bbcuk--2020-07-08--Lives ruined as damage viewed as 'women's problems'

Many lives have been ruined because officials failed to hear the concerns of women given drugs and procedures that caused them or their babies considerable harm , says a review .
More than 700 women and their families shared `` harrowing '' details about vaginal mesh , pregnancy test Primodos and epilepsy drug sodium valproate .
Too often worries and complaints were dismissed as `` women 's problems '' .
It said arrogant attitudes left women traumatised , intimidated and confused .
• The patients who fought for answers Review chair Baroness Julia Cumberlege said she was shocked by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of suffering '' .
She said : `` I have conducted many reviews and inquiries over the years , but I have never encountered anything like this .
`` Much of this suffering was entirely avoidable , caused and compounded by failings in the health system itself . ''
She said even now the exact numbers of women affected by the three issues was still not known and praised campaigners for fighting to raise the problems .
The cases span decades and are thought to affect hundreds of thousands of women and babies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • Primodos - a hormonal pregnancy test , withdrawn from the market in the 1978 , which is thought to be associated with birth defects and miscarriages .
The manufacturer , Schering , now part of Bayer , has always denied a link between the drug and deformities in babies .
• Sodium valproate - an epilepsy drug which , while effective for preventing seizures , can be harmful if taken during pregnancy , causing physical abnormalities to the baby in the womb as well as developmental delay and autism in children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mesh implants - used as a surgical option to treat prolapse and incontinence , some women say they have been left with internal damage and agonising chronic pain `` like razors inside the body '' .
In the last few years , the procedure has only been offered on the NHS under exceptional circumstances and high vigilance .
The review has set out the missed opportunities when something could or should have been done to prevent harm .
It said there was a culture of denial by a disjointed and defensive healthcare system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns .
Hundreds of babies are being born each year to mothers `` unaware '' of the risks that sodium valproate can pose in pregnancy , said the review .
While some women have benefited from mesh implants , others have been left in agony .
The patients whose lives have been ruined June Wray , 73 and from Newcastle , experienced chronic pain after having a vaginal mesh procedure in 2009 .
`` Sometimes the pain is so severe , I feel like I will pass out , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgeons , they did n't believe me .
They just looked at me like I was mad . ''
Kate Langley had a mesh fitted in 2012 for incontinence problems .
She said it had had a massive impact on her life , leading to more than 50 admissions to hospital when she was in acute pain .
`` It was so hard to deal with .
Years of going from one doctor to another . ''
She has now had four operations to remove the mesh .
Marie Lyon was prescribed Primodos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was born with a shortened arm .
She began campaigning in 1978 and said the review was a `` relief that there has finally been an acknowledgement '' of the situation .
Mrs Lyon , chairwoman of the Association for Children Damaged by Hormone Pregnancy Tests , said there was also `` great sadness '' that many of the original campaign members were not alive to see the result of the review .
What needs to happen now ?
The review warned against pushing innovative treatments without enough long-term monitoring , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales ahead of safety .
• Appointing an independent patient safety commissioner to hold the health system to account • Setting up discretionary payment schemes to meet the financial care costs of those already affected • Transparency of payments made to doctors by pharmaceutical and medical device companies Kath Sansom , founder of Sling the Mesh campaign and a mother of two , said : `` The report is hard hitting and recognises the total failure in patient safety , regulation and oversight in the UK .
`` It also makes it very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entrenched in institutional denial and misogyny .
`` While we welcome all of the recommendations , there is no glory in knowing thousands of women have been maimed by mesh since the late 1990s then ignored when they asked for help suffering debilitating , life altering and irreversible pain . ''
Epilepsy Action deputy chief executive Simon Wigglesworth said : `` Nothing can undo the avoidable harm and distress that has been caused by the decades of government silence and inaction . ''
Health Minister Nadine Dorries said she was determined to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future .
`` Our health system must learn from those it has failed .
`` We will now give this independent review the full and careful consideration it deserves before setting out our full response . ''

"While we welcome all of the recommendations, there is no glory in knowing thousands of women have been maimed by mesh since the late 1990s then ignored when they asked for help suffering debilitating, life altering and irreversible pain."


bbcuk--2020-07-08--JK Rowling joins 150 public figures warning over free speech

Some 150 writers , academics and activists - including authors JK Rowling , Salman Rushdie and Margaret Atwood - have signed an open letter denouncing the `` restriction of debate '' .
They say they applaud a recent `` needed reckoning '' on racial justice , but argue it has fuelled stifling of open debate .
The letter denounces `` a vogue for public shaming and ostracism '' and `` a blinding moral certainty '' .
Several signatories have been attacked for comments that caused offence .
That includes Harry Potter author JK Rowling who was fiercely criticised this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diverse cross-section of figures from across the globe put their names to the letter which was published on Tuesday in Harper 's Magazine .
It includes US intellectual Noam Chomsky , eminent feminist Gloria Steinem , Russian chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov and author Malcolm Gladwell .
Several have had works banned in some countries , including British novelist Salman Rushdie , who lived in hiding after receiving death threats for his 1988 book Satanic Verses .
And at least two novels by Syrian writer Khalid Khalifa that criticised Syria 's government were banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are prominent historians of race and slavery , including Nell Irvin Painter , who wrote The History of White People and David Blight , who heads Yale University 's Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery , Resistance , and Abolition .
Many have been in public life for decades , while others are younger including 29-year-old activist Sarah Haider , whose organisation Ex-Muslims of North America aims to normalise religious dissent .
What does the letter say ?
`` The free exchange of information and ideas , the lifeblood of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constricted , '' suggests the letter .
• What unites young people against Obama and Trump It also says : `` We uphold the value of robust and even caustic counter-speech from all quarters .
`` But it is now all too common to hear calls for swift and severe retribution in response to perceived transgressions of speech and thought . ''
The letter condemns `` disproportionate punishments '' meted out to targets of public shaming by institutional leaders conducting `` panicked damage control '' .
It goes on to warn of fear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are already paying the price in greater risk aversion among writers , artists , and journalists who fear for their livelihoods if they depart from the consensus , or even lack sufficient zeal in agreement , '' it says .
• Racism and statues : How the toxic legacy of empire still affects us • The stories behind the statues targeted in protests It adds : `` We need to preserve the possibility of good-faith disagreement without dire professional consequences . ''
What are they taking aim at ?
In recent months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shamed online for making comments considered offensive by some , including on topics of race , gender and sexuality .
In some cases , employers took action against the individual after sustained and targeted criticism .
The letter suggests : `` Editors are fired for running controversial pieces ; books are withdrawn for alleged inauthenticity ; journalists are barred from writing on certain topics ; professors are investigated for quoting works of literature in class ; a researcher is fired for circulating a peer-reviewed academic study ; and the heads of organizations are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistakes . ''
In June , the New York Times ' opinion editor resigned amid outrage over a piece by a Republican senator calling for military forces to be sent to cities where anti-racism protests had turned violent .
Opinion contributors to the newspapers David Brooks and Bari Weiss added their names to the letter on Tuesday .
Last year a US professor who quoted a racial slur from a James Baldwin book in a lecture at New York 's New School was cleared on charges of racial discrimination .
And in January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cummins 's tour after her novel American Dirt was strongly condemned for stereotypical descriptions of Mexicans .
What has the response been ?
There has been a huge online response to the letter , with the Index on Censorship calling it an `` important letter on open debate '' .
Irish novelist John Boyne tweeted in support , writing `` hounding people for perceived moral slip-ups '' is the `` opposite of free speech '' .
One signatory - Matthew Yglesias , co-founder of liberal news analysis website Vox - was rebuked by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who tweeted that Yglesias signing the letter `` makes me feel less safe at Vox '' .
But VanDerWerff said she did not want Yglesias to be fired or apologise because it would only convince him he was being `` martyred '' .
Signatory Jennifer Finney Boylan , a US author and transgender activist , apologised within hours of the letter being published , tweeting `` I did not know who else had signed that letter '' .
Critics have tweeted past comments by signatories JK Rowling and Noam Chomsky on topics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Others argued that those who signed the letter were overreacting .
`` It 's hard to take claims like this seriously , especially when it 's plain that people are complaining about an unprecedentedly free and open speech environment , '' tweeted journalist Osita Nwanevu .
And some suggested that many of the signatories are high-profile figures who benefit from access to institutions that readily publish their work .

The letter suggests: "Editors are fired for running controversial pieces; books are withdrawn for alleged inauthenticity; journalists are barred from writing on certain topics; professors are investigated for quoting works of literature in class; a researcher is fired for circulating a peer-reviewed academic study; and the heads of organizations are ousted for what are sometimes just clumsy mistakes."


bbcuk--2020-07-08--Man charged after paramedics stabbed in Wolverhampton

A man has been charged with wounding two paramedics who were stabbed during a call-out to his home .
Michael @ @ @ @ @ of West Midlands Ambulance Service , were hurt at a property in Stephens Close , @ @ @ @ @ They had been called to check on the welfare of a man .
Martyn Smith @ @ @ @ @ Close , is charged with two counts of wounding .
He is due to appear @ @ @ @ @ later .
Mr Hipgrave was discharged from Birmingham 's Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Monday night @ @ @ @ @ after surgery for cuts to his back .
Ms Evans remains at the hospital where @ @ @ @ @ for a knife wound to her chest and remains in a stable condition .
On @ @ @ @ @ spokesman said both staff members were `` recovering well '' .
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Michael Hipgrave and Deena Evans, of West Midlands Ambulance Service, were hurt at a property Wolverhampton on Monday after being called to check on the welfare of a man.


bbcuk--2020-07-08--Tottenham midfielder Dier banned for confronting fan

Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier has been given a four-match ban and fined £40,000 for climbing over seats to confront a fan after a match in March .
The incident happened after Spurs were knocked out of the FA Cup at home by Norwich .
The Football Association ban rules the 26-year-old out of all but one of Tottenham 's remaining Premier League fixtures .
Dier has also been warned about his future conduct by the FA .
A statement said : `` The Tottenham player admitted that his actions at the conclusion of a fixture against Norwich City in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were also threatening .
`` An independent regulatory commission subsequently found Eric Dier 's actions to be threatening . ''
The incident occurred on 4 March in the fifth-round tie following a penalty shootout in which Dier scored , but Spurs eventually lost .
Speaking at the time , Spurs manager Jose Mourinho said a fan had insulted Dier after the game .
What happened and how did the FA come to its ruling ?
Dier jumped over the pitchside barriers into the stand at the end of the game .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clambered over seats until he reached the top row of seats in front of the hospitality boxes .
Another video shows him being restrained by fans and security , while shouting `` he 's my brother '' .
He is then led away by security with his arm around a fan .
The fan later said in a statement to the police , who took no action following an investigation , that he had `` been an idiot '' .
Dier , who has 40 England caps , argued during the hearing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban as he just wanted to `` protect '' his brother Patrick who he believed was `` in trouble '' , but the panel disagreed .
In a written statement , the independent regulatory panel outlined a number of aggravating factors : • The stand was heavily populated by spectators .
• Dier travelled an appreciable distance for a not insignificant period of time trying to reach the spectator - it was a determined and sustained attempt to get to the spectator .
• He pursued the spectator after he had desisted and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spectator when he knew he posed no threat to his brother .
• Dier 's actions caused some pushing and shoving in the stands • Dier 's actions resulted in a melee at the entrance of exit 103 .
• He is a high profile footballer , whose conduct was witnessed by many within the ground and countless others more widely .
• Disability and Me : Alex Brooker explores what it really means to be disabled in the UK

Last updated on .From the section Tottenham
Dier denied his behaviour was "threatening" and told a hearing he was protecting his brother
Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier has been given a four-match ban and fined £40,000 for climbing over seats to confront a fan after a match in March.
The incident happened after Spurs were knocked out of the FA Cup at home by Norwich.
The Football Association ban rules the 26-year-old out of all but one of Tottenham's remaining Premier League fixtures.
Dier has also been warned about his future conduct by the FA.
'I prefer no reaction' - Mourinho reacts to Dier ban
A statement said: "The Tottenham player admitted that his actions at the conclusion of a fixture against Norwich City in the FA Cup were improper but denied that they were also threatening.
"An independent regulatory commission subsequently found Eric Dier's actions to be threatening."
The incident occurred on 4 March in the fifth-round tie following a penalty shootout in which Dier scored, but Spurs eventually lost.
Speaking at the time, Spurs manager Jose Mourinho said a fan had insulted Dier after the game.
Following the announcement the Portuguese boss refused to comment on the ban to avoid "getting into trouble" but did confirm that the club would not be appealing.
"If you appeal you have other risks. At least let's start next season without a suspension," Mourinho added.
"We all know how it works with the FA decisions. I don't think we will appeal."
What happened and how did the FA come to its ruling?
Dier jumped over the pitchside barriers into the stand at the end of the game. He made a beeline for a fan and clambered over seats until he reached the top row of seats in front of the hospitality boxes.
Another video shows him being restrained by fans and security, while shouting "he's my brother". He is then led away by security with his arm around a fan.
The fan later said in a statement to the police, who took no action following an investigation, that he had "been an idiot".
Dier, who has 40 England caps, argued during the hearing that his actions did not deserve a football ban as he just wanted to "protect" his brother Patrick who he believed was "in trouble", but the panel disagreed.
In a written statement, the independent regulatory panel outlined a number of aggravating factors:


bbcuk--2020-07-08--Boohoo starts review after Next and Asos desert it

Fast fashion brand Boohoo has ordered an independent review of its UK supply chain following reports of poor working conditions at a factory in Leicester .
It comes after retailers Next and Asos dropped Boohoo goods from their stores amid claims workers were underpaid and not socially distancing .
The firm is also facing calls for a boycott on social media .
Boohoo , which said it was `` appalled '' by the allegations , has asked a senior barrister to lead the review .
It comes after a Sunday Times report claimed workers at a Leicester factory that supplied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an hour , while being offered no protection from coronavirus .
The factory was also said to be operating during a localised lockdown designed to stop a spike in Covid-19 cases in Leicester .
Labour Behind the Label , a workers ' rights group , has separately claimed that some employees at factories in Leicester that supply the fast fashion firm were `` forced to come into work while sick with Covid-19 '' .
Boohoo said it took `` extremely seriously all allegations of malpractice , poor working conditions , and underpayment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Levitt , a senior barrister who specialises in business crime , would lead an investigation looking into whether the company 's suppliers pay the minimum wage , and comply with coronavirus safety regulations , working hours rules and immigration law .
• Boohoo dropped by Next , Asos and Zalando • Boohoo swoops again to snap up Oasis and Warehouse brands It will also spend an initial £10m `` to eradicate supply chain malpractice '' , with the help of audit and compliance specialists Verisio and Bureau Veritas .
The brand is popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it targets with marketing campaigns using Instagram `` influencers '' including contestants from the reality TV show Love Island .
That strategy could be in question , as the company was criticised on platforms including Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag boycottboohoo .
Former The Only Way Is Essex cast member Vas Morgan and model Jayde Pierce , distanced themselves from the brand in social media posts on Tuesday.Boohoo said in June that it expected sales to increase by at least 25 % this year , a stark contrast to the struggles seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shares in the firm have dropped by almost half this week , diving 23 % on Wednesday alone .
The company has grown rapidly since it was founded in Manchester in 2006 by Mahmud Kamani and Carol Kane .
Before the Sunday Times ' investigation the business was valued at about £5bn .

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bbcuk--2020-07-08--Boy, 13, critical after Ashton-in-Makerfield hit-and-run

A 13-year-old boy is fighting for his life after being hit by a car as he walked along the pavement @ @ @ @ @ of a Jaguar failed to stop following the crash in Wigan at about 16:30 BST @ @ @ @ @ .
The boy is thought to have been walking along Old Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield when @ @ @ @ @ then a wall .
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious @ @ @ @ @ He remains in custody for questioning , Greater Manchester Police said .
The 13-year-old sustained @ @ @ @ @ to hospital where he remains in a life-threatening condition .
Old Road was closed for @ @ @ @ @ investigated but has since reopened .
He said : `` We are very much keeping @ @ @ @ @ make a direct plea to anyone who may have been involved , or has the @ @ @ @ @ to do the moral thing and come forward . ''
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You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline @ bbc.co.uk

"We are very much keeping an open mind and would make a direct plea to anyone who may have been involved, or has the slightest bit of information, to do the moral thing and come forward," he said.


bbcuk--2020-07-08--Brexit: UK set to nominate Liam Fox to lead World Trade Organization

The UK government is set to nominate former cabinet minister Liam Fox as a candidate to lead the World Trade Organization , the BBC understands .
The body is searching for a new director-general to replace Brazilian Roberto Azevedo , who is standing down on 31 August .
Six countries so far have confirmed they will put forward a nominee .
Mr Fox , a Conservative MP since 1992 , was an ardent backer of the UK 's exit from the EU .
His nomination by Downing Street would come as a blow to former Labour cabinet minister Lord Mandelson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the role .
WTO member countries have until 17.00 BST on Wednesday to nominate candidates , with voting set to begin later this year .
• Brexit : What is the 'no deal ' WTO option ?
The contest comes at a crucial time for the WTO , amid a slump in global trade in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .
The Geneva-based body , established in 1995 , provides a forum for its 164 members to administer a system of rules governing global trade .
Recently however the body has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arbitrating trade disputes , hobbled by a dispute with the United States .
President Donald Trump 's administration has blocked the appointment of new judges , arguing that the WTO has long treated the US unfairly .
Despite being a Brexiteer who wants to see the UK embrace what he sees as the opportunity of signing new trade deals from next year , Liam Fox was sacked immediately by Boris Johnson when he became PM .
But it now seems the PM thinks Mr Fox could be the man to fight for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox 's supporters have spoken of the need for a `` political leader '' at the WTO - and point to his connections with many influential Republicans in Washington .
He 's not the frontrunner .
Many countries are expecting an African leader of the organisation - with the favourite from Nigeria at the moment .
Mr Fox will join a field of candidates including Kenya 's culture minister Amina Mohamed , who became the latest to confirm her candidacy on Tuesday evening .
They join Egypt 's Hamid Mamdouh , Tudor Ulianovschi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yoo Myung-hee .
Jesús Seade Kuri from Mexico and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria complete the field .
The UK is currently aiming to negotiate a free trade agreement with the European Union following its exit from the 27-member bloc in January .
The UK government has ruled out an extension of the deadline to reach a deal , which will come when a 11-month transition period ends in December .
If the two sides fail to reach a bespoke agreement , trade between them will default to the standard international set of rules @ @ @ @ @


bbcuk--2020-07-08--'Home-schooling has been hell'

'Home-schooling has been hell'

Having to home-school during the Covid-19 pandemic is taking a toll on both parents and children , campaigners warn .
The group , Sept for Schools , says it has heard from parents reduced to tears as they balance work with educating .
The group says the assumption that parents will readily resume their role as educators in the event of future lockdowns is `` not sustainable , fair or workable as an education solution '' .
The government says all pupils will be back in school in September in England .
Schools in Scotland and Northern Ireland are aiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the new term begins .
In Wales , ministers have said blended learning - a mix of home and classroom learning - would be likely for some time to come , but more detail is expected in the coming days .
Sept for Schools has written to Education Select Committee chairman Robert Halfon , urging him to `` hold the government to account for delivering a clear , comprehensive and workable plan to make sure our children return safely to school in September '' .
`` In the event of further lockdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to schools and to parents to ensure that the learning and wellbeing of all children are prioritised , wherever they live and whatever circumstances they live in . ''
'Two jobs at once' The group has been carrying out a survey , via social media , to find out about more parents ' experiences of home-schooling - more than 250 people have responded so far .
`` We were overwhelmed by the response : within 24 hours , we had stories from families across the country - from Macclesfield , Leeds , London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Annes , Burnley , Cirencester , Brighton , Reading and many other areas , '' the group said .
It has sent the responses to Mr Halfon in the hope that parents will `` have their voices heard '' .
`` Home-schooling has been hell , sharing the only table in our small flat with my seven-year-old son , '' reported one single mother , who is working full-time from home .
`` It is not that I do n't think I am capable or that we do not have access to materials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs at once - I can either attempt to support my seven-year-old in doing some schoolwork or try to do my own work and keep my job .
• All pupils 'back in school full-time ' in September • No school : 'He 's not getting up until one o'clock' • How much home-learning should children really do ?
`` He is too young to have the motivation and self-discipline to work independently , especially during lockdown when he is isolated from other kids , his emotions are all over the place and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Our relationship has been badly damaged by the struggle over schoolwork , and to very little end because if anything , he seems to have gone backwards academically , despite all the lengths the school has gone to to provide work . ''
One mother said she felt compromised , both as a mother and as an employee .
`` Home-schooling has been incredibly hard .
Aside from the fact that both my husband and I have jobs that we are also trying to juggle , there is a different dynamic between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their teachers , which leads to more arguments .
`` This has added to the stress and guilt of neither being able to do a proper job of teaching , nor of our other jobs . ''
Another mother said : `` My sons used to enjoy learning and excel at schoolwork but it rapidly became apparent that they did not enjoy learning at home , where they expected play and nurture .
`` My eldest became frequently angry and aggressive , my youngest sad and withdrawn , and the relationship between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my attention to schooling them and their emotional wellbeing and have suffered an 80 % loss in earnings as a result and am at risk of losing my business .
`` I try to hide my own distress at all of the above , but have been reduced to tears in front of my children . ''
The survey also found that the quality of lessons and set work varies widely , even within a school , as well as variation in the level of pastoral support being offered .
`` Each child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but this is only because I have been in touch to explain how much they are struggling with not being in school , '' said one parent .
Founder of Sept for School , Fiona Forbes , said parents want to have their voices heard , but have been too preoccupied to lobby for a safe return to class .
`` I am convinced that the government has misread the lack of parental protest on schools as evidence that parents have been OK with this situation .
`` From what I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further from the truth - most parents are just too exhausted to think about what they could do to get their voice heard . ''
Conservative MP Mr Halfon said he welcomed the campaign and recognised that many parents had been struggling .
`` While many schools and teachers are doing an incredible job , research shows that over two million children have done almost no home learning during lockdown . ''
The Department for Education said : `` We are aware how challenging it has been for parents , teachers , support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to learn at home .
`` We want to reassure parents and families that we are doing everything we can to make sure schools are as safe as possible for children and staff , and will continue to work closely with the country 's best scientific and medical experts to ensure that is the case . ''

"It is not that I don't think I am capable or that we do not have access to materials, but I cannot do two jobs at once - I can either attempt to support my seven-year-old in doing some schoolwork or try to do my own work and keep my job.


bbcuk--2020-07-08--Lord Baden-Powell statue back on display in Poole

A statue of Scout movement founder Robert Baden-Powell is back on display having been temporarily boarded up .
The decision to cover the Poole monument last month came amid claims Lord Baden Powell supported Hitler .
The local council had initially said it would remove the statue to stop it being targeted but this prompted a public outcry .
It now says the risk to the statue is considered `` minimal '' so the protective hoarding has been removed .
There had been fears for the monument being damaged , since Black Lives Matter protesters tore down a statue of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a statement , Bournemouth , Poole and Christchurch ( BCP ) Council said : `` Our advice is that the risk is now minimal and we have decided to remove the protective hoarding .
`` We are actively working with the Scout Association to consider how best to reflect the wider aspects of the life of Lord Baden-Powell but do intend to retain it in its place overlooking Brownsea Island to reflect the strong links with Scouting and the positive impact on the lives of children all over the world . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have accused him of racism , homophobia and support for Adolf Hitler - although this characterisation of him has been rejected by his biographer .
A petition to keep the statue in place has been signed more than 40,500 times and protesters gathered at the quayside to show support for the statue before it was boarded up , with some camping overnight to ensure it was not vandalised .
BCP Council leader Vikki Slade said she and her 15-year-old daughter had been verbally abused after giving interviews about the monument 's removal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed Supporters of the statue remaining in place include Tobias Ellwood , MP for Bournemouth East , who congratulated protesters who `` stepped forward to defend modern-day values , to defend [ against ] any vandalism and also - dare I say it - a rush to remove this statue without actually any debate '' .
While chief scout and adventurer Bear Grylls said the Scout movement must learn from the `` failings '' of its founder .

"We are actively working with the Scout Association to consider how best to reflect the wider aspects of the life of Lord Baden-Powell but do intend to retain it in its place overlooking Brownsea Island to reflect the strong links with Scouting and the positive impact on the lives of children all over the world."


bbcuk--2020-07-08--Port of Dover: Puppies drenched in oil rescued from van

Six puppies were found drenched in oil at a UK port after being smuggled in an `` appalling '' state to the UK .
The three Maltese , two Havanese and one bichon frise pups were spotted at the Port of Dover , Kent , after travelling from Romania , The Dogs Trust ( DT ) said .
Demand for puppies has risen in lockdown , leading people to be `` dogfished '' - duping into buying the smuggled dogs at inflated costs .
The pups had to be shaved in order for the oil to be removed .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ females , which gave birth to 53 puppies , which could have been worth up to £100,000 to smugglers .
Paula Boyden , its veterinary director , said : `` It is absolutely heartbreaking that we continue to see dogs being illegally imported into the country , often in terrible conditions to make huge profits for cruel puppy smugglers . ''
The DT warned prospective buyers about being `` dogfished '' , urging them not to be drawn to buy dogs via online adverts .
Ms Boyden added : `` Sadly , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Always see a puppy interacting with their mum ...
Ask lots of questions , and ask to see vital paperwork .
`` If you have any doubts or it feels too good to be true , as hard as it may be , walk away and report the seller . ''
All the dogs - which had been taken away from their mothers far too early - are now in the charity 's care and will be re-homed responsibly when they are fit and able .
The DT 's Puppy Pilot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began in December 2015 , with the most popular breeds including dachshunds , French bulldogs , Maltese and chow chows .

All the dogs - which had been taken away from their mothers far too early - are now in the charity's care and will be re-homed responsibly when they are fit and able.


bbcuk--2020-07-08--Digital divide: Six children sharing one phone for homework

A family using one phone between six children for schoolwork said a donated tablet had `` made a big difference '' .
Michelle Holgate from Swindon said while they were off school during the coronavirus lockdown she allocated them each one hour sessions with the phone .
She said one was `` so stressed , saying she 's going to fail everything '' .
Research carried out by Lloyds Bank has shown an estimated million children and young people have no adequate access to devices or the internet at home .
The Holgate family said the tablet , donated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's plight highlighted on regional news programme Points West , meant the children could now `` produce better work '' .
Before that , they were allocated small amounts of time online by mother Michelle .
The children have been set new work each week online but said it was hard for them to keep up .
Since schools closed in March , families in the most deprived areas have been hit the hardest as the digital divide opened up between the haves and have-nots .
Research showed the problems one million children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In addition , it is estimated about 700,000 young children do not have the skills and devices that they need to do their homework A Department for Education ( DfE ) spokesperson said the government had been `` clear in its commitment that no child should fall behind as a result of coronavirus '' .
`` Which is why we have provided over £100m to support children to learn at home , including delivery of over 200,000 laptops and tablets , '' the spokesperson added .
It has also partnered with BT to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the web on up to three devices at a time for six months .
Richard Johnson , the head of Gloucestershire 's Severn Vale school , applied for laptops under the government 's scheme and has been given seven .
`` We know about 50 % are using their phones and the digital divide is growing , '' said Mr Johnson .
Many charities and companies have set up schemes to accept donations of old laptops , tablets and phones which they refurbish then supply to schools for pupils .
Charlie , 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GCSEs in 2021 , has been doing all his homework on a phone .
`` I 'm finding it very , very stressful and to be honest sometimes I find it all too much and I do n't do any work at all , '' he said .
Schools are due to reopen in September and the DfE said it had launched a £1bn Covid catch-up fund `` to directly tackle the impact of lost teaching time as a result of the pandemic '' .
Anyone who has a device they would like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Make A Difference website to find out how to donate and what equipment is required .

"I'm finding it very, very stressful and to be honest sometimes I find it all too much and I don't do any work at all," he said.


bbcuk--2020-07-07--Coronavirus: Childminder anger over 'impossible' restrictions

Childminders are urging the Scottish government to `` catch up '' on Covid-19 guidance for childcare , or face seeing the sector collapse .
Under current measures , parents are advised to avoid `` blended '' care from multiple providers .
That means they are unable to combine school or nursery with any other childcare .
Childminders say parents will struggle to manage work and childcare and their own businesses may not survive .
The Scottish Childminding Association ( SCMA ) says that if restrictions are not removed by the time schools return full-time from 11 August , only 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be financially viable in 12 months ' time .
The Scottish government is expected to review the restrictions at the end of July .
It has said it is `` committed to reopening childcare in a way that prioritises the safety of children and staff '' .
The SCMA has now asked Deputy First Minister John Swinney for `` urgent clarity '' .
They want him to remove the restrictions on blended care .
Susannah Knox , 56 , is a childminder in Greenock .
She says parents need to know now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term .
And she fears she will have to choose between her families .
She said : `` Many childminders were open throughout the lockdown to care for key workers ' children .
`` We did not have to social distance , kids could be dropped off and we kept using PPE only where we would have before .
`` Now all of a sudden we ca n't pick up from school because parents can use only one provider and that is nursery or school .
`` So the childminder ca n't pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them before school . ''
Ms Knox looks after eight children - of those , five are at school , one in nursery and two are under three .
She can only look after the toddlers under the rules .
She added : `` Out of my five children at school , two are siblings of the under threes - so they can mix with brothers and sisters in their home without social distancing .
They can all meet after school in a park with as many children as they like under 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my setting .
`` And employers will now be thinking they ca n't let half of their workforce leave at 14:30 to pick children up from school at 15:00 . ''
Ms Knox says she ca n't expect parents to pay for a service they are not getting so she - and many other childminders she speaks to - are worried about their businesses .
The SCMA poll found 58 % of participants think restrictions to `` blended '' arrangements - when children move between providers - are having a negative impact .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ childminders , predominantly from working families , according to the organisation .
Graeme McAlister , SCMA chief executive , said the Scottish government should give an `` unequivocal commitment and statement of intent to remove all restrictions on blended placements before the schools go back '' .
He argued that , with the virus increasingly suppressed , it should consider the `` economic and social impact of Covid-19 on families and childcare providers , which is becoming more critical by the day '' .
He said : `` SCMA has worked very closely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others to contribute to national recovery planning and have supported the cautious and considered approach .
`` Schools will be returning full-time without restrictions on capacity in August and many sectors will be opening more widely over the summer , resulting in wider social mixing .
As such , it would be difficult to see how restrictions on blended placements can be justified or maintained at that time . ''
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has questioned how parents and childminders are supposed to deal with `` these impossible constraints '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a big challenge on their hands .
If they do not change course , the majority of childminding businesses will be in deep trouble .
`` The decision to reopen businesses without making appropriate childcare provision available presents parents with an impossible choice between looking after their kids or risking their job . ''
A spokesman for the Scottish government said it was committed to reopening childcare in a way that prioritises the safety of children and staff .
He said : `` While registered childminders have been able to reopen since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can operate from 15 July , children wo n't yet be able to attend more than one location - otherwise known as blended placements - unless it is essential to support critical childcare for key workers .
`` Scientific and expert advice continues to stress that minimising overall contacts is important for the suppression of the virus and efficacy of test and protect , but that advice is being kept under review .
`` We understand the value of blended placements for childcare and will reintroduce them when it is safe to do @ @ @

She added: "Out of my five children at school, two are siblings of the under threes - so they can mix with brothers and sisters in their home without social distancing. They can all meet after school in a park with as many children as they like under 12, but they can't meet in my setting.


bbcuk--2020-07-08--Coronavirus: Welsh care homes 'badly let down'

Care homes have been `` badly let down '' during the coronavirus pandemic and the Welsh Government has been too slow to respond , a report has said .
The Senedd 's health committee described Wales ' testing policy in care homes at the start of the outbreak as `` flawed '' .
It said it took `` too long '' to start `` appropriate testing measures '' .
Care homes account for 28 % of Wales ' 2,438 coronavirus deaths .
The Welsh Government said it did not accept residents had been let down .
`` The Senedd 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is just one part of our response , '' a spokesman said .
`` We have provided a wide range of support , including extra nursing staff where necessary and free PPE [ personal protective equipment ] for care homes across Wales . ''
• How do we protect care homes as lockdown eases ?
How well Wales coped with the pandemic , including whether there was adequate PPE and effective testing policies was explored by the cross-party committee .
The crisis `` exposed serious weaknesses that existed in many areas '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it added : `` A second wave does not have to be inevitable if the lessons of the last few months are properly learned and fully applied . ''
Early in the outbreak , 1,097 patients were discharged from hospitals to care homes without being tested for Covid-19 .
Care home residents with symptoms , and those being discharged from hospital , were not routinely tested until 29 April .
On 16 May it was announced that all residents and staff , regardless of whether they had symptoms , could be tested .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ considerably later than both England ( 28 April ) and Scotland ( 1 May ) '' took the same decision .
Wales ' initial approach was `` flawed , and ... it was subsequently too slow in responding to the mounting crisis '' , the report adds .
It said : `` We are deeply troubled by the number of Covid-related deaths in care homes .
Care homes look after some of our oldest and most vulnerable members of society .
`` They deserve to be protected in the event of a national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ badly let down during this crisis . ''
Health Minister Vaughan Gething has said policies are based on scientific advice - and there was no evidence that discharging people from hospitals to care homes without tests led to more deaths .
But the report said decisions to reverse the original testing policy , later than happened in England and Scotland , came `` at great cost to the social care sector '' .
The report also said there was a lack of PPE at the start of the outbreak and it was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times - come within days of running out .
Other concerns included the fact vulnerable people who were asked to shield from the disease did not always get clear information and the UK-wide decision to abandon contact tracing early in the crisis was `` devastating '' .
It said the Welsh Government should now make sure it has an `` efficient and effectively functioning contact tracing system '' .
A Welsh Government spokesman said its approach had been `` rooted in scientific evidence with the sole objective of saving lives , regardless of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working in social care has worked tirelessly to protect some of the most vulnerable people in Wales , '' he added .
`` We will continue to work with the sector to identify and provide any additional support it needs to respond to the virus . ''
Care Forum Wales , which represents the industry , said some of its members felt under pressure to admit hospital patients who had not been tested .
Chairman Mario Kreft said : `` This report is essentially confirming what we knew already and what Care Forum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essentially care homes , their residents and staff inadvertently became collateral damage in a drive to protect the NHS from being overrun . ''

The report also said there was a lack of PPE at the start of the outbreak and it was "extremely concerning" Wales has - at times - come within days of running out.


bbcuk--2020-07-08--Author David Mitchell: Writing a music novel is 'impossible'

Author David Mitchell has a prediction : `` There 'll be a pandemic of art about the pandemic . ''
The award-winning writer of novels including Cloud Atlas and The Bone Clocks says : `` I 'm not sure we 'll ever be writing anything that has n't got a whiff or a shade or a colour of the pandemic for the rest of our lives .
`` The pandemic will always be in the creative process of every artist who has lived through it . ''
Coronavirus has already had an impact on him .
His new book , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published in June .
But its appearance was delayed and Mitchell has been locked down at his home in Cork in Ireland .
`` How do you launch a book in an era where festivals are n't happening , when book tours ca n't happen ?
How do you do it ? ''
he says via a Zoom chat .
Utopia Avenue , which will now be published on 14 July , is Mitchell 's eighth novel .
It charts the rise of a British `` psychedelic-folk-rock '' band from Soho clubs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1960s .
Mitchell took inspiration from real life musicians to create his band members , including Ray Davies of the Kinks , Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones and Ginger Baker , the drummer from the group Cream .
Sandy Denny , who sang with the British folk rock band Fairport Convention shares the DNA of one character .
While there is some of Syd Barrett from Pink Floyd in another .
`` So maybe as you read it , if you are a music-head , then you can have fun spotting these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with real bands . ''
But Mitchell says anyone attempting to write a rock ' n ' roll novel is `` on a hiding to nothing '' .
`` Really great novels about music , about the music scene ... there are not many at all . ''
To write about music is `` this impossible thing , '' he says .
`` There is that famous quote , that 's now pretty much a cliché , writing about music is like dancing around architecture .
And they are in some ways opposites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at describing music .
After three or four sentences it becomes as intolerable as listening to someone else 's dreams .
`` TVs and cinemas have speakers .
Novels do n't .
Somehow when you write , you have to put a speaker into your novel , so you can hear the music . ''
Nonetheless Mitchell says the challenge is what drew him to the subject and he enjoyed trying `` to outwit the impossibility of the situation , using words to describe something that is non-textual '' .
He also clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a goodly mountain of music memoirs , biographies , autobiographies ... to try to understand what musicians know that us civilians do n't know about song writing , recording and performing .
He thinks he read `` maybe 50 , maybe 60 and all of them fed into the book in one way or another '' .
And the book is peppered with real musicians who make cameo appearances including Keith Moon , Jimi Hendrix , Janis Joplin and Leonard Cohen .
Mitchell said he wanted `` to show the world that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` John Lennon was at that party , Syd Barrett was at that party , they did meet David Bowie on that stairs .
It 's real .
`` I want , if I can , to pass off Utopia Avenue as a real band , to just raise a little spectre of doubt in readers ' minds - 'Was this band real or not ?
Have I somehow missed them ? '
`` So the cameos lend texture and substance and maybe robustness to that aspiration . ''
The novel also connects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous novels including his debut Ghostwritten , the structurally-ambitious Cloud Atlas and the historical saga The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet have walk-on parts in Utopia Avenue .
Even a cat drifts in and out .
`` I enjoy it and it 's fun , '' says Mitchell .
But he also has a much grander plan .
He is , he says , building up to `` a great game novel '' .
`` Every time I have a recurring character , every time I have an protagonist who gets away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then it 's lining them up .
They 're becoming a part of some novel in the future where all these things will come to a head .
`` A a kid I would salivate at my poster of Middle Earth or Isaac Asimov 's Foundation books , this great big cathedral-size piece of prose that kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger .
I wanted to do that .
I wanted to throw everything I was into building something that big . ''
He is well on the way .
Mitchell has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world , which are read in 36 languages .
Utopia Avenue is his first major novel for six years and is eagerly awaited .
But with the pandemic forcing the postponement of promotional events even he is worried about book sales .
A recent survey about the impact of coronavirus on writers conducted by the Society of Authors indicated 80 % had future events cancelled due to Covid-19 and 60 % of authors revealed their earnings had decreased since the outbreak .
`` It is a worrying time for a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is a worrying time for a lot of people . ''
But he points out that people are still reading .
`` I believe book sales are up 30 % '' since bookshops were forced to close , `` and even before then they were up 5 % on last year '' .
`` So it 's not a good look if I sit around saying 'woe is me ' .
There are people in much less fortunate positions . ''
Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bbc.co.uk .

He also clearly loved the research, getting stuck into "a goodly mountain of music memoirs, biographies, autobiographies... to try to understand what musicians know that us civilians don't know about song writing, recording and performing. He thinks he read "maybe 50, maybe 60 and all of them fed into the book in one way or another".


bbcuk--2020-07-07--Stamp duty holiday: How would it work?

Stamp duty holiday: How would it work?

The chancellor is expected to announce changes to stamp duty on Wednesday to help cut costs for anyone buying a home .
It 's understood that the level at which the tax is charged could be temporarily raised to £500,000 to boost the property market and help buyers struggling because of the coronavirus crisis .
Stamp duty is a tax paid by people buying properties , although it varies slightly across the UK .
In Scotland it is Land and Buildings Transaction Tax , while in Wales buyers pay Land Transaction Tax .
The amount handed to the government depends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the price of the property and whether you 're a first-time buyer .
The expected changes to stamp duty will only apply to buyers in England and Northern Ireland .
Who pays stamp duty and how much ?
In England and Northern Ireland stamp duty is paid on land or property sold for £125,000 or more .
However , first-time buyers pay no tax up to £300,000 and 5 % on any portion between £300,000 and £500,000 .
For people who have bought a home before , stamp duty rates are 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £250,001-£925,000 , 10 % on £925,001-£1.5m , and 12 % on any value above £1.5m .
That means someone spending £248,000 - the average cost of a house - would currently pay £2,460 in stamp duty to move home .
Landlords pay an extra 3 % of stamp duty when they purchase a buy-to-let property in England and Northern Ireland .
What about Scotland and Wales ?
In Scotland , the rates on Land and Buildings Transaction Tax are 2 % on £145,001-£250,000 , 5 % on £250,001-£325,000 , 10 % on £325,001-£750,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above £750,000 .
Scottish landlords pay an extra 4 % Land and Buildings Transaction Tax on top of standard rates .
In Wales , the rates on Land Transaction Tax are 3.5 % on £180,001-£250,000 , 5 % on £250,001-£400,000 , 7.5 % on £400,001-£750,000 , 10 % on £750,001-£1.5m , and 12 % on any value above £1.5m .
Welsh landlords pay an extra 3 % Land Transaction Tax on top of standard rates .
There is speculation that the government could increase the lower stamp duty threshold to £500,000 .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level would not need to pay stamp duty .
The move would help buyers who have taken a financial hit because of the coronavirus crisis .
It is also aimed to boost a property market hit by lockdown .
According to the Halifax , house prices have fallen for four months in a row .
When will the stamp duty holiday happen ?
It is likely to be announced on Wednesday in the chancellor 's summer statement .
The increase will probably be temporary , though , perhaps lasting six months , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help revive the flagging property market .
However , rumours that it may not begin until October , at the time of the autumn Budget , prompted critics to warn it could encourage people to delay their plans for buying a home , extending the current property market blues for another three months .
It could also encourage people planning to buy next year to accelerate their plans to take advantage of the tax break , leading to a potential property demand slump when the stamp duty holiday is over .
How much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you pay - up to the possible new £500,000 threshold - the more you could save on stamp duty .
If you currently buy a house for £275,000 , for instance , the stamp duty you 'd have to pay would be £3,750 .
That 's based on 0 % duty on the first £125,000 , 2 % on the next £125,000 ( £2,500 ) , plus 5 % on the final £25,000 ( £1,250 ) .
Meanwhile anyone buying a home in Bramhall , Stockport would save £13,603 in stamp duty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking price of £472,053 .
How much does stamp duty raise ?
The government 's annual take from stamp duty is around £12bn , according to the latest figures released by HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) .
That 's roughly equivalent to 2 % of the Treasury 's total tax take .
• The government has a stamp duty calculator here • You can work out how much stamp duty you currently have to pay here Are you about to move house or planning to move ?
How will you be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
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Stamp duty: What is it and how much do I pay? Published 23 September 2022
Image source, Getty Images
The government has cut stamp duty tax in England and Northern Ireland for some buyers.
Stamp duty is a tax paid when you buy a property.
What are the new stamp duty rates?
The amount of stamp duty you pay depends on the cost of the property.
Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng announced the permanent changes as part of the government's mini-budget. They come into effect straight away.
The price at which stamp duty is paid was doubled from £125,000 to £250,000.
The rates are now:
0%: £0 - £250,000 (£425,000 for first time buyers)
£0 - £250,000 (£425,000 for first time buyers) 5%: £250,000 - £925,000
£250,000 - £925,000 10%: £925,000 - £1,500,000
£925,000 - £1,500,000 12%: £1,500,000+
The chancellor added that discounted stamp duty for first-time buyers will now apply to properties costing up to £625,000 - up from £500,000.
How much stamp duty will I pay?
Buyers of homes that cost less than £250,000 don't pay stamp duty. That will comfortably buy you an average terraced home in most places outside of the South East of England.
First time buyers can spend £425,000 - roughly an average flat in London - before paying stamp duty.
Spend £625,000 - perhaps a detached home somewhere like Colingham in Leeds - and you'll pay nearly £19,000.
At £1m - which could be a detached home in Shenfield at the Essex end of the Elizabeth Line - stamp duty will cost just over £41,000.
You can also use the government's Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) calculator to find out how much you have to pay.
What are rates in Scotland and Wales?
In Scotland, the current rates for the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax are:
£0-£145,000 (£175,000 for first-time buyers) = 0%
£145,001-£250,000 = 2%
£250,001-£325,000 = 5%
£325,001-£750,000 = 10%
£750,001+ = 12%
Anyone buying an additional Scottish property costing more than £40,000, including landlords and second-home owners, pays an extra 4% Land and Buildings Transaction Tax on top of standard rates.
For example, a second-time buyer purchasing a home worth £425,000 in Scotland would pay £15,850.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Estate agents say there are not enough properties coming on to the market at the moment
The current rates for Wales' Land Transaction Tax are:
£0-£180,000 = 0%
£180,001-£250,000 = 3.5%
£250,001-£400,000 = 5%
£400,001-£750,000 = 7.5%
£750,001-£1.5m = 10%
£1.5m + = 12%
Anyone buying and additional Welsh property costing more than £40,000, including landlords and second-home owners, pays an extra 4% Land Transaction Tax on top of standard rates.
When do you have to pay it?
You have 14 days to pay stamp duty from the date of completion in England and Northern Ireland.
In Scotland and Wales you have 30 days from the point of purchase.
If it takes longer, you could face a fine, or be charged interest on the duty you owe.
How do you pay it?
House buyers often pay via their solicitors, but you can also pay directly online, or by cheque or cash in many banks.
It is also possible to add stamp duty to mortgage loans and increase your debt to cover the cost of the tax but you could end up paying significantly more in interest payments.
What effect does changing stamp duty have on the housing market?
During the pandemic, the government announced a stamp duty holiday to help home buyers whose finances were affected by Covid. It meant no stamp duty was payable on the first £250,000 of a property.
It was widely thought to have stimulated the housing market and estate agents reported a surge of interest.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), UK average house prices increased by 15.5% over the year to July 2022, up from 7.8% in June 2022.
Image caption, The property market in Richmond, North Yorkshire boomed during the Covid stamp duty holiday period
However, many things may have contributed to rising house prices.
"The final closure of the stamp duty scheme at the end of September 2021 may have had no impact at all," says Nicky Stevenson, managing director at estate agents Fine and Country.
"Other factors are so much more important, namely the race for space, low supply, accidental savings [from the pandemic] and low interest rates."
How much money does stamp duty raise?
The government's annual take from stamp duty is about £14bn, according to latest HM Revenue and Customs figures.
That's roughly equivalent to 2% of the tax the Treasury collects.
What other help is there for first-time buyers?
The policy is designed to help more first-time buyers secure a home.
The scheme is available to anyone buying a home costing up to £600,000, unless it is a buy-to-let property, a second home or, in some cases, a new-build.
The Low-cost Initiative for First Time Buyers (LIFT) helps people in Scotland buy their first property either on the open market, or from a council or housing association. What is stamp duty and how much do I pay?
The Welsh government also runs various schemes to help people to buy a home.


bbcuk--2020-07-08--Killing Eve: How author Luke Jennings created Villanelle

`` She came to me fully formed and it was clear , adventures needed to be made for her . ''
Luke Jennings is the person who created the captivating , but equally terrifying , Villanelle .
Her adventures on paper turned into the hugely popular television show Killing Eve .
It 's become one of the BBC iPlayer 's most streamed shows of all time , and series three has been a huge hit on iPlayer during lockdown .
But we do n't often hear from the man who thought up Villanelle 's world .
It was back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some short novels and the assassin was brought to life .
Luke says Villanelle 's name , her Russian background and her questionable occupation just came to him and `` she did n't enormously change '' from there .
`` I 'd often thought of the idea of never having to worry about money , '' he explains .
`` You could live the life you wanted but in return you have to every so often , just go and kill someone .
`` She is the person who says 'Yes ' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suits her , it really works for her . ''
Villanelle is a cold-blooded murderer but for the character to work she needed to have some redeeming qualities .
`` I always wanted to see how far I could push it , and how appalling I could make the character and have people still root for her , '' Luke says .
She 's clearly a psychopath but she is also intelligent , speaks many different languages and you would n't bet against her in a fight .
Then , there is her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's funny .
You could easily imagine having a fun night out with her .
But Luke thinks we are most drawn to how she lives her life - she is completely carefree .
`` There 's no part of her life that she is n't in charge of , '' he says .
`` Here is somebody who is notionally answerable to her boss , but does what she likes and lives exactly the life that she wants .
`` And just at the end of doing some really gruesome killing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the sunlight and moves on . ''
Whether it is designer gowns , power suits , expensive blouses or even fancy dress , Villanelle has a knack of pulling off every outfit she puts on .
There are countless articles on why she is such a style icon and how you can recreate her various looks for half the price .
And while Luke was n't in charge of the clothes we see on screen , he says it was an integral part of the character he wrote .
It helps us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nice things '' and how killing people is a small inconvenience on the way to buying everything she wants .
`` She likes her clothes and this is what this series caught very accurately , '' Luke says .
`` I was always very specific about the clothes and the fact she dresses for herself .
`` It 's not to attract other people , it 's not to attract attention or men , she just buys things just because she can . ''
This is also seen in what she eats - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any sort of diet , she is always seen tucking into cakes , ice-creams , that massive bowl of pasta .
Villanelle has killed a huge number of people and for the most part walked away without anyone noticing .
So how do you write these seemingly perfect murders for your character ?
Luke approaches it as a problem to solve , so he asks himself these questions : How does she get in there ?
How does she do it ?
What weapon ?
How does she leave no trail and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to solve every aspect , one by one , '' he explains .
`` That 's part of the the fun of writing the character .
It 's slightly different in the TV series but I made all those kills actually work in the books .
`` People read books slowly and think about it , so you have to work out every step of the way . ''
In order to counteract the madness of Villanelle , Luke says it was crucial there was someone to balance her out .
So in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she needed an antagonist to represent the rest of us , '' he explains .
`` To represent the world and ordinary life .
`` Where Villanelle represents everything extreme , everything that is unbalanced , Eve is the rest of us - she burns the toast , she stumbles along doing the best she can . ''
Eve also sees the likeable qualities that we as the audience do .
But more importantly , she makes Villanelle feel something , which makes the character more human .
When Luke Jennings ' book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a relatively unknown Phoebe Waller-Bridge was one of the names considered for writing the script .
`` I sort of ambushed her when she came out of a performance of Fleabag in the Soho theatre , '' Luke admits .
`` She 'd read the book and she was keen and wanted to do it .
`` We just went off to a cafe for the rest of the afternoon and talked .
It was great , we got on really well . ''
Inevitably , Phoebe helped shape the character we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course of 18 months , they regularly chatted about all of the characters , whilst working on different projects .
`` Phoebe would ring me up at odd times with very vague questions like , 'What does Eve want to know ? ''
he laughs .
`` I would attempt to answer it and we would talk about all these different scenarios , send each other music clips . ''
They would also chat between themselves about the casting too .
And , they both agreed on one thing .
She has won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role as Villanelle - it 's hard to imagine anyone else playing her now .
But there was an audition process and Luke saw four different actresses ' screen tests .
They all had to perform the psych test scene when Villanelle wears the pink dress in the first series .
`` What you see now , that French-Russian accent , the manic presence and the off-the-wall delivery , that was all Jodie , '' explains Luke .
`` She was n't being directed , she had worked that out by herself just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three others , all of whom were great in their own way , but afterwards Phoebe and I were talking and we both said 'It has to be Jodie ' - and it was . ''
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"There were three others, all of whom were great in their own way, but afterwards Phoebe and I were talking and we both said 'It has to be Jodie' - and it was."


bbcuk--2020-07-07--Shooting celebrities: Thirty years behind the lens

Andy Gotts ' photographic career began 30 years ago when , as a student , he persuaded Stephen Fry to pose for him .
Since then he has photographed the biggest names in the entertainment business .
Here , he remembers a few of those who have been captured by his camera .
One of the highlights of my career , without doubt , was spending time with the legendary actor Paul Newman .
Paul was the most gentleman of gentlemen .
Kind , witty and always had a knowing smile .
I have never shown this picture before .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot to myself over the years is that it was taken at the very moment Paul gave me the nickname One Shot Gotts .
He would not believe any photographer could get the shot so quickly .
So when I exclaimed… `` Mr Newman , we have it . ''
`` Mr Gotts your reputation is justified , you really are a one-shot guy .
Hey you 're One Shot Gotts . ''
I have known of her since her stint in Neighbours and she always seemed fun and bubbly , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand struck the hour , she arrived exactly on time and full of energy .
When the shoot started it did not take many shots before the fun began when she started to dance and spin , and then in the very last shot she lowered her head and flicked her hair back just like a shampoo commercial .
Sam oozes coolness and is every bit the lovely guy you would think he would be .
This shoot took place in Beverly Hills and Sam turned up in a neon orange T-shirt with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We had a great chat and I had plenty of time to get a rapport going .
As I was setting up the lighting Sam took his bag to the bathroom and got changed .
When he emerged he was dressed in black and there stood Mr Cool .
The shoot was great fun and here are a few out-takes , an unseen contact-sheet of us just looning around .
I shot Meryl at the Soho Hotel when she was doing a press junket for The Iron Lady and was in and out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graciously made time for me .
I wanted some strong lighting and atmosphere in the shots , so I played with having a light directly over Meryl 's head to give more of an iconic feel .
All at once the door was flung open and in breezed Ms Streep and she was warm and welcoming and very keen to be snapped by me .
Following close behind , was her personal make-up artist who said a quick hello then toddled off to find a quiet corner .
We began shooting and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ease into the session .
It was going swimmingly with lots of banter back and forth .
I then changed to the more dramatic lighting and within seconds a voice boomed across the room : '' Ms Streep is never lit like that in her photographs . ''
It was her make-up artist and he started giving some disapproving shakes of the head in the direction of Meryl .
I saw the lighting was actually great , so I briefly stopped shooting and asked him if he could fetch me the PR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lighting options .
As soon as the make-up guy left the room I started shooting with my preferred overhead flashes , giggling to myself like a naughty schoolboy .
By the time the make-up guy returned , Meryl and I had finished the shoot and were saying our goodbyes .
To this day I stand by my lighting choices and still smile to myself knowing how I achieved them .
I had a trip to LA planned so I dropped Tony a note saying I was on the West Coast .
To my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying if I travelled to Vegas , I could shoot him at his house .
I was thrilled and literally was counting the days down before I flew to the US .
The day before I left , my mobile phone rang and I saw it was his number .
I answered with a heavy heart as I was expecting him to cancel the shoot , but instead in a quiet and humble voice he said : '' Andy I know you are coming to photograph me tomorrow and I have seen your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good way at the moment but can I ask you one thing ?
Can you make me look like an icon just one more time ? ''
It did n't take me long to think of my flag idea as I knew his nickname was the American Prince .
But meeting Tony was one of the highlights of my career as not only was he one of my icons but he was also a sweet guy .
Little was I to know Tony would die a few days later and this would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
I shot velvet-toned Morgan Freeman in London while he was filming Batman Begins .
I was all set and awaiting the grand entrance , and was not disappointed when this 6 ' 4 '' frame of a cinema legend entered the room .
Morgan is usually shot in a very iconic , almost holy-looking way so I wanted something a little different .
I asked how he entertained his grandchildren when they hung out together and he retorted that he pulled goofy faces to make them laugh .
I suggested we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ booth '' style of shots , and the man had a little bit of fun .
I never try to plan my portraits , but I always have a feeling of the type of shot I want to capture .
With Clint it was pretty easy .
Whenever I hear his name I picture the narrowing of the eyes and thinning of the lips , usually just before drawing a gun from a holster or throwing a punch .
This was the face I wanted .
While I was setting up , Clint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit of jazz and spirits where high .
When I was ready he came over to my lighting set-up and presented himself to me with this lovely warm , calm , charming face .
Not what I wanted .
I exclaimed : `` I am looking for Dirty Harry not Grandpa Walton . ''
Clint had a bit of a laugh… but then in an instant narrowed his eyes .
This is the result .
And to go full circle , here is the picture that began it all , Stephen Fry in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College of Arts and Technology where Gotts was studying .
Here are a few more stars who have been photographed by Andy Gotts : You can see more work by Andy Gotts on his website and follow him on Instagram

As soon as the make-up guy left the room I started shooting with my preferred overhead flashes, giggling to myself like a naughty schoolboy. By the time the make-up guy returned, Meryl and I had finished the shoot and were saying our goodbyes. To this day I stand by my lighting choices and still smile to myself knowing how I achieved them.


bbcuk--2020-07-07--Cumberlege review: The patients who fought for answers

Over six decades , three very different treatments have been the subject of thousands of complaints from women .
And it took years of patient-led campaigns to expose the striking similarities between them - both in terms of their effects and a lack of adequate warnings before women agreed to the treatments .
The response of England 's healthcare system has now been assessed in a long-awaited review , led by Baroness Cumberlege , which will be published on Wednesday .
Primodos - 'We were told it should never happen again' In 1970 , a doctor gave Daphne Mason Primodos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was pregnant .
Fears about side effects were already circulating among the medical industry .
But Daphne says she was never warned of any risks .
Primodos would trigger a period in women who were not pregnant .
And Daphne did not bleed .
But her son Daniel was born with life-changing injuries , including deformed feet and no hands .
The family 's suspicions Primodos was to blame were repeatedly dismissed , however .
And it was only after his sister heard a news report about Primodos , four years ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Children Damaged by Hormone Pregnancy Tests .
`` For nearly all of my life , I have had to explain to people why I am the way I am , '' he says .
`` But I was never sure myself .
`` Then in a flash , you realise not only are your suspicions probably right , there 's also loads of other people like you .
Staggered by the scale of pain and loss , Daniel now has depressive episodes and has felt suicidal .
`` It 's been really hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm lucky to even be here .
`` We know that an awful lot of children died before they were born or were taken away from their parents without their consent . ''
Primodos was used by more than a million women in the UK in the 1960s and 70s , before being removed from the market in 1978 .
Its manufacturer , Schering , now part of Bayer , has always denied a link between the drug and deformities in babies .
And in 2017 , a government review said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ link .
But the findings have since been contested by epidemiologists at Oxford University .
And Daniel hopes the Cumberlege review will mean the regulation of medicines and devices improves .
`` We were told in the early 60s , after Thalidomide , 'This must never happen again , ' '' he says .
`` And yet , here we are , in 2020 , and it is still happening with mesh and sodium valproate . ''
Sodium valproate - ' I 'm sorry I did n't kick more doors down' Lisa had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a drug that would properly treat her epilepsy .
And when Lisa turned 18 , her specialist seemed to have the solution - a `` brilliant drug '' called sodium valproate .
He never mentioned any risks .
For a while , Lisa stopped having seizures .
And when she wanted to try for a baby , Lisa was reassured she could keep taking the drug .
But she miscarried before giving birth to her son William in 1996 .
She then miscarried again before her daughter Alice followed three years later .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` lots of little signs '' things were not quite right .
`` If I took William to nursery and we went a different route , he would get very , very upset , '' she says .
`` He was always falling over and held his pen strangely .
`` I kept banging on to medical professionals that something was wrong .
`` But they just treated me like a hysterical mother .
`` Now I know the truth , I 'm sorry I did n't kick more doors down . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in February 2013 , about the side effects of sodium valproate it was `` like a light had just been switched on '' .
`` Everything that was wrong with my children was down to the drug I was told was safe to take , '' she says .
Up to four in 10 babies are at risk of developmental disorders if sodium valproate is taken during pregnancy , the MHRA Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says .
And one in 10 is at risk of birth defects .
All of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sodium valproate each year in the UK should be on a pregnancy-prevention programme to ensure they are aware of the risks .
But campaigners and charities say this is often not the case .
Alice has epilepsy , learning difficulties and struggles to eat and drink .
Both have autism and dyspraxia .
Lisa also believes sodium valproate caused her two miscarriages .
And no matter how many times she is told she is not to blame , she can not shake off an overwhelming feeling of guilt .
`` My kids have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And that 's down to me .
`` They would n't be like that if I had n't been taking tablets . ''
Pelvic mesh - 'Patients should be told the truth' '' People do n't particularly like to talk about bottoms or vaginas , '' June Wray , 73 , says .
`` But we can talk about anything .
`` And we will help as much as we can . ''
Having lost trust in the medical community , June now runs the Newcastle Suffranettes support group .
Many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And some have even lost their jobs .
June had a vaginal mesh repair to treat prolapse and incontinence , in 2009 .
`` I had some concerns ahead of surgery , '' she says .
`` But was repeatedly told there was nothing to worry about .
`` The complications started four years later .
`` Sometimes the pain is so severe , I feel like I will pass out .
`` But when I told GPs and surgeons , they did n't believe me .
`` They just looked at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nine years after her operation , June `` finally got answers '' , after seeing a report on the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire programme .
And realising she was not alone , she set up the support group .
Overall , it is estimated more than 100,000 women in the UK had a vaginal mesh fitted to treat incontinence or prolapse before its use was `` paused '' in NHS hospitals .
Once in the body , mesh can stiffen and erode , sometimes cutting tissue and organs .
Studies suggest one in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is limited evidence on the long-term adverse effects .
Baroness Cumberlege says the `` pause '' could be lifted , if certain conditions are met , including the introduction of specialist centres .
June , however , wants mesh banned - or at least better information for patients .
`` Patients should be told the truth of what could go wrong before the mesh is put in , '' she says .

Cumberlege review: The patients who fought for answers Published 7 July 2020
Image caption, Daniel's mother was given Primodos - hormone tablets - when pregnant
Over six decades, three very different treatments have been the subject of thousands of complaints from women.
Initially, medical professionals rejected reports of side effects linked to:
oral pregnancy test Primodos
anti-epilepsy drug sodium valproate
pelvic mesh repairs
And it took years of patient-led campaigns to expose the striking similarities between them - both in terms of their effects and a lack of adequate warnings before women agreed to the treatments.
The response of England's healthcare system has now been assessed in a long-awaited review, led by Baroness Cumberlege, which will be published on Wednesday.
Primodos - 'We were told it should never happen again'
In 1970, a doctor gave Daphne Mason Primodos - hormone tablets that would determine whether she was pregnant.
Fears about side effects were already circulating among the medical industry.
But Daphne says she was never warned of any risks.
Primodos would trigger a period in women who were not pregnant.
And Daphne did not bleed.
But her son Daniel was born with life-changing injuries, including deformed feet and no hands.
The family's suspicions Primodos was to blame were repeatedly dismissed, however.
And it was only after his sister heard a news report about Primodos, four years ago, that Daniel joined the Association for Children Damaged by Hormone Pregnancy Tests.
"For nearly all of my life, I have had to explain to people why I am the way I am," he says.
"But I was never sure myself.
"Then in a flash, you realise not only are your suspicions probably right, there's also loads of other people like you.
"It's frightening."
Image caption, The ingredients in Primodos
Staggered by the scale of pain and loss, Daniel now has depressive episodes and has felt suicidal.
"It's been really hard," he says.
"But I'm lucky to even be here.
"We know that an awful lot of children died before they were born or were taken away from their parents without their consent."
Primodos was used by more than a million women in the UK in the 1960s and 70s, before being removed from the market in 1978.
Its manufacturer, Schering, now part of Bayer, has always denied a link between the drug and deformities in babies.
And in 2017, a government review said there was not enough evidence to prove a link.
But the findings have since been contested by epidemiologists at Oxford University.
And Daniel hopes the Cumberlege review will mean the regulation of medicines and devices improves.
"We were told in the early 60s, after Thalidomide, 'This must never happen again,'" he says.
"And yet, here we are, in 2020, and it is still happening with mesh and sodium valproate."
Sodium valproate - 'I'm sorry I didn't kick more doors down'
Lisa had spent most of her teens searching for a drug that would properly treat her epilepsy.
And when Lisa turned 18, her specialist seemed to have the solution - a "brilliant drug" called sodium valproate.
He never mentioned any risks.
For a while, Lisa stopped having seizures.
And when she wanted to try for a baby, Lisa was reassured she could keep taking the drug.
But she miscarried before giving birth to her son William in 1996.
She then miscarried again before her daughter Alice followed three years later.
But, Lisa says, there were "lots of little signs" things were not quite right.
"If I took William to nursery and we went a different route, he would get very, very upset," she says.
"He was always falling over and held his pen strangely.
"I kept banging on to medical professionals that something was wrong.
"But they just treated me like a hysterical mother.
"Now I know the truth, I'm sorry I didn't kick more doors down."
When Lisa watched a BBC Panorama programme, in February 2013, about the side effects of sodium valproate it was "like a light had just been switched on".
"Everything that was wrong with my children was down to the drug I was told was safe to take," she says.
Image source, Science Photo Library
Up to four in 10 babies are at risk of developmental disorders if sodium valproate is taken during pregnancy, the MHRA Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says.
And one in 10 is at risk of birth defects.
All of the 17,000 women of child-bearing age prescribed sodium valproate each year in the UK should be on a pregnancy-prevention programme to ensure they are aware of the risks.
But campaigners and charities say this is often not the case.
William has attention deficit disorder and depression.
Alice has epilepsy, learning difficulties and struggles to eat and drink.
Both have autism and dyspraxia.
Lisa also believes sodium valproate caused her two miscarriages.
And no matter how many times she is told she is not to blame, she cannot shake off an overwhelming feeling of guilt.
"My kids have lifelong problems," she says.
"And that's down to me.
"They wouldn't be like that if I hadn't been taking tablets."
Pelvic mesh - 'Patients should be told the truth'
"People don't particularly like to talk about bottoms or vaginas," June Wray, 73, says.
"But we can talk about anything.
"And we will help as much as we can."
Having lost trust in the medical community, June now runs the Newcastle Suffranettes support group.
Many of its 80 members live with debilitating pain.
And some have even lost their jobs.
June had a vaginal mesh repair to treat prolapse and incontinence, in 2009.
"I had some concerns ahead of surgery," she says.
"But was repeatedly told there was nothing to worry about.
"The complications started four years later.
"I could feel my body deteriorating.
"Sometimes the pain is so severe, I feel like I will pass out.
"But when I told GPs and surgeons, they didn't believe me.
"They just looked at me like I was mad."
Nine years after her operation, June "finally got answers", after seeing a report on the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme.
Image caption, The mesh implants are used to ease incontinence and support organs
And realising she was not alone, she set up the support group.
Overall, it is estimated more than 100,000 women in the UK had a vaginal mesh fitted to treat incontinence or prolapse before its use was "paused" in NHS hospitals.
Once in the body, mesh can stiffen and erode, sometimes cutting tissue and organs.
Studies suggest one in 10 patients can experience complications.
But there is limited evidence on the long-term adverse effects.
Baroness Cumberlege says the "pause" could be lifted, if certain conditions are met, including the introduction of specialist centres.
June, however, wants mesh banned - or at least better information for patients.


Coronavirus: Immunity explained

How effective is the flu jab ?
Millions of people are vaccinated against flu each year .
But just how @ @ @ @ @ protecting us against the virus ?

Can you become reinfected with coronavirus if you've already had it? BBC Health reporter Rachel Schraer takes a look at what we know so far about immunity and Covid-19.
Motion graphics by Jacqueline Galvin


bbcuk--2020-07-08--Newspaper headlines: Sunak's £2bn jobs fund and 'shock' Depp claims

The front pages are clear about the scale of the chancellor 's task .
The Financial Times says he 'll attempt to `` stave off '' an `` unemployment disaster '' which is threatening to `` erupt in the autumn '' .
And what he particularly fears - according to the Guardian - is a 1980s-style increase in joblessness among the under-25s .
The Daily Mirror welcomes the promise of extra support for young people but calls for an `` ambitious rescue package '' , warning the country stands on the brink of a `` devastating recession '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the emergency stamp duty holiday for the first £500,000 of any property purchase .
It says it 'll come into force immediately .
The Sun examines which towns outside London could make the biggest savings , predicting places such as Dorking , Lymington and Sunbury-on-Thames in south-east England could do well .
Only two areas in the north of England feature on its list .
The Yorkshire Post says the region is ripe for investment after decades of neglect , and Mr Sunak needs to deliver on the government 's promises .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS workers in England .
It warns they 'll soon have to pay to park again at hospitals , after the charges were suspended for the Covid-19 crisis .
That 's prompted a backlash from trade unions .
They argue the virus problem is far from over and claim staff are being punished for going to work to save lives .
The paper says the government would n't give a date for the reintroduction of the fees but promised to provide further updates in due course .
Buckingham Palace is n't exempt from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis , according to the Daily Telegraph .
It says it 's seen an internal memo warning the Royal Collection Trust , which is reliant on visitors to the palace for income , has lost £64m because of the pandemic .
The memo says that numbers are likely to be reduced for several years , with one palace source telling the paper they fear this is an opening salvo for further cuts .
`` Generation of women betrayed '' is how the Daily Mail headlines its coverage of the three avoidable health scandals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its editorial it calls the NHS `` institutionally defensive '' .
The Guardian paints a similar picture of the medical establishment , claiming it failed to acknowledge problems even in the face of mounting safety concerns .
The Independent thinks the UK has failed to learn the lessons of thalidomide - the drug which caused thousands of birth defects in the 1960s - and says the fact we 're in this position in 2020 is `` unacceptable '' .
Sign up for a morning briefing direct to your inbox The papers also report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test whether police would enforce a local ban on drinking in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire has backfired .
The Times says Alex Snowball , who is teetotal , filled a can with carrot juice but was given an on-the-spot fine of £60 after he refused to tell police what was inside .
The case escalated into a High Court battle and a judge has now ruled that the police `` reasonably believed '' the can contained lager , leaving the shopkeeper owing thousands of pounds in legal fees .

The Sun examines which towns outside London could make the biggest savings, predicting places such as Dorking, Lymington and Sunbury-on-Thames in south-east England could do well. Only two areas in the north of England feature on its list.


bbcuk--2020-07-08--Vaginal mesh: 'No-one believed my pain'

Vaginal mesh: 'No-one believed my pain'

A woman who finally had pelvic mesh removed after several failed attempts has said the hardest part was feeling no-one believed her pain .
Yvonne McIntosh , 61 , from County Antrim , told BBC News NI the mesh had turned her life upside down .
`` I have been in pain for so many years with the mesh , '' she said .
`` It cut through from my thigh to my vagina . ''
`` Both legs have burning sensations , not to mention the emotional side with my marriage . ''
A review published on Wednesday found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed to hear the concerns of women in relation to vaginal mesh and other procedures and drugs .
Ms McIntosh is one of many Northern Ireland women who have said they feel vindicated by the review .
Another , Jackie Harvey , told the BBC 's Good Morning Ulster that the `` most horrible thing '' was not being believed about the pain they were going through .
The chairwoman of the highly critical review , Baroness Julia Cumberlege , said the families affected deserved a fulsome apology from the government .
Mesh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as incontinence and prolapse in women , usually after childbirth .
Ms McIntosh had vaginal mesh inserted in 2013 to address incontinence .
While it was a success at the beginning , she said she felt like the mesh was unravelling inside her body .
She was among a group of local women who , in 2017 , told their stories to BBC News NI .
They went on to become part of a national campaign called Sling the Mesh .
In Northern Ireland , there are more than 500 members .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were interviewed as part of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review .
In a statement , Health Minister Robin Swann said : `` While it is recognised that the review does not directly relate to Northern Ireland , the department will consider any recommendations arising in a local context to improve our handling of patient concerns surrounding the safety of medicines and medical devices .
`` Patients from Northern Ireland were able to submit their evidence following our request to the secretary of state for health .
`` I would like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review , sharing their experience to help improve patient safety . ''
Ms McIntosh said part of the problem was getting their condition recognised by some medical professionals .
She also said the mental scars were often as cutting as the physical ones .
`` They did n't believe us .
They did n't and that was the hard part , '' she said .
`` I think you sort of felt a bit foolish , because they did n't believe you , and that was just - it was n't easy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sad that it 's taken so long to come to this .
I think just - to know people believe us… believe me . ''
'Threatens my way of life' She has recently moved to a bungalow as she finds climbing stairs difficult .
`` At 61 , I did n't think my life would be like this , '' she said .
`` I ca n't walk far and I 'm always experiencing some degree of pain .
At night , I turn and sleep is disrupted . ''
Her mesh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9cm ( 3in ) when removed from each leg in March , had pushed its way through her vagina and under her buttock .
`` Two previous operations failed and , at one point , they could n't find it , '' she said .
`` However a recent operation in March in Bristol by the health service located two long strips and they were removed .
I was so happy they 'd found them but then very sad too .
`` The damage has been done and I am still in pain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life threatening but it threatens my life in a way that I was not expecting .
`` I am burning and the anxiety that I have had over the last year from part of this journey , I 've never had in my life before . ''
She had it for 12 years , but said the pain did not start until about six years after it was put in .
`` It 's just so sad that so many of us had to go to the likes of the media and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our doctors and consultants actually sitting down and putting all the dots together and realising that we have a problem here , '' she said .
`` Maybe a hell of lot more women could have avoided being damaged over the past few years .
`` But we are where we are and at least today I feel that all the women suffering have been vindicated . ''
Ms Harvey said since she had the mesh removed her health has improved , although she still has some pain and has to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was one of the lucky ones , I 've kind of got used to my new normal and I just get on with my life now accepting what has happened - I ca n't change that , '' she said .
`` I just feel that we do n't want this to happen to any more people . ''

"It's just so sad that so many of us had to go to the likes of the media and the papers to actually be heard, instead of our doctors and consultants actually sitting down and putting all the dots together and realising that we have a problem here," she said.


bbcuk--2020-07-08--Coronavirus: Wallingford pub bans under 25s for flouting virus measures

A pub in Oxfordshire has banned under 25s in the evenings after some drinkers refused to adhere to its coronavirus social distancing measures .
The Royal Standard in Wallingford said since it reopened younger drinkers had been `` impossible to control '' putting staff and other customers at risk .
Landlord David Haines said : `` They start off fine but then it goes out the window . ''
Under 25s will only be allowed in the pub before 20:00 BST .
Mr Haines said an `` unprecedented number '' of younger drinkers had been attracted to the pub since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refusing to adhere to any social distancing rules '' .
He said : `` In spite of how many times you ask them to sit in groups of six it goes out the window - it was impossible to control .
`` We 've got a greater duty to our customers and our staff .
We apologise to those of you who are affected and we will review this decision periodically . ''
• 'Crystal clear ' drunk people will not keep distance • 'It feels good to be free and have fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made me feel unsafe' The pub said its measures included temperature checks , contact tracing , a one-way system around the building , tables set at least one metre apart and table service only .
Hundreds of pubs and venues welcomed customers on Saturday after three months as lockdown measures were eased .
At least three establishments announced they had shut their doors again just days after reopening at the weekend after customers tested positive for coronavirus .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• 40,000 DEATHS : Could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MASKS : When should you wear one ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• TWO METRES : Could less than 2m work ?

He said: "In spite of how many times you ask them to sit in groups of six it goes out the window - it was impossible to control.