bbcuk--2020-01-29--Gay body shaming pressure 'led to severe heart failure'

Some gay men in the UK are going to extreme lengths to get big muscles and a six pack to @ @ @ @ @ the gay community .
The LGBT foundation says gay and bisexual men are `` much @ @ @ @ @ image issues '' than straight men .
The BBC 's LGBT correspondent Ben Hunte speaks @ @ @ @ @ died trying to get the look and to others who have taken risks to achieve @ @ @ @ @ .
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised , support and @ @ @ @ @ Action Line .

Some gay men in the UK are going to extreme lengths to get big muscles and a six pack to "fit in" to the gay community.
The LGBT foundation says gay and bisexual men are "much more likely to have body image issues" than straight men.
The BBC's LGBT correspondent Ben Hunte speaks to one man who nearly died trying to get the look and to others who have taken risks to achieve the "perfect body".
Video journalist: Patrick Clahane
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised, support and advice is available via BBC Action Line.


bbcuk--2020-01-29--National Television Awards highlights in two minutes

Why do so many reality TV stars face online abuse ?
For Montana Brown , life changed the moment she @ @ @ @ @ .
But then the threats and abuse began .

The winners included Mrs Brown's Boys, Jesy Nelson, Sir Michael Palin and of course... Ant and Dec.
The pair enjoyed their 19th straight NTA success as best presenters.
This video has been removed for rights reasons.
Read more: Mrs Brown beats Gervais and Fleabag at the NTAs


bbcuk--2020-01-28--Brexit: 'The best now is for it to be done and finalised'

The food and drink sector is the UK ’ s biggest manufacturing industry , with exports to the EU worth @ @ @ @ @ those to the rest of the world put together .
Latest figures from Make UK @ @ @ @ @ to be around £13.9bn in 2018 , with the rest of the world accounting for @ @ @ @ @ question for many in the food and drink sector , is just what sort of @ @ @ @ @ on exports post Brexit .
Sarah John runs craft beer maker Boss Brewing in Swansea @ @ @ @ @ as to what the trading landscape might be like once the UK leaves the EU @ @ @ @ @ might be put onto her beer , and at the minute the fact is she @ @ @ @ @ .

The food and drink sector is the UK’s biggest manufacturing industry, with exports to the EU worth over 50% more than those to the rest of the world put together. Latest figures from Make UK value exports to the EU to be around £13.9bn in 2018, with the rest of the world accounting for just £9bn. But the question for many in the food and drink sector, is just what sort of trade tariffs might there be on exports post Brexit.
Sarah John runs craft beer maker Boss Brewing in Swansea. She’s concerned as to what the trading landscape might be like once the UK leaves the EU and what tax and duties might be put onto her beer, and at the minute the fact is she simply doesn’t know.


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Jordan Sinnott death: Two men charged with manslaughter

Two men have been charged with manslaughter after a non-league footballer died after being attacked during a night out .
Jordan Sinnott , 25 , from Matlock Town FC , died in hospital after being found unconscious in Market Place , Retford , Nottinghamshire , on Saturday morning .
The two men from Retford , aged 21 and 22 , have also been charged with affray and common assault .
A third man from the town , aged 21 , has been charged with affray .
All three will appear at Mansfield Magistrates ' Court today .
• Latest news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sinnott , who was on loan at Matlock Town from Alfreton Town , suffered a fractured skull in the attack .
He died at Northern General Hospital , Sheffield , shortly before 18:00 GMT on Saturday .
His brother Tom Sinnott told Radio 1 's Newsbeat he was `` the best person '' he had ever known .
Hundreds of football shirts with `` Sinnott 25 '' on the back have been donated by clubs and will be on display at Mr Sinnott 's funeral before they are donated to Sport Relief .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother Mel and girlfriend Kelly Bossons , described the player as `` a true gentleman '' who `` absolutely loved his football '' .
They said : `` Nothing will ever be the same again without Jordan in our lives .
It will leave a void that can never be filled .
`` He was taken from us far too soon and no amount of time will make this easier .
`` Jordan touched so many hearts in his life and will leave behind a legacy . ''
They said the footballer carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been donated to `` respect his wishes '' .
`` We are so proud that he had given the greatest gift that anyone could give to another person - life . ''
Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram .
Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

They said: "Nothing will ever be the same again without Jordan in our lives. It will leave a void that can never be filled."


bbcuk--2020-01-29--MSPs to back new independence referendum in Holyrood vote

MSPs are set to back calls for a new referendum on Scottish independence in a vote at Holyrood .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants to hold a new poll later this year , and wants UK ministers to agree to this .
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has rejected her call for a transfer of powers , saying the 2014 vote was a `` once in a generation '' event .
A vote will be held at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday afternoon to agree `` a referendum should be held '' .
Ms Sturgeon is then due to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` next steps '' in the `` campaign to secure Scotland 's future as an independent nation '' .
• Could Scotland still become independent ?
• Indyref2 : What does 'once in a generation ' mean ?
The motion for the `` Scotland 's future '' debate at Holyrood asks MSPs to agree that `` there has been a material change in circumstances since 2014 and that a referendum should be held so that the people of Scotland can decide if they wish to become an independent country '' .
It also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement `` on such a referendum taking place on a date and in a manner determined by the Scottish Parliament '' , noting the Scottish government 's target of this happening in 2020 .
MSPs previously backed a motion calling for a fresh referendum in March 2017 by a margin of 69 to 59 .
A similar result is likely this time , with the pro-independence Greens set to back the SNP - but as with the previous vote , it will not bind the UK government into any agreement .
Ms Sturgeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar to that which underpinned the 2014 referendum - after the SNP won 48 of Scotland 's 59 seats in December 's general election .
Mr Johnson replied that he could `` not agree to any request for a transfer of power that would lead to further independence referendums '' .
Ms Sturgeon said MSPs should `` endorse a fundamental democratic principle - that this country has the right to choose its own future '' .
She said : `` The significance of today 's debate should not be underestimated .
It takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the UK are taken out of the EU , and the vote of the Scottish Parliament will be noticed around Europe and beyond .
`` It is my fervent hope and belief that Scotland will rejoin the European family of nations as an equal , independent country . ''
MSPs will also be asked whether to keep the European flag flying outside Holyrood , with ministers seeking to overturn an earlier decision by parliamentary authorities that it should be taken down when the UK leaves the EU .
The Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the constitution , saying the party of government `` is n't even pretending to care about other issues now '' .
Chief whip Maurice Golden said : `` Valuable time in the Scottish parliament should be used to address the very severe problems in our hospitals or the crisis engulfing our education system .
`` Instead , the nationalists want to revert to the only subject they excel in - stoking up constitutional division . ''

He told BBC Scotland: "A generation, as was in their independence white paper, has not passed. We're leaving the EU on Friday and we need to focus on the common fisheries policy, our coastal communities, our trade deals, all the good things we can do rather than another year of referendums, rancour and division."


bbcuk--2020-01-29--MoTs: Police to show discretion over car tax for some vehicles

Police in Northern Ireland have said they will show discretion in regards to cars that are untaxed because drivers can not get MoT tests .
They added that as long as the vehicle is roadworthy it is unlikely to be referred for prosecution .
Most MoT tests for cars and light vehicles in Northern Ireland have been suspended with immediate effect .
An inspection of vehicle lifts in NI 's MoT centres previously detected `` signs of cracking '' in 48 of 55 lifts .
In their statement , police said : `` Driving without vehicle tax is not prosecuted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DVLA .
`` Where a police officer detects a vehicle without tax and it is outside of the 14-day grace period provide in the legislation , a referral is made to the DVLA .
`` Given these exceptional circumstances , where PSNI detects a vehicle without a valid MoT certificate , providing the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition , officers would be encouraged to exercise discretion . ''
Meanwhile , Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has said that two new MOT lifts already purchased will be going into operation , possibly as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four months will be issued so motorists are able to drive .
However , these can not be issued for four-year-old cars or taxis .
This is because four-year-old cars have never been through an MoT test before , meaning they do not have a certificate to extend , while taxis are covered by different legislation .
An assembly member has called for emergency legislation to be brought in to address the MoT `` crisis '' .
Roy Beggs said legislation should be considered to extend the period in which cars do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beggs , a member of the assembly 's infrastructure committee , said he had put this to Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon .
`` We have to remember there 's a crisis coming in four months time , '' he said .
`` In four months time we 'll suddenly have twice as many as cars which will become due for MoT - those which are due at that time and those that are presently due . ''
Mr Beggs said at the minute cars that could be 10 years old were being exempted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be much , much safer , much newer and built to a much higher standard and there would be a lesser risk , '' he said .
`` We need to investigate all options . ''
The infrastructure minister , Ms Mallon , said two reviews will be conducted to determine what went wrong and how to fix it .
Tests on heavy goods vehicles and buses will continue .
Daniel Donnelly , of the Federation of Small Businesses , said many small firms depended on their vehicles .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Paul Duffy , chief executive of the Driver Vehicle Agency , said each of the 55 lifts could cost £30,000 to £40,000 to replace .
He said an insurance inspector who examined some of the repaired lifts on Monday was not satisfied with the work .
As a result , the agency was not comfortable that the rest of the lifts were safe to use , he said .
Mr Duffy said it was too early to say whether the lifts could be repaired or would have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility they may need to be replaced .
UK companies who manufacture MoT lifts told me the cost to replace each one could be in and around £30,000 to £40,000 because of the specifications required for testing in Northern Ireland .
The average manufacturing time for each lift can be anything from five to 10 weeks .
Depending on the capacity of the company they could make some simultaneously , but you are still talking a number of months to fulfil such an order .
One firm told me they could fulfil the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves - but that 's because they already have 15 in stock .
So that length of time plus a contract of this size and scale would inevitably be put out to tender by the department and that process could take some time .
We do n't know if the lifts will be replaced but it gives you a sense of the timescale and cost the department would be facing .
Ms Mallon said she has asked her permanent secretary to commission two separate reviews , which she will oversee .
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timeline and to understand who knew what and when and all actions taken '' .
She said the review will be carried out independently by auditors from outside the Department for Infrastructure .
`` The second review will be carried out by an external expert which we are currently in the process of appointing and will provide me with independent advice on the steps that need to be taken to return our MOT centres urgently to a position where a full testing service can be provided . ''
Thousands of MoTs had already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were detected .
The suspension was announced on Monday night .
Motorists have also raised concerns about insurance cover if they are unable to get MoT certificates .
On Tuesday , AXA insurance said : `` We are aware of the of the ongoing issues at MOT test centres in NI and that our customers may be concerned about their insurance cover .
`` AXA can confirm that until this situation is resolved , it will not be a requirement for AXA customers to have a valid MOT certificate , as long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

"But my department has been in close contact with them, we are making it clear that no-one should be penalised for a situation not of their making - very close to the position and assurances that we were able to obtain from the Association of British Insurers."


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Boy, 4, stable after Ffair Rhos fatal caravan fire

A four-year-old boy who was injured in a caravan fire which killed his brother is now stable in hospital , @ @ @ @ @ Harvey , three , was killed in the blaze in Ffair Rhos near Tregaron , @ @ @ @ @ .
His father Shaun Harvey , 28 , is also stable while brother Harley was @ @ @ @ @ '' Both are currently stable and remain in hospital with a period of recovery ahead @ @ @ @ @ force said .
An appeal fund for the victims passed its £10,000 target within 10 @ @ @ @ @ the appeal originally set a target of £5,000 but that was passed within hours in @ @ @ @ @ `` overwhelming '' response .

The organisers of the appeal originally set a target of £5,000 but that was passed within hours in what they described as an "overwhelming" response.


bbcuk--2020-01-29--'If I don't see two magpies, I get panic attacks'

The well known children 's rhyme `` one for sorrow , two for joy '' relates to magpies , but @ @ @ @ @ of not spotting two of the birds each morning causes severe anxiety and panic attacks @ @ @ @ @ year Amy spends up to four hours being driven around by her mum looking for @ @ @ @ @ that until she 's spotted the magpies her normal day ca n't begin and is @ @ @ @ @ will lead to something bad happening to someone she loves .
Amy 's fixation on @ @ @ @ @ after her mother , Mary , collapsed with a brain tumour .
If you 've @ @ @ @ @ the issues in this film you can visit BBC Action Line here .
You can @ @ @ @ @ BBC Inside Out South on BBC iPlayer .

The well known children's rhyme "one for sorrow, two for joy" relates to magpies, but for one woman the thought of not spotting two of the birds each morning causes severe anxiety and panic attacks.
Every day of the year Amy spends up to four hours being driven around by her mum looking for the birds.
She says that until she's spotted the magpies her normal day can't begin and is convinced that not seeing them will lead to something bad happening to someone she loves.
Amy's fixation on magpies began four years ago after her mother, Mary, collapsed with a brain tumour.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this film you can visit BBC Action Line here.
You can see the full film from BBC Inside Out South on BBC iPlayer.


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Coronavirus: Flight taking Britons out of Wuhan 'unable to take off'

A planned flight to bring 200 British nationals back to the UK from coronavirus-hit Wuhan is unable to take off as planned on Thursday .
It is understood relevant permissions from Chinese officials have not yet come through .
The Foreign Office said it was `` working urgently '' to organise a flight to the UK `` as soon as possible '' .
The virus has caused more than 130 deaths , spreading across China and to at least 16 other countries .
The flight from Wuhan , the city where the virus first emerged , had been expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday morning .
Passengers were to be taken to an NHS facility .
When the passengers do return they will be put in `` supported isolation '' for 14 days with `` all necessary medical attention '' , a Downing Street spokesman said .
The Foreign Office said a number of countries ' flights had been unable to take off as planned .
`` We remain in close contact with the Chinese authorities and conversations are ongoing at all levels , '' the spokeswoman added .
• World 'must be on alert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of foreign nationals are being evacuated from Wuhan , with Japan , the US and the EU among those repatriating their citizens .
Some 200 Japanese nationals have been flown from Wuhan and have landed at Tokyo 's Haneda airport .
Roughly 200 Americans - including workers from the local US consulate - have also left Wuhan on an evacuation flight .
However , on Wednesday , a British man in Wuhan told the BBC that Chinese authorities were refusing to grant permission for his Chinese wife to accompany him back to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said he and his nine-year-old daughter had been told they could fly back - but only without his wife , who has a permanent residency visa for the UK .
`` My wife is distraught , '' he said .
`` The Chinese authorities are not allowing any Chinese residents to leave . ''
He added : `` I had to make a decision where it 's either my nine-year-old daughter , who 's got a British passport , and myself to leave - and leave my wife here in China - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Another UK citizen due to be flown out of Wuhan said she was told to leave behind her three-year-old son because he has a Chinese passport .
Natalie Francis , originally from York , said : `` I literally had no words when I got the call . ''
`` All three of us are in Wuhan at the moment , '' she added .
`` Physically we are fine , but the stress of being locked up for so long ... the emotional health is starting to suffer a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Foreign Office said its priority was to keep British nationals and their families together .

We are in the middle of the outbreak and thousands of those patients are still being treated. We don't know if they will live or die, so they can't be used in these calculations.


bbcuk--2020-01-29--HS2: Chancellor Sajid Javid 'backs project' ahead of crucial meeting

Sajid Javid has decided to throw his support behind HS2 ahead of a key meeting with Boris Johnson on Thursday .
The chancellor is expected to tell the PM he supports the controversial London to Birmingham rail link after studying Treasury analysis of its impact on regional development and rail capacity .
A leaked report has suggested the project could cost almost double the £56bn originally expected in 2015 .
Mr Johnson has said MPs can expect a decision `` very shortly '' .
No 10 said a final decision on the rail link would not be taken on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Transport Secretary Grant Shapps , is expected to go a long way to coming up with a decision about whether to back the project The BBC 's political editor Laura Kuenssberg said the mood music seemed to be pointing towards going ahead but massive anxieties remained .
She said senior government figures had suggested that cancelling the project at this stage would be a `` credibility issue '' .
• HS2 : Give me the facts , says Shapps • Will HS2 ever get built ?
The chancellor 's support for the project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which said that he had concluded that alternatives to the scheme did not add up .
Phase 1 of the rail line between London and Birmingham is due to open at the end of 2026 , with the second phase to Leeds and Manchester scheduled for completion by 2032-33 .
It is designed to carry trains capable of travelling at 250mph .
The government commissioned a review into the line last August , designed , ministers said , to determine whether the project could still be deemed value for money .
Billions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has refused to rule out scrapping it entirely .
Mr Shapps revealed last week he had asked for more data before making a `` massive decision '' on HS2 , after a leaked government review found it could cost £106bn .
The unpublished report , which was leaked to the FT , said there was `` considerable risk '' that estimated costs could rise by another 20 % - but it did conclude that despite the ballooning bill , it should still go ahead .
The government previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the end of 2019 .
Mr Johnson faced calls to back HS2 from Conservative MPs at PMQs .
Kevin Hollinrake , MP for Thirsk and Malton , in North Yorkshire , called on the government to increase rail capacity `` in and between the North , the Midlands , the South and Scotland '' .
This could only be done by investing in the Midlands Engine , the Northern Powerhouse and carrying on with HS2 , he told the PM .
Mr Johnson said the government was looking at investing into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could `` expect an announcement very shortly '' on HS2 .
The PM also sought to reassure Paul Howell , freshly installed as Sedgefield 's new Conservative MP , who called for a `` positive '' decision to improve connectivity in his region .
Keiran Mullan , Tory MP for Crewe and Nantwich , urged the PM to `` get HS2 done to secure jobs across the country '' .
Speaking on Wednesday , the BBC 's political editor said the signs were that HS2 would get the go-ahead , even though there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high up in government .
She said it was in part a question of credibility - it would be difficult for a government that says it is committed to greater investment in the Midlands and North to cancel the biggest project on its books designed to do that .

"It is absolutely wrong for my constituents," he said, "and I believe it to be wrong for the country as well and I made very clear commitments in the general election that come what may I will oppose HS2."


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Northern: Rail firm brought under government control

Troubled rail company Northern is to be brought under government control .
The decision , which will see the firm 's franchise stripped from operator Arriva Rail North from 1 March , was taken following years of major disruption .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said passengers had `` lost trust in the north 's rail network '' .
Arriva said it `` understood the government 's decision '' , but problems had been largely due to `` external factors '' such as rail infrastructure .
Northern passengers have faced rail chaos ever since new timetables were introduced in May 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to blight the network .
Mr Shapps said : `` People across the north deserve better , their communities deserve better and I am determined to achieve that . ''
The move means services will be operated by an arms-length government-owned company .
• What will happen to Northern rail tickets ?
German-based Arriva had been due to run Northern until March 2025 .
But Mr Shapps revealed in October he had requested a proposal from Northern to outline its plans to improve services , after `` unacceptable '' delays and cancellations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to consider whether to hand a new , short-term contract to Arriva , or to nationalise services by putting the government-controlled Operator of Last Resort ( OLR ) in charge .
What went wrong at Northern ?
The company has faced a range of problems in recent years , including widespread cancellations and delays following the introduction of new timetables .
It also faced challenges due to infrastructure projects , strike action and an ageing fleet of trains .
Its continued poor performance earned it the nickname 'Northern Fail ' from frustrated passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Road revealed how just 56 % of Northern trains arrived at stations within a minute of the stated time on the timetable in the 12 months to 7 December .
That compares to an average across Britain of 65 % .
What else is to blame ?
Northern said external factors had made the company 's plan for the network `` undeliverable '' .
These included prolonged industrial action by the RMT , and delayed and cancelled infrastructure projects .
More than half of delays on the entire UK rail network were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like signalling .
Government-owned firm Network Rail was put on a warning earlier this month for its poor service on routes in the North West and Midlands .
Who will take over ?
Northern services will transfer from Arriva Rail North to Northern Trains Limited , a newly formed subsidiary of the Department for Transport 's OLR .
OLR is a public company , staffed by experienced train managers , which reports directly to the government .
It already manages the London North Eastern Railway ( LNER ) franchise after rail services on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back under government control in May 2018 .
However , this was only supposed to last for two years .
What do passengers think ?
For many people who have faced repeated delays travelling on Northern trains , the news has been welcomed .
`` My brother-in-law is a train driver on London routes and when he finishes his shift it takes him ages to get home on Northern as they are always delayed . ''
Read more on how Northern passengers have reacted .
What the government says Mr Shapps described the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern '' but he sounded a note of caution for those expecting immediate dramatic improvements .
`` Northern 's network is huge and complex , some of the things which are wrong are not going to be quick or easy to put right , '' he said .
The much-maligned Pacer trains must still be replaced and Mr Shapps said new technology would be rolled out to identify overcrowding issues .
He also revealed plans to extend platforms at 30 stations on the Northern network to allow for longer trains .
The new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plan in the first 100 days `` to make sure we leave no stone unturned in improving this franchise for passengers '' .
This is an uncomfortable moment for the government .
In the end , nationalising this vast commuter network was its only option .
An agreement to change Arriva 's contract and keep the firm on board was n't possible because a commercially , and politically , palatable deal could n't be found .
What the government wants on Northern is a new performance-related train contract , like existing ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which put less risk on the train company .
As one rail boss described it , this type of system will be very similar to a nationalised railway , but private companies will still have a role to play .
Northern 's failure is in large part down to ancient infrastructure which struggles to cope with the high volume of trains and passengers at peak times .
Put simply , there is no silver bullet for improving our railways .
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and his Liverpool City Region counterpart Steve Rotheram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' for passengers .
In a joint statement , they called on the government to `` commit to investing in much-needed rail infrastructure and work with leaders across the north to deliver the vision and funding needed to build the modern transport network that the people of our region deserve '' .
Manuel Cortes , general secretary of the TSSA transport union , welcomed the decision but said the government must understand `` franchising of our railways , while stuffing the mouths of shareholders with gold , has completely failed '' .
Mick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' union ASLEF , also warned `` there wo n't be an immediate improvement '' .
`` [ This is ] because many of the systemic failures at Northern - the late delivery of new rolling stock , the cancellation by the Conservative government of infrastructure upgrades , trying to run a service with too few drivers - can not be remedied overnight , '' he said .
Chris Burchell , Arriva 's UK managing director , said he recognised `` overall service improvements have not come quickly enough '' .
`` For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
He also thanked staff for working `` tirelessly over the last four years '' .
`` I am confident that as a result of the determination and hard work of the Northern rail team , they have helped set strong foundations for future improvement on the network . ''
What next for passengers ?
While the name of the operator will change on 1 March , branding on the trains will remain the same and staff will keep their jobs .
Over the next few weeks , services will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy tickets in the usual way , Northern Trains Limited said .
Tickets purchased for journeys using multiple train companies will still be valid , a spokesperson added .
Further announcements will be made when the transfer is complete on 1 March .
If you have a question about Northern , the service or the franchise let us know by completing the form below .
In some cases your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure you have read the terms and conditions .

In some cases your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions.


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Brexit: European Parliament overwhelmingly backs terms of UK's exit

Members of the European Parliament have overwhelmingly backed the terms of the UK 's departure from the EU .
MEPs ratified the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement by 621 votes to 49 following an emotional debate in Brussels .
After the vote , MEPs marked the UK 's exit by singing Auld Lang Syne .
Several British MEPs said they hoped the UK would return one day although Eurosceptics , including the Brexit Party 's Nigel Farage , used their final speeches to tear into the EU .
The UK is due to leave the bloc at 23:00 GMT on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the UK and EU in October , was not in doubt after it easily cleared its committee stage last week .
• As it happened : An emotional send-off for Britain • New Scottish MEP sworn in - for four days • Tears and relief as the UK 's MEPs bid goodbye • Mavericks to mainstream : The long campaign for Brexit Signing the letter confirming the EU 's consent , the Parliament 's president , David Sassoli , said the two sides must heed the words of the late Labour MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and recognise `` there is more that unites us than divides us . ''
`` You are leaving the EU but you will always be part of Europe…It is very hard to say goodbye .
That is why , like my colleagues , I will say arrivederci . ''
Wednesday 's session saw those on either side of the Brexit debate , including the UK 's 73 MEPs , celebrate or lament the end of British EU membership .
Some MEPs marked the occasion with songs - others wore `` always united '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Guy Verhofstadt , said it was `` sad to see a country leaving that has twice given its blood to liberate Europe '' .
He added that British MEPs had brought `` wit , charm , and intelligence '' as well as `` stubbornness '' , and would be missed .
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said ratification of the withdrawal deal was `` only a first step '' towards a new partnership between the EU and the UK .
The two should `` join forces '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , and seek a close partnership following the UK 's exit on Friday .
`` We will always love you and we will not be far , '' she told the UK in closing .
The EU 's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier also wished the UK well , saying the bloc would approach talks on the future relationship with `` patience '' and `` objectivity '' while defending its members ' interests .
On the other side , though , Conservative MEP and prominent Eurosceptic Daniel Hannan said opinion in Britain turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` the aspiration was to have the EU as a quasi-state '' .
`` If at any stage Britain had been able to have a trade-only relationship that would have been enough , '' he went on , but added : `` You are losing a bad tenant and gaining a good neighbour . ''
Mr Farage - who has been campaigning for the UK 's exit since before he was first elected to the Brussels Parliament in 1999 - used his final speech to excoriate the EU .
`` I want Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - what do we want from Europe ? ''
he said , arguing that `` trade , friendship , co-operation and reciprocity '' between nations could be achieved without `` all of these institutions and all of this power '' .
He and his fellow Brexit Party MEPs waved Union flags before walking out of the chamber en masse .
A tearful Molly Scott Cato was applauded and hugged by her colleagues after she spoke of her `` grief and regret '' at Brexit and the hope she would return to the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While now is not the time to campaign to rejoin the EU , we must keep the dream alive , '' the Green Party MEP said .
Belgian MEP Philippe Lamberts said the EU must learn lessons from the UK 's decision to leave .
He said the bloc had to `` regain the hearts and minds of European citizens '' by focusing on what it could do for the many , not the few .
Earlier , the S & D coalition , which houses Labour 's 10 MEPs , displayed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which read : `` It 's not goodbye , it 's au revoir . ''
On Tuesday evening , several MEPs in the Green group also held a ceremony to mark the UK 's departure .
While Brexit Party MEPs spoke of their joy and relief at leaving , others shared messages of sadness on social media as they prepared to vote for the last time .
The Green Party 's Alexandra Phillips tweeted : `` I 'm devastated to be leaving the best job in the world .
I get to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 27 different languages and cultures . ''
Liberal Democrats shared pictures of gifts from the pro-European Renew Europe group .
After the UK leaves , there will be an 11-month transition period in which the two sides hope to negotiate their future economic relationship .
Trade talks are expected to begin in earnest in early March .
The European Parliament will also get a say in ratifying any future trade deal .
The UK has insisted talks should not extend beyond 31 December 2020 when a transition period - which will see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an end .
President Sassoli told CNN on Tuesday that the timetable for a deal was tight .
He said the UK 's exit would be `` painful '' for the bloc but building a new partnership based upon friendly co-operation and mutual interests was now essential .

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bbcuk--2020-01-30--Wonga borrowers 'to get 4.3% of compensation claims'

People who were mis-sold loans by the payday lender Wonga have been told that they will receive just 4.3 % of the compensation they are owed .
Administrators have begun informing around 400,000 claimants by letter , some of whom have reacted in dismay .
Before its collapse , Wonga was vilified for its high-cost , short-term loans , seen as targeting the vulnerable .
Commenting on the debt advice forum Debt Camel , one ex-customer called it an `` utter disgrace '' .
`` Lives have been ruined by these loans .
I myself had to borrow from friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Claim redress £3,455 , [ I am ] getting £148 . ''
Wonga , which collapsed in 2018 , was once the UK 's biggest payday lender but its practices attracted intense scrutiny .
In 2014 , the Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) found it had lent money to many who would never be able to repay , prompting a crack down on the sector .
Administrators have since received 380,000 eligible claims against the business worth £460m in total - an average of £1,200 a claim .
But while claimants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less '' than full compensation , few expected to get so little .
Sara Williams , who runs Debt Camel , said they had been `` badly let down '' .
`` Wonga ignored the regulator 's rules about checking the affordability of loans and they were allowed to get away with this for 10 years .
`` Now customers are being let down again because they are not getting the compensation they deserve from the regulator . ''
Hundreds of ex-customers have vented their anger on the Debt Camel site .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exploited , and we all know how much we have been exploited by .
`` In my case £6,500 , of which I 'll receive less than £300 . ''
Ms Williams said borrowers were not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme , which is overseen by the FCA , The scheme covers products such as payment protection insurance ( PPI ) , fully reimbursing anyone who has been mis-sold to , but does not extend to payday loans .
`` This is n't just a problem for the hundreds of thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payday lenders have been unable to get proper compensation after the lender has had to close , '' Ms Williams said .
`` The FCA needs to rethink this and provide a safety net for people who were mis-sold unaffordable loans . ''
Wonga 's administrators said claims should be paid within the next four weeks , later than the 20 January date initially promised .
They also said loans being refunded would be removed from people 's credit records within the next six weeks - which will be a relief to many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wonga but it is unclear what will happen to their balances .
Ms Williams said administrators were no longer taking payments and had said before that they were not likely to sell the loans to a debt collector .

Hundreds of ex-customers have vented their anger on the Debt Camel site. One said: "We have all been exploited, and we all know how much we have been exploited by.


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Huawei: Pompeo urges UK to 'relook' at decision ahead of UK visit

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged the UK to reconsider allowing Huawei to have a role in its 5G system , ahead of talks with Boris Johnson .
He told reporters the UK had a chance to `` relook '' at the decision , stressing the US needed to be sure its allies had `` trusted '' information networks .
The US believes the Chinese firm 's equipment poses a spying risk .
But Culture Secretary Baroness Morgan said it `` in no way '' affects the ability of the UK to share classified data .
As well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo will hold talks with his UK counterpart , Dominic Raab , on a range of controversial issues .
The case of Harry Dunn is expected to be discussed , after Washington refused the UK 's request for the extradition of Anne Sacoolas - an American diplomat 's wife suspected of causing his death by dangerous driving .
• What is Huawei and how could it be a security threat ?
• How UK 's Huawei decision affects rest of the world The US had repeatedly warned that giving Huawei a role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` back door '' into the telecoms network through which they could carry out espionage or cyber attacks .
Ahead of his arrival in London , Mr Pompeo told reporters the US wanted to `` work with '' the UK following the National Security Council 's decision to give Huawei a role in spite of those warnings .
`` We were urging them ( the UK ) to make a decision that was different than the one they made and we 'll have a conversation about how to proceed , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the UK to relook at this as implementation moves forward , and then it 's important for everyone to know there is also real work being done by lots of private companies inside the US and in Europe to make sure that there are true competitors to Huawei . ''
He added : `` We will make sure that when American information passes across a network we are confident that that network is a trusted one . ''
The UK has insisted the firm will be barred from sensitive locations , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its share of the market will be capped at 35 % .
Baroness Morgan also told BBC Breakfast the UK had expertise is mitigating risks when using Huawei 's technology , as it was already part of existing 4G networks - unlike in the US .
She said : `` We want to see the roll-out of 5G ... for the growth of our economy and productivity , but in making this decision , we have been very clear we will not compromise on national security .
`` We obviously had a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] have made their views clear .
But we have got that expertise , we have had that oversight of Huawei ... which gives our agencies the ability to give the assurance that having them involved in the periphery of the network does not present the security challenge I think others have worried about . ''
The UK 's decision also faced a criticism from some senior Conservative MPs after Mr Raab made a statement about it in the Commons .
Tom Tugendhat , former chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaves many concerns and does not close the UK 's networks to a frequently malign international actor '' .
But Defence Secretary Ben Wallace downplayed such concerns , telling the BBC the UK should not be `` paranoid '' that the decision would lead to `` Big Brother from China watching us '' .
Asked about how the US might react Mr Wallace said : `` I do n't know how they 'll react ... they 've made their concerns clear .
`` We understand that - we respect that , we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence they share and how they share it . ''
A series of US congressional figures called on the UK to reconsider , saying the decision could be an obstacle to a post-Brexit trade deal between the US and UK , as well as raising questions over security co-operation .
Senator Tom Cotton , a Republican member of the Senate intelligence committee , called for a `` thorough review '' of intelligence sharing with the UK .
`` I fear London has freed itself from Brussels only to cede sovereignty to Beijing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China a foothold to carry out `` pervasive espionage '' on the UK and gave it `` increased economic and political leverage '' , he said .
Senator Lindsey Graham , a Republican who is one of the president 's most committed defenders , said he was `` very concerned '' and urged the UK to think again .
`` This decision has the potential to jeopardise US-UK intelligence sharing agreements and could greatly complicate a US-UK free trade agreement , '' he tweeted .

"We obviously had a number of conversations with the US [who] have made their views clear. But we have got that expertise, we have had that oversight of Huawei... which gives our agencies the ability to give the assurance that having them involved in the periphery of the network does not present the security challenge I think others have worried about."


bbcuk--2020-01-29--ITN's Alastair Stewart steps down after social media 'errors of judgement'

ITV News presenter Alastair Stewart is stepping down from his role following what ITN called `` errors of judgment in Alastair 's use of social media '' .
In a statement , the veteran broadcaster , 67 , said : `` It was a misjudgement which I regret . ''
ITN said he had breached editorial guidelines , but did not elaborate on the reasons for his departure .
He added : `` It 's been a privilege to bring the news to households throughout the UK for the past 40 years . ''
Stewart joined ITV in 1980 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later .
The newsreader 's Twitter account has now been deactivated .
ITV presenter Julie Etchingham wrote on Twitter : `` So sad to learn this - we have worked on many big stories together & Al is a trusted friend and guide to many of us . ''
Fellow newsreader Mary Nightingale added that she was `` very sad '' about his departure .
Michael Jermey , ITV director of news and current affairs , said in a statement : `` Alastair has been a long-standing , familiar figure to viewers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with distinction .
We wish him the very best for the future . ''
ITN 's chief executive Anna Mallett added : `` We would like to recognise Alastair 's contribution as one of the UK 's foremost journalists and TV presenters and to thank him for his commitment to delivering high-quality broadcast news over many years . ''
Stewart , from Hampshire , joined ITN as industrial correspondent in 1980 .
He also served as a foreign correspondent , and was sent to Washington in 1990 and then to Saudi Arabia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage of the first Gulf War for two months .
Behind the news desk , he hosted ITV 's lunchtime and early evening news , as well as News At Ten and Channel 4 News .
His other shows included the long-running Police , Camera , Action !
, which was made using police footage of dangerous driving .
Stewart was named presenter of the year by the Royal Television Society in 2005 , and was awarded an OBE the following year .
He often anchored ITV 's coverage of elections and royal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK 's first-ever televised general election leaders ' debate , between David Cameron , Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg .
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .


bbcuk--2020-01-29--BBC News to close 450 posts as part of £80m savings drive

Around 450 jobs will be cut from BBC News under plans to complete its £80m savings target by 2022 .
Outlets to be hit by job closures include BBC Two 's Newsnight , BBC Radio 5 Live and the World Update programme on the World Service .
BBC News boss Fran Unsworth said there had to be a move away from traditional broadcasting and towards digital .
But broadcasting union Bectu said the changes mean staff will be `` under even more pressure to deliver '' .
The job cuts announced on Wednesday include the previously announced closure of BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News currently employs around 6,000 people , including 1,700 outside the UK .
Its budget after the changes will be around £480m per year .
Unsworth , who is director of BBC News , said : `` The BBC has to face up to the changing way audiences are using us .
`` We need to reshape BBC News for the next decade in a way which saves substantial amounts of money .
We are spending too much of our resources on traditional linear broadcasting and not enough on digital . ''
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 that it needed to save £800m , with around £80m of that figure coming from News .
Just over £40m - around half - of the savings required in BBC News have already been found over the past four years .
The remaining savings will be found in large part by restructuring the newsroom to adopt a `` story-led '' model , which will see planned stories each rolled out across a greater number of programmes and outlets .
The BBC said this would avoid the duplication that occurs from several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories .
However , the changes mean there will be a reduction in the overall number of stories covered , and Newsnight will produce fewer films .
The corporation said further information about which specific jobs are to go will be announced early in the summer .
Unsworth also said there would be a review of the number of presenters BBC News has and how they work .
While Victoria Derbyshire and World Update will be closed , Unsworth said there are unlikely to be any further closures of entire programmes or services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in post closures across BBC News as the planning and commissioning of stories is centralised .
The BBC News website will be largely , although not entirely , protected , as the corporation prepares to invest further in digital , including the launch of a new version of the BBC News app .
The 450 job cuts include around 50 post closures at the World Service that were announced at the end of 2019 .
The BBC announced in 2016 it needed to save £800m by 2020 ; BBC News was to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is only half way .
The BBC is struggling to connect with many British people - especially those from poorer socio-economic backgrounds , and - even more so - those under 35 .
The licence fee , which accounts for around 75 % of the BBC 's revenue , is under unprecedented political and structural pressure .
These three facts have driven the changes announced today .
The first made pain inevitable ; the second has determined the nature of the cuts announced ; the third means the audience the BBC has in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just licence fee payers - it 's the inhabitants of 10 Downing Street .
• A radical experiment , at an uncertain time , for BBC News - read Amol 's full blog Writing on Twitter after the latest announcement , Victoria Derbyshire took issue with the reasons behind the decision to close her programme .
`` We were NEVER asked to grow the linear TV audience .
Ever , '' she tweeted in response to a journalist who suggested the viewing figures for her programme were low .
`` We were asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did , '' she said .
Michelle Stanistreet , general secretary of the National Union of Journalists , responded to the announcement by saying : `` These damaging cuts are part of an existential threat to the BBC , and a direct consequence of the last disastrous , secret licence fee deal the BBC agreed with the government . ''
Bectu national secretary Noel McClean said : `` The unprecedented constraints faced by the BBC will leave our members under even more pressure to deliver the output and service that has made this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international broadcasting community and risks its future viability . ''
Damian Collins MP , who is standing for re-election as chair of the House of Commons culture select committee , said there would be `` concerns '' about the plans .
`` They should explain how it 'll impact the BBC 's ability to reach people , '' he wrote on Twitter .
TalkRadio host Julia Hartley Brewer and former Newsnight economics editor Paul Mason were among those offering their views on the plans on Twitter .
Meanwhile , the BBC has suspended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service after protests , a day before it was due to have started being phased out .
On Monday , a petition calling for it to be saved , organised by the National Federation of the Blind of the UK ( NFBUK ) , was handed in to the BBC and Downing Street .
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Jeremy Hunt wins health role in select committee ballot

Ex-Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has been elected to head a committee of MPs which scrutinises the performance of the NHS and government health policy .
Mr Hunt , who stood against Boris Johnson for the Tory leadership this summer , was the longest serving health secretary between 2010 and 2016 .
He was among 15 select committee chairs elected in a secret ballot .
And former cabinet ministers Greg Clark and Karen Bradley will head the science and procedure committees respectively .
A wide range of roles were up for grabs , with briefs ranging from transport to international trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honoured '' to be elected as chair of the health select committee and he would be pressing the government to move quickly to build a cross-party consensus for a funding settlement for care for the elderly .
There is a select committee for each governmental department , along with a few additional groups .
They are made up of 11 or more members who carry out inquiries and create reports into a range of subjects .
They are seen as one of the most effective ways of holding ministers and civil servants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including education and home affairs , have already been named as the candidates for chairman ran uncontested .
Wednesday 's elections do not include the intelligence and security committee ( ISC ) - the head of which is chosen through a separate process , with nominations provided by the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition .
The long-awaited Russia report - into allegations of espionage , subversion and interference in UK democracy - will not be published until a new ISC is established .
The timing of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gift of the PM .
Chairs of the committees are elected by MPs at the start of each Parliament .
Parties agree on the allocation of committees between them to make sure the chairs are a fair representation of the make-up of Parliament .
As Mr Johnson and his Conservatives won in December with an 80-strong majority , Tory MPs will chair 17 of them .
Labour will head up nine , while the SNP will lead on two .
The biggest competition was for chair of the defence committee , with five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ex-defence minister Mr Ellwood saw off competition from Adam Holloway , Robert Courts , James Gray and Sir Bernard Jenkin .
And incumbent Mr Tugendhat won the hotly contested race to head the foreign affairs committee , defeating Crispin Blunt and Bob Seely .
The big Labour contest was for chair of the pensions committee , with Stephen Timms seeing off Debbie Abrahams , Chris Bryant and Karen Buck .


bbcuk--2020-01-29--BBC suspends Red Button text switch-off

BBC suspends Red Button text switch-off

The BBC has suspended the closure of its Red Button text service after protests , a day before it was due to have started being phased out .
The news comes days after a petition , organised by the National Federation of the Blind of the UK ( NFBUK ) , was handed in to the BBC and Downing Street .
The service was due to have been closed over the next few weeks .
BBC director general Tony Hall said he would examine the concerns and make `` a fresh decision '' in the spring .
The NFBUK called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was looking forward to working with Mr Collins , the BBC and the British Deaf Association `` for a better resolution '' .
Its petition expressed concerns that the removal of the service would `` leave many people , who are already vulnerable , further isolated and marginalised from society '' .
'To be explored in more depth' In a letter to Damian Collins MP , Lord Hall said the BBC had heard from organisations , MPs and members of the public about its decision to phase out the service .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closure of Red Button text service could negatively affect elderly people and people with disabilities , '' the letter read .
`` These are issues which I feels [ sic ] deserve to be explored in more depth ... so we have decided to suspend its closure pending further work in that area . ''
Lord Hall said the service would continue `` as close as possible to its current state for the time being '' .
His pledge was echoed by Matthew Postgate , the BBC 's chief technology and product officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listen carefully and with an open mind to the views which have been expressed '' .
He wrote on the BBC blog : `` We will look at all this , along with other evidence , and make a fresh decision in the spring . ''
Red Button text - which enables headlines , football scores , weather and travel news to be read on TV sets - launched in 1999 , taking over as Ceefax was phased out .
Last year a BBC spokesperson said the decision to close the service had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources that maintained it would go towards `` even better internet-based services '' .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Last year a BBC spokesperson said the decision to close the service had not been taken lightly and that the resources that maintained it would go towards "even better internet-based services".


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Washing machine owners must re-check for fire risk

Owners of Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines may have to check again to see whether their model is on a recall list of fire-prone appliances .
An extra three models have been added to the host of machines that may catch fire owing to an overheating door mechanism .
It means that 5,000 more machines are being added to the 519,000 the company is trying to locate .
The company said adding to the list was common in the recall process .
What is the problem ?
About 20 % of the Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines sold since 2014 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be recalled , a process that started earlier this month .
The company says it has identified 165,000 of the problem appliances so far and 70,000 have already been replaced or repaired .
It has received calls or had contact from two million people .
Seventy-nine fires are thought to have been caused by an overheating door locking system , a fault which develops over time , according to Whirlpool , which owns the brands .
Whirlpool has set up a model checker online .
Owners of Hotpoint and Indesit washing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enter the model and serial number of their appliance - found inside the door or on the back - to see if it is one of those affected .
Those who have previously checked , and been given the all clear , may need to check again .
The company said it could contact 60 % of those with the newly affected models , but customers should check .
There is also a free helpline , open every day , available on 0800 316 1442 .
Slots for a modification or replacement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ model numbers of the appliances which have been added to the list , three weeks after the initial recall launch , owing to further analysis by the company .
They are WMAQC641PUK , WMAQG741PUK , and WMFG741GUK .
Jeff Noel , vice president of Whirlpool , said : `` With more than 30 % of the affected products now accounted for , this campaign has already surpassed the UK average for a product recall campaign by a significant margin .
`` While this is good progress , we know there is still work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are working seven days a week to look after our customers and running a widespread campaign to raise awareness .
`` We are deeply sorry to our customers for the inconvenience this recall may cause but we are taking action because it is the right thing to do for people 's safety .
We will do whatever it takes to put the situation right . ''
The company has already been dealing with the recall of more than five million tumble dryers , sold over 11 years , which were found to be @ @ @ @

"We are deeply sorry to our customers for the inconvenience this recall may cause but we are taking action because it is the right thing to do for people's safety. We will do whatever it takes to put the situation right."


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Two UK deaths 'may be linked to vaping lung injury'

There have been two potential cases of e-cigarette or vaping-related lung injury in the UK in the past year in which both patients died .
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is currently investigating the deaths .
It has also received 20 reports of serious adverse reactions to vaping .
Public health experts said the deaths were `` concerning '' but UK-regulated e-cigarettes were far less harmful than smoking .
Public Health England advises smokers to switch to using an e-cigarette to help the chances of quitting completely .
But it advises people who have never smoked not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three million people who vape in the UK .
More than twice as many people smoke cigarettes , which is estimated to cause about 213 deaths per day in England , or 77,800 per year .
Public Health England health improvement director Prof John Newton said : `` We have also been working with the MHRA to be sure that any cases of respiratory illness linked to e-cigarettes are correctly identified and reported . ''
He said the recent US outbreak of serious lung illnesses `` was strongly linked to people vaping illicit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have not however seen a similar outbreak here in the UK , '' Prof Newton added .
Vitamin-E acetate is banned in nicotine e-cigarettes in the UK , along with a range of other ingredients .
The two suspected deaths and more than 20 serious adverse reactions to e-cigarettes were reported to the MHRA 's Yellow Card scheme .
Until a coroner 's report is released , the deaths can not be confirmed as being linked to vaping .
Healthcare professionals in the UK have been sent advice this week on how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the body in charge of ensuring the safety of vaping devices .
They are `` probably '' related to e-cigarette use , if the patient meets all of these criteria : • has used an e-cigarette or vaped in the previous 30 days • has no evidence of any other diagnosis

Public Health England health improvement director Prof John Newton said: "We have also been working with the MHRA to be sure that any cases of respiratory illness linked to e-cigarettes are correctly identified and reported."


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Child mental health unit failings criticised by parents

The parents of a girl who killed herself at a mental health inpatient unit say failings have left them `` devastated '' .
Christie Harnett was a patient at West Lane CAMHS unit in Middlesbrough when she died aged 17 .
`` If she was n't in there she 'd probably still be alive , '' her stepdad said .
The BBC found at least 16 young people have killed themselves in England 's Children and Mental Health Services ( CAMHS ) inpatient centres since 2016 .
BBC podcast , the Next Episode , discovered that seven people died last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2017 and two in 2016 , NHS England said , in response to a Freedom of Information request .
Christie had struggled with her mental health throughout her life and had been staying in hospital since March 2018 , before she died on 27 June 2019 .
She was found dead after telling staff at West Lane Hospital that she wanted to take a bath , her stepdad , Michael Harnett , said .
`` It 's been horrible , it does n't get any easier , especially with the circumstances and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he thinks that staff did not check on Christie often enough and blames the hospital for her death .
`` The hospital had decided to change how they did observations '' he said .
`` The managers did n't act on any of the complaints that were made so everybody was at fault '' .
`` If she was n't in there she 'd probably still be alive '' .
The hospital was closed down in August last year after a Care Quality Commission ( CQC ) inspection rated it inadequate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided with care in line with their needs , '' Jenny Wilkes , head of Mental Health Inspection , said in October 2019 .
`` Observations were not being recorded well , staff training and knowledge of care for young people with complex needs was poor and incidents were not consistently reported or reviewed well '' she said .
`` There was limited experienced managerial oversight of the wards and a culture existed that was not working to the benefit of the people there , '' she added .
NHS England has commissioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is due to finish at the end of 2020 .
The hospital needs `` properly trained '' staff Michael Harnett said .
`` I know it 's hard money-wise and things , but it 's people 's lives , and the money needs to be spent in the areas that it needs to be spent '' .
`` I do n't think anybody should keep their job '' Tees , Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust , which managed West Lane Hospital , said it was `` deeply sorry to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It would n't be appropriate for us to discuss individual care and we are unable to provide any comment in detail due to the independent investigation , commissioned by NHS England '' they said .
Gemma - not her real name - was also an inpatient at West Lane Hospital said she had witnessed patients being mistreated and her family had complained to staff and management .
`` I first went to CAMHS with anxiety and stuff when I was 12 because I used to get panic attacks all the time '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychosis , like seeing things and hearing things other people could n't .
That 's when I got put in hospital '' she said .
`` It was bad from the beginning .
I just wanted to go home because I was scared '' she said .
`` They 'd just leave you hurting yourself even if they knew that you were doing it - they 'd just walked in on you doing it '' she commented .
`` They just leave you and be like 'we ca n't really help you if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'you 're not engaging ' '' she added .
`` I feel like if I was n't there , I would n't have gotten as bad as I did '' .
Deborah Coles , director of charity Inquest , which looks at state-related deaths in England and Wales , said : `` Too many children and young people are dying in mental health care .
`` Despite the government 's promises about prioritising and addressing this , it is deeply concerning to see that such deaths have not only continued but that numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposed repeated patterns of failure , ill treatment and neglect in underfunded and hard to access services , which often meet children only at crisis point , '' she added .
NHS spending on CAMHS inpatient care in England increased from £341.5m in 2016-17 to £389m in 2018-19 , according to a BBC Freedom of Information request .
However , the CQC has cited reasons other than funding shortages for some of the failures in inpatient care .
Its State of Care report last year stated they had concerns about the quality of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and highly specialised care for people .
`` Our inspectors are seeing too many mental health and learning disability services with people who lack the skills , training , experience or clinical support to care for patients with complex needs '' the CQC reported about inpatient care .
A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said : `` We are determined to improve mental health support for children .
`` Patient safety is paramount and all providers of NHS mental health services must meet the same high quality and safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Episode podcast to hear more .

"Despite the government's promises about prioritising and addressing this, it is deeply concerning to see that such deaths have not only continued but that numbers have gone up.


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Brexit: MEPs sing in unison ahead of Brexit

Members of the EU Parliament sang Auld Lang Syne as the Brexit withdrawal agreement was approved .

Watch: The Killers booed for inviting Russian fan on stage. Video, 00:00:55Watch: The Killers booed for inviting Russian fan on stage


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Ambulance service: 'Waiting system beyond a joke'

Heart attack , stroke and burns victims are among the seriously ill and injured patients waiting over an hour for @ @ @ @ @ England and Wales , a BBC investigation shows .
The delays for these 999 calls @ @ @ @ @ in 18 minutes on average - put lives at risk , experts say .
NHS @ @ @ @ @ delays handing over patients at A & E .
The research found that the record @ @ @ @ @ Service is one of the worst in the country - here one in every eight @ @ @ @ @ service more than an hour to respond .

Heart attack, stroke and burns victims are among the seriously ill and injured patients waiting over an hour for an ambulance to arrive in England and Wales, a BBC investigation shows.
The delays for these 999 calls - meant to be reached in 18 minutes on average - put lives at risk, experts say.
NHS bosses blamed rising demand and delays handing over patients at A&E.
The research found that the record for the East Midlands Ambulance Service is one of the worst in the country - here one in every eight emergency calls takes the ambulance service more than an hour to respond.
Video Journalist: Laura Foster
Follow Laura on twitter.


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Car spotted with greenhouse on its roof in Heywood

A car has been seen driving through Greater Manchester with a greenhouse on its roof .
It was spotted on @ @ @ @ @ .
Darcy Maher , a passenger in the car travelling behind the car , said @ @ @ @ @ '' .

A car has been seen driving through Greater Manchester with a greenhouse on its roof.
It was spotted on Rochdale Road travelling towards Heywood.
Darcy Maher, a passenger in the car travelling behind the car, said he was "very shocked".


bbcuk--2020-01-30--Newspaper headlines: ITV anchor quits and HS2 'to get green light'

Chancellor Sajid Javid will back the HS2 project `` no matter the cost '' , the Daily Telegraph reports .
@ @ @ @ @ rail project `` will need only to be rubber-stamped '' following a meeting despite at @ @ @ @ @ paper says .
A leaked review suggested the cost of the project could rise to @ @

Elsewhere in the FT, it reveals that Mr Javid has ordered government departments to identify where they can make cuts of at least 5% - and to "name 10 projects that could be scrapped in the autumn spending review".


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Scottish independence: MSPs back new referendum in Holyrood vote

MSPs have backed calls for a new referendum on Scottish independence in a vote at Holyrood .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants to hold a new poll later this year , and wants UK ministers to agree to this .
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has rejected her call for a transfer of powers , saying the 2014 vote was a `` once in a generation '' event .
MSPs voted by 64 to 54 to agree that circumstances have changed since then , and that `` a referendum should be held '' .
The vote is not binding on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alister Jack told BBC Scotland that the UK government 's position was `` not remotely '' changed by it .
Ms Sturgeon is due to make a speech on Friday setting out the `` next steps '' in the `` campaign to secure Scotland 's future as an independent nation '' .
• Could Scotland still become independent ?
• Indyref2 : What does 'once in a generation ' mean ?
• Look back on the independence debate on Holyrood Live The Scottish government wants to hold a new referendum in the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a `` material change in circumstances '' .
Ms Sturgeon formally requested a transfer of powers - similar to that which underpinned the 2014 referendum - after the SNP won 48 of Scotland 's 59 seats in December 's general election .
Mr Johnson replied that he could `` not agree to any request for a transfer of power that would lead to further independence referendums '' .
In Wednesday 's debate , Ms Sturgeon said MSPs should `` endorse a fundamental democratic principle - that this country has the right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put forward a motion for debate saying a referendum should be held , and calling on the UK government to agree to this happening `` on a date and in a manner determined by the Scottish Parliament '' .
The SNP leader said Scotland being taken out of the EU despite a 62 % Remain vote north of the border was an `` affront to democracy '' , adding : `` Having our future imposed on us by a UK government which is utterly contemptuous of our views simply is n't good enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` overwhelming '' democratic case for a new vote , and said the `` anti-democratic position of the opposition parties '' was because they were afraid of putting the question to the public .
This was backed by Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie , who said the divergence between Scots voting to remain in the UK in 2014 and to remain in the EU in 2016 needed to be settled .
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said he was `` not surprised '' by the vote , given the pro-independence majority at Holyrood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same '' .
He told BBC Scotland : `` A generation , as was in their independence white paper , has not passed .
We 're leaving the EU on Friday and we need to focus on the common fisheries policy , our coastal communities , our trade deals , all the good things we can do rather than another year of referendums , rancour and division . ''
This is tricky ground for Nicola Sturgeon .
She yearns for independence , as do her party members and the wider Yes movement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ obstacles in the path , not least the refusal of the UK government to grant the power to hold a statutory referendum .
Yes , she could go to court to challenge that position - but would be unlikely to win .
Yes , she could consider an unofficial referendum but fears it would be a gesture to be dismissed .
However , she needs to keep the independence movement motivated , particularly within her own party ranks .
Hence , the speech planned for Friday at a party rally .
To repeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once , Nicola Sturgeon does not want simply to hold a referendum .
She wants to win one .
A real one .
Read more from Brian here In the chamber , Scottish Conservative interim leader Jackson Carlaw said the whole debate was really being held for the benefit of independence campaigners , with Ms Sturgeon being `` afraid to tell hard truths '' to her supporters .
He said the first minister was pursuing an `` obsession at the expense of the country 's real and pressing priorities '' , saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like education and crime .
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said that `` the people of Scotland do n't want another independence referendum any time soon '' .
He said `` nobody in this chamber really believes there will be a referendum this year '' , and said Ms Sturgeon was `` using this parliament to speak to her own party , and she is not even telling them the truth '' .
Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie also said the debate was `` for different factions of the SNP '' rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that `` people are sick fed up '' of constitutional division .

He told BBC Scotland: "A generation, as was in their independence white paper, has not passed. We're leaving the EU on Friday and we need to focus on the common fisheries policy, our coastal communities, our trade deals, all the good things we can do rather than another year of referendums, rancour and division."


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Coronavirus: Robin Swann says 'no room for complacency'

Health Minister Robin Swann has said it is `` not unreasonable to assume '' that there will be a positive case of the coronavirus in Northern Ireland .
Mr Swann said that although the current risk in the UK had been assessed as low , with no confirmed cases , it was a `` rapidly evolving situation '' .
More than 130 people have died in China and close to 6,000 have been infected .
`` There can be no room for complacency , '' added Mr Swann , following an emergency meeting with UK officials .
`` I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Public Health Agency continue to work closely with the relevant authorities and public health organisations across the UK and Ireland to ensure Northern Ireland is well prepared to deal with the situation as events unfold . ''
He said he has agreed with his UK counterparts on Wednesday that any positive results will be announced by the region 's chief medical officer .
The Chinese city of Wuhan is the epicentre of the outbreak .
The virus has spread across China and to at least 16 countries globally , including Thailand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is no specific cure or vaccine , but a number of people have recovered after treatment .
There have been 130 confirmed negative results in the UK .
`` It is not unreasonable to assume at some point we will have a positive case in Northern Ireland , '' Mr Swann said .
`` Hence this risk assessment is under constant review .
Therefore there can be no room for complacency and my priority as minister is still to ensure effective measures are in place within Northern Ireland . ''
Mr Swann @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a letter from the chief medical officer `` providing guidance to clinical staff on what to do if they encounter patients with respiratory infections arriving from overseas '' .
It has also set up an emergency operations centre and has updated relevant websites .

"I want to reassure members that my department and the Public Health Agency continue to work closely with the relevant authorities and public health organisations across the UK and Ireland to ensure Northern Ireland is well prepared to deal with the situation as events unfold."


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Mental health placements to St Andrew's Healthcare suspended

Placements for some Welsh mental health patients at a specialist care provider in England have been suspended .
St Andrew 's Healthcare in Northampton looks after patients for Welsh health boards but the Welsh Government said it was `` under enhanced monitoring '' .
The charity said it was `` confident '' it could resolve any concerns quickly .
It comes as the family of a patient from Carmarthenshire said they had sought legal advice over concerns about her care .
Ayla Haines , 27 , from Llansteffan , suffers from mental health problems , including anorexia and obsessive compulsive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Ayla 's physical health had `` deteriorated drastically '' since being admitted to one of St Andrew 's private hospitals 231 miles ( 372km ) away in Northampton in 2016 .
Earlier this month , inspectors for the Quality Care Commission in England found `` repeated and systemic failings '' in St Andrew 's leadership .
Inspectors from NHS Wales also reviewed the site separately .
BBC Wales Live was told the site was one of those being looked at , although it was not clear whether Ayla 's ward was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment is an ongoing infection on her arm , '' said Mrs Haines , who is taking legal advice about the treatment of a series of injuries Ayla was able to inflict on herself .
`` She bit a chunk out of her arm and she 's inserted objects into her arm .
`` At the end of last year she had gangrene removed from her arm - I know that 's an ongoing thing , it 's still going on at the moment despite finishing one course of antibiotics . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ received national press attention when it was revealed she had swallowed a toothbrush as part of a series of desperate acts .
`` She wants to die now , she 's lost all hope .
That 's why she 'll insert things into her - in the hope of getting an infection that will kill her off .
To me that 's a strong possibility , '' said Mrs Haines .
`` You wonder what will get her first - is it going to be sepsis - is the toothbrush going to cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's in a desperate state physically and mentally . ''
Mrs Haines said she was concerned about both Ayla 's current diagnosis and treatment at St Andrew 's .
Hannah Mason , from legal firm Simpson Millar , said she was investigating any grounds for a legal challenge around Ayla 's care .
`` In particular , there are questions surrounding the treatment given to Ayla for physical health conditions , '' she said .
`` This includes the treatment of an infection , and whether the toothbrush she ingested should be removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best way to challenge the decision-making in respect of this . ''
Ayla was first sectioned when she was 19 and spent time at various secure units in Wales before being moved to a medium-secure St Andrew 's unit .
Angela Burns AM , the Welsh Conservative 's spokeswoman on health and Ayla 's local assembly member , has visited her in Northampton and said her case highlighted problems with how the care of mental health patients sent outside of Wales was overseen .
`` I find it very difficult to get anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ Ayla ] is in our direct line of sight , '' said Ms Burns .
`` I had to ask the health minister to basically intervene in what was a football match between Hywel Dda University Health Board and the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee , who commission these kind of services , because they were bouncing her back and forth in terms of who had ultimate responsibility .
`` That girl was placed into a secure mental health unit with a very clear remit that she would have a certain type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambition for her to get well and that there would be some sort of outcome .
`` To be frank , none of that has happened .
She 's gone back in terms of health but more importantly there 's no sort of goal . ''
What does St Andrew 's Healthcare say ?
St Andrew 's said it had recently changed its leadership team and was `` committed to making improvements '' .
`` We acknowledge that NHS Wales have temporarily suspended new admissions to a small number of our wards , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spokesperson for the care provider .
`` We have been in discussions with them this week and we 're confident that we will be able to resolve their concerns quickly . ''
St Andrew 's said it could not comment on individual patients , but that it was fully committed to `` moving care closer to home '' and was working to reduce inpatient beds where possible .
`` We care for some of the most complex mental health patients in the country and the majority of our patients are in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to themselves or others .
For these vulnerable patients - there is , and will continue to be - a need for very specialist treatment and observation in a safe , secure setting , '' said a spokesperson for St Andrew 's .
Hywel Dda also said it could not comment on Ayla 's case but was `` very mindful '' of her family 's concerns and reviewed any issues raised .
Mandy Rayani , director of nursing , quality and patient experience , said : `` When a resident of Hywel Dda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not available locally , we are able to commission the services needed through the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee .
`` We are aware of a recent decision to suspend some services at St Andrew 's and we are working very closely with our colleagues at the National Collaborative Commissioning Unit who have been continually monitoring the quality and provision of services at this facility on our behalf .
Our absolute priority is listening to and ensuring the safety of our patients and we are addressing this urgently with our colleagues . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is involved in planning out of area placements for Welsh health boards , said it was committed to having patients `` as close to home as possible '' when their circumstances allowed .
Watch the full report on Wales Live on BBC One Wales on Wednesday 29 January at 22:30 GMT or on the BBC iPlayer .
If you are experiencing emotional stress , help and support is available .
Visit BBC Action Line

"We care for some of the most complex mental health patients in the country and the majority of our patients are in our care, because they pose a risk to themselves or others. For these vulnerable patients - there is, and will continue to be - a need for very specialist treatment and observation in a safe, secure setting," said a spokesperson for St Andrew's.


bbcuk--2020-01-29--Coronavirus: British mum told to leave young son behind in Wuhan

A British woman due to be flown out of Wuhan amid the coronavirus outbreak was told to leave behind her three-year-old son because he has a Chinese passport .
Up to 200 UK citizens will be flown out of China on Thursday and put into quarantine for two weeks in the UK .
Natalie Francis , originally from York , said : `` I literally had no words when I got the call . ''
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said its priority was to keep British nationals and their families together .
`` All three of us are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fine , but the stress of being locked up for so long ... the emotional health is starting to suffer a little bit , '' she said , `` especially after this news . ''
`` It 's rare you ever feel genuinely helpless , where there is nothing you can do , nothing you can say .
It was really upsetting . ''
Ms Francis , who works as a teacher in Wuhan , said at the start of the outbreak she her husband and their son Jamie had no plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past few days , she said `` we started to panic '' after reports younger children were being affected , especially as their son had pneumonia last year .
`` My husband said if you get the chance , take Jamie and go home . ''
`` I do n't know who can sort this out , [ but ] please do n't forget us , '' she added .
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesperson said : `` The safety of British nationals is our top priority and we have been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family members who might need help .
`` Our priority is to keep British nationals and their family members together and [ we ] have urgently raised this with the Chinese authorities . ''
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bbcuk--2020-01-30--Coronavirus: Flight taking Britons out of Wuhan is delayed

A flight to bring about 200 British nationals back to the UK from coronavirus-hit Wuhan is unable to take off as planned on Thursday .
It is understood relevant permissions from Chinese officials have not yet come through .
The Foreign Office said it was `` working urgently '' to organise a flight to the UK `` as soon as possible '' .
The virus has caused at least 170 deaths , spreading to every Chinese region and at least 16 other countries .
The flight from Wuhan , the city where the virus first emerged , had been expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was thought that the plane would land at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire , with passengers then taken to an NHS facility .
When the passengers do return they will be put in `` supported isolation '' for 14 days with `` all necessary medical attention '' , a Downing Street spokesman said .
A small team of military medics is flying out to Wuhan to accompany passengers on the repatriation flight , the Ministry of Defence said .
• World 'must be on alert ' over China virus - WHO Britons waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told it had been put back `` provisionally '' to Friday .
Jeff Siddle , from Northumberland , told the BBC his family faced a `` terrible dilemma '' after he and his nine-year-old daughter were told they could fly back - but not his Chinese wife , who has a permanent residency visa for the UK .
`` We 've been told we 're only allowed one hand luggage item , so we 've basically had to virtually ditch all of our big suitcases and all of our holiday clothes and take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We 're living out of what we can , with all our bags packed , '' he said .
As it stands , Mr Siddle 's wife is not travelling back to the UK with him .
`` I think there 's still negotiations to get that changed , but the official line is still that she ca n't fly , '' he said .
BBC China correspondent Robin Brant said the issue seemed to be that the Chinese government was not giving permission for its citizens to leave the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' of sorting the problem , he said , adding that the hope was the flight could take off Friday morning local time and that Britons and their partners would be on it .
Ben Pinkerton , an English teacher from Northern Ireland who was also due to board the flight , said he was `` sitting tight '' .
`` We feel fine , we 've isolated ourselves .
We wore the masks when we went out , '' he said .
Chinese health authorities said there were 7,711 confirmed coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Foreign Office said a number of other countries ' flights had also been unable to take off as planned .
`` We remain in close contact with the Chinese authorities and conversations are ongoing at all levels , '' a spokeswoman said .
'Stress of being locked up' Hundreds of foreign nationals are being evacuated from Wuhan , with Japan , the US and the EU among those repatriating their citizens .
Some 200 Japanese nationals have been flown from Wuhan and have landed at Tokyo 's Haneda airport .
Roughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local US consulate - have also left Wuhan on an evacuation flight .
However , a number of UK citizens in China said local authorities had prevented members of their families from leaving because they held Chinese passports .
Another UK citizen due to be flown out of Wuhan said she was told to leave behind her three-year-old son because he has a Chinese passport .
Natalie Francis , originally from York , said : `` I literally had no words when I got the call . ''
`` All three of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she added .
`` Physically we are fine , but the stress of being locked up for so long ... the emotional health is starting to suffer a little bit ... especially after this news . ''
The Foreign Office said its priority was to keep British nationals and their families together .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) will decide later whether the virus constitutes a global health emergency .
It is a basic question , but the answer is elusive .
It is far too simplistic to take the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come up with a death rate of 2 % .
We are in the middle of the outbreak and thousands of those patients are still being treated .
We do n't know if they will live or die , so they ca n't be used in these calculations .
We also do n't know how many mild and undetected cases are out there .
Also , the deadliness of the new virus is only one component of its threat .
Flu kills hundreds of thousands of people each year , not because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to infect so many people .
`` In the last few days the progress of the virus , especially in some countries , especially human-to-human transmission , worries us , '' WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday , pointing to Germany , Vietnam and Japan .
`` Although the numbers outside China are still relatively small , they hold the potential for a much larger outbreak . ''
Professor Sian Griffiths said the `` shared response across the world '' to the new coronavirus was more effective than during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an official inquiry .
She told BBC Breakfast that world governments were `` taking everything very seriously in an attempt to contain the virus '' , deploying greater resources and offering clear public health messages .
Learn more about the new virus • Your questions : You asked , we answered • The story explained : How worried should we be ?
• Wuhan profiled : The city now in lockdown • In detail : Follow all our coverage here Have you been affected by any of the issues raised ?
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We are in the middle of the outbreak and thousands of those patients are still being treated. We don't know if they will live or die, so they can't be used in these calculations.


bbcuk--2020-01-30--HS2: Chancellor Sajid Javid backs project ahead of crucial meeting

Sajid Javid has decided to throw his support behind HS2 ahead of a key meeting with Boris Johnson later .
The chancellor is expected to tell the PM he supports the controversial London to Birmingham rail link after studying Treasury analysis of its impact , as first reported by the Financial Times .
A leaked report has suggested the project could cost almost double the official 2015 estimate of £56bn .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the HS2 decision would come next month .
No 10 said the meeting , also involving Mr Shapps , was expected to go a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said the mood music seemed to be pointing towards going ahead but massive anxieties remained .
Senior government figures had suggested that cancelling the project at this stage would be a `` credibility issue '' , she added .
• HS2 : Give me the facts , says Shapps • What is HS2 and why is it so expensive ?
During Transport Questions in the Commons on Thursday , Mr Shapps said MPs `` wo n't have to wait very long '' to hear a decision on HS2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an announcement on this next month . ''
Mr Shapps also defended the right of Conservative MPs to oppose HS2 , following growing criticism of the project from a number of them .
In response to Labour MP for Chesterfield Toby Perkins , who urged the government to `` get control '' of MPs `` who are constantly undermining '' HS2 , Mr Shapps said they were entitled to represent the views of their constituents .
He added that the project should be properly debated .
Phase 1 of the rail line between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of 2026 , with the second phase to Leeds and Manchester scheduled for completion by 2032-33 .
It is designed to carry trains capable of travelling at 250mph ( 402km/h ) .
The government commissioned a review into HS2 last August , designed , ministers said , to determine whether the project could still be deemed value for money .
Billions of pounds have already been spent on it , but Mr Shapps has refused to rule out scrapping it entirely .
He revealed last week he had asked for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision '' on HS2 , after a leaked government review found it could cost £106bn .
The unpublished report , which was seen by the Financial Times , said there was `` considerable risk '' that estimated costs could rise by another 20 % - but it did conclude that despite the ballooning bill , it should still go ahead .
The government previously promised to make a decision on HS2 before the end of 2019 .
Several Tory MPs have criticised the project , including Tory MP for Buckingham Greg Smith , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme that he and others would be ready to vote against the government .
`` It is absolutely wrong for my constituents , '' he said , `` and I believe it to be wrong for the country as well and I made very clear commitments in the general election that come what may I will oppose HS2 . ''
In the Commons on Thursday , Philip Davies , Tory MP for Shipley , called HS2 a `` catastrophic waste of money '' .
He said `` better infrastructure '' was needed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked about the government 's intended timetable for completing Northern Powerhouse Rail ( NPR ) .
The NPR project was part of Mr Johnson 's wider commitment to deliver a high-speed railway link across the north of England .
But Labour MP Mr Perkins urged the government to commit to HS2 , calling it `` the most important infrastructure project this country has '' .
And the prime minister also faced calls to back HS2 from Conservative MPs at Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday .

"It is absolutely wrong for my constituents," he said, "and I believe it to be wrong for the country as well and I made very clear commitments in the general election that come what may I will oppose HS2."


bbcuk--2020-01-30--Battle of Britain ace fighter pilot Paul Farnes dies aged 101

The last surviving Battle of Britain ace pilot from World War Two has died aged 101 .
Wing Cdr Paul Farnes was among the 3,000 airmen - The Few - who defended England 's skies in 1940 .
He died at his home in Hampshire on Tuesday morning , the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust said .
Paying tribute , it described him as a `` distinguished man - who was generous with his time in support of the trust '' .
His battle victories made Wing Cdr Farnes an ace , a term taken to mean any fighter pilot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enemy aircraft .
His tally was six enemy aircraft destroyed , one probably destroyed and six damaged , the trust said .
There are now thought to be only two surviving members of The Few - Flight Lieutenant William Clark and Flying Officer John Hemingway , both aged 100 .
The trust added Wing Cdr Farnes was the last member of The Few fit enough to be able to attend the aerial conflict 's memorial day in 2019 .
It said he had `` proudly '' represented his RAF colleagues at the service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 101st birthday , in July .
The trust said Wing Cdr Farnes was `` very proud '' of his Distinguished Flying Medal ( DFM ) , which he received for his exploits in the Battle of Britain .
In 2015 , the then retired Sqn Ldr described the `` moving '' moment he and his comrades were spontaneously applauded during a service at Westminster Abbey to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain .
Mr Farnes , who flew a Hurricane during the war , said : `` It was very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the abbey , the audience applauded and it 's never happened before at the annual service and I was very moved by it .
`` It is amazing that the Battle of Britain has caught on with the public and I am very proud to have been a part of it . ''
Mr Farnes joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1938 , later joining RAF No 501 Squadron and fighting in the Battle of France in 1940 .
After the Battle of Britain , he was commissioned as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fought in Malta with No 229 Squadron as well as serving in North Africa and Iraq .
As World War Two ended , he was in command of two squadrons in the UK .
Remaining in the RAF until 1958 when , having been appointed Sqn Ldr , he retired , retaining the rank of Wing Cdr .

Mr Farnes, who flew a Hurricane during the war, said: "It was very emotional today because, when we walked out of the abbey, the audience applauded and it's never happened before at the annual service and I was very moved by it.