bbcuk--2020-01-10--Election 2019: Job hunt for MPs who lost their seats

There is often an assumption that former MPs are set for life after losing their seat , with many walking into consultancy jobs or similarly well-paid roles .
While public sympathy may be low for those who fail to get re-elected , the reality of instant political redundancy rarely involves strolling into a high-flying position - it means a trip to the job centre .
Former teacher Laura Smith lost the Crewe and Nantwich seat in the December election after two years in the role .
When she was photographed job-hunting , she posted it on social media , tweeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do people expect me to do ? ''
The ex-Labour politician told BBC 5 live : `` I am not ashamed to be going to the job centre , it is about dealing with this misconception ... that people who are members of parliament - even local councillors - are kind of sitting on a bank of reserves or will automatically have connections who will come and want to hire you .
`` I am somebody from a working class background , I am like millions of other people looking for work and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sit around for too long thinking about it , I need to get on with it .
`` I do n't want anybody to feel sorry for me - you know the risks about being voted out .
I 'd be lying if I said it had n't [ been tough ] , I absolutely loved my job .
I was never expecting to be elected in 2017 to represent my home , so I was gutted [ to lose in 2019 ] .
`` We were obviously in it to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , really , that I was n't able to persuade enough people to vote for me .
That is the nature of politics .
`` You get a period of time to wind up your constituency office , which is by the end of February , and then it is basically statutory redundancy .
`` I would like to stay in politics in some form or another , but again , you have to look at your options .
I need to keep a roof over my family 's head and we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Karen Lee replied to Ms Smith 's tweet , saying she too was at the job centre looking for work `` like you and millions of others '' .
The former nurse was ousted at the general election from the Lincoln seat and has applied for six positions since then .
`` The reality for MPs is absolutely different to the perception .
I have seen people online saying we get a massive payout - I get a bit of redundancy pay but it is not massive and I have n't got a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It is not like I am taking a holiday to the Bahamas , it will pay the mortgage and gas bill .
It should last until I get another job .
I was in the job centre on Wednesday and the staff there were very kind , supportive and helpful .
`` Going [ there ] should n't be something that we dismiss .
I think it is a positive that MPs reflect the people they did represent or still represent .
What happens when you lose your job as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 'grief ' of losing a job '' It was really disappointing and sad to lose my seat .
But on the night I thought to myself a huge number people had come out during the campaign and helped me and gave it their all .
`` Since the election I have been helping my team wind the Lincoln office down .
I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to go to Westminster and represent the city I am from .
`` I lost my daughter Lynsey to breast cancer in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you have had something like that , it puts these things into context .
I still have my nursing registration and have put myself down for shifts at my local hospital but ultimately I would like to do something more strategic .
`` I feel optimistic , looking for another job is quite exciting . ''
Jo Platt had worked in marketing then later became a local councillor .
She was elected to represent Leigh for Labour in 2017 and was the first woman to do so , before losing to James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know MPs were very privileged people and came from privileged backgrounds ... the actual number of working class MPs has risen quite sharply on both sides of the house .
`` That demographic has changed within Westminster [ but ] I am not sure if perceptions match that .
There 's this [ idea ] we all live in the castle , not in the constituency somewhere , and it is wrong .
`` People come from ordinary backgrounds and when they stop being MP they go back to being or doing what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for something else .
`` I was a single parent when I entered Parliament .
I was a councillor before I was an MP so since 2012 I 've been serving politically in [ some ] way .
To come out of that and think 'what 's next ? '
is a daunting prospect .
`` All the work I have been doing locally , the groups I am involved with , that connection and that push does n't stop .
`` For me that is what I am concentrating on and obviously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - yes it is there but there are still bits of work that I was doing while I was an MP and will carry on doing now .

"I lost my daughter Lynsey to breast cancer in 2011 when she was 35, and when you have had something like that, it puts these things into context. I still have my nursing registration and have put myself down for shifts at my local hospital but ultimately I would like to do something more strategic.


bbcuk--2020-01-10--How many people are in prison for terror offences?

An inmate suspected of attacking a prison officer is understood to be in jail for `` preparing an act of terrorism '' .
Brusthom Ziamani was found guilty in 2015 of planning to behead a soldier .
A union says the officer , who was seriously injured , was attacked from behind by two inmates .
So who are the people in prison for terror offences ?
How many people are in prison for terror offences ?
The majority are Islamist extremists , although their numbers fell to 173 last year - down from 187 in 2017 .
There has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far-right extremists jailed , with an increase from six to 38 over the past five years .
Overall , there are 224 people in prison for terror-related offences in Great Britain .
What offences are they guilty of ?
Specific anti-terror laws include offences like preparing an attack , funding a terrorist group and attempting to influence radicalisation .
Of those convicted last year , the most common offence ( in 11 cases out of 56 ) was membership of a banned organisation .
This was followed by `` preparation for terrorist acts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can also be convicted of crimes which are n't terror-specific , like murder , or public order offences , which can carry a heavier sentence if they are terror-related .
To find someone guilty of `` preparation of terrorist acts '' it has to be proved they had the `` specific intent to commit an act or acts of terrorism '' .
It can include everything from having a minor role in a plot to planning multiple murders , or being in possession of bomb-making equipment .
• London Bridge sentencing row - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the London Bridge attacker out of prison ?
• Why do prisoners only serve half their sentence ?
Who is convicted of terror-related offences ?
A large proportion of convicted terrorists are young and male .
The government 's counter-terror strategy notes that extremist groups `` cynically groom the vulnerable and the young to join their movement '' .
What are the government 's plans ?
The government is planning to toughen sentencing laws for terrorists .
It has said it wants to see minimum 14-year sentences for `` serious terror offences '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that time in prison .
Currently , most people convicted of terror acts receive less than a 10-year sentence and most will not serve all of it in jail .
For almost all prison sentences ( terror-related or not ) , some of the time will be spent outside jail in order to allow some rehabilitation in the community .
The prime minister sought to change prison sentences for those convicted of `` serious terror offences '' after it emerged that the London Bridge attacker , Usman Khan , had been released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approval of a parole board .
Part of the reason was because a number of changes had been made to the rules around prisoners ' release dates .
However , the most recent approach to the release of serious criminals in 2012 would have required him to spend longer in jail and face the parole board .
What the government considers to be a `` serious terror offence '' is yet to be revealed .
What 's already being done in prisons ?
A specialist unit was set up by the Home Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 , to tackle extremism in prisons .
It trains staff in how to deter offenders from being radicalised and advises jails on how to deal with dangerous prisoners .
Last year , prisons minister Lucy Frazer said more than 19,500 prison staff had received specialist extremism awareness training .
• Preparing a terror act : The minimum sentence for this is three years ' imprisonment , but it can carry a life sentence .
Judges will look at the role an individual has in the act , how far it was to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been • Encouragement of terrorism : The maximum sentence is seven years , but it could also result in a sentence being served outside prison .
In these cases , a judge might ask how specific the `` encouragement '' was or whether the person was in a position of trust • Funding terrorism : This could result in a 12-year sentence if the individual has a substantial role in raising money for terror groups or acts .
Those who have no track record of this kind of activity , or are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentence in the community What else is being done to prevent terrorism ?
Part of the government 's strategy for preventing terrorism includes a duty for hospitals , schools and local authorities to safeguard against extremism .
The programme , called Channel , can lead to individuals receiving support to counter extremism .
However , it has been criticised for targeting particular communities .
In recent years , the number of people receiving Channel support increased , with as many people now thought to be at risk of converting to right-wing extremism as @ @ @ @

If passed by Parliament, the new law would mean prisoners could only be considered for release after serving two-thirds of their sentence. They would only be released with the approval of the the Parole Board - which decides whether prisoners would be safe in the community.


bbcuk--2020-01-10--Veganuary: Do this year's dishes rival the Greggs vegan sausage roll?

Hundreds of restaurants have launched tasty plant-based treats in conjunction with Veganuary , a campaign encouraging people to follow a vegan diet for the first month of the year .
From pea protein pepperoni to watermelon steak , will any new products rival Greggs 's vegan sausage roll success from last year ?
Late at night on New Year 's Day , dozens of people queued up outside the Greggs on Grainger Street in Newcastle to be among the first foodies to taste the new vegan steak bake before it was first available to buy on 2 January .
Food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event by Greggs as a peace offering after she ate a non-vegan doughnut that had been mistakenly labelled as vegan .
The 40-year-old from Gateshead said the launch became `` quite an experience '' after various partygoers joined the queue to see what all the fuss was about .
`` Bearing in mind it was New Year 's Day , the Greggs in particular that they chose was on the corner beside quite a notorious area of Newcastle for revellers , shall we say - so a lot of quite inebriated people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After a bit of `` ribbing '' from non-vegan passersby , `` they started to join the queue as well '' .
Inside , people were rewarded for their wait with trays of steak bakes , a DJ , and some iPads were even given away , Emma said .
It might seem like a lot of hype for just one product .
But Greggs knows how much one star snack can bolster an entire brand .
After Piers Morgan criticised the vegan sausage roll when it launched during the 2019 edition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jumped for joy .
The ITV presenter 's characteristically scathing retweet , followed by Greggs 's witty reply , helped a video clip advertising the roll to accumulate a cool 5.3m views - and led to widespread media coverage .
The roll became one of the fastest selling Greggs products for years and helped to contribute to what was described as a `` phenomenal year '' by the company 's chief executive .
Annual sales broke £1bn for the first time , with sales growing 13.5 % compared to 7.2 % in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that all 25,000 staff members would get a share of a £7m payout to celebrate the success .
So , it 's safe to say that food chains have realised there is money to be made out of Veganuary .
Food outlets jumping on the bandwagon include Wagamama , which has launched a `` tuna '' steak made of watermelon , Subway with its Meatless Meatball Marinara and Costa Coffee with its ham and cheese toastie - free from ham and , er , cheese .
Caffe Nero has launched an entire new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31-day challenge - complete with raspberry croissants and `` meatball '' paninis .
Pizza Hut , meanwhile , says it hopes its Veganuary special , a pepperoni-style pizza made from pea protein , will `` appease '' - oh dear - `` even the greatest meat lovers '' .
So far this year the pizza chain says it has sold an average of 1,400 vegan pizzas a day - up 50 % on January last year .
And Leon says its new chipotle and avocado burger has sold better than expected .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now out-selling other burgers .
Dominos has confirmed rumours it is `` getting there '' with developing a vegan pizza - but it looks like it is going to miss the chance to make the most of the Veganuary hype .
Alison Rabschnuk from the Good Food Institute says the timing of Veganuary is `` perfect '' for businesses .
`` Health concerns are the primary consumer motivation for eating vegan and January is the number one month for new health-related resolutions , '' she says .
But she also points out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthy - and new foods might actually sell better if they are marketed as an indulgent treat .
• Vegans 'need to be aware of B12 deficiency risk' '' Scream flavour and whisper health '' is Alison 's advice .
`` The fact that a dish is plant-based is what cues health for the customer - there 's no need to overemphasise that point . ''
Veganuary launched in 2014 as a non-profit organisation encouraging people to try out being vegan in the first month of the year by signing the Veganuary pledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plant-based products `` as a way of protecting the environment , preventing animal suffering and improving the health of millions of people '' .
The campaign claims 200 new vegan products were launched by restaurants and supermarkets at last year 's event , when 250,000 people made the pledge .
This year is even bigger .
The number of sign-ups has already surpassed 370,000 ( including 150,000 in the UK ) and is `` steadily rising '' , according to Veganuary 's head of marketing , Toni Vernelli - who adds the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action '' of the campaign is `` exactly what many people need right now '' .
• Why are more people going vegan ?
Google Trends also suggests there 's much more interest in Veganuary this year .
While making money from vegan foods at this time of year should therefore be easy , some food outlets have faced barriers .
Burger King cooked up a storm with its January roll-out of the Rebel Whopper which , although made of a plant-based patty , is not strictly suitable for vegans or vegetarians because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the Veganuary team has defended the new burger and warned non-vegan customers not to get too picky .
It argues animals are better off with non-vegans eating plant-based burgers , even if they 're cooked alongside their meaty counterparts .
PETA has also urged vegans to accept this kind of practice because otherwise restaurants will be put off making vegan products .
The risk of cross-contamination posed by the Rebel Whopper is one of several issues fast food chains encounter when rolling out vegan products .
Another problem for full-time vegans is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants which make most of their fortune from meat .
Vegan social influencer Emily Woolnough has been grappling with this question for a while .
When KFC trialled a vegan burger last year , the 20-year-old from Cleethorpes refused to eat it .
`` I was against buying something from KFC because they kill millions of chickens… [ and ] I do n't want my money to be going into that , '' she said .
But by the time the zero chicken burger launched across the UK on 2 January , Emily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a change of heart .
`` It 's good to increase the demand for vegan food , '' she says - adding that the `` amazing '' KFC burger is her favourite Veganuary product because `` it tastes so realistic '' .
Emma Phillips agrees it 's the multinational big cheeses who will really be able to drive veganism to become mainstream .
`` They 're not bothered about the animals… but I do n't care , '' she says .
`` No business is there in an altruistic sense .
For me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... it has to be convenient , it has to be accessible .
So the likes of Greggs and KFC are actually pushing that agenda in the way a niche movement would n't do . ''
Toni Vernelli , head of communications at Veganuary , agrees with the bloggers about sometimes-demonised business such as KFC , McDonald 's and Burger King .
`` We do n't think we can achieve a vegan world without them , '' she says .
She points out the huge advertising budgets and overflowing budgets enjoyed by these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , industry giants might invest in growing their vegan menus .
While they may not want to be too closely aligned with a store that sells 1.5m pork sausage rolls every week , Emma and Emily do have one thing in common with Greggs - they 're all profiting from Veganuary .
Emma says she got 1,000 new followers in the first week of January .
And part-time Starbucks worker Emily , whose @ naturally_vegan Instagram page is smaller than Emma 's @ veganwomble account , has still had about twice the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of January compared with her weekly average .
`` Posting the new foods gains a lot of attraction , '' Emily says .
`` It 's the hot topic at the minute , it 's what everyone 's talking about . ''

"They're not bothered about the animals… but I don't care," she says. "No business is there in an altruistic sense. For me, if veganism is to become mainstream... it has to be convenient, it has to be accessible. So the likes of Greggs and KFC are actually pushing that agenda in the way a niche movement wouldn't do."


bbcuk--2020-01-10--'I'm not paying £40 for a short back and sides'

It 's accepted as a fact of life that women pay more for their haircuts than men .
But why are women who want a simple , short cut being turned away by barbers - and is this even lawful ?
Actor Georgia Frost says she was recently refused service by two consecutive barbers in west London , something she found humiliating .
`` I was working on a show at the Lyric Hammersmith and needed just the back and sides doing , partly for the show , '' she says .
`` When I asked to have my hair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my face and said 'no ' and made some remark about me being a woman . ''
She tried again at a near-empty establishment a short distance away only to be told , `` we do n't do women here '' .
`` I pointed to the client and said , ' I 'm literally asking for this haircut that you 're doing now ' and he just said 'no ' .
I think for a long time people have seen the barber 's as a male sanctuary where they do n't have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it ties in with what people believe a woman should look like .
`` Hair is a huge part of queer culture and lesbian identity as well , so I ca n't help but feel there is some homophobia wrapped up in all these refusals I 've had . ''
If being denied a haircut based on gender seems clearly discriminatory , there 's also the issue that at salons that do offer a unisex service , there 's still often a price list that shows one fee for women and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Hair & Beauty Federation ( NHBF ) points out that women usually have more complicated haircuts than men , and so are charged more .
Chief executive Hilary Hall says : `` This is because men tend to have shorter hair , require haircuts which are technically quicker to deliver , do not typically include the range of products used for women and require less time for finishing .
For example , a bob may be viewed as a short style , but it is more technically challenging than a short back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price difference is not based on gender .
`` A salon or barber-shop will set its prices taking the following into consideration : the length and texture of the client 's hair , the time the service takes , the type of service requested , the products the salon or barber-shop will use , and the skills , training and level of experience required by the stylist or barber . ''
While some men do want complex and time-consuming haircuts , the rise of barber-shops - the NHBF says there 's been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggests that a straightforward and cheap haircut is a popular option .
However , this is an option that can be closed off to women , as Trish Greenhalgh has experienced .
The University of Oxford academic says for years she was charged £37 by the same salon stylist and `` found it irritating '' as the short , dry cut , with no shampooing or gelling , took about five minutes .
`` Last time I went in , the woman stylist had left but the man said he 'd do me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet , '' she says .
`` He charged me £15 .
Same cut , took the same amount of time and looked exactly the same .
I showed him a photo and he copied it . ''
Prof Greenhalgh says her experience highlights a sexist issue .
`` For the tomboys among us who really do just want a quick cut , we should be able to ask for an identical service to men .
What 's currently happening is all women are being charged for the average haircut for a woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer gender-neutral pricing , such as Butchers in Hackney , east London .
`` Historically , in our industry there has been a gap between the price charged for men and women , '' co-founder Susannah Jones says .
`` This was based on the belief that men have short hair , which is quick and simple to style , and women have long hair , which takes more time and skill .
This is simply not the case .
`` Short haircuts can actually be more technical and often take longer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we used to charge less for men - it was purely because they were male , which felt morally wrong . ''
She says she hopes other salons will `` see the value of removing gender from their services '' and help `` reduce the perception that prices vary according to gender '' by being `` more transparent to clients that time is a key factor when setting prices '' .
Karen Waldron , owner of the Barber Shop Group , set up the unisex chain Cut UK because she spotted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for both men and women , a walk-in , no-appointment service , where the prices are the same for both genders .
Her stylists are trained to do barber cuts as well as more technical cuts , so all styles are catered for .
`` The main issue about the barber-shop and the lovely tradition with it is that it is for men and only meant to be men , '' she says .
`` It 's only in the last five years that I 've allowed women who come in with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neck shaved with a cut-throat , et cetera .
We ca n't be fussy any more now there are so many barber-shops . ''
• The parents raising their kids on the road • Living next door to mum and dad But unisex barbers are far from the norm , and many businesses are still refusing to serve women , despite the Equalities Act saying service providers should not discriminate .
Research consultant Devon Magliozzi says she booked with a barber in Edinburgh but received an email 20 minutes before her appointment saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women 's grooming '' .
`` I called the barber-shop .
I asked if they could just do a clipper cut on the back and sides but they reiterated that they could n't do a woman 's haircut , '' she says .
`` I understand that barbers might not have training to cut long hair , or might charge extra for cuts that take extra time , but gender is an arbitrary way to define services and set prices . ''
Equality lawyer Elizabeth McGlone , who has a short haircut herself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has never been challenged in the courts .
`` Both hairdressers and barbers are covered as a service provider under the Equalities Act so they can not discriminate on the grounds of gender unless it 's a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim , '' she says .
`` If you wanted to pursue it , you would have to bring a civil action under the discrimination provision under section 29 at the county court , '' says Ms McGlone , of London-based Bindmans solicitors .
`` I have n't come across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be argued that women 's hair is not straightforward or it takes longer .
When there is a price difference , there 's going to be something about the fact that there 's more time spent . ''
She adds : `` I take the choice to go to the barber 's because it 's cheaper .
Men should not be treated favourably because of sex and if you turn a woman away , you are going to make that woman feel totally embarrassed . ''
Based on her experiences , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with .
`` I like the intricacy and finish clippers and a good barber gives me , '' she says .
`` Also , I am not paying £40 at a hairdresser 's for short back and sides - it 's just ridiculous . ''

"The main issue about the barber-shop and the lovely tradition with it is that it is for men and only meant to be men," she says. "It's only in the last five years that I've allowed women who come in with an absolute man's cut - clippers, neck shaved with a cut-throat, et cetera. We can't be fussy any more now there are so many barber-shops."


bbcuk--2020-01-10--Prince Harry and Meghan 'step back': Your 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 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 '' .
• The Royal Family tree and line of succession It is worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
• Harry and Meghan step back : What will happen next ?
• In pictures : Harry and Meghan 's life together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry 's status within the Royal Family .
It will remain one of his key commitments .
• How Meghan ‘ tripped and fell ’ into Harry ’ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding .
• Explained : Where do Prince Harry and Meghan get their money ?
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Reports of previous estimates have suggested the cost of securing all senior royals costs the Met Police around £50m a year .

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--2020-01-11--Paper sculptor Lisa Lloyd rustles up worldwide success

Lisa Lloyd has become an international success with her paper designs .
They 've been featured on the front covers @ @ @ @ @ to personal and corporate buyers around the world .
The artist , from Hove , @ @ @ @ @ thousands of pieces of paper to create her intricate designs .

Lisa Lloyd has become an international success with her paper designs.
They've been featured on the front covers of magazines and have sold to personal and corporate buyers around the world.
The artist, from Hove, East Sussex, works with thousands of pieces of paper to create her intricate designs.


bbcuk--2020-01-10--Newspaper headlines: Queen gives '72-hour deadline to resolve rift'

The Daily Mail leads on its own poll , which it says shows the public anger at the `` shoddy @ @ @ @ @ by Prince Harry and Meghan .
It also says that a majority of people believe @ @ @ @ @ from their Windsor cottage and pay back the £2.4m spent on refurbishing it .

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


bbcuk--2020-01-10--Teenager having seizure saved by online gamer - 5,000 miles away in Texas

The parents of a teenager who suffered a seizure while chatting online have thanked his friend who called emergency services from 5,000 miles away .
Aidan Jackson , 17 , was talking to an American gamer from his bedroom in Widnes on 2 January when he had a fit .
His friend , 20-year-old Dia Lathora , from Texas , alerted police in the UK .
The first Aidan 's parents knew of the emergency was when police and an ambulance appeared at their front door , the Liverpool Echo reported .
Caroline and Steve Jackson then rushed upstairs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Jackson , 48 , said : `` We were at home watching TV and Aidan was upstairs in his room .
The next thing we noticed was two police cars outside with flashing lights .
`` I assumed they were in the area for another reason and then they ran up to the front door .
`` They said there was an unresponsive male at the address .
We said we had n't called anyone and they said a call had come from America .
I immediately went to check on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Aidan had a seizure in May 2019 and is waiting for a new appointment following the latest incident .
`` We are extremely thankful for what Dia did and shocked that we could be downstairs and not know anything was happening , '' Ms Jackson added .
`` Dia had our address but did n't have any contact numbers , so it was amazing she managed to get help from so far away .
`` I 've spoken to her and expressed our thanks - she 's just glad she could help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hopefully everything is OK when he has his appointment at the hospital but he 's doing well . ''
Ms Lathora told the Liverpool Echo : `` I just put my headset back on and I heard what I could only describe as a seizure , so obviously I started to get worried and immediately started asking what was going on and if he was OK. '' When he did n't respond I instantly started to look up the emergency number for the EU .
When that did n't work I just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it had an option for talking to a real person ... and I ca n't tell you how quickly I clicked that button . ''

"When he didn't respond I instantly started to look up the emergency number for the EU. When that didn't work I just had to hope the non-emergency would work, it had an option for talking to a real person...and I can't tell you how quickly I clicked that button."


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Ayr adult day care centre to reopen after unlawful closure

A Scottish council has been ordered by a court to reopen an adult care centre after its unlawful closure .
South Ayrshire shut down the Kyle Day Centre in Ayr , which looks after more than 20 adults with complex support needs , in December .
However , the area 's integrated joint board ( IJB ) , which administers social care , failed to consult families and staff before making the decision .
The council has now lost a legal challenge at the Court of Session .
The centre must be reopened on Monday - despite nine of 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council said the centre would reopen .
The legal challenge was brought by Roy McHattie , whose son Craig has serious learning difficulties and mobility issues .
Mr McHattie told BBC Scotland 's The Nine that South Ayrshire Council had been `` arrogant '' in its approach .
`` They 've just decided to steamroller through their proposal , '' he said .
`` We felt that there was no consultation whatsoever , no involvement of all the people who attended Kyle , the carers , guardians or the people themselves .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a situation without the option of Kyle Centre still being there .
That was not part of the options on the table .
On that basis , we decided to take legal action . ''
In his court opinion last month , Lord Boyd of Duncansby stated that the failure to consult `` went to the heart of the decision-making process '' .
He wrote : `` That process was fundamentally flawed by the failure to consult persons who had a legitimate expectation of such consultation .
`` It resulted in a feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a decision which had profound implications for a group of vulnerable people . ''
Lord Boyd also stated that families were `` kept in the dark until two months after the decision to close '' .
Families , he said , agreed to new care arrangements after the council had presented the closure as a `` done deal '' .
A second consultation after the decision was made was also described by Lord Boyd as a `` tick-box exercise '' .
Craig , 32 , attended the centre five days a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His family said that alternatives offered by the council were unsuitable for him .
His father Roy said : `` He 's been staying at home .
There 's no place for him to go .
`` He does n't have the company of his peers at a care centre .
Social contact for him is important as well .
He does n't verbally communicate but he is aware of others .
`` That has been taken away from him . ''
John Glynn also attended the centre for eight years .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care from day services since he was a teenager .
The 47-year-old now has a community care package , which his family says is unsuitable .
He will return to the Kyle Day Centre on Monday .
`` When he 's at home , he 's just like a caged animal , '' his sister Maureen said .
`` He 's cracking up now and if it was n't for the day care carers coming in for him to break the day up , it would be a lot worse just now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ savings of up to £4m in the next year across social care and children services .
Twelve of the Kyle Day Centre 's attendees are currently attending the Hansel support village , near Symington .
Councillor Brian McGinley is deputy leader of the council and chairman of the South Ayrshire IJB .
Addressing the failure to consult over the closure of the centre , the councillor said : `` That was a flaw and we apologise for that unreservedly .
`` That is absolutely the lesson we have learned from this , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decision was made at the IJB .
That consultation did not take place and we will rectify that . ''
He added : `` Our understanding was that there would be consultation .
We were looking to improve the service .
`` But the fact is , because we have increasing demand and increasing costs , we need to ways of improving the service within the budget that is presented .
So there are challenges . ''

"That is absolutely the lesson we have learned from this, that we need to do that consultation before the decision was made at the IJB. That consultation did not take place and we will rectify that."


bbcuk--2020-01-10--Stormont: How the parties got a deal done

For three years , nothing .
Then suddenly , it all happened at once .
Some might wonder why , after all that time , it seemed to come together so quickly .
But it is worth remembering that there were at least three serious rounds of negotiations , too many missed deadlines and an awful lot of late-night rewrites to get to this moment .
The Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith described it as the `` moment of truth '' for the parties : it has become the moment many across Northern Ireland had been waiting for .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Féin agreed to put aside their differences and go back into government together ?
Split this into two parts : what they 've secured in the deal , and the wider political context of 2020 .
• Three years of political deadlock at Stormont • 'Now is the moment ' to restore devolution The deal does not appear to give Sinn Féin the standalone Irish language act they once demanded as a pre-condition for restoring devolution , which became the key sticking point in subsequent talks .
But it does , as Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a historic step as for the first time Irish will be given legal status in Northern Ireland .
While some unionists might balk at that , the DUP in turn secured similar legislation for Ulster-Scots , seen as important to many in that community .
Both sides are selling the plans as a win .
It helps that the British government has promised to hand over a lot of money alongside the deal - though how much exactly , has yet to be disclosed .
As of last month , the DUP lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's general election victory brought an end to the confidence-and-supply pact his party had shared with the DUP for two years .
In that same general election , both the DUP and Sinn Féin saw their vote share drop while Alliance and the SDLP reaped success .
Three years of stalemate , indecision and a slow decay of public services in Northern Ireland was being rejected by many voters .
Add in strikes calling for pay parity for Northern Ireland 's health workers with those in Great Britain and rocketing waiting lists - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , finally , had to lead back to Stormont .
Following a week of negotiations at the turn of the new year , the endgame began .
The two governments were taking a gamble by not only settling on a final text , but publishing it for all to see .
They even framed the title of the deal on newness - a `` new decade , new approach '' .
They 've got the deal over the line now , and many will credit Julian Smith 's no-nonsense approach for delivering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming back ?
The deal contains promises and commitments that this time , power sharing will be different .
For almost 10 years , the DUP and Sinn Féin managed to work together , with the SDLP , UUP and Alliance all taking seats in the decision-making executive too .
But in 2016 , those smaller parties chose to go into opposition which saw the DUP and Sinn Féin themselves alone - with independent unionist Claire Sugden filling the Justice brief .
The content of this deal means the SDLP has already decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive again .
The other parties may follow suit too .
But promises and pledges are easy to make , and in Northern Ireland , the ups and downs of devolution - and its collapses - are well rehearsed .
Time will tell if this really is a new decade with a new approach .

Some might wonder why, after all that time, it seemed to come together so quickly. But it is worth remembering that there were at least three serious rounds of negotiations, too many missed deadlines and an awful lot of late-night rewrites to get to this moment.


bbcuk--2020-01-10--Mondi: Job losses as packaging firm plans factory closures

A packaging firm has announced plans to close two factories , which could lead to the loss of up to 208 jobs .
Mondi said it would close operations at the Deeside Industrial Park , Flintshire , where 167 jobs are at risk , and in Nelson , Lancashire , with 41 jobs affected .
The firm said a `` change in demand for the niche products '' at the sites has led to their potential closures .
The company also said its CEO , Peter Oswald , will step down by 31 March .
The closure is expected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mondi Group was formed in South Africa in 1967 and now employs about 26,000 people in about 30 countries and creates paper and plastic packaging products .
Its Deeside and Nelson plants create bags , pouches and laminates for the consumer industry .
A statement released by Mondi said it will start a 45-day consultation process which could lead to the closure of the factories .
It said : `` Mondi sees no alternative than to start a consultation process on the potential closure .
`` Employees will be given support during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposal , and Mondi will follow all legal procedures in accordance with UK labour law .
`` Mondi remains fully committed to flexible plastics packaging and will continue to serve its UK customers from its wide network of production facilities across Europe . ''

"Employees will be given support during the consultation and implementation of the ultimately agreed proposal, and Mondi will follow all legal procedures in accordance with UK labour law.


bbcuk--2020-01-10--Ex-model stole £230k from grandmother with dementia

A former model and fashion designer has been given a suspended sentence for stealing £230,251 from her grandmother who had dementia .
Emily Evans-Schreiber , 38 , of Naseby , Northamptonshire , pleaded guilty to theft at Northampton Crown Court .
The court heard she spent the money on holidays and designer clothes but avoided serving time because she was the sole carer for her young child .
Judge Rebecca Crane said the sentence was a `` second chance '' .
The court heard that after Evans-Schreiber became unemployed whilst living in London her mother bought her a house in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to help look after her maternal grandmother , who was in her 90s and had dementia .
Through a mandate , authorised by her grandmother , Evans-Schreiber was able to gain access her grandmother 's finances .
Between April 2018 and December 2018 Evans-Schreiber made 42 transactions from her grandmother 's account to her own , which at the time only had £40 in it .
The court was told that she used the money to pay for worldwide travel , including to Los Angeles , high-end hotels and cosmetic treatments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ her lifestyle , as she was still unemployed , and contacted the bank and police .
The police obtained bank statements for the grandmother 's account and discovered the transactions to Evans-Schreiber , which had been labelled `` bills '' , `` care '' , and `` savings '' .
When police searched her house they found `` luxury products '' including designer shoes , clothing , handbags and sunglasses .
The defence noted that , although she admitted taking the money , she had left enough for the care and bills of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Judge Crane said her sentencing decision was `` very difficult '' as Evans-Schreiber was the sole carer for her young child .
She also said Evans-Schreiber had suffered from depression , and spent time for alcohol addiction at the Priory Clinic in 2018 .
Judge Crane sentenced Evans-Schreiber to two years , suspended for 20 months .
She said : `` Do not come to this court asking for a second chance , that is what you have been given with this sentence . ''
Evans-Schreiber also has to do 150 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme for six months .

She said: "Do not come to this court asking for a second chance, that is what you have been given with this sentence."


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Prince Harry and Meghan: Talks 'progressing well' over couple's future

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex hope talks over their future roles in the Royal Family can be concluded `` sooner rather than later '' , a source has told PA news agency .
Meetings are said to be `` progressing well '' , with the UK and Canadian governments consulted .
The couple have said they plan to step back as senior royals and split their time between the UK and North America .
Meghan has returned to Canada to join her son Archie amid the ongoing talks .
The family spent Christmas there , before returning to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from royal duties .
The Queen , the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge have asked senior staff to work with the Sussex household and government to find a solution within days , according to BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell .
• Your questions answered on Harry and Meghan statement • Why Meghan and Harry have Canada in their sights • How could the Sussexes make money ?
Speaking about the duke and duchess , a source told PA news agency : `` They , like everyone , are hopeful this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than later .
`` It is in everyone 's interest for this to be figured out , and figured out quickly , but not at the expense of the outcome . ''
Meanwhile , the couple 's official Instagram account returned to publicising their appearances .
Pictures were posted showing the couple during a private visit on Tuesday to a community kitchen in north Kensington , west London , which cooked meals for families displaced by the Grenfell Tower fire and contributed to a recipe book backed by Meghan .
In their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duchess also said they would be adopting a `` revised media approach '' , engaging with `` grassroots media organisations '' and using their Instagram account , which has more than 10 million followers , to `` personally share moments in their lives directly with members of the public '' .
The Royal Family was said to be `` hurt '' at the couple 's announcement about their plans to step back as senior royals .
Palace sources have told BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond that Prince Harry and Meghan did not consult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
There had been talks within the Royal Family about the Sussexes ' future - but they were at an early stage , he said .
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 `` continuing to honour our duty to the Queen , the Commonwealth , and our patronages '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months of reflection and internal discussions '' , they added .
Despite the couple 's decision , Harry will remain sixth in line to the throne .
• Where do Prince Harry and Meghan get their money ?
• How Meghan ‘ tripped and fell ’ into Harry ’ s life Former royal press secretary Dickie Arbiter said attempting to be `` half in and half out '' of the Royal Family had been tried before 30 years ago by the Earl and Countess of Wessex and `` it did n't work '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careers in the private sector and are now full-time `` working royals '' .
`` You 're either a royal or you 're not a royal - you ca n't have one leg in one camp and another leg in another camp , '' Mr Arbiter said , adding that Prince Harry had a number of senior roles which could not be done in a `` half-hearted way '' .
US President Donald Trump told Fox News he thought the announcement from Harry and Meghan was `` sad '' .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the whole thing , I just have such respect for the Queen , it should n't be happening to her . ''
Last October , Prince Harry and Meghan publicly revealed their struggles under the media spotlight .
After returning to 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked in Toronto during her time starring in the popular US drama Suits , and she has several Canadian friends .
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 .
It was revealed in December the couple had made an application to trademark their Sussex Royal brand across a string of items including books , calendars , clothing , charitable fundraising , education and social care services .
Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meghan 's decision to step back as senior royals ?
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bbcuk--2020-01-11--Stormont: Parties return to assembly after striking deal

Sinn Féin and the DUP will re-enter devolved government in Northern Ireland after three years of deadlock on Saturday .
The two parties have supported a deal to restore Stormont 's political institutions .
The British and Irish governments published the draft proposals on Thursday , after nine months of talks .
Stormont 's power-sharing coalition , led by the DUP and Sinn Féin , collapsed in January 2017 over a green energy row .
• How the parties got a done deal • Three years of political deadlock at Stormont Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the agreement , tweeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the people of Northern Ireland '' .
Sinn Féin and the DUP are expected to elect a speaker of the assembly and appoint executive ministers in the afternoon .
The proceedings will be streamed live on the BBC News NI website from 13:00 GMT , there will also be coverage on BBC Two NI from 15:30 GMT .
What will happen later ?
This will be an exceptionally rare Saturday sitting of the assembly .
We know , thanks to an order paper released by the assembly , how the day is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enter the chamber , they first have to elect a new Speaker .
Then the DUP and Sinn Féin , as the biggest unionist and nationalist parties , will nominate a first minister and a deputy first minister who will lead the executive .
The parties will then select a new justice minister , through a cross-community vote , meaning it requires a majority of unionists and nationalists .
The job has only ever been held by the cross-community Alliance Party , and most recently independent unionist MLA Claire Sugden , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
After that , the remaining executive posts will be filled , with the parties ' respective sizes dictating how many portfolios they are allocated , according to the D'Hondt system .
The proceedings are estimated to finish at about 16:30 GMT , but given a new era is beginning at Stormont , the day could run on a good bit longer .
Relations between the DUP and Sinn Féin had deteriorated in recent years as the two parties were diametrically opposed not only on Northern Ireland 's position within the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irish language ; same-sex marriage ; abortion and how to deal with the legacy of the Troubles .
But unexpectedly it was a row over a green energy scheme which pushed their relationship past breaking point .
The Renewable Heat Incentive ( RHI ) scheme was set up by DUP leader Arlene Foster when she was enterprise minister , but it ran over budget and at one point threatened to cost taxpayers £490m .
Sinn Féin demanded that Mrs Foster step aside as first minister during an inquiry into the RHI scheme and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of government on 9 January 2017 .
Two key sticking points in the Stormont talks were around an Irish language act and the petition of concern .
The purpose of petition of concern is to protect one community from legislation that would favour another and a valid petition requires the signatures of 30 MLAs .
The draft deal says there is to be `` meaningful reform '' of the petition , which would be `` reduced and returned to its intended purpose '' and would `` only be used in the most exceptional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having used every other mechanism '' .
The proposed deal would see legislation created for the appointment of both an Irish language commissioner and an Ulster-Scots commissioner .
Earlier , Irish language group Conradh na Gaeilge welcomed the draft deal as `` historic advancement but added it `` falls very much short '' of promises for an Irish Language act .
Other key points in the deal include the Northern Ireland Executive settling an ongoing pay dispute with nurses and increasing policing numbers .
What did the parties say about the deal ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Stormont press conference on Friday that her party will nominate ministers to an executive .
She said Sinn Féin was up for a return to `` genuine power sharing '' .
DUP leader Arlene Foster described the proposals as a `` fair and balanced deal '' .
`` I know there will be challenges in the deal , not least we need to make sure we have the finances to be able to deal with all of the issues in Northern Ireland that are present at the moment , particularly in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Social Democratic and Labour Party ( SDLP ) leader Colum Eastwood confirmed on Friday that his party will return to Stormont when the assembly is recalled .
The Alliance Party also confirmed on Friday night it would support the deal .
The Ulster Unionist Party are meeting on Saturday morning to decide .
How has the DUP and Sinn Féin 's decision been received ?
Tánaiste ( Irish Deputy Prime Minister ) Simon Coveney , who helped broker the deal , said : `` History is being made today . ''
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two largest parties in Northern Ireland that they both are committed to re-entering an executive and establishing a functioning Stormont assembly again .
The leaders of Ireland 's main churches welcomed the agreement , saying it offered `` new hope '' and a `` new start '' for Northern Ireland 's political institutions .
In a joint statement , the leaders of the Church of Ireland , Methodist Church in Ireland , Roman Catholic Church , Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Irish Council of Churches said the government 's proposals `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and just society '' .
However , the Orange Order earlier said it has `` very serious concerns '' about the deal and could not support the proposal to appoint an Irish language commissioner .

The draft deal says there is to be "meaningful reform" of the petition, which would be "reduced and returned to its intended purpose" and would "only be used in the most exceptional circumstances and as a last resort, having used every other mechanism".


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Harry Dunn: Anne Sacoolas extradition bid inappropriate, says US

The United States has criticised the UK 's request to extradite an American accused of killing motorcyclist Harry Dunn , calling it `` highly inappropriate '' .
Mr Dunn , 19 , died after being hit by a car allegedly driven by suspect Anne Sacoolas , who left the country for the US claiming diplomatic immunity .
The Home Office submitted a request on Friday to extradite her to the UK .
Dunn family spokesman Radd Seiger said she will `` 100 % be coming back '' .
`` I have no doubt in my mind , the only thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he told BBC Breakfast .
`` This campaign wo n't stop until Anne Sacoolas is back in the UK facing the justice system .
There is no celebration and until she is back , we wo n't rest .
`` This lady is accused of taking Harry 's life , then fleeing the country .
No-one is above the law in modern society .
You do n't get to move to a country , break a law in that country and then leave . ''
Mr Seiger said that under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleased '' the UK authorities had taken the `` huge step towards justice '' , but if the Trump administration was to ignore or reject the request , it would be re-presented should another administration come into power .
The extradition request is sent via the British Embassy to the US State Department .
A lawyer will then decide whether it falls under the dual-criminality treaty , where the alleged offence is a crime in both countries and carries a prison sentence of at least a year .
The maximum sentence for causing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' imprisonment , although this is usually reserved for the most serious cases .
The US may reject the request for extradition , arguing that Mrs Sacoolas is still entitled to diplomatic immunity .
The crash happened outside RAF Croughton , where Mrs Sacoolas ' husband Jonathan worked as an intelligence officer .
Mr Dunn died after his motorbike was in collision with a car owned by Mrs Sacoolas .
The 42-year-old left the UK shortly after the crash on 27 August and returned to the US , prompting a justice campaign by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Tim Dunn .
Mrs Sacoolas was charged in December by the Crown Prosecution Service with causing death by dangerous driving and the Home Office submitted its extradition request to the US Department of Justice .
A spokeswoman for the US State Department said : `` It is the position of the United States government that a request to extradite an individual under these circumstances would be an abuse .
`` The use of an extradition treaty to attempt to return the spouse of a former diplomat by force would establish an extraordinarily @ @ @ @

Mr Seiger said that under the circumstances, the family was "really pleased" the UK authorities had taken the "huge step towards justice", but if the Trump administration was to ignore or reject the request, it would be re-presented should another administration come into power.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Northampton hit and run: Driver fined after mum traces CCTV

The victim of a hit-and-run whose mother turned detective to find CCTV of the crash said the sentencing of the driver meant she could `` move on '' .
Amber Carter-Thompson was crossing a road in Northampton on Good Friday when she was struck , breaking her leg .
Arthur Desborough , 87 , pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and failing to stop .
Desborough of Ashley Way , Northampton , was fined £633 and given eight points on his licence by town magistrates .
Ms Carter-Thompson said she wanted to `` fully focus on my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 29-year-old said she was crossing Wellingborough Road at about 23:00 BST on 19 April with a friend when her leg was hit by the vehicle .
After waiting a week for police to contact them , her mother , Gail Thompson , took matters into her own hands .
She said : `` Within the space of six hours we got CCTV of it happening . ''
Northamptonshire Police said the CCTV footage allowed them to identify the driver .
Ms Carter-Thompson , from Sevenoaks , Kent , said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that I can move on from the ordeal .
`` I am grateful that I continue to have fantastic support from friends and family . ''

The victim of a hit-and-run whose mother turned detective to find CCTV of the crash said the sentencing of the driver meant she could "move on".


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Australia fires: Phoebe Waller-Bridge auctions Golden Globes outfit for relief effort

Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge has put her Golden Globes outfit up for auction on eBay to raise money for the Australian bushfire crisis .
The 34-year-old wore the gold tuxedo from Australian designers Ralph & Russo at the awards ceremony , where she won two accolades for her TV comedy-drama .
With a starting bid of 77,000 Australian dollars ( £41,000 ) , the auction is set to end on 20 January .
Waller-Bridge is one of a number of celebrities to support the aid effort .
Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton said he will donate more than £380,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised A $ 1m ( £528,514 ) for the bushfire appeal after his `` baggy green '' Australia cap was sold at auction .
Leonardo DiCaprio 's environmental group has donated 3 million US dollars ( £2.3m ) towards the relief effort , while Sir Elton John , actor Chris Hemsworth and Pink have also donated .
Waller-Bridge 's custom made tuxedo is closest to a UK size 12 , according to the listing .
She has also signed the label of the lace and silk trouser suit .
In a video shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the writer and actress showed fans where celebrities had touched the outfit , including Tom Hanks when he shook her hand , Sir Elton John giving her a hug and the shoulder where Olivia Colman `` rested her cheek '' .
`` Most significantly perhaps , if you are a Fleabag fan , this suit is completely covered head to toe in Andrew Scott hugs , '' she added .
Money raised will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief & Recovery Fund , WIRES Wildlife Rescue Emergency Fund and Wildlife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm very excited that this stunning , one-of-a-kind , couture tuxedo created by Australian geniuses Ralph & Russo will continue its journey by contributing to this urgent cause .
`` If money raised by its auction can help raise funds to fight the disaster in Australia , the future impact of this suit will be far greater than the luck it brought me and the Fleabag team at the Golden Globes last weekend . ''

"If money raised by its auction can help raise funds to fight the disaster in Australia, the future impact of this suit will be far greater than the luck it brought me and the Fleabag team at the Golden Globes last weekend."


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Pro-independence march under way in Glasgow

Tens of thousands of Scottish independence supporters have started to march through Glasgow in the first of a series of protests planned the coming year .
The All Under One Banner ( AUOB ) march left Kelvingrove Park at 11:30 and are heading to Glasgow Green .
A mass rally that was due to be held afterwards has been cancelled after rain and high winds were forecast .
Glasgow City Council has estimated that about 100,000 people will take part .
But organisers have predicted the total could reach 300,000 , which they say would be a record for one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' march was organised in the wake of last month 's general election , which saw the pro-independence SNP win 48 of the 59 seats in Scotland while the Conservatives won a majority across the UK as a whole .
• What will happen in Scottish politics in 2020 ?
It is the first of eight marches that the grassroots AUOB group plans to hold across Scotland over the coming year as activists aim to increase the pressure for independence .
The organisation has staged several similar marches and rallies in town and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
AUOB stressed that the Glasgow march would definitely go ahead despite the cancellation of the rally , with the group tweeting : `` If we let some Scottish rain stop us marching then we 've no chance .
The march is on . ''
Neil Mackay , one of the event 's organisers , said : `` Organising outdoor events in Scotland in winter is always difficult and is always subject to our weather .
`` We had a number of great speakers lined up for the rally , so it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place .
We have apologised to the speakers for the cancellation and they have all been very understanding and supportive .
`` All Under One Banner looks forward to an important and impressive march taking place on Saturday . ''
Scottish voters backed remaining in the UK by 55 % to 45 % in a referendum in 2014 - but Nicola Sturgeon , the SNP leader and Scotland 's first minister , says she wants to hold another vote on independence later this year .
That currently looks unlikely to happen because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not transfer the powers that Ms Sturgeon says would be needed to ensure any referendum is legal .
The first minister has ruled out holding an unofficial referendum , similar to the disputed one in Catalonia in 2017 , as she does not believe it would lead to independence regardless of the result .
Ms Sturgeon has never attended an AUOB march , although she did speak at a rally organised by the pro-independence National newspaper in Glasgow 's George Square in November .
It was the first time she had spoken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another AUOB march will be held in Glasgow in May , with similar events scheduled for Arbroath , Peebles , Elgin , Kirkcaldy , Stirling and Edinburgh .

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bbcuk--2020-01-11--Doncaster toddler death: Man and woman appear in court

A man and a woman charged with murdering a toddler who died from head injuries have appeared in court .
@ @ @ @ @ to hospital after police were called to a house in Bosworth Road , Doncaster , @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
Police said he was in cardiac arrest and remained in a critical condition @ @ @ @ @ .
Martin Currie and Sarah O'Brien were remanded in custody by city magistrates .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ Ms O'Brien , 32 , both of Bosworth Road , are set to appear at @ @ @ @ @ .
A post-mortem examination concluded Keigan died as a result of head injuries , South @ @ @ @ @ BBC Yorkshire on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news @ @ @

Two-year-old Keigan O'Brien was taken to hospital after police were called to a house in Bosworth Road, Doncaster, at about 11:00 GMT on Wednesday.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Paramilitary attacks: Increase in shooting and assaults in 2019

There has been an increase in paramilitary shootings and attacks in Northern Ireland during the past year .
Between January and December 2019 there were 67 victims of paramilitary-style assaults , compared to 51 in the previous 12 months .
There were also 18 casualties of paramilitary-style shootings , compared to 17 last year .
The Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) say the `` barbaric '' attacks have `` little to no community support '' .
The latest police figures also show that the number of bombings have decreased slightly from 17 incidents in 2018 to 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related deaths in Northern Ireland last year and 147 people arrested under The Terrorism Act .
Det Ch Supt Raymond Murray said : `` There is no justifying these attacks , they are barbaric .
`` Those who continue to believe in the use of violence , from whatever criminal grouping they claim to represent , do so to cement their own status and exert control , in full acceptance of the fact that they are victimising their own communities . ''
He added : `` These hypocrites acting as judge , jury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not represent the interests of any community . ''
The latest figures come as Northern Ireland 's main political parties are due to re-enter devolved government after three years of deadlock .
The British and Irish governments published the text of a draft deal on Thursday night .
It promises reforms on health and social care and on the Irish language and Ulster-Scots .
It also outlines additional resources for tackling paramilitarism and would see an additional 600 PSNI officers .
The deal , entitled 'New Decade , New Approach ' states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paramilitarism will be a priority in the new Programme for Government . ''
One of the most high profile deaths last year was that of journalist Lyra McKee The 29-year-old was shot in the head while observing rioting in Londonderry 's Creggan estate .
The New IRA admitted carrying out the murder .
An advertising campaign targeting the paramilitaries behind the attacks was relaunched in August last year .
The Ending the Harm campaign saw a roll out of radio and tv adverts highlighting the impact of paramilitary crimes .
Det Ch Supt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fantasy that they exist to protect or defend the community but the reality is that they are driven by their own self-interest .
They show cowardice in the way they fail to make themselves accountable and continue to carry out acts of violence despite having little to no community support .
`` Contrary to the perpetrators ' rhetoric , not all of their victims have been involved in criminality .
When criminality occurs within communities , the Police Service of Northern Ireland is the only legitimate provider of law and order .
@

Det Ch Supt Raymond Murray said: "Paramilitaries peddle the fantasy that they exist to protect or defend the community but the reality is that they are driven by their own self-interest. They show cowardice in the way they fail to make themselves accountable and continue to carry out acts of violence despite having little to no community support.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--GP criticises Müller's gin-flavoured yoghurts

A GP has hit out at a company for creating gin-flavoured yoghurts , claiming the desserts are `` counterproductive to public health '' .
Dr Nigel Wells criticised Müller for its alcohol-inspired range on Twitter , citing drink problems in society and the pressure it puts on the NHS .
The yoghurts , which were launched last year , contain 0.5 % gin .
A spokesperson for the yoghurt maker said the product was fat-free , high in protein and contained no added sugar .
Dr Wells , who practises in North Yorkshire , said : `` Given the problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - which is very visible in our GP practices and A & E departments - the creation of alcohol inspired yoghurts seems unnecessary and counterproductive to public health .
`` I welcome public discussion and debate around our use of alcohol , which clearly can be enjoyed sensibly , but in light of the Dry January campaign and the health benefits it brings I question whether this product is really necessary . ''
Mr Wells , who has previously spoken out about the impact of alcohol-related problems on NHS services , also questioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product on morning television .
A spokesperson for Müller said : `` It can be enjoyed regularly as part of a healthy balanced diet .
We know from feedback from our consumers that they are enjoying it , '' according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service .
Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news @ bbc.co.uk .


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Languages affected differently by brain disease

There are differences in the way English and Italian speakers are affected by dementia-related language problems , a small study suggests .
While English speakers had trouble pronouncing words , Italian speakers came out with shorter , simpler sentences .
The findings could help ensure accurate diagnoses for people from different cultures , the researchers said .
Diagnostic criteria are often based on English-speaking patients .
In the University of California study of 20 English-speaking patients and 18 Italian-speaking patients , all had primary progressive aphasia - a neuro-degenerative disease which affects areas of the brain linked to language .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease and other dementia disorders .
Brain scans and tests showed similar levels of cognitive function in people in both language groups .
But when the researchers asked participants to complete a number of linguistic tests , they picked up obvious differences between the two groups in the challenges they faced .
`` We think this is specifically because the consonant clusters that are so common in English pose a challenge for a degenerating speech-planning system , '' said study author Maria Luisa Gorno-Tempini , professor of neurology and psychiatry .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but has much more complex grammar , and this is how Italian speakers with [ primary progressive aphasia ] tend to run into trouble . ''
As a result , the English speakers tended to speak less while the Italian speakers had fewer pronunciation problems , but simplified what they did say .
English is a Germanic language while Italian is a Romance language , derived from Latin along with French , Spanish and Portuguese .
The researchers , writing in Neurology , are concerned that many non-native English speakers may not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their symptoms do n't match what is described in clinical manuals based on studies of native English speakers '' .
The San Francisco research team says it now wants to repeat the research in larger groups of patients , and look for differences between speakers of other languages , such as Chinese and Arabic .
`` We hope that such studies will advance our understanding of the brain science underlying language and language disorders , raise awareness of health disparities in dementia treatment , and ultimately improve care for all patients , '' @ @ @ @

The researchers, writing in Neurology, are concerned that many non-native English speakers may not be getting the right diagnosis "because their symptoms don't match what is described in clinical manuals based on studies of native English speakers".


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Slugs sabotage Wrexham traffic lights

Slugs sabotage Wrexham traffic lights

They are better known for making gardeners ' lives hell by ruining vegetable patches .
Now slugs have been accused @ @ @ @ @ in Wrexham by sabotaging a set of traffic lights .
They found their way into @ @ @ @ @ Rhosddu Park and wrecked the control board , said the Local Democracy Reporting Service .
@ @ @ @ @ repairs would be carried out after replacement parts were delivered .
`` The controller was @ @ @ @ @ the council was unable to complete all the repairs before the Christmas break , '' @ @ @ @ @ post .
`` I 'm told a new power supply has been ordered for the @ @ @ @ @ complete very soon . ''
• What do slugs hate ?
Home remedies put to @ @ @ @ @ been asked to comment .
It is not the first time slugs have caused traffic @ @ @ @ @ In 2016 , Transport for Greater Manchester apologised after the molluscs caused havoc on the @ @ @ @

"The controller was seriously damaged by slugs and the council was unable to complete all the repairs before the Christmas break," he said in a Facebook post.


bbcuk--2020-01-11--Prince Harry and Meghan: How could the couple make money?

As part of their plans to step back as senior royals , the Duke and Duchess of Sussex say they intend to `` work to become financially independent '' .
Prince Harry and Meghan plan to split their time between the UK and North America - and their global reach could open up a wealth of opportunities .
But any move into the private sector and the monetisation of the Sussex brand would pose challenges for the royal couple .
`` The established rule has always been that if you are a working royal you do n't really do paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' says BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond .
• Your questions : Is Harry still sixth in line to the throne ?
• Where do Prince Harry and Meghan get their money ?
• Jonny Dymond : How they want to do their own thing '' Nearly any employment of the type they are going to get is open to the charge that they are monetising or exploiting their royal brand . ''
If the couple renounced their royal titles they would give them more freedom - but there 's no suggestion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , they have focused on their plans to launch a new `` charitable entity '' .
But what opportunities might there be for commercial ventures ?
While the couple have spoken about their struggles with the intense media interest in their lives , the idea of revealing more about themselves in their own words might be more appealing - and lucrative .
The 2017 book deal signed by Barack and Michelle Obama was believed to be worth more than $ 60m ( £48m ) .
It 's also an area Meghan has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her introduction to last year 's September issue of Vogue , which she guest edited , Meghan wrote of her `` love of writing '' .
Before she married Harry , she also ran a lifestyle blog , The Tig , where she shared beauty , fashion and travel tips .
Natalie Jerome , a literary agent at Aevitas , says the couple have `` enormous power and reach '' and any book deal would be extremely lucrative .
`` People have compared them to the Obamas and I think there 's potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
Meghan is an aspirational figure for many women of colour and young people , she adds .
• Why Meghan and Harry have Canada in their sights '' We 're in a period now where we 're talking increasingly about diversity within publishing and there 's a real push to reach wider audiences , '' she says .
`` If she were to publish a book in her own right and reach out to young people on the ground by doing talks and going to schools like Michelle Obama did , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successful . ''
As well as potentially sharing more about their own lives , Harry and Meghan could also turn to causes they are passionate about for material .
For Meghan , these include equality and women 's rights , while Harry has been vocal in campaigning on mental health and veterans .
The pair could choose to follow in the steps of the Obamas , who set up their own production company before signing a deal with Netflix , with projects including documentaries addressing social and political activism .
Harry has already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Winfrey on a series addressing mental health for Apple TV , which is due for broadcast in 2020 .
Could there be more TV opportunities in the pipeline ?
Meghan , of course , first found fame as an actress , starring in the TV drama Suits .
She gave up her former career when she joined the Royal Family - but if she chose to return to acting she would surely be in high demand .
Another potential avenue for the pair to explore could be after-dinner speeches and events .
Jeremy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says if they maintained a positive profile the couple could earn six-figure sums for each appearance .
He predicts demand would be higher in US , where Mr Lee says the pair could earn up to $ 500,000 ( £380,000 ) per engagement .
However , he says companies in the UK would be more sensitive to reputational risk if public opinion turned against the couple .
Mr Lee predicts UK companies would only be willing to take the royals as speakers at an event linked to one of their campaigning interests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their charitable foundation - rather than a fee - in the region of £100,000 .
But in the US , there would be interest from `` anybody that wants to show off and has got the budget '' , he says .
Whether its a designer handbag or Archie 's hand-knitted bobble hat , whenever the Sussexes are pictured with a product , sales go through the roof .
`` Any brand on the planet would want to work with them , '' says journalist and royal style commentator Elizabeth Holmes .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they want to do . ''
Ms Holmes suggests any commercial partnerships would be tied to the couple 's charitable causes , perhaps with a secondary opportunity to raise personal income .
For example , Meghan is the patron of a charity that provides free clothing and interview training to unemployed women and has launched her own clothing line for the organisation .
`` Meghan really understands the power of fashion , '' Ms Holmes says , using her choices to promote smaller brands owned by women , often with a sustainable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean we should expect the couple 's 10.5 million Instagram followers to be suddenly bombarded with sponsored content and product placement , Ms Holmes says .
While the royal couple have a huge platform , it pales in comparison to the likes of Kylie Jenner , who has more than 150 million Instagram followers .
The reality TV star , who topped last year 's Instagram rich list , is estimated to earn around $ 1.2m ( £960,000 ) for a single sponsored post .
Could Meghan and Harry follow that trend ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't think that 's necessarily an appropriate thing for a member of the Royal Family . ''
In June last year , the duke and duchess also applied to trademark the `` Sussex Royal '' brand across items including books , calendars , clothing , charitable fundraising and campaigning .
This opens up the option of launching their own brands , from beauty products to clothing lines .
However , any move that could be seen as exploiting the royal brand would be likely to promote criticism .
Ms Holmes says this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding : `` That 's why I think they 'll be careful about it . ''

"If she were to publish a book in her own right and reach out to young people on the ground by doing talks and going to schools like Michelle Obama did, I think the book would be hugely successful."


bbcuk--2020-01-10--Mothercare staff: 'We're devastated, it was our family'

`` We 're devastated .
It 's not just a job , it 's a family . ''
Karen and Sue have known each other since they were nine years old , and will work their final shifts at Mothercare 's Romford store this weekend .
All of the baby goods retailer 's 79 UK shops will be shut by Sunday , with thousands of jobs lost across the country after the firm called in administrators last November .
Like many struggling retailers , Mothercare found itself squeezed by the big UK supermarkets , fast fashion brands and the internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shop for 19 and 27 years respectively , Karen and Sue have seen customer numbers decreasing .
`` You do n't see regular customers anymore , you see bargain hunters .
As soon as it 's reduced , it 's gone , '' says Karen .
On Friday , customers queued outside before the doors of the Romford store opened .
They made their way around heavily-discounted goods from clothes , carry cots and high chairs to office equipment such as staplers , hole punches and even the store 's shelving units .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ day in the shop on Saturday .
`` It 's just too much , '' says Sue , wearing a specially-made T-shirt by the Romford staff .
On the back , it reads : `` We are family '' .
For now , the staff try to keep their spirits up , playing Coldplay over the loudspeakers and lighting up sectioned-off , empty parts of the store with disco lights .
Mothercare workers wo n't be the only ones affected by store closures in early 2020 , as tough trading conditions for retailers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also close their doors by Sunday , affecting up to 350 jobs .
Department store chain Debenhams will have closed 22 of its shops by the end of January , resulting in 660 jobs being lost .
A further 28 Debenhams stores are due to close within the next five years , as the ailing chain tries to secure its future .
It comes as part of a rescue plan introduced after its previous owners had saddled it with a huge amount of debt , while it was tied into long leases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of job losses in retail overall is also increasing .
Figures from the Centre for Retail Research suggest that a total of 143,128 job losses in the sector were announced in 2019 .
That 's an increase of more than 25,000 from the previous year .
Previous research by the British Retail Consortium also warned that there would be up to 900,000 fewer jobs in retail over the next decade .
How many shops have shut ?
Hardly a week goes by without an announcement about a fresh wave of store closures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's top 500 High Streets in the first half of 2019 , according to research by PwC and the Local Data Company .
That is up from 1,123 in the same period the previous year and the highest since the survey began in 2010 .
The data looks at retail chains with more than five outlets .
Fashion stores saw the largest number of closures .
Womenswear retailers were among those to have fallen on hard times in 2019 , including chains such as Bonmarché which has entered administration and is to close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the crucial Christmas trading period , further closures could be announced .
What 's behind the wave of store closures ?
In the last few years , things have become a lot harder for traditional retailers .
Companies have had to deal with rising costs such as increasing wages , rents and business rates .
Research by Retail Economics suggests that operating costs have been increasing at a faster rate than sales for many shops .
Richard Lim , its chief executive , said : `` Because the National Living Wage has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focusing on whether or not they can reduce labour costs by using things like automated checkouts .
He added : `` That leaves fewer workers in retail , but those that are , are paid better wages . ''
At the same time , retailers are trying to adapt to changing shopping habits .
One in every £5 is now spent online .
`` At the heart of it , those that are doing well are the ones that have a distinct proposition '' , says Mr Lim , citing Primark and supermarkets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thriving .
In Mothercare 's Romford store , Karen says she 's `` well aware '' customers doing more shopping online might have contributed to the company 's problems .
While the future might see further shops closing down , for some workers it 's hard to think much further ahead .
`` I 'm not rushing to find another job , because I ca n't imagine working with another group of people like this , '' says Karen .
`` On Monday morning , that 's when the reality will hit .
@

"At the heart of it, those that are doing well are the ones that have a distinct proposition", says Mr Lim, citing Primark and supermarkets Aldi and Lidl as firms that are thriving.