bbcuk--2020-01-11--Electric buses: Why were trolleybuses ever scrapped?

They were the original electric buses but 50 years ago today saw the plug pulled on the last trolleybus in Wales .
Environmentally friendly and cheap , they finally succumbed to car ownership and fossil fuel on 11 January 1970 .
Yet half a century later - almost to the day - local councils now see electric public transport as an answer to congestion and air pollution .
Some experts and enthusiasts even believe that shift could spark a revival for the forgotten trolleybus .
Known as the `` trackless trolleys '' when they first appeared on UK streets in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public transport network .
Freed from the restrictions of tracks , taking their power from overhead cables , they provided clean , affordable and quick transport for the masses .
In Cardiff alone , more than six million journeys were taken in the first 12 months of the system opening on St David 's Day in 1942 .
But the boom in private car ownership during the 1960s would spell the beginning of the end .
Electricity prices rose and rapidly-growing cities soon outgrew a network of overhead cables in desperate need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number 262 returned to the Newport Road depot for the last time in January 1970 it marked the end of an era .
However could local authorities in Wales turn back the clock amid concerns over air quality in our cities ?
• Wales ' first electric bus to hit the road '' It was one of those big mistakes to stop using trolleybuses , '' said Stuart Cole , professor of transport at the University of South Wales .
`` They were clean , quiet and the technology would only have improved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European cities .
`` With the current thinking over getting away from fossil fuels and dealing with the pollution in city centres , it is inevitable they will come back , and a number of local authorities are looking at that possibility . ''
Battery-powered electric buses are already appearing on Welsh roads .
The first to be used on a permanent basis appeared in Newport in August while 2020 will see 16 new zero-emission vehicles in Caerphilly .
Cardiff council will announce its transport vision for next 10 years on Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Electric buses are the future - but battery technology still has a long way to go , '' said Mr Cole .
`` The beauty of trolleybuses is that they do not need to stop to be recharged en route , so you only need one place to generate the power for the system . ''
Municipally-owned trolleybuses remain hugely popular across Europe , particularly in Holland , and in North America .
One group helping keep the memory of trolleybuses alive in Wales is the Cardiff and South Wales Trolleybus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renovating old vehicles .
`` They are magic - it 's like having a fairground ride in the centre of Cardiff , '' said co-ordinator Keith Walker .
`` Anyone who travelled on them will know why we love them so much .
`` People think they were slow but they could easily reach speeds of 60mph . ''
However one bus was destroyed and two others - the last remaining models of their kind in the UK - were badly damaged in a barn fire on the farm where they were being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,000 old photos , were also lost in the blaze at Peterstone , near Newport , in October , and put their work out by more than a year .
`` It was heartbreaking to see all the hours of work we had put in go up in smoke , '' said project chairman John Webb .
`` At first we thought we had lost everything so we were grateful that we had something to salvage . ''
Now the society is calling for Wales to have a National Museum of Transport as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The vehicles would fit as well now as they did when they first started , '' said Mr Walker .
`` Transport heritage must not be lost and our ambition would be to have a live circuit that people could ride . ''


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Newspaper headlines: Queen gives '72-hour deadline to resolve rift'

There is continued speculation and comment about what the Guardian calls a right royal mess .
It says the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to step back from their frontline duties raises complex questions ranging from taxpayers ' support for the royals to the future of the institution .
The Sun is worried that a disastrous mess may get worse .
Finding a solution , concludes the Times , will not be easy , because no one has ever been here before .
It believes the trickiest area is security - and who will pay for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their time in Canada .
The Daily Telegraph reports that the Queen has demanded that negotiations on Prince Harry and Meghan 's royal future should provide a blueprint for generations to come .
The Daily Mirror says royal sources have revealed Prince Charles wants to keep them at the heart of a progressive monarchy for the 21st century .
The Daily Express hopes the couple will feel able to accept what is offered in their best interests and that of the monarchy .
The Daily Mail argues that if they want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they should do it by their own endeavours .
Meanwhile , the front page of the Irish News sums up Friday 's agreement to revive power sharing in Northern Ireland with the headline `` Deal Done , the Work Begins '' .
For the Belfast Telegraph it was a case of better late than never .
The Belfast News Letter feels both Sinn Fein and the DUP have climbed down .
It thinks Sinn Fein has accepted a deal which is much tamer on the Irish language legislation than it had hoped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to proposals which are strikingly similar to a draft deal rejected in February 2018 .
The Financial Times feels the crisis affecting the plane maker , Boeing , has deepened following the release of a series of internal messages in which staff admitted flaws in its 737 Max airliner .
It believes the documents raise concerns about the company 's attitude to safety and call its values into question .
The Guardian describes the messages as shocking , saying they add to a sense of chaos and incompetence at Boeing .
The Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grain of truth in the allegations , then it is going to take more than the departure of the chief executive to get Boeing off the ground and salvage its reputation .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning And the i tells how an accountant and his girlfriend made a 9,000 mile trip from New Zealand to his home in Thornbury , near Bristol .
Joss Quilty describes how he and Romy Romagnoli drove a Toyota Land Cruiser through 23 countries .
Along the way they needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border , and had a close shave with a Taliban suicide bomber .
Mr Quilty still has the travel bug and is planning a trip from Alaska to Argentina .
He says walking around Bristol does n't exactly have the same appeal .

The Daily Express hopes the couple will feel able to accept what is offered in their best interests and that of the monarchy. The Daily Mail argues that if they want to become private citizens and become financially independent, they should do it by their own endeavours.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Carlisle 'career beggars' from Glasgow removed by police

`` Career beggars '' have been travelling across the Scottish border from Glasgow to `` work '' in Carlisle , Cumbria Police has said .
They came to the English city because Scottish law allowed beggars there to be moved on more quickly .
In the past three months Cumbria police sent six people who had been pretending to be homeless back home .
Sgt Scott Adams said they had been begging as `` a way of life '' rather than being `` actually in need '' .
`` We do n't generally in Carlisle have much of an issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` It 's a hole in the market if you like . ''
He said the force helped people who were genuinely in need , including those from outside the city .
But a new procedure has been introduced to fine repeatedly aggressive beggars or take them to court .
The cross-border problem had reduced `` now they 've seen there 's a punishment '' , said Sgt Adams .
Of those returned to Glasgow , some had been passed on to British Transport Police for not buying train tickets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not believe they were in genuine need .
Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria @ bbc.co.uk .

Sgt Scott Adams said they had been begging as "a way of life" rather than being "actually in need".


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Magee Medical School: NI deal gives new hope for 2021 opening

The new deal to restore devolution in Northern Ireland has boosted hopes that a new medical school planned for Londonderry could open by next year .
Magee Medical College is to be located in Ulster University 's Magee in the city , but the project has been beset by repeated delays and funding problems .
It was due to open in 2019 until the Stormont stand-off scuppered the plan .
But the deal Stormont 's biggest parties have now signed up to lists the school among the new executive 's `` priorities '' .
The document , published by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states : `` The executive will expand university provision at Magee in line with commitments made by the previous executive , including through the establishment of a graduate entry medical school . ''
Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle on Friday , Dr Malachy Ó Néill , Provost for Magee Campus , said he was `` 100 % confident '' that Magee Medical College will be open in 2021 , if an executive is formed .
The deadline for student recruitment for the current calendar year has passed , but Dr O'Neil said next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Everything is in place .
Let 's just get on with it '' , he said .
The Democratic Unionist Party ( DUP ) and Sinn Féin have both said they will return to government on the basis of the government 's proposals , which outline wide-ranging investment in public services , including the education sector .
The Northern Ireland Assembly is to be recalled at 13:00 GMT on Saturday , when MLAs are expected to appoint ministers to a new executive .
The deal , entitled 'New Decade , New Approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK government will aim to financially support the Magee Medical School and reach the 10,000 student number expansion target at Ulster University .
'Let 's get on with it' The Provost for Magee Campus said : `` We have been engaging directly and successfully with Julian Smith and Simon Coveney and with all our local politicians .
`` We have had a Foundation Dean in place for sometime , we have a curriculum in place , we have partnerships with our Western Trust and Trusts right across the region , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's get on with it '' , Dr Ó Néill added .
As part of the overall Stormont deal , the Irish government has said it is willing , in principle , to contribute to capital investment to support expanded provision at Magee Campus .
• In 2016 Ulster University lodged plans for the school and applied to the General Medical Council ( GMC ) to train doctors in the north west .
• By March 2018 Ulster University was working on a number of recommendations made by the Department of Health ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be funded - but Ulster University said the school remained on track .
Prof Louise Dubras was appointed to oversee the delivery of the medical school .
• In May 2018 , Ulster University appointed Prof Louise Dubras as professor and Foundation Dean of the School of Medicine .
• In June 2018 , DoH said Ulster University had yet to meet criteria to `` demonstrate need and value for money '' for a new medical school .
• In November 2018 , Ulster University vice chancellor Prof Paddy Nixon confirmed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of a lack of devolved government .
• In January 2017 , Northern Ireland 's power-sharing devolved coalition government led by the DUP and Sinn Féin collapsed following a row over a green energy scheme .
The only medical school in Northern Ireland at present is at Queen 's University in Belfast .
About 270 doctors graduate from it each year .
The expansion of the university in Derry and the opening of a medical training in school in the north west has long been regarded as a catalyst for economic growth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central aspect of the city deal for Derry and Strabane announced in May 2019 .
The shortage of doctors is particularly acute in the north west .
The Western Health and Social Care Trust - which serves a region including Derry - spent £27m on temporary doctors , health professionals , nurses and admin staff during the 2017/18 financial year .
Speaking in 2018 , Foyle MLA , Mark Durkan said : `` People earn where they learn and the medical school in Derry would be a real game changer . ''

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bbcuk--2020-01-11--Bangladeshi chef Saiful Islam fights deportation from UK

A chef from Bangladesh is fighting deportation from the UK after he was wrongfully labelled a sex offender .
Saiful Islam , 44 , moved to the UK in January 2003 to work in a restaurant .
But his files were later mixed up with those of three other people , resulting in criminal convictions being wrongly attached to his name .
The Home Office has apologised to Mr Islam , who lives in Cardiff , for the mix-up - but he was still denied right to remain in December 2019 .
According to a judicial review judgment , errors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decision to reject Mr Islam 's application to stay in the UK , which was based on a 2008 application being refused as he did not have a work permit .
Along with wrongly attaching criminal convictions to his name , the errors included destroying part of his file and withholding it in a previous court case , and not providing relevant pages of his passport which proved he had entered the country legally - which Mr Islam maintains are the reasons he did not have a permit in 2008 .
Judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of errors '' and `` historic injustice '' in the handling of Mr Islam 's applications over a number of years , but documents `` did not support '' Mr Islam 's claim that these directly led to his situation `` nor was there any confirmation that he was still required in a particular employment '' .
• UK ' can not end freedom of movement ' on Brexit day Mr Islam said he planned to fight the decision .
The matter has so far involved 18 court cases and a huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While the Home Office said it could not comment on ongoing legal proceedings , it has confirmed to Mr Islam that three other profiles were mistakenly attached to his own .
It said all indefinite leave applications are considered on their individual merits in accordance with the immigration rules and when someone has no leave to remain in the UK , they are expected to leave voluntarily .
If they do not , their departure will be enforced .
Mr Islam has spent 16 years fighting to remain in the UK and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ file through the Information Commissioner , he discovered the errors and received a full apology in 2019 .
Mr Islam , who has no convictions , said : `` The Home Office has not treated me like a human being - they have treated me like a criminal .
`` I have lost so many years , my health and money . ''
He said he had suffered depression as a result of his plight .
The trouble with Mr Islam 's right to remain began in 2005 when he raised concerns about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alerting the police and the Home Office .
His permit was curtailed that year but he was not served with any notification .
But Judge Jackson ruled : `` The historic injustice could not have had a material impact on the outcome of the specific decision under challenge . ''
Fizza Qureshi , chief executive of Migrants ' Rights Network , said : `` If Saiful had not persevered with his case for nearly 16 years , he would not have known that the Home Office had mixed up his file and wrongly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Home Office 's errors , they have also failed to praise Saiful 's actions of reporting an exploitative employer .
Instead they have chosen to penalise him by pursuing his removal , despite his innocence and courage . ''

Along with wrongly attaching criminal convictions to his name, the errors included destroying part of his file and withholding it in a previous court case, and not providing relevant pages of his passport which proved he had entered the country legally - which Mr Islam maintains are the reasons he did not have a permit in 2008.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Ifeoma Onwuka: 'Lack of leadership' as mum died days after birth

There was a `` lack of leadership '' in the care of a woman who died following a delay to control bleeding after birth , a coroner has said .
Mother-of-three Ifeoma Onwuka , 37 , died at the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston , Norfolk , on 1 May , three days after she delivered her baby .
Coroner Yvonne Blake said the on-call consultant had an `` apparent lack of confidence/ability '' .
The hospital 's trust said it was `` greatly saddened '' by the death .
A statement said a `` thorough investigation '' had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be provided to the coroner .
Tim Deeming from Tees Law , on behalf of the family , said they `` look forward to hearing from the trust as to what steps are being taken to ensure that other families do not have to undergo such tragic circumstances again '' .
In a prevention of future deaths report , Ms Blake said Mrs Onwuka 's labour `` progressed very quickly '' on 28 April and plans were made for a caesarean section but the baby was delivered in the recovery room .
Mrs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under general anaesthetic but a registrar could find no obvious source , so an on-call consultant was called .
The consultant , who had not performed an emergency abdominal hysterectomy before , asked for a second consultant .
The first consultant contacted could not attend but `` performed a ring around '' and one was eventually found but had to drive from Norwich .
The patient had developed disseminated intravascular coagulation , a rare condition causing clots through the body 's blood vessels , over which the coroner said the consultant had shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Black women 'five times more likely to die in childbirth' Mrs Onwuka , from Lowestoft , died three days later and an expert said the delay in surgery to control the bleeding contributed to her death .
Her baby survived .
Ms Blake said : `` Pregnant women in the area served by this hospital may be at risk if emergency surgery is needed and this consultant has these apparent difficulties , continues with an apparent lack of professional curiosity and displays no evidence of the ability to work in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Deeming said the family shared the coroner 's `` concerns regarding the management of Ifeoma 's care and treatment '' .
`` Ifeoma was a loving mother and wife and has left three young children as well as her devoted husband , '' he said .

Tim Deeming from Tees Law, on behalf of the family, said they "look forward to hearing from the trust as to what steps are being taken to ensure that other families do not have to undergo such tragic circumstances again".


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Queen and Prince Harry to hold talks over Sussexes' future

The Queen and the Duke of Sussex are to hold talks at Sandringham on Monday to discuss the future roles of Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex .
Palace officials have also told the BBC the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge are expected to attend the meeting .
The Sussexes say they plan to step back as senior members of the royal family .
There is no suggestion that a conclusion will be reached at the meeting .
But the BBC 's royal correspondent Jonny Dymond says it is hoped that the talks will produce a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to defining the couple 's new relationship with the Royal Family - in line with the Queen 's wish to find a solution within days .
He added that there were still `` formidable obstacles '' to overcome in the talks .
• Your questions answered on Harry and Meghan statement • Why Meghan and Harry have Canada in their sights • How could the Sussexes make money ?
Monday 's gathering at the Queen 's estate in Norfolk follows several meetings and consultations in the wake of the couple 's announcement earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page , Prince Harry and Meghan said they intended to `` step back '' as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent .
The Queen , Prince Charles , William and Harry are expected to review a range of possibilities for the Sussexes , taking into account the plans outlined by Prince Harry and Meghan .
If a deal is agreed in the coming days , there is a general understanding that it will take some time to implement .
Monday 's royal summit may not be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out ; but enough progress has been made by palace staff and civil servants for the most senior members of the family to meet to discuss some pretty concrete proposals on the way ahead for Prince Harry and Meghan .
There are still formidable obstacles - it 's not at all clear how much in the way of royal duties the prince and Meghan see themselves doing .
On that will hang issues such as funding and liaison between the palace and Prince Harry and Meghan 's new organisation .
Unpicking the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one , that lasts , will be even tougher .
There 's a strong desire to get this done .
But equally the deal must be robust and workable .
Precedent is being established here - a way of doing things that may extend in years to come to other members of the royal family .
Meghan returned to Canada to join her son Archie amid the ongoing talks , which have involved the UK and Canadian governments .
She and Prince Harry had been in Canada over Christmas , before they returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six-week break from royal duties .
On Friday , the couple 's official Instagram account returned to publicising their appearances .
Pictures were posted showing the couple during a private visit on Tuesday to a community kitchen in north Kensington , west London , where meals were cooked for families displaced by the Grenfell Tower fire .
• Where do Prince Harry and Meghan get their money ?
• How Meghan ‘ tripped and fell ’ into Harry ’ s life In their announcement on Wednesday evening , Prince Harry and Meghan revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK and North America , while `` continuing to honour our duty to the Queen , the Commonwealth , and our patronages '' .
The Royal Family was said to be `` hurt '' at the couple 's announcement .
It is understood the Queen was not consulted in advance of their decision .
Last October , Prince Harry and Meghan publicly revealed their struggles under the media spotlight .
Former actress Meghan , who is American , lived and worked in Toronto where she starred in the popular US drama Suits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch their own Sussex Royal charity , which they set up after splitting from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge 's foundation in June last year .
It was revealed in December the couple had made an application to trademark their Sussex Royal brand across a string of items including books , calendars , clothing , charitable fundraising , education and social care services .
Do you have any questions about Harry and Meghan 's decision to step back as senior royals ?
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Monday's royal summit may not be the last such gathering needed to sort things out; but enough progress has been made by palace staff and civil servants for the most senior members of the family to meet to discuss some pretty concrete proposals on the way ahead for Prince Harry and Meghan.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Iran plane crash: UK ambassador arrested in Tehran

The UK ambassador to Iran was arrested during anti-government protests in Tehran after officials admitted shooting down a passenger plane .
Rob Macaire was held for three hours , in what the UK described as a `` flagrant violation of international law '' .
It is understood he was attending a vigil for those who died in the crash , which turned into a protest .
He left to make his way back to the UK embassy , but was arrested as he stopped at a barber shop for a haircut .
In a statement , UK Foreign Secretary Dominic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our Ambassador in Tehran without grounds or explanation is a flagrant violation of international law .
`` The Iranian government is at a cross-roads moment .
It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails , or take steps to deescalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forwards . ''
The Iranian Etemad newspaper shared a picture of the ambassador on Twitter after the Tasnim news agency reported his arrest .
Iran has said Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 was shot down due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrations in Tehran and other cities on Saturday as people gathered to commemorate those who died .
Earlier , the UK prime minister said Iran 's admission was an `` important first step '' and called for an investigation into the `` tragic accident '' .
Iran initially denied responsibility for Wednesday 's crash - which killed 176 people , including four Britons .
But on Saturday , President Hassan Rouhani admitted Iranian military had `` unintentionally '' shot down the passenger plane after mistaking it for a cruise missile when it turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rouhani said the missile strike was an `` unforgivable mistake '' .
The crash came just hours after Iran carried out missile strikes on two airbases housing US forces in Iraq .
• What we know about the Iran plane crash Mr Johnson said : `` This will be an incredibly difficult time for all those families who lost loved ones in such tragic circumstances .
`` We will do everything we can to support the families of the four British victims and ensure they get the answers and closure they deserve .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ crash should be `` comprehensive , transparent and independent '' , adding that he would work with other affected nations , including Canada and Ukraine .
The prime minister said it was `` vital that all leaders now pursue a diplomatic way forward '' in the conflict in the region .
`` This tragic accident only reinforces the importance of de-escalating tensions in the region .
We can all see very clearly that further conflict will only lead to more loss and tragedy , '' he said .
Writing in the Sunday Telegraph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Ukrainian plane marked `` a moment where the regime in Tehran is at a crossroads '' .
`` It is time for them to come to the negotiating table to resolve all of Iran 's issues of international concern , '' he said .
Mr Raab said Iran `` must stop pursuing a nuclear weapon , end its support for terrorism , and release the foreign nationals and dual nationals it cruelly holds '' .
The attack on the airliner came amid heightened tensions in the region following the killing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tehran vowed revenge after he died in a drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the shooting down of the passenger plane by Iran was `` an appalling act , and part of a whole pattern of appalling acts all across the region '' .
`` There 's no excuse for shooting down an airliner , there 's no excuse for a targeted assassination by one state against another , '' he said at an anti-war protest in central London on Saturday .
`` All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of violence and danger which will lead us to yet more wars in the future . ''
The Queen has also sent a message of condolence to the Governor-General of Canada - where the majority of the passengers on the flight were headed .
Out of the 176 victims on board the Kyiv-bound flight , 138 had listed Canada as their eventual destination .
The Queen said she and the Duke of Edinburgh were `` deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life '' .
`` Our thoughts and prayers are with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a devastating loss , '' she added .
`` I extend my deepest condolences to the families , friends and colleagues of all those Canadians , and indeed other nationalities , who died , and to the many others who have been affected by this terrible event . ''
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall added their condolences , saying they were `` utterly horrified '' by the disaster .
`` However hopelessly inadequate it may be , we particularly wanted you to know just how much our hearts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be unbearable , '' they wrote to the Governor-General of Canada .
The UK government says that four Britons were on board the Ukrainian passenger plane .
Three have been named as Mohammed Reza Kadkhoda Zadeh , who owned a dry cleaners in West Sussex , BP engineer Sam Zokaei from Twickenham , and PhD student and engineer Saeed Tahmasebi , who lived in Dartford .
Mr Tahmasebi 's Iranian wife , Niloufar Ebrahim , was also listed as a passenger on the plane .
Iran 's ambassador to the UK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong findings '' about the crash , having previously said he was `` confident '' that a missile had not been launched .
He expressed `` regret '' for giving a false statement to the media based on the official findings at the time .


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Stormont deal: Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill new top NI ministers

Sinn Féin and the DUP have re-entered devolved government in Northern Ireland after three years of deadlock .
DUP leader Arlene Foster was appointed as Northern Ireland 's first minister , while Sinn Féin 's Michelle O'Neill is deputy first minister on Saturday .
The two parties supported a deal to restore Stormont 's political institutions .
Stormont 's power-sharing coalition , led by the DUP and Sinn Féin , collapsed in January 2017 .
• How the parties got a done deal • Three years of political deadlock at Stormont The first minister comes from the largest party in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the second-largest party .
The positions are known as a `` diarchy '' which means they are equal and govern together .
The deputy first minister is not subordinate to the first minister , despite the title .
Addressing the assembly , Mrs Foster said the politicians have `` many differences '' .
`` Michelle 's narrative of the past 40 years could not be more different to mine , '' she said .
`` I 'm not sure we will ever agree on much about the past , but we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that we can not allow society to drift backwards and allow division to grow . ''
She added that it was `` time for Stormont to move forward '' .
Michelle O'Neill said it was her `` sincere wish that 2020 brings real change '' .
She also pledged to immediately resolve the pay parity row that has led to industrial strike action among health workers .
She said : `` I see no contradiction in declaring and delivering on our firm commitment to power sharing with unionism in the Stormont Assembly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate about new political arrangements which examine Ireland 's future beyond Brexit .
`` Similarly , there is no contradiction in unionism working the existing constitutional arrangements while taking its rightful place in the conversation about what a new Ireland would look like .
`` We can do this while maintaining our independent distinct political identities and working in the best interests of all of the people . ''
`` The parties of Northern Ireland have shown great leadership in coming together to accept this fair and balanced deal in the interests of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson said .
`` After three years without devolved government , an executive can now get on with the job of delivering much needed reforms to the health service , education and justice . ''
Taoiseach ( Irish prime minister ) Leo Varadkar commended Northern Ireland 's political parties `` for their decision to put the people they represent first and make measured compromises to reach a deal '' .
`` I look forward to working with representatives in Northern Ireland as they begin working together again on behalf of all people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The first day back was always going to bring its challenges - but despite some malfunctioning microphones , events in the chamber moved at pace .
The surprising move by the DUP to support a Sinn Féin speaker instead of the SDLP , already has some sceptics suspecting not much has changed when it comes to how the two biggest parties operated in the last mandate .
But there 's no denying Parliament Buildings has a buzz about it again .
Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill now have to prove that they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the new Stormont deal .
The SDLP , Alliance and Ulster Unionists are back in the executive too - a sign they would rather be helping take decisions , than stuck outside looking in .
After the session ended , the new ministers were immediately met by their departmental officials : the task of getting down to business starts now .
All five main parties in Northern Ireland - the DUP , Sinn Féin , Alliance , SDLP and UUP - have joined the new executive .
MLAs - members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
Their first item of business at Stormont on Saturday was the election of Sinn Féin 's Alex Maskey as the assembly 's new speaker .
The DUP 's Christopher Stalford ; UUP 's Roy Beggs and SDLP 's Patsy McGlone are his three deputies .
Gordon Lyons ( DUP ) and Declan Kearney ( Sinn Féin ) will serve as junior ministers .
She said it followed conversations with Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill on Friday night .
Mrs Long said she was `` honoured to have the support of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the exception of the role of justice minister , the posts are shared out using a system called D'Hondt , in which ministerial posts are allocated according to parties ' representation in the assembly .
The other members of the executive are : The d'Hondt mechanism is used to appoint almost all the ministerial departments in the executive - meaning the departments are shared round the parties based on how many MLAs they have .
Justice is different though - it is elected by a cross-community vote .
This is because when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1999 it was considered that it was not yet appropriate to devolve policing and justice powers .
There was still a tense security situation and so those powers remained at Westminster .
In 2010 a deal was struck to devolve justice , but the DUP did not want a Sinn Féin minister to be able to hold the post .
Instead it was agreed any justice minister required a cross-community vote .
A big surprise was the appointment of Robin Swann as health minister .
It comes just three months after the UUP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader due to the impact the role was having on his `` role as a husband and a father '' .
He told the BBC that the party considered health a major priority and `` when we had the chance to take it , we did '' .
Mr Swann said he was going to hold the first and deputy first ministers to account and would not let them `` play party politics with health '' .
He said he was going to speak to NI Secretary Julian Smith about the health budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Relations between the DUP and Sinn Féin had deteriorated in recent years as the two parties were diametrically opposed not only on Northern Ireland 's position within the UK , but also issues such as the Irish language ; same-sex marriage ; abortion and how to deal with the legacy of the Troubles .
But unexpectedly it was a row over a green energy scheme which pushed their relationship past breaking point .
The Renewable Heat Incentive ( RHI ) scheme was set up by DUP leader Arlene Foster when she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over budget and at one point threatened to cost taxpayers £490m .
Sinn Féin demanded that Mrs Foster step aside as first minister during an inquiry into the RHI scheme and when she refused , they pulled out of government on 9 January 2017 .
Two key sticking points in the Stormont talks were around an Irish language act and the petition of concern .
The purpose of petition of concern is to protect one community from legislation that would favour another and a valid petition requires the signatures of 30 MLAs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be `` meaningful reform '' of the petition , which would be `` reduced and returned to its intended purpose '' and would `` only be used in the most exceptional circumstances and as a last resort , having used every other mechanism '' .
The deal would see legislation created for the appointment of both an Irish language commissioner and an Ulster-Scots commissioner .
Earlier , Irish language group Conradh na Gaeilge welcomed the deal as an `` historic advancement '' but added it `` falls very much short '' of promises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key points in the deal include the Northern Ireland Executive settling an ongoing pay dispute with nurses and increasing policing numbers .

Relations between the DUP and Sinn Féin had deteriorated in recent years as the two parties were diametrically opposed not only on Northern Ireland's position within the UK, but also issues such as the Irish language; same-sex marriage; abortion and how to deal with the legacy of the Troubles.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Keir Starmer: Labour shouldn't trash Tony Blair or Jeremy Corbyn

Labour leadership hopeful Sir Keir Starmer has called for unity and said `` factionalism has to go '' if the party is to recover from its election defeat .
Speaking at his campaign launch in Manchester , he said : `` We are not going to trash the last Labour government… nor are we going to trash the last four years [ under Jeremy Corbyn ] '' .
He has also vowed to end anti-Semitism in the Labour Party .
Sir Keir is one of six candidates running to replace Mr Corbyn as leader .
The shadow Brexit secretary has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest trade union , Unison .
However , on Saturday the grassroots group Momentum said it will ballot its members on backing Rebecca Long Bailey in the contest .
• Which Labour contender is the most working-class ?
• Who will be Labour 's next leader ?
During his speech on Saturday , the MP for Holborn and St Pancras said : `` We ca n't fight the Tories if we are fighting each other .
Factionalism has to go . ''
He criticised Prime Minister Boris Johnson , describing him as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moral compass , who will go anywhere to stay in power '' .
However , Sir Keir said he would not `` trash '' the Labour governments of Tony Blair or Gordon Brown , or the previous leadership of Mr Corbyn .
He said there had been `` many important moves '' made .
`` Jeremy Corbyn was right to make us the party to fight austerity , '' Sir Keir said .
`` We build on that , we do n't trash it going forward . ''
He said Labour should treat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward , saying the next manifesto must `` give hope to people that the next 20 years can be better with a Labour government '' .
Speaking to the BBC after the speech , he said : `` I think what we need to do is make a radical and relevant case to [ voters ] for change .
They need to know it 's going to work and trust us to implement it .
`` I 'm absolutely committed to the fundamental change needed to deal with the rank inequality in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eardley called Sir Keir `` the man to beat '' in the contest and said the leadership hopeful was `` not shying away from being radical '' .
He added : `` But it 's interesting that he said 2017 's manifesto should be a foundation - that was a lot less radical than the 2019 manifesto , which many in the party believed offered far too much far too quickly . ''
Earlier , Sir Keir told BBC Breakfast he would personally take charge of the fight against anti-Semitism in the Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you should not be in the Labour Party .
It is not complicated , '' he said .
Sir Keir insisted that anyone who is anti-Semitic should be `` chucked out '' and said he would take `` personal responsibility '' for the issue .
Sir Keir was the first of the six Labour leadership contenders to secure the 22 nominations required to progress to the next stage of the contest .
Shadow business secretary Mrs Long Bailey and backbenchers Lisa Nandy and Jess Phillips have also received the required support .
Shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has 10 nominations , and Clive Lewis , with four , are seeking more support .
Mrs Long Bailey also addressed anti-Semitism at a Labour event in Staffordshire on Saturday , saying `` we 've got to make sure this never happens again '' .
She added : `` Voters did n't trust that we were united within our party .
Our voters expect us to be united and professional - and yes , we are passionate about what we believe in because it matters so much .
`` But that passion must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is coming from . ''
A new leader and deputy leader will be announced on 4 April .
Momentum has said it will ballot its members early next week on its recommendation to back Mrs Long Bailey and Angela Rayner for leader and deputy leader respectively .
Following a meeting of the organisation 's steering group , it issued a statement saying Mrs Long Bailey was the `` only viable candidate '' able to build on the party 's `` socialist agenda '' .
`` We need a new generation of left-wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Labour 's popular policy agenda , '' a spokesman said .
But Laura Parker , Momentum 's national co-ordinator , said the organisation 's leadership should not have `` decided in advance '' of the ballot which candidates to support .
`` Members should be able to choose from all Leader & Deputy candidates , '' she said on Twitter .
Momentum also said it was recommending support for Ms Rayner as deputy , saying the pair could `` work well together '' and `` unite the party against the Conservatives '' @

Speaking to the BBC after the speech, he said: "I think what we need to do is make a radical and relevant case to [voters] for change. They need to know it's going to work and trust us to implement it.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Liverpool: Roberto Firmino goal gives Reds win

Liverpool setting records in the best-ever start to a season by a club in Europe 's top-five leagues `` does n't feel special somehow '' , says Reds boss Jurgen Klopp .
Roberto Firmino 's first-half goal ensured the European champions opened up a 16-point lead over Leicester City at the top of the table with a game in hand .
But while Liverpool 's peerless start of 20 wins from 21 games has put them on course for a first top-flight title for 30 years , Klopp played down its significance .
`` We know about it and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , '' said the German boss .
`` When someone gives you a trophy it is done but until then you need to fight .
It is only the start .
We need to continue because our contenders are so strong .
`` Pep ( Guardiola , Manchester City boss ) will not give up .
I will do the same .
So far , so really good . ''
Klopp 's men have now amassed 104 points across their last 38 Premier League matches , scoring in all 21 of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintained in London by Brazil forward Firmino , who turned Spurs ' young debutant Japhet Tanganga and beat Paulo Gazzaniga with a sweet left-foot strike to give the visitors a deserved lead .
However Liverpool were then grateful for poor finishing from Jose Mourinho 's side - who were without the injured Harry Kane - in order to record another victory on their seemingly relentless march to a first title in three decades .
Son Heung-Min and substitute Giovani lo Celso missed excellent second-half chances to give Spurs some reward for a performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Reaction to all of Saturday 's Premier League games • What happened in the Premier League on Saturday ?
• The various ways Minamino will help Liverpool But Liverpool , their position at the top strengthened further by Leicester City 's shock home loss to Southampton , held on to increase the sense of formality about the destination of this season 's Premier League trophy .
Liverpool not at most fluent - but win again Liverpool may not have been at their best - there were even spells in the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a team on a seemingly unstoppable run to the Premier League title .
This was their 12th successive league win and it is a remarkable feat to have dropped only two league points from their first 21 games .
It is true they were let off by Spurs ' missed chances but there is perhaps a sense that Liverpool 's dominance is having a psychological impact on their opponents so that when rare opportunities come along , they are being snatched at .
And even when not in prime form , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there is always a goal in them - as Firmino proved with his neat 37th-minute sidestep and thumping finish .
Spurs will claim , with justification , they should have had a throw-in before the goal but Liverpool are now being propelled with growing momentum to end that long wait to reclaim their perch at the summit of the English game .
The root of Spurs ' downfall came in two distinct aspects of their performance - albeit one did get better as the game wore on .
In the first half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative as they sat back , presumably waiting for an opportunity to strike on the counter attack .
The tactic was undone by Firmino 's goal , leaving Spurs with no option but to be more positive in the second period .
It was then , without the marksmanship of long-term injury victim Kane , that they were so wasteful in front of goal - with both Son and Lo Celso missing when it seemed easier to score .
Lo Celso 's miss , in particular , left Mourinho openly lamenting his side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he collapsed dramatically to his knees after the Argentina midfielder failed to hit the target from close range .
Spurs ' wasteful moments against Liverpool may well further convince their manager he has to strengthen his attacking options in this transfer window as the fight for a top-four place intensifies .
'This is the best team in the world ' - what they said Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho , speaking to BBC Sport : `` This is football .
Sometimes you get more than you deserve .
Sometimes you get less .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we deserved something .
This is the best team in the world against a team in a difficult moment , with injuries , in a difficult part of the season .
The boys were fantastic when we tried to change and create problems . ''
On a potential handball in the build-up to the goal : `` I did n't watch it .
What I watch is 200 % that the throw in for the start of the goal was our throw .
I am confused with VAR because of that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It is possible to talk about top four when you start the season on zero points .
But it is hard to talk about it when you start at minus 12 ( the number of points off the top four Spurs were when he took over ) . ''
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp , speaking to BBC Sport : `` It was very hard-fought because we did n't close the game down early .
We should have been one or 2-0 up already when we scored .
If you have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't close the game they will come back .
Allison makes things look easy .
It is not what we would have wanted .
It is intense , you lose the ball and you are facing one of the best counter-attacking sides .
We had Robbo ( Andy Robertson ) free two or three times and he did n't find a team-mate , so we did n't help ourselves . ''
On his side 's defensive record : `` We needed Allison for that today .
We had a few dips defensively .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot to do with us winning the ball high early .
It is good but there is no other chance to win games than to defend well . ''
• Liverpool have 61 points in the Premier League in 2019-20 - the most any side has ever registered after 21 games in a single season across Europe 's big five leagues ( assuming three points for a win ) .
• Liverpool have collected 104 points across their last 38 Premier League matches ( W33 D5 L0 ) - a record total by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the competition 's history , overtaking 102-point stretches by Man City ( ending in 2018 ) and Chelsea ( 2005 ) .
• Tottenham Hotspur have conceded 20 goals in 13 matches in all competitions under Jose Mourinho ; it took Mourinho 's Chelsea side 44 games before letting in their 20th goal during his first spell in England as a manager in the 2004-05 season .
• This is Liverpool 's joint-best scoring run from the start of a season in English top-flight history , with the Reds also scoring in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool have now gone 38 Premier League games without defeat ; since their last league loss at Man City in January 2019 , Tottenham have lost 16 Premier League matches by comparison , including three to the Reds .
• Tottenham have lost back-to-back Premier League matches for the first time this season , having last done so in May 2019 , while this is the first time their manager Jose Mourinho has lost consecutive games in the competition since August 2018 as Manchester United boss .
• Liverpool have kept six consecutive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time since December 2006 ( seven ) .
• Roberto Firmino has scored five goals in his last six games for Liverpool in all competitions , as many as he had in his previous 30 appearances for the Reds before this run .
Tottenham host Middlesbrough in their FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday , 14 January ( 20:05 GMT ) .
They then travel to Watford in the Premier League on Saturday , 18 January ( 12:30 GMT ) .
Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield in their next Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 16:30 GMT ) .

Firmino's goal means this is Liverpool's joint-best scoring streak from the start of a top-flight season in the club's history
Liverpool setting records in the best-ever start to a season by a club in Europe's top-five leagues "doesn't feel special somehow", says Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.
Roberto Firmino's first-half goal ensured the European champions opened up a 16-point lead over Leicester City at the top of the table with a game in hand.
But while Liverpool's peerless start of 20 wins from 21 games has put them on course for a first top-flight title for 30 years, Klopp played down its significance.
"We know about it and it is special but I can't feel it," said the German boss.
"When someone gives you a trophy it is done but until then you need to fight. It is only the start. We need to continue because our contenders are so strong.
"Pep (Guardiola, Manchester City boss) will not give up. I will do the same. So far, so really good."
Klopp's men have now amassed 104 points across their last 38 Premier League matches, scoring in all 21 of their matches this term.
That record was maintained in London by Brazil forward Firmino, who turned Spurs' young debutant Japhet Tanganga and beat Paulo Gazzaniga with a sweet left-foot strike to give the visitors a deserved lead.
However Liverpool were then grateful for poor finishing from Jose Mourinho's side - who were without the injured Harry Kane - in order to record another victory on their seemingly relentless march to a first title in three decades.
Son Heung-Min and substitute Giovani lo Celso missed excellent second-half chances to give Spurs some reward for a performance that improved as the game went on.
But Liverpool, their position at the top strengthened further by Leicester City's shock home loss to Southampton, held on to increase the sense of formality about the destination of this season's Premier League trophy.
Liverpool not at most fluent - but win again
Liverpool may not have been at their best - there were even spells in the second half when they looked jaded - but this is a team on a seemingly unstoppable run to the Premier League title.
This was their 12th successive league win and it is a remarkable feat to have dropped only two league points from their first 21 games.
Liverpool didn't 'close the door' against Spurs - Klopp
It is true they were let off by Spurs' missed chances but there is perhaps a sense that Liverpool's dominance is having a psychological impact on their opponents so that when rare opportunities come along, they are being snatched at.
And even when not in prime form, Liverpool's forward line is so potent that there is always a goal in them - as Firmino proved with his neat 37th-minute sidestep and thumping finish.
Spurs will claim, with justification, they should have had a throw-in before the goal but Liverpool are now being propelled with growing momentum to end that long wait to reclaim their perch at the summit of the English game.
Spurs lack killer instinct
The root of Spurs' downfall came in two distinct aspects of their performance - albeit one did get better as the game wore on.
In the first half, Spurs were far too passive and negative as they sat back, presumably waiting for an opportunity to strike on the counter attack.
The tactic was undone by Firmino's goal, leaving Spurs with no option but to be more positive in the second period.
Mourinho 'a bit confused' by VAR after defeat by Liverpool
It was then, without the marksmanship of long-term injury victim Kane, that they were so wasteful in front of goal - with both Son and Lo Celso missing when it seemed easier to score.
Lo Celso's miss, in particular, left Mourinho openly lamenting his side's absence of a clinical edge as he collapsed dramatically to his knees after the Argentina midfielder failed to hit the target from close range.
Spurs' wasteful moments against Liverpool may well further convince their manager he has to strengthen his attacking options in this transfer window as the fight for a top-four place intensifies.
Man of the match - Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk was typically imperious as he helped Liverpool to their sixth consecutive clean sheet for the first time since December 2006
'This is the best team in the world' - what they said
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho, speaking to BBC Sport: "This is football. Sometimes you get more than you deserve. Sometimes you get less. This was an occasion when we got nothing when we deserved something. This is the best team in the world against a team in a difficult moment, with injuries, in a difficult part of the season. The boys were fantastic when we tried to change and create problems."
On a potential handball in the build-up to the goal: "I didn't watch it. What I watch is 200% that the throw in for the start of the goal was our throw. I am confused with VAR because of that."
On finishing in the top four: "It is possible to talk about top four when you start the season on zero points. But it is hard to talk about it when you start at minus 12 (the number of points off the top four Spurs were when he took over)."
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, speaking to BBC Sport: "It was very hard-fought because we didn't close the game down early. We should have been one or 2-0 up already when we scored. If you have a quality opponent like Tottenham and you don't close the game they will come back. Allison makes things look easy. It is not what we would have wanted. It is intense, you lose the ball and you are facing one of the best counter-attacking sides. We had Robbo (Andy Robertson) free two or three times and he didn't find a team-mate, so we didn't help ourselves."
On his side's defensive record: "We needed Allison for that today. We had a few dips defensively. Some games he has not had a lot to do with us winning the ball high early. It is good but there is no other chance to win games than to defend well."
Liverpool's record 38-game run - the stats
Liverpool have 61 points in the Premier League in 2019-20 - the most any side has ever registered after 21 games in a single season across Europe's big five leagues (assuming three points for a win).
Liverpool have collected 104 points across their last 38 Premier League matches (W33 D5 L0) - a record total by any team across a 38-match spell in the competition's history, overtaking 102-point stretches by Man City (ending in 2018) and Chelsea (2005).
Tottenham Hotspur have conceded 20 goals in 13 matches in all competitions under Jose Mourinho; it took Mourinho's Chelsea side 44 games before letting in their 20th goal during his first spell in England as a manager in the 2004-05 season.
This is Liverpool's joint-best scoring run from the start of a season in English top-flight history, with the Reds also scoring in their opening 21 games in 1933-34.
Liverpool have now gone 38 Premier League games without defeat; since their last league loss at Man City in January 2019, Tottenham have lost 16 Premier League matches by comparison, including three to the Reds.
Tottenham have lost back-to-back Premier League matches for the first time this season, having last done so in May 2019, while this is the first time their manager Jose Mourinho has lost consecutive games in the competition since August 2018 as Manchester United boss.
Liverpool have kept six consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League for the first time since December 2006 (seven).
Roberto Firmino has scored five goals in his last six games for Liverpool in all competitions, as many as he had in his previous 30 appearances for the Reds before this run.
What's next?
Tottenham host Middlesbrough in their FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday, 14 January (20:05 GMT). They then travel to Watford in the Premier League on Saturday, 18 January (12:30 GMT).
Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield in their next Premier League fixture on Sunday, 19 January (16:30 GMT).


bbcuk--2020-01-11--'Split ticket' rail fares to go mainstream say experts

Thousands of passengers could save money on rail fares as `` split tickets '' become more common , experts predict .
Buying multiple tickets to split one journey into sections can work out to be cheaper than having a single ticket .
Users do not have to change trains , as long as their train stops at the final destination printed on each ticket - but the practice has been `` niche '' .
Booking site Trainline has now released a SplitSave tool to help find cheaper journeys by splitting trips into legs .
`` Split tickets '' are legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Travel journalist Simon Calder told BBC News `` split ticketing '' was not a new concept , but had previously only been carried out by a well-informed group of passengers .
`` What we 're seeing now is the whole thing moving from the niche to a company through which millions buy tickets , '' he said .
Previously , passengers could use split ticketing websites such as RailEurope 's Pricehack and Split My Fare to check ticket prices .
The ticket companies ' apps are able to find combinations of tickets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the UK , by automatically splitting the trip into multiple legs .
Passengers buy more than one ticket , rather than a single ticket covering the entire journey .
As long as the train makes a stop at a passenger 's split ticket station along the way , they can be on the same train throughout the whole journey .
To buy a ticket from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads without splitting the fare could cost up to £112 on Monday morning .
However , buying one ticket from Paddington to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ route - and another from Didcot to Bristol would save around a third of the cost of the trip .
The practice is legal so long as the train stops as Didcot .
Trainline said other examples of potential savings included one of £80.10 between Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston , and £79.85 between Edinburgh Waverley and London King 's Cross .
The Rail Delivery Group ( RDG ) , which represents train operators , called for a reform to the whole rail fares structure , describing the split-ticket feature as a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system in need of major surgery '' .
Experts say the rules governing how tickets are sold - which date back to 1995 - have not kept pace with technology or how people work and travel .
The rail industry has previously admitted that passengers are not always offered the cheapest fare available due to `` long-standing anomalies '' .
The RDG published a wish list of reforms last year , including allowing ticket prices to be set more flexibly .
Mr Calder said ticket-splitting by large numbers of passengers may speed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lose revenue .
`` The railway industry says it has been calling for reform for years and I think [ ticket splitting ] could accelerate that process , '' he said .
`` We 're going to see train companies saying to the government : 'We 're losing all this money , you 've got to help us sort this out . '
Jacqueline Starr , chief operating officer at RDG , said : `` We support any effort to improve how people buy tickets within the current fares structure , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a system in need of major surgery .
`` Reforms proposed by train operators and backed by consumer groups would deliver a better range of fares for everyone , encouraging people to use the network and generating revenue for government to re-invest back in to improvements in services . ''
The tool was welcomed by independent watchdog Transport Focus for enabling passengers `` to take advantage of cheaper journeys where they are available '' .
However , the group 's chief executive , Anthony Smith , added : `` Of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know they are getting the best deal and so we want to see major fares and ticketing reforms coming out of the forthcoming Williams review . ''

However, buying one ticket from Paddington to Didcot - which is on the same route - and another from Didcot to Bristol would save around a third of the cost of the trip. The practice is legal so long as the train stops as Didcot.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Lewis Capaldi and Dave lead Brit Award nominations

It 'll be a battle between ballads and bangers at this year 's Brit Awards , with Lewis Capaldi and Dave pitched against each other in four categories .
The Scottish torch singer and the Streatham-born rapper are both up for best male , best newcomer , best single and album of the year at the ceremony , which takes place in London next month .
Stormzy and Mabel are the second most-nominated artists , with three apiece .
But Ed Sheeran is largely frozen out , receiving just a single nomination .
The six-time Brit Award winner had one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the star-studded No .
6 Collaborations Project , which spent five weeks at number one , and selling 568,000 copies .
However , he is locked out of the best male and best album categories , while his Justin Bieber duet I Do n't Care is up for best single .
Notably , that 's the only category where nominees are not selected by the 1,200 industry figures who vote for the Brits - with the 10 shortlisted songs representing the biggest-selling singles of 2019 .
Mabel , who is the daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cameron McVey , is the most-nominated female artist , reflecting the popularity of her single Do n't Call Me Up , which charted in the top 10 across Europe and attracted viral attention in the US .
`` It 's crazy how a song can grow wings and fly you everywhere , '' said the 23-year-old .
`` I 'm really grateful for that tune . ''
The singer , who is nominated for best female , best new artist and best single , joked that if she won a trophy in February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name to `` Brit Award-winner Mabel '' .
Her nominations come exactly 30 years after her mother , who was born in Sweden , won two Brits - for best international artist and best international breakthrough .
• Sweeping changes coming to the Brit Awards • Mabel : ' I wrote a hit on my way to the gym' • Mercury Prize-winner Dave : What you need to know • Lewis Capaldi convinced his success 'ca n't last' This year , Dave is a front-runner for best album , having already won the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A serious , reflective record that addresses life as a young black Briton today , it 's framed as a therapy session , with Dave discussing his absentee father , his brother 's incarceration , domestic violence and the pressure to succeed as a musician .
Capaldi is also a strong contender : His debut , Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent , was the best-selling record of 2019 ; propelled by the success of his tear-jerking ballad Someone You Loved .
Fellow grime artist Stormzy is also nominated for his charismatic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and the shortlist is completed by Michael Kiwanuka 's soul-searching Kiwanuka and Harry Styles 's nostalgic pop opus Fine Line .
For the first time since 2017 , no female artists made the shortlist .
According to The Guardian , of the 193 albums submitted for consideration to Brits ' voters , only 35 were by women .
`` It 's clear there 's a wider issue here , '' wrote the paper 's chief music critic Alexis Petridis .
`` One that involves the British music industry 's ability or otherwise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ] to turn them into lasting success stories . ''
The last female artist to win best album was Adele , whose third record , 25 , scooped the top prize in 2016 .
In the international categories , Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish led the nominees for best female - although Taylor Swift misses out .
A diverse shortlist for best international male features Burna Boy , Post Malone and Bruce Springsteen , who last won an Brit award 34 years ago .
This year 's ceremony will be held at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 February , hosted for a third time by Jack Whitehall .
Last year , organisers announced sweeping changes to the show , dropping several categories and handing more creative control to performers .
The ceremony will be broadcast live on ITV .
• Tom Walker - Just You And I Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Mabel, who is the daughter of Neneh Cherry and Massive Attack producer Cameron McVey, is the most-nominated female artist, reflecting the popularity of her single Don't Call Me Up, which charted in the top 10 across Europe and attracted viral attention in the US.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Five Bristol prison officers hurt in attack by inmate

Five prison officers have been injured in an attack by an inmate .
The attack happened at HMP Bristol on Friday at 14:00 GMT and all five officers `` received hospital treatment '' , a Prison Service spokeswoman said .
Sarah Rigby , from the Prison Officers Association ( POA ) , said the prisoner had been transferred from a high-security jail .
The Prison Service said it was investing in staff safety by issuing bodycams and pepper spray .
Ms Rigby said the inmate `` should never have been moved out of the high-security establishment '' .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovering at home and added : `` Staff at HMP Bristol have not yet been issued with PAVA [ pepper spray ] and rigid bar handcuffs and it is possible that the PAVA particularly could have protected staff better during this incident .
`` The POA again wishes to reiterate that the employer must issue this protective equipment at the earliest opportunity to offer better protections for the staff carrying out their duties in a dangerous , hostile environment . ''
An Avon and Somerset Police spokeswoman said they were investigating an assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` taken to hospital for treatment to injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening '' and added : `` A suspect was detained by prison staff and is due to be questioned by police officers . ''
HMP Bristol has about 520 adult male prisoners and a limited number of young offenders , both convicted and on remand from local courts .
It is a category B prison where the majority of prisoners stay for fewer than 12 months .

She said those injured had left hospital and were recovering at home and added: "Staff at HMP Bristol have not yet been issued with PAVA [pepper spray] and rigid bar handcuffs and it is possible that the PAVA particularly could have protected staff better during this incident.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Call for whip to be removed from Bridgend MP Jamie Wallis

A candidate in the Labour leadership contest wants Boris Johnson to kick one of his new Welsh MPs out of the Conservative party in Parliament .
Jess Phillips has started a petition calling on the prime minister to withdraw the whip from the Tory MP for Bridgend , Jamie Wallis .
He was the director of several firms which have been the subject of hundreds of complaints to Bridgend trading standards .
Mr Wallis has been asked to comment .
On Saturday the Conservative Party said it could not make a comment at this time .
He won Bridgend for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's election .
It has emerged that one of the companies , Quickie Divorce Ltd , which trades under the title clean-break.co.uk , advertised on its website a separate business called Sugar-Daddy.net .
• What is removing the whip ?
This business offered people introductions to wealthy individuals , saying : `` We can introduce you to your very own sugar daddy and solve your money worries .
`` Whether you 're a boy , girl , straight or gay , there 's a sugar daddy for you . ''
Jess Phillips , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has now launched a petition calling on the prime minister to withdraw the whip from Mr Wallis .
Her petition says : `` Let 's be clear : sugar daddy is a euphemism for something deeply ugly : exploitation of women by powerful men .
`` The Tories should feel ashamed sitting alongside Jamie Wallis .
The only way to show they do n't condone this kind of behaviour is to remove the whip . ''
Ms Phillips , a well known women 's right campaigner , is one of the Labour MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Labour Party .
Labour 's Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi backed Ms Phillips ' call to remove the whip from Mr Wallis .
She said she was `` really concerned '' about Mr Wallis and added that `` his track record is very dubious '' .
`` I 'm concerned the Conservatives are not doing a simple Google search to have a look to see what their candidates are like , '' she said .
`` Jamie Wallis has been known to the Tory party , he has stood as a candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like him should not be members of parliament . ''
Mr Wallis resigned his directorships of a number of companies including Quickie Divorce Ltd , a short time after December 's general election .
According to Companies House , he remains a person with significant control of the company , owning voting rights of 75 % or more .
Mr Wallis and the Conservative Party have been approached for a response .
Mr Wallis told BuzzFeed : `` Online queries indicate the sugar-daddy.net website was registered in 2004 and ceased to be operational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have been owned and operated by a company named SD Billing Services Limited .
For the avoidance of any doubt , I have never had a financial interest , nor been a director of SD Billing services Limited and can not comment on its operational activities . ''
Mr Wallis has also rejected the information provided about complaints to Bridgend trading standards relating to the companies where he was director .
He has rejected them as `` nonsense '' and says his former businesses are considering legal action against the local authority @

"The site appears to have been owned and operated by a company named SD Billing Services Limited. For the avoidance of any doubt, I have never had a financial interest, nor been a director of SD Billing services Limited and cannot comment on its operational activities."


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Independence supporters march through Glasgow

Tens of thousands of Scottish independence supporters have marched through Glasgow in the first of a series of protests planned for the coming year .
The All Under One Banner ( AUOB ) march from the west end to Glasgow Green took place in very poor weather conditions .
A mass rally that was due to be held afterwards was cancelled after rain and high winds were forecast .
The UK government has said it does not support a further vote on independence .
The `` emergency '' march was organised in the wake of last month 's general election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 48 of the 59 seats in Scotland while the Conservatives won a majority across the UK as a whole .
• What will happen in Scottish politics in 2020 ?
It is the first of eight marches that the grassroots AUOB group plans to hold across Scotland over the coming year as activists aim to increase the pressure for independence .
The organisation has staged several similar marches and rallies in town and cities across Scotland over the past five years .
AUOB decided that the march would definitely go ahead despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group tweeting : `` If we let some Scottish rain stop us marching then we 've no chance .
The march is on . ''
Gary Kelly of AUOB said : `` It 's another mandate at the end of the day and it shows there 's still an appetite and a desire in Scotland for Scottish independence .
`` We do n't get a lot of media publicity and the fact is that we do get it now .
The world 's media is here today watching us . ''
Organisers estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Scottish voters backed remaining in the UK by 55 % to 45 % in a referendum in 2014 - but Nicola Sturgeon , the SNP leader and Scotland 's first minister , says she wants to hold another vote on independence later this year .
That currently looks unlikely to happen because the UK government has made clear it will not transfer the powers that Ms Sturgeon says would be needed to ensure any referendum is legal .
The first minister has ruled out holding an unofficial referendum , similar to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as she does not believe it would lead to independence regardless of the result .
Ms Sturgeon has never attended an AUOB march , although she did speak at a rally organised by the pro-independence National newspaper in Glasgow 's George Square in November .
It was the first time she had spoken at a major independence rally since 2014 .
The first minister has written to Prime Minister Johnson requesting agreement on a further referendum .
A UK government spokesperson said : `` We do not support a second referendum on leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remain part of the UK in a once in a generation referendum in 2014 .
`` The Prime Minister will respond in full to the First Minister 's letter shortly . ''
Another AUOB march will be held in Glasgow in May , with similar events scheduled for Arbroath , Peebles , Elgin , Kirkcaldy , Stirling and Edinburgh .


bbcuk--2020-01-12--Brenda Blethyn's Vera: More than a scruffy mac and hat

TV viewer loyalty - the kind that propels a series into double digits - is these days a rarity .
Too many platforms offering too much content have us constantly tempted elsewhere .
Still , one show that 's defied the odds is ITV 's detective drama Vera , which this year reaches its decade-long milestone .
Admittedly , Vera began before the boom in streaming services .
But its audience need not have stayed , averaging 7.8 million people per episode .
It 's also one of the best-selling British dramas internationally .
Our never-ending love affair with crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could the trend for those which are female-led .
Yet the TV graveyard is populated with shows that can be similarly categorised .
In truth , the secret to success lies in a fortuitous alchemy of ingredients .
Having Oscar-nominated Little Voice and Secrets and Lies actor Brenda Blethyn playing the eponymous sleuth is a good start .
Each stand-alone case episode is based on or inspired by the bestselling novels by Ann Cleeves , guaranteeing the source material is sound .
Her scruffy mac and bucket hat-wearing Geordie detective chief inspector Vera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loner - with a compassionate underbelly .
In charge of a team of men ( there is one woman ) , she has no time for the trappings of make-up , fashion , romance or personal angst .
Solving a crime and seeing justice done are Vera 's sole objectives .
`` I do n't think people liked her very much , '' she says .
`` But then they could see she was respected by her team and she would defend them like a mother her puppies .
So people began to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There are lots of good crime stories on telly but she 's different .
She looks like someone who could live down the street .
You do n't know much about her personal life , you 're not lusting after her so nothing gets in the way of the drama .
`` It 's also good to see a woman of her age in a position of authority , telling a load of men what to do .
I know lots of women around her age rejoice in that . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She laughs and cracks jokes and is glamorous in an understated way .
You ca n't help but like her .
But she does share some of her characteristics - some born out of her humble background growing up in Ramsgate , she says .
`` I 'm a coper and can be pretty independent .
And solving puzzles has been my passion from when I was a kid .
We did n't have a TV and the radio would get cut off because the bill had n't been paid .
Still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day to do The Times cryptic crossword . ''
Blethyn has built a strong friendship with Cleeves , read all her books and feels very protective of the author 's character .
She will tell the scriptwriters if they 've included something Vera just would n't say or do .
The show 's executive producer Phil Hunter says Blethyn `` embodies this character in a way which captivates an audience and really lands an emotional stone in the heart '' .
He also considers the show a `` trailblazer '' in female protagonist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an appetite for telling stories with really capable women in those positions .
The more gender balance we get on screen , the better , '' he adds .
The new series ' first episode sees Vera investigating the death of an entrepreneur whose body is found by bailiffs attempting to repossess his house .
Ultimately , it is a classic `` crime of passion '' Vera story .
One where the tension is ramped up , to be brought down to a cathartic conclusion .
Professor Charlotte Brunsdon from Warwick University 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this sense Vera `` belongs more in the British detective fiction tradition , along with the likes of Inspector Morse and Rebus , rather than female-led detective series '' .
`` Classic to that strand of detective fiction is that it sets a mystery that can be solved , shown in a real world , a flawed world .
So you get the feeling of closure and satisfaction that Vera has managed to get something right , '' she says .
`` But there 's no pretence that she can put right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's happened or the things she encounters along the way .
`` In some ways it 's misleading to think of her in relation to female detectives .
Some of these shows tend to be more about the drama of being a modern woman .
`` You get a lot about their private lives because they have endlessly to circle the question , 'How can a woman be doing this ?
What 's wrong with her ? '
because it 's still difficult plausibly to have female characters who are devoted to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It also means such series have a running narrative focusing on the woman 's personal difficulties .
Their stories have inevitably to reach a conclusion , meaning the show is more likely to fizzle out .
Among reviewers , Vera has its fans and detractors .
The Telegraph 's Michael Hogan declared after the first episode of series nine : `` Brenda Blethyn deserves better than this slow drama .
`` The script plodded from one plot point to the next , like Vera herself through the handsome Northumbrian scenery ...
This was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Midsomer Murders without the camp fun . ''
Meanwhile , Chitra Ramaswamy from The Guardian , praised the show , saying in 2016 : `` Brenda Blethyn stomps across the moor with a solvable murder on the horizon .
What 's not to like ?
Closely followed by Northumberland , Blethyn is the best thing about Vera ... '' She has the loveliest voice , at once girlish and gruff .
Her face is kind but means business .
Not many actors can pull off shambolic but effective but Blethyn can do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from beneath that hat . ''
As the critics highlight , the setting of Vera is a key component .
It 's at once glorious and threatening - a character in its own right .
Vera has boosted tourism to the area , which was marked with a Royal Television Society Award last year .
For each series the cast and crew spend six months filming all round Northumberland and specifically Newcastle .
As well as showcasing the beautiful landscapes , Vera delves into the industrial heartland .
Kenny Doughty , who plays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Healy , loves the region .
`` Northumberland and the coastline are breathtaking but people do n't really know it 's there , '' he says .
`` And Newcastle has its own cultural identity .
It 's still rooted in its working class roots and there 's a real sense of community even though it 's a city .
I 've never felt unwelcome .
Everyone wants to talk to you , and everyone 's got a story to tell . ''
If Ann Cleeves ever hangs up Vera 's mac and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue creating new stories way into the future .
Contemplating getter older and older as Vera , Blethyn gets misty eyed .
`` Oh , imagine .
It could be really good , '' she says .
`` But they would probably have to wheel me around in a chair .
`` Deciding who would do it ... well , they 'd have to draw straws . ''
The tenth series of Vera begins on ITV1 at 20:00 GMT on Sunday 12 January .

"There are lots of good crime stories on telly but she's different. She looks like someone who could live down the street. You don't know much about her personal life, you're not lusting after her, so nothing gets in the way of the drama.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Norwich City fan puts £100 in his will to buy players a drink

The words of Lucas aged nine after lifelong Norwich City fan Barrie Greaves , 83 , left £100 in his will for the players to have a drink on him .
His daughter Sarah tells Radio 1 Newsbeat her social feed is `` just insane '' and she 's heard from football fans as far away as Spain and Latin America .
Norwich City FC have tweeted a photo of the players raising a glass to Barrie who died on December 28 .
`` We 'd had an amazing Christmas - he 'd worn his Norwich City hat all day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ match day .
As usual Sarah and her children , wearing their club shirts and scarves , went round to see Barrie .
But sadly he 'd died while getting ready .
Sarah says she turned to her kids to ask them what they should do : `` They just both looked at me and said , 'Well , we go to the game , because granddad would want us to go to ' . ''
`` Knowing that dad and I spent so much time there together it was the place for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrie family came first , but then , so did football .
Alongside his will was the first letter he ever wrote to his wife , Sarah recalls : `` He talks about being a football fanatic , so he was fully warning her of this obsession with Norwich City Football Club ! ''
Sarah , 45 , and her sister Jane Warden , 50 , have been going to matches with their dad Barrie since they were little and even when Sarah grew up and moved to London they still returned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a family of her own - it was obvious they 'd be Norwich supporters too .
`` My first child went to her first game alongside my dad in her baby carrier age six weeks .
And we just keep going and two of my kids are season ticket holders alongside myself and my sister . ''
Over the past couple of years Barrie had n't been able to get to games .
He was on dialysis for renal failure and had become too ill .
But initially even that had n't stopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dialysis sessions so he could get to the football because he was annoyed to begin with , they were on a Saturday afternoon ! ''
`` His last game was actually the day two of my kids were mascots , which is just a beautiful way to end it in a way for him . ''
He 'd always joked about leaving cash for the players and Sarah says she `` chuckled '' when she saw the clause in his will .
`` He specifically said it was to thank them for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad times .
And I think this sort of last year has been that , you know , the joy of promotion and now , the sort of fight for Premier League survival . ''
Barrie 's funeral will be on January 20 .
His instructions ?
`` Bright colours .
A joyous celebration and definitely not on a match day . ''
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

Sarah says she turned to her kids to ask them what they should do: "They just both looked at me and said, 'Well, we go to the game, because granddad would want us to go'."


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Stormont deal: Your questions answered

Stormont deal: Your questions answered

Northern Ireland 's political parties have returned to government after agreeing to a deal put forward by the British and Irish governments .
The British and Irish governments published the draft on Thursday night in an attempt to restore the executive after three years of political deadlock at Stormont .
On Saturday the DUP , Sinn Féin , the SDLP , UUP and Alliance all entered into the executive , bringing the paralysis to an end .
We answer your questions on what the deal contains and how it could work .
I see this deal comes with money from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the DUP secured in exchange for support for Theresa May , particularly now everything has changed in Westminster ?
- Mick O'Reilly The £1bn secured by the DUP was in return for it propping up Theresa May 's minority Conservative government and covered a two-year period from June 2017 to June 2019 .
The money was split between infrastructure , broadband , education , deprivation and health .
All the money has been spend apart from the broadband proportion .
A procurement process is underway which will see the broadband project implemented over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal was not renewed when it came to an end , and in December , Boris Johnson won a majority and did not need the DUP 's support .
Why were we dependent on two parties agreeing ?
Why are all the parties not involved in getting the executive up and running ?
The five biggest parties - the DUP , Sinn Féin , Alliance , the SDLP and the UUP - have all been involved in the talks to some degree and all five are entitled to seats at the executive table @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been most focused on the DUP and Sinn Féin as the largest unionist and nationalist parties respectively .
The way the Stormont system of government is set up means it can not function without the largest unionist and nationalist parties filling the positions of first minister and deputy first minister .
This was agreed in the 2007 St Andrew 's Agreement when devolution was restored after a suspension of almost five years .
I would like some reference to the protection of loyalist culture .
People talk about an Irish language act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised about loyalism/unionism being protected - David Dynes The draft deal proposes creating an Office of Identity and Cultural Expression .
There would be two commissioners , one who would `` recognise , support , protect and enhance the development of the Irish language '' and the other who would `` enhance and develop the language , arts and literature associated with the Ulster-Scots/British tradition '' .
There is also a section in the deal entitled `` promoting Northern Ireland 's culture , heritage and society '' which states the British government will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centenary of Northern Ireland in 2021 .
It also states the union flag would be flown on government buildings in Northern Ireland on three extra days each year while a `` connected classroom programme '' would provide young people in Northern Ireland with the opportunity to `` connect , engage and collaborate with other young people across the UK '' .
How will the translation hub work ?
Will it be possible for anyone to debate in Irish in the assembly chamber ?
Will scrutiny committees also conduct business in Irish and require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` translation hub '' will be set up to provide Irish and Ulster-Scots translation services for the nine executive departments , `` arm 's length bodies '' , local government and public bodies .
Anyone will be able to speak in the assembly chamber or in assembly committees in either Irish or Ulster-Scots but this would be simultaneously translated so that those who do not speak those languages can understand what is being said .

Stormont deal: Your questions answered Published 11 January 2020
Image source, AFP Image caption, NI Secretary Julian Smith was key in help unlock the political impasse
Northern Ireland's political parties have returned to government after agreeing to a deal put forward by the British and Irish governments.
The British and Irish governments published the draft on Thursday night in an attempt to restore the executive after three years of political deadlock at Stormont.
On Saturday the DUP, Sinn Féin, the SDLP, UUP and Alliance all entered into the executive, bringing the paralysis to an end.
We answer your questions on what the deal contains and how it could work.
I see this deal comes with money from Westminster. What happened to the £1bn the DUP secured in exchange for support for Theresa May, particularly now everything has changed in Westminster? - Mick O'Reilly
The £1bn secured by the DUP was in return for it propping up Theresa May's minority Conservative government and covered a two-year period from June 2017 to June 2019.
The money was split between infrastructure, broadband, education, deprivation and health.
All the money has been spend apart from the broadband proportion.
A procurement process is underway which will see the broadband project implemented over the next few years.
But the deal was not renewed when it came to an end, and in December, Boris Johnson won a majority and did not need the DUP's support.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, The DUP signed a confidence and supply agreement with Theresa May's Conservatives
Why were we dependent on two parties agreeing? Why are all the parties not involved in getting the executive up and running?
The five biggest parties - the DUP, Sinn Féin, Alliance, the SDLP and the UUP - have all been involved in the talks to some degree and all five are entitled to seats at the executive table.
But the British and Irish governments have been most focused on the DUP and Sinn Féin as the largest unionist and nationalist parties respectively.
The way the Stormont system of government is set up means it cannot function without the largest unionist and nationalist parties filling the positions of first minister and deputy first minister.
This was agreed in the 2007 St Andrew's Agreement when devolution was restored after a suspension of almost five years.
Image source, PAcemaker Image caption, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and DUP leader Arlene Foster were big players in the negotiations
I would like some reference to the protection of loyalist culture. People talk about an Irish language act but no reference or questions have been raised about loyalism/unionism being protected - David Dynes
The draft deal proposes creating an Office of Identity and Cultural Expression. There would be two commissioners, one who would "recognise, support, protect and enhance the development of the Irish language" and the other who would "enhance and develop the language, arts and literature associated with the Ulster-Scots/British tradition".
There is also a section in the deal entitled "promoting Northern Ireland's culture, heritage and society" which states the British government will work alongside the executive to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland in 2021.
It also states the union flag would be flown on government buildings in Northern Ireland on three extra days each year while a "connected classroom programme" would provide young people in Northern Ireland with the opportunity to "connect, engage and collaborate with other young people across the UK".
Image source, AFP Image caption, Belfast City Hall is among many buildings in Northern Ireland which only fly the union flag on set days
How will the translation hub work? Will it be possible for anyone to debate in Irish in the assembly chamber? Will scrutiny committees also conduct business in Irish and require translators?
The deal says a central "translation hub" will be set up to provide Irish and Ulster-Scots translation services for the nine executive departments, "arm's length bodies", local government and public bodies.
Anyone will be able to speak in the assembly chamber or in assembly committees in either Irish or Ulster-Scots but this would be simultaneously translated so that those who do not speak those languages can understand what is being said.


bbcuk--2020-01-12--LGBT armed forces ban: 'How far we've come'

Two decades have passed since the government lifted a ban on gay people serving in the British armed forces .
@ @ @ @ @ says the forces are `` now seen as some of the UK 's most inclusive @ @ @ @ @ n't the case before 12 January 2000 .
He 's been hearing from three people @ @ @ @ @ experiences of being LGBT in the military .

Two decades have passed since the government lifted a ban on gay people serving in the British armed forces.
While LGBT correspondent Ben Hunte says the forces are "now seen as some of the UK's most inclusive employers", that wasn't the case before 12 January 2000.
He's been hearing from three people who have had very different experiences of being LGBT in the military.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Nottinghamshire runner is fastest under-18 in the world

This year promises to be a big one for 17-year-old Amy Hunt .
The Newark schoolgirl - who appeared in @ @ @ @ @ - set the fastest under-18 time ever over 200m in 2019 She is now focusing @ @ @ @ @ and the Olympics , all while studying for her A-levels .
The men 's record @ @ @ @ @ still held by Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt .
`` It 's just incredible to think @ @ @ @ @ am on a par with him and hopefully I can go on to achieve the @ @ @ @ @ '' Amy said .

This year promises to be a big one for 17-year-old Amy Hunt.
The Newark schoolgirl - who appeared in this month's Vogue magazine - set the fastest under-18 time ever over 200m in 2019
She is now focusing on the World Junior Championships and the Olympics, all while studying for her A-levels.
The men's record in the same category is still held by Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt.
"It's just incredible to think that at my age I am on a par with him and hopefully I can go on to achieve the same sort of success," Amy said.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Newspaper headlines: William's 'sadness' as Queen calls royal 'summit'

And Love Island is back on the front pages - making the lead in the Daily Star Sunday - ahead @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday for its winter series .
The paper says there are calls for one @ @ @ @ @ axed over claims he is a big-game hunter .

The Sunday Times reports that the Duke of Cambridge has spoken of his "sadness" at the broken bond with his brother. He's said to have told a friend that he feels sorrow that he and Prince Harry are now separate entities - and expressed hope that they might pull together in future.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Vessel drifts off Oban in gale force winds

A lifeboat has been launched to help a 1,300-tonne coaster being battered by gale force winds off Oban .
The ship had dragged its anchors , putting it dangerously close to the shore of Kerrera and the north entrance of Oban bay .
A crew member from the Oban RNLI lifeboat was put onboard the ship to secure a line .
It was then towed to a safer location and was able to drop its anchors again at about 12:30 .
Earlier , part of the A1 - the major east coast road linking Scotland and England - was closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
High-sided vehicles were stopped from using the route for the entire Edinburgh to Berwick-upon-Tweed section .
Warnings were put in place for all Scotland 's exposed road bridges , with restrictions on the Tay and Forth .
At about 15:00 , Traffic Scotland said wind was no longer a problem but rain warnings remained in force .
There has also been disruption to many rail services , including those linking the central belt with Inverness , and trains to Alloa and Stirling .
A power failure between Paisley and Johnston halted trains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major problems on many ferry routes .
A number of routes are closed in Fife , including the A914 east of New Inn Roundabout .
Trossachs Search and Rescue have been assisting with problems on the B829 Aberfoyle-Inversnaid road , which they reported to be closed .

It was then towed to a safer location and was able to drop its anchors again at about 12:30.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Ceredigion pharmacist's medicine app 'goes worldwide'

A pharmacist 's idea for an app is now being used by chemists around the world .
Gary Jones , from Talybont , Ceredigion , is behind an app which helps pharmacists distribute medicines to the right patients at the right time .
It now has over 6,000 users , located from Canada to Australia .
Mr Jones had the idea when the man who usually distributed the medicines went on holiday for a month and he was the only one who knew where patients lived .
He went to an app developer who built him software `` which worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two years ago , he was approached by the National Pharmaceuticals Association , which asked if it could buy a share into it , he said .
`` Since then , it 's grown massively , not only across Wales , but to England , Scotland and Ireland , and also we 've got pharmacies and businesses using it in Canada and America and also we 've got a couple in Australia , '' Mr Jones said .
Not all the users are pharmacists , as the app schedules and tracks all kinds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It was originally designed for pharmacy but we just found that other people were uploading it from the Google Play store and using it , '' Mr Jones explained .
He said it was `` ideal for small businesses that do a delivery as part of their business '' .
Mr Jones said : `` I love being a pharmacist and it 's really nice serving a population '' .

"Since then, it's grown massively, not only across Wales, but to England, Scotland and Ireland, and also we've got pharmacies and businesses using it in Canada and America and also we've got a couple in Australia," Mr Jones said.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Meet Flerken the rescued half wildcat, half domestic pet

A cat deemed too wild to be kept as a pet has been found a home at a wildlife park @ @ @ @ @ was seized by Border Force officers after being illegally imported into the UK .
She @ @ @ @ @ African wildcat and a domestic breed and is considered too dangerous to be kept in @ @ @ @ @ has been taken in by the Ark Wildlife Park in Stickney , Lincolnshire .

A cat deemed too wild to be kept as a pet has been found a home at a wildlife park.
Flerken the savannah cat was seized by Border Force officers after being illegally imported into the UK.
She is a cross between an African wildcat and a domestic breed and is considered too dangerous to be kept in a private home.
She has been taken in by the Ark Wildlife Park in Stickney, Lincolnshire.