bbcuk--2020-03-01--Coventry stabbing: Boy died after house party 'got out of hand'

A 16-year-old boy has died in a stabbing after a large house party `` got out of hand '' .
Ramani Morgan , from Birmingham , died in hospital after he was found collapsed in Clay Lane , Coventry , at about 22:30 GMT on Saturday .
He had been at a `` well attended '' party in Chandos Street , about 300m ( 0.2 miles ) , from where he was found with multiple stab wounds , police said .
Two 17-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of murder .
The teenagers , from Coventry , are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's happened is there has been quite a large house party in Chandos Street , in the Stoke area , '' Ch Supt Mike O'Hara said .
`` That seems to have been very well attended and it seems to have effectively got out of hand . ''
He said Ramani , who lived in Erdington , had been `` stabbed several times '' after an altercation at the party spilled out on to the street .
The attack is not believed to be gang-related , police said .
Searches are being carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the area where Ramani was found .
Forensic search teams could be seen on Sunday lifting drain covers in Chandos Street and in nearby Clay Lane .
`` This is a tragedy , another young man has lost his life , '' Det Insp Michelle Allen added .
Police are appealing for anyone who was at the party or any witnesses to contact them .
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"That seems to have been very well attended and it seems to have effectively got out of hand."


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Hendon stabbing: Man killed on way to night shift

A father was stabbed to death on his way to work a night shift just 15 minutes after leaving his newborn baby at home , police said .
Officers were called to Parson Street , Hendon , north-west London , at 21:00 GMT on Saturday after a silver VW Polo collided with a parked car .
The 24-year-old victim , from Edgware , was found inside the VW Polo suffering from stab injuries .
He had been attacked in a car park minutes before the crash , police said .
He was taken to hospital but died later .
Det @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Metropolitan Police , said : `` We believe the victim was parked up in the silver VW Polo in the car park in Stratford Road , off Bell Lane , NW4 , minutes before the collision took place in Parson Street .
`` It is likely that a number of witnesses in the Belle Vue Estate may have witnessed the attack .
`` The victim was arriving at the car park , in order to travel to work for a night shift .
He had just left his girlfriend and newborn baby at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' No arrests have been made but inquiries have begun to find those responsible , the Met said .
The man 's next of kin have been informed and a post-mortem examination is being arranged .

Det Ch Insp Andy Partridge, of the Metropolitan Police, said: "We believe the victim was parked up in the silver VW Polo in the car park in Stratford Road, off Bell Lane, NW4, minutes before the collision took place in Parson Street.


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Storm Jorge: Family escapes unhurt as tree falls on car

A motorist has spoken of his relief after he and his family walked away unhurt when a tree landed on @ @ @ @ @ .
Paul Mee was driving on the A545 between Menai Bridge and Beaumaris , Anglesey @ @ @ @ @ The tree landed on the bonnet of the new red vehicle , writing it off @ @ @ @ @ as the Garth bends , forms part of the Anglesey half marathon circuit , which @ @ @ @ @ for Sunday 's race .
`` I was driving as the tree came down , @ @ @ @ @ I got a glimpse of the upper branches coming down and my reaction was to @ @ @ @ @ Afterwards there was shock and relief that we could get out of the car .
@

"I was driving as the tree came down," he said. "I got a glimpse of the upper branches coming down and my reaction was to slam the brakes.


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Storm Jorge: New floods 'won't be as extreme'

Further floods are expected in parts of the West Midlands after Storm Jorge , the Environment Agency ( EA ) has said .
However , these floods will be `` less extreme '' than those seen along the River Severn earlier in the week .
Hundreds of homes were evacuated and there were two severe flood warnings in Shropshire , meaning a danger to life .
Dave Throup , from the EA , said the river was due to peak overnight and into Monday but would be up to a metre below the levels seen previously .
Flood defences in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are `` good to go , '' he added .
The temporary barriers were pushed back by up to two metres due to the force of the water on Wednesday , meaning water was able to seep beneath them .
The EA said at nearby Buildwas 300 tonnes of water was flowing through the Severn every second on Sunday morning and water levels were starting to rise .
An average of 202.1mm rainfall fell last month , data from the Met Office shows , making it the wettest February since records began .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shrewsbury overnight with the peak moving downstream through Monday and Tuesday .
The EA , expects the river to peak at up to 5.7m in Ironbridge on Monday afternoon - one metre less than the levels it reached on Wednesday .
`` It 's still very high but not the absolutely extreme levels we saw this week , '' Mr Throup said .
The river will get `` high enough to be on our defences , '' he added , and there are still flood warnings in place .
In Bewdley , Worcestershire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , the river is expected to reach its highest peak on Tuesday morning at around 4.5m .
Vicki Gaffney 's home in Tenbury Wells , which is along the River Teme , is one of more than 100 that was flooded in the town earlier this week .
`` We 've just been given the very depressing news that we 've got a timeline of about six to nine months to be back in the house , '' she said .
`` I 'm finding that really hard . ''
The town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that has to change .
Her thoughts were echoed by Olivia and Stephen Higgins who run a shop on the high street .
`` You feel totally alone , '' Ms Higgins said .
`` We 're no less important than the bigger towns that flood , but that 's how we 're made to feel - bottom of the list . ''
In Worcester , the EA said `` everything is expected to stay stable '' - levels are n't looking likely to increase but nor is the river expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` It is very high water levels , '' Mr Throup said , but the city is coping and `` fully open for business '' .
Along the River Wye in Herefordshire , levels have peaked about a metre and a half below what was recorded earlier in the week .
`` I do n't think that 's going to cause too many problems , '' Mr Throup said .
`` We 're hoping for the best during this week but we 'll be monitoring the situation closely . ''
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"We've just been given the very depressing news that we've got a timeline of about six to nine months to be back in the house," she said. "I'm finding that really hard."


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Boy's tooth fairy money helps house Ilford's homeless

A £5m homeless centre has opened in east London and it all began with a £5 donation from a boy @ @ @ @ @ tooth fairy money to the Salvation Army which was topped up by Redbridge Council and @ @ @ @ @ Malachi Place .
The building has 42 flats to help homeless people get a home @ @ @ @ @ housing its first tenants .

A £5m homeless centre has opened in east London and it all began with a £5 donation from a boy.
Ten-year-old Malachi donated his tooth fairy money to the Salvation Army which was topped up by Redbridge Council and the Salvation Army to create Malachi Place.
The building has 42 flats to help homeless people get a home in Ilford and is now housing its first tenants.


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Callum Manning: Online surge of support for bullied book lover

A schoolboy bullied for his love of books has received support from authors , bookshops and celebrities .
Callum Manning created an Instagram account reviewing some of the recent books he had read .
The 13-year-old had just started a new school in South Shields when fellow pupils began mocking him about it on a group chat that he was able to see .
When his older sister tweeted about it there was a surge of online support for him and he now has 85,000 followers .
His sister Ellis Landreth tweeted on Saturday that she `` could not believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her post went viral and has attracted overwhelmingly positive responses .
Waterstones in Gateshead replied : `` We 're so sad to hear this !
: ( Talking about books is a great way to make friends and discover books you might never have otherwise read !
Please tell your brother to keep up with the reviews ! ''
It also offered him a free book the next time he was in town .
Authors , including his favourite writer , Caroline Kepnes , also sent him messages of encouragement and offered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review .
Callum 's mother , Carla Landreth said , her son was `` devastated '' reading the original messages on the group chat after school on Friday .
Typical messages had described him as `` a sad weirdo '' because of his passion for books , and although he could see the messages he was blocked from responding , which his mother said `` made things much worse '' .
She said the online response to the abuse had been `` wonderful '' though .
`` It has made him feel so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong , anti-bullying message - a case of who 's getting the last laugh now . ''
Her `` book obsessed '' son was `` over the moon '' to be contacted by authors in particular , she said .
A number of celebrities , including stars of Geordie Shore , have also messaged him privately .
She added : `` We even got a 'good luck ' message from a woman in Iraq .
`` He 's even been invited to visit the Instagram head office .
`` It 's just bonkers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we 've been able to turn a negative into a positive . ''
Callum described the reaction as `` just amazing , overwhelming '' .
`` Yesterday I had 39 followers , now I have more than 85,000 - it 's bizarre , but nice to know that people care . ''
Author Matt Haig was one of those who offered to send him signed copied of his books as it had `` instantly struck a chord '' because he remembered `` being 13 and hiding my love of books from some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you for it '' .
He added : `` I think this is about the best and worst of the internet .
`` Yes there are always going to be cyber-bullies but there are moments like this who swamp out that bullying with kindness . ''

Waterstones in Gateshead replied: "We're so sad to hear this! :( Talking about books is a great way to make friends and discover books you might never have otherwise read! Please tell your brother to keep up with the reviews!" It also offered him a free book the next time he was in town.


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Aonach Mor search resumes for climber missing after avalanche

A search has resumed on Aonach Mor for a climber who disappeared following an avalanche .
Andrew Vine , 41 @ @ @ @ @ the west face of the mountain near Fort William at about 13:00 on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ been taking part in the search operation , along with police officers and the coastguard @ @ @ @ @ and the central Highlands is the subject of a Met Office yellow warning of snow @ @ @ @ @ police said Mr Vine , who is from the Manchester area , is white , @ @ @ @ @ with ginger or brown hair and beard .
He was wearing a red jacket , @ @ @ @ @ black trousers .
He was carrying a yellow rucksack .
Sgt Ross McCartney of Police @ @ @ @ @ times passes we are becoming increasingly concerned for Mr Vine and would like to speak @ @ @ @ @ him since 1pm on Friday , 28 February , 2020 . ''

Sgt Ross McCartney of Police Scotland said: "As times passes we are becoming increasingly concerned for Mr Vine and would like to speak to anyone who has seen him since 1pm on Friday, 28 February, 2020."


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Northern rail: Government takes over after chaos

The government says it wants to give people in northern England `` more powers over their railways '' as it starts running services previously operated by Arriva Rail North .
The takeover was announced in January following widespread commuter chaos .
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham will be among a panel of northern political leaders who will advise the government 's operation .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said there would be `` no quick fix '' .
Passengers have experienced regular delays and cancellations since a timetable change in May 2018 .
They also faced strikes and an ageing fleet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which had been due to run Northern services until 2025 , previously said problems had been largely due to `` external factors '' such as infrastructure .
A Department for Transport spokeswoman said tackling overcrowding would be a priority , with `` new technology being trialled to identify crowding pinch points '' .
The government also said : • Work will continue to extend platforms at 30 stations to allow for longer trains .
• More electric trains will be introduced across the Northern network next year .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for rail in the North , but there will be no quick fix for the network as we build solutions for the future .
`` Our aim is to give the North of England more powers over their railways , restoring the confidence of passengers and delivering a network they can truly rely on . ''
In October , Mr Shapps revealed he had requested a proposal from Northern to outline its improvement plans after `` unacceptable '' delays .
The Department for Transport then considered whether to hand a new , short-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services by putting the government-controlled Operator of Last Resort ( OLR ) in charge .
OLR already manages the London North Eastern Railway ( LNER ) franchise after railway services on the East Coast Main Line were brought back under government control in May 2018 .
Northern services have transferred from Arriva Rail North to Northern Trains Limited - a newly-formed subsidiary of OLR .
A campaign for the operation of Northern services to remain in public ownership will be launched by rail union RMT , passenger groups and politicians on Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anstee , from the Northern Resist passenger group , said : `` We welcome Northern being finally taken into public ownership , but we hope the Government does n't sell it off at the first possible opportunity . ''
The Northern branding on the trains will remain and staff will continue in their jobs .

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "This is a new era for rail in the North, but there will be no quick fix for the network as we build solutions for the future.


bbcuk--2020-03-01--St David: Ten things about the Patron Saint of Wales

Celebrations are taking place for St David 's Day - but how much do we actually know about him ?
Welsh people around the world will raise a toast to the greatest figure in the Welsh Age of Saints - an irony given he was a strict teetotaller .
He established many religious communities and gives his name to the smallest city in Britain .
But much of what we 'know ' is based on the Latin writings of Rhygyfarch some 500 years after Saint David lived .
Even the image of St David has changed over the centuries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ based upon what we see in stained-glass windows where he 's portrayed as a very powerful archbishop , '' said author Martin Crampin .
`` But that was never the case at the time of his life .
`` It 's not until last century that we see him as a hermit , or a more scholarly , humble and down-to-earth figure that perhaps fits in more with what we want to see St David . ''
So meek or mighty , here are 10 facts to ponder over your bowl of cawl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St Patrick , 30 years before it happened - although the exact date is believed to be some time between 462 and 515 AD .
Some say he lived more than 100 years and died on 1 March 589 - hence St David 's Day .
2 ) He was born in a storm Whenever it was , legend says his mother Non gave birth on a cliff-top in Pembrokeshire - during a fierce storm .
At that exact moment , a bolt of lightning from heaven is said to have struck the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A nearby holy well is said to have healing powers .
His family was aristocratic .
The official biography claims his father was Sant , the Prince of Powys , and his grandfather King Ceredig founded Ceredigion .
Non was a nun and later canonised herself .
That was the name he was baptised with .
But Non named her son Dewidd , or Dewi to the locals .
5 ) He took centre stage at Glasto Educated at a monastery , he became a missionary , spreading Christianity .
Dewi was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ churches in Wales , Brittany and south-west England .
He visited Glastonbury to rededicate the abbey and donated a travelling altar that included a great sapphire - pinched 1,000 years later .
• Why is the red dragon on the Welsh flag ?
• Why is Wales used as a unit of measurement ?
Like any seaside tourist , David reputedly brought back a rock - though not the pink boiled sugar kind - from his pilgrimage to Jerusalem .
That stone now sits in an altar at St David 's Cathedral , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monastery .
Strict dieters today have nothing on St David .
He and his monks led a very simple and austere life living off only leeks and water .
They even refused to use oxen to plough their fields , preferring to do it by hand .
He is said to have cured his tutor of blindness with the sign of the cross and brought a dead boy back to life by splashing the child 's face with tears .
It is also said that the ground beneath his feet rose up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back of a large crowd in Llanddewi Brefi could hear him speak before a white dove , sent by God , settled on his shoulder .
He has been the patron saint of Wales since the 12th Century , at a time when there were more than 60 churches in Wales dedicated to him .
His shrine was so important that Pope Callistus II said two pilgrimages to St David 's were worth one to the Vatican .
Vikings regularly raided the cathedral while the shrine was stripped of its jewels during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last words to his followers came from a sermon he gave on the previous Sunday : 'Be joyful , keep the faith , and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do . '
The phrase 'Gwnewch y pethau bychain ' - 'Do the little things ' - is still well-known in Wales .

"It's not until last century that we see him as a hermit, or a more scholarly, humble and down-to-earth figure that perhaps fits in more with what we want to see St David."


bbcuk--2020-03-01--6 Music Festival: 'When bands smash guitars it breaks my heart'

Page one of the rock ' n ' roll handbook - historically given to artists on arrival - promises a life of sex , drugs and TVs being thrown out of hotel windows , guilt-free .
There 's very little mention of job insecurity , funding applications and how to market merchandise .
But these are just a few of the concerns for modern musicians wishing to keep their careers afloat in the streaming age .
Ahead of the 6 Music Festival in Camden , we spoke to four of the acts about the `` chaotic '' highs and lows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Everybody knows it 's not the 90s anymore and there 's no money in it , '' declares Fern Ford of The Big Moon .
`` I went into music knowing the choice I was making : 'Hopefully this will make me happy ' '' .
The drummer recently found happiness by playing with a box of `` new toys '' as The Big Moon recorded Walking Like We Do , the super-slick follow-up to their Mercury Prize-nominated debut album .
But having washed dishes and done various other zero-hour contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her profession , she 's taking nothing for granted .
`` Every time we do this it feels like it could be the last time .
Because you just do n't know what the lifespan of a band is nowadays . ''
The London-based four-piece are part of a new generation of artists who feel there 's `` no place '' anymore for the tired guitar-smashing `` extravagance '' of rock legend .
The most `` rock ' n ' roll carnage '' they 've been involved with was that time in Aberdeen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and broke a plastic bin .
`` When you see bands smash guitars it breaks my heart , I hate it , '' says Ford .
`` It 's like , 'Oh come on , what a kid would do to have that ' . ''
Like many of their peers , The Big Moon pay themselves a small weekly wage to get by .
This is taken out of `` the pot '' - aka the advance from their label , Fiction Records , and their publishers .
Once signed , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their day jobs in order to `` throw everything at it '' .
But when they stopped touring their debut , Ford began to feel `` isolated '' and so took up managing other bands while frontwoman Juliette Jackson was penning album number two .
`` I have no idea who I am when I 'm off tour , '' she admits .
`` You go from a chaotic life in a van all the time , playing the shows [ with ] no time to think ... And then suddenly you 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'What do I do ? '
'' As well as missing key moments in their friends ' lives , the band have had to invest their earnings back into the band .
They 've just hired `` a proper lighting designer '' to `` visually represent what is being heard '' on stage .
These expenses do n't come cheap and , with fewer people buying records , the merchandise stall has become increasingly important .
`` It 's not just sitting behind the drum kit anymore , '' laughs Ford .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we should come up with more interesting newer merch ' designs , because that 's how you pay for things .
That 's just the reality '' .
Ford 's band will be joined on the bill at the 6 Music Festival by Halifax groove riders The Orielles , accompanied by a `` special guest '' bongo and conga player .
Their new album Disco Volador may sound like a blissed-out space party , but it was created in their new earthly base , Manchester .
`` I think the North of England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ B Hand-Halford , who 's responsible for the group 's shifting time signatures .
`` We 're not really interested in being a big hype band .
We just really enjoy playing live and writing together . ''
The Yorkshire group are keen `` to travel to some new places '' with their music , starting with the US next week , and are also `` quite getting into doing remixes '' of other people 's tunes they enjoy , as well as DJing .
Producing bands themselves could be another potential future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students have always known their way around a cinematic soundscape - they 'd `` love to do a Bond theme '' - but confess they had `` no idea '' about the business side of things of the music industry .
Without the help of their label , Heavenly , Hand-Halford thinks they 'd feel more at home in the pre-digital days .
`` What it would 've been like in the 70s or 80s is something we often think about because we do listen to a lot of music from that era @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , The Pastels , A Certain Ratio and Yo La Tengo as influences .
`` There 's been a rise in social media and promoting gigs online - some bands nail it - as opposed to just having a few posters and flyers in record shops .
But I like the idea of that ! ''
To help them wrap their heads around this brave new world - and to ensure they get paid for live shows , radio play and streaming - emerging artists are advised to enlist the help of organisations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PRS ) , the Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society ( MCPS ) and music licensing company PPL .
Claire Rose , outreach manager , for PRS for Music confirms a lot of acts heard on 6 Music and Radio 1 will still be balancing band duties with day-jobs .
`` Creating a sustainable career music is a really tough one , '' says Rose .
`` It 's a huge amount of work . ''
The PRS Foundation helps to lessen that load by funding new musical talent and recent grantees have included Anna Calvi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the Brit Awards and major UK festivals , including Leeds + Reading , being accused of a lack of diversity at the top , Rose is optimistic there are opportunities for all on the way up .
`` I think if anything it 's becoming so much more inclusive , which is great . ''
she adds .
Like Ross and Rachel from Friends , Bombay Bicycle Club were officially on a break from being indie rock heroes after wrapping up promotional duties for their fourth album , So Long , See @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were away , Brexit happened , and the various band members worked on solo projects , as session musicians and/or went to University .
Sticksman Suren de Saram , who spent time drumming for Jessie Ware , tells the other BBC he initially `` struggled with the adjustment '' , after having been with Bombay Bicycle Club since school .
`` The four of us had never really experienced life outside of the band and we realised the four of us needed to kind of find our own feet individually , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 'd gone gone straight into another album cycle , that would have been the end . ''
The Ivor Novello-winners ' galvanising new LP , Everything Else Has Gone Wrong , went to number four in January - no mean feat at a time when streaming sites favour solo pop and US hip-hop artists .
De Saram thinks Bombay Bicycle Club benefited hugely from taking a break , both `` individually and as a collective '' .
`` We 're all a lot more confident and we 've re-found that energy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently stated there had been precious little to get excited about since the analogue `` old world '' ended - in a blaze of million-selling champagne-soaked Oasis glory - in an interview for the BBC Four documentary What Ever Happened to Rock ' n ' Roll ?
Another 6 Music Festival singer , Alex Rice from alternative rock band Sports Team , thinks Gallagher Senior is `` way off '' .
`` You go to these shows and it 's just the most vital spirited movement I 've ever seen , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an `` open door policy '' at their new shared house in South London and launched their infectious and irreverent debut album , Deep Down Happy , with a short-notice gig at the pub down the road .
Fans came from miles around for a night of unadulterated interactive millennial joy .
It only stopped when drummer Alex Greenwood `` cracked her head open '' .
`` It feels like a genuine sense of community , '' says Rice , who also puts on an annual coach trip to Margate for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WhatsApp group .
`` They must have made a thousand memes about this album ! ''
In their spare time , Sports Team also run their own mini-label , Holm Front - a subsidiary of major label Island Records - and put out records by other bands including their Dutch pals Personal Trainer .
Another factor that could effect bands ' finances is the impact of Brexit .
Last month , it was announced EU acts will need to buy touring visas to play in the UK from 2021 .
It 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposite direction will need their own visas , but Rice hopes that politics wo n't spoil the `` spirit of collaboration '' .
His band are determined to `` give back the feeling '' they felt at their first gigs when they were 16 .
`` I do think guitar music had lost a bit of self-confidence , '' he suggests .
`` When we first started playing our mates were like , 'Oh I 'm not going to a guitar music gig , I 'm going clubbing ' .
Now it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think we 're all feeling ambitious and heartened by it .
Why not Wembley ?
Why not Knebworth ? ''
The 6 Music Festival takes place in Camden from 6-8 March Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Another factor that could effect bands' finances is the impact of Brexit. Last month, it was announced EU acts will need to buy touring visas to play in the UK from 2021. It's not yet clear if bands travelling in the opposite direction will need their own visas, but Rice hopes that politics won't spoil the "spirit of collaboration".


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Carrie Symonds: Who is Boris Johnson's fiancee?

Boris Johnson and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds have announced they are engaged and expecting a child together .
The couple became Downing Street 's first unmarried couple when Mr Johnson took up the job as prime minister last year .
But who is Ms Symonds , and how does the PM 's personal life differ from his predecessors ?
She says she is a fan of comedy Fleabag , has met Muse 's Matt Bellamy on the Parliament terrace and once wished Sajid Javid happy birthday with a cartoon of him as an avocado .
But what else do we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of one of the founders of the Independent newspaper , Matthew Symonds and newspaper lawyer Josephine McAffee .
The 31-year-old grew up in south-west London before going on to study art history and theatre studies at Warwick University .
Her first job in politics , she says , was working for Zac Goldsmith , the MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston , adding she was `` not sure I 'd have worked for the Tories if it had n't been for him '' .
She joined the Conservative Party as a press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later worked on Mr Johnson 's successful campaign to be re-elected mayor in London .
Later jobs saw her work for the then-Culture Secretary , John Whittingdale , before being hired as a media special adviser for Sajid Javid when he was at the Department for Communities and Local Government .
She became the party 's head of communications , but left in 2018 to work in public relations for Oceana - a project that protects sea life .
Ms Symonds has a passion for conservation and uses her Twitter account to share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was an internship with an animal conservation charity that `` first got me hooked on all things animal welfare and wanting to do my bit '' , she once said .
Newspapers have credited Ms Symonds with convincing Mr Johnson to oppose fox hunting , and to make animal welfare promises in his first speech as PM .
In 2009 , Ms Symonds revealed to the Daily Telegraph that during her first year at university , she was given a lift by black cab rapist John Worboys .
She waived her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a bus stop in west London in July 2007 when he pulled up in his cab and offered to take her home for £5 .
He gave her a glass of champagne , which she poured away , but said she drank a shot of vodka he offered her .
She later campaigned against the decision - now reversed - to release Worboys from prison .
How long have the couple been together ?
Ms Symonds was first romantically linked to Mr Johnson by the media in early 2019 .
Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marina Wheeler , had announced they were divorcing in 2018 after 25 years .
They have four children together .
During Mr Johnson 's leadership campaign launch on 12 June , Ms Symonds was seen in the audience .
The same month , before Mr Johnson won the leadership , police were called to the couple 's home in south London after neighbours reportedly heard a loud argument .
When Mr Johnson first became PM in July 2019 , Ms Symonds watched from the sidelines as Mr Johnson entered No 10 .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who joined their husbands on the famous Downing Street steps .
But , after the December election , the couple walked in together .
The couple live in the flat above No 11 Downing Street .
They have adopted a puppy from an animal rescue charity in south Wales , who they named Dilyn .
The baby 's due date of early summer would suggest it was conceived during the autumn , around the time that the October 31 Brexit deadline was extended .
When Mr Johnson took office , it was unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a girlfriend in Downing Street .
Mr Johnson , 55 is only the third divorced prime minister since 1721 .
Ms Symonds , meanwhile , is the youngest partner of a PM in 173 years .
As well as Ms Wheeler , Mr Johnson was previously married to Allegra Mostyn-Owen for six years from 1987 .
In 2004 , he was sacked from the Conservative frontbench after claims he misled his party 's leader over a reported affair with journalist Petronella Wyatt .
And in 2013 it emerged during a court hearing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an adulterous liaison while Mayor of London in 2009 .
Although divorce was considered scandalous in the 1950s when divorcee Anthony Eden led the country , the idea of a prime minister 's partner has now changed in line with society 's norms , says politics lecturer Dr Nicholas Allen .
It is not an unusual arrangement - co-habiting unmarried couples are now the fastest-growing family type in the UK , according to the ONS .
And even though Mr Johnson is 24 years older than Ms Symonds , big age gaps have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , citing the 23-year-gap between Mr Eden and second wife Clarissa .
In terms of the pregnancy announcement , it is not the first time a baby has been born to a serving prime minister .
Tony and Cherie Blair had Leo in May 2000 , while David and Samantha Cameron had daughter Florence in 2010 .
What roles do PMs ' partners usually have ?
`` There are as many ways to be a PM 's wife or partner as there are to be prime minister , '' Dr Allen says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to interpretation '' says Dr Allen , who lectures at Royal Holloway university .
He adds all partners to some extent are `` a sounding board , someone to speak to at night '' , as well as accompanying the PM at official events .
Other roles , which past spouses have adopted , include that of a `` personal champion '' who encourages their partners to seek high office , like Neville Chamberlain 's wife , Anne .
Some partners have adopted a policy or political role , while others have served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of office .
Theresa May described her husband , Philip May , as her `` rock '' , telling the Daily Mail he poured her a whisky and made her beans on toast during one difficult week .
Mr May - like his wife - was a largely private figure but still accompanied the ex-PM on major trips abroad .
His interpretation of the role echoed that of his only male predecessor , Denis Thatcher , who summed up his approach as `` always present , never there '' .
Traditionally , writes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book Prime Ministers ' Wives and One Husband , consorts did not have their own careers .
Before Cherie Blair , only Audrey Callaghan and Denis Thatcher had careers of their own .
And not many prime ministers ' wives have felt able to speak out candidly , he adds - although plain-speaking in private can be beneficial .
He writes : `` This was Clementine Churchill 's great strength , notably in 1940 when Winston 's popularity and prestige were at their height and she wrote him an outspoken letter saying , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his head . ''
When human rights lawyer and part-time judge Cherie Blair entered No 10 with husband Tony , never before had a prime ministerial consort attracted such a high profile .
Mrs Blair continued to work as a lawyer and often made headlines for her actions .
She once phoned TV show Richard and Judy to complain that her husband never buys her flowers , as well as speaking out on policy issues .
`` She was the first prime ministerial spouse who was thought to earn more than her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martin Farr from Newcastle University .
Mrs Blair 's successors - Sarah Brown and Samantha Cameron - used their position to champion charitable causes , and both held receptions in Downing Street .
Public relations executive and charity founder Mrs Brown continued her charitable work , and in 2009 she gave the keynote speech at a meeting of the World Health Organization .
She later wrote a memoir detailing life as a PM 's spouse .
Meanwhile , after her husband took office , businesswoman Mrs Cameron - who was five months ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from her role as creative director at luxury stationery firm Smythsons .
She later hosted regular receptions for volunteers , and was also an ambassador for the British Fashion Council .
Dr Allen suggests the role of PM 's partner has changed , along with the long-term cultural shift `` that a wife is not simply defined by her husband '' .
But he says lots of prime ministerial wives were previously not defined by their husbands , citing socialite Margot Asquith .
Parts of this article were originally published in August 2019 @

She waived her anonymity to tell how she was waiting at a bus stop in west London in July 2007 when he pulled up in his cab and offered to take her home for £5. While she was in the back of his cab, he gave her a glass of champagne, which she poured away, but said she drank a shot of vodka he offered her.


bbcuk--2020-02-29--Liverpool's Premier League unbeaten run ends: Where did it rank with greats?

Liverpool 's remarkable 3-0 defeat at Watford brought to an end a 44-game unbeaten run in the Premier League - just five games short of Arsenal 's top-flight record .
It also meant they failed to secure an English league record 19th consecutive win , finishing their run on 18 - joint with Manchester City 's landmark .
Liverpool 's previous top-flight loss came when they were beaten 2-1 by eventual champions City on 3 January 2019 - 422 days ago .
Jurgen Klopp 's side were the third Premier League team to manage more than a year without losing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the entire 2003-04 season - and Chelsea ( from October 2004 to November 2005 ) are the others .
Liverpool 's only domestic defeats in that period were against Wolves in the FA Cup last January and their young team losing to Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup in December .
If you include penalties you can throw in this season 's Community Shield too .
Despite that unbeaten run , Liverpool did not win any domestic trophies in 2019 .
Their success came in international tournaments , becoming the first English side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup titles simultaneously .
• When can Liverpool win the title ?
Liverpool won 39 of their 44 matches at a rate of 2.77 points per game during their unbeaten run .
When Manchester City set a record total of 100 points in 2017-18 , they did so at a rate of 2.63 points per game .
The Reds won nine straight games at the end of last season but still missed out on the title .
The Anfield side 's total of 97 points was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most achieved by a runner-up .
That winning sequence continued into this season - a further eight successes stretching their run to 17 straight victories .
A 1-1 draw at Manchester United in October meant they fell one game short of City 's record of 18 consecutive wins .
They won every game since then to equal that record - but that ended with the defeat at Vicarage Road on Saturday , 29 February .
Liverpool still sit 22 points above Manchester City , with no real danger of missing out on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three of Roberto Firmino , Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have been at the heart of their success over the past 14 months , with no other player scoring more than seven goals .
The Reds , who had scored in their previous 36 Premier League games , registered 104 goals in total in their unbeaten run , with only Mane ( 27 ) , Salah ( 24 ) and Firmino ( 12 ) making it into double figures .
Virgil van Dijk ( seven ) , Georginio Wijnaldum and Divock Origi ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hit five or more .
Twelve other players managed to score , with three own goals too .
The top assisters will not surprise you - Trent Alexander-Arnold ( 21 ) , Andrew Robertson ( 14 ) and Firmino ( 10 ) are the only ones in double figures .
Where does this rank with the great unbeaten runs ?
Twelve teams have gone a year or more unbeaten in Europe 's top five leagues ( excluding sides whose run lasted fewer than 32 games like Preston in 1888-89 ) .
Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - have failed to win a title during that year .
The Reds fell 14 games short of AC Milan 's remarkable unbeaten Serie A run from May 1991 to March 1993 - a sequence of 58 games lasting for 672 days .
Liverpool 's record is the fifth longest in Europe 's top five leagues , behind Milan , Bayern Munich , Arsenal and Juventus .
Liverpool ended five games , and more than 100 days , short of Arsenal 's 49-game unbeaten run - including the Invincibles season of 2003-04 - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the Football League began in 1888 .
Their record is the second longest in the history of English professional football , edging past Huddersfield 's League One run of 43 games unbeaten .
Unlike the Reds , the three top-flight teams to have unbeaten runs of longer than 32 games all had their streaks ended by one of their main rivals .
Manchester United ended Arsenal and Chelsea 's runs , with Liverpool beating Nottingham Forest .
They fell way short of the British record of 62 league games unbeaten by Celtic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Glasgow club almost matched it again two years ago when they went 56 Scottish Premiership games - and 69 domestic matches - without defeat from May 2016 to December 2017 .
The European record was always likely to be out of Liverpool 's grasp .
Steaua Bucharest went 104 league games ( and 119 domestic matches ) unbeaten between 1986 and 1989 - including three whole top-flight seasons .
Europe 's longest chronological unbeaten league run is Lincoln Red Imps ' 1,959-day ( more than five-year ) streak in the Gibraltar Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a run of 88 matches .
In terms of points per game , Liverpool have the best record of any of the six English league teams to go 34 or more games unbeaten .
Whose unbeaten runs have not produced any silverware ?
Two other European teams who have had an unbeaten run of 37 games or more failed to win the title in that time - Real Sociedad and Perugia .
Perugia have the distinction of going an entire league season unbeaten without ever winning the title .
Their 11 wins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1978-79 saw them record their best finish of second in Serie A , to a Milan side that lost three matches .
Real Sociedad would go on to win the following two La Liga titles after the end of their unbeaten run during the 1979-80 campaign .
Huddersfield Town 's 43 league games unbeaten between December 2010 and November 2011 - the third best run in English history - was ultimately fruitless .
They started and finished the run third in League One , with their 3-0 play-off final defeat by Peterborough United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league game .
What records can Liverpool still break ?
Liverpool will break the European points record with ease if they continue with this form for the rest of the season .
The Reds will get 107 points if they continue their average of 2.82 points per game .
The most points in a top-flight campaign in Europe is Celtic 's 106 in 2016-17 .
The second and third ?
Barry 's 105 in 1996-97 and 104 the following season in Wales .
Celtic ( 103 in 2001-02 ) , Juventus ( 102 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 , 2011-12 ) and Barcelona ( 100 , 2012-13 ) are the only other teams in Europe to reach 100 points , according to a Uefa article in 2014 .
Manchester City also reached that landmark in 2017-18 .
The Reds are only 19 points away from their record of 98 in 1978-79 ( adjusted to three points for a win ) - but that was in a 42-game season .
The Reds ' best points-per-game return was last season as they picked up 97 at a rate of 2.55 per game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earliest Premier League title win ever - which is currently held by Manchester United who won the 2000-01 title on 14 April .
Liverpool have won their past 21 home Premier League games , equalling the English top-flight record for consecutive home wins , set by the Reds themselves between January and December 1972 under Bill Shankly .

Last updated on .From the section Liverpool
Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino scored 60% of Liverpool's Premier League goals during their unbeaten run
Liverpool's remarkable 3-0 defeat at Watford brought to an end a 44-game unbeaten run in the Premier League - just five games short of Arsenal's top-flight record.
It also meant they failed to secure an English league record 19th consecutive win, finishing their run on 18 - joint with Manchester City's landmark.
Liverpool's previous top-flight loss came when they were beaten 2-1 by eventual champions City on 3 January 2019 - 422 days ago.
Jurgen Klopp's side were the third Premier League team to manage more than a year without losing. Arsenal - whose 49 games included the entire 2003-04 season - and Chelsea (from October 2004 to November 2005) are the others.
Liverpool's only domestic defeats in that period were against Wolves in the FA Cup last January and their young team losing to Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup in December. If you include penalties you can throw in this season's Community Shield too.
Despite that unbeaten run, Liverpool did not win any domestic trophies in 2019. Their success came in international tournaments, becoming the first English side to hold the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup titles simultaneously.
Liverpool picked up 17 points more than Manchester City - and 50 points more than anyone else - during their unbeaten run
The numbers behind Liverpool's incredible 422 days
Liverpool won 39 of their 44 matches at a rate of 2.77 points per game during their unbeaten run. When Manchester City set a record total of 100 points in 2017-18, they did so at a rate of 2.63 points per game.
The Reds won nine straight games at the end of last season but still missed out on the title. The Anfield side's total of 97 points was the third highest in Premier League history and the most achieved by a runner-up.
That winning sequence continued into this season - a further eight successes stretching their run to 17 straight victories.
A 1-1 draw at Manchester United in October meant they fell one game short of City's record of 18 consecutive wins. They won every game since then to equal that record - but that ended with the defeat at Vicarage Road on Saturday, 29 February.
Liverpool still sit 22 points above Manchester City, with no real danger of missing out on the title.
Liverpool's dynamic front three of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have been at the heart of their success over the past 14 months, with no other player scoring more than seven goals.
The Reds, who had scored in their previous 36 Premier League games, registered 104 goals in total in their unbeaten run, with only Mane (27), Salah (24) and Firmino (12) making it into double figures.
Virgil van Dijk (seven), Georginio Wijnaldum and Divock Origi (five each) are the only others to hit five or more.
Twelve other players managed to score, with three own goals too.
The top assisters will not surprise you - Trent Alexander-Arnold (21), Andrew Robertson (14) and Firmino (10) are the only ones in double figures.
Liverpool's top Premier League scorers in the unbeaten run. Seven players scored one or two goals
Where does this rank with the great unbeaten runs?
Twelve teams have gone a year or more unbeaten in Europe's top five leagues (excluding sides whose run lasted fewer than 32 games like Preston in 1888-89). Of those, only three - including Liverpool - have failed to win a title during that year.
The Reds fell 14 games short of AC Milan's remarkable unbeaten Serie A run from May 1991 to March 1993 - a sequence of 58 games lasting for 672 days.
Liverpool's record is the fifth longest in Europe's top five leagues, behind Milan, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus.
Liverpool ended five games, and more than 100 days, short of Arsenal's 49-game unbeaten run - including the Invincibles season of 2003-04 - which is the record for any team since the Football League began in 1888.
Their record is the second longest in the history of English professional football, edging past Huddersfield's League One run of 43 games unbeaten.
Unlike the Reds, the three top-flight teams to have unbeaten runs of longer than 32 games all had their streaks ended by one of their main rivals. Manchester United ended Arsenal and Chelsea's runs, with Liverpool beating Nottingham Forest.
They fell way short of the British record of 62 league games unbeaten by Celtic between November 1915 and April 1917. The Glasgow club almost matched it again two years ago when they went 56 Scottish Premiership games - and 69 domestic matches - without defeat from May 2016 to December 2017.
The European record was always likely to be out of Liverpool's grasp. Steaua Bucharest went 104 league games (and 119 domestic matches) unbeaten between 1986 and 1989 - including three whole top-flight seasons.
Europe's longest chronological unbeaten league run is Lincoln Red Imps' 1,959-day (more than five-year) streak in the Gibraltar Premier Division from May 2009 to September 2014, a run of 88 matches.
In terms of points per game, Liverpool have the best record of any of the six English league teams to go 34 or more games unbeaten.
Table of English teams to go 34 games or more unbeaten - sorted by points per game and adjusted to three points for a win where necessary
Whose unbeaten runs have not produced any silverware?
Two other European teams who have had an unbeaten run of 37 games or more failed to win the title in that time - Real Sociedad and Perugia.
Perugia have the distinction of going an entire league season unbeaten without ever winning the title. Their 11 wins and 19 draws from 30 games in 1978-79 saw them record their best finish of second in Serie A, to a Milan side that lost three matches.
Real Sociedad would go on to win the following two La Liga titles after the end of their unbeaten run during the 1979-80 campaign.
Huddersfield Town's 43 league games unbeaten between December 2010 and November 2011 - the third best run in English history - was ultimately fruitless. They started and finished the run third in League One, with their 3-0 play-off final defeat by Peterborough United in the middle not counted as a league game.
What records can Liverpool still break?
Liverpool will break the European points record with ease if they continue with this form for the rest of the season.
The Reds will get 107 points if they continue their average of 2.82 points per game.
The most points in a top-flight campaign in Europe is Celtic's 106 in 2016-17. The second and third? Barry's 105 in 1996-97 and 104 the following season in Wales.
Celtic (103 in 2001-02), Juventus (102 in 2013-14), Real Madrid (100, 2011-12) and Barcelona (100, 2012-13) are the only other teams in Europe to reach 100 points, according to a Uefa article in 2014.
Manchester City also reached that landmark in 2017-18.
The Reds are only 19 points away from their record of 98 in 1978-79 (adjusted to three points for a win) - but that was in a 42-game season. The Reds' best points-per-game return was last season as they picked up 97 at a rate of 2.55 per game.
They can still wrap up the earliest Premier League title win ever - which is currently held by Manchester United who won the 2000-01 title on 14 April.
Liverpool have won their past 21 home Premier League games, equalling the English top-flight record for consecutive home wins, set by the Reds themselves between January and December 1972 under Bill Shankly.


bbcuk--2020-02-29--Why are Scottish councils closing their outdoor centres?

Residential centres across Scotland have given generations of schoolchildren a chance to experience the great outdoors , but yet more facilities are set to close this year .
What is behind the decline - and why are people worried about the impact ?
Last week , staff at Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre in Argyll and Bute were called in for an emergency meeting .
Glasgow City Council officials told them that the centre - one of the largest of its type in Scotland - would be closing in less than four months .
The closure was part of a raft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget which were due to be announced in a few hours .
By the end of the day , the budget was voted through and the centre 's fate appeared sealed .
The 44 staff at Blairvadach , on the east shore of Gare Loch , were left shocked by the decision , which quickly sparked a campaign to save the centre .
Glasgow City Council says it is committed to exploring `` new , innovative and alternative '' ways to offer outdoor learning that `` complements '' a pupil 's education .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an experience at one of these centres can become a central part of their child 's life .
Mr Loydon , an illustrator from Glasgow , has three autistic children who have all gone to Blairvadach for a week-long residential course .
His youngest son , Cassidy , has selective-mutism and uses only about 100 words .
Since going to the centre two of those words are `` Blairvadach '' and `` adventure '' .
`` Cassidy was 11 when he went , '' Mr Loydon says .
`` When he came back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also made a painting of himself at Blairvadach .
Two years later , he still talks about it . ''
Blairvadach opens up activities like kayaking , climbing and gorge walking to all youngsters , whatever their ability and background .
The courses are subsidised and no-one 's excluded .
For a parent who is constantly worrying about his son 's safety - Cassidy has `` no sense of danger '' , he says - sending your child away to such a centre could be an anxious time .
But Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few places he would trust to look after Cassidy for a whole week .
`` There 's something about the staff .
You can trust them , '' he says .
`` They treat the kids with respect and they treat them as individuals .
It 's a non-judgemental environment .
`` And at the end of the day , everyone 's covered head to toe in mud . ''
But there is a catch to making these experiences inclusive at a subsidised price , and it 's the cost .
Council budgets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than £1m a year to run - although its recent accounts show the centre 's costs are reducing and income is rising , so the net expenditure is much less than that .
Many councils simply do n't want the burden of running a fully-staffed , residential centre and all that goes with it and instead use centres run by charities or businesses .
Glasgow 's decision to close Blairvadach , which opened more than 45 years ago , mirrors a story that has been repeated across Scotland in recent decades .
Recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were 123 residential centres in 1982 , more than 70 of them run by local authorities .
By 2018 that had fallen to 64 centres , with less than a dozen owned by councils .
Now there are just seven council centres left , two of which are due to close this year .
They are Blairvadach and Kilbowie in Oban , which became a victim of savings being made by North Lanarkshire Council in its recent budget .
Both these closures have sparked a backlash from past and present users of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blairvadach and Kilbowie quickly reaching more than 10,000 signatures .
Some children in Glasgow already visit residential centres elsewhere in Scotland .
The city council said it planned to move its outdoor education provision to a `` Glasgow-based model '' in the future , using the city 's parks and open spaces while working to ensure `` improved and inclusive access for all '' .
It said this included a `` very successful partnership '' with Pinkston Watersports Centre which had been running since since 2015 , offering outdoor education programmes based around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sport Awards .
`` This has proved a very popular model for our schools with outdoor education opportunities easily accessible during the school day , '' said the council .
`` Uptake has almost doubled in the four years the centre has been operational . ''
But Robbie Nicol , a former Blairvadach instructor and now a professor of outdoor education at the University of Edinburgh , says that taking children away from their everyday surroundings is valuable in itself .
`` Your brain responds in certain ways to certain spaces .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says .
`` There 's something special about Blairvadach 's long association with Glasgow - but it is outside the city .
`` It 's the idea that you 're going away and going to do something different , travelling on the bus somewhere you 've never been .
Some of the children who go there have never been out of the city before . ''
Many outdoor instructors will have a story about a child they were able to reach in a profound way , and Prof Nicol is no exception @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boy from Glasgow they were about to walk up a hill that was hidden in the cloud .
`` He said to me 'does that mean I 'll touch the clouds ? '
`` When I said 'yes ' , he was almost in tears .
And these things happen all the time , '' he says .
According to Prof Nicol , the `` peak time '' for outdoor education in Scotland was the late 1960s and through the 1970s , with the decline setting in from the early 1980s .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which he says `` lacks ambition '' .
`` It has n't been innovative .
They rely too much on the thrills and spills and not on the connection with nature , '' he says .
`` We need to focus on what kids ca n't get elsewhere . ''
The Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education has also voiced concerns about the increasing outsourcing of such services .
It believes the `` educational quality , employment standards and equitable access to universal provision have often decreased '' .
David Fowler , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2010 , says he has witnessed the decline of properly resourced outdoor education in Scotland .
He had to resist an attempt to shut the centre down in the 1980s because it was too expensive and says he was always aware that outdoor education was a `` soft target '' .
But he believes that well-resourced , council-run facilities are possible - as demonstrated by Edinburgh and North Ayrshire councils that have three big and flourishing centres between them .
Mr Fowler says you ca n't measure the benefits of a week in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convinced the impact on a child can last a lifetime .
`` When I would give briefings to parents about the residential weeks , I can remember someone coming up to me afterwards and saying their grandson was going to be on the course and there he was sitting over there .
`` They can recount the experience they had at the centre years later .
It 's so long-lasting , '' he says .
`` You 're not going to get the same experience in the parks of Glasgow .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater understanding of the world around them . ''

"When I would give briefings to parents about the residential weeks, I can remember someone coming up to me afterwards and saying their grandson was going to be on the course and there he was sitting over there.


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Coronavirus: Isolating cities in UK 'not ruled out'

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has refused to rule out the possibility of entire cities being isolated , if that is @ @ @ @ @ spread of coronavirus in the UK .
Speaking to the BBC 's Andrew Marr , @ @ @ @ @ move would have an `` economic and social downside '' , but added that `` @ @ @ @ @ off the table at this stage '' .

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has refused to rule out the possibility of entire cities being isolated, if that is required to deal with the spread of coronavirus in the UK.
Speaking to the BBC's Andrew Marr, he said that such a move would have an "economic and social downside", but added that "we don't take anything off the table at this stage".


bbcuk--2020-03-01--'I should have been challenged on my transition'

Keira Bell transitioned to a male when she was a teenager , taking puberty blockers provided after consultations at the @ @ @ @ @ only gender-identity development service .
The 23-year-old says she should have been challenged more by @ @ @ @ @ .
The Tavistock said it always took a cautious approach to treatment .
The clinic @ @ @ @ @ examination of the evidence in this contentious area .

Keira Bell transitioned to a male when she was a teenager, taking puberty blockers provided after consultations at the Tavistock, the UK's only gender-identity development service.
The 23-year-old says she should have been challenged more by medical staff over her decision.
She stopped taking cross-sex hormones last year.
The Tavistock said it always took a cautious approach to treatment.
The clinic added that it welcomed an examination of the evidence in this contentious area.


bbcuk--2020-02-29--Sir Philip Rutnam: 'I am making a claim for constructive dismissal'

The top civil servant in the Home Office has resigned and said he intends to sue the government for constructive @ @ @ @ @ said there had been a `` vicious , orchestrated briefing campaign '' against him .
@ @ @ @ @ the BBC , he also criticised Home Secretary Priti Patel in relation to allegations she @ @ @ @ @ denied any wrongdoing .

The top civil servant in the Home Office has resigned and said he intends to sue the government for constructive dismissal.
Sir Philip Rutnam said there had been a "vicious, orchestrated briefing campaign" against him.
In an exclusive statement to the BBC, he also criticised Home Secretary Priti Patel in relation to allegations she mistreated officials. She has denied any wrongdoing.


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Greta Thunberg Bristol strike: Row over College Green damage

Hundreds have called for the organisers of a Greta Thunberg climate change rally to pay for damage caused to green space .
Around 15,000 people are believed to have attended Friday 's Bristol Youth Strike 4 Climate rally , churning up College Green and angering many .
A fundraiser was set up for repairs , which then resulted in calls for rally organisers to cover the costs .
The organiser said people had done their best in the muddy conditions .
Climate campaigner Greta gave a speech on College Green before leading a march around the city .
The combination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned much of the grass into mud , angering some .
Gavin Mountjoy commented on Facebook : `` Oh the irony , hundreds of people turning up to talk about our planet dying end up destroying a green area . ''
Barrie Moore , also on Facebook , said : `` The organisers of this march should be made to pay for the damage . ''
• Greta Thunberg in Bristol : How it happened Jon Usher , head of partnerships of Bristol-based charity Sustrans , set up a GoFundMe page after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
By Sunday morning more than £9,000 had been donated .
Mr Usher , who attended the rally , said : `` I did it knowing how important the green is to our staff as a place to go in the spring and summertime .
`` I thought it would be nice to give something back to the city . ''
Bristol City Council , which is responsible for College Green , said it will examine the area on Monday .
Kai Damani , one of the event 's organisers , said people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` When you look at College Green now , most of it is completely brown but where the flowers are is completely intact which does show that people do care about wildlife , '' he said .
Avon and Somerset Police had raised safety concerns before the event , but Supt Andy Bennett praised the organisers afterwards .
He said : `` I think it 's been a great success for the city and a great success for the organisers . ''

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bbcuk--2020-03-01--Two leading SNP figures to step down from Holyrood

Two leading figures in the Scottish National Party have announced they will step down as MSPs .
Michael Russell , who represents Argyll and Bute , will not stand in the Holyrood election next year .
Mr Russell , who will be 67 in August , said it may be time for someone younger to represent the constituency .
It has also been announced that Stewart Stevenson , who represents Banffshire and Buchan Coast for the SNP , will leave parliament at the election .
He is 74 and has been an SNP activist since 1961 .
Announcing the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` I will be 67 this summer and 72 at the end of the next Parliament .
`` Argyll & Bute is a massive area to cover - with 23 inhabited islands and a large swathe of the mainland - and I am getting to the stage of thinking that someone younger would be better able to fulfil all the demands of the constituency .
`` It is , I think , much better I say that now than wait for someone else to do so . ''
• Mike Russell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 1953 • Grew up in his father 's home town of Troon , Ayrshire • Founder and first director of the Celtic Media Festival • Member of the Scottish parliament since 1999 ( except for 2003-7 term ) • Has represented Argyll and Bute at Holyrood since 2011 Although initially a Labour supporter as a student , Mr Russell joined the SNP in 1974 .
He held a number of constituency , and then national , offices in the party before becoming its first full-time chief executive in December 1994 .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first elections in 1999 , although he failed to keep his seat in 2003 .
Mr Russell first became a minister , responsible for the environment , when he was elected in 2007 .
He said his decision to leave parliament did not mean he would stop campaigning for Scottish independence .
`` After next May I still intend to be active in the political sphere , '' he said .
`` I think of my decision as stepping back from some current roles , not stepping away from my commitment to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can have and should choose .
`` Independence is so much closer than it was when I first voted for the SNP 46 years ago .
I hope I have contributed something to that success and I still hope to contribute more but in a different way and role . ''
Stewart Stevenson 's retirement comes after serving in the Scottish parliament since 2001 .
He was born in Edinburgh and grew up in Cupar in Fife .
Mr Stevenson studied mathematics at the University of Aberdeen and worked in information technology with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full-time politician .
His roles in government have included minister for transport .
Announcing his retirement , he said : `` I will miss working with , and for , so many people in the constituency , but for the year next I shall continue to work hard to represent the people of the North-east and I hope to say a personal thank you to the many people who have been part of my life over the years in both the constituency and at Holyrood .
`` My leaving Parliament does not mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Until Scotland can make its own decisions as a normal , independent country , co-operating with friendly neighbours for moral causes , I shall continue to lend my efforts wherever and whenever I can . ''
Fellow SNP MSPs James Dornan , who represents Glasgow Cathcart , and Gail Ross , who represents the Caithness , Sutherland and Ross constituency , have also said in the last week that they will not seek re-election next year .

Announcing his retirement, he said: "I will miss working with, and for, so many people in the constituency, but for the year next I shall continue to work hard to represent the people of the North-east and I hope to say a personal thank you to the many people who have been part of my life over the years in both the constituency and at Holyrood.


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Coronavirus: 'Extremely serious' concerns on potential tourism impact

The chief executive of Tourism Ireland has said he has `` extremely serious '' concerns over the potential impact of coronavirus .
Niall Gibbons said there had already been trip cancellations , amid growing fears more visitors will stay away .
The first patient confirmed in the Republic of Ireland is being treated in a Dublin hospital .
The man from the eastern part of the country was confirmed as having coronavirus on Saturday , RTE reported .
It followed a woman from Northern Ireland being diagnosed with the virus - also known as Covid-19 - on Thursday .
Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Italy .
`` The coronavirus story has moved from its first chapter , which happened in China , into its second chapter now and our concern has moved from very serious to extremely serious , '' Mr Gibbons told BBC Northern Ireland 's Sunday Politics programme .
`` What has happened over the past week is of a much more serious nature .
`` European visitors to the island of Ireland spend about €2bn ( £1.7bn ) , it is a large part of our income .
`` Sixty-six per cent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republic of Ireland , so working together has never been more important .
`` We are seeing no-shows , we are seeing cancellations over the past week . ''
Mr Gibbons also highlighted the cancellation of next week 's international tourism fair ITB in Berlin , where 30 companies had been set to promote the island of Ireland at the world 's biggest trade show .
But he added that tourism across the island of Ireland was a `` strong product '' and would `` bounce back '' .
Last month it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland had been affected by the outbreak , at a point when it was still largely confined to China .
Ireland 's clash with Italy in the Six Nations rugby tournament has been called off and Mr Gibbons said he expected a decision on whether Dublin 's St Patrick 's festival from 13-17 March would go ahead would be taken by the end of the week .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ?
A simple guide • WAYS TO PREVENT CATCHING IT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHERE ARE WE WITH A VACCINE ?
Progress so far • A VISUAL GUIDE TO THE OUTBREAK : Virus maps and charts • WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR MY HOLIDAY ?
Your rights as a traveller Joanne Stuart , of the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance , told Sunday Politics she was highly concerned as the industry was seeing cancellations throughout the peak season .
`` A lot of businesses in tourism are small businesses and we are very reliant on that peak season to enable people to develop reserves for the rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Republic of Ireland 's Health Protection Surveillance Centre said it was continuing to trace anyone who may have been in close contact with the man diagnosed with coronavirus on Saturday .
It said it expected the work to be complete within 24 hours .
Officials in Northern Ireland have said everyone in close contact with the woman who was diagnosed there had been contacted .
• Taoiseach ( Irish PM ) Leo Varadkar and the Republic of Ireland 's Health Minister Simon Harris held a conference call with Northern Ireland 's political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus • Churches including the Catholic Church and Church of Ireland recommended physical contact during services is stopped • Ireland 's Six Nations match against France in Paris is under growing threat • Health Secretary Matt Hancock said no tactics would be `` off the table '' in the UK government 's containment plans • Two schools in Northern Ireland have cancelled ski trips to Italy NI Health Minister Robin Swann said : `` Positive test results had been anticipated on both sides of the border and we have repeatedly made clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not if .
`` I have full confidence in the expertise and commitment of our public health professionals and pay tribute to everyone working hard to contain the spread of this virus and keep us well . ''
On Friday , Mr Swann said the NHS 111 advice helpline had replaced the PHA 's coronavirus helpline in Northern Ireland .
That meant people in Northern Ireland had access to the `` same level of advice as citizens in England '' , he added .


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Coronavirus: Vaughan Gething urges calm over outbreak

People need to carry on with their lives as normal and not worry about the coronavirus outbreak , Wales ' health minister has said .
Vaughan Gething said there was no need to shut schools or panic-buy but to take steps if symptoms develop .
But First Minister Mark Drakeford said he would support bringing back retired GPs if the situation worsened .
The first case of coronavirus in Wales was confirmed on Friday in a patient who had returned from northern Italy .
The outbreak started in China but has spread around the world .
In the UK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One British person has died in Japan after contracting the virus on a cruise ship .
• What is coronavirus and what are the symptoms ?
• How dangerous is disease for asthmatics , and other questions '' We 're not wanting to panic people , '' Mr Gething told BBC Radio Wales ' Sunday Supplement programme .
`` We 're at a stage where we 're looking to identify and contain coronavirus .
That 's still the position we 're at and we still ca n't be certain about what the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it 's a sensible thing for any part of the government to paint the most worrying scenario and ask people to prepare for that .
`` People do n't need to be worried , we do n't need to see schools close and we do n't need to see people stocking up on essentials .
We need people to go about their normal day-to-day business . ''
Mr Gething said talks were continually taking place about future steps with the UK government but the advice remained the same .
He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about their business as they would do , and if you 're symptomatic , to follow the advice of the National Health Service consistently across the four nations of the UK . ''
Meanwhile , Mr Drakeford said Wales could follow a UK government contingency plan to ask newly-retired doctors and nurses to return to the NHS in a worst-case scenario .
`` If powers are taken to accelerate the return to the workforce ... if there was a genuine pandemic of coronavirus then of course we would be looking to play our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said ahead of Monday 's Cobra meeting being chaired by Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
Dai Lloyd , chairman of the Welsh assembly 's health committee , urged people to be `` a bit obsessive about hygiene '' .
He said : `` We 're coming into some unchartered territory really .
`` It is challenging to deal with which is why at a personal and community level , we need to be doing the little things first , and that is hygiene .
`` We need to get a bit obsessive about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soap and water and self-isolating obsessively as well . ''
How deadly is the coronavirus ?
Based on data from 44,000 patients with this coronavirus , the World Health Organization says : The proportion dying from the disease , which has been named Covid-19 , appears low - between 1 % and 2 % - but the figures are unreliable .
Thousands are still being treated but may go on to die - so the death rate could be higher .
But it is also unclear how many mild cases remain unreported - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower .
To put this into context , about one billion people catch influenza every year , with between 290,000 and 650,000 deaths .
The severity of flu changes every year .

"If powers are taken to accelerate the return to the workforce... if there was a genuine pandemic of coronavirus then of course we would be looking to play our part here in Wales," he said ahead of Monday's Cobra meeting being chaired by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Isla Tansey: Charity named after 'painted stones' girl

A charity is being set up in memory of a seven-year-old terminally ill girl whose love for painting stones inspired thousands around the world .
Isla Tansey , from Hinckley in Leicestershire , developed the hobby before she died of a rare spine cancer .
While she could no longer walk or travel she asked people to make and hide their own painted stones for her .
Thousands took part , breaking the world record for the largest display of painted stones .
Now her parents are setting up the Islastones Foundation to support other families dealing with childhood cancers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and get help with applying for grants .
`` Keeping her legacy going is really important to us , '' said Isla 's mum Katherine Tansey .
`` When I see other families affected by childhood cancer and see how they 're struggling , I just want to be able to help .
`` The thing that kept us going while Isla was poorly was our friends being there for us and the community that reached out .
`` We want to give something back because everyone supported us so much . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Glioma ( DIPG ) in January 2018 and was given no treatment options .
She began painting stones and asked others to paint stones too , then share photos of them on social media .
From this # islastones grew and stones were found as far away as America , Australia and Antarctica .
`` Because she was in her bed and wanted to travel , these stones are parts of Isla all around the world , '' added Mrs Tansey .
`` Even though she was in so much pain and agony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` People followed her story and they found it 's helped them and their mental health to paint stones as well . ''
The charity has set up its base in The Artisan Centre on Coventry Road , Hinckley , which has been kitted out with donated furniture .
It will officially open in March .
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Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

"The thing that kept us going while Isla was poorly was our friends being there for us and the community that reached out.


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Coronavirus: Thirteen more cases confirmed in UK

Twelve more people in England and one in Scotland have tested positive for coronavirus , taking the total number of UK cases to 36 .
Scotland confirmed that its first patient was a Tayside resident who recently returned from Italy .
Three of the new cases in England were linked to a man from Surrey , who was the first to be infected within the UK .
It comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the UK was still in the `` containment '' phase of the outbreak .
He said the government contingency plans , which will be published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• How is the UK getting ready for coronavirus ?
• How deadly is the coronavirus ?
• ' I 've been waiting four days for NHS 111 to call' The Scottish government confirmed its first case on Sunday evening .
It said the patient was receiving treatment in isolation in hospital .
Three of the new cases revealed on Sunday were close contacts of the man from Surrey , who was announced as testing positive on Friday .
They included another person from Surrey and two people from West Sussex who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family cluster '' , Public Health England said .
Another new case from Essex had `` no relevant travel '' and it was unclear how they had contracted the virus .
The remaining eight had visited affected areas - six to Italy , and two to Iran .
They were from London , West Yorkshire , Greater Manchester , Hertfordshire and Gloucestershire , and included : • One person from Bury , who had become infected in Italy .
• Two Leeds residents , who had both been in Iran • One person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy • Someone from Gloucestershire - infected in northern Italy - who is linked to another case from the area announced on Saturday Prof Chris Whitty , the chief medical officer , said all of the newly identified cases were being investigated and health officials had begun tracing anyone who had close contact with them .
As of 09:00 GMT on Sunday , the Department of Health said a total of 11,750 people had been tested in the UK .
The latest positive tests come after three more cases were confirmed in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a member of staff at St Mary 's School in Tetbury , Gloucestershire , the primary school said on Sunday .
That follows another school - Willow Bank Infant School in Woodley , Berkshire - confirming that one of its staff had been infected .
The government has said no tactics will be `` off the table '' as part of its plan to contain the virus in the UK .
Mr Hancock told the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show an emergency `` battle plan '' , drawn up for the `` worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events , closing schools and dissuading people from using public transport .
The health secretary said there were four phases to the plan : • Containment - caring for any infected people and identifying their close contacts • Delay - deciding what actions to take to slow down the spread • Research - constant and ongoing work to inform the three other phases Currently , the UK is in the `` containment '' phase - which health leaders say may still be sufficient .
But the next phase could see broader `` social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been warned there was a strong likelihood there would be a jump in cases when he did his interview for the Andrew Marr Show .
A few hours later the biggest increase in a single day was announced , with 12 more people testing positive for the coronavirus .
That 's why he went further than before in setting out possible government plans to tackle an accelerated spread of the virus around the UK if that happens .
School closures , cancellations of major public events and moves to persuade people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actively considered .
The strategy seems to be to warn that difficult measures may be needed while focusing on trying to contain the spread of the virus .
As one government source put it , `` prepare for the worst , work for the best '' .
Labour shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said Mr Hancock must give more detail of any emergency powers he wants to bring in so that MPs `` can properly scrutinise '' the plans .
Meanwhile , Lib Dem MP Layla Moran has written to the health secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are paid if they have to self-isolate , otherwise there could be `` devastating '' effects .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who will chair a meeting of the government 's Cobra emergency committee on Monday , visited Public Health England 's centre in north London on Sunday to discuss attempts to limit the spread of the virus .
He said the virus was `` likely to spread a bit more '' but he was `` very , very confident '' the NHS would be able to cope with an outbreak .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a quarantined hotel in Tenerife have been told they will be allowed to fly home , if they test negative for the virus .
The travellers have been quarantined at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace hotel since Tuesday after four Italians contracted the virus .
Some have already been allowed to leave but others are awaiting test results .
The Foreign Office is in contact with operators and travel agents about their plans to return Britons to the UK .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• WHAT ARE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WAYS TO PREVENT CATCHING IT : How to wash your hands • WHERE ARE WE WITH A VACCINE ?
Progress so far • A VISUAL GUIDE TO THE OUTBREAK : Virus maps and charts • WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR MY HOLIDAY ?
Your rights as a traveller Globally , around 86,000 people have been infected , with cases in more than 50 countries .
About 3,000 people have died - the vast majority in China 's Hubei province , where the outbreak originated in December .
• The Foreign Office has announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Iran because of the outbreak in the country .
Iran reported 385 new cases on Sunday , bringing the total to 978 so far .
The death toll rose to 54 • Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has tested negative for the virus .
The Foreign Office said he self-isolated after feeling unwell this week - and has returned to work since the test result • A secondary school in Ireland is to close for 14 days because the country 's first confirmed case had been in contact with its pupils and teachers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not open on Sunday .
The museum said on Twitter a meeting was being held on the public health situation and `` the museum can not open at the moment '' .
• Australia and Thailand recorded their first fatalities from the virus on Sunday .
A 78-year-old Australian man died after being infected on the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan .
Thailand said the 35-year-old man who died of the virus had also been suffering from dengue fever • The leader of a religious sect in South Korea - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China - could face a homicide investigation over some of the country 's deaths .
Lee Man-hee is accused of hiding the names of some members as officials tried to track patients before the virus spread Have you been affected by the coronavirus ?
Or do you have any information to share ?
Get in touch by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms @ @ @ @ @

A few hours later the biggest increase in a single day was announced, with 12 more people testing positive for the coronavirus. That's why he went further than before in setting out possible government plans to tackle an accelerated spread of the virus around the UK if that happens.


bbcuk--2020-03-02--Brexit: UK vows to seek 'hard bargain' in US trade talks

Boris Johnson has promised to `` drive a hard bargain '' as he set out the UK 's negotiating position for a post-Brexit free trade deal with the US .
The government said a deal would boost the UK economy by £3.4bn and particularly benefit Scotland , England 's north-east and the Midlands .
It pledged to maintain high food standards and said the NHS would not be for sale .
But a union leader has warned against the UK `` cosying up to Donald Trump '' .
It comes as UK-EU talks aimed at reaching a trade agreement formally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Katya Adler : UK-EU trade talks will be tricky from the outset • UK 'would be insane ' to let in chlorinated chicken • Trade talks : What do the UK and EU want ?
The talks on a free trade agreement with the US are expected to begin later this month .
The discussions will take place in both the UK and US and be overseen by the government 's chief negotiation adviser Crawford Falconer - formerly New Zealand 's chief negotiator and ambassador to the World Trade Organization .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cars , food and drink would be `` the biggest winners '' from a deal , along with the professional services , including architects and lawyers .
In what appears to be a bid to push back against accusations made by Labour during the election that the health service would be up for sale under the Conservatives , the government also said any future deal `` must protect our NHS '' .
`` We 're going to drive a hard bargain to boost British industry , '' said Mr Johnson .
`` Trading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will deliver lower prices and more choice for our shoppers . ''
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said : `` This deal with our biggest single trading partner will cut red tape for our small businesses , cut tariffs for our great products from dairy to cars and increase growth in all four nations . ''
Confederation of British Industries director general Carolyn Fairbairn said it was `` encouraging to see the government 's ambitions to make it easier for skilled people to move between the UK and US '' and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Frances O'Grady , general secretary of the Trade Unions Congress , said : `` The government should be focused on getting a good trade deal with the EU - not cosying up to Donald Trump . ''
She said a bad trade deal with the US would `` put working people 's jobs and rights on the line ... and it will undermine our vital public services , environment and food standards '' .
Ms O'Grady referred to fears from farming leaders that an agreement could see the import of food that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , such as chlorinated chicken .
According to recent media reports , the EU will demand that the UK maintains a ban on washing chicken in chlorine and other disinfectants as the price for a trade agreement with the bloc .
But the US has expressed frustration at the ban , arguing that it is not based on scientific evidence .
Shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner accused the government of making `` false promises '' over commitments to protect the NHS and consumer standards , adding `` there must be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all trade agreements '' .
The US is the UK 's largest trading partner after the EU , accounting for nearly 19 % of all exports in 2018 and 11 % of imports .
The EU accounted for 45 % of all exports and 53 % of imports .
The talks starting in Brussels on Monday will be led by David Frost on the UK side and Michel Barnier for the EU .
Potential flashpoints could include the UK 's wish to diverge from EU employment and environmental standards in future , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Court of Justice , and the level of EU access to UK fishing waters .
• How do you negotiate a trade agreement ?
• What does the UK sell to the rest of the world ?
The UK has signalled that it could walk away from trade talks in June unless there is a `` broad outline '' of a deal .
French Europe Minister Amelie De Montchalin told the BBC that the EU was prepared to abort a post-Brexit deal if European fishermen were denied access to British waters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and when have been published , with topics to be covered in the first round of negotiations including trade in goods and services , transport , energy , fisheries and `` fair and open competition '' in future dealings .
Further rounds of negotiations will take place every two to three weeks , alternating between London and Brussels .
Liberal Democrat acting leader Sir Ed Davey has called on the prime minister to pause trade talks with the EU and extend the Brexit transition period in order to focus on dealing with the @ @

According to recent media reports, the EU will demand that the UK maintains a ban on washing chicken in chlorine and other disinfectants as the price for a trade agreement with the bloc. But the US has expressed frustration at the ban, arguing that it is not based on scientific evidence.


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Boris Johnson backs Priti Patel after bullying claim

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has backed Home Secretary Priti Patel following bullying claims made by the ex-top civil servant in her department .
Sir Philip Rutnam , the Home Office 's most senior official , resigned on Saturday citing a `` vicious and orchestrated '' campaign against him .
The BBC has also learnt that a formal complaint about Ms Patel 's conduct was made when she was employment minister .
The home secretary has previously denied she mistreated staff .
Speaking during a visit to Public Health England in North London , Mr Johnson said he `` absolutely '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think she 's a fantastic home secretary '' he said .
`` Anybody who 's been home secretary will testify that is one of the toughest jobs in government . ''
He added that he was `` full of admiration for our civil service and the job that they do '' .
In his statement on Saturday , Sir Philip said he received allegations that Ms Patel 's conduct towards employees included `` swearing , belittling people , making unreasonable and repeated demands '' .
He said he now intended to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the basis of constructive dismissal .
Responding to Sir Philip 's departure , shadow chancellor John McDonnell told Sky News the situation was `` unprecedented '' and suggested that Ms Patel was `` on the way out '' .
The BBC 's home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw has also learnt that a formal complaint about Ms Patel 's conduct was made when she was employment minister at the Department for Work and Pensions .
The substance of it is not known , nor whether it was substantiated or followed up .
The complaint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a member of her private office - a team of six to eight civil servants which works closely with an individual minister .
A spokesman for Ms Patel said she was `` not aware '' of the complaint and the government , while it did not deny the claim , said it would not comment on personnel issues .
One Whitehall insider said Ms Patel had created a `` hostile and unhappy '' environment for civil servants there by questioning their capability and undermining their performance .
`` I felt very sorry for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt bullied , '' they said .
David Penman - head of the FDA union which represents senior civil servants - said no formal complaints had been made about Ms Patel in her time at the Home Office but added `` that needs to taken in the context that there is no formal policy for making complaints against ministers : no code , no procedure , no transparency . ''
`` Staff will have zero confidence in a process which is basically 'trust the Cabinet office behind closed doors to deal with it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC 's Andrew Marr Show , Mr Hancock described Ms Patel as `` very determined '' but also `` extremely courteous '' .
Labour leadership contenders have also commented on Sir Philip 's departure , with Rebecca Long-Bailey calling it `` an example of this Tory government in disarray '' and Lisa Nandy saying the Home Office was `` in chaos '' .
Labour 's Sir Keir Starmer called for an immediate investigation and said Ms Patel should come to Parliament to `` explain the allegations '' .
And the former head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued that the home secretary might have to resign if Sir Philip wins his legal action .
Lord Kerslake , who has previously advised the Labour Party , said the resignation - and the way in which Sir Philip left - was `` extraordinary '' , adding that it will send `` shockwaves '' through most of the civil service .
Speaking to BBC Breakfast on Sunday he said : `` Every institution can do better and that 's true for the civil service as well , but what you do n't do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service . ''
According to BBC correspondent Iain Watson , allies of Ms Patel are privately suggesting that Sir Philip was not up to the demands of the job .
The Home Office has to deliver on two key election pledges - recruiting more police officers and swiftly introducing a new , post-Brexit immigration system .
It will also have to respond to a soon-to-be published independent report on the Windrush scandal - which saw many of those who had arrived in Caribbean countries between 1958 and 1971 detained or deported despite having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Asked if the prime minister had full confidence in Ms Patel , a Downing Street source said Mr Johnson had full confidence in his cabinet .
Head of the civil service Sir Mark Sedwill thanked Sir Philip for his `` long and dedicated career of public service '' and said he received the resignation `` with great regret '' .
He said Shona Dunn , who had been Sir Philip 's deputy , will become acting permanent secretary .
Sir Philip 's departure , and the manner of it , goes way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He took aim not just at Priti Patel , but alluded to what he said was a `` wider pattern '' in government .
Add this to the resignation of Sajid Javid , the former chancellor who expressed concerns about how the government is behaving , there is mounting evidence of unhappiness with how Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his team are running things .
Certainly it is a government in a hurry , willing to rattle cages in order to get things done .
But governments who want to get things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make things happen .
A very public breakdown in trust like this does not help that cause .
Indications at this early stage are that Ms Patel 's position is secure .
But with an employment tribunal in the offing , pressure may well build in the coming weeks .
If Sir Philip pursues his case as he says he will , exactly what happened behind closed doors may soon be out there for all to see .
Read more from Laura here .

The BBC's home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw has also learnt that a formal complaint about Ms Patel's conduct was made when she was employment minister at the Department for Work and Pensions. The substance of it is not known, nor whether it was substantiated or followed up.


bbcuk--2020-03-01--WhatsOnStage Awards: Claire Foy and Andrew Scott among winners

The Crown star Claire Foy and Fleabag 's Andrew Scott were among the big winners at the WhatsOnStage Awards on Sunday .
Foy won best actress in a play for her performance in Lungs , while Scott took home best actor for Present Laughter .
A new musical - & Juliet - which features the songs of Britney Spears , Pink , Justin Timberlake and Katy Perry , took home the most prizes , winning six of the 13 awards it was nominated for .
The winners are decided by members of the public as opposed to critics .
Prizes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a musical for its lead , Miriam-Teak Lee , as well as technical categories such as sound , lighting , costume and set design .
The show features music by the prolific songwriter Max Martin including hits by Kesha , Jessie J and the Backstreet Boys and imagines what would have happened if Romeo had died but Juliet had lived .
There were wins in major categories for Come From Away - the musical that tells the true story of how a small Canadian community reacted to 9/11 .
When the terror attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Towers , 38 planes were diverted to an airport in Newfoundland , Canada , where locals offered food and shelter to the incoming passengers .
The show won five awards in total , including best new musical and best supporting actress for Rachel Tucker , who played one of the plane 's pilots .
Best new play was won by Life of Pi - a new adaptation of Yann Martel 's Booker-winning novel - which has previously been turned into a successful film .
Dear Evan Hansen , which explores `` grief tourism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two major prizes - best actor for Sam Tutty and best supporting actor for Jack Loxton .
Scott 's win for Present Laughter follows a hugely successful year for the actor , during which he starred in Fleabag , Black Mirror and the Oscar-winning film 1917 .
His co-star Sophie Thompson was named best supporting actress .
Best musical revival was won by Mary Poppins , which opened in the West End last year after a successful Hollywood film reboot starring Emily Blunt .
For the first time , the event was broadcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elaine Paige and Paddy O'Connell .
Best supporting actress in a musical - Rachel Tucker , Come From Away Best new play - Life of Pi Best new musical - Come From Away Best musical direction - Ian Eisendrath , Alan Berry and team , Come From Away Best choreography - Kelly Devine , Come From Away Best sound design - Gareth Owen , Come From Away Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

A new musical - & Juliet - which features the songs of Britney Spears, Pink, Justin Timberlake and Katy Perry, took home the most prizes, winning six of the 13 awards it was nominated for.