bbcuk--2020-02-05--Is the government avoiding the media and does it even matter?

The media and the government have always had a frosty - or far too cosy - relationship depending on who you want to believe .
However , have things taken a turn for the worst ?
This week , there was a mass walkout by political journalists after senior reporters say they were n't allowed into a meeting at Number 10 .
This is denied by those working for the Prime Minister .
They argue this is the most open and transparent government in decades .
The government is being accused of avoiding tough questions and selecting who it gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parliament : `` We reserve the right to brief journalists which we choose whenever we wish to , and that is not something abnormal . ''
That 's what some critics think .
The government has n't been interviewed on some national BBC news programmes after major news events , like the recent terror attack in London .
It has always been normal for journalists to get invited in groups for background chats about stories by government departments - which are called briefings .
Journalists walked out of one at Downing Street this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put on two sides of the room - with one group asked to leave .
Instead of letting this happen , all the reporters walked out in solidarity .
They have collectively decided not to give long interviews about what happened , but one has told Radio 1 Newsbeat that `` our actions speak for themselves and it 's for the government to explain its actions '' .
The Prime Minister 's team deny this is how it happened .
Newsbeat contacted Downing Street for a comment and was told to watch MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a minister would give the government 's version of events .
The Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith told MPs that no journalists are barred from official briefings hosted by the Prime Minister 's spokesman .
`` It is entirely standard practice for the government to host additional technical specialist briefings , as was the case , '' she said .
Is this really new ?
Governments of all parties have always given information to parts of the media more likely to give them better coverage .
However , journalists who have reported on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a big shift recently .
We 've seen lots of stories of how Boris Johnson 's close team are preventing ministers from appearing on the Newsnight and the Today programme on the BBC .
Presenters on ITV 's Good Morning Britain also say they are being ignored and senior ministers have refused to appear on Channel 4 since before the election .
Some say this a deliberate tactic to avoid scrutiny , something President Trump is accused of in America .
Donald Trump gave Boris Johnson his backing as Prime Minister at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were at the briefing , say that this event feels like something that could happen under the American leader .
Is the government just changing how it gets its message across ?
There has been a big shift in how any government gets its message to voters and a lot of that is about politicians of all parties using social media to directly connect with its audience .
Labour had success with this at the 2017 election .
A strong social media strategy is central to modern politics .
Boris Johnson faces questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister 's Questions - or PMQs for short - in the House of Commons .
It 's an event loved by Westminster geeks but not that popular with the rest of the country .
Boris Johnson and his team have started an event to follow it called People 's PMQs where he answers questions sent in on Facebook .
The government say this is about answering questions that matter to voters , but critics say the questions are selected by his team and can be quite easy to answer .
Not just the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeremy Corbyn has been seen as good at using social media but it has also been criticised for how it deals with the big media organisations .
Some political observers say the party 's leader has been reluctant to appear on mainstream media outlets .
So when Labour 's spokesperson on the media , said the government was behaving like President Trump critics of Jeremy Corbyn were quick to highlight what they see as inconsistency .
We asked Labour for an official comment and so far they 've not given us one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will say this is all a bit inward-looking and it 's just big , established media organisations getting angry and feeling left out .
There could be truth in that but others say this is a big issue because how the country works relies on the government being held to account and being scrutinised .
Currently the main opposition party Labour are in a weak position .
They lost the recent election and are a long way from power .
Critics of the government will be hoping the media is able to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything that pushes the press out prevents this .
The Prime Minister 's team insist it is open to scrutiny .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

Is the government avoiding the media and does it even matter? Published 5 February 2020
Image source, Getty Images
The media and the government have always had a frosty - or far too cosy - relationship depending on who you want to believe.
However, have things taken a turn for the worst?
This week, there was a mass walkout by political journalists after senior reporters say they weren't allowed into a meeting at Number 10.
This is denied by those working for the Prime Minister.
They argue this is the most open and transparent government in decades.
The government is being accused of avoiding tough questions and selecting who it gives background information to.
A minister told Parliament: "We reserve the right to brief journalists which we choose whenever we wish to, and that is not something abnormal."
Is the government avoiding tough questions?
That's what some critics think.
The government hasn't been interviewed on some national BBC news programmes after major news events, like the recent terror attack in London.
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It has always been normal for journalists to get invited in groups for background chats about stories by government departments - which are called briefings.
Journalists walked out of one at Downing Street this week after it's claimed they were put on two sides of the room - with one group asked to leave.
Instead of letting this happen, all the reporters walked out in solidarity.
They have collectively decided not to give long interviews about what happened, but one has told Radio 1 Newsbeat that "our actions speak for themselves and it's for the government to explain its actions".
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The Prime Minister's team deny this is how it happened.
Newsbeat contacted Downing Street for a comment and was told to watch MPs sitting in the House of Commons when a minister would give the government's version of events.
The Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith told MPs that no journalists are barred from official briefings hosted by the Prime Minister's spokesman.
"It is entirely standard practice for the government to host additional technical specialist briefings, as was the case," she said.
Is this really new?
Governments of all parties have always given information to parts of the media more likely to give them better coverage.
However, journalists who have reported on politics for years feel we have seen a big shift recently.
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We've seen lots of stories of how Boris Johnson's close team are preventing ministers from appearing on BBC 2's Newsnight and the BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
Presenters on ITV's Good Morning Britain also say they are being ignored and senior ministers have refused to appear on Channel 4 since before the election.
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Some say this a deliberate tactic to avoid scrutiny, something President Trump is accused of in America.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, President Donald Trump has a complicated relationship with the US media
Donald Trump gave Boris Johnson his backing as Prime Minister at the last election and some journalists, who were at the briefing, say that this event feels like something that could happen under the American leader.
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Is the government just changing how it gets its message across?
There has been a big shift in how any government gets its message to voters and a lot of that is about politicians of all parties using social media to directly connect with its audience.
Labour had success with this at the 2017 election. A strong social media strategy is central to modern politics.
Boris Johnson faces questions once a week from MPs at Prime Minister's Questions - or PMQs for short - in the House of Commons.
It's an event loved by Westminster geeks but not that popular with the rest of the country.
Boris Johnson and his team have started an event to follow it called People's PMQs where he answers questions sent in on Facebook.
The government say this is about answering questions that matter to voters, but critics say the questions are selected by his team and can be quite easy to answer.
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Not just the government?
We mentioned that Labour under Jeremy Corbyn has been seen as good at using social media but it has also been criticised for how it deals with the big media organisations.
Some political observers say the party's leader has been reluctant to appear on mainstream media outlets.
So when Labour's spokesperson on the media, said the government was behaving like President Trump critics of Jeremy Corbyn were quick to highlight what they see as inconsistency.
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We asked Labour for an official comment and so far they've not given us one.
Does any of this matter?
Some will say this is all a bit inward-looking and it's just big, established media organisations getting angry and feeling left out.
There could be truth in that but others say this is a big issue because how the country works relies on the government being held to account and being scrutinised.
Currently the main opposition party Labour are in a weak position. They lost the recent election and are a long way from power.
Critics of the government will be hoping the media is able to do a lot of the questioning instead and anything that pushes the press out prevents this.
The Prime Minister's team insist it is open to scrutiny.
Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.


bbcuk--2020-02-05--'I sell kitchenware but should be nursing cancer patients'

Louisa Doyle should be working for the NHS , caring for cancer patients .
She is fully trained to provide vital chemotherapy treatment , having worked for five years in Australia before coming to the UK .
But this week , the 31-year-old will fly back home .
With about one in eight nurse posts vacant , the NHS has potentially lost a much-needed , highly trained member of staff .
It need not have been like this .
Louisa applied to go on the Nursing and Midwifery Council ( NMC ) register nine months ago - without accreditation nurses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have been a formality .
She has her full set of nursing qualifications , plenty of job experience and has worked in an English-speaking system - nurses from abroad have to prove they have good enough language skills .
But after starting the process in the early summer , she is yet to find out if she will be allowed on to the register .
And with her temporary travel visa running out , she has been left with no choice but to leave the UK .
• NHS 'no chance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Perth , Western Australia , said : `` I had heard of how short the NHS [ was ] and thought it would be a quicker process .
`` I had even spoken to a few hospitals and was really looking forward to getting back to nursing .
`` I came to London two years ago and have been working in kitchenware sales and travelling .
`` I wanted to stay and wanted to work for the NHS .
I now face having to come back to do an exam and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if I am accepted on the register .
`` At the moment , I 'm planning to come back but who knows how I will feel in a couple of months ?
It 's really disheartening . ''
The NMC process requires nurses to take two exams - a basic computer-based skills and knowledge test at the start and an in-depth practical assessment at the end .
They then need their university and previous employers to supply proof of qualifications and employment by post .
Once that has been validated , applicants are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second assessment .
That can take up to 60 days from the validation of the paperwork .
And , Louisa said , she had had to overcome several other hurdles along the way , including her first exam being cancelled - and only being told it had been when she had turned up at the testing centre - and some of her paperwork going missing at the NMC before being found a month later .
She said : `` I can understand that they need to check people who provide care are qualified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would take this long .
`` I have found the attitude of the NMC to be really off .
`` There was no apology when I turned up for the exam and it was cancelled , and when the documents went missing , they had no interest in trying to hurry up the process . ''
Louisa is not the only applicant to have expressed concerns about the process .
The NMC said it had received similar feedback from others and was trying to streamline the process .
An online application system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the second assessment should soon be halved .
NMC director of registration Emma Broadbent said the regulator was taking the concerns seriously .
She said nurses from abroad were `` vital and highly valued '' , adding : `` By simplifying the application process , we will play our part in continuing to make the UK an attractive option for those coming from abroad . ''
The need to act is obvious .
In recent years , the number of nurses in the NHS has not been rising quickly enough .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers by 50,000 over the next five years .
But to do this , the NHS will need to recruit more from abroad - already one in 10 nurses on the register comes from other non-EU countries .
What is more , nurses from the EU , who have had a right to work in the NHS , may have to go through a similar process to get on the register , once the Brexit transition period comes to an end .
Nichola Ashby , of the Royal College of Nursing union , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` more important than ever '' and so it was essential that `` unnecessary barriers and delays '' were tackled .

And, Louisa said, she had had to overcome several other hurdles along the way, including her first exam being cancelled - and only being told it had been when she had turned up at the testing centre - and some of her paperwork going missing at the NMC before being found a month later.


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Frankie Bridge on mental health: 'I couldn't cope with everyday life'

In 2011 , girl group The Saturdays were filming a music video in Iceland for their single My Heart Takes Over .
But one of the members - Frankie Bridge - just did n't want to do it .
`` I 'd reached a point where I could n't cope with everyday life , '' she tells Radio 1 Newsbeat .
After years of poor mental health , that was the point when those closest to Frankie decided she needed to go into a specialist mental health hospital .
`` I was constantly crying and telling my partner [ footballer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really want to be here anymore . ''
The video shoot would last two days and was already paid for , so Frankie and her manager decided she 'd keep working and be admitted when it was over .
`` Luckily it was a moody shoot so I did n't have to put on this happy , smiley front , '' she says . '
I 'm sharing my story to tell people they 're not alone' On her return to the UK she went into hospital where she was `` terrified but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense of relief that I could hand my life over to someone else .
I was no longer my own responsibility .
It was the hospital 's responsibility to keep me alive and make me better . ''
For years , Frankie has chatted openly about her mental health issues and the way she has coped - and struggled - with things like depression , anxiety and suicidal thoughts .
She 's now written a book , Open : Why Asking for Help Can Save Your Life , because she 's `` proud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side and be happy .
`` I still suffer with depression and anxiety but I just know how to deal with it better now .
`` It 's not a self-help book , '' she says .
`` I 'm sharing my story to tell people they 're not alone . ''
During her time in The Saturdays , she says her bandmates - Rochelle , Vanessa , Mollie and Una - did n't know the extent of her health problems until they saw her have a panic attack .
`` It frightened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad it was because up to that point I was so good at hiding it . ''
She also remembers her first live TV appearance after coming out of the psychiatric hospital .
It was on the BBC 's Children In Need and for anyone watching it went without a hitch - but when she sees the performance on YouTube now she laughs and says how she was `` faking it '' .
Frankie 's life in the band meant she was used to getting ready with loads of people around her and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , coming out of hospital and going back into that environment was `` too intense '' .
`` I had a panic attack in the toilets because I was so overwhelmed .
I felt I looked really sad . ''
One of the constants in Frankie 's life has been her husband , ex-footballer Wayne Bridge , who she 's been with for a decade .
`` At the time , I did n't think how much it was affecting him and now I feel awful .
`` We 'd only been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this new girlfriend and he 's having to take her into a psychiatric hospital .
He could have easily walked away then . ''
'It ca n't be fixed' Frankie says Wayne struggled too but he took the time to try to understand what she was going through .
`` My doctors had sessions with him to explain what was happening and why I was feeling a certain way . ''
She says she tells Wayne to try to not `` fix her '' .
`` All I need is for you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be fixed , '' she says .
`` Just be there , embrace it and let them know they 're not alone . ''
Frankie and Wayne have two young children - Parker and Carter - but pregnancy was also tough for Frankie to balance with her depression .
`` It was weird because one of the reasons I wanted to get better was because I wanted to have children and I wanted to be a young mum , '' she says .
`` When I got pregnant I had no control over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I had morning sickness and I put on a lot of weight really quickly . ''
Frankie had also had an eating disorder , and says it was hard to accept the changes to her body , which was made worse by people online commenting on her appearance .
`` It fed into every insecurity that I had .
My body had been my armour and I no longer had that anymore . ''
Now she 's preparing for Sport Relief 's latest celebrity challenge , On Thin Ice - and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her heart .
`` I 'm really nervous because I 've had no time to train .
It 's all in aid of mental health I could n't say no , '' she says .
Frankie and other celebrities ( including Radio 1 's Nick Grimshaw ) will trek 100 miles across a frozen lake in Mongolia .
`` It 's all about ticking off those things that I 'm anxious about going into situations that make me uncomfortable to prove to my anxieties that they 're wrong . ''
Visit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about mental health issues .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

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bbcuk--2020-02-05--Emily Hartridge: Boyfriend 'does not blame driver for e-scooter death'

The boyfriend of a TV presenter and YouTuber killed in a crash on her electric scooter has said he does not blame a lorry driver for her death .
Emily Hartridge , 35 , was on her way to a fertility clinic in July when she was involved in the UK 's first fatal e-scooter crash , in Battersea , London .
Jake Hazell , 27 , has suffered from panic attacks and has been campaigning for mental health awareness .
A file is being prepared for the coroner , police say .
Mr Hazell said he regretted buying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and he was constantly reminded of her death as he `` sees them on the road all the time '' .
It is illegal to ride an e-scooter on public roads , pavements and cycleways , but Mr Hazell feels more regulations need to be brought in so `` no one else loses their life on an e-scooter again '' .
`` It is an adult toy and obviously there is a risk which comes with it , '' he said .
`` Personally speaking , the road had a massive part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The condition of the road was shocking .
It was n't Emily or the driver 's fault - and in fact I do n't blame the driver whatsoever . ''
The Department for Transport ( DfT ) said it was considering the use of e-scooters as part of a regulatory review announced last year .
Wandsworth Council , which maintains the road where the crash happened , said it would be inappropriate to comment ahead of an inquest , which will be held at Westminster Coroner 's Court on a date yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` One week after Emily 's death they fixed the road and that for me was gut wrenching . ''
He met Ms Hartridge as the pair of them worked as fitness instructors and Mr Hazell said they both suffered from anxiety and spoke about it publicly .
`` That 's what connected us , '' Mr Hazell said .
`` Emily encouraged me , especially being a guy , to talk more about how I felt from my mental health point of view .
`` She was an incredible source of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really challenging to continue to talk about it when she had passed away .
`` For those who knew Emily she was just incredible - such an amazing person to be around and to call her my girlfriend was literally the best I felt in my life .
`` But what she has taught me has got me through .
I feel close to her , I still do the Instagram , still do the YouTube and continue her message that it is OK to have a tough time . ''
Mr Hazell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` the worst thing '' he had been through - and in the past he admitted he would turn to drink and drugs to cope with his anxiety .
He said : `` The only time I was not anxious was when I was either drunk or high .
Unfortunately that led me down a not so nice path and I ended up in rehab to get clean and sober .
`` Getting clean and sober affected my mental health , when I gave that up my anxiety got really bad . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rapid change therapy and has learnt that `` negative thoughts were not threats '' .
Mr Hazell 's therapist Howard Cooper praised Mr Hazell for being a `` great ambassador '' for talking openly about his traumatic and public loss .
He said : `` With grief , anxiety and panic there is a taboo that people have to soldier on - but sometimes it is a case of seeing what has n't yet been seen .
`` Jake is in a terrible situation and a lot of anxiety has come around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like now - making all sorts of terrible images , which is all understandable . ''
Stand on the corner of a busy street in London in rush hour and it wo n't be long until you see someone whizzing by on an e-scooter .
There are lots of them being used - whatever the law says about them being illegal on public land .
Users say they are quick , easy to use and have low emissions .
They say they are part of the solution providing low carbon mobility in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trialled on the Olympic Park .
Opponents say because they are unregulated some of them can travel well over 30mph and they 're not roadworthy .
Critics say they 're dangerous especially as other road users do n't expect to come across them .
The government has been looking at e-scooters and it might change the law and regulate them but it is taking time .
And at the moment , the tech has overtaken the regulation and the law is being widely ignored .

"But what she has taught me has got me through. I feel close to her, I still do the Instagram, still do the YouTube and continue her message that it is OK to have a tough time."


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Dynamo: How Crohn's made me '150% better at magic'

Magician Dynamo has said his struggle with Crohn 's disease and arthritis has made him `` 150 % better at magic '' .
At the height of his illness , doctors told Dynamo , whose real name is Steven Frayne , that he may never be able to use his hands to perform magic again .
`` I was like , I 'm Dynamo , I 've got to figure out a way to do it , '' he told The Travel Diaries podcast .
`` I do the impossible .
I 'm not going to go out like this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magic in the audience 's hands , and `` try and empower them '' , he told podcast host Holly Rubenstein .
`` But over time I started to get the use of my hands back .
I had all these new skills that I 'd developed in my hospital bed - and the old skills coming back too .
So although I 'm not 100 % healthy yet , I am technically 150 % better at magic . ''
Dynamo 's health forced him to step back from the limelight at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arena tours and starred in TV shows including Dynamo : Magician Impossible .
In 2018 , he addressed a dramatic change in his appearance , explaining that his medication regime caused him to `` put on quite a lot of body weight '' and develop a rash .
He told The Travel Diaries he used two months in hospital to conceive his forthcoming Sky One series , Beyond Belief .
`` I was on a lot of heavy medication , which made me go a little bit crazy .
But some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of this world .
I wrote them down in my little black book and this series brings those ideas to life . ''
The three-part special shines a light on Dynamo 's journey towards recovery , as well as taking viewers across the globe as he performs `` heart-stopping magic '' .
As far as his own travels are concerned , Dynamo recently shared photos from his time gorilla-trekking in Rwanda .
`` I almost died a year and a half ago .
I [ did n't ] want to wait too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing on my bucket list . ''
• Crohn 's disease is a condition in which parts of the digestive system become swollen • It affects people of all ages and starts in childhood or early adulthood • The main symptoms are diarrhoea , stomach aches and cramps , tiredness and weight loss • There is no cure for the disease , but treatments can control the symptoms • In some cases surgery is undertaken to remove a small part of the digestive system Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"I was on a lot of heavy medication, which made me go a little bit crazy. But some of the ideas that came into my head were out of this world. I wrote them down in my little black book and this series brings those ideas to life."


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Streatham attack victim: My '20 minutes of hell'

A woman has described the moment she was attacked by convicted terror offender , Sudesh Amman .
Rosa – not @ @ @ @ @ witnessed the Metropolitan Police shoot Amman dead .
Read more : 'Streatham attacker tried to @ @ @

A woman has described the moment she was attacked by convicted terror offender, Sudesh Amman.
Rosa – not her real name – then witnessed the Metropolitan Police shoot Amman dead.
She spoke to BBC special correspondent, Lucy Manning.
Read more: 'Streatham attacker tried to stab me'


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Newspaper headlines: Cameron bodyguard 'leaves gun in loo' and Manchester bomb trial

The Daily Mail and the Sun both claim that a police bodyguard to David Cameron sparked a security scare on a transatlantic British Airways flight - by accidentally leaving his gun in the plane 's toilet .
According to the Mail , the weapon was handed to flight attendants by a `` terrified '' passenger , but the pilot decided against making an emergency landing as they were aware armed police were on the aircraft .
The Sun says the Glock semi-automatic pistol was loaded with 15 `` lethal hollow-point rounds '' and was found `` resting on the side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the close-protection officer and the former prime minister .
Meanwhile , the lead story in the Daily Telegraph highlights warnings by the motor industry about the government 's plan to bring forward a ban on the sale of new petrol , diesel and hybrid vehicles .
The move is described as a `` kick in the face '' for motorists who bought hybrid cars believing they were environmentally friendly , but now fear resale values will plummet .
The president of the AA , Edmund King , is quoted as saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would encourage drivers to run older , polluting vehicles into the ground .
The Telegraph 's leader column urges the government to frame the debate about reducing carbon emissions `` more around the opportunities it provides , rather than alarmism and prohibition '' .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning The Daily Express claims ministers `` faced fury '' last night for `` backing out of a fight '' with the BBC to save free TV licences for over-75s .
The paper says BBC bosses are `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' by the government after it agreed to introduce a new payment plan , allowing elderly viewers to spread the cost of a licence over a year .
Writing in the Daily Mail , Culture Secretary Lady Morgan says a public consultation on whether to decriminalise TV licence evasion will form part of a wider government assessment of how the BBC can stay relevant in the years ahead .
Britons living in China have told the Guardian they are `` baffled and concerned '' by the call from the Foreign Office for them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus .
One is quoted as saying `` this has put many of us in an impossible situation '' .
Another accuses officials of failing to contact expats since the outbreak began , saying the consulate `` appears to have completely jumped ship '' .
The findings of an independent inquiry into the actions of a breast surgeon who performed botched and unnecessary operations on hundreds of women are considered by a number of leader columns .
The Times says victims were `` failed '' by the reluctance of those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Mirror warns that `` fresh horrors may be discovered '' when the cases of 11,000 patients he treated are recalled for assessment .
The Daily Mail questions if the 15 recommendations made by the inquiry will be enough to prevent anything similar happening again .
`` Until hospitals abandon their obsessive secrecy and treat whistleblowers with respect rather than contempt '' , it says , `` there will always be a chance that monsters like Paterson can still slip through the net '' .
The new chief executive of the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's top football division will resist attempts to ban clubs from having their shirts sponsored by betting companies , despite concerns that the `` gamblification '' of football is causing problem betting and addiction .
Richard Masters insists the Premier League will cooperate with a government review of gambling legislation , but says it is up to the clubs whether they want to have their own gambling relationships .
He argues that sport and betting `` have a long association '' and says the Premier League is `` not sniffy or judgemental '' @ @ @

One is quoted as saying "this has put many of us in an impossible situation". Another accuses officials of failing to contact expats since the outbreak began, saying the consulate "appears to have completely jumped ship".


bbcuk--2020-02-05--'We didn't eat anything sweet for three years'

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

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


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Scotland's care system 'failing' too many children

Scotland 's care system is failing to give too many children the foundation they need for later life , a three-year review has found .
The Independent Care Review said many young people experienced a `` fractured , bureaucratic and unfeeling '' system .
There are about 15,000 children in Scotland 's care system .
Fiona Duncan , the chairwoman of the review , said the human cost of their distressing and disturbing experiences often had a lifelong effect .
She said the review had calculated that an `` eye-watering '' £875m a year was spent picking up the pieces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is money spent on mental health , homelessness and addiction services , which a far higher proportion of care leavers require as adults .
The independent root-and-branch review , which was instigated by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the SNP conference in 2016 , spoke to 5,500 people - more than half of whom had been in care themselves .
Ms Duncan questioned whether the care system was actually a `` system '' at all and said it could often prolong the pain it was trying to protect .
She added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their best for young people were being `` thwarted '' by a system that operated when families and children were in crisis .
• Brothers and sisters have been regularly separated and have no say about their future contact • Girls who have been sexually abused have been held in secure care • Some Children 's Hearing panels struggle to understand and empathise with the young people before them • Care has become `` monetised '' with competition rather than collaboration • Children who have gone through secure care feel that restraint was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actively sought restraint as it was the only time they felt human touch '' • Some children feel staff were cold and stigmatising • There is an overworked and stressed workforce Ms Duncan said the scale of the `` listening '' that had been done for the review demonstrated the `` human cost is lifelong '' .
`` Overcoming trauma requires a foundation of stable , nurturing , loving relationships '' , she said .
`` However , the current 'care system ' is failing to provide that foundation for far too many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of being harmed again' Julian remembers being taken away from his parents in the middle of the night when he was five .
He says it was dark , he was scared and he was not allowed to say goodbye .
No-one explained where he was going or why , he says .
Even after he was taken into foster care full-time , he was not kept safe from harm , Julian says .
`` I was put back into a situation where I was at risk of being harmed again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put into care because of neglect and the State should have been there to protect me .
In many ways it failed to do that . ''
At the age of seven , he was adopted but he feels that neither he nor his adoptive parents were given the support they needed .
He struggled at school and started self-harming .
`` I was so angry and frustrated and confused and I did not know how to cope , '' Julian says .
At 16 , he left home , moved into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He describes the care system as a `` cattle market '' for homelessness .
Julian , who is now 27 , says he woke up one day and realised he needed to change .
He asked for help after years of refusing it and his early twenties went teetotal .
After studying for Highers , and an HNC , this September he is due to start a university degree studying law .
His motivation ?
He says his life has been dominated by legal processes over which he had no control .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ processes he could help bring about change .
Among her findings , Ms Duncan questioned whether the Children 's Hearings System - where decisions are made that affect people for the rest of their lives - was fit for purpose and if it should rely on volunteers .
Children 's Panels across Scotland are staffed by about 2,500 trained volunteers .
The review also called for an end to the inappropriate use of secure care and a complete overhaul of the care inspectorate .
To avoid its recommendations being left on the shelf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an implementation group .
• Comprehensive training for Children 's Hearings panel members and changes to how panels work and who sits on them • No longer sending 16 and 17-year-olds to prison or detention • An end to acute and crisis services • Support for families rather than stigmatisation Ms Duncan said families were not getting the support they needed in order to keep their children at home with them .
She said if children did need to be removed from families then it was `` essential '' siblings were kept together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do so .
She said the whole workforce , paid and unpaid , must be supported to `` love , nurture and cherish children '' .
For the first time the review also put a price on the annual cost of the looking after children in the care system , which is £932m .
`` What we have sought to do is understand where all of the pockets of money are all across Scotland that are spent on children and young people in this thing that we call the care system , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an estimate because it was almost impossible to get access to all the information we needed .
It is pretty accurate but it is a low estimate . ''

Julian remembers being taken away from his parents in the middle of the night when he was five. He says it was dark, he was scared and he was not allowed to say goodbye. No-one explained where he was going or why, he says.


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Paul Quinn murder: Murphy apology for comments 'must be public'

The mother of a man murdered in 2007 has said Sinn Fein 's Conor Murphy must publicly apologise for comments linking her son to criminality .
Paul Quinn , 21 , from County Armagh , was beaten to death in a barn near Oram , County Monaghan .
Sinn Féin 's leader has said Mr Murphy will apologise to Mr Quinn 's family .
Mr Quinn 's mother Breege also said Mr Murphy should be `` stepped down '' from his role as Northern Ireland finance minister .
But Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald told PA Media he should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not remove him from the position .
Shortly after the attack Mr Murphy said Mr Quinn was involved in smuggling and criminality .
Mrs Quinn said on Wednesday that Mr Murphy was `` not fit to be in government '' .
She added that the apology must be made on national television `` because that is where he put the slur on our son '' .
`` Has he any idea what we 're going through , what he has put us through ? ''
asked Mrs Quinn .
During RTÉ 's Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms McDonald said she was aware Mr Murphy 's comments caused hurt and that he would apologise .
Speaking on RTÉ the previous night , she had said Mr Murphy had assured her he had never linked Mr Quinn to criminality .
However , BBC footage proves he had done so .
Mr Murphy also said he had spoken to IRA members about the attack and had been told the IRA was not involved .
Mrs Quinn , from Cullyhanna in County Armagh , told the BBC she welcomed Ms McDonald 's comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murphy still has to do his part and come out publicly and apologise to us - and I mean publicly on national television . ''
She said Mr Murphy should also `` go to the PSNI and the gardaí [ Irish police ] and give the names of the IRA people he said he spoke to in Cullyhanna '' .
`` If he does n't do that I will not be meeting him , '' she added .
The Quinn family has always blamed the IRA for murdering their son .
Mrs Quinn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have endured and cried and fought for justice to get the truth . ''
Speaking to the BBC in November 2007 , Mr Murphy said : `` Paul Quinn was involved in smuggling and criminality - I think everyone accepts that .
`` This is a very difficult situation as there is a family grieving - I do n't want to add to their grief . ''
Speaking during the RTÉ Prime Time leaders ' debate , Ms McDonald said : `` Those things should not have been said - Conor withdraws them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ correct and the decent thing to do .
`` A family that has lost their son in such brutal circumstances does n't need the additional hurt and grief of those remarks . ''
She added : `` The only criminals involved in this scenario are the people who so cruelly and viciously took [ Paul Quinn's ' ] life . ''
The gang who murdered Mr Quinn used nail-studded clubs and iron bars to beat him for upwards of half an hour , breaking every major bone in his body .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monitoring Commission said current and former members of the IRA may have been involved in the murder .
But in its full report in May the following year , the commission stated that the IRA was not responsible for the murder .
The commission said the killing was `` clearly contrary to the instructions and strategy of the IRA leadership '' although it reiterated that some local members or former members were involved .

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bbcuk--2020-02-05--Hinkley nuclear station: New Cardiff Bay mud dumping plans

Plans to dump more mud from alongside a nuclear power site in Somerset into the sea off Cardiff Bay have been revealed .
The initial work , carried out in 2018 , caused huge controversy .
Now the environment watchdog Natural Resources Wales ( NRW ) says it has received another application .
EDF Energy wants to deposit up to 780,000 tonnes of sediment dredged as part of building work for the Hinkley Point C plant .
The developers have submitted a plan to NRW for sampling and testing the mud , which will now be subject to a six-week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NRW 's role is to determine whether the material is suitable for disposal at Cardiff Grounds , a licensed dumping ground for dredged sediment around two and a half miles out to sea from the Welsh capital Michael Evans , the regulator 's head of evidence , knowledge and advice said `` the first step of a long application process '' was to assess the sampling plan , before the developers request a marine licence to carry out the work .
`` The disposal activity in 2018 caused great public concern , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people about these plans over the next few months , '' he explained .
`` We will only grant the licence if the company can demonstrate it complies with legal requirements and we 're confident the proposed activity will not harm people or the environment . ''
As well as a marine licence from NRW to deposit the mud in Welsh waters , EDF Energy will also need another from England 's Marine Management Organisation in order to dredge off the Somerset coast .
They hope to start carrying out the work in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dumping so controversial ?
The seabed alongside Hinkley Point C - which is being built near Bridgwater - is being dredged so that the £21.5-22.5bn power station 's water cooling system can be installed .
EDF Energy says this will be a `` significant piece of infrastructure '' , involving tunnelling more than 3km into the Bristol Channel .
But anti-nuclear campaigners have raised fears the process could be churning up contamination from the old Hinkley A and B reactors , which used to be on the site .
Tim Deere-Jones , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had urged the Welsh Government to carry out radioactivity measurements along the Welsh shoreline before and after the initial dumping of Hinkley mud in 2018 .
But he said their refusal had `` left coastal communities in a position of complete ignorance about the impacts of the dump '' .
A public outcry over the original mud dumping led to protests and a petition signed by over 7,000 people , triggering a full Senedd debate .
BBC Wales has been told it involved 120,000 tonnes of mud , although permission was granted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejected calls to suspend the marine licence issued to EDF Energy for the work , claiming it would set a dangerous precedent , it instructed NRW to do more to communicate with the public about the process and explain the issues involved in future .
EDF Energy insists all tests on the mud were completed to international standards , and claims it could be toxic are alarmist and wrong .
They say they are proposing to do more in-depth sampling ahead of their latest dredging application , in order to provide further reassurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk - and what did they find ?
EDF have already presented evidence that levels in the mud are so low as to be not classed as radioactive under UK law .
This is how scientists carried out their tests .
• They `` conservatively '' assumed a person spent about four hours a day , every day , on the shore near the Cardiff Grounds and ate 50kg of fish and 15kg of crustacean and molluscs a year , all sourced from the Cardiff Grounds • Exposure to the radioactivity in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sediment that may accumulate on the shore • Assuming a person was to do all of the above , 90 % of the radiological dose they would receive would be from naturally occurring radiation • The research found combining natural and artificial levels of radioactivity together , any exposure would be 10,000 times less than an airline pilot 's annual dose • It would be 750 times less than the average dose received by a resident of Pembrokeshire due to naturally occurring Radon • It would be equivalent to eating 20 bananas each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
But why off Cardiff Bay and not elsewhere ?
Cardiff Grounds is the only site large enough to handle the amount of the type of sediment it wants to dredge , says EDF .
Because it is within a recognised special area of conservation ( SAC ) , any sediment it removes has to be put back in the area `` in order to maintain the natural balance '' of sediment in the conservation area .
Why is this new dredging being proposed ?
Chris Fayers , head of environment at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phase of dredging was necessary ahead of drilling six vertical shafts for the cooling water system for the new nuclear power station .
`` The mud is typical of sediment found anywhere in the Bristol Channel and no different to sediment already at the Cardiff Grounds site , '' he said .
`` Ahead of the second phase of dredging independent experts will carry out further analysis of the mud and sediment using techniques that are even more stringent than those used in 2017 .
`` During the first phase of dredging , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed that the levels were so low as to be not classed as radioactive under UK law .
It poses no threat to human health or the environment .
`` No dredging will take place until Natural Resources Wales approve a monitoring and dredging plan .
The next phase of dredging is not planned to take place until 2021 . ''

Nuclear station mud dumping plans off Cardiff Bay revealed Published 5 February 2020
Image caption, The mud disposal site in 2018 was located about a mile off the south Wales coast
Plans to dump more mud from alongside a nuclear power site in Somerset into the sea off Cardiff Bay have been revealed.
The initial work, carried out in 2018, caused huge controversy.
Now the environment watchdog Natural Resources Wales (NRW) says it has received another application.
EDF Energy wants to deposit up to 780,000 tonnes of sediment dredged as part of building work for the Hinkley Point C plant.
The developers have submitted a plan to NRW for sampling and testing the mud, which will now be subject to a six-week consultation with specialists and the public.
Image caption, A dredger in the distance involved in the mud dumping operation off Cardiff Bay in 2018
NRW's role is to determine whether the material is suitable for disposal at Cardiff Grounds, a licensed dumping ground for dredged sediment around two and a half miles out to sea from the Welsh capital
Michael Evans, the regulator's head of evidence, knowledge and advice said "the first step of a long application process" was to assess the sampling plan, before the developers request a marine licence to carry out the work.
"The disposal activity in 2018 caused great public concern, so we intend to inform and engage with people about these plans over the next few months," he explained.
"We will only grant the licence if the company can demonstrate it complies with legal requirements and we're confident the proposed activity will not harm people or the environment."
Image source, PA Media Image caption, The base for the first reactor at Hinkley Point C power station being constructed
As well as a marine licence from NRW to deposit the mud in Welsh waters, EDF Energy will also need another from England's Marine Management Organisation in order to dredge off the Somerset coast.
They hope to start carrying out the work in early 2021.
Why is the mud dumping so controversial?
The seabed alongside Hinkley Point C - which is being built near Bridgwater - is being dredged so that the £21.5-22.5bn power station's water cooling system can be installed.
EDF Energy says this will be a "significant piece of infrastructure", involving tunnelling more than 3km into the Bristol Channel.
But anti-nuclear campaigners have raised fears the process could be churning up contamination from the old Hinkley A and B reactors, which used to be on the site.
Tim Deere-Jones, of the Stop the Dump campaign, said he had urged the Welsh Government to carry out radioactivity measurements along the Welsh shoreline before and after the initial dumping of Hinkley mud in 2018.
But he said their refusal had "left coastal communities in a position of complete ignorance about the impacts of the dump".
A public outcry over the original mud dumping led to protests and a petition signed by over 7,000 people - which swelled to six figures online - triggering a full Senedd debate.
BBC Wales has been told it involved 120,000 tonnes of mud, although permission was granted for 300,000.
Though the Welsh Government rejected calls to suspend the marine licence issued to EDF Energy for the work, claiming it would set a dangerous precedent, it instructed NRW to do more to communicate with the public about the process and explain the issues involved in future.
EDF Energy insists all tests on the mud were completed to international standards, and claims it could be toxic are alarmist and wrong.
They say they are proposing to do more in-depth sampling ahead of their latest dredging application, in order to provide further reassurance.
Image caption, Laboratory testing of mud samples
How did scientists work out the risk - and what did they find?
EDF have already presented evidence that levels in the mud are so low as to be not classed as radioactive under UK law. This is how scientists carried out their tests.
They "conservatively" assumed a person spent about four hours a day, every day, on the shore near the Cardiff Grounds and ate 50kg of fish and 15kg of crustacean and molluscs a year, all sourced from the Cardiff Grounds
Exposure to the radioactivity in the sediment was also considered from inhaling any sediment that may accumulate on the shore
Assuming a person was to do all of the above, 90% of the radiological dose they would receive would be from naturally occurring radiation
The research found combining natural and artificial levels of radioactivity together, any exposure would be 10,000 times less than an airline pilot's annual dose
It would be 750 times less than the average dose received by a resident of Pembrokeshire due to naturally occurring Radon
It would be equivalent to eating 20 bananas each year - an "infinitesimally small level".
But why off Cardiff Bay and not elsewhere?
Cardiff Grounds is the only site large enough to handle the amount of the type of sediment it wants to dredge, says EDF.
Because it is within a recognised special area of conservation (SAC), any sediment it removes has to be put back in the area "in order to maintain the natural balance" of sediment in the conservation area.
Why is this new dredging being proposed?
Chris Fayers, head of environment at Hinkley Point C, said the second phase of dredging was necessary ahead of drilling six vertical shafts for the cooling water system for the new nuclear power station.
"The mud is typical of sediment found anywhere in the Bristol Channel and no different to sediment already at the Cardiff Grounds site," he said.
"Ahead of the second phase of dredging independent experts will carry out further analysis of the mud and sediment using techniques that are even more stringent than those used in 2017.
"During the first phase of dredging, Natural Resources Wales confirmed that independent analysis showed that the levels were so low as to be not classed as radioactive under UK law. It poses no threat to human health or the environment.
"No dredging will take place until Natural Resources Wales approve a monitoring and dredging plan. The next phase of dredging is not planned to take place until 2021."
Image caption, Brian Jones said people in Wales did not want nuclear waste buried in the ground or deposited off the coast
What has been the reaction?
Brian Jones, vice-chairman of CND Cymru, said the process at least appeared to be more transparent and they had a chance to have a say before the award of the licence this time.
"We were expecting it to come," he said. "We've got our chance to have more of our input in the process but in the longer term the nuclear industry tends to get what it wants."
He said they would be campaigning against it and he hoped samples would be taken deeper down into the sediment this time as he fears higher levels of radioactivity could be found.


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Streatham attack: Terrorist threat 'not diminishing', says anti-terror police chief

The threat from terrorism is `` not diminishing '' , the head of UK counter-terror policing has warned , as he praised covert officers ' response to the Streatham attack .
Officers `` calmly ran forward '' and prevented more people being injured , Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said .
Sudesh Amman , 20 , was shot dead by police after stabbing two people in south London on Sunday .
`` But with 3,000 or so subjects of interest currently on our radar and many convicted terrorists soon due to be released from prison , we simply can not watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Metropolitan Police 's assistant commissioner said .
He welcomed government plans to `` to keep the most dangerous terrorists locked up for longer '' .
• 'Streatham attacker tried to stab me' Amman had been released from prison on 23 January after serving half of his sentence for terror offences .
He was under active surveillance at the time of the attack - which police believe to have be an Islamist-related terrorist incident - and had a hoax device strapped to his body .
Mr Basu praised the `` quick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more injuries .
`` They exemplified the courage and sense of duty that our officers have shown time and time again in their efforts to protect the public from the terrorist threat , '' he added .
Mr Basu said the attack was the third in as many months , following recent incidents at London Bridge and Whitemoor prison , and said the threat was `` not diminishing '' , despite best efforts .
The UK 's terror threat level is currently set at `` substantial '' , meaning an attack is likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , the second highest rating , in November , shortly before the London Bridge attack .
Earlier Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick said it was `` clearly not possible '' to stop every attack and Amman was able to stab people despite being under surveillance because such operations are not `` man-to-man marking '' .
In response to the attack , ministers want to introduce emergency legislation to make terror offenders serve more time in prison - but a former government adviser has warned those plans could lead to a legal battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been set to get the legislation through Parliament to prevent the early release of any more offenders , according to a Whitehall official .
The official said no terrorist offenders are due to receive automatic release before that date .
The government plans to introduce the legislation in the Commons on Tuesday , with the aim of clearing the House by the time it rises for recess the following Thursday .

"But with 3,000 or so subjects of interest currently on our radar and many convicted terrorists soon due to be released from prison, we simply cannot watch all of them, all the time," the Metropolitan Police's assistant commissioner said.


bbcuk--2020-02-06--Boris Johnson nominates Brexit critics Hammond and Clarke for peerages

Boris Johnson has nominated two men he kicked out of the Tories in the Commons for opposing him on Brexit for seats in the Lords , the BBC has learned .
Former Chancellors Ken Clarke and Phillip Hammond had the Conservative whip withdrawn last year for attempting to block a no-deal Brexit .
They have now stood down as MPs but have continued to be critical of the prime minister 's policies .
The nomination and vetting process for new peers is not yet complete .
But Mr Clarke and Mr Hammond are on Downing Street 's list , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Downing Street is also expected to nominate former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson , who has also clashed with the prime minister over Brexit in the past , for a seat in the Lords , The PM has also put forward two former Labour MPs - Iain Austin and John Woodcock - to sit as non-aligned peers .
The pair spoke out repeatedly against Jeremy Corbyn during his leadership and eventually quit the Labour party , campaigning in the general election to keep him out of Number 10 .
Neither Number 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which vets nominations , would comment on the contents of the Dissolution Honours List .
Convention suggests that former Chancellors often end up in ermine .
But convention has hardly been in fashion when it comes to Boris Johnson 's government .
Phliip Hammond and Ken Clarke were among those expelled from the Tory benches in the autumn , two of 21 MPs removed at a stroke , branded as part of the resistance to Brexit .
But while these nominations are likely to raise Brexiteer eyebrows , they perhaps signal an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internal Tory warfare .
Do n't be surprised , too , if there are lots of Eurosceptic and Tory donors ' names on the list when it is finally approved and emerges .
The inclusion of Hammond and Clarke is notable , but we do n't know the shape of the full picture yet .
Mr Hammond , who was chancellor between 2016 and 2019 , was blamed by Tory Brexiteers for trying to block the UK 's departure from the European Union , despite voting for Theresa May 's withdrawal agreement three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson won the race to succeed Mrs May as Tory leader , after repeatedly warning the UK would be worse off after a hard Brexit .
He was then prevented from standing as a Conservative Party candidate at the general election after having the whip withdrawn .
Veteran Europhile Mr Clarke , who stood down as an MP in December after 49 years as an MP , was chancellor between 1993 and 1997 .
He was the only Conservative MP to oppose triggering the Article 50 process for leaving the EU after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to be highly critical of Mr Johnson 's Brexit policies since the election , telling the Guardian in December : `` I could never get out of Boris - and nobody so far could get out of Boris - what he has in mind for the eventual deal .
To say they 're generalities is an understatement . ''
Mr Clarke , who unsuccessfully ran to be Tory leader in 1997 , 2001 and 2005 , has previously said he would accept a peerage if it was offered .

He has continued to be highly critical of Mr Johnson's Brexit policies since the election, telling the Guardian in December: "I could never get out of Boris - and nobody so far could get out of Boris - what he has in mind for the eventual deal. To say they're generalities is an understatement."


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Helen McCourt murderer Ian Simms released from prison

A murderer who has refused to reveal the whereabouts of his victim 's remains has been released from prison .
The mother of Helen McCourt , who disappeared in Merseyside in 1988 , said she felt `` numb '' when she was told her daughter 's killer had been freed .
Ian Simms , now 63 , was convicted of killing the 22-year-old but her body has never been found despite searches .
Simms has been released after Ms McCourt 's mother Marie lost a legal bid on Tuesday to keep him behind bars .
Mrs McCourt has previously urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who do not disclose the location of their victims ' bodies .
`` The High Court 's ruling meant we had to release Ian Simms from custody though he will be recalled if the court later decides to quash the Parole Board 's decision , '' a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said .
`` He will be on licence for life , subject to strict conditions and probation supervision when released , and he faces a return to prison if he fails to comply . ''
Mrs McCourt had launched a legal challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a judicial review of the Parole Board 's decision to free him .
But Lord Justice Dingemans and Mr Justice Fordham refused to postpone his release .
Mrs McCourt has campaigned for a change in the law following her daughter 's death .
The Prisoners ( Disclosure of Information about Victims ) Bill - dubbed Helen 's Law - has failed to be ratified before Parliament on numerous occasions - twice being delayed because of general elections .
Simms , who has always maintained his innocence , was given a life sentence with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was eligible to be considered for release in February 2004 .

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "The High Court's ruling meant we had to release Ian Simms from custody though he will be recalled if the court later decides to quash the Parole Board's decision.


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Coronavirus: NHS orders 'assessment pods' in England hospitals

Every hospital in England is being asked to create `` priority assessment pods '' for patients with suspected coronavirus , the NHS has said .
Patients who are concerned they may have the virus are still advised to isolate themselves and call 111 .
But the contingency measure is intended to prevent any patients who do arrive at hospital from mixing with vulnerable patients .
The secure areas are expected to be introduced by Friday .
In China , 490 people have died and 24,300 people have been confirmed to have contracted the new virus .
It has now spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK .
The new measure means that A & E departments will be able to direct people who think they have symptoms of the coronavirus to a pod away from other patients , where they can call specialist NHS 111 teams on a dedicated phone .
An NHS spokeswoman said : `` Anyone with a cough , fever , or shortness of breath who attends hospital and has recently returned from China will be advised to follow signs to NHS 111 pods and call for advice , so they stay isolated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure in A & E . ''
BBC health correspondent Nick Triggle said the NHS is aware people may not always follow the advice to self-isolate if the virus starts to spread across England .
The pods are meant to protect others using the hospitals - who may have vulnerable immune systems .
`` The problem hospitals face is where to create these pods .
There is not lots of spare space on many sites to house coronavirus patients and building separate facilities may not be practical , '' he said .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrangements in place to carry out coronavirus test sampling , but these were being kept under review and additional measures would be introduced if necessary .
Since the virus has spread overseas , 25 nations have confirmed a total of 191 cases , although there has been only one death so far , in the Philippines .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has declared the outbreak a global health emergency .
On Tuesday , the Foreign Office advised all UK citizens to leave China if possible , to minimise the risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights from Wuhan , where the virus is thought to have originated , have brought 94 Britons and their family members back to the UK so far .
They are now in quarantine at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral for 14 days - the incubation period of the virus - to ensure they are not infected .
A further eight UK nationals and six of their family members left on a flight to New Zealand on Tuesday , and the Foreign Office is chartering a final repatriation flight on Sunday , to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China .
The Foreign Office said there were between 150 and 200 UK citizens and their dependents remaining in this part of China , and about 100 of them have asked for help to leave .
Another British man , David Abel , is in quarantine on a cruise ship docked in the Japanese port of Yokohama after a passenger from Hong Kong fell ill with the virus .
At least 10 people on board the ship , the Diamond Princess , have since tested positive for the virus .
Two people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of York and one of their relatives - have been confirmed to have coronavirus and are being treated at the specialist infectious diseases unit at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary .
The Department of Health and Social Care said 466 people have tested negative for the virus .
The coronavirus causes severe acute respiratory infection and symptoms usually start with a fever , followed by a dry cough .
Most people infected are likely to fully recover - just as they would from flu .
Learn more about the new virus • How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city now in lockdown • Can wearing masks stop the spread of viruses ?

An NHS spokeswoman said: "Anyone with a cough, fever, or shortness of breath who attends hospital and has recently returned from China will be advised to follow signs to NHS 111 pods and call for advice, so they stay isolated from other patients and avoid causing unnecessary pressure in A&E."


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Dorothy Woolmer death: Man admits murder and sexual assault

A 23-year-old man has admitted murdering and sexually assaulting an 89-year-old widow in her own bed .
Dorothy Woolmer , known as Dot , was found dead with severe injuries at her home in Waltheof Gardens in Tottenham , north London , on 5 August .
Reece Dempster , from Haringey , had smoked crack before breaking into her house , the Old Bailey heard .
Dempster had previously admitted manslaughter , but initially denied murder and sexual assault .
He will be sentenced on Thursday .
Mrs Woolmer 's family said her death had `` brought extreme amounts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement they said : `` She was taken from us in such a cruel way .
`` Dot was a wonderful , beautiful woman .
She was independent and was so full of life .
Family was everything to her and she was everything to us . ''
The prosecution decided not to proceed on a count of rape following Dempster 's plea change part way through his trial .
He admitted two counts of sexual assault by penetration .
The court heard that Mrs Woolmer , who had been widowed in 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died as the result of `` multiple blunt trauma injuries '' .
Jurors were told that Dempster is 6ft 3in ( 190cm ) tall , while Ms Woolmer was 4ft 11in ( 150cm ) tall and weighed less than eight stone ( 51kg ) .
Dempster , who was caught on CCTV fleeing the scene , had spent about seven hours in Mrs Woolmer 's home after breaking in through a back door on the night of 3 August , the prosecution said .
Dempster later told his former partner that on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at his father 's house `` smoking crack and drinking three or four bottles of gin '' , the trial was told .
`` I went off and I went to rob a house ; I think I hurt someone , '' he is said to have told her .
The prosecution said Dempster had been `` casing '' the house for several days and knew it was occupied by a vulnerable older person .

Dempster later told his former partner that on the night of the attack he had been at his father's house "smoking crack and drinking three or four bottles of gin", the trial was told.


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Jacob Marshall death: Man charged with murdering toddler

A man has been charged with murdering a one-year-old boy .
Jacob Marshall was taken to hospital from a house @ @ @ @ @ , Liverpool , on 12 July but died from head injuries .
Jonathan Simpson , @ @ @ @ @ address , but originally from Winsford , Cheshire , has been charged with the toddler @ @ @ @ @ is due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates ' Court tomorrow , Merseyside Police said .
@ @ @ @ @ the toddler 's death , his family said they would `` miss his beautiful soul @ @ @ @ @ .
`` He always had us in fits of laughter with his cute mischievous ways @ @ @ @ @ of Jacob every day and of all the amazing memories we all got to make @ @ @ @ @ live on in us all forever . ''

"We will talk of Jacob every day and of all the amazing memories we all got to make with him. He will live on in us all forever."


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Silent Witness star Liz Carr set for Hollywood film role

Silent Witness star Liz Carr says she has left the programme on a high after her `` best series ever '' - and is set to appear in her first Hollywood film .
The actress , who has played forensic examiner Clarissa Mullery since 2012 , bowed out this week at the end of the 23rd season of the hit BBC crime drama .
She revealed on the BBC Ouch podcast that she will be seen in her first major movie - the sci-fi drama Infinite - later this year , alongside Mark Wahlberg .
Carr who uses a wheelchair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Silent Witness improved the representation of disabled people on screen , although it had not always been easy .
She says the BBC seemed `` terrified '' about what to do with a disabled actor in primetime drama when she first started , but she made sure her voice was heard .
`` I think over the eight years I 've kind of policed the show quite a lot and worked to make sure it was better and refused to say certain lines that I thought were problematic .
`` I was asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we achieved in terms of representation in Silent Witness - Oh , my goodness , of course I am . ''
Prior to Silent Witness , Carr was probably best known as a comedian , disabled rights activist and presenter of the BBC Ouch podcast .
But her continuing role as Clarissa has made her one of the most high-profile disabled actors in Britain .
Carr says she first indicated she wanted to leave Silent Witness back in October 2018 .
`` It must seem like a ridiculous decision '' , she says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same thing [ in terms of storyline ] and , as an actor , that just was n't that interesting . ''
She says the `` irony '' was that having made the decision to leave , a new producer was brought in who promised her `` the most challenging series that you 've ever had '' and `` he 's delivered , '' she said .
In the latest series , Carr was at the centre of a storyline in which her character , Clarissa , had to make heart-breaking decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had dementia and terminal cancer .
Carr praised writer Lena Rae , whose two-parter called Hope was her Silent Witness debut .
`` There 's a lot of stuff there that we 've not seen before .
I think about that relationship of an aging parent with a disabled child .
But equally , seeing a disabled woman as the carer , '' Carr says .
`` It was everything about disability and it was nothing about disability .
And it connected us in a way that said : 'We all experience this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose parents or somebody that we love . ''
Carr says she was especially touched by the audience reaction to her portrayal of the storyline with many saying they could `` relate '' to Clarissa 's predicament .
The actress ' own father died last year , shortly before she filmed her final episodes , and her performance in Hope drew heavily on that experience .
`` I 'm not sure that I was acting , '' she says .
`` I think I was almost re-enacting and reliving being at my dad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in hospital .
He had Parkinson 's and vascular dementia . ''
Like her onscreen character , who has just resigned as a forensic examiner , so Carr felt the need for a change in her own life - `` I just want to go out there and take a leap of faith '' .
That leap has landed her in Hollywood blockbuster , Infinite , alongside A-listers Wahlberg and Chiwetel Ejiofor .
The summer release has been directed by Antoine Fuqua whose other films include Training Day and the Equalizer movies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I 'm ecstatic , '' Carr says after admitting she was surprised to get the part .
`` I thought , I bet they 're just going to audition wheelchair-users and then they 're going to give the role to Tom Cruise . ''
However , heady dreams that she would have to relocate to Hollywood were somewhat thwarted when she discovered filming would take place in west London .
But she is certain playing a major character in a successful BBC drama convinced the casting team she had the requisite experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 've gone and had the most incredible opportunity to develop and get better and learn and learn and learn .
And there are very few disabled actors internationally who have that experience . ''
She says she hopes her success will encourage TV and film makers to give other disabled actors `` a break '' .
`` Unless you can show how good you are , people are n't going to see what amazing talent is out there . ''
In December , the BBC announced a string of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more `` authentic and distinctive '' representation of disabled people on screen .
Carr herself will perform one of a series of `` challenging '' monologues , curated by fellow , former BBC Ouch presenter Mat Fraser as part of that .
She 's also set to return to our screens in an upcoming episode of Who Do You Think You Are ?
the BBC One show which delves into family history .
Carr says this really took her out of her comfort zone .
`` I do n't really like surprises , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a difficult show to do .
But actually there are things that happened that stunned me .
And I loved it . ''
For more Disability News , follow BBC Ouch on Twitter and Facebook , and subscribe to the weekly podcast on BBC Sounds .

"It was everything about disability and it was nothing about disability. And it connected us in a way that said: 'We all experience this'. We're all going to lose parents or somebody that we love."


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Gambling body: Scantily-clad models not our issue

The gambling watchdog has refused to condemn the widespread use of scantily-clad models to promote products at one of the industry 's biggest trade events .
Under its former boss , Sarah Harrison , the Gambling Commission had threatened to boycott ICE London because women `` were expected to wear nothing more than swimsuits '' .
It also convinced ICE to introduce a code of conduct to tackle sexism .
But at this year 's event it appeared that little had changed .
And the Gambling Commission , which has a new boss , Neil McArthur , told the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the organisers to enforce that code . ''
At the event at London 's ExCel centre , the BBC found models dressed as Playboy bunnies promoting casino games sold by the Slovenian firm Interblock .
The women also posed for pictures with male attendees .
Meanwhile , other so-called `` promo-girls '' - models hired by firms to attract delegates to their stand - circulated the conference hall handing out leaflets and giveaways .
Flavio Grasselli , a conference delegate from Italy , had his picture taken with three women dressed in mermaid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought employing scantily-clad women to promote companies and products was not unethical .
`` Gambling is linked with the forbidden , '' he said , adding that the `` sensuality of a woman '' and `` the sensuality of the roulette wheel '' in casinos were naturally linked .
He said the ICE event was more like a music festival than a conference , describing himself as being `` like a child in a park '' .
Mr Grasselli was not the only one to speak out in support of conference 's practices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event , said ICE was `` fun for people , it 's great '' .
She added that the gaming firm that had employed her , Kajot , had chosen her tight cat suit because `` the people like it '' .
Clarion Gaming , the company which runs the conference , brought in its code of conduct in 2019 .
It followed negative press about the use of pole dancers at the 2018 event .
The code states that `` partial or total nudity or overtly sexual or suggestive clothing or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The firm told the BBC that companies at this year 's event had largely met the code , but there had been one breach .
It would not comment on the nature of the breach .
`` Show management have spoken with the exhibitor concerned and immediate action was taken to ensure compliance , '' a spokesman said .
Labour MP Carolyn Harris told the BBC that ICE London 's practices were unacceptable .
`` Having seen pictures from the ICE conference of scantily clad women being used by overseas gambling companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men in suits , I ca n't help but feel disappointed , '' she said .
`` Time and again , this industry appears to be totally lacking in morals and decency .
`` This kind of marketing is outdated and unnecessary and I would hope that Clarion who organised the event , think twice before doing this again . ''
Her views echo the words of the former head of the Gambling Commission , Ms Harrison , who left in 2018 .
At the time , she said : `` A woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest paid boss .
Yet from walking around the exhibition you would n't know this . ''
She added : `` Instead you saw men representing their companies wearing expensive tailored suits whilst their female colleagues were expected to wear nothing more than swimsuits . ''
In a statement , a spokesperson for the commission said : `` We called out the organisers about this two years ago and they have since launched a code of conduct .
`` It is a matter for the organisers to enforce that code .
Our focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safer for British consumers . ''

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Gambling Commission said: "We do not think this is acceptable, which is why we called the organisers out on this two years ago and they have since launched a code of conduct.


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Police bail time limit for suspects could be trebled

The length of time suspects could be bailed for is set to be trebled under government plans .
Under the proposals , officers will be told to impose bail conditions on suspects if there could be risks to victims , witnesses and the public .
Time limits to keep suspects under such a restriction could be raised from 28 days to 90 .
The plans would reverse changes which restricted the use of police , or pre-charge , bail in England and Wales .
Home Secretary Priti Patel has set out the proposals , which would also strengthen `` release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are not bailed by police have their cases reviewed .
The rules on pre-charge bail were changed under Theresa May 's premiership less than three years ago after concerns from some suspects - including those arrested in Operation Yewtree into historical sexual abuse - that they were being placed under bail conditions for too long .
The change prompted concerns at the number of suspects being released under investigation ( RUI ) without any conditions .
The Home Office said it had opened a public consultation on the latest proposals on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be done to ensure cases are dealt with effectively '' .
RUI was introduced by the Conservatives in April 2017 in a bid to limit the time someone spends on bail to 28 days - to try to cut the number of people facing restrictions for long periods of time without being charged .
It allows suspects to leave custody after an arrest without any restrictions for an unlimited period of time while inquiries continue , rather than having to comply with bail conditions including living at a certain address , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regularly visit a police station .
Some 322,250 cases involved suspects being released under investigation between April 2017 and October , according to figures obtained by BBC Newsnight .
Nearly 100,000 of those cases involved suspected violent criminals and sex offenders , including people suspected of offences such as rape and murder , the figures suggested .
In April , the Centre for Women 's Justice made a super complaint to the police watchdog , accusing forces of failing to use protective measures in cases of violence against women .
In November , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the regulations .
Ms Patel said on Wednesday that the public consultation `` forms a central part of this review , which will help ( to ) ensure the needs of victims are put first and the police can investigate crimes effectively and swiftly '' .
• Extending the time limit for bail from 28 days to either 60 or 90 days • Telling police officers to use bail when there is a risk to victims , witnesses and the public • Making sure cases where suspects are released under investigation or interviewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would also give `` serious consideration '' to the findings of a police watchdog report on the use of bail by forces , which is expected to be published in the summer .
The 28-day limit came into force after a number of high-profile cases where suspects were kept waiting for long periods of time before being told whether they would be charged .
In 2015 , broadcaster Paul Gambaccini - who was once held on police bail for a year - backed the 28-day limit .
In 2013 , Mr Gambaccini was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the case against him was dropped .

It allows suspects to leave custody after an arrest without any restrictions for an unlimited period of time while inquiries continue, rather than having to comply with bail conditions including living at a certain address, not contacting particular people, or having to regularly visit a police station.


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Labour leadership: Emily Thornberry says she is 'squeezed' in race

Emily Thornberry says she is being `` squeezed '' in the Labour leadership race by two `` monolithic '' campaigns , but says she brings `` depth of experience '' .
She said some saw the race as being between Rebecca Long-Bailey and Sir Keir Starmer , but added that the members should have the widest choice .
Labour will be `` more professional '' under her leadership , she added .
The shadow foreign secretary is the only hopeful not to have the required support to make the final ballot yet .
Labour 's Brexit spokesman Sir Keir Starmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business secretary Mrs Long-Bailey have reached the threshold to be included on the members ' ballot .
They needed the support of 5 % of local parties or at least three affiliates - two must be unions - by 14 February .
So far , Ms Thornberry has the backing of a handful of local parties and no affiliates .
• Who will be Labour 's next leader ?
• Long-Bailey : I can sell 'hope for the future' When asked by BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg why she was behind in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thornberry said the contest had `` ended up with two slightly monolithic campaigns '' from Mrs Long-Bailey and Sir Keir .
`` One is perceived as being on the left , with the support of Momentum and all the data that obviously Momentum has , '' she said , referring to Mrs Long-Bailey .
`` And the other one therefore by comparison is seen as the right or the centre ground . ''
She said it was `` not for the leaders take us to the left or to the right '' but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward , we need to have the best candidate '' .
`` And so , to a certain extent it is a good old fashioned squeeze between these two big , you know , campaigns , with all the data and everything else , and it 's quite difficult in the middle of that , '' she said .
`` But what I want to do is to break this and to get onto the ticket . ''
She added : `` We should have everybody on the ticket , so that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Thornberry said that under her leadership Labour will be `` more professional '' , adding : `` We will be more believable , we will be more credible and people would say : 'Oh , thank goodness the Labour Party 's back ' .
`` You know : 'We can vote for the Labour Party now , because the Labour Party has n't fundamentally changed , but at least we can believe that they will do the things that they say they 're going to do ' , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' was `` really important '' , adding that the party `` kind of lost our way before Jeremy was elected as leader '' .
`` I think that what I bring to this is a depth of experience , particularly on foreign affairs and on security matters , '' Ms Thornberry said .
`` I think that I raise everyone else 's game . ''
She has done seven front bench jobs , she added .
`` I 've been in Parliament for 15 years , I was born in the Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour Party , '' she said .
Mr Corbyn announced he would be standing down after Labour suffered its worst defeat , in terms of seats , since 1935 in December 's election .
On the election , Ms Thornberry said there were some `` terrible tactical errors '' .
She said the party should have `` stood [ our ] ground '' in order to get a further referendum on Brexit ahead of any general election .
`` Our problem was that they [ the Conservatives ] had 'get Brexit done ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a referendum wrapped up as a general election so they were n't held to be accountable for anything that they 've done , '' she said .
`` We were n't able to talk about other policies , we had about three and a half paragraphs in terms of what our Brexit policy was , and then we tried to change the subject and we were n't able to . ''
On her life outside the Labour Party , Ms Thornberry said : `` I quite often take a weekend off and go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we go to particularly sort of English towns where we 've never been before .
`` And we stay in the local hotel we go to the municipal museum , we look at kind of quirky things , we go walking , we go visit a local country house .
`` We just spend time with one another and remind one another , how we fell in love in the first place . ''
She said she `` probably '' had some Tory friends , adding : `` Particularly members of my husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` But , but I 've never kissed a Tory in that way , '' she joked .
`` That will be true to say . ''
Laura Kuenssberg has already interviewed Sir Keir and Mrs Long-Bailey and is aiming to interview Ms Nandy in the coming weeks .
The new leader will be announced on 4 April .

"You know: 'We can vote for the Labour Party now, because the Labour Party hasn't fundamentally changed, but at least we can believe that they will do the things that they say they're going to do'," she said.


bbcuk--2020-02-05--Are we still in love with Ikea?

Are we still in love with Ikea?

Ikea has announced the closure of its Coventry store - the first big UK outlet the company has ever shut .
The news saw `` Ikea '' trend on Twitter and caused a stir among the brand 's many fans .
With the chain raising concerns over visitor numbers , do people still want the Ikea experience ?
Louise Jenkins and her friend Amy Pulford feel upset .
They have been visiting Ikea since the store opened in 2007 and news of its imminent closure has come as a blow .
`` We love the Ikea lifestyle , '' says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my furniture , even my kitchen gadgets - everything is from this shop . ''
On Tuesday , the Swedish firm announced it was closing the £35m city centre store after years of `` consistent losses '' and fewer than expected visitors .
But it rejected suggestions there were wider problems with its brand .
It said it faced local rather than national issues and suggested the store 's seven levels had never proved cost-effective and had also adversely impacted on the customer experience .
It added there was a local preference for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city centre .
Ikea - which has 22 UK stores - also stated it was committed to UK growth .
But it did concede it was contending with the lure of online shopping .
And on Wednesday , the internet was not far from the thoughts of Coventry customers .
Among them , Ms Jenkins and Pulford .
They are fans of the physical shopping experience and do not fancy e-commerce .
Ikea 's website , they said , meant having to pay for the firm 's `` really expensive '' delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to breakfast at the store .
`` It 's cheaper than McDonald 's , '' they said .
Both the internet and affordability were topics on which shoppers frequently touched .
But to what extent are they at play in the brand 's future ?
And is the Coventry closure just another example of brick and mortar stores feeling the pinch of the web , or are people falling out of love with Ikea ?
For retail analyst Richard Hyman , it 's all down to those mouse clicks and virtual baskets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ now than two , five , seven years ago ?
, '' he says .
`` I would expect the answer to be yes because , if not , why has it taken until now to shut it ? ''
Generally speaking , online purchases , he said , had cannibalised retail spending , rather than added to the pot , and fewer people were spending in stores , resulting in brands being left with too many physical sites .
`` The closure is a symptom of a chronically over-supplied market , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bums-on-seats game .
Fewer people are shopping in stores , so when people talk about a lifestyle , and a sociable , pleasurable experience , they 're right .
But when it comes to the crunch , buying online is very , very convenient . ''
Jean Aitcherson , Linda Curtis and Ann Kirk were on a joint shopping trip to Ikea on Wednesday , arriving on the dot for its opening .
`` I ca n't understand why it 's closing , '' Ms Curtis said , with all three expressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the food was good , they did not eat there often .
And besides , Ms Kirk added , for them it was all about the shopping .
`` There 's nowhere else you can go for reasonably-priced furniture , '' she added .
`` Now we 'll have to go all the way to Birmingham .
And I would n't dream of driving all the way to Birmingham - not on my own . ''
These were not unfamiliar concepts to Mr Hyman .
`` There 's nothing else quite like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The UK was one of the last developed markets Ikea entered .
It offered , and still offers , good , clean , attractive designs at entry-level prices .
And for a lot of people in the fairly early stages of setting up home , it 's a very attractive option .
`` Ikea is a tremendously strong business and no question one of the retailers better able to withstand headwinds . ''
A year ago , Cleo Maynard bought her first property .
On Wednesday , she brought her mum Julie Platts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out curtains .
But despite living in Coventry their whole lives , the pair can count on one hand how many times they 've visited its Ikea .
Ms Maynard says while the merchandise is affordable , the closure `` wo n't really affect me '' as she has done most of her home decoration shopping online .
She thinks the internet will spell the end for Ikea .
Her mum , though , takes a different view .
`` I like coming out to the shops , '' she says .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Hyman , the future lies somewhere between the two positions .
`` We 're not seeing the end of physical retailing .
We 'll just go in fewer numbers to fewer stores . ''

Both the internet and affordability were topics on which shoppers frequently touched. But to what extent are they at play in the brand's future? And is the Coventry closure just another example of brick and mortar stores feeling the pinch of the web, or are people falling out of love with Ikea?