bbcuk--2020-02-17--Storm Dennis: Woman missing in floods believed to have died

A woman who went missing in floods in Worcestershire is believed to have died , police have said .
The woman disappeared on Sunday near Eastham Bridge , which crosses the River Teme near Tenbury Wells .
The search resumed earlier but is now a `` recovery rather than rescue mission '' , West Mercia Police said .
Widespread evacuations are taking place across Worcestershire and Herefordshire as river levels continue to rise in the wake of Storm Dennis .
Severe flood warnings , meaning a danger to life , remain in place for the River Teme in Ludlow and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Hereford reached its highest recorded level overnight - 6.3m ( nearly 21ft ) .
Water is also now touching the Victoria Bridge in the city , as levels on the river continue to rise .
Photographer for the Hereford Times Nick Evans described the scene as `` unprecedented '' , while one resident said he had never seen the river so high in 70 years .
In a statement about the missing woman , who has not been named , police said : `` The search has continued this morning , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Sadly , however , due to the circumstances of the length of time in the water and other conditions we believe that this will now be a recovery rather than rescue operation .
`` Her family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers . ''
West Midlands Ambulance Service said it was called to reports of two people being swept into the water .
A man rescued close to where the woman disappeared was airlifted to hospital , the service added .
He remains in a stable condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I stop my trampoline flying off in a storm ?
About 130 homes in Tenbury were evacuated overnight , with roads in the area described as `` virtually all impassable '' by Worcestershire County Council .
The authority said it was working with the Environment Agency , police , fire service and paramedics to evacuate more residents .
`` Although in some areas river levels are dropping , they are set to rise again over the next few hours , peaking during the evening , '' a spokesman said .
`` Major incidents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the council said , adding that more flood barriers might be erected later .
In a tweet , Herefordshire Police said officers were carrying out emergency evacuations to a leisure centre .
Families rescued from flooded Hereford properties could be seen disembarking from evacuation dinghies with their pets and belongings .
About five boats are at work ferrying people from their homes around Hinton Avenue and Hinton Crescent , BBC Hereford and Worcester reporter Andrew Marston said .
`` Hinton Road and the adjoining Hinton Avenue are eerily quiet - we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are ambulances parked up and we 've got doctors here , '' he said .
`` We 've also got Western Power Distribution looking after properties without electricity .
`` The water is across both sides of the street , affecting properties . ''
Telford & Wrekin Council said it would be distributing sandbags .
The River Severn is expected to peak in Ironbridge on Tuesday , the authority said , adding that flood barriers were already in place across Wharfage .
Elsewhere , thousands of sandbags have been distributed in York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although the Environment Agency has said the situation in the city is an `` improving one '' .
The Ouse had been expected to peak at 4.8m ( nearly 16ft ) above normal levels later on Monday , however , the latest prediction is for a peak of about 4.6m at lunchtime .
That level is higher than during Storm Ciara , but significantly lower than the record high of 5.4m in November 2000 .
Craig McGarvey from the Environment Agency said the peak was well below the city 's flood defences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a much improving situation and we have n't had as much rain as we were concerned about before the weekend . ''
Lowdham , in Nottinghamshire , was one of the areas hardest hit in the East Midlands , with about 60 homes flooded .
Newark and Sherwood District Council said teams were out with three mechanical road sweepers clearing debris and silt .
`` We will continue to assist with removing damaged goods from affected properties , '' the council said .
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook , on Twitter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct to your phone .


bbcuk--2020-02-17--Kate Forbes appointed new Scottish finance secretary

Kate Forbes has been appointed as the Scottish government 's new finance secretary following the resignation of Derek Mackay .
The 29-year-old became the first woman to set out a budget at Holyrood or Westminster when she stepped in for Mr Mackay earlier this month .
In a reshuffle of Nicola Sturgeon 's cabinet , Fiona Hyslop will now take on extra responsibility for the economy .
Jenny Gilruth has joined the government as Europe minister .
Ms Sturgeon said the appointments `` bring new talent into government and deliver a real focus , not only on driving forward our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges of Brexit , increasing our population and ending Scotland 's contribution to the climate crisis '' .
The appointments of Ms Forbes and Ms Gilruth will be confirmed in a vote by MSPs on Tuesday .
Ms Forbes was praised by both SNP colleagues and opposition MSPs after stepping in due to Mr Mackay 's resignation on the eve of the budget .
Mr Mackay quit on 5 February after saying he had `` behaved foolishly '' by sending hundreds of social media messages to a 16-year-old boy .
Ms Forbes set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans in his place , and defended them during a scrutiny session with Holyrood 's finance committee .
MSPs are due to debate the plans on 27 February , giving her only a few weeks to secure a budget deal with opposition parties .
The reshuffle of the cabinet sees the finance and economy portfolios split up , with Ms Forbes taking the finance role and Fiona Hyslop adding economy and fair work to her previous job of culture secretary .
Ms Hyslop 's responsibilities for external affairs and tourism are being taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing respectively .
In the junior ministerial team , Ben Macpherson takes on Ms Forbes ' old job of public finance minister , while Ms Gilruth has entered government to replace him as Europe and international development minister .
Ms Sturgeon said she was `` pleased to be able to put Scotland 's finances and economy into the hands of two incredibly talented colleagues '' .
She said Ms Forbes and Ms Hyslop would `` continue to drive forward our economy , support our key industries and maintain Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dynamic and enterprising nation '' .
Having become a full cabinet secretary during her first term in parliament and still shy of her 30th birthday , Ms Forbes is one of the SNP 's fastest-rising stars .
Born in Dingwall , she was raised in Glasgow and India - where her father worked to provide healthcare to those unable to afford it - before studying history at the University of Cambridge .
She worked as an accountant in the banking industry and as an assistant to MSP Dave Thompson , before being nominated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Skye , Lochaber and Badenoch in the 2016 Holyrood election .
As a backbencher , she campaigned to ban plastic straws and once gave a speech in the Holyrood chamber entirely in Gaelic .
She entered government as minister for public finance and the digital economy in June 2018 , working alongside Mr Mackay - and has now replaced him as both finance secretary and as the favourite with many bookmakers to eventually succeed Ms Sturgeon as first minister .

She entered government as minister for public finance and the digital economy in June 2018, working alongside Mr Mackay - and has now replaced him as both finance secretary and as the favourite with many bookmakers to eventually succeed Ms Sturgeon as first minister.


bbcuk--2020-02-17--Harry Gregg: Munich air disaster hero and Northern Ireland goalkeeping great dies

Former Manchester United and Northern Ireland goalkeeper Harry Gregg , hailed as a hero of the 1958 Munich air disaster , has died at the age of 87 .
Gregg bravely rescued team-mates and other passengers following the plane crash in which 23 were killed .
When he joined United in December 1957 for £23,500 he was the world 's most expensive goalkeeper and was voted the best at the following year 's World Cup .
He made 25 appearances for Northern Ireland between 1954 and 1963 .
The former goalkeeper 's charitable Harry Gregg Foundation said that the goalkeeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Harry passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his loving family .
`` The Gregg family would like to thank the medical staff at Causeway Hospital for their wonderful dedication to Harry over his last few weeks .
`` To everyone who has called , visited or sent well wishes we thank you for the love and respect shown to Harry and the family .
`` Details of his funeral arrangement will be issued in the next few days .
We would ask that the privacy of the family is respected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be forgotten ! ''
Less than three months after making his Old Trafford debut , Gregg and his team-mates were travelling back from a European Cup tie in Belgrade on 6 February when their plane crashed after they stopped to refuel in Munich .
Gregg would become known as the 'hero of Munich ' for his actions following the crash , where he rescued a number of survivors including a young baby and team-mates Bobby Charlton and Jackie Blanchflower from the wreckage .
Two weeks after pulling several team-mates from the wreckage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept a clean sheet as Manchester United put Sheffield Wednesday out of the FA Cup .
The goalkeeper was determined that the tragic event would not define his career , or indeed his life .
`` I would be telling lies if I said that I thought about it all the time .
In fact I would go insane , '' he said in 2018 before a service marking 60 years since the disaster .
`` I know the media would like to talk about what happened on a runway .
I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all I was ever part of , or all I ever achieved was to do with what happened in Germany , in Munich , if that was what my life was all about , it did n't come to very much . ''
Indeed , the career that followed would cement Gregg 's legacy as one of the finest goalkeepers in Manchester United and Northern Ireland history .
A life in professional football saw Gregg , who Sir Alex Ferguson described as his hero , spend 35 years in England and Wales .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he opened a hotel in Portstewart and in 2015 launched a charitable foundation aimed at encouraging young people 's participation in football and other health , lifestyle , educational , heritage and social inclusion activities .
He made his final trip to Old Trafford in 2018 , before being named OBE in the Queen 's 2019 New Year 's Honours .
Northern Ireland 's football governing body , the Irish Football Association called Gregg a `` legend of the game and a brave , selfless giant of a man '' .

Last updated on .From the section Irish
Harry Gregg: The Hero of Munich
Former Manchester United and Northern Ireland goalkeeper Harry Gregg, hailed as a hero of the 1958 Munich air disaster, has died at the age of 87.
Gregg bravely rescued team-mates and other passengers following the plane crash in which 23 were killed.
When he joined United in December 1957 for £23,500 he was the world's most expensive goalkeeper and was voted the best at the following year's World Cup.
He made 25 appearances for Northern Ireland between 1954 and 1963.
The former goalkeeper's charitable Harry Gregg Foundation said that the goalkeeping great died in Causeway Hospital in Coleraine.
"Harry passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his loving family.
"The Gregg family would like to thank the medical staff at Causeway Hospital for their wonderful dedication to Harry over his last few weeks.
"To everyone who has called, visited or sent well wishes we thank you for the love and respect shown to Harry and the family.
"Details of his funeral arrangement will be issued in the next few days. We would ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this difficult time.
"Never to be forgotten!"
Manchester United's players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect for the late Gregg in Monday's Premier League game against Chelsea.
United learn of death with 'deepest sadness'
Less than three months after making his Old Trafford debut, Gregg and his team-mates were travelling back from a European Cup tie in Belgrade on 6 February when their plane crashed after they stopped to refuel in Munich.
The crash's death toll included eight Manchester United players.
Gregg would become known as the 'hero of Munich' for his actions following the crash, where he rescued a number of survivors including a young baby and team-mates Bobby Charlton and Jackie Blanchflower from the wreckage.
Two weeks after pulling several team-mates from the wreckage of the Munich Air Disaster, Gregg kept a clean sheet as Manchester United put Sheffield Wednesday out of the FA Cup.
Gregg was named goalkeeper of the year after helping Northern Ireland to the quarter-finals of the 1958 World Cup
The goalkeeper was determined that the tragic event would not define his career, or indeed his life.
"I would be telling lies if I said that I thought about it all the time. In fact I would go insane," he said in 2018 before a service marking 60 years since the disaster.
"I know the media would like to talk about what happened on a runway. I don't blame people for that but if all I was ever part of, or all I ever achieved was to do with what happened in Germany, in Munich, if that was what my life was all about, it didn't come to very much."
Indeed, the career that followed would cement Gregg's legacy as one of the finest goalkeepers in Manchester United and Northern Ireland history.
A life in professional football saw Gregg, who Sir Alex Ferguson described as his hero, spend 35 years in England and Wales.
After his return home to Northern Ireland, he opened a hotel in Portstewart and in 2015 launched a charitable foundation aimed at encouraging young people's participation in football and other health, lifestyle, educational, heritage and social inclusion activities.
He made his final trip to Old Trafford in 2018, before being named OBE in the Queen's 2019 New Year's Honours.
Northern Ireland's football governing body, the Irish Football Association called Gregg a "legend of the game and a brave, selfless giant of a man".


bbcuk--2020-02-17--Storm Dennis: Roads in Wales 'impassable' as flood clean-up begins

Residents are counting the cost of flooding after Storm Dennis left parts of Wales under water .
There are cancellations and significant delays on trains after a month 's worth of rain fell in 48 hours .
Roads across south and mid Wales remain blocked by floods and landslips and a further weather warning for rain has been issued for later this week .
Natural Resources Wales ( NRW ) said the scale of flooding was `` unprecedented '' and there was a `` huge '' amount of rain .
Sian Williams , head of operations at NRW - which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 12:00GMT - said 163mm ( 6.5in ) of rain fell in the 48 hours between lunchtime on Friday and Sunday .
On Monday , Donna Littlechild from NRW said : `` With further rain forecast for the next few hours , we are urging people to heed advice from ourselves and emergency services . ''
A Met Office yellow warning for rain has been issued from 18:00 GMT on Wednesday until 15:00 on Thursday in areas of south , mid and north Wales .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said he would look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said a full assessment of flood defences , roads and infrastructure would take place before officers sit down with local authority bosses to talk about costs .
The Welsh Government had a £350m flood and coastal defence budget , and all the defences succeeded , Mr Drakeford said .
However , he said `` off the scale '' and `` massively intense '' incidents such as this would increase , and plans had to be put in place .
Transport for Wales engineers are assessing the full extent of damage on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant delays '' in many areas and asked passengers to check their journeys on Monday .
Customer delivery director Bethan Jelfs said : `` There has been damage to the rail network and with some roads remaining impassable and limited replacement road transport available , it is inevitable that some services this morning will be subject to significant disruption which will result in delays and cancellations . ''
She highlighted the Newport to Hereford route where there had been `` significant damage '' to the track , a landslide near Ebbw Vale and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off services to Porth , Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil .
Powys council bosses said the bridge at Crickhowell was damaged in the floods and will remain closed until the structure is inspected later on Monday .
Rhondda Cynon Taf council advised motorists to drive `` with great caution '' and not to ignore road closure signs .
while Caerphilly council said the storm had damaged road surfaces in many areas .
A red weather warning - meaning there was a threat to life - was issued by the Met Office as the storm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday and Sunday .
While river levels have fallen , South Wales Police are warning people to only travel if necessary and not to go near rivers and waterways .
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Gilmer said : `` It 's vitally important that people still follow safety advice .
Whilst things may appear to be getting better , there is still a serious risk to people and property .
`` The disruption has been significant , and over the next few days there will be many people who are left dealing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devastating storm . ''
Some communities were still dealing with the aftermath of Storm Ciara when the heavy rain began , with businesses and homes damaged by flood waters for the second time in a week .
On Sunday afternoon some residents in parts of the Rhondda valley and Powys were able to start sweeping mud from buildings and streets as the water levels subsided .
Crowdfunding pages have been set up to raise money for those affected after homes , schools and businesses were damaged during the flooding .
In Taff 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have filled the local rugby club with donations after a statement on Facebook on Sunday .
An industrial estate in the village and a nursery were submerged after the river burst its banks .
The Little Friends Playgroup said they had `` lost everything '' and claimed people would struggle to find alternative childcare .
Music venue Jac 's , in Aberdare , said it would be hosting a benefit concert for flooded venues in Pontypridd and Treforest .
`` I looked downstairs in the early hours to see a settee floating at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Susan Fraser of Nantgarw , Rhondda Cynon Taff .
`` But there have been a lot of people worse than us .
A lot of people evacuated .
`` The whole of our community was under water , '' she told Oliver Hides on BBC Radio Wales .
Darren Hughes from Resolven , Neath Port Talbot , opened a cafe last November , and said he has lost tens of thousands of pounds after the river Neath broke its banks .
He said : `` So much has been destroyed .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife and daughter all work here and now we have nothing .
I hope we can get it up and running again soon .
`` 'We knew it was likely to flood a bit .
It has before .
But we have never seen it this bad . ''
Pontypridd Museum thanked people who had volunteered to help salvage artefacts , after its basement was flooded .
Also in Pontypridd , Eglwysbach 's GP surgery is likely to remain closed for some time after the practice said it was left with `` significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be utilising our other surgeries in Tonteg and Ynysybwl in the meantime , but appreciate your understanding while we assess the consequences , '' a statement on the surgery website said .
Hien Li , who runs Olivia 's Nail and Beauty Bar in Pontypridd said staff worked for seven hours on Sunday after finding the shop underwater .
`` About 10 local volunteers came to help , and moved all the stuff upstairs , '' she said .
`` It was really bad , I felt really lost , everything we used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Budd , from Energie Fitness Gym , said he watched on CCTV as flood water poured into the business in the town .
`` It was quite distressing , but it could have been a lot worse for us .
I know some of the shops have been up to the ceilings in their cellars [ with water ] . ''
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price is due to visit Pontypridd on Monday to meet residents and business owners dealing with the aftermath of the second storm in a week .
In Nantgarw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the river burst its banks and cars were towed away after being submerged .
In Cardiff the council is working to clear away a `` significant amount of debris '' which had gathered in Cardiff Bay after being swept down from the rivers .
Do you have any questions about flooding in Wales ?
Use this form to send us your questions : We may get in touch if we decide to follow up on your suggestion .

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bbcuk--2020-02-17--Storm Dennis: Further flooding as storm damage continues

More floods have hit towns as extreme weather brought by Storm Dennis continues to cause widespread damage .
Residents have been advised to leave their homes in parts of Worcestershire as the River Severn burst its banks .
More than 200 flood warnings are in place across England , Wales and Scotland , including nine severe - or `` danger to life '' - warnings for the rivers Lugg , Severn , Wye and Trent .
A body has been found after a woman was swept away in Worcestershire .
Yvonne Booth , 55 , was swept into floodwater after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , West Mercia Police said .
Her family said in a statement : `` Yvonne is a very much loved member of our family and we are all devastated by this news . ''
• Body found in search for woman missing in floods • As it happened : Floods and travel chaos persist after storms Emergency service workers in boats had to rescue residents in Hereford as the River Wye rose to its highest level on record .
People also had to be rescued in Shrewsbury after the River Severn burst its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was in Upton upon Severn , said it is believed defences built after the 2007 floods could be breached overnight .
Two of the seven severe warnings in England on Monday evening were for Uckinghall and Upton upon Severn - where residents were advised to evacuate their homes .
There were two severe warnings in Wales for the River Wye at Monmouth - where homes have been evacuated - and no severe warnings in Scotland , as of 21:00 GMT .
Environment Secretary George Eustice told the BBC the government `` ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its response to the storm .
Travel continues to be disrupted across the UK , with some A-roads closed and train lines disrupted .
The Environment Agency said more than 480 properties had been flooded after the storm brought torrential rain and strong winds .
John Curtin , the Environment Agency 's head of floods and coastal management , said on Twitter that number was `` likely to rise '' - but indicated figures were lower than those for Storm Ciara earlier this month .
Further heavy rain is forecast later in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and roads remain blocked by floods and landslips .
The South Wales valleys saw the highest water levels for more than 40 years over the weekend - an `` unprecedented '' scale of flooding , according to Natural Resources Wales .
Jeanette Cox said the only surviving object on the bottom floor of her home the village of Nantgarw , near Cardiff , was a wedding photograph of her and her late husband .
Mrs Cox , 68 , said it was `` terrifying '' to discover water at the bottom of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning .
She and her daughter Rachel were evacuated from their home but returned on Monday to assess the scale of the damage .
`` The water has moved things I did n't think could move .
I think there are just two cupboards standing - the rest is gone , '' Mrs Cox said .
A relief centre for displaced residents has been set up at the high school in the town , where around 130 properties were evacuated on Sunday .
Response teams worked into the early hours of Monday to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boat .
The county council has warned more evacuations could be necessary .
In Staffordshire , serious flooding cause a youth climate strike conference to be called off .
The first ever national conference was due to start on Sunday afternoon , with delegates travelling from across the UK .
But police advised the event should be cancelled after heavy rain made roads around the venue impassable , the UK Student Climate Network said .
Sophia Coningham , 15 , from London , said there was a `` bleak irony '' in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by this week 's dramatic weather .
In York , the River Ouse reached 4.41m above its normal level .
Thousands of sandbags have been placed around vulnerable properties nearby , but the Environment Agency has said the situation in the city is `` improving '' .
• How do you stop flooding ?
Environment Secretary Mr Eustice said about £2.5bn has been spent on tackling extreme weather conditions since 2015 and £4bn has been allocated for the next five years .
He added that convening Cobra , the government 's emergency committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point '' .
A Cobra meeting was held when parts of the UK saw flooding in the run-up to the 2019 general election .
Downing Street said Prime Minister Boris Johnson will receive `` regular updates '' on the flooding , which it described as `` terrible '' .
Luke Pollard , shadow environment secretary , said it was a `` disgrace '' that Mr Johnson had not visited affected communities .
The government has activated an emergency funding scheme for areas affected by the flooding , which include parts of Nottinghamshire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Wrekin , Worcestershire and Herefordshire .
Under the Bellwin scheme , local authorities can apply for the government to reimburse non-insurable costs above a certain threshold , which has not been specified .
A record number of flood warnings and alerts were issued for England on Sunday , according to the Environment Agency 's Mr Curtin .
He said `` the saturated ground conditions '' left by Storm Ciara earlier in the month had contributed to the severe floods caused by Storm Dennis .
Major incidents were declared in south Wales and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK were buffeted by gusts of more than 90mph .
More than a month 's worth of rain fell in 48 hours in places .
Flights and train services were cancelled and roads closed , while emergency centres were set up for those who had to leave their homes .
For more information , check the BBC Weather website and your BBC Local Radio station for regular updates .
Have you been affected by Storm Dennis ?
Get in touch by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC journalist .
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bbcuk--2020-02-17--Brexit negotiator says UK must be able to set its own laws

The UK `` must have the ability to set laws that suit us , '' the PM 's chief Brexit negotiator has said in a speech in Brussels .
David Frost has set out the UK 's stance ahead of post-Brexit trade negotiations , due to start next month .
He dismissed the idea an EU court would have a role in future trade disputes , saying : `` We only want what other independent countries have . ''
It comes as France warns Britain to expect a bruising battle during talks .
Acting Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the views of British businesses who want to maintain the closest possible alignment with the European Union . ''
• What does the UK sell to the rest of the world ?
• What happens after Brexit ?
• What is the transition period ?
Addressing students and academics at the Université libre de Bruxelles , Mr Frost said : `` It is central to our vision that we must have the ability to set laws that suit us - to claim the right that every other non-EU country in the world has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might accept EU supervision on so-called level playing field issues simply fails to see the point of what we are doing . ''
He said this was not a `` a simple negotiating position which might move under pressure - it is the point of the whole project '' .
The UK wants a Canada-type free trade agreement with the EU , Mr Frost said .
If this can not be agreed , then Britain will trade on the basic international terms it currently follows with Australia .
He said the UK will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the future relationship with the EU next week .
Mr Frost also reiterated the government 's insistence that it will not extend the transition period beyond the end of this year .
The transition period runs until 31 December 2020 , during which time the UK continues follow EU rules - including freedom of movement .
It is intended to allow time for the UK and the EU to agree a post-Brexit trade agreement .
• Brexit : Will it be a Canadian or an Australian ending ?
• Britain 'will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raab One of the key sticking points could be the idea of ensuring a level playing field - which was referred to by Mr Frost in his speech .
The EU wants the UK to sign up to strict rules on fair and open competition - known as level-playing-field guarantees - so if British companies are given tariff-free access to the EU market , they can not undercut their rivals .
The EU has repeatedly warned that the UK can not expect to enjoy continued `` high-quality '' market access if it insists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards .
It also wants the European Court of Justice to have a legal role in policing any free trade agreement reached .
But in his speech , Mr Frost asked : `` How would you feel if the UK demanded that , to protect ourselves , the EU dynamically harmonise with our national laws set in Westminster and the decisions of our own regulators and courts ?
`` The more thoughtful would say that such an approach would compromise the EU 's sovereign legal order . ''
A rare appearance by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rare public appearance by the man who 'll run Boris Johnson 's negotiations with the EU .
David Frost told the audience at a university in Brussels that the whole point of the UK 's departure was so it could set its own laws for its own benefit .
And that 's why Britain could n't accept the continued application of European rules or the involvement of Brussels in competition policy as the conditions for an ambitious free trade agreement .
The question is whether that can be reconciled with the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more stringent safeguards to its neighbour than it does to Canada , Japan or South Korea .
This carefully controlled event in front of some students , a few diplomats and a lot fewer journalists was designed to show the post-Brexit politics of Britain , not to spell out the government 's opening negotiating position in detail .
That 'll come next week , when the EU is expected to do the same .
Speaking on Sunday , French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian predicted the two sides would `` rip each other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the negotiations .
`` But that is part of negotiations , everyone will defend their own interests , '' he added .
He also said it would be tough for the UK to achieve its aim of agreeing a free trade deal by the end of the year .
Speaking at a security conference in Munich , Mr Le Drian said the two sides were far apart on a range of issues .

Addressing students and academics at the Université libre de Bruxelles, Mr Frost said: "It is central to our vision that we must have the ability to set laws that suit us - to claim the right that every other non-EU country in the world has.


bbcuk--2020-02-17--Caroline Flack: Love Island pays tribute to presenter

Love Island narrator Iain Stirling has said he is `` absolutely devastated '' at the death of his colleague Caroline Flack , in a tribute on the ITV2 show .
The message in Monday 's episode came after the TV host , 40 , was found dead in her north London home on Saturday .
`` You were a true friend to me , '' Stirling said .
He added that Flack 's `` warmth and infectious enthusiasm '' were `` crucial '' to the show 's success .
A lawyer for Flack 's family said she had taken her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the first to air after her death .
ITV had cancelled two episodes as a mark of respect for the presenter .
Flack was replaced as host of the dating show after being charged with assaulting her boyfriend last year . '
I 'm going to miss you , Caz' Speaking at the opening of the show , Stirling said : `` We are absolutely devastated by the tragic news that Caroline , a much-loved member of our Love Island family , has passed away .
`` Our thoughts are with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Caroline and me were together from the very start of Love Island and her passion , warmth and infectious enthusiasm were a crucial part of what made the show connect with millions of viewers . ''
If you or someone you know needs support for issues about emotional distress , these organisations may be able to help .
Stirling 's message was broadcast to images of the ocean , in keeping with the usual opening shots at the beginning of each episode - but to mark the tribute there was no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he added : `` Caroline , I want to thank you for all the fun times we had making our favourite show .
You were a true friend to me .
I 'm going to miss you , Caz . ''
The tribute ended with a photo of Flack on screen .
The image was repeated at the end of the episode .
In a statement released on Monday , ITV 's director of television Kevin Lygo said staff at the TV station were `` devastated '' and `` still trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Flack had been part of the dating show `` from the very beginning '' , was `` very vocal '' in her support of the show , and that viewers `` could relate to her and she to them '' .
ITV cancelled Monday night 's episode of Love Island : Aftersun and said it would not be releasing a Love Island : The Morning After podcast on Tuesday morning .
And in place of adverts for JustEat , the programme 's sponsor , the broadcaster shared the number for Samaritans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was launched calling for new laws to prevent sections of the media `` knowingly and relentlessly bullying people , famous or not '' .
The petition , calling for the introduction of `` Caroline 's Law '' , has had more than 500,000 signatures so far .
• Who decides whether someone should go on trial ?
Flack stood down from the show after she was charged with assaulting her boyfriend , Lewis Burton , in December .
Her management company said she had been `` under huge pressure '' since then and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) for refusing to drop the charge , even though Mr Burton said he did not want the case to go ahead .
Flack denied the charge and was due to stand trial in March .
Bail conditions had stopped Flack having any contact with Mr Burton ahead of the trial The CPS said it would not comment on the specifics of the case but in response to questions about its role , on Sunday it outlined how it reached decisions over whether or not to charge someone .
Flack 's friend Laura @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girlfriend - had stepped in as Love Island host after the assault charge .
Following his tribute on Monday she said on Twitter : `` Love you @ IainDoesJokes I know that was n't easy '' .
Love Island 's sixth season and first winter series , which is being filmed in South Africa , is due to end on Sunday .
Channel 4 has said it will not broadcast its forthcoming show The Surjury , which was to have been hosted by Flack .
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bbcuk--2020-02-17--Andrew Sabisky: No 10 adviser resigns over alleged race comments

Downing Street has said its adviser Andrew Sabisky has resigned , following criticism of alleged past remarks on pregnancies , eugenics and race .
Labour had called for Mr Sabisky to go for reportedly saying black people had lower average IQs than white people .
He is also alleged to have said compulsory contraception could prevent `` creating a permanent underclass '' .
Mr Sabisky tweeted : `` I wanted to help the government not be a distraction ... accordingly I 've decided to resign . ''
`` I know this will disappoint a lot of people but I signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in the middle of a giant character assassination , '' it continued .
`` If I ca n't do the work properly there 's no point , and I have a lot of other things to do with my life . ''
Mr Sabisky had been appointed earlier this year after the prime minister 's chief adviser Dominic Cummings called for `` misfits and weirdos '' to apply for jobs in Downing Street .
When asked earlier , Downing Street did not comment on the remarks attributed to Mr Sabisky .
Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The prime minister 's views on a range of subjects are well publicised and documented . ''
Responding to news of the resignation , Labour Party chairman Ian Lavery said : `` It 's right that Andrew Sabisky is no longer working in government .
`` After No 10 publicly stood by him today , Boris Johnson has serious questions to answer about how this appointment was made and whether he agrees with his vile views . ''
What is Mr Sabisky believed to have said ?
In a comment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' website , made by a user called `` Andrew Sabisky '' , it is suggested that compulsory contraception could be used to stop a `` permanent underclass '' .
`` One way to get around the problems of unplanned pregnancies creating a permanent underclass would be to legally enforce universal uptake of long-term contraception at the onset of puberty , '' says the post .
In a comment on another blog post on a different website in 2014 , what appears to be the same user suggested black Americans had a lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a comment on a different blog that same year , a user with his name said : `` There are excellent reasons to think the very real racial differences in intelligence are significantly - even mostly - genetic in origin , though the degree is of course a very serious subject of scholarly debate . ''
Mr Sabisky also suggested to Schools Week in July 2016 that the benefits of a purported cognitive enhancer , which can prove fatal , are `` probably worth a dead kid once a year '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things , '' he said in the same interview .
`` Intelligence is largely inherited and it correlates with better outcomes : physical health , income , lower mental illness .
And in a Twitter post from 2019 , he said : `` I am always straight up in saying that women 's sport is more comparable to the Paralympics than it is to men 's . ''
What was the reaction when the remarks were uncovered ?
Mr Sabisky 's comments , and the government 's reaction to the remarks , were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the prime minister 's own party .
While Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said : `` These are really not acceptable headlines for any government to be generating . ''
Tory MP William Wragg also attacked the government 's decision to appoint him , tweeting : `` Andrew Sabisky 's presence in No 10 is a poor reflection on the government ... 'Weirdos ' and 'misfits ' are all very well , but please can they not gratuitously cause offence . ''

In a comment on a different blog that same year, a user with his name said: "There are excellent reasons to think the very real racial differences in intelligence are significantly - even mostly - genetic in origin, though the degree is of course a very serious subject of scholarly debate."


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Earl of Snowdon: Queen's nephew and his wife to divorce

The Queen 's nephew the Earl of Snowdon and his wife the Countess of Snowdon have `` amicably agreed '' to divorce , a spokesman for the couple has said .
The earl , David Armstrong-Jones , is the son of the late Princess Margaret and photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones .
He has been married to wife Serena for 26 years and have two children .
The announcement comes less than a week after the Queen 's grandson Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn also revealed they are to split .
• Listen : The Earl of Snowdon on Desert Island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife to divorce In a statement on Monday , a spokesman for the Snowdons said : `` The Earl and Countess of Snowdon have amicably agreed that their marriage has come to an end and that they shall be divorced .
`` They ask that the press respect their privacy and that of their family . ''
The couple married in October 1993 and have two children - Viscount Linley , Charles Armstrong-Jones and Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones .
The earl 's mother , Princess Margaret - the Queen 's sister - died in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antony Armstrong-Jones , died in 2017 .
David Armstrong-Jones - who is 21st in line to the throne - founded his own company making bespoke furniture under his professional name , David Linley , in 1985 .
He has written books about furniture and styling the home .
Last week , Mr and Mrs Phillips confirmed in a statement that they had separated and will share custody of their children Savannah , nine , and Isla , seven .
The couple told the Queen and other Royal Family members about their decision last @ @

In a statement on Monday, a spokesman for the Snowdons said: "The Earl and Countess of Snowdon have amicably agreed that their marriage has come to an end and that they shall be divorced.


bbcuk--2020-02-17--David Lloyd Club facing prosecution over death

A leisure group is facing prosecution after a three-year-old boy drowned in one of its swimming pools .
Rocco Wright died after being found in the pool at the David Lloyd Leisure centre in Moortown , Leeds , in 2018 .
Earlier on Monday a jury inquest at Wakefield Coroner 's Court ruled his death was accidental .
After the inquest Leeds City Council said it believed the group had breached health and safety laws and intended to `` prosecute in the near future '' .
In a statement , the council said : `` The death of a child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we continue to offer the Wright family our sincerest sympathy .
`` We will keep in regular contact with the family and ensure they are informed and supported throughout this next stage . ''
The inquest previously heard how Rocco had to be pulled from the water by his father Steven Wright in April 2018 .
Mr Wright described how his panic grew as he searched for Rocco before he spotted him at the bottom of the main pool .
He said his son had never got into the pool by himself and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or CCTV evidence that could explain how Rocco ended up in the water .
The jury found that the youngster had probably been under the 1.2m ( 4ft ) deep water for more than two minutes .
Jurors were told that at the time of the drowning , there had only been one 17-year-old lifeguard on duty .
David Lloyd Leisure 's operations director Stephen Brown denied in the inquest there had been cuts to the lifeguard budget at the pool .
He told the hearing the company 's policy was that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be supervised by a single lifeguard .
Mr Brown also denied David Lloyd Leisure had a policy of employing young lifeguards because they were cheaper and added lifeguard staffing levels were for local managers to decide .
Outside the coroner 's court , Natalie Marrison - representing Catharine and Steven Wright - said Rocco 's parents supported Leeds City Council 's investigation and planned prosecution .
Ms Marrison said : `` At the heart of this is a three-year-old boy who has lost his life .
`` The family remain devastated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the family had `` lost the fun from our lives '' following Rocco 's death .
`` We 're definitely going to fight for further law and guidelines in this field , just to make sure it ca n't happen to anyone else , '' he said .
`` No-one should lose a child at a family swim session . ''
In a statement after the inquest , David Lloyd Leisure said it wanted `` to express our deepest sympathies to Rocco 's family '' .
`` David Lloyd Leisure never places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Subsequent evidence given by David Lloyd Leisure at the inquest showed no evidence of budget cuts to lifeguarding at the Leeds Club at the time of the accident , on the contrary lifeguarding had in fact received increased investment . ''
The firm added that safety was its `` number one priority '' and it was `` unaware on what basis Leeds City Council intend to prosecute '' .
The jury returned its conclusion after coroner Jonathan Leach told jurors that accident was the only one available to them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been amended to make it clear it is David Lloyd Leisure that is facing prosecution .
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He said his son had never got into the pool by himself and the inquest heard there were no witnesses or CCTV evidence that could explain how Rocco ended up in the water.


bbcuk--2020-02-17--Megan Newton murder: Man jailed for killing and raping Stoke football coach

A man who raped and murdered a youth football coach who had given him a place to sleep has been jailed .
Megan Newton , 18 , was found dead in her bedsit in Fletcher Road , Stoke-on-Trent , on 20 April .
Joseph Trevor , of Trentham , pleaded guilty to her murder and two additional charges of rape on what was to be the first day of his trial .
The 19-year-old was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years and 65 days .
He was also placed on the sex offenders ' register @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trevor , the son of a retired Staffordshire Police officer , carried out a `` brutal and sustained attack , conducted in a most callous way in her own home '' .
When Trevor learned Miss Newton 's body had been discovered by a neighbour , he confided to his family that he had `` done something bad '' and was later arrested , Staffordshire Police said .
Stafford Crown Court heard that Miss Newton , who knew Trevor from school , had , as an `` act of kindness '' , given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adrian Keeling QC said she had invited him back `` because he got so drunk on drink and drugs he could not face going home to his parents '' .
`` He raped her , strangled her unconscious and then stabbed her in the back eight times , '' he said .
Youth football coach and self-described `` sports fanatic '' Miss Newton was applying to become the first of her family to go to university .
She intended to pursue a career in physiotherapy or sports therapy and had been working towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Miss Newton had also spent time volunteering with Norton Wanderers FC in Stoke and been instrumental in fundraising for training and match kits .
In a tribute read in court on behalf of the family , Miss Newton 's grandmother Beryl Smith said : `` Megan 's death has wiped out that spark in our lives .
`` We 're heartbroken and always will remain so . ''
She said Miss Newton 's mother Sarah felt she had a `` best friend '' in her daughter but had lost the promise of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newton 's father Michael Baggaley said : `` The thought of never seeing her beautiful smile or hearing her voice again breaks my heart .
`` How could this happen to such an amazing , caring , kind , loving , funny young lady .
This is something I will never understand and get over . ''
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When Trevor learned Miss Newton's body had been discovered by a neighbour, he confided to his family that he had "done something bad" and was later arrested, Staffordshire Police said.


bbcuk--2020-02-17--Cambridge's Trinity College lawn dug up by Extinction Rebellion

Climate activists have dug up a lawn outside a Cambridge University college over its role in a major development in the Suffolk countryside .
Extinction Rebellion members said the action at Trinity College was taken against the `` destruction of nature '' .
Activists then took dug-up mud to a local Barclays Bank branch .
Innocence Farm in Trimley St Martin has been part of plans , involving Trinity , for a lorry park .
The college said it supported work to fight climate change .
A Cambridgeshire Police spokeswoman said the force was liaising with the college and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal damage '' .
A spokeswoman for Barclays Bank confirmed activists carrying wheelbarrows full of mud had spread it across the banking hall of its St Andrew 's Street branch .
She added the branch had been kept open and staff ensured customers were safe .
Activists , who also chained themselves to an apple tree on the college 's front lawn , said they `` were careful to ensure that the digging took place a safe distance from the tree so as not to cause any damage to it '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ college invested more money in oil and gas companies than any other Oxbridge college .
Derek Langley , a member of Extinction Rebellion Cambridge , said : `` The idea that a rich institution like Trinity College , which tells the world it is serious about tackling this crisis , is looking for profit from environmental destruction is quite simply astonishing . ''
Local businessman Dr Tim Norman described the action as `` counter-productive vandalism '' .
He said : `` [ It ] seemed to confuse the tourists too , as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it for . ''
A Trinity spokeswoman said the college `` respects the right to freedom of speech and non-violent protest but draws the line at criminal damage and asked the protesters to leave '' .
She added : `` Academics at Trinity are actively engaged in research to understand and develop solutions to climate change , and taking practical steps forward . ''
The spokeswoman added the college supported the university 's Cambridge Zero project , which was launched in November and led by Dr Emily Shuckburgh , one of the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman said : `` We recognise that climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today , and are determined to do all we can to support the transition to a low-carbon economy , while also ensuring that global energy needs continue to be met . ''
Members of the group have also been taking part in a week-long road blockade in the city - prompting police to use emergency powers to shut off roads .
Last week a meeting had to be abandoned when a protester abseiled into the @ @ @


bbcuk--2020-02-17--Met Police human trafficking probe: London barber-shop staff rescued

Two children were among seven suspected victims of human trafficking who have been rescued by police after concerns were raised about people working in barber-shops in London .
A Met Police investigation was launched after concerns were raised over several barber-shops in north-west London .
The operation to search for possible victims of human trafficking involved 100 people , including social services , immigration , the NHS and charities .
No arrests were made , the Met said .
The force said it had been working on the safeguarding of `` vulnerable people '' for four months before it visited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harrow council areas on 12 February .
The suspected victims found there were escorted to a nearby reception centre , where they received medical treatment and support , police said .
Acting Det Ch Insp Mark Rogers said : `` Human trafficking , modern slavery and sexual exploitation often occur in plain sight , and it is often the case those carrying out these offences exploit those from less fortunate backgrounds who have travelled to our county for a better life .
`` I hope this operation continues to raise the public 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sends a clear message to those involved that we will work with all agencies and law enforcement to identify and bring them to justice . ''

Acting Det Ch Insp Mark Rogers said: "Human trafficking, modern slavery and sexual exploitation often occur in plain sight, and it is often the case those carrying out these offences exploit those from less fortunate backgrounds who have travelled to our county for a better life.


bbcuk--2020-02-17--BBC licence fee: Tory MPs warn No 10 against fight

Two senior Tory MPs have warned Downing Street not to pick a fight with the BBC amid reports it wants the broadcaster `` massively pruned back '' .
The Sunday Times suggested No 10 believed the current licence fee should be replaced by a subscription service and certain channels sold .
Former Tory cabinet minister Damian Green said it would be `` foolish '' to put public service broadcasting at risk .
He added that the plans were not part of his party 's election manifesto .
Huw Merriman , the MP for Bexhill and Battle who is chairman of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , warned No 10 against `` ramping up an unedifying vendetta '' against the BBC , saying the corporation should `` not be a target '' .
`` This is not a fight the BBC is picking nor a contest my party promised if we got elected , '' he wrote in the Daily Telegraph .
`` If the BBC ends up in decline , it will be the government which will be accused by the very people we will rely on for support at the next election . ''
• What is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's plans at a press briefing on Monday , a No 10 spokesman said individual services were a matter for the BBC but the PM was on the record as saying the future of licence fee needed `` looking at '' .
During the election campaign Boris Johnson questioned whether the BBC 's long-standing funding model still `` made sense '' given the growing popularity of on-demand streaming services like Netflix .
The PM , who worked for many years as a journalist for rival organisations such as The Telegraph Group and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be seen whether requiring people to pay a flat fee for a single 's broadcaster 's output was `` justified '' .
Ministers recently launched a consultation on whether non-payment of the licence fee should remain a criminal offence .
Referring to sources quoted in the Sunday Times piece , Mr Green said : `` The unattributed source was quoted as saying , 'we 're going to have a consultation and then we 're going to whack the BBC . '
That tells me the consultation is n't a real one and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added that his views are shared by MPs `` across the House of Commons '' , saying that while many are `` permanently irritated with the BBC and accept that the BBC does things that are stupid and is occasionally arrogant , '' they agree `` that nevertheless , it 's an institution worth defending '' .
Many MPs say those who are unwilling or unable to pay the compulsory fee - which from April will rise by £3 to £157.50 a year - should not be prosecuted .
The BBC has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant impact on its finances and potentially put some of its output at risk .
The Conservatives ' election victory has triggered a wider debate about how the BBC should be funded in future and whether the licence fee , which is protected in law until 2027 when the BBC 's current Royal Charter ends , is still the best model .
During the campaign Boris Johnson , who worked for the Daily Telegraph , Spectator and other titles during a 30-year career in journalism , said the licence fee looked outmoded and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Sunday Times reported senior aides as saying the PM was `` really strident '' about the need for major changes at the BBC .
It said there was support in No 10 for the broadcaster being downsized and to sell off the majority of its 61 national and local radio stations .
BBC chairman Sir David Clementi has warned that putting the broadcaster 's services behind a paywall would lessen its ability to `` bring the country together '' .
More than 100,000 people have signed a petition calling for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BBC and for politicians to support the role the BBC `` plays in independently holding the government to account '' .
But other Conservatives said the BBC must `` get its house in order '' if it wanted to continue in its current form .
Simon Hoare , chairman of the Northern Ireland select committee , said the broadcaster must immediately reverse its decision to remove free TV licence from millions of over-75s .
from this June .
And Jonathan Gullis , the MP for Stoke-on-Trent North , described the licence fee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were alternative models including funding services through advertising .
He told BBC Radio Stoke that while he was a big supporter of local radio , the taxpayer should `` not necessarily have to fund it all '' .
Asked on Monday whether the broadcaster would be told to shut down some of its channels , a Downing Street spokesman said : `` How the BBC is run is a matter for the BBC . ''
He added : `` I would point you to what the prime minister has said on this before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not planning to get rid of all licence fees , though I am certainly looking at it ' . ''
Labour 's shadow culture secretary Tracy Brabin called on new Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden , who was appointed in last week 's reshuffle , to `` speak up for '' public service broadcasting and ensure the BBC remained `` fit for the future '' .

"This is not a fight the BBC is picking nor a contest my party promised if we got elected," he wrote in the Daily Telegraph. "If the BBC ends up in decline, it will be the government which will be accused by the very people we will rely on for support at the next election."


bbcuk--2020-02-17--DJ and producer Andrew Weatherall dies

DJ and producer Andrew Weatherall dies

Andrew Weatherall , one of the UK 's most respected DJs and record producers , has died aged 56 .
The musician , who was born in Windsor , rose to fame during the acid house era , and worked with the likes of New Order and Happy Mondays .
His production and remix work on Primal Scream 's Screamadelica turned it into an era-defining album , and earned the band the first Mercury Prize in 1992 .
Weatherall died in hospital on Monday morning , his spokesman confirmed .
The cause of death was a pulmonary embolism .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfortunately the blood clot reached his heart .
His death was swift and peaceful , '' said a statement .
`` His family and friends are profoundly saddened by his death and are taking time to gather their thoughts . ''
The musician started his career singing with post-punk bands at his local arts centre - but found his feet as a DJ in the late 1980s .
`` I saved up all my money and went to London at the weekend to buy records , '' he told the BBC in 2014 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good record collection together to the point where people started to say 'Why do n't you play this at our party ? '
, 'Why do n't you play this at our club ? '
'' When the acid house scene started to develop around the Roundshaw Estate in Sutton , he discovered that club nights were playing a lot of the music he already owned .
`` I knew I had records as good as that , or even better , that they might not know , '' he later explained , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the right place at the right time '' .
As the scene exploded , Weatherall was invited to play at the London nightclub Shoom by DJ Danny Rampling , and helped document rave culture with the fanzine Boys Own - a name he later gave to his own record label .
His DJ career led to Weatherall remixing New Order 's Worlds in Motion and , along with Paul Oakenfold , the Happy Mondays ' Hallelujah .
As a result , he was sought out by Primal Scream , who asked him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More Than I 'll Ever Have for the meagre sum of £500 .
After an initial attempt on which he `` basically slung a kick drum under the original '' , Weatherall decided to try a much more radical approach .
The result was Loaded , which retained about seven seconds of Primal Scream 's song - the bass line and a slide guitar .
Weatherall added vocal samples from the US soul group The Emotions , a drum loop from an Italian bootleg of Edie Brickell 's song What I Am , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and frontman Bobby Gillespie singing a line from Robert Johnson 's Terraplane Blues .
Gillespie saw Loaded as being part of the Jamaican tradition of dub records , where songs are deconstructed at the mixing desk , adding new elements and desecrating existing ones .
It propelled the rock band onto the dance floor , and kick-started their career .
`` I think it 's time to stop saying 'this is a dance record ' and 'this is a rock record , ' '' said Gillespie at the time .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do whatever you want .
Just use your imagination . ''
The success of Loaded led to Weatherall being recruited for the whole of Screamadelica , establishing him as one of the UK 's most in-demand producers .
While remixing acts like St Etienne , Beth Orton and My Bloody Valentine , he also held down a DJ slot on London 's Kiss FM and ran two club nights in London .
However , he never became a household name like his contemporaries Paul Oakenfold and Fatboy Slim - a career move that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of carry-on was never for me , '' he told the Independent in 2016 .
`` It 's a lot of work , once you go up that slippery showbiz pole , and it would keep me away from what I like , which is making things . ''
Instead , he carved out a career on the cutting edge of techno , with projects including Sabres of Paradise and Two Lone Swordsmen .
In 2017 , he explained the lure of the dancefloor in an interview with Uncut magazine .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has been with us for 200,000 years .
A room , coloured lights , smoke and music ?
Over to you , Roman Catholics .
There are ancient Greek rituals involving herbal drugs to achieve transcendence .
`` People were having transcendent experiences in 1940s dancehalls , dancing to a big band ; now we do it with drum machines and electronic technology - it 's the same concept .
Humanity has n't changed for 100,000 years , but our technology has . ''
Musicians paying tribute to Weatherall included Ride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who described him as `` absolute titan of music '' .
BBC 6 Music DJ Gilles Peterson said it was `` hard to put into words '' the `` influence and impact he has had has had on UK culture . ''
Hacienda DJ and author Dave Haslam tweeted he was `` one of the greatest , sweetest , funniest guys I 've ever met '' .
And Tim Burgess from The Charlatans wrote he was `` shocked and saddened to hear that cosmic traveller Andrew Weatherall has left the building '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was once described as the `` poet laureate of the chemical generation '' , said he was `` absolutely distraught '' by the news .
`` Andrew was a longtime friend , collaborator and one of most talented persons I 've known .
Also one of the nicest .
Genius is an overworked term but I 'm struggling to think of anything else that defines him . ''
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"I saved up all my money and went to London at the weekend to buy records," he told the BBC in 2014. "I just got a really good record collection together to the point where people started to say 'Why don't you play this at our party?', 'Why don't you play this at our club?'"


bbcuk--2020-02-17--Caroline Flack: Who decides whether someone should go on trial?

TV presenter Caroline Flack was found dead in her home on Saturday , weeks before she was due to stand trial for assaulting her boyfriend , Lewis Burton .
She denied the charge and Mr Burton had said he did not want the case to go ahead .
Every case is different , but these are the steps that could lead to a trial .
How is a decision to prosecute made ?
Following a police investigation , an independent organisation called the Crown Prosecution Service ( CPS ) decides whether or not there should be a prosecution .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in guidelines called the Code for Crown Prosecutors .
• Does the evidence provide a realistic prospect of conviction ?
That means , having heard the evidence , is a court more likely than not to find the defendant guilty ?
• And is it in the public interest to prosecute ?
The CPS will consider things like how serious the offence is , the harm caused to the victim , the impact on the community and whether prosecution is proportionate How is this different to being found guilty in court ?
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaches the criminal courts .
In court , a jury , judge or magistrate may only convict if they are sure that the defendant is guilty .
The key word is `` sure '' .
When making its decisions , the CPS does n't need to be certain of guilt and considers instead whether there is a realistic prospect of conviction .
This is sometimes referred to as a better than 50 % chance .
How does the CPS deal with domestic abuse cases ?
Domestic abuse allegations pose a particular problem for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a whole .
Those are reflected in the numbers of cases .
There were nearly 750,000 reports of domestic abuse-related crimes to police in England and Wales in the year to March 2019 .
However , almost 79,000 ( roughly 10 % ) were prosecuted , and of those , 76 % of defendants were convicted .
One of the reasons there are many more reports of domestic abuse than prosecutions is that the person who made the complaint withdraws it .
This is why guidelines say domestic abuse prosecutions do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support .
There is a long list of possible reasons .
These include fear of coming face to face with the abuser in court , being publicly shamed or outcast from the community , pressure from the abuser , their family or associates , and fear that children will be removed and placed in care .
What other evidence can be used ?
Prosecutors must try to find out why someone withdraws a complaint .
But if they left matters there , the CPS could face stinging criticism for failing to tackle domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does bring so-called `` victimless '' or `` evidence-based '' prosecutions .
This is only done where there is other strong evidence such as 999 calls , video from police body cameras , statements and interviews .
The aim is for these prosecutions to protect victims who feel unable to support a prosecution .
In 2018 , there were 173 domestic violence-related homicides in the UK .
Many believe that figure would be higher without `` victimless '' prosecutions which stop perpetrators before they go on to kill .
The mental health of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CPS to consider in any prosecution .
There is also detailed guidance on this issue .
It covers a range of conditions covered by the Mental Health Act , learning difficulties , autism and dementia .
Police officers must draw evidence of the suspect 's mental health issues to the attention of the prosecutor , who may request further evidence or reports .
Ultimately , they will have to consider whether it is in the public interest to prosecute .
That will depend on the nature and seriousness of the mental health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the offence .
If you or someone you know needs support for issues about emotional distress , these organisations may be able to help .

Caroline Flack: Who decides whether someone should go on trial? Published 17 February 2020
Image source, Hollie Adams
TV presenter Caroline Flack was found dead in her home on Saturday, weeks before she was due to stand trial for assaulting her boyfriend, Lewis Burton.
She denied the charge and Mr Burton had said he did not want the case to go ahead.
Every case is different, but these are the steps that could lead to a trial.
How is a decision to prosecute made?
Following a police investigation, an independent organisation called the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decides whether or not there should be a prosecution.
It uses a two-stage test, set out in guidelines called the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
Does the evidence provide a realistic prospect of conviction? That means, having heard the evidence, is a court more likely than not to find the defendant guilty?
And is it in the public interest to prosecute? The CPS will consider things like how serious the offence is, the harm caused to the victim, the impact on the community and whether prosecution is proportionate
How is this different to being found guilty in court?
A higher test is applied when a case reaches the criminal courts. In court, a jury, judge or magistrate may only convict if they are sure that the defendant is guilty.
The key word is "sure".
When making its decisions, the CPS doesn't need to be certain of guilt and considers instead whether there is a realistic prospect of conviction.
This is sometimes referred to as a better than 50% chance.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Presenter Laura Whitmore pays tribute to friend Caroline Flack.
How does the CPS deal with domestic abuse cases?
Domestic abuse allegations pose a particular problem for the CPS and the criminal justice system as a whole.
Those are reflected in the numbers of cases. There were nearly 750,000 reports of domestic abuse-related crimes to police in England and Wales in the year to March 2019. However, almost 79,000 (roughly 10%) were prosecuted, and of those, 76% of defendants were convicted.
One of the reasons there are many more reports of domestic abuse than prosecutions is that the person who made the complaint withdraws it.
This is why guidelines say domestic abuse prosecutions do not automatically stop if the complainant withdraws their support.
There is a long list of possible reasons. These include fear of coming face to face with the abuser in court, being publicly shamed or outcast from the community, pressure from the abuser, their family or associates, and fear that children will be removed and placed in care.
What other evidence can be used?
Prosecutors must try to find out why someone withdraws a complaint.
But if they left matters there, the CPS could face stinging criticism for failing to tackle domestic abuse.
So, it can and does bring so-called "victimless" or "evidence-based" prosecutions.
This is only done where there is other strong evidence such as 999 calls, video from police body cameras, statements and interviews.
The aim is for these prosecutions to protect victims who feel unable to support a prosecution.
In 2018, there were 173 domestic violence-related homicides in the UK. Many believe that figure would be higher without "victimless" prosecutions which stop perpetrators before they go on to kill.
What about a suspect's mental health?
The mental health of a suspect is an important factor for the CPS to consider in any prosecution.
There is also detailed guidance on this issue. It covers a range of conditions covered by the Mental Health Act, learning difficulties, autism and dementia.
Police officers must draw evidence of the suspect's mental health issues to the attention of the prosecutor, who may request further evidence or reports.
Ultimately, they will have to consider whether it is in the public interest to prosecute.
That will depend on the nature and seriousness of the mental health issues, as well as the circumstances of the offence.
Information and support


bbcuk--2020-02-17--Brexit: What trade deals has the UK done so far?

Following Brexit , the UK is free to strike new deals for selling goods and services around the world .
The government will also have to negotiate a new trade agreement with the EU .
This will be a top priority , although France has warned the UK to expect a bruising battle .
So , what is free trade and what deals has the UK already done ?
What international trade does the UK do ?
Selling goods and services to other countries is central to the UK 's economy and supports millions of jobs .
In 2018 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £1.3 trillion and almost half was with the EU .
UK trade in goods - the products that can be bought and sold - was worth £840bn in 2018 .
Of this , cars were the biggest single export at £33.3bn , followed by medicine and mechanical power generators at £24.7bn each .
But trade is n't all about goods .
Services - the skills which a country provides - were worth almost £460bn in 2018 .
Examples include finance , insurance , accounting and law .
Companies that sell goods abroad will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For example , a company that sells or leases power generators may also profit from offering maintenance and repair contracts .
Management consulting and technical services were the biggest UK service exports in 2018 , worth £81.3bn .
A free trade deal aims to encourage trade - usually in goods but sometimes in services too - by making it cheaper .
It does this by reducing or eliminating tariffs - charges for trading across borders .
Trade agreements also aim to remove quotas - these are limits on the amount of goods that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be made simpler and faster if countries have the same rules , such as the colour of wires in plugs .
The closer the rules are , the less likely that goods need to be checked .
So why have tariffs and quotas at all ?
While free trade agreements aim to boost trade , too many cheap imports could threaten a country 's manufacturers .
In order to protect local car makers , for example , a country could impose tariffs on vehicles from other parts of the world .
Why does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The UK will need an agreement with the EU to stop new tariffs and other trade barriers coming into force after the transition period ends on 31 December 2020 .
During the transition period the UK will remain part of the EU 's trading arrangements - the single market and the customs union .
That means no tariffs , quotas or checks will be introduced .
The point of the transition is to give both sides some breathing space while a trade deal is negotiated , and to give businesses time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are reached , either with the EU or other countries , they will not start until the transition period ends .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken in favour of an EU trade agreement that builds on the deal that Canada has .
Tariffs on most Canadian goods , such as machine parts , have been eliminated .
However , there are some additional checks , such as customs and VAT .
Services , like banking , are much more restricted .
The financial sector is important to the UK economy - so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a high priority .
• What is the transition period ?
How easy will it be to negotiate a UK-EU trade deal ?
Neither side wants tariffs and quotas - so that part of the trade deal could be straightforward .
But getting agreement around rules and regulations could be much tougher .
The UK and the EU currently have the same rules - from the financial help companies are allowed , to the way wine is labelled .
Moving away from some of these rules might make it easier for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries .
But the EU wants the UK 's rules to remain similar , to prevent its companies gaining an advantage .
Even if a trade deal is agreed , it will not eliminate all checks because the EU requires certain goods ( such as food ) from non-EU countries to be checked .
Time is also a problem .
The transition is due to end on 31 December , and formal trade talks are not likely to start until early March .
What happens if UK-EU trade talks fail ?
If negotiators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK faces the prospect of trading with the EU under the basic rules set by the World Trade Organization ( WTO ) .
If the UK had to trade under WTO rules , tariffs would be applied to most goods which UK businesses send to the EU .
This would make UK goods more expensive and harder to sell in Europe .
Having WTO terms would also mean full border checks for goods , which could cause traffic bottlenecks at ports .
And the UK service industry would lose its guaranteed access .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would be much harder for workers to travel to the EU .
This would affect everyone from bankers and lawyers , to musicians and chefs .
What trade deals has the UK done so far ?
While it was an EU member , the UK was automatically part of around 40 trade deals the EU had struck with more than 70 countries .
In the run-up to Brexit , the UK was given permission to copy these agreements .
So far , the UK has managed to agree 20 such deals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represent just over 8 % of total UK trade .
The following deals are expected to take effect at the end of the transition period , according to the Department for International Trade :

Brexit: What trade deals has the UK done so far? Published 20 September 2022
Image source, Getty Images
A UK-US trade deal could be many years away, Prime Minister Liz Truss has said, ahead of talks with US President Joe Biden.
Since Brexit, the UK has signed trade deals and agreements in principle with 71 countries and one with the EU.
However, the majority of these are simply "rollovers" - meaning they copied the terms of deals the UK previously had when it was an EU member, rather than creating new trading arrangements.
Will there be a US trade deal?
However, Mr Biden played down the chances of an imminent UK-US trade deal in 2021.
Ahead of her first meeting with the US President, Ms Truss admitted that she didn't expect negotiations to start "in the short to medium term".
Brexit supporters previously touted the prospect of a US-UK trade deal as a key benefit of leaving the EU.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Mr Biden previously played down the chances of a post-Brexit free trade deal between the US and UK
What is a free trade deal?
A free trade deal aims to encourage trade between countries by making it cheaper and simpler. It normally applies to the exchange of goods, but occasionally to services as well.
Making trade cheaper is usually achieved by reducing or eliminating tariffs. These are government taxes or charges for trading goods across borders. A car importer might have to pay a 20% tariff on top of the vehicle's price, for example, to bring it into a country.
Trade can also be made simpler if countries have the same rules, such as the colour of wires in plugs or food safety requirements. The closer the rules are, the less likely that goods need to be inspected.
Why have tariffs and quotas at all?
While free trade agreements aim to boost trade, too many cheap imports could threaten a country's own manufacturers. This could affect jobs.
For that reason, a government might choose to put tariffs on certain things. Tariffs on car imports, for example, could help protect local car makers from cheaper vehicles coming in from abroad.
Image source, EPA Image caption, The UK-Japan deal was signed in October 2020
What trade deals has the UK signed since Brexit?
Since it left the EU, the UK has had the freedom to pursue it own independent trade deals.
Most recently it signed a deal with New Zealand on 28 February 2022.
New Zealand is a small trading partner, accounting for less than 0.2% of total UK trade.
While the deal is unlikely to boost the UK economy by much, it could lead to more New Zealand lamb being sold in the UK.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, British farmers are worried about competing with cheap foreign imports, such as beef
The Australia deal was the first trade agreement negotiated from scratch by the UK since it left the EU. UK farmers warned they could be undercut by cheap imports, which could cost jobs. However, the UK government insists the deal contains protections for the sector.
A deal with Japan was signed in October 2020. It was the first that differed from the existing EU trade deal.
An agreement with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein was announced in June 2021 and builds on the previous agreement the UK had with these countries.
Talks with India began in early 2022, although no deal has yet been reached.
The UK has also applied to join an existing trade agreement between 11 Pacific Rim nations. The government hopes to become a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) by the end of 2022.
What happened to the trade agreements the UK was already part of?
Before Brexit, the UK was automatically part of any trade deal the EU had negotiated with another country. At the time the UK left, the EU had about 40 trade deals covering more than 70 countries.
The UK government says it has secured rollover deals with 69 of the original countries.
What is the UK-EU trade deal?
After Brexit happened on 31 January 2020, the UK and EU needed to decide the rules for their future trading relationship.
This was important because the EU is the UK's largest and closest trading partner.
After months of negotiation - which went down to the wire - a UK-EU trade deal came into force on 1 January 2021.
The deal prevented any tariffs and quotas being introduced - which would have made it more expensive to trade between the two partners.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The UK-EU trade deal went down to the wire, with fishing proving to be one of the major sticking points
But not everything is the same as it was before Brexit.
As the UK no longer has to follow EU rules on product standards, new checks have been introduced.


bbcuk--2020-02-17--Love Island tribute to Caroline Flack from Iain Stirling

The first episode of ITV2 's Love Island shown since Caroline Flack 's death , began with a tribute to @ @ @ @ @ Stirling .
The comedian has narrated the reality show since 2015 .
Flack was found @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday .

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


bbcuk--2020-02-17--Storm Dennis: See the damage from above

Storm Dennis: See the damage from above

Storm Dennis has triggered more severe flood warnings in parts of the UK .
More than 200 flood warnings are @ @ @ @ @ , including six severe - or `` danger to life '' - warnings for the @ @ @ @ @ Wye .
In Herefordshire , the River Wye has risen to its highest level on @ @ @ @ @ , a house was close to being swept away by the river it borders .

Storm Dennis has triggered more severe flood warnings in parts of the UK.
More than 200 flood warnings are in place across the country, including nine severe - or "danger to life" - warnings.
In Herefordshire, the River Wye rose to its highest level on record, and in Wales, a house was close to being swept away by the river it borders.


bbcuk--2020-02-17--Storm Dennis: Homes and livelihoods lost in floods

Home owners and businesses are battling to salvage their properties and livelihoods after flooding caused devastation across Wales .
More @ @ @ @ @ of rain fell in just 48 hours as Storm Dennis hit on Saturday and Sunday @ @ @ @ @ mid Wales are facing hefty clean-up bills after the flood water raced through towns and @ @ @ @ @ lost everything , '' said one home owner , `` the only floor that is @ @ @ @ @ .

Home owners and businesses are battling to salvage their properties and livelihoods after flooding caused devastation across Wales.
More than a month's worth of rain fell in just 48 hours as Storm Dennis hit on Saturday and Sunday.
Communities across south and mid Wales are facing hefty clean-up bills after the flood water raced through towns and villages.
"We have lost everything," said one home owner, "the only floor that is ok is the attic".


bbcuk--2020-02-17--CCTV shows Nottingham shopkeeper grab gun off robber

A shopkeeper has told of the moment he grabbed a gun off a robber before hitting him over the head @ @ @ @ @ took the firearm out of the attacker ’ s pocket as the assailant raided the @ @ @ @ @ in Basford , Nottingham .
Moments later , the robber returned to the shop with @ @ @ @ @ managed to defend his shop by throwing bottles at the perpetrator , who then escaped @ @ @ @ @ t know what came over [ me ] , I just did it , ” @ @ @ @ @ Police have appealed for anyone who knows the two robbers involved in the raid on @ @ @ @ @ touch .

A shopkeeper has told of the moment he grabbed a gun off a robber before hitting him over the head with it.
Vijayakumar Gowsikan took the firearm out of the attacker’s pocket as the assailant raided the cash register at Valley Stores in Basford, Nottingham.
Moments later, the robber returned to the shop with a knife but Mr Gowsikan managed to defend his shop by throwing bottles at the perpetrator, who then escaped.
“I don’t know what came over [me], I just did it,” Mr Gowsikan said.
Nottinghamshire Police have appealed for anyone who knows the two robbers involved in the raid on 10 February to get in touch.


bbcuk--2020-02-17--Newspaper headlines: Brexit trade speech and No 10 adviser resigns

The main photo on the front of the Daily Mail is of the late Princess Margaret 's son , the @ @ @ @ @ his wife the Countess of Snowdon who have announced their divorce .
The paper 's @ @ @ @ @ savings bank National Savings and Investments , which has cut its interest rates .
Savers @ @ @ @ @ fresh blow , '' the paper says , and the move will `` raise questions @ @ @ @ @ money away '' .

The Daily Mail says a "No 10 source" has told it that the prime minister is concerned that if he took part in a "PR stunt" in a flood-hit area, he would just "get in the way".


bbcuk--2020-02-17--Storm Dennis: Body found in search for woman missing in floods

A body has been found in the search for a woman who went missing in floods after her car got stuck in water .
Police said Yvonne Booth , 55 , was swept into floodwater near a bridge which crosses the River Teme , near Tenbury Wells , Worcestershire , on Sunday .
Her family said they were `` devastated '' and `` appreciate the continued support from the emergency services '' .
Hundreds of flood warnings remain in place , including several severe warnings meaning a danger to life .
Ch Supt Tom Harding said the body of Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was found during a search and rescue operation in Tenbury .
West Midlands Ambulance Service said it was called to reports of two people being swept into the water near Eastham Bridge .
A man who was rescued close to where Ms Booth disappeared was airlifted to hospital and remains in a stable condition .
West Mercia Police Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Wessell said the man and woman `` stopped and got out of the car because of the water and then got caught up into more of a stream of water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dennis has left more than 400 properties flooded , with about 270 of those in the West Midlands , the Environment Agency ( EA ) said .
Among the worst affected areas are Herefordshire , Worcestershire and Shropshire , where major incidents were declared .
Worcestershire has borne the brunt of the flooding with about 200 homes affected , according to figures from the agency 's John Curtin .
West Mercia Police said residents in Upton upon Severn and Uckinghall in Worcestershire were being advised to evacuate , with water levels expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were also under way in Hereford , where the River Wye reached its highest level on record .
Herefordshire Police tweeted that officers were carrying out emergency evacuations to a leisure centre .
Families rescued from flooded properties could be seen disembarking from evacuation dinghies with their pets and belongings .
In Shropshire , 16 roads have been closed due to flooding .
Telford and Wrekin Council said it had handed out 2,000 sandbags to residents in the Ironbridge Gorge .
After a severe flood warning was put in place for Burton-upon-Trent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bag ready with vital items like medicines and insurance documents and call 999 if in immediate danger .
The A38 in Branston , near Burton , was closed in both directions on Monday night due to flooding .
Elsewhere in the county , Drayton Manor Theme Park , near Tamworth , is set to be closed until at least Thursday due to flooding .
Thousands of sandbags were distributed in York where the River Ouse continued to rise , although the EA said the situation in the city was an `` improving one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flooded in Lowdham in Nottinghamshire .
Residents of park homes on the River Stour near Christchurch , Dorset , were also told to leave as water levels continue to rise .
A record number of flood warnings and alerts - more than 600 - were issued by the EA across England on Sunday , falling to below 500 on Monday afternoon .
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bbcuk--2020-02-17--Police warn Sinn Féin of 'dissident bomb plan'

Sinn Féin 's deputy leader Michelle O'Neill has said police have told her dissident republicans are planning a bomb attack on a party member 's car .
It comes six days after the deputy first minister said she and Gerry Kelly were under threat .
On Monday she said : `` We have been told this planned attack could happen anywhere in the north .
`` This is literally a threat against thousands of Sinn Féin members and their families in the north . ''
The party has come under threat following its attendance at the recent launch of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members to be vigilant and called on those behind the bomb threat to lift it .
She said : `` Following the recent launch of a PSNI recruitment campaign , police have told Sinn Féin that persons aligned with the dissident republican group , the so-called New IRA , plan to attack a Sinn Féin member using an under car explosive device '' This is not the first time this particular group have made threats against Sinn Féin members and the PSNI is taking this threat very seriously . ''
She added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that these groups are in conflict with their own community .
`` This dangerous and disgraceful threat comes at a time when the debate on Irish unity is centre stage .
`` And the response of these so-called republicans is to plan attacks on Sinn Féin members .
`` Let me be very clear , Sinn Féin will not be deterred from pursuing our objective of a united Ireland .
`` We will continue to represent the people in government and in communities the length and breadth of Ireland , driving the agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 700,000 voters across this island , '' This armed group must withdraw its threat immediately .
There is no room for the existence of armed groups .
They should disband . ''

She said: "Following the recent launch of a PSNI recruitment campaign, police have told Sinn Féin that persons aligned with the dissident republican group the so-called New IRA plan to attack a Sinn Féin member using an under-car explosive device.


bbcuk--2020-02-17--Storm Dennis: Flood clean-up under way in Wales

Residents are counting the cost of `` unprecedented '' flooding after Storm Dennis left parts of Wales under water .
There are cancellations and significant delays on trains after a month 's worth of rain fell in 48 hours .
Roads across south and mid Wales remain blocked by floods and landslips .
Meanwhile , homes were evacuated in Monmouth on Monday night after two severe flood warnings for the River Wye were declared .
The river 's water levels are predicted to reach 7.2m ( 23ft ) between 03:00 and 07:00 on Tuesday .
And more rain has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for rain issued from 18:00 GMT on Wednesday until 15:00 on Thursday in areas of south , mid and north Wales .
People living in areas at immediate risk in Monmouth have been evacuated and other properties nearby have been provided with sandbags and support .
The Wye Bridge has been closed , with pedestrians and motorists warned to keep away .
Anyone affected by the bridge closure or flooding is asked to use a rest centre set up at the Shire Hall .
Natural Resources Wales still had eight flood warnings in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected .
It said 163mm ( 6.5in ) of rain had fallen in the 48 hours between lunchtime on Friday and Sunday and described the scale of flooding as `` unprecedented '' .
Meanwhile , Wales ' First Minister Mark Drakeford has defended the Welsh Government 's investment into flood defences following the widespread damage after Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said it `` clearly is n't adequate '' .
Mr Drakeford said the impact of the weekend 's events would have been `` even worse '' if there had not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a £350m programme was ongoing over this assembly term .
`` The impact of global warming is real and there for anyone to see , the science tells us we will have to face in greater frequency these intense weather events in future , '' he said .
Mr Drakeford said the Welsh Government would work with local authorities to repair infrastructure damage by flooding including bridges , roads and existing flood defences and explore whether there are funds available to help flood victims , local authorities and emergency services .
`` For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those families who do n't have any form of insurance who lost everything and have no way of replacing it , '' he said .
• What should I do if I 'm hit by flooding ?
Transport for Wales engineers are assessing the full extent of damage but the company warned of `` significant delays '' in many areas and asked passengers to check their rail journeys on Monday .
More than 200 services were disrupted on Monday and more than 70 journeys were cancelled .
Bethan Jelfs , from Transport for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage '' to the track , a landslide near Ebbw Vale and flooding north of Pontypridd which has cut off services to Porth , Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil .
• A466 at Monmouth between Wyesham ( Monmouth ) and Llandogo ( Llandogo ) • A525 closed in both directions between B5426 ( Bangor-on-Dee ) and Pickhill Lane ( Cross Lanes ) • A4055 at Llandough , Vale of Glamorgan closed in both directions Rhondda Cynon Taf council advised motorists to drive `` with great caution '' and not to ignore road closure signs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had damaged road surfaces in many areas .
Powys council bosses said the bridge at Crickhowell was damaged in the floods and would remain closed until after an inspection .
While river levels have fallen , South Wales Police has warned people to only travel if necessary and not to go near rivers and waterways .
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Gilmer said : `` It 's vitally important that people still follow safety advice .
Whilst things may appear to be getting better , there is still a serious risk to people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should you do now ?
At the peak of the flooding on Sunday , we had 900 tonnes of water per second flowing down the River Taff .
That 's not just a massive amount of water flowing very fast , it 's the damage it can bring , especially when debris is carried along in such a torrent .
Well over a month 's rainfall came in just 48 hours .
This product of Storm Dennis came hot on the heels of Storm Ciara - drenching land that was already soaked through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on rivers and streams flowing down from the mountains through the south Wales valleys started reporting record-breaking levels of water .
We saw the highest levels ever recorded on the rivers Taff , Tawe , Neath , Rhondda , Cynon , Usk and the Wye .
If we look at the NRW monitoring site at Pontypridd in isolation over the last month , the level surges to well over 5m on Sunday at the peak of Storm Dennis .
Even down in Cardiff , river levels were 80cm higher than the previous record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there has been widespread investment in flood defences across south Wales , which has played a big part in saving tens of thousands of homes from damage this time around .
That will be no comfort to those people closest to rivers , who have still been affected , All the science around climate change is suggesting that weather events like this will become more frequent and more extreme .
So the questions that are sure to be asked over the coming weeks and months is how we cope with that .
Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales ?
Use this form to send us your questions : We may get in touch if we decide to follow up on your suggestion .


bbcuk--2020-02-17--Clacton sea deaths: Brother and sister died in 'tragic accident'

A brother and sister who got into difficulty in the sea died in a `` tragic accident '' , a coroner has ruled .
Malika Shamas , 14 , was pulled from the sea at Clacton , Essex , on 8 August and died later in hospital .
She had been in the water with her brother Haider Shamas , 18 , who died two days later , and a cousin who survived .
Their mother Shagufta Shamas said she wanted to ensure safety precautions were in place `` so an incident like this does not occur in the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Shamas siblings , who could both swim , and their cousin got into difficulty near Clacton Pier at about 13:40 BST .
Det Insp Craig Wiggins said Malika , from Luton , was at a point where she was still able to stand up .
He said she `` panicked '' and her brother and the other children tried to help .
Malika died of immersion while her brother died two days later of pneumonia , brain damage and drowning , the inquest heard .
Mrs Shamas said she struggled to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The sand underneath my feet was giving way ... this happened within minutes , '' she told the inquest .
`` Should there not have been signs in this particular area saying you should not go in and that this is what can occur ? ''
The inquest heard the area where it happened was just out of range of the nearest beach patrol .
Essex senior coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said she was minded to write a prevention of future death report dealing with the warning signs near the scene .
The inquest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nearby flood defence which said `` danger , no bathing due to varying depths of water '' but the coroner noted that you had to be quite close to read it .
She said some warning signs could be in a larger print and , after a suggestion from Mrs Shamas , said they should appear in a child-friendly format .
The siblings died little more than a year after Ben Quartermaine , 15 , drowned while swimming with a friend off Clacton Pier .
The coroner told Mrs Shamas she had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the inquest .
`` They were clearly very much-loved people with bright futures ahead of them .
I do hope you will be able to look back on the happy memories you have of them both , '' she said .
Mike Carran , head of sport and leisure and Tendring District Council , said after the hearing : `` Nothing can bring back these teenagers who had their whole lives ahead of them .
`` However , we hope that this tragedy will help to raise awareness of the dangers inherent at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult-to-reach inland communities , and to also help to prevent further tragedies . ''
Mr Carran said the council would review its signs in line with national guidance and send safety leaflets to coach companies and print messages on the back of train tickets in the aim of reaching holidaymakers .

"They were clearly very much-loved people with bright futures ahead of them. I do hope you will be able to look back on the happy memories you have of them both," she said.