bbcuk--2020-01-20--How has immigration changed in your area?

An estimated one in seven people living in the UK today was born outside the country .
The majority of these are from outside Europe , often from countries with historical links to the UK .
More than three million people - roughly a third of the immigrant population - come from Commonwealth countries such as India , Jamaica , Australia and Nigeria .
A further three-and-a-half million come from the European Union - a number which has grown more quickly since 2001 than the number from the rest of the world , as free movement has expanded to more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abroad will include some British citizens .
A large number of people who come into the UK go on to become British citizens , often through extended residency or family links .
It will also include people born to British parents abroad such as Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who was born in the United States , and actress Emma Watson who was born in France .
Northern Ireland does not produce estimates broken down by local authority , but it is estimated there that fewer than one in 10 of the population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigration from the EU has led to some towns with traditionally small pockets of migrants , in the Midlands and Wales for example , to experience a rapid change in the make-up of their population .
But while there have been increases across the country , a small number of areas - often rural or coastal - have seen a decrease in the immigrant community .
After Enoch Powell 's infamous Rivers of Blood speech in 1968 , UK politicians who talked about immigration were likely to be accused of `` playing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barely discussed for over three decades .
Then , in 2004 , without any serious public debate , Tony Blair 's Labour government agreed to allow citizens from new members of the European Union to come to Britain without restriction .
Millions of Poles and others did just that , settling in every part of the country , including areas unused to immigration .
Their arrival was a shock to many communities , leading some to worry about the impact on public services and their traditional way of life .
Immigration became the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut the numbers .
Demands for Brexit were , in part , driven by a sense the UK had lost control of its borders .
However , the referendum also inspired a national conversation about the pros and cons of immigration and , with many EU migrants integrating into local neighbourhoods , attitudes have shifted .
Having been one of the most negative about immigration in 2011 , now the UK emerges as one of the most positive about the benefits foreign arrivals have brought to Britain .
A report by the independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU migrants tend to be net contributors to public services .
It also reported that they have a small impact on lowering wages and no conclusive impact on house prices .
• How has EU migration changed the UK ?
Once the UK leaves the EU , free movement will stop - but the government has pledged to introduce a new `` Australian-style points-based system '' which it says will be designed to attract and retain the most highly skilled workers that the UK needs .
Migrants represent just over 15 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread out across different sectors and skill levels , but some industries - such as construction , manufacturing and hospitality - have become more reliant on migrants , according to the University of Oxford 's Migration Observatory .
The NHS in England is a key public service that has long relied on foreign doctors , nurses , health professionals and support staff , such as porters and cleaners .
Healthcare experts have long warned of the impact on filling vacancies in both hospitals and care homes if access to foreign labour markets is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawing up plans to make it easier and cheaper for migrants to come and work in the NHS .
Anyone can request asylum in the UK - but first they have to reach the island .
In 2018 , the latest year for statistics , 26,441 did so , although only a third of asylum seekers are generally granted refugee status at first ( they can appeal against the decision in court ) .
Until a decision is made , they are supported by the government with housing and a small allowance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been raised in the past , with one Home Affairs Select Committee report saying there has been `` a clustering of asylum seekers in some of the most deprived parts of the country '' .
• Reality Check : Where have the Syrian refugees gone ?
Alongside their international obligations to asylum seekers , local authorities have also played a key part in housing the 20,000 Syrian refugees the UK promised to take .
On this there has been greater `` equitable distribution '' with two-thirds of English local authorities and every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refugee .
Some of the data in this article is drawn from BBC Briefing , a mini-series of downloadable in-depth guides to the big issues in the news , with input from academics , researchers and journalists .
It is the BBC 's response to audiences demanding better explanation of the facts behind the headlines .
• What would the UK be like without immigration ?
• How we made a life in Germany

Some of the data in this article is drawn from BBC Briefing, a mini-series of downloadable in-depth guides to the big issues in the news, with input from academics, researchers and journalists. It is the BBC's response to audiences demanding better explanation of the facts behind the headlines.


bbcuk--2020-01-20--Prince Harry and Meghan: How could the couple make money?

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have agreed to stop using their HRH titles as part of their plans to withdraw from royal duties and `` work to become financially independent '' .
BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said royals were usually excluded from doing paid work , but by setting aside their titles the couple had gained more freedom .
`` Of course once you lose the title then you are no longer royal and special , and it may be that your brand is much less attractive to potential partners , '' he said .
• Your questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the throne ?
• Where do Prince Harry and Meghan get their money ?
• Jonny Dymond : How they want to do their own thing Public relations consultant Mark Borkowski said even without their titles , the couple are `` powerful A-listers in their own right , so they 're going to attract a lot of attention '' .
Prince Harry and Meghan plan to split their time between the UK and North America - and their global reach could open up a wealth of opportunities .
But how might they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charitable causes ?
An application to trademark the Sussex Royal brand was lodged by the couple in June last year , covering items such as books , calendars , clothing , charitable fundraising and campaigning .
It raised the possibility of Prince Harry and Meghan launching their own lines of products , from beauty to clothing .
But the agreement with the Queen has cast doubt on that idea .
A brand incorporating the word `` royal '' may not be compatible with their agreement to step back from royal duties , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Journalist and royal style commentator Elizabeth Holmes says criticism for exploiting the royal connection is a risk in any commercial venture , adding : `` That 's why I think they 'll be careful about it . ''
Even if they have to go back to the drawing board with the Sussex Royal name , Ms Holmes says : `` Any brand on the planet would want to work with them . ''
Whether it 's a designer handbag or Archie 's hand-knitted bobble hat , whenever the Sussexes are pictured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the roof .
We probably should n't expect the couple 's 10.5 million Instagram followers to be suddenly bombarded with sponsored content and product placement though , Ms Holmes says .
While the royal couple have a huge platform , it pales in comparison to the likes of Kylie Jenner , who has more than 150 million Instagram followers .
The reality TV star , who topped last year 's Instagram rich list , is estimated to earn around $ 1.2m ( £960,000 ) for a single sponsored post .
Could Meghan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says : `` I do n't think that 's necessarily an appropriate thing for a member of the Royal Family . ''
The duke and duchess have said they plan to launch a charitable organisation to achieve `` progressive change '' through `` local and global community action '' .
Ms Holmes suggests any commercial partnerships would be tied to the couple 's charitable causes , perhaps with a secondary opportunity to raise personal income .
For example , Meghan is the patron of a charity that provides free clothing and interview training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own clothing line for the organisation .
• Why Meghan and Harry have Canada in their sights While the couple may be legally allowed to draw a salary from their charity , that is not the approach taken by some of their likely inspirations .
Harry and Meghan said they `` researched the incredible work of many well-known and lesser-known foundations '' in drawing up their plans .
Organisations such as the Clinton Foundation , the Obama Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have been suggested as potential models .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or expenses from their charity , the Obamas are not listed among their foundation 's highest-paid officers , and Mr and Mrs Gates famously use their organisation to give away wealth rather than to receive it .
With Meghan first finding fame as an actress in the US television drama Suits , it is perhaps no surprise that some of the couple 's first opportunities have come from the entertainment world .
Harry has already teamed up with US media mogul Oprah Winfrey on a series addressing mental health for Apple TV , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And when the duke and duchess announced their intention to `` step back '' , it was revealed that Meghan has already signed a voiceover deal with Disney in return for a donation to an elephant conservation charity .
Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos has already expressed an interest in working with the couple .
`` Who would n't be interested ?
Yes , sure , '' he said .
That could represent a chance to follow in the steps of the Obamas , who signed a deal with the streaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series about social and political issues .
A similar deal could give the duke and duchess an opportunity to highlight causes close to their hearts .
For Meghan , these include equality and women 's rights , while Harry has been vocal in campaigning on mental health and military veterans ' welfare .
While the couple have spoken about their struggles with the intense media interest in their lives , the idea of revealing more about themselves in their own words might be more appealing - and lucrative .
The 2017 book deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed to be worth more than $ 60m ( £48m ) .
It 's also an area Meghan has previously shown an interest in .
In her introduction to last year 's September issue of Vogue , which she guest edited , Meghan wrote of her `` love of writing '' .
Before she married Harry , she also ran a lifestyle blog , The Tig , where she shared beauty , fashion and travel tips .
Natalie Jerome , a literary agent at Aevitas , says the couple have `` enormous power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be extremely lucrative .
`` People have compared them to the Obamas and I think there 's potentially some merit in that , '' she says .
Meghan is an aspirational figure for many women of colour and young people , she adds .
`` We 're in a period now where we 're talking increasingly about diversity within publishing and there 's a real push to reach wider audiences , '' she says .
`` If she were to publish a book in her own right and reach out to young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and going to schools like Michelle Obama did , I think the book would be hugely successful . ''
Another potential avenue for the pair to explore could be after-dinner speeches and events .
Jeremy Lee , director at speaking agency JLA , says if they maintained a positive profile the couple could earn six-figure sums for each appearance .
He predicts demand would be higher in US , where Mr Lee says the pair could earn up to $ 500,000 ( £380,000 ) per engagement .
However , he says companies in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reputational risk if public opinion turned against the couple .
Mr Lee predicts UK companies would only be willing to take the royals as speakers at an event linked to one of their campaigning interests , in return for a donation to their charitable foundation - rather than a fee - in the region of £100,000 .
But in the US , there would be interest from `` anybody that wants to show off and has got the budget '' , he says .

"If she were to publish a book in her own right and reach out to young people on the ground by doing talks and going to schools like Michelle Obama did, I think the book would be hugely successful."


bbcuk--2020-01-20--In pictures: Clouds create perfect conditions for stunning sunset

Scotland was treated to a vivid display of colours at sunset on Sunday evening .
The sky turned all shades of red , orange and purple because of an unusual combination of weather conditions .
Geoff Monk , from the Mountain Weather Information Service , said a front was passing across Scotland at dusk on Sunday .
`` Normally when a front comes in it rains and there 's cloud at all sorts of levels , '' he told BBC Radio Scotland 's Good Morning Scotland programme .
However , Sunday evening was different .
`` We had exceedingly clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clouds were thin layers up at about 12-14,000 feet [ up to about 4,300m ] , '' Mr Monk said .
`` Because no other cloud was coming in below it or even above it the sun - when it was virtually horizontal at dawn and dusk near the horizon - reflected off the bottom of the cloud giving those vivid colours . ''
There were some spectacular views over Arran as the sun dropped down below the horizon .
This shot was taken by Lee Middleton from Dunlop in East Ayrshire .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out on the vivid colours , as Connor Macfayden proved with this shot of New Winton woods in East Lothian .
An evening bike ride up Duke 's Pass in Aberfoyle was worth the effort for this view over Lochan Reoidhte .
The BBC 's Weather Watchers were busy snapping away on Sunday evening .
This picture was taken in Rogart , Sutherland , by Cogies Auroras .
Another Weather Watcher , Meeklecrag39 , posted this picture take from Troon .
Ailsa Craig is just visible on the horizon .
DodgerDog captured this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Troon .
The thin high clouds are well picked out in Weather Watcher Macbie Sam 's shot taken in West Linton in the Scottish Borders .
Forecaster Mr Monks said a mix of `` complex physics '' created the colours we sometimes see at sunrise and sunset .
For instance , the type of ice or moisture particles in the air has an impact on exactly how much vibrant colour is refracted back .
`` Sometimes if you have lots of dust in the air high up , which could be pollution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in itself gives good sunsets .
But it was purely the cloud yesterday , '' he added .
The Dubs took this picture of the sky above Forres , Moray .
The residents of Scone , near Perth , were treated to a lavish mix of reds and purples - captured in this image by Dmac .
Please ensure you adhere to the BBC 's rules regarding photographs , which can be found here .
If you submit a photograph , you do so in accordance with the BBC 's terms and @ @

"Sometimes if you have lots of dust in the air high up, which could be pollution or something from an old volcano, that in itself gives good sunsets. But it was purely the cloud yesterday," he added.


bbcuk--2020-01-20--HPV puts 'strain' on sex and dating

HPV puts 'strain' on sex and dating

Mercedes was so confident her smear test would come back clear that she was chatting to a friend on the phone as she opened the letter .
But she was left shocked and confused when , at 24 , she read that the cells in her cervix had started to change , caused by a virus called HPV ( human papillomavirus ) .
Changes to the way smear tests work mean more women in the UK are about to be told they have HPV - but misconceptions around it can put a strain on sex , relationships and mental health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract one of more than 200 strains of HPV at some point in their lives .
In most cases people do n't even know they have it , and 90 % of infections go away by themselves within two years .
In rare cases , like Mercedes ' , it can cause cell mutations that can ultimately develop into cervical cancer .
Mercedes had treatment to remove the affected cells and the virus had disappeared within six months .
But the fact that she had contracted it made her feel anxious .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I get this from ?
Is it something that I 've done wrong ? '
'' she says .
Hearing HPV referred to as a sexually transmitted infection ( STI ) on TV made matters worse , leaving her feeling `` dirty '' .
It seems she is not alone .
A survey of more than 2,000 women carried out by Jo 's Cervical Cancer Trust found , on average , 10 % of women said they would feel the same if they were told they had it , and 57 % said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under 25s were most likely to feel `` dirty '' ( 18 % ) compared to 12 % of women aged between 25 and 34 and less than 5 % of over 55s .
A vaccine for HPV has been offered to girls since 2008 , and was made available to boys last year .
The virus lives in the skin around the genitals and can be passed on through sex ( even if it 's with a condom ) and other intimate contact , so - technically - it is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you had HPV ?
But Kate Sanger , spokeswoman for the Trust , says that its prevalence means it is more comparable to a common cold than other STIs , so should not be viewed in the same way .
She is concerned about how the stigma could affect women now that changes to smear tests will lead to more diagnoses .
In the past , smear tests aimed to detect cell changes .
But by the summer , all tests in England , Wales and Scotland are expected to screen for HPV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and earlier on - who is at a higher risk of cervical cancer .
If both HPV and cell changes are detected , women will be asked to have further tests .
But if HPV is found without any cell changes , they will be asked to come back a year later for a second smear to check the virus has gone .
`` Being told you 've got HPV does n't mean you 're dirty , it does n't mean you 've done anything wrong , it does n't mean that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she says .
`` It 's just like having a cold without any kind of symptoms . ''
Nicole Davidson , 26 , from Suffolk , was told she had cervical cancer after her first smear test in 2018 .
She already had two children , and chose to have a hysterectomy as treatment .
Finding out that it was caused by HPV was an added stress .
She had been with her partner for around five years , but began to question her sexual history and ended up taking anti-depressants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'd caused it myself .
I know it sounds really silly , but it makes you feel like if I 'd never had sex , I 'd never have got cervical cancer , '' she says .
Both men and women can contract HPV , but most men are n't aware because there is no test for them .
More than 40 % of women said being told they had HPV would impact their dating and sex lives , with younger women being the most concerned .
Just 22 % said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than half would consider ending a relationship with a partner if they knew they had it .
Ms Sanger urges people not to panic if they are diagnosed - and stresses that while HPV is common , smear tests mean that cervical cancer is rare , with around 3,000 cases diagnosed in the UK every year .
• 'Why I paid for my sons to have the HPV jab' • Call for HPV vaccine to be offered to older boys • Why are BAME girls less likely to get the HPV jab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was relatively new when Nicole was at secondary school , and her mother did not get her vaccinated - a decision she says she will not repeat with her own children .
Now , almost two years on from her diagnosis and with much more knowledge about HPV , she says she is in a better place .
`` It 's just knowing that it 's such a common thing and I did n't actually do anything to give myself cervical cancer , '' she says .
`` It 's not something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like that , it 's just natural . ''
Unlike Nicole , Mercedes was in the early stages of a relationship when she was diagnosed .
`` The emotional impact the whole thing had on me put a real strain on the relationship , because I just was n't in a good headspace , '' she says .
`` I did n't know very much about his sexual history and I never openly [ or ] actively blamed him , but I did start to question those things . ''
For her , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the prevalence of the virus and how easily it can be passed on .
Four years after opening the letter , and engaged to the man she was dating at the time , she wants other women to be more aware .
`` It 's part of life , it 's just really unlucky that it affected the cells in my cervix , '' she says .

It seems she is not alone. A survey of more than 2,000 women carried out by Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust found, on average, 10% of women said they would feel the same if they were told they had it, and 57% said they might think their partner had cheated.


bbcuk--2020-01-20--Influencers 'being offered thousands for sex'

Top social media influencers are being propositioned daily by strangers with offers of thousands of pounds in return for sex , the Victoria Derbyshire programme has been told .
One said social media had become `` a catalogue '' for men to select their next conquest .
`` It 's high-end prostitution - it 's just scary to think if they 've messaged me , they 've probably sent it to thousands of pretty girls on Instagram , '' says Tyne-Lexy Clarson .
She says she was only 19 when she was first propositioned , with an offer of £20,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starring in series two of Love Island , an agency emailed , offering her £50,000 for five nights in Dubai .
It contained a non-disclosure agreement , stating that the details of what she would be required to do would remain confidential .
Tyne-Lexy says she refused the offer , but fears that struggling influencers who do not receive luxury items for free would feel pressure to `` keep up appearances '' and become vulnerable to these kinds of transactions .
`` It 's a lot of money for some people , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rosie Williams , who starred in series three of Love Island , says she was offered £100,000 a year plus all her clothes and bags , to become a companion to a man in Dubai .
She showed us one of the recent messages she had received , from a man purporting to be in Dubai .
It says she may be surprised to hear from him but he has an `` important transaction '' he wishes to share - which she says is a common turn of phrase in these messages .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tempted , despite the large amount of money involved .
Rosie says it is not an aspect of fame she anticipated : `` You 're warned about trolling , you 're warned that your life will change dramatically , but you 're never warned that you could get bought by men . ''
And she says it is not spoken about in influencer circles : `` We either are n't in a position where we need to do it so we do n't speak about it , or we 've done it and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme has seen several messages which influencers have received .
The approaches vary from men directly suggesting sex , to agents acting on behalf of a wealthy client .
We received anonymous written evidence from a person claiming to be a British reality star , who said she had been offered £10,000 for sex as part of a holiday package .
`` Isabel '' said she was first approached on Instagram by a man 10 years older than her , after she had competed in a TV talent show .
`` I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fetish for being financially dominant so he would get a sexual kick out of spending hundreds and hundreds of pounds on bags for me , '' she explained .
`` I would also struggle to keep my followers engaged online .
So I guess that 's why I accepted the offer.
`` She said they did not meet for 18 months and spoke every day , so she was excited to meet him .
`` He was really pleasant when I was there .
At dinner we started drinking and he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was in £5,000 of debt .
He said : 'Have sex with me and I 'll give you double that ' . ''
`` Isabel '' said she went up to his hotel room and went through with it .
`` I felt a kind of a mixture of degraded , really annoyed at myself , violated . ''
But she insists it is not a form of prostitution : `` It is a targeted relationship that progresses over time ...
Whereas I think prostitution is when you agree a fee with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Object , which campaigns against the sexual objectification of women , said it understood why women accepted the `` hugely tempting '' offers .
Heather Brunskell-Evans said : `` The women who are involved with this will not want to hear the word prostitution .
The reality is that they are selling their bodies for money .
`` The groomers are offering the woman everything she needs to be a success at her job as an influencer , but ultimately it 's exploitation , and that woman will have to do things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to associate herself with , that make her feel shamed . ''
Celebrity agent Rob Cooper said it was not only women who were approached .
He said one man who was posting online was regularly offered money to perform sex acts .
`` I would say a high-level influencer or reality star receives these messages every single day . ''
He added that social media platforms should find a way of making people accountable to their account - using something like a passport or national insurance number - so that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal to get their account reinstated .
A Facebook company spokesman said : `` Sexual solicitation is not tolerated on Instagram , and those who repeatedly break our guidelines will be banned .
We want Instagram to be a safe space for people to express themselves .
We invest heavily in tools and technologies to prevent harassment on the platform . ''
Follow the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire programme on Facebook and Twitter - and see more of our stories here .

She showed us one of the recent messages she had received, from a man purporting to be in Dubai. It says she may be surprised to hear from him but he has an "important transaction" he wishes to share - which she says is a common turn of phrase in these messages.


bbcuk--2020-01-20--Should schools be allowed to ban slang words like 'peng'?

Fam , imagine if man said you could n't use words like `` peng '' , basically and `` dem tings dere '' in your classroom .
Did n't understand any of that ?
This might be because you were born in a different generation .
Just imagine if you were not allowed to use slang words that meant `` beautiful '' or `` lots '' when you were in school .
That is the case for some students , who are being urged to ditch slang words in lessons in order to teach them how to use formal English @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even introduced anti-slang posters and stickers , grammar police badges and word jails , where slang is written on posters with jail images .
Does that mean that pupils studying there have to tell their classmates they look `` jolly well splendid '' rather than a `` peng ting '' ?
However , a linguistics expert is warning that slang bans may actually cause more harm than good .
`` There 's no incorrect or correct way of using language , '' says Ian Cushing , a lecturer in education at Brunel University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by visiting schools and speaking to teachers in England over a year and found examples of slang being banned and policed in lessons .
These included words such as `` peng '' , `` bare '' or abbreviations such as `` emosh '' for emotional .
There were slang bans at about 20 of the schools he visited , which were mostly located in urban areas .
• Steph McGovern : Charity appeals for help in Middlesbrough slang '' Language is just one part of your identity - just the same way you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Dr Cushing .
`` Young people will police their own language - they do n't need other people to police it for them , they understand the context of their situation , and know when to shift it accordingly .
`` Shakespeare is full of slang and we do n't see teachers banning that - there 's a hypocrisy here , which is rooted in cultural and linguistic snobbery . ''
Do you know these slang terms ?
• Peng = someone who is good-looking • Bare = lots of or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something is blatantly obvious The linguistics academic says slang is a natural way of speaking , and banning it may be a threat to a person 's identity .
It may also make students feel discriminated against and less motivated to take part in lessons .
`` Young people are typically the innovators of language change , so actually we should be celebrating that rather than banning it in the classroom , '' said Dr Cushing .
Francesca , a student at South Thames College , a further education college in Wandsworth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use slang in her lessons .
But the idea of a slang ban on students does not appeal to her .
`` It 's like taking away their voice in a way , '' says the business student , warning that young people might feel they were unable to `` express themselves '' .
`` I think it will end up driving more students to not want to communicate .
`` I would probably end up getting in trouble for things that would slip out , not by purpose , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could stop students wanting to `` interact '' in the classroom .
Fellow student Tomas migrated to England five years ago and could not speak English .
He started learning slang in secondary school and now uses it with his friends .
`` I think if slang was banned in primary or secondary , it would be understandable , because that 's when children are growing and start listening to slang , '' he says .
`` On one hand I think it should be banned , because it will help children and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the working world .
But banning it can also mean that the freedom of speech for some people can be affected . ''
Another student , Imran , says : `` If my teacher told me that I can not use slang words , I will feel a bit uncomfortable , mainly because it 's not harming anybody .
`` Slang is something that I 've grown up with and it 's just something that I would n't be able to finish the sentence with , without using it .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ language , and if it 's being stopped , they would n't be able to communicate with people the way they previously did when slang was involved . ''
Maybe using slang in school ai n't that bad after all , innit ?
However , other people argue that a slang ban is indeed necessary .
Chris McGovern , chairman of Campaign for Real Education , says allowing slang is not doing any favours for underprivileged children .
He says they are left in an `` employment gutter '' because of their `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slang is fine for linguistic acrobats such as Cambridge graduate Sacha Baron Cohen 's alter ego , Ali G , '' he says .
`` It is much more difficult for that 20 % of school leavers who , according to employers ' organisations , are largely unemployable because of poor literacy .
`` In the UK today , around nine million adults are functionally illiterate , and many of them suffer under-employment , unemployment or destitution as a consequence . ''

"On one hand I think it should be banned, because it will help children and young adults to learn and be prepared for the working world. But banning it can also mean that the freedom of speech for some people can be affected."


bbcuk--2020-01-20--UK-Africa summit: Wooing Africa after Brexit

After Brexit , the UK wants to boost business trade with Africa , but as a major UK-Africa business summit starts in London , Matthew Davies asks if there really will be new opportunities for the continent .
Trade is tricky .
Trade agreements are trickier .
Trade negotiations to get those agreements are exponentially more complicated .
And the road that the Brexit can has been kicked down for so long is rapidly running out .
Once the UK leaves the European Union at the end of January , it has 11 months to come up with a trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reverting to WTO rules .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Leave supporters have always expounded the virtues of being outside the EU , including the ability to negotiate its own trade deals on its own terms for the benefits of its own citizens .
Being part of a big gang has its advantages and disadvantages .
Yes , you have to make compromises and adapt your goals to match commonly-agreed policies .
But you also get the power of the bloc behind you in trade negotiations .
Where does this leave Africa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Alok Sharma , is , as one would expect , very optimistic saying that Britain 's relations with Africa will be `` turbo-charged '' , with trade , business and investment deals being struck left , right and centre .
The UK government seems to be taking it seriously .
The UK-Africa Investment Summit can be seen as evidence of that but any potential change in actual trade conditions is some way off .
Possibly years .
What changes when Britain exits the EU ?
Mostly , nothing changes at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political posturing and speech making , but the UK will still be a member of the EU Customs Union and Single Market until the end of the year .
There is a provision for it to extend that by a further two years , but that would seem to be ruled out by Prime Minister Johnson .
That means trade relations between the UK and Africa stay the same for 2020 , conducted under the EU 's various existing deals with the continent .
What about after 2020 ?
Beyond the 2020 horizon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a fully-Brexited UK are also set to remain the same under a number of `` continuity agreements '' .
These basically say that the trade conditions ( tariffs , quotas , standards and so on ) remain the same as they are currently between a number of African countries and trading blocs and the EU .
For example , in September last year , the UK initiated an Economic Partnership Agreement with the Southern African Customs Union ( Sacu ) - which is made up of South Africa , Botswana , Namibia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is designed to keep things as they are under the current trade relationship that the southern African nations have with the EU .
It mirrors the agreement that the EU already has with Sacu .
According to Britain 's International Trade Secretary , Liz Truss , the agreement `` will allow businesses to keep trading after Brexit without any additional barriers '' .
And that seems to be the UK 's approach - keep the same conditions in place that already exist between the UK and African countries under EU deals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place about 40 such `` continuity '' deals , covering some 70 countries .
The UK has been allowed to strike these deals with countries that already have similar agreements with the EU .
Why not change the trading arrangement ?
Part of the reason of doing it this way is that it allows the UK to negotiate new arrangements with those who do not have an existing trade deal with the EU .
The big one here is the United States .
Sounds simple , but it 's not .
At least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the uncertainty that is still very much part of post-Brexit picture .
The `` continuity agreements '' will eventually run out .
That 's when the real opportunities and challenges for African states will emerge .
Can African countries get a better deal from the UK ?
Outside the big EU gang , the UK , technically , has less negotiating clout .
That could mean that the African countries that trade with the UK may be able to squeeze out slightly more preferential terms in negotiations .
Perhaps .
As mentioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ require time and resources .
With the starting gun fired at the end of January , the UK 's trade negotiating efforts will have to be prioritised .
Will the UK focus on Africa ?
The lion 's share of the UK 's effort will be aimed at getting the best deal possible with the EU , its closest and , by far , its biggest trading partner .
Beyond that , deals with the likes of the US , China , South Korea and Australia will be prioritised , which means that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the list .
But it is also a question of volume and value .
For example , South Africa is the sub-Saharan African country that does the most trade with the European Union .
Minerals , cars and agricultural products are exported into EU and of that total 18 % end up in the UK .
But some agricultural products are subject to quotas .
Could the UK drop those quotas ?
In theory , the UK could allow greater access to the British market than it does under the current arrangement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African wine makers could take advantage of .
But equally , their French counterparts could lean on their government to lean on Brussels negotiators to get their exported wine into the UK under more preferential terms than those from South Africa .
You may also be interested in : • What are the tariffs on trade with Africa ?
• What trade deals has the UK done so far ?
In truth , it is impossible to tell what could happen , but this does point to the complexities of over-arching trade negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the efforts being made to counter it .
Razia Khan from Standard Chartered Bank says : `` In the short-term , greater uncertainty will weigh on prospects , although this has been mitigated to some extent by the UK 's offer of an extension of trade agreements for two years , in order to deal with this uncertainty . ''
Could Brexit effect other aspects of the African economy ?
Of course , the Brexit effect goes beyond trade .
This may be seen if the UK falls into a recession after Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Africa hard .
The UN calculates that the UK is South Africa 's eighth-largest import and export market in global terms .
If the UK 's economy gets a recessionary cold , South Africa 's could get flu .
And given South Africa 's powerhouse status as regards other African economies , that would not bode well .
Brexit could also require new infrastructure in the UK to deal with certain imports .
Flowers are one of Kenya 's biggest exports and foreign currency earners .
The industry is also a major employer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and around two million indirectly .
At the moment , Kenya 's flowers enter the EU through the massive market in Amsterdam .
From there 18 % of them end up in the UK .
But what happens after Brexit ?
Zero-tariff arrangements can still be place under a continuity agreement , but there could be physical problems .
The Kenya Flower Council has pointed out that the infrastructure for flying flowers directly to the UK is not as developed as the Nairobi-Amsterdam route .
In other words , there could be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking at ?
As far as African companies are concerned , the post-Brexit world will depend very much on the nature of their business with both the EU and the UK .
`` Companies that depend heavily on EU-related preferences in the UK market need to keep a watchful eye on developments in Europe ; and on negotiations between the UK and their own country on future arrangements , '' says Matthew Stern at DNA Economics in Pretoria .
`` If all goes to plan , these preferences will be maintained , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costly for certain firms . ''
As African politicians and business leaders gather in London for the UK-Africa Investment Summit , uncertainty remains .
It may be mitigated to some degree by the continuity agreements , but somewhere down the line , new negotiations are likely to happen .
Uncertainty is the enemy of investment .
And behind the handshakes and smiles at the summit , it will be at least one of the elephants in the room .

UK-Africa summit: Wooing Africa after Brexit Published 20 January 2020
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, South African wine producers will hope their government can negotiate better access to the UK market
After Brexit, the UK wants to boost business trade with Africa, but as a major UK-Africa business summit starts in London, Matthew Davies asks if there really will be new opportunities for the continent.
Trade is tricky. Trade agreements are trickier. Trade negotiations to get those agreements are exponentially more complicated.
And the road that the Brexit can has been kicked down for so long is rapidly running out.
Once the UK leaves the European Union at the end of January, it has 11 months to come up with a trade deal with the European Union to avoid reverting to WTO rules.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, As Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson visited Ghana in 2017
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Leave supporters have always expounded the virtues of being outside the EU, including the ability to negotiate its own trade deals on its own terms for the benefits of its own citizens.
Being part of a big gang has its advantages and disadvantages.
Yes, you have to make compromises and adapt your goals to match commonly-agreed policies. But you also get the power of the bloc behind you in trade negotiations.
Where does this leave Africa?
The UK's International Development Secretary, Alok Sharma, is, as one would expect, very optimistic saying that Britain's relations with Africa will be "turbo-charged", with trade, business and investment deals being struck left, right and centre.
The UK government seems to be taking it seriously.
The UK-Africa Investment Summit can be seen as evidence of that but any potential change in actual trade conditions is some way off. Possibly years.
What changes when Britain exits the EU?
Mostly, nothing changes at the end of January.
There will be much political posturing and speech making, but the UK will still be a member of the EU Customs Union and Single Market until the end of the year.
There is a provision for it to extend that by a further two years, but that would seem to be ruled out by Prime Minister Johnson.
That means trade relations between the UK and Africa stay the same for 2020, conducted under the EU's various existing deals with the continent.
What about after 2020?
Beyond the 2020 horizon, trade arrangements between many African countries and a fully-Brexited UK are also set to remain the same under a number of "continuity agreements".
These basically say that the trade conditions (tariffs, quotas, standards and so on) remain the same as they are currently between a number of African countries and trading blocs and the EU.
For example, in September last year, the UK initiated an Economic Partnership Agreement with the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) - which is made up of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and eSwatini - and Mozambique.
It is designed to keep things as they are under the current trade relationship that the southern African nations have with the EU.
It mirrors the agreement that the EU already has with Sacu.
According to Britain's International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss, the agreement "will allow businesses to keep trading after Brexit without any additional barriers".
And that seems to be the UK's approach - keep the same conditions in place that already exist between the UK and African countries under EU deals. Worldwide, the UK has in place about 40 such "continuity" deals, covering some 70 countries.
The UK has been allowed to strike these deals with countries that already have similar agreements with the EU.
Why not change the trading arrangement?
Part of the reason of doing it this way is that it allows the UK to negotiate new arrangements with those who do not have an existing trade deal with the EU. The big one here is the United States.
Sounds simple, but it's not.
At least, not in the longer term because of the uncertainty that is still very much part of post-Brexit picture.
The "continuity agreements" will eventually run out. That's when the real opportunities and challenges for African states will emerge.
Can African countries get a better deal from the UK?
Outside the big EU gang, the UK, technically, has less negotiating clout.
That could mean that the African countries that trade with the UK may be able to squeeze out slightly more preferential terms in negotiations. Perhaps.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Kenyan flower exporters will be watching to see what impact Brexit will have
As mentioned earlier, trade negotiations are complex and require time and resources.
With the starting gun fired at the end of January, the UK's trade negotiating efforts will have to be prioritised.
Will the UK focus on Africa?
The lion's share of the UK's effort will be aimed at getting the best deal possible with the EU, its closest and, by far, its biggest trading partner.
Beyond that, deals with the likes of the US, China, South Korea and Australia will be prioritised, which means that African countries will be quite far down the list.
But it is also a question of volume and value. For example, South Africa is the sub-Saharan African country that does the most trade with the European Union.
Minerals, cars and agricultural products are exported into EU and of that total 18% end up in the UK.
But some agricultural products are subject to quotas.
Could the UK drop those quotas?
In theory, the UK could allow greater access to the British market than it does under the current arrangement, something which, for example, South African wine makers could take advantage of.
But equally, their French counterparts could lean on their government to lean on Brussels negotiators to get their exported wine into the UK under more preferential terms than those from South Africa.
You may also be interested in:
In truth, it is impossible to tell what could happen, but this does point to the complexities of over-arching trade negotiations.
Uncertainty remains a factor, despite the efforts being made to counter it.
Razia Khan from Standard Chartered Bank says: "In the short-term, greater uncertainty will weigh on prospects, although this has been mitigated to some extent by the UK's offer of an extension of trade agreements for two years, in order to deal with this uncertainty."
Could Brexit effect other aspects of the African economy?
Of course, the Brexit effect goes beyond trade.
This may be seen if the UK falls into a recession after Brexit. That would hit places like South Africa hard.
The UN calculates that the UK is South Africa's eighth-largest import and export market in global terms.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Confused by Brexit jargon? Reality Check unpacks the basics.
If the UK's economy gets a recessionary cold, South Africa's could get flu.
And given South Africa's powerhouse status as regards other African economies, that would not bode well.
What about Kenya's flower growers?
Brexit could also require new infrastructure in the UK to deal with certain imports.
Flowers are one of Kenya's biggest exports and foreign currency earners. The industry is also a major employer, providing 100,000 people with direct work and around two million indirectly.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The Netherlands is a major transit point for Kenyan flowers entering Europe
At the moment, Kenya's flowers enter the EU through the massive market in Amsterdam.
From there 18% of them end up in the UK. But what happens after Brexit?
Zero-tariff arrangements can still be place under a continuity agreement, but there could be physical problems.
The Kenya Flower Council has pointed out that the infrastructure for flying flowers directly to the UK is not as developed as the Nairobi-Amsterdam route.
In other words, there could be an impact.
What should business people be looking at?
As far as African companies are concerned, the post-Brexit world will depend very much on the nature of their business with both the EU and the UK.
"Companies that depend heavily on EU-related preferences in the UK market need to keep a watchful eye on developments in Europe; and on negotiations between the UK and their own country on future arrangements," says Matthew Stern at DNA Economics in Pretoria.
"If all goes to plan, these preferences will be maintained, but any slippage from either party could be costly for certain firms."
As African politicians and business leaders gather in London for the UK-Africa Investment Summit, uncertainty remains.
It may be mitigated to some degree by the continuity agreements, but somewhere down the line, new negotiations are likely to happen.
Uncertainty is the enemy of investment. And behind the handshakes and smiles at the summit, it will be at least one of the elephants in the room.


bbcuk--2020-01-20--Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival: Meet the man behind the bear costume

A man has spoken of his love for dressing as a straw bear for more than 25 years at one @ @ @ @ @ '' festivals .
The Straw Bear Festival in Whittlesey , Cambridgeshire , has completed its @ @ @ @ @ 's revival in 1980 , but it dates back 100 years .
Tom Sennett began @ @ @ @ @ festival in 1994 aged 10 wearing a smaller version of the costume , following in @ @ @ @ @ who was also a straw bear .
Since then , he has become one of @ @ @ @ @ who don handmade suits every year to entertain the thousands of people who attend .
@ @ @ @ @ that costume and that head comes down , your whole persona changes , your whole @ @ @ @ @ different , '' said Mr Sennett .
The festival , which harks back to days @ @ @ @ @ straw to entertain the locals , culminates with the burning of the costumes on the @ @ @

A man has spoken of his love for dressing as a straw bear for more than 25 years at one of England's "quirkiest" festivals.
The Straw Bear Festival in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, has completed its 41st outing since the event's revival in 1980, but it dates back 100 years.
Tom Sennett began his role at the rural festival in 1994 aged 10 wearing a smaller version of the costume, following in the paws of his grandfather who was also a straw bear.
Since then, he has become one of a small group of people who don handmade suits every year to entertain the thousands of people who attend.
"When you get inside that costume and that head comes down, your whole persona changes, your whole being changes into something completely different," said Mr Sennett.
The festival, which harks back to days when plough boys dressed in straw to entertain the locals, culminates with the burning of the costumes on the final day.


bbcuk--2020-01-20--The Papers: Harry's 'sadness' and 'duke and duchess of Netflix'

The front pages of the papers are once again dominated by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex 's withdrawal from front-line royal duties , with the late editions reflecting Prince Harry 's first public speech about the issue on Sunday night .
The Times focuses on him speaking of his sadness at the affair 's outcome , while the Daily Mirror highlights his assertion that he loves the UK , but was left with no choice than to relocate his family to Canada .
The Daily Telegraph reports that Prince Charles will fund the couple from his own private investments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviewed in a year .
The Daily Mail claims Harry and Meghan plan to set up a production company to produce what it calls `` documentaries on 'worthy ' issues '' .
The paper also quotes a senior executive at Netflix , who says the company would like to work with them .
The ongoing story also features in a number of publications around the world .
The New York Post calls it the `` Great British Break Off '' , while the West Australian goes with the headline : `` The royal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guardian reports claims that cervical cancer could be wiped out in England , thanks to a new vaccine and screening programme .
The NHS will now regularly examine every woman for HPV - the virus which causes most cases .
An analysis piece by the paper 's science editor Ian Sample states that the disease is entirely avoidable , but that unfounded fears over the safety of vaccines could hinder efforts to stamp it out .
The Times looks at a campaign to get a river in West Yorkshire designated as the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The River Wharfe attracted thousands of people to bathe during last summer 's heatwave , but people living nearby have told the paper that levels of bacteria found in the water regularly reach dangerous levels due to problems with a nearby sewage treatment plant .
They hope their application for official bathing status will ensure it remains free from pollution , as it would compel the Environment Agency to run tests on the water every week during the summer .
An editorial in the paper applauds the campaign , and urges the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rivers can benefit from the same protections .

The Times focuses on him speaking of his sadness at the affair's outcome, while the Daily Mirror highlights his assertion that he loves the UK, but was left with no choice than to relocate his family to Canada.


bbcuk--2020-01-20--Snapchat drug dealers target Middlesbrough children

Children as young as 14 can easily buy class A drugs using Snapchat , a BBC investigation has found .
The social media app is being used by dealers across Teesside to advertise substances and arrange drug deals .
The BBC 's Inside Out used a 14-year-old decoy , whose profile clearly showed he was a schoolboy , who was able to buy two grams of MDMA .
They were picked up by an undercover reporter .
The deal was arranged in seconds and was delivered in minutes .
Snapchat is a social media app that allows people to post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once they have been read .
Our reporter discovered a number of Snapchat accounts posting regular videos showing large amounts of cocaine , MDMA , ketamine and cannabis .
Dealers post videos that promote the drugs they have for sale , as well as sending daily offers and advertisements via private messaging .
One dealer claimed to be giving away an ounce ( 28g ) of MDMA in a raffle users could only enter if they promoted the dealer 's account to two of their friends .
This `` prize '' could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £1,400 .
Users in Middlesbrough can buy drugs for as little as £10 .
Our reporter used Snapchat to buy cocaine in Dock Street in Middlesbrough and the MDMA was handed over in Linthorpe Road in the town during a two-week investigation .
The reporter then used a Home Office-approved kit to check the drugs were real .
Harry Shapiro , a drugs adviser , said : `` There 's no way you can varnish the truth about this , the worst that can happen to young people who consume a two gram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of dying .
It 's as simple as that . ''
Carson Price , from Hengoed in south Wales , died last April after taking an ecstasy pill he bought on Snapchat .
His mother Tatum Price said : `` I blame Snapchat .
If they were unable to advertise on Snapchat Carson would n't have been able to get hold of those drugs .
`` I should n't even know where my local cemetery is , let alone go and visit my 13-year-old child . ''
The National Crime Agency said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledged it was a `` growing threat '' .
Esther Rantzen , founder of Childline , said the findings were `` shocking '' .
`` I would say to Snapchat it 's quite clear that you created this service to provide entertainment and fun .
`` You do n't want to kill children but if it 's misused that will be the effect , you 've got to do something to protect children , to protect young people and stop this murderous trade , '' she said .
Snapchat , which claims to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year-olds in the UK , said it worked with the relevant authorities to ensure it was a positive and safe environment .
It added it encouraged users to report illegal activity on the platform .
You can see more on this story on Inside Out North East & Cumbria on Monday 20 January at 19:30 BST or catch up on the BBC iPlayer .

One dealer claimed to be giving away an ounce (28g) of MDMA in a raffle users could only enter if they promoted the dealer's account to two of their friends. This "prize" could have had a street value of up to £1,400.


bbcuk--2020-01-20--Minister insists zero carbon future still needs good roads

Scotland 's infrastructure secretary has insisted that upgrading the A9 road is not incompatible with climate targets .
Michael Matheson said the £3bn project was vital to the economies of the areas it serves .
The government has been warned by its advisers that difficult choices will have to be made .
The Infrastructure Commission for Scotland said the government should make big spending decisions based on whether they help reduce emissions .
In a major report just published , it said public projects should look first at re-using existing structures .
The government has backed a plan to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Perth to Inverness .
Last year the Scottish parliament voted for a legal commitment to have all emissions offset by 2045 .
An interim target will see emissions reduced by 75 % between 1990 and 2030 .
Mr Matheson , speaking on the BBC 's Good Morning Scotland programme , denied that projects such as upgrading the A9 road , were incompatible with the net zero target .
`` Even in looking to reduce our carbon output we will always have to have - in moving to a zero carbon economy - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road infrastructure , '' he said .
`` The A9 is the largest infrastructure project ever in Scotland at some £3bn .
`` It 's critical to supporting the Highlands economy and the economies of Perthshire that are dependent on the A9 . ''
Recommendations for the creation of what is called `` an inclusive net zero carbon economy '' from the Infrastructure Commission report include : • A new charging system to replace fuel duty and road taxation • The `` future proofing '' of existing roads in preference to building new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public buildings and commercial premises to use low-carbon heating technologies Members of the commission said `` the nature , purpose and focus of infrastructure investment over the 30 year horizon is likely to change fundamentally '' .
What does net-zero mean ?
The terms carbon neutral and net-zero are often used interchangeably but there are differences .
Carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) is the most abundant greenhouse gas but there are others which the Scottish government counts and they are not all carbon-based .
Therefore , some climate change campaigners prefer the term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and methane but also nitrous oxide , which is emitted during agricultural and industrial activities as well as from fossil fuels .
Simply being carbon neutral would not stop global warming because these other gases are also harmful to the atmosphere .
Perhaps an even better term would be `` climate neutral '' .

"Even in looking to reduce our carbon output we will always have to have - in moving to a zero carbon economy - we'll always have to have good road infrastructure," he said.


bbcuk--2020-01-20--Man dies following road traffic collision near Maghaberry

A male pedestrian has died following a road traffic collision near Maghaberry , County Antrim .
The Police Service of @ @ @ @ @ said the incident occurred on the Glenavy Road at about 23:30 GMT on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ along with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service , but the man was pronounced dead at @ @ @ @ @ has appealed for information about the incident .
The Glenavy Road was closed for a @ @ @ @ @ re-opened .

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the incident occurred on the Glenavy Road at about 23:30 GMT on Sunday.


bbcuk--2020-01-20--Cwm Taf maternity: 'Significant progress' after failings

Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board has made `` good progress '' in recent months in dealing with serious failings in its maternity services although there remains `` much more to be done '' .
A second quarterly report of an independent panel is `` cautiously optimistic '' of long term improvements .
But there are still big challenges , with a backlog of complaints a `` matter of concern '' .
Maternity services were put into special measures last April .
It follows an investigation by two royal colleges , which found mothers faced `` distressing experiences and poor care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tydfil and the Royal Glamorgan Hospital near Llantrisant .
The services were said to be `` under extreme pressure '' and `` dysfunctional '' , after an investigation looking at 25 serious incidents going back to 2016 .
The independent panel was appointed by the Welsh Government .
• Damning report into failings not flagged up • Mothers ignored and made to feel worthless Chairman of the panel Mick Giannasi said the most important `` big ticket '' actions have been achieved , and as a result families could be more confident about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This includes dealing with staff shortages across maternity units , although more work is needed to tackle staff sickness and an over-reliance on overtime and agency staff .
Staff training has also been improved .
What is the independent oversight panel doing ?
• Overseeing improvements in maternity services - with 79 different action points - to ensure plans are robust and properly scrutinised • Reviewing cases over a potential 10 years - the 43 cases highlighted by the initial inquiry ( 2016-18 ) and then looking at the previous six years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Engaging with mothers and families to ensure their voices are heard .
Progress is being shared with them every three months , at the same time as the minister , before they are made public .
The first report was last October .
• Compiling lessons for Cwm Taf and maternity services elsewhere According to the panel there is other evidence of progress - with a recent inspection of the newly established Tirion midwife-led birth centre at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital describing `` care being provided in a safe and effective manner '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment '' .
A further Health Inspectorate Wales inspection into the consultant-led maternity unit at the Prince Charles Hospital is due to be published shortly .
`` We do n't want to convey a sense that this job is done because it is n't by any means but what we do want to convey is a sense that they 're making significant progress and they 're on the right track . ''
'To this day , no apology - and that 's what we wanted' Rebecca Walker , from Mountain Ash , lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three weeks old in 2015 .
Because of fertility issues she had been under consultant care at Prince Charles Hospital .
But when she suffered a bleed when on a family holiday with her husband Jeff in Greece , she was kept in hospital and given scans and medication , with doctors saying Prince Charles Hospital needed to take a look at the scans when she returned .
Back home , she had gone to hospital but was sent home .
`` It was worrying because I had been fine .
I went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
When visiting family in London she went into labour prematurely and baby Oliver was born at 26 weeks in June in a hospital in Surrey .
He was put into intensive care but died three weeks later .
`` He was too fragile to be transferred home - he had lots of different , complex issues .
He was just too poorly . ''
They had nothing but praise for the care he had in Surrey and Greece - but after a long grieving process , in 2016 they wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sought help and went to the local community health council .
`` We 've always said we 've seen the best and worst of the NHS , '' said Rebecca .
`` Jeff said he felt there was something not right . ''
In 2019 , Cwm Taf health board agreed they had breached their duty of care to Rebecca , after the scans from Greece were examined again .
`` On that night we came back from Greece , Rebecca should have been admitted to hospital , '' said Jeff , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no apology - and that 's what we wanted , for someone to explain to us . ''
Although given counselling , Rebecca , now 41 , felt there was little support as a couple , while the legal process was a huge strain .
When Rebecca heard about the wider problems she wanted to be involved - and is satisfied with those looking to improve things .
`` The oversight panel have got a massive job and have got the right people in posts , are structured well and know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rebecca .
`` I think it 's a bigger job than they originally thought . ''
`` We 've got some answers but the whole process we went through was wrong .
The whole bereavement process , how that worked for me , how is that working now ? ''
`` People need to know how it affects not just us but the whole family so it does n't just keep happening again .
We 'll keep talking about it as there are lots of people who ca n't talk about it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and always will be , that 's just our life now - we 're different people now .
`` If any good can come out of that - we 're prepared to help the health board and oversight panel to ensure the changes they say they 'll make are made . ''
Mr Giannasi believes that , although the health board needs to improve its culture , there has been a huge amount of effort from staff to make a difference .
`` What we 're seeing is a real change in behaviours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bottom line is that the feedback we 're now getting from women is fundamentally different to the picture the royal colleges painted 12 months ago , '' he said .
Health Minister Vaughan Gething said he was pleased the health board was making progress and he expected it to continue .
He said there was a `` large and very sensitive exercise '' to review around 140 pregnancies .
Mr Gething said this would take some time to complete but it was vital the reviews were completed `` thoroughly and not quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the loss of a baby , the following organisations might be able to help : Saying Goodbye - support for miscarriage and baby and infant loss

Cwm Taf maternity: 'Significant progress' after failings Published 20 January 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, 'We've had no apology after our baby died'
Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board has made "good progress" in recent months in dealing with serious failings in its maternity services although there remains "much more to be done".
A second quarterly report of an independent panel is "cautiously optimistic" of long term improvements.
But there are still big challenges, with a backlog of complaints a "matter of concern".
Maternity services were put into special measures last April.
It follows an investigation by two royal colleges, which found mothers faced "distressing experiences and poor care" at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil and the Royal Glamorgan Hospital near Llantrisant.
The services were said to be "under extreme pressure" and "dysfunctional", after an investigation looking at 25 serious incidents going back to 2016.
The independent panel was appointed by the Welsh Government.
Chairman of the panel Mick Giannasi said the most important "big ticket" actions have been achieved, and as a result families could be more confident about the quality of care currently being provided.
This includes dealing with staff shortages across maternity units, although more work is needed to tackle staff sickness and an over-reliance on overtime and agency staff.
Staff training has also been improved.
What is the independent oversight panel doing?
Overseeing improvements in maternity services - with 79 different action points - to ensure plans are robust and properly scrutinised
Reviewing cases over a potential 10 years - the 43 cases highlighted by the initial inquiry (2016-18) and then looking at the previous six years and possibly a further two years
Engaging with mothers and families to ensure their voices are heard. Progress is being shared with them every three months, at the same time as the minister, before they are made public. The first report was last October.
Compiling lessons for Cwm Taf and maternity services elsewhere
According to the panel there is other evidence of progress - with a recent inspection of the newly established Tirion midwife-led birth centre at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital describing "care being provided in a safe and effective manner" and in a "homely, relaxed environment".
A further Health Inspectorate Wales inspection into the consultant-led maternity unit at the Prince Charles Hospital is due to be published shortly.
"We're cautiously optimistic," said Mr Giannasi.
"We don't want to convey a sense that this job is done because it isn't by any means but what we do want to convey is a sense that they're making significant progress and they're on the right track."
'To this day, no apology - and that's what we wanted'
Image caption, Rebecca Walker with her husband Jeff and daughter say Oliver will always be part of the family
Rebecca Walker, from Mountain Ash, lost her premature baby Oliver when he was three weeks old in 2015.
Because of fertility issues she had been under consultant care at Prince Charles Hospital.
But when she suffered a bleed when on a family holiday with her husband Jeff in Greece, she was kept in hospital and given scans and medication, with doctors saying Prince Charles Hospital needed to take a look at the scans when she returned.
Back home, she had gone to hospital but was sent home. "It was worrying because I had been fine. I went back twice as something was not right."
Image source, Family photo Image caption, Rebecca with baby Oliver in intensive care
When visiting family in London she went into labour prematurely and baby Oliver was born at 26 weeks in June in a hospital in Surrey. He was put into intensive care but died three weeks later.
"He was too fragile to be transferred home - he had lots of different, complex issues. He was just too poorly."
They had nothing but praise for the care he had in Surrey and Greece - but after a long grieving process, in 2016 they wanted to find out what happened in Merthyr Tydfil, sought help and went to the local community health council.
"We've always said we've seen the best and worst of the NHS," said Rebecca.
"Jeff said he felt there was something not right."
In 2019, Cwm Taf health board agreed they had breached their duty of care to Rebecca, after the scans from Greece were examined again.
"On that night we came back from Greece, Rebecca should have been admitted to hospital," said Jeff, 49. "But to this day, no apology - and that's what we wanted, for someone to explain to us."
Image caption, The Walkers want to make sure no other couples go through what they had to
Although given counselling, Rebecca, now 41, felt there was little support as a couple, while the legal process was a huge strain.
When Rebecca heard about the wider problems she wanted to be involved - and is satisfied with those looking to improve things.
"The oversight panel have got a massive job and have got the right people in posts, are structured well and know what they need to do," said Rebecca. "I think it's a bigger job than they originally thought."
"We've got some answers but the whole process we went through was wrong. The whole bereavement process, how that worked for me, how is that working now?"
"People need to know how it affects not just us but the whole family so it doesn't just keep happening again. We'll keep talking about it as there are lots of people who can't talk about it.
"Oliver was part of the family and always will be, that's just our life now - we're different people now.
"If any good can come out of that - we're prepared to help the health board and oversight panel to ensure the changes they say they'll make are made."
Mr Giannasi believes that, although the health board needs to improve its culture, there has been a huge amount of effort from staff to make a difference.
"What we're seeing is a real change in behaviours, a real change in attitudes and the bottom line is that the feedback we're now getting from women is fundamentally different to the picture the royal colleges painted 12 months ago," he said.
What has been the response?
Health Minister Vaughan Gething said he was pleased the health board was making progress and he expected it to continue.
He said there was a "large and very sensitive exercise" to review around 140 pregnancies.
Mr Gething said this would take some time to complete but it was vital the reviews were completed "thoroughly and not quickly".
Plaid Cymru health spokesman Rhun ap Iorwerth accused Mr Gething of "still siding with those responsible for management failings".
He added: "It is questionable whether changes in culture can occur without significant changes to the culture of the NHS management itself which has failed miserably to hold any manager to account for the failures that have been seen in Cwm Taf".
Greg Dix, Cwm Taf's director of nursing, midwifery and patient care, said the health board recognised there was still much to do, particularly around complaints processes and culture.
"It is absolutely vital that we learn from the past and the continued engagement with families who have used our services," he said.
"The clinical reviews and ongoing advice of the panel will support us to fully implement the recommendations of the Royal Colleges' report and ensure that continual improvements are in place for the future."
If you have been affected by the loss of a baby, the following organisations might be able to help:


bbcuk--2020-01-20--Man stabbed multiple times on train

Man stabbed multiple times on train

A man has been stabbed multiple times while on a train between Surrey and London , British Transport Police say @ @ @ @ @ 30s was on a train travelling between Ashford and Hounslow when he was attacked at @ @ @ @ @ .
A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm @ @ @ @ @ .
Police said a number of people were on the train at the time , @ @ @ @ @ to come forward .
The man 's injuries were are `` not life threatening '' @ @ @ @ @ .

The man in his 30s was on a train travelling between Ashford and Hounslow when he was attacked at about 18:40 GMT on Sunday.


bbcuk--2020-01-20--Sir Keir Starmer makes it onto Labour leadership ballot

Sir Keir Starmer is the first Labour leadership candidate to pass the final hurdle to get onto the ballot .
The Union of Shop , Distributive and Allied Workers ( Usdaw ) says it is backing the shadow Brexit secretary .
This gives Sir Keir the support required - that of three unions and affiliate groups representing 5 % of the membership - to get to the final stage .
Usdaw has also given its support to shadow education secretary Angela Rayner for deputy leader .
The union 's general secretary , Paddy Lillis , said : `` The Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can persuade voters that they have what it takes to be a prime minister and we are a government-in-waiting . ''
Four other candidates are still in the running to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as leader - shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey , shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry , Wigan MP Lisa Nandy and Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips .
But they have yet to receive the backing of the necessary groups , or the alternative - the backing of 5 % of constituency Labour parties ( CLPs ) - to make the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's next leader ?
• Which Labour contender is the most working-class ?
Sir Keir , who also has the support of Unison and affiliate group Sera , said he was `` honoured '' to have the backing of Usdaw .
He added : `` If I 'm elected leader , Labour will stand shoulder to shoulder with the trade union movement as we take on the Tories and rebuild trust with working people . ''
Ms Rayner also thanked the union for its backing , saying : `` It 's a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigning trade union . ''
She faces competition for the deputy leadership from Scotland 's only remaining Labour MP , Ian Murray , shadow equalities minister Dawn Butler , Tooting MP Rosena Allin-Khan and shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon .
The unions , affiliate groups and CLPs have until 14 February to get their preferences submitted .
The GMB union is expected to announce which candidate it will support on Tuesday after a hustings and meeting .
Earlier on Monday , the deadline passed for new members to join the party - or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote in the leadership election .
The final ballot of party members , trade unionists and registered supporters will open on 21 February , and the new leader and deputy will be announced on 4 April .

The union's general secretary, Paddy Lillis, said: "The Labour Party must be led by someone who can persuade voters that they have what it takes to be a prime minister and we are a government-in-waiting."


bbcuk--2020-01-20--Brexit: Government loses first parliamentary votes since election

The government has lost three votes in the Lords over its Brexit legislation - its first defeats since the election .
Peers supported calls for EU nationals to be given a physical document as proof they have the right to live in the UK after it leaves the bloc .
They also voted to remove ministers ' power to decide which EU Court of Justice rulings can be disregarded or set aside by UK courts and tribunals .
Ministers will aim to reverse the moves when the bill returns to the Commons .
With a majority of 80 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
The EU Withdrawal Bill , which paves the way for the UK to leave the EU with a deal on 31 January , was approved by MPs earlier this month without any changes .
But despite their emphatic victory in December 's general election , the Conservatives do not have a majority in the Lords and have suffered a series of defeats during the bill 's passage through the unelected House .
• No automatic deportation for EU citizens , says No 10 The first amendment passed by peers , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would give EU citizens in the UK the automatic right to stay , rather than having to apply to the Home Office , and would ensure they can get physical proof of their rights .
Its supporters said it would allay the `` deep concerns '' felt by many EU nationals who have until the end of June 2021 to apply for settled status .
More than than 2.7 million people have so far applied .
Nearly 2.5 million of these have been told they can continue to live and work in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious or persistent '' criminals have had their applications rejected .
Campaigners said official documentation could stop a repeat of the Windrush scandal , in which relatives of those who lawfully came to the UK from the Caribbean in the 1940s were threatened with deportation , and in some cases removed .
Lib Dem peer Lord Oates warned of a `` plethora of problems '' ahead for EU nationals and the government unless this happened .
`` This amendment simply seeks to uphold the promise repeatedly made by Boris Johnson that the rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK would be automatically guaranteed , '' he said .
`` It would remove the risk that those who failed to meet the cut-off deadline would be automatically criminalised and subject to deportation . ''
No 10 has insisted EU citizens will not automatically be deported if they fail to sign up to the scheme by the deadline .
They want them to use a digital code , which will demonstrate their right to be in the UK .
Following the vote , security minister Brandon Lewis insisted it would not rethink its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU Settlement Scheme grants EU citizens with a secure , digital status which ca n't be lost , stolen or tampered with . ''
The government was later defeated twice more over : • The powers of ministers to set aside judgements by the EU Court of Justice - lost by 241 vote to 205 • Proposals to protect the independence of the courts with regard to EU case law after Brexit - lost by 206 votes to 186

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bbcuk--2020-01-20--Immune discovery 'may treat all cancer'

Immune discovery 'may treat all cancer'

A newly-discovered part of our immune system could be harnessed to treat all cancers , say scientists .
The Cardiff University team discovered a method of killing prostate , breast , lung and other cancers in lab tests .
The findings , published in Nature Immunology , have not been tested in patients , but the researchers say they have `` enormous potential '' .
Experts said that although the work was still at an early stage , it was very exciting .
What have they found ?
Our immune system is our body 's natural defence against infection , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The scientists were looking for `` unconventional '' and previously undiscovered ways the immune system naturally attacks tumours .
What they found was a T-cell inside people 's blood .
This is an immune cell that can scan the body to assess whether there is a threat that needs to be eliminated .
The difference is this one could attack a wide range of cancers .
`` There 's a chance here to treat every patient , '' researcher Prof Andrew Sewell told the BBC .
He added : `` Previously nobody believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raises the prospect of a 'one-size-fits-all ' cancer treatment , a single type of T-cell that could be capable of destroying many different types of cancers across the population . ''
How does it work ?
T-cells have `` receptors '' on their surface that allow them to `` see '' at a chemical level .
The Cardiff team discovered a T-cell and its receptor that could find and kill a wide range of cancerous cells in the lab including lung , skin , blood , colon , breast , bone , prostate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cells .
Exactly how it does this is still being explored .
This particular T-cell receptor interacts with a molecule called MR1 , which is on the surface of every cell in the human body .
It is thought MR1 is flagging the distorted metabolism going on inside a cancerous cell to the immune system .
`` We are the first to describe a T-cell that finds MR1 in cancer cells - that has n't been done before , this is the first of its kind , '' research fellow Garry Dolton told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Chemotherapy 'could become more effective' Why is this significant ?
T-cell cancer therapies already exist and the development of cancer immunotherapy has been one of the most exciting advances in the field .
The most famous example is CAR-T - a living drug made by genetically engineering a patient 's T-cells to seek out and destroy cancer .
CAR-T can have dramatic results that transform some patients from being terminally ill to being in complete remission .
However , the approach is highly specific and works in only a limited number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to train the T-cells to spot .
And it has struggled to have any success in `` solid cancers '' - those that form tumours rather than blood cancers such as leukaemia .
The researchers say their T-cell receptor could lead to a `` universal '' cancer treatment .
So how would it work in practice ?
The idea is that a blood sample would be taken from a cancer patient .
Their T-cells would be extracted and then genetically modified so they were reprogrammed to make the cancer-finding receptor .
The upgraded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the laboratory and then put back into the patient .
It is the same process used to make CAR-T therapies .
However , the research has been tested only in animals and on cells in the laboratory , and more safety checks would be needed before human trials could start .
What do the experts say ?
Lucia Mori and Gennaro De Libero , from University of Basel in Switzerland , said the research had `` great potential '' but was at too early a stage to say it would work in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excited about the immunological functions of this new T-cell population and the potential use of their TCRs in tumour cell therapy , '' they said .
Daniel Davis , a professor of immunology at the University of Manchester , said : `` At the moment , this is very basic research and not close to actual medicines for patients .
`` There is no question that it 's a very exciting discovery , both for advancing our basic knowledge about the immune system and for the possibility of future new medicines . ''

Immune discovery 'may treat all cancer' Published 20 January 2020
comments Comments
Image source, Science Photo Library Image caption, The new technique could kill a wide range of cancer cells, including breast and prostate
A newly-discovered part of our immune system could be harnessed to treat all cancers, say scientists.
The Cardiff University team discovered a method of killing prostate, breast, lung and other cancers in lab tests.
The findings, published in Nature Immunology, have not been tested in patients, but the researchers say they have "enormous potential".
Experts said that although the work was still at an early stage, it was very exciting.
What have they found?
Our immune system is our body's natural defence against infection, but it also attacks cancerous cells.
The scientists were looking for "unconventional" and previously undiscovered ways the immune system naturally attacks tumours.
What they found was a T-cell inside people's blood. This is an immune cell that can scan the body to assess whether there is a threat that needs to be eliminated.
The difference is this one could attack a wide range of cancers.
"There's a chance here to treat every patient," researcher Prof Andrew Sewell told the BBC.
He added: "Previously nobody believed this could be possible.
"It raises the prospect of a 'one-size-fits-all' cancer treatment, a single type of T-cell that could be capable of destroying many different types of cancers across the population."
How does it work?
T-cells have "receptors" on their surface that allow them to "see" at a chemical level.
The Cardiff team discovered a T-cell and its receptor that could find and kill a wide range of cancerous cells in the lab including lung, skin, blood, colon, breast, bone, prostate, ovarian, kidney and cervical cancer cells.
Crucially, it left normal tissues untouched.
Image source, Science Photo Library Image caption, T-cells attack cancer cells
Exactly how it does this is still being explored.
This particular T-cell receptor interacts with a molecule called MR1, which is on the surface of every cell in the human body.
It is thought MR1 is flagging the distorted metabolism going on inside a cancerous cell to the immune system.
"We are the first to describe a T-cell that finds MR1 in cancer cells - that hasn't been done before, this is the first of its kind," research fellow Garry Dolton told the BBC.
Why is this significant?
T-cell cancer therapies already exist and the development of cancer immunotherapy has been one of the most exciting advances in the field.
The most famous example is CAR-T - a living drug made by genetically engineering a patient's T-cells to seek out and destroy cancer.
CAR-T can have dramatic results that transform some patients from being terminally ill to being in complete remission.
However, the approach is highly specific and works in only a limited number of cancers where there is a clear target to train the T-cells to spot.
And it has struggled to have any success in "solid cancers" - those that form tumours rather than blood cancers such as leukaemia.
The researchers say their T-cell receptor could lead to a "universal" cancer treatment.
So how would it work in practice?
The idea is that a blood sample would be taken from a cancer patient.
Their T-cells would be extracted and then genetically modified so they were reprogrammed to make the cancer-finding receptor.
The upgraded cells would be grown in vast quantities in the laboratory and then put back into the patient. It is the same process used to make CAR-T therapies.
However, the research has been tested only in animals and on cells in the laboratory, and more safety checks would be needed before human trials could start.
What do the experts say?
Lucia Mori and Gennaro De Libero, from University of Basel in Switzerland, said the research had "great potential" but was at too early a stage to say it would work in all cancers.
"We are very excited about the immunological functions of this new T-cell population and the potential use of their TCRs in tumour cell therapy," they said.
Daniel Davis, a professor of immunology at the University of Manchester, said: "At the moment, this is very basic research and not close to actual medicines for patients.
"There is no question that it's a very exciting discovery, both for advancing our basic knowledge about the immune system and for the possibility of future new medicines."


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Terrorism laws to get tougher within weeks, government vows

Terror offenders will face more time in jail and be monitored more closely as part of new laws being introduced within weeks , the government has said .
Automatic early release from prison will be scrapped for terror offenders while a minimum jail term of 14 years for serious crimes will be introduced .
The Home Office said a bill would be brought before Parliament by mid-March .
Home Secretary Priti Patel said the government had faced `` hard truths '' since an attack in London in November .
Convicted terror offender Usman Khan had been on licence from prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Merritt to death at Fishmongers ' Hall near London Bridge on 29 November last year .
Khan had been released from jail on licence in 2018 , half-way through a 16-year sentence for terrorism offences .
Following the November attack , the government launched an urgent review into the licence conditions of 74 terror offenders who had been released early from prison .
On Tuesday it said it would also launch a review , led by Jonathan Hall QC , into the way agencies such as police and the probation service investigate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also want to introduce lie detector tests - which are currently only used with sex offenders - to improve how probation officers handle released terrorists .
The so-called Counter-Terrorism Bill would ensure people convicted of serious offences , such as preparing acts of terrorism or directing a terrorist organisation , spend a minimum of 14 years in prison .
There is currently no minimum term for such offences .
• What is the Prevent strategy ?
• Watch : Why was Usman Khan released from prison ?
• How widely are lie detectors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would also increase counter terror police funding by £90m next year - roughly a 10 % increase on this year 's funding .
Other measures the Home Office pledged alongside the bill included : • Increasing the number of specialist psychologists and imams working to de-radicalise offenders • Increasing the number of places in probation hostels to help police monitor offenders in their first weeks after release from prison • Investing £500,000 and reviewing the support in place for victims of terrorism Ms Patel said the `` senseless terror attack '' in November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how we deal with terrorist offenders '' .
`` Today we are delivering on those promises , giving police and probation officers the resources they need to investigate and track offenders , introducing tougher sentences , and launching major reviews into how offenders are managed after they are released , '' she added .
Although head of counter terrorism policing Neil Basu welcomed the extra measures , he said demand for counter terror work had gone up by a third in three years and insisted the anti-radicalisation programme , Prevent , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the terror threat in the long term .

He told BBC Breakfast: "We have to be ready to challenge our own assumptions at all times, and to ask ourselves the question - are we really on top of this? How do we track it? Is it just going to be Islamic terrorism?


bbcuk--2020-01-21--Sperm donations from dead men should be allowed, study says

Sperm donations taken from men after they have died should be allowed , a study says .
The analysis , which is published in the Journal of Medical Ethics , claims that opt-in post-death donations could be a `` morally permissible '' way of increasing the stocks available .
In 2017 in the UK , 2,345 babies were born after a sperm donation .
However , there is a growing shortage of donations around the country because of strict regulations .
Sperm can be collected after death either through electrical stimulation of the prostate gland or surgery , and can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sperm harvested from men who have died can still result in viable pregnancies and healthy children , even when retrieved up to 48 hours after death has occurred .
In the analysis , Dr Nathan Hodson , from the University of Leicester , and Dr Joshua Parker , from Manchester 's Wythenshawe Hospital , argue that such a method falls into similar territory to organ donation .
`` If it is morally acceptable that individuals can donate their tissues to relieve the suffering of others in 'life-enhancing transplants ' for diseases , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended to other forms of suffering like infertility , '' they said .
However , it could raise questions about consent and family veto , and there are concerns about the integrity surrounding the anonymity of the donor , they added .
In 2014 , a national sperm bank serving the UK opened in Birmingham with a government grant of £77,000 .
Fewer than two years later , the bank had closed its doors and stopped recruiting donors .
Only nine signed up after its launch , with one of those later dropping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says that sperm donors in the UK must agree that any children born from their donations can contact them when they turn 18 .
Former donor Jeffrey Ingold , from London , told the BBC that he believes that allowing donations after death could persuade more men to consider becoming donors .
`` I do not see how introducing a system that makes sperm donation similar to organ donation could be anything other than a good thing , '' he said .
`` For me , donating sperm was never about my own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was about helping friends in need .
`` I also think that having this kind of process might go some way in challenging the stigma or preconceived ideas society has about sperm donation . ''
He added : `` If people knew more about the process and were able to make more informed decisions about whether to become a sperm donor , I think we 'd see a lot more people opting in to doing so . ''
However , Prof Allan Pacey , professor of andrology at the University of Sheffield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step backward '' in the donation process .
`` I 'd much rather that we invested our energy in trying to recruit younger , healthy , willing donors who stand a good chance of being alive when the donor-conceived person starts to become curious about them , and would have the opportunity to make contact with them without the aid of a spiritualist . ''
In 1997 , a woman won the right to be allowed to use her dead husband 's sperm .
Stephen Blood caught meningitis in February 1995 , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his wife Diane .
He lapsed into a coma and died before agreeing in writing for his sperm to be used , although two samples had been removed at Mrs Blood 's request .
The 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act banned Mrs Blood from using her husband 's sperm without his written consent .
However , the Court of Appeal later ruled Mrs Blood should be allowed to seek fertility treatment within the European Community but not in the UK .
Mrs Blood gave birth to her son Joel - using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2002 , and the following year she won a legal battle to have her late partner legally recognised as the father .

"I do not see how introducing a system that makes sperm donation similar to organ donation could be anything other than a good thing," he said. "For me, donating sperm was never about my own genes or anything like that, but it was about helping friends in need.