bbcuk--2020-01-27--Auschwitz 75 years on: William and Kate light candles to commemorate Holocaust

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have joined genocide survivors to light candles at an International Holocaust Memorial Day event in London .
The royals , PM Boris Johnson and faith leaders attended the service in London , to mark 75 years since the former Nazi death camp of Auschwitz was liberated .
The duke gave a reading and the couple spoke to survivors of the Holocaust and more recent genocides .
Earlier , dozens of world leaders joined survivors at Auschwitz in Poland .
At Central Hall in Westminster , survivors of the Holocaust and other genocides , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during an hour-long event hosted by BBC newsreader Huw Edwards .
And there were dramatic readings of first-hand accounts of the horrors experienced during the genocide by actors Nina Wadia , Rebecca Front , Martin Shaw and Sir Simon Russell Beale .
• How Auschwitz became centre of Nazi Holocaust • Dutch PM sorry for country 's role in Holocaust In a speech , Prince William paid tribute to his great-grandmother Princess Alice , who he said risked her own life to save a Jewish family - the Cohens - in Athens in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Israel which in 1993 posthumously bestowed the title of Righteous Among the Nations on her .
Reading from a letter written by a friend of the princess , Prince William said : `` The members of the Cohen family left the residence three weeks after liberation , aware that ... the princess 's generosity and bravery had spared them from the Nazis . ''
The Duchess of Cambridge later praised survivors and their relatives for sharing their `` heartbreaking '' stories at the event and she said she and William found the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson told those listening he felt a `` deep sense of shame '' that anti-Semitism continued in the UK today .
The PM said Britain seemed `` to be dealing with a resurgence of the virus of anti-Semitism '' , saying : `` I know that I carry a responsibility as prime minister to do everything possible to stamp it out . ''
He vowed to ensure the horrors of the Holocaust were not forgotten and lent his support to the proposed National Holocaust Memorial and Education Centre near Parliament .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preserve this truth forever , '' he said .
Among those at the ceremony were the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and the Chief Rabbi , Ephraim Mirvis .
The UK commemoration in Westminster honoured survivors of the Holocaust - also known as the Shoah , in which millions of Jewish people were killed - Nazi persecution , and the genocides which followed in Cambodia , Rwanda , Bosnia and Darfur , according to organisers .
Around one million people - many of them Jewish - were killed at Auschwitz in Nazi-occupied southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian army on 27 January 1945 .
Some 200 Holocaust survivors - including some who are now living in the UK - returned to the former Nazi death camp at Auschwitz for a commemoration .
Batsheva Dagan , who was given the number 45054 on arrival at Auschwitz , told those gathered in Poland that `` human dignity did not belong '' at the camp .
`` Quite the opposite , '' she said .
`` Human dignity was trampled . ''
Earlier on Monday , two portraits of Holocaust survivors taken by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exhibition were released to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz .
The UK Holocaust Memorial Day commemorative event aired on BBC Two at 1900 GMT and will be available on the BBC iPlayer .
soon .

The PM said Britain seemed "to be dealing with a resurgence of the virus of anti-Semitism", saying: "I know that I carry a responsibility as prime minister to do everything possible to stamp it out."


bbcuk--2020-01-27--Prince Andrew gives 'zero co-operation' over Epstein inquiry, US prosecutor says

The Duke of York has provided `` zero co-operation '' to an inquiry into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein , the prosecutor in charge of the investigation has said .
Prosecutors and the FBI have contacted his lawyers but have received no reply , said US attorney Geoffrey Berman .
Prince Andrew says he did not see , or suspect , any suspicious behaviour when visiting homes of his then friend .
Buckingham Palace said the prince 's legal team was dealing with the issue .
It said it would not be commenting further .
Convicted US sex offender Epstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cell in August , aged 66 , while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges .
Mr Berman , the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York , said the FBI and Southern District of New York had requested to interview the duke as part of their inquiry into Epstein 's crimes , but `` to date , Prince Andrew has provided zero co-operation '' .
Prince Andrew has come under fire for his friendship with the US financier , who was jailed in Florida in 2008 for procuring a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsnight in November that he first met Epstein in 1999 and did not regret their friendship - which lead to Epstein attending events at Windsor Castle and Sandringham - because it had `` some seriously beneficial outcomes '' .
However he admitted it was wrong of him to visit Epstein at his home in 2010 , after his conviction .
Virginia Giuffre , one of Epstein 's accusers , says she was trafficked to London by Epstein in 2001 , when she was 17 , and forced to have sex with Prince Andrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sexual contact or relationship with her and says any claim to the contrary is false and without foundation .
He said he has no recollection of ever meeting the woman , who was previously known as Virginia Roberts .
'Willing to help' Prince Andrew was accused of lacking empathy for Epstein 's victims in his Newsnight interview and failing to show regret over their friendship .
Shortly after it was broadcast , the prince announced he was stepping back from royal duties for the `` foreseeable future '' because the Epstein scandal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Royal Family .
At the time , he said he was `` willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency '' .
He also said in the BBC interview he would consider giving evidence under oath `` if push came to shove and the legal advice was to do so '' .
The lawyer for Epstein 's victims has since said he plans to serve subpoenas for the prince to be questioned under oath .
Prince Andrew accompanied the Queen to church near Sandringham earlier this month .
It was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Duke and Duchess of Sussex were revealed to have given up their HRH titles - and the first time the prince had been seen with his mother since the week after his Newsnight interview .
Prosecutor Mr Berman made his comments at a news conference outside Epstein 's New York mansion .
He was speaking at an event to promote a new law that makes it easier for victims to sue over childhood abuse .
Before being asked about Prince Andrew , he spoke about the progress of the sex trafficking investigation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conspirators '' who had worked alongside Epstein procuring girls for the financier 's sexual gratification .
`` Jeffrey Epstein could n't have done what he did without the assistance of others , and I can assure you that the investigation is moving forward , '' he said .

It was the Queen's first public appearance after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were revealed to have given up their HRH titles - and the first time the prince had been seen with his mother since the week after his Newsnight interview.


bbcuk--2020-01-27--Grenfell Tower fire: Inquiry told firms 'deny responsibility'

None of the companies involved in the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower has accepted responsibility for the deadly fire , an inquiry has heard .
Richard Millett QC , the inquiry 's chief lawyer , said each claimed what happened was `` someone else 's fault '' .
Experts have previously said the work failed to meet building regulations .
The second phase of the investigation into the 2017 disaster at the London high-rise block , which claimed 72 lives , started on Monday .
It is going to look at how the building came to be covered in flammable cladding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points from first phase of inquiry • Who were the victims ?
Mr Millett said that , with the `` sole exception '' of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea - which accepted that the refurbishment work should not have been signed off - all organisations had denied responsibility in `` carefully crafted statements '' .
`` Any member of the public reading those statements and taking them all at face value would be forced to conclude that ... nobody made any serious or causative mistakes , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as each of them would have it , someone else 's fault . ''
The tower , built in 1974 , was extensively refurbished between 2012 and 2016 .
Mr Millett stressed that the first part of the inquiry found the work `` did not comply with certain key aspects of the building regulations '' .
The inquiry also heard that employees at the US metals manufacturer Arconic , which supplied the cladding for the west London tower block , knew before the fire that its panels were `` dangerous '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buildings '' .
A barrister for building contractor Rydon said safety concerns were raised in internal Arconic emails in 2011 and again in 2016 .
That 's when Arconic manager Claude Wehrle said the Grenfell cladding was `` dangerous on [ the ] facades '' and should be replaced .
The cladding subcontractor Harley Facades said it did not choose the materials but had confidence in them , as the cladding had not ignited during a fire in 2012 in Camden , at a building it had refurbished five years before .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the `` principal '' reason for the rapid and `` profoundly shocking '' spread of the fire at the 25-storey building in June 2017 .
Families and friends of victims were present in the hearing room in Paddington as inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick opened the second phase .
The first part of the Grenfell Inquiry had the task of examining the events of just one night .
Part two could go back years in its search to explain the tragedy .
It will look and feel different .
A new hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replaces the previous unpopular conference room in the heart of London 's legal district .
Instead of the harrowing accounts of firefighters and residents , the evidence will emerge from emails , technical specifications and planning documents .
It will be slow going , but it should get to the heart of what went wrong .
Because although the training and management of the firefighters was criticised in part one , they were not the cause of the fire .
The questions which will be answered are these : • Why were dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• Who knew they could be dangerous ?
• What part did the complex system of building regulations play in the tragedy and the following crisis in fire safety ?
• And how do we prevent this ever happening again ?
However dry the evidence could become , all those involved know this is about getting justice for those who died , because , at the end of this process , the public inquiry could be followed by a criminal trial .
Opening submissions for the first three parts of the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
These include an overview of the primary refurbishment of Grenfell Tower - including the cladding , the testing and certification of the cladding , and the fire safety measures including complaints and communications with the residents .
The inquiry 's first phase also concluded that `` many more lives '' could have been saved if the advice to residents to `` stay put '' had been abandoned earlier .
It was highly critical of the London Fire Brigade and fire commissioner Dany Cotton , saying preparations for such a fire were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retired early after facing calls from victims ' families to resign .
She had told the inquiry she would not have changed anything about the way her crews responded to the blaze , provoking anger from survivors and victims ' families .
The start of the second phase of the inquiry comes days after newly-appointed panel member Benita Mehra resigned over her links to Arconic 's charitable arm .

However dry the evidence could become, all those involved know this is about getting justice for those who died, because, at the end of this process, the public inquiry could be followed by a criminal trial.


bbcuk--2020-01-27--Harry Dunn crash: Family meeting with Dominic Raab 'very honest'

The parents of Harry Dunn say they have had a `` very honest '' and `` positive '' meeting with the foreign secretary .
Mr Dunn 19 , died after a crash in Northamptonshire in August and US national Anne Sacoolas is suspected of causing his death by dangerous driving .
The United States has turned down an extradition request for Mrs Sacoolas .
After talks with Dominic Raab , Mr Dunn 's family spokesman said they were `` satisfied that the foreign secretary is in there batting for Harry '' .
The case will be raised with the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he visits the UK on Wednesday .
Mr Pompeo turned down the extradition request in an email to the UK government on Thursday evening .
Ms Sacoolas , 42 , claimed diplomatic immunity following the crash and was able to return to the US .
The crash happened outside RAF Croughton , where Mrs Sacoolas 's husband Jonathan worked as an intelligence officer .
Ms Sacoolas is to be charged with causing death by dangerous driving but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously said the chance of her ever returning to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also told US President Donald Trump of `` the need '' for Mrs Sacoolas to return after the extradition request was refused .
Mr Dunn 's family held talks with Mr Raab on Monday and afterwards Mr Dunn 's mother , Charlotte Charles said : `` Dialogue was very open , everything was very honest , every question we had was answered .
`` He was able to look us in the eye , we could see his anger with the decision of the States turning down the extradition request . ''
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel the US decision on extradition amounts to a denial of justice and have been clear with them that Anne Sacoolas should return to the UK .
`` The family and I want to achieve the same thing .
We want justice for Harry and we want to make sure such a terrible tragedy does not happen again . ''

"He was able to look us in the eye, we could see his anger with the decision of the States turning down the extradition request."


bbcuk--2020-01-27--Kamali Gabbidon-Lynck: Fight breaks out in court as killers jailed

Violence broke out at the Old Bailey as five gang members were jailed for murdering a man in a knife attack .
Kamali Gabbidon-Lynck , 19 , was stabbed to death at a Wood Green hair salon last year .
He was killed as a result of `` a longstanding and mutual hatred '' between two rival gangs , the court heard .
Police officers and prison staff were attacked after the judge gave the killers - two men and three teenagers - life sentences .
Tyrell Graham , 18 , Sheareem Cookhorn , 21 , and 17-year-olds Jayden O'Neil-Crichlow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began fighting in the dock as they were led out of court .
One officer suffered a head injury when he and nine colleagues attempted to restrain the defendants .
Police also had to stop people in the public gallery from jumping into the courtroom .
The court heard Mr Gabbidon-Lynck 's friend Jason Fraser , 20 , was chased , stabbed , and shot by a rival gang on 22 February 2019 .
He survived the attack .
While his friend was being attacked , Mr Gabbidon-Lynck drove towards the attackers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oliver Glasgow QC told jurors .
The court heard he became trapped after reversing into parked cars , forcing him to run to a hair salon .
He was stabbed five times and died after an artery was severed .
Judge Foster told the gang the attack had `` terrified members of the public '' .
Mr Glasgow said it was `` more reminiscent of a Hollywood film than a winter 's night in north London '' .
Mr Gabbidon-Lynck was linked to a north London gang called the WGM , the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be linked to Tottenham gang the NPK .
Cookhorn was jailed for a minimum of 28 years for murder , attempted murder and possession of a firearm .
Graham will serve at least 25 years for murder and attempted murder .
Lyons , O'Neil-Crichlow and Hamilton were each jailed for 21 years for murder and wounding with intent .
The defendants had denied all the charges against them .

While his friend was being attacked, Mr Gabbidon-Lynck drove towards the attackers to try to scare them off, prosecutor Oliver Glasgow QC told jurors.


bbcuk--2020-01-27--East Croydon railway station stabbing leaves man dead

A man has been stabbed to death at a busy railway station in south London .
Emergency crews were called to East Croydon railway station just after 16:30 GMT to reports of a stabbing .
The air ambulance was called but the man died at the scene .
Det Supt Gareth Williams from British Transport Police , said the attack - which they are treating as murder - was `` deeply shocking '' outside `` a very busy transport hub '' .
`` Tragically , a young man has lost his life tonight and I know this will be heartbreaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
`` We have now launched a murder inquiry and I am urgently appealing for any witnesses to get in touch . ''
He said officers believed the attack happened near the back entrance to the station , near Ruskin Square .
`` Alongside the Met , throughout the evening , we 'll be increasing our patrols in the East Croydon area and we have authorised additional Section 60 stop and search powers , '' he said .
A Section 60 gives police officers the right to search people within a certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be carrying a weapon or , in this case , a murder weapon .
London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted : `` Deeply saddened to learn a young man has lost his life .
My thoughts are with his loved ones . ''
He said he was in touch with the Met Police and urged anyone with information to come forward .
Croydon Central MP Sarah Jones said she was `` heartbroken '' .
`` Our first thoughts are with the family and friends who are facing what nobody ever should , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work of the emergency services and station staff for their efforts .
`` This brutal loss of a young life is another reminder that tackling violence must be our highest priority at every level of government and across our communities .
`` I will not stop campaigning on this until our children are safe on our streets . ''
London Ambulance Service said it sent two ambulances , two paramedics in response cars , an advanced paramedic practitioner and an incident response officer as well as the air ambulance .
Rail services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disrupted and continue to run as normal .

"The incident was over within a matter of 40 seconds, but I know many other passengers or members of the public would have seen what happened.


bbcuk--2020-01-27--Woman died after being told smear test was 'normal'

A nurse died from cervical cancer after being wrongly informed a smear test and biopsy were normal , an inquest heard .
Julie O'Connor , from Thornbury , died in February after being mistakenly given the all-clear in 2014 and 2015 .
She had repeatedly seen her GP over 14 months and been referred to Southmead Hospital , but the cancer was only diagnosed when she saw a private doctor , Avon Coroner 's Court heard .
North Bristol NHS Trust accepts both the smear test and biopsy were wrong .
Gynaecologists told Mrs O'Connor , 49 , in October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the hospital had also provided a `` false positive '' result to a routine smear test carried out the previous year .
The inquest heard that by August 2016 , Mrs O'Connor had returned to her GP with the same gynaecological symptoms , and a coil was fitted .
The GP also sent her back to Southmead , questioning cervical cancer , and she was seen within two weeks , but told her cervix `` looked normal '' .
In November 2016 Mrs O'Connor was still unwell , and her GP made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw her in February 2017 .
The inquest heard she was due to undergo further tests the following month , but decided to see a private consultant instead .
After examining her they suspected cervical cancer , which was later confirmed .
Further tests showed the cancer had spread and Mrs O'Connor underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy .
She died in a hospice less than 12 months later .
In a written statement Mrs O'Connor 's husband Kevin told the inquest his wife had been informed in October 2017 she had stage four cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point Julie was advised the initial scan in March 2017 had been wrongly reported , and the metastases could be seen in the original imaging and should have been picked up at the time .
`` I am extremely concerned that a proper wider independent investigation has not taken place . ''
He said : `` This negligence is of serious public concern and should scrutinise present and past decisions .
`` There may be other victims who have received false negative pathology reports , and false gynaecology clinician examinations , at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be reviewed . ''

He said: "At this point Julie was advised the initial scan in March 2017 had been wrongly reported, and the metastases could be seen in the original imaging and should have been picked up at the time.


bbcuk--2020-01-27--MoTs: All tests in Northern Ireland suspended with immediate effect

All MoT tests for cars and light vehicles in Northern Ireland have been suspended with immediate effect .
The Driver and Vehicle Agency ( DVA ) said inspections of lift faults in test centres did not provide `` sufficient assurance '' on the effectiveness of ongoing repairs .
An inspection of all vehicle lifts in NI 's MoT centres previously detected `` signs of cracking '' in 48 of 55 lifts .
MoT exemption certificates are being issued so motorists are able to drive .
The DVA said anyone scheduled for a car or light vehicle MoT on Tuesday `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy goods vehicles and buses will continue .
Paul Duffy , chief executive of the DVA told BBC News NI : `` This is hugely embarrassing for the DVA .
`` I think we have a fairly good reputation and this is something that has tarnished that reputation .
Mr Duffy said he had sought assurances from the contractor responsible for supplying , maintaining and servicing the lifts that they were safe to use .
He said : `` We were given that assurance when the initial repairs were taking place , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the contractor this evening on further inspections of lifts today .
`` On that basis we had no option but to suspend the tests . ''
He said Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon had asked for a second opinion `` on the quality of the inspections that have taken place '' and that the DVA was exploring all options , including how quickly new lifts could be purchased .
In a statement , Mr Duffy added : `` The DVA recognises the considerable inconvenience and disruption this will cause for many people and sincerely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rectify this situation more quickly .
`` Given the urgency of this situation , we are asking the public to follow media , social media channels and nidirect for updates .
`` Staff will also be kept fully informed by their centre managers . ''
About 5,000 MoT tests had already been cancelled after the cracks in lifts were detected .
Drivers affected by disruption at vehicle test centres were told on Saturday they would be granted temporary MoT exemptions from Monday .
However these can not be issued for four-year-old cars or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have never been through an MoT test before , meaning they do not have a certificate to extend , while taxis are covered by different legislation .
The DVA previously said these vehicles would be prioritised and Mr Duffy said on Monday that their tests would be carried out in the lanes normally only used to for lorries and buses - which remain open .
Unlike in the rest of the UK , MoT tests in Northern Ireland must be carried out at 15 government-run centres .
In an internal letter sent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lift inspection results .
It said signs of cracking were first discovered during an inspection of Larne MoT centre in November 2019 .
The letter added the safety of staff and customers `` is of the utmost importance '' and lift repairs have already begun .

The DVA previously said these vehicles would be prioritised and Mr Duffy said on Monday that their tests would be carried out in the lanes normally only used to for lorries and buses - which remain open.


bbcuk--2020-01-27--Prostate overtakes breast as 'most common cancer'

Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in England , overtaking breast cancer for the first time , latest figures show .
In 2018 there were nearly 50,000 registered cases - around 8,000 more than in 2017 .
Public Health England says it is because more men are getting tested .
And that is thanks to celebrities , like Stephen Fry and Bill Turnbull , raising awareness by speaking out about their own experiences .
In 2018 , there were 316,680 cancers of any kind diagnosed , the equivalent of 868 cases a day .
Prostate was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by breast - 47,476 cases .
Lung and bowel cancers were the next most commonly diagnosed .
• Rod Stewart 'in the clear ' after cancer diagnosis Former BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull went public with his prostate cancer diagnosis in March 2018 , encouraging others to get tested , saying : `` Maybe if I 'd got it earlier and stopped it at the prostate , I 'd be in a much better state . ''
He said his cancer had spread to his bones , including the pelvis and ribs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed in February 2018 that he was recovering after having prostate cancer surgery , saying it was `` thankfully caught in the nick of time '' .
According to the head of the NHS , the coverage of Fry and Turnbull 's treatments led to an increase in men getting checked .
Cancer tsar Prof Peter Johnson said : `` As people live longer , we 're likely to see prostate cancer diagnosed more often , and with well-known figures like Rod Stewart , Stephen Fry and Bill Turnbull all talking openly about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware of the risk . ''
He said more people coming forward for checks and care meant the disease increasingly is detected at an early stage , when treatment is most successful and survival chances are highest .
Lucy Elliss-Brookes , Head of Cancer Analysis at Public Health England , said : `` Although we are seeing a continued rise in cancer diagnoses , it 's encouraging that we are also seeing increases in survival , as well as an overall decrease in emergency diagnoses of cancer . ''
Lynda Thomas , Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was good news that more people are seeing their doctor to check for cancer .
But she said the increasing numbers came at a time when the NHS and social care services were under pressure , with long waiting times for cancer diagnosis and treatment .
• It is the most common cancer in men in the UK - an ageing population means more men are developing and dying from the disease • It involves the prostate - a small gland in the pelvis in men • Cancers can develop slowly over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Noticeable symptoms include needing to urinate more often and weak flow • There is no single test for prostate cancer - a blood test , biopsies and physical examinations are all used

Lucy Elliss-Brookes, Head of Cancer Analysis at Public Health England, said: "Although we are seeing a continued rise in cancer diagnoses, it's encouraging that we are also seeing increases in survival, as well as an overall decrease in emergency diagnoses of cancer."


bbcuk--2020-01-27--Gary Lineker calls for 'voluntary' licence fee

Gary Lineker , one of the BBC 's highest paid presenters , has called for the TV licence fee to be voluntary .
In an interview with The Guardian , the former footballer and Match of the Day presenter said the annual charge was the BBC 's `` fundamental problem '' .
`` You 're forced to pay it if you want a TV , and therefore it 's a tax , '' he is quoted as saying .
`` The public pay our salaries , so everyone is a target . ''
His comments come amid mounting debate on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last week culture secretary Baroness Morgan told the BBC the subject was `` coming up more and more on the doorstep '' .
Lineker said he had `` always said for a long time '' the £154.50 annual charge should be voluntary while admitting he did not know `` the logistics of how it would work '' .
`` You would lose some people , but at the same time you 'd up the price a bit '' , said the presenter , whose BBC salary was between £1,750,000 and £1,754,999 in 2018-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the price of a cup of coffee a week at the moment , '' he continued .
`` If you put it up you could help older people , or those that ca n't afford it . ''
Last year the BBC said it was scrapping free TV licences for all over-75s and would limit the provision to low-income households where one person receives the pension credit benefit .
The online publication of The Guardian 's interview saw Lineker receive praise from ITV presenter Piers Morgan , usually Lineker 's sparring partner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
It 's September 2020 .
The new director-general is in No 10 for her or his first meeting with Boris Johnson since getting the job .
`` Look , prime minister , '' the BBC 's new DG says .
`` I know this seems radical .
I believe there is a case not only for keeping the compulsory licence fee - but raising it '' .
`` What ?
! ''
says Mr Cummings .
`` But how can you argue that , when even your highest-paid star - your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it should be voluntary ?
! ''
Gary Lineker may or may not be right .
The fact is , his intervention has weakened the negotiating position of the next DG , even if just marginally .
Big social and political changes never happen suddenly .
They follow the drip , drip , drip of smaller events that made the final change inevitable .
Right now , the idea that the BBC should become a subscription service is mainstream Conservative thinking .
A prominent Remainer at the BBC has just reinforced it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ audiences are about to lose a benefit - in free TV licences for the over-75s - that they want .
Decriminalisation of the licence fee looks likely , which could cost the BBC a couple of hundred million pounds .
A huge re-organisation of BBC News will cost many jobs , demoralising some staff , and leading to sharp cuts in some programme budgets .
Every day , streaming giants pour more dollars into high-value productions that lure eyeballs away from the BBC .
Every day , the bond between the BBC and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is becoming close to non-existent for many .
Then Gary Lineker says the licence fee should go .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"It is time to think of different ways of paying for BBC programmes, whether it be some form of payment by subscription, as well as programme sponsorship, if not a move towards advertising in general."


bbcuk--2020-01-27--Prince Harry: Rated People ad 'lookalike' on Twitter reaction

A man who starred as a handyman in an advert that went viral after Twitter users saw a resemblance to Prince Harry says the comparison has surprised him .
The Rated People advert displayed on the Tube in London prompted jokes the Duke of Sussex had already found a job after stepping back from royal duties .
But apparent lookalike Simon Pengelly from Brecon , Powys , said he was usually compared to actor Jason Statham .
`` That photo was taken back in 2016 ...
I normally have a shaved head , '' he said .
`` Maybe one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said I look like Prince Harry ] because I have a ginger beard but not much really .
`` He 's not a bad looking chap but I prefer Jason Statham because he 's got a bit more of a rep - but any comparisons to anyone is a compliment I suppose . ''
• In pictures : Harry and Meghan 's life together Responding to an image of the advert , former Conservative MP Mark Prisk tweeted : `` Good to see the Duke of Sussex has already found work . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ play to Harry , he did n't hang about on his mission for financial independence # Megxit . ''
Another Twitter user BraillecatRacing tweeted : `` Well Harry wanted the common life . ''
Mr Pengelly , 36 , said he had been `` inundated '' with messages and `` banter '' from friends - `` probably stuff you could n't say '' - since the image was shared on social media .
The self-employed builder and actor , who has made appearances in Being Human and Merlin , said he hoped the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burgeoning acting career .
`` At the moment I 'm trying to do both the building and the acting , the dream is to step away [ from the building ] , '' he said .
As for his thoughts on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex no longer being working members of the royal family , Mr Pengelly said he was `` not really bothered '' .
`` I 've seen this thing about him going off to Canada but everyone 's entitled to their own opinion and to live their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month , after the Duke and Duchess said they wanted to `` step back '' as senior royals and divide their time between the UK and Canada , Buckingham Palace announced they would no longer use their HRH titles , receive public funds for royal duties or formally represent the Queen .

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bbcuk--2020-01-27--Sir Philip Pullman calls for 50p boycott over Oxford comma

Author Sir Philip Pullman has declared war on the new Brexit 50p - but it 's nothing to do with politics .
Sir Philip has taken umbrage because the Oxford comma is missing from the coin 's wording : `` Peace , prosperity and friendship with all nations . ''
The Oxford comma is included before the final `` and '' in lists but it is not used universally and is often a topic of debate for grammar enthusiasts .
The coin will come into circulation on 31 January , when the UK leaves the EU .
Stig Abell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed with Pullman , tweeting : `` The lack of a comma after 'prosperity ' is killing me . ''
But Susie Dent , from Countdown 's Dictionary Corner , said the Oxford comma was optional .
`` Yes it is optional : it clarifies things quite often though , and I just find it easier and more consistent to use it all the time , '' she tweeted .
And broadcaster Joan Bakewell tweeted that she was taught that it was wrong to use the comma in such circumstances .
The new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the weekend .
Mr Javid had first ordered production of the coins in advance of the UK 's original 31 October departure date from the EU .
But the Brexit delay meant about a million coins had to be melted down and the metal put aside until a new exit date was confirmed .
On Sunday , Tony Blair 's former spin doctor Alastair Campbell said he would be asking shopkeepers for `` two 20p pieces and a 10 '' rather than accept the new 50p coin .
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bbcuk--2020-01-27--Boris Johnson: Five big decisions looming for the PM

It 's only six weeks since Boris Johnson stormed to victory in the general election - winning with an 80-strong majority - but the honeymoon is over and the new prime minister now has serious government business to attend to .
The coming few weeks demand some big decisions from Mr Johnson and his cabinet .
So what are they - and what does the BBC 's assistant political editor Norman Smith think are the key factors at play ?
• Johnson : I will repay the trust of voters • Brexit will mark 'new chapter ' for UK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headline pledges in his election campaign was to increase connectivity for all , so the creation of a UK-wide 5G mobile network could play a major part in keeping that promise .
Chinese firm Huawei is a leader in the field and wants to supply the kit for the network .
But while the technology is recognised , there are fears about allowing a company with strong links to the Chinese government into such crucial infrastructure .
The US in particular has voiced its concerns , saying it `` would be madness '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning the decision would lead to a review of intelligence-sharing with the UK .
But Huawei has denied posing any threat to security and suggested the worries were about frustrating its progress in the sector , rather than anything more sinister .
A decision was due last year , but it was delayed , prompting anger from UK mobile companies who are keen to crack on .
The government is expected to make its final call on Tuesday , but Mr Johnson hinted with a day to go that there would be some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He told reporters : `` We are going to come up with a solution ... to have access to fantastic technology , fantastic communications , but also [ to ] protect our security interests and protect our key partnerships with other security powers around the world . ''
Norman Smith says : Boris Johnson risks a major rift with Donald Trump over this .
The US president has put the squeeze on the PM by making clear he believes Huawei is a security risk - a squeeze made more pressing by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade deal with Washington .
But against that , Britain 's spies apparently believe the risk is overstated , and British companies are convinced giving the Chinese the go-ahead would be a major post Brexit-boost for the economy .
HS2 or not to HS2 Another pledge from the PM was to improve physical infrastructure in the UK - namely transport - and Mr Johnson is now smack bang in the middle of the arguments over one of the biggest projects , High Speed Rail 2 ( HS2 ) .
The blueprint sees a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham - to carry bigger trains and allow for more passengers - before a second `` v-shaped '' phase , taking services from Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds .
But concerns have been raised over the cost - which is expected to pass £100bn - and whether the need for stronger rail links from east to west in the north of England should take precedence .
The government commissioned a review of HS2 after Mr Johnson was handed the keys to No 10 last summer , with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps saying it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the benefits really `` stack up '' .
But the pressure is mounting for a decision , especially after repeated leaks from the review .
A final call on whether to continue with the project is expected in February .
Norman Smith says : This would seem an obvious one .
Of course Boris Johnson will give HS2 the go-ahead given his promises about `` levelling up '' outside of London ...
However , costs are spiralling and there are increasing doubts over whether it will really benefit towns in the North .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spend the cash on boosting existing lines and services .
Plus , the second phase of HS2 is unlikely to be completed until the late 2030s .
Hardly shovel-ready ...
It is n't just brand new infrastructure under the looking glass - Mr Johnson and Mr Shapps have also promised to address the ongoing troubles with Northern Rail .
The firm in charge , Arriva Rail North , has come under heavy criticism for its performance , and politicians - including Labour 's Makerfield MP Yvonne Fovargue - and residents served by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be removed .
Mr Johnson said the government was `` developing contingency plans '' for a replacement , while Mr Shapps said stripping the firm of its franchise was an option .
But the transport secretary said he was also evaluating a proposal from the train operator on options for continuing .
A final call on the controversial issue will have to be made soon .
Norman Smith says : What better way to demonstrate the government is taking action to improve transport in the North than by stripping Arriva of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public ownership ?
After all , the Tories have already taken back the struggling East Coast line , and it would probably be a popular move .
However , it would mean the government taking responsibility for one of the most geographically challenging of franchises .
Arriva also has a successful record running other rail franchises .
Perhaps investment , rather than the management , is the problem ... After Mr Johnson won his majority , the word from Westminster sources was to expect a big reshuffle of his cabinet come February .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in July 2019 seemed to be focused around rewarding Brexit backers and his own supporters from the Tory leadership contest .
But now he has five years in power , commentators believe his choices will show what direction he wants to take as prime minister .
So , who will be out and who will be in ?
The only person we know for certain who will be out of a job - or his current one , at least - come 1 February is Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay , but that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The rest , for now , is speculation .
But it is another big and defining decision for the PM to take .
Norman Smith says : Boris Johnson will probably never be more powerful than now .
So what better time to carry out a sweeping cabinet cull ?
It could signal a post-Brexit fresh start .
But cabinet reshuffles are rarely painless or easy .
Importantly , many of those deemed to be vulnerable are female ministers and it would n't be a great look for Mr Johnson to axe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So maybe this could , in the end , actually prove a more cautious reshuffle .
Last but not least , Brexit ... Mr Johnson based his whole election campaign on `` getting Brexit done '' , but once the UK leaves the EU on 31 January , there is the small matter of negotiating a trade deal with the bloc to contend with .
The PM has said he 's ready to get talks started the very next day , but he has also put a hard deadline on negotiations - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson has insisted he can get a deal done in 11 months .
However , other parties involved , including the EU 's negotiator Michel Barnier and Irish PM Leo Varadkar , have cast doubt on that timeline .
It 's not just a question of timings , either .
Mr Johnson also needs to decide on his game plan - what does he actually want to get out of an agreement with the EU ?
There have been slightly mixed messages from the Treasury on just how close the UK wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should find out the real intentions in the coming days .
Norman Smith says : It 's the Cake and Eat it strategy .
The PM wants the freedom to diverge from EU rules where it suits Britain , while at the same time continuing to enjoy frictionless trade with the EU in other areas , like the automotive industry .
Not surprisingly , EU officials are not impressed .
Some in Downing Street think the best way round this is to come clean - to openly acknowledge that trade with the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , that , they argue , will be more than outweighed by the new freedoms won in the growth areas of the future , such as artificial intelligence and driverless cars .

Norman Smith says: This would seem an obvious one. Of course Boris Johnson will give HS2 the go-ahead given his promises about "levelling up" outside of London... However, costs are spiralling and there are increasing doubts over whether it will really benefit towns in the North.


bbcuk--2020-01-27--'Essential' music venues to get a big financial boost

Next month Bombay Bicycle Club will play two shows to more than 10,000 people at London 's Alexandra Palace .
Twelve years ago they were playing `` really , really , raucous shows '' at Camden 's Barfly .
`` There were stage invasions with people stamping on all our stuff and breaking it , '' smirks frontman Jack Steadman .
`` We think about it now and go , 'That was so chaotic , how did we do that ? '
But it was so fun .
We played a lot of key shows there . ''
Venues like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assembly - have just received a massive boost .
230 small and medium-sized venues in England and Wales will see a 50 % reduction in business rates , a fee which is charged to most non-domestic properties .
It should save each venue an average of £7,500 a year , according to the Independent Venues Trust - a charity which aims to protect and improve UK grassroots music venues - and make it more likely that acts still have small , sweaty spaces to hone their craft .
It was at Barfly where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who worked with them on their debut album and throughout their career .
`` Playing live has kind of become the main source of sustenance for bands ... bands are n't going to be able to rely on income from royalties .
`` I know there 's lots of smaller venues struggling but we all need to try our hardest to keep them open . ''
The news comes at the start of Independent Venue Week , which celebrates spaces up and down the country where some of the world 's biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There 's so many people in and around the venues in their local communities who are willing to come down , paint walls , make repairs , give their time for free - because they 're so appreciative of having these spaces , '' Chloe Ward , director of UK for Independent Venue Week , tells Radio 1 Newsbeat .
`` They open their doors to audiences to come in and be inspired to become managers or artists themselves or to get into the music industry . ''
Chloe says current `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main struggle '' for lots of the small venues who take part in their event .
`` You recognise how passionate and innovative the owners are .
They are nurturing talent who goodness knows where they 're going to be in five years - they could be headlining Glastonbury or arenas .
`` They 'll probably start out on the bottom of the bill playing to 10 of their mates ... it 's where they get noticed . ''
Easy Life - runners-up on this years ' Sound Of 2020 poll , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their latest EP - will recognise that story .
They 'll tour the US later this year but for singer Murray Matravers , smaller shows in their hometown Leicester are `` the ones we still talk about '' .
He remembers having conversations not long ago where `` one of us would come off stage and go , 'Did anyone know those people stood to the left of the stage ? '
`` We 'd figure out no-one knew them and we actually had strangers coming to our shows .
That was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year 's Sound of 2020 poll as well as the Brits Rising Star award , says those situations `` build your confidence and test you '' .
`` It 's really healthy , '' she tells Newsbeat .
`` If it gets to a point where I 'm playing really big venues , I always want to go back and play those smaller , more intimate places . ''
Inahler , who have just toured America with Blossoms , feel similarly .
`` We spent a long time figuring out how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eli Hewson .
`` Playing those early gigs was like 20 minutes of trying to survive on stage without messing up . ''
They say they 've played gigs `` on top of fold-out tables '' in tiny rooms and a show in Brighton where they played `` in something the size of a pizza oven '' where Eli fell into the drum kit because the stage was so small .
Those stories are something drummer Ryan McMahon says the band `` would n't change '' .
`` When you get some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you come out of it like feeling it can only go up from there .
`` To be honest there 's nothing bad about those shows . ''
Mark Davyd , CEO of the Independent Venues Trust , celebrated business rates being cut after `` five years of campaigning '' - but says there 's `` still a lot to be done '' .
`` We look forward to working with the governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland to make sure Grassroots Music Venues ( GMVs ) across the UK have a level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .


bbcuk--2020-01-27--Duchess of Cambridge's personal portraits of Holocaust survivors

The Duchess of Cambridge has taken photographs of Holocaust survivors in a contribution to an exhibition marking 75 years since the end of the genocide .
The duchess said her subjects were `` two of the most life-affirming people that I have had the privilege to meet '' .
It comes as the world marks International Holocaust Memorial Day , 75 years after Auschwitz was liberated .
Later , the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend the UK commemorations in Westminster .
In the images taken by Catherine for the exhibition , which opens later this year , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One of her portraits was of 84-year-old Steven Frank , originally from Amsterdam , who survived multiple concentration camps as a child .
He is pictured alongside his granddaughters Maggie and Trixie Fleet , aged 15 and 13 .
• Dutch PM sorry for country 's role in Holocaust • Searching for traces of my grandfather at Auschwitz • Three German women who defied the Nazis Her other portrait is of 82-year-old Yvonne Bernstein , originally from Germany , who was a hidden child in France throughout most of the Holocaust .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , aged 11 .
Speaking about the project , the duchess , who is the patron of the Royal Photographic Society , said : `` The harrowing atrocities of the Holocaust , which were caused by the most unthinkable evil , will forever lay heavy in our hearts .
`` Despite unbelievable trauma at the start of their lives , Yvonne Bernstein and Steven Frank are two of the most life-affirming people that I have had the privilege to meet .
`` Their stories will stay with me forever . ''
The exhibition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their family members ; one for every year since the largest Nazi death camp , Auschwitz , was liberated on 27 January 1945 .
Judith Rosenberg , Scotland 's last Holocaust survivor , recalled being separated from her family and transported to the camp , where she came face to face with the murderous Nazi doctor Josef Mengele .
`` There was no life .
We were starving , '' the 97-year-old told the BBC in an interview to mark the anniversary of the camp 's liberation .
Commemorations are being held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the Holocaust , in which six million Jews and millions of others were murdered , and to honour survivors of subsequent genocides in Cambodia , Rwanda , Bosnia and Darfur .
The duchess said her aim was to make the portraits `` deeply personal to Yvonne and Steven - a celebration of family and the life that they have built since they both arrived in Britain in the 1940s '' .
`` It was a true honour to have been asked to participate in this project and I hope in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be kept alive as they pass the baton to the next generation , '' she said .
Two more survivors were photographed by other contributors .
In a photograph by Frederic Aranda , Joan Salter , 79 - who fled the Nazis as a young child - appears with her husband Martin and her daughter Shelley .
John Hajdu , 82 , who survived the Budapest Ghetto , is in a portrait with his four-year-old grandson Zac , photographed by Jillian Edelstein .
The photographic project aims to inspire people across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remember and share the stories of those who endured persecution at the hands of the Nazis .
It is a collaboration between the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust , Jewish News and the Royal Photographic Society .
Catherine has been honoured for her photography and has previously shared pictures she has taken of her family .

"It was a true honour to have been asked to participate in this project and I hope in some way Yvonne and Steven's memories will be kept alive as they pass the baton to the next generation," she said.


bbcuk--2020-01-27--Duke and duchess mark Holocaust Memorial Day

Senior royals , faith and political leaders gathered in London at an event to mark 75 years since Auschwitz was @ @ @ @ @ Duchess of Cambridge joined Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the event along with survivors of @ @ @ @ @ genocides .
Prince William spoke about his great-grandmother Princess Alice , who he said risked @ @ @ @ @ a Jewish family - the Cohens .

Senior royals, faith and political leaders gathered in London at an event to mark 75 years since Auschwitz was liberated.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the event along with survivors of the Holocaust and more recent genocides.
Prince William spoke about his great-grandmother Princess Alice, who he said risked her own life to save a Jewish family - the Cohens.


bbcuk--2020-01-27--Auschwitz survivor: 'They killed them, I lost everybody'

A 91-year-old holocaust survivor has spoken about losing his family at the Auschwitz death camp .
Arek Hersh , who @ @ @ @ @ says he tells his story to remind younger generations of the realities of the Holocaust @ @ @ @ @ I think it 's very important to teach the world people should n't be aggressive @ @ @ @ @ His comments coincide with the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz .

A 91-year-old Holocaust survivor recalls how he was one of only three out of 183 young people to be spared on their arrival at the Auschwitz death camp.
Arek Hersh, who now lives in Leeds, says he tells his story to remind younger generations of the realities of the Holocaust.
He said: "I think it's very important to teach the world people shouldn't be aggressive to each other."
His comments coincided with the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.


bbcuk--2020-01-27--Cwm Taf maternity failings: One mother's anguish

Lisa Broom 's son Kayden was born with severe brain damage seven years ago following mistakes made at Prince Charles @ @ @ @ @ Kayden has undergone more than 50 operations and needs 24-hour care and support at his @ @ @ @ @ town .
BBC Wales Investigates discovered mistakes made by maternity services in Cwm Taf Morgannwg @ @ @ @ @ of millions of pounds in compensation payments in the last 10 years .
Kayden ’ @ @ @ @ @ misses out on normal childhood activities such as playing with friends .

Lisa Broom's son Kayden was born with severe brain damage seven years ago following mistakes made at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil.
Kayden has undergone more than 50 operations and needs 24-hour care and support at his family's home in the town.
BBC Wales Investigates discovered mistakes made by maternity services in Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board have cost tens of millions of pounds in compensation payments in the last 10 years.
Kayden’s mother says her son misses out on normal childhood activities such as playing with friends.


bbcuk--2020-01-27--New York's Westbury House given Collyweston slate restoration

A New York mansion famous for featuring in Hollywood films is having its roof restored thanks to a small slate @ @ @ @ @ in England .
Westbury House in Long Island has appeared in Hitch , starring Will @ @ @ @ @ 's North by Northwest , featuring Cary Grant .
Built in 1905 , it is @ @ @ @ @ roof in the US made from Collyweston slate , which is found beneath the Northamptonshire @ @ @ @ @ .
After being shut for years , the only remaining mine reopened in 2017 and @ @ @ @ @ return to its former glory .

A New York mansion famous for featuring in Hollywood films is having its roof restored thanks to a small slate mine thousands of miles away in England.
Westbury House in Long Island has appeared in Hitch, starring Will Smith, and Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest, featuring Cary Grant.
Built in 1905, it is thought to have the only roof in the US made from Collyweston slate, which is found beneath the Northamptonshire village of the same name.
After being shut for years, the only remaining mine reopened in 2017 and it has helped the house return to its former glory.


bbcuk--2020-01-27--Newspaper headlines: Prince Andrew 'snubs FBI' and the Holocaust remembered

The Times 's splash focuses on post-Brexit trade talks .
A leaked diplomatic document , seen by the paper , @ @ @ @ @ judges in the European Court of Justice are able to enforce the terms of any @ @ @ @ @ paper calls the decision by US investigators to name Prince Andrew an `` unusual step @ @ @ @ @ to the sense of crisis around the royal family '' .

In its lead, the Times says a Brussels diplomatic document reveals that the the EU wants its judges to be able to rule on any post-Brexit agreement with the UK. The paper says Downing Street sources have rejected the proposal, arguing such provisions don't feature in other trade deals signed by the EU.


bbcuk--2020-01-27--Lodger killed woman then lived with her body at Battersea flat

A lodger has been convicted of killing a woman and continuing to live in the flat with her decomposing body .
Antoinette Donegan , 52 , was killed in her Battersea council flat by Kristian Smith , 42 , in February 2019 .
Smith continued to live in the one-bedroom flat for a month and used Ms Donegan 's bank card and mobile phone as she lay dead in her bedroom .
At the Old Bailey , Smith , of no fixed abode , was convicted of manslaughter but cleared of Ms Donegan 's murder .
Police eventually found her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March after concerns were raised for her welfare .
Prosecutor Louis Mably QC told jurors blood was found on the floor by Ms Donegan 's head and there was blood on her bedroom furniture .
Ms Donegan also had cuts to her head .
Officers noticed clothes had been pushed against the door as a makeshift `` draught excluder '' , he added .
`` Someone had done this in order to conceal the smell coming from the bedroom - the smell of her decomposing corpse .
`` So , there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but rather than calling the police , had tried to prevent the body from being discovered . ''
The court heard Ms Donegan , who relied on benefits for her income , and Smith shared a drug addiction and went to the same drug recovery centre .
She was last seen on 1 February 2019 , but her bank card continued to be used and her benefits withdrawn , jurors heard .
CCTV was shown of Smith using the victim 's bank card following her death .
He will be sentenced next week @

"So, there was someone who knew she had died, but rather than calling the police, had tried to prevent the body from being discovered."


bbcuk--2020-01-27--Seamus Mallon funeral: Tribute to 'peacemaker' and 'statesman'

Seamus Mallon was a peacemaker who `` made a real difference to the world '' , mourners at his funeral have been told .
The former deputy first minister of Northern Ireland , who was one of the key architects of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement , died on Friday aged 83 .
Past and present government ministers were among the mourners in St James ' Church in Mullaghbrack , County Armagh .
Archbishop Eamon Martin said he was a `` shining example of someone who gives their life in a vocation of service '' .
Northern Ireland 's First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michelle O'Neill , Taoiseach ( Irish PM ) Leo Varadkar and Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith were part of the congregation .
Other mourners included former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and former Northern Ireland First Minister Lord Trimble .
Tributes were later paid to Mr Mallon by MLAs at a special sitting of the Northern Ireland Assembly .
SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon described the former deputy first minister as `` a man of peace '' and `` a man of non-violence '' .
`` I am forever grateful that I got to stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giant , '' she said .
First Minister Arlene Foster offered her condolences to Mr Mallon 's family and the SDLP , describing him as `` a fierce critic of violence '' and `` a commanding orator '' .
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said : `` Seamus has left a legacy of hard work and commitment to creating a better society and a better Ireland . ''
The sitting was followed by procession at Stormont to open a book of condolence .
Archbishop Martin , leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Armagh church that the politician was determined to `` make a real difference , and to leave the world a better place than it was when he entered it '' .
He said having lived through `` the worst of the Troubles '' in Northern Ireland , Mr Mallon `` personally played a central role in the landmark events of our peace process '' .
The archbishop described him as a peacemaker , a bridge builder , a leader and a statesman .
But he added `` whether he was with presidents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or his own good neighbours and friends here in Markethill , he was the same Seamus '' .
St James ' Church only seats 55 people , so the church hall and an additional marquee housed the overspill .
His coffin was carried into the church by his SDLP colleagues , including party leader Colum Eastwood and former leader Mark Durkan .
During the ceremony , gifts representing Mr Mallon 's life and career were brought to the altar .
They included a copy of the former MP 's maiden speech to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him with Pope John Paul II .
Other personal items included fishing reel , a pot of roses and a set of golf balls .
Tim O'Connor , a former secretary general to the President of Ireland , told mourners the veteran politician would be remembered as one of the `` key leaders in a seminal time in the history of Ireland '' .
Mr O'Connor spoke of his steadfast opposition to violence , and read an extract from Mr Mallon 's memoirs in which he recalled the words of his father when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The only weapons that should ever be used again in this country are words , '' he read .
`` Guns never solve problems , only make them - always remember that , son . ''
`` We are deeply conscious that for you , Orla , and the entire family this is an occasion of great personal sadness as you say farewell not so much to a man of high stature in public life on the island , but rather your own dear father , '' he said .
A separate book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday , while another was opened at the Guildhall in Londonderry on Sunday .
Hollywood star Sharon Stone is among those who have signed the Belfast City Hall book .
Mr Mallon was the first person in Northern Ireland to hold the post of deputy first minister , when the role was created in 1998 .
At that time , Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble was first minister and although they were dubbed a political `` odd couple '' , the pair were united against violence .
David Kerr , a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two men had done some of the `` heaviest lifting '' of the peace process and had not received enough recognition for that .
`` Certainly with the Nobel Peace Prize , [ former SDLP leader ] John Hume was recognised , but at the end of the day I think Seamus Mallon did the majority of the work , '' he said .
`` He was plain speaking , very direct , very honest - he told you what he thought .
`` I think when you have people like that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are straight and you have integrity in politics , people - whether they agree with you or disagree with you - they respect you . ''
Mr Mallon served as the deputy leader of the SDLP when Mr Hume was leader of the party .
Both men are widely regarded as playing a key role in the forging of the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement , which established power-sharing government in Northern Ireland .
In his long career in politics , Mr Mallon also served as a member of Seanad Éireann ( the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away in October 2016 after a long illness .
Mr Mallon will be buried in the cemetery in the grounds of St James ' Church , where he was baptised .

"We are deeply conscious that for you, Orla, and the entire family this is an occasion of great personal sadness as you say farewell not so much to a man of high stature in public life on the island, but rather your own dear father," he said.


bbcuk--2020-01-27--'Would-be-thief doubted' Magna Carta authenticity

A man tried to steal a copy of the Magna Carta from Salisbury Cathedral using a hammer because he `` doubted its authenticity '' , a court heard .
Mark Royden , of Canterbury , Kent , is accused of smashing the case to take the 800-year-old document in 2018 .
Tourists and a member of cathedral staff tried to contain Mr Royden , 47 , within a set of glass doors but he threatened them with a hammer , Salisbury Crown Court heard .
He denies all charges against him .
Rob Welling , prosecuting , told jurors the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public - including some American tourists - prevented his escape after the attempted theft on 25 October 2018 .
Mr Welling added the protective safety glass was `` just too tough for the tool he brought '' .
'Please , please stop him' Leigh Chalmers , a cathedral outreach worker , told the court how she and others struggled with Mr Royden and the glass door before chasing him out of the cathedral .
She said : `` The Americans were shouting , 'he 's trying to steal the Magna Carta - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 'please , please stop him ' . ''
She added : `` I was being brave , not stupid . ''
The court heard how Mr Royden escaped through a goods yard and was chased and caught by stonemasons working at the cathedral .
Mr Welling added : `` He made some other comments about Muslims , Tasers and having some object strapped to his back . ''
The prosecutor added the defendant made comments that he should `` get a medal for what he had done '' and `` he could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a samurai sword '' .
Mr Welling said that Mr Royden made an `` odd prepared statement '' to police while smelling of alcohol and added : `` It appears he is doubting the authenticity of the Magna Carta . ''
His comments included : `` You ca n't talk to me about the Holy Grail , so to speak .
If you find a bag on the floor which says 'cocaine ' on it , you would have to test that bag forensically .
As for your Holy Grail , you would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ element test . ''
Mr Welling said Mr Royden had planned the attempted theft , having scoped out CCTV cameras and a fire alarm to set off as a distraction .
He had also brought with him yellow gloves , safety goggles and the hammer , the court was told .
Mr Royden denies a charge of attempted theft and a second count of criminal damage to the security case costing £14,466 .

His comments included: "You can't talk to me about the Holy Grail, so to speak. If you find a bag on the floor which says 'cocaine' on it, you would have to test that bag forensically. As for your Holy Grail, you would need a carbon test and a trace element test."


bbcuk--2020-01-28--Huawei set for limited role in UK 5G networks

The UK government has decided to allow Huawei to continue to be in its 5G networks but with restrictions .
The Chinese company will be banned from supplying equipment to `` sensitive parts '' of the network , known as the core .
In addition , it will only be allowed to account for 35 % of the kit in a network 's periphery , which includes radio masts .
And it will be excluded from areas near military bases and nuclear sites .
`` Huawei is reassured by the UK government 's confirmation that we can continue working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on track , '' the firm 's UK chief Victor Zhang said in a statement .
`` It gives the UK access to world-leading technology and ensures a competitive market . ''
The Prime Minister had faced pressure from the US and some Conservative MPs to block the Chinese tech giant on the grounds of national security .
But Beijing had warned the UK there could be `` substantial '' repercussions to other trade and investment plans had the company been banned outright .
The decision has been described as the biggest test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date .
• Huawei : Is it a security threat and what is its role in UK 5G ?
• Huawei 5G verdict is a decision 'with few good options' • What is 5G and what will it mean for you ?
Huawei has always denied that it would help the Chinese government attack one of its clients .
The firm 's founder has said he would `` shut the company down '' rather than aid `` any spying activities '' .
What is the core and why is Huawei being kept out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's core is sometimes likened to its heart or brain .
It is where voice and other data is routed across various sub-networks and computer servers to ensure it gets to its desired destination .
• authenticating subscribers so that specific users only get access to the services they have paid for and opted into • sending a call to the right radio tower to connect to another person 's mobile phone • managing facilities such as call-forwarding and voicemail • delivering SMS messages and multimedia from one handset to another • routing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as apps and websites • keeping track of usage to calculate an individual 's bill While once , a lot of this involved physical equipment known as routers and switches , in the 5G world much of this kit has been `` virtualised '' .
That means software rather than specialised hardware now takes care of much of the job .
This opens the door to new capabilities .
But a perceived risk is that it could also open the system up to new kinds of attack .
And even if encryption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be spied upon , the fear is that a rogue participant could still crash the network - or at least disrupt the data flow .
How does this differ from the rest of the network ?
The core is distinct from the Radio Access Network , which is sometimes referred to as the `` periphery '' .
The RAN includes the base stations and antennas used to provide a link between individual mobile devices and the core .
Insiders sometimes describe this as the `` innovative but dumb '' part of the network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ software and other advances mean more traffic can be handled than before , but the equipment does not actually affect what happens to the data itself beyond transmitting it back and forth .
Although it has commonly been reported that Huawei 's advantage here is cost , industry insiders say a bigger advantage is that it can currently do the same job as its rivals using fewer antennas .
That means fewer planning permission requests need to be approved , and 5G can be rolled out more quickly as a result .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the RAN but banning it from the core , the authorities make the risk of its involvement more `` manageable '' .
So why are the Americans still worried ?
The Trump administration 's cyber-security chiefs , along with their Australian counterparts , contend that over time the `` edge '' - the name given to the boundary between the core and periphery - will disappear , as more and more sensitive operations are carried out closer to users .
As a result , they claim it will no longer be possible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese state , out of the network 's most sensitive areas .
UK network operators acknowledge that over time more functions will indeed move from centralised sites to individual exchanges and even base stations themselves .
But they are adamant that they can still design the architecture of their networks to keep the core distinct and protected .

Huawei set for limited role in UK 5G networks Published 28 January 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, How will the Huawei 5G deal affect me?
The UK has decided to let Huawei continue to be used in its 5G networks but with restrictions, despite pressure from the US to block the firm.
The Chinese firm will be banned from supplying kit to "sensitive parts" of the network, known as the core.
In addition, it will only be allowed to account for 35% of the kit in a network's periphery, which includes radio masts.
And it will be excluded from areas near military bases and nuclear sites.
Downing Street said that Boris Johnson had spoken to President Trump to explain the move.
"The prime minister underlined the importance of like-minded countries working together to diversify the market and break the dominance of a small number of companies," it said.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had previously suggested that use of Huawei's equipment posed a spying risk, saying that "we won't be able to share information" with nations that put it into their "critical information systems".
But the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said the decision would not affect the UK's intelligence-sharing relationship with the US and other close allies.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Raab: "Risk cannot be eliminated in telecoms"
"Nothing in this review affects this country's ability to share highly-sensitive intelligence data over highly-secure networks both within the UK and our partners, including the Five Eyes," the minister told the House of Commons.
A document published by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) indicates that the UK's networks will have three years to comply with the caps on the use of Huawei's equipment.
"Huawei is reassured by the UK government's confirmation that we can continue working with our customers to keep the 5G rollout on track," the firm's UK chief Victor Zhang said in a statement.
"It gives the UK access to world-leading technology and ensures a competitive market."
'Strategic defeat'
The prime minister had faced pressure from the US and some Conservative MPs to block the Chinese tech giant on the grounds of national security.
A Trump administration official has said the US "is disappointed" with the decision.
Beijing had warned the UK there could be "substantial" repercussions to other trade and investment plans had the company been banned outright.
The choice has been described as the biggest test of Boris Johnson's post-Brexit strategy to date.
Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican member of the US Senate Intelligence Committee tweeted his dismay.
"I fear London has freed itself from Brussels only to cede sovereignty to Beijing," he posted.
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Democratic Senator Mark Warner, vice chair of the same committee, said he too was "disappointed by the UK's decision today, especially since the security risks are so well understood".
But he added that he remained committed to working with the UK.
Newt Gingrich, a former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, described it as a "strategic defeat" for his country.
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Huawei has always denied that it would help the Chinese government attack one of its clients. The firm's founder has said he would "shut the company down" rather than aid "any spying activities".
Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat, former chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, tweeted that the government's "statement leaves many concerns and does not close the UK's networks to a frequently malign international actor".
Over the limit
Three out of four of the UK's mobile networks had already decided to use and deploy Huawei's 5G products outside the core in the "periphery".
Two of them - Vodafone and EE - now face having to reduce their reliance on the supplier, as more than 35% of their existing radio access network equipment was made by it.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, WATCH: 5G explained in 45 seconds
The cap also applies to the Shenzen-based firm's involvement in the rollout of full-fibre broadband.
According to a government report published last June, Huawei currently has a 45% share of that market.
"We want world-class connectivity as soon as possible but this must not be at the expense of our national security," said Britain's digital secretary Baroness Morgan.
"High-risk vendors never have been and never will be in our most sensitive networks," she said referring to government and intelligence systems.
BT has some of Huawei's equipment in the core of its EE network but is in the process of replacing it.
"This is a good compromise between alleviating 'security' concerns and making sure that the 5G UK market is not harmed," commented Dimitris Mavrakis, a telecoms analyst at ABI Research.
"It means there will be minimal disruption to existing 5G rollout plans."
New 5G suppliers
The government has also said the UK needs to "improve the diversity in the supply of equipment" to the country's telecom networks.
Beyond Huawei, the world's four main providers are:
Nokia - a Finnish company
Ericsson - a Swedish company
Samsung - a South Korean company
ZTE - a Chinese company that the country's government part-owns
At present, the UK is mostly dependent on Huawei, Nokia and Ericsson - a situation that has caused the NCSC's technical director to claim that the "market is broken".
"We need to diversify the market significantly in the UK so that we have a more robust supply base to enable the long-term security of the UK networks and to ensure we do not end up nationally dependent on any vendor."
In response, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has said it will now support "the emergence of new, disruptive entrants to the supply chain" and promote "the adoption of open, interoperable standards".
The new rules still have to be debated and approved by MPs.
Tim Morrison, a former US National Security Council official, urged them to rebel.
"There is still time for backbenchers in both parties to save the special relationship and the privacy rights of Britons if they vote to block this mistake by the government."
What is the core and why is Huawei being kept out of it?
A mobile phone network's core is sometimes likened to its heart or brain.
It is where voice and other data is routed across various sub-networks and computer servers to ensure it gets to its desired destination.
This involves:
authenticating subscribers so that specific users only get access to the services they have paid for and opted into
sending a call to the right radio tower to connect to another person's mobile phone
managing facilities such as call-forwarding and voicemail
delivering SMS messages and multimedia from one handset to another
routing data back and forth to third-party services such as apps and websites
keeping track of usage to calculate an individual's bill
While once, a lot of this involved physical equipment known as routers and switches, in the 5G world much of this kit has been "virtualised". That means software rather than specialised hardware now takes care of much of the job.
This opens the door to new capabilities. But a perceived risk is that it could also open the system up to new kinds of attack.
And even if encryption means the information being handled cannot be spied upon, the fear is that a rogue participant could still crash the network - or at least disrupt the data flow.
How does this differ from the rest of the network?
The core is distinct from the Radio Access Network, which is sometimes referred to as the "periphery".
The RAN includes the base stations and antennas used to provide a link between individual mobile devices and the core.
Insiders sometimes describe this as the "innovative but dumb" part of the network. That is because new traffic management software and other advances mean more traffic can be handled than before, but the equipment does not actually affect what happens to the data itself beyond transmitting it back and forth.
Although it has commonly been reported that Huawei's advantage here is cost, industry insiders say a bigger advantage is that it can currently do the same job as its rivals using fewer antennas. That means fewer planning permission requests need to be approved, and 5G can be rolled out more quickly as a result.
The theory is that by limiting Huawei to the RAN but banning it from the core, the authorities make the risk of its involvement more "manageable".
So why are the Americans still worried?
The Trump administration's cyber-security chiefs, along with their Australian counterparts, contend that over time the "edge" - the name given to the boundary between the core and periphery - will disappear, as more and more sensitive operations are carried out closer to users.
As a result, they claim it will no longer be possible to keep Huawei, and by extension the Chinese state, out of the network's most sensitive areas.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, WATCH: What could happen if the UK's 5G networks suffered a major cyber-attack?
UK network operators acknowledge that over time more functions will indeed move from centralised sites to individual exchanges and even base stations themselves.


bbcuk--2020-01-28--Nicholas Parsons: 'Broadcasting legend' dies aged 96 after short illness

Broadcaster Nicholas Parsons has died at the age of 96 after a short illness , his agent has confirmed .
Parsons had hosted Radio 4 's Just A Minute since its inception in 1967 .
`` Nicholas passed away in the early hours of the 28th of January , '' said a statement issued by his agent Jean Diamond .
`` He was with his beloved family who will miss him enormously and who wish to thank the wonderful staff at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital . ''
• Just A Minute to Doctor Who : Nicholas Parsons in pictures BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long-running and popular panel game where guests are asked to speak for a full minute on a single subject without hesitation , deviation or repetition .
Parsons also appeared on the Benny Hill Show for several years after joining in 1969 and also fronted ITV game show Sale of the Century .
His other TV appearances include The Comic Strip Presents and Have I Got News For You .
BBC director-general Tony Hall said : `` Very few people have done so much to entertain audiences over the decades , and no-one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than Nicholas Parsons .
`` His charm , inventive intellect and ability to create laughs were unsurpassed .
Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him . ''
Graham Norton led the tributes on social media , writing : `` The sound of the final whistle .
Nicholas Parsons was truly the kindest and most generous person I 've ever worked with .
`` His continued delight at being a part of showbusiness should be an inspiration to us all !
Huge love to his wife Annie and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` He ruled Just a Minute for Just a Lifetime .
A stunning achievement : never scripted , always immaculate .
From comedian 's sidekick to great institution , via Sale of the Century and much more .
Unrivalled continuity , professionalism and commitment .
Farewell x . ''
Christopher Nicholas Parsons was born on 10 October 1923 in Grantham , Lincolnshire , the son of a GP .
He described himself in his autobiography as `` the unconventional child of conventional parents '' .
Always neatly coiffed and invariably immaculate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tones on Just a Minute and , more particularly , his sugary image on Sale of the Century , made him a dapper reminder of a bygone age and a ripe target for other comedians .
Just A Minute panellist Gyles Brandreth described it as `` the end of an era '' .
`` Nicholas Parsons was such a lovely man , '' he wrote on Twitter .
`` And so versatile : actor , entertainer , writer , TV star & radio host without equal , but for me , most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more than 50 years : he was simply the best . ''
Broadcaster Andrew Neil added : `` So sad to learn of the death of Nicholas Parsons , though at 96 it was a pretty impressive innings .
`` A more friendly , generous , polite and solicitous person you could not hope to meet . ''
Mohit Bakaya , controller of BBC Radio 4 , said : `` Nicholas Parsons was one of the greats , a first class broadcaster and an icon in the world of British comedy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , brilliant poise and warmth to everything he did - but particularly as host of Just a Minute where his excellence shone in each episode without hesitation , deviation or repetition . ''
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .


bbcuk--2020-01-28--Immigration salary threshold should drop by £4,400, says committee

The government should drop the salary threshold for immigrants by more than £4,000 , a committee has advised .
Skilled migrants from outside the EU currently need to have a job offer with a minimum salary of £30,000 .
But the Migration Advisory Committee ( MAC ) said it should fall to £25,600 for all workers to help recruit teachers and skilled NHS staff .
The MAC also said the government 's proposal for a points-based immigration system would reduce economic growth .
Mr Johnson led calls for the new system - based on the scheme in Australia - during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party and made it a key pledge during the election .
Professor Alan Manning , chair of the committee , said : `` No perfect system exists and there are unavoidable , difficult trade-offs .
`` The largest impacts will be in low-wage sectors and the government needs to be clear about its plans for lower-skilled work migration . ''
A review into the impact of salary thresholds was requested by the then-home secretary ( and now Chancellor ) Sajid Javid in June 2019 .
In September 2019 , the new Home Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MAC to look into the best practice for Mr Johnson 's proposed immigration scheme - inspired by the points-based system used in Australia .
The committee criticised the UK 's current complex immigration system where EU workers can come in without a job offer or specific skill under freedom of movement rules , while people from the rest of the world must seek one of many different visas .
It said the UK 's post-Brexit system should allow entry to workers from all over the world with skills that are in demand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them would not earn enough to meet the current salary test .
The report said : `` Many stakeholders would prefer there to be no salary thresholds beyond the minimum wage . ''
But the committee believed the threshold stopped the undercutting of the labour market , ensured migrants made a net positive contribution to the public finances , and made sure migration policy supported the `` ambition to make the UK a high wage , high skill , high productivity economy '' .
The MAC said its proposals would benefit the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rise in pressures in social care because of a shortage of low-skilled workers .
`` We remain concerned about the situation in social care , but the root cause of the problems there is the failure to offer competitive terms and conditions , '' said the report .
The committee was also cautious of Mr Johnson 's plan for a points-based system .
The prime minister said it would be inspired by schemes like the one in Australia , where applicants are assigned points based on a number of professional and personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more desirable traits - from the amount of time they have worked in a skilled sector through to their proficiency in the English language .
Writing to the MAC last year , Mrs Patel said : `` Delivering on the promise to introduce an Australian-style points-based system is part of our approach to improving public confidence in our immigration system whilst allowing us to welcome talented and skilled individuals from all over the world . ''
But businesses have cautioned flexibility in any new system to ensure they can get the workers they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world , the MAC said points based systems are `` always just one part of a wider immigration system and typically also represents just part of the work migration system '' .
It recommended points should only be used when it came to highly skilled migrants .
Separately , the MAC also proposed stopping classifying people who work in fishing , elementary agricultural roles or as waiters and waitresses as skilled workers .
However , it said carpenters , glaziers , plasterers and teaching assistants should be designated as skilled workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its post-Brexit immigration , the committee said it must come to its conclusion soon - ahead of the deadline it has imposed to agree a trade deal with the EU by the end of 2020 .

"I think it's important to recognize the British public voted for change when it came to immigration," she said. "We are committed to ensuring we have a system... that has the ability to level up across the whole of the UK in a way that immigration policy has failed for too long."


bbcuk--2020-01-28--Jeffrey Epstein accusers outraged by Prince Andrew's 'lack of co-operation'

Lawyers representing women who say they were abused by Jeffrey Epstein have urged Prince Andrew to co-operate with an investigation into the financier .
Lisa Bloom said the alleged victims were `` outraged '' by the Duke of York not assisting the US authorities .
It comes after the prosecutor in charge of the US investigation said the duke had provided `` zero co-operation '' .
The prince has said he did not witness or suspect any suspicious behaviour during visits to Epstein 's homes .
He has come under fire for his friendship with the US financier - a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life in a jail cell in August , aged 66 , while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges .
The duke told the BBC last November that he was willing to help the authorities into the investigation of Epstein .
However , US attorney Geoffrey Berman said prosecutors and the FBI have received no reply after contacting the duke 's lawyers .
• 'Zero co-operation ' from Prince Andrew over Epstein What have the US lawyers said ?
Ms Bloom , a US lawyer who represents five of Epstein 's accusers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right thing '' .
She told BBC Newsnight : `` I 'm glad that Geoffrey Berman has gone public to try to embarrass Prince Andrew , who made one statement and then behind closed doors is doing something very different .
`` The five Epstein victims who I represent are outraged and disappointed at Prince Andrew 's behaviour here . ''
Buckingham Palace said the prince 's legal team was dealing with the issue and it would not be commenting further .
Ms Bloom added : `` If Prince Andrew truly has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upon him to go and speak to the FBI at a time that 's convenient for him and say what he knows .
`` Perhaps he can help bring other people to justice . ''
Another US lawyer representing some of Epstein 's accusers , Gloria Allred , said she had sent a letter to Prince Andrew 's home urging him to co-operate but had n't received a response .
She told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` No response is the same as zero co-operation .
This is ridiculous .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ She added : `` Prince Andrew has a moral obligation to volunteer to speak to law enforcement - that 's what he said he would do . ''
Virginia Giuffre , one of Epstein 's accusers , says she was trafficked to London by Epstein in 2001 , when she was 17 , and forced to have sex with Prince Andrew .
Prince Andrew has emphatically denied any form of sexual contact or relationship with her and said any claim to the contrary is false and without foundation .
He told BBC Newsnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ever meeting the woman , who was previously known as Virginia Roberts .
In the interview , Prince Andrew said he was `` willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency '' .
He also said he would consider giving evidence under oath `` if push came to shove and the legal advice was to do so '' .
What was Prince Andrew 's relationship with Epstein ?
Prince Andrew told the BBC that he had first met Epstein through his girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell in 1999 but it was a `` stretch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they saw each other `` a maximum of three times a year '' .
He acknowledged he had stayed on Epstein 's private island , visited his home in Palm Beach , Florida , and travelled on his private plane .
The duke said he did not regret their friendship - which led to Epstein attending events at Windsor Castle and Sandringham - because it had `` some seriously beneficial outcomes '' .
He said he was unaware of an arrest warrant against Epstein when he invited him to Princess Beatrice 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2006 .
However he admitted it was wrong of him to visit Epstein , who was jailed in Florida in 2008 for procuring a minor for prostitution , at his home in 2010 , after his conviction .
Where is the FBI with its Epstein investigation ?
US prosecutor Mr Berman spoke on Monday about the progress of the sex trafficking investigation and said it was looking at possible `` conspirators '' who had worked alongside Epstein procuring girls for the financier 's sexual gratification .
`` Jeffrey Epstein could n't have done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others , and I can assure you that the investigation is moving forward , '' he said .
British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell is one of those who is under FBI investigation , according to US media , over possible crimes linked to the sex trafficking charges .
Ms Maxwell , a long-time Epstein friend , has not been accused by the authorities of wrongdoing .
The inquiry is believed to be in the early stages and no new charges are pending .
No other names of those being investigated have been revealed .

The implication of that is that he has nothing of any significance to hide. One might reasonably suppose that he would therefore be wholly prepared to assist US investigators in their attempts to untangle the world in which Epstein operated.