up going in goal and he 'd get all the shots .
`` We did n't have many of the things that other kids might have had , but thanks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meal missing from our table .
That 's where we come from .
From sacrifice .
And we are all very alike .
Emi was the oldest of the three and he was shy . ''
Mercedes says : `` It 's still so fresh .
I can still see them playing outside .
I would have to call them in to have dinner or take a shower .
There were no toys for them , just football .
`` He did n't see himself as famous or anything , that 's why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was just an ordinary citizen… and what a son he was . ''
`` Do you know that we would talk two , sometimes three times a day ?
Every day ?
That was my son .
He would tell me everything - the food he 'd eaten , the things he 'd done .
Sometimes he 'd complain about his performance , and perhaps he had scored a goal or made one , but he was always trying to progress . ''
Dario adds : `` We had a WhatsApp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mum , Emi , Romina and me .
He 'd speak to mum and if he could n't call me , he 'd write at night saying that it was late in France and we 'd speak the next afternoon .
There was distance , but it was like we were all together .
He 'd ask me a lot about football , about the team , about his performances .
It was a joy to be able to watch him live on TV , too .
It was n't the case with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for . ''
One year after leaving home for Cordoba , Sala made his first trip to Europe to have a trial with Bordeaux .
He signed for them in 2010 , a move made easier by him gaining Italian citizenship .
Before his transfer to Nantes came in 2015 , he had been loaned out to some smaller French sides : Orleans , Niort and Caen .
`` He was completely focused on getting better , '' Mercedes says .
`` He learned French , had become extremely fluent , and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courses . ''
On the date of Sala 's birthday last year , a giant mural was unveiled at San Martin , where it all began .
The club 's small stadium - which holds about 2,000 people - was also named after him .
`` It 's a very nice mural , very realistic , and very touching , too , '' Dario says .
`` I go often to the club and I take a moment to pass it . ''
San Martin also play with Sala 's image on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they compete in was renamed the Liga Emiliano Sala .
For Mercedes , each homage and every gesture acts like a valve releasing something of the pain of losing her first son .
`` As a mother , seeing all this love , all these messages , feeling the comfort of so many people , it is touching .
But what can I say ?
I just want to have him here with me . ''
Two days before Sala 's plane crashed , Progreso had celebrated its traditional Fiesta del Queso - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local area .
The main square , Los Colonizadores , was filled with joy .
Through the speakers it was announced that El Emi would move to the Premier League , becoming Cardiff 's record signing .
It felt as the town itself had earned that distinction .
That same square would soon be overcrowded with TV vans , cameras , journalists from all over the world .
After they left , the candles and prayers remained .
`` I ca n't say I found peace , unfortunately .
I 'm still fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a long time .
`` I am practically dead while living .
It 's been a terrible , terrible year .
I loved him so much .
I would tell him every day , '' she says in tears .
Outside , three dogs are barking in the back yard .
One of them is Nala , the five-year-old dog Sala had rescued as a puppy in France .
She became famous for a picture in which she was seen waiting for her owner to come home .
`` She knew us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in France , but when she came here , she found all the stuff from Emi , and I 'm convinced that she also recognised his smell , '' Mercedes says .
`` We decided to take her to the wake , so she could also be with him . ''
The family had a private wake before going to San Martin 's main hall for the public funeral in February last year .
`` There was a whole town wanting to say goodbye , '' Mercedes says .
`` We understood it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Since that call at six in the morning ... '' she sighs deeply .
`` It seems as if it was yesterday , and it 's already been one year .
The pain is intact and it will never go away . ''

Sala's first football club was San Martin, in the small town where he grew up - Progreso
On a typical Saturday afternoon in Progreso, the streets seem completely deserted. As the summer sun blazes outside, most of its 2,000 inhabitants are sheltering indoors.
The only human presence is at San Martin football club, where a family is celebrating a baptism. It is the same place where the town mourned its most illustrious son, Emiliano Sala.
Located in Argentina's agricultural heart, six hours' drive from Buenos Aires, Progreso sadly became better known in the tragic story of Cardiff's record signing, who died in a plane crash in January 2019. When his casket arrived back home, those empty streets held more people than they had ever seen before.
A year later, the pain is still palpable. BBC Sport visited between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, a time of reflection for most of the town. Here, Sala was not only a football star. He was El Emi, the kid everybody knew. He was a friend, a neighbour, a former pupil, a former team-mate.
For his mother, Mercedes, and his 24-year-old brother, Dario, it is not easy to speak about what happened.
Mercedes says she takes comfort from the many messages of support her family has received
When Dario opens the door of their home, Mercedes is sitting in the dining room. "Thanks for coming, it means a lot to pay homage to my son," she says as she instantly offers a glass of water.
A smiling picture of Emiliano, Dario and sister Romina lights up the room. Sala's father Horacio also died last year. He suffered a heart attack at the age of 58 in April, three months after his son's death. He and Mercedes did not live together.
"When Emi was 15, he sat in the kitchen at our old house and told me: 'Mummy, I want to be a football player'. He wanted that so much, and to pursue that dream he had to move to San Francisco, in Cordoba province," says Mercedes.
"He was just a boy, and it was so difficult to see him leave, but he was so resolute, so convinced that he would make it. It was his dream, and he did make it. He loved football. And now he was so excited to play in the Premier League."
Sala, who was 28 when he died, was on his way to join Cardiff City, following a £15m transfer from French side Nantes, when the plane he was travelling in crashed. He had signed for the Welsh club two days before. Cardiff and Nantes have since been in dispute over transfer payments. Sala's body was recovered from the wreckage in the English Channel, but pilot David Ibbotson has still not been found.
The Nantes supporters loved Sala, who moved there in 2015. Some have come to visit Progreso since his death. Even his hairdresser travelled across the Atlantic Ocean to see where he lived and meet his family.
Mercedes' living room is now home to many of the gifts her son received during his three and a half seasons at Nantes. Collecting and sorting his belongings was another of the very painful experiences the family had to endure last year.
"Every year I'd go to France in October for his birthday, and I'd stay with him for a month," says Mercedes. "The first week was always a celebration of the food he loved. In my luggage, I would pack the ready-made pastry circles to make empanadas, and also breadcrumbs for Milanesas, because the ones in France were different.
"'Mummy, please make all the dishes I love,' he would tell me. I'd also make homemade pasta. But after this one week he'd quickly switch back to his football diet, with lots of fish, because he was so focused on being fit. He was a hard worker. On top of training for the club, he also had a personal trainer and set up a gym in his house."
After home matches, supporters would gather, waiting for his car to go past on the way out of the stadium.
"He was shy, but he would always stop, open the windows and start signing autographs and taking selfies," Mercedes says.
"All those fans, today, are the ones that I want to thank, because they are still sending me pictures I had never seen before.
"I receive so much stuff from France, from England, from the rest of Argentina."
Dario says: "It was beautiful to see how much the people loved him. I remember when he was in talks to renew his contract and people would just ask him to stay."
Cardiff City announced Sala's signing on 19 January 2019 - for a club record £15m
Sala was looking forward to his move to the Premier League and he dreamed of getting a call-up to represent Argentina.
In November 2017, he was Argentina's most prolific striker behind Lionel Messi. His brother Dario, and many people from Progreso, still cherish the image captured from TV: Messi had scored a goal every 95 minutes; Sala every 98.
A photo depicting France and Paris St-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe, the man who ended Argentina's chances at World Cup 2018, going to hug him is still treasured. Sala was so shy he would hardly ask for a jersey swap.
"We'd talk a lot about the national team, as two fans do," says Dario. "He knew it was very difficult to be part of the squad, with the calibre of the strikers that we have. But I'm sure he never lost hope, not my brother. He wanted to be a footballer and he'd achieved it. He wanted to play in the top flight and he made it. He wanted to go to the Premier League and he'd just achieved it.
"Playing for Argentina was the natural desire. We would imagine him scoring after getting a pass from Messi, for instance. Who wouldn't?"
Growing up, Sala admired Gabriel Batistuta and Carlos Tevez. He was a fan of Independiente, because of his friend Colito's influence.
Dario says: "I'm five years younger than him, so growing up I would always end up going in goal and he'd get all the shots.
"We didn't have many of the things that other kids might have had, but thanks to my mum we never had a meal missing from our table. That's where we come from. From sacrifice. And we are all very alike. Emi was the oldest of the three and he was shy."
Mercedes says: "It's still so fresh. I can still see them playing outside. I would have to call them in to have dinner or take a shower. There were no toys for them, just football.
"He didn't see himself as famous or anything, that's why when he came back to the town. He was just an ordinary citizen… and what a son he was."
She starts crying.
"Do you know that we would talk two, sometimes three times a day? Every day? That was my son. He would tell me everything - the food he'd eaten, the things he'd done. Sometimes he'd complain about his performance, and perhaps he had scored a goal or made one, but he was always trying to progress."
Dario adds: "We had a WhatsApp group, the four of us: mum, Emi, Romina and me. He'd speak to mum and if he couldn't call me, he'd write at night saying that it was late in France and we'd speak the next afternoon. There was distance, but it was like we were all together. He'd ask me a lot about football, about the team, about his performances. It was a joy to be able to watch him live on TV, too. It wasn't the case with some of the first clubs he played for."
One year after leaving home for Cordoba, Sala made his first trip to Europe to have a trial with Bordeaux. He signed for them in 2010, a move made easier by him gaining Italian citizenship. Before his transfer to Nantes came in 2015, he had been loaned out to some smaller French sides: Orleans, Niort and Caen.
"He was completely focused on getting better," Mercedes says. "He learned French, had become extremely fluent, and now he'd surely have been taking English courses."
Mercedes' home holds many gifts to her family from the football world
On the date of Sala's birthday last year, a giant mural was unveiled at San Martin, where it all began. The club's small stadium - which holds about 2,000 people - was also named after him.
"It's a very nice mural, very realistic, and very touching, too," Dario says. "I go often to the club and I take a moment to pass it."
San Martin also play with Sala's image on their black-and-red jerseys, while the regional league they compete in was renamed the Liga Emiliano Sala. For Mercedes, each homage and every gesture acts like a valve releasing something of the pain of losing her first son.
"As a mother, seeing all this love, all these messages, feeling the comfort of so many people, it is touching. But what can I say? I just want to have him here with me."
Cardiff's fans paid emotional tribute to Sala following news of his death
Two days before Sala's plane crashed, Progreso had celebrated its traditional Fiesta del Queso - a cheese festival showcasing producers from the local area. The main square, Los Colonizadores, was filled with joy. Through the speakers it was announced that El Emi would move to the Premier League, becoming Cardiff's record signing. It felt as the town itself had earned that distinction.
That same square would soon be overcrowded with TV vans, cameras, journalists from all over the world. After they left, the candles and prayers remained.
"I can't say I found peace, unfortunately. I'm still fighting," Mercedes says. She pauses for a long time.
"I am practically dead while living. It's been a terrible, terrible year. I loved him so much. I would tell him every day," she says in tears.
Sala's funeral in Progreso was held at the football club, San Martin. His father Horacio is pictured here, next to his son's coffin, with his hand to his face. Mercedes is to the far left of the image
Outside, three dogs are barking in the back yard. One of them is Nala, the five-year-old dog Sala had rescued as a puppy in France. She became famous for a picture in which she was seen waiting for her owner to come home.
"She knew us from all the times we'd been in France, but when she came here, she found all the stuff from Emi, and I'm convinced that she also recognised his smell," Mercedes says. "We decided to take her to the wake, so she could also be with him."
The family had a private wake before going to San Martin's main hall for the public funeral in February last year. "There was a whole town wanting to say goodbye," Mercedes says. "We understood it was the right thing to do.
"Since that call at six in the morning..." she sighs deeply. "It seems as if it was yesterday, and it's already been one year. The pain is intact and it will never go away."


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Climate change: Lake District facing 'dramatic' soil erosion

The Lake District is suffering from soil erosion at a `` dramatic rate '' and could look very different in 50 years ' time , an academic has warned .
Dr Simon Carr , programme leader for geography at the University of Cumbria , said extreme weather caused by climate change is stripping the fells .
He argues halting grazing by animals would be a good way to restore the land by allowing vegetation to recover .
However , farmers warn a `` blanket ban '' could lead to food shortages .
Dr Carr , who helped compile the Lake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 , believes droughts followed by devastating storms in the past few years are at the heart of the issue .
He said : `` The conditions are absolutely perfect for causing degradation to the landscape .
`` They desiccate the peaks , they dry it , they become very breakable and erode very easily when you have a storm .
`` It 's taken 10,000 years to create the soils we see in the Lake District , and the rate of loss is really quite dramatic .
`` Within a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas of bare rock we see on the mountains stretching further and further down slope .
`` We 're maybe talking about 50 years .
It could be less . ''
The answer `` theoretically '' would be to stop grazing which would allow vegetation and blanket bog - the `` carbon store in the landscape '' - to recover and `` lock up the water that stops flooding being transferred to the valley bases '' .
`` We see small-scale restoration attempts being undertaken where they just exclude grazing animals and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` But the scale we need to do that on is really quite substantial , and for an area that depends on upland farming that 's never going to be a popular thing to do . ''
Sarah Chaplain-Bryce , who runs Low Bridge End Farm , near Keswick , has planted a forest in which she plans to graze sheep in an attempt to produce carbon-neutral meat .
She said : `` We are absolutely passionate [ about the environment ] and we do n't fertilise because we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to eat .
`` If you take farming away where 's your food going to come from ?
I do n't think you can have a blanket policy - a one-size-fits-all does n't work . ''
• How much warmer is your city ?
• What is your diet 's carbon footprint ?
• Where we are in seven charts

"But the scale we need to do that on is really quite substantial, and for an area that depends on upland farming that's never going to be a popular thing to do."


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Duke and Duchess of Sussex issue legal warning over photos

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have issued a legal warning to the media after photographs of Meghan in Canada were published in newspapers and on websites .
Lawyers say the photos of the duchess walking her dogs and carrying her son were taken by photographers hiding in bushes and spying on her .
They say she did not consent and accuse the photographers of harassment .
The couple say that they are prepared to take legal action .
• Harry arrives in Canada ahead of new chapter • No other option but to step back , says Harry • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Harry and Meghan step back : What will happen next ?
They are believed to be alarmed by paparazzi activity near their current base on Vancouver Island , British Columbia .
Lawyers say there have also been attempts to photograph inside their home using long-range lenses and they accuse the paparazzi of being camped outside the property .
Under laws in British Columbia , the duchess may have grounds for a legal case if she can prove her privacy has been violated , although freedom of the press and expression is guaranteed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Freedoms .
This comes after the Queen agreed to the couple 's wish to step back from being full-time royals , to become financially independent and to split their time between the UK and Canada .
On Monday , Meghan was pictured carrying the couple 's eight-month-old son Archie in a baby sling , while walking her two dogs , Guy and Oz , in Horth Hill Regional Park on Vancouver Island .
The Duke of Sussex arrived back in Canada on Tuesday morning after attending the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meghan and Archie for more than 10 days , after she flew back to Canada earlier this month .
It was announced on Saturday that from the spring , the Sussexes will no longer be full-time working royals .
They will stop using their HRH titles , no longer carry out royal duties or military appointments and no longer formally represent the Queen .
One day after that announcement , Prince Harry said he was `` taking a leap of faith '' in stepping back from being a senior royal , adding : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Prince Harry has long had an uneasy relationship with the media , having grown up aware of the impact the intense media interest had on the life of his late mother , Diana , Princess of Wales , who died in a car crash in Paris while being pursued by paparazzi on motorbikes .
The driver of Princess Diana 's car - Henri Paul - had been drink-driving at the time of the crash on 31 August 1997 .
The prince has often compared his wife 's experiences of the press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a statement announcing Meghan 's legal action against the Mail on Sunday last October , the prince said he and Meghan were forced to take action against `` relentless propaganda '' .
The duchess is suing the newspaper over publishing one of her private letters to her father , Thomas Markle .
Meghan accuses the paper of misusing her private information , breaching copyright and selective editing .
The Mail on Sunday rejects the claims and says there was `` huge and legitimate '' public interest in publishing the note .
Days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the duke announced he would take legal action against the owners of the Sun , the defunct News of the World , and the Daily Mirror , in relation to alleged phone-hacking .
Back in 2016 , Prince Harry attacked the media for subjecting Meghan - then his girlfriend - to a `` wave of abuse and harassment '' .
In 2017 , the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were awarded £92,000 ( 100,000 euros ) in damages after French magazine Closer printed topless pictures of the duchess in 2012 .

Prince Harry has long had an uneasy relationship with the media, having grown up aware of the impact the intense media interest had on the life of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, who died in a car crash in Paris while being pursued by paparazzi on motorbikes.


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Brexit: Lords send amended bill back to MPs

Peers have approved Boris Johnson 's Brexit bill , but not before making changes to the legislation .
The House of Lords voted in favour of five amendments over two days of debate , leading the new government to its first parliamentary defeats .
The changes included backing the Dubs amendment to protect the rights of refugee children after Brexit .
No 10 said they were `` disappointed '' by the move , but planned to overturn them when the bill returned to the Commons .
If the amendments are voted down by MPs on Wednesday - highly likely due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House - the so-called `` ping-pong '' period between the two chambers will begin .
This means the bill will pass between the two Houses until both sides agree on the wording .
• What is the Withdrawal Agreement Bill ?
The Brexit bill - officially called the EU ( Withdrawal Agreement ) Bill - ensures the UK leaves the EU on 31 January with a deal .
It passed through the Commons unamended by 99 votes , but has had a tougher battle through the Lords .
On Monday , peers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court of Justice rulings and court independence , seeing three defeats for the government .
Earlier , the Dubs amendment - allowing child refugees to be reunited with their families in the UK post-Brexit - passed by 300 votes to 220 , making a fourth loss .
A short time later , a fifth amendment narrowly got the backing of peers - with the government losing by 239 votes to 235 - changing the bill so it makes note of the Sewel Convention , under which Parliament should not legislate on devolved issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The amended bill was passed by peers on Tuesday night without needing a vote , and will now return to the Commons on Wednesday afternoon after Prime Minister 's Questions .
Brexit minister Lord Callanan said it was the `` right and duty '' of peers to `` rigorously scrutinise '' legislation and to ask MPs to `` think again when you think that is appropriate '' .
But he added that he would `` like to ... remind noble lords that we received a clear message from the elected House '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Lady Hayter criticised the government for `` turning a deaf ear to improvements '' made by the amendments .
And Liberal Democrat peer Lady Ludford said her party 's mind had not been changed , adding : `` We continue to think Brexit is a mistake and that the UK will sooner or later rejoin the EU .
I just wish the government was in listening mode '' .
But Tory peer Lord Hamilton said there had been `` a conspiracy ... of Remainers '' throughout Parliament `` trying to ensure we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused colleagues of planning to `` make negotiations [ with the EU ] as difficult as possible for the government so they get a very bad deal , and they can then be justified in their view we should never have left '' .
His fellow Conservative , Lord Cormack , said the comments equated to `` the most ill-judged speech I have heard for many long years '' .
He added : `` The will of the people must , of course , prevail .
But to pretend this House has behaved @ @ @ @ @

He accused colleagues of planning to "make negotiations [with the EU] as difficult as possible for the government so they get a very bad deal, and they can then be justified in their view we should never have left".


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Kate launches childhood survey to help under-fives

The Duchess of Cambridge has launched a UK-wide survey to help improve early childhood .
The five-question online survey aims to `` spark a national conversation '' to help create `` lasting change for generations to come '' , Kensington Palace said .
Catherine is marking its launch with visits to a museum in Birmingham , a nursery in London and a baby sensory class in Cardiff .
The NSPCC said the project would be a `` vital source of information '' .
In the survey , called Five Big Questions , participants are asked for their opinion on what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is most important for children 's happiness .
On Tuesday the duchess visited Thinktank , a science museum in Birmingham .
She was shown around an interactive mini city inside the museum and spoke to parents and carers about her survey .
It is stating the obvious to say it has been a difficult week for the Royal Family .
But with Harry and Meghan now back in Canada and big decisions made about their future there is a sense of returning to business as usual ... at least for now .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even sharper focus on one particular area - the problems of early childhood .
Royal engagements can cover a vast number of areas but for the duchess an increasing amount of her work is targeted at early years .
This new survey will ultimately help provide important data for all those working in the area of early years , and will also inform the kind of work the Duchess of Cambridge gets involved with in the future .
Those who have worked with her in this area say she is totally committed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has built up an expertise and wants to prevent the same problems affecting the same families generation after generation .
On Wednesday morning Catherine will join parents as they drop off their children at a nursery in Southwark , south London , before helping to serve breakfast to the children .
She will attend a baby sensory class at the Ely and Caerau Children 's Centre in Cardiff to hear about the support parents receive there .
Catherine and her husband , the Duke of Cambridge , have three children - six-year-old Prince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21-month-old Prince Louis .
Princess Charlotte and Prince George both attend the lower school at Thomas 's Battersea , while Prince Louis has not yet started nursery .
The Royal Foundation website says Catherine believes `` many of society 's greatest social and health challenges '' could be `` mitigated or entirely avoided '' if young children are given `` the right support '' .
Kate Stanley , from the NSPCC , says the duchess 's survey will `` provide fascinating insight into how we think about the early years and it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sector '' .
Ipsos Mori , which is conducting the survey on behalf of the Royal Foundation , said it was a `` fantastic way for the British public to share their views '' .
The company 's Kelly Beaver added : `` Whilst many studies have been conducted to generate evidence of the importance of the early years , there is a real lack of evidence to understand whether this is understood by the British public . ''
The survey will be open until 21 February .
1 .
What do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing up in the UK today to live a happy adult life ?
Rank from most important to least important : 2 .
Which of these statements is closest to your opinion ?
• It is primarily the responsibility of parents to give children aged 0-5 the best chance of health and happiness • It is primarily the responsibility of others in society to give children aged 0-5 the best chance of health and happiness • It is the shared responsibility of parents and others in society to give children aged 0-5 the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How much do you agree or disagree with this statement ?
The mental health and wellbeing of parents and carers has a great impact on the development of their child ( ren ) 4 .
Which of the following is closest to your opinion of what influences how children develop from the start of pregnancy to age five ?
• Mostly the traits a child is born with ( i.e .
nature ) • Mostly the experiences of a child in the early years ( i.e .
nurture ) 5 .
Which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's life do you think is the most important for health and happiness in adulthood ?
• Start of pregnancy to five years

Asked about the value of the questionnaire, she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday the results of the survey would help inform "the kind of conversation we need to have" with parents about the importance of a child's early years.


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Labour leadership: Jess Phillips quits race to succeed Jeremy Corbyn

Jess Phillips has dropped out of the Labour leadership contest , leaving four candidates in the race to succeed Jeremy Corbyn .
In a video message to supporters , the Birmingham Yardley MP said the next leader had to be able to unite the whole Labour movement .
Ms Phillips said she had to `` be honest '' with herself - `` that person is not me . ''
Meanwhile , Lisa Nandy 's campaign has received a major boost after she won the backing of the GMB union .
The organisation also backed Angela Rayner to be the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Nandy , the union 's general secretary , Tim Roache , said she was `` a breath of fresh air in the debate over Labour 's future '' , and `` got the scale of the challenge '' facing the party after its fourth election defeat in a row .
The endorsement increases the chances of the MP for Wigan making it to the final stage of the contest - joining Sir Keir Starmer who has already qualified to get on the ballot .
• Who will be Labour 's next leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most working-class ?
Ms Nandy - who already has the support of the National Union of Mineworkers - said she could `` not be more proud '' , and the next leader 's challenge was to `` recover our ambition and inspire a movement '' .
The other candidates still left in the leadership race are shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey - who has been tipped to get the backing of the Unite union later this week - and shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry .
Ms Phillips missed the hustings organised by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that her campaign was in trouble .
She had yet to receive any nominations from trade unions , affiliate bodies or local parties .
Confirming her exit , the 38-year old said Labour needed a leader `` who can unite all parts of our movement , the union movement , members and elected representatives '' .
`` In order to win the country , we are going to have to find a candidate , in this race , who can do all of that , and then take that message out to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change , that things can be better . ''
She thanked all those who had pledged their support for her , particularly Jewish members of the party who she said she would continue to stand up for .
`` I will always speak out and I promise that we will change the problems in our party that we have seen .
I 'm going to go out into the country and join the fight back . ''
In a recent interview with LBC , Ms Phillips said if she could n't be leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other female candidates in the race .
Sir Keir praised her `` real courage '' for standing , saying she would `` play a huge part in the future of our party '' .
He added : `` It 's a shame to lose Jess but we keep our focus on where we go next . ''
Ms Nandy and Ms Thornberry also praised her contribution .
This is a very significant day in the Labour leadership contest - both for determining who is in and who is out .
Lisa Nandy is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keir Starmer on the ballot .
She currently has no constituency nominations so could well have struggled without union support .
But the GMB 's general secretary , Tim Roache , told me his union had given her the `` springboard '' she needs .
And while she may lack name recognition , she does n't lack talent .
Interestingly , too , the GMB endorsement came at a meeting in which every region of the UK was represented , and nearly twice as many delegates backed Ms Nandy as supported Sir Keir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but she says her encouragement for people to join Labour in order to change it has worked - tens of thousands of new members have come in , so she may yet have an influence on the result .
Her supporters are highly unlikely to back the most left-wing candidate , Rebecca Long-Bailey .
But Mrs Long-Bailey herself is likely to be on the ballot too if she can secure the backing of the influential Unite union on Friday .
When she entered the contest earlier this month , Ms Phillips called on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direction to join the party in their thousands .
She insisted she had the `` big personality '' to alter how Labour was seen by the public , but she criticised her own performance in the first members ' hustings last weekend in Liverpool .
Labour MP Wes Streeting , one of Ms Phillips ' supporters , said he was `` gutted '' by her withdrawal , but praised her `` raw honesty '' in accepting that she had not built the breadth of support required .
He suggested Sir Keir was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Jess-shaped hole '' in the contest waiting to be filled .
To make it to the final stage , the candidates have to secure nominations from 5 % of constituency Labour parties ( CLPs ) , or three affiliate groups - two of which must be trade unions - representing at least 5 % of affiliated members .
Sir Keir cleared this hurdle after being backed by Unison , the UK 's largest union , and a second union , Usdaw , as well as environmental campaign group Sera .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favour of Labour MPs having to compete with other candidates if they want to continue representing their party at the next general election .
Outlining plans to `` democratise '' Labour , she said so-called open selection - whereby sitting MPs are not automatically re-adopted by their local branches but face challenges if they do not command enough support - would help nurture new talent .
`` We need to rip up our outdated rule book that has held back our members for too long and throw open the door to a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she is expected to say at a rally .
`` Being an MP or elected representative is a privilege that must be earned . ''
Mr Corbyn 's successor - and the successor to his deputy , Tom Watson - will be announced on 4 April .

"In order to win the country, we are going to have to find a candidate, in this race, who can do all of that, and then take that message out to the country. A message of hope and change, that things can be better."


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Family told brain-damaged girl no longer qualifies for NHS-funded care

The family of a nine-year-old girl with severe brain damage have been told her NHS-funded home care could end because she no longer qualifies for help .
Tehyah Solan-Clarke , from Saddleworth , suffered damage to 90 % of her brain after a series of strokes in 2014 .
Her care was due to end in January , before Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams ' intervention led NHS bosses to agree to meet her family .
An NHS spokesman said the meeting would determine `` safe and appropriate '' care .
Tehyah 's mother Sam Solan said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carers are a massive help '' .
`` Them keeping on top of things has helped keep her alive , '' she said .
`` If the care is taken off us , it 's going to be really hard . ''
Tehyah , who can not communicate or feed herself , has been provided with 74 hours a week of `` end of life care '' , funded by Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group ( CCG ) , due to her original prognosis .
Her family said they were informed in July 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for that care and `` never really had '' .
As a result , they said her daytime care hours were removed immediately and were told overnight care would end in January .
Her father Aaron Miller said it was imperative care continued , as her condition remained the same and she still required 24-hour care .
`` Through the night , if her oxygen levels drop , someone has to be with her all the time , '' he added .
The CCG said it was `` unable to comment on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had agreed to hold a meeting on Thursday after being contacted by the Labour MP .
A spokesman said it would `` identify the best way to address [ Tehyah 's ] needs '' , adding : `` We will always go the extra mile to make sure care packages are safe and appropriate . ''

A spokesman said it would "identify the best way to address [Tehyah's] needs", adding: "We will always go the extra mile to make sure care packages are safe and appropriate."


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Netflix reveals The Crown viewing figures for the first time

A total of 73 million households worldwide have watched royal drama The Crown since it began in 2016 , according to figures released by Netflix .
It 's the first time the streaming giant has revealed viewing data for the series about the British monarchy .
The third season , which stars Olivia Colman as the Queen , was watched in 21 million homes in its first four weeks .
That was 40 % more than saw the second season over the same time period , Netflix said .
The company 's chief content officer Ted Sarandos said the figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with each new season '' .
Colman replaced Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II after the second season .
`` Seventy-three million households around the world have made The Crown part of the global cultural zeitgeist , '' Sarandos said .
The only other show for which Netflix has revealed overall viewing data is Orange is the New Black , which reached 105 million homes over its first six seasons .
On Sunday , the cast of The Crown won the Screen Actors Guild Award for the best ensemble in a drama series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win for best actress in a drama series at the start of January .
However , despite its accolades , series three failed to make Netflix UK 's top 10 list of its most popular releases of 2019 .
The top spot went to a documentary about the disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine McCann in 2007 .
In March last year , BBC director general Tony Hall was scathing about the size of Netflix 's viewing figures .
He said BBC drama series with smaller budgets , such as Bodyguard , were watched by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I mentioned the Bodyguard finale reaching 17 million viewers , '' he told a media conference in London .
`` That was in one month .
Our data suggests The Crown reached seven million users in 17 months . ''
Netflix has not broken down its viewing figures for The Crown by country .
The streaming giant only started sharing its viewing figures last January .
At that time , it announced that supernatural drama Stranger Things had broken its streaming record , after 40 million households watched the show in its first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

The company has also changed the way it counts viewing figures. It used to count if someone watched 70% of a programme or film, but now they only have to watch two minutes to be included.


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Ozzy Osbourne reveals Parkinson's disease diagnosis

Rock star Ozzy Osbourne has revealed he has Parkinson 's disease .
The Black Sabbath singer , 71 , told US TV show Good Morning America he has a `` mild form '' and found out about it after suffering a fall last February .
Wife Sharon said : `` It 's not a death sentence but it affects certain nerves in your body .
You have a good day , a good day , then a really bad day . ''
Ozzy added it was hard to tell whether the numbness symptoms he had were from the Parkinson 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It 's been terribly challenging for us all .
`` I did my last show [ on ] New Year 's Eve ( 2018 ) .
Then I had a bad fall .
I had to have surgery on my neck , which screwed all my nerves . ''
He said he was now on medication for Parkinson 's and nerve pain following the surgery he had after his fall .
Rumours had been circulating about his health , but Ozzy said : `` I 'm no good with secrets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ any more 'cause it 's like I 'm running out of excuses , you know ? ''
He added that he was grateful to his fans .
`` They 're my air , you know .
I feel better .
I 've owned up to the fact that I have ... a case of Parkinson 's .
And I just hope they hang on and they 're there for me because I need them . ''
It was his son Jack and daughter Kelly who first realised that something was n't right with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is watching somebody that you love suffer , '' Kelly said .
• The three main symptoms are involuntary shaking , slow movement and stiff and inflexible muscles • A person with Parkinson 's can also experience a wide range of other physical and psychological symptoms , including depression and anxiety , balance problems , loss of sense of smell , problems sleeping and memory problems • Parkinson 's disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra • Exactly what causes it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of genetic and environmental factors is responsible • Around one in 500 people are affected by Parkinson 's disease • Although there 's currently no cure , treatments including medication and physiotherapy can help reduce the main symptoms • With advances in treatment , most people with Parkinson 's now have a normal or near-normal life expectancy Jack , who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012 , said he could relate to his father .
`` I understand when you have something you do n't want to have - but if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I try to slip in information , '' said Jack .
Ozzy said his health was improving .
`` I 'm a lot better now than I was last February .
I was in a shocking state . ''
Sharon said the next step was to consult doctors outside the US and explore other possible treatments .
`` We 've kind of reached a point here in this country where we ca n't go any further because we 've got all the answers we can get here , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to a professional in Switzerland .
And he deals with ... getting your immune system at its peak . ''
Ozzy had been due to go on the road in the UK with his No More Tours 2 in January 2019 , but called off the shows due to ill health .
He then postponed all his 2019 appearances following his fall .
He is due back on stage when his US tour starts in Atlanta , Georgia , on 27 May , before his rescheduled UK dates begin in Newcastle in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2007 that Ozzy had a condition called Parkinsonian syndrome - not Parkinson 's disease - which also causes tremors .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

He added that he was grateful to his fans. "They're my air, you know. I feel better. I've owned up to the fact that I have... a case of Parkinson's. And I just hope they hang on and they're there for me because I need them."


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Tribeca Belfast: Council backs £500m plan for Cathedral Quarter

Outline planning approval has been granted for a revised version of the 'Tribeca ' development in Belfast .
The £500m project , by Castlebrooke Investments , proposes to regenerate the city 's Cathedral Quarter .
A vote on a revised masterplan , which will retain more of the area 's historic buildings , received backing by Belfast City Council 's planning committee .
The council received more than 450 letters of objection to the development and five letters of support .
Castlebrooke Investments has properties on 12 acres between Royal Avenue and the Cathedral Quarter , a project formerly known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who put the new plan to a voluntary 10-week public consultation , said it would `` incorporate a greater degree of retention of non-listed building fabric which further retains the best elements of the historic streetscape '' .
Planning permission has already been granted for the first phase , with Tuesday night 's approval covering the remaining two thirds of the site .
Jonathan Mitchell , director of Castlebrooke Investments , said : `` We have been working on Tribeca Belfast for many years and it is fantastic to see such a significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We listened to the concerns of interested parties through our voluntary public consultation process and this effort has been recognised by Belfast City Council .
`` Our attention now turns to moving forwards with our detailed plans and beginning work on site as soon as possible . ''
The project has been opposed by campaigners from the group SaveCQ ( Save Cathedral Quarter ) .
It had urged councillors to reject the new plans and described it as `` yet another planning application that will only inflate land prices and push more people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill-conceived scheme that is unbuildable in its current form '' .
Agustina Martire , who chairs the campaign group , is a lecturer in architecture at Queen 's University , Belfast .
`` Our biggest concerns are the reduction of public space at Writers Square ; the amount of demolition - which is over 75 % of the existing fabric - and the type of housing that is provided by the project , '' she said .
She said the one and two-bedroom residential accommodation proposed in the plan was `` not really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type of `` lifelong homes that we would like to see in that area '' .
Ms Martire added that the revised proposal still did not meet the 20 % quota for social housing `` stipulated in the local development plan '' .
The chairwoman also argued that Writers Square was an important public space in Belfast city centre and claimed the Tribeca ' development would reduce that public space to `` at least half of what it is now '' .
She said SaveCQ campaigners accept that the Cathedral Quarter `` desperately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be of a good standard and accessible to the people of Belfast .
Ms Martire said the revised masterplan was an improvement on the 2017 proposal but still did not comply with a lot of the principles that SaveCQ has been advocating for .
The outline plans will now have to go to the Department of Infrastructure before they can be fully approved .

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bbcuk--2020-01-21--Teenager stamped 61-year-old man to death in East Kilbride

A teenager has been convicted of murdering a 61-year-old man by stamping on his face so hard his spine was severed from his head .
The 17-year-old boy , who can not be named because he is under 18 , admitted killing Frank Sinclair , but denied murdering him in January 2019 .
But a jury found him guilty of murder after deliberating for about two hours at the High Court in Glasgow .
He will be sentenced next month at a hearing in Edinburgh .
The teenager gave evidence and admitted killing Mr Sinclair , telling the court : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
I just feel destroyed . ''
The court heard the boy stamped full force on Mr Sinclair 's face and neck at least two or three times - minutes after trying to help him .
The teenager and three female friends - all aged 16 or 17 - came across Mr Sinclair lying on the ground at the rear of Westwood Community Centre in East Kilbride , at about 20:00 on 19 January last year .
Initially the teenager tried to help Mr Sinclair up .
But the court was told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifted him up to a standing position , they both lost their balance and fell to the ground .
The boy believed Mr Sinclair had pushed him , causing him to scrape his face off the community centre wall .
The 17-year-old was asked by prosecutor Liam Ewing QC : `` Do you remember evidence that you were shouting noises as you stamped on Mr Sinclair ? ''
He replied : `` Yes , I was just shouting , getting all my anger out . ''
Mr Ewing then said : `` What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the ground ? ''
The teenager said : `` To hurt him , '' adding : `` I just lost my temper .
I just lost it . ''
Mr Sinclair had 19 injuries to his face and neck including a fractured Adam 's apple and a vertebrae at the top of his spine was severed causing internal decapitation .
Pathologist Dr Sharon Melmore said : `` This is an unusual injury we usually see this in people who have fallen from a height or are in a road traffic accident .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been drinking with a friend at the Westwood Bar before the attack .
Following the verdict , Det Insp Alan MacDonald said : `` This was a sustained and violent attack on a vulnerable individual who , on the night in question , needed the help of someone kind .
`` Instead he died in the most brutal way , in an attack that has no justification .
The accused has shown no remorse and offered no explanation for this senseless violence . ''
The boy was also found guilty of an unprovoked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by punching him on the head and body at Westwood Stores in East Kilbride , about an hour before the murder .
The teenager now faces a life sentence which has been deferred for a background report and an assessment of the danger he poses to the public .

Initially the teenager tried to help Mr Sinclair up. But the court was told he became angry when, as he lifted him up to a standing position, they both lost their balance and fell to the ground.


bbcuk--2020-01-22--Sheffield United 0-1 Manchester City: Sergio Aguero comes off bench to score winner

Sergio Aguero scored his sixth goal in his last three games as Manchester City edged a gutsy Sheffield United at Bramall Lane .
The Blades had looked on course to claim a hugely credible draw against the reigning Premier League champions , with Dean Henderson saving a Gabriel Jesus penalty in the first half as well as making a string of excellent saves .
But Aguero came off the bench to score the decisive goal , tapping in a cross from Kevin de Bruyne towards the end of the second half .
That strike came just moments after Sheffield United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Oli McBurnie stretching to meet a cross but just failing to turn the ball into an empty net .
Victory for Manchester City means they strengthen their place in second .
They have 51 points - 13 behind leaders Liverpool but six ahead of Leicester , who play West Ham on Wednesday .
• Returning Laporte is 'best in the world ' - Guardiola It is hard to imagine that a manager who has won trophies wherever he has worked is claiming he can still learn from others , but that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this game .
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss spoke highly of Sheffield United under Chris Wilder , saying they are a team he can learn from .
For large periods of this game the Blades certainly gave Guardiola plenty to think about , with their disciplined and organised defence frustrating City for well over an hour .
In the end , Guardiola had to turn to the ever-reliable Aguero to get the job done .
At 31 , the Argentina international is in the twilight years of his football career but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form .
It took him just six minutes to get on the scoresheet after coming on for Jesus , who had struggled to get the better of the Blades ' defence .
Aguero has now scored 21 goals in just 23 appearances in all competitions this season , including eight in his last five appearances .
The league title may be increasingly out of reach for City but Aguero 's form could be vital for their aspirations in other competitions .
Just as crucial , though , could be the return of Aymeric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often had to field a makeshift defence this season but Laporte made a surprise return at Bramall Lane after five months out with injury .
The result was a first clean sheet since City hosted Sheffield United at the Etihad at the end of December and Guardiola was delighted with the French player 's return .
`` We miss him the lot , '' he said .
`` Imagine if the best teams in the world lose their best central defenders .
`` We knew he could not play 90 minutes .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceptional .
It is good news for us . ''
Blades beaten but impress once again It is difficult to find different superlatives to describe Sheffield United in the Premier League this season .
Match after match they produce impressive performances , frustrating supposed bigger sides and , rather than being sussed out in the second half of the season , they are seemingly finding new ways to keep their opponents on the toes .
That was the case once again on Tuesday night .
At the start of the season , Sheffield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spotting this game on the fixture list and fearing a cricket score , but instead their side showed no fear and went toe to toe with their opponents from the outset .
They were strong in the tackle and organised in defence .
On the few occasions Manchester City did get through they found Henderson in inspired form .
The goalkeeper made a superb stop to deny Raheem Sterling from close range in the first half before then guessing the right way to keep out Jesus ' spot kick .
That save prompted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' from the home fans and this performance will have only increased his chances of being included in Gareth Southgate 's squad for Euro 2020 this summer .
'An incredibly good victory ' - what the managers said Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola , speaking to Match of the Day : `` We knew it would be a difficult place to come .
We concede one or two clear chances , nothing more than that .
`` In the first half , the keeper was excellent with the penalty and two incredible saves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us to take a step towards securing Champions League football next season .
`` In the first half we were a little bit shy to play , but in the second half we were a little bit more like we are .
But we controlled it really well , the chance to score goals .
`` What Sheffield United do , they do it perfectly .
They 've been together for five years so their spirit is so good .
They are so good at the second balls and arrive with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder , speaking to Match of the Day : `` Kevin de Bruyne has found an amazing pass and the movement of Sergio Aguero , he 's done that to everyone in Europe and the world , it 's a great finish .
`` I 've got nothing but an enormous amount of pride for my team , we went toe-to-toe with them .
`` When opportunities arise you have to show a little bit of quality and we did n't do that sadly .
Games like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we 've worked really hard to get here , we want no regrets and I do n't think there were any tonight .
`` When teams come here , we want to make sure they go through the mixer to get a result and I do believe Pep , his staff , the players and the fans will believe it 's been a difficult night for them . ''
• Manchester City have scored more away league goals than any other team in Europe 's big five divisions this season ( 34 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 22 ) have there been fewer Premier League goals scored at a single stadium this season than at Bramall Lane ( 24 ) , with the Blades netting just 13 and conceding 11 .
• Manchester City have won three consecutive away league games against Sheffield United for the first time since a run of four between 1905 and 1908 .
• Sheffield United have won just one of their last 16 league games against reigning top-flight champions ( D3 L12 ) , losing their last six in a row without scoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first player in Premier League history to provide 15+ assists in three different campaigns ( 15 in 2019-20 , 16 in 2017-18 and 18 in 2016-17 ) .
• Sergio Aguero has been directly involved in 43 goals in 43 Premier League appearances against newly-promoted teams ( 35 goals , 8 assists ) .
• Manchester City 's Gabriel Jesus has failed to score three of his five Premier League penalties ( 60 % ) - of all players to have taken at least five in the competition , no-one has a worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Stewart Downing and El Hadji Diouf ) .
Sheffield United travel to Championship side Millwall on Saturday , 25 January ( 15:00 GMT ) , while Manchester City host Fulham on Sunday , 26 January ( 13:00 GMT ) .

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Sergio Aguero has now scored six goals in his last three Premier League games
Sergio Aguero scored his sixth goal in his last three games as Manchester City edged a gutsy Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
The Blades had looked on course to claim a hugely credible draw against the reigning Premier League champions, with Dean Henderson saving a Gabriel Jesus penalty in the first half as well as making a string of excellent saves.
But Aguero came off the bench to score the decisive goal, tapping in a cross from Kevin de Bruyne towards the end of the second half.
That strike came just moments after Sheffield United came close to taking the lead themselves - Oli McBurnie stretching to meet a cross but just failing to turn the ball into an empty net.
Victory for Manchester City means they strengthen their place in second. They have 51 points - 13 behind leaders Liverpool but six ahead of Leicester, who play West Ham on Wednesday.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, remain seventh on 33 points.
Aguero helps City come through tough test
It is hard to imagine that a manager who has won trophies wherever he has worked is claiming he can still learn from others, but that's exactly what Pep Guardiola said prior to this game.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss spoke highly of Sheffield United under Chris Wilder, saying they are a team he can learn from.
For large periods of this game the Blades certainly gave Guardiola plenty to think about, with their disciplined and organised defence frustrating City for well over an hour.
Guardiola happy to have Laporte back
In the end, Guardiola had to turn to the ever-reliable Aguero to get the job done.
At 31, the Argentina international is in the twilight years of his football career but is arguably enjoying some of his best form.
It took him just six minutes to get on the scoresheet after coming on for Jesus, who had struggled to get the better of the Blades' defence.
Aguero has now scored 21 goals in just 23 appearances in all competitions this season, including eight in his last five appearances.
The league title may be increasingly out of reach for City but Aguero's form could be vital for their aspirations in other competitions.
Just as crucial, though, could be the return of Aymeric Laporte. Injuries have meant Guardiola has often had to field a makeshift defence this season but Laporte made a surprise return at Bramall Lane after five months out with injury.
The result was a first clean sheet since City hosted Sheffield United at the Etihad at the end of December and Guardiola was delighted with the French player's return.
"We miss him the lot," he said. "Imagine if the best teams in the world lose their best central defenders.
"We knew he could not play 90 minutes. He is an incredible guy. He was exceptional. It is good news for us."
Laporte played for 78 minutes on his return from a 143-day lay-off
Blades beaten but impress once again
It is difficult to find different superlatives to describe Sheffield United in the Premier League this season.
Match after match they produce impressive performances, frustrating supposed bigger sides and, rather than being sussed out in the second half of the season, they are seemingly finding new ways to keep their opponents on the toes.
That was the case once again on Tuesday night. At the start of the season, Sheffield United fans could have been forgiven for spotting this game on the fixture list and fearing a cricket score, but instead their side showed no fear and went toe to toe with their opponents from the outset.
Blades picture is 'rosy' despite defeat - Wilder
They were strong in the tackle and organised in defence. On the few occasions Manchester City did get through they found Henderson in inspired form.
The goalkeeper made a superb stop to deny Raheem Sterling from close range in the first half before then guessing the right way to keep out Jesus' spot kick.
That save prompted chants of "England's number one" from the home fans and this performance will have only increased his chances of being included in Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2020 this summer.
Man of the match - Dean Henderson (Sheffield United)
Dean Henderson has saved four of his last eight penalties faced in English league football
'An incredibly good victory' - what the managers said
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, speaking to Match of the Day: "We knew it would be a difficult place to come. We concede one or two clear chances, nothing more than that.
"In the first half, the keeper was excellent with the penalty and two incredible saves, it was an incredibly good victory for us to take a step towards securing Champions League football next season.
"In the first half we were a little bit shy to play, but in the second half we were a little bit more like we are. But we controlled it really well, the chance to score goals.
"What Sheffield United do, they do it perfectly. They've been together for five years so their spirit is so good. They are so good at the second balls and arrive with a lot of people in the final third."
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder, speaking to Match of the Day: "Kevin de Bruyne has found an amazing pass and the movement of Sergio Aguero, he's done that to everyone in Europe and the world, it's a great finish.
"I've got nothing but an enormous amount of pride for my team, we went toe-to-toe with them.
"When opportunities arise you have to show a little bit of quality and we didn't do that sadly. Games like this are what we're here for, we've worked really hard to get here, we want no regrets and I don't think there were any tonight.
"When teams come here, we want to make sure they go through the mixer to get a result and I do believe Pep, his staff, the players and the fans will believe it's been a difficult night for them."
De Bruyne, the assist king - the stats
Manchester City have scored more away league goals than any other team in Europe's big five divisions this season (34).
Only at Selhurst Park (22) have there been fewer Premier League goals scored at a single stadium this season than at Bramall Lane (24), with the Blades netting just 13 and conceding 11.
Manchester City have won three consecutive away league games against Sheffield United for the first time since a run of four between 1905 and 1908.
Sheffield United have won just one of their last 16 league games against reigning top-flight champions (D3 L12), losing their last six in a row without scoring.
Kevin De Bruyne is the first player in Premier League history to provide 15+ assists in three different campaigns (15 in 2019-20, 16 in 2017-18 and 18 in 2016-17).
Sergio Aguero has been directly involved in 43 goals in 43 Premier League appearances against newly-promoted teams (35 goals, 8 assists).
Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus has failed to score three of his five Premier League penalties (60%) - of all players to have taken at least five in the competition, no-one has a worse success rate than the Brazilian (level with Stewart Downing and El Hadji Diouf).
What next?
Sheffield United travel to Championship side Millwall on Saturday, 25 January (15:00 GMT), while Manchester City host Fulham on Sunday, 26 January (13:00 GMT).


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Amelia Roberts: Charity boost after funeral order of service find

A woman who found an order of service for an epileptic woman who died said it was `` a privilege '' to share her story .
Hari Miller discovered the document in her new office drawer detailing the funeral of Amelia Roberts , who died aged 21 in Hertfordshire in 2018 .
She `` had a cry in the toilet '' , donated to the family 's fundraising page and shared the story on Twitter , where it was retweeted nearly 9,000 times .
Donations to the Epilepsy Society via the page rose from £80,000 to £118,000 .
Ms Miller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside the drawer for six weeks after starting a new job and had almost given up , when she decided to give it `` a proper shove . ''
`` I pulled out the order of service .
It was a real shock , '' she said .
`` I carried on reading , went for a cry in the toilet… and thought ' I just have to give something ' . ''
Ms Roberts died in December 2018 when she had a seizure while having a bath at her home in Long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy that was resistant to drugs when she was 16 years old .
Before she died , she had arranged to donate her brain to medical research .
Hamish Roberts said his daughter was `` the most courageous girl '' who `` fulfilled so many things '' and her mother Debbie said she would be `` up there having a bit of a laugh '' at the turn of events .
`` We have been overwhelmed by all the donations since Hari tweeted her story .
Nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to be able to help others , '' she said .
Clare Pelham , chief executive of the Epilepsy Society , said the money would fund a researcher called a `` bioinformatician '' to investigate links between genetics and epilepsy .
`` Hari has made a huge difference by sharing Amelia 's story and we promise every donation will help to make a difference to the lives of people with epilepsy , '' she said .