bbcuk--2020-01-19--Saracens relegated from Premiership at end of 2019-20 season for salary cap breaches

Reigning champions Saracens will be relegated from rugby union 's top flight at the end of this season following persistent salary cap breaches , Premiership Rugby have confirmed .
Sarries had already been deducted 35 points for the current Premiership campaign and fined £5.4m for three seasons ' spending above the cap .
Proof of immediate cap compliance was required to avoid further sanctions .
Saracens `` accept '' the relegation and `` apologise for the mistakes made '' .
In a statement , the club added : `` Our goal is to rebuild confidence and trust .
We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Premiership at the end of the 2019-2020 season .
`` The board must embody the values of the club , learn from its mistakes so the club can come back stronger .
`` It is in the wider interests of the Premiership and English rugby to take this decisive step , to ensure everybody is able once again to focus on the game of rugby , which we all love . ''
Saracens will finish this season before entering the Championship for 2020-21 .
• Saracens Q & A : Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next ?
• Stars can still play for England despite relegation '' Premiership Rugby is prepared to take strong action to enforce the regulations governing fair competition between our clubs , '' chief executive Darren Childs said .
`` At the conclusion of dialogue with Saracens about their compliance with the Salary Cap Regulations , it has been decided that Saracens will be relegated at the end of this season .
`` At the same time as enforcing the existing regulations , we want to ensure a level playing field for all clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have asked Lord Myners to carry out an independently-led review of the salary cap . ''
In the past five years Saracens have dominated both domestically and in Europe , winning four Premiership titles and three European crowns .
This decision also means that should the club successfully retain its European Champions Cup crown , they would not be permitted to defend the title next season .
Their cup campaign continues on Sunday , when they welcome Pool Four leaders Racing 92 to Allianz Park , hoping to better Munster 's result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neil Golding , who took over from Nigel Wray as Saracens chairman earlier this month , said : `` I acknowledge the club has made errors in the past and we unreservedly apologise for those mistakes .
`` I and the rest of the board are committed to overseeing stringent new governance measures to ensure regulatory compliance going forward . ''
Premiership Rugby introduced the salary cap in 1999 to ensure the financial viability of all clubs and the competition .
'They had two choices - they took relegation' Although Saracens ' relegation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there is still a sense of dissatisfaction with the outcome among their fiercest critics .
Exeter Chiefs were beaten by Sarries two years in succession in the Premiership 's showpiece final , and their chief executive Tony Rowe is still bitter about how long it has taken the game 's authorities to take firm action .
`` They 've taken relegation , '' Rowe told BBC Radio Devon following the news .
`` Let 's be very honest about this before people have sympathy with Saracens .
`` They had two choices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books so that Premiership Rugby could do a forensic audit of exactly what has gone on , or they could take relegation .
So it was their choice not to open up their books .
`` Premiership Rugby - all the chairmen - we just want to move on .
It was their opportunity to open up everything to the salary cap people , or take relegation .
They have decided to take relegation . ''
He added : `` We just want to move on .
They have cheated .
And I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken so long to do this .
At the moment they are still picking their team each week largely from the squad they had last year which is still in breach of the salary cap .
They have been asked by the rest of the Premiership clubs to reduce that ( the squad ) back as well .
`` Everybody has had their suspicions for a long time .
Five years ago they were hauled over the coals for similar offences .
We just want a level playing field .
Every club just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let 's hope we get back to that . ''
Asked whether Saracens should be allowed to keep their titles , he replied : `` I 'm not sure about that .
There is still some more to come out and I 'm not privy to talk about that at the moment . ''
The move calls into question the futures of the club 's international stars , such as England players Owen Farrell , Mako Vunipola and Maro Itoje , given the need to trim the wage bill and the fact the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elite competition , both domestically and continentally .
While the Rugby Football Union have confirmed that players operating in the Championship will be eligible for England duty , financial constraints could make it difficult for the club to retain the services of their elite personnel .
One issue the players themselves may find is that potential suitors among other clubs have already put much of their recruitment for next season in place and already spent a large extent of their cap .
The other concern is that a move to France 's Top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ southern hemisphere talent and rugby league converts from the Australasian National Rugby League , may be a potentially lucrative option .
Such a move would guarantee elite-level competition but would also rule out international representative rugby as the RFU will only select home-based talent .
Thus far , Scarlets-bound full-back Liam Williams is the only confirmed departure from the club , and the Wales international was due to end his contract at Saracens at the end of the season in any event .
This is an extraordinary story - the biggest in English @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dynasty dramatically crumbles .
Who knows what would have happened if the club had taken a different approach back in November , when they met the initial punishment with indignation rather than contrition - a stance that infuriated their rivals .
But with the club still breaching the cap in January , Saracens and Premiership Rugby have come to what appears to be a negotiated settlement , with the club accepting relegation .
However , while there is finally confirmation of their fate , the questions still come thick and fast : namely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star-studded squad between now and next season ?

Saracens have won four of the last five Premiership titles
Reigning champions Saracens will be relegated from rugby union's top flight at the end of this season following persistent salary cap breaches, Premiership Rugby has confirmed.
Sarries had already been deducted 35 points for the current Premiership campaign and fined £5.4m for three seasons' spending above the cap.
Proof of immediate cap compliance was required to avoid further sanctions.
Saracens "accept" the relegation and "apologise for the mistakes made".
In a statement, the club added: "Our goal is to rebuild confidence and trust. We have accepted the unprecedented measure of automatic relegation from the Premiership at the end of the 2019-2020 season.
"The board must embody the values of the club, learn from its mistakes so the club can come back stronger.
"It is in the wider interests of the Premiership and English rugby to take this decisive step, to ensure everybody is able once again to focus on the game of rugby, which we all love."
Saracens will finish this season before entering the Championship for 2020-21.
"Premiership Rugby is prepared to take strong action to enforce the regulations governing fair competition between our clubs," chief executive Darren Childs said.
"At the conclusion of dialogue with Saracens about their compliance with the Salary Cap Regulations, it has been decided that Saracens will be relegated at the end of this season.
"At the same time as enforcing the existing regulations, we want to ensure a level playing field for all clubs in the future, which is why we have asked Lord Myners to carry out an independently-led review of the salary cap."
In the past five years Saracens have dominated both domestically and in Europe, winning four Premiership titles and three European crowns.
This decision also means that should the club successfully retain its European Champions Cup crown, they would not be permitted to defend the title next season.
Their cup campaign continues on Sunday, when they welcome Pool Four leaders Racing 92 to Allianz Park, hoping to better Munster's result and qualify for the knockout phase.
Neil Golding, who took over from Nigel Wray as Saracens chairman earlier this month, said: "I acknowledge the club has made errors in the past and we unreservedly apologise for those mistakes.
"I and the rest of the board are committed to overseeing stringent new governance measures to ensure regulatory compliance going forward."
Premiership Rugby introduced the salary cap in 1999 to ensure the financial viability of all clubs and the competition.
'They had two choices - they took relegation'
Exeter's frustrations were highlighted by back-to-back Twickenham defeats by Saracens
Although Saracens' relegation is the punishment some clubs were seeking, there is still a sense of dissatisfaction with the outcome among their fiercest critics.
Exeter Chiefs were beaten by Sarries two years in succession in the Premiership's showpiece final, and their chief executive Tony Rowe is still bitter about how long it has taken the game's authorities to take firm action.
"They've taken relegation," Rowe told BBC Radio Devon following the news. "Let's be very honest about this before people have sympathy with Saracens.
"They had two choices: they could either open up their books so that Premiership Rugby could do a forensic audit of exactly what has gone on, or they could take relegation. So it was their choice not to open up their books.
"Premiership Rugby - all the chairmen - we just want to move on. It was their opportunity to open up everything to the salary cap people, or take relegation. They have decided to take relegation."
He added: "We just want to move on. They have cheated. And I'm just a bit upset it has taken so long to do this. At the moment they are still picking their team each week largely from the squad they had last year which is still in breach of the salary cap. They have been asked by the rest of the Premiership clubs to reduce that (the squad) back as well.
"Everybody has had their suspicions for a long time. Five years ago they were hauled over the coals for similar offences. We just want a level playing field. Every club just wants the same opportunity and chances and let's hope we get back to that."
Asked whether Saracens should be allowed to keep their titles, he replied: "I'm not sure about that. There is still some more to come out and I'm not privy to talk about that at the moment."
Dilemma for star names
The move calls into question the futures of the club's international stars, such as England players Owen Farrell, Mako Vunipola and Maro Itoje, given the need to trim the wage bill and the fact the club will no longer be competing in elite competition, both domestically and continentally.
While the Rugby Football Union have confirmed that players operating in the Championship will be eligible for England duty, financial constraints could make it difficult for the club to retain the services of their elite personnel.
One issue the players themselves may find is that potential suitors among other clubs have already put much of their recruitment for next season in place and already spent a large extent of their cap.
The other concern is that a move to France's Top 14, a regular destination for top-level southern hemisphere talent and rugby league converts from the Australasian National Rugby League, may be a potentially lucrative option.
Such a move would guarantee elite-level competition but would also rule out international representative rugby as the RFU will only select home-based talent.
Thus far, Scarlets-bound full-back Liam Williams is the only confirmed departure from the club, and the Wales international was due to end his contract at Saracens at the end of the season in any event.
Analysis
BBC Rugby Union correspondent Chris Jones
This is an extraordinary story - the biggest in English club rugby history - as the Saracens dynasty dramatically crumbles.
Who knows what would have happened if the club had taken a different approach back in November, when they met the initial punishment with indignation rather than contrition - a stance that infuriated their rivals.
But with the club still breaching the cap in January, Saracens and Premiership Rugby have come to what appears to be a negotiated settlement, with the club accepting relegation.
However, while there is finally confirmation of their fate, the questions still come thick and fast: namely, what on earth happens to this star-studded squad between now and next season?


bbcuk--2020-01-19--Harry and Meghan's future: Your questions answered

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer use their HRH titles and will not receive public funds for royal duties , Buckingham Palace has announced .
Here we answer some of the questions we have received from readers about what this means .
What will they be called ?
- Elle Prince Harry and Meghan have said they will no longer use their HRH titles .
From this spring , they will become known as Harry , Duke of Sussex , and Meghan , Duchess of Sussex .
• Queen 's statement on Harry and Meghan in full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sussex , Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel on his wedding morning , in May 2018 .
Meghan became the Duchess of Sussex when she married him later that day .
Prince Harry will remain a prince , having been born one .
Which royal patronages will they keep ?
- Steve Oltmanns Members of the Royal Family lend their names to charities and other organisations in the form of patronages .
The statement from Buckingham Palace said the duke and duchess will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations `` with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In pictures : Harry and Meghan 's life together • The party prince who carved his own path Harry holds 16 patronages , according to the Sussex Royal website - including the Invictus Games Foundation , the Royal Marines and the Rugby Football Union .
Meghan holds four : the National Theatre , the Association of Commonwealth Universities , London-based animal charity Mayhew , and women 's charity Smart Works .
Will Harry relinquish the position of Captain General Royal Marines ?
- Sean O'Callaghan The ceremonial head of the Royal Marines is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Harry will have to let go .
He inherited it from Prince Philip , who held it for 65 years .
Losing it is likely to be a sad moment for the duke , who has maintained a strong bond with the military since he left the Army in 2015 .
As well as bowing and curtseying to the Queen , will they have to do this with every other royal ?
- Lisa Townsley No .
Apart from to the Queen , members of the Royal Family do n't tend to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often .
Are all these measures reversible if Harry changes his mind ?
- Andrew C Barquin In theory , the title HRH would still stand , Frogmore Cottage would remain available , and there would be plenty of work for him .
But some doors will be closed .
The Royal Marines will , in all likelihood , look for a replacement as Captain General , and the same goes for his other military appointments .
Of course , the answer also depends on what he does next .
The couple have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the values of Her Majesty '' in their future work , but they may decide to branch out into areas outside of other royals ' remits .
A return would be possible , but it seems unlikely that it would be to the same role .

Harry and Meghan's future: Your questions answered Published 19 January 2020
Image source, Getty Images
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer use their HRH titles and will not receive public funds for royal duties, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Here we answer some of the questions we have received from readers about what this means.
What will they be called? - Elle
Prince Harry and Meghan have said they will no longer use their HRH titles.
From this spring, they will become known as Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Prince Harry will remain a prince, having been born one.
Will Harry still be sixth in line for the crown? - Margaret Wyatt
Yes, his position in the line of succession will not change.
Which royal patronages will they keep? - Steve Oltmanns
Image source, Chris Jackson/Getty Images Image caption, The prince has been the driving force behind the Invictus Games
The statement from Buckingham Palace said the duke and duchess will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations "with the Queen's blessing".
Harry holds 16 patronages, according to the Sussex Royal website - including the Invictus Games Foundation, the Royal Marines and the Rugby Football League (RFL), for which he hosted the 2021 World Cup draw on Thursday.
The RFL has confirmed he will continue as patron.
Meghan holds four: the National Theatre, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, London-based animal charity Mayhew, and women's charity Smart Works.
Will Harry relinquish the position of Captain General Royal Marines? - Sean O'Callaghan
Image source, PA Image caption, The prince said quitting the Army had been a "really tough decision"
The ceremonial head of the Royal Marines is a very important position - and one that Harry will have to let go.
Losing it is likely to be a sad moment for the duke, who has maintained a strong bond with the military since he left the Army in 2015.
As well as bowing and curtseying to the Queen, will they have to do this with every other royal? - Lisa Townsley
No. Apart from to the Queen, members of the Royal Family don't tend to bow and curtsey to one another that often.
Are all these measures reversible if Harry changes his mind? - Andrew C Barquin
In theory, the title HRH would still stand, Frogmore Cottage would remain available, and there would be plenty of work for him.
But some doors will be closed. The Royal Marines will, in all likelihood, look for a replacement as Captain General, and the same goes for his other military appointments.
The answer also depends on what he does next.
The couple have said they will "continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty" in their future work, but they may decide to branch out into areas outside of other royals' remits.
A return would be possible, but it seems unlikely that it would be to the same role.
What will Harry do for income? - Pam
Harry and Meghan have said they want to become "financially independent", and Buckingham Palace has confirmed they will no longer receive public funds for royal duties.
What that means in practice for their future work is not clear - but they will be independent and, according to BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond, the Palace will have no oversight of them.
Will they pay rent for Frogmore Cottage? - Gary O'Brien
Yes. Palace officials have confirmed they will pay rent for the house, which will remain their UK family home - although we don't know how much it will be.
They intend to repay £2.4m of taxpayer money that was spent on its refurbishment.
Will they still take money from the Prince of Wales? - Lucy Baldwin
Image source, PA Wire
Yes. It's thought - but not confirmed - that they have received just under £2.5m a year from Prince Charles.
That money comes from the income the Prince of Wales receives from his estate, the Duchy of Cornwall.
It's not clear whether the same level of funding will continue.
Will they pay for any required security? - Judith Aselton Delaney
We don't know.
Buckingham Palace did not comment on the details of security arrangements, but said there are independent processes to work out what is needed.
A former senior palace official told Jonny Dymond that discussion around the cost of the couple's security may be blown out of proportion.
Who will cover the public engagements previously carried out by Meghan and Harry? - William Ransford
There will be extra work for the remaining royals, especially the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
According to tables compiled each year by retired insurance broker Tim O'Donovan, Harry attended 201 engagements last year, while Meghan had 83.
The Prince of Wales is already carrying out a lot of the Queen's former duties, and the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince of York have stepped down from public life.
Members of the Royal Family carried out more than 3,500 engagements last year.
The working royals will need to assess how many of the Sussexes' appointments they can handle.
Image source, BBC
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bbcuk--2020-01-19--Five ways the British landscape changed in 10 years

Britain is more built-on than ever , with 44.8 million buildings in total at the end of the decade , up from 40.6 million in 2010 .
But this total accounts for just 1.4 % of British land , compared with 40 % covered by woodland , the natural environment , rivers and lakes , and a further 45 % by agricultural land .
The data comes from the largest land survey of its type by the Ordnance Survey ( OS ) , which does not cover Northern Ireland .
• See how much of your area is built on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing some of the significant shifts over the last decade , as recognised by OS surveyors .
If you can not see the slider , click here .
Growth of the renewable energy industry has brought with it an increase in infrastructure .
Wind power now accounts for one-fifth of total electricity use in the UK , compared with just 2 % in 2009 , according to the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy .
Solar energy accounted for 3.9 % in 2018 , up from 0.01 % in 2010 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 160,000 solar panels placed in 2015 on the grounds of RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire .
It is now the largest solar farm in the UK , with the capacity to power 10,000 local homes and an on-site military training college .
At the start of the decade , the Olympic Park was just beginning to take shape in Stratford , east London , ahead of the 2012 Games .
Ten years on , what was the Olympic Stadium is now West Ham FC 's home ground , the Aquatics Centre is a public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the free-to-enter Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park .
Another global attraction from the 2010s is the Harry Potter section of the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Watford .
It first opened in 2012 but there has since been expansion .
The detail shown on the OS map is largely down to Thomas Watt , a ground surveyor covering the area .
He had to persuade Warner Bros security to let him in to measure each of the new buildings and was eventually rewarded with a tour .
Each time the OS ground and aerial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , spot one that has changed or is no longer there , they alter the map .
There have been more than 360 million changes since 2010 .
This can be as subtle as a kerb being taken in or a front garden being paved over , which is important to record for things like flood planning .
• Climate change : Where we are in seven charts • House price calculator : Where can I afford to rent or buy ?
• Climate change : Are there too many people on Earth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media Robert Andrews described ground surveyors like Mr Watt as `` looking at the world like Keanu Reeves in The Matrix - they see lines and curves where we see roads , buildings and landscapes '' .
This attention to detail is combined with local knowledge and contact with planning authorities , but the ground teams are also assisted - when the weather allows - by drones and two OS planes .
They sweep back and forth like a lawnmower across target areas , taking hi-res photographs .
These are then stitched together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spot what has changed since the previous survey .
The technological advances are reflected also in what the OS data is used for .
In 1791 they were set up with an initial task of mapping the south coast in case of French invasion .
More than two centuries later , their data is used in almost every app on your smartphone and they are working to map the precise locations of lamp posts so they can host sensors for self-driving cars .
Although not yet ready for self-driving cars , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Britain , an increase of nearly 10 % since 2010 .
More roads were built in every part of Great Britain .
Mr Andrews said the mapping of new roads and buildings was `` like painting the Forth Bridge - as soon as you 've finished surveying an area you need to start it again '' .
Neatly illustrating his point is one of the most striking new roads in the past decade : the Queensferry Crossing erected in 2017 , next to the famous Forth Bridges that link Edinburgh to north-east @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most significant political talking points of the last 10 years , and Gordon Brown ended the last decade promising five new `` eco-towns '' to try to counter the shortfall in available homes .
While political events since 2010 did n't quite work out exactly how Mr Brown might have planned , Northstowe , a sustainably built new town in Cambridgeshire , has made an impact noticeable from the sky .
It 's still a work-in-progress but eventually 10,000 homes will replace what was farmland , a golf course and a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the increase in ponds and waterways that have come up either naturally as new properties are built , or as part of manufactured efforts to avoid flooding in residential areas .
For example , the housing development near Romsey in Hampshire , shown above , is accompanied by a couple of new ponds .
But in other cases , like this development near the most well-known new town , Milton Keynes , existing ponds have been diverted to make way for homes .
All satellite images from Google Earth .
They were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality of images available - each time the closest good quality image to either 2010 or 2020 was selected .

More than two centuries later, their data is used in almost every app on your smartphone and they are working to map the precise locations of lamp posts so they can host sensors for self-driving cars.


bbcuk--2020-01-19--Frank Skinner: ‘I’m all for a bit of moral menace’

`` The edge of inappropriate is the spiritual home of the best stand-up comedy , '' proclaims Frank Skinner in the programme notes for his new West End show , Showbiz .
It 's also , he jokes , `` the name of my country house in Gloucestershire '' .
The 62-year-old , who has made a pretty good living walking the tightrope of comedic taste , is about to ride the bus ( using his over 60s travel card ) to London 's Garrick Theatre , as he speaks to the BBC , for the first night of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK last year .
Loosely-based around celebrity anecdotes he 's acquired over the past 25 years working as one of the country 's most cherished comedians , Skinner 's show is littered with poetic and funny filth about his decaying body , lessening libido and late arrival to fatherhood in his mid-50s .
In an era when critics have called `` wokeness '' - the modern day political correctness - the death knell for comedy , the veteran stand-up still trusts his instincts .
`` Sometimes when you start improvising on stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of , obviously you have n't planned it .
But to be honest , it 's not like I 'm one of these blokes who is sitting at home pouring it all out and then does a different thing on stage .
`` I think the line between me on and off is fairly blurred '' .
In other words , if a joke is good enough to tell down the pub , then it 's fit for the stage too .
The Royal family , Bruce Forsyth and the ahem , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the receiving end of Skinner 's dry wit in the show , which The Guardian said finds the `` statesman of stand-up shows '' showing `` no sign of stiffening '' .
`` It 's rare to see such fast-thinking wit deployed with such a sense of joy , '' added The Times ' Dominic Maxwell .
Skinner declared on-stage during Wednesday 's press night that `` a lightness of touch '' is required when tackling certain topics ( mostly genitalia ) .
He allayed the fears of an apparently worried-looking audience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worry about an accent he was about to attempt .
`` When I started doing comedy , '' he adds , `` We were very much what was then called 'alternative comedy ' and the two great centrepieces of that was non-sexist , non-racist .
`` That was the big thing , which now seems absolutely basic , page one , but then was revolutionary .
`` I did mainstream working men 's clubs in Birmingham , and you would not believe the racism , for example , was absolutely the norm [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We were at the beginning of that and I think we started to expand it .
So then you think , 'Well what about homophobia ? '
'' While he jokes woke culture means he 'll no longer help attractive young women with their heavy suitcases , Skinner believes the new normal parameters are `` a sort of a militaristic approach to kindness '' .
`` Unless you force people to do stuff , most people wo n't do it .
So I think you can make a few interesting dramas about sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop it is to say to people , they 'll lose their job .
`` So I 'm all for a bit of moral menace , as it were '' .
US President Barack Obama recently spoke of his distrust of righteous online trolls , while US comedian Dave Chappelle made a whole stand-up special about cancel culture .
Satirist Armando Iannucci said last week he thinks people are `` losing the appetite to engage in argument '' for fear of causing offence .
`` I think it can be annoying at times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It can empower idiots on occasion , and when it becomes like a parlour game where people sit around saying , 'Oh , you said that , and you should n't have said that ... '' I grew up going to football matches where people threw bananas at black players and we did n't have to sit around and debate whether it was racist or not .
But I think it 's one of the major social advances of the last 60 years . ''
He believes that in the age of Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comedian harbouring suspect personal views to fake it for long anyway .
`` I got in one night and my partner said to me , 'What were you doing in Superdrug ? '
And I thought , 'This is it now , this is East Germany ! '
`` All my philandering in the past would be impossible in the modern generation '' .
Fellow British comedian Ricky Gervais criticised celebrities at the Golden Globe Awards for mere virtue signalling and Skinner would tend to agree , noting `` there 's only one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about politics ; and that 's politicians talking about anything other than politics '' .
The working class millionaire confesses to have started preaching from the pulpit himself lately , to an audience of one : Seven-year-old son Buzz .
`` The other day I gave a little speech at home about the fact that we should n't see Frozen 2 as girl film , that there 's no such thing as a girl film .
`` I do n't know whether I really believe that or not , but I felt it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dad and lad recently went on a history-themed trip to Rome , where the Catholic comedian managed to wangle front row tickets for an audience with the Pope at The Vatican .
This time through his church connections , not his showbiz ones .
Another family trip saw Skinner make a deal with his partner of 19 years , Cath Mason , not to swear for the first five minutes of his set at Latitude Festival so the youngster could see his old man at work .
The star , who suffered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( `` it 's great for the cheekbones !
`` ) , says he 's giving the late dad thing his `` best shot '' , mindful of how many younger men have made mess of it .
`` If I 'd have had kids in my 20s it would have been nightmarish '' .
Skinner was in his 30s when he decided to give stand-up a shot , while working as an English lecturer , and he soon found himself winning the coveted Perrier Award at Edinburg Fringe Festival in 1991 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ name , flying the flag for the ( slightly ) more intellectual end of lad culture alongside David Baddiel on the cult TV show Fantasy Football League , en route to getting his own chat show .
The teetotaller admits he used to live it up when he first got famous but says the effects soon wore off , and as a result he now has few actual showbiz friends as a result .
For this he blames his `` lack of Class A drugs credentials '' during an era of mass hedonism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't fully large it up like the Gallagher brothers he did have similar chart success thanks to the England Euro 96 football anthem Three Lions , which he wrote with Baddiel and Lightning seed Ian Broudie ( both of whom stepped out to see their old pal perform this week ) .
As his beloved England made it to the 2018 World Cup Semi-Finals , the song broke a chart record by returning to the top for a fourth time .
Sadly though it broke another one soon after , by becoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to number 97 after Gareth Southgate 's men were knocked-out by Croatia .
Through bleary eyes , Skinner - who thinks England 's Euro 2020 forwards look `` deadly '' - was at least equipped to see the funny side .
`` It 's beautiful that it was by 96 places .
Could n't be better . ''
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"Sometimes when you start improvising on stage, which I do a fair bit of, obviously you haven't planned it. But to be honest, it's not like I'm one of these blokes who is sitting at home pouring it all out and then does a different thing on stage.


bbcuk--2020-01-19--Gail Porter: 'Everyone saw me naked, inside I was breaking'

For Gail Porter , the late 90s were both the best and worst of times .
At age 21 she was a hallmark of British television - a young , smiling dynamo from Edinburgh 's Portobello who was perfectly at home leading daytime programmes such as Fully Booked , The Big Breakfast and Live and Kicking before landing a prime time slot hosting Friday night favourite Top of the Pops .
Her fan base was burgeoning and she often left the studio in a state of total euphoria .
But her seemingly unstoppable energy would deflate as she stepped inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-doubt and depression set in .
Then one morning , an event unfolded that left her unable to get out of bed .
Gail had taken part in a nude photo shoot for men 's magazine FHM , which was projected onto the Houses of Parliament in a now infamous publicity stunt .
It helped sell more than one million copies of the magazine within two months .
Decades on , Gail maintains she had no idea the photo would be used in such a manner - and that she was never paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland : `` I 've dealt with things since I was 18 but that knocked my confidence a lot - to think I had trusted someone and then to find my bottom on Big Ben .
`` I had to deal with the backlash , some people were kind and some people were unkind .
It made me stay in bed for quite a long time . ''
The presenter 's mental health is the focal point of a new BBC Scotland documentary , which sees her retrace crucial points in her life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from friends and family .
In the film 's opening scenes she revisits the Palace of Westminster and recalls the pressures she faced in the aftermath of the FHM media storm .
Criticism and jibes followed her around , occasionally in a very public way - including on an episode of Nevermind the Buzzcocks that same year .
Known for his acerbic wit , host Mark Lamarr joked he had seen `` more than enough '' of her topless - a comment which left Gail visibly upset on camera .
She said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room and I said he was extremely rude - he actually said sorry , that he thought it was a joke .
`` Personally it just made me feel insignificant .
This was a long time ago when you did n't have the Me Too movement .
`` Everyone was going out afterwards ; I just wanted to stay home .
I thought maybe it 's my fault and I deserve this sort of comment . ''
Despite frequent bouts of unhappiness , keeping up the appearance of 'wee smiley Gail ' was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time Gail was unaware of the stress it placed on her mind and body .
After moving to London aged 19 , there was rarely any food in her fridge - instead she survived on wine or Jelly Babies .
She developed anorexia nervosa - a condition she lived with for around nine years .
But Gail only realised something was wrong when she was banned from her gym after fainting .
`` People kept saying 'oh wow , you 're looking great ' , '' she said .
`` I kept thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said I looked great .
`` I was enjoying the adoration and it got out of control , I could n't stop it .
I thought if I could control my food and make myself look what I thought was better , then everything is going to be great in the world .
`` But it was n't , I just ended up in the hospital very unwell . ''
What followed over the next two decades was a further polarising of highs and lows for Gail .
She married and celebrated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Honey , having been told by doctors she could n't have children .
A severe struggle with her mental health continued , and Gail developed alopecia , turned to self harm , was sectioned under the Mental Health Act ( 1983 ) and experienced a period of homelessness .
She has no definitive answer for what went wrong for her , though she strongly suspects she developed an aversion to talking through her feelings in her early childhood .
And although she has watched her personal life splashed across headlines , Gail does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of her struggles .
She said : `` Being a TV presenter was my favourite thing in the world , it was the most fun ever .
`` I think there were a lot of deeper issues which came out at certain points .
`` I know there 's something not quite right wired in my brain .
`` It does n't make me a bad person , it does n't mean you can give me a badge and tell me what it is .
I 'd rather just be Gail .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ watch on BBC iPlayer .

"I was enjoying the adoration and it got out of control, I couldn't stop it. I thought if I could control my food and make myself look what I thought was better, then everything is going to be great in the world.


bbcuk--2020-01-19--How to nail an eco-friendly budget holiday

Christmas - done .
New Year - done .
New Year fitness plan - erm , not done .
Dark January evenings are a prime time to start dreaming of where you and your mates might head this summer .
Party hubs like Malaga and Ibiza are still a big draw for group holidays , with Eastern European countries like Romania and Lithuania gaining popularity too .
But with the climate increasingly on everyone 's minds , can you still book a cheap getaway and help the planet ?
`` A lot of people think going green means things will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more efficient so you end up wasting less . ''
That 's according to Claire O'Neill , the chair of the green working group for The Association For Electronic Music ( AFEM ) , which aims to protect the environment where music events are happening .
And whether it 's a night in a bar , a week of club-crawls on the strip or a full-blown festival , our favourite getaways often involve music .
Claire says the key to a guilt-free trip away is `` forward planning '' and advises anyone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get ahead of the pack .
And if you 're worried about the impact flying might have on the environment , Claire says using Europe 's `` great train network '' could be a fun way of making your trip more eco-friendly .
`` You can extend what you were planning to experience along the way , '' she says .
`` Some brave people even do long-distance cycling to get where they need to be as well . ''
What if flying is the only way ?
Despite dedicating the last 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environmental causes , Claire is `` still a strong believer '' that people should make the most of being able to travel and knows that flights are n't always avoidable .
`` We are going to unavoidably create emissions at some point , '' says Claire .
`` The cost of trains can be so much higher than flying ... not many people can afford to pay five times the price for their transport . ''
If air travel is the easiest and cheapest way to get to where you 're going - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your flight .
A few airlines - such as RyanAir , Lufthansa and American Airlines - offer the option for passengers to pay a bit extra to help compensate for the carbon emissions produced by their flight .
The money is then invested in environmental projects - like planting trees or installing solar panels - which reduce carbon dioxide in the air .
We 've all been told about the damage plastic can do to the planet .
Let 's be honest - we know we 're not going to be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're on holiday but there are things you can do to have a bit more of a positive impact on your travels .
Claire suggests taking reusable cutlery and packaging with you and looking into where the food you 're eating is coming from .
`` If you 're getting teas , coffees or eating chocolate then you want to look for fair trade or direct trade logos .
`` That helps make sure there are n't human rights abuses in the supply chain .
`` If you ca n't see those logos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Where are you staying ?
Even taking some time to research accommodation ( if you 're not in a package deal ) can change the impact your holiday has on the environment .
`` There are various certifications that hotels can have to keep an eye out for , such as green key and greener tourism , '' says Claire .
`` But if you 're in a group , then it would be better to find some kind of a home to hire , before looking at individual hotel rooms .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not needing to change all the bed sheets and towels and there is n't the need to heat a huge building like a hotel . ''
She also suggests that you can ask where you 're staying to tell you what they do to to help the environment .
`` The more people that ask , the more they realise it 's important for their business and the more that they will make the changes more quickly , '' she explains .
Another way of having a positive impact on the planet while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media to get in touch with places you 're staying .
`` Everybody should feel empowered to make a change and have their voice heard .
`` If there 's 100,000 people all having the same feeling about something - like not wanting single use plastics to be used at the event or place they go - if they all think ' I 'm not going to make any difference , then that 's 100,000 messages that do n't reach the right people and nothing will change . ''
And then there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for party-goers in eco-friendly surroundings .
`` The first thing to think about is what you can do near home , '' says Claire .
`` You do n't necessarily need to go long distances and , additionally , masses of people going to the same place every year is probably not so helpful for the local environment . ''
She reckons cities like Amsterdam - which have taken steps to be more environmentally friendly - could be a good option .
`` They have a lot of support from their government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's where businesses think about all the materials that are used to make sure there 's a life for them afterwards .
`` For instance , it could be taking a cup and then making sure that it becomes a cup again , rather than sending them to incinerators or landfill afterwards . ''
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

How to nail an eco-friendly budget holiday Published 19 January 2020
Image source, BBC/getty
Christmas - done. New Year - done. New Year fitness plan - erm, not done.
Dark January evenings are a prime time to start dreaming of where you and your mates might head this summer.
Party hubs like Malaga and Ibiza are still a big draw for group holidays, with Eastern European countries like Romania and Lithuania gaining popularity too.
But with the climate increasingly on everyone's minds, can you still book a cheap getaway and help the planet?
Plan to avoid planes
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, If you do book a train journey - you don't have to travel like this
"A lot of people think going green means things will be expensive but it actually means being more efficient so you end up wasting less."
That's according to Claire O'Neill, the chair of the green working group for The Association For Electronic Music (AFEM), which aims to protect the environment where music events are happening.
And whether it's a night in a bar, a week of club-crawls on the strip or a full-blown festival, our favourite getaways often involve music.
Claire says the key to a guilt-free trip away is "forward planning" and advises anyone who has already sorted their summer plans to get ahead of the pack.
And if you're worried about the impact flying might have on the environment, Claire says using Europe's "great train network" could be a fun way of making your trip more eco-friendly.
"You can extend what you were planning to experience along the way," she says. "Some brave people even do long-distance cycling to get where they need to be as well."
What if flying is the only way?
Image source, Getty Images
Despite dedicating the last 15 years of her life to sustainability and environmental causes, Claire is "still a strong believer" that people should make the most of being able to travel and knows that flights aren't always avoidable.
"We are going to unavoidably create emissions at some point," says Claire.
"The cost of trains can be so much higher than flying... not many people can afford to pay five times the price for their transport."
If air travel is the easiest and cheapest way to get to where you're going - then there is the option of offsetting your flight.
A few airlines - such as RyanAir, Lufthansa and American Airlines - offer the option for passengers to pay a bit extra to help compensate for the carbon emissions produced by their flight.
The money is then invested in environmental projects - like planting trees or installing solar panels - which reduce carbon dioxide in the air.
Where's that food from?
Image source, Getty Images
We've all been told about the damage plastic can do to the planet.
Let's be honest - we know we're not going to be able to rid the world of plastic while we're on holiday but there are things you can do to have a bit more of a positive impact on your travels.
Claire suggests taking reusable cutlery and packaging with you and looking into where the food you're eating is coming from.
"If you're getting teas, coffees or eating chocolate then you want to look for fair trade or direct trade logos.
"That helps make sure there aren't human rights abuses in the supply chain.
"If you can't see those logos you can always ask questions."
Where are you staying?
Image source, Getty Images
Even taking some time to research accommodation (if you're not in a package deal) can change the impact your holiday has on the environment.
"There are various certifications that hotels can have to keep an eye out for, such as green key and greener tourism," says Claire.
"But if you're in a group, then it would be better to find some kind of a home to hire, before looking at individual hotel rooms.
"That often saves energy because they're not needing to change all the bed sheets and towels and there isn't the need to heat a huge building like a hotel."
She also suggests that you can ask where you're staying to tell you what they do to to help the environment.
"The more people that ask, the more they realise it's important for their business and the more that they will make the changes more quickly," she explains.
Use your voice
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Messaging organisers of events you're going to could have more of an impact than you think
Another way of having a positive impact on the planet while you're on holiday is by using social media to get in touch with places you're staying.
"Everybody should feel empowered to make a change and have their voice heard.
"If there's 100,000 people all having the same feeling about something - like not wanting single use plastics to be used at the event or place they go - if they all think 'I'm not going to make any difference, then that's 100,000 messages that don't reach the right people and nothing will change."
Where's that cup going?
Image source, Getty Images
And then there are places that offer a fun break for party-goers in eco-friendly surroundings.
"The first thing to think about is what you can do near home," says Claire.
"You don't necessarily need to go long distances and, additionally, masses of people going to the same place every year is probably not so helpful for the local environment."
She reckons cities like Amsterdam - which have taken steps to be more environmentally friendly - could be a good option.
"They have a lot of support from their government to try to create circular economy.
"That's where businesses think about all the materials that are used to make sure there's a life for them afterwards.
"For instance, it could be taking a cup and then making sure that it becomes a cup again, rather than sending them to incinerators or landfill afterwards."
Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.


bbcuk--2020-01-19--Duke of Sussex: The party prince who carved his own path

The Duke of Sussex grew up in the media spotlight - from a young royal dealing with his mother 's death , through his partying teenage years , to his career in the military .
Since then Harry has followed in his mother 's footsteps , doing charity work across the globe .
He has got married and become a father .
Now he and the Duchess of Sussex will begin a new chapter : giving up their royal duties , HRH titles and public funding , and - it is expected - spending most of their time in Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public and private lives .
At times , the publicity that comes with being sixth in line to the throne has helped him to bolster support for his charitable endeavours .
But there have also been times when that attention has become too much , and he has fought fiercely for his family 's privacy .
Born at St Mary 's Hospital , Paddington , on 15 September 1984 , the prince was christened Henry Charles Albert David by the Archbishop of Canterbury in December of that year in St George 's Chapel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced from the start of his life that he would be known as Harry .
The prince 's childhood was cut short when his mother died in 1997 .
Princess Diana was killed in a crash in Paris , aged 36 , as the car she was in sped through a tunnel followed by paparazzi photographers .
Her death shook royal fans the world over , but it was 12-year-old Harry and 15-year-old William whose lives changed forever .
The funeral , which featured the image of the boys walking behind their mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Westminster Abbey , remains one of the most-watched programmes on the BBC .
`` I can safely say that losing my mum at the age of 12 , and therefore shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years , has had a quite serious effect on not only my personal life but my work as well , '' the prince said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph in 2017 .
He added : `` I have probably been very close to a complete breakdown on numerous occasions when all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lies and misconceptions and everything are coming to you from every angle . ''
The prince followed the educational path of his older brother William , at Wetherby School in Notting Hill , before entering Eton in 1998 .
After leaving Eton with two A-levels in 2003 , Harry took a gap year .
He worked on a sheep farm in Australia and with Aids orphans in Lesotho , paving the way for the charity he later set up there .
Attention from the press has been a constant in Harry 's life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edition of the ( now defunct ) News of the World roared : `` Harry 's drugs shame '' , and claimed Prince Charles sent his son to visit a rehab clinic as punishment for smoking cannabis .
St James 's Palace confirmed the then 17-year-old had `` experimented with the drug on several occasions '' but said the use was not `` regular '' .
Then in October 2004 , there was a scuffle with a photographer outside a club .
A royal spokesman said at the time the 20-year-old prince was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` when photographers crowded around him '' .
When Harry pushed the camera away , `` it 's understood that a photographer 's lip was cut '' , the spokesman added .
The following year , an image of the prince dressed as a Nazi at a fancy dress party sparked outrage .
Clarence House later said the prince had apologised for any `` offence or embarrassment '' caused and had realised `` it was a poor choice of costume '' .
And in 2009 , video footage emerged of Harry using offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Army platoon .
St James 's Palace said the prince was `` extremely sorry for any offence his words might cause '' but said he had `` used the term without any malice and as a nickname about a highly popular member of his platoon '' .
Harry enjoyed lighter-hearted press coverage during the London 2012 Olympic Games , in his role as an Olympic ambassador .
In the same year he spent a lot of time in front of the cameras for the Queen 's Jubilee .
As part of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tour overseas with visits to Belize , the Bahamas , Brazil and Jamaica .
However , that August , photos emerged of the prince and a young woman naked in a Las Vegas hotel room .
The two photos , published on US gossip website TMZ and later in the Sun newspaper , were taken on a private break with friends , with the site reporting the prince was in a group playing `` strip billiards '' .
He later said he had `` probably let myself down '' but added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there should have been a certain amount of privacy that one should expect . ''
There is , however , a saving grace to the scrapes Harry has found himself in .
As the younger brother to the expected future king , Harry has relatively little responsibility .
Like the Queen 's sister , Princess Margaret , and Prince Charles 's younger siblings , Harry is a `` spare to the heir '' - and a world away from the throne .
So Harry 's indiscretions have done little to dent public opinion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a freer existence because of it ; security worries would have made active service in Afghanistan impossible for his older brother , for example .
Harry spent 10 years in the armed forces , becoming the first royal in more than 25 years to serve in a war zone .
He was left disappointed in 2007 when Army chiefs decided not to send him to Iraq because of `` unacceptable risks '' , but later spent 10 weeks serving in Afghanistan in 2008 .
Harry returned to the country as an Apache @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2013 , before qualifying as an Apache commander in July 2013 .
He later described how he had shot at Taliban insurgents , and said that being in Afghanistan was `` as normal as it 's going to get '' for him .
When he announced he would be leaving the Army in 2015 , the prince said his time in the military would `` stay with me for the rest of my life '' .
This is reflected in his charity work , which mostly concentrates on mental health and helping service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work so far is his founding and chairing of the Invictus Games in 2014 .
The Paralympic-style international competition for injured ex-service personnel has been held in London , Orlando , Toronto and Sydney .
He has also supported the charity Walking With the Wounded , for injured veterans .
The prince 's other charity work includes supporting conservation projects in Africa and jointly founding Sentebale , a charity to help orphans in Lesotho .
He has continued his mother 's work helping children affected by HIV and Aids , and supporting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Diana captured global attention when she walked through a live minefield in central Angola in 1997 .
She died in Paris later that year , before seeing the full impact of her visit - such as the signing of an international treaty to outlaw the weapons - but Harry highlighted her achievements when he retraced her steps in September 2019 .
In recent years , Harry has had counselling to help him deal with his mother 's death .
He was best man at his brother William 's wedding in April 2011 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard it was not to have Diana there .
In a candid interview with the Daily Telegraph , he described shutting down all of his emotions for nearly 20 years and refusing to thinking about his mother .
This , he said , had a `` quite serious effect '' on his personal life and his work , and brought him close to a breakdown `` on numerous occasions '' .
He also said he would probably regret `` for the rest of his life '' how brief his last phone call with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her `` fun '' parenting .
She was a `` total kid through and through '' , he said .
Harry , William and the Duchess of Cambridge joined forces to focus their campaigning efforts on mental health .
They founded Heads Together , which aims to tackle stigma and fundraise for new support services .
As one of the world 's most high-profile bachelors , Harry 's love life has drawn much interest over the years .
In late 2016 , he confirmed a new relationship with US actor , Meghan Markle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of harassing her .
He described `` nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers '' , attempts by reporters and photographers to get into her home and the `` bombardment '' of nearly every friend and loved one in her life .
The pair had met on a blind date , organised by a mutual friend .
Then after just two dates , they went on holiday together to Botswana .
In September 2017 , the year before their wedding , Meghan told Vanity Fair magazine she and Harry were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in love '' .
And in an interview that November , when their engagement was announced , Harry admitted he had never heard of Meghan before his friend introduced them , and was `` beautifully surprised '' .
He designed the engagement ring for Meghan , including two diamonds from his mother 's jewellery collection .
The couple married in May 2018 at a ceremony at St George 's Chapel in Windsor , and consequently became known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex .
On a 16-day tour of Australia that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were expecting their first child , adding that they were happy to share the `` personal joy '' of their news .
Baby Archie , described by Harry as `` our own little bundle of joy '' , was born on 6 May 2019 .
The duke 's past year has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows .
In March , he and his wife split their household office from that of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge .
In April , the launch of the Sussexes ' Instagram account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record-breaking time ( five hours and 45 minutes ) .
The joy of becoming parents was followed days later by news Harry had accepted damages and an apology from a paparazzi agency which had used a helicopter to take photographs of his home in the Cotswolds .
In June , the Sussexes announced they would split from the charity they shared with the Cambridges - fuelling speculation of a rift between brothers Harry and William .
A 10-day tour of Africa at the end of September 2019 started well .
Harry raised awareness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the couple introduced Archie to anti-apartheid campaigner Archbishop Desmond Tutu .
But during the tour , the Duchess of Sussex launched legal action against the Mail on Sunday over a claim that it unlawfully published one of her private letters .
In a lengthy statement Harry said `` positive '' coverage of the tour of Africa had exposed the `` double standards '' of the `` press pack that has vilified [ the duchess ] almost daily for the past nine months '' .
And in an ITV documentary , filmed during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the duchess admitted she was struggling to adjust to royal life while the duke said his mental health was a matter of `` constant management '' .
Harry 's charity work will no doubt continue .
Buckingham Palace said he and Meghan will keep their `` private patronages and associations '' .
But much of the rest of his future - including where exactly he will live with his wife and son - is , for the moment , unclear .

Harry has tried to balance his public and private lives. At times, the publicity that comes with being sixth in line to the throne has helped him to bolster support for his charitable endeavours. But there have also been times when that attention has become too much, and he has fought fiercely for his family's privacy.


bbcuk--2020-01-19--Harry and Meghan: 'Nothing like this has ever happened before'

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer receive public funds for royal duties as part of an agreement @ @ @ @ @ The couple will also no longer use their HRH titles or represent the Queen formally @ @ @ @ @ being senior royals .
BBC royal correspondent Daniela Relph explains what happens next for Harry @ @ @ @ @ : Harry and Meghan drop royal duties and HRH titles

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer receive public funds for royal duties as part of an agreement on their future role.
The couple will also no longer use their HRH titles or represent the Queen formally as they break away from being senior royals.
BBC royal correspondent Daniela Relph explains what happens next for Harry and Meghan.
Edited by Lorna Acquah
Read more: Harry and Meghan drop royal duties and HRH titles


bbcuk--2020-01-19--Post Office 'assisting' review of postmasters' convictions

The Post Office says it is `` assisting the Criminal Cases Review Commission to the fullest extent '' with inquiries @ @ @ @ @ of theft and fraud .
Prosecuted after unexplained shortfalls were found in postmaster 's branch @ @ @ @ @ flaws in the IT system , Horizon , provided by Fujitsu .
The Post Office @ @ @ @ @ .
In December 2019 , the Post Office agreed to pay nearly £58m to settle @ @ @ @ @ 550 sub-postmasters over the software .
Jo Hamilton from South Warnborough in Hampshire and Seema @ @ @ @ @ Surrey , have told BBC Inside Out South the settlement means the battle is only @ @ @ @ @ their criminal convictions overturned and their reputations restored .
The Criminal Cases Review Commission is @ @ @ @ @ convictions were safe .
See more on Inside Out South on BBC One in the @ @ @ @ @ 20 January at 19:30 GMT and on BBC iPlayer here .

The Post Office says it is ''assisting the Criminal Cases Review Commission to the fullest extent'' with inquiries into cases of postmasters convicted of theft and fraud.
Prosecuted after unexplained shortfalls were found in postmaster's branch accounts, the ex-workers blamed flaws in the IT system, Horizon, provided by Fujitsu. The Post Office denied there was a problem.
In December 2019, the Post Office agreed to pay nearly £58m to settle its long-running legal battle with 550 sub-postmasters over the software.
Jo Hamilton from South Warnborough in Hampshire and Seema Misra from West Byfleet in Surrey, have told BBC Inside Out South the settlement means the battle is only half over, they want their criminal convictions overturned and their reputations restored.
The Criminal Cases Review Commission is looking into whether sub-postmasters' convictions were safe.
See more on Inside Out South on BBC One in the south of England on Monday 20 January at 19:30 GMT and on BBC iPlayer here.


bbcuk--2020-01-19--Georgie Aldous: 'Make-up was my coping mechanism after coming out'

A make-up artist with more than 45,000 Instagram followers has told how make-up became his `` coping mechanism '' after @ @ @ @ @ Georgie Aldous , 21 , from Gorleston , Norfolk , began experimenting with make-up as @ @ @ @ @ bullied at school .
He said it helped him express his feelings , adding `` @ @ @ @ @ so many different people '' .
`` On the days when you are feeling a @ @ @ @ @ bit uninspired , I really like to do a look and really go all out @ @ @ @ @ `` And then I just feel like this new person and it just makes me @ @ @ @ @ The online blogger , who speaks out about mental health , said it was important @ @ @ @ @ their social media use and `` switch off if you 're getting hate comments '' @ @ @ @ @ and support about coping with bullying from BBC Action Line .

A make-up artist with more than 45,000 Instagram followers has told how make-up became his "coping mechanism" after coming out as gay.
Georgie Aldous, 21, from Gorleston, Norfolk, began experimenting with make-up as a teenager when he was bullied at school.
He said it helped him express his feelings, adding "you can transform yourself into so many different people".
"On the days when you are feeling a little bit down or a bit uninspired, I really like to do a look and really go all out," he said.
"And then I just feel like this new person and it just makes me feel really good."
The online blogger, who speaks out about mental health, said it was important for young people to limit their social media use and "switch off if you're getting hate comments".
You can get information and support about coping with bullying from BBC Action Line.


bbcuk--2020-01-19--The Papers: 'Freedom at a price' as Queen seals 'hard Megxit'

The Sunday Telegraph believes there are no winners as a result of what many of the front pages are calling `` Megxit '' - the exit of the Duke an Duchess of Sussex as front-line royals .
There is a comment piece on the front , which expresses broad support for the Queen 's decision - which the paper says was not to let Harry and Meghan `` have their cake and eat it '' .
But it suggests that some might find the idea of stripping Prince Harry of his military appointments `` overly punitive '' .
And it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have lost one of their most popular figures .
Under the headline `` ca n't have the chateau and the gateau '' , the Sunday Mirror welcomes the fact that Harry and Meghan will no longer be allowed to use their HRH titles .
`` Only those who do the work of Royal Highnesses should be allowed to call themselves such , '' it says .
It goes on to commend the way the Queen has handled the situation , concluding that she has `` acted decisively but compassionately '' .
The Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening by the Queen could not show more clearly the heartbreak she is suffering as a result of Harry and Meghan 's departure .
It points out that with the couple planning to spend much of their time in Canada , the Queen is in effect losing her grandson and his wife , whom it says `` she had tried to guide through the role required of her '' .
There 's a piece in the Mail on Sunday written by Princess Diana 's former private secretary , Patrick Jephson .
He believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than they answer .
Primary among them is what will come of Sussex Royal , Harry and Meghan 's trademark .
`` We must assume , '' he says , `` that any restrictions on its use - and some kind of oversight mechanism - are still under discussion '' .
The Sunday Times reveals that Boris Johnson is considering a plan to move the House of Lords to York .
It reports that disused government-owned land , close to the city 's railway station , has already been identified as a possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Sunday Times says that if York was chosen , it would be the first time it had been a centre of political power since the 17th Century - during the English civil war .
But it also suggests that Birmingham is in the running .
According to the paper , a final decision will be made by a constitutional review to be launched in the spring .
The headline on the front of the Observer is : `` PM to cabinet : shape up or I 'll sack you within weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to tell ministers that they must focus all their energy on developing policies for post-Brexit Britain .
Those who fail to come up with good ideas will , the paper says , face the sack in an impending reshuffle .
The Sun on Sunday has the same story , but concentrates on a different aspect of it - an order by Mr Johnson that ministers should work flat out on their policy ideas , while avoiding being interviewed on the television or radio .
The headline is : `` Shut yer gob @ @ @ @ @ @

It points out that with the couple planning to spend much of their time in Canada, the Queen is in effect losing her grandson and his wife, whom it says "she had tried to guide through the role required of her".


bbcuk--2020-01-19--Low emission bus set on fire at Glasgow's Fort shopping centre

A low emission double decker bus was destroyed after it was deliberately set on fire outside a shopping centre in Glasgow .
Firefighters were called to The Fort , near Easterhouse , at about 18:00 on Saturday .
An eyewitness tweeted that the blaze started on the top deck , at the rear of the First Bus vehicle .
Police Scotland said the incident was being treated as wilful and inquiries are ongoing .
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said two fire engines responded to the alert at the centre , which is just off the M8 motorway .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the scene before they were stood down .
First Glasgow is investing £100m in cleaner buses as the Low Emission Zone comes into force in the city .
New emission restrictions are being phased in , with all bus journeys required to meet the new standards by the end of 2022 .
A First Bus spokeswoman said : `` I can confirm it was one of our vehicles .
A brand new low emission one bought for the LEZ in October .
`` No one was on board or injured , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on site and has now been recovered to the depot to be assessed . ''

A First Bus spokeswoman said: "I can confirm one of our vehicles was subject to an act of vandalism and we are supporting the police in their investigation."


bbcuk--2020-01-19--Three arrested after Belfast city centre stabbing

Three men have been arrested after a stabbing incident in Belfast city centre on Saturday evening .
It happened at about 19:15 GMT .
Police said ambulance staff treated two injured men on Great Victoria Street while the the third stabbing victim was treated on the Dublin Road .
It is understood the three , aged 23 , 29 and 38 , were involved in a fight .
They were taken to hospital but their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening .
All three men have now been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including causing grievous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hughes said : `` At this time we believe that only the three men in custody were involved in this incident however we would like to speak to anyone who witnessed what happened . ''
SDLP councillor Gary McKeown said knives have `` no place on our streets '' .
`` This is particularly concerning as this is a very busy area at that time of week , with groups of friends and families out for dinner and entertainment , and it does n't bear thinking about what could have happened . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was a `` shocking '' incident and urged anyone with information to contact the PSNI .

"This is particularly concerning as this is a very busy area at that time of week, with groups of friends and families out for dinner and entertainment, and it doesn't bear thinking about what could have happened."


bbcuk--2020-01-19--New Welsh prison wanted says Justice Secretary Robert Buckland

UK ministers remain committed to building a new prison in Wales , according to the justice secretary .
Robert Buckland said he was hoping to work with local councils and the Welsh Government `` to make sure that can become a reality '' .
Plans for a new `` super-prison '' in Port Talbot were withdrawn after strong local objections .
Mr Buckland said he was also `` very interested '' in developing a women 's centre in Wales .
The five prisons currently in Wales - HMP Berwyn , HMP Cardiff , HMP Parc , HMP Swansea , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking to the BBC 's Politics Wales programme , Mr Buckland accepted there was a `` problem '' with female prisoners from Wales having to serve sentences in England but said he had to balance the idea of a women 's centre `` against all the other competing priorities '' .
Last summer , Boris Johnson announced plans to create 10,000 new prison places in Wales and England .
Mr Buckland , the second Llanelli-born Lord Chancellor after Lord Elwyn Jones ( 1974-1979 ) , said he `` would love '' an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the programme .
A new category C super-prison for up to 1,600 prisoners was planned for Port Talbot before UK ministers withdrew the plan after strong local opposition .
Asked if the UK Government still had plans for a similarly-sized facility , Mr Buckland said : `` We still want to build an extra prison in Wales .
`` I 'm not so much interested in the glib titles , I want to make sure that we have a facility that is the right size and the right model , and that actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm not going to commit myself to a particular size prison now .
`` What I do commit to is a real concern about the fact that I think having an extra prison in Wales would be good for the local population .
`` I 've got to get on with that apace .
I want to deliver it by the middle of the decade , so my officials will do whatever they can to identify sites in England and Wales that fit the bill , and that can deliver those extra places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Cardiff University 's Wales Governance Centre in January 2019 claimed Wales has the highest imprisonment rate in western Europe .
Mr Buckland also signalled opposition to transferring full control of the justice system in Wales to the Welsh Government .
A commission chaired by Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd called for the devolution of policing and prisons because people in Wales are `` let down by the system in its current state '' .
Mr Buckland , the Conservative MP for South Swindon , said : `` I think the question you 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outcome ? '
`` It 's all very well obsessing about process , working out which desk is going to be responsible for what .
`` What is more important I think from the point of view of residents is outcomes . ''
`` Making our streets in Wales safer , I find that 's what the public would expect me and the home secretary and the prime minister to be concentrating on , rather than worrying about who holds the pen , '' he added .
A Plaid Cymru debate called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senedd on Wednesday .
`` For a fraction of the amount that we are spending keeping people in prison we could invest in a really good quality probation service , '' said Leanne Wood , Plaid AM for Rhondda , in an interview on BBC Radio Wales ' Sunday Supplement .
Her comments come after a coroner at Conner Marshall 's inquest criticised the probation service 's `` woefully inadequate '' management of a case worker supervising a man who beat the 18-year-old to death .
`` These are the things that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Wood .
`` They are not being tackled at the moment and we could tackle them if devolution of criminal justice was seen through . ''
After Friday 's inquest , the National Probation Service in Wales said it had taken responsibility for managing all offenders on licence in Wales from the Community Rehabilitation Company .

"I've got to get on with that apace. I want to deliver it by the middle of the decade, so my officials will do whatever they can to identify sites in England and Wales that fit the bill, and that can deliver those extra places," he added.


bbcuk--2020-01-19--The Fox Inn in Loxley: Locals buy village pub

Nearly 200 people have joined together to buy their local pub .
Residents in Loxley , Warwickshire , are buying The Fox Inn - the village 's only pub - amid fears it could be sold to developers and closed down .
Donations and shares sold at £200 each helped them raise £250,000 .
The venue , which residents say will be `` a community pub '' , is set to re-open in March with villagers having `` full freedom to do what we want '' .
Brewery Ei Group put the pub up for sale with a £345,000 asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a price of £290,000 for the pub 's `` action group '' .
The residents will raise the £40,000 shortfall through a loan and grant from the Plunkett Foundation which helps communities carry out such projects .
The group 's chair , Paul Jennings , said he was so passionate about saving the pub that he promised to get a tattoo of its logo if they managed it .
`` My wife is not overly impressed , '' he said .
The pub was listed as an `` asset of community value '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups the option to take it over .
`` After it was put up for sale , the people looking at it were looking to develop it and the fear was it would close and we would lose it , '' Mr Jennings said .
`` It 's the only meeting place in the village and that 's an important part of keeping the community together .
`` It 's a village pub and that 's what we want to keep : the culture and atmosphere of a village pub . ''
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox Inn will also incorporate a cafe , community space and a vegetable patch to provide for the restaurant .
`` It 's really focussed around the community , '' Mr Jennings said .
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"After it was put up for sale, the people looking at it were looking to develop it and the fear was it would close and we would lose it," Mr Jennings said.


bbcuk--2020-01-19--Harry and Meghan: No other option but to step back, says duke

The Duke of Sussex has said he is `` taking a leap of faith '' in stepping back from his life as a member of the Royal Family but said `` there really was no other option '' .
Speaking at an event on Sunday evening , he said he wanted to make it clear he and Meghan were `` not walking away '' .
`` The UK is my home and a place that I love , that will never change , '' he said .
It is the first time the duke has spoken since it was announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ titles .
Earlier this month , Prince Harry and Meghan said they intended `` to step back as 'senior ' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent '' .
• Harry 's speech in full on his royal future Beginning his speech at a fund-raising reception in central London for Sentebale , the charity he co-founded which helps children living with HIV in southern Africa , he said : `` I can only imagine what you may have heard and perhaps read over the past few weeks .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth from me as much as I can share , not as a prince or a duke but as Harry . ''
During his address , the prince said he would always have `` the utmost respect for my grandmother , my commander in chief '' .
`` Our hope was to continue serving the Queen , the Commonwealth , and my military associations , but without public funding .
Unfortunately , that was n't possible , '' he said .
`` I 've accepted this , knowing that it does n't change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am . ''
As part of a deal finalised on Saturday between the Queen , senior royals , and the couple , Harry and Meghan agreed they will no longer formally represent the monarch .
From the spring , they will stop using their HRH titles and withdraw from royal duties , including official military appointments .
However , the statement by Buckingham Palace said they would continue to maintain their private patronages and associations .
In the speech , posted on the couple 's Instagram account , the prince said that when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were excited , we were hopeful , and we were here to serve '' .
`` For those reasons , it brings me great sadness that it has come to this .
`` The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly , '' he said .
`` It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges and I know I have n't always got it right , but as far as this goes there really was no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they plan to divide their time between the UK and Canada , after they spent six weeks on Vancouver Island with their son Archie over Christmas .
• Why Meghan and Harry have Canada in their sights • The big question Canadians have about royal move The prince told attendees it was a `` privilege ... to feel your excitement for our son Archie , who saw snow for the first time the other day and thought it was bloody brilliant ! ''
The duchess is currently staying on Canada 's west coast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the UK earlier this month .

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bbcuk--2020-01-19--Seven Kings stabbing: Three killed after disturbance

Three men have died in a stabbing in east London .
Police said they were called at about 19:40 GMT @ @ @ @ @ a disturbance in Elmstead Road in Seven Kings , Ilford .
Three men , aged @ @ @ @ @ , were found by emergency services with apparent stab injuries , the Metropolitan Police said @ @ @ @ @ dead at the scene .
No arrests have yet been made , the Met added @ @ @ @ @ in the process of formally identifying the victims and informing next of kin .
Ch @ @ @ @ @ `` While inquiries into this tragic incident are at an early stage , this is @ @ @ @ @ homicide investigation . ''
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted : `` My thoughts are @ @ @ @ @ local community at this dreadful time . ''
He said extra police enforcement powers had @ @ @ @ @ of Redbridge borough until 08:00 on Monday .
A forensic examination of the scene is @ @ @ @ @ into Monday , police said .

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bbcuk--2020-01-20--Stagecoach takes rail franchise row to High Court

UK rail operator Stagecoach is taking the government to the High Court later , where it will argue ministers acted unlawfully in awarding rail franchises .
Last year , Stagecoach and its partners were barred from bidding to run three franchises in a row over pension liabilities .
Rail firms face an estimated £7.5bn pensions gap and Stagecoach says it was asked to take on too big a burden .
It alleges that the Department for Transport mismanaged the bid process .
It is seeking compensation , as well as a judicial review , which could see franchises already awarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action is backed by its bid partners , Virgin and French state-owned operator SNCF , as well as rival firm Arriva .
• Stagecoach 'asked to take on £1.6bn pensions risk' The West Coast Main Line , previously run by Virgin Trains , is now operated by a partnership between Aberdeen-based firm FirstGroup and Italy 's Trenitalia .
Another affected franchise , the East Midlands , was awarded to Dutch-owned firm Abellio .
The hearing is expected to last about four weeks , with a judgement to be issued later this year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it had to resort to legal action , but felt it had `` a strong case '' .
The DfT said it had `` total confidence '' in the franchise competition process and would `` robustly defend '' the decisions that were taken .
The Pensions Regulator has estimated the UK rail industry needs billions of pounds to plug a shortfall in the railway pension scheme , while Stagecoach has said it was being asked to take on risks it `` can not control and manage '' .
Rail firms have called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pensions deficit .

The Pensions Regulator has estimated the UK rail industry needs billions of pounds to plug a shortfall in the railway pension scheme, while Stagecoach has said it was being asked to take on risks it "cannot control and manage".


bbcuk--2020-01-20--Period poverty: Schools urged to order free menstrual products

State schools and colleges in England can now order free period products for students as part of a government scheme to tackle period poverty .
Tampons , pads and menstrual cups will be available for primary and secondary institutions to buy if they opt in .
The scheme aims to help prevent children missing school if they do n't have access to products at home .
Campaigners have warned that schools could disadvantage their pupils if they do not take up the scheme .
School staff will be able to choose from a range of items at various prices using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place orders via email or over the phone .
The products , from supplier phs Group , include single-use and reusable pads , applicator and non-applicator tampons , and menstrual cups .
• Why are women sharing their period stories ?
It follows the government 's announcement last March that it would fund free period products for secondary school students .
The pledge was subsequently extended to primary schools .
Amika George , 20 , started the campaign to get free period products into schools when she was 17 .
She said schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to break down stigma and to make sure they knew the demand was there to opt into the system .
Different students would need different products , she said .
For example , pads for children who can not use tampons for cultural or religious reasons .
Lynda Erroi , head of year seven at Southam College in Warwickshire , said she often works students who have `` no plan in place for when periods start '' or can not not afford products .
`` This will reduce the stress for any student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when period products are an issue in their life , '' she said .
`` Staff will also feel more empowered that they are able to request supplies and support a child 's needs . ''
The college previously worked with the Red Box Project , which has provided free period products to schools since 2017 .
Co-founder Anna Miles said the government scheme could mean the difference between a child attending and skipping school .
She described it as a `` step towards genuine equality '' .
Children and Families Minister Michelle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people can `` go about their daily lives '' without having to worry .
Individual schools will be able to see their allocated budgets for 2020 when they log in to the online portal .
The budget has been calculated on the basis that 35 % of pupils who menstruate will use the products .
The Department for Education website says the rate reflects the fact that not all students will need the products all of the time , and is mirrored in a scheme that is already rolled out in Scotland .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools from April 2019 .
One local authority in Northern Ireland offers free products in public places .
Orders from schools are expected to be delivered within five working days .

The Department for Education website says the rate reflects the fact that not all students will need the products all of the time, and is mirrored in a scheme that is already rolled out in Scotland.


bbcuk--2020-01-19--Ffair Rhos caravan fire: Boy, three, dies in blaze

A three-year-old boy was killed in a caravan fire in the early hours of Sunday morning .
His sibling , aged four , is in a critical but stable condition in hospital and his dad is stable .
The fire service said a touring caravan and vehicle were completely destroyed and adjacent property damaged in the blaze at Ffair Rhos , near Tregaron , Ceredigion .
Emergency services had been called to the scene at 05:35 GMT on Sunday .
`` Enquiries so far lead us to believe that three people were inside the caravan at the time the fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Det Ch Supt Steve Cockwell .
`` These were a father and two children - a four-year-old , and a little boy who we believe to have been aged three .
`` While the father and the eldest child were able to get out of the caravan , the younger of the siblings was tragically found deceased inside . ''
Specialist officers are now supporting the family while a major incident room has been set up at Aberystwyth Police Station .
Det Ch Supt Cockwell added : `` The father is currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the four-year-old is critical but stable .
The Criminal Investigation Department is investigating the cause of the fire and an appeal was made for witnesses .
`` This was a tragic incident , and we will be doing all we can to find answers for the family , whose world will have been torn apart by this morning 's events , '' the officer added .
A spokeswoman for the Mid and West Wales Fire service said appliances from Tregaron , Aberystwyth and Lampeter attended .

"This was a tragic incident, and we will be doing all we can to find answers for the family, whose world will have been torn apart by this morning's events," the officer added.


bbcuk--2020-01-20--New law to protect children giving evidence in court

Child witnesses in the most serious crimes are no longer to be asked to give evidence in court .
Instead they will be questioned in dedicated witness suites and their testimony will be pre-recorded to be played later to a jury .
The Vulnerable Witnesses Act which came into force on Monday , draws on the Scandanavian system of Barnahus - or children 's house .
Charities said the new system will help ensure witnesses are not retraumatised .
The change , which will apply to cases in the High Court , will spare under 18s from giving evidence during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witnesses in cases heard before a jury to record their evidence in advance of a trial for crimes including murder , sexual offences , human trafficking and domestic abuse .
As a result they will not have to face the accused in court .
Justice secretary Humza Yousaf said the act marked a significant milestone in Scotland 's journey to protect children as they interact with the justice system .
He said : `` Children who have witnessed the most traumatic crimes must be able to start on the path to recovery at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will allow that , improving the experiences of the most vulnerable child witnesses , as far fewer will have to give evidence in front of a jury .
`` Legislation is only one part of the jigsaw , backed by the development of modern , progressive and technologically advanced facilities to ensure children are supported to give their best evidence . ''
The new system draws on the Scandinavian experience of reducing the amount of interviews a child has to go through if they are a witness or victim .
Ideally this would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in as child-friendly a setting as possible .
This includes not only the décor and surroundings , but also providing support from different agencies on-site to help a child deal with any linked traumas or health issues that also need attention .
What is the Barnahus system ?
It was first developed in the United States before being adopted in Iceland in the late 1990s .
It later became the model for other Scandinavian countries - Sweden , Norway , Greenland , Denmark and a pilot in Finland .
It places a wide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases under one roof , putting the care and welfare of the child at the centre of all decision making .
In particular it recognises the harm and trauma that multiple interviews in different locations and with a number of different agencies can have on a child and their families .
Forensic interviews , medical examinations and access to therapeutic services can all take place in one place .
The charity Barnardo 's said in Iceland , its introduction had a significant influence on the number of children finding the confidence to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It had also led to a notable increase in conviction rates .
The legislative changes were proposed by the Scottish government in late 2018 .
But Holyrood 's justice committee called on ministers to go further and fully adopt the Scandinavian Barnahus principles into Scots law , adapting them to the Scottish context .
MSPs had visited the Barnahus in Oslo to gather evidence on how it worked .
A new suite , modelled on the Scandinavian system has already opened in Glasgow and aims to provide a less daunting setting than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give evidence in .
Similar facilities are planned in Edinburgh , Inverness and Aberdeen .
Justice committee convener Margaret Mitchell said : `` We recognise the potential stress caused by giving evidence , and we want to ensure steps are taken to avoid children being re-traumatised by the court processes .
`` On our visit to Oslo , we were struck by how the Barnahus provided wrap-around support .
Members therefore welcome the Scottish government 's ongoing work to introduce a similar approach for child victims and witnesses in Scotland . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ charity Children 1st , said : `` Children have told us that they found giving evidence in court almost as traumatic as the abuse itself .
`` This act means more children will now be able to give pre-recorded evidence in an environment more suitable to their needs .
`` It also reduces the time children wait to give evidence and means they will not have to face the accused . ''
Ms Glasgow added that pre-recording would enable experts to bring all the different services a child might need together under one @ @

He said: "Children who have witnessed the most traumatic crimes must be able to start on the path to recovery at the earliest possible stage and these changes will allow that, improving the experiences of the most vulnerable child witnesses, as far fewer will have to give evidence in front of a jury.