bbcuk--2020-01-09--UK ban on US chlorinated chicken 'to continue after Brexit'

Chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-treated beef will be kept out of the UK under any trade deal with the US , the environment secretary has promised .
Theresa Villiers told the BBC the current European Union ban on the two foods will be carried over into UK legislation after Brexit .
Until now the UK has been wavering on the issue .
But she told BBC Countryfile : “ There are legal barriers to the imports and those are going to stay in place.
” Ms Villiers has previously talked of imposing tariffs on any future imports of US chicken and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under great pressure from Britain ’ s farmers .
In the exclusive interview with the Countryfile programme , she said : “ We will defend our national interests and our values , including our high standards of animal welfare . ''
Chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-treated beef are illegal under EU law for different reasons .
The EU says feeding cows with growth-enhancing chemicals could potentially result in harm to beef-eating humans – a suggestion the US fervently rejects .
There is , on the other hand , no human health threat from using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chickens .
In fact , it ’ s rather effective .
But the EU says using chlorine allows American farmers to be careless with the welfare of the chickens .
The US regards the rules against these products as a European ruse to protect its own producers , and has stated that the trade of both meat products will be central to any UK-US trade deal after Brexit .
So Ms Villiers ’ promise may please British consumers unhappy with the thought of chicken sprayed with bleach .
But it may make things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiators .
The environment secretary has made a strong promise that `` legal barriers '' to the import of chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef will `` stay in place '' and that the government will `` hold the line '' on this even if insisted upon by President Trump in trade talks .
This makes a quick trade deal with the US rather tricky to envisage .
Leaked US-UK trade documents showed the US tried to establish how far the UK would , after Brexit , detach from the EU 's hard line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials had made a presentation and repeatedly raised the `` unscientific approach the EU maintains towards Pathogen Reduction Treatments [ chlorinated chicken ] '' .
The US has been in a dispute with the EU over such methods since 1997 .
If the environment secretary 's rejection of such key US exports is echoed in the UK 's negotiating position with the US , the US Congress might also object .
When similar statements were made by Michael Gove , when he was former environment secretary , in 2017 , it caused a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was then trade secretary .
It is a clear example of the delicate balancing act and trade-offs involved in the UK 's new post-Brexit trade freedom .
The full interview with the environment secretary will be shown on Countryfile on BBC1 on 26 January .

Leaked US-UK trade documents showed the US tried to establish how far the UK would, after Brexit, detach from the EU's hard line against US farm trade methods. US officials had made a presentation and repeatedly raised the "unscientific approach the EU maintains towards Pathogen Reduction Treatments [chlorinated chicken]". The US has been in a dispute with the EU over such methods since 1997.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Brexit: MPs give final backing to Withdrawal Agreement Bill

MPs have given their final backing to the bill that will implement the UK government 's Brexit deal .
The Commons voted 330 to 231 in favour of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill and it will now pass to the House of Lords for further scrutiny next week .
If peers choose to amend it will it come back before MPs .
The bill covers `` divorce '' payments to the EU , citizens ' rights , customs arrangements for Northern Ireland and the planned 11-month transition period .
The UK is due to leave the EU on 31 January .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the House of Commons , as expected , with a majority of 99 .
All 330 votes in favour were Conservative .
It took just three days for the bill to pass the remaining stages in the Commons , after MPs gave their initial approval to the legislation before the Christmas recess .
Theresa May - Boris Johnson 's predecessor in Downing Street - repeatedly failed to get her Brexit agreement passed by MPs , which led to her resignation as prime minister .
• Adler : Why Brexit Stage Two may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the Withdrawal Agreement Bill ?
• What is the transition period ?
The latest vote gives approval to the 11-month transition period after 31 January , in which the UK will cease to be an EU member but will continue to follow its rules and contribute to its budget .
The purpose of the transition period is to give time for the UK and EU to negotiate their future relationship , including a trade deal .
Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesperson , Alistair Carmichael said his party would continue to oppose the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voted for a bill that will slash the rights of future generations to live and work across 27 other countries , '' he said .
`` They have voted for a bill that strips away our guaranteed environmental protections , despite the fact that we are facing a climate emergency . ''
And SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said Scotland would `` remain an independent European country '' .
`` This is a constitutional crisis , because we will not and we can not accept what is being done to us , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steve Barclay has said the bill will deliver on the `` overwhelming mandate '' his party was given at the general election to take the UK out of the EU on 31 January .
He has also said he is `` confident '' the UK will be able to negotiate a trade deal with the EU by the end of the year , despite critics saying that the deadline is too tight .
Mr Johnson has also insisted a deal is possible by December 2020 and has said the transition period will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK is ready to start negotiations `` as soon as possible '' after 31 January .
On Wednesday , new European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen warned it would be `` impossible '' to reach a comprehensive trade deal by the end of 2020 .

He has also said he is "confident" the UK will be able to negotiate a trade deal with the EU by the end of the year, despite critics saying that the deadline is too tight.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Reynhard Sinaga: Police warning over rapist social media posts

Police have warned social media users to avoid identifying victims of serial sexual predator Reynhard Sinaga .
Sinaga , 36 , lured 48 men from outside Manchester clubs to his flat , where he drugged and assaulted them .
On Monday , he was jailed for life with a 30-year minimum for 159 sex offences , including 136 rapes .
Victims of sexual offices have a lifelong right to anonymity .
Any post which identifies potential victims constitutes a criminal offence .
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said : `` We are aware of a number of social media posts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual offences in connection with the live investigation into Reynhard Sinaga .
`` We would like to stress that , under the Sexual Offences ( Amendment ) Act 2000 , victims of sexual offices have a lifelong right to anonymity and therefore any post which identifies victims of sexual offences constitutes a criminal offence .
`` Additionally these posts risk jeopardising an ongoing investigation into serious crime .
`` Please be mindful when sharing any social media posts . ''
Sinaga would wait for men leaving nightclubs and bars before leading them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street , often with the offer of somewhere to have a drink or call a taxi .
He drugged his victims before assaulting them while they were unconscious , and filmed the attacks .
When the victims woke up many of them had no memory of what had happened .
Police say they have evidence Sinaga targeted at least 190 victims , but they have been unable to identify a further 70 victims .

"We would like to stress that, under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000, victims of sexual offences have a lifelong right to anonymity and therefore any post which identifies victims of sexual offences constitutes a criminal offence.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Labour leadership: Long Bailey, Nandy and Phillips secure nominations

Rebecca Long Bailey , Lisa Nandy and Jess Phillips have secured support to run in the contest to succeed Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn .
The MPs for Salford and Eccles , Wigan and Birmingham Yardley join Sir Keir Starmer on the ballot paper .
Candidates need 22 Labour MPs or MEPs to nominate them before Monday .
Emily Thornberry and Clive Lewis have also declared they are running , but Barry Gardiner , who was considering joining , has now ruled himself out .
Ms Thornberry - the shadow foreign secretary - has only secured seven nominations so far , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister - has four .
There is also a contest to become deputy leader after Tom Watson stepped down in December .
The new leader and deputy leader will be announced on 4 April .
• Who will be Labour 's next leader ?
Shadow business secretary Mrs Long Bailey has 26 nominations so far .
Her supporters include shadow chancellor John McDonnell , shadow home secretary Diane Abbott and Labour Party chairman Ian Lavery - who had been considering his own run .
Both Ms Phillips and Ms Nandy have 22 nominations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Labour ministers Margaret Hodge and Chris Bryant , while Ms Nandy has shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth and former shadow minister Jack Dromey on side .
The leadership candidates tweeted to thank the people who had nominated them , with Ms Phillips celebrating the amount she had raised through crowdfunding , adding : `` It means so much to be powered by people . ''
Ms Nandy said she was `` proud '' to have gained support from MPs `` representing different parts of the country and different traditions in our movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that her nomination was `` an honour and responsibility '' that she took `` incredibly seriously '' , adding : `` Together we will build a winning vision of a socialist future . ''
However , all three candidates are behind the shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir , who has secured 63 nominations so far - including from the shadow leader of the House Valerie Vaz and shadow Brexit minister Paul Blomfield .
He also got the backing of the UK 's largest union Unison .

The leadership candidates tweeted to thank the people who had nominated them, with Ms Phillips celebrating the amount she had raised through crowdfunding, adding: "It means so much to be powered by people."


bbcuk--2020-01-09--BDO World Darts: Beau Greaves reaches semi-finals on 16th birthday

Beau Greaves had a 16th birthday to remember as she won through to the semi-finals of the BDO women 's World Darts Championship .
The teenage debutant beat 29-year-old Dutch third seed Aileen de Graaf 2-1 to reach the last four .
Sixth seed Greaves , from Doncaster , averaged 86.11 and hit three maximum 180s .
Earlier , Corrine Hammond beat Laura Turner 2-0 in the women 's quarter-finals at London 's Indigo at the O2 .
Greaves will play Japan 's Mikuru Suzuki in Friday 's semi-finals after the reigning champion beat Anastasia Dobromyslova 2-0 .
Four-time champion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ semi after a straight-sets victory over Lorraine Winstanley .
• Double trouble at new venue over ticket sales and prize money In the men 's event , Welsh second seed Jim Williams defeated Ryan Hogarth 4-0 to qualify for the quarter-finals .
While the BDO tournament has been hit by low ticket sales and prize money problems , the championship has also showcased some of the sport 's rising stars .
Leighton Bennett , who only turned 14 on New Year 's Eve , took a set off 2015 champion Scott Mitchell before @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Darts
Greaves is rated third favourite to win the title
Beau Greaves had a 16th birthday to remember as she reached the semi-finals of the BDO women's World Darts Championship.
The teenage debutant beat 29-year-old Dutch third seed Aileen de Graaf 2-1 to reach the last four.
Sixth seed Greaves, from Doncaster, averaged 86.3 and hit three maximum 180s.
She faces Japan's Mikuru Suzuki on Friday's after the reigning champion beat Anastasia Dobromyslova 2-0.
Four-time champion Lisa Ashton plays Corrine Hammond in the other semi after a straight-sets victory over Lorraine Winstanley.
Hammond earlier beat Laura Turner 2-0 in the women's quarter-finals at London's Indigo at the O2.
Asked whether she felt she could now win the tournament, Greaves told BDO Darts: "Of course I can. You've always got to be confident, but not too confident.
"But I felt really good and I'm looking forward to it. It's been an amazing week."
In the men's event, Welsh second seed Jim Williams defeated Ryan Hogarth 4-0 to qualify for the quarter-finals.
While the BDO tournament has been hit by low ticket sales and prize money problems, the championship has also showcased some of the sport's rising stars.
Leighton Bennett, who only turned 14 on New Year's Eve, took a set off 2015 champion Scott Mitchell before losing 3-1 on Tuesday.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Child abuse inquiry: Travel bans 'not being enforced on sex offenders'

UK authorities are failing to use the powers they have to stop British sex offenders travelling abroad to abuse children , according to an inquiry .
Only a small fraction of orders made against offenders included a ban on foreign travel , the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse found .
It cited the case of shamed rock star Gary Glitter , who abused children abroad after an earlier conviction .
The IICSA says the burden of proof for travel bans should be lowered .
The inquiry 's report found measures applied to people convicted of a sexual offence - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( SHPO ) - have only had a minimal impact on restricting foreign travel .
Other offenders have been able to breach bans in an attempt to abuse outside of the UK .
Some 5,551 SHPOs were made in 2017-18 , but only 11 included requirements affecting the subject 's ability to travel abroad , according to the report .
It cited the cases of Glitter and serial paedophile Richard Huckle as examples of where systems failed to protect children .
Glitter , real name Paul Gadd , was sentenced to four months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of child abuse images .
But he was still able to later travel to Cambodia , Thailand and Vietnam .
In 2005 he was convicted of sexually abusing two girls , aged 10 and 11 , in Vietnam .
Glitter was jailed for 16 years in 2015 for other historical offences .
Huckle groomed and abused scores of children in impoverished Malaysian communities by posing as a respectable Christian English teacher and philanthropist .
He was given 22 life sentences at the Old Bailey in 2016 for an unprecedented number of offences against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , but was killed in jail last year .
The inquiry found police and courts were being too cautious in applying travel bans , overstating the need for evidence , and were sometimes reluctant to impose a ban across multiple countries .
In contrast , the report said , Australia had a complete ban on registered sex offenders travelling abroad .
Prof Alexis Jay , chair of the IICSA , said : `` The sexual abuse of children overseas by UK nationals is an urgent problem we can not hide from .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are allowing known offenders to travel abroad to target vulnerable children in less developed countries , and this is simply not acceptable . ''
The report also recommended the police and courts in this country prosecute more British people who have abused abroad , as they are empowered to do under section 72 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 .
The National Crime Agency has accepted that a previous policy under which foreign police forces were encouraged to investigate - rather than officers in Britain - was `` not well written '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ NCA now encourages British forces to engage with the country where the abuse happened .
Responding to the report , the government said : `` We continue to work closely with law enforcement in the UK and international partners to stop sex offenders from travelling abroad to prey on children , close down online networks and bring offenders to justice .
`` Clearly , there is more to be done and we and others will consider the findings of this report carefully .
We will respond fully in due course . ''

"Clearly, there is more to be done and we and others will consider the findings of this report carefully. We will respond fully in due course."


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Prince Harry and Meghan 'step back': 10 questions answered

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex 's decision to `` step back '' as senior members of the Royal Family has generated interest across the world .
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan are said to have `` blindsided '' Buckingham Palace with the announcement , which the couple said came after `` many months of reflection '' .
They said they intend to become financially independent while continuing to support the Queen .
But what does it mean for their future ?
Will the duke still be in the line of succession ?
And what if the couple split @ @ @ @ @ @ @ correspondent Sarah Campbell answers readers ' questions .
Will the Duke of Sussex keep his place as sixth in line to the throne ?
Valerie Bell Succession to the throne in the UK is not only due to birth , but also legislation .
It would take an Act of Parliament to remove a person from the line of succession .
Downing Street has so far said that questions on the duke and duchess ' announcement are `` for the royal household '' .
Will they keep their royal titles - and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Watford and Jonathan Selby Archie has no title - that was his parents ' decision when he was born .
He is simply Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor .
There is no suggestion the duke and duchess wish to renounce their titles .
• Harry and Meghan step back : What will happen next ?
• In pictures : Harry and Meghan 's life together What will happen to Harry should the couple split ?
Stacey Browning He remains a member of the Royal Family - stepping back from duties does not change that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do has not been tried before , so there is no precedent to guide us .
Will the rule that non-EU spouses are not permitted to spend more than 90 days outside the UK in any 12 month period apply to Meghan ?
Nathan , Penrith This rule applies to some applicants for British citizenship .
We were told that Meghan was not going to be fast-tracked to get citizenship and it will take the same length of time for her as for anyone else .
We are not aware she is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in , that she has a British passport ) .
Buckingham Palace did not respond when asked whether the duchess ' citizenship application would be affected by the announcement .
Could they have been offered better support to cope regarding the press ?
Susanna , Luton Meghan has talked about the fact that , even though she was already in the public eye , she was not prepared for the huge press interest which comes with marrying into the Royal Family .
We simply do not know how much support the duke and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is difficult to say whether they should have been given more .
Where does this leave the Invictus Games ?
Robert Higgins The next Invictus Games is to be held this year in The Hague .
The Invictus Games Foundation - with Prince Harry as patron - was established to preside over the games and , as it is a separate entity , it will continue regardless of what happens with Prince Harry 's status within the Royal Family .
It will remain one of his key commitments .
• How Meghan ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s life How did Prince Edward manage to step back so successfully ?
John Weston Prince Edward and his wife the Countess of Wessex are now both working members of the Royal Family with a busy schedule of engagements .
But they both experienced difficulties when pursuing careers in the private sector : Sophie worked for a PR firm that was caught in a sting by a national newspaper and she was recorded making comments about members of the Royal Family ; Edward had little success as a television producer .
They both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full-time `` working royals '' paid for using income from the Duchy of Lancaster , the Queen 's private income .
How similar is the Harry and Megan situation compared to Duke of Windsor and Mrs Simpson ?
Jennifer Rogers Wallis Simpson was an American divorcee like Meghan Markle .
In 1936 , it was considered the public would never accept a divorcee as Queen .
Edward VIII - the Queen 's uncle - had to choose between the throne and Wallis Simpson .
He chose her , thereby relieving himself of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry and Meghan have said they wish to `` step back '' as senior royals suggesting they do intend to carry out some duties on behalf of the Queen .
This is their choice as opposed to a course of action they have no option but to follow .
But - it is early days and it is really not clear yet how their part-royal , part-private roles will pan out .
What will happen to their house in Windsor , the refurbishment of which was funded by the public purse ?
Nancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they will continue to use Frogmore Cottage - their home on the Windsor estate - with the permission of its owner , the Queen .
They say the cottage will be their `` official residence as they continue to support the monarchy , and so that their family will always have a place to call home in the United Kingdom '' .
They add that the refurbishment of the cottage was planned well before they decided to move in and their decision to live there saved money when compared with the refurbishment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will the taxpayers still fund their houses and lifestyle ?
Margaret Rucklidge On their website , Harry and Meghan say they will no longer receive funding through the Sovereign Grant , `` thereby making them members of the Royal Family with financial independence '' .
However , the couple say the grant only provides 5 % of their income and it is unclear whether they will give up their other sources of funding .
• Explained : Where do Prince Harry and Meghan get their money ?
• The Royal Family tree and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be given a security detail paid for by the taxpayer-funded Metropolitan Police , which does not disclose the costs involved .
The couple 's intention to travel back and forth from North America would likely add to this cost , but it is possible they will pay towards this - although it will be a large bill .

Prince Harry and Meghan 'step back': Your questions answered Published 10 January 2020
Image source, Reuters
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to "step back" as senior members of the Royal Family has generated interest across the world.
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan are said to have "blindsided" Buckingham Palace with the announcement, which the couple said came after "many months of reflection".
They said they intended to become financially independent while continuing to support the Queen.
But what does it mean for their future? Will the duke still be in the line of succession? And what if the couple split up? BBC royal correspondent Sarah Campbell answers readers' questions.
Will the Duke of Sussex keep his place as sixth in line to the throne? Valerie Bell
Succession to the throne in the UK is not only due to birth, but also legislation. It would take an Act of Parliament to remove a person from the line of succession.
Downing Street has so far said that questions on the duke and duchess's announcement are "for the royal household".
It is worth noting that, as the Cambridge family expands, Prince Harry will keep moving down the line of succession.
Will they keep their royal titles - and what does this mean for Archie? Hannah, Watford and Jonathan Selby
Archie has no title - that was his parents' decision when he was born. He is simply Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.
There is no suggestion the duke and duchess wish to renounce their titles.
What will happen to Harry should the couple split? Stacey Browning
He remains a member of the Royal Family - stepping back from duties does not change that.
Moreover, what the couple plan to do has not been tried before, so there is no precedent to guide us.
Will the rule that non-EU spouses are not permitted to spend more than 90 days outside the UK in any 12-month period apply to Meghan? Nathan, Penrith
This rule applies to some applicants for British citizenship. We were told that Meghan was not going to be fast-tracked to get citizenship and it will take the same length of time for her as for anyone else. We are not aware she is a dual citizen as yet (as in, that she has a British passport).
Buckingham Palace did not respond when asked whether the duchess's citizenship application would be affected by the announcement.
Image source, Getty Images
Could they have been offered better support to cope regarding the press? Susanna, Luton
Meghan has talked about the fact that, even though she was already in the public eye, she was not prepared for the huge press interest which came with marrying into the Royal Family.
We simply do not know how much support the duke and duchess have been given, so it is difficult to say whether they should have been given more.
Where does this leave the Invictus Games? Robert Higgins
The next Invictus Games is to be held this year in The Hague.
The Invictus Games Foundation - with Prince Harry as patron - was established to preside over the games and, as it is a separate entity, it will continue regardless of what happens with Prince Harry's status within the Royal Family.
It will remain one of his key commitments.
Image source, Getty Images
How did Prince Edward manage to step back so successfully? John Weston
Prince Edward and his wife the Countess of Wessex are now both working members of the Royal Family with a busy schedule of engagements.
But they both experienced difficulties when pursuing careers in the private sector: Sophie worked for a PR firm that was caught in a sting by a national newspaper and she was recorded making comments about members of the Royal Family; Edward had little success as a television producer.
They both gave up their careers and are now full-time "working royals" paid for using income from the Duchy of Lancaster, the Queen's private income.
Image source, Getty Images
How similar is the Harry and Meghan situation compared to Duke of Windsor and Mrs Simpson? Jennifer Rogers
Wallis Simpson was an American divorcee like Meghan Markle.
In 1936, it was considered the public would never accept a divorcee as Queen. Edward VIII - the Queen's uncle - had to choose between the throne and Wallis Simpson. He chose her, thereby relieving himself of his position and all royal duties.
Prince Harry and Meghan have said they wish to "step back" as senior royals suggesting they do intend to carry out some duties on behalf of the Queen.
This is their choice as opposed to a course of action they have no option but to follow. But - it is early days and it is really not clear yet how their part-royal, part-private roles will pan out.
What will happen to their house in Windsor, the refurbishment of which was funded by the public purse? Nancy Curtis
On their website, the couple say they will continue to use Frogmore Cottage - their home on the Windsor estate - with the permission of its owner, the Queen.
They say the cottage will be their "official residence as they continue to support the monarchy, and so that their family will always have a place to call home in the United Kingdom".
They add that the refurbishment of the cottage was planned well before they decided to move in and their decision to live there saved money when compared with the refurbishment of another property at Kensington Palace.
Image source, Getty Images
Will the taxpayers still fund their houses and lifestyle? Margaret Rucklidge
On their website, Harry and Meghan say they will no longer receive funding through the Sovereign Grant, "thereby making them members of the Royal Family with financial independence". However, the couple say the grant only provides 5% of their income and it is unclear whether they will give up their other sources of funding.
The couple will continue to be given a security detail paid for by the taxpayer-funded Metropolitan Police, which does not disclose the costs involved.
The couple's intention to travel back and forth from North America would likely add to this cost, but it is possible they will pay towards this - although it will be a large bill.
Does Prince Charles actually own all of his estates - and is his income from the Duchy still state funding? Robert
This comes after Harry and Meghan claimed on their new website that 95% of funding for their office comes through income from Prince Charles' estate - the Duchy of Cornwall.
The Duchy estate belongs to all heirs to the throne and has existed since Edward III created it for his son and heir, Prince Edward (famously known as the Black Prince), in 1337.
According to a charter, the Prince of Wales, as the Duke of Cornwall, receives income each year generated from assets on the estate - which includes large parts of Cornwall, Dorset and Herefordshire - but he does not benefit from the proceeds or profit on the sale of any assets, according to the Duchy's website.
This means that the territory - and income - of the Duchy will pass to Prince William, as heir, and on to his son Prince George when he becomes the heir.
Therefore the estate itself is not owned by any one member of the Royal Family, nor is it owned by the government.
How much have taxpayers already paid out to facilitate the Sussexes' relationship, for example to secure the Royal Wedding? Ann Jackson
Harry and Meghan's wedding in May 2018 attracted some 100,000 well-wishers to Windsor as well as a global TV audience of hundreds of millions.
At the time, the Berkshire police commissioner Anthony Stansfeld suggested the cost of securing the duke and duchess' wedding was "between £2m and £4m".
Another recent comparison would be the 2011 wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, which cost the Metropolitan Police £6.35m - though it took place in London and was a larger event.
The Metropolitan Police - which is responsible for securing the Royal Family - does not reveal the cost of day-to-day security or policing, so these costs are not known.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--The Harry and Meghan story

The Harry and Meghan story

Meghan Markle was the American actress , with a passion for humanitarian and feminist causes .
Harry was the rebel prince turned soldier , considered the world 's most eligible bachelor .
In the summer of 2016 , the two were brought together on a blind date by a mutual friend in London .
`` Beautiful '' Meghan `` just tripped and fell into my life '' , Harry later told the press , and he knew immediately she was `` the one '' .
After just two dates , the new couple went on holiday together to Botswana , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fell in love `` so incredibly quickly '' , proof the `` stars were aligned '' , said Harry .
To the British press , their romance was catnip .
Here was a golden couple who were able to draw vast crowds , speak the language of younger generations and sprinkle royal stardust on any cause .
For months the couple avoided the cameras and it was n't until the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto that the the two were first photographed holding hands in public , smiling and laughing .
• Where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money ?
But there had been signs early on that the fairytale was some way off a `` happily ever after '' .
When Harry first confirmed the relationship in late 2016 , it came with a stark attack on the media , accusing them of subjecting his girlfriend to `` a wave of abuse and harassment '' .
He spoke of nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers , attempts by reporters and photographers to get into Meghan 's home and the `` bombardment '' of nearly every friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was a problem that was only going to get worse .
Despite that - or perhaps because of that - the two grew ever closer and in September 2017 , Meghan declared to Vanity Fair magazine : `` Personally , I love a great love story . ''
The two of them had been enjoying a special time together and were really happy and in love , she said .
The media was now on high alert for the sound of royal wedding bells - and they did n't have to wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got down on one knee to propose to Meghan as they made roast chicken together at their home in Kensington Palace .
Harry had designed the ring , made with two diamonds which had belonged to his late mother , Diana , Princess of Wales .
At the centre was a diamond from Botswana .
The couple shared their story in a candid interview with the BBC , and appearing brimming with positivity for the future .
They revealed Meghan would give up acting to focus on causes close to her heart , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that she will be unbelievably good at the job part of it , '' said Harry .
Things began to shift as preparations got under way for a May 2018 wedding in Windsor .
It quickly became clear that this was a royal couple who wanted to do things differently - their way .
The wedding , which much of the world tuned in to watch , had all the traditions - a stunning dress , cheeky bridesmaids and heartfelt vows .
But , as our royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gospel choir , young black cellist and breathtaking address from Bishop Curry , marked it out as a modern , diverse wedding for a modern , diverse couple , which seemed to point to a different future for the Royal Family .
Married life brought with it new titles - the Duke and Duchess of Sussex - and a new home at Windsor in Frogmore Cottage .
In October of that year , the couple embarked on their first royal tour , visiting Australia , New Zealand , Fiji and Tonga , over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they shared the news that they were expecting their first baby .
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor , seventh in line to throne and the Queen 's eighth great-grandchild , was born on 6 May 2019 .
To Harry , who was by Meghan 's side at the birth , little Archie was `` absolutely to die for '' .
Throughout Meghan 's pregnancy , the continual redrawing of battlelines had gone on between the press and the couple .
This was to be no repeat of the Duchess of Cambridge 's birth with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait outside hospital doors for days on end .
The press had been told there would be no information about the birth , beyond that it was happening .
Such scrutiny and pressure proved to be a struggle for the newly-wed Meghan during her pregnancy and in early motherhood , she later admitted in an ITV documentary filmed during their tour of southern Africa in September .
`` Not many people have asked if I 'm OK , '' she said , looking lost .
She spoke of her vulnerability during pregnancy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` it 's a lot '' .
Asked if she could cope , she said she had long told Harry it was not enough to just survive - `` that 's not the point of life - you have got to thrive '' .
There were further signs that the couple were not happy , when the prince opened up about his mental health .
He said it was under constant management and he lived with the pressures of avoiding a repeat of the past that took his mother , the Princess of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a car crash in Paris when Harry was just 12 .
The driver had been drinking and the car was being followed by paparazzi on motorbikes .
`` Everything that she went through , and what happened to her , is incredibly important every single day , and that is not me being paranoid , '' he said .
`` Part of this job is putting on a brave face but , for me and my wife , there is a lot of stuff that hurts , especially when the majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It has also been suggested the scrutiny of Meghan has been greater because of her African-American heritage .
Former US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said she wanted to hug Meghan for the British media 's `` racist '' treatment of her , while Harry has highlighted how `` unconscious bias '' can lead to racist behaviour even if people do not consider themselves to be racist .
The couple 's frustration and anger with some sections of the press has gone from being a matter between the palace and editors into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meghan is suing the Mail on Sunday over a claim that it unlawfully published one of her private letters and Harry filed proceedings at the High Court against the owners of the Sun , the defunct News of the World , and the Daily Mirror , in relation to alleged phone-hacking .
As such a dramatic year came to a close , the royal couple took an extended break from royal duties over Christmas , taking Archie to the Canadian province of British Columbia .
It gave them time to mull over their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of a new decade , they dropped their bombshell announcement .
Neither Harry 's father , Prince Charles , nor his older brother , Prince William , with whom Harry has said he has `` good days '' and `` bad days '' , were consulted .
Harry and Meghan were , they told their Instagram followers , planning to leave their royal duties - and the royal purse - behind .
They hope their next chapter , spent in North America as well as the UK , will see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Archie , make their own path to the future .

They hope their next chapter, spent in North America as well as the UK, will see the two of them, together with baby Archie, make their own path to the future.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--My boobs had to go - so I gave them a farewell party

For a mum with four boys under seven , a diagnosis of breast cancer could have been devastating .
But Lynsey Ritchie refused to let it be .
The 43-year-old teacher from Denny , near Falkirk , decided it was not going to change her life , and it was certainly not going to affect her boys ' routines .
She `` stuck a smile on '' and approached her treatment with a positive attitude Days before her double mastectomy she invited friends and family to a `` thanks for the mammaries '' party .
With a `` boob cake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of laughs , she wanted to celebrate what her breasts had given her .
`` I was actually still breastfeeding my baby when I was diagnosed last June , '' said Lynsey .
`` I breastfed all of my children for over a year each , I donated my breast milk for premature babies and also helped mums as an NHS breastfeeding peer supporter .
`` I feel on the whole , over 42 years , my boobs have done more than most people .
So I felt it was only fitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - a send-off - to say thank you for giving me this wake-up call . ''
Lynsey found a lump while she was packing boxes to move house last year .
Husband Neil - a soldier - was working away .
He has been allowed to return home for Lynsey 's treatment .
The party took place in December , after Lynsey had completed 15 sessions of chemotherapy at Forth Valley Hospital .
A week later she was scheduled for a double mastectomy .
She says she never had any doubts about having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland 's Kaye Adams programme : `` The minute I was told I had breast cancer the first words out of my mouth were 'take them both off ' .
`` I thought I can either cry and be upset and hide under the pillow or I can stick a smile on and just go for it .
And anything I do I always give it 100 % , so it was just another way to do it . ''
Her positive attitude grew out of wanting to continue to be the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I have my moments .
I allow myself 10 minutes to get upset then get myself together because I did n't want my diagnosis to affect them in any way .
`` Their lives have pretty much been the same - they have never missed football or Beavers and I have made all the school events .
I could n't go a bit depressed and woe is me - I just had to get on with it . ''
She said the first thing she thought when she knew what was wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her four boys ?
She said cancer at first felt like a death sentence , but attending the Maggie 's cancer centre in Forth Valley changed her perspective .
`` They told me to treat it like diabetes or epilepsy .
People die from those but also people live with them and that changed my perception of it , '' she said .
`` I did n't sit and wait for chemo .
I changed my diet and became positive .
I truly believe in mind over matter . ''
The surgery took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrived at the hospital in style - in a Christmas jumper featuring a breast and tree bauble design .
The operation was successful and she is now recovering at home .
Her triple negative breast cancer will be treated with radiotherapy starting in February and that will be the end of her treatment .
Lynsey continues to look for the positive in everything that happens to her .
`` I would never have wished for cancer but it has changed my life and I am actually much happier and much more contented since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` When I was diagnosed , I had to work through it mentally and get into a place where I could heal from breast cancer - it 's a message for me to change my life for the better for my boys .
`` I feel it is a message for me .
I am thankful for my body and want to heal .
I wo n't be negative .
I want it to be as positive as it can be .
There is always a positive - you have sometimes got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

"I thought I can either cry and be upset and hide under the pillow or I can stick a smile on and just go for it. And anything I do I always give it 100%, so it was just another way to do it."


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Harry and Meghan: What do we know so far and what will happen next?

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex say they are to step back as `` senior '' royals and divide their time between the UK and North America .
The couple , who have a baby son , Archie , said they plan to carve out a `` progressive new role '' in the Royal Family and intend to `` work to become financially independent '' .
What might their new role be ?
Prince Harry and Meghan have plans to launch a new `` charitable entity '' .
Exactly where and exactly what are unclear as the couple have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new role .
However , their new charity is expected to be global in reach , with some of the focus likely to be on the US and Africa .
On the pair 's first official overseas tour last year with their son , Archie , the Duchess of Sussex told teenage girls in a deprived part of South Africa that she was with them `` as a woman of colour and as your sister '' .
Prince Harry has spoken of his personal love for Africa , describing the continent as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself than anywhere else in the world '' .
The couple 's charity work is also likely to have a commitment to female empowerment , an issue on which Meghan has publicly pledged to `` shine a light '' .
How will they fund their new life ?
The couple have said their ambition is to `` work to become financially independent '' .
They say current rules prohibit them from `` earning income in any form '' but by taking a step back as senior royals , their new roles could involve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ author of a book on how royals have made and spent their wealth , said they already have their own money and could make more from TV in future .
Meghan was reportedly paid $ 50,000 per episode of the TV show Suits .
While she is no longer a working actress she will receive some payments whenever the show is rebroadcast .
The duke and duchess 's expenses - such as living costs , travel , clothing - are currently covered by Harry 's father for their role as working royals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales funds his sons and their families with income from the Duchy of Cornwall .
• Harry and Meghan to step back as senior royals • Where do the couple get their money ?
Historian and royal author Hugo Vickers told the BBC he was unconvinced by the couple 's plans .
He said `` they think they can do all sorts of things together but the fact is that they 're very likely , if they 're not careful , to end up as slightly tarnished celebrities , perhaps '' .
Where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to divide their time between the UK and North America , They only moved into their new home - Frogmore Cottage in Windsor , Berkshire - last April ahead of the birth of their son .
The estimated cost to the taxpayer of renovations to it is £3 million .
Harry and Meghan took an extended break from royal duties over Christmas , including time spent in the Canadian province of British Columbia .
While acting in the US drama Suits , Toronto became an adopted city for Meghan .
It is home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mulroney , the city 's `` most polished power couple '' , according to Toronto Life magazine .
It is likely that the family would spend time in Meghan 's US homeland too - her mother , Doria Ragland , lives in California .
Her father , Thomas Markle , with whom Meghan has little contact , lives in Mexico .
Many months of reflection and internal discussions , they said .
In October , the public got a glimpse into the couple 's mindset in an ITV documentary filmed during a tour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted adjusting to royal life had been `` hard '' and she had not been prepared for the intensity of the media scrutiny , despite warnings from her British friends that the tabloids could `` destroy '' her life .
Asked whether she was coping , Meghan , a new mother , said : `` I have said for a long time to H - that is what I call him - it 's not enough to just survive something , that 's not the point of life .
You have got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mental health and the way he deals with the pressures of his life as a matter of `` constant management '' .
Following their decision to step back as senior royals , BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said there were `` great chunks '' of the job that the couple `` simply could not stand '' , while Harry `` hated the cameras and was visibly bored by the ceremonial '' .
Towards the end of last year , Prince Harry said he and Meghan were to take legal action against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlawfully published one of her private letters .
The paper stands by its story .
At the time , an unrestrained Harry said : `` I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces . ''
Referring to his mother , Diana , Princess of Wales ' sudden death in 1997 , he said : `` I 've seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person . ''
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also updated the section of their website which outlines their attitude to the media .
The duke and duchess said they would be adopting a `` revised media approach to ensure diverse and open access of their work '' in 2020 .
Included in this new strategy , Harry and Meghan said they would `` engage with grassroots media organisations and young , up-and-coming journalists '' .
They will also pull out of the so-called royal rota system , where journalists and media representatives are given exclusive passes to cover royal engagements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ material they gather .
`` The current system predates the dramatic transformation of news reporting in the digital age , '' the couple said in a statement on their website .
Under a heading asking what Harry and Meghan 's stance is on the media in general , the couple said they believe in a `` free , strong and open media '' which `` upholds accuracy and fosters inclusivity , diversity and tolerance '' .
`` Their Royal Highnesses recognise that their roles as members of the Royal Family are subject to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honest media reporting as well as being held to account if appropriate .
Equally , like every member of society , they also value privacy as individuals and as a family . ''
The couple said they would continue to use social media , including their Instagram account which has 10.1m followers , to `` personally share moments in their lives directly with members of the public '' .

Harry and Meghan: What do we know so far and what will happen next? Published 20 January 2020
Image source, Getty Images
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are stepping back from royal duties and will divide their time between the UK and North America, Buckingham Palace has announced.
They will no longer use their HRH titles and will stop receiving public funds for royal duties under the "new arrangement".
The couple, who have a baby son, Archie, had previously said they planned to carve out a "progressive new role" in the Royal Family and intended to "work to become financially independent".
What might the 'next chapter' look like?
Following the announcement from the Queen, a separate statement from Buckingham Palace said the couple were grateful to the monarch and the Royal Family for their support as they "embark on the next chapter of their lives".
It said they understood they are "required to step back from royal duties, including official military appointments".
The couple will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations "with the Queen's blessing", the statement said.
Prince Harry and Meghan said previously they plan to launch a new "charitable entity".
Exactly where and exactly what are unclear as the couple have not yet elaborated on how they see their new role.
However, their new charity is expected to be global in reach, with some of the focus likely to be on the US and Africa.
On the pair's first official overseas tour last year with their son, Archie, the Duchess of Sussex told teenage girls in a deprived part of South Africa that she was with them "as a woman of colour and as your sister".
Prince Harry has spoken of his personal love for Africa, describing the continent as a place "where I feel more like myself than anywhere else in the world".
The couple's charity work is also likely to have a commitment to female empowerment, an issue on which Meghan has publicly pledged to "shine a light".
How will they fund their new life?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not receive public funds for royal duties.
They have said their ambition is to "work to become financially independent".
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, "Nothing like this has ever happened before" – royal correspondent Daniela Relph explains
David McClure, author of a book on how royals have made and spent their wealth, said they already have their own money and could make more from TV in future.
Meghan was reportedly paid $50,000 (£38,400) per episode of the TV show Suits. While she is no longer a working actress she will receive some payments whenever the show is rebroadcast.
Currently, the duke and duchess's expenses - such as living costs, travel, clothing - are covered by Harry's father for their role as working royals, representing the Queen.
The Prince of Wales funds his sons and their families with income from the Duchy of Cornwall.
Historian and royal author Hugo Vickers previously told the BBC he was unconvinced by the couple's plans.
He said: "They think they can do all sorts of things together but the fact is that they're very likely, if they're not careful, to end up as slightly tarnished celebrities, perhaps".
Where will they be based?
They plan to divide their time between the UK and North America, but BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said: "It is expected that they will spend the majority of their time in North America now."
They only moved into their new home - Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, Berkshire - last April ahead of the birth of their son. The estimated cost to the taxpayer of renovations to it is about £2.4m.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement the couple have "shared their wish to repay Sovereign Grant expenditure" for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage.
It will remain their UK family home, the palace added.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Ben and Jessica Mulroney, pictured in 2009
Harry and Meghan took an extended break from royal duties over Christmas, including time spent in the Canadian province of British Columbia.
While acting in the US drama Suits, Toronto became an adopted city for Meghan. It is home to her friends, Jessica and Ben Mulroney, the city's "most polished power couple", according to Toronto Life magazine.
It is likely that the family would spend time in Meghan's US homeland too - her mother, Doria Ragland, lives in California.
Her father, Thomas Markle, with whom Meghan has little contact, lives in Mexico.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, lives in California
What's behind the decision?
Many months of reflection and internal discussions, they said.
In October, the public got a glimpse into the couple's mindset in an ITV documentary filmed during a tour of Africa.
The Duchess of Sussex admitted adjusting to royal life had been "hard" and she had not been prepared for the intensity of the media scrutiny, despite warnings from her British friends that the tabloids could "destroy" her life.
Asked whether she was coping, Meghan, a new mother, said: "I have said for a long time to H - that is what I call him - it's not enough to just survive something, that's not the point of life. You have got to thrive."
Prince Harry also described his mental health and the way he deals with the pressures of his life as a matter of "constant management".
Following their decision to step back as senior royals, BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said there were "great chunks" of the job that the couple "simply could not stand", while Harry "hated the cameras and was visibly bored by the ceremonial".
Towards the end of last year, Prince Harry said he and Meghan were to take legal action against the Mail on Sunday over a claim it unlawfully published one of her private letters. The paper stands by its story.
At the time, an unrestrained Harry said: "I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces."
Referring to his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales' sudden death in 1997, he said: "I've seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person."
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Meghan spoke to ITV as part of a documentary last year
What else have they said?
Speaking at an event on Sunday evening, Prince Harry said he is "taking a leap of faith" in stepping back from being a senior royal, adding that "there really was no other option".
The duke insisted he and Meghan had hoped to continue serving the Queen, but without public funding. "Unfortunately, that wasn't possible," he said.
In his speech, posted on the couple's Instagram account, Prince Harry also spoke of his "great sadness" over his and Meghan's new relationship with the Royal Family.
"The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly," he said.
The BBC's royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said there were "two big messages" to take from the speech: including Harry stressing that the move was his call; and that the prince wanted to continue in some sort of royal role.
Following the announcement from the Queen that the couple were stepping back from royal duties and can no longer formally represent the Queen, Buckingham Palace said the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will "continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty".
While no details have been given about security arrangements for the couple, the statement said "there are well-established and independent processes to determine the need for publicly-funded security".
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The Royal Family faces intense media scrutiny
Harry and Meghan had also updated the section of their website which outlines their attitude to the media.
The duke and duchess said they would be adopting a "revised media approach to ensure diverse and open access of their work" in 2020.
Included in this new strategy, Harry and Meghan said they would "engage with grassroots media organisations and young, up-and-coming journalists".
They will also pull out of the so-called royal rota system, where journalists and media representatives are given exclusive passes to cover royal engagements on the understanding they share all the material they gather.
"The current system predates the dramatic transformation of news reporting in the digital age," the couple said in a statement on their website.
Under a heading asking what Harry and Meghan's stance is on the media in general, the couple said they believe in a "free, strong and open media" which "upholds accuracy and fosters inclusivity, diversity and tolerance".
"Their Royal Highnesses recognise that their roles as members of the Royal Family are subject to interest, and they welcome accurate and honest media reporting as well as being held to account if appropriate. Equally, like every member of society, they also value privacy as individuals and as a family."


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Five times Harry and Meghan broke tradition

Five things Harry and Meghan did differently The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will step back as senior royals , @ @ @ @ @ the couple have done things differently .

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they will step back as senior royals and work to become financially independent.
The Royal Family are said to be "hurt" at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's announcement.
Here are some other times the couple opted to do things differently.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Former Labour MP 'not ashamed' by Jobcentre visit

Laura Smith has told Radio 5 Live she isn ’ t “ ashamed ” after being photographed at a job @ @ @ @ @ MP , who lost her Crewe and Nantwich seat during the 2019 general election , @ @ @ @ @ like anybody else who finds themselves out of work ” .
She told Radio 5 @ @ @ @ @ : “ I ’ ve got two young children and I need to look at @ @ @ @ @ “ I haven ’ t really got the luxury to sit around for too long @ @ @ @ @ need to get on with it and that ’ s what I intend to do.
@ @ @ @ @ from 5 Live Drive on 9 January 2020 .

Laura Smith has told BBC Radio 5 Live she isn’t “ashamed” after being photographed at a job centre. The former Labour MP, who lost her Crewe and Nantwich seat during the 2019 general election, says she’s “like anybody else who finds themselves out of work”.
She told 5 Live’s Chloe Tilley: “I’ve got two young children and I need to look at all of my options.”
“I haven’t really got the luxury to sit around for too long thinking about it, I need to get on with it and that’s what I intend to do.”
This clip is originally from 5 Live Drive on 9 January 2020.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--The Papers: Royal 'crisis talks' and jet 'hit by missile'

Also leading on the same story , the Financial Times says US President Donald Trump feared something `` very terrible @ @ @ @ @ Kyiv-bound plane .
`` It is a tragic thing .
Somebody could have made a @ @ @ @ @ could have made a mistake , '' Mr Trump said .
`` It had nothing @ @ @ @ @ ''

"It is obnoxious behaviour," the paper says, referencing their decision to make the surprise announcement without consulting other royals. "But it's not just the family they have betrayed. They are grotesquely abusing the generosity and goodwill of taxpayers too."


bbcuk--2020-01-10--Call for law change over increase in homophobic hate crimes in London

Homophobic hate crimes in London have increased by 55 % in five years , prompting calls for changes to the law .
Latest figures show there were 3,111 hate crimes based on sexual orientation in the 12 months up to October .
Shaun Bailey , the Conservative candidate for mayor of London , called for new laws and tougher sentencing for homophobic attacks .
Mayor Sadiq Khan said it was `` too simplistic to think that creating a new offence will solve the problem '' .
YouTuber and campaigner Bradley Birkholz said he moved to London about a year ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoping to find a `` progressive paradise '' for LGBTQ+ people .
Instead he `` found a city hostile towards any kind of difference whatsoever '' .
After only two months in London Mr Birkholz was assaulted .
Since then he has been regularly verbally abused , he told the BBC .
`` I have to re-route my schedule to avoid parts of London with large drunk crowds because people are emboldened to harass LGBTQ+ people like me .
`` I try to avoid the Tube at night but when I do take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Between 2014/15 and 2018/19 the number of recorded hate crimes based on sexual orientation across England and Wales went up from 5,591 to 14,491 - a rise of 160 % .
Hate crimes against transgender people have nearly quadrupled in the last five years , to 2,333 reports last year .
But campaign group Stonewall said 81 % of people who experienced LGBTQ+ hate crime did not report it to the police .
Josh Bradlow , head of policy for Stonewall , said : `` A crucial part of increasing people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowing they will be treated seriously .
`` This is why it 's so important that hate crimes based on sexual orientation and/or trans identity are treated as aggravated offences . ''
`` If people are held accountable for what they say and do I think we will see homophobia go down , '' Mr Birkholz added .
Mr Bailey said he would campaign for the new government to make homophobic hate crime an aggravated crime in line with racial and religious hate crime - with the aim of ensuring tougher sentences .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our streets , '' he said .
`` As someone who has experienced racial hate both on the streets and online , I stand in total solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community , many of whom suffer horrible and unacceptable abuse .
`` The current mayor has failed to act to protect the most vulnerable in the city from the scourge of hate crime . ''
A spokesperson for Mr Khan said : `` Everyone should be concerned that disgusting hate crimes of all kinds are on the rise nationally .
`` It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new offence will solve the problem of bigotry and hate - and homophobia as an aggravating factor can already be taken into account when sentencing .
`` In London , Sadiq is investing a record £6m tackling hate crime in all its forms . ''
Sian Berry , London mayoral candidate for the Green Party , said : `` Greens have been calling for an end to the hierarchy of hate crimes for years , so crimes motivated by a hatred of sexual orientation , disability or gender reassignment are treated equally to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is a clear link between rising levels of hate crimes and thoughtless , inflammatory language by public figures like former mayor of London Boris Johnson , which makes bigots think they can get away with criminal behaviour . ''
Liberal Democrat candidate Siobhan Benita said : `` Making homophobic hate crime an aggravated crime in line with racial and religious hate has been our policy for many years .
`` It 's ironic that one of the most shameful instances of homophobia came from the last Tory mayor of London , Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prime minister was `` a firm advocate of people being allowed to choose who they love and believes that the freedom to love whom you want is a vital component of any democracy '' .
`` During his time as foreign secretary in 2016 , the PM scrapped a controversial ban on pride flags being flown from UK embassies and consulates around the world .
`` As mayor of London , [ he ] backed the campaign banning anti-gay adverts on the Tube , and he has voted in favour of equal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be held on 7 May 2020 .

"It is too simplistic to think that creating a new offence will solve the problem of bigotry and hate - and homophobia as an aggravating factor can already be taken into account when sentencing.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Louise Tiffney case: Sean Flynn to be retried over mother's murder

Prosecutors have been given permission for a fresh prosecution of Sean Flynn , who was acquitted in 2005 of murdering @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Tiffney was last seen in Edinburgh 's Dean Village in May 2002 .
@ @ @ @ @ East Lothian in 2017 .
Three judges have now set aside the previous verdict in @ @ @ @ @ considered arguments from prosecutors for a retrial under double jeopardy laws , which mean someone @ @ @ @ @ the same charges .

They had considered arguments from prosecutors for a retrial under double jeopardy laws, which mean someone can be tried again on the same charges.


bbcuk--2020-01-09--'Lyra's murder brought us back to these talks'

The British and Irish governments have published the text of a draft deal aimed at restoring power sharing in Northern Ireland .
Secretary of State Julian Smith and Tánaiste ( Irish Deputy Prime Minister ) Simon Coveney made the announcement at a press conference at Stormont on Thursday evening .
Mr Coveney made reference to the New IRA murder of journalist Lyra McKee .
He said : `` I think its also very important to remember , it is the awful murder or Lyra McKee that brought us back to these talks nine month ago .
`` The British and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party leaders , were left in no doubt by the wave of applause and the very public demonstration in St Anne 's Cathedral that we had been called out to get politics in Northern Ireland working again .
He added : `` I want you all to hear the words of Lyra McKee herself , the words she wrote in a book and never lived to publish .
She said 'Northern Ireland is a beautiful tragedy strangled by the chains of its past , it 's a place full of darkness and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home . '
''

The British and Irish governments have published the text of a draft deal aimed at restoring power sharing in Northern Ireland.
Secretary of State Julian Smith and Tánaiste (Irish Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Coveney made the announcement at a press conference at Stormont on Thursday evening.
Mr Coveney made reference to the New IRA murder of journalist Lyra McKee.
He said: "I think its also very important to remember, it is the awful murder or Lyra McKee that brought us back to these talks nine month ago.
"The British and Irish Governments, as well as all the party leaders, were left in no doubt by the wave of applause and the very public demonstration in St Anne's Cathedral that we had been called out to get politics in Northern Ireland working again.
He added: "I want you all to hear the words of Lyra McKee herself, the words she wrote in a book and never lived to publish. She said 'Northern Ireland is a beautiful tragedy strangled by the chains of its past, it's a place full of darkness and mysteries, but it's also my home.'"


bbcuk--2020-01-09--Transport for Wales: KeolisAmey fined £2.3m for poor performance

The train company contracted to run Transport for Wales services , KeolisAmey , has been fined £2.3m by the Welsh Government for poor performance .
Economy minister Ken Skates said the penalty notices were `` vital '' , saying the company had not lived up to what was agreed .
Recent improvements must continue , he added .
The company took over the £5bn franchise in October 2018 .
KeolisAmey apologised for the disruption of the last few months .
It is not clear when the fines were imposed .
Transport for Wales said it was a `` overall sum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with fines issued on a periodic basis .
The company was awarded the Wales and Borders franchise by the Welsh Government in 2018 .
The day-to-day contract is managed by Transport for Wales - a part of Welsh Government which also provides the branding the train services use .
In December the organisation saw cancellations following the introduction of a new timetable .
The company blamed staff shortages .
`` So far , something in the region of £2.3m in penalty notices have been issued to KeolisAmey , '' Mr Skates told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the money would be reinvested in rail services .
Transport for Wales said the fines were triggered because the operator had not met agreements for the subsidy it gives it .
The cash has been paid by deducting it from the subsidy , TfW said .
`` A key challenge has been due to a shortage of fleet available to operate on a day-to-day basis , '' a spokesman added .
Trains have been out of service due to modifications for people with reduced mobility , internal and external refurbishments and work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Autumn leaf fall .
Recently extra capacity has been provided for 6,500 more passengers .
Vikki Howells , Labour AM for Cynon Valley , told the committee she was dealing with constituents who faced disciplinary action in work because of their lateness , have lost wages and had to spend cash on bus fares because of recent disruption .
Simon Jones , Welsh Government director of economy infrastructure , told her a measure called `` passenger time lost '' had `` driven '' some of the penalty notices .
He said it focuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creating more of a problem for the train company if there were problems at rush hour .
Mr Skates said the proportion of trains arriving within three minutes of the scheduled time had improved by 6 % in the `` latest period '' .
That has increased to 76.1 % , but the minister said that was against a target of 77 % .
He did not want to be issuing penalty notices .
`` However it is something I feel is absolutely vital in order to incentivise better performance and to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people expect money is being returned .
`` Performance has not been what has been expected and has not lived up to what the contract stated and what was agreed . ''
He told the committee the contract with KeolisAmey includes a break clause .
`` If failure was to be seen in the future of course we would have to respond accordingly by looking at the contract , '' he added .
Kevin Thomas , chief executive of KeolisAmey Wales , apologised for the disruption of the past few months .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to deliver the quality of service that we aim to and that our passengers across the network deserve , '' he said .
`` It is encouraging to report that we are starting to see some improvements , with a 24 % reduction in network delay minutes following the introduction of our December timetable .
`` We have welcomed the arrival of the Class 170 's , the recruitment of over 200 additional train crew and the introduction of more than 186 new Sunday services . ''
Caerphilly Labour AM Hefin David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had assurances from Transport for Wales that things are set to get better through 2020 and I will be monitoring this as a committee member and in my constituency . ''

He did not want to be issuing penalty notices. "However it is something I feel is absolutely vital in order to incentivise better performance and to ensure passengers know when performance is not what people expect money is being returned.


bbcuk--2020-01-10--More men needed to donate blood 'high in iron'

The NHS has launched a campaign calling for more men to register to give blood .
Male blood contains more @ @ @ @ @ to newborn babies and people with massive blood loss .
But currently 60 % of @ @ @ @ @ .

The NHS has launched a campaign calling for more men to register to give blood.
Male blood contains more iron and can be given to newborn babies and people with massive blood loss.
But currently 60% of blood donations come from women.


bbcuk--2020-01-10--Gemma Watts: Sex attacks woman posed as teenage boy

A woman disguised herself as a teenage boy to sexually assault girls after grooming them online .
Gemma Watts posed as 16-year-old `` Jake Waton '' on social media and swapped intimate photos with victims before meeting at locations across England .
Watts , 21 , of Enfield , has pleaded guilty to sexual offences involving four girls .
She is due to be sentenced at Winchester Crown Court later .
Police believe she may have assaulted up to 50 victims in total .
Scotland Yard said Watts had used her own picture on Snapchat and Instagram accounts as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 16 by liking their profiles .
She used teenage slang , sent flattering messages and shared intimate photographs before travelling to meet them in person .
Her disguise included tying her hair back in a bun and wearing a baseball cap , jogging bottoms and a hoodie .
Police said all of her victims believed they were in a relationship with a teenage boy until officers revealed Watts was actually an adult woman .
She was so convincing she even spent time as `` Jake '' with some of the girls ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relate to a 14-year-old from Hampshire and three 15-year-olds from Surrey , Plymouth and the West Midlands .
Det Con Phillipa Kenwright said the victims `` all believed they were in a relationship with a male '' and had been `` completely taken in '' by Watts .
She added : `` It 's been life-changing for all of the victims involved . ''
The officer said she believed Watts could have duped `` 20 to 50 '' victims in total .
A doctor in Hampshire first raised concerns to police in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in a relationship with an older boy .
In July that year Watts admitted to Met officers she had been sexually active as `` Jake '' with the first three victims .
She was released under investigation and arrested again in October 2018 by British Transport Police who found her on a train with a fourth victim .
Officers initially thought Watts was a 16-year-old boy and were taking her home to London before they realised her true identity .
In November 2019 , Watts pleaded guilty to one count of assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a child following sexual grooming and three counts of sexual assault .

On one occasion, he said the girl believed she was touching Watts' genitals but was deceived by "what must have been a number of socks tightly rolled together".


bbcuk--2020-01-10--Prince Harry and Meghan: Duchess returns to Canada as Queen seeks solution

The Duchess of Sussex has returned to Canada to join her son amid discussions over the future role for her and Prince Harry in the Royal Family .
Meghan and Prince Harry had been in Canada over Christmas with baby Archie .
It comes as the Queen , the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge asked staff to find a workable solution after the couple announced they will step back as senior royals .
The Royal Family was said to be `` hurt '' at the couple 's statement .
Palace sources have told BBC royal correspondent Jonny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not consult any other royal about making their personal statement .
• Your questions answered on Harry and Meghan statement • Where do Prince Harry and Meghan get their money ?
• How Meghan ‘ tripped and fell ’ into Harry ’ s life In their announcement on Wednesday evening , Prince Harry and Meghan revealed they intend `` to step back as 'senior ' members of the Royal Family , and work to become financially independent '' .
They plan to split their time between the UK and North America , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Queen , the Commonwealth , and our patronages '' .
The decision came `` after many months of reflection and internal discussions '' , they added .
On Thursday , BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said the Queen had been in touch with the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge .
They all directed senior staff to work with the Sussex household and government to find a solution within days .
It was later confirmed to the BBC that Meghan had left for Canada , said BBC royal correspondent Jonny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` blindsided '' by the couple 's statement .
There had been talks within the Royal Family about the Sussexes ' future - but they were at an early stage , he said .
In a statement on Wednesday , Buckingham Palace said : `` We understand their desire to take a different approach , but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through . ''
Despite the couple 's decision , Harry will remain sixth in line to the throne .
Last October , Prince Harry and Meghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spotlight .
After returning in the UK after their six-week break in Canada on Tuesday , Harry , 35 , and Meghan , 38 , visited Canada 's High Commission in London to thank the country for hosting them and said the warmth and hospitality they had received was `` unbelievable '' .
Former actress Meghan , who is American , lived and worked in Toronto during her time starring in the popular US drama Suits , and she has several Canadian friends .
'The manner of their leaving is breathtaking' The talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' hand was forced by the impressive scoop of the Sun newspaper on Wednesday .
If that 's the case - and the couple 's media strategy is certainly unconventional - it goes some way to explaining why there are many more questions than there are answers .
But how did they get here ?
Those who have always had it in for Meghan put it down to her .
But that 's a long way from the truth .
Harry 's royal path has always been hard .
There was the long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the media spotlight on his youthful mistakes and the extraordinary interest that his relationships and then his marriage sparked .
Unlike his older brother Prince William , Harry has never grown used to media , and still visibly bridles at the cameras and the questions .
And he is obviously - visibly - bored by the ceremonial side of the job .
In short , he has long wanted out .
And together with the woman he loves he now thinks he has found a way .
But the manner of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The pair were already preparing to launch their own Sussex Royal charity , which they set up after splitting from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge 's foundation in June last year .
The Sussexes ' new charity is expected to be global , linked to Africa and the US , rather than domestic - and will have a commitment to female empowerment .
It was revealed in December the couple had made an application to trademark their Sussex Royal brand across a string of items including books , calendars , clothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care services .
Sentebale , the charity co-founded by Prince Harry , issued a statement saying that , as its patron , he has been a `` passionate advocate '' for its work , adding : `` We know that support will continue . ''
In stepping back as senior royals , Harry and Meghan have announced they will no longer receive funding from the Sovereign Grant .
The Sovereign Grant is public money - £82m in 2018-19 - which pays for the cost of official royal duties , in exchange for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Crown Estate .
The couple said the Sovereign Grant paid for 5 % of their official office from 2019 , with the remaining 95 % being funded by Prince Charles through his income from the Duchy of Cornwall .
The couple are classified as `` internationally protected people '' , which means they must have armed security provided by the Metropolitan Police .
They will retain Frogmore cottage , the Grade-2 listed property in Windsor that cost taxpayers £2.4m to renovate , as their official residence so they have a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK .
Reaction to the couple 's announcement from royal commentators has been mixed , with numerous questions over what their future royal roles will entail .
Bryony Gordon , a Daily Telegraph journalist who knows and has interviewed the couple , suggested their decision could be linked to their mental health , after becoming a `` punching bag '' for a `` misogynistic and racist '' nation .
Graham Smith , a spokesman for Republic , which campaigns for an elected head of state , said Harry and Meghan 's decision `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and will prompt taxpayers to ask how the couple 's extra security and overseas lifestyle will be funded .
`` This really is wanting to have your cake and eat it , '' he said .
`` They have said they will dip in and out of royal duties as it suits them but wo n't stop taking public money until they find other sources of income . ''
Meanwhile , Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said `` we must continue to celebrate and support '' the contribution the Royal Family makes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an `` important role in public service '' .
However , Labour leadership candidate Clive Lewis said he believes there should be a referendum on the future of the Royal Family , adding : `` A lot of people would like to see the monarchy scaled down . ''
In October last year , Meghan began legal action against the Mail on Sunday over a claim that it unlawfully published one of her private letters .
The paper stands by its story .
At the time , Prince Harry said : `` Though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brave face ...
I can not begin to describe how painful it has been . ''
And in an ITV documentary last year , Meghan , who was born in the US , described motherhood as a `` struggle '' due to intense interest from newspapers .
On Wednesday the royal couple also announced they would also be adopting a `` revised media approach '' from the spring .
It will see them `` engage with grassroots media organisations and young , up-and-coming journalists '' .
The National Union of Journalists criticised the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try and `` prevent the media from functioning and compromising the ability of journalists to do their jobs , which is completely unacceptable '' .
Do you have any questions about Harry and Meghan 's decision to step back as senior royals ?
In some cases your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions .
Use this form to ask your @ @

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or send them via email to YourQuestions@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any question you send in.


bbcuk--2020-01-10--Energy customers hit with backdated bills

When Clare Crisp received an email from her energy provider , Shell Energy last November , she was shocked and confused .
Her direct debit had been nearly doubled from £72 to £130 per month , despite her account previously being £148 in credit .
`` I looked at my bills and thought : what on earth has gone on ? ''
she says .
In fact , Shell Energy had looked back over the past five years to 2014 and decided that she had been underpaying for her electricity .
To cover the extra cost of £512 , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy firms are no longer allowed to issue these kinds of `` catch-up '' bills for a period of more than a year .
Regulator Ofgem banned firms from doing so last year , to make sure customers such as Clare would n't be left struggling financially , or even in debt , after receiving unexpected bills .
Shell Energy says that once it was notified of the mistake , it was corrected .
Clare 's account was refunded with the full amount of £512 and her direct debit amended .
It also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were monitored by `` dedicated teams '' .
Figures released to BBC News by the Energy Ombudsman show that it resolved 2,539 complaints about back-billing in 2019 , the first full year in which the ban applied .
This was an increase of more than a third , from 1,903 complaints in 2018 .
It also said more complaints were upheld last year .
The Energy Ombudsman is responsible for looking into complaints about energy suppliers if customers are unhappy with the outcome or have not received a timely response from the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change its decision .
Citizens Advice , which runs a national consumer helpline and website , said it helped 2,691 people in England and Wales with catch-up bills in the year to November 2019 .
Billing errors are the most common problem reported to the helpline , the charity says .
Previous research by Citizens Advice suggested that the typical back bill was £1,160 .
In extreme cases , they exceeded £10,000 .
Gillian Guy , chief executive of Citizens Advice , said that a `` large and unexpected bill is very worrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Guy added : `` Customers who think their gas or electricity supplier may be billing them unfairly should contact the company directly in the first instance . ''
A spokesperson for the Ombudsman added that energy companies were having to `` get to grips '' with the new rules on billing .
They said : `` It 's important to point out , however , that any decision to uphold a back-billing complaint may or may not be due to a failure on the energy supplier 's part to apply the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules change ?
From May 2018 , energy firms were banned from back-billing domestic customers for energy used more than 12 months ago .
Back bills are typically issued when suppliers estimate bills if they have n't received regular meter readings .
Once a firm has the readings , they might send a catch-up bill if the estimated charge was too low .
The ban started in November 2018 for the smallest businesses .
The only exception is when customers have purposefully prevented the company from taking a reading .
Some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the ban as part of a voluntary agreement .
Clare initially joined First Utility in May 2014 .
But after the company 's takeover by Royal Dutch Shell , it was rebranded .
`` I was told that I did n't need to do anything - and nothing changes .
I just stayed with them because everything was the same , '' she says .
Clare says that she was confused as to why she received a large `` back bill '' from the supplier after providing accurate meter readings .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 .
But even before that , when I was sending meter readings through , they were accurate and I was billed for exactly what I used . ''
Although Shell Energy 's mistake was corrected , receiving a large catch-up bill dented Clare 's trust in the supplier .
She said : `` I 'm absolutely going to cancel my contract with them .
It might cost me £100 in exit fees , but with the way I 've been made to feel , I do n't want to give them any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you think you might have been back-billed unfairly , Citizens Advice , the energy regulator Ofgem and the Energy Ombudsman offer guidance on their websites .

They said: "It's important to point out, however, that any decision to uphold a back-billing complaint may or may not be due to a failure on the energy supplier's part to apply the new rules correctly."


bbcuk--2020-01-10--HMP Whitemoor: Prison officer 'stabbed from behind with bladed weapons'

A prison officer who was seriously injured at a maximum-security jail was attacked from behind by two inmates with bladed weapons , a union has said .
Three other officers and a nurse were also injured at HMP Whitemoor in March , Cambridgeshire , on Thursday .
One attacker is understood to be Brusthom Ziamani , 24 , found guilty of preparing an act of terrorism in 2015 .
The Prison Officers Association ( POA ) described the attack as `` cowardly and vicious '' .
The badly injured officer sustained stab injuries to his head , face and back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two inmates wearing fake suicide belts and using improvised weapons , POA general secretary Steve Gillan said .
`` There is no doubt in my mind that but for the bravery of staff , then this morning we could have been talking about a death of a prison officer at Whitemoor Prison , '' he added .
The officer was attacked as the cells were being unlocked on Thursday morning .
He was set upon from behind and the inmates attempted to force him into a storage cupboard he was unlocking .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they tried to help their colleague .
They were two male prison officers , one female officer and a prison nurse .
One officer was stabbed in the hand , and the others received facial injuries , according to Mr Gillan .
All five were treated in hospital but have since been discharged .
Shouts of `` Allahu Akbar '' ( God is the greatest ) were reportedly heard during the attack .
Ziamani , understood to be one of those responsible , was jailed in 2015 for planning to behead a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the prison attack , he was assisted by another inmate , a Muslim convert who was serving time for a violent offence .
HMP Whitemoor houses more than 400 Category A and B prisoners on three wings , including a number of the highest-risk inmates .
In February last year , a `` small number '' of prison staff there needed medical treatment after violence broke out .

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bbcuk--2020-01-10--'My ability to see depends on men giving blood'

A woman who would lose her vision if there was not enough male blood available to treat her condition is urging more men to donate .
Jo Daniels , 39 , from Bristol , has the autoimmune disease Sjogren 's syndrome , which attacks her tear glands and leaves her with painful ulcers on her corneas .
She uses a daily eye serum , made from male blood , to keep her sight .
Only 41 % of new blood donors in England last year were men .
The high level of iron present in male blood makes it especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life-saving transfusions .
Unlike men , women produce antibodies during pregnancy which makes their blood unviable for numerous specialist transfusions and blood-based products , such as complete blood transfusions in newborn babies .
Mrs Daniels 's life turned upside down when her sight began to deteriorate at an alarming rate .
She told BBC News : `` My eyes were itchy for a while before my vision suddenly became blurry and painful .
`` Over the course of four weeks , I went from seeing normally to being completely in the dark .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ came on over the Christmas period , so I could n't get help very quickly .
`` I was worried I would lose my career and not be able to see my young daughter grow up . ''
Numerous treatments failed to help Mrs Daniels and she became resigned to the fact she may never be able to regain her vision .
• Blood donation : What are the rules about giving blood ?
But then a last ditch attempt using serum made from the plasma of male blood donors gave her hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because men donate blood that is used to extract serum that people like me put in their eyes hourly . ''
Mrs Daniels added : `` If enough men do not donate , then this treatment will no longer be available to me and I will begin to lose my sight again . ''
Sjogren 's syndrome affects parts of the body that produce fluids such as tears and spit .
It is most common among women aged 40 to 60 and there is currently no cure .
NHS Blood and Transplant ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % increase in new male donors this year in a bid to help fix the widening gender imbalance .
For every 100 women who started giving blood in 2019 , only 70 men did the same .
`` We need more than 68,000 men to start donating blood this year , '' said Mike Stredder , head of donor recruitment at NHSBT .
`` Men 's blood can be used in extraordinary , lifesaving ways but we do n't have enough new male donors coming forward .
`` This is not about recruiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is about getting the right gender mix . ''
• NHS Blood and Transplant needs 1.4 million units of blood each year to meet the needs of patients across England - more than 6,000 blood donations per day • Some 135,000 new blood donors are needed each year to replace those who stop donating and to ensure the right mix of blood groups • The number of men giving blood has dropped by 24.8 % over the past five years in England , while the number of women giving blood has fallen by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgently needed to help treat the increasing number of patients with sickle-cell disease A full list on who 's eligible to give blood can be found here .

Mrs Daniels added: "If enough men do not donate, then this treatment will no longer be available to me and I will begin to lose my sight again."


bbcuk--2020-01-10--Superdry warns profits could be wiped out as Christmas sales slide

Fashion chain Superdry has warned that its profits could be wiped out after sales fell sharply over Christmas .
The firm , which has been trying to sell more clothes at full price , said it had been hit by `` unprecedented levels of promotional activity '' by rivals .
Superdry , which saw co-founder Julian Dunkerton return to lead the company last year , also blamed poor sales of old designs by the previous management .
Revenues at the retailer fell 15.8 % over the 10 weeks to 4 January .
As a result , the company said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zero and £10m , compared with analysts ' expectations of about £40m .
Shares in Superdry sank as much as 20 % in reaction to the news .
The profit warning drew a high number of comments on social media .
In April last year , Mr Dunkerton returned to the firm following a lengthy campaign against the previous management , who - he argued - were following a `` misguided '' strategy .
Since his return , Mr Dunkerton has been trying to focus on full-price sales and reducing promotions , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crucial Christmas trading period as other brands slashed prices .
Mr Dunkerton said : `` Everyone at Superdry continues to work intensively to deliver the turnaround of the business .
While we have always said it will take time , we continue to make progress in implementing our strategy . ''
`` We halved the proportion of discounted sales over our peak trading period , benefiting both our margins and the Superdry brand .
`` However , this adversely affected our sales during the peak trading period , given the level of promotional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our disciplined plan to reinvigorate the brand and return Superdry to sustainable long-term growth is on track . ''
The company said it had been `` encouraged '' by the reaction to the limited range of new designs brought in by the new management , but added this had not been enough `` to offset weaker trading on older product '' .
Analysts at Liberum said Superdry 's problems were partly self-inflicted .
`` We agree a full-price stance is appropriate for branded fashion companies , '' they said .
`` However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the product and ranges are adequate , and maybe the management were too aggressive with this stance while still trying to clear a less-than-ideal mix of inventory . ''
Russ Mould , investment director at AJ Bell , said the return of Mr Dunkerton was `` starting to look like a difficult second album rather than an overnight success '' .
`` After nine months in charge , and after a lengthy campaign to oust the previous management , there will be increasing pressure on him from the market to deliver tangible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 . ''
Fashion brand Joules added to the retail sector 's woes after it said profits were set to be `` significantly below market expectations '' following poor Christmas trading .
The company said sales were `` significantly behind expectations '' , dropping 4.5 % in the seven weeks to 5 January from a year earlier , although it blamed this on `` one-off '' issues that hit the availability of stock .
Joules also said it expected cost `` headwinds '' as a result of tariffs being imposed by the US-China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 % in response to the update .
Joules chief executive Nick Jones said : `` We are disappointed with our inability to fully satisfy our customers ' demand through our online channel during the important Christmas sale period .
`` We have identified the root cause of this one-off issue and have taken steps to prevent its reoccurrence . ''


bbcuk--2020-01-10--Third raider jailed for £500,000 Gleneagles jewellery robbery

A man has been jailed for 11 years and four months for his role in a £500,000 armed jewellery robbery at the Gleneagles Hotel .
Dean Jones , 39 , was arrested in Brazil last year in connection with the 2017 raid .
Two other men were jailed in 2018 over their part in the robbery , which saw 50 Rolex watches taken from the Mappin & Webb boutique .
Jones was told the robbery was `` an act of serious , premeditated criminality '' .
The stolen watches have not been recovered .
The two other accused , Richard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were jailed 18 years , and 11 years and four months respectively .
The weekend before Fleming 's trial at the High Court in Edinburgh , police discovered that Jones , had boarded a flight from Turkey bound for Brazil .
The Brazilian authorities were contacted and he was detained as he disembarked from a plane at Sao Paulo airport in August 2018 .
Jones admitted taking part in the robbery in which masked raiders brandished hammers , a machete and pistol .
He also admitted , with others , repeatedly striking and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a state of fear and alarm for their safety .
The entire raid took place in just two minutes , and the gang left the scene in an Audi which was then abandoned .
They then swapped to a Range Rover , which was later found burnt out at a graveyard in the east end of Glasgow , for their getaway .
Judge Lady Carmichael told Jones : `` The robbery was an act of serious , premeditated criminality .
`` You removed yourself from the country and as a matter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , facing the course of justice for the robbery and there was the necessity for extradition proceedings . ''

"You removed yourself from the country and as a matter of fact avoided, for a significant period, facing the course of justice for the robbery and there was the necessity for extradition proceedings."


bbcuk--2020-01-10--Labour leadership: Clive Lewis calls for Royal Family referendum

Labour leadership candidate Clive Lewis has said there should be a referendum on the future of the Royal Family .
Speaking at his campaign launch in London , he said : `` A lot of people would like to see the monarchy scaled down . ''
He said he understood the Duke and Duchess of Sussex 's decision to step back as `` senior '' Royal Family members .
Mr Lewis is running to replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader but has not yet secured the support from MPs and MEPs needed to stay in the contest .
The shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nominate him in order to stay in the race .
• Who will be Labour 's next leader ?
Asked about the Royal Family at his leadership campaign launch in Brixton , south London , Mr Lewis said he understood why Prince Harry and his wife Meghan wanted to step back from their duties .
`` I think it is extremely unfortunate and a sign of the media we have that they feel they had to do this , '' he said , arguing that Meghan had suffered from racism in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people had discussed the Royal Family being `` quite large '' and asked : `` Why not have a referendum on the future or the Royal Family ? ''
Mr Lewis added : `` Let 's talk about what a modern state looks like and what the role of the Royal Family would be . ''
So far , Mr Lewis has only secured support from four of his MP and MEP colleagues in his bid to become Labour leader , with Monday the deadline for gathering enough backing .
Also seeking more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who currently has seven .
The other candidates - Rebecca Long Bailey , Lisa Nandy , Jess Phillips and Sir Keir Starmer - have secured the required support .
There is also a contest to become deputy leader after Tom Watson stepped down in December .
The new leader and deputy leader will be announced on 4 April .