bbcuk--2020-01-15--Harry and Meghan: Who are the royals' most powerful aides?

The Queen has agreed a `` period of transition '' as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex search for a new role in the Royal Family .
With a final decision expected in the coming days , the family 's most senior advisers are now involved in negotiations .
So , who are they ?
Fiona Mcilwham is the newest of the private secretaries advising members of the Royal Family .
She now finds herself at the centre of plans to develop an entirely new way of working for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex .
Joining their team in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter as a `` Crown servant , diplomat , wannabe super-mum '' .
She previously held a variety of senior diplomatic posts , including ambassador to Albania , and was a senior adviser on EU enlargement .
Private secretaries are the royals ' most powerful aides .
They offer advice and guidance on political , diplomatic and constitutional issues and currently occupy a crucial position in an unprecedented time for the monarchy .
As Ms Mcilwham was appointed directly by Prince Harry and Meghan , she is likely to have their trust and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In these uncertain times , her role could become increasingly influential as significant decisions are made .
• Tax and titles : Your Harry and Meghan questions answered Appointed less than a year ago , Sara Latham is the duke and duchess 's front-line media contact .
She has already had to deal with a whirlwind of issues , such as their split from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge 's charitable foundation and legal action against various newspapers .
Also handpicked by Prince Harry and Meghan , she has swiftly become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and information the Royal Family put out .
But although her official brief is to deal with the media , it is also likely she will be offering the duke and duchess personal advice .
Thought to be a dual US-UK citizen , Ms Latham worked for then President Bill Clinton in the late 1990s and was a senior adviser to Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign .
In-between , she was a special adviser to Baroness Tessa Jowell , then Secretary of State for Culture , Media and Sport , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partner at PR agency Freuds .
Her transatlantic contacts and communications experience no doubt appealed to Prince Harry and Meghan and will become especially important now they intend to forge a new role for themselves in North America .
One of the most senior and influential members of the royal household is the Queen 's private secretary .
Sir Edward Young is expected to `` steady the ship '' in times of trouble , from within an institution that favours stability and continuity .
He is viewed as the most senior figure among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is helping to guide and advise the Queen on a future role for Prince Harry and Meghan that will keep everyone happy .
According to the Buckingham Palace , the Queen 's private secretary is also `` the channel of communication between the head of state and the government '' .
And that is not just in the UK but also the 15 other countries that recognise the Queen as their sovereign .
Sir Edward joined the royal household in 2004 and worked his way up from more junior private secretary positions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at broadcaster Granada and an executive at Barclays .
He has held this role since 2017 , when he succeeded Christopher Geidt .
Prior to his departure , there were allegations of a `` power struggle '' between Lord Geidt and the Prince of Wales , who was said to be wary of any change that might reduce his involvement in his key causes such as combating climate change .
Donal McCabe became the Queen 's communications secretary last year .
The former corporate communications director at Ladbrokes is a veteran of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the London Underground , Railtrack and Boots .
Clive Alderton spent many years as a Foreign Office diplomat , with postings in Poland , Belgium , Singapore and France .
He first worked at Clarence House in 2006-12 before becoming the UK ambassador to Morocco .
In 2015 , he rejoined as principal private secretary to the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall .
He is a key figure in helping Prince Charles plan what kind of monarch he wants to be , as he increasingly takes on duties that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Payne was the BBC 's director of communications and more recently held a senior role at Burberry .
He has the sometimes difficult job of making sure the work of Prince Charles receives attention in an environment where there is often a keen focus on the younger royals .
Working as private secretary to the Duke of Cambridge , who will one day be King , requires an eye to the future .
Simon Case is a key adviser in the Cambridge household as they come to learn more about what is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Queen increasingly less disposed to travel , their role - and consequently Simon Case 's role - will become increasingly important .
He is also involved as the duke and duchess continue to develop their mental-health projects and other charity work .
Mr Case is a career civil servant , with stints at the Ministry of Defence and on the London organising committee of the 2012 Olympics .
He later served as then Prime Minister David Cameron 's private secretary .
Mr Case was also responsible for overseeing Brexit negotiations around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's private secretary in 2018 .
The Duchess of Cambridge had her own private secretary , Catherine Quinn , but she is thought to be leaving the role .
Prior to joining Kensington Palace last year , Christian Jones was a speech-writer and press secretary for David Davis when he was Secretary for Exiting the European Union .

He has held this role since 2017, when he succeeded Christopher Geidt. Prior to his departure, there were allegations of a "power struggle" between Lord Geidt and the Prince of Wales, who was said to be wary of any change that might reduce his involvement in his key causes such as combating climate change.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Rebecca Long Bailey: What's in a hyphen?

To hyphenate or not hyphenate ?
That is the question that 's come up due to confusion over how Rebecca Long Bailey - or should that be Long-Bailey ?
- styles her name .
The Labour leadership contender 's team had told media , including the BBC , that her surname officially had no hyphen .
It appears that way on her UK Parliament page and her own website too .
But it is written as Long-Bailey on her Twitter page ( although her handle uses an underscore instead ) .
The confusion seems to have come about because the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She told Sky News on Sunday that she 's `` not bothered if people put a hyphen in or not '' , so long as `` the Long 's there and the Bailey 's there '' .
She 's not alone in her indifference , with Helena Bonham Carter also having previously said the hyphen in her own name was `` optional '' .
The issue of hyphens gets more complex when someone joins the House of Lords , with peerage rules demanding a double surname be hyphenated ( so it 's Andrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martha Lane Fox but Baroness Lane-Fox ) .
But where there is a choice , why do some choose a hyphen where others do n't ?
Jane Pilcher , associate professor of sociology at Nottingham Trent University , studies surnames and is interested in how people choose what to name themselves .
`` It 's all linked to identity and what people want to say about themselves through the naming choices they make , '' she said .
`` People are freer from traditions now .
They want to mark themselves out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choose a hyphen or not comes into that .
It 's a matter of identity and what you want to say about yourself - there are no strict rules about it .
More broadly , it 's part of the societal trend towards individualisation so you stand out from the crowd more .
`` Perhaps someone who wants a two-part surname does n't want to be seen as conventional and would not choose to hyphenate as a result .
Where hyphens sit is not a massive issue - but I would say the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and less traditional . ''
• What your surname says about you • How do you decide a baby 's name ?
Dr Pilcher says some choose one surname when they marry , some choose two - and some choose to blend names , as is the case with presenter and writer Dawn Porter who became Dawn O'Porter when she married actor Chris O'Dowd .
She says that there is also now an increased visibility of names .
`` People are more aware of surnames now .
When I left school , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' surnames on - now you see them all the time , and there are double-barrelled names in a mix of other names .
`` And with footballers ' shirts - they never used to have last names and now many footballers have two surnames .
It 's increased people 's awareness and showed there are options . ''
She kept her own surname when she got married but her children have two surnames .
`` We chose not to use a hyphen because it aesthetically looked better that way , '' says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put a hyphen where there is n't one , so we 're in a constant battle with schools and doctors ' surgeries to record their name as it is officially .
`` Having that second surname makes you a much more individual person , and more recognisable .
My son is a musician and now sees it as a plus that he has two surnames . ''
Writer and journalist Carmody Wilson Hallamore agrees that having two surnames can be a bonus .
She took on her second surname - Hallamore - when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of being able to choose how to style her name for different circumstances .
Having a hyphen , she said , would have made it `` too long and too formal '' .
She added : `` I like that I have options and the hyphen feels like a chain which would force me to use the double-barrel only . ''
It 's not without complications , though - she says both names were put on her office door , and they ran out of space as it was too long .
'Best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who took part in a widespread study of UK surnames as part of a University of the West of England team , said : `` The more traditional British way of doing it is to hyphenate with another surname .
It 's become more common now with children born to unmarried parents or where a woman has chosen to keep her maiden name as well .
`` In other traditions such as Spain and Portugal , everyone has always had two surnames so there is no tradition of hyphenating at all . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ her Portuguese husband 's surname when she married - aligning with his country 's tradition of keeping your maiden name and adding your husband 's surname , with no hyphen .
`` My husband would n't have cared either way , but I liked the convention and I like that Alice , my daughter , now has her maiden name as part of her surname .
I 'm one of three girls and we have no cousins on my dad 's side so Ford would have gone once we were all married .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is becoming more common to have two surnames as there are different kinds of union and different attitudes to marriage .
`` There is a lot of personal choice over whether you should or should n't hyphenate but it 's best practice to be consistent .
It 's helpful to others to know how to address you in correspondence . ''
That 's to avoid the `` hyphen or no-hyphen confusion '' as seen in the case of Mrs Long Bailey .
Ms Bryant adds : `` There 's no right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more of a practical issue and about avoiding faux pas by getting it wrong . ''
Do you hyphenate your surname ?
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Professor Richard Coates, who took part in a widespread study of UK surnames as part of a University of the West of England team, said: "The more traditional British way of doing it is to hyphenate with another surname. It's become more common now with children born to unmarried parents or where a woman has chosen to keep her maiden name as well.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Do your colleagues know how much you earn?

Discussing pay at work can be a touchy subject .
Whether it is the moment in a job interview when the topic of money is raised , or a request for an advance at the end of an expensive month , it is rarely a comfortable conversation .
But for almost one in five workers , having a conversation about their salary with a colleague could be more than uncomfortable , it could get them fired , according to a study .
A survey by the Trades Union Congress suggests that 18 % of workers had been told that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their colleagues '' Pay secrecy clauses are a get out of jail free card for bad bosses , '' said TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady .
`` They stop workers from challenging unfair pay , allow top executives to hoard profits and encourage discrimination against women and disabled people . ''
• ‘ My boss lets me set my own salary ’ • Would you ask your colleagues what they earn ?
Half of workers asked said they did not know what senior managers in their organisation earned .
And 53 % said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people 's pay .
Fewer than one five said their workplace had a transparent pay policy .
`` Talking about pay can feel a bit uncomfortable , but more openness about wages is essential to building fairer workplaces , '' Ms O'Grady said .
Tracy Jordan , an HR professional , told the BBC she would rather not know what her colleagues are earning .
She has worked in teams that all know or have access to information about how much each person is paid .
`` I personally have found it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
`` Even if you feel you are paid a fair wage , there will always be someone that you perceive is doing a lesser job and is earning more . ''
`` Rather than feeling perpetually dissatisfied , I think ignorance can be bliss . ''
However , Joseph Bunkle , a data analyst , said that approach only benefits bosses .
`` Would n't it feel bad knowing you 're being paid less than a colleague for the same job because you felt like 'it 's just not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Romey Watters , who works in digital marketing , thinks there is a generational divide between those who are willing to discuss their salary and those who are not .
`` I think younger people tend to be more transparent with sharing details about their salaries , perhaps because things like buying a house seem more unobtainable and the retirement age is increasing , '' she told the BBC .
`` I also think that companies sometimes encourage a culture of employees not disclosing what they earn as it could highlight a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

But for almost one in five workers, having a conversation about their salary with a colleague could be more than uncomfortable, it could get them fired, according to a study.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Is it OK to call in sick with a common cold?

`` For goodness sake , just go home , '' my boss implored .
`` People are complaining and do n't want to catch your disgusting germs ! ''
My protests of `` it 's just a cold - I do n't feel that bad '' fell on deaf ears and I had to admit defeat gracefully rather than being frogmarched out of the newsroom .
While I was n't feeling 100 % , in my mind I certainly was n't poorly enough to justify spending an afternoon under a duvet .
But forget Brexit - nothing seemed to divide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media posters more than the thorny question of whether you should call in sick with the sniffles .
Opinions varied from `` oh , for heaven 's sake , just grow a pair '' via `` ooh , that 's a really tricky one ... '' to `` how very dare you infect your poor colleagues , you selfish ... '' And so I found myself entering the murky moral maze that brought together employment law , ethics and public health .
When is a cold more than a cold ?
Colds are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the supermarket , in the playground .
So unless you plan on not leaving the house EVER , someone will infect you .
So why are so many people agitated , I wondered to myself ?
Surely it 's just part of winter ?
`` Colds are viruses and we react differently to them - we ca n't underestimate how lousy some people feel with a cold , '' said Rachel Suff , senior policy adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development ( CIPD ) .
`` If you are really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not going to be productive , it 's better to go off sick .
You 're also not spreading your germs around the workplace . ''
Prof Martin Marshall , chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners , agreed that `` every patient is different , and each one experiences illness differently '' .
But should we all be desperately trying to avoid colds ?
Are n't they great at building up our immune systems ?
Prof Peter Openshaw , former president of the British Society of Immunology , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 25 years , says colds can be good for our long-term health , but only sometimes .
It turns out there are `` good colds '' and `` bad colds '' .
`` It 's my life-long quest to find out which viruses are 'good ' , '' he said , `` because some colds seem able to put your immune system through some kind of training course . ''
What about those with compromised immune systems ?
One former colleague told me : `` When my mum was seriously ill [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chest infection after a colleague was ill and could n't see her for three weeks and had to get carers . ''
While she conceded that she `` could have got it from anywhere ...
I can guarantee being next to someone sneezing all over the desk did n't help ! ''
Prof Marshall suggests people , particularly if they are in caring roles , should `` take into account factors such as ... whether they are likely to come into contact with vulnerable groups , such as young children , pregnant women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson , an employment lawyer at Slater and Gordon , also pointed out the implications [ of catching a cold ] for people with cystic fibrosis or who have recently had chemotherapy , for example , can be incredibly serious .
It would seem so .
The CIPD reported the typical employee 's number of sick days dropped to 5.9 in 2019 - the lowest in the 19-year history of its annual survey of UK HR professionals .
That may explain why 83 % of them have observed people going to work when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had witnessed colleagues working while on annual leave .
It 's all tied up in workplace culture , said Ms Suff .
`` We know a lot of people ca n't cope with their workloads ... People know that by not being there , there will be extra work for their colleagues . ''
Ms Johnson said that in recent years employers have tended to be `` much more across sickness records '' than previously , especially when it comes to `` frequent , intermittent absences '' of a few days here and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` budgets are so tight nowadays that you 've often got every employee doing the work of one and a half people '' .
Sometimes members of staff feel obliged to work when they are sick `` because they fear the mountain of work will just keep piling up '' for when they return .
Should your decision depend on who you work for ?
`` When somebody 's got a cold , we send them home , '' said Paul Knowles , from Acoustic and Engineering Consultants Ltd in Marple , Cheshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us and so if three or four catch it and ca n't work , we are struggling to keep our clients happy . ''
Mike Cherry , national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses ( FSB ) , urged those working for smaller companies not to be scared to talk to their boss .
`` Nine in 10 small employers offer flexible working arrangements , '' he said .
`` So in situations where a member of staff is feeling under the weather - but still well enough to get stuff done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrange a day working from home . ''
Finally , we should all spare a thought for freelancers and the self-employed , Mr Cherry said .
`` The luxury of statutory sick pay is not available [ so ] the tendency to just crack on with it - for better or worse - is much more prevalent among sole traders . ''
Could I get sacked for calling in sick with 'just a cold ' ?
`` Ultimately employees do n't have to be bed-bound to be unfit for work , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy to sign people off with what many people would regard as a low-level virus . ''
`` Employers can sack people who they think are lying , '' she said , giving a hypothetical example of `` somebody who calls in sick but then posts photographs of themselves [ on social media ] having afternoon tea with prosecco ! ''
But the fact so many employers are willing to take their employees ' word for genuinely being sick suggests there is at least a basic level of trust .
So what have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issues involved , I 've come to the conclusion that maybe I should count my blessings , and be more mindful of those with severely compromised immune systems .
And if I am horribly infectious but not feeling too bad , perhaps I should be kind to myself - and everybody around me - by working from home until the lurgy blows over .
At least my dog Biscuits will be happy to see me ...

Is it OK to call in sick with a common cold? Published 15 January 2020
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Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Should she be sent home to rest on the sofa, or encouraged to work through her cold?
"For goodness sake, just go home," my boss implored. "People are complaining and don't want to catch your disgusting germs!"
My protests of "it's just a cold - I don't feel that bad" fell on deaf ears and I had to admit defeat gracefully rather than being frogmarched out of the newsroom.
While I wasn't feeling 100%, in my mind I certainly wasn't poorly enough to justify spending an afternoon under a duvet.
But forget Brexit - nothing seemed to divide my friends, colleagues and random social media posters more than the thorny question of whether you should call in sick with the sniffles.
Opinions varied from "oh, for heaven's sake, just grow a pair" via "ooh, that's a really tricky one..." to "how very dare you infect your poor colleagues, you selfish..."
And so I found myself entering the murky moral maze that brought together employment law, ethics and public health.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Many types of viruses can cause a common cold, with rhinoviruses the most common culprit
When is a cold more than a cold?
Colds are everywhere - on the tram, in the supermarket, in the playground. So unless you plan on not leaving the house EVER, someone will infect you.
So why are so many people agitated, I wondered to myself? Surely it's just part of winter?
"Colds are viruses and we react differently to them - we can't underestimate how lousy some people feel with a cold," said Rachel Suff, senior policy adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
"If you are really not well and your symptoms mean you are not going to be productive, it's better to go off sick. You're also not spreading your germs around the workplace."
Prof Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, agreed that "every patient is different, and each one experiences illness differently".
But should we all be desperately trying to avoid colds? Aren't they great at building up our immune systems?
Prof Peter Openshaw, former president of the British Society of Immunology, who has done research in this area for more than 25 years, says colds can be good for our long-term health, but only sometimes.
It turns out there are "good colds" and "bad colds".
"It's my life-long quest to find out which viruses are 'good'," he said, "because some colds seem able to put your immune system through some kind of training course."
What about those with compromised immune systems?
One former colleague told me: "When my mum was seriously ill [with cancer], I got a chest infection after a colleague was ill and couldn't see her for three weeks and had to get carers."
While she conceded that she "could have got it from anywhere... I can guarantee being next to someone sneezing all over the desk didn't help!"
Prof Marshall suggests people, particularly if they are in caring roles, should "take into account factors such as... whether they are likely to come into contact with vulnerable groups, such as young children, pregnant women, or the elderly".
Hayley Johnson, an employment lawyer at Slater and Gordon, also pointed out the implications [of catching a cold] for people with cystic fibrosis or who have recently had chemotherapy, for example, can be incredibly serious.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Anybody fancy joining me for lunch? Anybody?
Have attitudes shifted in recent years?
It would seem so.
The CIPD reported the typical employee's number of sick days dropped to 5.9 in 2019 - the lowest in the 19-year history of its annual survey of UK HR professionals.
That may explain why 83% of them have observed people going to work when they were ill. Or that 63% had witnessed colleagues working while on annual leave.
It's all tied up in workplace culture, said Ms Suff. "We know a lot of people can't cope with their workloads... People know that by not being there, there will be extra work for their colleagues."
Ms Johnson said that in recent years employers have tended to be "much more across sickness records" than previously, especially when it comes to "frequent, intermittent absences" of a few days here and there.
She thinks this is because "budgets are so tight nowadays that you've often got every employee doing the work of one and a half people".
Sometimes members of staff feel obliged to work when they are sick "because they fear the mountain of work will just keep piling up" for when they return.
Should your decision depend on who you work for?
"When somebody's got a cold, we send them home," said Paul Knowles, from Acoustic and Engineering Consultants Ltd in Marple, Cheshire.
"There are only six of us and so if three or four catch it and can't work, we are struggling to keep our clients happy."
Mike Cherry, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), urged those working for smaller companies not to be scared to talk to their boss.
"Nine in 10 small employers offer flexible working arrangements," he said.
"So in situations where a member of staff is feeling under the weather - but still well enough to get stuff done - it can be more straightforward to arrange a day working from home."
Finally, we should all spare a thought for freelancers and the self-employed, Mr Cherry said.
"The luxury of statutory sick pay is not available [so] the tendency to just crack on with it - for better or worse - is much more prevalent among sole traders."
Could I get sacked for calling in sick with 'just a cold'?
"Ultimately employees don't have to be bed-bound to be unfit for work," said Ms Johnson. "GPs are quite happy to sign people off with what many people would regard as a low-level virus.
"In my 10 years' experience as an employment lawyer I've only once seen a policy that says you need a sick note in all circumstances. Most say they are only required for five days or more."
She suggests a pragmatic, common-sense approach, based upon mutual trust.
"Employers can sack people who they think are lying," she said, giving a hypothetical example of "somebody who calls in sick but then posts photographs of themselves [on social media] having afternoon tea with prosecco!"
But the fact so many employers are willing to take their employees' word for genuinely being sick suggests there is at least a basic level of trust.
Image source, Ian Shoesmith Image caption, Should dogs get duvet days too?
So what have I learned?
From examining all of the issues involved, I've come to the conclusion that maybe I should count my blessings, and be more mindful of those with severely compromised immune systems.
And if I am horribly infectious but not feeling too bad, perhaps I should be kind to myself - and everybody around me - by working from home until the lurgy blows over.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--The slavers and abolitionists on Liverpool's streets

Stick a pin in a map of Liverpool and chances are you will skewer a name linked to slavery .
Between 1700 and 1820 , many of the city 's bigwigs were involved in the slave trade , exploiting the Triangular Trade - the movement of goods and slaves between Britain , Africa and the Caribbean - to finance their political , personal and social aspirations .
At least 25 of the period 's lord mayors were slave owners or traders and many of them have been immortalised in the likes of Tarleton , Cunliffe and Gildart streets .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current mayor Joe Anderson to propose introducing plaques to give an `` honest account '' of their links to the slave trade .
Dr Richard Benjamin , the head of Liverpool 's International Slavery Museum , said that was a `` welcome proposal '' , though he would also like a `` full renaming '' of streets to be considered .
`` I do n't think it 's a bad move to rename streets for people who you would want to represent your city , '' he said .
`` That said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ street names in context .
`` A street like Bold Street , which is very bohemian today , is named after a slave trader , Jonas Bold .
It would make a statement if a thoroughfare such as that was on the list . ''
Bold Street is one of the more prominent examples , but many more roads in the city are named after slave owners , transporters or merchants - while a handful also celebrate those who fought against the trade .
Sir Thomas Johnson was the part-owner of one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Liverpool and is known as the founder of the modern city .
Born in the city in 1664 , Sir Thomas rose to prominence on the back of his father 's fortune and represented Liverpool in Parliament in the early 1700s , pushing for Crown recognition of the city and the construction of the city 's docks , which served his own interests , as he traded in sugar and tobacco , as well as slaves .
But , while the dock would lead to a huge increase in the city 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the South Sea Bubble crash in the 1720s and lived out his final years on a small pension .
Sir John Gladstone moved to Liverpool in 1786 to exploit the opportunities for financial gain in North America and the Caribbean , seeing his fortune increase from £4.3m to £51m in modern terms across the next three decades .
That wealth allowed Sir John to send his son William to Eton for schooling and the boy would eventually serve four terms as prime minister .
He used his maiden speech in the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests , arguing against abolition , and while that argument failed , his finances did not - when slavery was abolished in the 1830s , the Gladstones received more than £90,000 , about £9.5m in today 's terms , as compensation for the slaves they were forced to free .
Such has been the controversy around the family 's name that in 2017 , students campaigned to have his name removed from a University of Liverpool building .
Thomas Parr , whose house still stands on the corner of Parr Street and Colquitt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massive slave ship that was named after him .
Housing 700 berths for slaves , the Parr went down in 1798 , having reportedly exploded off the west coast of Africa - an indication it was carrying gunpowder to exchange for slaves .
Behind his house stood his warehouse , which is now a Grade II-listed building and has been shown to have housed iron goods , which were also shipped to Africa by Parr to trade for slaves .
Having made his fortune by the turn of the century , Parr moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in 1840 , he met the scientist Charles Darwin , who would later describe him as `` an old , miserly squire '' .
Thomas Parr 's move freed up his Liverpool house , which in 1822 became the home for the Liverpool Royal Institution - an establishment founded for the `` promotion of literature , science and the arts '' .
Many of those involved in it were slave traders or owners but it was led by abolitionist William Roscoe , who was also an attorney , author , art collector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politician .
After being elected as an MP in 1806 , Roscoe backed William Wilberforce 's motion to end British involvement in the slave trade .
His stance was not without personal cost , as he was accosted by pro-slavery activists on his return to Liverpool and later saw one of his supporters murdered in a related brawl but such was the eventual civic pride in him , his name was also given to Roscoe Lane and Roscoe Gardens in the city .
The rise and wealth of the Earle family is inextricably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in the trading and ownership of so-called human cargo .
John Earle masterminded the family 's rise , trading in tobacco , sugar and iron goods in the early 1700s , before his sons took over - with William , his youngest , captaining a slave ship and part-owning other slaving vessels .
Over the following decades , their amassed wealth , earned from slavery-supported industries and plantations , saw the family become part of the establishment , with William 's son Thomas building Spekeland House , close to what would become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir Hardman Earle , lending his name to the newly-established settlement of Earlestown , near Newton-le-Willows .

His stance was not without personal cost, as he was accosted by pro-slavery activists on his return to Liverpool and later saw one of his supporters murdered in a related brawl but such was the eventual civic pride in him, his name was also given to Roscoe Lane and Roscoe Gardens in the city.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--'The reality is I shouldn't be here - it's a miracle'

‘ You , Me and the Big C ’ presenter Deborah James , who was diagnosed with stage four bowel @ @ @ @ @ revealed she is currently ‘ free ’ of the disease .
She told BBC Radio @ @ @ @ @ Livesey : “ It ’ s a miracle ... it does not mean that I @ @ @ @ @ for life but I didn ’ t even think I ’ d ever get to @ @ @ @ @ , 38 , began co-presenting You , Me and the Big C with Lauren Mahon @ @ @ @ @ Bland in 2018 , and their frank discussions about cancer have won widespread praise .
@ @ @ @ @ 2018 at the age of 40 , two years after being diagnosed with breast cancer @ @ @ @ @ You , Me and the Big C on BBC Sounds .

‘You, Me and the Big C’ presenter Deborah James, who was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2016, has revealed she is currently ‘free’ of the disease.
She told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Tony Livesey: “It’s a miracle... it does not mean that I’m necessarily cancer free for life but I didn’t even think I’d ever get to this point”.
James, 38, began co-presenting You, Me and the Big C with Lauren Mahon and 5 Live presenter Rachael Bland in 2018, and their frank discussions about cancer have won widespread praise.
Rachael Bland died in September 2018 at the age of 40, two years after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Listen and subscribe to You, Me and the Big C on BBC Sounds.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--HS2 protesters enter fourth month in Cubbington Wood

HS2 campaigners have now spent more than three months living in a protest camp at Cubbington Wood in Warwickshire .
@ @ @ @ @ the local residents say they are determined to stay put and ensure trees which are @ @ @ @ @ not felled by HS2 contractors .
HS2 Ltd has deferred work on the woodland while @ @ @ @ @ by ex-HS2 chairman Douglas Oakervee .
The Save Cubbington Woods group was set up by @ @ @ @ @ who runs a boating centre in nearby Royal Leamington Spa .
He 's part of @ @ @ @ @ people on a rota who keep a constant presence at the camp , and he @ @ @ @ @ least twice a week .
An HS2 spokesperson said : `` Seven million new trees @ @ @ @ @ as part of the HS2 programme .
The new native woodlands will cover over nine @ @ @ @ @ ''

HS2 campaigners have now spent more than three months living in a protest camp at Cubbington Wood in Warwickshire.
Despite increasingly muddy conditions, the local residents say they are determined to stay put and ensure trees which are hundreds of years old are not felled by HS2 contractors.
HS2 Ltd has deferred work on the woodland while the scheme is being reviewed by ex-HS2 chairman Douglas Oakervee.
The Save Cubbington Woods group was set up by 52-year-old father-of-three Matt Bishop, who runs a boating centre in nearby Royal Leamington Spa.
He's part of a group of around 20 people on a rota who keep a constant presence at the camp, and he sleeps in the woods at least twice a week.
An HS2 spokesperson said: "Seven million new trees and shrubs will be planted as part of the HS2 programme. The new native woodlands will cover over nine square kilometres of land."
Video journalist: John Bray


bbcuk--2020-01-14--Highland cow holds up rush-hour trains

Highland cow holds up rush-hour trains

The early morning commute in Glasgow has been disrupted by a cow on the line .
The animal had to @ @ @ @ @ in the south side of the city after escaping from Pollok Country Park .

The early morning commute in Glasgow has been disrupted by a cow on the line.
The animal had to be cleared from the track in the south side of the city after escaping from Pollok Country Park.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Newspaper headlines: 'Markle vs Markle' and PM targets crime gangs

The Duchess of Sussex 's legal battle with the Mail on Sunday makes the front of the Daily Telegraph , Daily Mail and the Sun .
The Daily Mail calls it the `` courtroom showdown the Royals will be dreading '' - saying there is the prospect of Meghan 's father testifying against her in the action she has brought against its sister newspaper for publishing one of her letters to him .
The Daily Telegraph says the Mail on Sunday 's defence rips open Meghan 's rift with her father again .
It believes the court case , whenever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the trial of the century with the duchess pitted against her father in the witness box .
Elsewhere , `` Live and let fly '' is the Sun 's headline proclaiming the deal to save the regional airline Flybe from collapse .
Huffpost UK says the promise of a government review of air passenger duty is a `` significant intervention '' by Boris Johnson 's new Conservative administration and is seen as crucial to keeping the firm afloat .
But the Financial Times believes Flybe deserves no special breaks .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas by subsidising routes , it says - not by propping up a struggling airline .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning On other front pages , the Guardian reports the UK authorities failed to pass on details of 75,000 convictions involving foreign criminals to their home countries in the EU .
It says the Police National Computer error went undetected for five years and was later concealed for fear of damaging Britain 's reputation in Europe .
As a result of the apparent cover-up , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Britain on security issues has sunk to a new low .
According to the Times , Boris Johnson is to take personal charge of a new cross-Whitehall taskforce to tackle surging levels of knife crime and violence .
The aim , the paper says , is to `` cut the head off the snake '' of criminal gangs and restore the Conservatives ' reputation as the party of law and order .
The Politics Home website says the Labour MP , Lisa Nandy , has received a significant boost in her bid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving the backing of the National Union of Mineworkers .
The website points out that the NUM is the first trade union to support her campaign and puts her a step closer to winning a place on the final ballot .
The Daily Express is backing what it calls Boris Johnson 's `` extraordinary plea '' for a public fundraising campaign to pay for renovation work on Big Ben to be halted so it can chime as Britain leaves the EU at the end of the month .
`` Big Ben Must Bong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But a call by Brexiteers for church bells to ring as well in celebration of Britain 's exit from the EU has caused a bit of a ding-dong , as the Times explains .
It says the body representing bellringers is refusing to endorse what it sees as `` the ringing of bells for political reasons '' , a stance apparently supported by bishops and vicars .
And finally , the sketchwriters are not very flattering about the prime minister 's demeanour during his morning interview on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson betrayed all the signs of a man who had only just rolled out of bed , while Michael Deacon in the Daily Telegraph likens him to a panda awakening from a blissful night 's sleep , yawning , blinking dreamily , and then calling to his wife for tea and bamboo on toast .

The Daily Mail calls it the "courtroom showdown the Royals will be dreading" - saying there is the prospect of Meghan's father testifying against her in the action she has brought against its sister newspaper for publishing one of her letters to him.


bbcuk--2020-01-14--Barnet woman, 18, charged with murder and poisoning

A woman has been charged with murdering a man who was found dead in a London flat and poisoning another in the capital .
The body of Adrian Murphy , 43 , was discovered on 4 June in Battersea , while a 40-year-old man was found unconscious in Walthamstow , on 30 May .
Diana Cristea , 18 , of Barnet , has been accused of murder , poisoning , theft and fraud by false representation .
One man has previously appeared in court in connection with the case .
Ms Cristea has been charged with one count of murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts of theft , and two counts of fraud by false representation .
She is due to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates ' Court on Wednesday .
Joel Osei , 25 , of no fixed abode , previously appeared before Highbury Corner Magistrates ' Court where he was charged with two counts of poisoning , two counts of theft , and six counts of fraud by false representation .
He was also subsequently charged with Mr Murphy 's murder and is due to next appear at the Old Bailey on 17 February .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was taken to hospital but later discharged .

Joel Osei, 25, of no fixed abode, previously appeared before Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court where he was charged with two counts of poisoning, two counts of theft, and six counts of fraud by false representation.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--COP26: Climate summit may cost 'several hundred million pounds'

The cost of a UN climate change conference in Glasgow could be `` several hundred million pounds '' , police say .
Up to 90,000 people - delegates , observers , heads of state and media - are expected to attend COP26 , over 12 days in November .
A Scottish Police Authority report says it will be the largest mobilisation of police officers in the UK .
Scottish ministers say they expect the UK government to cover the `` core costs '' including emergency services funding .
But a spokesperson added there was a `` lack of clarity '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland must 'walk the talk ' on climate change The SPA said `` dialogue remains ongoing '' about who will foot the bill .
The authority is meeting monthly with Scottish and UK government officials to plan security and minimise disruption for residents of Glasgow .
Costs associated with a Nato summit in Wales in 2014 have been used to draw up the estimated cost of this year 's conference .
The report says : `` Taking into consideration the planning assumptions and based on previous major summits/conferences ( e.g .
Nato Summit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrate that the event will cost potentially several hundred million pounds .
`` Detailed financial planning is being developed and dialogue remains ongoing with the Cabinet Office relative to the cost recovery model that will be utilised . ''
Police said the safety and wellbeing of conference attendees , the wider public and any protesters would be their `` paramount '' concern .
The COP26 will be the largest summit the UK has held , with up to 200 world leaders expected for the final weekend of talks .
It will be held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) but other venues across the city will also host functions and meetings for heads of state and other dignitaries .
The SPA report also reveals the SEC will be handed over to the UN for the duration of the conference .
Known as the `` blue zone '' , it will become international territory , subject to international law .
`` Discussions are ongoing with senior law officers and the UN to determine how Police Scotland will record and investigate any crimes which occur in the blue zone , '' the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will peak at 15,000 on the busiest day , but the overall figure could rise to 90,000 over the period of the conference , which runs from 9-20 November .
The Scottish government said it was working with the UK government , Glasgow City Council and other partners to ensure the conference was a success .
`` While the UK government has committed to cover core costs , Scottish ministers expect that all costs associated with COP26 will be borne by the UK government , '' a spokesperson said .
`` This includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services to both prepare for and deliver a safe , secure and successful event .
We continue to push the UK government on the lack of clarity on this key issue . ''

It adds that COP26 attendees will peak at 15,000 on the busiest day, but the overall figure could rise to 90,000 over the period of the conference, which runs from 9-20 November.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Stormont deal: Health union 'needs reassurance' on staffing

The director of the Royal College of Nursing ( RCN ) says she does not have enough reassurance about safe staffing to propose an end to strike action .
Health workers in Northern Ireland have been staging industrial action in protest against pay and staffing .
Trade unions had a `` positive '' meeting with Health Minister Robin Swann on Tuesday , who offered £30m to restore pay parity among health workers .
But the RCN 's Pat Cullen told BBC News NI `` there is still work to do today '' .
She said it was `` deeply concerning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to departmental officials who said that there `` may be difficulties with the minister committing to the issues of safe staffing '' .
Nurses are due to strike again on three days next week - Monday , Wednesday and Friday .
• Why are Northern Ireland 's nurses going on strike ?
• Health crisis was 'years on the making' Ms Cullen said she could not suspend planned strike action for next week unless there is `` a formal commitment on safe staffing that will deliver for patients and nurses '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not have enough detail and reassurance that I could put to the Northern Ireland board and propose that we suspend our strike action , '' she said .
The Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance ( NIPSA ) union said industrial action `` will remain in place until this dispute is resolved to the satisfaction of members '' .
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster 's Good Morning Ulster programme , the new health minister said he would meet the unions later on Wednesday for further clarity .
He said he thought reassurances `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would work with health unions and added that there were `` no guarantees about the financial package that is coming '' .
But he stressed his commitment to health staff who he praised for the care they showed his son , who was born with a heart defect .
`` I owe so much to our health service , and when the health portfolio came up , I could n't pass it by personally because of what we , as a family , owe to our NHS , '' he said .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money is coming from Stormont 's finances and not additional funding from Westminster .
They are expected to respond to the pay offer on Thursday .
Nurses and healthcare workers began industrial action over staffing levels and pay , which does not rise in line with healthcare workers in Scotland , England and Wales .
On Tuesday , Finance Minister Conor Murphy said he recognised the updated pay offer was coming from within existing Stormont finances , but said it was not a case of `` robbing peter to pay Paul '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet been able to tie down funding commitments from the British government , they had `` dipped into existing finances '' .
He added that the proposed financial support was `` way short '' of what was expected .
BBC News NI political correspondent Enda McClafferty said he understood that the financial package was £2bn .

They were said to have ended on an "upbeat" note, however, Pat Cullen of the RCN said it was "deeply concerning" that after her meeting with Mr Swann, she spoke to departmental officials who said that there "may be difficulties with the minister committing to the issues of safe staffing".


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Cardiff congestion: £2 charge plan to help meet clean air targets

A £2 congestion charge for drivers is being proposed in Cardiff as part of a £2bn , 10-year transport plan .
Cardiff council plans to charge non-residents in a bid to hit green targets and cut congestion as research said air quality is among the UK 's worst .
The charge may come in by 2023 and the charging zone is under discussion .
London and Durham charge motorists to drive into the centre while Birmingham , Edinburgh and Manchester have been considering it .
Cardiff 's plans include creating new tram-train lines , opening new stations , rapid bus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council admitted its transport network was `` creaking '' and no longer fit for purpose .
New stations at Loudon Square in Butetown , in the heart of Cardiff Bay , Crwys Road and Roath Park are proposed by 2024 before adding halts at Gabalfa , Victoria Park , Velindre , Roath Dock and Splott .
Proposals include new park-and-ride facilities at the east and west of Cardiff - at junction 32 and junction 33 of the M4 motorway - and another at the planned Cardiff Parkway mainline station at St Mellons .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ operators to cut fares to £1 and smart technology will prioritise buses at traffic lights and junctions to make public transport more attractive .
Bus and taxi operators will be offered incentives to use cleaner or electric engines .
An integrated ticketing system - similar to the Oyster in London - for all public transport in Cardiff , including buses , trams and bikes , could also be launched .
The council said it would also lobby the Welsh Government to complete the Eastern Bay link road between Eastern Avenue and Cardiff Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was built for 200,000 people but needs to cope with Cardiff 's 335,000 population , as well as more than 100,000 daily commuters .
`` There ca n't be anyone who is happy with the current state of affairs , '' said council leader Huw Thomas .
`` It 's why we are beginning an honest conversation about how it 's paid for . ''
Figures show 50 % of people are still commuting to Cardiff in cars , with 30 % walking or cycling and 20 % using public transport .
Prof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cardiff University , said the figure for car commuters should be halved and up to 40 % needed to be via public transport , with a further 40 % walking or cycling .
`` Most cars spend probably 95 % of their 'lives ' doing absolutely nothing , '' he said .
`` This clogs up streets and ties up natural resources .
Having to design our cities around what cars do when they are not moving is as bad as having to do so when they are . ''
Cardiff had already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very dangerous point '' due to its poor public transport links and infrastructure .
The Welsh capital has not had a central bus station since 2015 , with its new one not due to open until 2023 .
Cardiff Central railway station is over capacity and will get a £58m upgrade , while the planned £738m South Wales Metro integrated transport network is not expected to open until at 2023 at the earliest .
Health campaigners have called for a congestion charge amid growing levels of air pollution in the city .
Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the equivalent of more than 220 deaths each year among people aged 30 and over in the Cardiff area .
A report commissioned by the council forecast nitrogen dioxide levels on one of the busiest city centre streets will breach legal limits from 2021 .
And a study from Birmingham University revealed air quality in Cardiff is among the worst in the UK relative to its geographical size , traffic volume and population .
The move has been welcomed by clean air organisations who said it would make Cardiff `` a cleaner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is about reducing emissions to combat climate change , improving air quality to protect our health , '' said Haf Elgar of Healthy Air Cymru .
`` We must see a change in the way we think about travel and we can only do that by introducing bold interventions that will help people make the best choices for them .
`` It 's also promising to see that the city-wide road user charge will be supported by improved public transport and active travel infrastructure , which will play an integral role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of travel much more affordable and achievable . ''

"If you look at it from the point of view of the average Cardiff resident driving within the city to work every day, struggling for their bit of road space with the 80,000 other car commuters from outside the city's boundaries then absolutely, traffic congestion, traffic pollution and a public transport system which struggles to adequately serve the people who live and work here are all issues of major concern."


bbcuk--2020-01-16--TV cameras to be allowed in Crown Courts in England and Wales

TV cameras are to be allowed to film in Crown Courts in England and Wales for the first time .
New legislation being laid before Parliament will allow judges ' sentencing remarks in serious high-profile criminal cases to be seen and heard by TV and online audiences .
However , trials will not be televised as they are in countries such as the US as only the judge will be filmed .
The judiciary , broadcasters and government have welcomed the move .
The legislation will , for the first time , allow TV cameras to film judges passing sentence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other serious high-profile criminal cases in Crown Courts in England and Wales , including the Old Bailey .
It marks a radical change and a significant extension to the operation of open justice though whole trials will not be televised .
In the US , cases including the 1995 trial of OJ Simpson for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman made gripping television but faced criticism for providing an unedifying spectacle at times .
In England and Wales , the concern has always been that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and jurors - the vital cogs in the trial process - from taking part .
• Televising trials : Learning from the US So , the judge alone will be seen on camera as he or she delivers their sentencing remarks .
No-one else involved in the trial - victims , witnesses , jurors , lawyers or the convicted defendant - will be filmed .
The filming can be `` live '' , with a short time delay to avoid breaking any reporting restrictions or any other error .
More often it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be filmed for use in later news broadcasts .
All Crown Court staff who will be involved in the cases where filming takes place will receive training and new guidance .
The full sentencing remarks of any case broadcast will also be hosted on a website to which the public has access .
The legislation should take around three months to make its way through Parliament , meaning the first broadcasts should take place in late spring or early summer .
Today 's move follows a successful three-month pilot that allowed not-for-broadcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crown Courts .
The Lord Chief Justice , Lord Burnett , said : `` It is important that the justice system and what happens in our courts is as transparent as possible .
`` My hope is that there will be regular broadcasting of the remarks in high profile cases , and that will improve public understanding . ''
But not everyone has welcomed the move .
Bar Council chairman Amanda Pinto said : `` If the public see judge 's faces in the living room on television and are able to identify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more likely to be personally attacked , and possibly details published about them which should not be . '
Since 1925 it has been a criminal offence to film , or even sketch in court - so court artists must go outside and draw those involved in the trial from memory .
Filming has been allowed in the UK Supreme Court since its creation in 2009 , and in 2013 cameras were allowed in the Court of Appeal but cases in these courts are appeals , and confined to lawyers ' arguments and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marks the first time cameras will be permitted in Crown Courts in England and Wales where serious crimes are tried .
Filming in the Scottish Courts has been allowed subject to permissions and conditions since 1992 but it does n't happen that often and the first filming of a sentencing in Scotland was in 2012 .
Commenting on the law change , Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said : `` This government , alongside the judiciary , is committed to improving public understanding of our justice system and allowing cameras into the Crown Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will ensure our courts remain open and transparent and allow people to see justice being delivered to the most serious of offenders . ''

But not everyone has given the move an unconditional welcome. Bar Council chairwoman Amanda Pinto QC said: "If the public see judges' faces in the living room on television and are able to identify them more readily then unfortunately they are more likely to be personally attacked, and possibly details published about them which should not be."


bbcuk--2020-01-16--NHS tells betting firms to stop 'vicious gambling cycle'

The head of mental health services in England has written to five major gambling companies , demanding urgent action on tackling gambling addiction and its impact on people 's health .
Claire Murdoch said incentives such as free bets and tickets should be banned to stop the `` vicious gambling cycle '' .
The industry said it was determined to make gambling safer .
Bets using credit cards are to be banned from 14 April , and the regulator is investigating `` bet to view '' schemes .
In her letter to the chief executives of William Hill , BetFred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Murdoch said she was worried that problem gamblers were being targeted .
`` I am concerned that offering people who are losing vast sums of money ... free tickets , VIP experiences , and free bets , all proactively prompt people back into the vicious gambling cycle which many want to escape . ''
As a nurse of more than 30 years ' experience , Ms Murdoch said she had `` seen first-hand the devastating impact on the mental wellbeing of addiction '' .
`` The gambling industry has a responsibility to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous habit , '' she added .
In particular , Ms Murdoch criticised the practice of offering problem gamblers extra incentives to encourage them to spend more money .
And she said betting firms should stop streaming live matches , to prevent people building up debts they can not afford .
`` Bet to view '' streaming is accused of turning fans into gamblers by making them place a bet to watch sports matches , and the Gambling Commission is currently investigating a deal to show FA Cup ties via seven betting sites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on gambling ?
• ‘ How my son went from gamer to compulsive gambler ’ • NHS to help gambling addicts as young as 13 '' The links between the sporting industry and gambling are deeply disturbing , and the tactics used by some firms are shameful , '' Ms Murdoch added .
`` It is high time sporting bodies get back to their roots and start focussing on fans and families enjoying watching their heroes play , rather than allowing firms to hijack sport in pursuit of profit . ''
Twenty-seven out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's top two divisions are currently sponsored by a gambling company .
The Betting and Gaming Council , which represents betting shops , online gaming businesses and casinos , said it took its responsibility to customers `` incredibly seriously '' and was determined to make gambling safer .
It said had already introduced new age-verification checks and a ban on gambling advertising during matches .
The organisation said it was happy to meet Ms Murdoch to discuss her concerns .
A total of 14 NHS clinics for treating gambling addiction have been planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in London also offering help for children from the age of 13 .
This is in response to about 430,000 people having a serious betting problem .
The GamCare charity , which provides support for problem gamblers and their families , said more people were calling their helpline and more were receiving treatment - up 9 % to 9,049 in 2018-19 .
Online gambling , including betting , casino games and slots , was a problem for more than half of those who called their helpline .

"And I've looked back at my own gambling history and I can see there's literally a bombardment of adverts and text messages that you just can't escape even when you're trying your best to come out of that spiral."


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Meghan's father Thomas Markle 'would testify in Mail on Sunday case'

The Duchess of Sussex 's father , Thomas Markle , will testify if asked to in the court case against Meghan , the duchess ' half sister has said .
Samantha Markle - Mr Markle 's daughter from his first marriage - told the BBC : `` If he is called , he will come . ''
New court documents in the case between Meghan and the Mail on Sunday show the paper will use evidence from Mr Markle .
No date has been set for a hearing in the case , which centres on a private letter Meghan wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of misusing her private information , breaching copyright and selective editing .
The Mail on Sunday rejects the claims and says there was `` huge and legitimate '' public interest in publishing the note .
Documents submitted to the High Court by the paper laying out its defence show much of the evidence it could rely upon comes from Mr Markle .
He was at the centre of controversy in the lead up to Meghan 's marriage to Prince Harry in May 2018 .
• William and Kate make Bradford first visit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry and Meghan questions answered The documents include text messages sent from Mr Markle to his daughter before the wedding .
`` The fact that so much of the evidence appears to come directly from him and that he appears to be co-operating with the paper presents at least the possibility of him being called to testify in court against his own daughter , '' BBC reporter John Donnison said .
The Daily Mail , the Mail on Sunday 's sister paper , reported on Wednesday that Mr Markle was `` expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the case .
What is the Mail on Sunday arguing ?
The newspaper has given what BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond describes as a `` very robust '' response to Meghan 's claims .
• Analysis : Why the Royal Family rarely go to court The paper argues in legal documents that members of the Royal Family , including the duchess , `` rely on publicity about themselves and their lives in order to maintain the privileged positions they hold and promote themselves '' .
It said the duchess `` did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the contents of the letter were private and would remain so '' .
`` There is a huge and legitimate public interest in the Royal Family and the activities , conduct and standards of behaviour of its members , '' it said .
`` This extends not merely to their public conduct , but to their personal and family relationships because those are integral to the proper functioning of the monarchy . ''
As evidence that it did not infringe her privacy , the paper says the letter was `` immaculately copied '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , arguing that this care in its presentation meant she anticipated it would be seen and read by a wider audience .
What is the paper 's response to Meghan 's claims ?
The 44-page legal filing by the Mail on Sunday aims to tackle the duchess ' claims one by one : • Meghan claimed she had not courted publicity for her relationship with her father - but the paper says she has not denied authorising her friends to speak about it for an article in a US magazine • The duchess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but the Mail on Sunday says it was not a protected `` original literary work '' but a recounting of existing facts • Meghan said it infringed her data rights - but the newspaper says the data was not sensitive and concerned topics she had put in the public domain • Accused of selective editing - the Mail on Sunday says the extracts it released accurately conveyed the tone , content and meaning of the letter .
How did the case begin ?
In October , law firm Schillings , acting for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim against the Mail on Sunday and its parent company Associated Newspapers over the alleged misuse of private information , infringement of copyright and breach of the Data Protection Act 2018 .
At the time , Harry said he and his wife were forced to take action against `` relentless propaganda '' .
Referring to his late mother Diana , Princess of Wales , he said : `` I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces . ''
The legal proceedings are being funded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be donated to an anti-bullying charity .
When did Meghan and her father fall out ?
Mr Markle was invited to the royal couple 's 2018 wedding but had to pull out because he needed heart surgery .
In the run up to the big day , he became embroiled in a controversy over reports he had staged paparazzi photos of himself in wedding-related activities , such as being measured for a new suit .
In December that year , he told ITV he had not spoken to his daughter since she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Mail on Sunday say a text message days before the wedding signed `` Love M and H '' admonished Mr Markle for talking to the press .
And that he replied : `` ...
I 'm sorry my heart attack [ is an ] inconvenience for you . ''
Where are Meghan and Harry ?
Meghan returned to Canada to be with her son Archie last week .
The duchess visited a women 's centre in Vancouver on Tuesday , in her first public appearance since she and Prince Harry said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ royals .
The Downtown Eastside Women 's Centre posted a photograph of the duchess with staff and visitors on Facebook , with the caption `` Look who we had tea with today '' .
Her visit was `` to discuss issues affecting women in the community '' , the group added .
The visit provides a sense of what the family 's future may be like in Canada , following their decision to split their time between the Commonwealth country and the UK .
Prince Harry is expected to join Meghan and Archie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is due to attend an official event at Buckingham Palace on Thursday .
He has been posting on the couple 's Instagram page - announcing that venue for the 2022 Invictus Games - the sporting event he founded for injured service personnel and veterans , which will be held in Dusseldorf , Germany .
Meanwhile , the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have made their first joint engagement since Prince Harry and Meghan 's decision to `` step back '' .
William and Kate were greeted by cheers from several hundred well-wishers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a visit to the 19th-century City Hall .
What about Meghan and Prince Harry 'stepping back ' ?
Details of the Mail on Sunday 's defence come as the Royal Family seeks to redefine the Duke and Duchess of Sussex 's role after the pair issued their surprise statement a week ago .
The Queen , the Prince of Wales , the Duke of Cambridge , and Prince Harry met at Sandringham on Monday to discuss the couple 's future .
In a statement released later , the Queen said discussions had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions will `` be reached in the coming days '' .
Has this sort of case happened before ?
Yes - it is not the first time the royals have taken legal action against the press .
In 2017 , the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were awarded £92,000 ( 100,000 euros ) in damages after French magazine Closer printed topless pictures of the duchess in 2012 .

"The fact that so much of the evidence appears to come directly from him and that he appears to be co-operating with the paper presents at least the possibility of him being called to testify in court against his own daughter," BBC reporter John Donnison said.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--MND: The search for new treatments

MND: The search for new treatments

It 's been described as one of the few remaining illnesses that is still largely a mystery - and yet it claims hundreds of lives in the UK each year .
Motor neurone disease ( MND ) sees muscles waste away after a loss of nerve cells that control movement , speech and breathing .
There is no effective treatment or cure and half of the 1,500 people diagnosed each year die within 24 months .
But now , the largest clinical trial in a generation , led by a team of researchers based in Edinburgh , may offer some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatments for MND as well as looking at whether existing treatments for other conditions could have some benefit .
These are the stories of some of those involved .
Alan Gray is excited by the prospect of the trial .
A manager in IT with three grown-up children , Alan was diagnosed with MND in January 2017 , when he was 54 .
The early symptoms were innocuous enough - he kept clipping the pavement as he walked , as though his foot had dropped .
Three years on , Alan can no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Denny , Stirlingshire , has had to be specially adapted for him .
Alan admits the diagnosis was devastating but he remains relentlessly optimistic .
`` Initially I looked at it all and it 's just too overwhelming , '' he says .
`` So you have to come back and say , 'Right - where are we today ?
What 's the plan for tomorrow ? '
and maybe look a little bit ahead .
`` I go to the gym three times a week , I get massage therapy regularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the physio guidance .
`` Energy is a real problem because the muscles are weaker , so I have to try and manage my energy each day .
`` We 'll do one thing , maybe two things but not anything more . ''
Alan has survived so long he is no longer eligible for most clinical trials .
But this new project , known as MND-Smart , is different - and Alan is going to be part of it .
`` Hope is something that 's a real positive , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , we can see something that we can get some hope and strength from .
`` As participants , we can help move science forward . ''
What is the new trial ?
At present there is only one treatment for MND that can extend life for two or three months .
The new clinical trial will allow hundreds of people living with MND in the UK to take part in tests of potential treatments .
While most trials focus on a single drug or treatment , the MND-Smart trial will test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking different treatments will be compared with a single group who receive a dummy drug called a placebo .
They are more likely to receive an active treatment but the trial is also designed to be flexible so researchers can change the drugs being tested as results emerge .
New drugs can be added and medicines that are not effective can be dropped .
It 's an approach that has not been used before in MND research anywhere in the world .
They will test new drugs but also medications already licensed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease or anxiety and depression .
Repurposing drugs like this can dramatically speed up the time it takes for effective treatments to become more widely available .
The trial has been developed by people with MND working with clinical-trial experts from across the UK , including University College London , the University of Warwick - and the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research , at the University of Edinburgh .
The man the centre was named after was working as an investment banker in London when he was diagnosed with MND , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of the people who have lived longest with MND , and he has used that time to raise money as well as awareness of the disease .
Like Stephen Hawking , another famously long-lived MND survivor , he uses a voice synthesiser to speak .
His enthusiasm for the new project being developed by the centre that carries his name is obvious , particularly the hope offered by repurposing existing drugs .
He says : `` We 're all impatient to see results from the research that 's happening .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked for other conditions like cancer .
`` Crucially , the drugs have already been approved as safe to use , so the process is shorter .
`` Time is of the essence , so anything that can speed up the research process is very welcome . ''
For those doctors , nurses and bio-medical researchers who specialise in MND , the illness must at times feel like a frustrating target .
About 5,000 people are living with MND in the UK today - but with long term survival rates so low , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to study why it develops and how it progresses .
Consultant neurologist Dr Suvankar Pal works at Edinburgh University 's Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic , founded by the author J K Rowling in memory of her mother .
Dr Pal , who will be overseeing the MND-Smart trial , admits it has been a challenge to find effective treatments up until now .
`` That 's partly because the mechanism by which the brain cells do n't work properly is n't fully understood , '' he says .
`` And this condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to encourage people to participate in trials and following them through until later stages of the illness is very difficult . ''
Dr Pal says other studies have also been hampered by having too few people involved , meaning it has not been possible to obtain meaningful results .
But the new study offers new hope .
`` There here has been a lack of progress so far with discovering new therapies for motor neurone disease and I think anything that we can do to improve the quality of life and the survival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward for this condition , '' he says .
Back in Denny , Alan Gray is sitting up at the breakfast bar in his kitchen with his wife , Beverley .
Alan and Beverley have been focusing on making memories that will last - taking 10 holidays in the year after Alan 's diagnosis .
He says : `` I 'm quite a strong-willed person .
I 've got a lot of family and friends and support , so that all helps .
`` But I 've also got a kind of mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there 's no point of just kind of saying , 'Well , why me ? '
or any kind of denial . '
`` This is the reality .
So let 's find something positive to do , move forward , one step at a time . ''

"But I've also got a kind of mental toughness anyway to say, 'You know, there's no point of just kind of saying, 'Well, why me?' or any kind of denial.'


bbcuk--2020-01-16--Agriculture Bill: Soil at heart of UK farm grant revolution

A promise to do more to protect the soil is to be included in a vision for the UK farm industry being unveiled by the government later .
Ministers have accepted that farmers need incentives to farm in a way that leaves a healthy soil for future generations .
The protection has become a core issue of the Agriculture Bill that is returning to Parliament .
There is three times more carbon held in soil than in the atmosphere .
But much has been lost thanks to intensive farming and deforestation .
That is fuelling climate change and compromising attempts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soil has been a Cinderella subject , even though human life depends on the thin few inches above the rock .
In its bill the government will promise to reward British farmers who protect the soil .
• 'Send in the drones ' to protect soil • To keep carbon emissions down , look underfoot It is part of a radical shift in the grant system - previously announced – to move subsidies away from EU Common Agricultural Policy which basically pays farmers for owning land .
Instead in post-Brexit Britain they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like clean air , clean and plentiful water , flood protection and thriving wildlife .
The grant changes will be phased in over seven years .
Already there is disquiet from farmers and environmentalists alike that the government has not set in law its promise that UK food standards will not be lowered in any post-Brexit deal with the US .
Minette Batters from the NFU said : “ This bill is one of the most significant pieces of legislation for farmers in England for over 70 years .
“ However , farmers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see legislation underpinning government assurances that they wo n't allow imports of food produced to standards that would be illegal here .
“ We 'll continue to press the government to introduce a standards commission as a matter of priority to oversee and advise on future food trade policy and negotiations.
” CPRE , the countryside charity , welcomed what it called a generational opportunity to change the way England farms for the better .
It said : “ This bill represents a radical rethink of farming practice and , most importantly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regenerate soil - the fundamental building block of our entire agricultural system . ''
Although the bill has been applauded , the policies are still in embryonic stage , and as details emerge conflicts are sure to arise .

Already there is disquiet from farmers and environmentalists alike that the government has not set in law its promise that UK food standards will not be lowered in any post-Brexit deal with the US.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Petersfield Bookshop inundated after 'tumbleweed' tweet

A 100-year-old bookshop has been inundated with orders after tweeting it had a `` tumbleweed '' day in which it had not sold a single book .
An employee at Petersfield Bookshop posted a picture of the store on Tuesday and said it might have been the first time it had not made a sale .
The tweet was retweeted more than 7,000 times , including by author Neil Gaiman .
The shop 's managing director John Westwood said he had been `` overwhelmed '' by the response .
`` I believe in this industry , but online ordering and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've had to sell my flat to keep the store afloat and most evenings sleep on a camp bed in the shop .
`` We have lots of big plans for the future , on how to expand and grow , we just need to get there first . ''
Mr Westwood said since the tweet he had received more than 300 messages inquiring after books and 95 orders .
`` It has been overwhelming , mind-blowing and very humbling .
Book-lovers are a very special people , and everyone has been so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this store for my father - if you want to be rich you do n't go into the book industry .
Books are special things and nothing beats going into a bookstore .
`` Seeing them , touching them , smelling them - it is a special place . ''
He thanked Gaiman , writer of The Sandman , Coraline , and Good Omens for the `` orders we received as a result of the Gaiman bump '' .
The shop , which sells antiquarian , second-hand and new books , has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrated its 100 birthday in 2018 .

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bbcuk--2020-01-15--Immigration arrests on A38 at North Petherton after people flee lorry

Four arrests have been made in connection with immigration offences after people were spotted jumping from a lorry in Somerset @ @ @ @ @ public saw several people coming out of a lorry in North Petheron on the A38 @ @ @ @ @ Avon and Somerset Police said .
Emergency services are at the scene but police believe @ @ @ @ @ The road remains closed while police search for lorry occupants who fled the scene after @ @ @ @ @ `` We were called at around 8.15pm tonight by a member of the public who @ @ @ @ @ the back of a lorry on the A38 at North Petherton , '' a police @ @ @ @ @ attended and a number of people have been arrested on suspicion of immigration offences .
@ @ @ @ @ to be injured .
`` The road is currently closed while we carry out enquiries @ @ @ @ @ made off from the scene . ''

"We were called at around 8.15pm tonight by a member of the public who'd witnessed several people exit the back of a lorry on the A38 at North Petherton," a police spokesman said.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Climate change: Last decade confirmed as warmest on record

The 10 years to the end of 2019 have been confirmed as the warmest decade on record by three global agencies .
According to Nasa , Noaa and the UK Met Office , last year was the second warmest in a record dating back to 1850 .
The past five years were the hottest in the 170-year series , with the average of each one more than 1C warmer than pre-industrial .
The Met Office says that 2020 is likely to continue this warming trend .
2016 remains the warmest year on record , when temperatures were boosted by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's fires 'will be normal ' in warmer world • Climate change : Where we are in seven charts Today 's data does n't come as a huge surprise , with the World Meteorological Organization ( WMO ) signalling at the start of last December that 2019 likely marked the end of the warmest decade on record .
The Met Office , which is involved in producing the HadCRUT4 temperature data , says that 2019 was 1.05C above the average for the period from 1850-1900 .
Last year saw two major heat waves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a new national record of 46C set in France on 28 June .
New records were also set in Germany , the Netherlands , Belgium , Luxembourg and in the UK at 38.7C .
In Australia , the mean summer temperature was the highest on record by almost a degree .
As temperatures continue to rise , efforts to contain heating gases continue to falter as science collides with politics .
The UK , for instance , fought hard to host the annual UN climate conference at the end of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeper emissions cuts .
And Boris Johnson says he wants the UK to lead the world on climate change .
But in the first test of his new administration he 's already being accused of abandoning his principles .
He 's promising to consider cutting the £13 tax on flights in the UK because jobs and connectivity are at stake .
This contradicts his official advice from the Climate Change Committee which says people need to fly less , so the cost of flying should go up , not down .
This sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world in coming decades as climate change presents an increasing challenge to politics-as-usual .
While the three different research agencies all have slightly different figures for the past 12 months , the WMO has carried out an analysis that uses additional data from the Copernicus climate change service and the Japan Meteorological Agency .
They conclude that in 2019 , the world was 1.1C warmer than in the pre-industrial period .
`` Our collective global temperature figures agree that 2019 joins the other years from 2015 as the five warmest years on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from the Met Office Hadley Centre .
`` Each decade from the 1980s has been successively warmer than all the decades that came before .
2019 concludes the warmest 'cardinal ' decade ( those spanning years ending 0-9 ) in records that stretch back to the mid-19th century . ''
Researchers say carbon emissions from human activities are the main cause of the sustained temperature rise seen in recent years .
`` Carbon dioxide levels are at the highest that we 've ever recorded in our atmosphere , and there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the temperature , '' said Prof Liz Bentley from the Royal Meteorological Society .
`` We are seeing the highest global temperatures in the last decade and we will see more of that .
As the CO2 continues to grow , we 'll see global temperatures increasing . ''
Having the long term data from three different agencies with different methodologies gives them confidence in the accuracy of their findings .
`` While we know that human activities are causing the globe to warm , it is important to measure this warming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prof Tim Osborn , from the University of East Anglia 's Climate Research Unit , which is involved in gathering the data .
`` We are confident that the world has warmed by about 1C since the late nineteenth century because different methods of working out the global temperature give very similar results . ''
While the figures released by the Met Office , the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( Noaa ) and Nasa show the temperature recorded on the land and sea surfaces , the amount of warming going into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels .
Data published this week showed that a record amount of heat went into the oceans last year .
This was the biggest increase in the last decade .
While natural variability means that scientists do n't expect new temperature records year-on-year , the Met Office is forecasting that 2020 will also be very hot , with the global average temperature estimated to be 1.1C above pre-industrial levels .
This suggests it will be a warmer year than the one just passed .

"While we know that human activities are causing the globe to warm, it is important to measure this warming as accurately as possible," said Prof Tim Osborn, from the University of East Anglia's Climate Research Unit, which is involved in gathering the data.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Flybe: Airline and rail rivals attack government rescue

British Airways ' owner IAG has filed a complaint to the EU arguing Flybe 's rescue breaches state aid rules .
The move comes amid a growing backlash against the government 's plan to defer some of Flybe 's air passenger duty payments , thought to top £100m .
EasyJet and Ryanair said taxpayer funds should not be used to save a rival .
Meanwhile , the government 's proposal to cut Air Passenger Duty ( APD , was attacked by the rail industry 's trade body and climate campaign groups .
EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out individual companies , especially when they are backed by well-funded businesses . ''
While Ryanair said it had called for `` more robust and frequent stress tests on financially weak airlines and tour operators so the taxpayer does not have to bail them out '' .
The government has said the review of the tax will be consistent with its zero-carbon targets .
However , in a tweet , Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said : `` Addressing Flybe problems by reducing APD on all domestic flights is utterly inconsistent with any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Domestic flights need to be reduced , not made cheaper . ''
The Rail Delivery Group , which represents train operators , also said any review of APD `` that encourages more people to fly domestically would limit efforts to tackle the climate crisis '' .
• ' I would be devastated if it went under' • Climate change : Should you fly , drive or take the train ?
Ahead of filing the state aid complaint , Willie Walsh , the outgoing chief executive of IAG , wrote to Transport Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involvement in its rescue .
In a letter , Mr Walsh said : `` Prior to the acquisition of Flybe by the consortium which includes Virgin/Delta , Flybe argued for tax payers to fund its operations by subsidising regional routes .
`` Virgin/Delta now want the taxpayer to pick up the tab for their mismanagement of the airline .
This is a blatant misuse of public funds .
`` Flybe 's precarious situation makes a mockery of the promises the airline , its shareholders and Heathrow have made about the expansion of regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
But Downing Street has said the government is `` fully compliant '' with state aid rules .
The Prime Minister 's spokesman said `` there has been no state aid to Flybe , '' adding that `` any future funding will be made on strictly commercial terms . ''
British Airways ' owner IAG 's decision to make a state-aid complaint to the European Commission underlines its determination to shine a light on - and if possible , overturn - the government 's assistance to Flybe .
Ministers have not published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is understood to include a `` time-to-pay '' arrangement for the company 's airline passenger duty liabilities .
These arrangements are common for companies that are struggling to pay their tax , but unusual when it comes to duty payments .
IAG chief executive Willie Walsh 's letter to Grant Shapps points out that Flybe has wealthy backers - Virgin Atlantic is a big shareholder , and one of Virgin 's main shareholders in turn is Delta Air Lines , one of the biggest and most profitable airlines in the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Walsh argues , that should rely on taxpayer support to keep one of their investments trading .
His intervention should , of course , be seen in the light of the long and bitter commercial rivalry between British Airways and Virgin Atlantic .
The latter 's position at Heathrow is bolstered by Flybe 's feed of domestic traffic , and BA would not be unhappy if that stream of traffic was choked off .
Three Cabinet ministers - Mr Shapps , Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom and Chancellor Sajid Javid signed off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operating .
Although the terms of the direct assistance were not disclosed , they are understood to include forbearance on Flybe 's Air Passenger Duty ( APD ) payments .
Mr Shapps said the move was necessary to protect key routes and any rule changes would apply to all carriers .
`` The actions we have taken will support and enhance regional connectivity across the UK , so local communities have the domestic transport connections they rely on , '' he said .
`` Any changes implemented as a result of our reviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will apply to all airlines in the competitive aviation market . ''
State aid is assistance given by the government to companies or other organisations that has the potential to distort market competition .
The aid can be in the form of direct cash grants or indirect aid - such as preferential borrowing rates or tax credits .
Under EU rules , member-state governments are allowed to provide state aid only with approval from the European Commission .
For example , in 2015 the UK government submitted plans to provide a subsidy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its units from coal to biomass fuel .
Following an investigation , the commission ruled in favour of the scheme .
But there are exceptions to the rules .
For example , aid worth less than 200,000 euros ( £175,000 ) over three years is exempt .
Even though Brexit is due to happen on 31 January , the UK will continue to follow EU state aid rules during the 11-month transition period that follows .
IAG believes the UK government 's proposal would amount to unlawful state aid as it would impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flybe , but the government disagrees .
• What are the EU rules about state aid ?
Airlines collect the duty from passengers as part of their ticket price , and then hand it over to HMRC .
It is understood Flybe could be given up to three months ' breathing space to pay about £100m worth of duty .
The ministers have also agreed to review air passenger duties on domestic flights in a move attacked by environmental campaigners .
Ms Leadsom defended the decision to intervene , saying that Flybe was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said Flybe 's situation was different to that faced by travel firm Thomas Cook , which collapsed last year .
`` The difference ... between Flybe and Thomas Cook was that in the case of Thomas Cook it had huge amounts of debt , and any taxpayer 's money would simply be throwing good money after bad . ''
Flybe 's owners - Virgin Atlantic , Cyrus Capital and Stobart Air - will inject about £20m of new money .
In his letter , Mr Walsh pointed out that Virgin is part-owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is one of the world 's largest and most profitable airlines .
He argues that Virgin and Delta together have the resources to rescue Flybe , and they should not be asking for taxpayer support .
Mr Walsh says Flybe has been mismanaged .
Flybe is already in receipt of some public money for its important Newquay-Heathrow route , which it operates under a `` public service obligation '' contract with the government .
Mr Walsh said that British Airways had indicated its willingness to operate that route without assistance - in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the Flybe deal .
He warned the government that Flybe 's Heathrow operations could , in time , be diverted to long-haul routes - which would not be in line with its policy of promoting regional connections to London .
But Rob Griggs , director of policy at Airlines UK , the industry trade body , defended the deal .
He said giving extra time to Flybe to pay APD was not the same as a direct injection of public funds .
The British Airline Pilots Association ( Balpa ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This is good news for 2,400 Flybe staff whose jobs are secured and regional communities who would have lost their air connectivity without Flybe , '' said Balpa general secretary Brian Strutton .
Lucien Farrell , the chairman of Connect Airways - which owns Flybe - said the group had agreed to `` keep Flybe flying with additional funding alongside government initiatives '' .
`` We are very encouraged with recent developments , especially the government 's recognition of the importance of Flybe to communities and businesses across the UK and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .

IAG chief executive Willie Walsh's letter to Grant Shapps points out that Flybe has wealthy backers - Virgin Atlantic is a big shareholder, and one of Virgin's main shareholders in turn is Delta Air Lines, one of the biggest and most profitable airlines in the world. These are not the kind of companies, Mr Walsh argues, that should rely on taxpayer support to keep one of their investments trading.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--PC Sharon Beshenivsky murder: Man arrested in Pakistan

A man wanted in connection with the murder of a PC shot dead during a robbery has been arrested in Pakistan .
West Yorkshire officer Sharon Beshenivsky was killed outside a travel agency in Bradford in 2005 while responding to an armed robbery call .
Police said Piran Dhitta Khan , 71 , had been wanted by officers investigating the fatal raid .
Mr Khan appeared in court in Islamabad where extradition was discussed .
He was remanded in custody until 29 January .
PC Beshenivsky , 38 , had only been an officer for nine months when she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her youngest daughter Lydia 's fourth birthday .
She was a mother of three and stepmother of two children .
Three men were jailed for life for her murder , two for manslaughter .
Her shift partner , PC Teresa Milburn , was also shot but survived .
PC Beshenivsky 's husband Paul said he was `` glad '' at the news of the arrest .
`` It 's been a long time coming .
It 's just a matter of getting closure within what happened in 2005 , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khan was believed to be on the run in Pakistan and was being sought .
A £20,000 reward had been offered for information leading to his capture .
Det Supt Mark Swift , said : `` I would like to thank the National Crime Agency in Pakistan and partners who have made this arrest possible .
`` This is a major development in this long-running investigation and their assistance in this matter can not be understated .
`` We are continuing to liaise with partners in Pakistan to process Mr Khan 's extradition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK to face court proceedings . ''
Brian Booth , chairman of West Yorkshire Police Federation , said : `` I know my colleagues within West Yorkshire are delighted to hear about the arrest of Piran Dhitta Khan and will now be watching closely the wheels of justice turning in this case and how this plays out .
`` The murder of Sharon and the attempted murder of her colleague PC Teresa Milburn sent a shockwave not only through West Yorkshire but throughout the world .
`` We still mourn the loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on my thanks , on behalf of my West Yorkshire colleagues , to the National Crime Agency in Pakistan for making this arrest possible . ''

Brian Booth, chairman of West Yorkshire Police Federation, said: "I know my colleagues within West Yorkshire are delighted to hear about the arrest of Piran Dhitta Khan and will now be watching closely the wheels of justice turning in this case and how this plays out.


bbcuk--2020-01-15--Fire services in England marred by 'toxic culture'

Fire services in England suffer from a `` toxic '' culture , with some firefighters not treating colleagues with `` enough humanity '' , a watchdog chief has said .
Inspectors uncovered cases of bullying and harassment at some services , while some staff were said to find the poor treatment of others to be `` amusing '' .
It is the first annual report by Her Majesty 's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services .
Its chief inspector , Sir Thomas Winsor , called for a new code of ethics .
He also urged building owners to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grenfell Tower , to help avoid another blaze .
Sir Thomas highlighted in his report a staff survey that found 24 % reported feeling bullied or harassed at work in the past 12 months , with the number rising to 46 % at one service .
He said inspectors had heard allegations of unlawful discrimination and that some services lacked defined values for people to follow and use to challenge unacceptable behaviour .
`` The fire sector refers to itself as humanitarian , yet firefighters in some services do n't treat their colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his report .
While the inspectorate said in a briefing with journalists that the problems were found within `` isolated pockets '' of services , it said it had spoken with female firefighters left `` in tears '' when discussing intimidating behaviour by colleagues and a `` lack of inclusivity '' .
Also in his report , Sir Thomas said it was `` alarming '' that , more than two years after the Grenfell fire in which 72 people died , more than 300 buildings still had the same cladding as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar cladding systems , including rainscreens with polyethylene cores , should be done by the building owners as quickly as possible , '' Sir Thomas said .
`` No other fire service should have to tackle a blaze of such severity because of these unsafe materials . ''
The Grenfell inquiry 's phase one report , published in October , found Grenfell Tower 's cladding did not comply with building regulations and was the `` principal '' reason for the fire 's rapid spread .
Elsewhere , Sir Thomas accused the Fire Brigades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He gave the example of staff in Greater Manchester refusing to serve in a team formed to respond to terrorist gun attacks because of a pay dispute .
Sir Thomas said the FBU had used its `` considerable industrial muscle '' to demand more money for firefighters required to provide medical assistance alongside ambulance crews .
`` The union should n't be interfering in operational matters '' , he said .
`` They 're there to protect their members ' interests , to ensure that they 're properly paid , their working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a watchdog warned lives could be put at risk because of the dispute .
In a statement , the FBU said : `` We utterly refute any suggestion that we have put the public at risk .
Operational fire service matters are intrinsically linked to the health and safety of firefighters , and are therefore at the core of our work as a union . ''
It added : `` Firefighters know best about their service and should have a strong voice in how it is run . ''

In a statement, the FBU said: " We utterly refute any suggestion that we have put the public at risk. Operational fire service matters are intrinsically linked to the health and safety of firefighters, and are therefore at the core of our work as a union."