bbcuk--2020-02-18--Storm Dennis: Fears for Severn towns amid fresh flood warnings

Evacuations are under way on the River Severn in Shropshire amid severe flood warnings across parts of the UK .
One woman died after being swept away in floodwater in Worcestershire , while hundreds of homes have been flooded in extreme weather caused by Storm Dennis .
More than 200 flood warnings remain in place including 10 severe - or `` danger to life '' - warnings .
The River Wye at Monmouth , in Wales , reached its highest recorded level on Tuesday .
Among the worst affected areas are south Wales , Herefordshire , Worcestershire and Shropshire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The latest severe flood warning - for the River Severn in Telford , Shropshire - prompted the evacuation of homes in Ironbridge on Tuesday morning , as water pressure caused the road surface to crack and levels threatened to overtop the barrier .
A care home and surrounding properties in Whitchurch , Herefordshire , were also evacuated after they were overcome by floods , local fire services said .
Meanwhile , Welsh Water has warned drinking water is running out in Monmouth and surrounding areas after `` unprecedented flooding '' at its treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief in Upton upon Severn , Worcestershire , on Monday morning as defences appeared not to have been breached overnight , but severe flood warnings for the area now predict river levels will peak by Wednesday .
Residents of the Wharfage , on the River Severn , have been evacuated to a restaurant on the High Street in Ironbridge , Telford and Wrekin Council said .
The council added that the river 's flood peak was moving towards the Ironbridge Gorge and was expected to arrive there later on Tuesday , while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` potentially imminent '' .
It added that river levels on the Severn could reach 6.7m high by Tuesday afternoon .
It comes as the River Wye at Monmouth , south Wales , peaked at 7.15m high on Tuesday , breaking the previous record high of 6.48m in 2002 .
Homes in the area were evacuated on Monday night .
There are two severe warnings in place on the River Wye at Monmouth , according to Natural Resources Wales .
Elsewhere , Drayton Manor theme park in Staffordshire has announced it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe flooding in the grounds .
The park closed on Monday following Storm Dennis .
More than 400 homes and businesses across the country have been flooded , the Environment Agency said - but the number was `` likely to rise '' .
On Monday night , police advised people in Upton upon Severn and Uckinghall in Worcestershire to leave their homes , and an emergency shelter was opened .
There were fears that defences built after the 2007 floods to withstand a 100-year event could be breached overnight .
However , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Geoff Wessell , said there was `` relief '' in Upton upon Severn on Tuesday morning as water levels did not top the defences .
Speaking on BBC Breakfast , he advised people to remain cautious , not to drive through floodwater and to remain ready to leave their homes if they need to .
Ralph Thompson , who runs the Swan pub in Upton upon Severn , stayed there overnight with his girlfriend and their dogs .
He told the programme it had been a `` long and worrying '' night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 55-year-old Yvonne Booth was found after she was swept away by floodwater when her car became stuck near Tenbury Wells .
Her family said in a statement : `` Yvonne is a very much loved member of our family and we are all devastated by this news . ''
Currently , there are eight severe flood warnings in England and two in Wales , covering the rivers Lugg , Severn , Wye and Trent .
There are no severe warnings in Scotland .
More rain is expected in parts of the UK later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office weather warnings issued for north and south Wales and northwest England for Wednesday evening .
The Environment Agency said about 1,000 staff were on duty on Monday night , with 5km of flood barriers deployed and 90 pumps in action .
The prime minister has resisted calls to chair a meeting of the government 's emergency committee Cobra over the flooding crisis , despite criticism from the Labour Party .
• How do you stop flooding ?
Shadow environment secretary Luke Pollard said it was a `` disgrace '' that Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities .
Environment Secretary George Eustice defended its response to the storm , telling the BBC the government `` ca n't protect every home '' .
Mr Eustice said about £2.5bn has been spent on tackling extreme weather conditions since 2015 and £4bn has been allocated for the next five years .
Downing Street said Mr Johnson would receive `` regular updates '' on the flooding , which it described as `` terrible '' .
Travel continues to be disrupted across the UK , with some A-roads closed and train lines disrupted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain blocked by floods and landslips .
The government has activated an emergency funding scheme for areas affected by the flooding , which include parts of Nottinghamshire , Leicestershire , Derbyshire , Shropshire , Telford and Wrekin , Worcestershire and Herefordshire .
Under the Bellwin scheme , local authorities can apply for the government to reimburse non-insurable costs above a certain threshold , which has not been specified .
For more information , check the BBC Weather website and your BBC Local Radio station for regular updates .
How have you been affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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bbcuk--2020-02-18--Coronavirus: British couple on cruise ship 'test positive'

A British couple who have been on a quarantined cruise ship in Japan have tested positive for coronavirus , their son has told the BBC .
Sally and David Abel , from Northamptonshire , are among 74 British nationals on the Diamond Princess , which was quarantined on 3 February .
The UK Foreign Office said it was `` working to organise a flight back to the UK '' for British nationals .
An evacuation is expected to take place within the next two to three days .
• How do you self-isolate due to coronavirus ?
• Coronavirus : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mrs Abel 's son Steve told BBC Breakfast that his father had emailed him on Tuesday morning to tell him they had both tested positive and were being taken to hospital .
He said he then spoke to his mother , who was doing `` OK '' and `` at least they were going together '' and would not be separated .
However , he said subsequent posts from his father on Facebook suggested they were being taken to a hostel instead , adding `` no-one knows what 's going on '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ vomiting in the bathroom while on the phone to his mother earlier but he believed it was due to `` shock '' rather than a symptom of the disease .
The conditions on the ship - which is at the Japanese port of Yokohoma - had made it difficult for his father to manage his diabetes , he said , adding that he would prefer his parents to be quarantined in the UK `` where the food is more suitable for my dad '' .
`` I 'm not actually that worried about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stats .
It is more about the stress , the diet . ''
He added that the UK government 's treatment of his parents had been `` appalling '' , saying they `` they have n't got back to us on anything and we have been calling them every day for four or five days '' .
`` They are very high-spirited people , '' he said .
`` But in the last two days I 've seen the cracks in the armour and they are getting down . ''
Another British passenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said she had been `` very disappointed '' with the UK government 's initial response and they should have organised a rescue flight sooner .
She told Radio 4 's Today programme that British passengers who wanted to get on the rescue flight had to sign an agreement that they would go into quarantine for 14 days on their return to the UK .
She said they had received a note from the Foreign Office which told them that if they did n't get on the flight , it was unlikely they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I need to go home , I want to see my family but obviously it 's going to be another 14 days ( after the flight ) .
I wish that they 'd decided to do this last week . ''
The US has already repatriated more than 300 of its citizens from the ship .
On Tuesday , Japanese officials said there were 88 new cases of infections on board the ship , bringing the total to 542 confirmed cases .
It is the largest cluster of cases outside China .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swartz , said the company has sent more doctors and nurses on board the ship .
There is still uncertainty over whether passengers will be allowed to leave the ship at the end of the 14-day quarantine period on Wednesday .
According to official figures on Monday , four Britons with confirmed coronavirus are currently in hospital in Japan .
As of Monday at 14:00 GMT , in the UK a total of 4,501 people have been tested for coronavirus .
The majority have been confirmed negative , only nine are positive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Tuesday morning , the Foreign Office said : `` Given the conditions on board , we are working to organise a flight back to the UK for British nationals on the Diamond Princess as soon as possible .
`` Our staff are contacting British nationals on board to make the necessary arrangements .
We urge all those who have not yet responded to get in touch immediately . ''
Affected British nationals should call the British Embassy in Tokyo on +81 3 5211 1100 .
Earlier , Downing Street said it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health and safety of those on board '' .
Have you been affected by what 's happening on the Diamond Princess cruise ship ?
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The conditions on the ship had made it difficult for his father to manage his type-2 diabetes, he said, adding that he would prefer his parents to be quarantined in the UK "where the food is more suitable for my dad".


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Andrew Sabisky: No 10 urged to examine vetting after aide quits

The government needs to `` look at '' its vetting processes following the resignation of a Downing Street adviser , a business minister has said .
Kwasi Kwarteng said past remarks made by Andrew Sabisky , who quit on Monday , were `` racist '' and `` totally unacceptable '' .
Labour had called for Mr Sabisky to be sacked over comments on pregnancies , eugenics and race .
Mr Sabisky accused the media of `` selective quoting '' and `` hysteria '' .
He also tweeted that he had resigned because he did not want to prove a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will disappoint a lot of people but I signed up to do real work , not be in the middle of a giant character assassination , '' Mr Sabisky added .
`` If I ca n't do the work properly there 's no point , and I have a lot of other things to do with my life , '' he added .
As well as the alleged remarks on race and intelligence , Mr Sabisky wrote that compulsory contraception could prevent `` creating a permanent underclass '' .
Mr Sabisky , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was appointed earlier this year after the prime minister 's chief adviser Dominic Cummings called for `` misfits and weirdos '' to apply for jobs in Downing Street .
Leaving his home on Tuesday , Mr Cummings told reporters : `` Read Philip Tetlock 's Superforecasters , instead of political pundits who do n't know what they 're talking about . ''
The reference appeared to be to a 2015 book of similar name on the science of prediction , Superforecasting , co-written by US-based academic Philip Tetlock .
Mr Kwarteng told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what Mr Sabisky 's role had entailed , but added : `` He 's now left , and we can now all move on . ''
Asked how Mr Sabisky had been selected , Mr Kwarteng replied : `` I 've no idea what the process is .
That 's not my remit .
I think it 's unfortunate that he was hired . ''
He said : `` We should prevent racists coming into No 10 or wherever he was working , I think that we do need to look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , Downing Street did not comment on the remarks attributed to Mr Sabisky .
Boris Johnson 's spokesman said at the time : `` The prime minister 's views on a range of subjects are well publicised and documented . ''
Responding to the resignation , Labour Party chairman Ian Lavery said : `` It 's right that Andrew Sabisky is no longer working in government .
`` After No 10 publicly stood by him ... Boris Johnson has serious questions to answer about how this appointment was made and whether he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservative MP Caroline Nokes , who chairs the Commons Women and Equalities Committee , told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme she was `` relieved '' Mr Sabisky had resigned .
But she criticised the reaction from No 10 , adding they `` could have distanced themselves from his youthful comments at any point , but they chose not to do so '' .
What has Mr Sabisky said in the past ?
In a comment on a 2014 blog post on Mr Cummings ' website , made by a user called `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that compulsory contraception could be used to stop a `` permanent underclass '' .
`` One way to get around the problems of unplanned pregnancies creating a permanent underclass would be to legally enforce universal uptake of long-term contraception at the onset of puberty , '' says the post .
In a comment on another blog post on a different website in 2014 , what appears to be the same user suggested black Americans had a lower average IQ than white Americans .
In a comment on a different blog that same year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` There are excellent reasons to think the very real racial differences in intelligence are significantly - even mostly - genetic in origin , though the degree is of course a very serious subject of scholarly debate . ''
Mr Sabisky also suggested to Schools Week in July 2016 that the benefits of a purported cognitive enhancer , which can prove fatal , are `` probably worth a dead kid once a year '' .
`` Eugenics are about selecting 'for ' good things , '' he said in the same interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it correlates with better outcomes : physical health , income , lower mental illness .
And in a Twitter post from 2019 , he said : `` I am always straight up in saying that women 's sport is more comparable to the Paralympics than it is to men 's . ''

In a comment on a different blog that same year, a user with his name said: "There are excellent reasons to think the very real racial differences in intelligence are significantly - even mostly - genetic in origin, though the degree is of course a very serious subject of scholarly debate."


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Wages back above pre-economic crisis levels

Average weekly wages in the UK have reached their highest levels since before the financial crisis .
Weekly pay reached £512 in the three months to December , which - adjusting for inflation - is the highest since March 2008 .
Excluding bonuses , earnings grew at an annual rate of 3.2 % in the three-month period , official figures show .
Employment rose by 180,000 to another record high of 32.93 million , while unemployment stayed at 1.29 million .
The figures from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) showed the number of women in employment increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the three months to December to a record high of 15.61 million .
Myrto Miltiadou , of the ONS , said : `` In real terms , regular earnings have finally risen above the level seen in early 2008 , but pay including bonuses is still below its pre-downturn peak .
`` Employment has continued its upward trend , with the rate nudging up to another record high .
In particular , the number of women working full-time grew strongly over the past year . ''
• Inflation at lowest for more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` As we embark on a new chapter as an independent nation outside the EU , we do so with a record-breaking jobs market and business confidence on the rise .
`` With wages still outpacing inflation , UK workers can expect their money to go further as we look ahead to a decade of renewal . ''
It 's always good to have some cheerful news to report , such as the news that wages , after stripping out the effect of inflation , have finally squeaked above their level in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your wage can finally buy a little bit more than it could before the banking crisis .
So let 's celebrate .
Hooray .
Now let 's home in on the amounts .
The average wage excluding bonuses is now £511.61 .
In March 2008 , the average wage would have bought you £510.96 ( in 2019 prices ) .
In other words you are 65p better off than you were - 12 years ago .
Well whoop-de-doo .
There 's always a half-full or a half-empty angle on wage increases .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landmark will serve less as a cause for celebration and more as a reminder that the past decade has been the worst for improvements in living standards in more than 200 years .
The 2008 crisis , caused by reckless mismanagement of the banks for which no-one has been punished , is one reason ( not the only one ) that the average pay packet has failed to do what we used to take for granted - i.e .
increase by more than inflation .
It used to happen every year .
Low-pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that if pre-crisis trends for increases in pay in real terms had continued , the average wage would now be £141 a week higher .
Thomas Pugh , at Capital Economics , said the employment figures proved the Bank of England 's Monetary Policy Committee ( MPC ) was right to leave interest rates unchanged last month .
`` The most recent surveys are suggesting that employment growth will continue to pick-up in Q1 , which we think will contribute to the MPC keeping rates on hold at its next meeting on 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , the Institute of Directors warned : `` The UK jobs market ended last year in fine form , but 2020 may be more challenging for employers .
`` As more and more workers enter employment , it becomes harder for firms to recruit the employees they need , with a particular dearth in certain skill sets . ''
And Samuel Tombs , chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics .
said : `` The upside surprise to employment growth distracts from an otherwise slightly disappointing report .
`` Despite the recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the single-month measure of job vacancies was 49,000 , or 6 % , lower in January than a year earlier , showing no improvement from its recent trend . ''

It's always good to have some cheerful news to report, such as the news that wages, after stripping out the effect of inflation, have finally squeaked above their level in March 2008. In other words, your wage can finally buy a little bit more than it could before the banking crisis. So let's celebrate. Hooray.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--UK Budget date kept at 11 March

UK Budget date kept at 11 March

The government will not be changing the date of the Budget , Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced .
It will go ahead as previously scheduled on 11 March .
There had been speculation that the Budget could be delayed after Mr Sunak replaced Sajid Javid following his resignation last week .
Mr Sunak tweeted that he was `` cracking on '' with preparations '' and would `` deliver the promises '' made to voters ahead of December 's general election .
• Who is the new chancellor Rishi Sunak ?
• Budget may be delayed , says cabinet minister At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Budget plans were `` well advanced '' , but Mr Sunak `` may want time '' .
He told the BBC 's Andrew Marr programme : `` The guy 's only been in place for a few days .
Let 's give him a few days to decide on the date . ''
Mr Javid 's resignation followed rumours of tensions between him and the prime minister 's senior adviser Dominic Cummings .
After he stepped down , No 10 announced there would now be a joint team of economic advisers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Sunak was Chief Secretary to the Treasury before taking over from Mr Javid .

After he stepped down, No 10 announced there would now be a joint team of economic advisers for both the new chancellor and prime minister.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Woman 'conceived by rape' claim leads to arrest

A man has been arrested and released on bail , in the case of a woman who claims her own birth is proof her father was a rapist .
`` Vicky '' alleges her mother was aged 13 , under the age of consent , when her father - a family friend who she claims was in his 30s - raped her .
She believes DNA testing would enable police to formally identify and convict him of unlawful sexual intercourse .
The police force investigating said it would now seek the advice of the CPS .
Vicky told the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive that things have progressed '' .
Vicky - not her real name - was adopted in the 1970s , at seven months old .
At the age of 18 , she began searching for her birth mother and discovered from a social worker and her social services records , that her conception was alleged to be a result of rape .
`` It made me feel angry , devastated for my birth mum .
For me , '' she said .
Vicky managed to reunite with her birth mother and , years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began to be covered by news outlets in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal , decided to act .
Her mother did not wish to go to the police herself , so Vicky reported the case and asked them to consider a so-called `` victimless prosecution '' for alleged unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor , commonly referred to as statutory rape .
Victimless prosecutions , officially termed as evidence-based , can be used in domestic abuse or rape cases , when the victim has withdrawn or declines to give a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest to pursue a prosecution , CPS guidance says .
Vicky said they could use DNA evidence and birth certificates to prove the ages of her mum and her alleged rapist .
`` I wanted justice for my mum , I wanted justice for me , '' she said .
Police , social services , solicitors and MPs had previously told Vicky she was `` not the alleged victim '' - so no case could be brought , she said .
She added that she welcomed the recent arrest .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that others do n't go through what I 've been through , '' she said .
Follow the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire programme on Facebook and Twitter - and see more of our stories here .

At the age of 18, she began searching for her birth mother and discovered from a social worker and her social services records, that her conception was alleged to be a result of rape.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Helping refugees for longer 'could save UK money'

The government could save millions of pounds each year if it helped refugees for longer when they arrived in the UK , new research has suggested .
Currently , after claiming asylum people receive financial help until four weeks after being granted refugee status .
But a report from the British Red Cross and the London School of Economics said doubling that time to eight weeks could save public money in the long run .
The government said the UK had `` a proud record '' of helping vulnerable people .
After arriving in the UK and submitting a claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a person is initially entitled to just under £40 a week from the government and access to accommodation .
After being granted refugee status , they then have four weeks to find a home and employment or apply for mainstream benefits .
But many new arrivals end up destitute , the new report said .
The British Red Cross suggested that if financial support was extended to eight weeks , these refugees would be able to establish themselves and not end up looking to the state for so much help .
Their report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £7m a year , because it would ease pressure on public services like the NHS and local authorities .
• Where have the Syrian refugees gone ?
• ' I 've got a mortgage , a house , a car - we 're not trouble' • How has immigration changed in your area ?
In response , the Home Office said : `` The UK has a proud record of providing protection to vulnerable individuals and helping them to rebuild their lives here .
`` The government is committed to ensuring vulnerable refugees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , get assistance from their local authority to find housing or apply for mainstream benefits . ''
The UK grants `` refugee status '' to those who are unable to live in their own country for fear of persecution because of race , religion , nationality , political opinion or other factors such as sexual orientation .
A successful application usually allows someone leave to remain for five years with the opportunity after that to apply for indefinite leave to remain .
Over the past five years , more than 17,000 refugees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Britain .
Another 3,000 refugees are expected to arrive by the end of 2020 under the government 's Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme ( VPRS ) .
Last month , a watchdog found that some refugees seeking medical help were struggling to access interpreters .

The British Red Cross suggested that if financial support was extended to eight weeks, these refugees would be able to establish themselves and not end up looking to the state for so much help.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Police warn Sinn Féin of 'dissident bomb plan'

Sinn Féin 's deputy leader Michelle O'Neill has said police have told her dissident republicans are planning a bomb attack on a party member 's car .
It comes six days after the deputy first minister said she and party colleague Gerry Kelly were threatened .
Mr Kelly said on Tuesday that he had been checking under his car for a bomb `` for a considerable period of time '' .
`` There 's adults in our house now with children and I told them to be very careful , '' said the North Belfast MLA .
Mrs O'Neill said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an attack on a Sinn Féin member `` could happen anywhere '' in Northern Ireland .
`` This is literally a threat against thousands of Sinn Féin members and their families in the north , '' she added .
The party has come under threat after its attendance at the recent opening of the Police Service of Northern Ireland 's ( PSNI ) recruitment campaign .
The PSNI said it condemned threats `` against anyone in our society '' , adding that it recognised the `` alarm and distress they cause '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals may need to review their security we will take steps to inform them immediately , '' said the PSNI .
`` We will never ignore anything that could place individuals at risk . ''
Mrs O'Neill urged Sinn Féin members to be vigilant and called on those behind the bomb threat to lift it .
She said : `` Following the recent launch of a PSNI recruitment campaign , police have told Sinn Féin that persons aligned with the dissident republican group the so-called New IRA plan to attack a Sinn Féin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is not the first time this particular group have made threats against Sinn Féin members and the PSNI is taking this threat very seriously . ''
Dissident threats against Sinn Féin members have been happening for many , many years .
Martin McGuinness was the subject of at least three between 2009 and 2013 .
In 2018 , a crude explosive device involving a large firework was used to attack the home of Gerry Adams in Belfast .
While most relate to the party 's political strategy , the two latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the PSNI .
The endorsement of the police recruitment drive has rankled the New IRA .
Anti-police posters briefly erected in Londonderry showed the Sinn Féin emblem incorporated into the PSNI logo .
The Mid Ulster MLA said the threat `` comes at a time when the debate on Irish unity is centre stage '' .
`` The response of these so-called republicans is to plan attacks on Sinn Féin members , '' she said .
`` Sinn Féin will not be deterred from pursuing our objective of a united Ireland .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately .
There is no room for the existence of armed groups .
They should disband . ''
Her party colleague , Gerry Kelly , told Good Morning Ulster that the New IRA was also behind last week 's threat to himself and Michelle O'Neill .
The name of the group behind the threat was not disclosed by the party at the time .
Mr Kelly said that by stating any member could be now be targeted , the New IRA was `` deliberately setting out to intimidate '' the party ,

She said: "Following the recent launch of a PSNI recruitment campaign, police have told Sinn Féin that persons aligned with the dissident republican group the so-called New IRA plan to attack a Sinn Féin member using an under-car explosive device.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Transgender patients self-medicating over NHS waits

Transgender patients are choosing to self-medicate with hormones bought online from unregulated sources due to waiting times to see NHS specialists , the BBC has learned .
In many areas , some patients wait over two years to be seen , new figures show .
England 's target time is 18 weeks .
One woman said she was so low it felt like a choice between self-medicating or suicide .
NHS England said it had increased investment to respond to rising demand .
Law student Kara told the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire programme she began buying oestrogen - the hormone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online , to begin her transition .
She has been on an NHS gender identity clinic waiting list now for two years .
She admitted she was `` absolutely petrified '' of the effects it could have on her .
Many of the websites selling hormones are not based in the UK - and often ask users to pay by Bitcoin or bank transfer .
`` I do n't know anything about the tablets [ that I buy ] specifically , if they are what they say they are , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a guessing game with your life . ''
She told the BBC she felt the waiting times had `` forced '' her to make the choice to buy hormones online .
`` I was so low before , it basically felt like a choice between suicide or self-medicating , because I could n't deal with the thought of further masculisation , '' she added .
One expert , Dr Grainne Coakley , from Sheffield 's Gender Identity Clinic , said - with both testosterone and oestrogen tablets - there was an added risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and also a risk of liver problems .
`` If that 's not being monitored by a GP , somebody not having regular blood tests , then they are putting themselves at risk . ''
New figures , from a Freedom of Information request by the Victoria Derbyshire programme , show that in many areas some individuals are waiting over two years to be seen by a specialist , from referral .
Gender identity clinics in Belfast ( 166 weeks ) , Nottinghamshire ( 145 weeks ) and Northumberland ( 127 weeks ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data suggests .
London 's Tavistock clinic was not able to provide accurate figures , but anecdotal evidence points to patients waiting up to two years to be seen .
More than 13,500 transgender and non-binary adults are on waiting lists for NHS gender identity clinics in England , previous BBC research has found .
The Victoria Derbyshire programme bought four testosterone and oestrogen products online , to send to a laboratory for testing .
Only three arrived .
One , a testosterone sample , was supposed to be made up of four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this was not the case , indicating it was a counterfeit product from an unknown source .
Supplying or selling testosterone , a class C drug , is punishable by an unlimited fine or up to 14 years in jail .
But it is not illegal to buy or possess it for personal use , provided it is not brought into the country via the postal system .
Oestrogen is a prescription-only product , but if it is for personal use it can be legally imported without a prescription .
In both cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use prescribed drugs , under the ongoing supervision of a medical expert .
Lucas , who began transitioning six years ago aged 29 , decided to use testosterone bought online after being told he would face a two-and-a-half year wait for a gender identity clinic appointment .
He said he knows of at least one person who has taken their own life due to the `` distressing and dehumanising '' wait to be seen .
Lucas described self-medicating as `` scary and unpleasant '' , and believes the quality of the products was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prescribed .
`` I suspect a few of the doses were effectively nothing , '' For example , I did n't actually start growing any facial hair at all until I moved onto prescribed testosterone . ''
NHS England told the BBC in a statement : `` As more people feel able to seek support and treatment , the demand for gender identity services has greatly increased , and in recent years we 've increased investment to respond to the rising demand , with staff working hard to support patients to get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` From the spring a new service will be piloted in London that will increase capacity in gender identity services . ''
It is understood that a lack of medical professionals wanting to specialise in trans healthcare had also added to wait times , for which a new Royal College of Physicians pathway had been established .
A Scottish government spokesman said long waiting times for patients were `` unacceptable '' , but that health professionals were working hard to reduce them .
He added : `` Gender identity clinics are a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting to be assessed they still have access to a full range of community mental health and well-being services appropriate to their situation and needs . ''
NHS Wales and Belfast NHS Trust have not yet responded to requests for comment .
Follow the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire programme on Facebook and Twitter - and see more of our stories here .

NHS England told the BBC in a statement: "As more people feel able to seek support and treatment, the demand for gender identity services has greatly increased, and in recent years we've increased investment to respond to the rising demand, with staff working hard to support patients to get the right care as quickly as possible.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Lewis Capaldi expected to triumph at the Brits

Lewis Capaldi is expected to take top honours at the Brit Awards on Tuesday , with wins predicted in major categories including best male and best single .
The Scottish star will also perform at the ceremony , after a year in which he scored the best-selling single and album in the UK .
His main competition comes from London-born rapper Dave , whose frank and confessional debut album Psychodrama won last year 's Mercury Prize .
Both artists are up for four awards .
But most pundits agree Capaldi will be rewarded for the success of his breakout song @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multi-platinum sales of his debut album , Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent .
`` I 'm just going to turn up , watch Lewis Capaldi win everything and then go home , '' joked Sam Fender , who 's nominated against Capaldi in the best male category .
Speaking to BBC Radio 1 's Newsbeat , Fender acknowledged he 'd beaten Capaldi in the Critics ' Choice category last year , but said he did n't expect a repeat performance .
`` I think they gave me that award last year because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` They were like 'Oh Lewis Capaldi 's going to win everything next year . '
• Why were n't more women nominated for a Brit Award ?
Capaldi does face stiff competition in almost every category , though .
Two-time Brit Award-winner Stormzy arrives at the Brits after a triumphant 2019 which saw him headline Glastonbury and enter the charts at number two with his second album , Heavy Is The Head .
Notably , his record was released in the same week as the Brits ' academy cast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been prominent in critics ' minds as they selected this year 's winners .
Harry Styles ' second album , Fine Line , was also released to coincide with the voting window and also makes it into the best album shortlist - making him the first member of One Direction to receive that accolade .
But Capaldi 's biggest challenger is Dave - whose thought-provoking record Psychodrama was hailed as `` the boldest and best British rap album in a generation '' by The Guardian .
If he wins album of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will become only the second artist to win both a Brit and Mercury Prize for the same record .
Arctic Monkeys previously did the double with Whatever People Say I Am , That 's What I 'm Not .
In the international categories , Billie Eilish could easily repeat her victory at the Grammys by taking home the best female prize .
The star is also set to give the first performance of her James Bond theme , No Time To Die , accompanied by ex-Smiths ' guitarist Johnny Marr and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scared , because we 've never performed it , ever , '' she told BBC Breakfast .
`` I 'm hitting a note I 've never hit before .
I 'm scared . ''
Other performances on the night will come from Harry Styles , Lizzo , Stormzy , Mabel and Rod Stewart - who 's reuniting with the surviving members of The Faces to close the show .
Soul newcomer Celeste , who won the Brits ' rising star award , will also give her first live TV performance , playing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could rival Adele 's career-changing performance of Someone Like You in 2011 .
The ceremony takes place at London 's O2 Arena , with comedian Jack Whitehall hosting for the third year running .
It will be broadcast live on ITV from 20:00 GMT .
The awards have been criticised for a lack of diversity , with only four women nominated across the four categories open to both male and female artists - best group , best new artist , best song and album of the year .
Two of those nominations go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mabel , while the remaining two , for Miley Cyrus and Normani , are guest vocalists on songs by Mark Ronson and Sam Smith .
Geoff Taylor , chief executive of the Brits , defended the choice of nominees , saying there had been `` a lot of success for male acts in 2019 '' , particularly in the male-dominated grime and hip-hop genres .
`` That is different to 2018 .
We had a really strong showing from female [ nominees ] last year with the same [ gender ] balance in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was all about Dua Lipa , Anne-Marie , Jorja Smith , Florence [ + The Machine ] and Jess Glynne , '' he told Music Week magazine .
`` This year we 've got a strong set of releases from male artists .
When you look at the album of the year nominees , they all released absolutely fantastic records .
`` We have an academy that 's made up equally of men and women , and that academy decided that these were the best releases of this particular year .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided that , creatively , these were the best records .
We have to respect the views of a 50-50 academy , and we have to reflect what 's going on in music . ''
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

If he wins album of the year, the 21-year-old, from Brixton, will become only the second artist to win both a Brit and Mercury Prize for the same record. Arctic Monkeys previously did the double with Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Cambridge University don wrote erotic fiction about students

A Cambridge University academic who was accused of sexual harassment published erotic fiction about students the year complaints were made against him .
Dr Peter Hutchinson quit teaching at Trinity Hall in 2015 following an internal investigation into his conduct .
It has now emerged he self-published a raunchy book centred around a university in the same year .
The don said the book offered a `` progressive '' view of women .
Dr Hutchinson , a former lecturer in modern and medieval languages , had agreed to stop teaching and attending social events in 2015 after facing complaints of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But last year the BBC discovered he had retained some college privileges .
He then resigned in November after more than 1,300 students and alumni signed an open letter protesting that he had been allowed to keep his post .
Now , following an investigation by Tortoise , it has emerged that he published an erotic novel under a pseudonym at the time of the 2015 complaints .
Dr Hutchinson has confirmed he is the author of `` First Time : Ooo-la-la !
`` , which was published under the name `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the story of an `` innocent '' first year student called Peter at a fictitious Oxford college who is found guilty of alleged sexual impropriety after a `` series of erotic adventures '' .
Most of the women students in the book are members of a college sex club called `` The Virgins '' and must sleep with a man - or senior academic - each week to remain in the group .
In the opening of the text , a female student is called a `` brazen hussy '' and others are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in lingerie , suspenders and garter-belts .
It also contains references to bondage , voyeurism and public humiliation .
The front-cover features an image of a woman 's leg in stockings , which Dr Hutchinson confirmed belonged to a former Trinity Hall student .
Dr Hutchinson said that he did not `` see a problem using an unidentifiable photo '' of a student , adding he was not present when it was taken .
Sophie Newbery , 23 , who graduated in German and Russian from Trinity Hall in 2018 , said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' by its contents .
In 2015 , she was one of 10 students who complained that Dr Hutchinson had asked them during a seminar if they had `` ever had any love bites '' and , while discussing the subject of a dominatrix in a book , asked a female student : `` Does that turn you on ? ''
.
Dr Hutchinson said his book had a `` progressive view of women '' who were `` totally liberated '' .
Dr Peter Hutchinson was cleared of criminal charges of sexual assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an ex-student .
The book echoes parts of the court case and gives a fictionalised account of the encounter .
Ellie Pyemont , now 38 , who brought the case , told the BBC she `` recognised '' herself in the pages .
`` It is pathetic that he wrote and self-published this misogynistic , crass and deluded story , '' she said .
`` The significant point is that the person behind this derisory book was in a position of power over young people at Trinity Hall for decades . ''
Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was aware of the book and that its publication had nothing to do with the college .
He said the `` recasting is so broad that it bears no relation to real life '' .
`` It needs to be emphasised that an author rarely thinks the same way as his main character , '' he said .

In 2015, she was one of 10 students who complained that Dr Hutchinson had asked them during a seminar if they had "ever had any love bites" and, while discussing the subject of a dominatrix in a book, asked a female student: "Does that turn you on?".


bbcuk--2020-02-18--In Pictures: Flooding from Storm Dennis

In Pictures: Flooding from Storm Dennis

Severe flood warnings remain in place in the wake of Storm Dennis , with more rain expected to fall later @ @ @ @ @ worst affected areas are South Wales , Herefordshire , Worcestershire and Shropshire .
All photographs @ @ @ @ @ as marked

Severe flood warnings remain in place in the wake of Storm Dennis, with more rain expected to fall later this week. Among the worst affected areas are South Wales, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--British radio antenna arrives at space station

The UK 's first industrial contribution to the International Space Station ( ISS ) was delivered on Tuesday .
The communications antenna is part of a consignment of supplies that arrived on a Cygnus freighter .
Made by MDA UK , the Columbus Ka-band ( COLKa ) Terminal will enable astronauts to connect with scientists and family on Earth at home broadband speeds .
The equipment will be fixed to the exterior of Europe 's ISS science module in a few weeks ' time .
This should improve substantially on current arrangements for radio links .
`` At the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American data relay satellites , but those satellites are prioritised for US use .
This gives Europe some independence , '' David Kenyon , the managing director of Oxfordshire-based MDA UK , told BBC News .
Although Britain was an original signatory to the 1998 treaty that brought the International Space Station into being , the country never got involved in building the platform .
Indeed , it pretty much walked away from the project right at the outset , preferring to spend its civil space budget in other areas of space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the UK signalled a reversal in policy by lodging new funds that year at the European Space Agency 's ( Esa ) Ministerial Council meeting in Naples .
This money not only paved the way for British astronaut Tim Peake to visit the ISS in 2015/16 but it set in motion the industrial opportunity that 's ultimately resulted in the COLKa contribution .
The new fridge-sized terminal will route video , voice and data to the ground through satellites that are actually higher in the sky than the ISS .
On occasions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nodes in the American Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System ( TDRSS ) , but the capacity is now there to go through a European alternative as well .
The European Data Relay System ( EDRS ) only has one satellite operating at the moment but will soon have a second .
This will afford the possibility of tens of minutes of dedicated , high-bandwidth connectivity for the Columbus lab on every 90-minute orbit of the Earth made by the station .
Astronauts are expected to use COLKa to video-call scientists who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make `` welfare '' connections with family and friends on Earth .
Libby Jackson , the human exploration programme manager at the UK Space Agency , said scientists in particular would be delighted with the new connection .
`` The amount of science data that 's been able to come down has been quite limited , '' she told BBC News .
`` Scientists have been having to wait months for all their images , all of the science data to arrive on hard disks - never mind 'dial up speeds ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the old floppy disks to arrive in the post .
This is going to really allow those scientists to get the data in real time . ''
MDA UK assembled the terminal at its facility on the Harwell space campus using components from Italy , Canada , Norway , Belgium , France , and Germany .
Britain lodged further funds at the most recent Esa Ministerial Council in Seville , Spain , so that its home industry could be involved in the construction of the forthcoming lunar space station .
Known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support astronauts on the Moon 's surface .
The UK is once again seeking a communications role for its companies .
An ISS robotic arm captured the Cygnus freighter at 09:05 GMT , prior to the manoeuvre that would pull the vehicle into a berthing position .
COLKa will be stored aboard the platform for a few weeks before being bolted to the exterior of Columbus in a spacewalk .
Jonathan.Amos-INTERNET @ bbc.co.uk and follow me on Twitter : @ BBCAmos

"Scientists have been having to wait months for all their images, all of the science data to arrive on hard disks - never mind 'dial up speeds'. It's sort of like waiting for the old floppy disks to arrive in the post. This is going to really allow those scientists to get the data in real time."


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Baby photos: Should Bounty be allowed to snap newborns?

Mothers-to-be can be served up an overwhelming amount of information and advice prior to giving birth .
What many are not told about , however , is they could get a visit from a professional photographer while on the maternity ward recovering from delivery .
The service is offered at more than 150 UK hospitals by pregnancy firm Bounty , which , as well as selling the photos , distributes free samples and vouchers to new parents in packs given out at maternity appointments , baby sale events and through its apps .
The company , which was formed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vast majority of new mothers expected and welcomed a hospital visit from its reps .
But some claimed the presence of Bounty staff was intrusive and have questioned whether a postnatal ward was an appropriate place for a money-making service .
Sarah Jackson White , 37 , from Glossop in Derbyshire , was visited by a Bounty photographer at Tameside General Hospital in October .
She said she felt the company should not be allowed to canvass for business from new mothers in maternity wards .
`` I felt pressurised into having a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already had one booked for the following week , '' she said .
`` Of course when the lady showed us the preview clip , we felt overwhelmed and bought the whole package .
`` Looking at the photos now , I would n't have bought them if I was n't so emotional .
I 've never even displayed one . ''
' I was trying to breastfeed' Rebecca Corcoran , 32 , from Burgess Hill in West Sussex , said she was approached twice by a Bounty representative after giving birth at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in June 2018 .
`` Bounty came to me on the second day I was there but I refused as my daughter was unwell , '' she said .
`` The lady came back on the fourth day .
I had the curtains shut and was trying to breastfeed my daughter who was still unwell .
`` She opened the curtains and just said , ' I 'm blah-blah from Bounty and we wo n't be here over the weekend so I have to take pictures now ' .
`` With everything going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never bought the pictures - I had my own done when at home .
`` I felt uncomfortable and my privacy invaded and pretty stressed .
`` I am pregnant now and I do not want Bounty to visit me when I 'm in hospital because I wo n't be so quiet this time . ''
But not all new mothers have found it a negative experience .
Demi-Louise Pashley , 25 , from Tibshelf in Derbyshire , gave birth at King 's Mill Hospital in Mansfield in March 2016 and October last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be photographed by Bounty on both occasions .
`` With my first child , although I was in need of a lot of care afterwards , it was lovely to have someone come and fuss over you and your baby , '' she said .
`` Although I felt awful , I wanted my baby 's photos taken for that amazing keepsake and memories of those first few moments .
`` We bought a large pack but knew the expense would be worth it to have those pictures to treasure .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If people believe strongly it 's something they are being pressured into , then possibly there should some sort of opt-out form when women are completing their birth plans . ''
Kelly Williams , 37 , from Ripley in Derbyshire , was 16 when she and her first child were snapped by a Bounty photographer at the City Hospital in Derby , in March 1999 .
She said : `` I was approached by a midwife first who asked me if the Bounty photographer could pop on to the bay I was sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was very tired so asked if she could pop back the following day , which she agreed .
`` The photographer was very kind and approachable .
I was never pressured into anything .
`` She sat with me and to be honest it was nice to have someone to chat with , especially being a young mum .
`` I think pictures are important and I hope Bounty continues to take time to go on to wards , to capture these moments for women .
`` If you do n't want them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as simple as that . ''
Why do hospitals allow Bounty in ?
NHS England said it had no national agreement `` of any kind '' with Bounty and any deal to allow the firm into postnatal wards would have been agreed with individual hospital trusts .
One of these is the University of Leicester NHS Trust , which revealed at a recent health scrutiny meeting that it earned £5,647 in the first six months of 2019 from allowing Bounty into its two hospitals .
Strategic director Mark Wightman said a fee was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a percentage of the profits made from photography sales was also paid to the trust , with both contracts periodically reviewed .
Elaine Broughton , the trust 's head of midwifery and nursing , said money made was used to replace equipment on the wards .
But Leicester city councillor and mother-of-two Melissa March said the trust 's contract with Bounty made her feel `` really uncomfortable '' .
Speaking at the meeting , she said : `` If it were any other kind of post-surgery or recovery ward and photographers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and your child and the hospital was receiving remuneration for that , it does feel deeply intrusive .
`` It 's the most vulnerable you might ever feel , I could n't get out of bed .
`` Also , sometimes you 've been awake for five days straight , you do n't know what on earth to do with this tiny human you 've just had and then someone comes in to take photographs . ''
In 2018 , Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust introduced an opt-out card to allow mothers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone from Bounty while on a maternity ward .
The trust said the scheme had proved to be `` a great success '' and was still in operation two years later .
And questions had been asked about the arrangement before .
In 2013 parenting forum Mumsnet called for Bounty 's sales reps to be banned from NHS maternity wards , criticising the firm 's `` harassment tactics '' .
What does Bounty say ?
Bounty 's website pointed out the photo opportunity was the only `` sales '' part of its representatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new mums they saw opted to have the portraits taken .
The firm told the BBC great care was taken by its representatives when they were allowed on to postnatal wards .
A spokesperson said : `` Bounty fully supports and acknowledges the need to respect the privacy and dignity of families on the maternity ward .
`` We are committed to ensuring every mum we meet in hospital experiences an excellent bedside service from our staff .
`` Research shows that the vast majority of new mothers enjoy , expect and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been meeting mums in hospitals for over 60 years , providing essential support and information to generations of new parents .
`` We work closely with the NHS to ensure our services are offered on the basis of choice and that they comply with the standards required by our hospital partners . ''
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Speaking at the meeting, she said: "If it were any other kind of post-surgery or recovery ward and photographers were coming in and taking photos of you and your child and the hospital was receiving remuneration for that, it does feel deeply intrusive.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--New Bond stamps showcase 007

New Bond stamps showcase 007

George Lazenby played James Bond in On Her Majesty ’ s Secret Service back in 1969 .
George is the @ @ @ @ @ just once - in this film - before quitting the famous franchise .
According to @ @ @ @ @ Sean Connery was offered $ 1 million to make the sixth film of the series @ @ @ @ @ is the youngest actor to portray 007 .
He was 29 years old at the @ @ @ @ @ wanted to do most of his own stunts , but the studio would n't let @ @ @ @ @ the stunt scenes , Lazenby broke his arm , delaying the filming of many of @ @ @ @

Image caption,
George Lazenby played James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service back in 1969. George is the only actor to play Bond just once - in this film - before quitting the famous franchise. According to reports at the time, Sean Connery was offered $1 million to make the sixth film of the series but declined. George Lazenby is the youngest actor to portray 007. He was 29 years old at the time of filming. He wanted to do most of his own stunts, but the studio wouldn't let him. During one of the stunt scenes, Lazenby broke his arm, delaying the filming of many of his later scenes.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Football gambling links 'gone too far', ex-FA boss says

Former FA chief executive Mark Palios says football needs to `` wean '' itself off gambling sponsorship .
He told BBC Radio 4 's File on 4 programme football 's links with the betting industry had gone `` too far '' .
Mr Palios , who chairs Tranmere Rovers FC , said he would not accept gambling sponsorship and had rejected an offer from a major betting company last year .
The English Football League said football and the gambling industry worked together responsibly .
A spokesman said : `` The EFL itself continues to have a successful relationship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , properly regulated bookmaker , recognise the importance of having the right safeguards in place.
`` Any marketing of the partnership promoted best practice and protected minors and the vulnerable , he added .
The Premier League said it did not have a central gambling partner and sponsorship deals were up to individual clubs .
In the top two tiers of English football , nearly 60 % of clubs are signed up to sponsorship agreements with gambling companies .
Mr Palios said the offer he had rejected had included a plan to place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a family club that 's firmly rooted in the community and from our perspective it 's the wrong thing to do to get associated with the gambling industry , '' he said .
`` We ca n't change the bigger picture in terms of the football industry being involved to the extent it is but from a personal perspective that 's what we do .
`` Football has to wean itself off the position it is in at the moment - and that 's the best verb I can use .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Mr Palios played as a midfielder for Tranmere Rovers for nine years and Crewe Alexandra for three years .
He was made chief executive of the Football Association in July 2003 .
But he resigned in August 2004 , following newspaper allegations concerning the then England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson 's affair with former FA secretary Faria Alam .
Ten years later , he took a controlling interest in Tranmere Rovers and became chief executive .
Mr Palios also revealed an employee had stolen from the club to feed their gambling addiction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players there with gambling problems .
He said the demographic of a football club was `` particularly appealing '' to gambling operators .
Mr Palios also highlighted a report suggesting most of the betting shops in Wirral - where EFL League One team Tranmere are based - were in the poorest areas , where people spent more than twice as much on gambling as those in the richest areas .
`` I see gambling as something that is pernicious .
People get hooked into it and it is a hidden addiction , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stealing from their employers as we 've seen and it destroys relationships and fundamentally damages family units and family units are a massive part of the community . ''
The Betting and Gaming Council , which represents most bookmakers in the UK , said it was `` considering '' a voluntary ban on football shirt sponsorship and pitch-side advertising .
And last month , the Gambling Commission , the industry regulator , said it was investigating a deal in which FA Cup matches had been shown live via seven betting sites if potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The FA said : `` We made a clear decision on the FA 's relationship with gambling companies , in June 2017 , when we ended our partnership with Ladbrokes .
`` The leagues and clubs govern their own relationships with gambling companies . ''
File on 4 's Fair Game ?
: The Secrets of Football Betting is on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday 18 February at 20:00 and available afterwards on BBC Sounds .

Mr Palios also highlighted a report suggesting most of the betting shops in Wirral - where EFL League One team Tranmere are based - were in the poorest areas, where people spent more than twice as much on gambling as those in the richest areas.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Brit Awards 2020: Behind-the-scenes of an after-party

It 's one of the biggest parties after one of the biggest award shows in music .
The Brits Awards after-party hosted by record label Universal has , unsurprisingly , hosted some major names - from Taylor Swift and Ellie Goulding to Katy Perry and Lewis Capaldi .
This year the likes of Billie Eilish , Sam Fender and Celeste will be in attendance .
But how do you plan a memorable party for celebrities who are regular partygoers ?
Claire Haffenden and Ashton Attzs - the brains behind this year 's Universal party - are the people who know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chatting to them .
Like any party worth attending , you can imagine there are some basics - a venue to start with , as well as food , drink and music .
`` And a fantastic guest list , '' says Claire , the director of artist relations and events at Universal Music UK .
`` It 's not complicated ! ''
But with so many stellar stars attending , surely there has to be something special ?
Claire 's party trick is visual artist Ashton Attzs , whose artwork has inspired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lighting to handwritten invites , table cards and even the car park passes , Claire says everything goes through Ashton 's artwork .
`` We 've tried to create an invite which has a real sense of excitement from the moment you open it .
There 's a limited edition special postcard inside which is a lovely keepsake too , '' says Claire .
With the likes of Billie Eilish taking home these special prints , it 's a proud moment for Ashton , who 's non-binary and uses the pronouns them/they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and I 'm honestly over the moon .
I have to pinch myself every day , '' they say .
Ashton says they designed two pieces , called turnheads and turntables , as part of a celebration of uniqueness .
`` I take iconic symbols linked to Universal , like the vinyl , and I celebrate individual artists ' diversity .
But ultimately , it 's just a celebration of music and the individual . ''
They say colour is the `` driving force '' behind their work .
`` I like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dynamic and make people feel joyful . ''
The setpiece this year will be an immersive photographic room - where you can be in the artwork .
`` You literally immerse yourself in the arts and you 're one of the characters .
So it creates magic moments of people having great fun and celebrating , '' says Claire .
And whilst you might expect A-List parties to have VIP areas - this one wo n't .
Claire says instead of people wondering `` what 's behind there ?
`` , everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - which is why they 're able to let their hair down '' .
`` We want a friends and family celebration , and if you can stay true to that , the magic will happen with the people and the music . ''
In a place full of the best musicians , getting the music right is obviously pretty important .
`` It 's the music and people that make a great party .
We 've got great DJs that we work with and the artists . ''
Claire 's favourite moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control of the music .
`` One year we had Ellie Goulding and Katy Perry DJ , and the room erupted .
`` And I think that 's what makes it unique - it 's a celebration . ''
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

Claire says instead of people wondering "what's behind there?", everyone is together and "having a ball - which is why they're able to let their hair down".


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Steve Coogan: We ignore the imbalance between rich and poor

Having spent a lot of time in Greece lately - filming his new movie Greed , and the final series of The Trip - Steve Coogan is in a suitably philosophical mood .
Reflecting on capitalism and his own career ( from inside a fancy London hotel ) he 's poised like Pericles and ready to `` point the finger '' at the retail industry .
`` I think Plato said , 'If you have no enemies , then you have no real friends ' , '' the actor muses .
`` Because I do different things I suppose I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] one person , so I can afford to annoy some people along the way . ''
In Greed , Coogan and director Michael Winterbottom target billionaire bosses of multinational companies , who he says are turning over `` massive profits '' while factories they use in developing nations like Sri Lanka pay their workers around £3 a day .
`` That 's not a secret , '' says Coogan .
`` But nobody talks about it .
`` Nothing we 're saying in the movie is anything that is n't a matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do is shine a light on that . ''
In an era when formerly `` fringe '' or `` eccentric '' issues like gender politics and environmental concerns are now part of the `` national conversation '' , the 54-year-old sees such `` exploitation '' as a still-unspoken truth .
`` It was n't like we woke up one morning and started recycling .
It happens gradually and the conversation becomes louder , so it becomes something you might disagree with but you ca n't ignore .
`` Right now , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the huge imbalance between the rich and the poor , because it 's the elephant in the room and it 's awkward to talk about it . ''
Greed is just one letter away from Green , and although Coogan 's character Sir Richard McCreadie is fictional , though loosely-based on the controversial entrepreneur Sir Philip Green , Coogan says the film `` is not a direct attack on him '' .
Green , the Monaco-based Arcadia Group chairman , has been accused of tax avoidance and was quizzed on his role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which owns Topshop , has denied using sweatshops and expressed disappointment when it `` found a supplier had clearly breached our strict code of conduct '' .
The company has not responded to the BBC 's request for comment about the release of Greed .
• Sir Philip Green : From 'king of the High Street ' to 'unacceptable face of capitalism '' There are many people who make their money by exploiting people , '' opines Coogan .
`` Most of them behave discreetly and they do n't want to draw attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] the reverse .
For a long time he was like , 'Check me out , see how successful I am .
Look at my money .
Look at my parties .
Look at my friends ' .
`` Because he 's a charismatic figure , it was a good basis on which to develop this movie idea . ''
Coogan hopes the character will make audiences think twice about the price of fast fashion , `` wince '' and laugh in equal measure .
`` Even though he 's horrible to people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phrase , so you go along for the ride and that 's important , '' he stresses .
`` If it 's just obnoxious , reprehensible behaviour then you 're not going to stick around too long . ''
As the creator of one of the country 's most cherished obnoxious comedy characters , Alan Partridge , Coogan is not exactly short of a bob or two himself , and he was n't adverse to the high life either .
`` I used to be a party animal , but not for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More recently , the TV funny man has collected Bafta awards and Oscar nominations for more serious roles in Philomena and Stan & Ollie .
He 's also rallied on behalf of the Labour party and the BBC - which he describes as `` second only to the NHS in its cultural importance to this country '' - as well as against the covert activities of some factions of the British tabloid press .
Coogan gave evidence to the Leveson inquiry after having had his phone hacked , and was ultimately awarded six-figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which features Isla Fisher , David Mitchell and a cameo from the late Caroline Flack , McGreadie appears before a similar panel , to explain his dodgy off-shore dealings and work practices .
The story then centres around a decadent star-studded birthday party thrown on the Greek island of Mykonos to help repair his reputation .
It 's similar to one thrown by Green in real life , but with an added asylum seeker side-story , gladiator metaphors , and , oh , a lion .
`` I suppose you could relate it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call to arms , '' declares Coogan , before launching into an ( almost ) word-perfect last stanza from the Romantic poet 's Masque of Anarchy .
`` 'Rise , like lions after slumber / In unvanquishable number ' ... What is it ?
, 'Free your chains to earth like dew / Which in sleep were placed you : Ye are many - they are few . '
'' `` I 'm assuming that Michael [ Winterbottom , the director ] used the metaphor that way , '' he laughs .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ! ''
Promotional interviews aside , Coogan explains , he wo n't be `` grandstanding '' on the topics tackled in the movie - a la Joaquin Phoenix at the Oscars and Baftas - as `` the film does that for us '' .
The actor and director team have worked together for decades , on films like 24 Hour Party People ( speaking of parties ) and the popular naturalistic TV sitcom , The Trip .
Coogan and Rob Brydon play exaggerated versions of themselves in the apparent mockumentary road trip series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , Italy , Spain and now on to Greece next month , for what he admits could be the last time .
`` I was n't entirely sure it was the last one , '' he hesitates .
`` I felt like it might be and probably really should be .
But then it started to feel like it had a finality .
`` I think Michael secretly already knew it was going to be the last one .
`` So it was sad .
I 'm sure in a few years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about our trips , but when you 're in the middle of it you 're just in the moment . ''
The Middletonian admits he has n't actually watched every episode but enjoys how the `` half-fictional/half-real '' nature of the show gives it a deeper personal `` resonance '' .
`` It 's more like looking through a box of old photographs . ''
It also affords him `` licence '' to say things he `` would n't say in reality , even though I might think them '' .
`` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , thinking ; 'If I said this in reality , I 'd just think I was a complete ass ! '
`` We take a kernel of truth and grow something that 's distorted from it . ''
As well as The Trip , Coogan will reprise his role as Alan in an upcoming travelogue TV series ( which helped get him to escape a driving ban last year ) and a second series of This Time .
The TV sitcom brought the infamous broadcaster back and dragged him into the modern post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fashion .
`` It 's far better to deal with that stuff than to not deal with it , '' says Coogan , who will tackle sexual politics further in a forthcoming new Channel 4 comedy , Chivalry , with Sarah Solemani .
`` Sometimes the best way to talk about things is through a fictional comic narrative because it lets you off the hook to talk about it more freely . ''
Partridge once boasted of his `` basic grasp of Latin '' , not Greek , but like Plato , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time out , he found himself embroiled with Irish rebel singers , live on the BBC .
`` I 'm half British and half Irish and that 's where they bumped into each other . ''
Greed is out on 21 February Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"Most of them behave discreetly and they don't want to draw attention to themselves, but he [Green] is the reverse. For a long time he was like, 'Check me out, see how successful I am. Look at my money. Look at my parties. Look at my friends'.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Billie Eilish on Bond and online bullying

The new James Bond theme No Time to Die only took three days to write , Billie Eilish and her @ @ @ @ @ have said .
In an exclusive interview with BBC Breakfast , they spoke about the @ @ @ @ @ social media .

The new James Bond theme No Time to Die only took three days to write, Billie Eilish and her producer and brother Finneas O'Connell have said.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Breakfast, they spoke about the song and their experiences with social media.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Coronavirus cruise quarantine passengers 'in the dark'

Britons Sally and David Abel have been in quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off Japan since 3 February @ @ @ @ @ earlier today , David announced they had both tested positive for coronavirus and were being @ @ @ @ @ he later stated that they were being taken to a hostel .
Speaking to BBC @ @ @ @ @ Abel criticised the government 's response .

Britons Sally and David Abel have been in quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off Japan since 3 February.
In a Facebook post earlier today, David announced they had both tested positive for coronavirus and were being taken to hospital. But he later stated that they were being taken to a hostel.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, their son Steve Abel criticised the government's response.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Julian Assange: Father fears 'worried' son's extradition

The father of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has told the BBC his son would face what is effectively a `` @ @ @ @ @ sent to the United States to face trial .
In an interview with Victoria Derbyshire @ @ @ @ @ over his son 's health ahead of a controversial extradition hearing starting next week , @ @ @ @ @ ceaseless anxiety '' .
The US wants the founder of the Wikileaks website to face @ @ @ @ @ and breaches of the Espionage Act .
While it is not thought he could face @ @ @ @ @ charges could - in theory - result in a 170-year prison sentence .
Watch the @ @ @ @ @ Two and BBC News Channel , 10:00 to 11:00 GMT - and see more of @ @ @ @

The father of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has told the BBC his son would face what is effectively a "death sentence" were he sent to the United States to face trial.
In an interview with Victoria Derbyshire, John Shipton raised concerns over his son's health ahead of a controversial extradition hearing starting next week, saying Assange had felt "ceaseless anxiety".
The US wants the founder of the Wikileaks website to face 18 charges of attempted hacking and breaches of the Espionage Act.
While it is not thought he could face the death penalty, the charges could - in theory - result in a 170-year prison sentence.
Watch the Victoria Derbyshire programme on BBC Two and BBC News Channel, 10:00 to 11:00 GMT - and see more of our stories here.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Newspaper headlines: Brexit trade speech and No 10 adviser resigns

Many of Tuesday 's newspapers continue to focus on the flooding caused by Storm Dennis , which an expert tells the Daily Mirror now represents a `` national emergency '' .
Angela Terry , an environmental scientist , says the response so far - including sending in the army to fill sandbags - amounts to a `` sticking plaster '' .
`` Where the floody hell is Boris ? ''
the Sun asks .
`` The prime minister is in danger of misjudging the public mood , '' its leader column says .
`` Whole communities are under water for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson is nowhere to be seen . ''
The Daily Mail says a `` No 10 source '' has told it that the prime minister is concerned that if he took part in a `` PR stunt '' in a flood-hit area , he would just `` get in the way '' .
The Mail 's editorial gives that excuse short shrift .
`` Get your feet wet , Boris , '' it says .
According to the Daily Telegraph , the UK should get used to the current scenes of inundated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers are to announce a `` radical policy shift '' which will see the Environment Agency consider flooding an inevitable part of climate change .
Instead of spending millions on `` limitlessly high walls '' and barriers , the government will instead help people rebuild water-damaged homes or move away from flood-risk areas .
The former environment minister , Owen Paterson , tells the Telegraph that is a `` cop out . ''
Meanwhile , the Times says Boris Johnson is at odds with senior Downing Street advisers , including Dominic Cummings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fee and replace it with a voluntary subscription .
On Sunday , it was reported that Downing Street wanted to `` whack '' the corporation .
But the Times says it 's been told by an ally of Mr Johnson that he 's `` not as gung-ho on the licence fee as Dom '' , adding : `` With the PM it 's more reform than revolution '' .
Many of the papers digest the resignation of the Downing Street adviser and self-styled `` super-forecaster '' Andrew Sabisky , following criticism of alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race The Daily Mail says the 28-year-old had been one of the first to respond to an appeal from Dominic Cummings - the prime minister 's most powerful aide - for `` weirdos and misfits '' .
The Daily Telegraph calls it an `` embarrassing setback '' for Mr Cummings - a man whose `` abrasive approach '' to government , the Guardian suggests , is causing `` consternation '' among some Tories .
The Daily Express leads on what it says is the Queen 's `` sorrow '' over the divorce of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Serena .
The paper says it 's a particularly `` bitter blow '' coming as it does just a week after the Queen 's grandson , Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn , announced their separation .
Meanwhile , several of the papers reflect on the Amazon boss , Jeff Bezos , announcing he will give $ 10bn ( £7.7bn ) to fighting climate change .
The Times notes that it follows previous criticism of Mr Bezos for focusing on spending his wealth on grand projects - such as a £42m giant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years in a cave in Texas .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning '' What is the point of saving ? ''
is the Daily Mail 's headline , as it reports that National Savings and Investments has `` slashed '' interest rates to `` rock-bottom '' levels , and cut its prizes .
Instead of trying to reverse the `` race to the bottom '' savers face , the Mail says , the government is `` joining it '' .
Its editorial urges the new Chancellor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' by overturning the cuts in the forthcoming budget .
According to the Times , Mr Sunak could have other priorities , as it reports he and the prime minister are considering cutting pension tax relief for higher earners .
It says the Treasury has drawn up plans to reduce it from 40 to 20 per cent , a move that would raise £10bn a year .
Currently , the wealthy get more relief than lower earners .
`` If that 's levelling up then I 'm a flying pig , '' a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Financial Times covers the collapse of Laundrapp , which - it says - was originally conceived of as the `` Uber of dry cleaning . ''
One of the City 's best known investors , Michael Spencer , is among those the FT says has been `` taken to the cleaners . ''
He tells the paper losing the millions he put in had been a `` nasty sting '' but `` that 's entrepreneurship '' .
Finally , flying pigs may be notable by their absence but , the Guardian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be becoming increasingly common .
It says they , along with mosses and lichens , appear to be bucking the trend of UK wildlife loss .
The data has been gathered through observations by the general public - a demonstration that researchers say illustrates the power of `` citizen science '' and proves that `` anyone can contribute to impactful research '' .

The Daily Mail says a "No 10 source" has told it that the prime minister is concerned that if he took part in a "PR stunt" in a flood-hit area, he would just "get in the way".


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Unemployment in Scotland falls by 14,000 to 96,000

Scottish unemployment fell by 14,000 to 96,000 in the three months to December , according to official figures .
The unemployment rate for people aged 16 and over now stands at 3.5 % , compared with 3.8 % for the UK as a whole .
Meanwhile , the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) said the number of people aged 16 and over in employment rose by 37,000 , to stand at 2,680,000 .
Scotland 's employment rate of 75 % was below the UK figure of 76.5 % .
The increase in employment came as average weekly wages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels for the first time since March 2008 .
Weekly pay reached £511 in the three months to December - the last time they were this high , after adjusting for inflation , was before the downturn .
Excluding bonuses , earnings grew at an annual rate of 3.2 % in the three-month period .
ONS deputy head of labour market statistics Myrto Miltiadou said : `` In real terms , regular earnings have finally risen above the level seen in early 2008 , but pay including bonuses is still below its pre-downturn @ @ @

Weekly pay reached £511 in the three months to December - the last time they were this high, after adjusting for inflation, was before the downturn.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Wrightbus parent company gave church £1.35m despite crisis

The parent company of Wrightbus made a £1.35m donation to a religious charity when the County Antrim bus builder was in deep financial trouble , the BBC 's Spotlight can reveal .
Wrightbus went into administration in September 2019 owing creditors £58m .
In January 2019 its parent firm Cornerstone made the donation to Green Pastures Church .
Jeff Wright was the controlling shareholder of Cornerstone and a director of the church .
A corporate governance expert told Spotlight that for the donation to be made at that time `` raises a conflict of interest which would be very , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former director-general of the Welsh Audit Commission , said the money paid out in the donation could have been made available to Wrightbus to help it restructure .
In a statement , Jeff Wright said the business failed because it experienced `` a sudden and unexpected drop-off in orders '' .
The wider Wright family said they had acted appropriately and lawfully at all times .
Cornerstone made a series of large donations to Green Pastures , mostly at a time when the wider Wrights Group was doing well .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pre-tax loss of £13.6m .
The Spotlight programme also looks at other transactions in the run-up to the administration that raise questions about how the business was being run .
Wrightbus was bought out of administration in October last year by the English industrialist Jo Bamford .
He has been on a recruitment drive since completing that deal and the factory now employs 400 people .
You can watch Spotlight on BBC One Northern Ireland at 22:35 on Tuesday or watch it on the BBC iPlayer after broadcast .

Clive Grace, a former director-general of the Welsh Audit Commission, said the money paid out in the donation could have been made available to Wrightbus to help it restructure.


bbcuk--2020-02-18--Storm Dennis: Flood hits drinking water supply in Monmouth

Drinking water supplies have been hit after Storm Dennis flooded a treatment works , Welsh Water has said .
It asked people in Monmouth to reduce their usage and has bottled water in case reserves run out before it can restore the supply .
There are two severe flood warnings - meaning a danger to life - and the River Wye has reached a record high .
Homes were evacuated on Monday and water levels at Monmouth reached 7.15m ( 23ft ) by 08:30 GMT on Tuesday .
Because of what it calls `` unprecedented flooding '' , Welsh Water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its treatment works in Mayhill .
It has flooded and there is no power at the site .
`` As a result , we have limited storage of drinking water until we 're able to access and restart the treatment works , '' a spokesman said .
`` We are therefore asking customers in Monmouth town , Osbaston , Wyesham , Manson , Overmonnow , The Kymin and Kings Fee to reduce their water use until further notice . ''
It has been using tankers , but the spokesman added : `` However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we are having trouble getting the lorries into Monmouth itself . ''
The last recorded highest level of the River Wye was in 2002 when it peaked at 6.48m ( 21ft ) .
More rain is forecast with a Met Office yellow warning issued for Wednesday and Thursday .
Disruption continued on Tuesday and more rain is forecast with a Met Office yellow warning for Wednesday and Thursday .
Monmouthshire council has set up an evacuation centre at the Shire Hall in Monmouth for residents .
Mariana Robinson , whose home looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said she could see homes , businesses and the rail line under water .
`` I have been here 35 years and I have never seen so much water in that valley . ''
Gwent Police urged motorists not to attempt to drive on the closed A40 between Monmouth and Ross on Wye , saying it was `` too dangerous to pass '' .
Council officials warned pedestrians against trying to cross the A40 carriageway in Monmouth due to a flooded underpass , saying it was `` incredibly dangerous '' .
Rail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third day of significant disruption .
Transport for Wales ( TfW ) said there had been significant damage to the network and urged people to check before they travel .
Customer delivery director Bethan Jelfs said : `` It is inevitable that some services on Tuesday morning will be subject to disruption which will result in delays and cancellations .
`` Where trains are cancelled or terminating short of destination , every effort will be made to provide a rail replacement bus service wherever possible .
`` Some roads are also subject to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and related damage , and journeys may take significantly longer than is usual on many routes . ''
A major incident was declared in south Wales on Sunday following landslips and unprecedented flooding .
Elsewhere in Wales , residents are continuing the clean-up after the storm led to widespread flooding and disruption .
One woman has died after being swept away in floods in Worcestershire , and Herefordshire and Shropshire have also been hit by flooding .
• What should I do if I 'm hit by flooding ?
Student Ellie Wyatt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Monmouthshire , has been flooded , said losing sentimental items was the hardest .
Her parents ' wedding photos have been damaged along with her grandfather 's journals and newspapers from the time she was born .
`` That was really quite heartbreaking losing those things , '' she said .
Labour First Minister Mark Drakeford has accused Plaid Cymru of trying to make `` political capital out of misery '' after leader Adam Price said the flooding raised `` serious questions '' over the Welsh Government 's ability to respond to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All lines north of Pontypridd ( including Aberdare , Merthyr and Treherbert ) are closed • Aberdare : Likely to be closed for a number of days , rail replacement bus service in place • Treherbert : Likely to remain closed on Tuesday , rail replacement bus service in place • Ebbw Vale : Line closed following a landslip but may reopen on Tuesday afternoon • Newport - Hereford : Line currently closed , services on the Marches line will be replaced by a rail replacement bus service due to flooding • Heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen on Tuesday afternoon • Conwy Valley : Line closed , a rail replacement bus service will operate between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog until further notice • Cambrian Line : Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth will remain closed on Tuesday with a rail replacement bus service in place .
Line may reopen later • The Cambrian Coastline : Machynlleth - Pwllheli will remain closed on Tuesday with rail replacement bus service in place but may reopen later Up to 100mm ( 3.9in ) of rain could fall in north Wales and 60mm ( 2.3in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , the Met Office has said .
The affected local authority areas are Blaenau Gwent , Bridgend , Caerphilly , Cardiff , Carmarthenshire , Ceredigion , Conwy , Denbighshire , Gwynedd , Merthyr Tydfil , Monmouthshire , Neath Port Talbot , Newport , Powys , Rhondda Cynon Taff , Swansea , Torfaen , Vale of Glamorgan and Wrexham .
There are two severe flood warnings - meaning a danger to life - for the River Wye in Monmouth and three flood warnings - meaning immediate action is needed - on the River @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lower Dee Valley between Llangollen and Wrexham .
How have you been affected by Storm Dennis ?
Tell us your story by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

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bbcuk--2020-02-18--Immigration: No visas for low-skilled workers, government says

Low-skilled workers would not get visas under post-Brexit immigration plans unveiled by the government .
It is urging employers to `` move away '' from relying on `` cheap labour '' from Europe and invest in retaining staff and developing automation technology .
The Home Office said EU and non-EU citizens coming to the UK would be treated equally after UK-EU free movement ends on 31 December .
Labour said the `` hostile environment '' will make it hard to attract workers .
But Home Secretary Priti Patel said the new system would mean `` the brightest and the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Kingdom '' .
• How has immigration changed in your area ?
The government , which said it was aiming to reduce overall migration to the UK , wants a `` points-based '' immigration system - as it promised in its election manifesto .
Under the scheme , overseas workers who wanted to come to the UK would have to speak English and have the offer of a skilled job with an `` approved sponsor '' .
They would be awarded 50 points if they fulfil these criteria .
In total , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be able to work in the UK , with points also being awarded for qualifications , the salary on offer and working in a sector with shortages .
But the government said it would not introduce a route for lower-skilled workers , urging businesses to `` adapt and adjust '' to the end of free movement between EU countries and the UK .
`` It is important employers move away from a reliance on the UK 's immigration system as an alternative to investment in staff retention , productivity and wider investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Instead , it said the 3.2 million EU citizens who have applied to continue staying in the UK could help meet labour market demands .
The government also pointed to a quadrupling of the scheme for seasonal workers in agriculture to 10,000 , as well as `` youth mobility arrangements '' , which allow 20,000 young people to come to the UK each year .
While the CBI welcomed some of the proposals , it said some firms would be `` left wondering how they will recruit the people needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lobby group 's director general , Carolyn Fairbairn , said : `` Firms know that hiring from overseas and investing in the skills of their workforce and new technologies is not an 'either or ' choice - both are needed to drive the economy forward . ''
The UK Homecare Association described the lack of provision for low-paid workers in the proposals as `` irresponsible '' , with a spokesman saying they were `` dismayed '' by the government 's decision .
`` Cutting off the supply of prospective care workers under a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more people waiting unnecessarily in hospital or going without care , '' they added .
The government 's proposed immigration system represents a balancing act - broadening the base of skilled labour while restricting the flow of those seeking lower-skilled jobs .
People wanting to come to the UK from outside the EU will find rules are being relaxed , such as scrapping the cap on skilled workers or the drop in minimum salary .
But for EU migrants who are used to moving freely between Britain and the continent , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shock .
Visitors can come for six months without a visa , but they wo n't be able to work , those with skills must have a job offer and clear the 70 points hurdle , and there 'll be no work permits for migrants prepared to do menial jobs in restaurants , hotels , care homes and food processing plants .
There is some flexibility in the new structure .
But the question is , will it be enough to prevent labour shortages and companies taking their business elsewhere ?
Following recommendations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , the salary threshold for skilled workers wanting to come to the UK would be lowered from £30,000 to £25,600 .
The independent advisory body argued that lowering the threshold would help recruit teachers and skilled NHS staff .
Unlike the current system , applicants would also be able to trade points .
Those earning less than £25,600 , but more than £20,480 , could still apply for visas if they had a job in a `` specific shortage occupation '' or a PhD relevant to the job .
A list of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the MAC , the government said .
Jobs currently on the MAC 's Shortage Occupation List include civil engineers , medical practitioners , nurses , psychologists and classical ballet dancers .
Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said the salary threshold system would `` need to have so many exemptions , for the NHS , for social care and many parts of the private sector , that it will be meaningless '' .
She added : `` Ultimately , it will also be very difficult to attract the workers we need at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment is in place .
It needs to go . ''
Under the new plan , there would no longer be an overall cap on the number of skilled workers who could come into the UK - one of the areas praised by the CBI .
Following recommendations from MAC , the definition of skilled workers would also be expanded to include those educated at A-level , not just at graduate level , as was previously the case .
But waiting staff roles would be removed from the list of skilled occupations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plasterers and childminders .
To study in the UK , overseas students would need the offer of a place at an educational institution , have to know English , and be able to show they can support themselves .
Changes to the system would be implemented through an immigration bill needing approval from MPs and peers to come into force .
Shadow immigration minister Bell Ribeiro-Addy told the BBC 's Newsnight : `` I feel like people have been duped a bit .
We were told this was an Australian style points-based system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to encourage migration across sectors .
I know that they do n't want to do that , but why are you calling it one thing when it 's another ? ''
Liberal Democrat home affairs spokeswoman Christine Jardine said the proposals were based on `` xenophobia '' .
The SNP 's immigration spokesman , Stuart McDonald called them a `` half-finished and disastrous one-size-fits-no-one policy '' .
Are you an employer affected by any of the issues raised here ?
You can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms of use and privacy policy

Even if it is classed as a skilled job - and even that is in doubt, as many workers do not come via an A-level route - the pay at under £20,000 on average is too low to qualify for any points. Nor is the role classed a shortage occupation.